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Mage Wars => Events => Topic started by: silverclawgrizzly on January 21, 2017, 12:23:57 PM

Title: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: silverclawgrizzly on January 21, 2017, 12:23:57 PM
Lets start the speculation now! It's months away but which Mage will win the championship this year? What mage do you WANT to win it this year?

My Top 3:

Likely to win:
Anvil Throne Warlord
Druid
Adremelach Warlock

Want to win:
Straywood Beast Master
Force Master
Anvil Throne Warlord

I think the Anvil Throne will have all the tools he needs to win Gen Con this year. I also think people won't see it coming and may be taken off guard by the dwarves resiliency and utility.
 
I was tempted to put Necromancer on that list but I think folks are learning how to take them down.
Title: Re: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: Coshade on January 21, 2017, 12:28:36 PM
Adramelech warlock? That mage will never win. Plus it's only a 9 channel mage!
Title: Re: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: Reddicediaries on January 21, 2017, 12:30:05 PM
Lets start the speculation now! It's months away but which Mage will win the championship this year? What mage do you WANT to win it this year?

My Top 3:

Likely to win:
Anvil Throne Warlord
Druid
Adremelach Warlock

Want to win:
Straywood Beast Master
Force Master
Anvil Throne Warlord

I think the Anvil Throne will have all the tools he needs to win Gen Con this year. I also think people won't see it coming and may be taken off guard by the dwarves resiliency and utility.
 
I was tempted to put Necromancer on that list but I think folks are learning how to take them down.
Top 3 Likely to win
AT Warlord
Pally
Druid
Top 3 Want to Win
Necro
Pally
Siren

If everyone from last year's event returns, I'm picking Biblo!
Title: Re: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: Alex on January 21, 2017, 01:03:34 PM
I think a Priestess will win.
Title: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: Sailor Vulcan on January 21, 2017, 01:12:56 PM
Hmm. Warlords have the tools to win now, but most people probably aren't sure how to use them yet in an innovative fashion. Therefore anyone who is good with warlord and can come up with an innovative and effective warlord strategy would have the advantage of surprise. All this is the same for the Malakai priest but to a lesser extent I think.

How much I expect each Mage to win the tournament (out of 100%, divided between all 14 mages, not taking individual competitive players' Mage preferences into account):

1. Bloodwave Warlord 20%
2. Malakai Priest 15%
3. Anvil Throne Warlord 15%
4. Priestess 20%
5. Something else 30%


Of course, now that I've said this people will be more on the lookout for innovative Warlord strategies.
Title: Re: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: RomeoXero on January 21, 2017, 01:14:19 PM
Well if the chils fall correctly im intending on being there this year. And if that's the case I'll be bringing my priest. And if that's the case I'll be playing to win. So my top pick for a gen con winner this year is naturally a Priest.  (Its gonna be fun either way!)

That having been said i think that we'll see more paladins than sirens, and more warlords likely.  Top picks though  (aside from me the, likely only priest in attendance) id say the druid, the priestess, and the necromancer all stand a pretty decent shot of bringing it home.

Title: Re: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: Sailor Vulcan on January 21, 2017, 01:16:12 PM
Well if the chils fall correctly im intending on being there this year. And if that's the case I'll be bringing my priest. And if that's the case I'll be playing to win. So my top pick for a gen con winner this year is naturally a Priest.  (Its gonna be fun either way!)

That having been said i think that we'll see more paladins than sirens, and more warlords likely.  Top picks though  (aside from me the, likely only priest in attendance) id say the druid, the priestess, and the necromancer all stand a pretty decent shot of bringing it home.

Yes we'll all be playing to win of course. That's why I specifically said "not taking individual players Mage preferences into account".


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: RomeoXero on January 21, 2017, 01:20:04 PM
I was writing while you were posting and wasn't talking about your post in any way. Im a pretty jokey dude and if you've ever played me  (you have)  you know im all about making comments about how quickly im gonna lose.

The first half is a joke, the three picks are on the bottom. Sailor, relax bro.
Title: Re: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: drmambo23 on January 21, 2017, 01:56:20 PM
Im 100% team darkness but I would really want a warlord to win this year!
Title: Re: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: Boocheck on January 21, 2017, 02:10:17 PM
If siren is OK to play on GenCon this year, i feel that we can see some suprise play from her. Not something like Straywood aviary but something close to it :)
Title: Re: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: Reddicediaries on January 21, 2017, 02:11:26 PM
If siren is OK to play on GenCon this year, i feel that we can see some suprise play from her. Not something like Straywood aviary but something close to it :)
Right on!
Title: Re: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: SharkBait on January 21, 2017, 02:22:01 PM
Adramelech warlock? That mage will never win. Plus it's only a 9 channel mage!

