DUELMASTERS NEWSLETTER

Date   : 07/02/2003    Duedate: 07/15/2003

SOLVEN ARENA

DM-22    TURN-459

This Weeks Top Honors

THE DUELMASTER IS

SARGENT SUGAR
SWEET MARINES (325)
(22-2928) [23-19-1,137]

Chartered Recognition Leader   Unchartered Recognition Leader

SARGENT SUGAR                  BELORIAN
SWEET MARINES (325)            A.C. (664)
(22-2928) [23-19-1,137]        (22-5795) [4-3-1,30]

Popularity Leader              This Weeks Favorite

SARGENT SUGAR                  RUMSFELD
SWEET MARINES (325)            THE REPUBLICANS (103)
(22-2928) [23-19-1,137]        (22-6032) [1-4-0,9]

THE CURRENT TOP TEAM

KELLUMBO'S KIDS (676)

          TEAMS ON THE MOVE            TOP CAREER HONORS
Team Name                  Point Gain  Chartered Team
1. WAY OF THE BLADE X1 (685)   65
2. ANDORIAN WIMPS (651)        48      SHADOWRIGHT (654)
3. SERPENTINE INC. (85)        23      Unchartered Team
4. THE REPUBLICANS (103)       20
5. THE DEMOCRATS (202)         20WAY OF THE BLADE X1 (685)

The Top Teams

Career Win-Loss Record           W   L  K    %  Win-Loss Record Last 3 Turns    W  L K
 1/ 0*WAY OF THE BLADE X (685)   5   0  1  100   1/ 1 KELLUMBO'S KIDS (676)    11  4 1
 2/ 1 SHADOWRIGHT (654)         13   6  0 68.4   2/ 3 OLD MCDONALD (621)        8  7 1
 3/ 3 KELLUMBO'S KIDS (676)     39  25  2 60.9   3/ 4 ANDORIAN WIMPS (651)      7  7 0
 4/ 4 ROCK ETTS (595)          388 257  7 60.2   4/ 6 THE REPUBLICANS (103)     7  8 0
 5/ 2*A.C. (664)                 4   3  1 57.1   5/10 SERPENTINE INC. (85)      6  3 0
 6/ 5 WOMEN OF REALITY (669)    82  71  2 53.6   6/ 2 THE DEMOCRATS (202)       6  9 0
 7/ 6 SERPENTINE INC. (85)      95  84  5 53.1   7/ 5 WOMEN OF REALITY (669)    6  9 0
 8/ 7 THE REPUBLICANS (103)    278 259 22 51.8   8/ 0*WAY OF THE BLADE X (685)  5  0 1
 9/ 9 ANDORIAN WIMPS (651)      27  26  1 50.9   9/ 8 THE ZOO (205)             5 10 0
10/ 8 OLD MCDONALD (621)       247 246 12 50.1  10/ 7 SWEET MARINES (325)       4  1 0
11/10 THE DEMOCRATS (202)       70  77  6 47.6  11/ 9 SHADOWRIGHT (654)         3  2 0
12/11 SWEET MARINES (325)       91 109  5 45.5  12/12 ROCK ETTS (595)           3  4 0
13/12 THE ZOO (205)            307 388  4 44.2  13/11*A.C. (664)                2  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

        + ]H[ + ---:--- + ]H[ The Aruaki Clanhold #116 ]H[ + ---:--- + ]H[ +

     Belana lay without moving, trying to piece together what had happened before she
drew attention to herself.  Not that she could hear anybody else around, but...you
never knew, and she hadn't been among friends.  Some sorcerer, some FOLSTROM
sorcerer--even in her thoughts, that name vibrated with loathing--had tried to turn
her into a golem, to use her body to fuel a Gate and her mind to operate a golem.  It
sounded incredible, because she was IN her body now, she could feel it.  Could feel
gritty stone underneath her, and the sun shining down hot on her back, and a
breeze....  She could smell something pleasantly resinous, sort of like pine trees.
Definitely in her body.  But the other--the Gate and the golem--that had really
happened, too.
     But what went between then and now?  The golem memories were incomplete and
somehow lacked depth and assurance.  Oh!  Because they only came from sight and
hearing, none of the "body" senses such as smell, touch, hot and cold, and so on.
There had been voices, one, she thought, had been the Delarquan, Gelleran.  Very
angry.  He had come after her!  Amazing.  The clash of swords.  Things got very...
unsteady.  Maybe Gelleran had attacked the sorcerer, broken his concentration.  Did
that fiend need concentration to hold her in golem form?  To hold the Gate open?
     Wait, if the Gate had closed, where was she?  No, that was the second problem.
The first was figuring out what had happened.  Better to go on and finish that.
There had been a fight.  She had wanted to get into it herself, but the golem-form
wouldn't respond.  Maddening!  There had been...she thought there had been some kind
of explosion.  Not really an explosion, but something that was like one more than it
was like anything else.  Not really a helpful memory.  Well, even more detail might
not be helpful, since she had no magical skills herself.  But the Gate had probably
been destroyed.
     So, which side had she ended up on?  Was she in the Clanhold, or somewhere else?
     There was a rhythmic sound, she'd been hearing it for a long time, but now she
paid attention.  A sort of roar, and then a rush, and another roar, and....  Waves!
Waves breaking on a shore.  The last she'd known before this all happened, she had
been inland, miles away from the Trier.  So she was probably on the wrong side of the
Gate.  Damn.  Then it was time to get up and do something.  Find a way to get home.
     She opened her eyes and immediately had to squint against the strong sunlight.
She was lying on stone paving, an old stone floor, apparently, because she could see
weeds growing up through cracks and the tumbled remains of a wall beyond.  Beyond
that, all she could see was a sky that was bluer than any she remembered.  As she
organized her limbs to move, she discovered that her clothing was in shreds; she
would have sunburn everywhere skin wasn't covered.  A nuisance, but not her first
problem.  Her first problem...she licked dry lips.  Her first problem was water.
     When she sat up, the world reeled around her, then steadied.  She could see over
the low walls to the sea, which was rushing in and out in white-topped waves along a
third of her horizon.  The other half went up in rocky slopes to tall trees that cast
the blackest shadows.  She looked at the shadows wistfully.  They'd be cool.  But
first, water.
     A stone rolled down the hillside, rattling against other rocks.  Belana glanced
around quickly.  She didn't have her sword, naturally, she never seemed to have it
when she needed it.  But there must be something here she could use as a weapon.  A
rock, at least.  Her hands moved anxiously across the stone floor while she kept
watching the trees.  The shadows there were so dark that she wouldn't be able to see
anyone approaching until they came out into the sunlight.  A bird squawked and flew
out of the treeline, which told her approximately where someone was coming through.
She thought of lying down and playing at being still unconscious, but he could
probably see her already.  No point in that.  Her hand closed around a fist-sized
rock.  It was rough-edged and had a good weight.  She could do some damage with that
rocks.  And she would.

