Fantasy Draft VIII - Official Voting Topic

[DezNutz]

Ahoy, Mateys!

Today begins the Official Voting of the Fantasy Draft VIII Teams. Voting will last for 7 days.

The captains blurbs will follow shortly in subsequent posts, but first let me remind you of the selected Teams:

Banger:
1) xPROx (#71327)
2) dmanwuzhere (#66793)
3) Anomander Rake (#67203)
4) SlammerG (#47700)
5) Pulpop (#59264)
6) Stan Rogers (#43684)
7) Jim Hawkins (#14972)
8) Yosarian (#48585)
9) Jolly Dodger (#57448)
10) Talon Steel (R) (#93645)


William Pitt:
1) Kangaroo (#70596)
2) trixikilikili (#41855)
3) EdwardTeach (#63904)
4) Cogz (#48332)
5) Haron (#57533)
6) Shadowood (#56585)
7) Lodswe (#35322)
8) damn the torpedos (#40187)
9) Dejanira (#50255)
10) Capn Bob (R) (#93259)


Zephore:
1) The Accountant (#68285)
2) El Draque (#76506)
3) madshan (R) (#93341)
4) DezNutz (#54689)
5) Cutpurse (#66280)
6) Sir Henry Morgan (#11685)
7) Pirate Nelson (#57267)
8) Redbard (#42897)
9) Bluebeard (#60005)
10) Eventine (R) (#93185)


Anne_Bonny:
1) Caladan (#71487)
2) JB-Duke (#54579)
3) Graythorn (#25447)
4) Lockreed (#46373)
5) Captain DaVinci (#12701)
6) Black Sparrow (#4921)
7) Tom Lowe (#10214)
8) Noffin (#53779)
9) Lana (#50727)
10) Leo the Conqueror (R) (#92323)


Kim Jong Un:
1) Lolita X (#79543)
2) The Argonaut (#82050)
3) SilverShadow (#63063)
4) Soleil (#92804)
5) william one eye (#58369)
6) PhoenixKnight (#28199)
7) Captain Ron (#81312)
8) Clockwork (#66509)
9) Meliva (#58298)
10) Kyle Gunwale (R) (#93397)

[Banger]

When you do a draft it's rare that you will end up with the perfect team. The exact picks you want are rarely on the table when its your time to pick. For this draft we were tasked with building a team based on a specific goal of port takeover and control. This made the selections even more critical to accomplish the goal. Then to complicate things more, we couldn't select anyone that had been selected 5 times in previous drafts in the first 4 rounds. This made the selections even more critical to be able to nail picks that would build a cohesive team for the goal. By having the first pick this put me in a unique position to be able to select a player first but then not be able to make any selections until the end of round 2 and beginning of round 3. This presented even more challenges in trying to build the team I wanted. Luckily I had a very good list and a very good idea of how I wanted to build my team to accomplish the mission at hand. So without further ado, let's discuss the picks I made to build what I feel like is the best team in this draft for port takeover and control.

My first pick is xPROx. Pro is a player that has the ability to get what he wants. He is the definition of bullheaded. He also doesn't take crap from anyone toward him or toward his guildmates and countrymen. I have been on both sides of the coin with Pro and I assure you that being on the bad side does not bode well for anyone. As far as port take over and control goes, he has plenty of coin to be able to assert dominance with influence and a voodoo chest to help solidify his position as well as to do catastrophic destruction to those who challenge him. He plays a fierce voodoo game as well as having fleets that will take on the toughest of contenders.

Next we have Dman. Dman is Pro's partner in crime so having him on the team as well was almost a necessity. Not only do these work well as team but Dman by himself is savy with his voodoo and open sea combat. Dman works well on a team and I have worked with him on many missions. He knows exactly when to make his move and is nary bothered by people throwing voodoo at him.

Anomander Rake, what can you say bad about this fella? He has always been a great supporting player in this game. He was long a member of Helm where he saved his guildmates from people like many for a long time. He is a massive trader with vast wealth which is essential for taking over and controlling ports but he also has a voodoo chest that he isn't afraid to use if necessary. He would gladly support our team without hesitation and having him in our corner is essential to success.

Next we have SlammerG, the OG. Slammer has been part of many very powerful nations and was an intricate part of their long term success. I witnessed the prowess of Slammer during the SKN days. Definitely another essential supporting cast player that would be able to elevate of team to the next level.

