DUEL 2 NEWSLETTER
Date : 09/15/2005 Duedate: 09/28/2005
ZORPUNT ARENA
DM-24 TURN-513
This Weeks Top Honors
THE DUELMASTER IS
TENTACRUEL
WATER DECK (459)
(24-4588) [12-4-0,134]
Chartered Recognition Leader Unchartered Recognition Leader
TENTACRUEL INNY MEANIE
WATER DECK (459) MONEY PIT (475)
(24-4588) [12-4-0,134] (24-4656) [4-0-0,30]
Popularity Leader This Weeks Favorite
PINE LEAF JAMES T. JERK
KRILL CAVALRY (403) STAR DRECK (467)
(24-4580) [18-21-0,75] (24-4590) [14-3-0,100]
THE CURRENT TOP TEAM
KRILL CAVALRY (403)
TEAMS ON THE MOVE TOP CAREER HONORS
Team Name Point Gain Chartered Team
1. AUSSIE KILLERS (455) 34
2. MONEY PIT (475) 11 STAR DRECK (467)
3. WATER DECK (459) 4 Unchartered Team
4. KRILL CAVALRY (403) -2
5. STAR DRECK (467) -11 MONEY PIT (475)
The Top Teams
Career Win-Loss Record W L K % Win-Loss Record Last 3 Turns W L K
1/ 2*MONEY PIT (475) 7 1 0 87.5 1/ 1 KRILL CAVALRY (403) 7 8 0
2/ 1 STAR DRECK (467) 14 3 0 82.4 2/ 2*MONEY PIT (475) 5 1 0
3/ 3 WATER DECK (459) 80 44 4 64.5 3/ 4 WATER DECK (459) 4 2 0
4/ 4 AUSSIE KILLERS (455) 119 111 4 51.7 4/ 3 AUSSIE KILLERS (455) 4 6 0
5/ 5 KRILL CAVALRY (403) 478 489 13 49.4 5/ 5 STAR DRECK (467) 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[ Deep Waters #4 ]H[ + ---:--- + ]H[ +
Near Tobir:
It was stupid, and Tomath Woodman, Convincian Hero, knew it. But men did stupid
things to stop their comrades from laughing at them. And Jessaro Dra, Mordant
Escapee, had laughed at his tale of a tentacled lake monster that had overturned his
boat. Dra thought he was drunk or exaggerating, or both. Well, he was prepared to
admit the charge of drunkenness, at least to a degree. If he wasn't drunk, he
wouldn't be getting in another boat and rowing back out on the benighted lake, would
he? Gods, he hoped he wasn't stupid enough to do that when he was sober!
Jessaro Dra, sitting in the boat facing him, was looking around uneasily.
Woodman figured Dra had to be drunk, too. They were both drunk. A fine thing, when
two drunk men rowed out onto the lake at night looking for a monster that he KNEW was
there! Somebody should have stopped them. His mind groped for a moment. The
bartender, maybe? No, they hadn't been disorderly, he had still been serving them
beer when they called for it. Arenamaster Vasku? After all, as standbys, they were
his responsibility. He visualized Vasku, eyes glowing faintly and an air of rigidly
controlled fury. Maybe not. He'd rather risk an unknown lake monster than the
arenamaster's wrath. Sometimes the demon you knew was worse than anything you could
imagine.
"This is just about where I saw it," Woodman said. "About where I WAS when I
saw it, anyway."
"And you were probably drunk as a skunk then, just like you are now!" Dra
answered. "If there was anything at all, which I don't believe, it was probably
just--"
A tentacle rose out of the water beside the boat, twisting back and forth as
though searching for them. It was ribbon-shaped and two hands broad, like a very
large version of the common lake grassy weed. But the lakeweed was just a plant, and
this was flexing and twisting in such a MUSCULAR way.
Woodman could see his companion gaping at the thing, but he did not wait for a
comment. He worked one oar to spin the boat around and then dug in with both,
heading back for the shore. Of course, on a dark and stormy night like this, it was
hard to tell which way was "back toward the shore."
Dra made a choking sound, and Woodman switched his gaze to the direction of his
companion. And then followed Dra's fixed stare. There were more of the tentacles,
or ribbons of monster weed or whatever, showing above the surface now. They were
only visible in this starless night because they were faintly luminous themselves.
Near them was something much brighter, so much so that it dazzled his eyes; after a
moment he decided that it was some kind of flower, more or less globular, white, and
brighter than a full moon. Woodman recalled tales of carnivorous plants and
shuddered. He'd never heard of one this big, but seeing had to be believing.
The rowboat came to a stop. It felt to him like he'd run into something, not
the shore, a bed of normal lakeweed, maybe. Fearfully, he glanced over his shoulder.
