DUEL 2 NEWSLETTER
Date : 05/22/2009 Duedate: 06/04/2009
ARUAK CITY ARENA
DM-11 TURN-620
This Weeks Top Honors
THE DUELMASTER IS
LILAC LIZARD
ANIMAL FARM (510)
(11-6964) [32-6-1,156]
Chartered Recognition Leader Unchartered Recognition Leader
LILAC LIZARD THE SPACE TOAD
ANIMAL FARM (510) THE UPSTARTS II (411)
(11-6964) [32-6-1,156] (11-4402) [6-3-0,57]
Popularity Leader This Weeks Favorite
KIANA TOM PUP TENT
GIRLS, GIRLS, GIRLS (435) BULLDOGS (157)
(11-4753) [10-14-0,72] (11-7134) [10-11-1,81]
THE CURRENT TOP TEAM
ANIMAL FARM (510)
TEAMS ON THE MOVE TOP CAREER HONORS
Team Name Point Gain Chartered Team
1. KRILL CAVALRY (374) 58
2. FURRY FURY (611) 26 COLORIFIC (511)
3. PHILANTHROPISTS (576) 22 Unchartered Team
4. ANIMAL FARM (510) 21
5. COLORIFIC (511) 19 THE UPSTARTS II (411)
The Top Teams
Career Win-Loss Record W L K % Win-Loss Record Last 3 Turns W L K
1/ 1 COLORIFIC (511) 394 204 13 65.9 1/ 1 ANIMAL FARM (510) 11 4 1
2/ 2 ANIMAL FARM (510) %1181 651 40 64.5 2/ 2 BULLDOGS (157) 9 5 0
3/ 3 GIRLS, GIRLS, GIRL (435) 109 74 4 59.6 3/ 5 KRILL CAVALRY (374) 9 6 0
4/ 4 BULLDOGS (157) %1072 794 33 57.4 4/ 4 COLORIFIC (511) 8 3 0
5/ 5 TECHNO 8 (609) 87 73 4 54.4 5/ 3 TECHNO 8 (609) 7 8 0
6/ 6 NIGHT'S GUARDIANS (474) 112 106 5 51.4 6/ 7*THE UPSTARTS II (411) 4 5 0
7- 8 IMMORTALS (85) 934 %1065 75 46.7 7- 6 IMMORTALS (85) 4 6 1
8/ 7*THE UPSTARTS II (411) 14 16 0 46.7 8/ 8 GIRLS, GIRLS, GIRL (435) 2 5 0
9/ 9 KRILL CAVALRY (374) 410 714 8 36.5 9/ 0*PHILANTHROPISTS (576) 1 0 0
10/10 FURRY FURY (611) 10 22 0 31.3 10/ 9 FURRY FURY (611) 1 3 0
11/ 0*PHILANTHROPISTS (576) 2 8 0 20.0 11/10 NIGHT'S GUARDIANS (474) 0 3 0
'*' Unchartered team '-' Team did not fight this turn
(###) Avoid teams by their Team Id ##/## This turn's/Last turn's rank
TEAM SPOTLIGHT
+ ]H[ + ---:--- + ]H[ The Andorian Succession #29 ]H[ + ---:--- + ]H[ +
Elsewhere:
This time the wait seemed shorter. Lenpro tried to stand as if confident and
un-alarmed, but he couldn't help wondering--worrying--what kind of creature might be
found to fight Sizzling Sunflower. He glanced at his companion out of the corner of
his eye.
She was staring at her hands and muttering. The leaves that had appeared, had
sprouted from her arms were smaller, the knobby green stems or twigs more like
fingers. That was good, a human, okay, an elf, made a more effective gladiator than
a sunflower plant was likely to, even a sizzling one.
There was a stir where the Gladiators' Gate would be on a regular arena: people
shifting position, a gate swinging open, people moving out of the way quickly. The
opponent, and it was someone--or something--that everyone feared. How encouraging.
But at least Sunflower was an advanced gladiator, skilled at her trade. It would be
okay.
The opponent was tall and thin, probably female. Sharp features, bone-white
skin, black hair... blood-red lips, and fangs. Lenpro would have cursed, but he
didn't have time for it. A vampire. Not anyone's opponent of choice. Abnormally
strong, abnormally fast, difficult to injure, almost impossible to kill. One long
white hand drew a sword, which was black and seemed to distort space around itself.
"Vampire, and a magic sword," Sunflower murmured beside him. She didn't sound
worried. "Not easy, but I know a few tricks myself." She drew her own blades, a
sword and a long dagger for parrying. It wasn't the way she fought in the arena, but
this wasn't the arena. She flipped her sword up in a salute.
The vampire responded the same way. "You are not afraid," she said. "That is
too bad, fear makes the blood sweeter." A flash of fangs in something that might
have been a smile. "I will teach you to fear me."
The king on his throne shouted, "Begin!"
The vampire closed with a rush which Sunflower evaded easily enough, dancing to
the side and probing with her sword, then dancing back to avoid another rush.
