DUEL 2 NEWSLETTER

Date   : 05/30/2009    Duedate: 06/26/2009

CHIMLEVTAL ARENA

DM-31    TURN-305

This Weeks Top Honors

THE DUELMASTER IS

ULL HARDHAMMER
THE STORMBRINGERS (359)
(31-6170) [11-8-1,127]

Chartered Recognition Leader   Unchartered Recognition Leader

ULL HARDHAMMER                 POSITION IS EMPTY
THE STORMBRINGERS (359)        
(31-6170) [11-8-1,127]         

Popularity Leader              This Weeks Favorite

ULL BLOODSTORM                 ULL HELMSPLITTER
THE STORMBRINGERS (359)        LORDS OF VALHALLA (508)
(31-5897) [13-19-1,63]         (31-6158) [11-9-3,49]

THE CURRENT TOP TEAM

WAR (613)

          TEAMS ON THE MOVE            TOP CAREER HONORS
Team Name                  Point Gain  Chartered Team
1. CAESAR'S POOL HALL (350)    44
2. THE STORMGUARDS (78)        44      CHAOS (611)
3. WAR (613)                   27      Unchartered Team
4. THE STORMBRINGERS (359)     22
5. MILITARY MAYHEM (89)        16      EMPIRE RISING (579)

The Top Teams

Career Win-Loss Record           W   L  K    %  Win-Loss Record Last 3 Turns    W  L K
 1/ 0 CHAOS (611)               49  12  6 80.3   1/ 1 WAR (613)                 9  4 0
 2/ 2 WAR (613)                 76  31  5 71.0   2/ 3 CAESAR'S POOL HALL (350)  9  6 1
 3/ 1 PESTILENCE (612)          49  20  3 71.0   3/ 5 THE STORMGUARDS (78)      8  7 1
 4- 4*THE HUNTSMEN (600)        11   9  1 55.0   4/ 2 THE STORMBRINGERS (359)   8  7 0
 5/ 6 THE STORMGUARDS (78)     730 613 32 54.4   5/ 4 LORDS OF VALHALLA (508)   5 10 1
 6/ 7 LORDS OF VALHALLA (508)  324 301 20 51.8   6/ 7 OVERLORDS (509)           3  2 0
 7/ 0 MILITARY MAYHEM (89)     263 246 17 51.7   7/ 9 PESTILENCE (612)          2  1 0
 8/ 8 CAESAR'S POOL HALL (350) 106 100  5 51.5   8/ 0 MILITARY MAYHEM (89)      2  3 0
 9/ 9 THE STORMBRINGERS (359)  472 463 36 50.5   9- 8*THE HUNTSMEN (600)        2  3 0
10/10 OVERLORDS (509)          454 453 28 50.1  10/ 0 CHAOS (611)               1  3 0
11-11 AVENGERS (146)           195 201 16 49.2  11-11*POSITIVE ALTERNATI (621)  0  3 0
12-12*POSITIVE ALTERNATI (621)   0   3  0  0.0  12-10 AVENGERS (146)            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+-----]|%{ *

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

                                     Duelmasters
                                     -----------
 DM   9 ZUKAL (turn 618): KEEL HAULER of SEA DOGS (One-Armed Bandit, mgr.)
 DM  12 RIZTAB (turn 620): CARLOTTA of SWEET MAGIC (Jorja, mgr.)
 DM  15 MALCORN (turn 614): NECROPALYSE of DARK CREATION (H.P.L. West, mgr.)
 DM  16 WILLAF (turn 616): MAREY D'NUIT of PUNNY ANIMALS (Jorja, mgr.)
 DM  17 ALJAFIR (turn 615): TIBERIUS of FIELDS OF ELYSIUM (Caesar, mgr.)
 DM  19 ZUWAYZA (turn 613): ARCHIPPUS of TROUBLED WATERS (Anti, mgr.)
 DM  28 MORYA (turn 306): OPASAN of PHANTACITY (Omega, mgr.)
 DM  29 LAPUR (turn 606): LIME of WILL DUEL 4 MEAD (Sporkis, mgr.)
 DM  31 CHIMLEVTAL (turn 304): ULL HARDHAMMER of THE STORMBRINGERS (High Lord Bosk)
 DM  32 ARVAT (turn 602): MADNESS of ANGELS OF PAIN (The Dark One, mgr.)
 DM  33 NIATOLI ISLAND (turn 600): PITT of STORM BRINGERS (The Rake, mgr.)
 DM  35 MURSKA (turn 591): SLOWGO of LOST CAUSE (Vol, mgr.)
 DM  43 VEASTIAN (turn 554): HAWK NELSON of POSITIVE ALTERNATIVE (Zalgor Prigg)
 DM  45 STORMCROWE (turn 282): JACOB MARLEY of PHANTOM REGIMENT (Nomad, mgr.)
 DM  47 DOUBLE X (turn 276): JUSTICE FOR ALL of OF WOLF AND MAN (Tripwire, mgr.)
 DM  50 SNOWBOUND (turn 263): C.H.S. of LIFE IMPACTS (Smitty, mgr.)
 DM  56 ROCANIS (turn 481): SPLAT of THEM (Papa Bear, mgr.)
 DM  60 COLLUSION COVE (turn 468): ACIDULOUS of ELOQUENT KNIGHTS (Soultaker, mgr.)
 DM  61 JURINE (turn 448): ZOE ALDIN of MIDDLE WAY 16 (Jorja, mgr.)
 DM  65 DAL SHANG (turn 445): GRIZOLPOP of SAND DANCERS (Jorja, mgr.)
 DM  73 ERINIKA (turn 211): DEATH SUCKS of BLACKMAIL (The Mun, mgr.)
 DM  74 DAYLA KIV (turn 409): MORO TEN ZORA of SAND DANCERS (Jorja, mgr.)
 DM  75 JADE MOUNTAIN (turn 401): CORINTHIAN of PARANOID ASYLUM (Jekyll, mgr.)
 DM  78 LIN TIRIAN (turn 391): GABRIELLE REESE of GIRLS X3 (NON, mgr.)
ADM 103 FREE BLADES (turn 507): AIN GOBLINBANE of ECCENTRIC DWARVES (Banthius, mgr.)

