DUEL 2 NEWSLETTER

Date   : 11/12/2008    Duedate: 11/25/2008

MALCORN ARENA

DM-15    TURN-601

This Weeks Top Honors

THE DUELMASTER IS

BOSS
STARBASE 5 (263)
(15-4877) [15-17-1,105]

Chartered Recognition Leader   Unchartered Recognition Leader

BOSS                           POSITION IS EMPTY
STARBASE 5 (263)               
(15-4877) [15-17-1,105]        

Popularity Leader              This Weeks Favorite

SIMULACRUM                     AVENGELINA
DARK CREATION (471)            STARBASE 5 (263)
(15-4906) [18-13-2,90]         (15-4888) [16-12-0,103]

THE CURRENT TOP TEAM

STARBASE 5 (263)

          TEAMS ON THE MOVE            TOP CAREER HONORS
Team Name                  Point Gain  Chartered Team
1. GREENWARDENS (244)          27
2. DARK CREATION (471)         15      DARK CREATION (471)
3. STARBASE 5 (263)             1      Unchartered Team

                                       CHEESY DEVICE (435)

The Top Teams

Career Win-Loss Record           W   L  K    %  Win-Loss Record Last 3 Turns    W  L K
 1/ 1 DARK CREATION (471)      256 237 11 51.9   1/ 1 STARBASE 5 (263)         11  4 0
 2/ 2 STARBASE 5 (263)         252 241  9 51.1   2/ 2 DARK CREATION (471)       7  8 1
 3/ 3 GREENWARDENS (244)       581 716 13 44.8   3/ 3 GREENWARDENS (244)        6  7 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[ Edge of Night #24 ]H[ + ---:--- + ]H[ +

Malcorn:

     The group broke up and went to their separate tasks.  Lord Malcorn had things to
do before he could leave his domain, Uncle Wolf and the gladiator Math op Owain had
supplies to gather for the next stage of their journey, and the two Greenwardens,
familiar with the local resources, went with them.  A gladiator Agro didn't know,
Redfox, and the Dark Stranger, stayed behind.
     Agro looked at the Dark Stranger.  If he'd been a mammal, his hackles would have
come up.  He knew a predator when he saw one, and he didn't trust the creature at
all.
     The Stranger was looking at the third gladiator, who shrugged.  "I'm a Lord
Protector from here," he said.  "Blackwind, team Starbase 5.  Word's gone around what
you're going to try--"
     "So fast?"  If there was any emotion in the Stranger's question, Agro couldn't
hear it.
     Blackwind shrugged again.  "Waitresses aren't deaf or dumb, you know.  Anyway, I
figured your little business could use some local knowledge and an extra pair of
hands."
     Redfox looked at Agro and nodded.  "I reckon he's right."
     "The more people involved, the more chance for mistakes," the Stranger said.
"Still, have it as you will."
     "So what's the plan?" Blackwind asked.
     "It is of this that I wished to speak," the Stranger said.  "A bold stroke is
good, if it comes off, but there must be a plan."
     The two humans looked at him.  Or it.  "You are more familiar with our quarry
than we are.  What would you advise?" Redfox asked.
     Agro resisted an urge to hit the Rirorni gladiator.  What is it with humans that
they were disposed to trust anything that looked human, provided it wasn't actually
slavering and trying to kill them right that minute?  To these two men, the Dark
Stranger apparently looked like an older and more experienced human, dangerous but
comprehensible.  Idiots.  This was not human, and it was a predator.  One who was
used to and experienced in manipulating humans.
     "There are some points you will need to take into consideration," it said.
"First, you will need to set your trap in the right kind of place.  One where the
Night Hunters would expect to find an... offering."
     Blackwind raised his eyebrows in the human expression of surprise.  "Are there
such places here, around Malcorn, I mean?  I wouldn't think Blackie, ah, Lord Malcorn
would allow--"
     "There are indeed such places, and many of them.  Men have always tried to
appease or bind the Night Hunters, though they have done so less often since the Lord
Malcorn of that time sealed the Silent Place."  The Dark Stranger smiled, showing too
many teeth, too sharp, too... hungry.  But the voice was smooth as a river flowing in
the darkness.  "Even now, the offerings are made, back in the woods.  This will aid
you.  The Night Hunters may come anyway to bait, if it is tempting enough--"
     "Virgins?" Blackwind asked.
     "For some, yes, but not for those you seek."  A gesture that dismissed the
question as unimportant.  "They will come faster and less warily to a sacrifice, an
apparent sacrifice properly presented.  Any human offered will be acceptable to them,
but a strong warrior in the prime of life will be most tempting, most pleasing to
them."  The Stranger narrowed its eyes, staring into space, and licked its lips.
"Most pleasing."  The enveloping dark robe shivered.  "He must be bound to a proper
offering stone in such a way that he cannot escape, although if he is able to
struggle that will add... spice to the meal.  He should be bleeding, also, though not
from a fatal injury.  Scourging has been the choice normally.  One other live,
warmblooded person must be present, seen to be present, to make the bargain with the
Hunters.  And you must be careful not to spring your trap until the dark ones are
fully manifested."
     "And what, exactly, are we supposed to gain by traping one of these Night
Hunters?" Agro asked.  "Information, you said, Wolf said.  What kind of information?
About what?"
     "Names," the Stranger said, shivering again.  "Lines that can be followed back
to the Names that have taken control of this intrusion.  They do no one a service but
themselves, and they make the patterns of existence more difficult for all of us who
are Other.  This must be interrupted.  Stopped, if that can be done."  A bitter curl
of thin lips.  "If it can be stopped, Lord Malcorn will see to that, but he needs
information."  The black robe swirled, merged with the shadows, and was gone.
     Redfox looked at his companions.  "Let's go... somewhere else.  Someplace that
thing hasn't been."
     The other two rose immediately.  "There's a cafeteria in the arena basement,"
Blackwind said.  "I've got an idea these creatures out of the Silent Place and their
kind can't go there."
     "Sounds good."
     They went out the side door of the tavern and walked through the night, not
speaking.  Malcorn had less nightlife than the larger cities of Alastari, but there
was always someone around, and lanterns hung in front of most businesses.
     "Paradise for thieves," Redfox muttered.  "Enough lights to make shadows, not
enough to dispell them.  Enough people moving to hide footsteps--"
     "Enough Night Watch to catch anyone foolish," Blackwind added.  "Blackie doesn't
like thieves bothering his people."
     There was more activity around the arena than there'd been in the streets.  It
often amazed Agro how much went on all the time at arenas where the actual duels were
so few.  It was as though every gladiator registered at an arena, if not dead or
graduated, was trying to stay ready to step out on the sands at the first call from
his manager.  Maybe it was a human thing, and that's why he didn't understand it.
     They found a table in one corner of the cafeteria, ordered from a busy waitress,
and sat for a few minutes.  Agro was trying to sort out ideas, impressions, and
questions; he supposed the otherr two were doing the same.
     Blackwind stopped drawing circles on the table with the bottom of his cup and
looked at the other two.  "This Dark Stranger.  Can we trust him?  He seemed, I
dunno, he described that 'proper presentation of a sacrifce' with too much loving
detail to make me feel good about it."
     Agro nodded.  "It has received such offerings itself, almost certainly.  Maybe
hopes for more, if not now, later."
     "Likely enough," Redfox agreed, "but I don't think he--it--whatever is serving
as a procurer in this case.  Uncle Wolf didn't cut off the suggestion, so he, at
least, must think there's value in it."
     "We must ask him for more details before we separate," Agro said.
     "Yes."
     "And one thing we have to ask about," the Croc went on, "is this 'make a
bargain' part of it.  Are we going to be binding ourselves, all of us, into some kind
of demonic bargain we never intended?"
     "Good question," Blackwind agreed.  "Will Redfox have to die?"
     Redfox shrugged.  "I hope not, but everybody dies eventually, even lord
protectors.  I don't like anything about this, but Uncle Wolf didn't forbid it, so
there may be something to gain.  And if I have to die....  The important thing is
that my death not be wasted."
     "Very high-minded," Blackwind said, "but it would be better if things didn't
come to that.  Is there any other way we could get at the names the Stranger wants?"
     They argued up and down and all around the topic, hours of talk.  Ate stew and
dark bread with cheese on it (Agro had steaks that were bleeding rare).  More than
once came to the brink of canceling the whole thing.
     Finally Redfox threw up his hands.  "We aren't getting anywhere, because none of
us knows the answers to our questions.  Let's ask Uncle Wolf.  He might know
something more."
     They found the old shaman at the Greenwardens's guildhouse, loading a backpack
while Math op Owain traced routes on a map.
     Redfox ignored the old man's frown at the interruption.  "Can we trust this Dark
Stranger?"
     Wolf pursed his lips, looking at three different needles of bone side by side on
his palm.  After a moment, he said, "Yes, up to a point.  I don't know where that
point is.  But the form of summoning and binding with which we called it, him, forth
prevent the telling of outright lies.  Nothing prevents misdirection and failure to
mention details that will allow us to delude ourselves, of course.  That's the chief
hazard of dealing with these beings."
     "He spoke of some kind of bargain being expected by this Night Hunter creature,"
Blackwind said.  "I didn't like the sound of that.  What if--"
     The shaman cut him off.  "A bargain will be offered.  These transactions always
involve one.  It is not complete until it has been sealed with blood.  But if you're
wondering whether you'll be expected to keep it, yes.  If the bargain is made and
sealed, it will be binding.  If a bargain is made with Redfox's life being offered,
then it is forfeit, or worse will happen to..." he waved a hand, "the whole area.
And they will still take his life.  The creatures of the Dark Lands always keep their
bargains, to the letter, and will not allow anyone who deals with them to do
otherwise.  One does not trifle with the Dark."
     "We could still call it off," Blackwind said.  He looked at Redfox.  So did
Agro, but the Rirorni was expressionless, his opinion concealed.
     Wolf looked at the gladiator he had trained, also.  "That decision must be
yours, in the end, Redfox.  What will you do?"
     "Will something of use to us, to the living in general, be gained from this?"
     "I don't know," the old man said.  "My intuition says 'yes', but I don't know
what that gain might be.  But I believe that this is why Agro is present, to make
this trap possible."
     Redfox let out a long breath and nodded.  "We do it, then."
     Blackwind sighed, an unconscious echo of the Rirorni's reaction.  "Okay.  But we
need some kind of, I don't know what, some kind of safety net.  Something to tie the
three of us together so that if one goes or is taken away, the others can follow...
anywhere."
     Agro saw by Redfox's surprise that this was a new idea to him also.  But it was
a good one.  He looked at the old human.  "Yes.  Can you do this?"
     "Follow anywhere?" Wolf asked.  "Even into the Valley of Death, because it might
come to that?"
     "Even there," Blackwind said, and Agro nodded agreement.

