The Second International Chess Tournament [IC]

[Pawn and King]

The Second International Chess Tournament

We amiably welcome you to the Second International Chess Tournament! We are now open to roleplays, and scorination will begin on the 1st of February. This should give everyone enough time to see this thread, and make a good roleplay post, as please remember there are roleplay bonuses avaiable everyday! The event will be impartially scorinated, using Novikov's chessinator, whom also jointly co-ordinated this event.

About the Scorinator:

(Novikov's original writing from the First International Chess Tournament)
In preparation for this tournament, I have done considerable modification, attempting to fix some bugs which were producing unrealistic results (victories by players with insufficient pieces for a checkmate, or draws with far too many pieces still on the board), as well as several hours of further testing. Modifications to the program are as follows:

1) Style modifiers have been toned down, so as to prevent unrealistic draws and now a maximum style modifier of +/-1 will produce a change of +/-7 points captured and lost, rather than +/-10 points. The assumed base point capture has been increased to 20, while another 12 possible points remain entirely random.
2)Point capture below 11 points is now impossible, and is automatically increased by fifteen, increasing the prevalence of results in the mid-20s and 30s. Results between 11 and 15 are extremely rare and can only be produced if both players have a negative (defensive) style modifier.
3) To further reduce the possibility of unrealistic draws, any randomly generated result which produces a draw will automatically increase the point capture for both players by 10, if at least one player has captured less than 25 pieces. This tends to push draws towards a realistic level, with both sides capturing at least 26 points, and usually more.
4) To prevent unrealistic victories, all matches in which the loosing player has captured 36 or more points will automatically be declared a draw. This has the unintended consequence of increasing the likelihood of draws for players with aggressive style modifiers (since they already capture more points than other players). I feel that all participants should be aware of this fact going into the tournament, and I will allow anyone who has already signed up to change their style modifier in light of this information. This does not, however, increase the likelihood of a loss for aggressive players.

Any concerned player is welcome to TG me requesting a copy of the program, or just to ask questions.

About Style Modifiers

(once again, taken from Novikov's original post)
In the Chessinator v0.2, possible style modifiers range from +1 to -1, including all decimals in-between. Players with a positive style modifier play more aggressively. They are willing to trade pieces with their opponent, and thus have an increased rate of point capture and and increased rate of point loss. On the other hand, players with a negative style modifier play more defensive. They are less willing to trade pieces, and this reduces both their point capture and point loss. Because of my imperfect coding, players should know that the highest style modifiers will inadvertently increase their chance of a draw, while extremely low style modifiers will increase the likelihood of unrealistic draws (with low point capture on both sides) and 'stunning' checkmates, achieved while the mated opponent still has the majority of their pieces. No style modifier is favored over any other, and, aside from the marginally increased rate of draws for players with positive modifiers, they should have no impact on the outcome of the match.

A short note on the Roleplay bonus

(Taken from Novikov's original post)
In order to encourage roleplay, there will be an RP bonus of up to 2 points/day awarded to players who post roleplay that day. RP bonus will be determined by factoring in RP length, quality, creativity, and character development (not in that order), and can dramatically influence the course of the tournament. All participants are encouraged to be creative, RP, and most of all, to have fun.

Tournament structure

As we have 14 players, there will be 6 groups, A - F. Two of these groups, E and F, will be three people. The winner of group A - D will automatically progress to the next round of the tournament. The two best players from groups E and F will progress to the next round, which will leave us with 8 players - perfect for a quarterfinal. The group stage will begin on Feb 2nd, and end on Feb 5th.

The quarterfinal will be as follows:

QF 1) Group A 1st Place v. Group D 2nd Place
QF 2) Group A 2nd Place v. Group D 1st Place
QF 3) Group B 1st Place v. Group C 2nd Place
QF 4) Group B 2nd Place v. Group C 1st Place

These will consist of 5 games, and take one day.

The semifinals will be as follows:

SF 1) Winner QF 1 v. Winner QF 4
SF 2) Winner QF 2 v. Winner QF 3

These will consist of 5 games, and take one day.

The finals will be as follows (with a game for 3rd place):

Final: Winner SF 1 v. Winner SF 2
3PPO: Looser SF 1 v. Looser SF 2

The final will consist of 7 games, and take one day.

More information can be found here: viewtopic.php?f=7&t=156283

Currently signed-up:

1. Ot'j Owvingzur - Carmadin
2. Christopher Van Hammel - Bergnovinia
3. Sam Byrnn - Homelands our
4.Lorenzo Del Mar - Yesopalitha
5. Adam Smithson - Ipeland
6. Rook Slide - Karditan
7. Vaclav Jezek - Novikov
8.Osmalad Rusegne - Karlada
9.Boralz Skrapinapavotla - Russi Empire
10. Peregrine Konstantinovich - Pawn and King
11. Tyrece Harrison -Vettrera
12. Ivgan Gersing - German zerabithea
13. Chavez del Roah - Rainious Allementos
14. Antoine El-Bashwari - Honourable Angels

Rankings from the previous tournament (text form)

