Monday, October 08, 2012

The Assassins' Circle 2012

General Concept
  • Within the circle, each player has one Kill Target, and one Stalker.
  • Your objective is to eliminate your Kill Target while avoiding elimination byyour Stalker.
  • If you eliminate your Target, you advance to the next round, and are credited with 1 "Kill"
  • New for 2012: In each subsequent round, the circle will be re-sorted based on the reverse of the previous round's comment order ("live" shots only, the initiator comment and any secondary comments are not counted for sorting), so be aware of who you are shooting at/shielding, as they will be shooting at you in the next round.
How to Kill Your Kill Target
  • Starting Friday and on each subsequent weekday, an Assassins' Circle "Kill Thread" will be posted at 9:00am PT. That post will be in play until 3:00pm PT.
  • You kill your target by making a comment in the Kill Thread immediately following the comment of your target. If there are any 'live' comments (defined 2 bullets below) in between yours and that of your Target, no kill has taken place.
  • In a given round, each player can eliminate only his/her target and can thus make at most one kill per round.
  • With the exception of 'The Initiator' (explained below), only the first comment in a given day by a given player is a 'live' comment. All subsequent comments will be factored out of the game (ignored) when I tally up the bloodshed at the end of the day.
  • Similarly, any comments made by those not playing, by those already eliminated, or those made after 3pm are not considered 'live' comments and also will be factored out. For clarification: 3:00pm comments are accepted. 3:01 is too late.
  • The Dr. Geek Rule: No posting under usernames similar to your own to decoy your competitors.
  • The "Faberuben" Rule: No making side-deals or alliances with your stalker/target such as agreeing not to kill them in return for a shield.
  • Remaining competitors cannot delete their own comments. Incidentally, we can see who deleted their own comments, so we can still score correctly, but it adds administrative tedium.
  • Any player who does not comment in the Kill Thread by 3:00pm PT is eliminated.
The Initiator
  • Because the first comment in a given thread cannot kill anyone, and thus one would be sacrificing their ability to kill if they commented first, whoever comments first is given a 2nd comment he/she can use to kill his target. This person is dubbed 'The Initiator' for that round, and his 2nd comment is called his 'kill comment'.
  • The Initiator himself cannot be killed via his 'kill comment'. In other words, The Initiator's Stalker kills him by commenting immediately following The Initiator's initial comment, not his subsequent kill comment.
  • Even if The Initiator is killed in a given round, he still gets his kill comment for that round and can try to take his Kill Target down with him (presumably out of spite).
  • The Initiator's kill comment can shield others, but it cannot shield The Initiator himself.
  • A new Initiator is determined each round by whoever comments first.
The Endgame
  • Throughout the rounds, players are eliminated either by being killed by their Stalkers, or by failing to comment by 3pm.
  • In addition to tracking who is eliminated, we will also track how many kills each player makes.
  • Kills are only awarded for explicit kills. If someone is eliminated because they failed to comment by 3pm, their Stalker is not awarded a kill.
  • If the last round eliminates all but 1 player, the game ends and that last player is declared the winner.
  • If the last round eliminates all but 2 players, the game ends. Of the two remaining players, the one who has made the most kills throughout the game will be declared the winner (if they're tied, well, we'll cross that bridge if we get to it). Thus, to win the game, you cannot just sit back and hope others are eliminated via the 3pm rule.
  • If the last round eliminates all players, the last one to die in that round wins.
Examples:
To illustrate, let's look at a few example scenarios with only 4 players.

