DUEL 2 NEWSLETTER

Date   : 01/14/2006    Duedate: 02/10/2006

CHIMLEVTAL ARENA

DM-31    TURN-261

This Weeks Top Honors

THE DUELMASTER IS

AI
DARQUE FORCES (422)
(31-5347) [13-9-0,113]

Chartered Recognition Leader   Unchartered Recognition Leader

AI                             VIP SECTION
DARQUE FORCES (422)            ALL NIGHT LONG (570)
(31-5347) [13-9-0,113]         (31-5531) [4-1-2,49]

Popularity Leader              This Weeks Favorite

MANI                           BALMUNG
SOL INVICTUS (469)             LORDS OF VALHALLA (508)
(31-5102) [15-18-4,78]         (31-5616) [2-1-0,27]

THE CURRENT TOP TEAM

DARQUE FORCES (422)

          TEAMS ON THE MOVE            TOP CAREER HONORS
Team Name                  Point Gain  Chartered Team
1. UNFIT TO BE ORCS (450)      57
2. THE STORMGUARDS (78)        40      UNFIT TO BE ORCS (450)
3. ALL NIGHT LONG (570)        36      Unchartered Team
4. NUMBERS GAME (403)          31
5. SHERMANS STABLE (578)       23      THE ANIMALS (574)

The Top Teams

Career Win-Loss Record           W   L  K    %  Win-Loss Record Last 3 Turns    W  L K
 1/ 0 UNFIT TO BE ORCS (450)   175  87 15 66.8   1/ 3 DARQUE FORCES (422)      10  5 0
 2- 1*4-LETTER FRUIT BAT (487)  17   9  1 65.4   2/ 1*THE ANIMALS (574)         9  6 0
 3/ 0 THE EQUESTRIANS (2)       19  11  3 63.3   3/ 2 THE STORMGUARDS (78)      8  7 0
 4/ 2*THE ANIMALS (574)         12   8  1 60.0   4/ 7 NUMBERS GAME (403)        7  3 1
 5/ 0 MORE DESTROYERS (567)     71  52  7 57.7   5/ 4 STORMWATCH (440)          7  8 0
 6/ 3 SOL INVICTUS (469)       137 108 16 55.9   6/ 0 SHERMANS STABLE (578)     6  7 0
 7/ 4 NUMBERS GAME (403)       259 207 17 55.6   7/ 6 THE STORMBRINGERS (359)   6  9 1
 8/ 5 THE STORMGUARDS (78)     639 519 26 55.2   8/ 5 OVERLORDS (509)           6  9 1
 9/ 6 WHAMMO & THUDDA 4  (378) 317 262 12 54.7   9/12*NECRONOMICON (577)        6  9 0
10- 8*CHAMPIONS OF RUNE (572)    8   7  0 53.3  10/ 8 LORDS OF VALHALLA (508)   6  9 0
11/ 7 WHY DID I DO IT (540)     57  50  5 53.3  11/ 0 UNFIT TO BE ORCS (450)    4  1 0
12/ 9 LORDS OF VALHALLA (508)  215 190 12 53.1  12/14 WHAMMO & THUDDA 4  (378)  4  4 0
13/10 DARQUE FORCES (422)      181 164 10 52.5  13/13 WHY DID I DO IT (540)     4  5 0
14/ 0 SHERMANS STABLE (578)     27  25  1 51.9  14/17*ALL NIGHT LONG (570)      4  7 1
15/11 THE STORMBRINGERS (359)  363 357 28 50.4  15/11 JUST DESSERTS (569)       4  7 0
16/12 OVERLORDS (509)          388 388 23 50.0  16/10 SOL INVICTUS (469)        4  9 0
17-13 AVENGERS (146)           146 153 14 48.8  17-16 AVENGERS (146)            3  1 0
18/14 STORMWATCH (440)         185 218 10 45.9  18- 9*CHAMPIONS OF RUNE (572)   3  2 0

Career Win-Loss Record           W   L  K    %  Win-Loss Record Last 3 Turns    W  L K
19/15 JUST DESSERTS (569)       26  38  1 40.6  19-15*4-LETTER FRUIT BAT (487)  1  1 1
20/16*NECRONOMICON (577)         8  12  1 40.0  20-18*VINCERE AUT MORI (564)    0  4 0
21/17*ALL NIGHT LONG (570)       9  19  2 32.1  21/ 0 MORE DESTROYERS (567)     0  4 0
22-19*VINCERE AUT MORI (564)     6  17  1 26.1  22/ 0 THE EQUESTRIANS (2)       0  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

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

                              DUELMASTERS OF CHIMLEVTAL
                                   (turns 200-225)

     Happy New Year, Chimlevtal!  The Council of Lords is proud to present Chimlevtal
History Facts.  The Duelmasters of Chimlevtal, the greatest arena on Ghea, from turn
#200 (5/12/01) to turn #225 (4/12/03) were:

200.  Googam              Whammo & Thudda 4 U!     17-5-1     PS
201.  Ciaran Ap Gruffydd  The Stormguards          21-10      TP
202.  98 Pound Weakling   Unfit To Be Orcs         12-2-1     ST
203.  Crusader Lord       The Stormguards          16-12-3    ST
204.  Hamish              The Stormbringers        19-8-3     ST
205.  Big Bloated Ben     Unfit To Be Orcs         14-3       ST
206.  Big Bloated Ben     Unfit To Be Orcs         15-3       ST
207.  Sidon               Darque Forces            16-7-2     SL
208.  Crusader Lord       The Stormguards          20-13-3    ST
209.  Crusader Lord       The Stormguards          21-13-3    ST
210.  Greyskin Fog        Goblyn's Layr            12-2-1     WOS
211.  Cpl Punishment      Military Mayhem          13-11      ST
212.  Squa Tront          Whammo & Thudda 4U!      11-5       ST
213.  Squa Tront          Whammo & Thudda 4U!      12-5       ST
214.  Tyre                Darque Forces            20-10      PL
215.  Ace O'Spades        Urban Guerilla           24-17      LU
216.  Squa Tront          Whammo & Thudda 4U!      14-6       ST
217.  Beer Belly Bob      Unfit To Be Orcs         18-9       LU
218.  Nediam Nori         Cisum S. Ekard           13-7-1     LU
219.  Nediam Nori         Cisum S. Ekard           14-7-1     LU
220.  Sampsa              Sol Invictus             12-0-2     SL
221.  Sampsa              Sol Invictus             13-0-2     SL
222.  Sampsa              Sol Invictus             14-0-2     SL
223.  Sampsa              Sol Invictus             15-0-2     SL
224.  Sampsa              Sol Invictus             16-0-2     SL
225.  Dross               Solipsism II             14-10      LU

     My records of Duelmasters in our great city is nearly complete but there is some
information I am missing!  I need the name, team name, record and style of the
Duelmaster(s) on turns 15, 16 & 17.  I also need the style of Wolverine of Rat Pak,
Nurse Fortune of Medicine Show, Fate of Bene Gesserit and Tool of Rat Pak.  This
would complete a pretty interesting historical record of our Champions.  I make The 
Sign of The Hammer and of The Axe in honor of Chimlevtal! -- Master Janos Bard/
Historian -- The COL

