DUEL 2 NEWSLETTER

Date   : 02/23/2005    Duedate: 03/08/2005

RIZTAB ARENA

DM-12    TURN-510

This Weeks Top Honors

THE DUELMASTER IS

PLATO
DREAMERS (142)
(12-6003) [17-2-0,111]

Chartered Recognition Leader   Unchartered Recognition Leader

TOM SMITH                      MARIGOLD
THE LAWMEN (148)               THE ARCHIVES (601)
(12-5876) [13-8-0,117]         (12-6087) [3-2-1,72]

Popularity Leader              This Weeks Favorite

STANK SHANK                    CAT SCAN
BLOODSUCKERS (416)             ARENA FELINES (177)
(12-5863) [16-12-0,67]         (12-5976) [9-6-1,106]

THE CURRENT TOP TEAM

BLOODSUCKERS (416)

          TEAMS ON THE MOVE            TOP CAREER HONORS
Team Name                  Point Gain  Chartered Team
1. BLOODSUCKERS (416)          56
2. THE LAWMEN (148)            31      THE LAWMEN (148)
3. SWEET MAGIC (267)           27      Unchartered Team
4. HOUNDS OF HELL (596)        19
5. DOOM LEGION (597)           19      THE ARCHIVES (601)

The Top Teams

Career Win-Loss Record           W   L  K    %  Win-Loss Record Last 3 Turns    W  L K
 1/ 2 THE LAWMEN (148)         517 382 30 57.5   1/ 4 BLOODSUCKERS (416)        9  6 1
 2/ 3 ARENA FELINES (177)      685 512 63 57.2   2/ 2 THE LAWMEN (148)          8  4 1
 3- 4 DARKMOON (448)           171 161  8 51.5   3/ 5 HOUNDS OF HELL (596)      8  4 0
 4/ 5 TEAM GNASTY (460)         87  86  8 50.3   4/ 3 HIGH JINKS (584)          8  7 0
 5/ 7 DOOM LEGION (597)         56  58  4 49.1   5/ 7 ARENA FELINES (177)       6  5 0
 6/ 8 DREAMERS (142)           968 %1020 84 48.7   6/ 1 DREAMERS (142)            6  9 0
 7/ 9 BLOODSUCKERS (416)       361 386 32 48.3   7/ 6 DOOM LEGION (597)         6  9 0
 8/10 HIGH JINKS (584)          76  83  6 47.8   8/10 TEAM GNASTY (460)         4  2 0
 9/11*THE ARCHIVES (601)         7   8  1 46.7   9/13 DRYNN'S PRETTIES (592)    4  7 2
10/ 6*ERRATA (604)               3   4  0 42.9  10/ 9 SWEET MAGIC (267)         4 11 0
11/12 HOUNDS OF HELL (596)      22  31  2 41.5  11/12*THE ARCHIVES (601)        3  2 0
12/13 DRYNN'S PRETTIES (592)    39  61  7 39.0  12/ 8*ERRATA (604)              3  4 0
13/14 SWEET MAGIC (267)        356 586  9 37.8  13-11 DARKMOON (448)            1  1 0

    '*'   Unchartered team                       '-'  Team did not fight this turn
   (###)  Avoid teams by their Team Id          ##/## This turn's/Last turn's rank