They both paused, studying each other.
"So, you will not be easy," the vampire said. "That is... good. Yes, it is
good. I have not had a hard fight in... a very long time. I am called Berroe. How
are you named?"
"Sunflower." The gladiatress grinned, a baring of her teeth. "Think of me as
the sunshine that means your death. Fight well and I will sing of you on the Isle of
the Eye."
They began circling, testing each other with feints and attacks.
Lenpro stood at the foot of the king's throne, until he felt menace boring into
the back of his head. He didn't turn but moved to one side, putting the bulk of the
throne's stone platform between him and the half-demon behind the king. The king
might be willing to let them go, but the half-demon had no such intention. Part of
the manager's mind began to consider ways to attack that deadly creature; another
part was already considering the obstacles between him and the exit from this place,
which left very little to watch the fight. Except for suiting his timing to the
battle on the sand, he didn't need to watch the fight. Sunflower would do what she
would do, and he couldn't influence her at this point. But he saw that the crowd was
focused completely on the fight. That was good--no interference from them.
The two women came together again, both of them very fast. A thrust from the
vampire--Lenpro thought her more like a lunger than any other style. Sunflower moved
aside just far enough, her parrying blade flicking out, just far enough, to deflect
that black sword. There was a scream of tortured metal, and a burst of fat purple
sparks. Sunflower backed up a step and shook her hand; the blade of her parrying
dagger had what looked like a dark scorch mark across it.
The vampire smiled coldly. "Did you think I would be as easy as a human?"
West of Fratsfa:
Fandil stopped--again--to free his clothing from thorns. The underbrush here
seemed to be composed mostly of brambles, rampant, sprawling, and lavishly provided
with strong, hooked, thorns. "Why did I think getting under cover here was a good
move?" he muttered, tripping on another bramble. The land sloped downward and the
leaves underfoot became damp and slippery. "Hiding may be more dangerous to our
health and mission than being found!"
"Save your breath for climbing trees," Ravishing Redbud answered. "Those trees,
I think," she added, pointing at a pair of oaks growing one on either side of a tiny
stream. The slant of the ground brought them within reach of a stout limb, and
before her companions could respond, she seized Elosjon and tossed him up onto the
branch.
He uttered a strangled yelp and hung on, eyes wide with alarm. "Why'd you do--"
"No time to waste. Work your way along that branch to the trunk, then around
and out along a limb on the other side. Hurry."
Another horn-blast from behind them added point to her urging. It was nearer,
and all three of them could hear the occasional baying of hounds, as well. A second
horn call, and shouts.
Fandil glanced over his shoulder but could see nothing; as dark as it was under
the trees now, sound would serve them better than sight. He tripped again, reminding
himself of the need to use his sight anyway.
Redbud jumped, caught the limb, and pulled herself up. Straddled the heavy
branch and leaned down, stretching a hand toward Fandil. "Jump!" she commanded.
The older mage scowled at her. "I'm no athlete," he said, his voice testy. He
braced his staff against the ground, placed one foot carefully on an invisible stair,
hoisted himself up, and smiled at her. "There's more than one way to climb a tree,
girl."
She grinned back. "Whatever works. Move back toward the trunk and around it,
get into the other tree if you can. I think this is the only easy approach, so I'll
guard it."
"I'm not helpless in a fight, girl," he said.
"Of course not. You're the reserve. Go." She drew her dagger and spiked it
into the tree limb in front of her. "Go, I can handle this."
* }%|[-----+O+-----]|%{ * }%|[-----+O+-----]|%{ * }%|[-----+O+-----]|%{ *
---===ANDORIAN REGIONAL NEWS===---
Duelmasters
-----------
DM 8 ARKERS (turn 309): CONCUSSION of CONSANGUINEOUS (Mannequin, mgr.)
DM 11 ARUAK CITY (turn 619): LILAC LIZARD of ANIMAL FARM (Mino, mgr.)
DM 14 TOBIR (turn 619): DALMORE of OTAGO HIGHLANDERS (The Mun, mgr.)
DM 22 SOLVEN (turn 607): HOT EIGHTEEN of KELLUMBO'S KIDS (Detective Kellumbo, mgr.)
DM 24 ZORPUNT (turn 608): PAUL WEIDORFER of MEDAL OF HONOR J4 (The Anarchist, mgr.)
DM 25 LYRATILAN (turn 606): GRIFLET IRVEL of THE MIDDLE WAY 4 (Jorja, mgr.)
DM 26 CALEAM (turn 605): AMARANTH of MENAGERIE (Ichabod Frothingslosh, mgr.)
DM 30 IAYE (turn 601): MAYOR MCLAY of LENPROS (Lenpro, mgr.)
DM 40 ZENSU (turn 570): DAY TURNER of MEDAL OF HONOR G1 (The Anarchist, mgr.)
DM 41 KATI-TEI (turn 561): SERGEANT 1 of MEDAL OF HONOR H3 (The Anarchist, mgr.)
