DUEL 2 NEWSLETTER

Date   : 08/10/2005    Duedate: 08/23/2005

ARVAT ARENA

DM-32    TURN-504

This Weeks Top Honors

THE DUELMASTER IS

SENSOO O SURU
THE STORMLORDS (337)
(32-3979) [26-17-0,104]

Chartered Recognition Leader   Unchartered Recognition Leader

SILVER TRAIN                   MISERY
SARATOGA GLORY (352)           ANGELS OF PAIN (360)
(32-4170) [11-2-1,164]         (32-4235) [2-1-0,23]

Popularity Leader              This Weeks Favorite

TASSALTER                      TASSALTER
FISHERMAN'S WHARF (288)        FISHERMAN'S WHARF (288)
(32-4112) [12-34-0,98]         (32-4112) [12-34-0,98]

THE CURRENT TOP TEAM

SARATOGA GLORY (352)

          TEAMS ON THE MOVE            TOP CAREER HONORS
Team Name                  Point Gain  Chartered Team
1. SARATOGA GLORY (352)        70
2. CALL THE PRIEST (344)       43      SARATOGA GLORY (352)
3. DEVIL ADVOCATES (105)       29      Unchartered Team
4. THE STORMLORDS (337)        21
5. THE WARRIORS (2)             0      ANGELS OF PAIN (360)

The Top Teams

Career Win-Loss Record           W   L  K    %  Win-Loss Record Last 3 Turns    W  L K
 1- 1*THE WARRIORS (2)           2   0  1  100   1/ 2 SARATOGA GLORY (352)     11  3 2
 2- 3*FLAMING DEATH (347)        9   4  0 69.2   2/ 3 THE STORMLORDS (337)      9  6 0
 3/ 4 SARATOGA GLORY (352)     125  57 12 68.7   3/ 5 CALL THE PRIEST (344)     9  6 0
 4/ 5 CALL THE PRIEST (344)    105  60  6 63.6   4/ 1*ANGELS OF PAIN (360)      7  8 0
 5/ 6 DEVIL ADVOCATES (105)    801 481 42 62.5   5/ 4 DEVIL ADVOCATES (105)     6  9 0
 6- 7 HARBINGERS (330)         107  86 10 55.4   6- 7 HARBINGERS (330)          3  6 0
 7/ 2*ANGELS OF PAIN (360)      11   9  0 55.0   7/ 6 FISHERMAN'S WHARF (288)   2 10 0
 8/ 8 THE STORMLORDS (337)     129 110 10 54.0   8- 8*THE WARRIORS (2)          1  0 1
 9/ 9 FISHERMAN'S WHARF (288)  348 510 10 40.6   9- 9*FLAMING DEATH (347)       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+-----]|%{ *