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

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

                                     Duelmasters
                                     -----------
 DM   9 ZUKAL (turn 604): BLHU MURTHER of BLUE MOON (Jorja, mgr.)
 DM  12 RIZTAB (turn 606): PAIN INTICER II of THE PAIN GANG (?, mgr.)
 DM  15 MALCORN (turn 600): BOSS of STARBASE 5 (Zeus, mgr.)
 DM  16 WILLAF (turn 602): BUDOKUMO of YAMABUSHI (Doc Miracle, mgr.)
 DM  17 ALJAFIR (turn 601): YAREK ZURN of MIDDLE WAY (Jorja, mgr.)
 DM  19 ZUWAYZA (turn 599): BART SIMPSON of CUNNING RUNTS (Deep Thought, mgr.)
 DM  28 MORYA (turn 299): YAU (DARKFACE) of ZULU NATION (?, mgr.)
 DM  29 LAPUR (turn 592): HULIK of MID EARTH (Visionist, mgr.)
 DM  31 CHIMLEVTAL (turn 297): BEDLAM of CHAOS (Lord of Chaos, mgr.)
 DM  32 ARVAT (turn 588): TED D. SEAVER of DEVIL ADVOCATES (Dark One, mgr.)
 DM  33 NIATOLI ISLAND (turn 586): THIMBELL of THE SEWING CIRCLE (Jorja, mgr.)
 DM  35 MURSKA (turn 577): LUCKY of LOST CAUSE (Vol, mgr.)
 DM  43 VEASTIAN (turn 540): HAWK NELSON of POSITIVE ALTERNATIVE (Zalgor Prigg, mgr.)
 DM  45 STORMCROWE (turn 275): BOLT of OF WOLF & MAN (Tripwire, mgr.)
 DM  47 DOUBLE X (turn 269): THE RON of WARHAMMERS (Coyote, mgr.)
 DM  50 SNOWBOUND (turn 256): CANTEX of LIFE IMPACTS (Smitty, mgr.)
 DM  56 ROCANIS (turn 467): HAWTHORN of BAD APPLES (Jorja, mgr.)
 DM  60 COLLUSION COVE (turn 454): BEAST XVII of DEATH STUDS VII (Death Stud, mgr.)
 DM  61 JURINE (turn 442): XAVAN YOLE of MIDDLE WAY 16 (Jorja, mgr.)
 DM  65 DAL SHANG (turn 461): UNLUCKY DUCK of MIGHTY DUCKS (Woody, mgr.)
 DM  73 ERINIKA (turn 204): SKIN PEELER of BLACKMAIL (The Mun, mgr.)
 DM  74 DAYLA KIV (turn 399): VOLBAN TEN TAHL of SAND DANCERS (Jorja, mgr.)
 DM  75 JADE MOUNTAIN (turn 397): FOOTSTEPS of PARANOID ASYLUM (Jekyll, mgr.)
 DM  78 LIN TIRIAN (turn 377): SHANA TWO-KNIVES of SAND DANCERS (Jorja, mgr.)
ADM 103 FREE BLADES (turn 493): NEBUCHADENEZZAR of BLADES OF WONDER (The Sandman)

