DUEL 2 NEWSLETTER

Date   : 02/09/2005    Duedate: 02/22/2005

ARVAT ARENA

DM-32    TURN-491

This Weeks Top Honors

THE DUELMASTER IS

TAD DEVILLE
DEVIL ADVOCATES (105)
(32-4140) [16-3-1,138]

Chartered Recognition Leader   Unchartered Recognition Leader

TAD DEVILLE                    POSITION IS EMPTY
DEVIL ADVOCATES (105)          
(32-4140) [16-3-1,138]         

Popularity Leader              This Weeks Favorite

BOATMAN KU                     BOATMAN KU
FISHERMAN'S WHARF (288)        FISHERMAN'S WHARF (288)
(32-4130) [12-16-1,88]         (32-4130) [12-16-1,88]

THE CURRENT TOP TEAM

SARATOGA GLORY (352)

          TEAMS ON THE MOVE            TOP CAREER HONORS
Team Name                  Point Gain  Chartered Team
1. SARATOGA GLORY (352)        42
2. DEVIL ADVOCATES (105)       41      SARATOGA GLORY (352)
3. FISHERMAN'S WHARF (288)     19      Unchartered Team
4. CHARM CITY HUSTLERS (356)    0
5. BUFFY'S DINER (346)         -8      WILD OATS (249)

The Top Teams

Career Win-Loss Record           W   L  K    %  Win-Loss Record Last 3 Turns    W  L K
 1/ 1 SARATOGA GLORY (352)      89  32  9 73.6   1/ 2 SARATOGA GLORY (352)     10  5 0
 2- 2*CHARM CITY HUSTLER (356)  25  10  1 71.4   2/ 3 THE STORMLORDS (337)      8  6 2
 3/ 3 DEVIL ADVOCATES (105)    767 450 40 63.0   3/ 1 DEVIL ADVOCATES (105)     8  7 1
 4/ 4 BUFFY'S DINER (346)       30  22  0 57.7   4/ 4 FISHERMAN'S WHARF (288)   5 10 0
 5/ 5 THE STORMLORDS (337)      95  79 10 54.6   5- 5*CHARM CITY HUSTLER (356)  3  2 0
 6/ 6 FISHERMAN'S WHARF (288)  330 470 10 41.3   6/ 6 BUFFY'S DINER (346)       1  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 508): CAT TASTROPHIE of ARENA FELINES (Garfield, mgr.)
 DM  12 RIZTAB (turn 508): AGLIBOL of DARKMOON (Bobby Bigfoot, mgr.)
 DM  15 MALCORN (turn 502): BATTERY of STARBASE 5 (Zeus, mgr.)
 DM  16 WILLAF (turn 504): FELIX of ARENA FELINES (Garfield, mgr.)
 DM  17 ALJAFIR (turn 502): DARON EL of MIDDLE WAY (Jorja, mgr.)
 DM  19 ZUWAYZA (turn 501): MYSTIC of ANARCHY (Jekyll, mgr.)
 DM  28 MORYA (turn 250): ALARIC of THE WARLORDS II (Fizban, mgr.)
 DM  29 LAPUR (turn 493): LEXINGTON of DARK GLORY (Ultraist, mgr.)
 DM  31 CHIMLEVTAL (turn 248): DROKK of WHAMMO & THUDDA 4 U! (Micky, mgr.)
 DM  32 ARVAT (turn 490): TRADEMARK of SARATOGA GLORY (The Trainer, mgr.)
 DM  33 NIATOLI ISLAND (turn 488): CLINCH of SACKETT'S & CO. (Barnabas, mgr.)
 DM  35 MURSKA (turn 481): BARRISTER of BLITZKRIEG (Polarius, mgr.)
 DM  43 VEASTIAN (turn 444): DISMAY of HELL'S PAWNS (Harbinger, mgr.)
 DM  45 STORMCROWE (turn 225): STORM SERPENT of SUPERIOR FORCES (Manager, mgr.)
 DM  47 SCOMSS SWAMP(turn 220): COURAGE of LAND OF OZ (Oz the Successful, mgr.)
 DM  50 SNOWBOUND (turn 207): NO-PAIN-4U of EXTREMISTS (Eclipse, mgr.)
 DM  56 ROCANIS (turn 369): HEDGEHOG of REDHORSE (Mila, mgr.)
 DM  61 JURINE (turn 348): COOL CAT of ARENA FELINES (Garfield, mgr.)
 DM  73 ERINIKA (turn 155): CHINESE SIMIAN of K.B.W.F II (Polarius, mgr.)
ADM 103 FREE BLADES (turn 394): HERMES of MYTHICAL from DELARQ TOR (Rillion, mgr.)

