Round Five (Pair-Ability Week)

[Nick]

Hello everyone, and welcome to Pair-Ability Week on The Conquest Project.

Here to whet your appetite is the greatest duet you've never seen:




A major twist was dropped on the game last night, which means dynamics are likely all over the f'ing place and very much subject to change over the course of this weekend.

So a simple pleb like myself will not even begin to speculate on what's happening--well, maybe a little bit--but I just wanted to get the ball rolling on this a pivotal round and continue to give C9ers something to read after the game (you're welcome).

At any rate, here are the five story lines I'm most excited about at final 14 (IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER):

(1) The Jeff/Sam "rivalry"--
Also known as vertical camera-gate, this rivalry is great because it really began on day one and has been so one-sided. Jeff despises Sam because of his opening night sarcastic jab at Jeff's vertical "meet-me" video...and Sam doesn't actually care or seem to realize that he pissed off Jeff? because Sam was only joking? What I love is that Sam is probably going to continue to make sarcastic comments towards Jeff, stoking this flame even higher.

Jeff has figured out how to get what he wants in this game so far--will he channel this somewhat meaningless frustration to get Sam out? Will Jeff get mad at ME after the game when he reads about my enjoyment of this humorous situation? We'll see!

(2) Steffan beating Leah/Amanda's placements--
He's nearly cleared one of these hurdles, but will Steffan clear both? Feel free to vote in the poll and voice your opinion on the matter.

I say Yes...Steffan will make it to top 9 at least.

(3) Will Nick/Jenn dominate in a post-swap game?

In theory, they're the most obvious pair in the game...which normally isn't great. But all of a sudden they've gone from obvious targets to players that everyone wants to work with, on both sides that is..In tandem they come across as smart, likable, trustworthy--together they might make the perfect player.

Contrary to popular belief, I hope this twist DOES NOT cause Nick to pull a Nick...though I think many would argue it's more likely to see Jenn pull a Nick on Nick...

(4) Will Lizzie be exposed for having 26 number one allies?

I know Lizzie is nervous about exposing herself to being tight with virtually everyone, especially with the twist asking players to literally pair up with someone. But I think Lizzie will be fine for now. She has so many people convinced that she is their #1 ally--even the people who probably shouldn't think this. And it doesn't seem like anyone is coming after Lizzie?

(5) Aren's Hats--
I'm fascinated by Aren's repertoire of hats. A true connoisseur of hats, certainly, but will Aren's hat collection become a metaphor for his gameplay? 

All for now. Bye.

[Chris W]

Okay so i'm going to do some quick POWER RANKINGS before the Final 12 (Nu-Carex) tribal council. This season has been so crazy and these rankings will probably change after a single round but here are mine at this point:

#1: 

If you would've told me after Round 1 that i'd be putting Austin at #1 I would've said you're crazy. Austin has done an amazing job of integrating himself and creating relationships across the board, including with Jenn and Nick who voted for him! If the predicted Sam vs Don war happens I think he has connections on both sides (Jenn, Sam, Don, Jeff, Lizzie, Nick) that could put him in a good spot. Austin is smart in the sense that he never rules anyone out and is fairly able to work with anyone if necessary. He's pretty securely making the merge provided there isn't a crazy twist and he's most likely gaining a power this round. I won't be shocked at all to see him in the end game.

#2: 

I still have no idea how Lizzie has maintained having so many close allies without people catching on. I'd say she's closely aligned with 90% of the cast at this point and will probably find herself in a crucial swing vote once the merge hits. She's lucky that she hasn't needed to betray anyone at this point (I guess minus Jeff?) and it will be interesting to see how her game changes once she needs to. Lizzie is primed with allies on all sides and will be a big influence in what course the game takes.

#3: 

I'm putting Tierra this high because of the way she's been able to hide how strong of a strategic mind she has. Multiple people have stated in confessionals (in particular Sam) that Tierra is 'easy to read' and 'will just go with the flow' but she's constantly been undermining other people's gameplay and putting herself in a good position with no one noticing. She doesn't come off as aggressive or threatening so even if her and Don lose numbers, I think she'll be able to survive. Don still being in the game is my only negative against her, as they will be seen as a duo and she could be targeted as the 'safer vote' in case of a power. However, if the soulmates twist continues into the merge no one will want Don + a power, so she should be safe. It's looking like she'll match David Davis' trajectory nicely.