           + ]H[ + ---:--- + ]H[ Andorians Abroad #8 ]H[ + ---:--- + ]H[ +

Zuwayza:

     Tankesh parried the guard captain's thrust and riposted, cutting the man's sword
arm.  Minor wound, wouldn't stop him, wouldn't even slow him down.  Damn.  He parried
again.  This guardsman was too good, he had no business being this good!  Off to the
side, Kasarya gave a sudden squeak, and the sounds of struggle there ceased.  Tankesh
still couldn't turn to look, but he had the uneasy feeling that one of the other
guardsmen was going to sneak up on him from the side, if he couldn't take this one
out of the fight in a hurry.  The guard captain knew it, too, and pressed him harder.
     There was a soft explosion, a nearly silent puff of air, but the ground shifted
under his feet.  Tankesh sprang back, disengaging automatically, and the guard
captain did likewise.  Both men looked around quickly.
     At first glance, nothing seemed changed.  At second glance...nothing seemed
quite the same.  The building Tankesh was facing across the street, of sooty red
brick imperfectly plastered, turned browner and somewhat cleaner, though still
imperfectly plastered.  The air, usually cool and damp even in summer, was suddenly
hot and dry.  Excited voices called out in a language that sounded like Akhaddic
but...not quite the same; Tankesh didn't recognize many of the words he was hearing.
He stared at the guard captain, who stared back at him, wide-eyed.
     The ground rocked again, and there was a sound, or not quite a sound, like
ripping silk.  Dirty red brick and damp, cool air.
     Before the guardsmen could react to the second change, Tankesh whirled and
grabbed Kasarya's arm, jerking her away from the man holding her, and plunged down a
convenient alley...which he didn't remember being there before, but he wasn't going
to look this gift horse in the mouth.  With any luck, the guardsmen would be too
shaken to pursue them.  Not that GOOD luck had been a prominent feature of his day so
far.  Which meant it was about time for that to change, dammit.  He was due some good
luck!  The alley turned sharply and plunged into a tunnel formed where the second
stories of the buildings on either side reached out to touch each other.  He watched
alertly for open doors or gates, anything to get them into more shelter and
concealment, because the guardsmen would have recovered quickly, and he thought he
could hear them behind, stumbling over barrels in the alley and pounding on doors.
No, wait, there hadn't BEEN any barrels in the alley....
     Worry about that later.
     The immediate need was to get away.
     The alley took another sharp turn and opened out into a little courtyard filled
with harsh, hot sunlight.
     Not Zuwayza.
     But there were enemies here, just the same.  Men in robes and turbans and the
dark, hawk-nosed faces characteristic of the Karnhorns turned at the sound of running
feet, hands going automatically to the curved swords that each wore at his waist.
Tankesh darted sideways, dragging Kasarya after him, in the hopes of finding an exit
or at least putting a wall at his back.  Tripped over something--he heard the sharp
yapping of a dog as he fell.  His head slammed against something else, hard, and that
was all he knew.

           + ]H[ + ---:--- + ]H[ Andorians Abroad #9 ]H[ + ---:--- + ]H[ +

Iaye and beyond:

     Goff's boat was not what they'd expected.  Raoul admitted to himself that the
big manager had looked like someone who would own a rowboat for the fishing.  But
this...was a worthy vessel.  It had a mast and sails--probably all with technical
names, not that Raoul cared.  It was a trim vessel and fit to cross the Trier, which
was what counted.  It actually had a crew of two who did things to the sails, took
them up and down, changed their angle, and so on.  Sailor stuff.  They seemed to
enjoy what they were doing, but as far as he was concerned, a boat was
transportation, and that was all.
     "How far is it to Istoreth?" Raoul asked.
     "A hundred twenty-five, maybe a hundred fifty miles, I haven't measured."  Goff
shrugged.  "The wind's against us, it always is this time of year, but even so, it
shouldn't take more than a few days."

