Quick catchup for newcomers;
Most people play videogames with the training wheels on.
When their character dies they just respawn at the last checkpoint and continue on.
Now I don't care how detailed the grass looks; that's not a Realistic game.
You're here on the chain so I'm guessing you like to play for keeps; well you're in luck. In Hardcore mode, death is somewhat more inconvenient.
Your character, and everything they were wearing; is out of the race for good, this is also true for your competitors.
This makes for a compelling 24 hours of gaming, as many of my repeat contestants will attest.
This new league is shaping up to be one of the best - Take a look.
I'll again be awarding 20 STEEM, 2000 DEC and 3 CK tokens to the highest ranked character in each class, and for the first time I'm also adding 2000 SPT to each of those.
Templar
Marauder
Shadow
Scion
Ranger
Duelist
Witch
There'll be an additional 20 STEEM awarded to the highest level character overall.
If two or more players have evenly leveled characters, the prize will be split evenly.
If a character has died, the level they achieved is irrelevant.
The higher you go, the more you have to lose.
If you're way out in front it may be worth benching your character and starting a backup.
The @splinterlands team have very generously sponsored this race, supplying the 14,000 Dark Energy Crystals (DEC).
So the winner of each class will be able to treat themselves to an Untamed pack, giving them a chance at some free cards in each of the next 12 airdrops; some potions, or a few select cards from the market.
I'd also like to say how impressed I am with their dedication to supporting gaming on the chain in general. They build community tools like keychain and steem-engine (NFTs coming soon), and offer a tonne of advice and support to other projects; like my good friend, @lordnigel and his upcoming Survival Island game.
When SMT's and Communities are stable I plan to approach Grinding Gear Games about tokenising some of their in-game assets via steem-engine, and/or rewarding their blogging community with a custom SMT.
This kind of open and enthusiastic engagement from the Splinterlands team only bolsters that argument; so thanks again, guys.
If you're new to Path of Exile;
Sign up for a free account and make sure you've unticked the privacy options.
Home tab > My Account > Privacy Settings (on the right hand side of the page)
To enter;
Post your intention to compete, including your account name, using #poecomp as the first tag.
This must be done more than an hour before the league starts or you won't be included.
If your account is set to private you won't be included.
Tell us about yourself. Are you a grizzled veteran, or an eager newcomer?
Will you be dealing physical damage up close and personal, or raising an army of the dead to fight on your behalf?
Will you lay traps, mines and totems to outwit the enemy, or stick 'em with poisoned arrows from a distance?
Are you going to charge headlong into each level, or take it slow and stay alive?
Will you check the other accounts and choose an under-represented character, or forge on with your favourite?
When that timer hits zero you'll want to create a new character.
Make sure you choose the red, Hardcore banner or your character will be softcore; which isn't suitable for grown ups and wins nothing.
Characters must also be Solo Self Found.
It's a tick-box in the character selection area and prevents a character from interacting with the marketplace, so no buying and selling with other players.
If your character dies, that's obviously a setback, but you can start again with somebody new.
It may seem that others have an unassailable lead, but they can die too.
It's quite possible that a mad dash for the finish line may be the undoing of one or many of your competitors. They may have extensive knowledge of the game, but they haven't played this league yet either.
If you're equipped to record and/or stream, please do so.
Use the tag #poecomp when posting. (Assuming you have time to post)
Glorious deaths are bittersweet and better shared.
I'm delighted that the @contestkings team have again donated CK token prizes, which can be used to enter their Splinterlands tournaments, or can be staked as perpetual entries into their fortnightly prize draws.
Its fantastic to enjoy your continued support.
I've very much enjoyed the camaraderie between competitors in previous races. I believe this chain attracts the best kind of people and we're enjoying the fruits of that in the top notch sportsmanship on display both here and in the Splinterlands.