Quoted for Truth  ;D 8)
Title: Re: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: jacksmack on January 21, 2017, 03:39:53 PM
Adramelech warlock? That mage will never win. Plus it's only a 9 channel mage!

Want to play? :)
Title: Re: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: drmambo23 on January 21, 2017, 03:43:39 PM
Adramelech warlock? That mage will never win. Plus it's only a 9 channel mage!

Quoted for Truth  ;D 8)

She's the weaker of the 2 warlocks. Why would anyone ever play her!
Title: Re: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: farkas1 on January 21, 2017, 05:37:54 PM
My top three are forcemaster, anvil throne warlord, and Paladin.  I think based on what currently is out now is the Paladin. 
Title: Re: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: iNano78 on January 21, 2017, 06:22:24 PM
Siren. Seriously. I think a lot of players underestimate her.
Title: Re: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: Reddicediaries on January 21, 2017, 06:22:39 PM
Siren. Seriously. I think a lot of players underestimate her.
How so?
Title: Re: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: iNano78 on January 21, 2017, 06:46:33 PM
Siren. Seriously. I think a lot of players underestimate her.
How so?

She's almost as good as the Druid at controlling the board state, but is a lot more flexible. And she downright ruins unprepared buddy builds if the buddy isn't psychic immune. She's strong against fire, against DoT, against living  swarms. About the only matchup she might struggle with is Necro - but even there she has options. And if she goes long game, she might struggle against some holy mages... but it depends what creatures she chooses. Besides, she can usually neutralize 3-5 holy creatures (except KotRH), and then it's just a matter of having enough Poisoned Blood because then she'll likely win the damage race.
Title: Re: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: ExcaliburTK on January 21, 2017, 06:51:05 PM
I want a priest to win, but if i had to choose the one i think is gonna win its gotta be my boy shark and his adramelech 

Added obligatory "knock on wood"
Title: Re: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: Enti on January 21, 2017, 07:38:42 PM
Siren. Seriously. I think a lot of players underestimate her.

Wow, I made the exact opposite experience. In my opinion people often overestimate the Siren because of her strong abilities and they fail to include the other (even more important) factors.
Title: Re: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: Sailor Vulcan on January 21, 2017, 09:03:09 PM
I was writing while you were posting and wasn't talking about your post in any way. Im a pretty jokey dude and if you've ever played me  (you have)  you know im all about making comments about how quickly im gonna lose.

The first half is a joke, the three picks are on the bottom. Sailor, relax bro.

Sorry if I came across as short, I didn't think I sounded like that. I thought your post was a reply to mine.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: Biblofilter on January 21, 2017, 10:26:55 PM
1. Priestess (or Paladin/Priest)
2. Druid
3. Wizard
4. Necromancer
5. Forcemaster
6. Anvil Lord Warlord

With no other reason to try to kill the enymy mage, other than its fun, i think Holy School should have an edge.
Timelife victory.

Both Sharkbait and Zot kind of deserves to finally win, but regardsless i would love to see a good agro book that actually kills his enemy win.

I think Siren has big troubles vs Druid so i dont have her on my list.

Beastmasters, Warlocks, Orc Warlord would be a big surprice.
The day people stop bringing Fire Protection - Warlocks might do good :)
Title: Re: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: silverclawgrizzly on January 21, 2017, 10:38:46 PM
Keep in mind the final round is a fight to the death. You can't WIN Gen Con with time life. That might hurt some holy books that just run out of steam.
Title: Re: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: zot on January 21, 2017, 10:58:31 PM
for the tournament organizers, i think serious thought needs to go into the point system for qualify matches. tied wins on time suck in my opinion. it rewards stall tactics combined with healing rather than trying to kill the opponent. sure the final is a death match, but they really still should be sort of that way. i suggest

7  win
3 tied win
2 tied loss
0 loss

so two ties are less than one win. it may very much help stratify the final totals better when tryning to figure tie breakers on strength of schedule

i am certain others will have some ideas on this too. and i do not want to derail the thread with match info. if folks want to do that, lets start another thread for just that.

biblo, thanks for the hopeful nod. i am not sure what i am playing yet, but narrowing it down. possibly a bw warlord or wizard. i am really liking how my warlord is playing right now. he seems to be pretty strong. not sure he is what i want to field at gc. but this year will definitely be much more prepared than last year either way.

my guess on wins at gc

bw warlord / wizard for first.   :D

paladin second
necro  third
priestess or paladin fourth

would love to see a fm make the finals, but not sure she can cut it. however she has gotten some excellent tools to improve her chances. doubt they will be good enough.


