UBM 1:1-13
1 In the beginning was the world of 80, and the Word was without form, and the Word was forming. 2 UBM was with the creator in the beginning. 3 Through him all things forum were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.In him was life,and that life was the light of all postings. 4 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 5There was a man sent from UBM whose name was the prophet Malreaux. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the same light; he came only as a witness to the light. 6 He was known to the world to share the same teachings and speak out against the institution of evil and gluttony. 7 For this he was made outcast yet his faith remained true. 8 The true light that gives light to everyone has into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him for what he was and was to become. 9 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not at first receive him and tried to hasten his teachings for their own entertainment. They did not realize that in perfection is patience but despite the jeers they waited. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become UBMinions— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of UBM. 10His Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only UBM, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. Famous Inferno testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, “This is the one I spoke about when I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’”) 11 Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. 12 For the law was given through him; grace and truth came through him. 13 No one has ever seen his full power, but the one and only, who is himself God of the forums and is in closest relationship with the creator, has made him known.
Unless you happen to play Tribal Wars on World 80 in which war does change. War tends to result in a recruiting fest or complete breakdown of a tribe in less than a few days. Do you remember the times when tribes would use strategy, planning, and intel to set up a notable initial push into the front lines of an enemy instead of this declare recruit win bullshit? I'm going to go ahead and preface this entire blog with - "This does not apply to all situations and all tribes when I go on a rant, However if you can see aspects of these rants and they apply to you, take heed to these words and change your ways before judgement is at hand. As most of you know this is my first world back since 66 which is now 15 worlds old or roughly 2 years. Maybe there has been a major shift in the meta and in my absence I didn't pick up on the fact that most tribes have adapted this method of expansion or maybe tribes have just become apathetic.
I don't believe that selected recruitment is a bad thing when it comes to war. It has long been a tactic used to turn the tide of war during key battles and catch an unaware tribe off guard. However recruiting 5-10 members at the start of a war rather than pushing 100-200 villages in and then dropping the surprise to me makes little to no sense. It just seems lazy and allows for leftover members to regroup or join other tribes and start the process all over again.
To the Recruit:
Where has your sense of pride disappeared to? You were part of a tribe who over a period of time more than likely helped you, relied on you, got to know you and developed a relationship with you. What kind of ethic do you lack that you can walk away from a ship with no iceberg in the distance, only rough waters ahead. You are a coward and not the type of player that I want in my tribe. Do you think that you were recruited for your skill in war, or even in game? Don't you know that the new tribe is only hoping you go inactive so they can feed their gluttony for easy villages?
To the Leader:
Don't you know that if you let the wheels rust when it's time for them to run on the tracks they will fall off? You perpetrators of mediocrity do your members a disservice by not allowing them to become battle tested in your team. Relying only on psychological warfare leaves accounts fat and immobile - not the troops but the minds behind them. Have you come to a place where a jump in the rankings takes precedence over the elimination of an enemy through hard work and perseverance? Shame on you for what you will lead your tribe to become.
The world 80 sower went out to sow.
UBM 2:4-9
[SUP]4 And as he sowed seeds of his tribe, some seeds fell along the path of inactivity, and the gluttons came and devoured them. 5 Other seeds fell on difficult ground, where they did not have much soil from unnecessary diplomatic relationships, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, 6 but when the sun rose they were scorched as they had. And since they had no root, they withered away. 7 Other seeds fell among thorns of betrayal, and the thorns grew up and choked them. 8 Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 9 He who has ears, let him hear this word as truth”
[/SUP]
___________________________________________
Mr Gray will see you now
Ctrl. v Lust
One half of the Eledhwen account, Monstaz2 delivered a cliche filled lackluster declaration to start this war off. With current stats not hitting an impressive mark for either tribe yet I have a few points to make on the progress of this new war and in doing so offering general advice for other tribes as I have seen the same mistakes made time after time.
