(S49) Offseason Task

[baz]

(S49) Offseason Task

You have until the end of the offseason to complete the Offseason Point Task, so the deadline will be Sunday, July 14th, 2024 at 11:59PM EDT.

Quick Rules:

• You can earn up to a maximum of 10 TPE through any combination of the available Tier 1-3 tasks. Follow the word count rules specified for each tier and keep your submissions on topic. It must not be super repetitive and absolutely no rambling is allowed. If you are caught plagiarizing/stealing someone else’s work, you will be punished as HO sees fit, including the potential loss of TPE or money. Do your own work please.
  
• Articles, graphics, or podcasts that have already been used to get media/graphics money cannot be submitted again for Ultimus Week credit (sorry – no double dipping!).
  
• Podcasts can only be submitted for Tier 1 and 2 written tasks. A podcast must include 20 minutes of discussion for Tier 1 and 10 minutes of discussion for Tier 2 about the selected topic. If you make a podcast with someone else, it must be 20/10 minutes apiece.
  
• As with PTs, graphics must show at least some effort (i.e. edits must be apparent, should be more than just text slapped on an image). Make sure to add any images you used in your graphic so we are aware of what you did.
  

Tier 1: Long Form Tasks (Must be 600+ words)
Choose ONE for 10 TPE.

1. The Season 48 Ultimus and Ultimini have officially come to an end. Congratulations to the the Tijuana Luchadores and New Orleans Second Line for each winning their respective championships. How did each of the finalists in either the Ultimus or Ultimini arrive at the playoffs? Were there any teams that surprised or disappointed during the playoffs? Did the outcome of either championship game surprise you at all?

2. Tell us about your draft class. Is there anything that makes it special in comparison to other classes? Where did your fellow draftees land, how are they doing? Did anyone turn out to be an unexpected steal of that draft based on what you know today? Do you think anyone in your draft class will become a hall of famer? If you’re new to the league, how do you think your class will do? Where do you think people will get drafted to?

3. Let's talk about the future. As we've seen in the ISFL and DSFL, things can go from rock bottom to the absolute top in just one quick season and vice versa. With that said, tell us about your predictions for next season. Were there any big moves made late in the season or the offseason that you believe could really shake things up? Are there any players hitting the season with a noticeably improved TPE pool or hitting regression hard that you believe could seriously factor into a team's potential success? And lastly, which team do you expect to be hoisting the trophy for either the ISFL or DSFL, and which teams do you expect will be struggling to stay away from the bottom on the pack?

4. For any team, certain players and users have gone above and beyond, shaping the legacy of the franchise. Choose any ISFL or DSFL team and create a Mount Rushmore for that team. Who in your mind are the four most noteworthy figures of the team’s history? Why does each one of your included figures deserve that recognition, and how did each of them make their mark?

5. “Sim gonna sim” is a popular expression in the league. Write about teams that have been graced by the sim gods and had amazing performances despite statistical odds, and/or about teams that were considered favorites but may have dealt with some bad sim luck that hampered their efforts. How much of an impact did it have on their season(s)?

6. The league has a rich and fascinating history, and our perspectives on it differ from person to person. In 600 words or more, describe any significant moment in ISFL or DSFL history, whether you were around for it or not. Describe the context, the significant members, and the events. What exactly made this event so famous (or infamous) and why does it deserve to be remembered? Events might include championship wins, the inducting of players to the hall of fame, or even a league scandal.

7. Write 600 words or more on something about anything in the league that interests you. It could be related to statistics, a league issue that you take seriously, or a niche part of history that doesn’t fit neatly into either of the above categories. This must be directly related to the league, so don’t wax 600 words about your team’s participation on a Werewolf server or something.

Tier 2: Short Form Tasks (Each must be 300+ words)
Choose up to TWO for 5 TPE each.

8. This task is exclusive to non-recreate rookies of the S48 class and later. In 300 words or more, how has your experience been in the league? Who have you met that has made your time here more fun, friendly, and exciting? Have you been satisfied with your player’s early start? What was it like being drafted for the first time? Do you have any comments or suggestions for the entire league that you think should be implemented?

9. There have been many moments in league history where a single decision (e.g., a draft choice, a GM’s promotion or retirement, a trade, a player’s movement in free agency) may have changed the course of a team in the ISFL or DSFL. Describe a decision that was made and the impact that it had. Did you imagine said decision leading to a different conclusion or did you think things would turn out the way they did? Is there anything different you would have done to avoid disaster or make things even better?

10. Through a random lottery drawing, you have been named the league's new commissioner for a day. Congrats! What improvements would you make to the league if you had the power to do whatever you wanted?

11. Write a short biography or story about your player. This could include background about how they came to the ISFL and how they’ve done so far, a story about their role in an exciting game, or anything else related to their experience in the league.

12. Write about your team’s biggest rivalry and what makes it so fierce. Is the competition founded in statistics and the team’s recent performance, or is it a rivalry that developed over time during the team’s history that would exist regardless of statistics?