                                      Top Teams
                                      ---------
 DM   9 ZUKAL (turn 618): SEA DOGS (One-Armed Bandit, mgr.)
 DM  12 RIZTAB (turn 620): DREAMERS (Sleepy, mgr.)
 DM  15 MALCORN (turn 614): DARK CREATION (H.P.L. West, mgr.)
 DM  16 WILLAF (turn 616): PUNNY ANIMALS (Jorja, mgr.)
 DM  17 ALJAFIR (turn 615): MIDDLE WAY (Jorja, mgr.)
 DM  19 ZUWAYZA (turn 613): THE MAGNIFICENT MAGS (Jorja, mgr.)
 DM  28 MORYA (turn 306): SANGUIS MORI (Azaziel, mgr.)
 DM  29 LAPUR (turn 606): MID EARTH (Visionist, mgr.)
 DM  31 CHIMLEVTAL (turn 304): WAR (Mannequin, mgr.)
 DM  32 ARVAT (turn 602): DEVIL ADVOCATES (Dark One, mgr.)
 DM  33 NIATOLI ISLAND (turn 600): RAVAGING LORDS (General Ikillyu, mgr.)
 DM  35 MURSKA (turn 591): LOST CAUSE (Vol, mgr.)
 DM  43 VEASTIAN (turn 554): LUROCIAN ROYALTY (The Greek Guy, mgr.)
 DM  45 STORMCROWE (turn 282): MIKES HEROES (Mike?, mgr.)
 DM  47 DOUBLE X (turn 276): LAND OF OZ (Oz the All Successful, mgr.)
 DM  50 SNOWBOUND (turn 262): CRIMINAL MINDS (?, mgr.)
 DM  56 ROCANIS (turn 481): INCONSISTENT FURY (Banthius, mgr.)
 DM  60 COLLUSION COVE (turn 468): RED DOG GANG (Spot, mgr.)
 DM  61 JURINE (turn 448): MIDDLE WAY 16 (Jorja, mgr.)
 DM  65 DAL SHANG (turn 445): MIGHTY DUCKS (Woody, mgr.)
 DM  73 ERINIKA (turn 211): MIDLE WAY 18 (Jorja, mgr.)
 DM  74 DAYLA KIV (turn 409): SAND DANCERS (Jorja, mgr.)
 DM  75 JADE MOUNTAIN (turn 401): SAND DANCERS (Jorja, mgr.)
 DM  78 LIN TIRIAN (turn 391): SAND DANCERS (Jorja, mgr.)
ADM 103 FREE BLADES (turn 507): I'M HISTORY et al (Zalgor Prigg, mgr.)

                                   Recent Graduates
                                  -----------------
 DM   9 ZUKAL (turn 617): HEMPEN JIG of SEA DOGS (One-Armed Bandit, mgr.)
 DM  12 RIZTAB (turn 619): PHILOLAUS of DREAMERS (Sleepy, mgr.)
 DM  16 WILLAF (turn 615): ZIGADENUS of MAXIMUM RESULTS (Coyote, mgr.)
 DM  17 ALJAFIR (turn 614): QUINTUS of FIELDS OF ELYSIUM (Caesar, mgr.)
 DM  28 MORYA (turn 306): OPASAN of PHANTACITY (Omega, mgr.)
                          MANKILLER of DODGE BULLETS (Jorja, mgr.)
 DM  29 LAPUR (turn 606): CALLISTO of VENUSIANS (Venus, mgr.)
 DM  31 CHIMLEVTAL (turn 303): THERMOPYLAE of WAR (Mannequin, mgr.)
 DM  43 VEASTIAN (turn 554): HAWK NELSON of POSITIVE ALTERNATIVE (Zalgor Prigg)
 DM  45 STORMCROWE (turn 282): SHADOWCAT HAMMER of MUTANT HAMMERZ (Hammer, mgr.)
 DM  47 DOUBLE X (turn 276): NIKKO of LAND OF OZ (Oz the Successful, mgr.)
                 (turn 275): NILES of SECOND BANANAS (Manniquin, mgr.)
                             BLACKENED of OF WOLF AND MAN (Tripwire, mgr.)
                 (turn 274): KILLING JOKE of INDIFFERENCE (Jekyll, mgr.)
 DM  60 COLLUSION COVE (turn 468): ACIDULOUS of ELOQUENT KNIGHTS (Soultaker, mgr.)
                       (turn 467): BUSTED NUTS of HIT ME WITH... (PTFT, mgr.)
 DM  65 DAL SHANG (turn 444): MAN-O-WAR of TIL DEATH DO US PART (Killjoy, mgr.)
 DM  74 DAYLA KIV (turn 409): MORO TEN ZORA of SAND DANCERS (Jorja, mgr.)

