01 [the birth of baci]

[DD]

And so the game actually begins.

But in a way, it doesn't feel like it. I still don't know who three members of this cast are going to be. I think Phillip and Neleh will be here on time, but I really have no clue about Christa. We'll just have to see. The only one I'm truly concerned about is Neleh. Part of me wants her to show up, and part of me doesn't. But more on that later.

So going into the captains challenge, I wanted to win it! I know that's kind of a poor strategic move, but I wanted the power and prestige that came along with the title. I haven't played since season 1, and I really wanted to come out swinging. I was going to go for it, so I accordingly started planning out a tribe that would suit the game I wanted to play.

I didn't want to be with the pentagon when the game started. I just didn't. I feel like I would have been detected early, and it would have been bad. I'm really trying to go with my gut this season, even though I claimed in the last thread not to have a good one. But if I'm going to make it through this game and win, I'm going to need to trust my gut. And as simple and basic as this may sound, my gut told me I needed immunity.

So I started thinking. I wanted to construct a really strong tribe that would win, and if we lost, I would be in the center of a core alliance. I was already talking to Shawna, and I suggested that herself, Sydney and I would be a strong trio in terms of challenges. This wouldn't come as a shock because people know Sydney and I are close. But I still wouldn't be with the pentagon. Although seemingly hesitant, Shawna agreed. I was on a mission to make this trio happen!

So I didn't win the captains challenge, and thus I knew my fate was in the hands of everyone else. Luckily, Sydney did! So I went right to work. I pitched the idea to her, with my basis for it, and she completely agreed. Her and Shawna are on fine terms, and she loved the idea of a really strong tribe. Luckily, Syndey was able to pick me first, and nabbed some other strong picks along the way. And she got Shawna. I really lucked out ACTUALLY making that trio happen. But hey, I was given the title The Ringleader, and I suppose I'm going to live up to it. But I also said I'm not as controlling as I once was, and I believe this to be true. Sydney wanted Kourtney, and I gave her that. Anyway, here is the tribe.

baci




I like it, I really do! I'm going to do a full analysis of the tribe (and the other tribes as well!) later. But for now, I'm focusing on us. With this tribe, Sydney and I instantly went to work trying to get a solid group of four together. If I had it my way, it would have been Shawna and Neleh with Sydney and I, but I can't hold out for Neleh. I just can't. My gut was saying that I needed to let her go, and I can help her survive if she shows up. But I can't create a foursome with someone who isn't here. It just won't work. Neleh has to work for herself.

Sydney wanted Kourtney, so we decided to go with that. I already have an alliance with Kourtney anyway, which actually worked out well. Plus, Kourtney and I knew we were with Sydney long before we had Shawna. The trio of Sydney, DD and Kourtney was already kind of in motion, because Sydney and I didn't believe we'd be so lucky as to get Shawna, but then we did.

Once we got Shawna, we went to work on Kourtney and Shawna, trying to get them to be more comfortable with each other. They were both hesitant at first, but then Kourtney created a group chat for herself, Sydney and I, and we basically forced Shawna into it. But they were fast friends! We officially made an alliance of us ladies, and you know what that means!



And there it is. The core four of the group. This is a really nice precaution, but I'm hoping we don't even need it. I don't ever want to see tribal council with this tribe, and there's no reason to. Even if Savage replaces Neleh, I still think we're the strongest tribe of them all. That doesn't mean we can get cocky, because anything can happen. But I'm feeling good. I'm really energized about this game, and I'm ready to compete. I am going to bring the top of my game to every challenge, and I won't settle for anything less than immunity.