It is rare I ever downplay any sort of effort of pnp and war declarations and for reasons I feel bad for doing so just now. I often praise the efforts for those willing to risk a trip to the public forums. Eledhwen is a great account, my current competition in the battle royale, and a very respectable group of talented players. However when making these moves you must put together a solid performance on an opening operation to back up the announcement of advancement against another tribe otherwise you run the risk of deflating the enthusiasm at the beginning of a war and doing more damage to your tribe than good with your tribe now in a public eye. I have talked to Monstaz2 about this and his reasoning was that both tribes knew this was coming and there were some easy Ctrl villages
UBM 5:26;27
26 Be Angry and Vigilant yet Do not recruit from the home of your enemy; do not let him lie with your men and women, and do not let this devil gain foothold within your forces 27 He who steals must steals from his enemy no longer will gain favor with the savior; but rather he must labor unnecessarily for his new brother was never his brother from the start.
Lust had a big push on Saturday with Famous Inferno leading charge against an inactive frontline account Ctrl had yet to internal. How did DVBBS pass that up? Now read these words above carefully and think back to the recruitment of Famous Inferno. Let these words sink in and take hold as your stomach drops. Within hours of the reading of this blog he will the current LUST war hero will back in the controlling arms of ... well control. The truth is he never left.
[spoil]
Side 1:
Tribes: Ctrl.
Side 2:
Tribes: Lust
Timeframe: Forever
Total conquers against opposite side:
Side 1: 6
Side 2: 17
Difference: 11
Points value of total conquers against opposite side:
Side 1: 36,826
Side 2: 135,042
Difference: 98,216
[/spoil]
Over the past few weeks I was inspired to seek out a handful of our female tribal wars players for a chat. My inspiration came from a conversation where she stated... I'm not your average female tribal wars player. This instantly grabbed my attention and I replied... Well what is a typical female tribal wars player? From there i decided to actually talk to some well known and lesser known tribal wars players and get into the advantages and disadvantages of playing as a woman. WARNING: I cannot verify that every one of these players is actually female because refer to rule 30. In talking and writing I know that in my past life I have committed some of these sins, before my ascension I was with flaw. The improvement of self is important to me and should be important to you.
CoCoMajestic said:
I find people are more open to talking in general and opening up when you are a girl. I do not know why, but it is probably some weird complex thing that guys have. The "It is a girl!!" mentality haha, However sometimes we are not recognized as leaders often, and more like a support role. Even though I am on the council, past tribes and tribes I have talked to seem to ignore me and wait for the word from a different council member. It is almost like if I say something, they want it to be confirmed. But if a guy says something, it is accepted the first time. It has happened a couple times over the years and it kinda sucks :/ So it helps you get your foot in the door with talking to people, but it sort of lowers your credibility? if that makes sense
Tribal Wars is a male dominated game. I don't have the exact statistics but just look at your tribe. Most tribes will have less than 10% of their makeup ... wearing makeup. Generally speaking video/web games have been historically more participated by men than women. None of this is shocking or groundbreaking information because we are all used to it. Some of us don't think twice if our team mate is a woman but how about a female leader? Do they gain the same respect as a male? No, not at all. We have been ingrained over generations to give more respect to men in leadership positions than women. Have there been some fantastic female leaders? Absolutely, I've played for some myself, so why generally speaking do we not think of them as leaders, good players or even act surprised when we run across one?
CoCoMajestic said:
Personally...I think that Women are in general a little softer with more pacifistic tendencies, I also feel like the outside society of heirarchy with Males leading (mostly, except for in very recent years) and women helping/supporting
I think the mentality in people is still the same, so even if the game was female dominated, males could still take leadership roles and be assertive, while most women would accept it and be very open.
Women are more liberal and open minded when it comes down to it, at least that is what I believe
In any tribe I've been in I've not seen a situation where someone was treated differently based on gender, orientation, or race. I've seen talented players kicked for single ignorant comments, but i do surround myself with classy players for the most part. I've also heard over and over about situations where players have been treated differently. Do we as men take women seriously in this game without them having to prove themselves?
Frozen Beauty said:
usually its passive superiority or that their judgement is the best. They act as if we don't know how to play the game...its the usual bullshit we always see
Frozen Beauty - member of Gents gave me this gem which only fueled my reason for writing and highlighting the differences of playing Tribal Wars as a woman. She gave me a convo from Bane (if you guys remember him) to ThinBlueLine (leader of Gents) about her attacks and then he referred to her as hot. Okay nothing horrible there, not exactly winning Casanova awards but nothing grotesque. The gem however was this message
Bane said:
Hope your as good as you are hot Otherwise your in trouble (edited for content)
I don't think this was meant to be insulting per say but if this had happened in a workplace, Bane would have been fired. Why is it okay to display this behavior outside of work as well. This kind of dialogue can really wear down on a woman. One of the participants who i won't name I almost felt bad for as I talked to her. When asked about her past experience, what it was like to play as a woman her responses were defensive in a way where she felt the need to list her accomplishments to me and explain how nobody was a pervert to her. We got into better conversation after that but nobody should feel programmed to defend themselves when the topic of gender is raised.