Istoreth:

     "But this is the goods!" Peranis protested.  He knew his voice was getting
shrill, but he couldn't help it.  These S'varni were maddening.  They didn't CARE.
"With this book," he urged, trying to speak more calmly, even though this was the
third of the city's princes he'd made his pitch to, "you'd have the entire Andorian
intelligence network under your hand, and the power to coerce many of the Andorian
lords into obedience, as well."
     Lord Haluren, a FARMER, for the gods' sake, the Sealord and the Spelllord having
already turned him down, shrugged.  "Why would I want the Andorian intelligence
network?  Would it bring rain in season, or prevent the malformed births of sheep and
cattle?"
     "But..." Peranis swallowed, "but you could sell it to the Osksi, if nothing
else!  They'd give you a good price for it, more than I'm asking."
     "Sell it to the Osksi yourself, then," Haluren advised.  "I understand the winds
are favorable for sailing to Osksi at this season.  Have a good trip."
     Peranis found himself outside the door, with no clear notion of what he was
going to do next.  His dreams of wealth and power were not materializing.  The Black
Book WAS valuable, but if he couldn't find a buyer...he wasn't sure that he could use
that information safely himself.  Certainly not from a base in Andoria.  There were
enough assassins left that his survival would be measured in days, weeks at the most,
once he made his first approach.  Probably not in Osksi, either.  They were the
enemies of Andoria, but they had their own code of honor and nothing but disgust for
a traitor, which is how they'd see him.  He reconsidered his original plan, to take
the Book to the Karnhorns, then shook his head.  Better to leave them out of it.
They had no honor at all, and if someone--Kaliv Jhuizkhal of Kurukar, for example--
decided he wanted the Black Book, he would simply order Peranis' death and take it.
     Which meant staying in Skaithvarn.  But not in Istoreth, apparently.  Well,
there must be someone, some prince of a small kingdom who would like to increase his
power.  Maybe a prince with a daughter he could marry.  Yes, that had appeal.
     With renewed confidence in his glorious future, the assassin set out for the
waterfront.  He would find a boat to take him south along the peninsula, to one of
the other kingdoms.

           + ]H[ + ---:--- + ]H[ Andorians Abroad #10 ]H[ + ---:--- + ]H[ +

Zuwayza or Somewhere Else:

     "Ah, you are awake then?"
     The voice seemed unreasonably cheerful, given the way Tankesh's head was
pounding.  It was speaking Akhaddic...of a sort.  Understandable, since it was
speaking slowly, or maybe the odd accent was becoming more familiar.  He opened his
eyes cautiously.  He was in a dimly lit room, on a sort of divan or daybed such as
the Karnhorns used.  The walls were pale above, and something simple and dark below,
painted plaster, maybe.  Plainer than the walls in any upper class Karnhorn house
he'd seen.  A two-branched candlestick of bronze provided the light.  The man sitting
beside him and holding the candlestick had the expected dark, hawk-nosed face,
typical Karnhorn.  But he was wearing an unfamiliar sort of headgear, a cap like an
inverted flowerpot, of black patterned with gold, and he had a swathe of green cloth
twisted around the base of it.
     "Where...?"
     "In the house of Taran in'Dalbi, a merchant, and fortunate for you that you
occurred here, and not in the hands of some worshipper of bloody Jakarran.  We see
few Elves here in Wazara, and most view them with deep suspicion.  Taran is a more
cosmopolitan man, however, why, he has even been to Ys!  He knows well that an Elf is
just a man, and not some dark spirit come to work harm."  The man's mouth twitched
between mustache and pointed beard.  "Very fortunate you are.  For if you had been
received next door, in the house of Zaldin in'Varash, you might be stretched on an
altar by now!"
     Tankesh frowned and tried to heave himself up on one elbow.  The room shimmied
around him alarmingly, but he could see his sword lying on a side table, which told
him that he wasn't a prisoner here.  Wherever "here" was.  "Where?" he demanded
again.
     "Ah, of course.  I was forgetting for a moment that you are a...Visitor.
Wazara, as I said, capital of Valkoril.  This is one of the most famous ports on the
Middle Sea, the last port on the Southern Shore before one comes to the Pillars of
the Sun."
     "Visitor?"
     "From another time, or another world."  The man waved one hand negligently.  "I
am no philosopher to probe into such details, but a mere physician.  But you are not
the first Visitor to come to Valkoril of late, nor even the first to visit Golden
Wazara, so once he had recovered from the shock of your arrival, Taran understood
what was happening."
     "More'n I do," Tankesh muttered.
     "This is your first experience at Traveling?  Then it is no wonder you are
confused, especially if you have known no other Travelers."  The physician tapped his
knee thoughtfully with the fingers of one hand, then nodded.  "Very well, then, let
me see if I can explain--so far as my understanding goes.  The worlds that sprang
forth from the First Cause are as numerous as the grains of sand in Southern Waste,
as like and as different from each other as such grains may be.  When the wind swirls
over the Waste, grains of sand may strike one another, move from one place to lie in
different company, whatever metaphor you wish."  His fingers flicked in a dismissing
gesture.  "At such times of contact, Travel becomes possible, by will or by chance--
in your case, I assume that it must have been chance."  He raised an eyebrow
inquiringly.
     Tankesh started to nod and thought better of it.  "Yes.  The woman with me, what
happened to her?"
     The man shrugged.  "When you fell, you lost your grip on her hand.  At once, the
road that you had Traveled together split.  I do not know whether she would return to
the world where your journey began, or go on to some other on her own."
     Someone tapped on the door to the room.
     The doctor rose at once and crossed to it, opening it a hands' breadth.  "What
news, Taran?"
     "The worst, Russem!  We must get rid of the fellow at once!"  The man in the
hallway had a gasping voice, or in the grip of strong emotion.  "Zaldin's pet
astrologer has worked out that there was an Occurrence, and he knows I must be
harboring a Visitor!"
     "Say rather, he suspects it, Taran.  But you are correct, the Visitor cannot
remain here any longer, unless he wishes to decorate an altar to Jakarran."  The
doctor glanced over his shoulder at Tankesh.  "We have neither the knowledge nor the
power to return you to your original world, but we shall send you to one who may
help.  But you must go at once, without delay--"
     A deep drumming sound echoed through the house.
     "That will be the Sultan's men--or the Temple Guards, even!--at the door," the
merchant muttered.  "I dare not refuse them entry."