Next, we have the first pick of the open rounds. It was a no brainer pick here. We have Pulpop, the leader of Merc and probably one of the most dominate players to sail the seas of Avonmora. Pulpop is a one man wrecking crew. He is feared by even the best of Captains. His wealth unimaginable his voodoo chest second to none. Combined with Pro on our team, these two would have no problem dispatching the toughest of challengers. Beyond that, his leadership is an intangible that would separate us from the rest. He has an ability to organize and lead players that most don't have and he has the experience in hostile port takeovers that many do not either.

Next, I will take about the next 2 together as I feel like I picked them both for similar reasons. Jim Hawkins and Stan Rogers. Both old salts with experience and skill that many a captain will never have. These two are not to be crossed. They are not as brash as some of the other captains on my team but just as deadly. The reason that Spain is been such a long term, well established country on the map is because of Stan and Jim. Jim is a juggernaut of a trader with vast wealth but don't sleep on him as an easy target because of his size. He will definitely make you pay if you try to mess with his empire. Stan is a smart player with diplomatic skills that I was lucky enough to get to spend some time learning from during the great Vudu/Merc War. It was invaluable. I think his value to this team comes from his ability to play mind games and gather intelligence. These are skills honed from years of experience.

Next we have Yosarian. Yosarian is a bit of a mystery even to me. He is quiet but yet a force. He has fought hard for years for the country of Bermuda and has remained faithful to them despite many setbacks for them. His leadership and loyalty are what made me want him on my team. I have no doubt that his ability as a player would undoubtedly make us better.

And my final pick before the rookie round Jolly Dodger. Another reliable supporting cast type player and loyalist. These are the folks we need on our team to help with self sacs, building influence, clearing voodoo and other various activities that will allow the heavy hitters to do the work to accomplish the task at hand. Jolly has long been this type of player and as a result contributed to the nation's that he had been in ongoing success.

My rookie pick is Talon Steel, a fairly new and unheralded player. Putting him on our team undoubtedly would give him experience that would allow him to be successful in Avonmora no matter the way he chose to play the game. These rookies can be hungry players and their willingness to help and learn can make a break a fight sometimes.

This team was assembled with a goal in mind. To be able to commit hostile takeovers of ports and to retain these ports. This team, in my opinion, is unarguably the best team drafted for this mission. It's build with brawn, brains, leadership, deep finances, loyalty, and most importantly skill. Some of the best players to sail Avonmora's seas are on this team. I have zero doubt that if this team was to actually attempt this mission that we would be successful with ease. I would sail into war with any of these captains with the utmost confidence. We appreciate your votes and consideration.

Banger

[William Pitt]

First, I must say, the opportunity to participate in this prestigious competition, and work alongside some of the most influential, and notorious sailors in Avonmora is truly appreciated. Organizers, captains, those drafted, commentators and the rest of the community, thank you for making this draft memorable, entertaining and highly competitive.

Team Pitt comprises a group of sailors who I have sailed with on various occasions or seen demonstrate their skill, and potential, throughout my time here. A crew that commands my utmost respect, and that of the wider Avonmora community. While their reputation, achievements and legends is enough to suffice, I will give a brief description of each.

About six years ago Stan told me the three S rule, keep it short, sweet and simple.
With that being said, here’s my “blurb.”

Kangaroo: Governor in Tokelau, a mega-trader and financier. Even though he sails peacefully these days, he has a reputation of being a relentless defender of his country. During his tenure as ruler of Spain Avonmora was given a rare glimpse of his untapped wealth and voodoo collection.

Trixikilikili: An old friend from ZomB, Trix’s story is exceptional for countless reasons, but most noteworthy is that she is one of Avonmora’s most seasoned warriors. While in ZomB Joe_Boot remarked about her “aggressive temper and daring raids.” She has fought in more guild and nation wars than I can remember, a powerhouse in nation warfare with a reserve that never seems to diminish.

EdwardTeach: An emerging powerhouse in Avonmora, who has shown his leadership ability in recent times. A wartime sailor turned full time privateer. Teach was most active in the US/Berm war where he demonstrated his ability to hold and maintain ports. He is known to give gifts to cooperative captains and crews of captured ships. A gifted sailor with amazing sailing skills.

Cogz: An old friend who I have sailed with for a few years. He has always sailed under the radar, unknown to many. His exploits however, to those who know, are impressive. His wealth? Voodoo chest? You don’t want to know. One of the earliest members of Spain, he played an important role in shaping the Spanish Empire into what it is today, making key economic decisions and implementing laws. A true diplomat who can convince even Vane to start trading.
.
Haron: He typifies the pirate spirit. He started out as a mercenary for hire mercilessly plundering the enemies of those who could afford his service. A few weeks after joining Skyhawk’s crew he plundered his way to become King of Norway. Along the way he became captain of one of the ships he stole and started preying on traders. This was the first glimpse of his leadership and pirate abilities. His countless treasury raids, nearly 1000 captured ships and intelligent strategies has earned him a place as one of the greatest pirates of Avonmora. Tales of his deeds are legendary.

