Well, at least a few loyal Allies.

You see, we here at Tied The Leader like Call of Duty: World at War, as as turns out we are quite alone in that. So when the rumblings from within for some organized opposition grew to painful proportions we contacted several GGN clans who have a good COD following. COD4 that is.

So we turned to those we play with on a regular basis to supply some resistance, fun and a well aimed grenade and the World at War Embassy Challenge was born.

Field promoted Captain FaithKeeper fielded his team of loyal badasses, ticktockterror, Gimmic2, Zipstor, Eisen and xXxSn1pezxXx. The TTL squad consisted of Cuteness, (MLG) Max, Balzy, Gunny, Ma Deuce 50 and Pachango. While being cheered on by their comrades from the TTL B team which won by default since nobody bothered to show up they took on the crack Embassy ‘A’ squad.

A certain Challenge Captain on TTL already had tried to sneakily sabotage the opposition and tell Gimmic that the challenge was an hour later. (I did tell him not to trust a European with timezones, I did!) So BSG Mb filled in for the first game while Gimmic was blissfully unaware his friends were taken advantage off.

Game 1: Hardcore Search & Destroy Asylum

Tight and tense, people on both teams played enough with each other to know where everybody likes to go. Offense is hard and as such the 7th, overtime round decided this one in TTL’s favor.

TTL wins: 4-3

Game 2: Hardcore Team Deathmatch Upheaval

We introduced Deathmatch for variety’s sake into the Challenge, if you asked any off the TTL guys who signed up for this. We could play HCSD all day. With the caliber of players on their team we knew the Slayer matches would be though and it showed.

Allies win: 530-488

Game 3: Hardcore Search & Destroy Nightfire

Game 3 continued where game 1 left off. 2 evenly matched teams who know the maps and routes well and have the patience to defend. The Allies got the Defense on the 7th round and took what was in hindsight the decider.

Allies win 4-3

Game 4: Hardcore Team Deathmatch Knee Deep

With next to no experience on Knee Deep with Deathmatch TTL got their lovely behinds handed to them nice and red.

Allies win: 480-240

Game 5: Hardcore Search & Destroy Castle

With the Challenge already decided both teams loaded into Castle and TTL started on Defense and went up 3-0. Then on Offense Max couldn’t conceal his pro-skills anymore any went on a mad rush cutting down the Allies from the flank and behind. TTL took the first round on Offense and closed out Castle 4-0.

TTL wins 4-0

So overall 3-2 to the Allies and it sounded like everybody had a good time with very close, tense moments in all games. The Nightfire game looked like it decided the whole affair.

Thanks to everybody who signed up.

Game ONE: Multi-Flag on Valhalla. Outcome: GBG wins 2-0.
Well, we didn’t let them have all of our flags. Anyone want to grant us a moral victory for sticking up for ourselves? Didn’t think so… GBG swarmed all over us in this match. Banshees rained fire from the heavens. Warthogs circled our base like sharks. Battle-riflemen dominated the map, marching as to war. When our flag left our base, it never came home. When their flag left their base… wait. Did their flag ever leave their base?

Game TWO: Neutral Bomb on Standoff. Outcome: GBG wins 3-0.
At the outset of the match, the Gunslingers had the Gracers on the run! That was, until we realized that they were taking the Spartan Laser back to their base. Once there, it wrecked every vehicle that we tried to roll. With map control like that, it was only academic that they would arm that bomb in our house repeatedly. TTL played defense for the entire match. The GBG offense was methodical and ruthless, clearing a path for three bomb carriers in rapid succession.

Game THREE: Team Slayer on Rat’s Nest. Outcome: GBG wins 100-82.
At no time did the Gunslingers tie the leader. GBG established an early lead, and held onto it for the balance of the match. There were glimmers of hope for TTL. On rare occassions, their lead shrank to 2 or 3 kills. In the end, their control of the center territories of the map, complimented by some impressive runs on the vehicles, solidified them as the victors in this bout.