DM 46 ARDIVENT (turn 552): BUM of DEATHTONGUE (Technogeek, mgr.)
DM 52 FRATSFA (turn 256): BRAIN TUMOR of OTTO'S PARTS (Crip, mgr.)
DM 63 AMEN-TEI (turn 451): THOMAS WIGLE of MEDAL OF HONOR J3 (The Anarchist, mgr.)
DM 71 KYR'TERR (turn 210): TRYPTOPHAN of SUPERIOR FORCES ZC (Manager, mgr.)
ADM 105 ANDORAK (turn 504): GOKU of DRAGONBALL Z (Armalias, mgr.)
Top Teams
---------
DM 8 ARKERS (turn 309): CONSANGUINEOUS (Mannequin, mgr.)
DM 11 ARUAK CITY (turn 619): ANIMAL FARM (Mino, mgr.)
DM 14 TOBIR (turn 619): ALL THE MUN'S MEN (The Mun, mgr.)
DM 22 SOLVEN (turn 607): MIDDLE WAY 15 (Jorja, mgr.)
DM 24 ZORPUNT (turn 608): MEDAL OF HONOOR J4 (The Anarchist, mgr.)
DM 25 LYRATILAN (turn 606): THE MIDDLE WAY 4 (Jorja, mgr.)
DM 26 CALEAM (turn 605): MENAGERIE (Ichabod Frothingslosh, mgr.)
DM 30 IAYE (turn 601): LENPROS (Lenpro, mgr.)
DM 40 ZENSU (turn 570): MEDAL OF HONOR G1 (The Anarchist, mgr.)
DM 41 KATI-TEI (turn 561): MEDAL OF HONOR H3 (The Anarchist, mgr.)
DM 46 ARDIVENT (turn 552): FANDILS (Wise Old Fandil, mgr.)
DM 52 FRATSFA (turn 256): FLOWER GIRLS (Lady Fern, mgr.)
DM 63 AMEN-TEI (turn 451): MEDAL OF HONOR J3 (The Anarchist, mgr.)
DM 71 KYR'TERR (turn 210): THE ZOO (Jorja, mgr.)
ADM 105 ANDORAK (turn 504): SUPERIOR FATHER et al (Manager, mgr.)
Recent Graduates
----------------
DM 8 ARKERS (turn 309): CONCUSSION of CONSANGUINEOUS (Mannequin, mgr.)
DM 11 ARUAK CITY (turn 618): SEPHIROTH of NIGHT'S GUARDIANS (Ichabod Frothingslosh)
DM 14 TOBIR (turn 619): DALMORE of OTAGO HIGHLANDERS (The Mun, mgr.)
(turn 618): LITTLE BIG MUN of ALL THE MUN'S MEN (The Mun, mgr.)
DM 26 CALEAM (turn 605): KNEE BREAKER of ULTRA-VIOLENT (Deep Thought, mgr.)
FLESH FLAYER of ULTRA-VIOLENT (Deep Thought, mgr.)
DM 30 IAYE (turn 601): LITTLE ROCKY of RED DOG GANG (Jorja, mgr.)
DM 41 KATI-TEI (turn 561): SERGEANT 1 of MEDAL OF HONOR H3 (The Anarchist, mgr.)
DM 52 FRATSFA (turn 255): TEALIN SALI of MIDDLE WAY 8 (Jorja, mgr.)
DM 71 KYR'TERR (turn 210): TRYPTOPHAN of SUPERIOR FORCES ZC (Manager, mgr.)
DUELMASTER'S COLUMN
Notes from the arena champ.
Writing a DM Column, especially when it is six in a row, can be rather difficult
and cumbersome. Why doesn't the loser have to write the column? Or would the
column, then, just be whine, whine, whine? So, anyway, here I am.
I thought I would give you my "questions of the day".
1. Will there ever be another TOGS?
2. Is invader Ichabod really a Frother, or just another nice guy?
3. RSI wants a roleplaying arena? That's what Aruak City is? Yes?
4. What is a double-21? A nice total parry?
5. How many wins is too many?
6. Are The Immortals and Techno 8 always so hard to beat?
7. How long does a Forever stamp last?
8. Will I have to write another DM Column?
Tune in next time. meanwhile, catch me if you can.
Lilac Lizard, Duelmaster VI
SPY REPORT
Greetings warriors! It is I, Zontani Sharp Eyes, here to bring report of the
clash and bustle of the weekly ARUAK CITY games. AGRAEDUS caught the eye of many in
the gladiatorial commission as he skillfully bested YELLOW FEVER and was awarded 22
points in recognition. In one of the week's more notable duels, AGRAEDUS put down
YELLOW FEVER, causing it to lose 13 points of recognition in the process. Not for
nothing has LILAC LIZARD in the past laid claim to the Duelmaster's throne, and this
week she's proven hers combat skill yet again. No confirmation, but my sources claim
that the top team has gained their position using magical aids. Charmed weapons
perhaps?
