R5M2 JoJ Delibs

Judge Ala (Bri)

These two teams accomplish the Jojolity in very, very different ways, but with similar results. I stated this earlier and in the judge chat, but I think that both players went absolutely ham on their narrative and just generally put out something extremely solid that they should both be proud of. In my eyes, this is a very good argument for duels and subsequently allowing players to choose who they’re matched up against-- with some of the best storytelling in T6, this match really does represent the culmination of a relationship between two characters in an all-out, no-holds-barred life and death match.

Izuru’s strategy clearly puts a hell of a lot of research and work into the myth of the ‘Revenant’, and builds upon his previous showings as an agent of Death. An emphasis on vampires, a lifeless horde, and a strategy crafted to fit the narrative they want to tell makes this a prime example of a flawless Jojolity effort, and I can’t name a single area in it where they fell short or could have done more. Izuru’s veritable army of darkness and his final dip into despair was just a wonder to read, and Pop’s score just doesn’t reflect just how much effort had been poured into this excellent character arc.

Wah’s strategy, on the other hand, is specifically defined and reified in their narrative and gameplay-- embodying the Magician causes their entire game plan to change from what it’s been for the past three rounds to ‘choose their own path’, and rush down their opponent as opposed to their passive generalist play from Rounds 2 through 4. The recontextualization of their previous matches and their reflections on the nature of humanity are ultimately overturned in this one strategy, where they cast aside their inhibitions and see the best in their friend.

10/10 to both parties for cooperating with each other in forming one of the most entertaining and intriguing narratives in T6. Fantastic job to both of you on this!

Judge Bukavac (Dice)

A really good showcase by both parties doing their research.

Wah:

The focus on misdirection and general framing of the strategy are very in flavor. However, it does rely on the reader to fill in the blanks on many of the strategies, namely with the use of stakes. In terms of smart decision making and focus, there are a number of bits that fit under that wide umbrella with the bear rug playing a key act as a prop with interesting properties. I’m going to give this an **8/10**. Similar to your Quality score, you build a strong foundation to your Jojolity, but I would have liked to see more.

Snek:

A lot of research went into various myths of undead creatures and of the revenant itself. The framing and explanations are on point throughout the strategy and there is a strong narrative throughline drawn of their revenant behaviors driving their actions. I’m going to give this a **10/10**, it embodies the ideas and myths behind various cultures of revenants and cleanly gets the reader into Izuru’s headspace behind their drive and motives. Not only that, but it serves not just as a strategy, but a story that leads the reader and draws it into its pace.

Judge Baba Yaga (Cory)

Moving onto Izuru's jojolity, I'm a really big fan of what I see here. A lot of really awesome research is molded into a super fun narrative that kept me reading with rapt attention the entire time. A lot of jojolities like this can occasionally feel somewhat forced in-character, but I don't get this sense from Izuru for a second; It's well-researched, well-written, and most importantly, well-integrated. I cant think of any reason why this shouldn't be a 10!

As for Wah, this jojolity leans more into the gameplay side of things. That isn't necessarily a knock, however! It's a fairly wide definition of magician that you go for here, and the strat as a whole aims to fulfill near all of it. I might have aimed for a more specific set of principles to follow, or worked in more magician-y flavor beyond misdirection, but this is still pretty-well executed and integrated work here. An 8!