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

                        CHIMLEVTAL 2005 -- THE YEAR IN REVIEW
                                   (turns 248-260)

     Master Janos, Bard and Historian of The Council of Lords, sat in his office in
the Great Library of Chimlevtal.  It had been built several years ago by the
Druidess, Polar Bear, and was claimed by many to be the greatest library on Ghea.  He
looked up from his papers when a knock sounded.  He said, "Enter, my friends."
     His nephew and apprentice, Master Jacob, and Braglane Bluethumb, Chief Scribe of
The Council of Lords, strode in.  Braglane had several books in his left hand and a
great quill in his right.  Jacob looked much like him, though 15 years younger.  They
took their places at the great table.  "It is time once again." smiled Braglane.
"Yet another year has come and gone in Chimlevtal."
     Janos nodded.  "Indeed, yet another year.  How time does fly.  The Icelord has
commanded a "Year in Review" be completed.  He and Lord Bosk quest on another realm
for all of Ghea.  It is our task to ensure his will is done."
     "Just so, Uncle." responded Jacob.  "Many events have transpired.  Many honors
awarded."  The young Bard rose and then poured a glass of wine before he continued.
"After Polar Bear departed, Raoul the Rude has taken a leading role on The Council.
The Rude One completed a quest to the Gargoyle Islands and returned with great
artifacts of magic."
     "That he did." responded Braglane.  "Also, Darzon the Pirate and his crew aboard
the S.S. Golden Axe, greatly bolstered Council strength in the city.  Darzon was
quite a warrior and a great Captain.  Raoul now commands Golden Axe, but Darzon's
actions against the Assassin and his friendship will never be forgotten."
     "Aye, that is for sure." said Master Janos.  "The sea-dog may have fallen, but
he will be honored on Polaris and here by those who knew him forever.  That Assassin
though is still on the lose, and his actions against The Council will be his
downfall."
     "The war against the Vendetta Cartel continued." said Master Jacob.  "In 2005
The Council of Lords went 43-36-3 against them.  If they had not ducked blood-feuds
and run full teams to back up their words, it wouldn't have been that close.  In 2004
we went 78-66-2 against them and in 2003 it was 73-49-3.  Let it continue in 2006, I
say."
     "It will." smiled Janos.  "Now let us review honors in Chimlevtal this year."

     DM:  Greyscales (3), Rezos the Thracian (2), It Felt Good (2) and once each for
Drokk, Kirken Tuornin, Terrible Two, Oil Can Harry, Rauni and Bartofeles.
     CH REC LDR:  Twice for Rezos the Thracian and Terrible Two and once each for
Drokk, CDR Spud, Oil Can Harry, Doom Hammer, Greyscales, Helm Hammerhand, It Felt
Good, Rauni and Bartofeles.
     UNCH REC LDR:  Qatar Club Hammer (4), John (3), Snowflake Angel (2) and once
each for Icy Gracie Hammer, Dave Bowman, Sum-R-Squash and Snorty McSnort.
     POP LDR:  Zarendargar (8), Doom Hammer (2) and once each for Rezos the Thracian,
Wargasm and Mani.
     WEEK'S FAV:  Zarendargar (3), She Made Me (2), Nabuca (2) and once each for Doom
Hammer, Qatar Club Hammer, Wargasm, Paper Cut King, Rauni and Ull Stormhelm.
     CURRENT TOP TEAM (ties included):  The Stormguards (6), The Stormbringers (2),
Lord of Valhalla (2), Numbers Game (2), Ah Now KLK Hammerz (1) Avengers (1) & The
Animals (1).
     #1 TEAM ON THE MOVE/PTS:  Avengers (37)(52), Numbers Game (46)(32), Samurai Kids
II (64)(58), Darque Forces 56), Unfit To Be Orcs (49), The Unholy Ones (48), Why Did
I Do It (46), Lords of Valhalla (48) and Overlords (47).
     TOP CAREER CH TEAM:  Sol Invictus (8), Unfit To Be Orcs (4) and Why Did I Do It
(1).
     TOP CAREER UNCH TEAM (ties included):  Ah Now KLK Hammerz (4), 4-Letter Fruit
Bats (4) and once each for 2001, The Unholy Ones, Veggie Pack, Champions of Rune,
Extreme Creeps and The Animals.
     TOP WARRIOR/TOP STYLE:
     LU:  It Felt Good (7), Brilliant Orange (4) & Drokk (2).
     ST:  Helm Hammerhand (4), Magog (3), Falcata (2) and once each for CDR Spud,
Psych Major, Ninjato & Svein Forkbeard.
     WOS:  Oil Can Harry (5), Spatha (4), Salem (3) & Was Drunk (1).
     AB:  Ulthar Xando (3), Blond Moment (2), Katana (2), Uyr Demonsbane (1) & Icy
Gracie Hammer (1).
     TP:  Greyscales (6), Kirken Tuornin (3), Damhain the Satyr (2), Jarl Forkbeard
(1) and Abyssinian (1).
     PS:  Bartofeles (6), Rezos the Thracian (4) & Endor (3).
     SL:  Trashius (4), Terrible Two (4) & Mercurial Madman (1).
     PR:  Rauni (12).
     BA:  Wargasm (9), Ai (3) & Horagalles (1).
     PL:  Calleight (6).
     Chimlevtal knighted many Lord Protectors this year.  Our graduates and the turn
they became immortal:
     #248:  Cherry 2000 of Numbers Game
     #250:  Drokk of Whammo & Thudda 4U!
     #252:  Abyssinian of The Stormbringers, Trashius of Whammo & Thudda 4U! and
Rezos the Thracian of Overlords
     #253:  Magog of Darque Forces
     #254:  Oil Can Harry of The Canucks
     #256:  Terrible Two of Numbers Game
     #257:  Doom Hammer of The Storm Reavers, Greyscales of The Stormbringers and
Spatha of Sol Invictus
     #258:  Helm Hammerhand of Lords of Valhalla
     #259:  Zarendargar of Overlords
     #260:  Rauni of Sol Invictus.
     The trio reviewed their work and all the facts.  They each signed the document.
"Let it be known." stated Master Janos.  "May Chimlevtal know even greater glory and
honor in 2006."