+ ]H[ + ---:--- + ]H[ Deep Waters #5 ]H[ + ---:--- + ]H[ +
Zorpunt Harbor:
Barkhotai was doing a foolish thing, and he knew it. Not that the knowing
stopped him, and he had taken SOME precautions. He was in a boat, not swimming, for
one thing. He COULD swim, and quite well, which was unusual for a Rirorni, but he
was not a fish and he knew that. He had given thought to the weapons he carried,
knives, of course, plenty of them, but also harpoons. This was not going to be sword
work, or mace work either, come to that. The blades were poisoned, too. At least,
he called it poison; it was something he'd gotten from a witch he knew, some sort of
enspelled potion that would work like a poison on anything cold-blooded.
He paused in his rowing when he was near the center of the harbor and glanced
over his shoulder, looking for the Great White Shark. The pale fin was circling the
center of turbulence. You could criticize the Shark for attitude, but not for
courage. And the Guard was prepared to admit, to himself, that you couldn't expect a
predatory fish to have a human attitude.
Three tentacles rose out of the water to one side of the Shark's course. At
least twenty feet of sucker-lined muscle flexed in the air and then curved down.
They were as thick as a man's waist where they left the water but tapered rapidly.
The tips were slim as fingers. Two more rose on the other side of the Aussie Killer,
and bent toward their fellows? Did tentacles have 'fellows'? Barkhotai dismissed
that question instantly. Frivolous, and he had work to do. The tentacles were
lacing together, making a net, and could trap the Shark with a quick contraction.
Why didn't the damned fish get out of the way? He could still swim free--
The net of flesh snapped tight around the Shark, who didn't struggle against it.
Barkhotai hauled his oars into the boat and twisted around, raising a harpoon. The
tentacles were writhing and twisting in a way that made him dizzy to look at, and it
was hard to pick an aiming point that didn't endanger the Shark. Since he was out
here to help the Shark, harpooning it would be a bad idea. Counter-productive. But
why wasn't the Shark trying to get away? The cage wasn't that tight and the Shark
was streamlined. Could the tentacles be emitting some drug? Or some kind of magical
field that stunned it?
The Rirorni's rowboat was drifting closer to the tentacles. Barkhotai hadn't
realized there was a current in the harbor here. Well, okay, there must be some
where the river mouth was, but.... The boat nudged against the first of the
tentacles entrapping the Shark. The dead-fish smell of it was nauseating, and what
he had thought were pale warts began to open and close, making small kissing sounds.
In a frenzy of disgust, Barkhotai shoved the harpoon into the tentacle. It was
softer than he had expected, the harpoon going in the full length of the blade. He
lost his balance and fell against the monster. The little mouths pressed against
him, biting or sucking or--he went numb and barely noticed when a tentacle curled
around his waist, drawing him into a closer embrace.
DUELMASTER'S COLUMN
Notes from the arena champ.
Zorpunt is my land, and I have made my home here for all of my life. It has truly
been my honor to represent her. My challenge was not honored this time out and I
again fought Stonefish. This time it didn't take that many hits--I'm not sure what
the difference was, but I'll take it as it gets me closer to my ultimate goal. I
will again challenge James T. and Joe P.
I keep them short and sweet Zorpunt, just like my fights! I salute my fellow
warriors as we again head out in search of glory!
Tentacruel
SPY REPORT
Good day, in ZORPUNT 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, KING BROWN SNAKE
fought BILL POOLE and gained 21 points and contributed to AUSSIE KILLERS' 2-2-0.
BILL POOLE has lost to KING BROWN SNAKE, falling 17 points, while helping make KRILL
CAVALRY a 3-2-0 turn. Defending his title for another turn, TENTACRUEL kept KRILL
CAVALRY's warrior, PINE LEAF, from claiming the throne. Can someone confirm a rumor
for me? I hear the top team makes their losing fighters do dishes at The Dripping
Blade until they win. Maybe?
Oriental wise man once say, 'Hiding behind shields prevents proper sun tanning.'
Inscrutable, but true. I also notice that the AUSSIE KILLERS stable was the most
avoided team this turn. Come on ZORPUNT, what are you afraid of? And guess who
avoided AUSSIE KILLERS stable the most? Believe it or not, it was MONEY PIT. Anyone
surprised? Well, sports fans, take notice that JAMES T. JERK from STAR DRECK was
ZORPUNT's most challenged warrior this turn. In a brave attempt, TIGER SHARK from
AUSSIE KILLERS challenged up 21 points to fight JOE POOLE from the KRILL CAVALRY
stable. TIGER SHARK perhaps got his just desserts, seeing as he was overcame by JOE
POOLE and ended up with 73 recognition points. JAMES T. JERK of STAR DRECK had
better have a good reason for challenging down 12 points in a challenge which he
lost. I thought JAMES T. JERK showed great skill and promise when he was overcame by
STONEFISH. 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. A brave warrior does not carry a
red shield, he has nothing to cover or hide when the fight is over. Consider well.