     The semi-annual trip to the tourney-site was usually a time of inner reflection
for the man known as Destitute Noble.  A chance to "take stock" of the prior season
and see what had transpired for both the positive and the negative.  An opportunity
to check on the business and make sure it was moving in the right direction.  In the
end, after all, he managed people and little else.  This trip was enveloped in not
backward thinking reflection, but forward thinking and planning.  Arvat had just
finished its fighting cycle, and so the caravan of Noble's warriors had gotten off to
a late start due to a delay in the fights.  On top of that, one of his squad
(Electric Eye) had finally gotten a challenge through against Sensoo, but to no avail
as Sensoo easily beat the outmatched warrior, and claimed the Duelmasters throne to
boot!  Killing Machine had slipped away into the night without a word after
confirming that his DA stand-in had officially not made it back this time around.
Usually, a departing warrior will utter good-byes to the warriors as well as himself,
but this time, The Machine as Noble liked to call him said his good-byes to his
comrades, but not to Noble.  Noble didn't blame him--he had treated the kid a tad
roughly.  First, telling him he was no longer wanted, then telling him he was an
integral part of the team again, followed by a second alienation was the straw that
broke the camel's back, prompting Machine's final departure.  Noble ripped up
Machine's contract as he walked out the door.  Though he made each warrior sign a
contract when they agreed to fight for him, he always told them it was unilateral,
and they could break it any time they wanted.
     As the tourney-site appeared on the horizon, Noble and his advisors broke from
meeting.  They had discussed strategies for fighting Icelord and the rest of the COL
on two fronts, but with the secondary goals of maintaining the pool of tourney
warriors across Alastari, and keeping focus on the warriors at the Isle and in
Primus.  Noble grinned as he thought about his gladiatorial empire.  He had been
alternatively lucky and then good in his arena dealings over the past many years--but
at a price.  He had never mastered the art of financing a deal, and had often relied
on others to advise him in those matters.  Since their advice was not always sound he
had sometimes found himself in jams, and sometimes it had turned into an out and out
debacle.  He recalled once in Dullens he almost got his throat slashed on a dealing
gone bad--hence Noble's short stay in that city.  His battle with the Icelord and
increased activity had caused Noble to go deeper into debt over the last year or so.
Icelord had called him "affluent Noble" in jest recently, but little did Icelord know
what a desperate action Noble had undertaken.  His advisors had advised him to cease
operations in all but four arenas to maintain satisfactory levels of cash to run
those four going forward.  Noble had already bet most of that money on some of his
and Floyd's tourney warriors.  Also, he planned to do quite a bit of side-betting
with the managers of the Fantasy Draft they would have right before the tournament
began.  All in all, he required things to go in step at this tourney, or he really
might be seeking out another career path.  As the first turn came to all but a close
with only the rookies remaining--Noble's squad was 15-24.  He commenced hitting the
flask regularly for the rest of the day.
     As the first day wore on, things did improve for Noble's squad.  After turn two
was in the books he was 59-61 overall.  Word spread--mostly thanks to Soultaker, that
Arvat would be booming soon--thriving in ways it had not since the glory days of the
city.  Noble himself had overheard many managers discussing moving one of their
tourney teams to the city.  Noble had mixed feelings about that--always nice to have
stepped-up competition, but it would make it harder to get challenges through against
Icelord.  Then again it was unlikely to get any worse than it had already.  Though
the tourney was in full swing, Noble's mind could not get past the four loss deficit
he now faced against Icelord back in Arvat.  Another turn had just passed and
Electric Eye's loss put them four back.  Noble still viewed it as a good omen though,
hopefully more favorable challenged would find their way through in the near future.
By the time of the mid-day break, three turns were in the books and those warriors
unlucky enough to lose all three fights were now eliminated.  United and Electric Eye
were both in that number, which was not unexpected to Noble--they had been far
outclassed in the adepts tourney, but they had gotten a few more fights under their
belt to help fight the battle in Arvat.  The other two, Sinner and Before the Dawn
were both 2-1.  That left the recruit Noble had picked up at the tourney site.  It
was a man Noble knew immediately would be of great fighting merit right when he
looked at him.  Though not the most physical of specimen, he impressed Noble with his
co-ordination, and ability to do a variety of neat and tricky moves with both his
sword and off hand that would make him a tough fighter to deal with.  Noble signed
him on right then and there, and as of round 3, he was 3-0.  By the end of the first
day (round 6), Sinner was 5-1, and the new guy (Noble had dubbed him Freewheel
Burning) was 6-0.  Noble went to bed dreaming of multiple Arvat TVs.
     As dawn broke Noble awoke to the news of the best kind--news that made his
wallet grow.  One of the major bets he made was around either he or Floyd being able
to successfully get a warrior out of the bloodgames, and Noble's "horse" had come in.
That horse was a young warrior Noble had called Zapp Branningan, a diminutive lunger
who had somehow made it through a multitude of wounds to make it to 7-3-3, and that
was without killing in the last five rounds!  So Noble's biggest bet had paid off,
but the odds on that one were kinda thin because of the two's success in the past.
Noble breathed a tad easier, but still had much on the line and needed some more
things to happen his way.  He had already lost on some of what he felt were sure
things.  Dark Typhlosion, a warrior who was at 12-0 and an immortal challenger from
Cliffhome went 0-3.  Noble also had two rookies killed on turn three of that class,
one of which was to be a lynch-pin in his campaign there against the COL.  He would
need a few more miracles to come through if Noble were to be able to continue growing
his projects around Alastari.  As it turned out, those miracles came in three forms,
the first of which was Zapp.
     The fantasy warrior draft contest had been arranged by Tripwire--a manager of
growing renown who ended up having a few warriors go very deep in the tourney.  The
draft itself was eight managers who got together and round-robin style picked
warriors to "compete" for them.  The goal was to have the best record from all eight
warriors you picked--best manager record wins the contest.  Maybe it was an omen of
things to come, or maybe it was just his luck coming through, but Noble was selected
to draft first overall.  Though he was not intimately aware of the upper echelons of
Primus, he knew enough to know who his first pick was, and that pick (Bonnie) ended
up TCing Primus.  He had also picked five of he and Floyd's most promising warriors,
and Silver Train, who also hailed from Arvat.  Noble had overheard The Trainer
talking him up as one of his best recruits ever.  For Noble, that meant a lot as The
Trainer had frequent tourney success in the past.  After the tourney was concluded,
Tripwire made the announcement that Noble had won the contest.  That brought with it
much recognition, but also the ability to collect on all the side bets he had made.
As Noble supervised the laborers loading up the caravan to head back to Arvat, Noble
decided he would have been happy with just those two accomplishments.  The first
being his continuing of the League's reputation for producing bloodgames victors, and
the second was stealing the draft contest away from other more prominent managers.
As it turned out, the third and most amazing miracle contributed to the second, but
stood on its own like a firefly dancing in the night sky.