After the four was decided on, Chase got online. We have been talking to him for a while now and he fits in really well. I think he's going to be a great addition to the tribe. Unfortunately, Neleh is REALLY behind. She needs to get her ass here if she has any chance at longevity in this game. If she can prove herself in the challenges, she may stay over Sean if we lose. But I'm worried about Neleh. I consider her a close friend in ORGs and it would be painful to vote her out. I realize I have a lot of close friends in this game, and I'll grow more comfortable with the idea of voting them out in time, but I'm not ready yet. I'm just not. But I'll have to learn in time. Let's just win though. Let's just win.

mount andouille

This shit scares me right here. I've been in games with shit like this before; it doesn't go well for me. I don't go, I'm not sent, I don't find things when I am. I'm nervous about it, but I'm just going to try my best. Kim is really good at this shit, and I know she'll send me everything and anything she finds. I just need to exploit that fully. Love you Kim and you're my F2, but if I can exploit you along the way, I'm going to do so.

Tribal analysis coming up!

[DD]

tribe analysis

Welp, it's time to dole out everything I know about these tribes. Gotta see what information I can conjure via analysis. I never know what I might be missing.

tribe A




statistics: B (2); C (2); D (1); E (2) | S1: 1; S3: 1; S4: 2; S5: 3

This is a really interesting tribe. Also, I'll just note that I'm going to say that about every tribe. Regardless, it is. It has a lot of people that I view to be from the same group of friends. I really think Alexis, Jonas, Vee and Wanda are all friends in some capacity. But Jonas claimed that there is potential beef between him and Alexis. I also don't think things are that clear cut. Phillip hasn't come around yet, but I do think he will. If he does, I can't see him finding his way into a solid alliance. Eliza, I really have no read on her. She may be the person I'm least connected to in the entire cast. I literally know nothing about her, and therefore cannot wait for her to leave. Sandra is an interesting member of this tribe, because Wanda picked her first. Maybe she felt bad about eliminating her in the challenge? Hard to say. Anyway, this makes it terribly evident that I actually know very little about the intricacies of that friendship group. I don't know if Alexis is actually after me, or if Wanda is either. A lot of reasons I'd love to see this tribe go to tribal. In terms of usefulness to me, on that tribe:

Jonas > Vecepia > Sandra > Eliza > Phillip > Alexis > Wanda

tribe B




statistics: A (3); B (2); D (2) | S1: 2; S3: 3; S4: 1; S5: 1

I may be biased, but this is a fantastic tribe. Assuming Neleh shows up, they really will be one of the stronger tribes in every immunity challenges. I think everyone perceives this tribe to never really see tribal council so long as we're in this phase. Unfortunately, this game is unpredictable and anything can happen. With a streak of bad luck, this tribe could see tribal council a lot! You never know. I'm hoping that this tribe coasts, though. I want to see them succeed. I'm going to do a detailed post about tribal ranking and such, based on my point of view, next. Can't wait!

tribe C




statistics: A (2); B (1); C (3); E (1) | S2: 6; S4: 1

Here's a tribe that I actually have an inside scoop on! Judd tells me a lot. Nope, it's not Brandon. Judd has proven to be a great friend in this game so far. Definitely wanting to keep him around, but I am loyal to the pentagon in the end. Anyway, this tribe is interesting because of Judd. Judd doesn't want to go with Brandon's plan. Brandon wants to make a season 2 alliance, which would just exclude Coach. Even if they get Elyse instead of Christa, it will still be all of season 2 with Coach. I could see Judd trying to make a move, too. I think he secretly wants revenge for Sausage 4. Unfortunately, Judd, if you do try and make a move I will have to try and stop you. This move would be against Dylan and I'm not ready for Dylan to leave this game yet. Especially not INSTEAD of Coach. No way. Coach has way too many connections because of Lab and FE. I want Coach gone. Judd thinks he has Miki to pull this move off with, but I disagree. I think Miki is loyal to the Pentagon. Here's this tribe in usefulness to me:

Miki > Brandon > Judd > Ibrehem > Candice > Coach > Elyse

tribe D




statistics: A (2); B (2); D (2); E (1) | S1: 3; S2: 2; S3: 1; S4: 1

Lex and Brett, I have to say that I'm unsure if you guys could have PLANNED a more interesting tribe. This tribe is actual gold. I laughed when I saw it; I just straight up laughed. First, Rory versus Kim and Ted. Kim, Rory and Rob were all in the final 4 of season 1. Kim backstabbed Rob and Rob didn't listen to Rory. Rory frontstabbed Kim and taunted her along the way. Sekou is sekou. Alex was Cirie, but I think he's over that now, and is probably pretty close to Kim. But Ted apparently made a black alliance and included Alex because he's black in real life? I don't even know. I know that this tribe is an absolute clusterfuck and Kim is not as safe as she thinks. I would predict that she's trying to do something in terms of herself, Alex, Rob, Colby and/or Ted, but I really don't know. It's no secret Kim is a huge threat. I don't see them winning a lot, and Kim could be in trouble if they lose. Usefulness:

Kim > Ted > Colby > Alex > Sekou > Boston Rob > Rory

tribe E




statistics: C (2); D (2); E (3) | S1: 1; S3: 1; S4: 2; S5: 3

I feel like this tribe is so awkward. They're like the quiet and supposedly weak tribe. But I'm not counting them out just yet. Mary, Kelly and Pete have all brought it in challenges before. Cochran, Rob C and Jason are all going to try really hard. Carter has potential too. I think on the surface they are the weakest tribe, but I'm not counting them out just yet. Jason picking Kelly first was definitely interesting to me, and I'd love to investigate that relationship further when possible. I hope Kelly and Mary team up again, but we'll have to see what happens. I really have no read on this tribe, but I'll try and get more information from Kelly when I can. Usefulness:

Kelly > Rob C > Mary > Carter > Cochran > Jason > Pete

breakdown

tribe B > tribe C > tribe D > tribe A > tribe E

[DD]

cast assessment

It seems as though I missed one.



Fuck this bitch. The last time I played with her, she gave me an hour and half lecture because I stabbed her in the back. She told me I should have no friends in real life, because I would throw them to the wolves for any sort of personal gain. Shut up, skank. You don't have to worry about me backstabbing you this time! I'm coming at you from the front.

baci tribe analysis

Unlike the tribe B analysis, this one is going to be in terms of usefulness to me.

1.

Sydney is far and away my closest ally on this tribe. She's great in the challenges and she trusts me 100%. For now, I trust her too. I know she's going to be weary of me down the road, and that's okay. But for now I want to work with her, and I can't see that changing much before the merge.

2.

Shawna is someone I've wanted to work with for a long time. She's fantastic in challenges and has proven to be loyal when she means it. And I really think she means it with me. People like her and Sydney make me not want to go with the pentagon. But I am going to need other options. The likelihood of all five of us making merge is slim, but if we do then I'm going to be in a great spot regardless. Either way, I need options to get there. Shawna is a great one, and I can't see myself voting her out any time soon.

3.

24 hours ago, Kourtney would not have been this high on the list. But I said I was going to be adaptable and I meant it. She's in the alliance of 4 on this tribe, and therefore she's a top 3 member to me. I do consider Kourtney a good ally of mine right now. I really have no intention of turning on her anytime soon. I'm worried if she hooks up with Wanda, Alexis or Jonas, but for now I feel safe with her. She's super cool and I think we have gotten along very well so far.

4.

She's lower than I imagined, but she's really just not around. I love Neleh, but if she doesn't get her ass into gear she's going to be an early boot. I want her here over Sean and Chase... so she better pick it up! Come on Neleh, I know what you can do, but you need to show the rest of the tribe. She better be in tip-top shape when we have our first challenge.

5.

Chase is someone that I really like, but he kind of represents a problem to me. I want Shawna to be mine in this game, and Chase is definitely one of her options to stray from me. The earlier I can get rid of Chase the better, though if push comes to shove, I think I could inbed myself in a trio with him and Shawna. I think that's the sign of being in a good place - wanting to get rid of someone, but being able to align with them if you can't.

