Word Sleuth!
Figured there's been enough talk about this (thanks for starting the discussion Turin Ringhûn), someone might as well jump in and see if there is enough interest.
Who wants to try having a game of Word Sleuth? I just want to throw out the idea of having a practice match (does not matter what kingdom you're in). My current thought is to try and form two teams made up of 2-5 people and we can have a go. Since we're unable to have private forums here, it's probably wisest to hold your team discussions over a private discord chat (I assume you can have multiple individuals in a DM?) or perhaps Facebook Messenger. A reason for holding a practice match would be to start working out some of these kinks.
So, let me know if you're interested. Sign up below with your interest. I'll plan to keep signups open for about a week, or less if there is a huge turnout. And when the match starts, I'll add the roster to this post and probably hold the match here to avoid clogging up Imladris with a million threads. And yes, I am using the Lothlorien board because the link Turin shared did not have an Imladris board. Also, I'm a Lothlorien elf to the end. :smiley8:
Signed up:
Bleu Cheese Shoes
Mojo
Almarëa Mordollwen
Frosty the Snowman
Tarawen
Anárië
Moriel
The Pointy-Eared Hairy-Footed Horse-Loving Tree-Huggers of Minas Tirith
Fairy Nuff
Aerlinn
Menolly
Gwai
Turin Ringhûn
Durien
Bleu Cheese Shoes
Mojo
Almarëa Mordollwen
Frosty the Snowman
Tarawen
Anárië
Moriel
The Pointy-Eared Hairy-Footed Horse-Loving Tree-Huggers of Minas Tirith
Fairy Nuff
Aerlinn
Menolly
Gwai
Turin Ringhûn
Durien
GALADRIEL - Triple Word Score
HALDIR - Triple Letter Score
RUMIL - Double Letter Score
All words need to come from the Scrabble dictionary, unless they are found in Tolkien's works. See Middle Earth bonus at the end of the Rules.
Rules for Word Sleuth
1. The object of the game is to make interlocking words (in a crossword style, across or down) on the board. These words score points depending on the letters and their placement on the board. At the end of the game the team with the highest score wins.
2. The players are broken up into two teams. Each team with have a rack of letters that they play from. The starting rack with have 7 letters.
3. The first team sets a word upon the board with one of the tiles on the center square(which is a double word tile). The word is scored and that team receives new tiles to replace the ones they used. Then the second team must create a word (or words) using at least one tile already set on the board.
4. The two teams alternate play, receiving new tiles until they are all distributed. The game continues until one of the teams either uses all their tiles or is unable to make a play. Once that happens the round is completed so that each team has had an equal number of turns.
5. Words must be places either horizontally or vertically, reading left to right, or down. Diagonal words are not allowed. Words reading from right to left or up are not allowed. All words must be found in the Scrabble Dictionary, unless quoted from Tolkien's works. Here are links to a UK Scrabble Dictionary and US Scrabble Dictionary, both of which are valid dictionaries for the purpose of this game.
6. When a word is placed on the board any letters they touch in adjacent rows must form complete words. The score includes all words formed or modified during the turn.
7. New words may be formed by:
- Adding one or more letters to a word already on the board.
- Placing a word at right angles to a word already on the board, using one of its letters or adding a letter to it.
- Placing a complete word parallel to a word already played so that adjacent letters also form complete words.
8. No tile may be shifted or removed after it has been played and accepted by the moderator. Player have until the Mod accepts their post to change it. They can delete and replay, however no editing. Once the Mod has accepted the play, it stands.
9. You may use a turn to exchange all or some of your letters. If you exchange letters, that is your turn.
10. Challenge: If a player thinks a play is invalid, they can ask the Moderator to rule on it and either allow or disallow the play.
11. Scoring. Each play will be scored by adding up the tile values of all words formed, adding any applicable ME Bonus, applying the Board Bonuses. Words that use all seven letters will receive an additional Bonus of 50 points.
(0 points) - Blank
(1 point)-A, E, I, O, U, L, N, S, T, R
(2 points)-D, G
(3 points)-B, C, M, P
(4 points)-F, H, V, W, Y
(5 points)-K
(8 points)- J, X
(10 points)-Q, Z
12. The value of any tiles left in the racks at the end of the game will be deducted from that team’s score. Blank tiles have no score value
13. A Middle Earth Bonus: A bonus of 5 points will be applied to scores for generic words played and 10 points for Tolkien specific words played that are supported by a valid quote from the approved list of J.R.R. Tolkien’s writings of fiction:
The Hobbit
The Lord of the Rings
The Silmarillion
The Unfinished Tales
The Children of Hurin
In the case of using a quote for more than one word, the quote may not be longer than four paragraphs, or 500 words. Only one quote may be used per play, but if the quote is within the limit, it may be used for as many words as necessary.
The Bonus will be added BEFORE any additional increase (Triple Word Scores, etc.) The word being quoted must appear exactly as you have played(i.e. "jumped" cannot be used if you only played "jump"). The quote can be no more than 250 words long if using a bonus for more than one word.
Tolkien-specific words which are also valid Scrabble words will get the 10ME bonus if they are used in a Tolkien-specific context: eg. The Shire, Merry Brandybuck, etc.
14. There is a 48 hour time limit for turns. (This may temporarily change depending on how interested everyone is)
15. Posting Format: For actual plays on the board the following format should be followed, please:
Team XXXX-A Playing Post
GET vertically with the G at the end of JO so also making JOG and DOPE
GET=2+1+(1*3) = 6+5ME = 11
JOG=8+1+2 = 11
DOPE=2+1+3+1 = 7
Total = 28
Quote:
"That settles it!" said Frodo. "Short cuts make delays, but inns make longer ones. At all costs we must keep you away from the Golden Perch. We want to get to Bucklebury before dark. What do you say, Sam?" (Fellowship of the Ring, A Short Cut to Mushrooms)
Ok. I've updated the roster to reflect this craziness.
