Round 1 - These Fire Tokens will be the death of me

[Admin]

Last night showed that MOST of these players will be playing very differently than XTC 10 players. Slower and more measured start for most of them (excluding Malfoy, of course). No major alliances have been created yet since they're still trying to feel each other out and see who they like, as opposed to just throwing people on a group chat. 


Who do y'all think were the first night stand outs? 

[Jay]

Definitely a slower pace so far compared to previous seasons but there are still some chaotic players emerging

[Admin]

the hate for Kelsey is not it.

[Kyle]

For me coming out of the first day as a viewer, I am team Leanna. I think that she is going to be a contender for this game. She seems to be really good at not only connecting with people one on one but also has a strategic mind in and is giving insight into what she is thinking going forward. I could see her and Meoldy being a power duo in this game. My one fear is that I think she would be better off pairing up with someone who might be a bigger target than her as I feel as though people would be more threatened by her over Melody for some reason as they get to a merge (maybe I'm wrong).

Malfoy is already a mess which is great. I think keeping him around is a mistake, but I'm here for the entertainment.

I really hope that we start to get some confessional insight from the other tribe. I am loving the screenshots of Maddie's thoughts, so I hope she starts dishing the tea in her confessional.

[Jay]

malfoy is such a funny character to me. he is pure entertainment to watch

[Jay]

also what a first round for Wes Finesse so far. For his first game he is playing like a pro

[Jay]

i like maddie but she needs to not come for kelsey

[benjimcfly]

Break down of both tribes so far:

Pemba

Granted, this tribe is running a little slower than Unguja, there's a steady, yet timid pace on this tribe. People who are on top seem to be Robbie, Maddie and Ben.

Robbie came off very eager, but I think he had some nerves coming into this game. Maddie, Jeff, Ben and Gleason all seem to have a positive vibe about him. No one has mentioned much negative. My concern is that he might begin to make too many promises to people and he overplays his hand. Either way, he's in a good spot now. 

Maddie is second to Robbie as far as putting work in. However, Maddie is very genuine about her interactions and is constant in being able to start a call. She's relatable, funny, but not coming off trying as hard, like Robbie. I think this is going to help her through the early rounds. I can't tell if her joking ire for Kelsey is somehow a little real. I'm convinced she will target Kelsey if they lose this first challenge. 

Ben is cute, likable and has been a central figure in the tribe calls. Heavy is the head that wears the crown. I fear Ben may notice that he's getting lots of positive attention and allows his ego to get the best of him. I get vibes that this will be further down the road, like after the merge. Either way, he's in a great starting position. 

Players who are struggling in Pemba (from this standpoint) Jeff, Gleason and Hannah. Jeff hasn't been on many calls, but he will sometimes linger on the phone call and text the tribe chat. He got on a call with Maddie tonight and I think she may be inclined to protect him. I think he will put his work in if he needs to save his own ass. Gleason is on vacation and is suffering the "not around enough" vibes from people. He's liked, but social capital is especially important this early on. Like Jeff, I think he can rebound from this. No that doesn't mean Hannah is in trouble, she was just the only person to not attend the tribe call last night. That is a hard hole to dig yourself out of on night one. 

No one has really formed any group/alliance or anything. I could see Ben/Kelsey/(Austin or Robbie) being the first, as Ben and Kelsey seemed to have a nice first call tonight. The energy felt like they are going to be working with each other on the first vote. 


Unguja tribe

Unguja has the most energy and are the most active between the two tribes. That being said, they're still not going crazy. Both tribes have a very fresh, slow take to the start of this game. The players in the best position (imo) are Melody and Sam, with a little bit of Leanna. 

Melody is very tight with Leanna. Charlene wants to trust her 100%. Malfoy wants he and Lauren to make an alliance with her. No one has said anything negative about her and she seems to be the most aware of the nuances in the tribe chat. Melody seems to have a level head when assessing her current relationships. It resembles Kim Spradlin's "options" from One World, currently. The future is bright here. 