Title: Re: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: silverclawgrizzly on January 21, 2017, 11:28:09 PM
We do use a point system but wins come first. Points were used at Mace to determine the top 4 after 3 rounds as multiple people had 2-1 records.
Title: Re: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: zot on January 21, 2017, 11:44:15 PM
and i would think that the spread i mentioned would make those calculations much easier.r
Title: Re: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: Drefan on January 22, 2017, 12:00:06 AM
I'd bet my money on Necro/Druid/Wizard.

While I rank most mages a lot closer in terms of standings I do consider these three mages to be the top dogs.

What I want to win:
Anvil Throne Warlord
Paladin
Adramelech Warlock
Title: Re: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: zot on January 22, 2017, 12:03:47 AM
dont think warlocks are going to fare as well with the advent of so much water. competitive, but i think the extinguish will significantly impact one of their main strengths in fire.
Title: Re: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: silverclawgrizzly on January 22, 2017, 12:05:59 AM
I'm not opposed to those calculations honestly. I'll run them by the other judges for this year.

I think Warlocks are more versatile than people give them credit but I can see how it could be an uphill fight. What I'd really like to see whether these books win or not is someone coming up with some of those new ideas with Warlord, Wizard, and Force Master we hear about.
Title: Re: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: zot on January 22, 2017, 12:26:51 AM
agreed uphill for warlocks. not out of it, but will have a more difficult path. i think paladin is going to be the mage to beat.
Title: Re: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: silverclawgrizzly on January 22, 2017, 12:38:07 AM
I think Paladin has the tools, whether anyone has the experience with him....man I can't say. Some inventive player practicing solid matches against a variety of opponents in a good meta does sound formidable I'll agree.
Title: Re: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: V10lentray on January 22, 2017, 02:32:45 PM
I don't believe the warlord.  I want to see one that actually plays with creatures and uses barracks and outposts.  The buddy build books just bother me.

Is there any one out there using creatures or is everyone only using one or two big holy creatures?
Title: Re: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: RomeoXero on January 22, 2017, 03:49:23 PM
Ray how big is your meta? I just played sharkey the other night who built an army. In fact most warlords ive seen lately run critters and spawn points. I know that holy warlords were big a while back before FiF and PvS, but that has largely changed. Puddns warlord is really conjuration heavy. My buddy eggshen plays a goblin heavy warlord. I can't see why with dwarf panzerguarde in school a warlord would need to go to holy for a KoW or a GA. That's wasted points. I know you don't like Octgn but you might get a broader view if you at least spectate some games. It really does help.
Title: Re: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: silverclawgrizzly on January 22, 2017, 04:11:37 PM
I'm redesigning my Anvil Throne as we speak for a "posse" build.
Title: Re: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: V10lentray on January 23, 2017, 08:23:41 AM
Ray how big is your meta? I just played sharkey the other night who built an army. In fact most warlords ive seen lately run critters and spawn points. I know that holy warlords were big a while back before FiF and PvS, but that has largely changed. Puddns warlord is really conjuration heavy. My buddy eggshen plays a goblin heavy warlord. I can't see why with dwarf panzerguarde in school a warlord would need to go to holy for a KoW or a GA. That's wasted points. I know you don't like Octgn but you might get a broader view if you at least spectate some games. It really does help.

I've been watching the arcane duels matches, although its insanely boring and almost impossible to do on a phone, but I've not seen any warlord books with more than 2-3 creatures.
Title: Re: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: RomeoXero on January 23, 2017, 09:33:27 AM
Watch me and Sharkvait when it gets posted. Sharkey straight up built an army.
Title: Re: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: silverclawgrizzly on January 23, 2017, 12:20:24 PM
One thing I always get bothered by at Gen Con is people not getting enough practice in. With that in mind I'll be spending all evening Thursday fighting people with my books, bring your tournament book and lets fight. I may even try to get this set up as an all day event as well.
Title: Re: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: Coshade on January 23, 2017, 12:54:51 PM
I'll throw my hat in and game all day Thursday with you guys!
Title: Re: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: Biblofilter on January 23, 2017, 01:47:23 PM
"game all day"