                                      Top Teams
                                      ---------
 DM   9 ZUKAL (turn 508): BLUE MOON (Jorja, mgr.)
 DM  12 RIZTAB (turn 508): DREAMERS (Sleepy, mgr.)
 DM  15 MALCORN (turn 502): GREENWARDENS (Jorja, mgr.)
 DM  16 WILLAF (turn 504): GOLDEN GLADIATORS (Midas, mgr.)
 DM  17 ALJAFIR (turn 502): HEROESANDFOUNDONES (The Judge, mgr.)
 DM  19 ZUWAYZA (turn 501): THE MAGNIFICENT MAGS (Jorja, mgr.)
 DM  28 MORYA (turn 250): LADZ OF LUGBURZ (Bum, mgr.)
 DM  29 LAPUR (turn 493): EQUESTORS (Spartacus, mgr.)
 DM  31 CHIMLEVTAL (turn 248): THE STORMGUARDS (The Icelord, mgr.)
 DM  32 ARVAT (turn 490): DEVIL ADVOCATES (The Dark One, mgr.)
 DM  33 NIATOLI ISLAND (turn 488): SACKETT'S & CO. (Barnabas, mgr.)
 DM  35 MURSKA (turn 481): BUSY, BUSYTOWN (Huckle Cat, mgr.)
 DM  43 VEASTIAN (turn 444): GIRLS X3 (Non, mgr.)
 DM  45 STORMCROWE (turn 225): MORDRED'S MADMEN (Abraxis, mgr.)
 DM  47 SCOMSS SWAMP(turn 220): LAND OF OZ (Oz the Successful, mgr.)
 DM  50 SNOWBOUND (turn 207): SNOW CALL HAMMERZ (Hammer, mgr.)
 DM  56 ROCANIS (turn 369): REDHORSE (Mila, mgr.)
 DM  61 JURINE (turn 348): ARENA FELINES (Garfield, mgr.)
 DM  73 ERINIKA (turn 155): DUDS (Amy A. Airhead, mgr.)
ADM 103 FREE BLADES (turn 394): LEGION OF DUMB (Carnage, mgr.)

                                   Recent Graduates
                                  -----------------
 DM  12 RIZTAB (turn 508): AGLIBOL of DARKMOON (Bobby Bigfoot, mgr.)
                           JUDGE PARKER of THE LAWMEN (Marshal D, mgr.)
 DM  19 ZUWAYZA (turn 501): MYSTIC of ANARCHY (Jekyll, mgr.)
 DM  28 MORYA (turn 250): ALARIC of THE WARLORDS II (Fizban, mgr.)
                          RAY D AYTOR of OTTO'S MECHANICS (Crip, mgr.)
              (turn 249): RHINOVIRUS of BAD GERMS (Assurnasirbanipal, mgr.)
 DM  29 LAPUR (turn 492): LUCIUS of EQUESTORS (Spartacus, mgr.)
 DM  31 CHIMLEVTAL (turn 247): CHERRY 2000 of NUMBERS GAME (Destitute Noble, mgr.)
 DM  32 ARVAT (turn 490): TRADEMARK of SARATOGA GLORY (The Trainer, mgr.)
              (turn 489): MAY FISTAFOLES of DEVIL ADVOCATES (The Dark One, mgr.)
                          STYLISH of SARATOGA GLORY (The Trainer, mgr.)
 DM  33 NIATOLI ISLAND (turn 487): CATLOW of SACKETT'S & CO. (Barnabas, mgr.)
 DM  35 MURSKA (turn 481): RED FERN of VOLUNTEER FLOWERS (Inferno, mgr.)
 DM  43 VEASTIAN (turn 443): STILTZ of THE FAMILY (Jorja, mgr.)
 DM  47 SCOMSS SWAMP(turn 220): COURAGE of LAND OF OZ (Oz the Successful, mgr.)
 DM  50 SNOWBOUND (turn 206): VANWAFEA of DARK SIDHE (Daehir, mgr.)