                                    TEAM SPOTLIGHT

      * }%|[-----+O+-----]|%{ * }%|[-----+O+-----]|%{ * }%|[-----+O+-----]|%{ *

                        ---===FREE BLADES REGIONAL NEWS===---

                                     Duelmasters
                                     -----------
 DM   9 ZUKAL (turn 509): CAT TASTROPHIE of ARENA FELINES (Garfield, mgr.)
 DM  12 RIZTAB (turn 509): CAT TAGIOUS of ARENA FELINES (Garfield, mgr.)
 DM  15 MALCORN (turn 503): CITATION of TRIPLE CROWN (Sultan, mgr.)
 DM  16 WILLAF (turn 506): FELIX of ARENA FELINES (Garfield, mgr.)
 DM  17 ALJAFIR (turn 504): PIP THE TROLL of HEROESANDFOUNDONES (The Judge, mgr.)
 DM  19 ZUWAYZA (turn 503): SIT of VALHALLA (Odin, mgr.)
 DM  28 MORYA (turn 251): LAVA RUNNER of PRIMAL FURY (Sensei Jan, mgr.)
 DM  29 LAPUR (turn 495): ENOSHIMA of BLACK SAMURAI (Doc Miracle, mgr.)
 DM  31 CHIMLEVTAL (turn 249): KIRKEN TUORNIN of THE NIGHTHAWKS (Firehawk, mgr.)
 DM  32 ARVAT (turn 491): TAD DEVILLE of DEVIL ADVOCATES (The Dark One, mgr.)
 DM  33 NIATOLI ISLAND (turn 489): TATHARLI of THE SEWING CIRCLE (Jorja, mgr.)
 DM  35 MURSKA (turn 482): BARRISTER of BLITZKRIEG (Polarius, mgr.)
 DM  43 VEASTIAN (turn 446): ELLEN SUE GOTLANDER of GIRLS X3 (Non, mgr.)
 DM  45 STORMCROWE (turn 226): STORM SERPENT of SUPERIOR FORCES (Manager, mgr.)
 DM  47 SCOMSS SWAMP(turn 220): COURAGE of LAND OF OZ (Oz the Successful, mgr.)
 DM  50 SNOWBOUND (turn 207): NO-PAIN-4U of EXTREMISTS (Eclipse, mgr.)
 DM  56 ROCANIS (turn 370): HEDGEHOG of REDHORSE (Mila, mgr.)
 DM  61 JURINE (turn 349): COOL CAT of ARENA FELINES (Garfield, mgr.)
 DM  73 ERINIKA (turn 156): YANKEE DOODLE of WORLDWIDE GORE (Crip, mgr.)
ADM 103 FREE BLADES (turn 396): PARANOIA of DSM4 from ZUKAL (The Sandman, mgr.)

                                      Top Teams
                                      ---------
 DM   9 ZUKAL (turn 509): BLUE MOON (Jorja, mgr.)
 DM  12 RIZTAB (turn 509): DREAMERS (Sleepy, mgr.)
 DM  15 MALCORN (turn 503): GREENWARDENS (Jorja, mgr.)
 DM  16 WILLAF (turn 506): GOLDEN GLADIATORS (Midas, mgr.)
 DM  17 ALJAFIR (turn 504): HEROESANDFOUNDONES (The Judge, mgr.)
 DM  19 ZUWAYZA (turn 503): THE MAGNIFICENT MAGS (Jorja, mgr.)
 DM  28 MORYA (turn 251): NORTHERN BADLANDS (Maximillian, mgr.)
 DM  29 LAPUR (turn 495): EQUESTORS (Spartacus, mgr.)
 DM  31 CHIMLEVTAL (turn 249): THE STORMGUARDS (The Icelord, mgr.)
 DM  32 ARVAT (turn 491): SARATOGA GLORY (The Trainer, mgr.)
 DM  33 NIATOLI ISLAND (turn 489): THE SEWING CIRCLE (Jorja, mgr.)
 DM  35 MURSKA (turn 482): BLITZKRIEG (Polarius, mgr.)
 DM  43 VEASTIAN (turn 446): GIRLS X3 (Non, mgr.)
 DM  45 STORMCROWE (turn 226): DARQUE FORCES (Master Darque, mgr.)
 DM  47 SCOMSS SWAMP(turn 220): LAND OF OZ (Oz the Successful, mgr.)
 DM  50 SNOWBOUND (turn 207): SNOW CALL HAMMERZ (Hammer, mgr.)
 DM  56 ROCANIS (turn 370): REDHORSE (Mila, mgr.)
 DM  61 JURINE (turn 349): ARENA FELINES (Garfield, mgr.)
 DM  73 ERINIKA (turn 156): DUDS (Amy A. Airhead, mgr.)
ADM 103 FREE BLADES (turn 396): LEGION OF DUMB (Carnage, mgr.)

                                   Recent Graduates
                                  -----------------
 DM  12 RIZTAB (turn 508): AGLIBOL of DARKMOON (Bobby Bigfoot, mgr.)
                           JUDGE PARKER of THE LAWMEN (Marshal D, mgr.)
 DM  16 WILLAF (turn 505): PEACH NUTT of PUNNY AMINALS (Jorja, mgr.)
 DM  17 ALJAFIR (turn 504): MCARTHUR of HEROESANDFOUNDONES (The Judge, mgr.)
 DM  28 MORYA (turn 250): ALARIC of THE WARLORDS II (Fizban, mgr.)
                          RAY D AYTOR of OTTO'S MECHANICS (Crip, mgr.)
 DM  31 CHIMLEVTAL (turn 249): DROKK of WHAMMO & THUDDA 4 U! (Micky, mgr.)
 DM  32 ARVAT (turn 490): TRADEMARK of SARATOGA GLORY (The Trainer, mgr.)
 DM  35 MURSKA (turn 481): RED FERN of VOLUNTEER FLOWERS (Inferno, mgr.)
 DM  43 VEASTIAN (turn 445): DISMAY of HELL'S PAWNS (Harbinger, mgr.)
 DM  47 SCOMSS SWAMP(turn 220): COURAGE of LAND OF OZ (Oz the Successful, mgr.)
 DM  50 SNOWBOUND (turn 206): VANWAFEA of DARK SIDHE (Daehir, mgr.)
 DM  61 JURINE (turn 349): DRACO EL TANIN of BLADE AND BLOOD (Noachian, mgr.)