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

                          ---===ANDORIAN REGIONAL NEWS===---

                                     Duelmasters
                                     -----------
 DM   8 ARKERS (turn 232): DOMINO of BONDAGE (Spawn, mgr.)
 DM  11 ARUAK CITY (turn 466): TALIA GREENBOLT of KNIGHTS OF VIRTUE (JRK, mgr.)
 DM  14 TOBIR (turn 465): TIGER JIM of THE DOGHOUSE (Leeta, mgr.)
 DM  22 SOLVEN (turn 458): SARGENT SUGAR of SWEET MARINES (General Snookums, mgr.)
 DM  24 ZORPUNT (turn 455): VIKING of SAVAGES (Tarzan, mgr.)
 DM  25 LYRATILAN (turn 455): GLORY of DARKENED PRIDE (Sylvester Frothingslosh, mgr.)
 DM  26 CALEAM (turn 455): R'AKA of THE DREADLANDS (LHI, mgr.)
 DM  30 IAYE (turn 451): VALLISNERIA of THE GREENHOUSE (Generalissimo Puerco, mgr.)
 DM  40 ZENSU (turn 417): KLUMSY TUMBLES of CARNIVAL (Carny, mgr.)
 DM  41 KATI-TEI (turn 411): GWYN AP NUDD of CAER SIDHE (Ichabod Frothingslosh, mgr.)
 DM  46 ARDIVENT (turn 403): VEERS of HARDTIMESINBABYLON (Technogeek, mgr.)
 DM  52 FRATSFA (turn 180): MERADI of KING AND COUNTRY (Generalissimo Puerco, mgr.)
 DM  60 ARADI (turn 314): CROW of SHADOW SIGNS (Shadowgate, mgr.)
 DM  63 AMEN-TEI (turn 305): WANDERING JO of WAYFARERS (Schendirk, mgr.)
 DM  71 KYR'TERR (turn 134): KING TEC of DARQUE FORCES (Master Darque, mgr.)
ADM 105 ANDORAK (turn 351): PRIMUS BOUND of SUPERIOR FORCES from ZENSU (Manager)

                                      Top Teams
                                      ---------
 DM   8 ARKERS (turn 232): BONDAGE (Spawn, mgr.)
 DM  11 ARUAK CITY (turn 466): KNIGHTS OF VIRTUE (JRK, mgr.)
 DM  14 TOBIR (turn 465): THE DEATH SQUAD (Street Legal, mgr.)
 DM  22 SOLVEN (turn 458): KELLUMBO'S KIDS (Detective Kellubmo, mgr.)
 DM  24 ZORPUNT (turn 455): THE ASININE (Philthy Phil, mgr.)
 DM  25 LYRATILAN (turn 455): CHAUCERS WORDS (Berylstar, mgr.)
 DM  26 CALEAM (turn 455): HEADBANGERS (Sablon-O-Vlad, mgr.)
 DM  30 IAYE (turn 451): CARNIVAL (Carny, mgr.)
 DM  40 ZENSU (turn 417): BEYOND THE PALE (Graciela, mgr.)
 DM  41 KATI-TEI (turn 411): BIRDS (JE, mgr.)
 DM  46 ARDIVENT (turn 403): DEATHTONGUE (Technogeek, mgr.)
 DM  52 FRATSFA (turn 180): OTTO'S PARTS (Crip, mgr.)
 DM  60 ARADI (turn 314): SHADOW SIGNS (Shadowgate, mgr.)
 DM  63 AMEN-TEI (turn 305): WAYFARERS (Schendirk, mgr.)
 DM  71 KYR'TERR (turn 134): none
ADM 105 ANDORAK (turn 351): BOXES, etc. (Doc Steele, mgr.)

                                   Recent Graduates
                                   ----------------
 DM   8 ARKERS (turn 232): DOMINO of BONDAGE (Spawn, mgr.)
                           BETHUNES of LA PENTARCHIE (The Pentalque, mgr.)
               (turn 231): WEIRD WILLIAM of LA PENTARCHIE (The Pentalque, mgr.)
 DM  11 ARUAK CITY (turn 465): THE ARDIVENTI CHEF of GERFEL'S FRIENDS (Generalissimo
                               Puerco, mgr.)
                               HITCHING POST of KRILL CAVALRY (Leeta, mgr.)
                               PIOTR WYSMYK of 'CROSSED UP (Dr. Mabuse, mgr.)
 DM  14 TOBIR (turn 465): TIGER JIM of THE DOGHOUSE (Leeta, mgr.)
              (turn 464): BEAVIS of THE DEATH SQUAD (Street Legal, mgr.)
 DM  22 SOLVEN (turn 458): DEAF SMITH of THE ZOO (Morris, mgr.)
               (turn 457): MAJOR MUFFINS of SWEET MARINES (General Snookums, mgr.)
                           SANDY of WOMEN OF REALITY (THawk, mgr.)
 DM  24 ZORPUNT (turn 455): VIKING of SAVAGES (Tarzan, mgr.)
 DM  26 CALEAM (turn 454): DEADMAN of HEADBANGERS (Sablon-O-Vlad, mgr.)
 DM  30 IAYE (turn 451): FUNKY ELVIS of TRIP OUT (Angus, mgr.)
 DM  41 KATI-TEI (turn 411): GWYN AP NUDD of CAER SIDHE (Ichabod Frothingslosh, mgr.)
 DM  60 ARADI (turn 314): BAKY PARFUM of OGRES ARE US (Ghoti, mgr.)
 DM  63 AMEN-TEI (turn 304): MIDNIGHT RAMBLER of WAYFARERS (Schendirk, mgr.)
 DM  71 KYR'TERR (turn 134): CENTURION of 2ND ARCTIC GUARDS (Yukon Cornelius, mgr.)
                             BARRETT of DARQUE FORCES IV (Master Darque, mgr.)
                 (turn 133): BEER of STUFF I BROUGHT (Yukon Cornelius, mgr.)