                                 DUELMASTER'S COLUMN
                             Notes from the arena champ.

     Lords and Ladies of Arvat, I bid you all greetings.  I have attained my title of
Duelmaster by defeating our departing Lord Protectorette, May Fistafoles.  I had
fought May in the past so I knew that I was going to have my hands full.  I had a
great week of practice coming in to this fight and I felt like I was at the top of my
form.  I issued my challenge earlier in the week and I was hoping to get the answer
that I wanted.  Fortunately, I did.  When the fight started I knew I had to get on
the offense and stay on the offense.  In two prior turns May had fought my guildmate
Savory, both times Savory roared out and May faced an onslaught that most would wilt
under.  Both times Ms. Fistafoles weathered the storm and came out on top.  I
couldn't allow May to turn the tides.
     In our previous fight I came out full bore.  My hatchet was flashing all over
the arena sands.  However, as pretty as my hatchet work looked, it was all for naught
as I was unable to hit my opponent.  She took me into the second minute of our melee
before I finally landed a shot.  Luckily for me I found a chink in her armor and I
was able to put her down with my second hit.  I knew this fight would be different as
May had much more experience and had been given her optimal fighting style the week
before.  I had to be on if I wanted to win.
     As soon as the signal was given I came out intent on not allowing my opponent to
swing.  I had ditched my usual hatchet and pulled out the heavy artillery (a
scimitar).  Since in our first fight I was able to take down May with two shots I
figured that I would only have to land one blow with this big boy.  In most fights I
like to circle around my opponent to find an opening to swing.  This time I decided
to take it right to her.  My first swing was a vicious one that landed true.  I
knocked May onto her back.  Being aware that she was fully capable of springing on to
her feet to turn the tide I kept on her.  My next few swings landed on their target
and I felt I was on my way to victory.  May wouldn't given up the title that easily.
May parried a couple of my next few swings, she was desperate to find that opening to
get back upright.  With my tenth swing I landed my third deep cutting stroke.  It was
too much for May.  The Arenamaster watching to whole time to make sure that things
didn't get fatal stepped in front.  With blood pouring from a nasty wound to May's
ribcage, she was unable to continue.  I had won!
     Soon after the fight I was greeted by the Gladiatorial Commission.  I had met
all requirements for my induction to Immortality.  After my next fight I will go
forth to the Free Blades Regional and join my guildmate and friend Stylish to test my
mettle against the best that Alastari has to offer.  I would have liked to have
enjoyed more time up here but a one turn reign as Duelmaster will have to suffice.
This next turn I will be testing the Dark Arena.  I hope I have better luck than
Stylish did.  I had wanted to avenge my fallen Compatriot Pretty Wild against Tad
Deville but the Trainer has other things in store for him.
     I have enjoyed my stay here in Arvat.  I hope to see you all in Advanced.
     Your Duelmaster,
     Trademark

