[MAG] The Tribune Vol.2, Issue 13, Week 16

[Lucifa]

The RSTL Tribune: Volume 2, Issue 13, Week 16




Table of Contents


I. Introduction
II. Mod Balls
III. Weekly Highlights
IV. Lucifa’s Loose Cypher
V. Lucifa Breaks It Down For You
VI. RSTL Season 2 Official Awards
VII. Play-Off Rankings
VIII. MetaSin’s Predictions
IX. Meta’s Sleepers
X. Honey Of The Week
XI. Outroduction


_____

I. Introduction

And it is done. Season 2 is over and we’re headed straight in to the Play-Offs. The last few weeks have slid off in terms of numbers competing and the amount of no-shows increased, all of which was a bad look for the league. Not only hurting the look but also having a knock on effect that spreads like a nasty STD in an orgy. One person yawns, the next guy yawns, then 3 others yawn, then before you know it everyone is yawning and the bus crashes and flies off the mountain side. This goes for us mods too as the incentive to keep coming back to do all this for you guys, whether it’s working out scores and closing threads or ruling on breaches and disagreements and even motivation to produce a worthwhile mag for you guys. We see your lack of effort and we have to question whether our effort is worth the time in return. Hopefully the Play-Offs will go well and we can get voting volume back on track to really make it a successful tournament for all involved. Then continue that in to Season 3, which as has been stated previously, will begin DURING the Play-Offs.

At this time, I would like to extend a warm invitation to those who disagree with the way our magazines are written, or to those who may disagree with our views or the way we express opinions, or simply to those whom may just want to help out and have a sincere concern for the future of this league. Please feel free to email us: usadesigns1@gmail.com (Quriosity) or lokoproductions@hotmail.co.uk (Lucifa). Alternatively contact us via instant message on AIM: joekraq (Quriosity) or lokoveli (Lucifa). We are always open to suggestions and help from those who are truly interested.

[Lucifa]

II. Mod Balls

Edition 6 of Mod Balls:

Although my introduction reflects my (and I’m sure Q too) feelings on the ratio of effort between the mods and the league and the competitors and the league, I would also like to take a moment to show some appreciation to all who have been involved in the league this season.

Thank You

I joined this league way back in like 02 maybe and only stayed for a week or 2 as I was more into my text battles and trying (but failing) to make decent audios. I returned to RM after a few years absence and joined the RSTL about 3 weeks into Season 1 of the rebirth. I liked the vibe we had and the competition seemed strong and I was interested in seeing if I could still mix it with peeps. Cut to today, I’m sat here writing the mag almost single handily as a moderator of the league. Now all has not been as smooth as I would have hoped when I accepted the spot and Q pretty much regrets opting for such an opinionated cunt as myself, but I have said from the start that if anyone feels it’s because of me that the league falls down, then to say so and I would give up the mod spot. No-one, well no-one that I value the opinion of, which is everyone but Got Life?, has said they’d like me to step down so I have continued to do my best and enforce the rules as best possible, whilst turning out a mag and topics along with helping Q as best I can in other areas on a weekly basis.
Another mountain formed lately from some bullshit over the printed rules suddenly being overlooked to suit and Q went “public” on some “fuck Lucifa” business. Although I really don’t want people picking sides as Q and I (and Jooksey) are here for you guys and although we may take detours in approach, we are still pulling in the same direction to keep the league alive and kicking. I do thank the people that have shown support to me however, and I really do appreciate that people are willing to speak up in the open as well as in private in showing me some love for trying to do things right and whatever.
We (I don’t think I’m alone here) would like to thank everyone that has signed in to the league during this season. It’s just a shame there’s also a “fuck you” in there to the people that have wasted our time by signing in and constantly no-showing (looking at you Condescending). We thank all competitors, as it is infact you guys, and not us mods, that make this league what it is. Again, there is a flip side to the thanks as it really does annoy us that so many of you put a verse up for feedback and votes, then flat out refuse to go leave feed and votes on other battles. That shit is just lame to the tenth degree.
But yes, thank you to everyone for your time and activity within the league and long may it continue.

Lucifa
Aim – Lokoveli

[Lucifa]

III. Weekly Highlights

Match of the Week
Lucifa v .:Pain:.