Say goodnight, Gracie! And say Good Game. The Gunslingers were bested by gentlemen. These christian soldiers certainly do put the “grace” in Gaming By Grace, and they bring the game, too. Should you cross the path of this clan, don’t expect a bunch of mild altar boys. The heart of a killer beats beneath each robe.

Tied the Leader knew little of this new clan making its way up the ranks of the Halo Nation. Their reputation carried with it the threat of fierce competition, having cultivated their roster from some of the more dangerous and combative corners of the Big Team Battle playlist. A match-up of 8 gamers versus 8 gamers was their poision. The Gunslingers took to Xbox Live to see if they had the proper antidote.

Game ONE: Multi-Flag on Valhalla. Outcome: The Gunslingers tie the leader.
…And the leader was Team Master Theory. This was our one shot at defending our namesake. MT ruled the center hill, and proved to be impalacable for the majority of the duration. An early capture of TTL’s flag put us on the offensive, with a compromised initiative. Only through repeated rushes, crashing onto the ramparts of their base, were we able to wear down their defense. In the final moments of the match, a lucky flag pull was marched home to even the score.

Game TWO: Multi-Flag on Sandtrap. Outcome: MT wins 2-0.
With the Albatross base in their favor, Master Theory pitched their Elephant at an impossible angle, stacked against their landing craft like a virtual wall that had to scaled in the interest of their banner of war. Waves upon waves of Gunslingers scaled their ramparts, only to have our quarry returned by diligent defenders. On our side of the map, agile Warthog teams dismantled our defenses.

Game THREE: Slayer on Standoff. Outcome: MT wins 101-67?
This was far from a Standoff. MT pulled away in the opening clash, and extended their lead with every passing moment. The Gunslingers fell into disarray, as our Warthog offensive was neutralized by laser blasts on every respawn. The killing circle closed in around our base, and grew tighter as the score reached its limit.

Of course, even in defeat, there were moments to savor. Team Master Theory was a passionate bunch – jovial even in their prosecution of a skillful victory. Hearing their cries of “Nooooooooooo…!” were welcome moments of respite from this mollywhomping, as Warthogs attempting to escape with our flag were smashed by Brute Shots. In the end, we found their game to be good – very good, in fact. Not because they won, but because they allowed us to retain our dignity in defeat. It was a pleasure to behold such a refined exhibition of teamwork. On this bout, theory was proven as fact.

Good Game, MT.

Written by Bunny:

It was about a year ago when the Gunslingers entertained the likes of Fallen Unity in the Challenge Arena. The last time they wanted to fight us, it was over supremacy of the brand new Legendary maps. But, on Mother’s day of all times, the same group came with their war cries. This time TTL has a score to settle from losing the Legendary show down. This time, this will be know as the battle for Mother’s Day!

We had quick three game slaughter-fest to show each other our skills. Special thanks to the members of Fallen Unity that participated: Fall3n Syth, Howdy06, Fall3n Jdon, beccoid23, rodeojones95, JDinthewind, and SPYING SCISSORS. Also, I would like to to thank the TTL members that joined me on the battlefield: TTL Tortacular, TTL Chicka, TTL Crim, TTL Dweezle, NCC SMNR, Booster MPS and last but definitely not least, TTL L Askan. We played all of the matches at 6 v 6 and rotated some members in and out.

Game One: Multi-Flag CTF on Standoff:

While this game looks like it may have been one-sided, it was anything but. While TTL was able to capture 3 flags, it did not go without a fight. Also, Fallen Unity pulled TTL’s flag to the middle of the map on two separate occasions where TTL was able to ward them off. TTL wins 3 – 0…

Game Two: Multi-Flag CTF on Rat’s Nest

Yes, two out of three games, capture the flag. TTL had a set strategy to stick to the living rooms and FU looked like they wanted to stay to the perimeters of the map. Unfortunately for FU, TTL filled their team with their Honor Guard, which if you can’t guess, guards our flags. While they pulled to flag to their warthog in the back of the Gunslinger’s base once. The offensive rush came from TTL. TTL wins 3 – 0…

Game Three: Team Slayer on Last Resort:

The slayer game is usually reserved for a tie breaker, but we were having fun so we decided to play on. TTL rode the wings of their Strike and Honor Guard captains. Fallen Unity made this a great fight however. TTL wins 101 – 73…

The Gunslingers would like to extend a slight apology for the discrepancy in ranks for this challenge but with the challenge on Mother’s Day, we had a few people drop out last minute. Fallen Unity is a long time friend of TTL and I would personally suggest that everyone check them out. We hope to see the great people of Fallen Unity on this and other battlefields soon. Good Games.

