The Mount Zoom Challenge – Discuss

[Hookbill the Goomba]

Originally Posted by Formendacil

Righto...

So.

If I understand this aright, I am now able to post Denethor's "Hello Dwarves! Look at my matchbox!" post on the Game Thread?

Oh I'm intreigued! Go on ahead!

[Formendacil]

Originally Posted by Hookbill the Goomba

Oh I'm intreigued! Go on ahead!

Excellent... I shall commence to do so.

[Roa_Aoife]

Well, if SPM has no objections, (and I assume he doesn't since he's driving, feel free to correct me Saucie) I'm going ahead with the booking.

Alright, here are the odds:

Mount Zoom 4-1
Bag-Endless-Feul 5-1
Orth-Tank 6-1
Barad-Dash 7-1
Medel-zoom 11-1
Minas-Mor-Go 10-1
Minas Taxi 8-1

NOTE: These are mostly farsical, since we can't really pay out odds in rep points.

Hookbill, do you want people to PM me the bets, or should they post the bets here?

[Hookbill the Goomba]

Formendacil, that was BRILLIANT! I'd rep you, but I can't at the moment.
Look at that folks, a hard act to follow!

Hookbill, do you want people to PM me the bets, or should they post the bets here?

Here is fine.

[Formendacil]

Originally Posted by Hookbill the Goomba

Formendacil, that was BRILLIANT! I'd rep you, but I can't at the moment.
Look at that folks, a hard act to follow!

Glad you enjoyed it. The idea of Denethor waving a lighter- for whatever reason, was stuck in my head, and demanded an outlet.

I was also really pleased, as I wrote, to discover the appropriateness of "Húrin of the Keys".

I eagerly await other people's posts.

Very eagerly.

[Farael]

Are we allowed to bring other characters into the game? I mean, Theoden would never go down to the engine room to deal with the horses (yes, Mendel-zoom works by a strange mechanism that resembles a hamster running on one of those running wheels... but with horses. Many horses). So I was thinking I'd get Hama to join in as well. Just as a secondary character. Is it allowed?

[Caranlondien]

Just testing it out.

SPM, should I start out "driving" (i.e., posting narrative) and then turn the wheel over to Bilbo when you get back? Or would you like to start out with the first post? (I haven't started on anything yet, so it's fine if you'd like to.)

[Hookbill the Goomba]

Originally Posted by Farael

Are we allowed to bring other characters into the game? I mean, Theoden would never go down to the engine room to deal with the horses (yes, Mendel-zoom works by a strange mechanism that resembles a hamster running on one of those running wheels... but with horses. Many horses). So I was thinking I'd get Hama to join in as well. Just as a secondary character. Is it allowed?

Fine by me. As long as you keep the two main people at the forefront.

Oh, and I need all the drivers to specify which direction they are going to go in.

[Alcarillo]

The "Engine" of Minas Mor-go

This is how I imagine Minas Mor-go is propelled. The steering wheel is either on top of the gates or in the highest tower. When the wheel is turned, a giant basket of man-flesh dangling from the dungeon ceilings moves either left or right. The orcs, inside the dungeons, are continually rolling the wheels' axles. When the basket of meat moves to the left, the orcs to the right push further forward than the orcs to the left, because the right orcs are further away and want to be closer to the meat. Because the right end of the axle is now pushed forward, Minas Mor-go moves to the left. Speed can be managed either by dangling more baskets of meat or by whipping the orcs. As for brakes, we can just throw the orcs under Minas Mor-go's wheels.

I also assume we have something like a steam engine in there, too, where we can use the orcs as coal to fuel the engine. I suppose we don't have enough water to use the steam engine continually, and we'd use it only in emergencies or when we want to scare the orcs.

[Hookbill the Goomba]

But the Witch-king could not help but be amused by Denethor's third-degree burns.

That amused me highly!
Well done.

Incidentally, Dwarfy the Dwarf will be watching over the proceedings in his Eyrie-copter that the Eagles let him borrow. Its basically a giant nest with helicopter blades.

[Roa_Aoife]

Concerning the bets- I'm willing to keep track of any retractions and rebets people might want to make on the race as a whole. I could also keep a side pool on each challenge; however, bets must be in before the first vote is made, and you wouldn't be imediately rewarded for it. Say... the person with the most point at the end of the race gets the side challenge prize.
Each person will wager a certain number of points, and those points are returned according to the odds, which will change periodically, according to which team is favored, etc.
What do you think Hookbill? Nilp?

Which reminds me- Hookbill, how long after each challenge do we wait to vote?

[Formendacil]

Originally Posted by Hookbill the Goomba

Oh, and I need all the drivers to specify which direction they are going to go in.

And for this reason, I just posted again...

Hopefully, either Spawn or myself will be on sometime ere the Cutoff to do it properly, but barring that happening, there's a back direction in the appended notes.