                                      Top Teams
                                      ---------
 DM   9 ZUKAL (turn 604): BLUE MOON (Jorja, mgr.)
 DM  12 RIZTAB (turn 606): FURIES (Caesar, mgr.)
 DM  15 MALCORN (turn 600): STARBASE 5 (Zeus, mgr.)
 DM  16 WILLAF (turn 602): PUNNY ANIMALS (Jorja, mgr.)
 DM  17 ALJAFIR (turn 601): MIDDLE WAY (Jorja, mgr.)
 DM  19 ZUWAYZA (turn 599): CUNNING RUNTS (Deep Thought, mgr.)
 DM  28 MORYA (turn 299): POSITION IS EMPTY
 DM  29 LAPUR (turn 592): MID EARTH (Visionist, mgr.)
 DM  31 CHIMLEVTAL (turn 297): CAESAR'S POOL HALL (Caesar, mgr.)
 DM  32 ARVAT (turn 588): SARATOGA GLORY (The Trainer, mgr.)
 DM  33 NIATOLI ISLAND (turn 586): RAVAGING LORDS (General Ikillu, mgr.)
 DM  35 MURSKA (turn 577): LOST CAUSE (Vol, mgr.)
 DM  43 VEASTIAN (turn 540): POSITIVE ALTERNATIVE (Zalgor Prigg, mgr.)
 DM  45 STORMCROWE (turn 275): OF WOLF & MEN (Tripwire, mgr.)
 DM  47 DOUBLE X (turn 269): THE BEAR'S PAW (Kat, mgr.)
 DM  50 SNOWBOUND (turn 256): MIDDLE WAY 6 (Jorja, mgr.)
 DM  56 ROCANIS (turn 467): INCONSISTENT FURY (Banthius, mgr.)
 DM  60 COLLUSION COVE (turn 454): DEATH STUDS VII (Death Stud, mgr.)
 DM  61 JURINE (turn 442): MIDDLE WAY 16 (Jorja, mgr.)
 DM  65 DAL SHANG (turn 461): MIGHTY DUCKS (Woody, mgr.)
 DM  73 ERINIKA (turn 204): MIDDLE WAY 18 (Jorja, mgr.)
 DM  74 DAYLA KIV (turn 399): SAND DANCERS (Jorjga, mgr.)
 DM  75 JADE MOUNTAIN (turn 397): SAND DANCERS (Jorja, mgr.)
 DM  78 LIN TIRIAN (turn 377): SAND DANCERS (Jorja, mgr.)
ADM 103 FREE BLADES (turn 493): SILMARILLIAD et al (Ichabod Frothingslosh, mgr.)

