DUEL 2 NEWSLETTER

Date   : 12/13/2006    Duedate: 12/26/2006

RIZTAB ARENA

DM-12    TURN-557

This Weeks Top Honors

THE DUELMASTER IS

KALEN
STEEL THUNDER (630)
(12-6418) [17-11-0,109]

Chartered Recognition Leader   Unchartered Recognition Leader

MACHIAVELLI                    MEGALOMANIAC
DREAMERS (142)                 INCUBUS (594)
(12-6440) [11-6-0,119]         (12-5989) [7-1-0,97]

Popularity Leader              This Weeks Favorite

ALOURSHIN                      LEIBNIZ
SWEET MAGIC (267)              DREAMERS (142)
(12-6126) [22-30-1,97]         (12-6540) [5-3-0,35]

THE CURRENT TOP TEAM

DREAMERS (142)

          TEAMS ON THE MOVE            TOP CAREER HONORS
Team Name                  Point Gain  Chartered Team
1. DREAMERS (142)              49
2. COLD IRON BLOWS (637)       46      CULTS-R-US (624)
3. STEEL THUNDER (630)         19      Unchartered Team
4. ICE AGE (639)               16
5. INCUBUS (594)                9      INCUBUS (594)

The Top Teams

Career Win-Loss Record           W   L  K    %  Win-Loss Record Last 3 Turns    W  L K
 1/ 0*INCUBUS (594)              7   1  0 87.5   1/ 2 DREAMERS (142)           11  4 0
 2/ 1 CULTS-R-US (624)          80  60  1 57.1   2/ 1 CULTS-R-US (624)          8  7 0
 3- 2 ERRATA (604)              21  19  1 52.5   3/ 7*COLD IRON BLOWS (637)     7  3 0
 4- 4 FORCE OF FIVE (586)       49  48  2 50.5   4/ 4*ICE AGE (639)             7  5 0
 5/11*COLD IRON BLOWS (637)      7   7  0 50.0   5/ 3 HIGH JINKS (584)          7  8 0
 6/ 5 HIGH JINKS (584)         193 194 11 49.9   6/ 5 STEEL THUNDER (630)       5 10 1
 7/ 6 DREAMERS (142)           %1091 %1111 86 49.5   7- 6 FORCE OF FIVE (586)       3  2 0
 8/ 7*ICE AGE (639)             13  18  0 41.9   8/ 8 WHO DA MAN? (623)         3  3 0
 9/ 8 STEEL THUNDER (630)       82 133  8 38.1   9/ 9 SWEET MAGIC (267)         3 12 0
10/ 9 SWEET MAGIC (267)        430 747 11 36.5  10/ 0*INCUBUS (594)             1  0 0
11/10 WHO DA MAN? (623)         17  31  0 35.4  11-11 ERRATA (604)              1  2 0

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

                                 DUELMASTER'S COLUMN
                             Notes from the arena champ.

[Brother Zort enters center stage.  The spotlight shines bright.  He grins like an
elementary student on graduation day (or more like the grill of a 56' Chevy without
headlights).  As his lips begin to move to accept his duelmastership a bum bumrushes.
Enter a breathless Comrade Kook panting and wheezing in dismay.]

Goodness...uhhh...gracious...please, oh, please...let me compose myself[gasping
wildly]...so undignified for an immortal...but I just had to respond...[composes
himself, checks his newly pruned pompadour and commences]  Let me begin by
apologizing oh so vociferously to that studly man of men, Machiavelli.  He's oh so
righto brighto to complain about my lack of respect towards him and his masculine
ways.  What a coward I was to challenge Twisted Clown (an inveterate sandbag) and
Kalen when I could have challenged Sugar Jane and Alourshin with their nearly 90
combined losses.  What an apologetic shrinking violet I am.  My face stained with
tears of humiliation.  My brow furrowed with lines of dismay. (No of course they're
not wrinkles you silly heathen, any fashionable warrior aware of my daily
moisturizing regime would know not to ask such a silly question!)  If only I could do
justice to any affront you've endured.  Oh please tell me how to make amends!
Perhaps some style tips (love the back-up epee, so slimming to the hips, but as I
always plead with Zort; a scimitar with a leather cap is so last year), or some
relationship advice (a bit wooden with the delivery, you need to emote, emote,
emote!), or even, if I may be so bold, some advice on battlefield etiquette (rule
number 1, always a no no silly you, don't brag about fights you lose!).  But [with
head bowed]...I must admit [a shuddering of the shoulders, a tremble of the lips]....
Ohh, I'm just so sorry for all I've done, I confess! I confess!.....[SMACK] [SLAP]

Get a hold of yourself you blubbering fool [a clearly annoyed Brother Zort
straightens his back then unconvincingly winks at the camera].  As reigning
duelmaster of Riztab I bow humbly to my predecessors [he almost bows, somewhat
humbly].  Please excuse my rambling friend Kook.  You see, it's a very emotional time
for him (as if there were a time he wasn't emotional).  Becoming an immortal has been
an enormous change (like his daily wardrobe), and much of his frayed state of mind is
due to unfounded rumours being spread by bitter rivals (as opposed to the 'sweet'
rivals). But as my limelight seeking cultmate now understands (after a well placed
scimitar to the hamstring), the struggles of us mere mortals here in Riztab should no
longer concern him.  The future of our great arena is here, and it's all about ME,
ME, ME! What I think, what I'll do, what I want!  How should I administer to my
subjects?  Cruelly (Alourshin that would be you), moderately (Buddha, I granted you
that victory), or with complete benevolence (Kalen and Losing Is Fun, I'm sure you
understand now; if I'd actually been trying...).  So who should the King...excuse me,
I meant duelmaster, sacrifice...oops, sorry, I meant challenge.  Losing Is Fun,
Kalen, and Machiavelli are noble plebeians (I mean warriors), but I command (I mean
think) we should all embrace and give a hearty welcome back to our long lost doormats
(I mean neighbors) from Force of Five.  So I'll allow my presence to grace (I mean
challenge), Sorak.