                                      SPY REPORT

     Greetings warriors!  It is I, Zontani Sharp Eyes, here to bring report of the 
clash and bustle of the weekly SOLVEN games.  There were bitter words at THE 
DEMOCRATS' guildhouse after a 2-3-0 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 SERPENTINE INC. went 3-1-0 to move up 5 in the 
rankings.  My praise to ANDORIAN WIMPS for their 3-1-0 week this time out.  Indeed, 
it was a skillfully fought round deserving of notice!  A new guild, WAY OF THE BLADE 
X1, entered SOLVEN with a clash this turn, showing off a 5-0-1 record.  Indeed, a 
worthy addition to the city guilds.  PISHTUSH caught the eye of many in the 
gladiatorial commission as he skillfully bested WOF-A-MIT and was awarded 17 points 
in recognition.  In one of the week's more notable duels, GUANTANAMO BAY put down 
JFK, causing him to lose 11 points of recognition in the process.  Who here was not 
present for the title fight this week as BISCUIT boldly challenged SARGENT SUGAR in 
order to strive for the Duelmasters honors?  Not for nothing has SARGENT SUGAR in the 
past laid claim to the Duelmaster's throne, and this week he's proven his combat 
skill yet again.  No confirmation, but my sources claim that the top team has gained 
their position using magical aids.  Charmed weapons perhaps?   
     But come now, let us look deeper into the maze of contention and crossed blades 
that is city SOLVEN.  My inside sources tell me that the team to beat in SOLVEN these 
days is THE REPUBLICANS.  At least, most blades in town are looking to avoid them.  
Methinks more than a few here could name the guild it was that spent the better part 
of last week avoiding THE REPUBLICANS.  Indeed it was KELLUMBO'S KIDS.  Mighty 
fighters cannot but expect competition from those below.  JFK take warning!  You have 
more than a few enemies in SOLVEN.  As a gladiator gets older, the icy grip of fear 
lays hold of his heart.  True, BLIND BOY?  Who could miss your "brave" challenge of 
ROBERT BYRD?  An upset indeed!  BLIND BOY found heself outmatched as him was bested 
by ROBERT BYRD.  There is no place left further down for BLIND BOY but the burial 
mound!  A match that raised a few eyebrows at the games this week, it seems that 
CLINTON posted a challenge against the more highly recognized JUDITH.  The results, 
you ask?  Well, the firebrand CLINTON bested JUDITH.  Remember warriors, this is the 
discipline of steel.   
     What warrior does not hone his years, impatiently waiting for the moment of his 
foe's mortality?  Fate is a fickle mistress.  She showers the miserable with fortune 
but sets enemies against the victorious.  Remember this!   
     A thought before I go.  Each warrior practices one style, but must not the wise 
manager learn the secrets of them all?  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:  a fool flies into a rage quickly and often.  The wise 
are angered by the same thing only once.  Zontani Sharp Eyes  

DUELMASTER                     W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 SARGENT SUGAR 2928           23  19  1   137       SWEET MARINES (325)

CHALLENGER CHAMPIONS           W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 TOYS 5679                    19  19  5   106       OLD MCDONALD (621)
 BISCUIT 5678                 19  18  0    96       OLD MCDONALD (621)
 CLINTON 2516                 17   9  0    96       THE DEMOCRATS (202)
 HOW--LITE 5635               19  11  1    94       ROCK ETTS (595)
 SUE 5828                     17  13  0    93       WOMEN OF REALITY (669)

CHAMPIONS                      W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 MORGAN 5915                  11   9  1    89       WOMEN OF REALITY (669)
-DARKSIDE 2714                10   6  0    88       LOST SOULS 1 (300)
 JUDITH 5832                  17  14  0    87       WOMEN OF REALITY (669)
 HOMELESS PRINCE 6012          9   1  0    87       KELLUMBO'S KIDS (676)
 PISHTUSH 5651                 9   2  0    83       ANDORIAN WIMPS (651)
 GUANTANAMO BAY 5826          16  17  0    82       THE REPUBLICANS (103)
 MONTY PYTHON 5939            10   5  0    79       SERPENTINE INC. (85)
 WOF-A-MIT 5639               16  13  0    76       ROCK ETTS (595)
 GARY CONDIT 5914             10  12  1    74       THE DEMOCRATS (202)
 SHADOWSHADE 5902              7   1  0    73       SHADOWRIGHT (654)
 BIG MAC 5698                 17  21  0    72       OLD MCDONALD (621)