#4: 

If Jenn is able to survive this swap and make the merge, I think she's primed to be an ally that everyone will want on their side. She's had such an underdog story this season (her and Nick are the best duo Conquest has ever had) and that underdog status has allowed her to ingratiate herself to the OG Yurbaco. At the same time, she has Nick and Austin from her original tribe who'll also want to keep her around. She's in a bit of a rough spot right now, as she's very reliant on Teddy if their tribe loses again, but I can see her cockroaching her way to the merge and being in a similar Lizzie position at the merge.

#5: 

Teddy's position is such a unique one because many people (Austin, Lizzie, Jeff, Tierra, Don, Jenn) know that he's playing every single side and want to get him out eventually. Though at the same time, he's found himself in a spot where both sides need his number so they can't make a move against him. Every move Teddy makes will be crucial and he'll need to flip back and forth if he wants to make it to the endgame, but right now I think he's in control of who gets majority on Nu-Carex and will probably be a key vote at the start of the merge.

#6 & #7 (interchangeable):  & 

The reason i've paired Sam and Don together is because I think their fates in this game are intertwined and this war that is destined to ensue between them will probably end up destroying them both. I think they have done well amassing some strong allies who want to work with them come the merge, but they're already perceived as leaders which usually doesn't work out in the long term. I think both of them are a lot more similar than either of them would want to admit.

Sam has some good game awareness but I think has become cocky and isn't fully aware of who he should really trust (Tierra is a good example here of someone who Sam is completely blind to). Don is not afraid to make moves and take his fate into his hands, but he comes over very abrasive to some and could alienate potential swing votes. Also, both of them haven't hid their true allegiances very well which could easily lead to them being sent home. Either way, I can't wait to see how this war shakes out and who will come out on top between the two.

#8: 

First of all, I love Nick so much and his story so far has been incredible. The reason i've separated him so far from Jenn is because of the possibility that either of them could be in immediate danger. In Austin's most recent confessional, he expressed interest in wanting to take out Nick next before the merge in order to separate Nick and Jenn. Nick doesn't have the power on his tribe right now (Austin/Lizzie definitely do) and that makes me nervous for his survival. I think it will really come down to Lizzie and whether she'll let Nick go home or convince Austin to target Jeff or Steffen instead. Nick is so charismatic and likeable though that I think he has the social play to get himself through (like he did with the Elise vote) and if he can make the merge and link back up with Jenn his game could have a lot more in store (which i'm pretty sure we all want)

#9: 

Aren has been such a delight to watch so far this season because he's genuinely just SO happy to be playing and has really proved a lot of people wrong. Although only being 15, other players have been genuinely shocked at how well they are able to connect to Aren and he's done a great job trying to avoid that young person stigma. My concern with Aren right now is if his tribe loses again, I think he could be blindsided with his power in his pocket. Teddy/Tierra/Jenn have a chat and Jenn has stated in her confessional that they've already thrown out the idea of targeted Aren before Sam to get his power out of the game. He's very dependent on Teddy deciding to want to keep him in the game and i'm concerned his fate is no longer in his hands. I do hope that Aren makes the merge because I believe he does have a lot more to offer and could make it really deep if he survives this swap.

#10: 

Oh Jeff, your game has been a ride so far. He started off in a great swing position but has really dropped the ball socially and now I believe is fully dependent on other people wanting to keep him in the game. Jeff fell in love with Austin and completely surrendered all of his power to him, including his allegiance with Jenn and Nick. Jeff believes he has more power than he actually does (in his most recent confessional he claims he's 'running his tribe') and I think he's in for a rude awakening. All is not lost for Jeff, I do think if he checks his ego and explores his options socially I think he could put himself in a way stronger position, but I have little faith he's going to do that. I expect Jeff to make the merge but he'll be picked off once people like Austin/Lizzie/Don realise that they don't need him anymore. 