     At the end of it all--Noble took a proverbial step back and assessed the
tourney.  His Call The Priest squad and Numbers Game squad has acquitted themselves
well.  That new recruit for Arvat went 9-3, and Sinner had ended up 7-3.  From his
Numbers Game squad he had two TVs, 11th Commandment, and Terrible Two (a potential
Hall of Fame candidate for Chimlevtal), they would likely be a thorn in the COL's
collective sides for many nights to come.  Had that been all the tournament would've
been considered a victory.  As the last few turns rolled by, Noble's warrior
Rattlesnake Shake who originally hailed from Aradi found himself in the title fight
for the eligibles class.  He had already faced a who's who of Aimed Blow styles the
last five turns, but his match for the final fight was a warrior of no equal.
Wiggler was a female golem that appeared very happy-go-lucky when you saw her away
from the arena, and was always of a smiling and happy demeanor.  Word was, she had
undergone strange and arcane procedures to become the unearthly warrior that she was.
Her warm-up routine reflected that.  As she prepared for her duel with Rattlesnake
Shake, she effortlessly glided through many routines, and was as limber as any
opponent Rattlesnake had ever seen.  Noble spied Doc Steele across the stands from
himself.  The manager had not seemingly aged over the years, but had become more
dignified.  He looked much like a politician, but Noble noted as Doc watched Wiggler
warm up that a competitive fire still burned within him.  Every time she lunged with
her spear, every time she contorted her body to dodge a blow, he had been
instrumental in her fighting acumen and was proud of what she had become.   Noble
glanced at Doc one more time, shortly after the fight had began.  As Rattlesnake's
longsword caught the girl on the side of her right arm, she tumbled to the ground due
to the sheer mass of him.  A few more quick lunges from his sword ended the fight,
and the color had drained out of Doc like he had been to the leech doctor's for an
extended visit.  The eligibles class was the first to be decided for this tournament,
and it had been won by one of Noble's own.

     Noble blew out his candle, as the caravan had begun its journey back to Arvat
and in typical Noble fashion, they got underway just before dawn the day after the
tourney.  He had just finished making out his ledgers and for the first time in a
year did not feel the financial pang of debt looming over him.  He smiled as he
looked out the window of his travelling cabin.  The sun was just preparing to rise
over the countryside and Noble felt a new dawn had occurred for him too.  He noticed
Darling Tatiana and United guarding the left flank of the caravan, and discussing the
merits of a scimitar.  Noble gave a quick wave and ducked his head back inside.
Floyd had agreed to let many of his warriors caravan back to Arvat with Noble, to
help guard it.  Noble would see to it that each of them would get back to their
respective home arenas.  Floyd had agreed to field a team in Arvat also, but had a
few other matters to attend to first.  Floyd would run interference for Noble and
entertain Bosk and other potential COL members there, while Noble tried to deal with
Icelord.  Noble rubbed his finger over his neck slowly, and the old familiar wound
there.  A shortsword had almost ended his life many years ago in the arena, which
caused him to give up arena life and seek out managing instead.  It was also the
reason he always let his warriors opt out of their contracts if they did not want to
fight anymore.  He has started that managerial career in a shanty in Seam, but now,
years later, had managed teams in many of the cities across the land.  He glanced
once more out the window into the rapidly lightening sky.  He saw shades of pink, and
blue and grey.  He turned his focus to the three vials suspended slightly apart from
each other--they glowed the same colors.  To him--the liquid in those vials could
change his fortunes forever and make the squabble in Arvat seem like a thing of the
past.  But Noble, hardened over the many years, knew the first priority was to get
back to Arvat and make good on his commitment to The Icelord, and see if he could
follow on some of his tourney magic, back in his home of homes, Arvat.

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

     Greetings Arvat! I thought this spotlight, which appeared in Chimlevtal on turn
#222, might be of interest to those managers here who would like to know a little bit
more about The Council of Lords. Hope you enjoy!--The Icelord

                    THE REVENANT
                     (part 9)

     The wind is fresh and crisp.  I look over at my sword-brother, the Polarian
Gnome, High Lord Bosk.  He sits upon his noble Dragonhorse, a look of fierce
determination upon his face.  We soar above the clouds, he to my right.  His brown
beard and braided hair flies in the breeze, as does his green and gray elven cloak.
His brown breeches complement his sky blue helm and elven chainmail armor and knee
high warboots.  I know at his belt are the artifacts Stormblade and The Hammer of
Thunder and Lightning.  I was at his side when he earned these weapons in battle.
The magical lance, Heartseeker, is attached to his saddle.  He is the ultimate Battle
Lord and the greatest Swordsman on Polaris and Ghea.  Now that I think of it, he is
the greatest Swordsman I have ever encountered on eight different planes.
     I sit upon my Dragonhorse and speak to him via telepathy.  Kin-tar and Shan-tar
hail from the Elemental Plane of Air and are most noble and good.  It is a blessing
of The Golden One that they chose us as friends and have pledged to serve as our
life-mounts.  My silver and gold-trimmed robes as well as my long blonde hair and
drooping mustache stir not in the breeze.  Beneath my robes, my clothing and boots
are ash gray.  Many magical items are within the folds of my robe.  My sword, The
Sword of Light, is at my side, as is my magical dirk, Icefang.  My oaken staff is in
my left hand.  I review several spells in my mind between mind speaking Bosk and the
Dragonhorses as we continue to head west of Chimlevtal.
     It is now dusk as we drop out of the clouds and approach the war-ravaged
farmhouse.  I see the Elven Druidess, Polar Bear.  She sits upon her white charger,
her silver robes and hair radiating power and light.  She raises her staff in salute
at our arrival, and then turns back toward the mansion and the horror before it.
Around her are the five gladiators of Stormwatch: Palladice, Frey, Tigbasa, Lapu-Lapu
and Napulak.  I see on her left, six immortal Lord Protectors of The Stormbringers:
The Highlander, Strahd, William Wallace, VSP!, Hamish and Zaius.  On her right are 
nine Lord Protectors of my guild, The Stormguards: Shalzar, Draco, Septor, Talos,
D'Aubusson, The Sentinel, Kaz, Ciaran Ap Gruffydd and Crusader Lord.  All are mounted
on heavy warhorses with the exception of Talos, an Iron Golem that I created, which
was brought along by magical means.  All other Lord Protectors of The Council of
Lords remain in Chimlevtal or are on missions across Ghea.
     As we approach low to the ground, I toss two figurines and watch as they
transform into a male and female saber-tooth tiger.  I mindspeak them, "Secure the
perimeter" and they bound away in opposite directions.
 Our assembled forces nod and salute as we levitate next to Polar Bear.  "Well met,
m'Lady." I say as I look before us.  Polar Bear completes a spell that keeps the
horses calm in spite of our undead enemies.  I look across from us, perhaps thirty
yards and see dozens of zombies standing motionless before us.  On their left flank
is a knot of several dozen ghouls, who gibber and gnash their teeth.  A large Ghast
walks behind them, snarling and cracking a whip.  The stench our enemies give off is
bad, but Polar Bear has already shifted the direction of the wind.  It is now night.
     "No negotiations." I state.  Polar Bear nods her head.  I can feel the undead
being mind-speaking his forces.  His shields, wards and defenses are most impressive,
but I know he is in the mansion.
     Bosk stands in his saddle and commands "Flaming arrows!" A dozen of our warriors
prepare for this.  "Two volleys!" The evil one sends his forces forward.  The zombies
shuffle and shamble in a drunken gait toward us.  The ghouls bolt forward and streak
toward our right flank.  "Loose!" commands Bosk.  In two volleys, two dozen flaming
arrows of destruction fly and land amongst the zombies.  They make no sound as flame
engulfs them.  They continue to shamble forward, even if alight.  Others catch fire
when they come to close to their flaming brethren.  The ghouls close quickly.
     "Blades!" commands Bosk.  The hiss of steel being unsheathed sounds from all
except Polar Bear and myself, who raise our staves and begin countering a wave of
death magic.  Bosk stands again in the saddle and bellows "Show them no fear! Show
them no pain!!"  The battle begins.