1) Lorenzo Del Mar III (Yesopalitha): 5.895238095
2) Antoine El-Bashwari (Honourable Angels): 5.780952381
3) Boralz Skrapinapavotla (Russi Empire) : 5
4) Adam Smithson (Ipeland): 4.016666667
5) Robert Carson Oakleigh (Civil Citizenry): 1.5
6) Sam byrrn (Homelands our): 1.416666667
7) Osmalad Rusegne (Karlada): 1.3
Jim White (Adun): 1.066666667
9) Vaclav Jezek (Novikov): 0.583333333
10-12) Tyrece Harrison (Vettrera): 0.5
10-12) Mani Kostar (Patricant): 0.5
10-12) Peregrine Konstantinovich (Pawn and King): 0.5
13) Sergei Zatchetsky-Nablokov (Soviet Canuckistan): 0.416666667
14-16) Christopher Van Hammel (Bergnovinaia): 0.333333333
14-16) Ot'j Owvingzur (Carmadin): 0.333333333
14-16) Rook Slide (Karditan): 0.333333333
17) Adam Bosh (Switzida) : 0.25
18) Chavez Del Roah (Rainious Allementos): 0.083333333

[Pawn and King]

The Pawn and Kingian Daily

Peregrine retries for Chess Championship

Peregrine Konstantinovich, writes Edward Korkov, is reset to try to win the second International Chess Tournament - this time hosted by Pawn and King. Excitement in the nation is high, with children starting to take up the sport in numbers never seen before. Peregrine, despite only making the quarter finals in the last tournament, has become an idolised sports star, and has had a busy schedule touring schools, opening shopping centers, as well as being received for lunch by the CEO of Shibaru Pharmaceuticals, and writing a Chess strategy book, with his long-term rival and friend, Feydor Lewis. Feydor, who defeated Peregrine in the Shibaru Championship earlier this year, said of him, 'he's a great player, he really is. I wish him the best of luck this tournament. I know how much it'd mean to Perry, and also to my late uncle, Reyfus. He's got the skill, I know he can do it. Here's looking at you, Perry.'

Turn to page 79 for an exclusive summary of Peregrine's achievements.

Name: Peregrine Konstantinovich
Age: 30
Player bio: Peregrine attended the Akademika Yezika in his native Pawn and King, a University which specialised in languages. While there, Peregrine, on a hiatus from Chess, after his childhood mentor Reyfus Lewis died, seemingly found something that restored his faith in Chess, and he once again began playing. Feydor Lewis is his biggest rival, domestically, and the nephew of Reyfus. Many have suggested that Feydor may actually be slightly better than Peregrine (for several years, Feydor had a 2628 ranking, compared to Peregrine's current 2618 ranking), and many suggest Feydor may just be having a period of bad luck. Regardless, Peregrine is currently Pawn and King's best player. Since being beaten at the quarter finals, Peregrine has been training hard, as well as having written a book. The CEO of Shibaru Pharmaceuticals (also the Provost of Akademika Vrashom - the Premier Medical School in Pawn and King), bestowed Peregrine with an honouary fellowship, the first time someone outside of the medical profession has been given this honour.
Style Modifier (+1 aggressive to -1 defensive): 0.8

[Pawn and King]

An extract from our Factbook that you may find useful to read:


People and Population:

The population of Pawn and King is significant, around 2 billion people, and eternally rising by around 100 million a year. There is no age where people must stop working, though usually by around 80, most people have chosen retirement. This massive workforce helps contribute significantly to the economy. The average age is fairly young, around 38, largely buoyed by immigrants and foreign contractors who settle in Pawn and King. Due to the prevalence of Shibaru Pharmaceuticals, the average age expectancy is around 127 from birth in Pawn and King, which in itself is largely buoyed by steroids and pills which combat dementia, which must be taken every 5 years, as well as free regular intensive health checkups. Immigrants are usually used by Shibaru as a way to test new medicines and treatments, so roughly once a generation, the average age increases by about 5 years.

There are two major ethnic groups in Pawn and King. The first are the Pawns. These are citizens which are born into anything under the King ethnic group. They largely make up 85% of the population, and work in anything from poverty to middle level roles (such as senior researchers/assassins). The Kings, who make up about 14% of the population, are those who work in higher roles, such as Heads of Departments, and the Board of Directors. 1% makes up the Director ethnic group, which include CEOs, and all of their extended family. Ethnicity is bizarre in Pawn and King, in that one can change ethnicity depending on social level and wage. A Pawn automatically moves to the King ethnic class once they attain the relevant social position and wage. While those born into a certain ethnic class (such as Director), have an advantage over the lower classes, it is not unheard of for someone in the Pawn class to move all the way up to Director. This system of ethnicity was used in retaliation to the theories of nationalism.

Religion is also unorthodox in Pawn and King. There is one religion, the Deity of which is ‘Kapytal’. Kapytal is seen as a physical embodiment of the free-market. Kapytal is worshipped by donating money to a domestic institution. The donations are not compulsory, but they are noted by the community. Generally speaking, those that donate frequently, and with significant sums are seen by the community as ‘religious’. A person whom donates frequently with significant amounts often finds it easier to receive promotions and pay rises in the institution they donate to. Some view it as a form of bribery, or tax, but the official view is based in myth (see history), and they stick to that view.