                                   Recent Graduates
                                  -----------------
 DM  12 RIZTAB (turn 606): PAIN INTICER II of THE PAIN GANG (?, mgr.)
                           DEMOCRITUS of DREAMERS (Sleepy, mgr.)
 DM  16 WILLAF (turn 601): ANIS of MAXIMUM RESULTS (Coyote, mgr.)
 DM  19 ZUWAYZA (turn 598): TIMES of THE MAGNIFICENT MAGS (Jorja, mgr.)
 DM  29 LAPUR (turn 591): SOLAR ERUPTION of VENUSIANS (Venus, mgr.)
 DM  31 CHIMLEVTAL (turn 296): CORNELIUS of CAESAR'S POOL HALL (Caesar, mgr.)
 DM  32 ARVAT (turn 588): TED D. SEAVER of DEVIL ADVOCATES (Dark One, mgr.)
                          BURLY REIVER of GEMSTONE BEASTS (Tripwire, mgr.)
 DM  33 NIATOLI ISLAND (turn 586): THIMBELL of THE SEWING CIRCLE (Jorja, mgr.)
                       (turn 585): THE TUSKER of RAVAGING LORDS (General Ikillu)
 DM  35 MURSKA (turn 576): CLYDE of LOST CAUSE (Vol, mgr.)
                           DRENDAN O'KAI of CHILDREN OF LLYR (Jorja, mgr.)
 DM  47 DOUBLE X (turn 269): THE RON of WARHAMMERS (Coyote, mgr.)
                             FOLMOR GRIGG of THE MIDDLE WAY 3 (Jorja, mgr.)
 DM  50 SNOWBOUND (turn 256): CANTEX of LIFE IMPACTS (Smitty, mgr.)
                  (turn 255): EVALON ELKHORN of DRUID'S GROVE (Armalias, mgr.)
 DM  60 COLLUSION COVE (turn 454): BEAST XVII of DEATH STUDS VII (Death Stud, mgr.)
                       (turn 453): SPIRITWALKER of DREAMTIME (Hombre, mgr.)
 DM  65 DAL SHANG (turn 461): UNLUCKY DUCK of MIGHTY DUCKS (Woody, mgr.)
 DM  73 ERINIKA (turn 203): LAELKORISSA of FAVORITE GUYS (Jorja, mgr.)
 DM  75 JADE MOUNTAIN (turn 397): FOOTSTEPS of PARANOID ASYLUM (Jekyll, mgr.)

                                      SPY REPORT

     Good day, in MALCORN a quiet thief gets rich, but a quiet spymaster gets poor.  
So bring me ale and harken to my tidbits of news.  And let's see, BRISTLECONE fought 
CONVICTED THIEF and gained 13 points and contributed to GREENWARDENS' 3-2-0.  PIE 
EYED PIPER has lost to VETERAN MERCENARY, falling 11 points, while helping make 
STARBASE 5 a 3-2-0 turn.  Defending his title for another turn, BOSS kept 
GREENWARDENS' warrior, WIND RIDER, from claiming the throne.  Tell me, is nothing 
sacred?  I have heard from unimpeachable sources that Drake's Barbecue uses trolls in 
their stew.  Talk about gristle!   
     Oriental wise man once say, 'Hiding behind shields prevents proper sun tanning.' 
Inscrutable, but true.  The most challenged warrior this turn was STARBASE 5's 
warrior VARPULIS RUKH.  More fighters challenged him than challenged the Duelmaster!  
LYLYANNA of DARK CREATION had better have a good reason for challenging down 12 
points in a challenge which she won.  I thought LYLYANNA showed great skill and 
promise when she subdued STUMP.  All right, so I slept through it!  Big deal!   
     The Dark Arena is for those who cannot win, not who cannot lose with grace.  
Dignity in life or death is the warrior's creed.  You gotta do what you gotta do.  
DARK CREATION has sent MARDUK to the Dark Arena.  The deed is done.  Lift the ale, 
and toast the memory.  Kudos go out to REDTHORN this turn, for revenging 
GREENWARDENS' bloodfeud against DARK CREATION's warrior NECROPALYPSE.  Well done.  A 
brave warrior does not carry a red shield, he has nothing to cover or hide when the 
fight is over.  Consider well.   
     Thought for the day, a new sword shines bright, but the notched sword sings the 
sweetest.  Well, I'm burning daylight here in MALCORN and I've a long road ahead of 
me.  Happy Trails.  Until you see my quill in MALCORN again, farewell-- Alarond the 
Scribe  