Shadowood: The gentleman pirate as I call him. A more than capable sailor, demonstrating his leadership ability in establishing VUDU, and taking over countless countries. One of the few sailors to dabble in trade, piracy, finance and politics successfully. He has also fought and sponsored more than his fair share of wars. A well-rounded individual with a commanding presence, surely a great addition to any team.

Lodswe: Ah, Lodswe, one of the first Barbadian to make the switch to Spain. A sailor who has more gold than Avonmora can hold. He is now known for being King of Spain, where he leads a powerful Spanish Armada (discreetly supported by *******) that countered against IoM, and countless other forces. A mega-trader who has attained all that there is to achieve, he now spends the rest of his days presiding over his plantations.

Damn The Torpedos: DTT as he is widely known, is another pirate turn trader. One of the few players around who sailed with TPK, Sandoval and Joe Boot. Founding member of Midway, which he ruled with an iron fist, almost capturing half the map once. He later moved on to rule multiple port controlling nations with his inexhaustible reserves and endless troves of voodoo. Also, now the leader of the ZomB guild, DTT played an important role in the ZomB/PK war, plundering mercilessly. Nowadays he is a mega-trader raking in millions daily. Don’t let that fool you, he is still “a savage beast that should not be awakened from his slumber.”

Dejanira: In her young days joining Kart’s crew she turned to trading, overtime amassing incredible wealth and respect, ever expanding the reach of her trade fleets. Former leader of the notorious SSTG guild, she now sails with the Grimm Brothers, ruling the island nation of Bermuda. A notorious yet intelligent privateer, her exploits whispered in the taverns of Kanoni are echoed throughout the mansions of Avonmora.

Capn Bob: My rookie pick. While he has a lot to learn, I am eager to see what the PR guild will make of him. Even when outgunned and outnumbered he will not admit defeat. Instead, he will fight to the very end. This has earned him my respect, a future terror on the seas if he continues on the path he is on.

The theme of this draft was port takeover and control. The selected players have worked together at some point in time or another. They have demonstrated their ability to take and control any port, rule nations, plunder enemies and build countries from the ground up. A mixture of financiers, warriors, diplomats and strategist, who have shown tremendous loyalty to their flags. A team more than capable of taking any port on the map, they know how to have fun while causing havoc.

I apologize for the length of this blurb, yet, this is only a SUMMARY.

Good luck to the runner-ups; Onward to victory Team Pitt!!!!!

[Zephore]

Introductions!
SHM: Our Rum lord, negotiator and of course, King of tokelau. Powerhouse of his own, intelligent yet humble, fought countless times.

Cutpurse; I'd like to think he's our tactician, but he's Finnish, so I'm not sure... I like his chest and bank accounts though.

El D: Conspiracy theorist, trader and banker, horrible joker... Trust me, he can win a war just by throwing horrible jokes…

TA: The dad of the team! Always so serious, unless he throws the WORST dad jokes out there, even surpassing El D. I’ve heard he got deep pockets, he sails powerful ships and in Harons absence, He did a good job mentoring me… Proud to have him on my team. He’s famous, his a shipnicking bandit, he’s an accountant. Oh, and he’s great for running budgets and distribution… hence the name?

Madshan; Super eager, super hyper, and GOD you're clogging the guild wall. Keep it up though, else it might get quiet. Acknowledged by Shadowood as Rookie of the year, set some impressive feats for such a “young” player, got those 1000 battles both fought and won in an incredible amount of time. Curious to the bone. She’s loyal, she’s fierce and would make a valuable member to any team, and often comes with a different view on stuff - great for making a ping pong with strategies.

Deznutz: The only guy with a "Community troll" achievement, and I suspect he'll make a campaign like "Vote Zeph or get ban" - oh, and supplier of cheesy poofs.

Pirate Nelson: Pirate, Formerly known as Pirate Roberts a legend to set sail on those seas, port controller, Has many names and titles. He's efficient, he's strong, and he'll be there - especially when you don't need him to lurk around your ships. Keeper of ports, Montenegro and Channel Islands.

Redbard: Best support in the game; He'll keep your back clean, even when he doesn't need to. He's our shield, one might say.

