DUEL 2 NEWSLETTER Date : 11/05/2008 Duedate: 11/18/2008 LAPUR ARENA DM-29 TURN-592 This Weeks Top Honors THE DUELMASTER IS HULIK MID EARTH (223) (29-4992) [18-15-1,102] Chartered Recognition Leader Unchartered Recognition Leader HULIK CUDDLE ME TENDER MID EARTH (223) BOHICA (449) (29-4992) [18-15-1,102] (29-5205) [7-1-0,60] Popularity Leader This Weeks Favorite WEIPA HOOTCHY COOCHER CROC FILES (374) ESCAPADE (417) (29-4793) [16-29-2,97] (29-5119) [14-5-1,94] THE CURRENT TOP TEAM MID EARTH (223) TEAMS ON THE MOVE TOP CAREER HONORS Team Name Point Gain Chartered Team 1. CARDOW HUNTERS (359) 44 2. ESCAPADE (417) 43 PHILANTHROPISTS (407) 3. MID EARTH (223) 40 Unchartered Team 4. BOHICA (449) 38 5. PHILANTHROPISTS (407) 14 BOHICA (449) The Top Teams Career Win-Loss Record W L K % Win-Loss Record Last 3 Turns W L K 1/ 1 PHILANTHROPISTS (407) 12 6 0 66.7 1/ 4 MID EARTH (223) 11 4 1 2/ 2*BOHICA (449) 23 13 0 63.9 2/ 5 VENUSIANS (321) 9 6 0 3- 3 METAL MINCERS (256) 541 359 12 60.1 3/ 2 EQUESTORS (158) 8 6 0 4- 4 STREET WALKERS (97) 518 349 43 59.7 4/ 1 WILL DUEL 4 MEAD (282) 7 4 1 5/ 5 WILL DUEL 4 MEAD (282) 143 103 18 58.1 5/ 6 ESCAPADE (417) 7 8 0 6/ 7 MID EARTH (223) 425 380 17 52.8 6- 3 METAL MINCERS (256) 6 0 0 7/ 6 ESCAPADE (417) 136 122 9 52.7 7/ 7 CROC FILES (374) 6 7 0 8/ 9 CROC FILES (374) 402 423 28 48.7 8/11 CARDOW HUNTERS (359) 6 9 0 9/10 EQUESTORS (158) 699 741 51 48.5 9- 9*PLATES (452) 5 5 0 10/11 VENUSIANS (321) 266 291 15 47.8 10/13*BOHICA (449) 4 3 0 11/12 FORCE OF NATURE (312) 294 344 21 46.1 11-10 STREET WALKERS (97) 4 6 0 12/ 8 FAUX TIDES II (444) 23 27 3 46.0 12/ 8 FORCE OF NATURE (312) 4 7 0 13/13 CARDOW HUNTERS (359) 448 530 10 45.8 13-14 THE ELEMENTALS (72) 2 3 0 14-14*PLATES (452) 5 6 0 45.5 14/12 FAUX TIDES II (444) 2 8 0 15/ 0*2008 (450) 9 11 1 45.0 15/15 PHILANTHROPISTS (407) 1 3 0 16-15 THE ELEMENTALS (72) 13 33 0 28.3 16/ 0*2008 (450) 0 3 0 '*' Unchartered team '-' Team did not fight this turn Career Win-Loss Record W L K % Win-Loss Record Last 3 Turns W L K (###) Avoid teams by their Team Id ##/## This turn's/Last turn's rank TEAM SPOTLIGHT Well, we're looking a little rough, guys," Gavin said. He plopped into a large chair and swung his feet idly back and forth. The five warriors of Faux Tides II filtered into the room, Galen last, who shut the door and leanded his back to it with arms crossed. Thornwild spun a seat around and sat in it backwards, with his elbows propped up. Mad Jack and Ragnar simply dropped onto the floor, and Dax sat upon the window sill with the sun at his back. "I know there will be ups and downs, I suppose the challenges that I've put you up against were hard. Even despite some tough opponents, I think most of you have done well, Ragnar and Jack especially." The two men on the floor grinned foolishly and slapped each other on the back. "Ragnar's a bit higher from me but it won't last. I'm comin' for him," Jack sneered. Gavin shook his head with an exasperated sigh. "Jack, I told you, you're not allowed to challenge your own teammate." Jack's shoulders slumped slightly as his eyes bore into Ragnar. "Ye lucky dog. We'll have to settle out the rings, then." Gavin tried to hide his grin. The brothers were inseperable and damned