                                 DUELMASTER'S COLUMN
                             Notes from the arena champ.

Hail Riztab!

     Aglibol defended the throne and received his invitation to the Advanced games,
and with that, I will be closing down my operations here in Riztab (unless Aglibol's
replacement is a total godling).  I began the process of phasing out this team a
couple of years ago, when I decided to give slow arena play a try.  Then, by chance,
I happened to get very interesting rollups as my last two replacements.  The first
was Briarthorn, who I designed 17-10-8-17-17-4-11.  Now I wanted to do something a
little different, so I looked at my H.P. table, and read incorrectly that he could
reach "takes a lot of damage" with two easy con trains.  So to be different, I made
him a Wall of Steel, thinking I would train con twice for "takes a lot" and enter in
an Apprentice's Tourney.  When I received his overview, I realized that I had erred
and he would be stuck with "takes normal" for his basic career.  This might have been
enough for me to lose interest in running him at all, except that he also got expert
in attack, which meant at least +3, and he got "does great damage".  As this was the
highest attack rating that I have received for a WS, and with great damage too, I had
to try and graduate this one.  So with a sub-par parry, great attack base and damage,
my theory was run him more aggressively than normal for a WS and he has performed
well, though no T.V. yet.  He will fight on in Advanced, trying to overcome the favs
of War Flail, low/mod, Bash, learns attack skills.

My last replacement was Aglibol, who I designed 6-9-8-17-17-6-21, Aimed Blow of
course.  At that time my Aimed Blow game was quite rusty, and I was concerned about
the very low strength.  So I sat on him for a time while I ran some other 21 deftness
Aimer until I felt ready to give Aglibol a run for the money.  With normal endurance
and damage, and very limited weapon selection, I knew he had to be decisive and learn
decise skills well.  He did and has done well but no T.V. yet.  Aglibol turned out to
have a +1 defense and +3 parry.  These should help him in Advanced where he will
fight on with the favorites, fist, low/ low, Bash and learns decise.  Briarthorn and
Aglibol will both continue to represent Riztab in the Advanced games.  I will forever
remain fond of Riztab and will return one day when my founding team member, a lunger
with 21 wit and will, returns from a dead tournament.  Until such a time, farewell
all.

                                                            Bobby Bigfoot
                                                            Darkmoon