Your singular duelmaster,
Brother Zort

                                      SPY REPORT

     So why do I have this bag over my head?  Because I am The Unknown Spymaster and 
I'm going to give you a spy report!.  Say good-bye to CULTS-R-US, as they are pushed 
from the coveted top team spot by the DREAMERS stable.  Coming up with a solid 4-1-0 
outing, COLD IRON BLOWS has advanced 4 places in the rankings.  Advancing in the 
rankings was DREAMERS who went from last turn's 1086-1111-86, to this week's record 
of 1091-1111-86.  Hey everybody, watch out for EPICURIOUS, who flew up 18 points in 
the rankings after mashing MISSY MOSSY like a melon.  Keep your eye on this guy.  Ya 
know, some days it doesn't pay to walk out on the sands.  MISSY MOSSY was subdued by 
EPICURIOUS and drops 15 points.  What does the Duelmaster and Piltdown Man have in 
common?  They are both the most challenged apes in human history!  Heyheyhey!  
Drawing on all of his experience as a 16-11-0 warrior, KALEN went for the 
Duelmastership against BROTHER ZORT this week.  In front of all the crowds, KALEN 
took the Duelmaster's crown for his own.  I give the bum two weeks.  Can you believe 
they are paying me 10 gold to deliver this stuff?   
     Here is other news that is of note.  And hey, kiddies, those of you who didn't 
avoid DREAMERS, please raise you hand.  Wow.  Does RIZTAB really have that many 
liars?  And you guys like to boo me?  Well, unsling your rasberries, cause STEEL 
THUNDER beats feet every time DREAMERS smiles at them.  Try farming, eh?  BORN LOSER 
of ICE AGE had better have a good reason for challenging down 10 points in a 
challenge which he lost.  I thought BORN LOSER showed great skill and promise when he 
was subdued by EGROS.  All right, so I slept through it!  Big deal!   
     Remember that an arena is not always a safe place to be, but it is one of the 
most interesting, though!  Here's some advice:  warriors with little wit and will may 
encounter problems on the trail to the Isle.   
     Well, that wasn't too bad; Alarond told me that the people in RIZTAB have no 
sense of humor.  Or maybe that they were senseless.  C'mon, Leadfoot, let's make some 
tracks.  Its been real, and its been fun, but it hasn't been real fun...-- The 
Unknown Spymaster  

DUELMASTER                     W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 KALEN 6418                   17  11  0   109       STEEL THUNDER (630)

CHALLENGER CHAMPIONS           W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 MACHIAVELLI 6440             11   6  0   119       DREAMERS (142)
 LOSING IS FUN 6330           14  10  0   118       WHO DA MAN? (623)
-SORAK 5918                   14   6  0   107       FORCE OF FIVE (586)
 BUDDHA 6231                  19  17  0   100       DREAMERS (142)
 ALOURSHIN 6126               22  30  1    97       SWEET MAGIC (267)
 MEGALOMANIAC 5989             7   1  0    97       INCUBUS (594)
 BROTHER ZORT 6338            18  10  0    96       CULTS-R-US (624)

CHAMPIONS                      W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 TALA GOG 6066                16  41  0    89       SWEET MAGIC (267)
 BROTHER ZERO 6341            16  12  0    86       CULTS-R-US (624)
-CAELUM 5916                  14   6  0    75       FORCE OF FIVE (586)
 UGLY EDDIE 6370              13  10  1    73       HIGH JINKS (584)

CHALLENGER ADEPTS              W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 HUME 6376                    13   8  0    64       DREAMERS (142)
-MONKEY 6105                   5   4  0    58       ERRATA (604)

ADEPTS                         W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 EPICURIOUS 6495               8   4  0    56       DREAMERS (142)
-SUGAR 6104                    7   4  0    52       ERRATA (604)
-SETH 6482                     5   2  1    52       FORCE OF FIVE (586)
 KRANKYKARL 6406              11   8  1    49       HIGH JINKS (584)
 HURRICANE 6481                4  11  0    38       STEEL THUNDER (630)
 IRONSTORM 6483                8   6  0    36       STEEL THUNDER (630)
 LEIBNIZ 6540                  5   3  0    35       DREAMERS (142)
 MISSY MOSSY 6539              5   3  0    35       HIGH JINKS (584)

CHALLENGER INITIATES           W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 YODA MAN 6328                 3  21  0    32       WHO DA MAN? (623)
 DEXTER 6524                   8   2  0    31       HIGH JINKS (584)
 BLING BLING 6555              3   0  0    31       ICE AGE (639)
-BOGUS LA 6132                 3   5  0    29       ERRATA (604)
-RYE 6108                      3   1  1    25       ERRATA (604)