13. Choose a team or player to write about that isn’t your own. What did they do well in the last season? Have they shown any drastic improvements from previous years? What could they do better?

14. Expansion Expansion Expansion! Tell us why you think the league should expand / not expand or include any ideas (in words) for team branding ideas you have or team locations.

15. If you could create a team using any active players in the league, what would that team look like? Would you build a group of all-stars to contend in the next Ultimus, or a team full of jokesters for the fun of it? Describe the roster and why you chose the players you did. (Written or Graphic Task)

16. Describe your player and/or team’s journey through this latest season. What were the highlights? What were the lower points? What might you have done differently? What are your expectations for next season?

Tier 3: Written/Graphics Tasks (Each must be either 150+ words or a graphic)
Choose up to FOUR for 2.5 TPE each.

17. Going to Disney World! Who was the Ultimus or Ultimini Game MVP? Give us a rundown of their celebratory trip to Disney World. (Written Task)

18. This task is exclusive to recreate/non-recreate rookies of the S49 class and later. The season is over and the draft is coming up. What do you bring to a team, and why should a team choose to take a chance on you next season? (Written Task)

19. Your team has announced that they will be laying ground on a new stadium next season. What additions would you like to see included in it. (Written Task)

20. Written Option: Which teammate of yours is the ultimate team player and why? How does this person exhibit selflessness and put the team first? Are they a great locker room presence who encourages others? Do they play an important but unappreciated role on the team which doesn't receive much recognition for awards? Graphic Option: Create a graphic of your player with your teammate who exhibits a team-friendly attitude.

21. Written Option: If your player had a show starring them, what would the plot be? Graphic Option: Create the cover art for your player’s show.

22. Make a scouting report for any of the ISFL or DSFL draftees. Show their stats, abilities, TPE, or highlights. (Written or Graphic Task)

23. What are your thoughts on the sim engine? What sort of improvements would you make to the sim engine if given the opportunity? (Written Task)

24. You’re in charge of entertainment for the Ultimus or Ultimini half-time show. What would you do? (Written Task)

25. Create a billboard, magazine cover, unique trading card, or video game cover depicting a one of the league's stars. (Graphic Task)

26. if your player wasn't a professional in the ISFL/DSFL, what would they be doing instead? (Written Task or Graphic Task)

27. Imagine your current position was not available to be picked when you created your player. What other position would you have picked, and why? (Written Task)

28. Football is a game that has been going on for a while, loved by fans all over. But what if you were able to make some rule changes? Talk us through your new version of football, and what would be different and why? (Written Task)

29. What team do you think has the best branding in the league? Why? (Written Task)

30. Choose one existing award. Tell us why you think a certain player should win that award this season. Stats, or anything else possible should be used to support your case. (Written or Graphic Task)

31. Make up an award for your player (or even someone else) to win for something not on the football field. (Written or Graphic Task)

32. Your player has decided to start a podcast since it's what all the cool celebrities are doing these days. What would the name of your player's podcast be and what would they talk about/do on the podcast? (Written Task)

33. When looking at the teams we have in the ISFL and DSFL, is there any team you believe is in need of a major rebrand or update to their current branding? Why or why not? (Written Task)

34. New players join our teams every season, so which of those new players made the biggest impact on the field for your team? (Written Option)

35. Create the front page of a newspaper celebrating the win or the Ultimus or Ultimini winner. (Graphic Option)

36. Affiliate PT from the SHL/SSL/PBE. The weeks of the task must match with the timeframe of this Offseason Task. You may only use a max of 1.

Please contact a member of the PPT team if you need clarification on any of the prompts or need help with anything listed here in general!

[lemonoppy]

Pass

[soevil]

Pass (just to get it off my checklist)

[JKortesi81]

OT Pass

[Soviet Sexpot]

OT PASS

[Brad Woof]

OT Pass

[lordcoolcats]

OT Pass

[swoosh]

OT Pass

[Fangorn]

Tell us about your draft class. Is there anything that makes it special in comparison to other classes? Where did your fellow draftees land, how are they doing? Did anyone turn out to be an unexpected steal of that draft based on what you know today? Do you think anyone in your draft class will become a hall of famer?


Season 47 Draft Class - Running Backs

Reginald Hammerfall (617 TPE) was drafted by the Orange County Otters in the first-round 10th overall of the S47 ISFL draft.

Dominic Reynolds (pick 5, round 1 – 586 TPE) was the only running back drafted higher than Hammerfall by the New York Silverbacks. His progress seems similar to Hammerfall’s in that he was drafted to a team with an established top 5 running back though Frank Dux (1,011 TPE) of the Silverbacks is further on in his career than Shrubbery (1,455 TPE) at the Otters was before his move to the Hawks. Either way, Hammerfall’s transition to his team’s RB1 came sooner as Reynolds stuck around in the DSFL for an extra season but their numbers in S48 were comparable. Reynolds was utilised heavily in the Silverback’s passing game and posted an impressive 802 yards receiving though saw limited opportunities in the rushing game, with only 49 attempts for 223 yards. He did tally a favourable 7 touchdowns on the season but his lack of opportunity leaves a question mark. It’s likely Reynolds will be leaned on more heavily in S49 and we will see where his career is heading when he gets a little bit more playing time as lead back.