scrappy. Jack had an oddball way of keeping everyone grounded. "Dax, you're starting to show yourself... Getting more comfortable, I think?" Dax nodded. "Aye lad, course I got my short fallings too." Gavin nodded and smiled with his eyes sparkling. "I'm glad you see it. We'll work on that. That goes for all of you. I've seen how you fight but, to be better, we need some adjustments." There were nods and mumbled agreements across the room, except at the door, where Galen's cold eyes watched him impassively. Gavin waited a few minutes as the room erupted in exclamations of strategy and the pros and cons of weapon and armor combinations. All except Galen, who wasn't involved by the others, nor tried to involve himself. The odd man out. Gavin met Galen's dark gaze and held it, unflinching. He'd gotten used to Galen and his moods. But, a team divided is a team that falls. Gavin let his thoughts and feelings show in his eyes. (You have to grow up, my friend. Even in the midst of friends you are alone and in pain. If you can not be one of us... if you can not focus yourself in a direction and break free of the dark cloud of your past, then I must do what is best for my team and your world. It would break my heart and be the hardest decision I've ever made, but I can not allow you to rule me. I have no favorites. I am a manager. You knew what it meant to fail in the arenas. Your Grandfather was cut down... you would be sent to be cut down. Only those who have a will to fight and prove their worth escape the Dark Arena.) Galen's eyes looked away first. "Please don't force my hand, Galen..." Gavin whispered softly. + ]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. Scouring has been the choice normally. One other live, warmblooded person must be present, seen to be present, to make the bargain with the Hungers. 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 600): GRISHORT HURM of MIDDLE WAY (Jorja, mgr.) DM 19 ZUWAYZA (turn 598): TIMES of THE MAGNIFICENT MAGS (Jorja, mgr.) DM 28 MORYA (turn 299): YAU (DARKFACE) of ZULU NATION (?, mgr.) DM 29 LAPUR (turn 591): CHROME CRIMPER of METAL MINCERS (Oremaster, 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 539): NORILTENNE of THE FAMILY (Jorja, mgr.) DM 45 STORMCROWE (turn 274): JEFFERSON DAVIS of JGW PERISHABLE 1 (JGW, mgr.) DM 47 DOUBLE X (turn 269): THE RON of WARHAMMERS (Coyote, mgr.) DM 50 SNOWBOUND (turn 255): INGLEMORT JULS of MIDDLE WAY 6 (Jorja, 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 430): MERRO DOSH of SAND DANCERS (Jorja, mgr.) DM 73 ERINIKA (turn 204): SKIN PEELER of BLACKMAIL (The Mun, mgr.) DM 74 DAYLA KIV (turn 398): RUBY TUESDAY of CORPS (Papa Bear, mgr.) DM 75 JADE MOUNTAIN (turn 397): FOOTSTEPS of PARANOID ASYLUM (Jekyll, mgr.) DM 78 LIN TIRIAN (turn 376): SHANA TWO-KNIVES of SAND DANCERS (Jorja, mgr.) ADM 103 FREE BLADES (turn 492): DREAM WARRIOR of NIGHT'S GUARDIANS (Ichabod Frothingslosh, mgr.) Top Teams --------- DM 9 ZUKAL (turn 604): BLUE MOON (Jorja, mgr.) DM 12 RIZTAB (turn 606): FURIES (?, mgr.) DM 15 MALCORN (turn 600): STARBASE 5 (Zeus, mgr.) DM 16 WILLAF (turn 602): PUNNY ANIMALS (Jorja, mgr.) DM 17 ALJAFIR (turn 600): FORSAKEN (Gavin Rule, mgr.) DM 19 ZUWAYZA (turn 598): THE