                                 DUELMASTER'S COLUMN
                             Notes from the arena champ.

     I am honored to stand before you as Arvat's Champion.  Of course, that it came
after beating good old Electric Eye, who down-challenged me, makes it a little bit
better.  Destitute N. likes to whine when The Icelord makes down-challenges against
teams who meet his criteria to do so.  Of course, when good old Destitute N. makes a
down-challenge it is all good and honorable and justified.  Yes, yes, I realize I
have a ton more FE than Electric Eye (not sure how much tourney experience he has
compared to my zero) but it is fun to tweak Destitute and watch him spin around and
froth!  Nothing "Noble" about that guy.
     Well, I took advantage of Silver Train going inactive.  Hope you did great at
the tourney S.T.!  Now I'm sure you want to take your title back, but I'm not sure I
want to give it up.  Let us see what transpires this turn.
     I salute my fellow Stormlord, Lord Protector Obsidian Golem!  He ripped the lips
off Killing Machine and when old KM saw Bosk's boys show up, he ran for the Dark
Arena, claiming "a lack of a competitive future."  How pathetic.
     The locals are pretty happy that Arvat's arena is once again jumping.  Do your
part and stir the pot.
     Good hunting!

Sensoo O Suru
The Stormlords
The Council of Lords

                                      SPY REPORT

     It is I, Novgorodny Vir, Spymaster of Spymasters.  Look on my work, ye mighty, 
and despair!  The boys at ANGELS OF PAIN left the arena dejected, after being kicked 
out of the top spot by SARATOGA GLORY.  Good show!  SARATOGA GLORY had cause to 
celebrate, after SILVER TRAIN got 36 points by beating LITTLE RAINBOW.  A certain 
someone should cut down on the drinking and practice more, after losing 9 points to 
ULTHAR ULSAY.  (Discrete enough, DAMNATION?) Duelmaster SENSOO O SURU from THE 
STORMLORDS is going for the gold, as he challenged FISHERMAN'S WHARF's TASSALTER.  
Ooh, the excitement!  TASSALTER found out that ARVAT isn't a democracy.  You've gotta 
be the best to be Duelmaster here!  So who was the warrior seen charging into 
immovable walls and challenging dead trees?  Someone's got a basic problem...   
     A Zenmaster once told me, 'Does not the spinning wheel turn?  And do not the 
little birds cry out?'  Any ideas?  To quell some nasty rumors, the guys in DEVIL 
ADVOCATES are not carrying any incurable diseases.  No need to avoid 'em.  Like a pup 
with its tail between its legs, ANGELS OF PAIN scurried away from DEVIL ADVOCATES.  
Oh, the shame!  Is it charming personality?  Conversational abilities?  Good oral 
hygiene?  Whatever it is, LOGGERHEAD is the most challenged warrior.  As a confidence 
booster, STRATOSTAR challenged BOATMAN KU, down 20 points.  Do you also slay vicious 
rodents in your spare time, STRATOSTAR?  STRATOSTAR dispatched BOATMAN KU.  The whole 
thing leaves a bitter memory.  Willing to win at any cost is OBSIDIAN GOLEM, who 
challenged ELECTRIC EYE, 9 points junior.  Our sympathies, ELECTRIC EYE!  I thought 
OBSIDIAN GOLEM showed great skill and promise when it was overcame by ELECTRIC EYE.  
All right, so I slept through it!  Big deal!   
     The moving sword slashes, and having slashed, moves on...  STRATOSTAR of 
SARATOGA GLORY sends BOATMAN KU of FISHERMAN'S WHARF goes to the Weary Warrior's 
Retirement Home.  ARVAT has no place for weaklings!  LITTLE RAINBOW of FISHERMAN'S 
WHARF, possessing a sorry record of 19-13-0, lost his last battle to SILVER TRAIN of 
SARATOGA GLORY.  Young warriors, take note!  Such is a failure's lot!  Fair play must 
not be a credo of SARATOGA GLORY, as SILVER TRAIN permanently removed LITTLE RAINBOW 
of FISHERMAN'S WHARF from the competition in a mismatched fight.  Ask not for whom 
the sword slashes; it slashes for thee.   
     Do not think spyreporting in ARVAT is the highlight of my life.  More important 
duties call me.  Like a mixed metaphor, and an overtaxed simile, I now bid ARVAT 
farewell-- Novgorodny Vir  