But come now, let us look deeper into the maze of contention and crossed blades
that is city ARUAK CITY. ARUAK CITY, city of gladiators! Mighty among the names of
thy guilds is IMMORTALS, a guild shunned and avoided by many in the weekly duels. If
you didn't look down dark alleys you'd have been hard pressed to find any of BULLDOGS
last week. Busy avoiding IMMORTALS? Loose talk at the arena has reached my ears and
it but confirms the knowledge that many fighters are after IRVIN FLETE. Watch your
back!
What warrior does not hone his years, impatiently waiting for the moment of his
foe's mortality? I must report the passing of KEEPER OF SECRETS, veteran of many
duels. 12-9-0 final record Its was not illustrious--but death plays no favorites.
This week's duel proved deadly to KEEPER OF SECRETS as it fell to the more renowned
warrior, LILAC LIZARD. How will NIGHT'S GUARDIANS find revenge? Dark alleys may
hide both secrets and assassins. In the arena there is only the brightness of steel.
Keep vigil always!
A thought before I go. Each warrior practices one style, but must not the wise
manager learn the secrets of them all? Sadly warriors, now longer can I keep thy
company nor savor the ale of thy fine city. Depart I must and soon! Till we meet
again, remember: a turtle walks slow, hides head in a shell, and harms no one; a
lion runs to slay its prey.-- Zontani Sharp Eyes
DUELMASTER W L K POINTS TEAM NAME
LILAC LIZARD 6964 32 6 1 156 ANIMAL FARM (510)
CHALLENGER CHAMPIONS W L K POINTS TEAM NAME
MOCHA MONKEY 7107 19 4 0 123 ANIMAL FARM (510)
BUTTER BURRO 7062 21 2 0 112 ANIMAL FARM (510)
PUPPY LOVE 7026 25 12 0 109 BULLDOGS (157)
GREEN THUMB 6830 23 11 0 103 COLORIFIC (511)
-TONYA WAITS 4757 20 9 0 99 GIRLS, GIRLS, GIRLS (435)
CARMEN ELECTRA 4752 12 5 0 91 GIRLS, GIRLS, GIRLS (435)
BROWN NOSE 6939 11 4 0 91 COLORIFIC (511)
CHAMPIONS W L K POINTS TEAM NAME
GRAY MATTER 7152 7 3 0 84 COLORIFIC (511)
PUP TENT 7134 10 11 1 81 BULLDOGS (157)
TWOFLOWER 7120 14 12 0 77 TECHNO 8 (609)
KIANA TOM 4753 10 14 0 72 GIRLS, GIRLS, GIRLS (435)
-TOM SAWYER 7101 12 13 2 67 IMMORTALS (85)
CHALLENGER ADEPTS W L K POINTS TEAM NAME
SONG OF SUMMER 7119 16 11 0 66 KRILL CAVALRY (374)
STABLEBOY 7118 12 15 0 62 KRILL CAVALRY (374)
TONK 7163 9 10 0 59 TECHNO 8 (609)
THE SPACE TOAD 4402 6 3 0 57 THE UPSTARTS II (411)
ADEPTS W L K POINTS TEAM NAME
-SHY MEERKAT 7140 6 4 0 56 FURRY FURY (611)
AGRAEDUS 6721 2 4 0 49 PHILANTHROPISTS (576)
TWEED 7198 11 4 1 46 TECHNO 8 (609)
WOODROW BILLIT 7151 7 13 0 43 KRILL CAVALRY (374)
-DRAYTON FLASHSTONE 7166 7 7 0 43 IMMORTALS (85)
-CINDERELLA MAN 7102 8 17 0 41 IMMORTALS (85)
YELLOW FEVER 6978 10 5 1 40 COLORIFIC (511)
-BEAN SIDHE 7130 4 0 0 40 NIGHT'S GUARDIANS (474)
-MIXED BREED 7135 7 12 1 36 BULLDOGS (157)
TWILL 7197 7 8 0 35 TECHNO 8 (609)
CHALLENGER INITIATES W L K POINTS TEAM NAME
-THE ANALOG KID 7165 6 8 1 33 IMMORTALS (85)
-PENNYWISE 7129 3 5 0 28 NIGHT'S GUARDIANS (474)
IRVIN FLETE 7211 4 7 0 27 KRILL CAVALRY (374)
RAGING BULL 7205 3 7 0 27 BULLDOGS (157)
HOUND 7230 3 0 0 25 BULLDOGS (157)
-SORTA DARK ELF 4403 4 3 0 24 THE UPSTARTS II (411)
INITIATES W L K POINTS TEAM NAME
PAPRIKA PUMA 7204 3 1 0 22 ANIMAL FARM (510)
BROOK BURKE 6472 2 6 0 22 GIRLS, GIRLS, GIRLS (435)
-HAVERHILL CHAMP 7229 1 1 1 22 IMMORTALS (85)
TIRLA DANCER 7228 1 2 0 20 KRILL CAVALRY (374)
TONI 7222 5 2 0 18 TECHNO 8 (609)
MR SPRINKLES 6971 1 1 0 5 THE UPSTARTS II (411)
INITIATES W L K POINTS TEAM NAME
STINGER 7233 0 1 0 5 THE UPSTARTS II (411)
RED HEAD 7231 1 1 0 4 COLORIFIC (511)
'-' denotes a warrior who did not fight this turn.