Best Verse
Lucifa

Worst Verse
LDogg (sorry, but someone has to have it)

Best Flow
Vern Acular

Best Story
Lucifa

Best Imagery
Lucifa

Best Overall Mechanics
Eye-Rime

Best Story Progression
Lucifa

Best Voter
Quriosity

Biggest Surprise
Pent uP being crowned Champ after signing in for “one week”.

Biggest Upset
The total lack of effort from the league.

[Lucifa]

IV. Lucifa’s Loose Cypher

Loose Cypher: A Few Words

I almost don’t want to do this segment this week as the effort from competitors was piss poor in general. Eesh.. but I will return the effort, don’t worry.
My Top 5:

Lucifa's Verse Of The Week

Vern Acular

The audio helped. Nice piece though.

Lucifa's Runner-Up Verse

SpeedyCalhoun

Straight story telling piece.

Completing The Top 5 (in no particular order)

Infinite Truth

Short but sweet.

Pent uP

Overly confused it a bit but cool all the same.

Eye-Rime

Clichés aside this was a well written piece.

[Lucifa]

V. Lucifa Breaks It Down

CHAMPIONSHIP: Cereal_Killer v Pent uP
Yet another champ fails to retain the title as Pent uP takes the crown from CK’s head in a battle that won’t go down as a classic. It was a fairly even affair by many accounts, but there was a clear winner as Pent’s verse about an invisible man made for a more interesting read that CK’s rather warped tale of sexual interaction.
Pent uP wins 4-0


CONTENDERSHIP: Eye-Rime v SpeedyCalhoun
A mess of a battle. A battle that according to the rules should not have been. But it was and in general it was a bit of a let down. Eye-Rime gave us his usual standard of mechanics but failed to lift his content of the screen leaving readers under whelmed and un-moved by the story. Whilst Cal didn’t really make the most of his concept and kinda went through the motions to get to his closer, but it did prove to be the more interesting piece.
SpeedyCalhoun wins 3-0


Vern Acular v A.S.K
Disappointed to see A.S.K no-show so soon and it was made worse considering Vern actually turned up with a proper verse this week. Accompanied by an audio too. Then Vern decides to not take the win and fails to vote.
Vern Acular wins via No-Show. (Win not recorded)

Lucifa v .:Pain:.
I thought Pain would come strong this week to maybe get a win back via me, so I put some extra effort into my piece than I have done lately (maybe also spurred on by Meta’s segment in last weeks mag). Pain gave a decent showing but lacked some real focus and flair to make it a bit more competitive.
Lucifa wins 4-(-4)


MetaSin v Tha Pastor R.Y.
Maybe Meta knew he was in for a no-show week. He didn’t really produce a notable piece as he just mumbled some story to show in the thread, although the flow was pretty nice. Spoilt even that small effort by failing to vote on the required amount of battles.
MetaSin wins via No-Show. (Win not recorded)


nom de plume. v Infinite Truth
This was set to be another great match up of 2 talented writers. The end result however was far from it as neither showed why they’re so highly rated. Teasing us with glimmers of nice wording but really not offering much by way of content. Then to continue the lack of effort, neither fucking voted.
Infinite Truth wins 3-(-3)


Cormier v MC4SiGHT
Surprise surprise, MC4SiGHT no shows. Cormier produced a rather interesting piece about an old man who gets taunted for his actions. Leaving the tale with a sticking thought that wasn’t overly cheesy. Alas, he/she also didn’t vote.
Cormier wins via No-Show. (Win not recorded)


LDogg v Condescending
What a surprise, Con no-showed. Well Condescending has now been banned for the entire 16 weeks of Season 3 because of all the no-showing he’s inflicted on this league during his stints. LDogg had it in the bag and posted up some little blurb of a verse to claim the win, and then didn’t vote so voided it. When will you guys learn?
LDogg wins via No-Show. (Win not recorded)

[Lucifa]

VI. RSTL Season 2 Official Awards

You can find a fuller breakdown version here: Clicky Clicky To The Sticky

RSTL Season 2 Official Awards:

Retaining The Crown -aka- Season 2 Longest Serving Champion: Lucifa



Schmuck Fuck -aka- Season 2 Bitchmade Prick: Got Life?