There are 3 main dialects spoken in Pawn and King. The first is Provlisk, which is universally understood by all of the Pawn ethnic class. The second is Russjork, which is the language used to teach in schools, and is predominantly used by the King ethnic class. The third is Ingelsk, which is predominantly used by Directors, as well as in Universities and high tiered jobs. They may also be seen as forms of formality. Provlisk may be spoken by all ethnic classes at home, whereas Russjork may be spoken at work, or to acquaintances. Ingelsk would be spoken only very formally; either in diplomatic contacts, traditional broadsheet newspapers, or to the elderly. As such, Pawn and Kingians are usually fluent in at least the first 2 languages by the time they are 18. The languages, ultimately, however, are very similar, and have much more to do with stress and word placement than grammatical systems. A native born, fluent only in Provlisk, could read an Ingelsk newspaper and understand 80% of it.

Government and Political Structure:

Pawn and King (P&K) is an interesting nation, largely perceived to be an anarchic state. More accurately, would be the political label ‘Absolute Corporatism’. The State is indistinguishable from the two Corporations which dominate Pawn and King, economically and politically. For example, the Head of State is an absolute position, which alternates between the CEO of the Assassination Industry, and the CEO of Shibaru Pharmaceuticals, once every decade. The higher the business position of somebody in one of these industries, the more political clout they have over the population as well. Perhaps a pyramid chart would allow for an easier description.



For example, this is the pyramid chart showing the breakdown of the business roles in Shibaru Pharmaceuticals. The Junior Researchers elect the Senior Researchers. The Senior Researchers elect the Head of Departments, and so on. Legislation is created by the CEO, which can be either internal legislation (which only affects the company), or domestic legislation (which affects both companies). This legislation is then voted on by everyone within the company (or if it affects both companies, everyone in the effected Corporations votes on it). In this way, the two companies act in a bicameral system, restraining each other.

Whilst also limiting each-others power and influence, they often do good; for example, all educational facilities are state-ran, with children specialising around age 16 whether they would rather become an Assassin, or a Medical Researcher, and taught as such. Furthermore, Shibaru Pharmaceuticals provides free healthcare to all citizens of Pawn and King, and the Assassination Corporation provides free state-defence. Citizens also pay no tax, as both Corporations receive enough money each year from international pursuits.


fig.2 - the breakdown of the Assassination Corporation
Both headquarters of these Corporations can be found in the capital city of Whiterook, which is also the only landmass the country has. This city is large, about 3052sq miles, and situated on an island, which frequently is expanded into via intervention (such as reclaiming land). However, the city doesn’t expand so much outwards as it does upwards and downwards. Skyscrapers are common, the average height being around 2,000 meters high and they also often descend about that depth below the ground too. Different areas of Whiterook act as territories, with the highest skyscrapers of south-west Whiterook being perceived as the most desirable to live, and below ground of south-east Whiterook being the least desirable.

Some pictures


^ The famous headquarters of Shibaru Pharmaceuticals, also the University, research facilities, processing plants, main port, living space, diplomatic headquarters, and industrial plants. This is in the far north of the capital, where a very loose definition of ‘suburbia’ applies.


^ The winter sun shines over the central residential area of Pawn and King, certain research facilities, as well as normal commercial facilities are usually close by. For example, the tall building in the background is the Akademika Yezika. The middle ground domed building is Koltso, a commercial shopping centre, which is also home to the main nightlife in this particular area of Pawn and King. Roughly 40 million people live in this area, both above and below ground.

[Honourable Angels]

Name: Antoine El-Bashwari
Age: 59
Player bio: Having narrowly come second last tournament, he's keen to overthrow Lorenzo, and become the rightful champion. Although he won't tell anybody, he needs the money too; to get his daughter through University. Expect more servant and peasant murdering from this fellow, as well as chain smoking.
Style Modifier (+1 aggressive to -1 defensive): -1

[Vettrera]

Name: Tyrece Harrison
Age: 24 (or 25; depending on if this is being RPed a year after last year's tourney)
Player Biography: First minor to ever compete in the "Monarch" National Chess Tournament. (placed 2nd at the age of 12, won at the age of 15).
He was raised in the suburb of Timberbrook, in the Province of Demeter. He and his mother overcame abuse brought upon by his father. He found solace in the game of chess, continuing on to greatness After placing second in the "Monarch" Chess Tournament at the age of 12, winning at the age of 15, becoming the Demeter representative at 16, and becoming the West-Vettrera representative at 20, he then attended Victoria Heights University (Vettrera Educational System has people start college at 20)
and led his college team to becoming #1 in the nation. Afterwards he became the national representative for Vettrera winning countless awards in his region.
Style Modifier (+1 agressive to -1 defensive): -0.2

[German Zerabithea]

Name: Ivgan Gerssing
Age: 52
Player bio: The youngest of the 4 Zerabithean Chess Sages (the top 4 players in the nation) Ivgan has been playing chess for over 30 years. He was born in the city of Cabe in the state of New Ford. His father was the first governor of the state when it was reorganized after the Zerabithean Civil war. He was expected to follow in his fathers footsteps, but after he discovered chess at the age of 24, there was no going back. Since then, he won 6 national championships, then became a coach for players till he decided to go for the Sages. He challenged Alfred Watasble 4 times till he finally beat him 10 years ago thus allowing him to clam the tittle of sage.