INITIATES                      W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 BIG SHRIMP 6561               2   0  0    23       ICE AGE (639)
 WACKY WACO WONK 6505          4   6  0    22       CULTS-R-US (624)

INITIATES                      W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 JASPER 6566                   2   0  0    21       COLD IRON BLOWS (637)
 WINTER SHADOWS 6526           3   7  0    16       SWEET MAGIC (267)
 EGROS 6565                    1   1  0    16       COLD IRON BLOWS (637)
 RANFUAGUD 6567                2   0  0    15       COLD IRON BLOWS (637)
 TARILISS 6527                 2   8  0    14       SWEET MAGIC (267)
 QUALIX 6564                   2   0  0    14       COLD IRON BLOWS (637)
 KOOL-AID DRINKER 6557         2   2  0    13       CULTS-R-US (624)
 TYGER 6559                    1   2  1    12       STEEL THUNDER (630)
 SWEET BETSEY 6571             1   0  0     9       SWEET MAGIC (267)
-THE BLOB 6510                 2   1  0     8       FORCE OF FIVE (586)
 BULLHOG 6560                  1   2  0     5       STEEL THUNDER (630)
 BORN LOSER 6554               1   2  0     5       ICE AGE (639)
-GREY 6478                     0   1  0     5       ERRATA (604)
 RIPTIDE 6562                  1   1  0     4       ICE AGE (639)
 MANGY POLECAT 6569            0   2  0     2       HIGH JINKS (584)
 IAINTPLAYING 6568             0   1  0     1       ICE AGE (639)

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

THE DEAD               W  L K TEAM NAME             SLAIN BY             TURN Revenge?
MRS. MORNINGSTAR 6512  0  3 0 COLD IRON BLOWS 637   DEMRON THE DARK 497   557 NONE    
BURQUA BOY 6570        0  1 0 CULTS-R-US 624        TYGER 6559            557         
TALON 6484             7  4 0 STEEL THUNDER 630     UGLY EDDIE 6370       554 REVENGED

                                     PERSONAL ADS

Alourshin -- The ugliest!  I love fighting you.  Getting my hat handed to me ain't so
bad when I can get in some of my own. -- Ugly Eddie

Epicurious -- "It" is not a Golem.  (only "It" category listed on the form when I
first started in the pens)  "It" is a karragit from the swamps.  (where else?)  And
"It" couldn't be more pleased to make your acquaintance.  (tougher than you look)
Trade ya learns. -- Missy Mossy

Seth -- I'm convinced, for now.  Movements of the future, we'll see. -- Krankykarl

Winter Shadows -- D'ja catch that moonset, n' subsequent moonrise?  Moooonshadows...
they've been writ about. -- Dexter

Losing is Fun -- You keep saying that, but you aren't convincing.  If it's such a
darned thrill, why not experience it yourself? -- Sugar Jane
P.S.  And do NOT believe anyone who tells you that you're being philanthropic and
people will love you for your generosity.  You're not and they won't.  Trust me on
this.

Ugly Eddie -- You are SOOO ugly...you're actually kinda cute.  That's weird, but
there it is.  Hmm.  Probably because you're tall. -- Alourshin

Monkey -- Ho!  They told me you'd fall for that trick with the hard candies in a jar,
but I didn't believe it.  Still, the old "What have I got to lose by trying" deal, I
did and YOU did.  Amazing. -- Tala Gog
P.S.  Just break the jar.  Eat the candies and rot your teeth.  See if I care.

Dexter -- (crossly)  It's the unseasonal warmth.  I was all SET, snow on the first
and single-digit temperatures, I had it all PLANNED.  And for a week, it went just
exactly RIGHT.  But then some dumb warm front came along and started messing up
EVERYTHING.  It's really annoying. -- Winter Shadows

Wacky Waco Wonk -- Being a golem, I just don't "get" cults.  I do apologize, it must
be frustrating for you! -- Tariliss
P.S.  As a Shew, should you not be taller?

Comrade Kook -- Actually, I had no plan to go to the Isle.  They tell me the housing
problem there is intense and insoluble. -- Sugar Jane

Marmaduke the Broke -- Darned straight I dare to criticize you!  If you can't take me
down, you can't protest. -- Tariliss

14 November 2006
                                      A Tale of
                        Fusion Confusion Delusion Revolution
                                     as told by
                                Hammer the WordSmith