                                 DUELMASTER'S COLUMN
                             Notes from the arena champ.

Hail, Chimlevtal!

Man, I thought I'd never get to the top of this nearly impossible arena.  I don't
expect to stay here long, but am happy to be here now.  I salute my master, High Lord
Bosk and The Icelord for perservering with me all this time.  I salute  my fellow
gladiators!  Nemo mi impune lacassite!  Hail to The Council of Lords!!!  Antioch was
matched with me last turn in a ferocious clash of arms that lasted less than 1
minute.  The Golden One granted me victory and for that I am grateful.  Well met and
well fought, Antioch.

  Keep your blades sharp!

Ull Hardhammer
The Stormbringers
The Council of Lords

                                      SPY REPORT

     Busy, busy, busy, lots of things happening in CHIMLEVTAL this turn, and let's 
start with a look at some of the teams.  And let's see, DEATH KNIGHT fought SIGURD 
and gained 21 points and contributed to THE STORMGUARDS' 5-0-0.  DIRDEN I has lost to 
MARLENUS, falling 16 points, while helping make LORDS OF VALHALLA a 1-4-0 turn.  This 
week's Duelmaster bout was between SALAMIS and our Duelmaster ULL HARDHAMMER, making 
a challenge.  Defending his title for another turn, ULL HARDHAMMER kept WAR's 
warrior, SALAMIS, from claiming the throne.  Tell me, is nothing sacred?  I have 
heard from unimpeachable sources that The Victory Tavern uses trolls in their stew.  
Talk about gristle!   
     I tell you, a green quarterstaff lasts longer than a seasoned sapling.  A basher 
friend of mine assures me this is true.  CAESAR'S POOL HALL has cause to stand tall, 
as they were CHIMLEVTAL's most avoided team.  A smart manager knows this is a team to 
beat.  And avoiding CAESAR'S POOL HALL more than any other team we find THE 
STORMGUARDS.  CHIMLEVTAL, are we going to accept, or respect this sort of thing?  The 
most challenged warrior this turn was PESTILENCE's warrior BLACK PLAGUE.  More 
fighters challenged him than challenged the Duelmaster!  Tsk, tsk, tsk.  AZAES, does 
your manager know you're challenging down 19 points to fight LEPIDUS from CAESAR'S 
POOL HALL?  Well, it only serves justice to see that AZAES was beat by LEPIDUS.  Heh, 
heh.   
     We only live a short time in this world, so why not take a sharp blade, and 
shave it close?  Is it really true that CHIMLEVTAL has more dishwashers per capita 
that fighters?  Just thought I'd ask...   
     Remember, blood on the purple robe does not change it from a purple robe.  Dare 
to fight bravely.  Always good to rest in CHIMLEVTAL, but never good to wear out my 
welcome.  Look for me in future turns.  Until the sun next rises and my pen sets to 
paper-- Alarond the Scribe  

DUELMASTER                     W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 ULL HARDHAMMER 6170          11   8  1   127       THE STORMBRINGERS (359)

CHALLENGER CHAMPIONS           W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 ULTHAR URUV 5409             26  17  4   109       OVERLORDS (509)
 ANTIOCH 5987                 16   6  2   103       WAR (613)
 CHOLERA 5984                 13   6  0   102       PESTILENCE (612)
 BLACK PLAGUE 5986            13   4  0    98       PESTILENCE (612)
 MARLENUS 6184                10   1  0    97       CAESAR'S POOL HALL (350)
 SALAMIS 5988                 15   4  1    91       WAR (613)

CHAMPIONS                      W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 ULTHAR STORMHELM 5556        17  27  2    88       THE STORMGUARDS (78)
 ALESIA 5989                  14   8  2    87       WAR (613)
 RAT'S NEST 5976               9   3  2    84       CHAOS (611)
 ENTROPY 5975                  6   2  1    83       CHAOS (611)
 DIRDEN I 5654                18  25  0    79       LORDS OF VALHALLA (508)
 MAJOR PAIN 5463               9   9  0    76       MILITARY MAYHEM (89)
 CUMULUS 6201                 10   5  0    72       THE STORMBRINGERS (359)
 WULFGAR 6222                  7   5  1    67       LORDS OF VALHALLA (508)