Ivgan (Like his father before him) believes that the best defense, is a good offence. Chess playing before him was usually very defensive (the game itself only being introduced about 100 years ago, and only became popular after the war), and while he is not the first to play in a aggressive style, he certanly made it popular.

Style Modifier (+1 aggressive to -1 defensive): 0.9

[Pawn and King]

Hopefully we'll achieve an even number of players, if so, the Roleplay and Groupings will be out later tonight (around 10pm GMT). Otherwise, I'll post the Roleplay thread, but keep sign-ups open until we have either 14 or 15 people (which would make it easier to do groupings with than 13 people).

[German Zerabithea]

If you want an even number, I have a puppet I could put forward if no one else comes.

[Pawn and King]

If you want an even number, I have a puppet I could put forward if no one else comes.

Sorry, this OOC chat should really be for here: viewtopic.php?ns=1&f=7&t=156283&p=8279300#p8279300

But, we'll just let it advertise itself for a few more days. I'm staying at my girlfriends til about Saturday anyway, so it'd suit me better too. She barely puts up with my love for chess, and love for NS. I imagine if she found out I'd combined the two...

[Karlada]

It seems fate has dealt another round of chess for the old man.
Osmalad Rusegne, after losing the first International Chess Tournament in the second round, and after losing the title of Chessmaster of Ayalis to longtime rival Boralz Skrapinapavotla, had decided to retire from professional chess. He had not planned on coming back to the tournament.
When time came to decide who would represent Karlada, though, all eyes turned to Osmalad. His many fans urged him to compete again, and once he was endorsed by Zad Karl himself, he knew he could not refuse. He was still the best hope the nation had.
And so, at the age of 62, with many years of experience behind him (and hopefully more ahead) he packed his bags for Pawn and King.
He does wonder though, where in that nation he would be going for the tournament, for as of yet he has received no notice.

[German Zerabithea]

The Zerabithean Jet was flying straight to Pawn and King, and Ivgan Gerssing was not happy.

"I outta get my hands on the guy who wrote this!" Said an annoyed Gerssing, "I finally agree to go international, and the guys back home can't even get their facts straight."

He was of course talking about the info that was put for him in his application, turns out someone in the Zerabithean Chess Federation (ZCF) had made a typo of sorts. It had said that he had over 30 years of playing chess, but considering the fact that he started playing at 24, and was 52 now, the numbers did not add up. The papers naturally had a blast with this. "I'm not even that old" he grumbled as his 20-something aid Brian Momson attempted to calm him down.

"Don't worry about it sir." he plead. "The ZCF apologized, and you know you never play your best chess when in a bad mood." The boy had a point but Gerssing was not in the mood to concede points so he simply dismissed him. As Brian walked away Ivan simply sat there in his thoughts.

"I don't even know who I am playing first... oh well, I suppose this is what I get for being the first to volunteer."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Pawn and King]

Peregrine was flicking through the best-selling book 64 key opening progressions: A study of hypermodern chess play in motion, languidly and forlornly, when he heard a knock on his front door. Sighing, he put the book down, and went to the door. Opening it, he was rather surprised to see Feydor with a copy of the latest newspaper. "Oh, Feydor, this is a slight surprise. Could you possibly be interested in have a little tipple with me?"
"'Fraid not, Perry, I've got to go in a minute, just thought I'd stop on by quickly and give you the paper, I know you don't go out too much these days. Page 68 is what you want."
And with that, Feydor nodded at Perry, before walking out and closing the door behind him, while putting his hat on at the same time, which Peregrine vaguely noticed in his peripheral vision, and after a moments consideration, was quite impressed at.

Opening the paper to page 68, Peregrine studied what the paper had to say. It was written in archaic, highly formal Ingelsk.

The nation of Pawne and Kinge is utmostly and most precedently honoured to be bestowed the honour of host. We have been informed that play shall occur in the Akademika Yezika, the alma mater of Peregrine of the family Konstantinovich. The final shall take place at Akademika Vrashom, the Medical University.

Peregrine sighed, this was no doubt petty politics of Shibaru Phamarceuticals. Politics had no place in sport. Peregrine rang a bell that summoned a maid, and asked for a whisky, then resumed reading.

Groupings, are to be declared as follows:

Group A
Lorenzo Del Mar III v Boralz Skrapinapavotla

Group B
Tyrece Harrison v Rook Slide

Group C
Ivan Gersing v Chavez del Roah

Group D
Adam Smithson v Antoine el-Bashwari

Group E
Sam Byrnn
Osmalad Rusegne
Peregrine Konstantinovich

Group F
Vaclav Jezek
Christopher Van Hammel
Ot'j Owvingzur

Peregrine sighed. He was to be playing 2 quite fearsome opponents, both with a ranking higher than his. His nation wouldn't forgive him if he were to fall at the first hurdle, but it would have to be magnificent play which allowed him to win. Would it be possible? He didn't yet know. Looking at the groupings once again, it looked set to be an interesting tournament, possibly with it's surprises. Peregrine didn't feel so depressed as before, and instead looked forward to meeting the players he'd met once before, now on his home turf.