Sam is so fucking likable. I don't know anything about his strategy, but he's a genuine, nice, funny person and everyone notices (especially since this tribe has some energy issues). He's done nothing but make small talk with everyone in his side conversations, and has mentioned multiple times people should get a hold of him tomorrow because "I'll most likely be doing laundry". I'm not sure if this is some bread baking, per se, but time will tell. I'm curious what his strategy will be, but there's no chance on earth he will be voted out this round. 

Leanna is in a good spot. She may not have as much weight as Melody, but I think Melody is closest with her. Leanna is persuasive and funny, so she might be able to ride some blind spots on the Melody express. Leanna is very active in her chats and is well connected with everyone. She's a little less personal but is doing well none the less. 

I feel I should mention William, Charlene and Lauren riding the middle right now. William is well liked, kind of like Sam. People speak warmly of him, but no one is really reaching out to make a tight connection with him, either. Well, except Malfoy. Charlene, I believe, is the most underrated player in the game right now. I have seen flashes of brilliance in her game in talking to people, but I think she gets cast aside by most people. She doesn't seem to be threatened or threatening. It could blow up in an instant, but she's riding the middle pretty well. Lauren is riding a middle position mostly because she hasn't been around much today. Not a huge deal, but people seem to be getting closer to each other and she's missing this time (much like Gleason on Pemba). 

Jermin and Malfoy are in the worst spots. Jermin, because Malfoy is dragging his name to everyone and he has yet to make a solid connection with anyone. He's getting close with Charlene now, so that's about all he will need on this first vote. Malfoy has been a little over the top (as promised) and has trouble noticing social cues. Melody and Leanna often talk about how awkward conversations can be that are contributed by Malfoy. If it makes any sense, he is pushing Leanna and Melody closer together. Malfoy also had a conversation with both Leanna and Melody night one where he ranked everyone in the tribe. Yes, he ranked them, too. I feel there is some finesse to playing a dramatic game and that's usually supported by some big strategic moves. I don't see that saving him, at this point. It's still early, and things could change. 


Winner Picks as of Today: Melody and Maddie. 

[benjimcfly]

As I typed that up, Charlene and Jermin get on a call and immediately decide they both like and trust Melody. They immediately make a group chat with her and get her on a call. I wasn't expecting Melody to be so quick to accept, but she definitely is ready to work with these two. Their conspiracy is that Leanna is working with Malfoy, which is NOT TRUE AT ALL. Malfoy wants to work with Melody. Leanna doesn't want to work with Malfoy. This is honestly so weird, but all three of them believe it to be true.

Either way, this alliance of minorities is the *First group of any in this game*. It took over 24 hours. Such restraint.

[Admin]

People keep wondering if there are any hidden idols or if the only idols available are the ones you can buy... but one of the things you can buy is a clue to a hidden advantage... why is no one looking?

[benjimcfly]

Lauren Live Confessional:

[Ricky]

I think Austin is in trouble in Pemba... ppl are sketched by his first night tribe call performance.

[benjimcfly]

[Ricky]

Loving Kelsey... that's all. She's awesome, and seems very perceptive. I just need her to not come for Gleason right now.

Really rooting for Gleason and Hannah too. Gleason is awesome and I think he's vibing real well with Hannah and she's one of my winner picks, so those two together can kill it.

I LOVE Sam, but I need to see more from him. GIVE US SOME CONFESSIONALS DUDE...

As much as I like Leanna, she's found herself in a weird spot, I dont think she's going far anymore

Maddie was very quiet today but everyone seems to like her (except one person, cant remember who right now)

Melody is great; her and william are a good team. Also love her trio with Jermin and Charlene.

Lauren is really fun, but she's allying with the wrong cat (Malfoy).

[Ricky]

Robbie is putting in SOOO MUCH work. Everyone likes him and wants to work with him. It might bite him in the butt later on. Looks like he wants to target Maddie first.