CHALLENGER ADEPTS              W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 ULTHAR THE PIOUS 5753        17  15  0    66       THE STORMGUARDS (78)
 ULL BLOODSTORM 5897          13  19  1    63       THE STORMBRINGERS (359)
 DELIUM 6187                  12   1  0    62       WAR (613)
 COLONEL O'CORN 6171           5   1  0    58       MILITARY MAYHEM (89)
 CRASSUS 6188                  6   6  0    57       CAESAR'S POOL HALL (350)

ADEPTS                         W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 THALFI HALF-EAR 5920         12   2  0    54       OVERLORDS (509)
 DEATH KNIGHT 6007             8  11  1    54       THE STORMGUARDS (78)
 PRIVATE LAPDANCE 5656         6   2  0    54       MILITARY MAYHEM (89)
 ULL HELMSPLITTER 6158        11   9  3    49       LORDS OF VALHALLA (508)
 ULTHAR CYAZARES 5880          9   7  0    48       OVERLORDS (509)
 LORD FLAIR 6239               7   4  1    42       LORDS OF VALHALLA (508)
-INFLUENZA 5983                5   4  0    40       PESTILENCE (612)
 SIGURD 6148                   9  12  0    39       LORDS OF VALHALLA (508)
 PANDEMONIUM 6199              4   1  0    36       CHAOS (611)

CHALLENGER INITIATES           W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 TEAM CAPTAIN 6190             2   1  0    33       MILITARY MAYHEM (89)
 LEPIDUS 6272                  2   0  0    27       CAESAR'S POOL HALL (350)
 COMMODORE AMIGA 5748          3   3  0    26       MILITARY MAYHEM (89)
 FLAVIUS II 6273               2   0  1    25       CAESAR'S POOL HALL (350)

INITIATES                      W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
-LONG STRIDER 5831             4   0  0    22       THE HUNTSMEN (600)
-ANARCHY 6200                  1   0  1    22       CHAOS (611)
-SHARP EYES 5834               3   1  0    21       THE HUNTSMEN (600)
 BJORN IRONSKULL 6263          2   3  1    21       THE STORMGUARDS (78)
 AZAES 6000                    4   5  0    17       OVERLORDS (509)
 TORC BRITHEMAIN 6269          1   0  0    15       OVERLORDS (509)

INITIATES                      W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 FREKI 6260                    4   2  0    14       THE STORMBRINGERS (359)
-HEAD HUNTER 5832              2   2  0    10       THE HUNTSMEN (600)
-FOOTPRINTS 5833               0   4  0     8       THE HUNTSMEN (600)
 ULTHAR LA VALETTE 6277        1   0  0     3       THE STORMGUARDS (78)
 MUDDLE 6276                   0   1  0     1       CHAOS (611)

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

THE DEAD                W  L K TEAM NAME            SLAIN BY              TURN Revenge?
FLAVIUS 6198            4  6 0 CAESAR'S POOL HA 350 ULL HELMSPLITTER 6158 303  REVENGED
MULLIGAN 6274           0  1 0 CAESAR'S POOL HA 350 SHEWISH GIANT         305  NONE
BILSKIRNIR 5921         5  7 2 OVERLORDS 509        LORD FLAIR 6239       301  REVENGED
TAL HAWKINS 5867        1  1 0 THE HUNTSMEN 600     BJORN IRONSKULL 6263  303   
BARTOFELES 6271         0  3 0 THE STORMBRINGER 359 THE RAGE MAN          305  NONE
ULTHAR REDBLADE 6258    2  2 0 THE STORMBRINGER 359 BANAL N BALD 5953     302   
NO SURRENDER 6275       0  1 0 WAR 613              BLACK ORC             305  NONE

                                     PERSONAL ADS

Ull Hardhammer -- Great job on taking the title, Duelmaster!  The COL is proud of
you!  I salute you and the Mighty High Lord Bosk! -- RTR

Ull Bloodstorm -- Great job on being the popularity leader!  The COL is proud of you!
-- RTR

Cumulus -- Great job on being the fan's favorite last cycle.  It is as it should be
in Chimlevtal. -- RTR

High Lord Bosk and The Icelord -- The battle commences in the City of Brass.  I have
things under control, but if your desire for battle leads you here, I will be proud
to stand by your sides! -- Raoul the Rude, Council of Lords

Manniquin -- So you manage War and the rest of the tourney sand baggers who made
Chimlevtal pretty stale these past couple of years?  I am not impressed by your
cowardly tactics.  Did The COL hurt your wittle feelings or did you come in to fight
some stooge's battle?  Guardian can't back up his talk, so did you come in to avenge
his sorry hide? -- RTR

The Icelord -- Funny how when you clean out the attic you find such odd things: rats,
rat droppings, Mannequins... all manner of debris to be thrown out.  Quite odd.
Sometimes it takes a while to get in there and flush away the offal, but eventually
we get it all.  Tal Warrior. -- High Lord Bosk, 1st Sword, Council of Lords, Bfing
Mannequin since 6/2/07