THE DEAD W L K TEAM NAME SLAIN BY TURN Revenge?
WHITE WALRUS 7212 1 3 0 ANIMAL FARM 510 MOUNTAIN TROLL 620 NONE
DA1 7217 0 1 0 FURRY FURY 611 STONE GOLEM 620 NONE
DA2 7218 0 1 0 FURRY FURY 611 DEVELLAN JARA 620 NONE
DA3 7220 0 1 0 FURRY FURY 611 DARK CHAMPION 620 NONE
LISA 7235 0 1 0 GIRLS, GIRLS, GI 435 DARK CHAMPION 620 NONE
KEEPER OF SECRET 5814 12 9 0 NIGHT'S GUARDIAN 474 LILAC LIZARD 6964 620
BOB THE NINJA 4405 3 3 0 THE UPSTARTS II 411 HAVERHILL CHAMP 7229 619
SLOP 7234 0 1 0 THE UPSTARTS II 411 DARK CHAMPION 620 NONE
PERSONAL ADS
A big welcome is due to The Upstarts II. May your stay in Aruak City be long and
prosperous. Health! Humility! Honor! -- Kennelworth, Bulldogs
Another DM Crown for the Lilac Lizard. You have a fine one, there, Mino.
Duelmasters drink free at The bulldog Inn. See you there. -- Kennelworth, Proprietor
Tirla Dancer -- Yes, I do. And I ain't never caught a rabbit.... -- Hound
Just as well, they carry tuleremia.
Irvim Flete -- What a romp! I had fun, you know. I did. -- Hound
M. -- A chardinee a day keeps the doctor away. They always say. -- Puppy Love
(looking for love, not doctors)
Toni -- Something tells me I am going to regret that. But, then, with my record, I
have already regretted a lot! -- Raging Bull
Stableboy -- Well you can't blame a dog for trying. -- Mixed Breed
Twoflower -- I was Lucky, lucky, lucky. My stakes held! -- Pup Tent
Ahoy, ye Upstarts! Glad ye be inna me City, Aye. -- Mino, Animal Farm
Convicted Thief -- Don't you ever try to rip me off again. Next time I will not
spare the rod! -- Paprika Puma
Sorta Dark Elf -- Well, I'm sorta white and sorta out of water, so yu da man, er, a,
elf! -- White Whale
Kung-Fu Master -- You keep on kunging. I love the fu. -- Mocha Monkey
Sephiroth -- Bye-bye, Hon. -- Lilac Lizard
Khalhums Dwarf -- Tsk, tsk. No butter for you, pal. You need to hit the treadmill.
-- Butter Burro
Tirla Dancer -- They say blondes have more fun, but I think I'm the brightest and
most bountiful apple in the basket. -- Red Head, Proud Colorific
Keeper Of Secrets -- Now wasn't THAT a surprise! (To one of us.) Go froth on that!
-- Green Thumb, Proud Colorific
Drayton Flashstone -- I do believe I showed more flash. -- Gray Matter, Proud
Colorific
Was that another 3-0 for The Proud Colorific? Was it?! Mino, you will never catch
me now, you old pirate. I think I will just join me a rock and roll band on the
side. -- Purple People Eater, Proud Colorific Manager
Sorry guys and gals, I have to sit out to be timed for the face. My mail in did not
go well, but when you get ugly matchups you end up just as ugly. -- Shy Meerkat
Kennel -- Thanks, Vyn is hoping the face brings a third TV in a row. You know how it
is, luck plays such a substantial role so I have no idea what will happen. -- Grimm
Okay, I plan to start to clean up my team with the DA. My record will sink into
oblivion, but I will fix that. I am having fun here and I think I am ready to put in
some effort. So when I get some good replacements stop killing them. -- Grimm
I must be getting old and forgetful... -- Technogeek
Pup Tent -- You are not the restful abode your name implies. -- Twoflower
Woodrow -- Win some, lose some, eh? -- Twill
Raging Bull -- Like, totally bogus man, -- Toni
Tom Sawyer -- Go back to St. Louis already. -- Tonk
The Analog Kid -- Speed does not always carry the day. -- Tweed
Kennelworth -- Not so much "good tournament" as "too skilled to be allowed to compete
in Challengers." The boss seemed rather put out by that for some reason, something
about "not living up to my namesake." -- Sephiroth
Green Thumb -- Okay, that was just ridiculous. -- Keeper
Lot of that going around.
Hal has been misbehaving, and many personals sent in good time have not arrived.
They should show up next time. Well, we hope they'll show up next time. For
now, our apologies. -- the Editor
Hal, Dark Arena!