                                      SPY REPORT

     Hail and well met warriors of RIZTAB!  Know me for who I am, Zontani Sharp Eyes, 
Spymaster extraordinaire of all Alastari.  Former top team DREAMERS was unseated this 
week as BLOODSUCKERS moved up from 4th ranking to take the top spot with a 3-2-1 
record for the round.  There were bitter words at DREAMERS' guildhouse after a 1-4-0 
showing this week which dropped the stable into 6th.  Dark Arena anyone?  
Warriors--remember that glory waits always around the corner!  Witness how this week 
DRYNN'S PRETTIES went 2-2-1 to move up 4 in the rankings.  Did only my eyes note the 
3-1-0 record which HOUNDS OF HELL managed to post this round?  I don't doubt that 
such a record will draw challengers!  HODAG caught the eye of many in the 
gladiatorial commission as he skillfully bested NIETZSCHE and was awarded 21 points 
in recognition.  In one of the week's more notable duels, HODAG put down NIETZSCHE, 
causing him to lose 18 points of recognition in the process.  The city has turned out 
in honor of PLATO, for with his arena victory he may now lay claim to the highest 
position in the city!  Heed this!  A seer has warned that if exactly 6 die in duels 
this week, the whole city shall perish!  Just remember...5 or 7!   
     Many and various are the arts of battle.  In RIZTAB "art" is a word that has 
long since passed from the language!  My inside sources tell me that the team to beat 
in RIZTAB these days is BLOODSUCKERS.  At least, most blades in town are looking to 
avoid them.  Apparently the stalwarts of HOUNDS OF HELL are catching the bulk of 
jests down at the challenging board for their large share of the avoids.  Loose talk 
at the arena has reached my ears and it but confirms the knowledge that many fighters 
are after SADIE.  Watch your back!  At the gambling halls I have started to bet money 
on MARIGOLD.  She has got the courage it takes.  Witness hers challenge this turn 
against TOM SMITH!  In the end MARIGOLD was beat by TOM SMITH, a "sharp" reminder 
that higher recognition is an indication of greater skill.  Still, it was a worthy 
bout!  Give BUB II credit for his courage.  Did you note how he challenged SADIE 
despite the 28 point difference in their rankings?  The THE ARCHIVES stable will be 
up late tonight, for indeed it was BUB II who claimed victory in the contest, 
ascending 21 in recognition!  I can not but mention with disdain the name of ASTRO 
ASSASSIN who this week posted a challenge to a warrior a full 11 points below in the 
rankings.  I thought ASTRO ASSASSIN showed great skill and promise when he won 
victory over FUZZYMOTTO.  All right, so I slept through it!  Big deal!   
     Is not Death a warrior's foremost adviser?   Warriors, may this counselor stand 
ready at your right hand forever!  CLOSE has sworn to take up religion upon living to 
tell of his recent bout with the Dark Arena horrors.  A rare thing indeed!  Some say 
a warrior is judged by the way he bears arms.  One thing is sure, better a dagger in 
hand then a sword on the belt!   
     If it were not for my skills as a spy I would have been mugged three times 
already in RIZTAB.  Nice atmosphere you have here!  More than a sharp eye must I 
keep, indeed a stout pair of legs must I keep as well!  The endless paths of Alastari 
await me!  Till next we meet remember - the pen is mightier than the sword, but a 
maul is a different story!-- Zontani Sharp Eyes  

DUELMASTER                     W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 PLATO 6003                   17   2  0   111       DREAMERS (142)

CHALLENGER CHAMPIONS           W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 TOM SMITH 5876               13   8  0   117       THE LAWMEN (148)
 CAT SCAN 5976                 9   6  1   106       ARENA FELINES (177)
 DREB 3 5947                  12   8  0    99       THE LAWMEN (148)
 CAT TAGIOUS 5900             17  14  3    92       ARENA FELINES (177)
 BADGER 5940                  15  12  1    92       HIGH JINKS (584)
 DASTARDLY DAN 5887           18  14  1    91       HIGH JINKS (584)

CHAMPIONS                      W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
-AF BOX GNASTY 5417           14   4  0    89       TEAM GNASTY (460)
 FREAKY BARBER 5283           12  10  2    81       TEAM GNASTY (460)
 MARIGOLD 6087                 3   2  1    72       THE ARCHIVES (601)
 GRATCH 6030                  13   8  1    71       DOOM LEGION (597)
 BROPHY 6031                  13  11  0    69       DOOM LEGION (597)
 STANK SHANK 5863             16  12  0    67       BLOODSUCKERS (416)

CHALLENGER ADEPTS              W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 BASS REEVES 5901             12   8  0    63       THE LAWMEN (148)
 SOCRATES 6001                 8  11  0    62       DREAMERS (142)
 FELINE GRIN 5956             13   6  0    61       ARENA FELINES (177)

ADEPTS                         W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 BUB II 6090                   3   1  0    56       THE ARCHIVES (601)
 POISON SUMAC 6032             9  15  1    55       DOOM LEGION (597)
 TILLERITA 6007                8   9  0    54       SWEET MAGIC (267)
 STINK EYE 6065                7   2  0    54       BLOODSUCKERS (416)
 DIRTY SANCHEZ 5725           10   8  0    52       TEAM GNASTY (460)
 GNASTY EDGAR 5867             9   6  1    49       TEAM GNASTY (460)
 SADIE 5970                   12   9  1    48       DRYNN'S PRETTIES (592)
 HODAG 6085                    5   2  0    46       BLOODSUCKERS (416)

ADEPTS                         W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 THUNDER CAT 6048              5   3  0    45       ARENA FELINES (177)
 SUGAR JANE 5948               9  17  0    44       SWEET MAGIC (267)
 KAJA-RANG 6036                7   6  0    44       DOOM LEGION (597)
-DAVE COOK 5999                8   5  0    43       THE LAWMEN (148)
 KANT 6038                     7   6  1    40       DREAMERS (142)
 TURD FERGUSON 5979            6   3  0    40       TEAM GNASTY (460)
 SCOOBY DOOM 6021              5   2  1    40       HOUNDS OF HELL (596)
 ASTRO ASSASSIN 6047           4   3  1    40       HOUNDS OF HELL (596)
 AUTUMN LEAVES 5975            8  14  0    38       SWEET MAGIC (267)