6.

Sean has got to go. He is trying to come across as trustworthy, but I just can't believe him. He proved last season, that when you need him most he will flip. I never want to be in the position where I'm depending on Sean. If I have to depend on Sean, I might as well vote for myself. The earlier he goes, the more certainty I have in this game.

[DD]

Well I'm sure you guys have heard what the vote is, but I'll start from the beginning. Upon reading the twist, I was instantly worried about Neleh. The first thing I heard from anyone was from Jonas, saying he wanted Neleh out. I immediately told him she was on my tribe and he apologized. I then told Sydney, who told Alexis, who told Jonas. Jonas confronts me, so I immediately tried to save face by asking him if our tribes can work together. He said yes and Alexis created a blast chat. At that point, I felt okay with 14 people working together.

We almost immediately agreed on Sekou and then started talking about other things. Shortly thereafter, Sydney told me she was invited to a captains' chat, excluding Wanda. The other tribes wanted to take someone out of Wanda's tribe, and decide they were going to go for Vee. This, however, didn't work for Kim, Sydney or myself. I told Sydney to fight for someone else (which she wanted to anyway) and Kim does the same. Eventually the four captains voted on Jonas.

Jonas was not my first choice, but it isn't Vee. Jonas was definitely not Kourtney's first choice, and she put up a bit of a fuss actually. Eventually though, she succumbed to the vote. Unfortunately, the person I made a tribal alliance with for this vote, I am voting for. He's going to be SO mad at me. But I can't worry about that. Jonas is a huge threat in this game that has a lot of friends here. Plus, I wasn't in the decision-making process. How can he really hold it against me? Four people decided he was leaving, and told the other 24. Not my fault! So this round, I will be voting for:



And I really did feel bad, until this:

jonassausage
the person who's most deserving almost always gets third
this is coming from a guy who gets third a lot

While I am actually pretty sure I agree with that statement, how does he not know how arrogant that sounds?! I kind of want to say something along the lines of 35th being the most deserving, but that's mean. I really do feel badly in the end. But Vecepia is way more valuable to me, and I don't see how I could have gotten the vote to swing to Alexis. So, sorry Jonas. But it seems like it's going to be you.

I'm really just trying to stay as under-the-radar as possible for this vote. I know I'm a threat in this game, so I can't be highlighting myself. Not when six of the biggest threats in the game are immune. No way. But I trust most of the people I'm working with, and I trust even more that they're all worried about Jonas. Apparently Jonas was really into this game. :/

[DD]

Well as soon as I hit "post reply" I had a message from Sydney saying that Jonas heard he was getting votes. Fantastic. In literally no time at all, Jonas comes to me. He wants me to help him stay, because he knows if I do it won't hurt my game at all. He also knows that I have a lot of connections in this game. I agree with him; I think that if I wanted Jonas to stay badly enough, I could make it happen. The thing of it is, I want Jonas to leave, and it's not really about Jonas being some huge strategic threat. It boils down to one thing: tribal immunity.

The way I see it, Feroca is the third strongest tribe right now. If they lose Jonas, their strength is knocked WAY down. As I've said before, winning tribal immunity is the most important thing to me right now. I need to do anything I can to increase our odds of never attending tribal council, and I think that sending Jonas out the door will help that. People are arguing about how not-deserving Phillip an Sekou are, but they will leave early regardless. If Jonas doesn't go now, he won't be voted out on that tribe. So between his threatening nature, and my desire for tribal immunity, I'm sorry Jonas, but your time is up.

I probably won't be on AIM much today because I don't want deal with the ramifications of being in the middle and this vote. I think the chances of things turning on me are highly unlikely. I think it would get back to SOMEONE who would tell me. So while I am nervous of course, I have to say that logically, I don't really see the vote turning over to me.