[Russi Empire (Ancient)]

The Chessmaster of Ayalis, Boralz Skrapinapavotla, arrived in Pawn and King near the Akademika Yezika, where the tournament was to be held. He did not come by Russi Jet, but rather by pegasus chariot with his friend Rook Slide, with whom he had been staying since the last competition. As little attention as he had received in his home country for placing third in the last competition, this time literally no one knew he was competing in the tournament.

He looked at the city from above. It's not Rus, and it's a far cry from Novikov, but it certainly is unique. It's more like Karldauhn than anything else. Let's see who my lucky opponent is for the first round...

Group A
Lorenzo Del Mar III v Boralz Skrapinapavotla

Sweet mother of Ozar, it's the vampire!

Facing the winner of the previous competition would be daunting, but the more he thought about it, the less tense he became. 'I'm sure we would have faced each other eventually, and I'd have had to beat him at some point to win. Might as well have one very epic first round, I'm looking forward to it.'

Later, he started planning his strategy against his opponent. 'Hmm, how do you beat a 300 year old vampire in chess? I can't use the Rolling Dragon, and should stay away from anything else I learned last time... Well, I suppose he's never been to the Russi Empire... I think it's time he's introduced to the Half-Wolfbear assault!'

[Vettrera]

Groupings, are to be declared as follows:

Group A
Lorenzo Del Mar III v Boralz Skrapinapavotla

Group B
Tyrece Harrison v Rook Slide

Group C
Ivan Gersing v Chavez del Roah

Group D
Adam Smithson v Antoine el-Bashwari

Group E
Sam Byrnn
Osmalad Rusegne
Peregrine Konstantinovich

Group F
Vaclav Jezek
Christopher Van Hammel
Ot'j Owvingzur

Tyrece examined the groups, upon seeing his name he noticed the opponent he'd be facing immediately. "Rook Slide". He had faced off against Rook in the last chess tournament. They had exchanged wits several times, Tyrece remember all of their match-ups vaguely. There were a few victories on both ends; but neither of them were able to secure a spot in the next round. After examining the rules again, Tyrece realized something: This was their chance at redemption (and revenge to a lesser extent), but only one of them would earn it. The A-F group system seemed rather odd to Tyrece. A-D would have a 50% shot at advancing, while E-F would have a 66% chance. But it all seemed to balance out in the Quarterfinals; where the 2nd Place teams played the 1st place teams. Still, this tournament reminded him very little of his days in the "Monarch Cup" at the age of 12; he remembered shouting "Checkmate!" when he won against his much older opponents. There was one match he'd never forget though, he had played the representative from Bellmont: A feeble man in his late 60s. For most of the match they had talked, as the man reflected on his past. At one point the old man could have one the game with one move of his knight; Tyrece saw it, as did the man. But instead the man moved his rook, right into a position that would end the game for him. In the end Tyrece muttered a very quiet "Checkmate,". Tyrece hadn't known what had made that man lose on purpose for year's to come until he saw him again, but he'd soon realize that that man had made a sacrifice greater than that one game of chess.

[Karditan]

Rook shuddered as he stepped off the chariot. Not only did this city contain his name, Whiterook wasn't like anything he had ever seen before. He had grown up in the suburbs an hour or two outside Manehattan and lived much of his life near the calm farming communities south on the Delamare River; the busiest city he had been to was Detrot (whose air he could still taste, adding a cringe to his shudder). But the packed industrial city had nothing on this sprawling metropolis, it even sprawled into the sky! He worked his way to the hotel he'd be staying at near the university and pulled out his tablet to check the groups.

"Two person groups? Huh. And I'm facing... Harrison!? Again? Ah, well, at least I know what to expect." Rook then proceeded to pull up videos of their matches from the previous competition and set to work building a new strategy.

[Honourable Angels]

Antoine studied the announcements carefully; he was to play Adam Smithson first. Looking at the groupings, he was confused to see some groups consisted of 2, others of 3. Using the mathematical logic chess had instilled in him, though, he saw that ultimately a quarter-final would consist of 8 players; and that the players in the groupings of 3 were weaker than the other players. Antoine studied the possibilities. Perhaps to even out the rankings, he thought to himself.

Stubbing out his cigarette, he streched, throwing the newspaper onto the sandy floor, which a servant quickly retrieved. The caravan of camels were marching across the inhospitable northern deserts of his nation. Soon they would come to a sea. As soon as they reached that sea, a zeppelin would take them across it.

"Ma'ashak elikir aq-a kafiz" Slave, your water Antoine drawled to one of his swarm whom accompanied him, often carrying loads bigger than their bodies. A slave nervously approached him.
"Yazik qwesa aq-a kafiz" I don't have any water left, the slave replied. The servant riding a camel near Antoine, holding a shade over Antoine's head looked nervous. The Bashwari scowled in displeasure. Drawing his sword, he stabbed the man deeply in the upper arm.
"Kafiz okzwa" Drink that. He smiled cruelly, and lit another cigarette, as the slaves useless arm bled by his side.