The Scribe -- I fully support your proposals (as you may note: COL has been involved
in Chimlevtal since the beginning). --High Lord Bosk

Womannequin -- There you are, you pesky rodent.  Bring full teams each cycle and earn
some respect or expect to be undressed like most of your kind and put on display in
the women's hosiery dept. --High Lord Bosk

High Lord Bosk -- Well met, Knight Protector of Chimlevtal AND of Eight Planes!
You've just got the kittens all bunched up on forums.  Be kind, Great One, to the
weak ones.  Those like Grimm, Guardian, Ichabod, those that have never fought in
Chimlevtal, yet always chime in and wail about our business.  They are rather sad and
pathetic.  Let us concentrate on true challenges, like aiding Raoul the Rude in his
battle on the Elemental Plane of Fire!  THAT will be a challenge! Tal. -- The
Icelord, 1st Mage, The Council of Lords, Knight Protector of Chimlevtal

The Huntsmen, Avengers, Unfit To Be Orcs -- Let's get that steel swinging out there!
-- The COL

Positive Alternative -- Write a team spotlight and introduce yourself.  It is the
Chimlevtal way. -- The COL

High Lord Bosk -- Great to see you dominate the honors last turn.  It is as it should
be. -- The Icelord

the Scribe -- Will examine closely your all arena ad.  There are few in the past few
decades who have consistently written more team spotlights, personal ads and DM
columns than The COL.  Will we be "grandfathered" some points if this goes through?
-- The Icelord

Manniquin -- What happened to "Lord of War?"  Got tired of that one?  I suggest you
change your untrue signature on forums or you will earn an enemy for a long while.
Pretty funny how you went to so much effort to "get us" when, as far as we know, we
have done nothing to you in the past.  Try running a full team and showing up for BFs
and you will probably go back to being "Lord of War."  Are you going to run your boy
in Crysalis?  I probably have someone there, they could go at it for a few months.
Interested?  Just don't have your buddies run interference or it won't be any fun,
and we don't want to spoil anyones fun, do we? -- The Icelord

The COL presents CD of the month:  This month, give a spin to:  JETHRO TULL
"Aqualung."

Forum whiners (who can't show up in Chimlevtal) -- ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ -- The COL

"...Wicked Hospitallers, each full of zeal and without weakness." -- Imad-ad-Din,
Moslem Chronicler

4 May 09
Players of Duel 2:

RSI wants to try, in a few arenas, a system that rewards role-play and general arena
involvement.  Our thoughts at this time are as follows, and feedback is earnestly
solicited:

1.  What to reward.
a.  Spotlights--they don't have to be involved and lengthy storylines, and in fact,
my own inclination is to say: anything game related and original (i,e,, not a
reprint), maybe set a minimum length.  I use TOGS here as my model--half a column as
formatted for the newsletter, and we don't judge the quality of the writing (so long
as the editor isn't grossed out), just the intent to make a positive contribution.
b.  A dm column where one is "due."  Again, no judgment on quality of writing, should
be dm-related, and I would say (this is just me) a minimum length of maybe five
lines.
c.  Personals.  More than just "you suck," or "good fight."  How much more doesn't
really concern me, and quality, other than "not offensive to the editor," should not
be an issue.  We don't want to encourage participation and then muzzle it.
d.  It has been suggested that a reward point or two be offered for running a full
team.  We could include this, but my own inclination would be to say that there would
be no points for this, but that those who don't make a clear effort on this
(accidents happen, so maybe something like "when the three-turn total of fights is
below twelve"?) aren't eligible for points on any turn until they get it back up to a
full team.

2.  How to reward it.
a.  We've been thinking nebulously about some kind of point system, obviously, as an
example, say 3 points for a spotlight, 2 for a column, 1 for personals, more points
here for what takes more effort, but some points for any effort.  This is in no way
final!  But some way to keep track of who is contributing and how much, and as non-
subjective as possible; this would be noted as each newsletter would be proofed.  A
way to clearly identify who's sending in what would help, but I can work it out by
referring to the warrior listings if I have to.
b.  But, assuming a point system, do the rewards, whatever they end up being, go to
the player who achieves a certain point total?  Is this calculated per turn, or as a
running total over as many turns as it takes to reach that point?  Or to the player
with the highest total on any given turn?  What about ties?
c.  What do the points get the player?  The current thought is X points gets a free
fight, probably replacing the "Popularity Leader's" free fight in the relevant arena.
That suggests only one player getting a role-play free fight on any given turn.  Is
this enough to encourage the newsletter participation we're hoping for?  Should we
convert "This Week's Favorite" to a role-play free fight also?  Or handle rewards in
some other way entirely?

3.  Where it happens.
The current thought is, try it in four arenas:  one in each region, and one slow
arena.  Who picks the arenas in question?  I'd be inclined to rule out those that are
doing fairly well already (Ardivent, Sunset, Lapur; Arkers, Morya, North Fork), but
is that wise?  Or even fair?  Darned if I know.  Places where it is NOT currently
intended to happen:  Transfer arenas.  Maybe rule out the no-tourney arenas as
current candidates, too?

