Okay, they do it for the NCAA. And it's a good exercise in hilarity. I even think, I should probably do something to come up with a prize if one of us forumites can accurately call the power 16 matchups. With the first week of voting up for grabs now however, we have to get this ball rolling.

(I am basing these brackets/predictions off of the established brackets listed on the voting page. This is just for fun anyway, if the later rounds get shuffled around a bit, voiding my matchups.. Eh.. At least I tried! Let's see if ANYONE can correctly call the outcome!)

First, a recap of the players.

ShadowRun League:
Baron von Badass
Earthshaker
Bill Cosby
BJ’s Liquo
Fytor
Fatbeard
Bella Sera
FtB Furry

Denny's League
Batman
Battlemaster
Unicron
Capital Ships
Dark Lord of Denny’s
Julie Hussey
Plot Wagon
Stanley L. Jackson


My Calls for Brackets:

Shadowrun League

Round 1
Baron Von Badass vs. Earth Shaker

As much as I hate to admit it, BVBA may be looking for a repeat, upholding his glorious title as the most feared NPC of all time. Look for him to annihilate Earthshaker with a tactical nuclear weapon (even though those don't exist in a fantasy setting.) WINNER: Baron Von Badass

Bill Cosby vs. BJ's Liquo

The Best from the West meets the Purveyor of fine and not so fine intoxicants. There may be a hangover involved, but look for Bill Cosby to advance. WINNER: Bill Cosby

Fytor vs. Fatbeard
When they parted ways, one was but the student, now they are the master. In a tough and hard fought contest, I choose FatBeard to come out on top by a narrow margin. Fytor's pattern indicating two-dimensional thinking (And development!) WINNER: FatBeard

Bella Sara Vs. FTB Furry
Another hard fought contest. Filled with un-named and repressed sexual tension, this battle will culminate in a climax that can only be termed as "Highly Disturbing". When the dust clears, opposable thumbs will still rule the day. WINNER: FTB Furry

Round 2

Baron Von Badass Vs. Bill Cosby
The Irresistible force of your GM's twisted will meets the Immovable forum object, locking entire threads at whim. After a terrific and brutal combat, and after changing ISP's four times to work around forum bans, BVBA finally smites a broken and defeated Coz's ruin upon the mountainside. Jello pudding will only be sold in black containers for a year afterwards in mourning for the fall of a true hero. WINNER: Baron Von Badass

FatBeard vs. FTB Furry
Lacking all the sexiness and drama of these pair's previous match-ups, this combat will come down to unique fighting styles. Fearing proximity to the Furry, lest it be contagious or something, and terrified at the prospect of getting "scritchies" , FatBeard will have to face his fear to be successful. The furry, on the other hand, being ill equipped to interact with the species of his 'unfortunate' birth will again be wrestling with the fundamental question of what it means to be human.

The first one to come out of their reverie will walk over, smack the other one, and claim victory. Only to find out in the end, they have only been fighting themselves. We still have to call it though. WINNER: FatBeard

Round 3

FatBeard vs. Baron Von Badass

Oh.... Oh my... Oh the Humanity! Ladies and gentlemen, this is the worst catastrophe in the history of contrived internet contests... It will take days for forensic experts to pick the gristle out of the corners of the auditorium! WINNER: Baron Von Badass

Overall ShadowRun League Winner: Baron Von Badass


Denny's League

Round 1

Batman vs. Battlemaster
Upon encountering the 85ton Inner Sphere 'mech, Batman will Jump into his customized Bat'mech (Really a 55ton Clan Land-Air 'Mech) only to discover the Battlemaster's pilot is none other then our very own Marisoo. In an epic clash of the titans, scored by the stirring orchestrations of Danny Elfman, superior tonnage (and some secret lv 3 upgrades) will bring victory in the Battlemaster's favor. An early upset, with the elimination of Batman. WINNER: Battlemaster

Unicron vs. Capital Ships
An interesting matchup, the flagship of fleets vs what could arguably called the ultimate capital ship. Despite a valiant number of broadsides and an unsuccessful boarding action. Unicron just eats their planet, and claims victory. WINNER: Unicron

Dark Lord of Dennys vs. Julie Hussey
In a somewhat mismatched contest, the comissioner of the Denny's league complains that Mrs Hussey just does not understand the depth of the roleplaying he's trying to acheive with his black cape and makeup. Meanwhile, she just tolerantly rolls her eyes and reminds the dark lord that his mom is probably worried about him at home, and that he should drive safely so he can game another day. Advice he prudently takes. WINNER: Julie Hussey

Plot Wagon vs. Stanley L. Jackson
This battle, will be summed up in the following sentance: "I want these M#!%@$%*@!*)g snakes out of this M#!%@$%*@!*)g game!" thus derailing the elaborate snake cult plot the GM had loaded on the wagon.
WINNER: Stanley L. Jackson