29 April 09
Greetings All -- This is Vincent Michaels, "the Rake", mgr. of the Stormbringers out
of DM 33 Niatoli Island, back after a relatively long layoff. I come back to my
arena to find only two other teams there. Terrible! I'm calling on all you managers
out there who have inactive teams in Niatoli to put them back in the game. Also,
anyone else who wants to come check out our little island are welcome. Good food and
a lot of good gambling, and you will have a chance to smack around Gen. GirlPants and
his band of Ravaged Queens. Great fun. Come one, come all!
4 May 09
Players of Duel 2:
RSI wants to try, in a few arenas, a system that rewards role-play and general arena
involvement. Our thoughts at this time are as follows, and feedback is earnestly
solicited:
1. What to reward.
a. Spotlights--they don't have to be involved and lengthy storylines, and in fact,
my own inclination is to say: anything game related and original (i,e,, not a
reprint), maybe set a minimum length. I use TOGS here as my model--half a column as
formatted for the newsletter, and we don't judge the quality of the writing (so long
as the editor isn't grossed out), just the intent to make a positive contribution.
b. A dm column where one is "due." Again, no judgment on quality of writing, should
be dm-related, and I would say (this is just me) a minimum length of maybe five
lines.
c. Personals. More than just "you suck," or "good fight." How much more doesn't
really concern me, and quality, other than "not offensive to the editor," should not
be an issue. We don't want to encourage participation and then muzzle it.
d. It has been suggested that a reward point or two be offered for running a full
team. We could include this, but my own inclination would be to say that there would
be no points for this, but that those who don't make a clear effort on this
(accidents happen, so maybe something like "when the three-turn total of fights is
below twelve"?) aren't eligible for points on any turn until they get it back up to a
full team.
2. How to reward it.
a. We've been thinking nebulously about some kind of point system, obviously, as an
example, say 3 points for a spotlight, 2 for a column, 1 for personals, more points
here for what takes more effort, but some points for any effort. This is in no way
final! But some way to keep track of who is contributing and how much, and as non-
subjective as possible; this would be noted as each newsletter would be proofed. A
way to clearly identify who's sending in what would help, but I can work it out by
referring to the warrior listings if I have to.
b. But, assuming a point system, do the rewards, whatever they end up being, go to
the player who achieves a certain point total? Is this calculated per turn, or as a
running total over as many turns as it takes to reach that point? Or to the player
with the highest total on any given turn? What about ties?
c. What do the points get the player? The current thought is X points gets a free
fight, probably replacing the "Popularity Leader's" free fight in the relevant arena.
That suggests only one player getting a role-play free fight on any given turn. Is
this enough to encourage the newsletter participation we're hoping for? Should we
convert "This Week's Favorite" to a role-play free fight also? Or handle rewards in
some other way entirely?
3. Where it happens.
The current thought is, try it in four arenas: one in each region, and one slow
arena. Who picks the arenas in question? I'd be inclined to rule out those that are
doing fairly well already (Ardivent, Sunset, Lapur; Arkers, Morya, North Fork), but
is that wise? Or even fair? Darned if I know. Places where it is NOT currently
intended to happen: Transfer arenas. Maybe rule out the no-tourney arenas as
current candidates, too?
If this seems to work well enough to be worth the effort, should we consider
extending it to more, eventually to all non-transfer, arenas?
This is not a "someday down the line we might" concept. We want to do this, and
SOON. Your feedback would be appreciated, for, against, changes, anything. You can
email me directly at jputney zianet com (make sure it says DM in the subject line) or
send a diplo to scribe, any arena.
the Scribe
P.S. Staff members not to be eligible for role-playing free fights.
5 May 09
The Battle Royal V is upon us! Come join one of the original contests that has had
some of the games best managers involved in the past. DM 18, Talcama, some consider
it to be the crown jewel of the Delarq cities is where this contest will take place.
The Battle Royal is intended to be a play as you want, play what you want Delarquan
style contest with very few rules. While I'd love to say, "NO AVOIDING" is the only
rule (and that wouldn't be too far off), I must spell out situations that can and
have occurred and require additional clarification.
The advantages of this format:
1) Simple.
2) No penalty for DAs.
3) No restrictions on warriors entered into the contest (baggers, TC mods, etc all
welcome)
4) No penalty for not fighting.
5) It isn't a race where 21 wit and favorite learn determine the victor.
6) Losing a warrior (or even your whole team) doesn't eliminate you from contention.
7) It is possible to overcome almost any deficit. And this has been proven, with
managers making huge point swings in short periods of time!
8) It is a contest designed to show manager skill rather than warrior ability.
There are a few disadvantages:
1) There is no set end. It is possible for this contest to go on indefinitely. In
practice, this format has worked very nicely in the past and I expect it will
continue to work well.
2) You cannot avoid (But that is part of the fun and the head to head nature of this
contest requires this rule.)
3) It encourages bloodshed.
4) Baggers and experienced warriors have an advantage over new warriors.