     Well, with Trademark receiving his invite and Pretty Wild being slaughtered this
marks the last turn of my original five warriors.  This team has been an absolute
blast to run.  Every warrior was good and special in their own way.  Trademark
graduates with an arena record of 17-4-3 and a tourney record of 5-6-0 in two
tourneys.  In the October Mail In he went 3-3 with an awful input error on his
strategy.  He easily could have been 5-1 after round 6.  I really had liked his
chances to TV that tourney.  Trademark graduates with an Advanced Master Initiative
and Masters in Attack and Decisiveness.  His favorite learn (Initiative) and favorite
rhythm are very slasher like (High/Very Low) but his favorite weapon is the
longsword. I've never graduated a longsword favorite SL before.  I am eager to see
what he can do with it.  Trademark will continue his career in Free Blades.  I'm not
sure if he is really a long term warrior but I have time to decide about that.
Trademark is an overall minimum of +11 with a +15 possible making two of my original
five +10 or better.  I wish I could have gotten Ghostzapper and Pretty Wild both out.
I'll keep running them in Dead Tourneys.  Maybe one day 10 years from now they will
get out.
     the Trainer

                                      SPY REPORT

     Welcome ARVAT.  I, Olaf Modeen remember this place well.  Many the fights have I 
fought here.  The celebrations, the disappointments...  Woof!  DEVIL ADVOCATES were a 
bunch of dogs after SARATOGA GLORY got through with 'em!  3rd ain't so sweet as 1st!  
OBSIDIAN GOLEM was reminded on the sands why TRADEMARK is Duelmaster.  I suppose you 
want to hear some rumors and dirty gossip about your fellow fighters?  Tough!   
     No matter the time or place, men will always duel.  ARVAT thinks DEVIL ADVOCATES 
and their 767-450-40 is too much!  If at first you don't succeed, give up...  The 
bums at DEVIL ADVOCATES couldn't face the challenges from DEVIL ADVOCATES!  No excuse 
for that!  How well I know the feeling of being the most challenged warrior, 
BASKERVOLE!  Don't make idle boasts, they may come back to haunt you.  DEATH KNIGHT 
didn't quite know what to make of a challenge he received from SILVER TRAIN of 
SARATOGA GLORY, who is 19 points below him.  SILVER TRAIN perhaps got his just 
desserts, seeing as he subdued DEATH KNIGHT and ended up with 31 recognition points.  
     A fighter's lot is filled with strife, revenge, and killing.  Some fighters 
don't accept this.  The best do.  How long have I been here?  I got people to see, 
places to go...   
     Who knows what the future holds for a warrior.  More fights, there's no doubt.  
ARVAT is a nice place to live, but I don't like to live in nice places.  Time for my 
medication, so I'll leave now.  Practice, practice, practice!-- Olaf Modeen  

DUELMASTER                     W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 TAD DEVILLE 4140             16   3  1   138       DEVIL ADVOCATES (105)

CHALLENGER CHAMPIONS           W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
-PICKLED PIGSKIN 4051         12   0  0   130       BUFFY'S DINER (346)
 SAVORY 4143                  10   4  1    99       SARATOGA GLORY (352)
 LIL ETH 4093                 21   8  2    95       DEVIL ADVOCATES (105)
 OBSIDIAN GOLEM 3975          18  16  1    94       THE STORMLORDS (337)
 DIETER KWAN 4092             19  11  0    93       DEVIL ADVOCATES (105)

CHAMPIONS                      W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 SENSOO O SURU 3979           19  11  0    88       THE STORMLORDS (337)
 BOATMAN KU 4130              12  16  1    88       FISHERMAN'S WHARF (288)
 BASKERVOLE 4071              14  42  0    84       FISHERMAN'S WHARF (288)
 TASSALTER 4112                9  24  0    76       FISHERMAN'S WHARF (288)

CHALLENGER ADEPTS              W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 LITTLE RAINBOW 4146          13   6  0    58       FISHERMAN'S WHARF (288)