DUELMASTER                     W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 BOSS 4877                    15  17  1   105       STARBASE 5 (263)

CHALLENGER CHAMPIONS           W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 AVENGELINA 4888              16  12  0   103       STARBASE 5 (263)
 ZIRCON 4920                  12   5  0    95       STARBASE 5 (263)

CHAMPIONS                      W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 SIMULACRUM 4906              18  13  2    90       DARK CREATION (471)
 WIND RIDER 4876              21  23  0    89       GREENWARDENS (244)
 LYLYANNA 4919                13   9  0    87       DARK CREATION (471)
 THULE 4921                   15   6  0    84       DARK CREATION (471)
 PIE EYED PIPER 4878          16  16  0    83       STARBASE 5 (263)
 STUMP 4882                   15  24  0    69       GREENWARDENS (244)

CHALLENGER ADEPTS              W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 VARPULIS RUKH 4863           12  28  1    65       STARBASE 5 (263)

ADEPTS                         W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 REDTHORN 4943                10   5  0    55       GREENWARDENS (244)

CHALLENGER INITIATES           W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 NECROPALYPSE 4950             5   3  1    27       DARK CREATION (471)

INITIATES                      W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 BRISTLECONE 4952              1   0  0    13       GREENWARDENS (244)
 AGATE 4951                    1   0  0     8       GREENWARDENS (244)
-KHAMUL 4033                   1   5  0     8       THE BLACK RIDERS (391)
-NEMO 4648                     1   1  0     4       DOWN WITH THE SHIP (468)
-AKHORAHIL 4031                0   1  0     4       THE BLACK RIDERS (391)
-ADUNAPHEL 4032                0   4  0     4       THE BLACK RIDERS (391)

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

THE DEAD                W  L K TEAM NAME            SLAIN BY              TURN Revenge?
MARDUK 4942             7  9 0 DARK CREATION 471    ARENAMASTER LAND      601  NONE
THORNWOOD 4944          3  7 0 GREENWARDENS 244     NECROPALYPSE 4950     599  JUST REVENGED

                                     PERSONAL ADS

Simulacrum -- It'd make an interesting twist if I were assume your identity and write
personals to me, wouldn't it?  But never having been Rirorni, I would probably get
the tone all wrong, not to mention the accent. -- Stump, happy enough to sit around
and stay alive

Varpulis Rukh -- Take that, you...whatever!  Looks to me like you're named after some
kind of Great Wurm, or else a Roc (aka dragon), so you should DESERVE "that." -- Wind
Rider

Marduk -- I had to get more thorns resharpened after last turn, and you are reaping

the result.  But better a quick prick from a sharp thorn than being worried and
battered by a dull one. -- Redthorn
P.S.  So they tell me.

Hmm, there should have been two more gladiators fighting last time, but they seem to
be hiding in a closet.  I'll have 'em out and onto the sands today, though! -- Jorja

8 July 2008
                *****************************************************
                **********************ATTENTION**********************
                *****************************************************
                                      ALLIANCES
                                         OF
                                      ALASTARI
                *****************************************************
                **********************ATTENTION**********************
                *****************************************************
                                 *TURF WAR VI RULES*
                            Starting Nov 2008 (10 turns)

Anyone may participate; known alliances, new alliances, or temporary alliances
created solely to compete in the Turf War!  To participate, each alliance must:
        1.  Announce the alliance and the Captain of the alliance in the North Fork
            (DM 47) newsletter.
        2.  Announcements made on the D2 Forums will not be accepted.

Captains are responsible for:
        1.  Verifying those who wish to participate under the banner of their
            alliance;
        2.  Distribution of prizes should their alliance win the Turf War.
        3.  Submit one (1) RSI Roll-Up Certificate to participate

