Gladiator X: There will be blood

[EPW]

The gales were nearing hurricane force as the third round began. The weather reports said Hurricane Adolf would be upon them in full strength in two days. Most of the roustabouts had moved below deck and were monitoring the match on television. A few of the more daring had latched themselves onto the derrick with cables.
Amazingly, the tent was still in tacked and the more reputable guests were well protected.

The Doctor vs. Ludd/snoopy369

"Ludd" knew he was in trouble, but he had worked out the maths and had come up with a strategy that could not fail - or so he thought. His plan was simple: smash The Doctor's head in before The Doctor killed him. It was brilliant in its simplicity. The gladiaters entered the arena, with the wind howling above them. Ludd glared at The Doctor and slowly made his way towards him. The Doctor stood his ground, supporting part of his wait with his rapier. Ludd was getting nervous, he had hoped The Doctor would make the first move.(1:Miss!) When he was within 10 feet of The Doctor, Ludd decided it was time to act. With arms out stretched, he lumbered towards The Doctor hoping to ensnare him within his arms. But The Doctor was too wily and back flipped out of his grasp at the last second.(1:Miss!) Ludd was angrier at his failure; more so since his opponent, who stood before him, seemed totally unfazed. He was also confused, he couldn't understand why The Doctor wasn't attacking him! (2:Miss!) Ludd finally decided that he would have to attack again. Ludd saw that The Doctor was up against the inner edge of the tent, so he shouldn't be able to get away as easily this time. Ludd picked up a liquor bottle and broke the end off, leaving a jagged edge as sharp as a razor: he wouldn't rely on brute strength this time. After a few more moments, he attacked: Ludd ran forward jabbing his bottle at The Doctors chest. But suddenly The Doctor emerged from his meditation, dodged Ludd's attack,(2:Miss!) and swung his rapier at the back of Ludd's neck. There was a horrible squelching sound, and then two thumps as two large objects hit the ground.(3:Hit!(18)) A pool of blood spread out towards The Doctor's feet. He stepped away gingerly and left the ring. The cheers and applause of the audience could be heard even over the howling wind.

The Doctor: 69 HP  Ludd/snoopy369: 0 HP

[snoopy369]

Figured you'd go that way, but if I wanted to do anything other than just survive a round, I couldn't very well do 0/33/0 0/34/0 0/33/0 Too bad I guessed wrong on which round you'd go in ...

[Spaced Cowboy]

sent

[EPW]

Originally posted by snoopy369
Figured you'd go that way, but if I wanted to do anything other than just survive a round, I couldn't very well do 0/33/0 0/34/0 0/33/0 Too bad I guessed wrong on which round you'd go in ...

I must point out that DrSpike countered your orders perfectly. And even if you had guessed the 3rd row you would have missed.

[DrSpike]

Originally posted by snoopy369
Figured you'd go that way, but if I wanted to do anything other than just survive a round, I couldn't very well do 0/33/0 0/34/0 0/33/0 Too bad I guessed wrong on which round you'd go in ...

You had a big task.

Thanks for stepping in. I can now have a relaxing few days whilst Theben and SC duke it out for the right to face me.

[snoopy369]

Originally posted by EPW


I must point out that DrSpike countered your orders perfectly. And even if you had guessed the 3rd row you would have missed.

:hmm:

He can't have had better than

32/0/18

in the third row. I don't know what he actually had, but I would assume an intelligent move would be something like 25/7/18, or even 32/0/18 (since I cannot beat him even with 1/0/49 in that row), and 0/25/0 in the other two, guaranteeing he beats me under anything but perfect orders.

I imagine the third row was 7/25/18 or thereabouts (or would have been if I were doing the orders), basically guaranteeing that I can't do much to him (it would take 26/0/24 26/0/16 0/8/0 to perfectly counter that particular set of orders, and then i'd only do 40 points damage and still be behind for the match, and that's only if I guess EXACTLY RIGHT both his orders, and which of the three he does it in)).
The strategy of this is ... very interesting, I must say, and I think I have yet to see the half of the actual strategies (plus my misconceptions of course).

[EPW]

Originally posted by snoopy369
no draw.

I think a draw is too likely to occur to forbid betting: There would be little incentive to place any bets on two high armor fighters for instance.

[EPW]

My newfangled algorithm gives even odds in a Doctor vs. Theben Final, and in a Doctor vs. Spaced match up 4-6 odds for both.

[Theben]

Sorry, been having issues with flooding and just got everything dried out and the computer set back up. Will attempt to send later today.

[snoopy369]

My odds for the finals:

Spike vs Theben: 3-1 for bets on Theben, 2-5 for Spike.

Spike vs Spaced Cowboy: 5-3 on Spaced, 4-7 on the Dr.

Takers?

[DrSpike]

All bad bets though.