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

                                 ON COUNCIL BUSINESS
                                      (part 13)

     The medium war galley, S S Golden Axe rolled slightly on the Storm Sea, but it
was, by all accounts, a calm day.  The Council of Lords ship was far to the north-
east of Chimlevtal, exactly half-way between Arvat and Niatoli.  The clouds
contributed to the gloomy feeling that was upon the entire pirate crew.
     All were gathered upon the main deck.  47 Council Lord Protectors, all the
Council gladiators, Master Janos, Master Jacob, Braglane Bluethumb and the entire
crew stood in silence, hats removed, heads bowed.  Then Raoul the Rude and the ship's
First Mate, a blond-haired Northman named Erik, came forward.
     With great reverence they approached the body of Darzon the Pirate.  The Captain
of Golden Axe, raider, pirate and salty sea dog, looked at peace upon the great
platform.  His weather-beaten face was serene.  He wore his favorite black long-coat
with its numerous buckles and buttons, white shirt and blue pants in the style of the
Polarian corsairs.  His well worn boots were somewhat polished.  His Captain's hat,
sporting a large Terror Bird feather, was in his left hand and his favorite pipe in
his right.  His magical cutlass was at his side.  His left eye was covered by a black
patch and his ears sported his favorite earrings.
     Raoul's mind raced.  An Assassin, now known to be named Tantoo, had struck at
the Council.  He had failed to kill Darzon but would have killed Lord Protector
Shalzar, if he was not immortal.  Council forces had hounded Tantoo and his two Half-
Orc henchmen all over Chimlevtal and beyond.  They had escaped but were thought to
still be in the area.
     Raoul believed Darzon must have felt his age and mortality in that battle with
the Assassin.  Darzon was the greatest Pirate on the Storm Sea and yet, he must have
desired something more.  The Council had The Icelord, a great and mighty Mage.  High
Lord Bosk, the greatest Swordsman of all time.  And Raoul, the part-Efreeti who could
kill a grizzly bear bare-handed and commanded flame at will.  Darzon must have
desired immortality and decided he would take up the gladiatorial way of Ghea.  All
knew immortality could be awarded on this path.  Darzon was an excellent swordsman,
but he was well over 50 years old.  Darzon rode off to join in "the tournament."  He
did not return.  Now it was time to honor him.
     Raoul took out a golden axe.  He sliced his right hand with it.  He let the
blood pour down his massive arm.  He made The Sign of Hammer and then of The Axe over
Darzon.  All onboard followed in this ritual.  With a great crack he broke the haft
of the axe and threw it overboard.  Once again all made The Sign of The Hammer and of
The Axe.  Then all lowered their heads as Raoul spoke out.  "His was the way of the
All-Father.  He is now in The Halls of Valhalla."
     A great shimmer of light appeared forward of Darzon.  Out of the gate walked the
Polarian Elven Druidess, Polar Bear.  Her beauty and grace mesmerized all as she
stepped upon the deck of Golden Axe.  "I will take him to Polaris.  He would want his
ashes spread upon his home world.  Castle Stormwatch awaits."
     Raoul nodded and bowed to Polar Bear.  Erik stepped forward and place a great
Council of Lords flag over Darzon, then stepped back.  Polar Bear held her hands out
and slowly cast her spell.  The gate spread out, encircled her and Darzon, then
winked out.
     The ship's Bos'n sounded eight bells and then piped his farewell.  He then
called out, "Golden Axe, departing!"  Darzon had gone home.
     Erik looked up at the mighty Raoul.  "You are Captain of the Golden Axe now,
M'lord.  What are your orders?"
     The sun suddenly broke the cloud cover and a stiff wind from the north swirled
upon them.
     "Sail to Chimlevtal." replied the brooding and terrible Raoul.  "Sail to
Chimlevtal."

         + ]H[ + ---:--- + ]H[ A Tale of Two Cities #9 ]H[ + ---:--- + ]H[ +

Carestos:

     Muirona's "safe place" turned out to be a small but very elegant restaurant on a
hill overlooking the harbor.  Most of the staff appeared to be at least partly
elvish.  The customers, too, what few were present.  Muirona insisted that they all
drink tea, "so as to have clear minds for the problem."
     The Icelord sipped, keeping his face expressionless.  The brew was dark, strong,
spicy and faintly bitter.  He did not care for it much, but he could see that it
would encourage a sober view.  And that the two gladiators with him didn't like it,
either.  "Tell me what, exactly, 'the problem' is."
     "The problem," Muirona said, "is that the use of a Kraken Gate, such as your
friend was drawn through, must necessarily call on certain powers and forge certain
alliances that no sane mage would do.  The Gate itself is never the end of a matter,
more often the beginning.  The Kraken powers...cannot intervene in this our world
without invitation, but it is a rare magician who has the presence of mind and the
understanding to make that invitation specific."
     "So what you're saying is that someone has waked these Kraken powers, invited
them into the world, and now they won't go back to wherever they belong unless forced
to do so?" The Icelord asked.
     "Yes."  She hesitated.  "Unless the magician who invoked them was..." she
gestured vaguely.
     "Prudent and skilled."
     "Yes.  And so many magicians, especially at the higher levels of power, are not
really sane."
     "You seem...sufficiently powerful," The Icelord said.
     The elf woman shrugged.  "My skills lie mostly in illusion, which is an ability
innate to elves.  I have more skill and control than many, it is true, but I am less
powerful than a human would have to be to do the same thing.  I do not have the power
to open a Gate."
     The Icelord raised an eyebrow.  Illusion was innate to elves?  Not on other
worlds he had visited.  He considered pursuing the implications of that and then set
the idea aside.  It was not germane, so far as he could tell, to his present
business.  "So powers have been evoked which are likely to be dangerous and difficult
to control.  This happens wherever you have magicians.  How does it affect the
problem I face in rescuing my sword-brother, and the problems that Lord Kinnishan may
face in protecting his city?"
     "Oh...."  The woman seemed taken aback, as though she had forgotten the
beginning of the discussion.  "Well, to begin with, you know that the person who
abducted your brother is powerful--probably human or at least half-human--and quite
reckless in how he uses that power.  And he has no...moral qualms.  The Kraken powers
are usually paid for in blood."
     The Icelord nodded.  Monsters and demons usually took their pay in blood, also.
"This does not help me know where to look for my sword-brother, and it is only of
marginal use in the defending of Carestos and Chimlevtal from the enemies they share
with your King Arrengilas."
     Muirona set her cup down hard enough to clatter on the table; there was
annoyance in the sound of it.  "It's background," she said sharply.  "It's...
context."
     "What kind of weapon is a context?" the Prince of Ar muttered.
     "It's like a small shield, but not as useful," Tempus muttered back.

Elsewhere:

     The tunnel they were following, which was more of a hall or even an avenue at
the moment, swept around a bend and began to rise.  Bosk hoped it was headed for the
surface.  He had nothing against caves, some of his favorite taverns were in caves,
but he was tired of this one.  He felt a strong urge to ask, "Are we there yet?"  But
he stomped on it; that wasn't going to get him any information from this
uncooperative goblin wench.  But thinking of that... "What's your name?"
     She looked over her shoulder, startled.  "Call me...Molly.  That's my sun-name.
The one I use with surface people."
     The gnome nodded.  "Okay.  Molly.  Call me Bosk."
     "Bosk."  She seemed to turn the name over in her mind.  "It sounds like a bottle
of beer being opened."
     "I'd like to open a bottle of beer right now," the gnome admitted, "and drink
it."
     "Oh, me too!  And about six more after that."  She smiled at him, the first
natural, friendly expression he'd seen from her.  "The queen keeps a keg behind her
throne."
     Bosk opened his mouth to reply, but the rocky walls around them groaned and
trembled.  Shuddered, roared, jerked.  The air was filled with stone dust, and most
of the lights went out.  It could be an earthquake, but would even goblins be so
short-sighted as to build an underground city in an earthquake zone?  More likely it
was an attack.  The heaving floor had thrown him down, but he felt for his sword
anyway.  Not to draw it, just to make sure it was ready to hand.  He could hear
shouts and screams, but none seemed to be near at hand.  And a roar that was not the
earthquake, very deep in pitch, and it sounded almost like words.  Despite the
situation his spirits rose: it sounded like a monster.  Monsters he could deal with.
     With a final shriek of cloven stone, the ground stabilized.  There was still the
dust, and the shouts and screams and roars, but no more shaking.  After a moment,
Bosk got to his hands and knees and wiped the dust out of his eyes, then looked
around.
     A lot of stone had fallen, but the basic structure of this underground city
remained sound.  Obviously, these goblins had learned a lot about building from their
dwarven kin.  Crevasses had opened, crossing the hallway at an angle, and one ran
along it for as far as he could see.  Screams were coming out of that depth, probably
a lot of people had fallen in when it opened.  He looked around for Molly.  No sign
of her, but the big cleft, and a slope of tumbled rocks, both went through the
approximate place she'd been standing.
     That riled him.  She hadn't been under his protection, exactly, but she'd been
WITH him, and nobody did that to people who were with him.  Not and got away with it.
Not even when she was a goblin and he was a gnome.  He stepped to the edge of the
crevasse and looked down.  It wasn't as sheer as he'd expected.  Flame-shot darkness,
he wasn't sure what was burning.  Bits and pieces of goblins, some of the pieces
lying around like meat in a butcher shop, other pieces disappearing under fallen
stone and maybe still connected to bodies, maybe even still alive, littered the
sloping rock below.  One foot looked like Molly's, the leg vanished under the rocks.
No way to tell if she was dead or alive.
     And something moving, a big shadow, hunched and inhuman, four burning eyes.
Claws hooked up bits of flesh and tossed them into a gaping maw.  It tugged at a
half-buried arm, ripping it out from under the stones.  Ate it.  Moved on toward
Molly's foot.
     Bosk roared his war-cry and leaped downward, his sword flashing from the sheath.

Carestos:

     The Icelord leaned back in his seat and mentally summarized what the elf woman
had told him.  About half the population at this end of the "Middle Sea" was elvish,
and they had most of the political, military, and magical power here.  Carestos was
the single most powerful human city-state in the area, as powerful alone as all the
other human states together, but it was no stronger than any one of the major elvish
states.  A bad situation for Kinnishan and Carestos even in good times, and right
now, something was stirring up the elves.  Muirona didn't know what, just that
something was "disturbing the Arcanum."  The Icelord would bet that the problem was
linked to the weakening of Ghea's Arcanum, transmitted by the fundamental ties
between Carestos and Chimlevtal.  The three most powerful elvish kings in the area
were Arrengilas, her patron, Nishtar, already known to The Icelord because of his
tampering with Monuntial in Ghea, and Uthren Dhu.  She respected Arrengilas as a good
ruler, distrusted Nishtar as "overly ambitious and prone to treachery," and despised
Uthren Dhu as "one who would dabble in the darkest of arts and vices for the pleasure
of it."
     He opened his eyes to look at Muirona.  "So what you're saying is that if
matters here come to open war, Carestos and its linked-city Chimlevtal cannot survive
without allies, and your king, Arrengilas of Mara Balor, is the most likely to agree
to an alliance and the best of the lot."
     She nodded.  "But...it isn't a simple thing.  He will demand hostages--that is
traditional, he will give them of his own folk as well--"
     The Polarian mage was as cold as the ice for which he was named.  "You have
already indicated that you think I would be a 'suitable' hostage.  It is not a role
to which I am accustomed!"
     "There is nothing disgraceful in being a hostage!  I have been, twice.  It isn't
a case of being a prisoner.  Just..." she groped for words to explain what was a
basic and unquestioned part of her political landscape.  "Just being at the court to
which you are sent as such, under the eye of the ruler.  The position is as much that
of a diplomat as anything, and in a joint military problem, the hostages often serve
as aides.  It is an HONOR."  She looked away.  "But the alliance won't last, you
know.  Oh, there will be no danger to the hostages!  They are sent home when things
fall apart--at least, by all honorable rulers.  But once the situation stabilizes
again, well...."
     "Then Carestos is a human city and a competitor, not an ally."
     "Yes."

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

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

                                     Duelmasters
                                     -----------
 DM   9 ZUKAL (turn 532): PUSS of ARENA FELINES (Garfield, mgr.)
 DM  12 RIZTAB (turn 532): INSIGHTFULL INGIE of HIGH JINKS (Jondeaux, mgr.)
 DM  15 MALCORN (turn 526): GREENGROVE of GREENWARDENS (Jorja, mgr.)
 DM  16 WILLAF (turn 528): PYOA of WYLDERNESS WYLD (Barnabas, mgr.)
 DM  17 ALJAFIR (turn 527): EXODUS of THE OLD TESTAMENT (Ganolus Oakleaf, mgr.)
 DM  19 ZUWAYZA (turn 524): SUE SHE of FUNKY FOLK (Papa Bear, mgr.)
 DM  28 SLAUGHTER PRIEST MEM (turn 262): WYATT BURP of DODGE BULLETS (Uncle Wolf)
 DM  29 LAPUR (turn 517): WENDY of CROC FILES (THawk, mgr.)
 DM  31 CHIMLEVTAL (turn 260): BARTOFELES of THE STORMGUARDS (The Icelord, mgr.)
 DM  32 ARVAT (turn 514): SINNER of CALL THE PRIEST (Destitute Noble, mgr.)
 DM  33 NIATOLI ISLAND (turn 512): MALODOROUSREEK of CHAOTICDISORDER (Bobby Bigfoot)
 DM  35 MURSKA (turn 504): HUCKLE CAT of BUSY, BUSYTOWN (Huckle Cat, mgr.)
 DM  43 VEASTIAN (turn 466): DART of WOLF RIDERS (Dr. Guts, mgr.)
 DM  45 STORMCROWE (turn 237): HOT LIPS of DARQUE FORCES (Master Darque, mgr.)
 DM  47 SCOMSS SWAMP (turn 232): TOTO of LAND OF OZ (Oz the Successful, mgr.)
 DM  50 SNOWBOUND (turn 219): YAIWE of DARK SIDHE (Daehir, mgr.)
 DM  56 ROCANIS (turn 393): ZIPPER of RESCUE RANGERS (JE, mgr.)
 DM  61 JURINE (turn 372): MUDVAYNE of FEAR FACTORY (Var, mgr.)
 DM  65 DAL SHANG (turn 358): DUCKMAN of MIGHTY DUCKS (Woody, mgr.)
 DM  73 ERINIKA (turn 167): ENDU ENDU of DUDS (Amy A. Airhead, mgr.)
 DM  74 DAIYLA KIV (turn 329): LOQUE of FACING WORLDS (The Sentinel, mgr.)
 DM  75 JADE MOUNTAIN (turn 326): ARNAL REDAXE of SAND DANCERS (Lorana, mgr.)
 DM  78 LIN TIRIAN (turn 313): IRLON of SAND DANCERS (Jorja, mgr.)
ADM 103 FREE BLADES (turn 418): PARANOIA of DSM4 from ZUKAL (The Sandman, mgr.)