Tied The Leader sent out some fun loving ‘slinger with the names of TTL Tortacular, TTL Fate, TTL L Askan, TTL Balzy, ChubbyHands and TTL Milk. The Swat Krue brought out big hitters along the lines of SK DrUnKeN, DaPeRfEcTGaMeR, SK Doobie, SK Mystic Young, SK Yaddy and DaStOnEdGaMeR. The two groups decided on game-types and proceeded to meet on the Halo 3 battlefield.

Game 1: One-Flag CTF on Last Resort

While SK got into TTL’s base and grabbed the flag from it’s home numerous times, TTL only needed two grabs to bring the flag home for two scores. Being blue, TTL had a gut wrenching time to defend the lead, but they held on while killing off the competition. TTL wins 2 – 1…

Game 2: Two-Flag CTF on Avalanche

Just the opposite of game one. While TTL could get into the SK base to rack up 10 flag grabs, they were unable to whether the storm back home. SK took a lead and out defended the ‘slingers. SK wins 1 – 0…

Game 3: Slayerball on Isolation

This is such a crazy game-type. Points for kills, unlimited points, unexplained points, as well as points for time that you hold the time as usual for Oddball. While SK had out assited TTL, the extra 20 kills that TTL recieved boosted them up a little more. TTL wins 638 – 608…

Game 4: Neutral Bomb on Standoff

TTL loves to dominate any area that a warthog can fit in. That is the story to this game other than the fact that they could only keep the bomb armed for one score. TTL wins 1 – 0…

Game 5: Slayer on Valhalla

A typical slayer match. Kill each other until the game ends. What more can one say? TTL wins 91 – 70…

Overall TTL takes the match home with a 4 – 1 rating. A great thanks goes out to all of the participants and especially to the members of the Swat Krue Marines. The time was made, the fight was planned and the Games were Good! We can’t wait to see you again Swat Krue.

If anyone is interested in exploring the Swat Krue Marines in more depth, please check out their website. They are a fine bunch of people. Good Game!

Game 1: Multi flag on Avalanche

C1nder had a really good and constant offensive push. They controled laser for pretty much past half the game. The Gusnlingers maged to get the flag more times than the score admits, but that’s half the battle. Getting it back is a another thing.
C1nder wins 3-2

Game 2: Slayerball on Guardian

C1nder took the lead at first, but the Gunslingers managed to regroup and take control of the ball for the most part of the game. Protecting the carrier and killing every C1nder player they saw brought this game to a fast catchup and eventual win.
TTL wins 1137-951

Game 3: Team Slayer on Last Resort

Before halfway thru the game we lost Iming to conection issues. A bit after that we lost Deuce. Mondo Titan and I tried to get them back, but for some reason only Deuce was able to do so. C1nder had 1 player circling around in the water on the beach because of this, and we say Thank Ya. A great demostration of what sportsmanship is all about. Slowly TTL reduced the score difference until a few seconds before the end to get a lead for a few seconds. The final score was nothing more or less to what the challange, a very tough fight.
Final result is a tie game 66-66.

Thanks to Night and Deuce for subbing last minute, it was a great series of games. You all fought good and remembered the face of your fathers. I thank you specially and personally as well, for making this a very special return to my own Halo experience and leading a team after a long time. I bow before you all.
Good Games everybody!

Written by Bunny.