DUELMASTER                     W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 SENSOO O SURU 3979           26  17  0   104       THE STORMLORDS (337)

CHALLENGER CHAMPIONS           W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 SILVER TRAIN 4170            11   2  1   164       SARATOGA GLORY (352)
 STRATOSTAR 4173              10   4  1   109       SARATOGA GLORY (352)
 ELECTRIC EYE 4156             9   3  0   103       CALL THE PRIEST (344)
 TASSALTER 4112               12  34  0    98       FISHERMAN'S WHARF (288)

CHAMPIONS                      W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
-DARK SKY 3933                19  24  2    85       HARBINGERS (330)
 BEFORE THE DAWN 4148         10   2  0    76       CALL THE PRIEST (344)

CHALLENGER ADEPTS              W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
-IZUSU TROOPER 4062            7   1  0    65       FLAMING DEATH (347)
 M. A. FISTAFOLES 4191         6   2  0    58       DEVIL ADVOCATES (105)
 FREKI 4179                   10   2  0    57       THE STORMLORDS (337)

ADEPTS                         W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 LOGGERHEAD 4149              13  16  0    55       FISHERMAN'S WHARF (288)
 CHARON 4103                   9   8  0    51       THE STORMLORDS (337)
 LOU CYPHER 4188               7   4  0    49       DEVIL ADVOCATES (105)

ADEPTS                         W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
-GERI 4016                    10  15  0    45       HARBINGERS (330)

CHALLENGER INITIATES           W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 DEE SPADER 4192               4   4  2    33       DEVIL ADVOCATES (105)
 SINNER 4165                   4   4  0    32       CALL THE PRIEST (344)
 PERSONAL LEGEND 4198          6   0  0    29       SARATOGA GLORY (352)
 UNITED 4162                   2   7  1    28       CALL THE PRIEST (344)
 ULTHAR ULSAY 4199             1   5  0    24       THE STORMLORDS (337)

INITIATES                      W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 MISERY 4235                   2   1  0    23       ANGELS OF PAIN (360)
 TOPIARY 4219                  4   1  0    20       SARATOGA GLORY (352)
 JUSTICE 4217                  2   2  0    18       ANGELS OF PAIN (360)
-VENOM 18                      2   0  1    17       THE WARRIORS (2)
 FREEWHEEL BURNIN' 4245        1   0  0    15       CALL THE PRIEST (344)
-YUGO CV 4066                  1   0  0    12       FLAMING DEATH (347)
 DAMNATION 4214                3   1  0    10       ANGELS OF PAIN (360)
 REPRISAL 4216                 3   1  0    10       ANGELS OF PAIN (360)
 M. EDGAR D'SERPENT 4236       1   2  0     7       DEVIL ADVOCATES (105)
-VW BEETLE 4064                1   0  0     6       FLAMING DEATH (347)
-FENDER MALLOTT 4233           1   1  0     6       HARBINGERS (330)
-WULFGAR 4232                  1   1  0     4       HARBINGERS (330)
 SUGAR PUNCH 4237              0   3  0     3       SARATOGA GLORY (352)
 BILL ZEYBUB 4244              0   2  0     2       DEVIL ADVOCATES (105)
-FORD PINTO 4234               0   1  0     1       FLAMING DEATH (347)
-BRUENOR 4231                  0   1  0     1       HARBINGERS (330)

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

THE DEAD               W  L K TEAM NAME             SLAIN BY             TURN Revenge?
IRONY 4256             0  1 0 ANGELS OF PAIN 360    BANDIT PRINCE 334     504 NONE    
N. FERNAL 4230         1  1 0 DEVIL ADVOCATES 105   VENOM 18              502         
BOATMAN KU 4130       15 26 1 FISHERMAN'S WHARF 288 STRATOSTAR 4173       504         
LITTLE RAINBOW 4146   19 13 0 FISHERMAN'S WHARF 288 SILVER TRAIN 4170     504         

                                     PERSONAL ADS

The Trainer -- If what we hear is true, you pass flatulence in just about every
direction, so we don't really feel all that special. -- Flaming Death

Dark One -- I always have the best intentions of writing personals ads in all my
arenas, but it seems the time just gets away from me.  Arvat has been enjoyable and
lively so far and I since I know and like several of the managers here, I just stick
around after my (no so) studly guy gets out.  The rest of the team is just so icky
that it's not worth trying to rebuild this one now.  Good to see you playing
regularly again. -- The Sentinel