                                      Top Teams
                                      ---------
 DM   9 ZUKAL (turn 532): ARENA FELINES (Garfield, mgr.)
 DM  12 RIZTAB (turn 532): CULTS-R-US (?, mgr.)
 DM  15 MALCORN (turn 526): GREENWARDENS (Jorja, mgr.)
 DM  16 WILLAF (turn 528): GOLDEN GLADIATORS (Midas, mgr.)
 DM  17 ALJAFIR (turn 527): MIDDLE WAY (Jorja, mgr.)
 DM  19 ZUWAYZA (turn 524): FUNKY FOLK (Papa Bear, mgr.)
 DM  28 SLAUGHTER PRIEST MEM (turn 262): DODGE BULLETS (Uncle Wolf, mgr.)
 DM  29 LAPUR (turn 517): CROC FILES (THawk, mgr.)
 DM  31 CHIMLEVTAL (turn 260): none
 DM  32 ARVAT (turn 514): DEVIL ADVOCATES (The Dark One, mgr.)
 DM  33 NIATOLI ISLAND (turn 512): THE SEWING CIRCLE (Jorja, mgr.)
 DM  35 MURSKA (turn 504): FLIPPERS ARCADE (?, mgr.)
 DM  43 VEASTIAN (turn 466): THE FAMILY (Jorja, mgr.)
 DM  45 STORMCROWE (turn 237): A DEAL'S A DEAL (Applejack, mgr.)
 DM  47 SCOMSS SWAMP (turn 232): AGE OF EMPIRES (The Historian, mgr.)
 DM  50 SNOWBOUND (turn 219): DARK SIDHE (Daehir, mgr.)
 DM  56 ROCANIS (turn 393): RESCUE RANGERS (JE, mgr.)
 DM  61 JURINE (turn 372): FEAR FACTORY (Var, mgr.)
 DM  65 DAL SHANG (turn 358): SAND DANCERS (Lani, mgr.)
 DM  73 ERINIKA (turn 167): DARK RUNES (Liam the Goth, mgr.)
 DM  74 DAIYLA KIV (turn 329): CORPS (Papa Bear, mgr.)
 DM  75 JADE MOUNTAIN (turn 326): SAND DANCERS (Lorana, mgr.)
 DM  78 LIN TIRIAN (turn 313): THE LEGENDS (Loch Ness, mgr.)
ADM 103 FREE BLADES (turn 418): EXACTLY!, etc. (The Dark One, mgr.)

                                   Recent Graduates
                                  -----------------
 DM  16 WILLAF (turn 528): PYOA of WYLDERNESS WYLD (Barnabas, mgr.)
 DM  28 SLAUGHTER PRIEST MEM (turn 262): WYATT BURP of DODGE BULLETS (Uncle Wolf)
                                         YOUNG JOAN of DODGE BULLETS (Uncle Wolf)
 DM  29 LAPUR (turn 517): WENDY of CROC FILES (THawk, mgr.)
              (turn 516): CHARLIE of CROC FILES (THawk, mgr.)
 DM  31 CHIMLEVTAL (turn 259): RAUNI of SOL INVICTUS (Bobby Bigfoot, mgr.)
 DM  45 STORMCROWE (turn 236): DEATH FOG of SUPERIOR FORCES (Manager, mgr.)
 DM  47 SCOMSS SWAMP (turn 232): TOTO of LAND OF OZ (Oz the Successful, mgr.)
 DM  56 ROCANIS (turn 392): SHANKS PONY of REDHORSE (Mila, mgr.)
 DM  61 JURINE (turn 372): MUDVAYNE of FEAR FACTORY (Var, mgr.)
 DM  65 DAL SHANG (turn 358): $1.25 Q-STAFF of MIGHTY DUCKS (Woody, mgr.)
 DM  75 JADE MOUNTAIN (turn 326): ARNAL REDAXE of SAND DANCERS (Lorana, mgr.)

                                 DUELMASTER'S COLUMN
                             Notes from the arena champ.

     I greet you, mighty Council of Lords and glorious Chimlevtal!  It is a great
honor to hold the title in our beloved city!  I salute Mani, our former Duelmaster.
     A new year is upon us and I stand ready, as do all Council gladiators, to meet
the challenges ahead.  May it be yet another glorious year in Chimlevtal.
     I look at the challenger champions class and see four members of the BF-ducking
Crying Cartel.  Fizban can't even run an entire stable, so his bravos are unworthy of
my challenge.  Ai, let's duel! 

your Duelmaster,

Bartofeles of The Stormguards
The Council of Lords

                                      SPY REPORT

     Well, what are you looking at, CHIMLEVTAL?  Ain't you never seen Snide Clemens 
before?  Ah, shaddup and listen to my news.  Later days, THE ANIMALS, since DARQUE 
FORCES took top team from you this turn, you guys are old news.  If this keeps up, 
CHAMPIONS OF RUNE, you'll have to shine swords instead of use them.  A drop of 9 in 
the rankings?  NUMBERS GAME turned their 3-0-0 turn into a 4th place rank in the 
listings this turn.  Any better than this, and you get put on hit lists.  Of course, 
we're all terribly impressed to see UNZOE THE SHAMAN win a fight and gain 29 points, 
terribly.  Tsk, tsk, PAPER CUT KING beat SHE MADE ME and SHE MADE ME lost 19 points.  
You're breakin' my heart.  Going for broke or broken, our Duelmaster AI challenged 
this turn.  And it's out with the old, in with the new, as AI takes the Title and 
last week's bar tab from the old Duelmaster.  Heh, heh.  I'm not in a very good mood 
today, but why am I telling you this?  You want to know what's new, don't you, 
CHIMLEVTAL?   
     My mother always told me, 'If you don't have anything nice to say, start 
talking.' I loved that woman.  CHIMLEVTAL, I am losing what little hope I had in you. 
DARQUE FORCES the most avoided team?  What insult will suffice, I cannot say.  And it 
looks like THE STORMGUARDS avoided them the most this turn.  What a pack of would be 
losers, if you ask me.  Hmph.  DAMHAIN THE SATYR was challenged more times this turn 
than the Duelmaster.  Now was the DM insulted or feared?  Heh, heh.  Looks like time 
for laurels or hemlock, EDOM was challenged by STEPHEN, who was ranked 26 points 
below her.  Not that I'm surprised or anything, but STEPHEN was subdued by EDOM, 
leaving the latter lower for recognition points.   
     Death and Taxes.  The less death I see, the more it taxes my patience.  Let's 
see if anyone's dead or dying.  Honor is like a chainmail shirt, it only shines 
through use.  Certain nameless cowards will doubtless rebuke me on this one.   
     What does the CHIMLEVTAL arena have in common with the inns?  It's just as 
comfortable to sleep in either place.  Ha ha ha ha!  Well, I've had enough of this 
drivel, and I'm sure you have too.  Off like a dirty shirt of padded leather.  Glad 
to see the back of this place-- Snide Clemens  

DUELMASTER                     W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 AI 5347                      13   9  0   113       DARQUE FORCES (422)