ADEPTS                         W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
-FILACRIP 4158                 5   2  0    50       CHARM CITY HUSTLERS (356)
 MISS AMERICAN PIE 4058        5   1  0    49       BUFFY'S DINER (346)
-CASH MONEY 4160               5   2  0    45       CHARM CITY HUSTLERS (356)
 LOGGERHEAD 4149              10   6  0    42       FISHERMAN'S WHARF (288)
-OSMOSIS 4157                  5   2  1    38       CHARM CITY HUSTLERS (356)
-EDIBLE UNDIES 4052            4   3  0    34       BUFFY'S DINER (346)

CHALLENGER INITIATES           W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 SILVER TRAIN 4170             2   0  0    31       SARATOGA GLORY (352)
 CHARON 4103                   3   1  0    29       THE STORMLORDS (337)
-STONE COLD HUSTLER 4161       5   2  0    28       CHARM CITY HUSTLERS (356)
-STRETCH MUNROE 4159           5   2  0    26       CHARM CITY HUSTLERS (356)

INITIATES                      W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 DYNAMITE FLYER 4172           1   0  0    20       SARATOGA GLORY (352)

INITIATES                      W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 STRATOSTAR 4173               1   0  0    12       SARATOGA GLORY (352)
 DEATH KNIGHT 4104             2   2  2    10       THE STORMLORDS (337)
 THOR 4169                     0   2  0     2       THE STORMLORDS (337)

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

THE DEAD               W  L K TEAM NAME             SLAIN BY             TURN Revenge?
CRUD 4175              0  1 0 DEVIL ADVOCATES 105   SPYMASTER 331         491 NONE    
SPUD 4174              0  1 0 DEVIL ADVOCATES 105   BLACK ORC 329         491 NONE    
PRETTY WILD 4113      18  7 1 SARATOGA GLORY 352    TAD DEVILLE 4140      490         

                                     PERSONAL ADS

The Trainer -- Thanks for the welcome back.  I was interested in seeing what
transpires in Arvat these days.  Not sure how long I will stay but I do have five
goals I would like to accomplish here.  We shall see if I can complete them.  Sensoo
O Suru, Thor and myself will stop by the Blue Boar Inn for an ale.  Charon and Death
Knight would probably not be welcome.  The cold they radiate along with the tattered
black robes and their skeletal appearance preclude them from many social events. --
The Icelord, manager of The Stormlords

Fisherman's Wharf -- Good to see you.  Regards to Lulu. -- The Icelord

The Dark One -- Salute. -- The Icelord

Managers of Arvat -- The glorious arena of Chimlevtal (31) is approaching its 250th
cycle.  Many agree that Chimlevtal is the greatest and toughest arena on Ghea and we
want to celebrate!  What we desire is for ALL managers who have ever ran a team in
Chimlevtal to return and run 5 warriors on turn #250.  If you have never had the
privilege of managing gladiators on its sands, we invite you to do so now.  (There
are only 2 unchartered teams-free fights can be taken by the bold.)  Turn #249 is due
2/11/05.  Our goal is to have 30 teams with 150 warriors duel in Chimlevtal on turn
#250.  We ask you to join us in this historic event.  Salute! -- The Council of Lords

The Dark One -- Please ask the mighty Caesar to return to Chimlevtal and extend my
personal invitation to him to join in on the turn #250 historic event! -- The Icelord

Arvat -- Anyone have any ideas how to celebrate Arvat's 500th cycle?? -- The Icelord

Tad Deville -- I thought I had you....  I thought I had you..... -- the Ghost of
Pretty Wild

For all of those that are interested, Pretty Wild was 11(+2)-11(+1)-13-17-17-5-13.
She had a Master Attack (+2) and Experts Initiative, Parry and Defense.  She seemed
to be a Defense favorite learn and a Scimitar favorite as well.  I tried a bunch of
different stuff with her.  I'd run her anywhere from 10-10-x to 3-2-X in minute one
depending on the match up or challenge.  She never fought in any tourneys so what you
saw was what you got.  She was a lot of fun and will be missed. 