Round 2

Battlemaster vs. Unicron
After stomping around on the inside of Unicron's vast internal workings for a few days without being able to inflict appreciable damage that isn't repaired during the course of continued planet-eating. Our intrepid pilot attempts his last cunning plan, setting his 'mech's fusion bottle to overload in an attempt to blow up Unicron from the inside. Unfortunately, the rules for ejecting indoors are harsh, and all that Unicron can comment is: "That's a spicy meata-ball!" Perhaps he should eat the asteroids made from bicarbonate of soda? WINNER: Unicron

Julie Hussey vs Stanley L. Jackson

In a landslide victory, Stanley L. Jackson slinks off in defeat when Mrs. Hussey concludes the introduction by asking "Who are you again?"

WINNER: Julie Hussey

Round 3
Unicron vs. Julie Hussey

In what will be billed up to be a titanic struggle between elemental forces of the universe, Mrs. Hussey is forced to concede after being lulled by the dulcet tones of Orson Welles. She goes off to watch some Turner Classic Movies. Unicron advances, greatful to be spared. WINNER: Unicron

Denny's League Final Winner: Unicron



FINAL MATCHUP:
Baron Von BadAss vs Unicron
Run for your lives folks! These two are going to be flinging entire galaxies at one another in a brutal no-holds-barred slugfest to determine the greatest FtB icon of all time! Then, when the good baron seems finally destined to be crushed and defeated at the hands of a planet-eating mega-robot, he'll remember that the charm dangling around his neck also serves as the autobot matrix of leadership, consigning Unicron to another lonely millenia as a creepy floating space-head.

WINNER: Baron von Badass


Conclusion

There are my predictions. Baron von Badass successfully defends his title as the gretest FtB icon, because your GM went through all that trouble writing that plot, he's not going to let his pet NPC get killed by some pesky players until he's good well darn and ready, which may be never...

Heh, feel free to come up with your own lists, agree with me, prove me wrong or provide your own expert analysis!


Final Breakdown:

Predictions for Elite Eight:

Shadowrun League
Baron von Badass vs Bill Cosby
FatBeard vs. FtB furry

Denny's League
Battlemaster vs. Unicron
Julie Hussey vs. Stanley L. Jackson

Predictions for Final Four:

Shadowrun League
Baron von Badass vs. FatBeard

Denny's League
Unicron vs. Julie Hussey

Championship matchup:
Baron von Badass vs. Unicron

overall tournament winner: Baron von Badass



-Thanks for reading,

Chris

I'm game.

Shadowrun League:

Round 1:
Baron Von Bad Ass v. Earthshaker

I'm going to have to disagree with you on this one, citing John's own report that Earthshaker is not only a poorly designed module, but a poorly designed NPC. Not to mention, with the proletariat of the Communist Gnomes working non-stop to make the third five-year plan happen? The good Baron will put up a valiant effort, but his serfs in his good barony will decide to rise up to their Marxist ideals, and have the workers of the world unite.

Winner: Earthshaker

Bill Cosby v. BJ's Liqu (since apparently the O has fallen off, as well)

Upon seeing the lack of letters in their sign, Bill Cosby will immediately start to rant and rave in his incomprehensible manner. The proprietors of the store then give him all the Jell-O shots he can handle, and passes out drunk.

Winner: BJ's Liqu

Fytor v. Fatbeard

This is an epic struggle, but due to the lack of athleticism on the part of the Fatbeard, Fytor will win this one. And then proceed to take all of the Fatbeard's Mountain Dew.

Winner: Fytor

Bella Sera v. FTB Furry

The battle can only be seen on Pay Per View, after 11 PM EST. The FTB Furry, upon seeing the OMG PONIES! of Bella Sera, goes on a rampage that's just too hot for TV.

Winner: FTB Furry

Round 2
Earthshaker v. BJ's Liquo

With communism firmly secured in the Barony of Bad Ass, the Earthshaker continues it's assault on capaitalism as it faces off against the Capitalist Pig that is BJ's Liquo. But as we all know, commies love their liquo, and communist gnomes? Well, it's like Dwarves having a frat party.

With their wallets emptied at the end of the pay period, and the vast amount of cheap Porno available, BJ's Liquo pulls off an unlikely upset, and takes the win.

Winner: BJ's Liquo

Fytor v. FTB Furry

The epic battle of Round 2, the armored Fytor with his Full Plate +5 (+9 v. Ogres) versus the exceptionally unarmored (and unclothed) FTB Furry. Seeing no "strategically placed holes", and no fur whatsoever, the FTB Furry is at a loss during this fight.

The Fytor shouts his epic war-cry, and draws his Spiked Chain of Furry Smiting (+10 v. Furries, extra 4d4 damage), taking the match from 10 feet away.

Winner: Fytor

Round 3
BJ's Liquo v. Fytor

The Semi-Final match, the Ultimate battle in the Shadowrun League!