Participating managers who are not Captains must:
        1.  Submit one (1) RSI Roll-Up Certificate to participate
        2.  Announce their intent to compete with manager name, team name, and
            alliance they will represent in the North Fork (DM 47) newsletter.
            Announcement made on the D2 Forums will not be accepted.
               a.  No scores will be tabulated until a Gift Certificate is received.
                   No EXCEPTIONS.
               b.  Before a manager can compete, he/she must declare themselves in
                   the North Fork (DM 47) newsletter as stated above AND be verified
                   by the alliance Captain they will represent.
               c.  Only one (1) team per player may compete.  No multiple teams or
                   aliases will be allowed.  Violations will result in immediate
                   disqualification from the Turf War (so be sure to take any
                   multiple teams OFF of Team Maintenance).
               d.  Scoring will NOT be retroactive for teams that do not properly
                   declare or fail to send a Gift Certificate by Turn 1.  In other
                   words, if your Gift Certificate is not received until Turn 3 of
                   the Turf War, and you have fought on Turns 1 and 2, your scoring
                   will not begin until Turn 3.  All conditions must be met before
                   scoring will begin--declaration, verification, and Gift
                   Certificate received.
               e.  No declarations or verifications will be accepted after Turn 5 of
                   the Turf War.
               f.  For purposes of scoring, the moderators will score the Turf War
                   and settle any and all disputes as they arise.  Their decisions
                   will be final.

Scoring will be as follows for Fights:
                Win   Loss   Kill      Die
Challenge        +2     -2     +5       -5
Match Up         +1     -1     +1       -5
Bloodfeud        +2     -5     +5      -10
Champion         x2     x2     x2       x2
Dark Arena*     +10     -5     xx       xx
*After 2nd win, warrior scores no points for wins

Special Scoring Considerations for the Turf War are as follows:
Spy Report mention (team name only)              +2
Style Master                                     +2
Duelmaster                                       +2

Champions:
     1.  A Champion may be declared, but one is not mandatory.
     2.  Only one Champion allowed per manager at any given time.
     3.  Champions that graduate or are killed by another warrior in the arena, but
         not the Dark Arena, may be replaced.
     4.  Champions must be in the Adepts bracket or lower on the turn they are
         declared, and may NOT have gone above Adepts level at any time; this
         includes teams transferred into North Fork for the Turf War.

Bloodfeuds:
        1.  Bloodfeuds will score points on all four (4) turns.
        2.  There is no limit to which warrior may bloodfeud or how often.

Tournament Considerations:
        1.  Tournament participation is ALLOWED and encouraged.
        2.  Tournament Victors won during the course of the contest will gain a one
            (1) time bonus of 25 points.  This bonus will apply EACH time a
            warrior(s) wins such status.
        3.  Tournament Champions won during the course of the contest will gain a one
            (1) time bonus of 50 points.  This bonus will apply EACH time a
            warrior(s) win such status.
        4.  Points for TVs and TCs will be applied the Turn after RSI posts
            tournament results in the North Fork (DM 47) newsletter (i.e., if the
            results post on North Fork turn 275, points will be credited on North
            Fork turn 276 to the applicable teams).

Special Considerations:
        1.  Each alliance begins the Turf War with zero (0) points.
        2.  There will be NO alliance or team changes once the contest has begun.  If
            you begin the Turf War with Alliance A, you must end the Turf War with
            Alliance A.  If you begin the Turf War with Team A, you must end the Turf
            War with Team A.
        3.  There will be a maximum of seven (7) teams allowed per alliance for the
            Turf War.
        4.  The Dark Arena may be used on the first turn only, of every warrior,
            without penalty.

Prizes:
The Turf War is a "winner take all" contest.  All prizes and 100% of the Gift
Certificates will be awarded to the Captain of the winning alliance.  It is the
responsibility of the Captain to distribute Gift Certificates.  Moderators will
submit a list of each manager on the winning alliance to RSI at the completion of the
contest for the non-Certificate prizes.

The following prizes have been secured from RSI:
        1.  Renaming of the North Fork (DM 47) arena;
        2.  Renaming of Dark Arena Monsters (one for each manager in the winning
            alliance);
        3.  Known Favorites for one warrior on each team of the winning alliance
            (warrior must be ranked Initiate or above, must be alive, and must have
            at least one arena fight to receive this award).
        4.  +1 Skill bonus potion for each manager on the winning alliance.  Bonus
            potion must be applied to a living warrior from (DM 47)
        5.  +1 Skill bonus potion (one) for each manager who fights in all 10 rounds
            AND 45 fights of the Turf War.  Bonus potion must be applied to a living
            warrior from (DM 47)
These awards will be listed by the Moderator for claiming from RSI (Lee) within 4
turns of the end of TW VI.