Game 1 Multi-Flag CTF on Valhalla:

Vehicle control seemed to be the key for this game. Podtacular was shoved back into their base while TTL controlled the middle of the map. Podtacular was making strides, but end up returning the flag often than they were grabbing one. TTL wins 3 -0…

Game 2 Lowball on Guardian to 250:

To 250? That’s right, to 250. But the game didn’t make it there. It was a long, hard battle for center and gold lift. After 20 mins of brawling and biting, TTL squeezes by the earpiece wearers. TTL wins 52 – 41…

Game 3 King of the Hill on Standoff:

Bullets? What bullets? I’m keepin’ my head down and accumulating time is all. Well that’s how it worked out for Podtacular for a good portion of the game that is. After going down 50 points, TTL decided to slow some things down a bit and regained some composure. TTL wins 250 – 172…

Game 4 Multi-flag CTF on The Pit:

The Pit is always a hard map to gauge. The fighting is almost always in the middle of the map for two flags that are no where near there. Both sides were highly contested and niether team made it a blow out. Both sides had their ups and downs during the engagement. Game Tied 2 – 2…

Game 5 Team Slayer on Construct:

This map is always a battle for who can control the lifts and who can control the lifts well. TTL grabbed the lifts early and tried to claw for dear life. But Podtacular’s use of the Flamethrower was excellent. Podtacular held the lifts and made the game. Podtacular wins 100 – 98…

Game 6: One-Bomb on Last Resort

I’m unsure if anyone really thought they were going to score on this gametype. To the surprise of the participants, both sides scored once. And that’s how it ended. Game tied 1 – 1…

Game 7: One-Flag CTF on High Ground

Once the flag gets outside the gate, all you can see is the silloutte of a man running with it. That’s how this gametype goes. Podtacular fought valiantly and crossed the threshold once. However, TTL came roaring in, and ran over it twice. TTL wins 2 – 1…

A seven game series makes for a long day of gaming and tired thumbs. Overall TTL takes the match, 4 – 1 – 2. Thank you to all the participants from Podtacular for such a good showing. Without your efforts, this would have been lack luster.

For anyone who has yet to see what Podtacular is all about, I suggest that you all GO THERE and check out what they have to offer. Good Games!

Galactic Brotherhood vs Tied The Leader
Written by Oboe

The men and women of the Galactic Brotherhood challenged us to a three game event, and how could we say no to a group who’s ideals match our own: honor, duty, respect, and an awesome time on Halo!

Game 1: 1 Flag On Last Resort
Results: TIE 1-1

Don’t be fooled by the score next to my name, the hard work of getting that flag out of the base was done by Booster and Laskan. With excellent coverage from Testa and the rest of the team backing them up our quick rush was fantastic and netted us our single flag cap. GBs flag cap came after a long round of holding off wave after wave, including terrifying sniper fire from the ironically named ShotgunChief. We kept our heads low, but one sneaky invis attack got the flag out into the open, and our heads were no match for her sniper fire. Second rounds for both teams were brutal affairs where each team learned from their mistakes and managed to keep the flag in house. Good game!

Game 2: Lowball on Guardian
Results: TTL Wins 50-33

This game was an intense mixture of fun and insanity, with the score and lead constantly back and forth. The final results don’t show how close the game really was, as GB actually had more people finished on time before we did for much of the game. Fortunately everyone did an excellent job of passing the ball around for time, meaning we weren’t done but no one was far off. And Tortacular arrived at Snipe 2 with the game changing bubble just when we needed it. That bubble allowed us to get within two seconds of the win, and after a final mad scramble closed out the game. Good game!

Game 3: Slayer on the Pit
Results: TTL Wins 100-63

Zeuz won this game for us. True, our team work and team fire was outstanding, and everyone had some amazing saves…but Zeuz took the OS and nabbed their sniper in the first 30 seconds of the game. With 16 rounds of sniper ammo on our tower, a good set up, and a few minutes not having to duck and cover from their insanely accurate sniper fire we took map control and the lead. Then it turned into a simple game of covering our side and each other’s backs. By the time power weapons had respawned we’d gained a sizeable lead, and despite a ferocious comeback by GB managed to hold out for the win. Good game!

Extra game for fun: Death Race 2000 on Road Rage

So TTL wins the challenge 2-1-0, but the real fun came afterwards. With the main event done we indulged in a little mixer to relax and enjoy each others company. After all, what better way to end an intense challenge than with a silly zombie game? The Galactic Brotherhood demonstrated themselves to be nothing but happy, fun, friendly people who love a good game as much as we do, so the opportunity to play WITH them instead of ducking from their team BR fire was too great to pass up. Good game!