You're Appreciated -aka- Season 2 Mods Thank: nom de plume. / MetaSin



Records Speak Volumes -aka- Season 2 Best Win Loss Ratio: Quriosity 11-2-4 / +7 aggregate



Sleeper Hit -aka- Season 2 Best Underdog: SpeedyCalhoun



Feedback King -aka- Season 2 Best Voter: Quriosity



Knock Out King -aka- Season 2 Biggest Vote Margin: Lucifa 11-0 vs Pain



Verse Of Verses -aka- Season 2 Best Verse:
TheReturn - The Optimist



Can't Stop Me -aka- Season 2 Longest Undefeated Record: Quriosity (7 weeks without loss)



Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda -aka- Season 2 Non-Champ Champ: MetaSin

[Lucifa]

VII. Play-Off Rankings

----- The Official RSTL Rankings -----
[ROUND ONE]

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

1. Nah Son [45]
2. Lucifa [43]
3. Mound 10 [36]
4. Cereal_Killer [22]
5. Eye-Rime [19]
6. RICO [18]
7. MetaSin [17]
8. Nom De Plume. [16]
9. Infinite Truth [16]
10. LDogg [16]
11. DaAlmightyDolla [15]
12. TheReturn [15]
13. Pent Up [14]
14. Vada [14]
15. DeadKing [10]
16. Bodian [8]

[Lucifa]

VIII. MetaSin’s Predictions

Nah Son vs Bodian
NS’s rep preceeds him for me, as I have not seen him compete personally. In my estimation however, he is the favorite, and is said to be Jook (which he denies whole heartedly). Bodian started the season strong, and I felt he had a chance to be champ had he stuck around. I am going to go with the favorite here, because I trust the opinions of many who feel like Nah will probably win this match.

Lucifa vs DeadKing
Lucy is coming off a week 16 where he finally got back to his winning ways. DK has been signed out for a week, but is one of the writers that may surprise people if he comes to his potential. I am going to have to go with Lucy pulling this battle out, but only by a few votes. I think the playoff atmosphere will see both competitors come with nice pieces, but I think Lucy will be better received by the rest of the competitors.

Mound 10 vs Vada
Push. I haven’t read anything from either competitor, and with the lack of time I’m not going to look anything up right now, however I’ve heard Headless is Mound 10, and well…. I hope Vada wins, though I’ve heard Headless is atleast somewhat good on the topical end of text, regardless if people find him to be a prick.

Cereal_Killer vs Pent uP
Last week of the season these two matched up for the title, and I thought CK would win. He didn’t, and Pent came out of nowhere to become the season’s last champion. The battle was fairly close, and although after reading Pent’s and thinking CK would have just enough, he came up short in his execution. This week I’m going to go with Pent, as he seems to be catching stride and shaking off the rust. I think this’ll be fairly close, with Pent winning with a better story.

Eye-Rime vs TheReturn
Hmmm. Q has been taking care of school, and life, and TheReturn has been poppin off at parties, and getting pistol whipped. Advantage TR. Being under the influence of medication, and seemingly having more time on his hands, I have TR taking this with a more creative story. Q could always win this, but he just hasn’t seemed to care lately, and the stresses of the league (GL, Lucifa) seem to be annoying him, lol.

RICO vs DaAlmightyDolla
Rico seems to believe that in the playoffs he has the ability, and will to make it to the final four. Apparently he performed in last season’s playoff, though I haven’t read anything to give him the edge here. I think DAD is more consistent, and has better mechanics/more pleasing style for the voters. I think DAD takes this one.

MetaSin vs Ldogg
I’ve beaten him before, and he complained and began calling me wack, etc… lol. Ldogg is more than a decent competitor, but it seems as if he can’t accept a loss. I think his experience will be a good advantage, but I think it’ll come down to who has a better story. I think I’m more than capable of winning this battle, but so is he. This will be a solid test for both of us in moving along in the playoffs.

nom de plume. vs Infinite Truth
A rubber match of sorts, although neither guy gave their A effort in the final week of the season. Nom has grown on me as the season has progressed. I think his wording is top notch, and he evokes very good emotion in the verses, and approaches topicals well. IT also has good wording, and an outstanding flow, with his rhyme scheme varying week to week. I honestly thought these two would both make the final four, but the way the rankings fall one very good competitor must be eliminated. Not once have I picked Nom in their previous battles, so I’m gonna shake things up… I think Nom will take this one, possibly by a single vote.