     SomeWhere Beyond ElseWhere and ElseWhen a hooded figure brooded upon the
lingering wisps of memory from days gone by.
     From the howling sands to the sanding howls the streams of thought bubbled and
flowed, winding endlessly entwined within the darkest recesses and lightest resources
of the learned and unlearned disciplines of managerial mayhem and manipulation.
     Nameless faces and faceless names floated in the swirling mists of madness
embalmed within the memories of one who knew he did not know how far reaching the
influences [both positive and negative] had rooted and flowered in the march of time
and energy expended in the historical markings of gladiatorial essence and excellence
experience.
     The tamed and the untamed coupled with the named and the unnamed resources that
spilt their sweat and blood on the sands of arenas both known and unknown had
metamorphosed into the dreamings and the schemings of the fadings of jadings and
paradings [in both public and private] amongst the elite and the indiscreet
posturings and babblings of managers becoming legends in their own minds and times.
     Hammer pondered upon beginnings and the seemingly endless myriad of endings
possibly possible among the interspersed and intertwined impossible possibilities
presently past and future.
     Echoing and reechoing in the vast depths and countless compartments along the
corridors of his mind, Hammer played and replayed the glories shared and dared in the
sixty-plus stabled arena on fabled Noblish Island DM 93.
     The training had been all too brief, but the competition generated by the multi
faceted personages inhabiting DM 93 and the sheer multitude of numbers had forever
instilled themselves in the heart and soul of the veteran manager [Hammer]; insomuch
that the migration to Niatoli Island DM 33 triggered the desire to emulate the glory
and the grandeur of the spectacle of stables vying for recognition from among the
virtually numberless no-name newbies making names for themselves as they numbered
their stables and accomplishments for all to see and behold, to the song and the
sound of the sight of clashing cold cruel steel simmering the flesh of gallant
gladiators consumed by the gory and the glory of crossing blades with the superior
and the inferior within the interior of Greywand's Global Gladiatorial Galaxy.
     Far far ago and long long away had many abandoned hope for a return to the
reminiscences revered by so many managers; predating even the generations of
gladiators graduating from Noblish Island and the years of yore and gore and
gallantry before.
     Rumblings and mumblings of a renovation rejuvenating the reflexes of managers
numbed by the numberless trysts of tourney tarnished stables began revolutionizing
the very fabric of time and space and time-honored tradition throughout the ranks of
visionary newbies and volatile veterans alike and dislike.
     History was being shaken to the core of the gore as glory and grandeur responded
to the revelry reverie revelations and reveille revolutionizing the creation of a new
arena in the making; populated by No-Tourney Warriors and Full Stable Participants
pledging to forge a new vision version of "The Fiercest and Best" for crossing blades
and crosser banter in the personal ads and team spotlight tomes.
     Now was the time for Hammer to emerge and once again merge his talent among the
gifted and grifted; answering the call to assemble the drifted [and to directly
divulge and converge with the dozens] for the destiny of destructive denizens
determined to build a new legacy upon the all-but-forgotten ashes of the old and
olden legends of times lost.
         [TIME JUMP]
     Hammer sifted the sands in the dead of night in the desert reaches [located
SomeWhere BeYond ElseWhere and ElseWhen] to discover 5 gladiators not tourney worthy,
yet interesting enough to begin their careers in a No-Tourney Arena!
     "They need not be dispatched to the Dark Arena," the veteran manager mused as he
sorted through paperwork long discarded and vaguely forgotten, "because there is
nothing like a good Blood Feud to provide inspiration for writing personal ads in the
arena newsletter! Besides, there are times when the replacement for a warrior wounded
mortally on the arena sands fares much better than the one exchanged from Torch
Light!"
     Fights by Torch Light were certainly deemed unnecessary as Hammer had already
deduced that a number of determined stables would undoubtedly congregate with High
Octane Warriors under the guidance of Higher Octane Managers to populate and
depopulate the new No-Tourney Arena currently under construction in DM 81.
     Fortunately his feeble foray into the desert would yield somewhat suitable
candidates for the newfound purposes Hammer had in mind.
     From among the candidates to be found Hammer would be rewarded in time by
BLOODFEUDS and REPLACEMENT WARRIORS aplenty!
     Deep into the night Hammer searched and searched until five not-so-promising
stables were uncovered in the waning hours before dawn.
     Ripper discards were scattered far and wide, but this was not the time or the
hour to let sentimental views cloud the issue at hand.  Future events would lend
themselves to a suitable Ripper replacement, especially with the prospects Hammer was
now sorting for his selection decision to dispatch to the Gladiatorial Commission for
processing.
     Most managers have the luxury of selecting the best group [or discarding the
worst group!] Hammer had the novelty of rounding up the castaways from the New
Stables paperwork accumulated long ago from Maximillian's Morya Madness contest in DM
28 that were deemed below inferior as contest prizes [and thus banished from sight!]
     Hammer scrutinized and agonized over which group of gladiators were worth the
sacks of gold coins he was prepared to release to the Gladiatorial Commission for
fees to MAINTENANCE his new stable in the No-Tourney Arena.
     After what seemed like long hours passing by, Hammer discarded one and then
another group of hopefuls.  After lengthy debate a third was cast aside.  Deciding
between the final two groups found Hammer going back to interview the rejected
candidates time and time again [until a final decision was made that Hammer could
live with and his new stable could die with!] before the final quirks were hammered