Example 1:
Given this configuration, let's walk through the following sample Kill Thread:
  • 9:30am - Player C comments - Because he commented first, C is The Initiator. He cannot kill anyone with this comment (as there is no preceding comment), but will has a 2nd comment (his 'kill comment') he can later use to kill his target.
  • 1:00pm - D comments - This comment is harmless because it immediately follows C, and C is not D's target. And in fact, with his comment, D has just protected C from being eliminated that round.
  • 2:15pm - B comments - This comment is also harmless because D is not B's target. B has just protected D from getting eliminated that round.
  • 2:30pm - C comments - This comment is also harmless, and C has just protected B from getting eliminated that round.
  • 3:00pm - B comments - Although B's comment immediately follows his target C, it is a harmless comment as well because it is B's 2nd comment, and only his 1st comment counts.
  • 3:01pm - A comment - It is after 3pm, too late. A is eliminated, although nobody is credited with the kill.
  • Result of Round: A is eliminated and removed from the circle, although nobody gets a kill. For the subsequent round, D's new target is B.
Example 2 (using same sample configuration):
  • 9:30am - A comments - A is now The Initiator. He gets a 2nd comment he can use to kill his target.
  • 2:00pm - B comments - This comment is harmless because it immediately followed A, and A is not B's target.
  • 2:15pm - A comments - A, who is The Initiator, uses his kill comment. It immediately follows his target B, so A has eliminated B. A is credited with a kill.
  • 2:30pm - D comments - D's comment immediately follows his target A. However it is harmless because it was A's kill comment, not his initial comment, and The Initiator can only be killed through his initial comment.
  • 3:30pm - C comments - Although C's comment immediately followed his target D, it came too late (after 3pm), and thus C is eliminated, although nobody is credited with a kill.
  • Result of Round: B and C are eliminated. Only two players remain, A and D, and A had more kills (1) than D (0), and is thus declared the winner.
In summary: It may seem complicated, but you really just need to remember 3 things: 1) comment in each day's Kill Thread on or before 3pm, 2) hope that your Stalker doesn't make a comment immediately after yours, and 3) try to comment immediately after your target so you can get credited with a kill, which you will eventually need to win the game.

This will be your side conversation thread for the duration, as well.

Here is the current list of victims players, as of noon on Monday. If anyone else wants in, comment here. I'll probably close registration Thursday (for all you procrastinators):

  • Jason
  • Nomo
  • Stubbs
  • DKA
  • Spank
  • Dusty
  • QuadSevens
  • Gagne's Lucky Glasses
  • Steve Sax
  • Eric Karros
  • Paul
  • Neeebs
  • Rbnlaw
  • Wicks
  • MeanieBreanie
  • Orel
  • Fernie V
  • Karina
  • Mr. F

125 comments:

Franklin Stubbs said...

Please take note of bullet point 4. It's a slight rule tweak from last year.

spank said...

I like that tweak you made there,Stubbsy.The victim becomes the victimizer.

Dusty Baker said...

Hear that, GLG! Fuck your goggles - who's lucky now?

(still cries)

Jason said...

DAMMIT! I can't play on day one, I'll be tastefully "sampling" at the Great American Beer Fest on Friday.

QuadSevens said...

I need a fear inspiring avatar.

QuadSevens said...

"Fear inspiring"? Does that make sense?


Whatever...avatar change coming soon.

spank said...

Nekked Killer? I like that.

Franklin Stubbs said...

I believe the nekked kill is Spank's calling-card. He is stealthiest when he is greased up and flapping in the breeze.

Fred's Brim said...

I wish I could play this year, but I am very proud to have inspired an official rule

Franklin Stubbs said...

Jason,

If Friday is a problem, pushing it to Monday might be feasible.

Neeebs (The Original) said...

You forgot to explain the Assassin's Bar.

The most important part of the game, in my opinion.

@Jason: Get a smartphone and stop whining.

QuadSevens said...

Or get somebody boozed up and steal theirs to use for the game.

QuadSevens said...

Mmmmm! Booze!

QuadSevens said...

Later it will be "Brains!"

spank said...

Mmmm..Cesos

DodgersKingsoftheGalaxy said...

I'm waiting for the day where nobody posts until 2:59

Gagne's lucky glasses said...

@Dusty: I got the lasik surgery so the googles are purely for aesthetic purposes only

Dusty Baker said...

Gagne's Lucky Glasses was on the juice when he took me out.

Dusty Baker said...

@Jason

Yo holmes sell your old clamshell phone to Spanky and get a smartphone.

spank said...

Time stamp

spank said...

Bang! You dead.

Franklin Stubbs said...

Was that a proposition?!

spank said...

Kool Aid already getting me into trouble with the top brass.

Franklin Stubbs said...

No, I mean a sexual proposition.

spank said...

Well shit. Ain't I the belle of the ball.

spank said...