MAGNIFICENT MAGS (Jorja, mgr.) DM 28 MORYA (turn 299): POSITION IS EMPTY DM 29 LAPUR (turn 591): WILL DUEL 4 MEAD (Sporkis, 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 539): LUROCIAN ROYALTY (The Greek Guy, mgr.) DM 45 STORMCROWE (turn 274): OF WOLF & MEN (Tripwire, mgr.) DM 47 DOUBLE X (turn 269): THE BEAR'S PAW (Kat, mgr.) DM 50 SNOWBOUND (turn 255): 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 430): MIGHTY DUCKS (Woody, mgr.) DM 73 ERINIKA (turn 204): MIDDLE WAY 18 (Jorja, mgr.) DM 74 DAYLA KIV (turn 398): CORPS (Papa Bear, mgr.) DM 75 JADE MOUNTAIN (turn 397): SAND DANCERS (Jorja, mgr.) DM 78 LIN TIRIAN (turn 376): SAND DANCERS (Jorja, mgr.) ADM 103 FREE BLADES (turn 492): 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.) (turn 590): ALUMINUM AWL of METAL MINCERS (Oremaster, 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 45 STORMCROWE (turn 273): TUNDRA of ARCTIC WASTES (Wretch, 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 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 73 ERINIKA (turn 203): LAELKORISSA of FAVORITE GUYS (Jorja, mgr.) DM 75 JADE MOUNTAIN (turn 397): FOOTSTEPS of PARANOID ASYLUM (Jekyll, mgr.) DUELMASTER'S COLUMN Notes from the arena champ. Hey, I made it to the top! Yes! I know I am better than Awl who achieved three DM's. He was such a lucky borg! I hope some of his luck rubs off. I wanted to write a long DM Column, but when I asked Ora and Oremaster to help, they said something like "Bug off; we're on vacation." They don't always fight, you know. Sometimes they are downright gross! So anyway, I am on my own, so this will be short. I pen this from an arena called Kansas City where we all are with Ora and Oremaster getting our instructions. We have to go wherever they are when they are away. Ora makes that happen somehow. They are in KC visiting their cute little grandkids. Maxwell Charles -6- and Clara Rose -3- are the apples of their life. (And you thought it was us borgs?) They are the product of a Jewish/Roman Catholic wedding; not many of those around. Enough of that. Back to the real world. Challenge me. You just may be glad you did. Chrome Crimper, Duelmaster SPY REPORT Hail LAPUR! Warriors of the arena, prepare to be praised and blamed for your deeds. It seems the training can make the difference, as WILL DUEL 4 MEAD is pushed out of top team by MID EARTH, who came from 4th with a 5-0-1 this turn. Now keep the taverns open late tonight, for there are sorrows to drown for FORCE OF NATURE, whose 1-4-0 this turn dropped them by 4 into 12th. MID EARTH stable has parlayed this turn's 5-0-1 into a 3 space move up the rankings. This brings them up to 1st place. Good work, guys! And let's see, RED BULL fought CELADUS and gained 24 points and contributed to CARDOW HUNTERS' 3-2-0. MAD JACK has lost to ICE SHARD, falling 14 points, while helping make FAUX TIDES II a 1-4-0 turn. Due to his absence and inability to defend the throne, CHROME CRIMPER has lost the title of Duelmaster. And all eyes were on HULIK this turn as he ascended to the throne of Duelmaster. LAPUR has a new victor! By the way, was that our Duelmaster that I saw last night, cramped under the table at The Warty Toad? He who challenges well, fights