In August, the power-armored crusaders in the Saved By Grace clan issued a summons. In a bid to assemble a congregation of gamers in competitive union, a cash purse was dangled before hand-picked opponents who were invited to participate in a series of Big Team Battles. That’s how clans extend their campaigns into Halo 3. You want Big Team to be ranked? Rank it yourself. 16 teams quickly descended upon their forum to claim the prize. The winning clan would claim $100 – intended to support their website operations. Server space don’t pay for itself, after all…
The Gunslingers were there among an impressive gathering of clans. So was C1nder, PMS, The 9th Player, PraetoriaGuard, H3 Wheelmen, 2nd Foundation, Swat Krue, Calm Before The Storm, Fallen Unity, OutCast Reborn, 8-Bit Brigade, Buddy System Gaming, Deaf Gamers Online, and [of course] Saved By Grace. Most were familiar houses. To us, some were new entries – or dark horses – in the running.
Tied the Leader would like to thank SBG, on behalf of all clans involved, for being excellent hosts. This invitational was an excellent chance to become acquainted with new clans, and deal some lead to some old friends. Our Good Game Network even gained a new affiliate, or two.
From round to round, the preceedings were managed with efficiency, order, and… well… grace. As the finals drew near, they were even forced to negotiate delays of game due to everything from hurricanes to LAN Parties. The Gunslingers, as always, fought to benefit their TTL Foundation. In our house, any spare cash is forwarded to people who need it more than us. That was our inspiration, and we thumbed back the hammers on our revolvers.
Who won?
Everyone who played won. Clan-based community is the best way to enjoy a video game, after all. Knowing that one is part of something larger than one’s self adds so many dimensions to the role play. Teamwork. Commaraderie. This invitational tournament was a solid reminder of why we fight.
Who claimed the cash prize?
Man! You are persistent in your fetish for the scoreboard. Aren’t you? Those exploits are not for me to descibe. This gamerblogger is not a prize-fighter. My desk job in the propaganda ministry at TTL – not to mention untold hours in the plush seat of the Warthog, has made me soft.
For the gorey details, you will have to consult TTL Gilthanis. He was our Team Leader and Mission Commander for this series of bouts. This eager, young killer took our Gunslingers by the belts and marshalled them up to and through the final round against SBG.
Props to SBG for a great tournament and all the participants from someone who can only dream of playing at that level!
I like to ride shotgun with DeeJ.