[Yesopalitha]

Lorenzo Del Mar III landed in the land of Pawn and King. After winning the first tournament, he had gone back to his study, to analyze the moves that he and his opponents had made the last tournament. It had been a worthwhile experience, and he had learned new strategies and came up with some others of his own. This was why he played chess - because it never stayed the same and there could always be improvements. Although Yesopalitha had gone through a political overhaul, the peoples' appreciation of sports and entertainment hadn't changed, and he had gained may fans from the last tournament. He looked forward to once again going head to head against the best of other nations in the ancient yet new game.

He was rather intrigued by the idea of only having to play another person during the group stages, but he understood that chess wasn't one of the more popular sports in the world. Perhaps in later years, there would be lots more participating. The audience didn't bother him. He'd just play the game of his life, and see how things fared this time. Win or lose, he learned something, and that was all that truly mattered.

[Pawn and King]

Group A results:
Lorenzo Del Mar III v Boralz Skrapinapavotla

39:37 - Draw
38:37 - Draw
39:38 - Draw
39:34 - Lorenzo Del Mar III wins
32:38 - Boralz Skrapinapavotla wins
39:37 - Draw
39:39 - Draw
38:37 - Draw
39:39 - Draw
37:38 - Draw
34:39 - Boralz Skrapinapavotla wins

This game was only supposed to be 5 games, however, when the sudden onslaught of draws began, I thought it was only fair to continue in a 'sudden death mode'.

Lorenzo Del Mar III: 1 - 8 - 2
Boralz Skrapinpavotla: 2 - 8 - 1

Group B:
Tyrece Harrison v Rook Slide

36:35 - Draw
23:20 - Rook Slide wins
37:35 - Draw
37:39 - Draw
20:20 - Tyrece Harrison wins
13:16 - Rook Slide wins

Tyrece Harrison: 1 - 3 - 2
Rook Slide: 2 - 3 - 1

Group C:
Ivan Gersing v Chavez del Roah

39:39 - Draw
30:36 - Chavez del Roah wins
26:27 - Ivan Gersing wins
39:39 - Draw
26:27 - Ivan Gersing wins

Ivan Gersing: 2 - 2 - 1
Chavez del Roah: 1 - 2 - 2

Group D:
Adam Smithson v Antoine el-Bashwari

17:27 - Antoine el-Bashwari wins
25:17 - Adam Smithson wins
25:26 - Antoine el-Bashwari wins
26:21 - Antoine el-Bashwari wins
39:39 - Draw

Adam Smithson: 1 - 1 - 3
Antoine el-Bashwari: 3 - 1 - 1

Group E:

32:26 - Osmalad Rusegne wins, Sam Byrnn loses
33:29 - Peregrine Konstantinovich wins, Osmalad Rusegne loses
39:39 - Osmalad Rusegne v Sam Byrnn, draw
26:20 - Osmalad Rusegne wins, Sam Byrnn loses
37:39 - Peregrine Konstantinovich v Sam Byrnn, draw
35:29 - Peregrine Konstantinovich wins, Sam Byrnn loses

Osmalad Rusegne: 2 - 1 - 1
Sam Byrnn: 0 - 2 - 3
Peregrine Konstantinovich: 2 - 1 - 0

Group F:

16:22 - Vaclav Jezek wins, Christopher Van Hammel loses
20:30 - Vaclav Jezek wins, Ot'j Owvingzur loses
30:25 - Christopher Van Hammel wins, Ot'j Owvingzur loses
27:31 - Ot'j Owvingzur loses, Christopher Van Hammel wins

Vaclav Jezek: 2 - 0 - 0
Christopher Van Hammel: 2 - 0 - 1
Ot'j Owvingzur: 0 - 0 - 3

Quarter-finalists

Osmalad Rusegne v Boralz Skrapinapavotla
Vaclav Jezek v Peregrine Konstantinovich
Rook Slide v Ivan Gersing
Antoine el-Bashwari v Christopher Van Hammel

[Karlada]

Osmalad Rusegne smiled as he though back over the day of intense chess play. Three matches against Sam Byrnn, none of them loses, saw him through to the next round. He had enough experience playing against the competitor from Homelands Our to figure out nearly every move he would make. No surprises, he countered the man's aggressive play effectively. Maybe next year he'll bring something different to the board...

Peregrine Konstantinovich proved a worthy adversary, one that was able to defeat him in their first and only match. He'd have to write down notes on that match, and perhaps study other chess players from Pawn and King. After all, that was where they were playing.

The pairings for the quarterfinals had yet to be posted. Boralz Skrapinapavotla and Lorenzo del Mar III were still locked in a deadlocked duel of wits. They were no doubt two of the best chess players he had ever known. 5 matches had gone by, 3 draws, then a sixth match tied, and a seventh, the eighth, the ninth... It had been twice as long as planned by now. Surely a result would come soon?