well. He who avoids without cause, shall lose for good reasons. My mama told me that one. I also notice that the PLATES stable was the most avoided team this turn. Come on LAPUR, what are you afraid of? And avoiding PLATES more than any other team we find BOHICA. LAPUR, are we going to accept, or respect this sort of thing? Well, sports fans, take notice that ATRIA from VENUSIANS was LAPUR's most challenged warrior this turn. Building dreams on hope, CUDDLE ME TENDER challenged up 27 points this turn to take on LITERNIUS from EQUESTORS stable. And whaddya know, CUDDLE ME TENDER beat LITERNIUS, and the fighters of BOHICA were last seen lifting frothy pints of ale in honor of CUDDLE ME TENDER's 21 point gain. 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. The Warty Toad declares a free round for CLOUDSHADOW and all of CARDOW HUNTERS, for having revenged WILL DUEL 4 MEAD's YURI for killing one of their comrades. 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 LAPUR and I've a long road ahead of me. Happy Trails. Until you see my quill in LAPUR again, farewell-- Alarond the Scribe DUELMASTER W L K POINTS TEAM NAME HULIK 4992 18 15 1 102 MID EARTH (223) CHALLENGER CHAMPIONS W L K POINTS TEAM NAME -CHROME CRIMPER 4296 31 13 0 116 METAL MINCERS (256) -PLATINUM PEENER 4298 16 10 1 111 METAL MINCERS (256) RED BULL 5062 16 9 0 101 CARDOW HUNTERS (359) WEIPA 4793 16 29 2 97 CROC FILES (374) HOOTCHY COOCHER 5119 14 5 1 94 ESCAPADE (417) CHAMPIONS W L K POINTS TEAM NAME FHRAIN 5124 11 4 2 89 MID EARTH (223) CELADUS 4948 20 15 2 87 EQUESTORS (158) -MAD DOG MONTANA 4984 16 16 4 86 STREET WALKERS (97) BONZO 5132 9 7 2 84 ESCAPADE (417) -DAISY CHAINS 5096 11 10 0 76 STREET WALKERS (97) GLAUCO 5102 11 10 1 75 EQUESTORS (158) LITERNIUS 5049 14 14 1 67 EQUESTORS (158) CHALLENGER ADEPTS W L K POINTS TEAM NAME -LIME 5178 8 2 0 65 WILL DUEL 4 MEAD (282) -INCONEL INDENTER 4324 7 2 1 65 METAL MINCERS (256) MAKADOS 4704 8 3 0 64 PHILANTHROPISTS (407) RAGNAR 5146 6 4 2 62 FAUX TIDES II (444) A.A. SHOCK 5054 10 16 1 60 FORCE OF NATURE (312) -COPPER COMPACTER 5092 9 6 0 60 METAL MINCERS (256) CUDDLE ME TENDER 5205 7 1 0 60 BOHICA (449) CALLISTO 5036 14 15 2 59 VENUSIANS (321) CLOUDSHADOW 5154 11 4 0 58 CARDOW HUNTERS (359) ADEPTS W L K POINTS TEAM NAME -NEEDS SALT 5206 5 0 0 51 BOHICA (449) -RED HOT CHILI 5202 5 2 0 50 BOHICA (449) YURI 5188 6 3 2 47 WILL DUEL 4 MEAD (282) ADEPTS W L K POINTS TEAM NAME MAD DOG 5125 10 8 0 45 CARDOW HUNTERS (359) ATRIA 5101 10 11 1 42 VENUSIANS (321) ICE SHARD 5191 5 5 0 40 FORCE OF NATURE (312) THORNWILD 5144 5 5 0 37 FAUX TIDES II (444) ILLYRIA 5149 9 6 0 36 VENUSIANS (321) HORN ROCK 5113 8 12 0 36 CARDOW HUNTERS (359) -SHANGGAR 4703 3 3 0 34 PHILANTHROPISTS (407) CHALLENGER INITIATES W L K POINTS TEAM NAME OCCY 5160 6 8 0 33 CROC FILES (374) -STORM SHADOW 504 5 7 0 32 THE ELEMENTALS (72) -4U2NV 5224 2 0 0 29 PLATES (452) -LUNA 5179 6 4 0 28 WILL DUEL 4 MEAD (282) NORMAN 5208 5 4 0 28 CROC FILES (374) SCRUFFY PUFF 5207 4 3 0 28 BOHICA (449) MAD JACK 5190 5 3 1 27 FAUX TIDES II (444) DAX 5147 4 6 0 25 FAUX TIDES II (444) CAPELLA 5181 4 8 0 25 VENUSIANS (321) LUHAR 5244 3 2 1 24 MID EARTH (223) INITIATES W L K POINTS TEAM NAME STARRY NITE 5186 6 5 0 23 FORCE