CHALLENGER INITIATES           W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 NIETZSCHE 6039                5   7  0    28       DREAMERS (142)
 CLOSE 6164                    1   0  1    27       BLOODSUCKERS (416)

INITIATES                      W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 FUZZYMOTTO 6045               5   7  0    22       BLOODSUCKERS (416)
-MEOW MIX 6072                 1   0  0    21       ARENA FELINES (177)
-THE FENRIS WOLF 6114          2   2  0    20       HOUNDS OF HELL (596)
 CRAZED CLIFFORD 6140          2   0  0    17       HOUNDS OF HELL (596)
 AUGURATE ADDIE 6138           2   0  0    16       HIGH JINKS (584)
 MARX 6125                     3   2  0    15       DREAMERS (142)
 INSIGHTFULL INGIE 6139        2   0  0    15       HIGH JINKS (584)
-RYE 6108                      1   0  0    15       ERRATA (604)
 LILLY 6136                    1   1  1    14       DRYNN'S PRETTIES (592)
-WRIST 6107                    1   1  0    14       ERRATA (604)
 MEGAN 6137                    1   1  0    12       DRYNN'S PRETTIES (592)
 TALA GOG 6066                 1   9  0    12       SWEET MAGIC (267)
-MONKEY 6105                   1   0  0    10       ERRATA (604)
 ALOURSHIN 6126                1   4  0     8       SWEET MAGIC (267)
-SUGAR 6104                    0   1  0     7       ERRATA (604)
 BLOODTHIRSTY BENJI 6134       1   2  0     6       HOUNDS OF HELL (596)
-YACKITCH 6088                 1   1  0     4       THE ARCHIVES (601)
-C'BOATH 6093                  0   2  0     4       THE ARCHIVES (601)
 BOGUS LA 6132                 0   2  0     2       ERRATA (604)
 JEANIE 6135                   0   2  0     2       DRYNN'S PRETTIES (592)
 ALLAN PINKERTON 6166          0   1  0     1       THE LAWMEN (148)

'-' denotes a warrior who did not fight this turn.

THE DEAD               W  L K TEAM NAME             SLAIN BY             TURN Revenge?
SIBATA THE THIEF 474   0  1 0   1                   LILLY 6136            510 NONE    
BUKKA THE TROLL 491    0  1 0 DARK ARENA 0          CLOSE 6164            510 NONE    
SLAPPY 6153            0  1 0 DOOM LEGION 597       TILKIRRIN THE ELF 492 510 NONE    
BOGGY BECKY 6133       1  2 0 HIGH JINKS 584        SHISHZAR THE SNAK 500 510 NONE    
WIDDER GERTRUDE 6109   2  3 1 HIGH JINKS 584        SADIE 5970            508         

                                     PERSONAL ADS

Dreb 3 -- My last chance to try'n scum Aglibol and you show up.  My fault I suppose,
should'a done the scum thing turn a'fore last.  Purely optimistic really, hoping for
another shot, again. -- Dan

Tom Smith -- You're using science.  It's hard to give a fig for Newton...till you see
the ways and means in person. -- Badger

Jeanie -- My sakies, please go your own way. -- Ingie

Lilly -- Tender-like I is a moverin.  Lucky we is too, to match-up with the burly
brutes. -- Addie

Bloodthirsty Benji -- It's consider forward, even pushy, to try to drink my blood on
a first date. -- Alourshin

Dirty Sanchez -- I really, REALLY wish you'd take a bath.  There's a whole lake out
there you could bathe in (and maybe a lake monster would eat you...). -- Sugar Jane

Sadie -- So, do your fellow Shews call you "cute"? -- Autumn Leaves
P.S.  Because you're so short for a Shew.

Nietzsche -- Just trying to spell your name makes my head ache, much less understand
what you're saying. -- Tillerita