I wanna come just for that!
Title: Re: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: zot on January 23, 2017, 03:36:03 PM
Biblo, let me know if you are indeed planning on coming in, and when you would be arriving...

all day mw from the Friday before through Tuesday night like last year would be awesome again.
Title: Re: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: MrBubu on January 24, 2017, 07:35:46 AM
I am kind of surprised and confused that so many see the AT Warlord as one of the frontrunners.
Somehow I feel like I am missing something big here.  :-\
Would anybody be so kind and explain to me what buffed him?
Title: Re: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: Reddicediaries on January 24, 2017, 07:50:35 AM
I am kind of surprised and confused that so many see the AT Warlord as one of the frontrunners.
Somehow I feel like I am missing something big here.  :-\
Would anybody be so kind and explain to me what buffed him?
Primarily the champions' gauntlets. Now those wands will stick for even longer. That is the main reason i have i disarm in almost every deck.
Title: Re: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: V10lentray on January 24, 2017, 08:14:22 AM
One thing I always get bothered by at Gen Con is people not getting enough practice in. With that in mind I'll be spending all evening Thursday fighting people with my books, bring your tournament book and lets fight. I may even try to get this set up as an all day event as well.

There are pros and cons to this.

if you make it an all day event, it gaurentees you table space which is always a pain in the ass to find at GenCon. That's one of the bad things of Gen Con is there is little to no room for any open gaming.

If you make it an event, it has to be paid for. they charge for space by the hour which is reflected in Ticket price.  That is why a 1 hour event is $2, and the MW tournament, an 8hr event is $16.  If this is an "event" for all day, say Thursday 10AM - 10PM, its going to cost somewhere around $24 a person.  Also how many "seats do you request? 10, 16? I'm not sure if that has to be paid for in advance and you get the ticket money back or something, but there is definitely a cost associated with it.

We're still debating GenCon because the cost keeps going up every year. And if we come, It'll be with the Wife and the baby, so I probably would be able to do an all day thing, but maybe drop in for 2-3 hours for a game or 2. I'm not going to pay $24 to drop in for one / 2 games.

You'd probably be better off trying to wing something Wednesday and Thursday nights in one of the local hotels that AW is putting you guys up in.


Title: Re: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: silverclawgrizzly on January 24, 2017, 09:17:14 AM
I doubt we'd make it a charged event. Not for practice matches. Now after 5pm the tournament area is pretty free most times so that's where I'm thinking we'll try to crash. I a lot of the guys were playing hours into the night last year on the tournament tables, nobody seemed to mind.
Title: Re: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: silverclawgrizzly on January 24, 2017, 09:30:14 AM
As for Anvil Throne and well Warlords in general they've got the Ballista, the Champions Gauntlets, some nice new creatures, and some strategies most people aren't familiar with cause they're brand spanking new. Now whether or not anyone thinks to experiment with him on the biggest stage in the US....we'll see.
Title: Re: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: Enti on January 24, 2017, 11:16:01 AM
How many people do you expect to Gen Con and how many attended last year? :)

Is it similar to the German Championship with 20 participants? Or much much more?
Title: Re: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: zot on January 24, 2017, 11:18:28 AM
One thing I always get bothered by at Gen Con is people not getting enough practice in. With that in mind I'll be spending all evening Thursday fighting people with my books, bring your tournament book and lets fight. I may even try to get this set up as an all day event as well.

There are pros and cons to this.

if you make it an all day event, it gaurentees you table space which is always a pain in the ass to find at GenCon. That's one of the bad things of Gen Con is there is little to no room for any open gaming.

If you make it an event, it has to be paid for. they charge for space by the hour which is reflected in Ticket price.  That is why a 1 hour event is $2, and the MW tournament, an 8hr event is $16.  If this is an "event" for all day, say Thursday 10AM - 10PM, its going to cost somewhere around $24 a person.  Also how many "seats do you request? 10, 16? I'm not sure if that has to be paid for in advance and you get the ticket money back or something, but there is definitely a cost associated with it.

We're still debating GenCon because the cost keeps going up every year. And if we come, It'll be with the Wife and the baby, so I probably would be able to do an all day thing, but maybe drop in for 2-3 hours for a game or 2. I'm not going to pay $24 to drop in for one / 2 games.

You'd probably be better off trying to wing something Wednesday and Thursday nights in one of the local hotels that AW is putting you guys up in.