OF NATURE (312) CRABBY ABBIE 5252 3 1 0 23 ESCAPADE (417) -HIMEKO 5247 3 1 0 23 WILL DUEL 4 MEAD (282) ENCOLPIUS 5268 2 0 0 23 EQUESTORS (158) GILAN 5242 3 2 0 22 MID EARTH (223) -DANG IT DEBBIE 5217 5 2 0 17 STREET WALKERS (97) JUNE 5211 3 2 0 17 2008 (450) -IZALOR 4702 1 0 0 17 PHILANTHROPISTS (407) -STAR FIRE 659 3 2 0 16 THE ELEMENTALS (72) GALEN ELDACAR 5148 3 7 0 16 FAUX TIDES II (444) GOT MILK 5203 2 7 0 15 BOHICA (449) NILITH 5243 2 3 0 15 MID EARTH (223) -LIGHTNING 505 2 8 0 14 THE ELEMENTALS (72) VINDOCOMUS 5251 3 1 0 13 EQUESTORS (158) -TORNADO 502 2 5 0 11 THE ELEMENTALS (72) -BLUIDDVL 5226 1 1 0 11 PLATES (452) -MAY 5212 3 1 0 10 2008 (450) -THUNDERBOLT 501 1 7 0 10 THE ELEMENTALS (72) LUCY 5253 2 2 0 8 CROC FILES (374) -AUGUST 5210 1 1 0 8 2008 (450) -STR82HEL 5227 1 2 0 6 PLATES (452) -WEREUOUT 5265 1 0 0 3 PLATES (452) FIREBOW 5279 0 2 0 2 CARDOW HUNTERS (359) HARRY CANE 5267 0 1 0 1 FORCE OF NATURE (312) '-' denotes a warrior who did not fight this turn. THE DEAD W L K TEAM NAME SLAIN BY TURN Revenge? FEBRUARY 5239 1 2 1 2008 450 STONE GOLEM 592 NONE NOVEMBER 5230 1 2 0 2008 450 HEINOUS BEAST 592 NONE FIREWALKER 5122 8 9 0 CARDOW HUNTERS 359 YURI 5188 590 JUST REVENGED CRESCENS 5157 4 7 0 EQUESTORS 158 AYA 5159 589 NONE MERCY 5280 0 1 0 ESCAPADE 417 SHAMBLING MOUND 592 NONE SPANGLE 5241 1 4 0 ESCAPADE 417 HEINOUS BEAST 592 NONE BLACK TORCH 5150 6 6 2 FORCE OF NATURE 312 GLAUCO 5102 589 SOL ERECLIPS 5266 0 1 0 FORCE OF NATURE 312 LUHAR 5244 592 ATHENA 4990 11 8 0 GODS OF WAR 424 CALLISTO 5036 588 NOT REVENGED TINA COLADA 5229 3 1 1 STREET WALKERS 97 MAD JACK 5190 589 REVENGED PERSONAL ADS Yeah, we probably placed a hand-written-with-RSI-help ad saying our Mincers are going blind this turn. It is true. Some of the borgs will be running. We don't know which as my "fine" husband "What's-his-name" can't remember! Hmpff. (Hopefully one is Duelmaster Chrome Crimper.) anyway, on our travels we came upon this Oracle who helped us scry the last results and actions, so we thought we would comment via some personal ads. First, Hi Everybody! -- Ora & Oremaster Dang nab it, Woman, me borgs doin fine and yer still naggin'? Women! -- Oremaster Phrain and Jorja, Aluminum Awl sends his thanks, and he is glad to be long gone. He was an interesting one. Oremaster hasn't found a new recruit yet. It takes him a while to craft a borg, he says. -- Ora Hulik, we're ALL golem borgs! And tell Phrain I will watch my back as he advised. I wouldn't want to be like The Wicked Witch Of The West and have Dorothy or someone else pitch water on me and I melt! Of course metal cannot melt, but what if the water was really acid? They probably faked it in the movie. -- Platinum Peener Celadus, whew! (Wipes the dripping oil off his face.) -- Platinum Peener Makados, it feels fine to best a Missouri Politician at his own game. Especially in an election year. Philanthropist/Politician, ah, who can tell the difference. -- Copper Compacter Solar Eruption, perhaps if you try again on your own challenge? I probably didn't avoid you in Oremaster's blind round. Good luck. -- Chrome Crimper, Duelmaster Visionist, the Waste has always been a Consortium favorite, but for some reason we have had very few in