out and pen put to paper to process the prospective puny stable with the Gladiatorial
Commission.
     The only solace gained from the painful process was the knowledge that other
managers would be less tempted to run stables in DM 81 populated by their tourney-
worthy warriors [under the penalty of death imposed and enforced upon tourney
experienced gladiators by the Committee being formed to police and regulate such
matters!] as sworn to and signed in good faith by each registering manager.
         [TIME JUMP]
     Hammer had worked long and hard to find suitable candidates for his stable and
now it was time to begin their training.  The paperwork had been dispatched for
registration with the Gladiatorial Commission and now was the hour in which
preparation was paramount!
     Dispatch riders had arrived with the news that Considerable Bounty was being
offered as incentive rewards to those managers sending new stables to the No-Tourney
Arena.
     Hammer realized this would Up the Ante [causing greater pause in the managerial
community for selecting suitable stables!] as the creative competition was certain to
escalate and produce Serious Sword Slinging Stables Staining the Arena Sands Red!
     Obviously a serious upgrade in the quality of competition migrating to the No-
Tourney Arena in DM 81 would definitely work in favor of Hammer; enormously
increasing the death toll percentage potential amongst the ranks of his new start-up
stable in DM 81 [Sands Running Red and Blood Feuds Running Rampant as Undoubtedly
Expected!]
     Hammer observed the futility of his new warriors training [as well as they could
for what they were made from!] while recent memories came to the forefront of his
mind!
     When the paperwork was nearly completed and names were selected for each
Gladiator, Hammer decided to name the stable according to what he had discovered in
the darkness while searching during the dismal hours of the desert night.
     These warriors would probably be more well suited to fight by Torch Light had
they fallen into the possession of most other managers!
     Paper Warriors better suited to confronting Dark Arena Monsters [rather than
being fed to the Gladiatorial Lions certain to be populating the regular No-Tourney
Arena!]
     Specimens blatantly better suited for feeding upon agitated armadillo ants than
for striving to attain recognition and fame in the No-Tourney Arena [or any arena!]
     Thus was AARDVARK HAMMERZ birthed and born for Greatness or Disgrace!
         [TIME JUMP]
     Dispatch riders on winged steeds brought the news Hammer had been awaiting!
     Not since the days of training on Noblish Island in DM 93 had Hammer encountered
such collective enthusiasm for crossing blades in a selected arena such as DM 81
[recalling the time Hammer generated a gathering of newbies to transfer to Niatoli
Island in DM 33 to match wits and cross blades with the assembling veterans upon
graduation!]
     The Consortium had represented the veterans well in DM 33 with the SWEETNESS
stable managed by Sweety Pie.  Now the good news had arrived that The Consortium was
seen registering a stable named LIFE IMPACTS in the No-Tourney Arena!
     Former alliance mates Darque and Kat had reportedly registered DARQUE AGES and
KATHOUSE with the Gladiatorial Commission.
     Morya Madness combatant LePentarque from DM 28 had registered LA PENTARCHIE and
longtime fixture Drake in North Fork DM 47 [recently returned from a lengthy hiatus]
had been lured by the competition to register DRAKE'S HARDWARE.
     Deke [at the helm of DOC LEGRAND'S LAB] was instrumental in promoting the No-
Tourney Arena by repeatedly negotiating terms with the Gladiatorial Commission.
Others had laid the groundwork before him, but Deke raised the banner and carried it
the final distance [Supported by Countless Managers too numerous to mention!] Salute
Yourselves for Your Efforts are Most Graciously Applauded throughout Alastari!
     Apex had signed in with CAROLINA BLUE as had Ghab with ASSASSIN NATION.
     Another familiar name was found on the rolls as DeGotti registered CULT OF
BACCHUS followed by DOOM KNIGHTS managed by Blackstorm.
     Also on the rolls to be noted were AS SEEN ON TV II managed by Indimar and
RAGNAROK'S WOLVES by none other than ragnorokwolf.
     Nomad had signed on with PHANTOM REGIMENT and Silas followed suit with
GRIFFONRAWL MMA.
     Another notable signature was that of MasterBeru with CHILDHOOD HEROES and a
penchant for scribing Team Spotlights [A Plus in Any Arena!]
     Detective Kellumbo had followed the clues and was observed enroute to
registering a yet unannounced stable [such are the ways of sleuthhounds and such!]
     Rumor had it that the manager known as Roadkill was on his way to register a
stable after his namesake and Slugbait was close behind [obliviously lost in
thought!]
     Finally [in no particular disorder!] managers Grimm, Woody, Terminator, Den and
Bill were also seen elbowing their way through the gathering registration crowd to
officially announce their participation in the No-Tourney Arena.
     COUNTLESS OTHER MANAGERS were known to be pondering the consequences of sending
stables to a No-Tourney Arena and had yet to make the commitment public knowledge as
to their intentions.
     Howbeit the Gladiatorial Commission was reportedly swamped with requests for New
Stable Registration Forms [whether for the Tempe Facer or No-Tourney Arena was
anybody's guess at the present time!]
     Judging from the furtive figures darting and ducking in the shadows and
alleyways throughout Alastari [as well as those huddled in taverns or communicating
with one another by various means available!] the success of such a No-Tourney Arena
was Ballooning far Beyond the Expectations of the Promoters and Petitioners Bar None!
     HAMMER WAS UNDERSTANDABLY ENTHUSED BEYOND MEASURE BECAUSE the No-Tourney Arena
had the Best Potential for attracting and assembling a congregation of competitors
rivaling the numbers of Noblish Island from days gone by!
       JANUARY 2007 MARKS THE BEGINNING of a Journey where both Newbies and Veterans
join together in a Historic Assemblage Celebrating the Crossing of Blades between
some of the Best Managed Stables in all of Alastari [Known and Unknown!]
                 "May Your Blades Be Sharp and Your Wits Sharper"
                                               Hammer
                                          Minister of War