Loggerhead -- Troublemaker?  Aw, that hurt a fellow.  It is sad that golem bigotry is
still alive and well in this enlightened day and age.  Can't we all just be seen for
the sensitive, loving individuals we all are on the inside? -- Izusu Trooper

Boatman Ku -- I tried to talk the boss out of having me post that challenge to you.
Especially considering how much more established you are than I am.  After all, you
were the Duelmaster at one point.  Needless to say I was shocked that I was able to
overcome you.  It was just an honor to have dueled you.  I never thought I would be
victorious.  We will have to give it another shot soon. -- Stratostar the stunned

Bill Zeybub -- Hey, nice to meet you.  That was a rough first matchup for you.  I was
told that one as advanced as I am would not be able to match with one as
inexperienced as you.  Tough break.  I was impressed with what I saw though.  I think
you'll go far. -- Personal Legend

Ulthar Ulsay -- Good fight.  You almost had me this time. -- Topiary

Damnation -- You are just better than I am.  I bow to you...for now. -- Sugar Punch

"Arvat Challenge 2005" Update:
The Stormlords 9-5-0
Call the Priest 5-9-1

Killing Machine -- Now that didn't make much sense.  I was looking forward to finally
facing off against you.  It's too bad that your inability to beat the Stormlords
played such a large part in your demise.  I would have enjoyed a duel against you.
May your soul rest in piece. -- Silver Train

The Stormlords & the Icelord -- Hmmmmmm....  Interesting strategy I guess.  You call
out Destitute Noble and issue a challenge to him.  Then you run and hide for the
duration of the challenge.  That seems a little odd to me.  Personally, if I issued a
challenge to someone I would not avoid them at all.  I would also issue a challenge
to them with every warrior that I had.  You are up in the Challenge but it seems to
be a hollow victory to me if you don't challenge him and if you avoid him as much as
possible.  Very strange.  Well, you are winning so who am I to question it. -- the
Trainer

Obsidian Golem -- I would have preferred to have that rematch between the two of us.
Alas, your guildmate sits on the throne and you have received your invite.  Our
rematch will have to wait for a little while I am afraid as I have a date with Sensoo
O Suru next turn.  Congratulations and good luck to you, sir.  I salute you. --
Silver Train

Tassalter -- Hmmmmm....  How about this.  I take the win and the skills.  I promise
not to kill you, at least.  What do you say? -- Stratostar

the Dark One -- I'm a poet and I didn't even know it.  Well, how do you like that? --
the Trainer

High Lord Bosk -- Greetings and well met.  We hope you like it here.  Good luck to
you, sir. -- the Trainer

Destitute Noble -- Congrats on the Rookies TV.  Also, congrats on taking Sinner to
the verge.  I had big things in store for Silver Train but alas it was not to be.  He
still made me proud.  I am sure your arena victories will aid you in your Challenge
with the Icelord. -- the Trainer

Angels of Pain -- Welcome to Arvat! -- The Stormlords

Silver Train -- Obsidian Golem has earned immortality and will join the ranks of COL
Protectors who quest and serve Council interests around the realm.  Perhaps you will
meet him, but I know he wants to fight Electric Eye. -- The Icelord

Topiary -- I avoided you and yet you got me.  I've had enough of your team for
awhile! -- Ulthar Ulsay

the Scribe -- Good to see "Dark Waters!"  I do believe Obsidian Golem was heading
down by the harbor on its daily patrol of the city.  The Golem will aid Arenamistress
Sugar if it can! -- The Icelord

High Lord Bosk -- Well met, great one!  I think we have gotten to old DN.  Check out
his frothing in Chimlevtal.  It is sad that he would attempt to turn this into us
being the "bad guys" when his dishonor is the root cause.  I guess he just doesn't
like being held accountable for his misdeeds.  His "good guy" image is in the dumper
now, thanks to his actions and words.  Let me know your plans, my brother.  As
always, I stand by your side.  'S RIOGHAL MO DHREAM. -- The Icelord

Harbingers -- You have indeed returned to the scene of Destitute N's crime. -- The
Stormlords

High Lord Bosk -- How funny is it that the mighty Killing Machine, who just a few
turns ago was running his mouth about setting records and trashing my warriors, ran
to the DA?!  Destitute N might claim "lack of a competitive future" <lol> but the
real reason was that after the Golem beat the snot out of him and your arrival he
knew he was toast.  It was better to DA him than have him get slain by one of yours.
TOO funny! -- The Icelord

Personal Legend -- I am sure Killing Machine would rather go to the DA than face any
more humiliating defeats by my stablemates. -- Ulthar Ulsay

Sensoo O Suru -- Congrats on taking the title!  Desperate Nobel looked like he was
going to cry when his down-challenge blew up in his face and you took the throne!
Well struck! -- Harbingers

Angels of Pain -- Welcome.  Good to see you. -- Harbingers

The Icelord -- I will stand aside, for now. Desperate Nobel went on forums asking for
everyone to return to Arvat and then when I did, he cries and complains.  What a
sissy.  I will be watching.  If she continues to run her mouth, I'll be back.  Tal,
warrior! -- High Lord Bosk 