Come on,DKA. This ain't eHarmony. Relax,kid.

Franklin Stubbs said...

Collaboration is not allowed under the rules, but there is no limitation on frottage.

spank said...

Classic Stubbsy. LMAO!!

Jason said...

Stubbs, I appreciate the offer of a late start but I'm not the type to delay anyone's killKillKILL instinct. I'll have my smartphone and hope that cell reception amongst the drunks in Denver is better than a typical game at Dodger Stadium. Plus, I'll have beer. Lots and lots of beer.

Franklin Stubbs said...

Friday it is, then.

rbnlaw said...

FABERUBEN!!!

Neeebs (The Original) said...

I can't wait for the 2:59 first day slaughter.

Franklin Stubbs said...

You'll need a note from your physician if you are not on drugs.

QuadSevens said...

I might be addicted to coffee. Coffee is a drug right?


(hides cocaine)

spank said...

*steals Quadley's cocaine*

Neeebs (The Original) said...

*Investigates whether Roher is still making Qualudes*

Fernie V said...

What up! Count me in, I hope the rules haven't changed, you lost me at hello.

karina said...

IN!!!!

Meaniebreanie said...

Do I have to kill with my clothes on?

MR.F said...

MEMEMEMEME I almost missed this post!

Franklin Stubbs said...

Yes, procrastinators. You all can get in.

Steve Sax said...

Fr the record, the examples don't play out right at the end due to the reversal

Franklin Stubbs said...

Sax,

You are correct. Subsequent round orders would be altered.

But then again, I'm just making this shit up as I go along.

Franklin Stubbs said...

There's a lot of pent-up rage out there. Let's see who jumps.

Franklin Stubbs said...

We have initiation! Paging Mr. Karros. Mr. Eric Karros?

QuadSevens said...

*sips coffee and waits*

Franklin Stubbs said...

*ducks into condemned hotel*

*fades into the shadows*

Neeebs (The Original) said...

Hey Pauly! Looking for someone?

*checks his Glock*

*Heads down to the OC to pay a visit to RBN*

QuadSevens said...

And we have our first block.

QuadSevens said...

Uh-oh. Meeting time. Going dark.

spank said...

DUSTY!!!!!!

spank said...

hateHateHATE

Franklin Stubbs said...

*Runs for cover*

Franklin Stubbs said...

Your drinks at the Assassins' Bar are on me, DKA. I'll probably be joining you when Gnomes is along shortly.

spank said...

DUSTY!!!!!!!!!!!

spank said...

DKA mad

Franklin Stubbs said...

DKA zombified

spank said...

Well,kid,you've just been baptized. Welcome to SoSG.

Franklin Stubbs said...

Chances of dying increasing by the second.

Neeebs (The Original) said...

DKA: Here is how it works...

As the first one killed, you get to open the Assasssin's (see what I did there)Bar and buy the first round for the other zombies who will stumble in.

Go on the actual thread and invite all those who will be tipping early today.

Franklin Stubbs said...

Never a better time to start.

spank said...

DUSTY!!!!!!!!!!

Franklin Stubbs said...

Come out and plaaaay!

Franklin Stubbs said...

Only Paul, EK, and Sax are in the clear for Round 2 so far.

spank said...

I'm definitely in the clear,tambien.



*roids up*

Eric Karros said...

I shielded my own stalker when I didn't have to.

It's like biting the hand that feeds you, except totally the opposite.



Franklin Stubbs said...

I think more likely attempting to preserve their own skins.

If I die today, it will be with a notch in my gun and a smile on my face.

Eric Karros said...

It's more like licking the hand that slaps you.

Franklin Stubbs said...

With the between round shuffling, it's somewhat of a moot point, EK.

You're only insuring that Saxy will be aiming for you again tomorrow.

Paul said...

Neeebs is close. I smell the old spice....

Eric Karros said...

Yeah I'm just now getting my head around the sequence shuffling wrinkle.

By commenting after someone, not only are you taking a shot at them, you're also dubbing them your next-round assassin, implying you think they're weak.

I like it!

Franklin Stubbs said...

I think it will make the "3-o'clock-chicken" more of a gamble in the later rounds, as well, since the participants will naturally sort themselves for patience level.