P.S. It's occured to me that it's a very wise idea of yours, Hookbill (unless it belongs to Nilp) to have two players to a vehicle, since it means there's less (somewhat) of the Werewolf-common stress of needing to be on EVERY day. After all, we do- occasionally- have a day when we can't be on the 'Downs.

I must commend you- for this whole awesome idea.

[Aiwendil]

Caranlondien wrote:

It looks like we'll probably get enough players soon, but if not, might I prevail upon my brother to play? What say ye, Aiwendil?

I say it's a good thing there were already enough players by the time I noticed this thread, or else I might be tempted to give it a try - which would undoubtedly mean even less time spent doing what I should be doing.

[Elu Ancalime]

The betting would be open to anyone, right? I mean there would be a tie......But Im interested in participating in a pool, and voting. I can be the NASCAR scout with the Mph/Kpm radar and stuff, or at least the #1 spectator.

EDIT: So I guess I'm betting on Mt Zoom. Go Maggaladiel and Glirdy!
________
Amc and jeep transmissions specifications

[Roa_Aoife]

EDIT: So I guess I'm betting on Mt Zoom. Go Maggaladiel and Glirdy!

Are you voting for the race or for the first challenge? And if it's the first challenge, how many point do you want to lay down?

[Caranlondien]

Hmm, perhaps I missed it, but I can't seem to find when the cut-off time is. Anyone know?

[Sleepy Ranger]

Originally Posted by Caranlondien

Hmm, perhaps I missed it, but I can't seem to find when the cut-off time is. Anyone know?

23:00 GMT ^_^ *Eats an apple*

[The Saucepan Man]

Originally Posted by Caranlondien

SPM, should I start out "driving" (i.e., posting narrative) and then turn the wheel over to Bilbo when you get back? Or would you like to start out with the first post? (I haven't started on anything yet, so it's fine if you'd like to.)

I'm working on an intro, and should be around to agree our first move. But Frodo will have to do all the driving for the first week ...

[Elu Ancalime]

Are you voting for the race or for the first challenge? And if it's the first challenge, how many point do you want to lay down?

Race.
________
Dodge Intrepid Esx History

[Roa_Aoife]

OKay, you're marked down.

I think it would be best if we drew a limit at when betting and bet-retractions must stop as far as the race is concerned. Nilp, Hookbill, I don't want to run away with this on you. What do you think?

[Gurthang]

Okay, maybe I'm just not getting something, but is the first challenge up? If not, when will it be posted?

Also, (and this might be too much work to be plausible) could it be possible to have an actual map showing the location of each team, you know, just so we can visualize where we are, who's ahead, stuff like that. If not, it won't be hard to just pull out the ole map myself. Got it right up on the shelf in front of my computer, in fact.

[Alcarillo]

The first challenge isn't up yet. As for when, Hookbill will have to tell you.

There's a map of Middle-Earth showing each vehicle at the very end of the first post of this thread.

[Farael]

Ok, my save is filled... should have been filled a while ago but my Internet was down this afternoon. I'm letting Valier decide where we are heading to, but just in case she doesn't get a post in, I say we will move South-West

[Gurthang]

Ah, hadn't seen the map before. Thanks, my driving Witch King.

[Hookbill the Goomba]

Hay folks, just woke up to find 13 replies to the game! Very good stuff, folks, take deep pride in thy selves. As soon as everyone has told me which direction they are going in, I'll set the first challenge.

As for the betting system, Roa, you can organise it whichever way you think is best. Make it your own little project, I won't constrain you.

So far, this is what I have as far as direction goes:

Mount Zoom = West

Medul-zoom = South West

Minas Taxi = North West

Minas Mor-go = West

Barad-Dash = South West

Bag Endless-fuel = West

Orth-Tank = South West (according to Meneltarmacil, that is, so unless Sleepy says otherwise...)

Voting can begin as soon as everyone has past the challenge.

[Hookbill the Goomba]

Oh dear


Morsul, are you not using my special icon?


So, Formendacil and Sleepy need to decide which way they are going and then Dwarfy will reveal the first challenge.

[Morsul the Dark]

You know orcs are always at each others throats and if anyone knows Gil-Galad and my history knows that almost perect casting

[Hookbill the Goomba]

Something just occurred to me.

*******
To all drivers! (And Frodo)

********

After each challenge, please specify (preferably in bold letters) which direction you will be taking and I'll move you forward depending on weather or not you won the votes.
Also, until Nilp returns, could the drivers and assistants please PM the votes to me.

Thanks, folkuls.

[Hookbill the Goomba]

HERE WE GO!

I just re-read Formendacil's post on the Game and realised that Minas Taxi was moving North West.
So, the first challenge will begin in earnist!
Lets look at the locations.

MOUNT ZOOM = Mirk Wood

Bag-Endless-fule = Mirk Wood

Orth-Tank = Near the Mountains of Mirk Wood

Barad-Dash = Near the Mountains of Mirk Wood

Medel-zoom = Near the Mountains of Mirk Wood

Minas Mor-go = Mirk Wood

Minas Taxi = Near the Grey Mountains.