[Lucifa]

IX. MetaSin’s Sleepers

Although some may feel like the competition isn't up to par in this season's playoffs, I think there are quite a few good matchups in the first round. Each competitor seems to be confident in their abilities, and atleast at times has shown the ability to write a good story. I actually have a 3 picks, for different reasons.

Sleeper 1: MCQ. Motherfuck pleeeeease.... write like you give a fuck, lol. Easilly one of the best in this league... His flow is butter, and mechanics are solid, but hasn't seemed to be able to write a more than average story. I actually am being slightly harsh, cuz I haven't felt as tho he's been bad per say, but it seems as tho he can't get over with the voters lately. I've been expectin Q to rebound in astounding fashion and its yet to happen. I expect it during the playoffs, but drawing TR in the first round is a tough task at the top of your game, much less being unmotivated, and strapped for time. I predicted TR, but have no problem being happily surprised with a Q victory.

Sleeper 2: CK is a strong competitor, coming off a week where he lost his "belt". Ironically, his playoff begins with a rematch against the very person that took his title, Pent. I feel as though CK may not be at the top of everyone's list as someone having a shot to win the entire thing, but I can see it happening if he executes his verses better than last week. He is a sleeper because I think he's lost a bit of momentum, but has a very solid chance of winning if he performs to his ability.

Sleeper 3: Deadking. I've found that DK is one of the writers in this league that doesn't get much credit for his writing. I feel he is the BIGGEST underdog with an actual chance to go far in the playoffs. I have been surprised on occassion by how much I've enjoyed his pieces, and I tend to like his details and I also believe his flow is usually pretty good. Although I wasn't the biggest fan of his last showing against 3-Planes, I feel as though it was still a solid piece against a solid opponent, and being that I've read better from him I believe he may catch some individuals by surprise. He is facing a battler in Lucifa that had a great season, and is back onto his winning ways. He will need to bring his A Game to give himself a shot, and I believe he has a chance to come out with the biggest upset of the first round. We will see...

[Lucifa]

X. Honey Of The Week

Mariah Carey

Call it lazy, but I’ve gone mainstream this week with this Diva.
This banshee of a vocalist has a banging figure with some very tasty looking tits.
Surely everyone here has thought about giving her one, no?

[Lucifa]

XI. Outroduction

Hopefully during the Play-Offs and even more so during Season 3, you lot will inspire me to really feel like writing these mags are worth my time and effort as weeks like this really do make me feel like “fuck it, they can go without” as I feel it’s unfair for Q and myself to spend our spare time giving you guys an arena to fight it out topically and then really show us no love with your efforts. I have a few ideas for next season to do with the mag and hopefully I can get some more people offering to take on a segment to lighten my load and make the whole magazine less single minded as it all comes down to my opinion and my choices which is not only tedious to myself, but surely for all you lot that read the mag.

Thanks to MetaSin for his contribution to the mag.

Play-Off time. Let’s get this shit popping!

[Quriosity]

Originally Posted by Lucifa

Another mountain formed lately from some bullshit over the printed rules suddenly being overlooked to suit and Q went “public” on some “fuck Lucifa” business.

CONTENDERSHIP: Eye-Rime v SpeedyCalhoun
A mess of a battle. A battle that according to the rules should not have been.

see, this is why i say "fuck lucifa".

i try to let the shit go and tell myself that im overreacting, but its like the vice president making side deals behind the president's back, or like robin slandering batman's name in the streets

i've given ample proof of my reasoning behind the call and in no way did it help me, i had more than enough lines to grab an easy win the night before, if anything it helped speedy

either way, get off this shit, you talk tough about doing good for the league and this that and the other but what good is it to cause beef between the two active moderators? i'll admit that you're single handedly pouring my interest and concern for this league down the drain because the people have always made slick remarks and said whatevers clever to keep it moving but my fellow moderator should at least show his support and actually "have my back"... not continue to label me a cheater in every different way possible

[Got Life?]

not to mention that lucy cheated himself with that starting pain at -1 bullshit which is undocumented anywhere and just a bullshit move that happened to have had no consequence...but talk about some kid that's perpetually on some bullshit.

[Lucifa]

lol ..

Q - whatever .. subject is dropped as far as back n forth goes .. the mag is what it is .. it covers the issues and happenings of the week .. I don't give a fuck if it's you, me, or anyone else .. if something happens that I feel is worth mentioning .. I'll mention it ..

GL? - suck your mother ..