Tad Deville -- Just consider yourself lucky that the boss doesn't want me to wipe the
sands with you.  I wouldn't have taken it easy on you. -- Trademark

May Fistafoles -- Good fight.  Thanks for the title fight. -- Trademark

All -- <SALUTE!> -- Trademark

Arenamistress Sugar -- I don't know how I lost that fight.  Good job though. --
Stylish

Lil Eth -- That was just a preview of what your boy Tad is going to face. -- Savory

Tad Deville -- Unless Buffy there fights the winner of us should be the Duelmaster.
May the best warrior win. -- Savory

Thor -- Sorry about the rough treatment.  I hope that we see each other around. --
Silver Train

Charm City Hustlers, the Stormlords and Buffy's Diner -- Feel free to introduce
yourselves.  Again, I am the Trainer, mgr. of Saratoga Glory.  I know most of us
managers are slightly jaded but I do my best to still be as vocal as possible around
here.  I keep doing my best to bring back that old school DM feel.  I look forward to
everyone hopefully contributing. -- the Trainer mgr. Saratoga Glory

Devil Advocates -- Would it kill you guys to write a DM column or at least an ad
every once in a while? -- Saratoga Glory

Death Knight -- Jeez!  You really follow your name don't you? -- the Trainer

12 January 2005
On Jhans turn number 476 (due on Feb. 16, 2005) the Second Annual kLk St. Valentine's
Massacre Kill Contest will begin.  The rules are simple; the team with the most kills
on the last turn wins.  Last year's winner was Shocking Toad.  Can he repeat?  Could
DOOMcorps crush all challengers?  Will the kLk prevail?  Or will you be the
independent manager to show that alliances aren't all that?  Come on to Jhans and
let's find out!
     Prizes are:  1st.  Renaming of a Dark Arena monster and five roll-up
                        certificates or $25.00 deposited in your account.
                  2nd.  Renaming of a Stand-In monster.
     Come on and celebrate the Delarquan way!
                                                                   Azrael

15 January 2005
     BR 4 is upon us!  First turn is due on 1/29/05.  Many thanks to RSI for helping
supply a great prize for the winner and those who meet the 90% endurance criteria.
     Winning prize:  6 months free play, a +1 bonus potion, a limited damage potion,
a favorites knowledge potion, a minor stat-switch prize, and renaming a Dark Arena
creature.
     Endurance prizes:  a +1 bonus potion to all teams that fight 90% of the possible
fights during the contest.
     For details, visit Talcama's newletter or
http://www.geocities.com/assurnasir/br4
     To join, simply bring a team to DM 18, announce your entry in the personals, and
follow the very simple rule of not avoiding!