Bluebeard: He's our assisting firepower, keeper of gold and... Let's just say, he'll be where he needs to, when his time comes.

Eventine; recruit and rookie of the team, bound to learn something big! First, how not to lose a war, secondly how to win one! (Godammit U.S.A, she already does...)


A cold morning at the port of Aiora, Cutpurse and Sir Henry Morgan was quietly discussing some things at the docks. A little later,

Pirate Nelson shows up: "So... What's the plan guys?"
Cutpurse shrugs lightly.
"Well.. First of all, we need the other guys to show up. Then we'll start to finish the details of the plan"


As the fog clears, however El Draque is spotted mumblign irrationally about some animal abuse, shuffling some pictures and posters like a maniac



"Why do we have him again?" Pirate Nelson asks, no one in particular. Cutpurse then shaking his head "Well, that you got to ask the captain about...
speaking of which, where is the captain?"


Further down the harbour Redbard is then spotted carrying something, or rather someone.
Deznutz, apparently unseen, had now approached Cutpurse, Sir Henry Morgan "Guys... I... I think that's Zephore, in his coconut bra"


Sir Henry Morgan then breaks out in laughter, Cutpurse does a facepalm and shakes his head "Godammit Zephore..."


Bluebeard, Eventine and TA come from the other side, all dressed up. "TA, couldn't you at least keep some eye on Zephore he might be our Captain, but jesus..." Nelson scoffs.

Bluebeard, apparently shocked by the news "What do you mean, what's the matter"
Eventine eventually points at Redbard "Is that Captain Zephore?" Bluebeard following her finger, suddenly sighs deeply "Right, I see the issue."

"So where's mads- AGHHH" Madshan had sneaked up on El Draque, giving him a scare "Sorry, Draque I was just curious!" El Draque quietly returns to his
pictures.

As Redbard and Zephore join up with the others "Right, everything ready lads?"
"eeh, We might need some more rum, since well... I guess I know where my rum went last night..." SHM says with a smile and shrugs "I do hope you paid though"

Zephore, frowns upon this statement, and hands SHM a purse of gold "Right... payment, yes... Dez, did you bring cheesy poofs?"

"Aye captain, cheesy poofs in plentiful, and a bunch of sla- workers, to distract Noffin turtles"
"Zephore, why?" Cutpurse proclaims "This is war, you're not just supposed to drink rum and eat cheesy poofs!" Nelson slowly nodded in the background.

"Listen Cutpurse... Do you see war here? No. Right... Anything else needed?"
"A proper shirt for you, Zephore. You can't just walk around with that coconut bra"

"Wait... Co- oh, right sorry guys... Anyone got one they can spare? Also you should’ve seen Banger. Think he got onto it with One-eye Blondie" Zephore says, as SHM hands him a shirt.
"Party got a bit wild, and should've probably been held the day before... So... We got cheesy poofs, rum and pictures for blackmailing it appears..."

"Aren't they just conspiracy theories?" Bluebeard says, with a pondering expression his face
"No my friend, I had someone look into it... It's indeed very true" promises El Draque.

"Who?" Eventine demands to know. "You know, Wolfie, El Draq- Are they that trustworthy?"
"I trust them just fine" Deznutz proclaim, stuffing his face with cheesy poofs, once again making Cutpurse shake his head.

"So Morgan, I trust you took your gold and voodoo with you as well for this little venture?" SHM nods, and Cutpurse turns his head to TA who also nods “Brought it all”.”

“I assume you come with the tactic, Cutpurse, after having talked budget with The Accountant, and Redbard - are you ready with the defences?
Draque and Deznutz, I suspect you’re both loaded with the propaganda and cheesy poofs.
Morgan, I hope you brought enough rum for the negotiations? Also, hope you all listened to Morgan and learned by the experience from all the wars he’s fought” Zephore says as he looks around at the different members.

Zephore looks appraisingly at the rest of the crew. “That’s it. To your stations, all of you!”

[Anne_bonny]

Caladan - A strong support for those he holds dear. A voodoo conoisseur with a large chest and is an eager plunderer. A Mercenary Calculating profit and combining wisdom with the thrill of the hunt. determined. competent. feared. Holding battle and draining reasources with military percision.

JB DUKE - Whether this man is protecting port or nationor guild, he is a reliable support player, with a strong understanding of teamwork and communication spending his time mostly chasing pirates out of ports. All the crew will sleep easier with JB watching there tails.