Hodag -- Huh, I always knew you Karnhorns were bloodsuckers. -- Tala Gog

31 January 2005
     My fellow duelists I come before you bearing a sad and unfortunate message.
Several months ago our group, the Vendetta Cartel, had lost contact with one of our
friends.  Since he was in contact or correspondence on an almost daily basis there
was concern amongst us.  With some research two of our members discovered why contact
was lost with him.
     On November 10, 2004, Richard Hammes was taken from us in a senseless act of
violence during a robbery attempt at a friend's store where he sometimes worked.  He
was watching the store so his friend could go home to tend to his son who had taken
ill.  You may have known Rich as Abarsis, The Slaughter Priest ; richh10 on the RT;
or gameogre on the Duel2 messageboard.  You may not have known that he spent 13 years
serving the United States in the Navy.
     Rich dearly loved this game and all it encompassed.  He may not have been the
best or most experienced manager but he loved to interact with others and was quick
to offer advice whenever anyone asked for help.  He was always kind and gracious and
tried to strengthen our game, often by helping new players feel welcome or give them
a chance to compete.  With his prolific posting I know that I am simply speaking the
obvious about what he did for our game.  Many, like me, were drawn to him, perhaps
for his kind nature or his sense of humor, and it appears he lived his life as he
played this game.  Always willing to help or do right by others.
     I realize that he had many friends outside the VC so I will include the link to
the news story in case any of his other friends would like to know more of what
happened.  We're all dealt a hand in life but it's not the strength of the hand
you're dealt but rather how you play it that really matters.  Rich played his hand to
the very best of his human ability and for this I admire him greatly.  I know we all
choose to like or dislike managers but I believe deep down we are all good and
decent, in this game, and will drop party (alliance) lines and will show the proper
respect.
     http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20041112/news_7m12clerk.html
     Rich was taken from us all to soon and with so much left to offer the community
around him.  He spoke of a desire to run a contest on the Duel2 site which I hope to
uphold in his name.  Some of the people I have spoken with think it would be a nice
gesture to do one final good act in Rich's name, though it could never match what he
would've done within his community, for his community of San Diego.  I hope that with
this contest we might raise a little money to donate to an appropriate charity within
San Diego in his name.
     In conclusion I send a message to Rich:
     "Rich, though I'm sure you gathered this I never really told you how much I
admired you and what a friend I considered you.  I thank you for being my voice of
reason and always reminding me of why we both loved this game so much!  You have
taught me one final valuable lesson in learning more of you.  There are things far
more valuable in life than material possessions such as character and kindness.  That
nothing going on in your life means that you cannot find a way to be kind and giving
to others.  We always spoke of meeting someday and until we finally do know that you
will live on in with me and the rest of your brothers and sisters in the Cartel:
Master Darque, Kat, Bum, Sensei Jan, Maximillian, Hammer, Fizban, Firehawk, Phat
Phat.  You increased all of our enjoyment of this game, you were a true ambassador of
Duelmasters, and the game will not be quite the same without you.  A farewell battle
cry from the ZalCon:  'Confusion to our enemies'.  May your soul rest in peace, my
friend."
     Should anyone wish to correspond about Rich feel free to contact myself, or
anyone else within the Vendetta Cartel.
     Street Legal
     Jeff Bura
     The Death Squad(63) in Tobir or triumph1971@hotmail.com

31 January 2005
     Be it known throughout Alastari that Hammer is no longer a member of the
Vendetta Cartel alliance.
     A difference of opinion with another highly respected member of the VC due to my
recent vocal actions in DM 47 can only be resolved by my resignation from the VC as
of January 29, 2005.
     I leave of my own accord, in good standing with all members and with no hard
feelings towards anyone in the Vendetta Cartel.
     There was a time when I felt that my membership in the VC made the alliance
stronger.  I know that my resignation today makes the Vendetta Cartel a stronger
alliance with my absence. -- Hammer

1 February 2005
                           St. Valentine's Massacre update
My apologies, the Kill Contest starting on turn 476 in Jhans will run for 10 (ten)
turns ending on turn number 486.
                                                                   Azrael

5 February 2005
On behalf of the ILLUMINATI Confederation of Alliances (The kLk, CHAOS, Inc. and The
Company of Brothers) I would like to express our sympathies concerning the tragic
loss of Rich Hammes to both the DM community and to the real life world.  Surely our
loss has been Heaven's gain. -- Talon Darkhart, deeply sorrowful
                                kLk God of War, Illuminati Alliance, Puppetmaster