#11: 

Steffen is an enigma in this game in the sense that i'm not really sure who he's aligned with? I know he's close with Lizzie but other than that i'm struggling to think of other allies (Aren kind of, Sam kind of???). Losing his idol was dangerous because I think that was his one defence that stopped people from doing the 'easy vote' and taking him out. Although at the same time, the fact that he doesn't really have any power could lead people to skip over 'wasting' a vote on him and could see him stay around for a lot longer than people would think. He's made some errors but none of them have been game ending and I think if he can survive this swap he'll be here for a long time, although at this point I can't imagine a jury voting for him to win unless he really changes his game once the merge hits.

#12: 

There's nowhere else I can really put Michael seeing as he's most likely going home this round. I don't think Michael has made any huge errors that have caused him to be in this spot, I think his original tribe was just unable to win a challenge and he didn't really make any social connections outside of his core alliance. He's lost the numbers and there's no reason for people like Jenn and Teddy to want to keep him around when they have greener pastures with other players. If the Sam/Aren/Teddy contingent didn't decide to throw the challenge, he could've made the merge and possibly been in this for a long time but alas it looks like this is not meant to be.

If you made it to the end of this ramble whew you really are the true MVP. ^_^

[Danielle]

If I’m being honest, this hasnt been the outcome I would have though for the season at all and I’m not even mad about it. I was almost certain that Steffen/Aren would have been out by this point. And Mike wouldnt have quit BUTTT thats the game of conquest. Im in love with this twist just due to the fact that people might have to open their eyes to others and not stay so cut and dry (which i dont really think is happening). the dynamics of this game are constantly changeing in ways that surprise me. jeff/austin seemed to be very tight and i totally understand why they arent anymore. they were a huge liability to each other and probably not the best allies. jeff is getting his footing in the game that i think he desperatly needed. Lizzie will be exposed at some point but i just dont know when exactly. With merge, she’s gonna have to start going against some of these number 1’s or else she might find herself being the one that gets cut. I’ve loved the rivalry in this season because its always the way that i’ve seen sam play in games. If there isnt someone that he doesnt like, it must not be a good game. Also, I LOVE DON!!! WHAT A KING!!! Overall, I’m sooo happy with this season and I feel like it can only go up from here. Let’s get ready for merge )

[Jay]

some merge thoughts

Donald- King, Legendary, Captivating, Compelling, Exciting, Fascinating, Inspiring, King.

Lizzie- Lizzie what’re you doingggg fammm? Going Casper the ghost on her allies(?) before flipping on them is savage af but terrible strategy lol. Youre playing survivor with them not dating them, still have to get them to vote for you at the end and shit. Hopefully she is able to repair some of those relationships.

Nick, Jen, Tedy- Iconic minority alliance who needs to try to swing somebody and not get taken out one by one.

[Nick]

Dec 4, 2017 3:02:55 GMT Jay said:

some merge thoughts

Donald- King, Legendary, Captivating, Compelling, Exciting, Fascinating, Inspiring, King.

Lizzie- Lizzie what’re you doingggg fammm? Going Casper the ghost on her allies(?) before flipping on them is savage af but terrible strategy lol. Youre playing survivor with them not dating them, still have to get them to vote for you at the end and shit. Hopefully she is able to repair some of those relationships.

Nick, Jen, Tedy- Iconic minority alliance who needs to try to swing somebody and not get taken out one by one.

Nick, Jen, Tedy- Iconic minority alliance who needs to try to swing somebody and not get taken out one by one.

THIS

[Jenn]

Nov 25, 2017 19:18:03 GMT Nick said:

Contrary to popular belief, I hope this twist DOES NOT cause Nick to pull a Nick...though I think many would argue it's more likely to see Jenn pull a Nick on Nick...

Why would people argue this? I'm actually shocked lol

[Jenn]

Nov 29, 2017 10:44:08 GMT Chris W said:

(her and Nick are the best duo Conquest has ever had) 

Love.