GRAYTHORN - Experience watching nations rise and fall over his time makes this mans lethal and efficent when protecting his nation, the depth of his pockets are boundless. A well respected fisherman with much unshared wisdom in his eyes.

LOCKREED - Another Mercenery with a huge chest and mountians of gold, no stranger to battle planning or frontline warfair another player that could fill multiple roles with ease.

CDV - With the most gold burried throughout the land stemming from a time long before banks existed, his ability to hold strong with longevity in mind and enough fleet's to clog up the ports for days. King of the most nations and just about everything else, could anyone deny the asset?

BLACK SPARROW - another player who could fill multiple roles with ease. With his council experience, his fortune and his voodoo abilities, it's looking starting to look like a peaceful take over would be preferred by any port.

TOM LOWE - Bounty hunter extraordinair - a man who lives for the thrill of battle. His ability to war for months on end and the use of his voodoo towards some has been banned. His ability to drain reasources and be an all round pain on these seas is undeniable.

NOFFIN - His ability to work in the background is astounding. rarely seen but always there and always watching. This alone is valuable for he could detail a minute by minute update on all progress. Stong player to have on your crew with the ability to fill in where needed.

LANA - A seasoned player well liked and respected running a quieter life as of late, possibly due to vast hidden fortunes. With her network and relations through out these seas, any governor would open their doors and allow our crew free reign with Lana talking our way through the door.

LEO THE CONQUEROR - My Rookie would have to have taken a beating. A kid with resilance and a show of promise, learning in his stride and remembering a crew laughing is a happy crew and a happy crew is a loyal and productive crew.

Gather around all, fill your tankards and get yourself a warm place by the fire. The story of how these players joined to fight side by side to hold a few port's is as unbelievable as it is true and must be heard to be fathomed.

[Lachlan]

When I was first picked as Captain for one of this years fantasy draft teams I did not have a concrete plan of what my team would look like. Eventually I decided I would choose most of the people in my team who were not the most established players but the best players I thought would fit in a team and work together.

My first pick Lolita X is because she is my friend and has stuck by me for a long time, I believe in a team you would need loyalty such as this so that each member of a team would trust each other.

The Argonaut is also my friend. Every now and then when there was a problem Argo could not handle she asked me to help and vice versa. Being willing to help is another quality I believe is essential in a team. Helping each other and maintaining cohesion and mounting coordinated attacks on a port would need this value.

SilverShadow I chose because I respect him. Respect is another value needed in a team. If your teammate cannot respect you then no matter how good a team is you will lose effectiveness and argue over little things. I also chose Silvershadow because he is a very good skirmisher.

Soleil I chose because she has ambition and drive. This is a quality which I feel sometimes I lack. I can see Soleil becoming a great player in PG given time.

William one eye, PhoenixKnight, Clockwork and Meliva I chose since they are well established players and are real heavyweights in terms of how much power they bring to my team. Will, PhoenixKnight and Meliva also have their own banks to finance an attack on a port since attacking and holding a port is no cheap endeavour. Each of them also brings prestige to my team as all are respected and well known players.

Captain Ron is also a well-established player and has led the United States of America a few times and has been instrumental in building up the United States power and capacity to hold a port.

Kyle Gunwale I have chosen because I believe he also has the potential to be a great player. Although Kyle does not have as much achievements as everyone else he is a great player after only a relatively short time playing and I believe like Soleil he will become a real powerhouse given time.

[DezNutz]

I have enabled vote changing on the poll. You will be able to change your vote up to December 17, 2020 @ 23:59:59 SERVER TIME, at which time, vote changing will be disabled for the last 24 hours of the poll.

In case you don't know what SERVER TIME is, in game scroll to the bottom of the page. At the bottom is a line of links for Game Help, etc., there is also a date/time stamp. That is SERVER TIME.

[Stan Rogers]

I have enabled vote changing on the poll. You will be able to change your vote up to December 17, 2020 @ 23:59:59 SERVER TIME, at which time, vote changing will be disabled for the last 24 hours of the poll.

Why

[DezNutz]

I have enabled vote changing on the poll. You will be able to change your vote up to December 17, 2020 @ 23:59:59 SERVER TIME, at which time, vote changing will be disabled for the last 24 hours of the poll.

Why

Why the whole thing or just the last part.

[DezNutz]

UPDATE:

After extensive consideration, the ability to change your vote will come to close at next Game Update. If you have voted and do not change your vote by next game update, your vote will remain as it stands.

There will be not reprieves on those casting a vote for the wrong team or not knowing in time. Make your choice wisely.