If this seems to work well enough to be worth the effort, should we consider
extending it to more, eventually to all non-transfer, arenas?

This is not a "someday down the line we might" concept.  We want to do this, and
SOON.  Your feedback would be appreciated, for, against, changes, anything.  You can
email me directly at jputney zianet com (make sure it says DM in the subject line) or
send a diplo to scribe, any arena.

the Scribe

P.S.  Staff members not to be eligible for role-playing free fights.

5 May 09
The Battle Royal V is upon us!  Come join one of the original contests that has had
some of the games best managers involved in the past.  DM 18, Talcama, some consider
it to be the crown jewel of the Delarq cities is where this contest will take place.

The Battle Royal is intended to be a play as you want, play what you want Delarquan
style contest with very few rules.  While I'd love to say, "NO AVOIDING" is the only
rule (and that wouldn't be too far off), I must spell out situations that can and
have occurred and require additional clarification.

The advantages of this format:
1) Simple.
2) No penalty for DAs.
3) No restrictions on warriors entered into the contest (baggers, TC mods, etc all
   welcome)
4) No penalty for not fighting. 
5) It isn't a race where 21 wit and favorite learn determine the victor.
6) Losing a warrior (or even your whole team) doesn't eliminate you from contention.
7) It is possible to overcome almost any deficit.  And this has been proven, with
   managers making huge point swings in short periods of time!
8) It is a contest designed to show manager skill rather than warrior ability.

There are a few disadvantages:
1) There is no set end.  It is possible for this contest to go on indefinitely.  In
   practice, this format has worked very nicely in the past and I expect it will
   continue to work well. 
2) You cannot avoid (But that is part of the fun and the head to head nature of this
   contest requires this rule.)
3) It encourages bloodshed.
4) Baggers and experienced warriors have an advantage over new warriors.

Battle Royal Rules:

- Any team in Talcama is eligible to participate.  There are no restrictions on
warriors (baggers, TC prize modified, etc).  However, any warrior that fights for
your team is considered in the BR.

- Teams may not avoid any other team within the contest.  (Note that you may avoid
teams outside the contest but you do so at your own risk.)  Avoiding a team on the
turn they enter the Battle Royal is not considered against the rules (since you
couldn't know the team wasn't part of the BR).  The suggestion is not to avoid at
all.  Assur (the contest moderator) gets an avoid report every turn and will catch
people avoiding!

- Managers may only enter a single team in the contest.

- Any manager with more than one team in Talcama may not challenge any other contest
warrior with their non contest team(s).  The intention is that no advantage can be
gained by having multiple teams in the arena.

****Failure to comply with the above rules***
1st offense: Disqualification from the prize, but you may still participate.
2nd offense: Warning.
3rd offense: Removal from Battle Royal.

- If a manager decides to switch teams, his score will start back at 0.  This is to
prevent a manager from sweeping the contest with several teams of sandbaggers.  Can a
manager use this clause to go from a negative score to zero?  Yes.  I realize this is
sort of cheating, but I'd rather have a manager start over with a new team than drop
out of the contest.  Even so, they have to start at 0 and must gain 25 points.

- If your warrior loses a contest fight because of an input error and this error is
verified by RSI, you will have a point added to your score.  The head to head records
will remain the same and any points gained by another manager will remain on that
manager's record.

- As soon as you are announced in the newsletter, you are officially entered into the
Battle Royal.  Scoring begins on that turn!  You are expected to follow the rules
that turn and every turn following.  Your team may enter any time they wish during
the course of the Battle Royal.

- If you are exiting the Battle Royal, you are not removed until the turn after your
intention is published.  You are asked to follow the rules for that turn (either
through not avoiding or not running your warriors).

Scoring:
- Scoring begins the turn your team declares participation.
- Scoring continues through the turn your team withdraws.
- Score is calculated by: Wins+Kills-Lossses.
- Only fights with other B.R. participannts count towards your score, but they count
  whether they are challenges or random match-ups.
- First Manager to 25 points wins!
- In event of tie, B.R. continues until one team that has reached 25 points is ahead
  of all other participants.

Disputes:
- The attempt has been made to make these rules as complete and bulletproof as
possible, but Tripwire will resolve any disputes as fairly as he is capable.

Prizes:
For the Winner:

6 Months Free Play in Talcama for the winning team (doesn't include tourneys)!

One +1 Bonus Potion (up to max for warrior, to be used on a warrior in DM 18)!

One Limited Damage Bump Potion (one time use, up to max for stats, used on DM 18
warrior)!

One Minor Stat Switch Prize (up to 2 points can be moved from one stat to another
stat on a new rollup in DM 18, before adding 14 points.  This prize can be used up to
3 months from the contest end.  Both points must be used in the same place (can't
take one from a speed and one from deftness and add one to wit and will)).

One Favorites Knowledge Potion (to be used on a 5+ FE warrior in DM 18).

Rename One Dark Arena Creature in DM 18, which will be renamed for 6 Months or until
the Ladies decide to return it to the previous name.