Health Hazard said:
I have been playing TW for almost ten years on various accounts, mostly as a Duke or in senior Council. While there are more Female Dukes now a days the attitude of most players hasn't changed. You are either a guy, or you are female that obviously needs support and protection. If you are known to be a female and guys don't like what you do ie you attack them or don't do what they say some will get sexual and tell you to go and do what ever.. (insert a sexual expression here and you would probably be right) I was told to stop (edited sexual reference) just because I remained loyal to him when there was a rebellion in the tribe and that's tame to some comments made)
I laugh at the amount of times a player is actually shocked to hear I am female, and duke . I have a good range of enemies, many have chased me over each world, because I am successful and I certainly don't want protection. Ive lost count the number of times I've been told women should not be Duke, as this is a war game.
When I first started,I was told to keep quiet I was female or I would never get on. I ignored that and I'm still here. There are more woman playing now, and more open about it but you still get some who keep it quiet they are female as they don't want to get picked on by the men.
So we have looked at a lot of the hardships faced, the opinions but how about the advantages of playing as a woman? There seemed to be a lot less, not that the women I talked to felt there weren't any at all but it seemed much easier to talk about the times they have been treated unfairly as all had experience with that. Sexual references, requests for pictures, some stalkers, and it does effect them. Some push it off as a joke, some embrace it and some are disgusted by it. The women I talked to had great things to say about a majority of the male population in how they are treated but as with anything the minority who are crude, judgmental and for lack of a better word, assholes, really ruin the experience.
UBM 15:3-7
3 Now when UBM had finished these sayings, he went away from the afterlife and entered the region of Externals beyond the World of eighty. 4 And large crowds followed him, and he entertained them there. 5 And Posters came up to him and tested him by asking, “Is it lawful to subject a woman to different standards?” 6 He answered, “Have you not read my teachings for I am a changed man and my words contain wisdom in dealing with these matters, offer the female no difference in loyalty, honor and respect as you would any other player. 7 If she falls short it is not for her gender but rather for her lack of skill and endurance.
Gents vs It
What an utter disappointment so far. Steve created the most excitement that I have personally felt since joining the world 80 forums with his pnp. To hear that Gents had squashed all diplomacy and was going to focus on war had me rush to the microwave to start my Jiffy Pop and watch nukes begin to fly in a glorious explosions. To see Gents truly battle tested in a war that could shape the entire south was... euphoric. You can imagine my disappointment when i found out it wasn't real. It was like Santa Claus, the Easter bunny, Tooth Fairy, Batman and Krampus had all been taken away from me in a split second. The whole Malreaux situation is another story in itself showing a bit of internal problems for the Gents crew. Rumors of coming from multiple sources cannot be ignored but for now Gents is still on the warpath. This is another slow moving war for Gents but there was a late push in the Gents Echo war where Gents started to take a solid lead over there competitor. Still the world 80 powerhouse but why do people still chose Regime as the predicted world winners when Gents holds such a commanding grasp on the rankings, the south and seems to have a hold ... everywhere?
The reason is simple -- Trust. Nobody trusts Gents. Trust is a commodity that is hard to earn and easy to lose. The methods and tactics used so far by the rank 1 tribe have not been... well lets just say they work in the gray. In a court of law most people couldn't prove any guilt of wrong doing on any of the situations bar the recruiting of members from a tribe they are warring or getting ready to war. However in a court of public opinion Gents would be hanged from the gallows for all to watch. They use their power to push around the politics of tribes within striking range but do it while shaking hands and kissing babies. Their competition know it yet still fall in line like sheep being led to the slaughter.
UBM 7:12-15
12 For I know the plans you have, declares UBM, plans for domination yet not for evil, to give you a future and a hope but only for you who seek to be virtuous and trustworthy. 13 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you and answer you. 14 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares UBM, and I will restore your reputations and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares UBM, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile. 15 If you continue on a path of wickedness then when you call upon me on that judgement day i will say to you, I never knew you, go away from here.