[DrSpike]

Originally posted by EPW
My newfangled algorithm gives even odds in a Doctor vs. Theben Final, and in a Doctor vs. Spaced match up 4-6 odds for both.

Clearly flawed on both counts.

[DrSpike]

Originally posted by snoopy369


:hmm:

He can't have had better than

32/0/18

in the third row. I don't know what he actually had, but I would assume an intelligent move would be something like 25/7/18, or even 32/0/18 (since I cannot beat him even with 1/0/49 in that row), and 0/25/0 in the other two, guaranteeing he beats me under anything but perfect orders.

I imagine the third row was 7/25/18 or thereabouts (or would have been if I were doing the orders), basically guaranteeing that I can't do much to him (it would take 26/0/24 26/0/16 0/8/0 to perfectly counter that particular set of orders, and then i'd only do 40 points damage and still be behind for the match, and that's only if I guess EXACTLY RIGHT both his orders, and which of the three he does it in)).
The strategy of this is ... very interesting, I must say, and I think I have yet to see the half of the actual strategies (plus my misconceptions of course).

I'll thank you both kindly for not using your unique information to publicise my orders whilst the contest is still live.

[snoopy369]

Actually, I was careful not to use that unique information. That was entirely theoretical based on the situation - I didn't look up my orders, nor do I recall them exactly.

We have to discuss strategy, or this game won't last anyhow - this is the only interesting part of the game to me, and probably to others also. After all, that's why Civ is still an ongoing affair...

[Theben]

sent.

[DrSpike]

SC.

[Spaced Cowboy]

Originally posted by Spaced Cowboy
sent

No more like....


EPW

[EPW]

.....

Theben did not distribute all his points, we are waiting for him to correct teh error.

[DrSpike]

Hmm, if his points sum to less than 100 that's his choice and his problem I'd say.

[EPW]

I am not a heartless killer like you though. I shall give him 2 more hours starting now.

[DrSpike]

[EPW]

"Ludd's" body was unceremoniously thrown overboard, but Theben asked them to leave the head - he said he had a plans for it.

The two contestants walked into the ring. Theben walked towards the
decapitated head. He yelled at Spacius: "This is what I'm going to do to your head!" and he stamped down on it. But Ludd's head was like a greasy football, and instead of crushing it Theben slipped and sent the head rolling towards Spacius. There was a roar of laughter from the crowd as Theben fell to the ground.
The head rolled right to Spacius, who stopped it with his foot. He skerewed it with his sword and said to Theben: "This is what I'm going to do to your head!" He then flipped the head off his sword and punted it over Theben's head, over the tent, and out over the ocean. A splash could be heard a few seconds later.

Theben vs. Spacius Maximus

Spacius laughed at his humiliated opponent. Theben brushed the dirt and shards of glass off his armor, to the glee of the spectators. Finally, both faced each other and were ready to fight. Theben was boiling over with rage, and Spacius was brimming with confidence. They circuled each other; each urging the other to strike. After some false starts, neither did. (1:Miss!)(1:Miss!) Then a spectator yelled: "Your a lousy dancer Theben!" This was too much for Theben, and he flared out at Spacius, cutting off his left ear.(2:Hit!(24)) Spacius was caught off guard and could do nothing to block Theben's attack. He screamed in pain as his ear flopped to the ground, and temporarily forgot all about the match.(2:Miss!) Theben was in a vengeful mood, and in his rage cut off Spacius right ear as well!(3:Hit!(25)) Spacius screamed again, but this time regained his composure. Theben had picked up Spacius' ears and was holding them in front of his own and flapping them. He was yelling something at the crowd, though for some reason Spacius could hear him, but he assumed it was something insulting. So he sneaked up behind him and sliced off Theben's left hand!(3:Hit!(25)) Both gladiators fainted from blood loss and the round ended.

Theben: 54 HP Spacius Maximus: 34 HP

[Theben]

1st time for everything, espec when in a hurry. Fixed now.

/me shakes his head at the dismal write-up of his character.

[EPW]

Originally posted by Theben
1st time for everything, espec when in a hurry. Fixed now.

Just in time too. Results have been posted.

Orders

[DrSpike]

I think you were overly generous to Thizban there. Steward's enquiry.

[Theben]

Damage, if hit, is correct.

[DrSpike]

I meant generous in allowing you to change your orders.

[Theben]

I accidentally only allocated 98 pts. instead of 100. I put the remainder in power, 1 pt. in each hit. This was also my original intention.

In the past others have been allowed to do the same, including the time I notified Spaced that he only used 96 points (IIRC) against you (and you harped back then).

[DrSpike]

Don't remember that, but sounds quite likely.

Being able to count to 100 is kinda a prerequisite for being a good gladiator.

[Theben]

If we're mathematically deficient, you shouldn't have a problem beating either me or Spaced, so quit complaining.