Battle Royal Rules:
- Any team in Talcama is eligible to participate. There are no restrictions on
warriors (baggers, TC prize modified, etc). However, any warrior that fights for
your team is considered in the BR.
- Teams may not avoid any other team within the contest. (Note that you may avoid
teams outside the contest but you do so at your own risk.) Avoiding a team on the
turn they enter the Battle Royal is not considered against the rules (since you
couldn't know the team wasn't part of the BR). The suggestion is not to avoid at
all. Assur (the contest moderator) gets an avoid report every turn and will catch
people avoiding!
- Managers may only enter a single team in the contest.
- Any manager with more than one team in Talcama may not challenge any other contest
warrior with their non contest team(s). The intention is that no advantage can be
gained by having multiple teams in the arena.
****Failure to comply with the above rules***
1st offense: Disqualification from the prize, but you may still participate.
2nd offense: Warning.
3rd offense: Removal from Battle Royal.
- If a manager decides to switch teams, his score will start back at 0. This is to
prevent a manager from sweeping the contest with several teams of sandbaggers. Can a
manager use this clause to go from a negative score to zero? Yes. I realize this is
sort of cheating, but I'd rather have a manager start over with a new team than drop
out of the contest. Even so, they have to start at 0 and must gain 25 points.
- If your warrior loses a contest fight because of an input error and this error is
verified by RSI, you will have a point added to your score. The head to head records
will remain the same and any points gained by another manager will remain on that
manager's record.
- As soon as you are announced in the newsletter, you are officially entered into the
Battle Royal. Scoring begins on that turn! You are expected to follow the rules
that turn and every turn following. Your team may enter any time they wish during
the course of the Battle Royal.
- If you are exiting the Battle Royal, you are not removed until the turn after your
intention is published. You are asked to follow the rules for that turn (either
through not avoiding or not running your warriors).
Scoring:
- Scoring begins the turn your team declares participation.
- Scoring continues through the turn your team withdraws.
- Score is calculated by: Wins+Kills-Lossses.
- Only fights with other B.R. participannts count towards your score, but they count
whether they are challenges or random match-ups.
- First Manager to 25 points wins!
- In event of tie, B.R. continues until one team that has reached 25 points is ahead
of all other participants.
Disputes:
- The attempt has been made to make these rules as complete and bulletproof as
possible, but Tripwire will resolve any disputes as fairly as he is capable.
Prizes:
For the Winner:
6 Months Free Play in Talcama for the winning team (doesn't include tourneys)!
One +1 Bonus Potion (up to max for warrior, to be used on a warrior in DM 18)!
One Limited Damage Bump Potion (one time use, up to max for stats, used on DM 18
warrior)!
One Minor Stat Switch Prize (up to 2 points can be moved from one stat to another
stat on a new rollup in DM 18, before adding 14 points. This prize can be used up to
3 months from the contest end. Both points must be used in the same place (can't
take one from a speed and one from deftness and add one to wit and will)).
One Favorites Knowledge Potion (to be used on a 5+ FE warrior in DM 18).
Rename One Dark Arena Creature in DM 18, which will be renamed for 6 Months or until
the Ladies decide to return it to the previous name.
All potions renaming prizes must be used within 2 turns of the end of the contest.
Endurance Award (available to all participants):
One +1 Bonus Potion (up to max for warrior, to be used on a warrior in DM 18).
To qualify for the Endurance Award you must participate in 90% of the total fights
possible over the course of the BR. If you don't have time to make it into the BR by
the first turn, there will be a two turn window before the counter will start for new
teams. The fights do not have to be BR point scoring fights, just 90% of the total
possible participation over the course of the contest! So, if the contest runs 26
turns, there are 130 fights possible. Your team must have 117 fights during those 26
turns to be eligible.
All prizes/potions subject to RSI's interpretation of how they are used/implemented.
RSI said the faves knowledge must be used on an Inits warrior or higher and set at
5FE or more.
Tripwire
LAST WEEK'S FIGHTS
WHITE WALRUS was butchered by MOUNTAIN TROLL in a 1 minute Dark Arena fight.
LISA was viciously butchered by DARK CHAMPION in a exciting 1 minute Dark Arena duel.
SLOP was killed by DARK CHAMPION in a 1 minute Dark Arena fight.
DA1 was slaughtered by STONE GOLEM in a 3 minute bloody Dark Arena brawl.
DA3 was slain by DARK CHAMPION in a 1 minute Dark Arena fight.
DA2 was murdered by DEVELLAN JARA in a 1 minute bloody Dark Arena competition.
PUP TENT lost to CARMEN ELECTRA in a exciting 6 minute master's Challenge fight.
TWILL was devastated by THE SPACE TOAD in a 1 minute one-sided Challenge competition.
TWEED was handily defeated by SONG OF SUMMER in a 1 minute uneven Challenge melee.
PAPRIKA PUMA was vanquished by WOODROW BILLIT in a 1 minute uneven Challenge fight.