Thanks to everyone who participated in this challenge; Testa Killz, Booster, Laskan, Tortacular, and Zeuz Patter. Also thanks to our challenge practice and backup team who provided invaluable assistance in preparing both by playing in team practice and participating in strategy threads; Monte, Kylie, and Tiz Miz. And thanks to the Galactic Brotherhood, who offered everything we could hope for in a good game!

Though the scenario was friendly, the competition was fierce. BSG brought with them BSG Red 32, Niph, BSG KaBob, BSG VENOM, BSG Krabs, Blackbird320, BSG Gold, and Savage6 (some substitutions were made between rounds). The Gunslingers consisted of TTL mvuakali, TTL Pony, AmericanNightmr, TTL Lansdown, TTL Cuteness, TTL Cleanbeats, and TTL Steel.

Domination on Backlot

The Gunslingers grabbed their spawn territory, and that was about it. BSG held Bravo consistently, not letting us get more than a point from it. Though we did occasionally steal Territory A back, it barely scratched the BSG war machine.

BSG wins 200-108

Team Deathmatch on Crash

TTL got to pick the spawn point on this one, and hoping to hang on to good positioning, we picked the Marines spawn. No longer than 2 minutes into the game however, BSG stormed in like an out-of-state relative and made themselves at home. Taking over Hardware building forced us into a trap, where no one could escape from Three-Story Sniper building. We took a big whoopin’.

BSG wins 750-480

Hardcore Search and Destroy on Pipeline

Being our groups forte, Search and Destroy had to go smoother, right? Wrong. BSG started on defense, and won all three of those rounds. It looked like Armageddon with the Tubes flying, and it felt like it too. Our round of Offense didn’t go much smoother, and my ZERO kills didn’t help us out any. No bombs were planted.

BSG wins 4-0

Domination on Overgrown

Though they had already achieved the “Best of Five” victory, BSG was willing to play on. Spawning near Gas Station, TTL grabbed B and made a push for C with all they had. Unfortunately for us, BSG shrugged it off and took over Grandma’s House. They dominated from the rooftop, and though we did grab Alpha, they yanked it right back.

BSG wins 201-132

Hardcore Search and Destroy on Vacant

The grand finale consisted of our favorite, HSD. We used our Claymores to their full potential, stopping the offense of BSG short. A couple of team kills from the Buddy System guys helped clinch our one and only victory.

TTL wins 4-2

A big thanks goes out all the guys from BSG. We’ll see you on the battlefield again, and hopefully next time it won’t hurt so bad.

Written by Gilthanis

Round 1: TTL vs. Deaf Gamers Online

Its always great to meet great new people, and new communities.  While it was different experience for us to set up the pregame lobby with them, these guys definitely can throw down in game.  They defiantly caught us with our pants down on Neutral Assault on Sandtrap.  The only reason we were able to tie the games is that our Gunslingers adapted and took a page out of the strategies we saw these guys using.  TTL wins Round one with a score of 2-0-1.

Game 1: Valhalla Slayer
TTL Wins: 100-37

Game 2: Sandtrap One Bomb
Tie Game: 1-1

Game 3: Standoff Multi-Flag
TTL Wins: 3-0

Round 2: TTL vs. H3Wheelmen (Team #2)

This was yet another great social experience from the tournament.  I actually had to interject and start the 3rd game after we had broken out into a conversation for 15-20 minutes between games.  The wheelmen are all stand up guys, and it was great gaming with them.  TTL wins this round 3-0.