Moderators:
The Moderators for this event will be Oz and Master Darque.  They will arbitrate all
dealings during the course of the contest.  Their decisions will be final.  All
questions, comments, and scoring disputes may be directed to Land of Oz or Darque
Forces via diplo in DM 47.  Managers with internet access may send a private message
to [The Consortium] or [Darque] on the Duel2 Forums.  Lastly, you may also email
questions, comments, and scoring disputes to rebelnerfherder at yahoo dot com.

Please note there have been rule changes from the last Turf War.  Please read them
carefully!

Contest will begin in November following the Fall Mail In Tournament.

                                  LAST WEEK'S FIGHTS

MARDUK was butchered by ARENAMASTER LANDON in a 1 minute bloody Dark Arena fight.
SIMULACRUM was viciously subdued by AVENGELINA in a 5 minute Challenge battle.
LYLYANNA vanquished STUMP in a 1 minute mismatched Challenge brawl.
THULE overpowered VARPULIS RUKH in a 1 minute one-sided Challenge fight.
BOSS bested WIND RIDER in a 2 minute gory expert's Title brawl.
ZIRCON bested CONVICTED ASSASSIN in a 1 minute match.
PIE EYED PIPER slimly lost to VETERAN MERCENARY in a 4 minute gory competition.
REDTHORN handily defeated NECROPALYPSE in a 1 minute uneven melee.
AGATE won victory over MORDANT DESERTER in a 4 minute novice's duel.
BRISTLECONE vanquished CONVICTED THIEF in a 3 minute one-sided duel.

                                    BATTLE REPORT

             MOST POPULAR                        RECORD DURING THE LAST 10 TURNS     
|FIGHTING STYLE               FIGHTS        FIGHTING STYLE     W -   L -  K   PERCENT|
|LUNGING ATTACK                   3         SLASHING ATTACK   14 -   5 -  0      74  |
|TOTAL PARRY                      3         STRIKING ATTACK    7 -   3 -  0      70  |
|SLASHING ATTACK                  2         PARRY-STRIKE       6 -   3 -  0      67  |
|AIMED BLOW                       2         LUNGING ATTACK    18 -  11 -  1      62  |
|WALL OF STEEL                    2         TOTAL PARRY       12 -   8 -  0      60  |
|PARRY-STRIKE                     1         BASHING ATTACK     4 -   5 -  0      44  |
|STRIKING ATTACK                  1         AIMED BLOW         9 -  12 -  0      43  |
|BASHING ATTACK                   1         WALL OF STEEL      5 -  14 -  0      26  |
|PARRY-LUNGE                      0         PARRY-LUNGE        1 -   7 -  0      13  |
|PARRY-RIPOSTE                    0         PARRY-RIPOSTE      0 -   0 -  0       0  |

Turn 601 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:

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

                               TOP WARRIOR OF EACH STYLE

FIGHTING STYLE   WARRIOR                     W   L  K PNTS TEAM NAME                  
PARRY-STRIKE     AVENGELINA 4888            16  12  0  103 STARBASE 5 (263)
SLASHING ATTACK  ZIRCON 4920                12   5  0   95 STARBASE 5 (263)
AIMED BLOW       SIMULACRUM 4906            18  13  2   90 DARK CREATION (471)
LUNGING ATTACK   REDTHORN 4943              10   5  0   55 GREENWARDENS (244)
Note: Warriors have a winning record and are an Adept or Above.

The overall popularity leader is SIMULACRUM 4906.  The most popular warrior this turn 
was AVENGELINA 4888.  The ten other most popular fighters were SIMULACRUM 4906, BOSS 
4877, PIE EYED PIPER 4878, LYLYANNA 4919, THULE 4921, ZIRCON 4920, REDTHORN 4943, 
STUMP 4882, WIND RIDER 4876, and AGATE 4951.

The least popular fighter this week was BRISTLECONE 4952.  The other ten least 
popular fighters were NECROPALYPSE 4950, VARPULIS RUKH 4863, MARDUK 4942, AGATE 4951, 
WIND RIDER 4876, STUMP 4882, REDTHORN 4943, ZIRCON 4920, THULE 4921, and LYLYANNA 
4919.