Anyone with open eyes can see that Gents play a very psychologically based game. They are effective, they are winning the small wars and making gains in the larger ones just not in an overly impressive fashion. These wars are still new so we can continue to watch and see if they can turn these into decisive victories that render more respect.
[spoil]
Side 1:
Tribes: Gents
Side 2:
Tribes: IT
Timeframe: Forever
Total conquers against opposite side:
Side 1: 25
Side 2: 14
Difference: 11
Points value of total conquers against opposite side:
Side 1: 195,885
Side 2: 109,396
Difference: 86,489
[/spoil]
A few weeks back I started an essay contest asking players to write why they thought they were the biggest #ubminion. I read through all the responses and have chosen a winner. Congratulations to Blind Visionary for becoming the reigning #1 UBMinion. Next month he will have to defend his title. Here is is winning essay.
Dear Mr. Undead Billy Mays
For a blind man who looks forward to your blog every week you are an inspiration. My sight may be limited but yours is clearly still alive in your decrepit corpse. There are so few on this world and on the forums who have your expressiveness and articulation. Without the UBMs of this game the forums would soon no longer be worth getting onto. We would be left with the xstealthys and fall into a pit of idiocy and brainlessness.
Your zombie like appearance does not put me off and I am fully ready to get on the bus and be a groupie.
So put your heart back in your chest, cover your intestines with a brown paper bag, and accept me as your devoted escort
UBMinion!
Sincerely,
Blind Visionary
***Paid for and brought to you by the Blind People for America. Every donation goes towards getting blind people off the streets and into computer induced comas***
Blind Visionary will be receiving a custom #UBMinion signature that will soon be on display
Something's bugging me
Regime has been a tribe that has not made many waves in a public way. A quiet killer that lurks just beyond the shadows. Very little to no public scrutiny and those who have dealt with Regime as either an enemy or as a friend can speak of the tribe's respectful behavior. Only once so far hitting the forums with any sort of pnp to show a defeated MvDC offensive push. A lot is said in game about Regime, from praise and a true desire to work with them to lies, master plans, secret recruiting conspiracies etc. People will tend to do that with things they do not understand and in a world like this one a tribe like Regime seems to be very misunderstood.
The last sentence in the previous paragraph is highlighted by the most recent actions of Bugz. We all know the Bugz tribe as they have been the center of multiple forum threads and controversies. Regime began an operation on Do It, a tribe built from the remnants of Friend and Porn. A low member count tribe who has not gained a true spotlight and also carried their business quietly. A few unfortunate incidents brought about the unavoidable situation that Regime needed to remove them from the area.. The opening operation was heavily in Regime's favor and a breakdown of Do It happened almost immediately.
Bugz upon noticing this sent out a circular to have players start supporting Do It villages.
Allegedly there was another circular sent to cancel this support sent but some players did not get the memo. Regime began to notice villages with incoming support upon nobling coming from Bugz players. Certainly this support was not meant to help Regime.
Bugz then decided to start recruiting Do It players who had not yet been the target of an operation. These players now almost surrounded by newly acquired Regime villages must have known they would soon share the fate as their fallen friends so in order to stand their ground they joined bugz. When discussed with Kirk, he stated these players went to Bugz to seek recruitment and not the other way around. Why however would Bugz need these accounts in a territory that will be engulfed by Regime if not only to disrespect the efforts. There have even been incidents where these players have openly sent nobles to Regime villages.
The explanation given has been the same failed explanation of tribes such as Friend, -US- and MvDC. There was no official diplomacy in place so there is nothing wrong with these actions. While this statement is true lets also look on a map and try to find these tribes now. Just because you can doesn't mean that you should.
UBM 2:1-6
1 When tempted, no one should say, "The World is tempting me for I have no ties our bindings to you." For you allow yourself to be tempted by evil, yet the light does not tempt anyone; 2 but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. 3 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to decomposition; and loses belief, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. 4 Don't be deceived, my dear brothers for those you call friends shall lead you to despair. 5 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down frrom UBM of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 6 He chose to give us enlightenment through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he created.
Part 2 later tonight/tomorrow morning or whenever i feel like it
Undead.B.Martin err... Mays