my next Tournament plans

Koda, you are incredible for considering another tourney.  :)

3) Yes

4) When the tournament starts, no exceptions

5) No problem.  

Dravin the Sloth wrote: the idea of an unknown end date is interesting.   if that route is chosen, you may want to have an outside party, as well as yourself, be aware of the date, chosen but not announced.  perhaps rikoo?  just to bely any potential cries of conspiracy.

Unknown end date? How about an unknown begin date? The only thing we really need to know is will there be bacon. And pie. Or bacon pie.

The earth trembles.  The pre-dawn mist is stirred by small creatures seeking shelter, then larger animals in all-out flight of terror.  They flee from the sound.  The approaching rumble rapidly becomes a deafening roar as the earth quakes and groans.  The first rays of dawn find their way past the distant mountains and glint off crafted steal.  Then all at once morning breaks and reveals the horror that is coming: one million blood-thirsty troops, marching to battle below.  Orcs, elves, dwarves and humans, marching together, come from all points of the compass to converge on the the appointed killing ground.  Down the mountain passes and up the valley below, their ranks spread out for miles across the lonely plains, flying the banners of a dozen great houses and hailing from dozens more mighty cities.  Some have marched for days on end, some for mere hours, but all have timed their journey to arrive at exactly the appointed time...this exact moment...their moment of glory.

They take the field of battle unopposed.  There is no enemy here.  But these warriors are under orders to occupy this place until reinforcements arrive...or die in the attempt.  They set about making camp, ranged units taking the high ground and spearmen the low, infantry among the rocks and foliage and mounted units on any flat terrain to be found.  Thousands of military scouts find vantage points and hiding spots, ready to send word to command the instant inbound hostiles are seen in the lands surrounding this massive colony of death.  However, no enemy presents itself, and so they wait...and occupy...unopposed...for a month. 

They are told that they have won, though this does not compute in the minds of these seasoned warriors with still shining armor and un-wetted blades.  Their masters will be given medals to proclaim their military victory and lords will buy them drinks and congratulate them for holding their ground...against no one.

A new kind of tourney?  Excellent idea.  Surprise end date?  Brilliant.  How about more surprises?  Don't disclose the RULES til the day before, like occupation time doesn't start until you capture the square from an occupying force, or you can only occupy tourney squares in regions you DON"T have a city.  How about a new KIND of tourney?  Instead of king of the hill we play capture the flag, first one to take twenty occupied squares wins, or a berserker's ball: first to inflict one million casualties.

Of course, I've never been in a tourney so I have no idea what I'm talking about :) But this is my two cents: I don't mind what the duration is, I'll fight til I can't; I don't care about warning, I've got six months to prepare; I'll play if there's no medals, I don't plan on winning; it doesn't matter when the snapshot is, I won't be moving; I know nothing of API keys, but I trust Koda.

There is something I do know: this tourney will definitely be different than all others that have come before it, because when the Horn calls, the Heroes will answer.  Not for medals or prizes, but for the thrill of the fight and love of the game.  Even if I'm not victorious, those who seek me out on the battlefield will remember the day that Xaindean held his ground.  And I'm going to have FUN.

Thanks for asking, Kodabear :)