30 November 2006
NEED A TURF WAR ALLIANCE??  Master Beru, Wretch, Reaper, and Xoan have come together
to form an Alliance for the TURF WAR in DM47 with no regards for experience in
competitions or even the game.  If you want to enjoy the thrills of the competition,
we have space for up to three more managers.  Contact Master Beru at
d_spinella@msn.com for more information or send a note to Master Beru at DM 29--Army
of Darkness.  If you are interested, we need to move quickly, since the contest
starts in January and there are a few requirements to meet to participate.  May your
blades find the chinks in your enemy's armor. -- Master Beru

6 December 2006
ANNOUNCING THE NO-TOURNAMENT ARENA (81)

As an American I honor my cultural heritage by stealing any good idea.  This idea was
originally proposed by Lord Xiang in November 2005.  RSI will be opening the arena
(81) for teams willing to sign the following pledge:

*  I pledge that I will not send warriors from this arena to a Tournament, nor will I
   use a Tournament prize on a warrior from this arena.
*  I pledge to run a full team when I run turns in this arena.  If circumstances
   preclude my running less than a full team I will notify the Player Committee.
*  I agree to abide by the decisions of the Player Committee.
*  I understand that any warrior that participates in a Tournament shall be sent to
   the Dark Arena until they are dead.
*  I understand that any warrior that receives a Tournament prize shall be send to
   the Dark Arena until they are dead.

The following are the rules for joining this No-Tournament arena
1.  No tournament play for warriors in this arena (Dead tournament or otherwise).
2.  One team per manager.
3.  Teams start with new rollup (or a zero fight equivalent team is transferred into
    this arena.)
4.  No tourney prizes allowed to modify warriors in the arena.
5.  Twenty teams required, per RSI.
6.  Waivers are required to allow self-regulation on tourney ban, granting RSI
    authority to Dark Arena any warrior that participates in a Tournament (until the
    warrior is dead).
7.  Rotating council to enforce tourney ban and maintain arena integrity.

The main purpose of the Player Committee is to maintain fair play in the arena:
*  Warriors that participate in Tournaments will be sent to the Dark Arena until they
   are dead.  This means that the Player Committee has the power to send another
   player's warrior to the Dark Arena
*  Managers that abuse the rules of the Arena may be banned/transferred from the
   Arena.

The player with the most votes for Chairman will fill slot 1 [Chairperson] and that
term expires end of March 2007.
The player with the most votes overall will fill slot 5 and that term expires end of
November 2007.
The player with the second most votes overall will fill slot 4 and that term expires
end of September 2007.
The player with the third most votes overall will fill slot 3 and that term expires

end of November 2007.
The player with the fourth most votes overall will fill slot 2 and that term expires
end of May 2007.

During the month that the chairperson's term expires the Player Committee will select
one of the remaining 4 players to be the next chairperson.  During the month that any
member's term expires the arena will vote for a different player to join the Players'
Committee.

If you want to be a candidate for the player committee:
1.  Post a message in the Duel2 Forum at
    http://www.reality.com/duel2/modules.php?name=Forums
2.  E-Mail Deke at DekeYoung@Comcast.NET
3.  Send a Diplomatic Note to Doc LeGrand's Lab [ARENA 81]

There are 4 steps to joining this arena
1) Send in a new team rollup to RSI with the following pledge taped/stapled to the
rollup sheet, or transfer a ZERO FIGHT EQUIVALENT TEAM to Arena 81 and send RSI the
following form.

No-Tournament Arena (81)
*  I pledge that I will not send warriors from this team to a Tournament, nor will I
   use a Tournament prize on a warrior from this team.
*  I pledge to run a full team when I run turns in this arena.  If circumstances
   preclude my running less than a full team I will notify the Player Committee.
*  I agree to abide by the decisions of the Player Committee.
*  I understand that any warrior that participates in a Tournament shall be sent to
   the Dark Arena until they are dead.
*  I understand that any warrior that receives a Tournament prize shall be send to
   the Dark Arena until they are dead.

[Sign your name here ..............................................................]

2) [Optional] post a message on the Duel 2 Forums in the Creating a No-Tournament
   Arena thread
   http://www.reality.com/duel2/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=2296&sid=
   94ebf69603ccaf5c7dbf1b19da799732
3) [Optional] send an e-mail to DekeYoung@Comcast.NET with your team name
4) [Optional] Send a Diplomatic Note to Doc LeGrand's Lab in Arena 81 with your team
   name and intent to join Arena 81 and abide by the Arena rules.

     RSI will be processing overviews for this arena as soon as you send them into
RSI.
     The first turn will run in January 2007.  This will be a normal speed arena.
     While I am encouraging everyone to use TEAM MAINTENANCE it is not mandatory.
The intent is that players that run turns will run a full team.  One warrior teams
are discouraged and will a topic for the Player Committee to resolve.
     I also encourage players to join the Duel2 Yahoo Group for faster updates and
feedback.  http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/duel/

There are already 29 managers already committed to the project
x    Apex = CAROLINA BLUE -- Cf PC -- Cf PCC
x    Bill (I think this is the same person) = CLUB CUTTHROAT
x    Blackstorm = DARK ENCLAVE -- Cf PC
     Master Darque = DARQUE AGES
x    DeGotti = CULT OF BACCHUS
x    Deke = DOC LEGRAND'S LAB
     Den = BIG LAKE OUTCASTS
x    Drake = DRAKE'S HARDWARE -- Cf PC
     Ghab = ASSASSIN NATION
     Grimm = FURRY FURY
     Hammer = AARDVARK HAMMERZ
     Ikillu = BATTLE GRUNTS
x    Indimar = AS SEEN ON TV II
x    Kat = KATHOUSE
x    Kellumbo = KELLUMBO'S KIDS
x    Le Pentarque = LA PENTARCHIE
x    Master Beru = CHILDHOOD HEROES -- Cf PC
x    Nomad = DRAGONBANE GUILD
     Nuln = RED IRON KNIGHTS
x    Pauly = ALE HOUSE MERCS
     Ragnarokwolf = RAGNAROK'S WOLVES
x    Rillon = THE DRAUGS
x    Roadkill = STREET WALKERS
     Seraphim = LEGION OF SOLITUDE
     Silas = GRIFFONRAWL MMA
     SlugBait = ORCS HATE PHYSICS
x    Terminator = WARMASTERS
x    The Consortium = LIFE IMPACTS -- Cf PC -- Cf PCC
     Woody