                                  LAST WEEK'S FIGHTS

BOGGY BECKY was butchered by SHISHZAR THE SNAKE in a 1 minute bloody Dark Arena fight.
CLOSE viciously butchered BUKKA THE TROLL in a 2 minute gruesome Dark Arena battle.
SLAPPY was killed by TILKIRRIN THE ELF in a 1 minute gruesome Dark Arena fight.
CAT SCAN viciously subdued DASTARDLY DAN in a 4 minute veteran's Challenge contest.
MARIGOLD was devastated by TOM SMITH in a popular 2 minute uneven Challenge brawl.
STANK SHANK was overpowered by DREB 3 in a 1 minute mismatched Challenge brawl.
DIRTY SANCHEZ was luckily beaten by FELINE GRIN in a 6 minute Challenge melee.
KANT was vanquished by STINK EYE in a 2 minute gruesome one-sided Challenge duel.
THUNDER CAT was vanquished by GRATCH in a exciting 1 minute one-sided Challenge fight.
BASS REEVES slimly won victory over POISON SUMAC in a 4 minute Challenge bout.
BUB II bested SADIE in a crowd pleasing 2 minute Challenge conflict.
ASTRO ASSASSIN demolished FUZZYMOTTO in a 2 minute gory mismatched Challenge match.
MARX was handily defeated by SCOOBY DOOM in a 1 minute one-sided Challenge conflict.
BLOODTHIRSTY BENJI lost to INSIGHTFULL INGIE in a 3 minute amateur's Challenge bout.
CRAZED CLIFFORD won victory over TALA GOG in a 1 minute brutal Challenge fray.
CAT TAGIOUS was devastated by PLATO in a 2 minute mismatched Title brawl.
BADGER overpowered SOCRATES in a 1 minute one-sided bout.
FREAKY BARBER beat BROPHY in a 2 minute veteran's bout.
TURD FERGUSON was defeated by TILLERITA in a 2 minute bloody conflict.
AUTUMN LEAVES was devastated by KAJA-RANG in a 1 minute one-sided bout.
SUGAR JANE was viciously subdued by GNASTY EDGAR in a 2 minute gory match.
NIETZSCHE was handily defeated by HODAG in a 1 minute uneven duel.
BOGUS LA was devastated by MEGAN in a 2 minute one-sided bout.
ALOURSHIN defeated ALLAN PINKERTON in a 2 minute beginner's fight.
JEANIE was savagely defeated by AUGURATE ADDIE in a popular 2 minute beginner's fight.
LILLY murdered SIBATA THE THIEF in a 1 minute one-sided melee.

                                    BATTLE REPORT

             MOST POPULAR                        RECORD DURING THE LAST 10 TURNS     
|FIGHTING STYLE               FIGHTS        FIGHTING STYLE     W -   L -  K   PERCENT|
|LUNGING ATTACK                   7         WALL OF STEEL     40 -  28 -  1      59  |
|STRIKING ATTACK                  7         TOTAL PARRY       20 -  15 -  0      57  |
|BASHING ATTACK                   7         STRIKING ATTACK   41 -  34 -  2      55  |
|WALL OF STEEL                    6         SLASHING ATTACK   30 -  26 -  1      54  |
|PARRY-RIPOSTE                    5         AIMED BLOW        19 -  21 -  2      48  |
|SLASHING ATTACK                  4         LUNGING ATTACK    34 -  38 -  5      47  |
|TOTAL PARRY                      4         BASHING ATTACK    32 -  42 -  3      43  |
|AIMED BLOW                       3         PARRY-RIPOSTE     15 -  23 -  0      39  |
|PARRY-LUNGE                      3         PARRY-STRIKE       6 -  10 -  0      38  |
|PARRY-STRIKE                     2         PARRY-LUNGE        9 -  27 -  0      25  |

Turn 510 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:

SLASHING ATTACK    3 -  1     PARRY-RIPOSTE      2 -  3         4  WALL OF STEEL  
AIMED BLOW         2 -  1     BASHING ATTACK     2 -  5         3  STRIKING ATTACK
WALL OF STEEL      4 -  2     PARRY-LUNGE        0 -  3         2  BASHING ATTACK 
LUNGING ATTACK     4 -  3                                       1  SLASHING ATTACK
STRIKING ATTACK    4 -  3                                       1  PARRY-STRIKE   
PARRY-STRIKE       1 -  1     
TOTAL PARRY        2 -  2     

                               TOP WARRIOR OF EACH STYLE

FIGHTING STYLE   WARRIOR                     W   L  K PNTS TEAM NAME                  
WALL OF STEEL    PLATO 6003                 17   2  0  111 DREAMERS (142)
STRIKING ATTACK  TOM SMITH 5876             13   8  0  117 THE LAWMEN (148)
BASHING ATTACK   DREB 3 5947                12   8  0   99 THE LAWMEN (148)
SLASHING ATTACK  BADGER 5940                15  12  1   92 HIGH JINKS (584)
PARRY-STRIKE     DASTARDLY DAN 5887         18  14  1   91 HIGH JINKS (584)
PARRY-LUNGE      BROPHY 6031                13  11  0   69 DOOM LEGION (597)
TOTAL PARRY      FELINE GRIN 5956           13   6  0   61 ARENA FELINES (177)
LUNGING ATTACK   DIRTY SANCHEZ 5725         10   8  0   52 TEAM GNASTY (460)
AIMED BLOW       THUNDER CAT 6048            5   3  0   45 ARENA FELINES (177)
Note: Warriors have a winning record and are an Adept or Above.