CHALLENGER CHAMPIONS           W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
-WARGASM 1557                 21  17  1   110       AVENGERS (146)
 BRILLIANT ORANGE 4961        14  11  1   105       UNFIT TO BE ORCS (450)
 JARL FORKBEARD 5280          19   5  1    99       THE STORMGUARDS (78)
 IT FELT GOOD 5093            17   9  0    99       WHY DID I DO IT (540)
 ENDOR 5275                   13  11  1    93       DARQUE FORCES (422)
 WAS DRUNK 5094               13  13  0    92       WHY DID I DO IT (540)

CHAMPIONS                      W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 BARTOFELES 5173              16  12  2    90       THE STORMGUARDS (78)
 DAMHAIN THE SATYR 5197       18   9  0    85       OVERLORDS (509)
 HORAGALLES 5212               8   9  1    79       SOL INVICTUS (469)
 MERCURIAL MADMAN 5352         5   2  2    79       UNFIT TO BE ORCS (450)
 MANI 5102                    15  18  4    78       SOL INVICTUS (469)
-FALCATA 5405                  8   4  1    78       SOL INVICTUS (469)
 EDOM 5465                     9   3  0    72       DARQUE FORCES (422)
 11TH COMMANDMENT 5453         6   4  1    72       NUMBERS GAME (403)
 NABUCA 5369                   9  11  0    71       WHAMMO & THUDDA 4 U! (378)
 SVEIN FORKBEARD 5187         14  14  2    68       LORDS OF VALHALLA (508)

CHALLENGER ADEPTS              W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
-JOHN 4433                     6   1  1    66       4-LETTER FRUIT BATS (487)

CHALLENGER ADEPTS              W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 SALEM 5222                   13  12  0    65       DARQUE FORCES (422)
 REBEKKA 5497                 15   9  0    59       MORE DESTROYERS (567)
 PAPER CUT KING 5211           6   5  0    57       UNFIT TO BE ORCS (450)
 UNZOE THE SHAMAN 4940         4   1  0    57       THE STORMGUARDS (78)

ADEPTS                         W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 VALKYRIE 5351                12  10  0    52       LORDS OF VALHALLA (508)
 TEN-TON TESSIE 5455           8   3  1    52       NUMBERS GAME (403)
 DUST MITE 5390                6   1  0    52       UNFIT TO BE ORCS (450)
 OMAR 5626                     6   5  0    51       SHERMANS STABLE (578)
 VIP SECTION 5531              4   1  2    49       ALL NIGHT LONG (570)
 100 GRAND 5454                6   4  1    48       NUMBERS GAME (403)
-KATANA 5420                   6   4  0    48       AVENGERS (146)
 ULL STORMHELM 5559            5   1  1    48       THE STORMBRINGERS (359)
 SHE MADE ME 5421              7   7  0    47       WHY DID I DO IT (540)
-POSEIDONIS 5540               4   0  1    44       AVENGERS (146)
 ULTHAR URUV 5409             11   5  2    41       OVERLORDS (509)
 ULTHAR JARVA 5417             7   8  0    41       OVERLORDS (509)
 ULTHAR ES 5418                7   8  0    40       STORMWATCH (440)
-FRED 4434                     6   2  0    40       4-LETTER FRUIT BATS (487)
 STEPHEN 5460                  8   5  0    39       THE STORMBRINGERS (359)
 HEATHER 5491                 10   7  0    37       MORE DESTROYERS (567)
 ULTHAR XANDO 5407            10   7  0    37       STORMWATCH (440)
 GIGAM XUL 5592                4   0  0    35       NECRONOMICON (577)
 ULTHAR THUUNE 5411            8   8  2    34       THE STORMBRINGERS (359)

CHALLENGER INITIATES           W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 MIKADO 5627                   6   5  0    32       SHERMANS STABLE (578)
 BOSORN 5539                   3   4  0    32       WHAMMO & THUDDA 4 U! (378)
-LOWLY WORM 5383               5  10  0    29       AVENGERS (146)
-MAYTODD 5628                  5   5  0    28       SHERMANS STABLE (578)
-SNORTY MCSNORT 5555           2   2  0    28       ALL NIGHT LONG (570)
 GERI 5473                     8   3  0    27       LORDS OF VALHALLA (508)
 CORWIN 5488                   4   2  0    27       MORE DESTROYERS (567)
 BALMUNG 5616                  2   1  0    27       LORDS OF VALHALLA (508)
 BADGER 5576                   4   0  0    24       THE ANIMALS (574)
 URN4A TREAT! 5600             3   1  0    24       JUST DESSERTS (569)

INITIATES                      W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 MAN-O-WAR 18                  5   3  2    22       THE EQUESTRIANS (2)
 TARL CABOT 5475               5   6  0    21       THE STORMBRINGERS (359)
 ULTHAR THYDRIM 5557           3   3  0    21       THE STORMGUARDS (78)
 ULTHAR AESIR 5558             3   3  0    21       LORDS OF VALHALLA (508)
-POTOMAC 5629                  5   5  0    20       SHERMANS STABLE (578)
-STEEL DRAGON 5564             3   0  0    20       CHAMPIONS OF RUNE (572)
-UNHOLY TEMPTRESS 5563         2   1  0    19       CHAMPIONS OF RUNE (572)
-SPECTACULAR BID 19            4   2  1    17       THE EQUESTRIANS (2)
 SADISTIC SMORE 5599           2   2  0    17       JUST DESSERTS (569)
 MAD MONKEYMAN 5472            2   2  0    16       UNFIT TO BE ORCS (450)
-CINNIMON ROLLE 5553           2   2  0    15       ALL NIGHT LONG (570)
-SYNYSTR 5596                  1   1  0    15       CHAMPIONS OF RUNE (572)
-GATEDANCER 16                 4   2  0    14       THE EQUESTRIANS (2)
-SANDRA 5487                   1   0  1    14       MORE DESTROYERS (567)
 CERIDWEN 5636                 1   0  0    13       SOL INVICTUS (469)
 BEAR 5577                     3   1  1    12       THE ANIMALS (574)
-ANNE 4432                     2   2  0    12       4-LETTER FRUIT BATS (487)
 ULTHAR STORMHELM 5556         2   4  0    12       THE STORMGUARDS (78)
 STANTON 5631                  1   0  0    12       SHERMANS STABLE (578)
-RICHARD 4435                  1   3  0    12       4-LETTER FRUIT BATS (487)
-JOHN HENRY 17                 3   2  0    11       THE EQUESTRIANS (2)
-FAIR LADY 221                 3   1  0    11       THE EQUESTRIANS (2)
 ERESHKIGAL 5610               1   2  0    11       NECRONOMICON (577)
 EAGLE 5578                    3   1  0    10       THE ANIMALS (574)