MR SPRINKLES was vanquished by IRVIN FLETE in a 1 minute one-sided Challenge fight.
LILAC LIZARD savagely slew KEEPER OF SECRETS in a 8 minute gory veteran's Title melee.
GREEN THUMB subdued TWOFLOWER in a crowd pleasing 2 minute master's match.
PUPPY LOVE unbelievably bested KHALHUMS DWARF in a 6 minute veteran's battle.
BUTTER BURRO beat KUNG-FU MASTER in a 2 minute mismatched conflict.
MOCHA MONKEY overpowered M. CHARDINEE in a 1 minute one-sided duel.
BROWN NOSE devastated VENOMOUS CONCUBINE in a 1 minute uneven duel.
KIANA TOM was overpowered by GRAY MATTER in a 1 minute mismatched brawl.
YELLOW FEVER was viciously subdued by AGRAEDUS in a exciting 1 minute brutal fight.
STABLEBOY narrowly defeated DANGEROUS CRIMINAL in a exciting 3 minute gory bout.
TONK handily defeated RAGING BULL in a 1 minute mismatched competition.
BROOK BURKE was savagely defeated by TIRLA DANCER in a 3 minute fight.
TONI viciously subdued RED HEAD in a unpopular 7 minute gory fray.
HOUND subdued STINGER in a action packed 3 minute novice's fight.
BATTLE REPORT
MOST POPULAR RECORD DURING THE LAST 10 TURNS
|FIGHTING STYLE FIGHTS FIGHTING STYLE W - L - K PERCENT|
|BASHING ATTACK 7 TOTAL PARRY 49 - 11 - 2 82 |
|TOTAL PARRY 6 SLASHING ATTACK 10 - 4 - 0 71 |
|STRIKING ATTACK 6 WALL OF STEEL 22 - 12 - 0 65 |
|WALL OF STEEL 5 BASHING ATTACK 27 - 24 - 0 53 |
|PARRY-RIPOSTE 4 STRIKING ATTACK 21 - 24 - 1 47 |
|AIMED BLOW 3 PARRY-RIPOSTE 5 - 6 - 0 45 |
|LUNGING ATTACK 3 AIMED BLOW 13 - 16 - 0 45 |
|SLASHING ATTACK 3 LUNGING ATTACK 20 - 28 - 0 42 |
|PARRY-LUNGE 0 PARRY-STRIKE 0 - 1 - 0 0 |
|PARRY-STRIKE 0 PARRY-LUNGE 0 - 5 - 0 0 |
Turn 620 was great if you Not so great if you used The fighting styles of the
used the fighting styles: the fighting styles: top eleven warriors are:
TOTAL PARRY 6 - 0 LUNGING ATTACK 1 - 2 5 TOTAL PARRY
AIMED BLOW 2 - 1 SLASHING ATTACK 1 - 2 3 BASHING ATTACK
WALL OF STEEL 3 - 2 STRIKING ATTACK 2 - 4 2 LUNGING ATTACK
BASHING ATTACK 2 - 5 1 SLASHING ATTACK
PARRY-RIPOSTE 1 - 3
PARRY-LUNGE 0 - 0
PARRY-STRIKE 0 - 0
TOP WARRIOR OF EACH STYLE
FIGHTING STYLE WARRIOR W L K PNTS TEAM NAME
TOTAL PARRY LILAC LIZARD 6964 32 6 1 156 ANIMAL FARM (510)
SLASHING ATTACK MOCHA MONKEY 7107 19 4 0 123 ANIMAL FARM (510)
BASHING ATTACK BROWN NOSE 6939 11 4 0 91 COLORIFIC (511)
LUNGING ATTACK TWOFLOWER 7120 14 12 0 77 TECHNO 8 (609)
AIMED BLOW SONG OF SUMMER 7119 16 11 0 66 KRILL CAVALRY (374)
STRIKING ATTACK THE SPACE TOAD 4402 6 3 0 57 THE UPSTARTS II (411)
WALL OF STEEL TWEED 7198 11 4 1 46 TECHNO 8 (609)
FIGHTING STYLE WARRIOR W L K PNTS TEAM NAME
Note: Warriors have a winning record and are an Adept or Above.
The overall popularity leader is KIANA TOM 4753. The most popular warrior this turn
was PUP TENT 7134. The ten other most popular fighters were TWOFLOWER 7120, TIRLA
DANCER 7228, CARMEN ELECTRA 4752, STABLEBOY 7118, STINGER 7233, KEEPER OF SECRETS
5814, DA1 7217, SONG OF SUMMER 7119, WOODROW BILLIT 7151, and BROWN NOSE 6939.
The least popular fighter this week was PUPPY LOVE 7026. The other ten least popular
fighters were RED HEAD 7231, LILAC LIZARD 6964, RAGING BULL 7205, KIANA TOM 4753, MR
SPRINKLES 6971, PAPRIKA PUMA 7204, TWILL 7197, DA2 7218, WHITE WALRUS 7212, and TONI
7222.