All potions renaming prizes must be used within 2 turns of the end of the contest.

Endurance Award (available to all participants):

One +1 Bonus Potion (up to max for warrior, to be used on a warrior in DM 18).

To qualify for the Endurance Award you must participate in 90% of the total fights
possible over the course of the BR.  If you don't have time to make it into the BR by
the first turn, there will be a two turn window before the counter will start for new
teams.  The fights do not have to be BR point scoring fights, just 90% of the total
possible participation over the course of the contest!  So, if the contest runs 26
turns, there are 130 fights possible. Your team must have 117 fights during those 26
turns to be eligible.

All prizes/potions subject to RSI's interpretation of how they are used/implemented.
RSI said the faves knowledge must be used on an Inits warrior or higher and set at
5FE or more.

Tripwire

                                  LAST WEEK'S FIGHTS

BARTOFELES was butchered by THE RAGE MAN in a 1 minute bloody Dark Arena fight.
MULLIGAN was slaughtered by SHEWISH GIANT in a 1 minute Dark Arena battle.
NO SURRENDER was barely slain by BLACK ORC in a 1 minute gory Dark Arena match.
ULL HARDHAMMER vanquished SALAMIS in a 1 minute mismatched Challenge Title brawl.
ULTHAR URUV savagely defeated BLACK PLAGUE in a 10 minute veteran's Challenge fight.
MARLENUS vanquished DIRDEN I in a 1 minute mismatched Challenge fight.
ALESIA overpowered WULFGAR in a 1 minute mismatched Challenge brawl.
CRASSUS was outlasted by ULTHAR THE PIOUS in a dull 14 minute Challenge melee.
ULL HELMSPLITTER lost to DELIUM in a action packed 4 minute Challenge duel.
AZAES was defeated by LEPIDUS in a action packed 1 minute Challenge duel.
FLAVIUS II defeated FREKI in a 2 minute brutal Challenge fight.
ENTROPY was handily defeated by ANTIOCH in a 1 minute one-sided bout.
CHOLERA demolished MAJOR PAIN in a crowd pleasing 1 minute bloody mismatched match.
RAT'S NEST demolished VETERAN MERCENARY in a popular 1 minute bloody mismatched match.
CUMULUS was overcome by ULTHAR STORMHELM in a action packed 3 minute fight.
PANDEMONIUM was narrowly defeated by PRIVATE LAPDANCE in a 2 minute struggle.
ULL BLOODSTORM won victory over ULTHAR CYAZARES in a exciting 1 minute fray.
THALFI HALF-EAR unbelievably bested TEAM CAPTAIN in a 2 minute brawl.
SIGURD was devastated by DEATH KNIGHT in a 1 minute one-sided fight.
COLONEL O'CORN demolished AMBITIOUS GUARD in a exciting 1 minute gory one-sided bout.
LORD FLAIR handily defeated COMMODORE AMIGA in a 1 minute mismatched competition.
BJORN IRONSKULL vanquished CONVICTED THIEF in a 1 minute one-sided match.
TORC BRITHEMAIN handily defeated PERSISTENT BEGGAR in a 1 minute uneven duel.
MUDDLE was outwaited by ULTHAR LA VALETTE in a slow 18 minute novice's bout.

                                    BATTLE REPORT

             MOST POPULAR                        RECORD DURING THE LAST 10 TURNS     
|FIGHTING STYLE               FIGHTS        FIGHTING STYLE     W -   L -  K   PERCENT|
|STRIKING ATTACK                 10         TOTAL PARRY       33 -  17 -  0      66  |
|TOTAL PARRY                      9         WALL OF STEEL     10 -   7 -  1      59  |
|LUNGING ATTACK                   7         STRIKING ATTACK   51 -  44 -  7      54  |
|WALL OF STEEL                    5         LUNGING ATTACK    37 -  33 -  3      53  |
|AIMED BLOW                       4         SLASHING ATTACK    3 -   3 -  0      50  |
|BASHING ATTACK                   2         AIMED BLOW        14 -  15 -  1      48  |
|PARRY-STRIKE                     1         BASHING ATTACK    10 -  14 -  1      42  |
|PARRY-RIPOSTE                    1         PARRY-LUNGE        4 -   8 -  0      33  |
|SLASHING ATTACK                  1         PARRY-RIPOSTE      5 -  11 -  1      31  |
|PARRY-LUNGE                      1         PARRY-STRIKE       5 -  19 -  0      21  |

Turn 305 was great if you     Not so great if you used      The fighting styles of the
used the fighting styles:     the fighting styles:          top eleven warriors are:

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

                               TOP WARRIOR OF EACH STYLE

FIGHTING STYLE   WARRIOR                     W   L  K PNTS TEAM NAME                  
STRIKING ATTACK  ULL HARDHAMMER 6170        11   8  1  127 THE STORMBRINGERS (359)
TOTAL PARRY      ULTHAR URUV 5409           26  17  4  109 OVERLORDS (509)
LUNGING ATTACK   ANTIOCH 5987               16   6  2  103 WAR (613)
SLASHING ATTACK  CHOLERA 5984               13   6  0  102 PESTILENCE (612)
WALL OF STEEL    RAT'S NEST 5976             9   3  2   84 CHAOS (611)
AIMED BLOW       ENTROPY 5975                6   2  1   83 CHAOS (611)
BASHING ATTACK   WULFGAR 6222                7   5  1   67 LORDS OF VALHALLA (508)
Note: Warriors have a winning record and are an Adept or Above.