INITIATES                      W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 TERROR TWIN 5620              1   0  0    10       ALL NIGHT LONG (570)
 MASKIM XUL 5595               1   3  0     8       NECRONOMICON (577)
 ULF STORMHELM 5612            2   1  0     7       STORMWATCH (440)
-MYTHIC MACAROON 5525          1   3  0     7       JUST DESSERTS (569)
 WOLFEN 5579                   1   3  0     6       THE ANIMALS (574)
-CIN-MUM-MUM ROLL 5550         1   3  0     6       JUST DESSERTS (569)
 ULTHAR THORONGIL 5619         1   1  1     5       OVERLORDS (509)
-LADY SORROW 5565              1   2  0     5       CHAMPIONS OF RUNE (572)
 ACCO 5606                     1   2  0     5       DARQUE FORCES (422)
-PETRAFIED CREEPY 5484         1   2  0     5       VINCERE AUT MORI (564)
 DINGIR XUL 5630               1   0  0     4       NECRONOMICON (577)
 DAIKKAN 5624                  0   1  0     1       MORE DESTROYERS (567)
 TWIN TERROR 5621              0   1  0     1       ALL NIGHT LONG (570)
 TEUFELHUNDEN 5633             0   1  0     1       STORMWATCH (440)
 UNGVAR STROMHELM 5634         0   1  0     1       STORMWATCH (440)
 OBERON STORMBLADE 5632        0   1  0     1       OVERLORDS (509)
 OXTUNGUE 5635                 0   1  0     1       SOL INVICTUS (469)
 DIONYSUS 5639                 0   1  0     1       THE STORMBRINGERS (359)

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

THE DEAD               W  L K TEAM NAME             SLAIN BY             TURN Revenge?
HAWK 5580              1  3 0 THE ANIMALS 574       WURM KIN 362          261 NONE    
TORNADO 1439          19 23 1 AVENGERS 146          MANI 5102             257 NOT REVE
CHAOSRUNE 5562         0  1 0 CHAMPIONS OF RUNE 572 VIP SECTION 5531      257 REVENGED
DOOM PRIEST 5566       1  2 0 CHAMPIONS OF RUNE 572 100 GRAND 5454        259         
UTUK XUL 5591          0  4 0 NECRONOMICON 577      WURM KIN 362          261 NONE    
GIDAM XUL 5593         0  1 0 NECRONOMICON 577      BEAR 5577             258         
MULLA XUL 5594         1  2 1 NECRONOMICON 577      ULL STORMHELM 5559    260         
ZARLIFF THE LICH 5603  0  1 0 THE STORMBRINGERS 359 MULLA XUL 5594        258 REVENGED
DIONYSUS 5615          1  1 0 THE STORMBRINGERS 359 ULTHAR THORONGIL 5619 260         
WULFGAR 5281          11 12 0 STORMWATCH 440        JOHN 4433             260         
MORTETE 5537           1  2 0 WHAMMO & THUDDA 4 378 VIP SECTION 5531      260         

                                     PERSONAL ADS

Bartofeles -- Congrats! -- Stormwatch

Poseidonis -- We are disappointed you did not show up last turn. -- Stormwatch

Terrible Two -- Like your manager, you are a fool. -- RTR

Destitute N. -- Did I say that?  Read my personal again.  It was to you alone.  I
need no advice from you on anything.  See you on the sands, tiger. -- RTR

John -- That was not appreciated.  Wulfgar, though not the greatest of warriors, will
be missed.  Who is your manager? -- Stormwatch

The Council of Lords salute Darzon the Pirate, Wulfgar, Ulthar Yvarrg, Bone Breaker,
Zarliff the Lich, Dionysus and Yzryx the Yeti.

High Lord Bosk -- Well met!  Most hussah to have received RUSH 30th Anniversary World
Tour and BLACKMORE'S NIGHT Castles & Dreams CD/DVD box sets!  My thanks!  They are
great AND grand!  I also got IAN ANDERSON Plays the Orchestral Jethro Tull DVD and
CD.  Excellent stuff!  Tal. -- The Icelord

Bobby Bigfoot -- Congrats on attaining your styles goal!  Well done! -- The Icelord

RTR -- VERY funny Harbinger!  It is beyond him. -- The Icelord

Master Darque -- In 2005 The Council of Lords were 43-36-3 against your Vendetta
Cartel.  I would have liked to see your alliance show up for bloodfeuds.  I would
also like to see your alliance run five warriors a turn, every turn.  I would like to
see Firehawk return and back up some of his words.  I know this is asking too much.
In 2003 we were 73-49-3 against the VC.  In 2004 it was 78-66-2.  That is 194-151-8
this three year cycle.  I wish I had been tracking it since the beginning, not sure
who would have bragging rights but it would be interesting.  This war has gone on
since early/mid 1995.  I would surmise it is the longest on-going war in the history
of Duelmasters.  Care to continue? -- The Icelord, 1st Mage, The Council of Lords

Turn #260:  Seven styles listed.  All Style Masters are COL or VC.  No one is running
the parry-lunge style.  Is it a "dead" style now in Chimlevtal? -- Master Janos

Destitute Noble -- Welcome to 06!  What shall the new year bring, I wonder?  We shall
see.  Do you plan on running all five warriors each turn, every turn or will you be
"tourney prepping" or as I call it "cherry picking?"  Just curious. -- The Icelord

High Lord Bosk -- .... .- .--. .--. -.--    -. . .--  -.-- . .- .-.! -- The Icelord

     .- -. -.. /  -- --- /  -.-- --- ..- /  .- ... /  .-- . .-.. .-..! -- Ed.

The Icelord -- I salute you, Mighty One.  May the COL dominate in 2006!  It is
through our brotherhood that we continue to dominate.  Est sularis oth mithas and
omne jus stat in armis.  Tal, Warrior! -- High Lord Bosk

Destitute Noble -- May 2006 provide you with many distractions!  May the bleeding
piles possess you, may corns grow upon...never mind. -- High Lord Bosk

Chimlevtal -- Welcome to a new year.  Would somebody please provide us (COL) with a
challenge?!  Strong Steel. -- High Lord Bosk, First Sword, Council of Lords

The Council of Lords announce the following have been inducted into The Chimlevtal
Hall of Fame for 2006:
     BEST MANAGER:  Bobby Bigfoot and Master Darque.
     BEST TEAM:  Sol Invictus and Darque Forces.
     BEST WARRIOR:  Snow White, Awful and Evil Incarnate.
     Many thanks to those who voted and may the strong survive and dominate in this
new year! -- The Council of Lords

The Scribe -- To set the record straight, I have only just graduated all ten styles
from all arenas combined, not from one arena.  This arena is strong on its history,
so I don't want any undue confusion. -- Bobby Bigfoot

30 December 2005
Just a reminder to all you online type people.  It is much appreciated if you send
your personals in PLAIN TEXT, rather than HTML or formatted text.  HAL, in his
infinite wisdom, doesn't DO formatting, which means having to unsnarl your personal
ads from bunches of extraneous...stuff.  So, if your e-mailer has a plain text
option, let it be your friend. -- Ed.
P.S.  Sometimes it's the formatted text which makes ads go astray.  Not often, but
sometimes.