Game 1: Rat’s Nest Multi-Flag
TTL Wins: 3-0
 
Game 2: Last Resort Slayer
TTL Wins: 100-32
 
Game 3: Avalanche Neutral Bomb
TTL Wins: 3-0

Round 3 (Semi-Finals): TTL vs. Outcast Reborn (OcR)

OcR is always a great group to play, these guys always bring their A game to the table.  All these games were so close they could have gone either way.  In game one, OcR took what we considered one of our best game types, Valhalla Multi-Flag.  Then they came out with a sizeable lead in game 2 (Standoff Slayer). However, the Gunslingers put up a great second effort to come back and take the game.  Game 3 was a virtual deadlock.  Pushes were made, and both teams had a rock solid defense.  The Gunslingers managed to get a plant in the OcR base, but we’re mopped up quickly… however, as OcR Envy watched the disarm bar tick down to almost nothing. Unfortunately for him, the bomb detonated giving TTL the lead and the eventual win.  TTL wins the semi-finals with a score of 2-1.

Game One: Multi-Flag on Valhalla
OcR Wins 1-0
 
Game Two: Slayer on Standoff
TTL Wins 100-93
 
Game Three: Neutral Assault
TTL Wins 1-0

FINALS: TTL vs. Saved By Grace (SBG)

A showdown that has been brewing for quite some time, our two communities finally met in game for some good games.  This was to be a best of 7 game series, already starting at 10:30pm EST… we were all in for a long night.

Game 1: Multi-Flag CTF on Valhalla

TTL came out strong in game one using map control, power weapons, vehicles and team shot to lock down the map.  Despite having better position and more assets than the SBG crew, we still couldn’t close out the game. Both of TTL’s flag captures were slow grinds, moving the flag a few feet per touch from the SBG side back to home base.  SBG’s strikers did a great job of getting their hands on TTL’s flag a lot and sent it through the cannon over and over.  Every time we had to halt the advance and come back to deal with the home front.  The gunslingers teamwork was top notch out slaying SBG 142 kills (110 assisted) to 90.  TTL Los Jacklos stood out this game with 33 kills (+16) and 24 assists.

After 20 minutes… TTL Wins 2-0
 
Game 2: Rat’s Nest Team Slayer

SBG started this game out strong and put the Gunslingers in a deficit to begin the match.  The chaos trailed out to all corners of the maps. Bodies were in every street and every room.  SBG’s use of the warthogs racked them up some extra kills. However, TTL regained the lead mid-game and was able to pull out the victory.  TTL Gilthanis lead the way for the gunslingers with 29 kills (+13) and 17 assists.

TTL wins 100-83

Game 3: Multi-Flag CTF on Avalanche

The Gunslingers were first out of the gate once again in this game of avalanche CTF. Using all the weapons, vehicles and power-ups on the map TTL was able to overwhelm the SBG defenders.  The strikers kept switching it up and 3 different gunslingers (TTL Al Capown, Hom3ydntpalydat, and TTL Tortacular) were able to score captures.  TTL Milk was laying down covering fire for the majority of the match and ended with 23 kills (+10) and 11 assists

TTL wins 3-0

Game 4: Team Slayer on Sandtrap

Shock and awe was the tone of this game. From start to finish SBG was in the driver’s seat. Every weapon, vehicle, and position were being used in SBG’s favor… at one time the Gunslingers were down by more than 50 kills.  SesameSeeds and DOW MAGNUM  had virtually identical stats with 20 kills and 9 deaths, leading SBG to victory.

Saved By Grace wins 100-63

Game 5: Neutral Bomb on Sandtrap

Much like our match against Deaf Gamers Online, this match was a learning experience.  Both teams had one great defensive round and one great offensive round. CLERIC 187 SBG topped the charts this game with 21 kills (+9) and 7 assists. Once again we have tied the leader. 

Tie Game 1-1

Game 6:  Standoff Team Slayer

In the last game of the night, strategy was key.  A close game from the start, SBG did a great job holding onto their lasers. Each team countered warthogs with whatever they could find.  However with the score going back and forth the edge tipped to in TTL’s favor after a few separate warthog runs found some success. This game TTL Gilthanis was on top again scoring 26 kills (+8) as well as 25 assists.

TTL Wins 100-73

And with the resounding squish of a warthog splatter, the tournament had come to a close.  We would like to thank SBG for hosting this tournament and the amazing competition found in it.  More than the competition we found new friends from other communities, this was truly a gathering of great gamers.  We here at TTL have a saying for occasions such as this… Good Game!