Lapur also. -- Ora Happy Thanksgiving all! -- The Metal Mincers Glauco -- Hot chocolate and marshmallows...how'd you know? -- Hootchy Cootcher Hulik -- Sha-zam!!! -- Bonzo Ecolpius -- Sun glaring off the sands, there's a bug in my armor and *geez* did a blind man with no sense of touch put the edge on this weapon? -- Crabby Abbie HA! Jack the Winch got ye too, eh? See if'n I can get Slappy Seconds an' clean up. -- Ragnar Cloud Shadow -- Well, las, yer sure a tough one. Well won but don't think ye gettin' away easy. As Arnold said... you know the rest. -- DAX Aya -- That last lucky shot won you the duel. However, I did not, I repeat, did not tell the Arenamaster I couldn't continue. Of course, no one especially *me* would accuse the mighty Sporkis of greasing palms. -- Thornwild Plates -- I see you bounced back after your first round. I'm sure it won't take you long to climb the ladder. Good luck and good to see you. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to get out of range... this arena is a bloody minefield. -- Gavin All -- We are sorry to miss a turn, but due to much travel, we don't know where we are or what's going on. Therefore, we are taking a one turn break. See you soon. -- Ora and Oremaster (probably at marriage counseling) Hey, if one of us are on top, we abdicate. Do you care? -- Chrome Crimper and Platinum Peener Cuddle Me Tender -- An excellent idea! Come here, you cute thing. -- Horn Rock P.S. I wouldn't have dared try it without your invitation. Dax -- Feeling bold, were you? Too bad you only got two skills for it. -- Cloudshadow P.S. Jorja says she's a glutton for punishment. Ah, that isn't EXACTLY what she said, which was that she's found the first sixty pages of the Enchiridion and is willing to photocopy charts, if she doesn't lose it again and her budget will cover it. Don't know why you, or your manager, would really care, but she said to mention it. She doesn't believe in charts and by-the-numbers stuff, you know? Says, sure, they're accurate enough, probably, but managing is an art, not a science. Whatever. Callisto -- Moons turn me on. -- Red Bull P.S. Cows jump over them, so why not bulls, eh? Liternius -- Huh, that's a new one on me. I might have to look it up. -- Mad Dog P.S. But I suspect I'll forget. Sorry, but life is like that if you're a mad dog. Bluiddvl -- You must be Welsh. You need to team up with a Hawaiian and get some more vowels in there. -- Firebow P.S. Hmm, the Commission says I'm neither courageous, cool under stress, nor trustworthy, but I'm attractive, sociable, have a healthy ego, and am very charismatic. You gotta love me, right? Our congratulations to Solar Eruption. Go to the Isle and stop messing with our wireless hookup! -- Jorja and the Cardow Hunters 8 October 2008 Hail Alastarians! Allow me to introduce myself. I am Vanek, manager of the Warmasters in the No- Tourney arena of Shadowspire. I come to you with a public service announcement. Some of you may already be aware of Shadowspire and some of you may not realize what exactly you're missing. This isn't your average arena. This is Shadowspire, a large and very active arena where role-playing is encouraged; many managers are active both the personal ads and