31 January 2005
     My fellow duelists I come before you bearing a sad and unfortunate message.
Several months ago our group, the Vendetta Cartel, had lost contact with one of our
friends.  Since he was in contact or correspondence on an almost daily basis there
was concern amongst us.  With some research two of our members discovered why contact
was lost with him.
     On November 10, 2004, Richard Hammes was taken from us in a senseless act of
violence during a robbery attempt at a friend's store where he sometimes worked.  He
was watching the store so his friend could go home to tend to his son who had taken
ill.  You may have known Rich as Abarsis, The Slaughter Priest ; richh10 on the RT;
or gameogre on the Duel2 messageboard.  You may not have known that he spent 13 years
serving the United States in the Navy.
     Rich dearly loved this game and all it encompassed.  He may not have been the
best or most experienced manager but he loved to interact with others and was quick
to offer advice whenever anyone asked for help.  He was always kind and gracious and
tried to strengthen our game, often by helping new players feel welcome or give them
a chance to compete.  With his prolific posting I know that I am simply speaking the
obvious about what he did for our game.  Many, like me, were drawn to him, perhaps
for his kind nature or his sense of humor, and it appears he lived his life as he
played this game.  Always willing to help or do right by others.
     I realize that he had many friends outside the VC so I will include the link to
the news story in case any of his other friends would like to know more of what
happened.  We're all dealt a hand in life but it's not the strength of the hand
you're dealt but rather how you play it that really matters.  Rich played his hand to
the very best of his human ability and for this I admire him greatly.  I know we all
choose to like or dislike managers but I believe deep down we are all good and
decent, in this game, and will drop party (alliance) lines and will show the proper
respect.
     http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20041112/news_7m12clerk.html
     Rich was taken from us all to soon and with so much left to offer the community
around him.  He spoke of a desire to run a contest on the Duel2 site which I hope to
uphold in his name.  Some of the people I have spoken with think it would be a nice
gesture to do one final good act in Rich's name, though it could never match what he
would've done within his community, for his community of San Diego.  I hope that with
this contest we might raise a little money to donate to an appropriate charity within
San Diego in his name.
     In conclusion I send a message to Rich:
     "Rich, though I'm sure you gathered this I never really told you how much I
admired you and what a friend I considered you.  I thank you for being my voice of
reason and always reminding me of why we both loved this game so much!  You have
taught me one final valuable lesson in learning more of you.  There are things far
more valuable in life than material possessions such as character and kindness.  That
nothing going on in your life means that you cannot find a way to be kind and giving
to others.  We always spoke of meeting someday and until we finally do know that you
will live on in with me and the rest of your brothers and sisters in the Cartel:
Master Darque, Kat, Bum, Sensei Jan, Maximillian, Hammer, Fizban, Firehawk, Phat
Phat.  You increased all of our enjoyment of this game, you were a true ambassador of
Duelmasters, and the game will not be quite the same without you.  A farewell battle
cry from the ZalCon:  'Confusion to our enemies'.  May your soul rest in peace, my
friend."
     Should anyone wish to correspond about Rich feel free to contact myself, or
anyone else within the Vendetta Cartel.
     Street Legal
     Jeff Bura
     The Death Squad(63) in Tobir or triumph1971@hotmail.com

31 January 2005
     Be it known throughout Alastari that Hammer is no longer a member of the
Vendetta Cartel alliance.
     A difference of opinion with another highly respected member of the VC due to my
recent vocal actions in DM 47 can only be resolved by my resignation from the VC as
of January 29, 2005.
     I leave of my own accord, in good standing with all members and with no hard
feelings towards anyone in the Vendetta Cartel.
     There was a time when I felt that my membership in the VC made the alliance
stronger.  I know that my resignation today makes the Vendetta Cartel a stronger
alliance with my absence. -- Hammer

1 February 2005
                           St. Valentine's Massacre update
My apologies, the Kill Contest starting on turn 476 in Jhans will run for 10 (ten)
turns ending on turn number 486.
                                                                   Azrael

5 February 2005
On behalf of the ILLUMINATI Confederation of Alliances (The kLk, CHAOS, Inc. and The
Company of Brothers) I would like to express our sympathies concerning the tragic
loss of Rich Hammes to both the DM community and to the real life world.  Surely our
loss has been Heaven's gain. -- Talon Darkhart, deeply sorrowful
                                kLk God of War, Illuminati Alliance, Puppetmaster