At long last the results were in. Boralz had dethroned the champion of the last tournament... and would face Osmalad in the next round.
"Ozar have mercy... will this never end?" The title of Chessmaster of Ayalis would once again be up for grabs. The fires of the old rivalry renewed. Although Boralz looked to be the stronger now, either could still win the match, the title, perhaps the entire tournament could be on the line...
A new day would tell.

[Honourable Angels]

Antoine el-Bashwari smiled to himself. Although this city was unlike any other he had been too, he did not allow that to make him feel uneasy in his surroundings. He crushed Adam Smithson in their 5 games. The poor lamb, he had thought to himself, it would be cruel to dominate him with such a powerful victory. Antoine smirked to himself, remembering how he had gone on, continued to dominate and crush the poor Smithson. A final draw, which was almost a Smithson win had briefly unsettled Baswari, though he did not let it show. At the end of the match, as he lit his cigarette, he spoke to him:

"Yazik taziora weriq" I let you draw, and without shaking his hand, he limped out of the room, supporting himself on his cane.

The real match, he discovered, was between Skrapinpavotla and del Mar. Antoine nearly shivered at the thought of del Mar, the powerful play the vampire had displayed in last tournaments final filled him with unease. A massive series of draws, and eleven games finally defeated the vampire. Bashwari was pleased to see both players looked physically ill from the tension that had accumulated. He would no doubt be playing Skrapinpavotla in the final, now that his largest competition had been displaced.

How to defeat Skrapinpavotla in the final would be a problem to think about. The vampire? Easy. Even 300 year olds cannot ignore pressure and tension. Still. Bashwari had a brief glimpse of emotion, the rarest of all - pity and empathy. He ordered one of his servants to give the vampire a rare tin of tea from his homeland, as well as some pungent tobacco. The vampire, whom had his disgust, still had his respect.

[German Zerabithea]

Brian Momson was your typical 20 something college student at Aswab State, except most people his age probably never get to wok with a famous chess player.

Momson was not actually a big fan a chess, in fact, the only reason he was there, (stuck with a middle aged man who was prone to fits) was because he planed on joining the foreign service, so he had to visit at least one foreign country and write a paper on it. And since being this Ivan was the only opening they had. He was here, half the time writing his paper, the other doing his job with Ivan.

"How does a horse even play chess?" Ivan grumbled out loud. "This tournament just gets weirder and weirder." As Brian handed him his tea while he read the evening news, he felt inclined to calm Mr. Gersing again. "There are actually quite a bit of sentient horse nations across the universe Mr. Gersing, and look on the bright side, you are going to the Quarter Finals."

"Yea" Ivan admitted. "But that was way too close, almost lost myself in the beginning, even with all of the stuff I have read about the guy and how he plays, I'm not used to playing people not from Zerabithea." After this Ivan went back to work and Brian had a couple of hours to work on his paper. He decided that his next section should be about this nations power structure, in some ways it was like the old Zerabithean system till the revolution and subsequent civil war happened. He had a good feeling that however Gersing did for the rest of the tournament, Brian would be getting an A on this paper and a guaranteed job after graduation.

(OOC note: Just so everyone does not get confused, while all official documents and such refer to my nation as German Zerabithea, most citizens just refer to it as Zerabithea.)

[Russi Empire (Ancient)]

Truly it had been a great day for Boralz, perhaps one of the best in his life.

In what was indeed one of the most epic matches in the history of chess, the Russi Chessmaster had defeated the former champion, surprising everyone and proving his immense talents in the game yet again. As he had hoped, the vampire (for all his years of experience) had no knowledge of Russi chess tactics, such as the half-wolfbear. Equally, despite intensive study, Boralz could not predict the movements of his foe. The result was simple: Draw, draw, draw.

In the fourth match, Lorenzo finally overcame Ayalis's champion. Things looked bad. He needed a victory in the next match or he would lose the whole thing. His journey did not stop, though. A radical change of movements had risks, but this time it paid off. The Holy Hedgehog of all things brought victory.

Back to square one, the two set their wits against each other again... and again... and again... The eleventh match came around. By this time all others had finished playing for the day. All eyes were on them. Drenched in sweat, weak mentally and physically, Boralz looked paler than his opponent, a difficult feat. Lacking the endurance of one who had lived 300 years, perhaps his condition made Lorenzo underestimate his ability at that point? Perhaps a small mistake, or a risk he would normally not take?

Whatever the case, the 38 year-old Russi man looked down at the board and saw his chance. He would sacrifice his queen to take nearly all the pieces off the board... except for just as many as he needed. He wiped his brow, and moved in the sacrificial lamb for the slaughter. He closed his eyes and waited for the response... the queen was taken.

The hard-won victory was not the only event that brought joy to him that day. His friend and host from Karditan had won as well. It seemed their time working together had paid off for both of them.

The pairings for the next round astounded him. Once again, he faced Osmalad Rusegne in the second round. He looked forward to the match that would once again determine who was Chessmaster of Ayalis. Only this time, he was the one with the title to lose. The two met each other and exchanged few words, but he learned from the old man that the times of hardship in Rus were hopefully about to end.