the D2 forums online, and excitement reigns with many grudge matches from turn to turn. If you haven't checked arena 81 out, I urge you to do so. After returning to the game almost 2 years ago, after a 15+ year hiatus, I was looking to try and recapture the magic of the game I remembered from my youth. After finding my first two arenas lacking, I almost quit the game again. That was until I found the newly opening Shadowspire. It was here that I found the magic and excitement that I remembered. I truly love this arena and am sure you will too if given a chance. Rookie or experienced veteran, it matters not. Both have come together here to successfully make an arena with plenty of competition to challenge the vets, yet with the no tourney format, friendly enough for the novices to get their feet wet and learn (or relearn) the game. When I say that even novices can find success here, I speak from personal experience. I still consider myself a "newbie" to the game but have found plenty of success with my first two Duelmaster titles and two ADM graduates to date. I encourage you all to check out the D2 forums at www.reality.com/duel2/ and look over both the Shadowspire newsletter and DM-81 forum section at the bottom of the page. The forum banter and personal ads help to clearly show that the "old school" feel for the game is still alive and well here in Shadowspire. Also, if you're a former Shadowspire manager who is currently away, I encourage you to return and help continue to make this one of the most entertaining arenas in the game today! I hope to see many new faces in the near future and am excited to see the return of some of the old faces whom have been away! Sincerely, Vanek 8 October 2008 After 17 long years they are finally cutting the Cowboy loose. Red & stinging, my hand is now sufficiently slapped. The state of Texas' boot print is stamped across my ***... Uncle Damnit! I am only 34 (think about it...) so plenty of time to reinvent myself...prospects are great. After wading through the culture shock I hope to be amongst you soon, dishing out paper "w"itch slaps and taking my share of them from you. See you @ the Winter face '09? Only time will tell. Good luck. -- CFH/Rat Salad, 5 Below Zero and an assortment of other underachieving thugs. P.S. Contact info coming soon for those who want it; email and all that other fun sh...stuff. *grin* Sorry Ed. 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 FEBRUARY was dealt death by STONE GOLEM in a 2 minute Dark Arena fight. SPANGLE was butchered by HEINOUS BEAST in a 1 minute Dark Arena duel. NOVEMBER was murdered by HEINOUS BEAST in a exciting 1 minute Dark Arena melee. MERCY was slain by SHAMBLING MOUND in a crowd pleasing 1 minute Dark Arena duel. WEIPA was viciously subdued by SOLAR ERUPTION in a 2 minute veteran's Challenge fight. A.A. SHOCK was devastated by BONZO in a 1 minute uneven Challenge brawl. CUDDLE ME TENDER defeated LITERNIUS in a 3 minute one-sided Challenge struggle. THORNWILD unbelievably bested HORN ROCK in a 2 minute Challenge competition. DAX was defeated by ATRIA in a 2 minute gruesome Challenge melee. ICE SHARD unbelievably bested MAD JACK in a 4 minute Challenge duel. OCCY vanquished STARRY