League length build considerations

Thasmodious · Post by **Thasmodious** » Sat Jan 06, 2007 4:46 am

Looking over the very handy sticky with LRBv5 builds has been quite helpful. Myself and three others are starting up a league (having not used these rules before), and I had a few questions.

There are 4 coaches controlling two teams apiece. The teams are divided into two conferences and two divisions per conference. The league season consists of two division games, two conference games (against other division) and two interconference games, for a total season length of (obviousl) 6 games. I assume this would be considered a rather short season?

As such, how does that change general build strategy? Should I be more inclined to spend now for specialist positions or build a more generic team with backup players to aid in fielding 11 while saving for positions? I am planning an orc and a halfling team. After reading over the v5 rules, I thought it might be wise to buy short on a halfling or goblin team and save money for inducements. I was pleased to see that thinking seems rather standard and my head was in the right place (it gives me hope).

Also (apologize for the length and rambling range of the questions), as league commish, I was wondering, for those of you with experience with league seasons about this length, are the standard league rules and money sufficient? Should I consider starting higher and/or paying more per match or any other adjustments for the length of the league in general?

Thanks in advance for any and all help/advice.

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Sat Jan 06, 2007 5:16 am

Thas,

You seem to be on a good start for a beginning group of players. Six games is really a good way to get a feel for the game and have fun with progression. The good thing here is that when you are new to league gaming, if something goes weird with some team, or you make some mistake you realize 3 games later, you can finish out the season with the lesson learned. You can then collectively make a decision about whether or not to bring your team into a nextseason, maybe longer, or even start a fresh team (same races, names, etc., just new clean rosters) in a new longer league to see what your group likes. I think you are basically giving yourself some good options.

I run a league with a small group of friends as well, we average around 8 teams, run them one game each against each other, then playoffs and a final Cup game. So far, we have gone with a fresh slate each time, because we all agree that the progression of a team in this short term is what makes the game the most fun......but I am certain that others will disagree with me, favoring teams of astronomical values fighting in epic battles on the pitch. It comes down to the preference of the group, and the way you run it, there is not much that you can really do wrong.

For your build strategy, I would personally look at my opponents very closely. You are not going to have much progression, much gold to play with. If I were running a Human team for example, I would be more inclined to go for the Ogre off the bat in this shorter league, especially if the league contained a good number of Groundpound teams.

You shouldn't plan to hold gold for inducements. Fill out your Goblin or Halfling team, buy the apothecary, a few cheerleaders here and there, but don't hold money over just to get a temporary "fix" for one game. That's always my strategy, gold can't really help you while it sits in the bank, you gotta spend it.

For an Orc team, in a short format, I would take into account that they are hard to break their AV, I would look at my own personal style towards BB and go from there, but I would definitely accept the fact that if I dont start with the Big Guy now, I may be enticed to not ever buy him due to the length of the league. (Most people buy the Big Guy around the 4th to 5th game)

Im rambling too...... I hope this helps.

Ren

Cramy · Post by **Cramy** » Sat Jan 06, 2007 2:53 pm

For the goblins and halflings, expecially for the halflings, I would use inducements. The master chef is king for the halflings. You want one of those. And having enough money to induce Deeproot every game is a big bonus as well.

For Goblins, similar approach. Keep inducements so that you can hire the goblin stars that help you the most for the game at hand. A bomber ain't that useful against teams that spread-out, while a chainsaw is not that useful against high AV teams. With the inducements, pick the one that is best for each game. Ripper is a pretty good inducement as well.

For all other teams, spend all your gold.

For the rest, I agree with Renegade. To expand a bit more on his statement about getting the big guys now, or you won't be able to get them at all (potentially). For such a short league, start with more positionals if you can. You won't have time to buy the more expensive positionals with only 6 games with the more expensive teams (HE, DE and WE for example).

Thasmodious · Post by **Thasmodious** » Mon Jan 08, 2007 4:54 am

Thanks for the advice guys. I agree Cramy, still fairly sold on the inducements for the halflings. After all, the cash doesn't count towards TV, and I can spend it straight up right before the playoffs, if they make it, to bolster the team.