Remember, blood on the purple robe does not change it from a purple robe. Dare
to fight bravely. Well, I'm burning daylight here in ZORPUNT and I've a long road
ahead of me. Happy Trails. Until the sun next rises and my pen sets to paper--
Alarond the Scribe
DUELMASTER W L K POINTS TEAM NAME
TENTACRUEL 4588 12 4 0 134 WATER DECK (459)
CHALLENGER CHAMPIONS W L K POINTS TEAM NAME
STONEFISH 4489 26 16 0 111 AUSSIE KILLERS (455)
JAMES T. JERK 4590 14 3 0 100 STAR DRECK (467)
CHAMPIONS W L K POINTS TEAM NAME
KING BROWN SNAKE 4635 10 6 0 82 AUSSIE KILLERS (455)
PINE LEAF 4580 18 21 0 75 KRILL CAVALRY (403)
TIGER SHARK 4575 9 9 0 73 AUSSIE KILLERS (455)
CHALLENGER ADEPTS W L K POINTS TEAM NAME
BILL POOLE 4634 11 6 1 60 KRILL CAVALRY (403)
ADEPTS W L K POINTS TEAM NAME
TRINA LARK 4615 12 12 0 54 KRILL CAVALRY (403)
BUBBA JONES 4621 12 9 0 53 KRILL CAVALRY (403)
-OMASTAR 4665 4 0 0 43 WATER DECK (459)
CHALLENGER INITIATES W L K POINTS TEAM NAME
-VAPOREON 4613 3 3 0 31 WATER DECK (459)
INNY MEANIE 4656 4 0 0 30 MONEY PIT (475)
INITIATES W L K POINTS TEAM NAME
TAIPAN 4667 1 3 0 21 AUSSIE KILLERS (455)
ULTIMATE SIN 4659 3 1 0 18 MONEY PIT (475)
-DEATH ADDER 4582 2 6 0 16 AUSSIE KILLERS (455)
-CLOYSTER 4666 0 1 0 7 WATER DECK (459)
'-' denotes a warrior who did not fight this turn.
THE DEAD W L K TEAM NAME SLAIN BY TURN Revenge?
PERSONAL ADS
Eeeeeek! I'm surrounded by Krill! Better start biting them before they swamp me!!
-- King Brown Snake
Bill Poole -- My queen's just as venomous...but you're welcome to try her bite if you
want. I don't recommend it though, since she'll keep biting if she likes the way you
taste.... -- King Brown Snake
Sometimes the water falls out of the sky, and you just have to make the most of it.
James T. Jerk -- You have no idea how much it pleases me to thumb my nose at you.
Sure, you won the fight, jerk that you are, but *I* got Invited to the Isle. I don't
know if I'll go or not, but at least I have that option. -- Lord Protector (gotta
love that title!) Joe Poole
P.S. Hmm, I'm so highly charismatic and attractive, maybe I should stay here and cut
a wide swath through the ladies?
King Brown Snake -- Listen, next time we meet, I'm going to have a mongoose in my
pocket, you slithery wretch! -- Bubba Jones
Wow, it's a good thing they had the antidote in the Infirmary, or I might have DIED
of the Venomous Concubine's bite! That would've been...not so good. -- Pine Leaf
Yes, well, I can see why that assassin was convicted. He's too dumb to get away with
anything. -- Bill Poole
That was disappointing. I have been WANTING to meet the Ambitious Guard, and here I
get the chance and he just puts in a token appearance and then rushes off to go
night-fishing! I would never have expected THAT of him. -- Trina Lark
Lord Protector Joe Poole -- Congratulations. We are proud of your performance.
However, not so proud that we will give valuable land to someone who is about to move
away. Take an oath to remain in the city and dedicate yourself to its well-being,
and we might come up with something. Leave, and you go with our good wishes. --
Arenamaster Kai
15 September 2005
HAMMER ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT
Be it known from the highest mountains to the darkest alleys of Alastari that
the veteran manager known far and wide as Hammer has now officially retired from
sponsoring contests as of September 15, 2005.
What a long time ago was a fun motivated activity to help promote our common
DM/D2 gaming interest in an effort to promote the growth and competitiveness of
selected arenas has become a far from fun experience.
In other words Hammer has had it!
The combination of real life situations interfering with the time needed to
effectively sponsor a contest, plus the attitudes expressed during such sponsorship
interference has led to Hammer closing his personal coin coffers and retiring from
his planned sponsorship of any future contests.