CHALLENGER ADEPTS              W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 JFK 1660                     13  16  1    66       THE DEMOCRATS (202)
 JUSTICE 5949                 10   5  0    66       THE REPUBLICANS (103)
 SNAKE IN THE GRASS 5952       9   3  0    66       SERPENTINE INC. (85)
 TURKEY JOE 5825              14  23  0    65       THE ZOO (205)
 KANGAROO KATE 5900           12  18  1    65       THE ZOO (205)
 MAXIMUS 5966                 12   1  2    63       KELLUMBO'S KIDS (676)
 TWO PLUS TWO 5910            11   6  1    62       OLD MCDONALD (621)
 LEE 5831                     12  19  0    61       WOMEN OF REALITY (669)

CHALLENGER ADEPTS              W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 BEAR MARKET 6010              4   6  1    58       THE DEMOCRATS (202)

ADEPTS                         W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 DARKLE 5709                   5   1  0    52       ANDORIAN WIMPS (651)
 SKEEMER 5965                  9   4  0    51       KELLUMBO'S KIDS (676)
 FLAT TAX 5998                 6   5  0    45       THE REPUBLICANS (103)
 PLATINUM 5677                 8  15  1    44       ROCK ETTS (595)
-RECON ROSE 5293               7   8  0    44       SWEET MARINES (325)
 KLUTZ 5654                    5   5  0    40       ANDORIAN WIMPS (651)
 SILVERSCALES 5695             4   4  0    40       SHADOWRIGHT (654)
 INARINDA 5913                 6  17  1    36       THE ZOO (205)

CHALLENGER INITIATES           W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
-MAJOR DAISY 5943              7   3  0    31       SWEET MARINES (325)
 BELORIAN 5795                 4   3  1    30       A.C. (664)
 ROBERT BYRD 6039              2   2  0    26       THE DEMOCRATS (202)
 MACRIBSI 6024                 4   1  0    25       OLD MCDONALD (621)
 VILMA 6040                    2   2  0    25       THE ZOO (205)

INITIATES                      W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 HISS 6017                     5   1  0    21       SERPENTINE INC. (85)
 JERIRETRAM 6045               1   0  0    15       WAY OF THE BLADE X1 (685)
 ETHAV 6047                    1   0  0    15       WAY OF THE BLADE X1 (685)
 ALIRAKOTH 6046                1   0  0    13       WAY OF THE BLADE X1 (685)
-TOADY 6049                    1   0  0    12       ANDORIAN WIMPS (651)
 EREDIRIC 6044                 1   0  1    11       WAY OF THE BLADE X1 (685)
 LEGIREMAS 6048                1   0  0    11       WAY OF THE BLADE X1 (685)
 RUMSFELD 6032                 1   4  0     9       THE REPUBLICANS (103)
 SCHWARZENEGGER 6050           1   1  0     9       THE REPUBLICANS (103)
-COLONEL HUGS 6000             1   3  1     8       SWEET MARINES (325)
 BLIND BOY 6042                2   1  0     7       KELLUMBO'S KIDS (676)
 BLIND GIRL 6041               2   1  0     7       KELLUMBO'S KIDS (676)
 SIDEWINDER 6016               1   3  0     6       SERPENTINE INC. (85)
 ZOOK 6057                     0   1  0     1       ANDORIAN WIMPS (651)

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

THE DEAD               W  L K TEAM NAME             SLAIN BY             TURN Revenge?
QUISLING 5652          3  5 1 ANDORIAN WIMPS 651    MAXIMUS 5966          457 REVENGED
BRIANNA 6025           1  4 0 KELLUMBO'S KIDS 676   QUISLING 5652         456 REVENGED
PFC LYNCH 6030         2  1 1 THE REPUBLICANS 103   BEAR MARKET 6010      456 REVENGED
FANG 5289             11  5 0 SERPENTINE INC. 85    TOYS 5679             458         
BARB 6058              0  1 0 WOMEN OF REALITY 669  EREDIRIC 6044         459         

                                     PERSONAL ADS

To Fang -- Sorry you got mixed up with the toy who has a lot of them in his sand box.
I left him open for one of your teammates to come and visit this time or next. --
Elderberry

Justus -- Take it a little slow on me please.  I am slow to start with. -- Two Plus
Two

Sidewinder -- One mace to the chest equals a win for me.  Now I'm going after bigger
game. -- Toady

Snake in the Grass -- You were moving in circles.  What are you a hoop snake? --
Klutz

Shadowshade -- Well I got to fight a real fighter at last.  While I don't like the
loss on my record, I do feel more like one of the gang now that I have fought
someone. -- Darkle

Maximus -- Let me make sure you understand.  Killing Wimps is not smart.  Now you
have your first loss.  If I have my way you will get three more in the next three
fights. -- Pishtush

Killumbo -- Max now has his first loss.  While I subscribe to the Andorian code, I do
not believe in mercy for killers.  Therefore look for some more blood challenges.
When you read this you will know how our new guy, Toady, did with his challenge.
Next round look for either Pish or Toady. -- Wimpy

Wimpy -- Well done with Pishtush. -- Kellumbo

Robert Byrd -- Oh my!  Sorry!  Did I hit you?  I was just trying to swat this bug I
thought I heard. -- Blind Boy

Al -- Nice challenge with Robert. -- D.K.

Rumsfeld -- Just like one of Judge's boys...picking on a poor defenseless little
blind girl.  You big mean brute! -- Blind Girl

Toys -- Wow!  Five kills.  Stay the heck away from my guys. -- Kellumbo

Judge -- Do you have any idea how pathetic "I hope you make Maximus pay" sounds?

Al -- Payback for what? -- Kellumbo

Judith -- I was inhibited.  My mama told me never to hit intelligent, good-hearted,
beautiful women. -- Deaf Smith

Lee -- Too busy getting ready for the tourney, I suppose. -- Kangaroo Kate

Skeemer -- I'm too straightforward to deal with someone like you. -- Inarinda
P.S.  And I don't consider that a character flaw, either.