The overall popularity leader is ULL BLOODSTORM 5897.  The most popular warrior this 
turn was ULL HELMSPLITTER 6158.  The ten other most popular fighters were BLACK 
PLAGUE 5986, CUMULUS 6201, ULTHAR STORMHELM 5556, ULTHAR URUV 5409, FLAVIUS II 6273, 
TEAM CAPTAIN 6190, CHOLERA 5984, PANDEMONIUM 6199, PRIVATE LAPDANCE 5656, and COLONEL 
O'CORN 6171.

The least popular fighter this week was MUDDLE 6276.  The other ten least popular 
fighters were ULTHAR LA VALETTE 6277, ULTHAR THE PIOUS 5753, CRASSUS 6188, SIGURD 
6148, ENTROPY 5975, FREKI 6260, WULFGAR 6222, SALAMIS 5988, NO SURRENDER 6275, and 
MULLIGAN 6274.

The following warriors will travel to AD after next turn:

CHOLERA (31-5984) PESTILENCE (612)

                                  Daydream Believer

You once thought of me,
As a white knight on a steed.
Now you know how happy I can be...

It's true.  I'm gone.  I've punched my ticket to Immortality and I'm off to the Isle.
I know a lot of you are wondering what it is about me that has made me so successful.
I wish I knew for sure.  I think it has more to do with intangibles (knack) than it
does with design, bonuses and favorites.  I'll let you decide.

Daydream Believer (PR) 17-14-4-17-7-8-17  Poor Endurance--Good Damage
I -- 8 (+1)  R -- 13  A -- 14 (+4)  P -- 14 (+4)  Df - 8  Dc - 6 (+3)

I know what you're thinking, "WTF, that guy looks like a 98 lb weakling!"  Sigh...I
prefer to think my physical characteristics are ideally suited for a finesse style.
As for my bases, I know they aren't much to look at.  After all, I am a PR.  I'm
fortunate to be blessed where I need it the most--attack and parry.

Okay, so I've got nice bases with bonuses in the right spots.  What about favorites?
Did I know them in advance or did I change them?  The answer is no, I had no idea
what they were for sure until I recieved my graduation announcement.  I would be
happy to tell you what my favorites are but I don't think my clone, Jumpinjack Flash,
would be very happy with me if I did.  Let's just say that from the moment I stepped
on the sands as a Rookie I used the same strategy in EVERY fight.  The only thing I
ever changed was armor (early on vs. TP's) and attack/defend locations.  That should
give those of you who have faced me more than once something to think about.

You may be interested to know that I am all natural.  I haven't had a prize of any
type used on me.  I'm a freak of nature.  It just goes to show you never know when a
guy like me will walk into your guildhouse looking for work as a gladiator.  It's up
to you to spot the potential and nuture it along.

I'm going to list my tourney results and records versus each style.  It isn't meant
to be a brag--I just thought you might find it interesting and a lot easier than
looking it up yourself.  Enjoy!
     Tourneys:  Rookies: 15-1-3 TC.  Initiates: 15-3-3 TV.  Adepts: 16-2 TC.
Champs: 13-1-1 TC.  Rookies--Champs record: 59-7-7 (.894)  Challengers: 9-3 TV.
Challengers: 15-1-1 TC.
 
Challengers: 13-3 TV -- Runner-up (Marv-AB)  Challengers: 13-3 TV -- Runner-up
(Teevella-LU)  Challengers: 7-3  Challengers: 11-3-2 TV  Challengers: 11-3-1 TV
 Challengers: 13-3 TV -- Runner-up (Marv-AB)

Challengers: 12-3 TV.  Challengers record: 104-25-4 (.806).  Career Tourney record:
163-32-11 (.836)  TC's: 4  TVs: 8 (3 Runner-ups)  Arena record: 5-0-1  Grudge
matches: 3-0

Total record: 171-32-12 (.842)  Tourney record vs all styles:  AB: 7-11  BA: 6-0-1
LU: 46-9-4  PL: 5-1-1  PR: 2-0  PS: ---  SL: 9-2  ST: 51-5-2  TP: 35-4-3  WS: 2-0

As you can see, the only style I had trouble with is the ABs.  I think that has more
to do with which ABs I fought rather than the style as a whole.  I was 3-1 vs ABs
early on (Rookies-Champs) and 4-10 in Challengers.  I was 1-5 vs Marv, 0-1 vs Marv Jr
and 0-3 vs Soulsnare.  I am going to make an educated guess and assume they all had
skills or prizes added to them to make them competetive at the Challenger level where
so few ABs are.  I could be wrong, though I doubt it.

See you on the Isle,
    Daydream Believer