Stratostar -- Thanks and good luck to you. -- Geri

the Trainer -- DN doesn't want us to stay.  He called out for everyone to return but
I guess he meant everyone but us. -- Harbingers

The Devil Advocates -- Thanks for the welcome but you know about DN.  She might get
her lawyers involved if I stay active here.  Good luck. -- High Lord Bosk

Desperate Nobel -- Yes, we have returned to the scene of your crime and dishonor.  We
will go inactive this turn; your crying got to us. -- Harbingers 

Killing Machine -- What a joke!  Obsidian Golem beats you up and then I arrive,
prepared to bash in your head, so DN wets her pants and sends you to the DA!  Your
pathetic manager claims "lack of a competitive future" and you know, she might have
been right for a change.  I would have put you six feet under. -- Dark Sky

Little Rainbow -- Maybe next time. -- Dark Sky

Sensoo O Suru -- Good job on taking the throne!  The Council of Lords is proud of
you!  Nice to see you did it by smacking that down-challenging dog Destitute Nobel!
-- Raoul the Rude

Stratostar -- Flying low over the water and scaring the fish again, I see! -- Boatman
Ku

Freki -- Hey, so I commented on your freckles, it was just a comment, no need for the
harsh response! -- Loggerhead
P.S.  Okay, so maybe I made a little joke about your freckles.  Is this bad?  There
isn't enough laughter in the world.

Dark Sky -- Amazing!  When I say there at the end of the first minute that I was
winning, and that there was going to be a second minute, I just ASSUMED that there
would be a turn-around and I'd lose.  I mean, it always seems to happen like that.
This is a pleasant change, and I hope it harbings good things for me. -- Tassalter

Obsidian Golem -- Even in obsidian, one can get a rainbow reflection, though a dark
one. -- Little Rainbow

Charon -- Ah. -- Loggerhead

Killing Machine -- Our condolences. -- Boatman Ku and Fisherman's Wharf

Ed. -- A circus?  I hadn't thought of that.... -- Tassalter

     There's somewhat less danger of getting killed. -- Ed.

Readers of Arvat -- Sorry not to take you fishing in Dark Waters today, but I'm on
the road and don't have the relevant files, or the time, come to that.  But next
time, there should be something. -- the Scribe

4 August 2005
Ladies and Gentlemen...The Announcement You Have All Been Waiting For Is Here!!!!!!!!

ZalCon3...The Rebirth!!!!!!! 

The Rules Are Simple, The Prizes Are Awesome, The Competition Fierce!

Where:  Dullens (DM13)  When:  October 8th, 2005

The Rules:
Every Manager Must DA Their Entire Team On The First Turn They Enter The Contest.
All Warriors DA'd In This Manner MUST Be At Zero FE And May Fight In The Contest If
They Live.  The Style Of The Warrior Must Be Present In The Name In A Non Ambiguous
Manner, Standard Abbreviations Accepted.  Scoring Starts On The 3rd Turn Of The
Contest Which Will Also Be The First Turn After The October Mail In.  Dead Warriors
May Be Entered From The Contest To Dead Apprentices ONLY--And With Zero FE!!!!!  All
Living Warriors May Be Entered Into Rookies or Apprentices For The October Mail In.

Scoring:
 1 Point For Each Win.
 1 Point For Each Kill.
-1 Point For Each Loss.
-1 Point For Each Death.

Categories:
Ultimate Style Master:  Warrior Of Any Style With The Most Style Master Points.
Top Team:  Team With The Most Points At The End Of The Contest.
Top Warrior:  Warrior With The Most Points At The End Of The Contest.
MVP Team:  Team With The Most Free Fight Awards At The End Of The Contest.
MVP Warrior:  Warrior With The Most Free Fight Awards At The End Of The Contest.
Style Master:  Warrior With The Most Points Vs. Style In Each Style At The End Of The
               Contest.
Warrior Top 11:  Next 10 Top Point Gaining Warriors At The End Of The Contest.
Iron Manager:  Any Manager With 100 Fights During The Contest (20 Turns Plus 2 Pre
               Turns).
***Special Category*** An Additional Top Team Award Will Be Granted For Each 5 Iron
Manager Awards Starting At 6.

Prizes:
Ultimate Style Master, Top Team, Top Warrior:  +1 To Bonus, Damage Bump, Free Train
                                              Or Learn 2 Skills, Favorites Knowledge.
MVP Team And MVP Warrior:  20 Rollups.
Style Master:  +1 To Bonus.
Warrior Top 11:  Free Train Or Learn 2 Skills. 
Iron Manager:  +1 To Bonus.

Please Contact Zalgor Prigg Via Diplo (Armor & Weapons DM102) or Email
(zalgor@hotmail.com) Should You Have Any Questions Or Wish A Free Team Rollup To Dark
Arena On Turn 1.

Disclaimer:  All Prizes Are To Be Used On Contest Team Only And Are Non Transferable.