Soul King Brook (pick 11, round 1 – 428 TPE) has been converted to a wide receiver at the Austin Copperheads whilst Julian Rose (pick 34, round 3 – 543 TPE) has done the same with the Cape Town Crash. 

Will Nuck (pick 30, round 3 – 554 TPE) has seen limited snaps for the New Orleans Second Line though he has languished behind the imperious Kyle Crane (S49 third rushing yards, top rushing touchdowns – 1,305 TPE). Will Nuck will take consolation in the fact he did win the big prize this year as New Orleans Second Line finally broke their Ultimus hoodoo which makes Will Nuck the most decorated running back for S47’s draft class.

Brandon Johnson (pick 35, Round 3 – 347 TPE)) has not been called up by the Butchers yet and he seems unlikely to feature until the franchise has relocated and rebranded as the Osaka Kaiju. He did have an outstanding season in the DSFL though, winning the Ultimini with the Tijuana Luchadores, leading the league in rushing touchdowns (11) and coming in 4th in total rushing yards (1,040). It will be interesting to see how he fairs if he is given the opportunity in the ISFL but he will face a split backfield with Triceracop (1,088 TPE) being the young lead back there.

Gucci Gurley (pick 57, round 4 - 301 TPE) is still chugging along at the Portland Pythons and has accumulated 2,0004 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns across his seasons with that franchise. He may be called up by the Hahalua this year though their roster is looking strong at running back as it is this season so without a position change he may again see limited snaps or seek a trade.

It seems like all of these running backs have an opportunity to be household names in the ISFL but the road in front of all of them is a long one. Hammerfall currently leads these running backs in rushing yards (742) and rushing touchdowns (11) in the ISFL though he was made the lead back for the Otters in S48 and has had limited competition for carries. His 1,154 all purpose yards and 12 touchdowns though does lead his class but it’s very early days to see just how this competition is likely to shape up and whether any of the above hopefuls will be called to the hallowed Hall of Fame.

It is encouraging though that all of the running backs drafted in S47 are active, competitive and making their mark on the league. It’s impossible to say what the future holds but for S49, things area certainly looking bright.

* All TPE given at time of writing

(647 words)

[BlitzAce71]

8. I created my player five days ago and have seen nothing but love and support and dedication so far from many players involved in the league. From WetWilleh's welcoming messages on the Discord and posting my rookie guide, to GMs from Norfolk (Sconnie) and Portland (Bamford) reaching out on Discord to make sure I was getting along well, to Baz sending me a helpful message about my Wiki page, to AustinP0027 helping me out with a Rookie Points Task question, everyone has been super welcoming and helpful and enthusiastic aboout the league. As a new player, that fosters such a feeling of excitement from me which can really only come frome a genuinely fun setup, which I think the ISFL has.

I've been really encouraged by all of the TPE opportunities right out of the gate for a new player, and feel that this league is geared perfectly towards my interests and skillset. I chose to be aggressive right off of the bat and picked a QB, knowing that that position comes with a lot of responsibility and pressure to perform, and that is exactly what I wanted to sign up for. I think building my character is going to be very rewarding and engaging, and can't wait to get started. I'm hoping the upcoming Showcase game will be the start of a long and beautiful friendship between myself and the ISFL. As for suggestions, I would personally appreciate more integration with spreadsheets such as Google Sheets. I am a huge spreadsheet guy and I think there are some mechanics of this game or information dumps that would benefit from a little organizing in a spreadsheet. But that is a small nitpick, in general I think everything has been really well laid out and easy to follow along with from a new player perspective.

11. Jack is coming into the ISFL after a high flying and highly successful run as the star quarterback of the University of Texas, where he culminated three years of hard work with an undefeated season, winning both the national championship and the Heisman Trophy as he passed for over 6000 yards and 60 touchdowns in his outstanding senior season. Given the weight of success and the enormous expectations thrust upon him as he enters the next stage in his career, Jack is lucky to have the support of two successful athletes as parents. His dad, Jim, was a pitcher in Major League Baseball, and his mom was a standout track star in college. This base of support has kept Jack grounded, hungry, and focused on his own success as an athlete. He is also lucky to have two of the biggest fans in the world cheering him on every day, as younger siblings Jimmy and Jessie idolized him growing up and will be the first two in line to buy his ISFL jersey.

Jack had an idol himself growing up, as he hails from the same home town as legendary quarterback Patrick Mahomes in Whitehouse, Texas. Not only did he get to walk by the Mahomes statue every day on his way in to White House High School, he also shared a similar background with Mahomes in that both of their dads were pitchers. That is why Jack wore #15 in his Longhorn playing days and why he models his playing style after one of the greatest players to ever throw a pigskin. Heading into the ISFL draft, Jack is eager to show the same work ethic and athleticism that brought him so much success at the college level can translate to the professional level, and is eager to start building a legacy with whichever team believes in him on draft night.