                                  LAST WEEK'S FIGHTS

CRUD was butchered by SPYMASTER in a 1 minute Dark Arena fight.
SPUD was viciously butchered by BLACK ORC in a exciting 1 minute Dark Arena duel.
SAVORY was luckily beaten by TAD DEVILLE in a 2 minute expert's Bloodfeud Title fight.
SENSOO O SURU unbelievably bested BASKERVOLE in a 7 minute veteran's Challenge fight.
LIL ETH unbelievably bested BOATMAN KU in a 4 minute veteran's Challenge duel.
MISS AMERICAN PIE was devastated by TASSALTER in a 1 minute Challenge competition.
SILVER TRAIN vanquished DEATH KNIGHT in a 1 minute uneven Challenge duel.
TRADEMARK viciously subdued OBSIDIAN GOLEM in a 2 minute gruesome expert's fight.
DIETER KWAN overpowered LITTLE RAINBOW in a 1 minute one-sided fight.
LOGGERHEAD overcame CHARON in a 2 minute veteran vs. novice bout.
THOR was demolished by STRATOSTAR in a 2 minute mismatched competition.
DYNAMITE FLYER devastated EMBEZZLING SCRIBE in a 1 minute one-sided battle.

                                    BATTLE REPORT

             MOST POPULAR                        RECORD DURING THE LAST 10 TURNS     
|FIGHTING STYLE               FIGHTS        FIGHTING STYLE     W -   L -  K   PERCENT|
|STRIKING ATTACK                  6         PARRY-LUNGE        8 -   1 -  0      89  |
|TOTAL PARRY                      3         SLASHING ATTACK   11 -   3 -  1      79  |
|SLASHING ATTACK                  2         WALL OF STEEL     23 -   8 -  1      74  |
|WALL OF STEEL                    2         LUNGING ATTACK    22 -  10 -  0      69  |
|PARRY-RIPOSTE                    2         STRIKING ATTACK   13 -   7 -  3      65  |
|AIMED BLOW                       2         TOTAL PARRY        9 -   8 -  0      53  |
|BASHING ATTACK                   2         PARRY-RIPOSTE     10 -  10 -  0      50  |
|LUNGING ATTACK                   1         AIMED BLOW         6 -   6 -  0      50  |
|PARRY-STRIKE                     1         BASHING ATTACK     5 -  11 -  0      31  |
|PARRY-LUNGE                      0         PARRY-STRIKE       0 -  10 -  0       0  |

Turn 491 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:

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

                               TOP WARRIOR OF EACH STYLE

FIGHTING STYLE   WARRIOR                     W   L  K PNTS TEAM NAME                  
WALL OF STEEL    TAD DEVILLE 4140           16   3  1  138 DEVIL ADVOCATES (105)
AIMED BLOW       SAVORY 4143                10   4  1   99 SARATOGA GLORY (352)
TOTAL PARRY      OBSIDIAN GOLEM 3975        18  16  1   94 THE STORMLORDS (337)
LUNGING ATTACK   DIETER KWAN 4092           19  11  0   93 DEVIL ADVOCATES (105)
PARRY-RIPOSTE    LITTLE RAINBOW 4146        13   6  0   58 FISHERMAN'S WHARF (288)
STRIKING ATTACK  MISS AMERICAN PIE 4058      5   1  0   49 BUFFY'S DINER (346)
Note: Warriors have a winning record and are an Adept or Above.

The overall popularity leader is BOATMAN KU 4130.  The most popular warrior this turn 
was BOATMAN KU 4130.  The ten other most popular fighters were BASKERVOLE 4071, 
CHARON 4103, SAVORY 4143, TAD DEVILLE 4140, SENSOO O SURU 3979, LIL ETH 4093, 
LOGGERHEAD 4149, STRATOSTAR 4173, SPUD 4174, and MISS AMERICAN PIE 4058.

The least popular fighter this week was LITTLE RAINBOW 4146.  The other ten least 
popular fighters were DEATH KNIGHT 4104, CRUD 4175, THOR 4169, OBSIDIAN GOLEM 3975, 
DYNAMITE FLYER 4172, DIETER KWAN 4092, SILVER TRAIN 4170, TASSALTER 4112, MISS 
AMERICAN PIE 4058, and SPUD 4174.

The following warriors have traveled to AD after fighting this turn:

TRADEMARK (32-4114) SARATOGA GLORY (352)