                                  LAST WEEK'S FIGHTS

UTUK XUL was butchered by WURM KIN in a 1 minute bloody Dark Arena fight.
HAWK was slaughtered by WURM KIN in a 1 minute gruesome Dark Arena battle.
BARTOFELES was demolished by AI in a 1 minute uneven Challenge Title fight.
JARL FORKBEARD viciously subdued WAS DRUNK in a 5 minute veteran's Challenge contest.
HORAGALLES was subdued by DAMHAIN THE SATYR in a 3 minute Challenge competition.
STEPHEN was overpowered by EDOM in a 1 minute one-sided Challenge struggle.
BALMUNG was defeated by GIGAM XUL in a 3 minute beginner's Challenge melee.
ULTHAR JARVA vanquished SADISTIC SMORE in a 2 minute gruesome uneven Challenge fight.
ULTHAR THYDRIM overpowered ACCO in a action packed 1 minute one-sided Challenge fight.
ULTHAR AESIR overpowered WOLFEN in a 1 minute one-sided Challenge fight.
MASKIM XUL was demolished by BOSORN in a 1 minute mismatched Challenge competition.
ENDOR was subdued by BRILLIANT ORANGE in a 1 minute master's match.
IT FELT GOOD overpowered MANI in a 1 minute mismatched conflict.
SALEM was savagely defeated by MERCURIAL MADMAN in a 2 minute veteran's duel.
SVEIN FORKBEARD was viciously subdued by NABUCA in a crowd pleasing 1 minute bout.
REBEKKA was bested by 11TH COMMANDMENT in a 2 minute fight.
SHE MADE ME was luckily beaten by PAPER CUT KING in a exciting 1 minute brutal match.
VALKYRIE was outlasted by OMAR in a unpopular 13 minute fight.
DUST MITE devastated ULTHAR XANDO in a 1 minute one-sided contest.
ULTHAR URUV defeated CORWIN in a 2 minute duel.
ULTHAR THUUNE was demolished by 100 GRAND in a 1 minute uneven bout.
HEATHER was vanquished by VIP SECTION in a 1 minute mismatched fray.
TEN-TON TESSIE narrowly defeated MIKADO in a popular 3 minute gory match.
MAN-O-WAR was vanquished by UNZOE THE SHAMAN in a 1 minute one-sided match.
GERI outwaited ULTHAR STORMHELM in a tiring 14 minute fight.
TARL CABOT was demolished by ULTHAR ES in a 1 minute one-sided melee.
ULL STORMHELM viciously subdued DANGEROUS CRIMINAL in a popular 1 minute fray.
MAD MONKEYMAN was beaten by BADGER in a 1 minute competition.
EAGLE unbelievably bested DAIKKAN in a popular 4 minute gruesome novice's bout.
BEAR viciously subdued TWIN TERROR in a 4 minute brutal novice's fight.
URN4A TREAT! overpowered OXTUNGUE in a 1 minute one-sided fight.
ERESHKIGAL overpowered DIONYSUS in a 1 minute uneven bout.
ULF STORMHELM was subdued by CERIDWEN in a 3 minute beginner's contest.
ULTHAR THORONGIL was defeated by STANTON in a 1 minute novice's struggle.
TERROR TWIN demolished TEUFELHUNDEN in a 1 minute one-sided struggle.
DINGIR XUL slimly won victory over OBERON STORMBLADE in a 8 minute novice's fight.
UNGVAR STROMHELM was overcome by MORDANT DESERTER in a 1 minute beginner's match.

                                    BATTLE REPORT

             MOST POPULAR                        RECORD DURING THE LAST 10 TURNS     
|FIGHTING STYLE               FIGHTS        FIGHTING STYLE     W -   L -  K   PERCENT|
|STRIKING ATTACK                 13         TOTAL PARRY       65 -  44 -  2      60  |
|AIMED BLOW                      11         WALL OF STEEL     31 -  23 -  0      57  |
|LUNGING ATTACK                  11         PARRY-LUNGE        8 -   7 -  2      53  |
|PARRY-STRIKE                     9         AIMED BLOW        42 -  38 -  1      53  |
|TOTAL PARRY                      8         LUNGING ATTACK    57 -  61 - 12      48  |
|BASHING ATTACK                   5         STRIKING ATTACK   83 - 107 -  1      44  |
|WALL OF STEEL                    5         PARRY-STRIKE      26 -  35 -  3      43  |
|SLASHING ATTACK                  4         BASHING ATTACK    24 -  34 -  0      41  |
|PARRY-LUNGE                      2         PARRY-RIPOSTE     12 -  20 -  1      38  |
|PARRY-RIPOSTE                    2         SLASHING ATTACK   27 -  45 -  2      38  |

Turn 261 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:

SLASHING ATTACK    3 -  1     WALL OF STEEL      2 -  3         3  BASHING ATTACK 
BASHING ATTACK     3 -  2     STRIKING ATTACK    5 -  8         2  LUNGING ATTACK 
AIMED BLOW         6 -  5     PARRY-STRIKE       3 -  6         2  TOTAL PARRY    
LUNGING ATTACK     6 -  5                                       2  PARRY-STRIKE   
PARRY-LUNGE        1 -  1                                       1  WALL OF STEEL  
PARRY-RIPOSTE      1 -  1                                       1  SLASHING ATTACK
TOTAL PARRY        4 -  4     

                               TOP WARRIOR OF EACH STYLE

FIGHTING STYLE   WARRIOR                     W   L  K PNTS TEAM NAME                  
BASHING ATTACK   AI 5347                    13   9  0  113 DARQUE FORCES (422)
LUNGING ATTACK   BRILLIANT ORANGE 4961      14  11  1  105 UNFIT TO BE ORCS (450)
TOTAL PARRY      JARL FORKBEARD 5280        19   5  1   99 THE STORMGUARDS (78)
PARRY-STRIKE     ENDOR 5275                 13  11  1   93 DARQUE FORCES (422)
SLASHING ATTACK  MERCURIAL MADMAN 5352       5   2  2   79 UNFIT TO BE ORCS (450)

FIGHTING STYLE   WARRIOR                     W   L  K PNTS TEAM NAME                  
STRIKING ATTACK  EDOM 5465                   9   3  0   72 DARQUE FORCES (422)
WALL OF STEEL    11TH COMMANDMENT 5453       6   4  1   72 NUMBERS GAME (403)
PARRY-LUNGE      REBEKKA 5497               15   9  0   59 MORE DESTROYERS (567)
PARRY-RIPOSTE    OMAR 5626                   6   5  0   51 SHERMANS STABLE (578)
AIMED BLOW       ULTHAR XANDO 5407          10   7  0   37 STORMWATCH (440)
Note: Warriors have a winning record and are an Adept or Above.

The overall popularity leader is MANI 5102.  The most popular warrior this turn was 
BALMUNG 5616.  The ten other most popular fighters were HORAGALLES 5212, MERCURIAL 
MADMAN 5352, TEN-TON TESSIE 5455, DAIKKAN 5624, ULL STORMHELM 5559, JARL FORKBEARD 
5280, NABUCA 5369, TWIN TERROR 5621, DAMHAIN THE SATYR 5197, and EDOM 5465.

The least popular fighter this week was GERI 5473.  The other ten least popular 
fighters were ULTHAR STORMHELM 5556, VALKYRIE 5351, OMAR 5626, DINGIR XUL 5630, ULF 
STORMHELM 5612, OBERON STORMBLADE 5632, ULTHAR THORONGIL 5619, DIONYSUS 5639, 
OXTUNGUE 5635, and MAN-O-WAR 18.

The following warriors will travel to AD after next turn:

IT FELT GOOD (31-5093) WHY DID I DO IT (540)