QuadSevens said...

Bring out your dead!

Franklin Stubbs said...

I feel happy!

Franklin Stubbs said...

KIA list: 2 and counting.

Neeebs (The Original) said...

Smelling good.

http://tinyurl.com/9bu2n73

Eric Karros said...

I've scheduled the Sunshine Cleaning crew to come by at 3:15pm. That'll give us 15 minutes to count the bodies.

Paul said...

Just saw Neeebs 3 toy poodles. e, e, and E. He can't be far.

Franklin Stubbs said...

3 O'Clock Chicken, coming right up!

spank said...

*lurks*

Neeebs (The Original) said...

*rubs one out*

spank said...

^heh

Franklin Stubbs said...

1 1/2 hours to go, and well over half the assassins are still off in the jungle playing Col. Kurtz.

Don't let the comment window close on y'all!

Franklin Stubbs said...

Me-ow.

Franklin Stubbs said...

The first day always has a slightly higher 3pm attrition rate among the forgetful and those who try to cut it too fine.

spank said...

DUSTY!!!!!!!!!

Franklin Stubbs said...

Dusty, are you gonna let 7777 taunt you with his ass hanging out in the breeze like that?

Franklin Stubbs said...

Paul, Sax, EK, Spank (unless self-inflicted), and myself are through so far.

QuadSevens said...

Hmmm...if I make it to the next round, Stubbs will be hunting me. I don't think I like that.

Franklin Stubbs said...

35 Minutes to go.

QuadSevens said...

I have to believe that the only reason Dusty hasn't hacked me to pieces yet is because Spanky is patiently waiting for him.

Franklin Stubbs said...

Yep, and without any fear of reprisal. I'd be waiting for the deadline, too, in similar circumstances.

spank said...

Either that or Dusty is passed out at his local cantina.

Franklin Stubbs said...

It can't be both?

spank said...

*paces*

spank said...

Everyones being coy. come out of hiding,suckas!

QuadSevens said...

Bring on the carnage!

spank said...

I'm either going to kill Dusty or fuck someones shit up at 3pm

spank said...

Or both. Cc:Stubbs

spank said...

*disappears*

Franklin Stubbs said...

Sack up, people

Franklin Stubbs said...

Here it comes...

Franklin Stubbs said...

Q7 lives!

Franklin Stubbs said...

...as do Karina and Spank

QuadSevens said...

Bodies dropping all around!

Franklin Stubbs said...

That is, by far, a new kill record.

Franklin Stubbs said...

*lurks*

Steve Sax said...

I'm totally confused by the reverse order thing. Shouldn't the arrows be pointing the other way in today's diagram?

Franklin Stubbs said...

Sax,

No, the remaining participants are what move. The shuffle is based on each day's comment order, not the original order. The person you commented behind on Friday moves ahead of you on the list and becomes your stalker on Monday, and so on down the line.

Franklin Stubbs said...

I could see this going four rounds, barring another massacre like Friday's.

QuadSevens said...

Lucky me!

Dusty Baker said...

Could someone buy a brother a drink already?

Franklin Stubbs said...

*Taunts EK*

*Hands Dusty some Thunderbird in a brown sack*

Franklin Stubbs said...

Hey, open up the bar already!

QuadSevens said...

The kill thread has me rolling!

QuadSevens said...

I know Sax and Orel are lurking out there somewhere.


*zips up fly*

Eric Karros said...

I see Orel isn't claiming the extra Cool-a-coo so for sure he's not around. I think he may have said he's on a plane right now, can't remember.

So...just thinking out loud here Quad...but without him around I guess Sax will have even less hesitation to pick you off than he normally would.

Orel said...

Am I safe to post in the KT?

Also: Mmmm, Cool-A-Coo.

Eric Karros said...

Totally safe Orel, Stubs already used his kill-shot.

This is no time to hesitate. The Cool-a-coo is melting.

QuadSevens said...

Uh-oh.

http://tinyurl.com/9gtlzwo

QuadSevens said...

Now it's me versus the clock.

QuadSevens said...

And the patience of Sax.

QuadSevens said...

Peep.

QuadSevens said...

Can I interest anyone in a binder full of women?

QuadSevens said...

Bueller?