Gary Condit -- Oh, you again!  I hope you get turkey feathers up your nose. -- Turkey
Joe

That man volunteered?  What is he, suicidal? -- Vilma

Al Gore -- But he has good taste. -- Vilma

Sandy -- Congratulations on graduating again, but really, I liked you better as a
Homicidal Maniac than as someone with connections to Reality. -- Morris

Morris and the rest of the managers here -- I am taking on the overall responsibility
for this team, though Morris will remain as trainer, at least for a while.  I'd like
to have a hand in getting some better warriors to fight beside me in Andorak! --
Leeta, new manager of The Zoo

G'Bay -- I like it ruff.  Do it harder next time. -- Bear Market

Judge -- Please keep bloodfeuding.  I need the easy wins. -- Al Gore

Blind Boy -- Nice work. -- Al Gore

Sandy -- Thanks for the one whole skill. -- Clinton

Blind Girl -- You got lucky. -- Rumsfeld

Hiss -- Let's see what happens when I have a few more fights under my belt. --
Schwartzenegger

30 May 2003
Duelmasters Friends and Friendly Foes -- I am returning to the United States for the
summer.  Please direct any Snailmail to:
     Devon Hagy
     Open Skies Ministries
     Att: Hammer
     1515 E 7th St
     Okmulgee, OK 74447
     USA
Bro De is the founder and president of Open Skies Ministries [Prison Ministry] and a
newcomer to the world of Duelmasters. We minister together when I am in the area.
See you on the sands!
-- Daryl P Holloman aka Hammer
Flower Hammerz DM 28
Casino Hammerz DM 33
Fish Hammerz DM 54

3 June 2003
     The Company of Brothers want to take this opportunity to formally introduce
ourselves to all players.  Our play is NOT based on smack, rudeness, or anything less
than fair play (well...as fair as it gets!) and improving the knowledge base of the
game and the sharing of experimentation and information.  We are not concerned with
personal politics, ideals, etc.  We are players who enjoy the game.
     Currently, our membership includes:
     Asmo Dius, Baphomet, and Fahkry.
     We wish to welcome our newest member...Suiside.  May the gods smile upon you and
victory rest well on your team.  Any who wish to join us may contact one of our
members for info.

4 June 2003
                 ANNOUNCING THE RETURN OF STORMCROWE SLAUGHTERHOUSE
     The last Stormcrowe Slaughterhouse was one of the closest and most exciting
contests ever held in Alastari.  Such an epic demands a sequel.  Therefore, Master
Darque and Jack Wolfspider are pleased to announce the return of the Stormcrowe
Slaughterhouse.
     Where?  Stormcrowe DM 45 (slow).  When?  The Slaughterhouse returns on Turn 207,
due August 19.  How can you get into the action?  Bring a team (one per entrant
please) to arena 45 and announce your intention to join the contest in the Personals.
     Rules:  This time around the rules are very simple.  Each warrior win against a
higher rated opponent (one or more points higher in the ratings) brings you 10
points, against even rated opponent 7 points, lower rated 5 points.  Wins against
NPCs or by a warrior who downchallenges are worth 0 points.  Points are doubled for
kills.  All warriors in the arena whether participating in the Slaughterhouse or not
are fair game.  Points are totaled weekly, and the contestant whose team has racked
up the most points at the end of 10 turns is declared Slaughterhouse Champion.
     Prizes:  To be announced; we're still talking with RSI about it.  Figure it will
be something pretty good.  But hey, who needs prizes when the honor of being
Slaughterhouse Champion awaits!
     More info:  Master Darque, MasterDarqueDM@aol.com, or Jack Wolfspider,
russtulp@aol.com.  Or diplo Darque Forces (428) or Dynastic (433) in Arena 45.

26 June 2003
All -- Would you be willing to proxy my lunger Ganglare at the Face-to-Face?  He's
fighting in the champions tourney.  Thanks.  Write:  Michael Rogers #25335-013, PO
Box 6000, Florence, Co 81226 -- Skullagrim

                                  LAST WEEK'S FIGHTS

BISCUIT was viciously subdued by SARGENT SUGAR in a 2 minute Challenge Title fight.
MORGAN was savagely defeated by DEAF SMITH in a exciting 3 minute Challenge melee.
CLINTON won victory over JUDITH in a popular 3 minute master's Challenge brawl.
GARY CONDIT was overpowered by HOW--LITE in a 1 minute mismatched Challenge match.
JUSTICE was viciously subdued by HOMELESS PRINCE in a popular 2 minute Challenge duel.
GUANTANAMO BAY overpowered JFK in a 1 minute mismatched Challenge brawl.
MAXIMUS narrowly defeated BEAR MARKET in a action packed 3 minute Challenge melee.
SKEEMER won victory over SILVERSCALES in a 3 minute Challenge duel.
DARKLE overpowered BELORIAN in a popular 1 minute uneven Challenge duel.
FLAT TAX was overpowered by SNAKE IN THE GRASS in a 1 minute uneven Challenge match.
KLUTZ overpowered INARINDA in a 1 minute one-sided Challenge fight.
BLIND BOY was demolished by ROBERT BYRD in a 1 minute Challenge competition.
SCHWARZENEGGER bested SIDEWINDER in a 4 minute novice's Challenge battle.
BLIND GIRL was overpowered by VILMA in a 2 minute gory mismatched Challenge conflict.
SUE won victory over BIG MAC in a 2 minute master's bout.
TOYS vanquished VIRGINAL CONCUBINE in a 1 minute one-sided fray.
WOF-A-MIT was unbelievably bested by PISHTUSH in a popular 3 minute master's brawl.
KANGAROO KATE was subdued by MONTY PYTHON in a 2 minute bout.
SHADOWSHADE beat M. CHARDINEE in a 2 minute match.
TURKEY JOE was defeated by TWO PLUS TWO in a crowd pleasing 3 minute conflict.
LEE devastated PLATINUM in a 3 minute one-sided bout.
MACRIBSI outwaited RUMSFELD in a action packed 7 minute veteran vs. beginner match.
HISS handily defeated SHIFTYEYED VOLUNTEER in a 1 minute one-sided contest.
JERIRETRAM demolished POLITE BEGGAR in a 1 minute one-sided fight.
ALIRAKOTH vanquished SHIFTYEYED VOLUNTEER in a 1 minute one-sided match.
ETHAV vanquished POLITE BEGGAR in a 1 minute one-sided fight.
LEGIREMAS demolished ZOOK in a 1 minute one-sided melee.
EREDIRIC slaughtered BARB in a 1 minute one-sided fray.