NITE in a 2 minute gruesome uneven Challenge fight. GOT MILK was defeated by NORMAN in a 2 minute Challenge fight. GALEN ELDACAR was overpowered by ILLYRIA in a 1 minute one-sided Challenge melee. CELADUS was overpowered by RED BULL in a 1 minute one-sided match. HULIK devastated VENOMOUS CONCUBINE in a 1 minute mismatched Title conflict. GLAUCO was savagely defeated by HOOTCHY COOCHER in a crowd pleasing 2 minute match. FHRAIN handily defeated RAGNAR in a action packed 1 minute one-sided conflict. CALLISTO was overpowered by MAKADOS in a 1 minute uneven struggle. MAD DOG handily defeated CAPELLA in a crowd pleasing 1 minute mismatched bout. CLOUDSHADOW bested YURI in a exciting 1 minute fight. SCRUFFY PUFF demolished JUNE in a 2 minute brutal one-sided bout. GILAN luckily beat VINDOCOMUS in a crowd pleasing 6 minute amateur's conflict. NILITH overpowered FIREBOW in a 2 minute uneven fight. LUHAR murdered SOL ERECLIPS in a 1 minute uneven bout. CRABBY ABBIE vanquished LUCY in a 1 minute mismatched fray. ENCOLPIUS overpowered HARRY CANE in a 1 minute one-sided match. BATTLE REPORT MOST POPULAR RECORD DURING THE LAST 10 TURNS |FIGHTING STYLE FIGHTS FIGHTING STYLE W - L - K PERCENT| |LUNGING ATTACK 7 SLASHING ATTACK 26 - 16 - 0 62 | |STRIKING ATTACK 7 TOTAL PARRY 44 - 32 - 0 58 | |AIMED BLOW 5 AIMED BLOW 48 - 36 - 0 57 | |WALL OF STEEL 5 STRIKING ATTACK 57 - 44 - 4 56 | |BASHING ATTACK 5 PARRY-LUNGE 23 - 19 - 2 55 | |SLASHING ATTACK 4 LUNGING ATTACK 41 - 45 - 1 48 | |TOTAL PARRY 4 PARRY-STRIKE 19 - 23 - 2 45 | |PARRY-LUNGE 4 WALL OF STEEL 24 - 38 - 1 39 | |PARRY-RIPOSTE 4 PARRY-RIPOSTE 14 - 23 - 1 38 | |PARRY-STRIKE 2 BASHING ATTACK 36 - 71 - 3 34 | Turn 592 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 4 - 1 LUNGING ATTACK 3 - 4 3 LUNGING ATTACK SLASHING ATTACK 3 - 1 WALL OF STEEL 2 - 3 2 SLASHING ATTACK TOTAL PARRY 3 - 1 STRIKING ATTACK 2 - 5 2 BASHING ATTACK PARRY-LUNGE 2 - 2 PARRY-RIPOSTE 1 - 3 1 TOTAL PARRY PARRY-STRIKE 1 - 1 BASHING ATTACK 1 - 4 1 STRIKING ATTACK 1 AIMED BLOW 1 WALL OF STEEL TOP WARRIOR OF EACH STYLE FIGHTING STYLE WARRIOR W L K PNTS TEAM NAME SLASHING ATTACK HULIK 4992 18 15 1 102 MID EARTH (223) STRIKING ATTACK RED BULL 5062 16 9 0 101 CARDOW HUNTERS (359) LUNGING ATTACK HOOTCHY COOCHER 5119 14 5 1 94 ESCAPADE (417) BASHING ATTACK CELADUS 4948 20 15 2 87 EQUESTORS (158) TOTAL PARRY MAKADOS 4704 8 3 0 64 PHILANTHROPISTS (407) PARRY-LUNGE CUDDLE ME TENDER 5205 7 1 0 60 BOHICA (449) AIMED BLOW CLOUDSHADOW 5154 11 4 0 58 CARDOW HUNTERS (359) Note: Warriors have a winning record and are an Adept or Above. The overall popularity leader is WEIPA 4793. The most popular warrior this turn was HOOTCHY COOCHER 5119. The ten other most popular fighters were VINDOCOMUS 5251, LITERNIUS 5049, HORN ROCK 5113, OCCY 5160, SCRUFFY PUFF 5207, ATRIA 5101, MAD DOG 5125, FEBRUARY 5239, WEIPA 4793, and BONZO 5132. The least popular fighter this week was HARRY CANE 5267. The other ten least popular fighters were LUCY 5253, SOL ERECLIPS 5266, GILAN 5242, JUNE 5211, CAPELLA 5181, CALLISTO 5036, CELADUS 4948, GALEN ELDACAR 5148, STARRY NITE 5186, and ICE SHARD 5191. The following warriors have traveled to AD after fighting this turn: SOLAR ERUPTION (29-5031) VENUSIANS (321)