There are others in our close knit gaming community who are well able to step up
to the plate and continue sponsoring contests that make the basic game a fun
experience for all those who choose to compete and interact in such future endeavors.
Hammer thanks all managers both active and inactive who helped to make the
Hammer sponsored contests a historical and entertaining experience well worth the
time, effort and money spent over the past several years.
May the Cheers and the Jeers of future contests build upon the legacies of those
who have paved the way in years gone by to help make this game what it is today.
Hammer has no regrets for the part he has played in that history.
LAST WEEK'S FIGHTS
JAMES T. JERK was bested by STONEFISH in a 3 minute master's Challenge fight.
TIGER SHARK was subdued by JOE POOLE in a 1 minute Challenge melee.
KING BROWN SNAKE demolished BILL POOLE in a 1 minute uneven Challenge fight.
TAIPAN was bested by INNY MEANIE in a popular 3 minute novice's Challenge contest.
TENTACRUEL demolished PINE LEAF in a 1 minute mismatched Title competition.
TRINA LARK viciously subdued THE USEROUS MERCHANT in a crowd pleasing 4 minute fight.
BUBBA JONES viciously subdued THE USEROUS MERCHANT in a 2 minute gory competition.
ULTIMATE SIN unbelievably bested CULT MEMBER in a action packed 9 minute melee.
BATTLE REPORT
MOST POPULAR RECORD DURING THE LAST 10 TURNS
|FIGHTING STYLE FIGHTS FIGHTING STYLE W - L - K PERCENT|
|BASHING ATTACK 3 AIMED BLOW 8 - 0 - 0 100 |
|TOTAL PARRY 2 SLASHING ATTACK 8 - 3 - 0 73 |
|LUNGING ATTACK 2 BASHING ATTACK 14 - 8 - 0 64 |
|WALL OF STEEL 2 LUNGING ATTACK 10 - 7 - 0 59 |
|AIMED BLOW 1 STRIKING ATTACK 4 - 4 - 0 50 |
|PARRY-RIPOSTE 1 TOTAL PARRY 9 - 10 - 0 47 |
|SLASHING ATTACK 1 WALL OF STEEL 9 - 11 - 0 45 |
|STRIKING ATTACK 1 PARRY-RIPOSTE 6 - 8 - 0 43 |
|PARRY-LUNGE 0 PARRY-STRIKE 0 - 0 - 0 0 |
|PARRY-STRIKE 0 PARRY-LUNGE 0 - 3 - 0 0 |
Turn 513 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:
AIMED BLOW 1 - 0 PARRY-LUNGE 0 - 0 3 BASHING ATTACK
PARRY-RIPOSTE 1 - 0 PARRY-STRIKE 0 - 0 2 LUNGING ATTACK
TOTAL PARRY 2 - 0 SLASHING ATTACK 0 - 1 1 TOTAL PARRY
BASHING ATTACK 2 - 1 STRIKING ATTACK 0 - 1 1 WALL OF STEEL
LUNGING ATTACK 1 - 1 1 SLASHING ATTACK
WALL OF STEEL 1 - 1 1 PARRY-RIPOSTE
1 AIMED BLOW
1 PARRY-LUNGE
TOP WARRIOR OF EACH STYLE
FIGHTING STYLE WARRIOR W L K PNTS TEAM NAME
BASHING ATTACK TENTACRUEL 4588 12 4 0 134 WATER DECK (459)
TOTAL PARRY STONEFISH 4489 26 16 0 111 AUSSIE KILLERS (455)
LUNGING ATTACK JAMES T. JERK 4590 14 3 0 100 STAR DRECK (467)
SLASHING ATTACK BILL POOLE 4634 11 6 1 60 KRILL CAVALRY (403)
Note: Warriors have a winning record and are an Adept or Above.
The overall popularity leader is PINE LEAF 4580. The most popular warrior this turn
was JAMES T. JERK 4590. The ten other most popular fighters were TAIPAN 4667, TRINA
LARK 4615, INNY MEANIE 4656, BUBBA JONES 4621, TENTACRUEL 4588, STONEFISH 4489, KING
BROWN SNAKE 4635, TIGER SHARK 4575, BILL POOLE 4634, and PINE LEAF 4580.
The least popular fighter this week was ULTIMATE SIN 4659. The other ten least
popular fighters were PINE LEAF 4580, BILL POOLE 4634, TIGER SHARK 4575, KING BROWN
SNAKE 4635, STONEFISH 4489, TENTACRUEL 4588, BUBBA JONES 4621, INNY MEANIE 4656,
TRINA LARK 4615, and TAIPAN 4667.
The following warriors have traveled to AD after fighting this turn:
JOE POOLE (24-4534) KRILL CAVALRY (403)