                                    BATTLE REPORT

             MOST POPULAR                        RECORD DURING THE LAST 10 TURNS     
|FIGHTING STYLE               FIGHTS        FIGHTING STYLE     W -   L -  K   PERCENT|
|STRIKING ATTACK                  9         PARRY-RIPOSTE      7 -   4 -  0      64  |
|BASHING ATTACK                   9         LUNGING ATTACK    26 -  17 -  1      60  |
|TOTAL PARRY                      7         TOTAL PARRY       40 -  27 -  3      60  |
|PARRY-LUNGE                      7         PARRY-STRIKE      13 -   9 -  0      59  |
|LUNGING ATTACK                   5         STRIKING ATTACK   33 -  25 -  1      57  |
|AIMED BLOW                       3         AIMED BLOW        23 -  20 -  0      53  |
|SLASHING ATTACK                  3         WALL OF STEEL     20 -  20 -  0      50  |
|WALL OF STEEL                    3         BASHING ATTACK    23 -  28 -  4      45  |
|PARRY-RIPOSTE                    2         PARRY-LUNGE       19 -  28 -  0      40  |
|PARRY-STRIKE                     2         SLASHING ATTACK   13 -  28 -  2      32  |

Turn 459 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-RIPOSTE      2 -  0     BASHING ATTACK     4 -  5         2  BASHING ATTACK 
TOTAL PARRY        6 -  1     PARRY-LUNGE        3 -  4         2  TOTAL PARRY    
LUNGING ATTACK     4 -  1     AIMED BLOW         1 -  2         2  STRIKING ATTACK
STRIKING ATTACK    5 -  4     SLASHING ATTACK    1 -  2         1  PARRY-STRIKE   
PARRY-STRIKE       1 -  1     WALL OF STEEL      1 -  2         1  PARRY-LUNGE    
                                                                1  SLASHING ATTACK
                                                                1  AIMED BLOW     
                                                                1  LUNGING ATTACK 

                               TOP WARRIOR OF EACH STYLE

FIGHTING STYLE   WARRIOR                     W   L  K PNTS TEAM NAME                  
PARRY-STRIKE     SARGENT SUGAR 2928         23  19  1  137 SWEET MARINES (325)
PARRY-LUNGE      BISCUIT 5678               19  18  0   96 OLD MCDONALD (621)
TOTAL PARRY      CLINTON 2516               17   9  0   96 THE DEMOCRATS (202)
SLASHING ATTACK  HOW--LITE 5635             19  11  1   94 ROCK ETTS (595)
AIMED BLOW       SUE 5828                   17  13  0   93 WOMEN OF REALITY (669)

FIGHTING STYLE   WARRIOR                     W   L  K PNTS TEAM NAME                  
STRIKING ATTACK  MORGAN 5915                11   9  1   89 WOMEN OF REALITY (669)
BASHING ATTACK   JUDITH 5832                17  14  0   87 WOMEN OF REALITY (669)
PARRY-RIPOSTE    MONTY PYTHON 5939          10   5  0   79 SERPENTINE INC. (85)
WALL OF STEEL    JUSTICE 5949               10   5  0   66 THE REPUBLICANS (103)
LUNGING ATTACK   SNAKE IN THE GRASS 5952     9   3  0   66 SERPENTINE INC. (85)
Note: Warriors have a winning record and are an Adept or Above.

The overall popularity leader is SARGENT SUGAR 2928.  The most popular warrior this 
turn was RUMSFELD 6032.  The ten other most popular fighters were JUDITH 5832, BEAR 
MARKET 6010, WOF-A-MIT 5639, MORGAN 5915, HOMELESS PRINCE 6012, SIDEWINDER 6016, 
TURKEY JOE 5825, SARGENT SUGAR 2928, SILVERSCALES 5695, and VILMA 6040.

The least popular fighter this week was PLATINUM 5677.  The other ten least popular 
fighters were BARB 6058, ZOOK 6057, MACRIBSI 6024, LEE 5831, BLIND GIRL 6041, BLIND 
BOY 6042, INARINDA 5913, FLAT TAX 5998, JFK 1660, and GARY CONDIT 5914.

The following warriors will travel to ADVANCED DUELMASTERS after next turn:

SARGENT SUGAR (22-2928) SWEET MARINES (325)

The following warriors have traveled to ADVANCED DUELMASTERS after fighting this turn:

DEAF SMITH (22-5775) THE ZOO (205)