X  = 17 Team Rollups received by RSI as of 29 November 2006
Cf = Candidate for
PC = Player Committee
PCC = Player Committee Chairperson

     Deke Young will not be part of the inaugural Player Committee, maybe later once
the Arena direction has been developed.
     Any questions can be directed to DekeYoung@Comcast.NET
     I will track Awards in Arena 81, which will be posted on a web site and included
in the following turn's newsletter.

The Honor of Sunset Award:
     The first team to reach 10 Team Kills.  In the case that there is more than one
team that achieves 10 Team Kills on the same turn, I will pay the Award to the team
with the most kills.  If two or more teams are tied for Team Kills, I will prolong
the contest until one team has the most Kills in the Arena (it does not have to be
one of the teams that first reached 10 Team Kills.)

The Race to Victory Award:
     The first team to reach 75 Team Wins.  In the case that there is more than one
team that reaches 75 Team wins on the same turn, I will pay the Award to the team
with the most wins.  If two or more teams are tied for Team Wins, I will prolong the
contest until one team has the most wins in the Arena (it does not have to be one of
the teams that first reached 75 Team Wins.)

The Commitment to Change Award:
     The first team to reach 125 Team Fights.  In the case that there is more than
one team that reaches 125 Team Fights on the same turn, I will pay the Award to the
team with the most fights.  If two or more teams are tied for Team Fights, I will
prolong the contest until one team has the most fights in the Arena (it does not have
to be one of the teams that first reached 125 Team Fights.)  I hope I never give out
this award {figure it out on your own.}

The Team Advancement Award:
     The first team to graduate 5 warriors to ADM.  In the case that there is more
than 1 team that graduates 5 warriors on the same turn, I will pay the Award to the
first team to graduate 6 warriors.  In the case that there is more than 1 team that
graduates 6 warriors on the same turn, I will pay the Award to the first team to
graduate 7 warriors, and so on.

The Iron Throne Award:
     The first team to hold the Duelmaster for 10 turns STARTING ON TURN 11.

The Stylemaster Award.
     The first team to hold the Stylemaster Award in 7 different styles, STARTING ON
TURN 11.  If two teams obtain Stylemaster Awards in 7 styles on the same turn, the
goal will be increased to 8 Styles.

Team Recognition Points:  The total recognition points for all warriors in the arena
The Iron Throne Ledger:  We will track who has been the Duelmaster every turn in
     Arena history.
Iron Throne Counter:  The total number of times a team has been the Duelmaster.
Composite Team Stylemaster awards:  The number of times a team has had any of the 10
     Stylemasters.  Having 2 Stylemasters = 2 points that turn.
Challenge win percentage:  How often your warriors win when they challenge.
Challenge Defender rate:  How often your warriors win when they WERE challenged.
Team Invitations:  Number of warriors graduated to ADM.
Team Graduation Rate:  Total team fights/Graduated Warriors.
Team Kill Percentage:  Total of team Kills/Team Fights
Team Death Percentage:  Total of Team Deaths/Team Fights
Team Revenge Rate: Number of Deaths/BloodFeuds Revenged (Note that the Dark Arena
     will be counted as not-revenged.)  You only get credit for one successful
     BloodFeud per death (though I encourage you to BloodFeud all 4 turns.)
Current Win Streaks:  Warriors that have gone the most turns without losing or
     missing a turn.
Team Yahtzee counter:  Number of times a team has gone 5-0 in a turn.
Team Bagel counter:  Number of times a team has fought without a win.
Team Dark Arena counter:  Number of times each team has used the Dark Arena.
The Most Feared (avoided) Team counter:  Number of turns that team was the most
     avoided team.

     We will create a web page just for Arena 81 category leaders.
     Hope to see you there. -- Deke

                                  LAST WEEK'S FIGHTS

MRS. MORNINGSTAR was dealt death by DEMRON THE DARK in a 2 minute Dark Arena fight.
KALEN viciously subdued BROTHER ZORT in a 5 minute expert's Challenge Title battle.
BROTHER ZERO lost to BUDDHA in a 2 minute master's Challenge brawl.
EPICURIOUS overpowered MISSY MOSSY in a 1 minute one-sided Challenge fight.
IRONSTORM was bested by KRANKYKARL in a 1 minute Challenge brawl.
LEIBNIZ viciously subdued WACKY WACO WONK in a 4 minute Challenge fight.
BLING BLING viciously subdued YODA MAN in a 4 minute one-sided Challenge competition.
BORN LOSER was vanquished by EGROS in a 1 minute uneven Challenge duel.
TALA GOG was vanquished by LOSING IS FUN in a 1 minute uneven fight.
ALOURSHIN was vanquished by MACHIAVELLI in a exciting 1 minute one-sided fight.
UGLY EDDIE was handily defeated by MEGALOMANIAC in a 1 minute one-sided bout.
HUME demolished HURRICANE in a 1 minute mismatched match.
DEXTER overcame TARILISS in a exciting 1 minute contest.
WINTER SHADOWS was demolished by BIG SHRIMP in a 1 minute one-sided brawl.
MANGY POLECAT slimly lost to SWEET BETSEY in a 3 minute novice's conflict.
KOOL-AID DRINKER unbelievably bested RIPTIDE in a 2 minute beginner's duel.
TYGER executed BURQUA BOY in a 1 minute mismatched brawl.
BULLHOG was devastated by RANFUAGUD in a 1 minute one-sided fight.
QUALIX subdued IAINTPLAYING in a 1 minute brutal novice's bout.
JASPER overpowered WILLIE THE RAT in a 1 minute mismatched conflict.