Last year we played in the mw area all night long. There were no issues or cost. I would think it would be the same this year. It was awesome. Hope you can make it.
Title: Re: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: Super Sorcerer on January 24, 2017, 03:13:05 PM
ב"ה
I hope the winner will be either a holy mage or a bloodwave warlord. I would also be glad to see  a wizard and a johktari beastmaster in the final four.
I guess the winner is most likely to be a necromancer, a forcemaster or a siren.

Warlords got pretty nice tricks with these steadfast boots (which can be cast on an enemy mage together with a tanglevine), and the ballista and the gloves are really good. It seems a bit more likely that a warlord will be in the final four than last years.
Title: Re: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: iNano78 on January 24, 2017, 03:23:03 PM
Warlords got pretty nice tricks with these steadfast boots (which can be cast on an enemy mage together with a tanglevine)

Cool idea, but you could only do this against a War mage.
Title: Re: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: RomeoXero on January 24, 2017, 03:25:49 PM
And only if you are a war mage as well.
Title: Re: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: DaveW on May 13, 2017, 02:09:03 PM
It's been a while, but not yet time for GenCon, so I hope you don't mind my resurrecting this thread.

A lot of people are talking about the Necromancer. I think the Necro has both benefitted from and been hurt by PvS (will be good against Sirens, but not against Holy mages). In general, though, I think that the Necro is going to find it more difficult in many matches. Holy mages got a serious boost with PvS... so I expect probably two of four of the finalists would be one of Paladin, Priest, or Priestess... probably Paladin as one. Siren... I've played one person who had a good Siren book, so I know that it is possible for one to do very well... and I won't be surprised if there is one in the finals also, since there probably are people who have not had enough experience against her yet. Lastly, I am expecting a Warlock to be in the finals as well. It just seems to me that a fire-trained mage can do well in many matchups. So my top three expectations would be: Paladin, Siren, some kind of Warlock... with outside chances for Priest, Forcemaster, Straywood BM, and Wizard.

I especially don't want to see either of the new mages win, however. The spells available to them are pretty amazing. Since I am a fan of underdogs, I'd be thrilled if none of the above win... doesn't really matter to me which.
Title: Re: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: silverclawgrizzly on May 13, 2017, 03:38:46 PM
I don't mind the ressurection. I'd be very surprised if Necromancer won it two in a row. I honestly predict the Druid or Force Master.

Don't be surprised if a Warlord makes top 4.
Title: Re: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: Reddicediaries on May 13, 2017, 03:51:08 PM
I don't mind the ressurection. I'd be very surprised if Necromancer won it two in a row. I honestly predict the Druid or Force Master.

Don't be surprised if a Warlord makes top 4.
Forcemaster? Huh.
What should be we be expecting in Academy FM is the big question then. :)
Title: Re: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: Reddicediaries on May 13, 2017, 04:06:30 PM
Tbh, I think the final four will be Biblo, Millie, Zot, and Larrick/Shark/Coshade.
Title: Re: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: silverclawgrizzly on May 13, 2017, 06:03:08 PM
In terms of players I don't even want to guess.
Title: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: Sailor Vulcan on May 13, 2017, 07:03:47 PM
I think all the mages have a chance to win, as it should be ever since the wizard and his tower were errata'd. Holy mages, war mages and the forcemaster probably have a slight advantage, though. Right now I wouldn't estimate more than a 50% chance of any particular Mage winning the tournament.
Title: Re: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: RomeoXero on May 13, 2017, 08:32:03 PM
I expect fewer wizards by a large margin this year! I'm gonna be there to see it firsthand! Necro is still very strong, pillar might mess with them though. 
Title: Re: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: Reddicediaries on May 13, 2017, 09:22:27 PM
I think necro's and druids often throw off the opposing game plan so much that they can appear potentially stronger than they actually are.
Title: Re: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: Puddnhead on May 13, 2017, 11:52:06 PM
Johktari for 1st. Paladin and Forcemaster in top 4.
Title: Re: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: zot on May 14, 2017, 12:06:45 AM
i doubt very much a jbm makes the finals at all.
Title: Re: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: silverclawgrizzly on May 14, 2017, 12:37:54 AM
i doubt very much a jbm makes the finals at all.

I don't. I strongly suspect a very good player is going to show up with a Johktari.
Title: Re: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: zot on May 14, 2017, 12:46:50 AM
hmph.
Title: Re: What's Winning Gen Con?
Post by: silverclawgrizzly on May 14, 2017, 12:59:52 AM
I will say I'd like to see Wizard in the final four again.