The overall popularity leader is STANK SHANK 5863.  The most popular warrior this 
turn was CAT SCAN 5976.  The ten other most popular fighters were DIRTY SANCHEZ 5725, 
POISON SUMAC 6032, SADIE 5970, TOM SMITH 5876, AUGURATE ADDIE 6138, CLOSE 6164, STINK 
EYE 6065, BASS REEVES 5901, ASTRO ASSASSIN 6047, and BLOODTHIRSTY BENJI 6134.

The least popular fighter this week was JEANIE 6135.  The other ten least popular 
fighters were BOGUS LA 6132, SUGAR JANE 5948, AUTUMN LEAVES 5975, BROPHY 6031, 
SOCRATES 6001, TALA GOG 6066, MARX 6125, STANK SHANK 5863, ALLAN PINKERTON 6166, and 
NIETZSCHE 6039.

The following warriors will travel to AD after next turn:

BADGER (12-5940) HIGH JINKS (584)

                                  Name-Change-O-Rama

     The winter tourney brought a lot of people to the Isle who didn't appear there 
normally.  This included Commission employees.  Half a dozen arenamasters regarded 
each other warily in the mirror behind the bar at the Pig in a Haystack.  The Pig was 
obscure and mediocre, drawing few gladiators, which is what they had all been looking 
for.  They saw gladiators every day.  Most arenamaster were convinced that this was 
some kind of punishment.
     You could always pick out the arenamasters in a crowd.  There were superficial 
differences:  One of these had clearly Adantri features, one wore an eye-patch, two 
were female.  But there were, in significant ways, alike.  The same size, the same 
hair-trigger alertness, the same deadliness.
     The one-eyed man broke the ice, raising his beer mug in salute.  "I'm Zrof One-
Eye from Zukal.  Sugar of Arvat--"  One of the women bowed slightly.  "I know Sugar.  
The rest of you...?"
     The Adantri matched his salute.  "Dernal of Dayla Kiv."
     "Daiyla Kiv?  Ah...."
     "No, without the 'I' in it.  These damned bureaucrats can't spell, and they 
thought adding an unnecessary vowel was exotic."  Disgust dripped from his voice.
     "Tell me about it!" another man growled in agreement.  "Khagal of Niatoli, and 
what they do to the spelling of THAT simple word--!"
     "I thought Daiyla, I mean Dayla Kiv had a different name right now," 
Arenamistress Sugar said.  "The arena, at least, because of a contest?"
     "Chavez Ravine."  Dernal's tone was the one that substituted in polite company 
for spitting on the floor.
     Zrof blinked, taken aback by the bitterness.  He wouldn't have minded a contest 
in Zukal, and damn what they called the place.  "It's only temporary, though."
     "Temporary, shmiperary," another man muttered.  He seemed well into his drinking, 
although, like all arenamasters, he carried his liquor well.  "They do it all the time 
in Aradi.  No reshpect.  Go around changing thish, changing that.  I wish I could 
change shome thingsh."  He signalled the bartender for a refill.
     The second woman put her hand over his mug.  "You've had enough, Harkon.  Try the 
coffee, instead."
     "You should be mad, too, Ripplesh," Harkon said.  "They're going to do shtuff 
like that in Jahnsh, aren't they?"
     Ripples Dorrigan shrugged.  All the men paused, some with glasses half raised, to 
watch.  "It's the way things are," she said.  "Not much we can do about it."
     "You know," Khagal of Niatoli said, "maybe we could make a few changes.  Fix the 
spelling of Arena 33, for one, change a few standby titles--"
     "The Commission hates changes."  Dernal of Dayla Kiv topped up his glass and 
drained it gloomily.
     "Yes, but if we disguise it," Sugar of Arvat said, excited, "make it... maybe a 
general Name-Change-O-Rama!  Then we could slip OUR changes through and no one would 
notice or mind."

                  *-------*-------*-------*-------*-------*-------* 

     By popular demand, we are holding a Name-Change-o-Rama during the month of March.
If you wish to change the name of your warriors or teams, please contact RSI Customer 
Service.  The charge for a name change is $1, unless you're in DOOMCorps, in which 
case you take your chances.  (Just kidding, guys! *snicker*)