                                    BATTLE REPORT

             MOST POPULAR                        RECORD DURING THE LAST 10 TURNS     
|FIGHTING STYLE               FIGHTS        FIGHTING STYLE     W -   L -  K   PERCENT|
|STRIKING ATTACK                  9         SLASHING ATTACK   13 -   8 -  0      62  |
|WALL OF STEEL                    8         TOTAL PARRY       16 -  11 -  0      59  |
|BASHING ATTACK                   5         STRIKING ATTACK   52 -  36 -  1      59  |
|LUNGING ATTACK                   4         LUNGING ATTACK    38 -  35 -  0      52  |
|SLASHING ATTACK                  3         WALL OF STEEL     30 -  33 -  0      48  |
|PARRY-STRIKE                     3         BASHING ATTACK    20 -  26 -  0      43  |
|PARRY-RIPOSTE                    2         PARRY-RIPOSTE      9 -  12 -  0      43  |
|AIMED BLOW                       2         PARRY-STRIKE      11 -  20 -  1      35  |
|TOTAL PARRY                      1         PARRY-LUNGE        7 -  22 -  1      24  |
|PARRY-LUNGE                      1         AIMED BLOW         5 -  16 -  0      24  |

Turn 557 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        1 -  0     BASHING ATTACK     2 -  3         4  STRIKING ATTACK
LUNGING ATTACK     3 -  1     SLASHING ATTACK    1 -  2         3  PARRY-STRIKE   
STRIKING ATTACK    6 -  3     AIMED BLOW         0 -  2         1  TOTAL PARRY    
WALL OF STEEL      5 -  3     PARRY-LUNGE        0 -  1         1  WALL OF STEEL  
PARRY-RIPOSTE      1 -  1     PARRY-STRIKE       0 -  3         1  PARRY-LUNGE    
                                                                1  BASHING ATTACK 

                               TOP WARRIOR OF EACH STYLE

FIGHTING STYLE   WARRIOR                     W   L  K PNTS TEAM NAME                  
TOTAL PARRY      KALEN 6418                 17  11  0  109 STEEL THUNDER (630)
STRIKING ATTACK  MACHIAVELLI 6440           11   6  0  119 DREAMERS (142)
WALL OF STEEL    BUDDHA 6231                19  17  0  100 DREAMERS (142)
BASHING ATTACK   BROTHER ZERO 6341          16  12  0   86 CULTS-R-US (624)
PARRY-STRIKE     UGLY EDDIE 6370            13  10  1   73 HIGH JINKS (584)
PARRY-RIPOSTE    KRANKYKARL 6406            11   8  1   49 HIGH JINKS (584)
SLASHING ATTACK  MISSY MOSSY 6539            5   3  0   35 HIGH JINKS (584)
Note: Warriors have a winning record and are an Adept or Above.

The overall popularity leader is ALOURSHIN 6126.  The most popular warrior this turn 
was LEIBNIZ 6540.  The ten other most popular fighters were BROTHER ZORT 6338, KALEN 
6418, MANGY POLECAT 6569, SWEET BETSEY 6571, BROTHER ZERO 6341, BUDDHA 6231, DEXTER 
6524, RIPTIDE 6562, BLING BLING 6555, and MACHIAVELLI 6440.

The least popular fighter this week was IAINTPLAYING 6568.  The other ten least 
popular fighters were BULLHOG 6560, BURQUA BOY 6570, WINTER SHADOWS 6526, TARILISS 
6527, HURRICANE 6481, UGLY EDDIE 6370, TALA GOG 6066, BORN LOSER 6554, YODA MAN 6328, 
and MISSY MOSSY 6539.

The following warriors will travel to AD after next turn:

ALOURSHIN (12-6126) SWEET MAGIC (267)

                            JANUARY FACE-TO-FACE IN TEMPE!

Our next winter FTF will be held in Tempe, Arizona, January 12-14, 2007.  It will be 
held at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Tempe, Arizona (480-894-7444), the same hotel as 
last year by popular request.  Room rates are $149.00 per night, 1-4 occupancy, which 
includes full cooked breakfast, complimentary manager's reception (yes, really!), free 
airport shuttle, free parking, high speed internet (for extra charge), fitness center, 
jacuzzi, and pool.  The rooms are blocked--please make your reservation by December 15 
before the block is released!  (This is prime season for Phoenix, and several people 
were unable to book rooms last year because they waited too long.)  Look for 
transportation info in the tournament information sheet.  We hope you're all looking 
forward to it and that we will see you there!