Fytor comes across the Liquo, and upon seeing the countless number of drunk communist gnomes, proceeds to expend his energy killing them all for fat lewts and XP. Once inside the store proper, he sees the booze, and asks the DM if he's getting drunk. At that point, he demands that if there are any girls there, he wants to do them.

The proprietors of the store, upon seeing the disaster that is Fytor, bring out their shotguns, and just hammer away until Fytor is destroyed (since it's an Area effect, Fytor has to make his dismal reflex save, and never does, taking full damage).

Winner: BJ's Liquo

Denny's League!

Round 1:
Batman v. Battlemaster

The Goddamn Batman pulls up in his Goddamn BatMech, and takes the fight to the Battlemaster. Since Batman is prepared for everything, and has something for every occasion in his utility Belt, Batman easily takes the fight.

Winner: Batman

Unicron v. Capital Ships
A tough match up. With the loss of the Battlestar Galactica, as well as the planet consuming power of Unicron, the CS' have their work cut out for them.

But with the arrival of a newly redesigned NCC-1701 Enterprise, as well as the planet destroying power of the ultimate capital ship, the [i]Eclipse[/]-class Star Destroyer, and two Death Stars, the capital ships pull off the unlikely victory

Despite how powerful Unicron is, and despite being voiced by Orson Welles, he cannot stand up to the combined might of full broadsides, as well as three planet-destroying lasers. And a fleet of World Devestators that can also consume planets.

Winner: Cap Ships

DloD v. Julie Hussey, the Matron Saint of Gaming

DLoD has no chance going into this fight. With the awesome might of fresh made Chili, as well as a bevy of baked goods, Julie Hussey pulls off the easy win, and the DLoD is left in the dust.

Winner: Julie Hussey

Plot Wagon v. Stanley L. Jackson

Stanley L. Jackson. No Plot can hold him, after appearing in movies where the plot literally doesn't exist, or is bent through time and space. He asks the PW if he speaks English, motherfucker, and then blows it away.

Winner: Stanley L. Jackson

Round 2:
Batman v. Capital Ships

A tough fight, to be certain. But even his desire for Revenge can't stop the full might of a bunch of capital ships hanging over his beloved city. Batman retreats to Crime Alley to mourn his parents death, while the Capital Ships move on.

Winner: Cap Ships

Julie Hussey v. Stanley L. Jackson

After a foul mouthed tirade from SLJ, Julie Hussey just sighs, and grabs a bar of soap, washing out SLJ's mouth, and then sending him away, crying.

Winner: Julie Hussey

Denny's League Final!

Cap Ships v. Julie Hussey

The commanders of the capital ships, upon hearing the letters written to Julie from his husband on the front lines of a Mech conflict, bow their heads, tip their hats, and forfeit out of respect.

Winner:
Julie Hussey, the Matron Saint of Gaming.

P16II Final!

BJ's Liquo v. Julie Hussey

The match we've all been waiting for. Julie Hussey steps up to the ring, ready to go toe-to-toe with the undefeated champion of the Shadowrun League.

This could really go either way, but I have to give the match to Mrs. Hussey.

Winner and over all Champion: Julie Hussey, Matron Saint of Gaming.

Baron Von Badass vs Earthshaker has to be the matchup of the first round. BvB dominated the last power 16, but comes up against an opponent that he doesn't match up well against.

The Baron was able to cruise through the last bracket because he mostly met other similar style players along the way. Earthshaker is a multifaceted player that brings comedy along with a lot of badass qualities.

Earthshaker has also been getting a lot more publicity lately, and in a popularity contest that is a significant advantage. My guess is that the Baron prevails, but Earthshaker gives him all he can handle.

As with the original Power 16, we'll let this play out with no internal manipulation. However, it the Baron wins again, I may retire him from the third Power 16. Maybe he'll start his own league or something.

Isn't it Samuel L. Jackson? Or am I missing some FtB inside thing here?

With two wins would The Baron stand to merely work in another league? I think he would oust Don Shadowrun, possibly forcing him to forum another league and put himself up as a contender? OR! Will The Baron throw this match to get out from under Don Shadowrun's oppressive contract? Either way will there be a new league with Baron von Badass at it's helm in THE POWER 16 III?!?!?!



AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You are missing an inside joke.

see Episode 133

Alarmingly, I found that out by googling "Stanley L Jackson" with the title of a movie that was mentioned in that episode.

It is SO going to be Stanley L. Jackson all the way!

I'm not even the least bit biased...

I did a super quick sketch of my predictions/hopes for this round.

Giant robot dungeon vs giant jerk?


Tough call but Cosby isn't made for fighting. Liquor is.


Fightor fights. That's what he does. Why would he lose a fight to a fay guy no matter how unkempt his beard?


Magic pony vs regular person in vision obscuring mask. Hmmm. I wonder...