So the details have been finalised and tension is mounting. After an overwhelming turnout for Battle 7 (and the resulting chaos), a few tweaks have been made. It is worth keeping the following details in mind if you didn't get a chance to read them on the "Rules of Engagement" Page:

1) Troop cost is 25 Pl with a threshold of 2500 Pl (up from Battle 7's 1000Pl)

2) There are now 3 Battle Windows

3) V. Import! There will be 100 troops awarded per territory after Windows 1 and 2, irrespective of how many troops are on that territory. Big change from desperately trying to make sure all out territories have 100 troops on them.

4) Only 35% of the map needs to be controlled to achieve victory.

5) No bonus objectives.

The format of the battles has been steadily moving towards fast-paced smaller attack schedules and windows. This battle should be a hectic rush for the 35%, personally I suspect whoever controls Russia has the biggest advantage (think easy access to Belgium, Bosnia and Lithuania etc. - all those high density countries).

I've updated my Unofficial FBG troop calculator to display the default values for Battle 8 here.This tool will tell you how many troops your plinks can buy and more importantly, how many troops your enemies can buy.

On a final note, I'm flying to London this weekend and won't be able to write a report, I might however drop a few comments about the Battle. I would be interested in knowing what the community thinks of this: In the last battle I was completely overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of people participating. As a result I was not able to watch (and hence give coverage) to many clans who deserved it. As such, I would be interested in partnering with somebody who has a flair for FBG and would be interested in writing reports.
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I couldn't give a flying llama.

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