The First challenge will be set soon... Well, as soon as I think of one.

[Hookbill the Goomba]

Okay Drivers and assistants! Go for the first challenge. You can discuss your methods here if you wish to keep your inbox clear.

[Alcarillo]

Hmmmm. . . I don't think anybody could refuse a signed copy of Evil Glorified

As long as we throw in some orcs.

[Meneltarmacil]

I'm thinking Saruman/Sleepy and I should go for one of the various secret weapons we've installed and loose the rabid killer hamsters on the troll.

[Hookbill the Goomba]

The rabid killer hamsters, eh? Sounds interesting.

Everyone can vote for the best strategy as soon as everyone has got past it.
I'd ask that every Vehicle be past the Troll by Tuesday night at the latest. Voting will close on Wednesday at 15:00 GMT, depending on how quickly the task is completed.

[Meneltarmacil]

I haven't consulted with Sleepy on this yet, just to let you know.

[Sleepy Ranger]

Originally Posted by Meneltarmacil

I haven't consulted with Sleepy on this yet, just to let you know.

Heres what I have in mind- Reply to my post with any ideas you have, it'll be up soon.

[Hookbill the Goomba]

Don't blame me! I'm not the one who left all the money in an easily accessible pocket am I?

Good post, Sleepy!
I can just imagine Saruman doing some Disco moves!

By the way folks, I've hidden some secret bonus places around. Some will jump you forward, some will knock you back and some will make you sick. Watch out for them!
If you end up on one, I’ll PM you with the situation and when all things are sorted, I’ll post Dwarfy’s commentary on what happens.

[Formendacil]

Well, THAT's just not fair, Hookbill... unless the taxi lands on one, in which case it's all good.

By the way, I'd like to officially say that I'm really amused by all the posts thus far. Everyone's got such a high quality of humour and writing.

Bag-Endless, in particular, I enjoyed the parody of Bilbo's life and times. Beautiful material there. I must confess, though, that I though you had run out of material after that first post- but it seems I was wrong! Here's to more! From everybody.

(P.S. What does the winning team get at the finish line? First dibs on Modding the first race that Hookbill and Nilp decline? Or is that a consolation prize? Either way, I'd love a shot at it- although if you think this discussion should wait until after this game is mostly over, then I'll clam up now. But it's a testimony to your genius that I'm already hankering after your jobs- while thoroughly enjoying my own... I'd rep you, but Werewolf has currently sapped my power in that field)

(P.P.S. Nilp, where are you? You're missing all the fun!)

(P.P.P.S. Which came first: Hookbill's "Who will win the Big Race?" signature or the idea for the came? Because the sig only had four vehicles...)

[Hookbill the Goomba]

Originally Posted by Formendacil

(P.S. What does the winning team get at the finish line? First dibs on Modding the first race that Hookbill and Nilp decline? Or is that a consolation prize? Either way, I'd love a shot at it- although if you think this discussion should wait until after this game is mostly over, then I'll clam up now. But it's a testimony to your genius that I'm already hankering after your jobs- while thoroughly enjoying my own... I'd rep you, but Werewolf has currently sapped my power in that field)

I've not decided on a prise yet. What do WW winners get?

(P.P.S. Nilp, where are you? You're missing all the fun!)

I'm told he's a little under the weather at the moment.

(P.P.P.S. Which came first: Hookbill's "Who will win the Big Race?" signature or the idea for the came? Because the sig only had four vehicles...)

That is interesting. I made that picture with the idea of some kind of game. But I thought it would be far too insane for anyone else to enjoy. But then, out of the blue, Nilp PMs me with 'An Idea'. Because I'd already given so much thought to this, it wasn't long before this thing came about.

[Formendacil]

Originally Posted by Hookbill the Goomba

I've not decided on a prize yet. What do WW winners get?

I'm not sure... I'm still waiting for it to come in the mail...

I'm told he's a little under the weather at the moment.

I believe I've heard the same... but I've also heard he was communing with a stuffed animal, so I'm not sure if I believe the source...

That is interesting. I made that picture with the idea of some kind of game. But I thought it would be far too insane for anyone else to enjoy. But then, out of the blue, Nilp PMs me with 'An Idea'. Because I'd already given so much thought to this, it wasn't long before this thing came about.

I wondered if something like that might have been the case...

Anyway, enough offtopic chatting... I should get back to play (er, work) on getting past- or at least getting TO- the troll.

[Roa_Aoife]

With the first Challenge having started, feel free to start betting. Betting closes once voting opens, though, so if you're going to bet, bet now. If you lose the first challenge, then your score will be negative. Remember, highest score at the end of the game wins the side challenge bets.

Personally, I'm putting 15 points on Orth-Tank.

(Hookbill, since you never opposed the idea, I'm assuming you're okay with this.)