So what was there to do next?
'Well, why not do what I usually do between matches.' he thought with a smile, as he headed towards the famous Koltso...

[Karditan]

After congratulating Tyrece on a round well fought, Rook went over to watch the battle everyone was talking about- the Vampire and the Russi. It was extraordinary watching the former champion and his friend going at it to no avail; draw after draw after draw after draw after draw after... wait, what was that? Was that a checkmate?

"BORALZ! WOOH!" Rook jump up and cheered with the crowd as the final move was played. Screw calm and collected, that was an amazing match! He bought Boralz a drink but couldn't stick around to celebrate; he was going to come up against stiffer competition and wanted to analyze his matches against Tyrece. He retired to his hotel room and brooded over the tapes.

"Yes, for the first five matches I was using patchwork strategies; didn't want to show my main strategies to spectators while facing an opponent I can handle well. In the first match I won the left half of my board was the Sandcastle protecting my king, but the right half was the cocked Magnum with a lemon twist. He wanted to strike but didn't want to commit too much, launching a half-barrel somersault attack. But the poor boy telegraphed it badly. Had he gone with the full-barrel somersault, the outcome might have been different. It's much quicker to set up and strike. Though I suppose the Sandcastle could collapse in on itself and protect my king long enough for the Magnum to trap his. He managed to tie it at the last second when he launched the Angry Pelican and swooped behind my defenses in the 5th game, but I went with an all-out crenelated tower system in the tie breaker. A pacifist victory; it's rare for so few points to be captured in a match."

He pulled out his tablet and brought up his blog. [Tune into Fillydelphia Five to see me beat Gersing! I'd also like to send congrats to Clark Jackson and Baron Ringer, those guys are tearing up the NSBO heavyweight division. Good luck to the Wild Kards as they head out for their first WBC appearance, and let's keep Karditinian sports on a roll!]

[Pawn and King]

"I say, what a jolly impressive game, what?" Peregrine was speaking to a journalist in a swanky bar, in one of the most luxurious agriparks in south west Whiterook. "I mean, my game was literally fishfingers compared to the other game. It was like two bloody big whales trying to eat each-other. I think it was a work of art. I think I nearly cried watching it, you know." He paused speaking, and took a sip of Pimms. Before Peregrine could launch back into his monologue, the journalist interrupted.
"Ah yes, of course, it is certainly the game everyone is talking about, but what about your own gam-"
"The prevalence of draws was just absolutely breathtaking. You should've seen them, they were like two gladiators, a modern day Diactus and Morticus. Both of them shivering and pale at the end. Outstanding stuff, really impressive."

A few hours later, the sun beginning to set, the journalist looked exhausted and was smiling wearily at Peregrine.

"And then he traded the rook for the knight, allowing him to develop into the old Bishkek rank and file. Amazing games. Amazing games." He smiled happily at the journalist. "Sorry, what did you want to interview me about again?"

The Pawn and King Times

Peregrine Konstantinovich was interviewed by Johan Isklatt today, and actually had very few things to say about his own games. Instead, he talked at length about Skrapinpavotla and del Mar III game, which everyone found exceedingly impressive.

About his own game, Konstantinovich was exceedingly coy. "It was luck, really, you know." He said modestly. "I saw a few openings with Sam Byrnn and exploited them. I honestly think he must have been feeling a bit ill or something, it's unlike him to not be on form. I say old boy, are you going to finish off that Pimms?"

[Pawn and King]

Quarter-final results:

1st match

29:26 - Boralz Skrapinapavotla wins
30:25 - Osmalad Rusegne wins
39:39 - Draw
31:29 - Boralz Skrapinapavotla wins
39:39 - Draw
27:32 - Boralz Skrapinapavotla wins
28:22 - Boralz Skrapinapavotla wins

Boralz Skrapinapavotla: 4 - 2 - 1
Osmalad Rusegne: 1 - 2 - 4

2nd match

28:27 - Peregrine Konstantinovich wins
29:27 - Vaclav Jezek wins
32:29 - Peregrine Konstantinovich wins
27:28 - Peregrine Konstantinovich wins
39:39 - Draw
30:23 - Vaclav Jezek wins
29:21 - Peregrine Konstantinovich wins

Vaclav Jezek: 2 - 1 - 4
Peregrine Konstantinovich: 4 - 1 - 2

3rd match

21:27 - Ivan Gersing wins
39:39 - Draw
38:39 - Draw
39:39 - Draw
39:39 - Draw
25:21 - Rook Slide wins
30:28 - Rook Slide wins

Rook Slide: 2 - 4 - 1
Ivan Gersing: 1 - 4 - 2

4th match

19:15 - Antoine el-Bashwari wins
26:37 - Draw
13:18 - Antoine el-Bashwari wins
25:32 - Draw
24:19 - Antoine el-Bashwari wins
15:25 - Antoine el-Bashwari wins
17:19 - Antoine el-Bashwari wins

Christopher Van Hammel: 0 - 2 - 5
Antoine el-Bashwari: 5 - 2 - 0

Semi-finals

Boralz Skrapinapavotla v Rook Slide
Peregrine Konstantinovich v Antoine el-Bashwari