                                  LAST WEEK'S FIGHTS

IRONY was dealt death by BANDIT PRINCE in a 2 minute Dark Arena fight.
SENSOO O SURU slimly won victory over TASSALTER in a 6 minute Challenge Title duel.
OBSIDIAN GOLEM was savagely defeated by ELECTRIC EYE in a 3 minute Challenge fight.
STRATOSTAR assassinated BOATMAN KU in a 1 minute one-sided Challenge fight.
M. A. FISTAFOLES bested LOGGERHEAD in a 2 minute uneven Challenge brawl.
SILVER TRAIN assassinated LITTLE RAINBOW in a 1 minute one-sided struggle.
CHARON was overpowered by BEFORE THE DAWN in a 1 minute uneven melee.
FREKI won victory over DEE SPADER in a 2 minute duel.
LOU CYPHER vanquished AMBITIOUS GUARD in a 1 minute uneven fight.
UNITED was unbelievably bested by PERSONAL LEGEND in a popular 3 minute brutal fight.
SINNER viciously subdued JUSTICE in a popular 11 minute brutal bout.
MISERY was narrowly defeated by THE USEROUS MERCHANT in a 7 minute competition.
ULTHAR ULSAY devastated DAMNATION in a 1 minute one-sided battle.
REPRISAL was viciously subdued by TOPIARY in a unpopular 10 minute amateur's bout.
M. EDGAR D'SERPENT unbelievably bested SUGAR PUNCH in a 5 minute amateur's bout.
BILL ZEYBUB was beaten by FREEWHEEL BURNIN' in a 2 minute brawl.

                                    BATTLE REPORT

             MOST POPULAR                        RECORD DURING THE LAST 10 TURNS     
|FIGHTING STYLE               FIGHTS        FIGHTING STYLE     W -   L -  K   PERCENT|
|STRIKING ATTACK                  5         SLASHING ATTACK   23 -  15 -  1      61  |
|TOTAL PARRY                      5         TOTAL PARRY       23 -  19 -  0      55  |
|WALL OF STEEL                    5         WALL OF STEEL     17 -  16 -  1      52  |
|SLASHING ATTACK                  4         STRIKING ATTACK   26 -  25 -  5      51  |
|PARRY-RIPOSTE                    4         PARRY-STRIKE       3 -   3 -  0      50  |
|LUNGING ATTACK                   4         AIMED BLOW         7 -   8 -  1      47  |
|AIMED BLOW                       1         LUNGING ATTACK    12 -  14 -  0      46  |
|BASHING ATTACK                   1         PARRY-RIPOSTE     18 -  23 -  0      44  |
|PARRY-LUNGE                      0         BASHING ATTACK     5 -  13 -  0      28  |
|PARRY-STRIKE                     0         PARRY-LUNGE        0 -   1 -  0       0  |

Turn 504 was great if you     Not so great if you used      The fighting styles of the
used the fighting styles:     the fighting styles:          top eleven warriors are:

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

                               TOP WARRIOR OF EACH STYLE

FIGHTING STYLE   WARRIOR                     W   L  K PNTS TEAM NAME                  
TOTAL PARRY      SENSOO O SURU 3979         26  17  0  104 THE STORMLORDS (337)
STRIKING ATTACK  SILVER TRAIN 4170          11   2  1  164 SARATOGA GLORY (352)
SLASHING ATTACK  ELECTRIC EYE 4156           9   3  0  103 CALL THE PRIEST (344)
PARRY-RIPOSTE    FREKI 4179                 10   2  0   57 THE STORMLORDS (337)
LUNGING ATTACK   LOU CYPHER 4188             7   4  0   49 DEVIL ADVOCATES (105)
Note: Warriors have a winning record and are an Adept or Above.

The overall popularity leader is TASSALTER 4112.  The most popular warrior this turn 
was TASSALTER 4112.  The ten other most popular fighters were ELECTRIC EYE 4156, 
SUGAR PUNCH 4237, UNITED 4162, SINNER 4165, BILL ZEYBUB 4244, SENSOO O SURU 3979, M. 
A. FISTAFOLES 4191, SILVER TRAIN 4170, IRONY 4256, and BEFORE THE DAWN 4148.

The least popular fighter this week was TOPIARY 4219.  The other ten least popular 
fighters were REPRISAL 4216, MISERY 4235, DAMNATION 4214, JUSTICE 4217, CHARON 4103, 
LITTLE RAINBOW 4146, LOGGERHEAD 4149, BOATMAN KU 4130, M. EDGAR D'SERPENT 4236, and 
LOU CYPHER 4188.

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

OBSIDIAN GOLEM (32-3975) THE STORMLORDS (337)

                 FACE-TO-FACE TOURNEY XXXV

CONTENDERS TOURNEY                     W  L  K         TEAM NAME            
HELIO 3733 (70-57-4)                   2  3  0         ULTIMATE ACCELERATION

ELIGIBLES TOURNEY                      W  L  K         TEAM NAME            
ROLEX WATCH 3732 (63-58-2)             0  3  0         LUST MUPPETS         

ADM TOURNEY                            W  L  K         TEAM NAME            
STYLISH 4116 (21-7-1)                  2  3  0         SARATOGA GLORY       

FRESHMEN TOURNEY                       W  L  K         TEAM NAME            
TRADEMARK 4114 (22-5-3)                5  3  0         SARATOGA GLORY       

CHALLENGERS TOURNEY                    W  L  K         TEAM NAME            
PHANTOM FLAME 3875 (6-3-0)             2  3  0         FATAL SCEPTRE        

ADEPTS TOURNEY                         W  L  K         TEAM NAME            
SILVER TRAIN 4170 (10-2-0)             7  3  0         SARATOGA GLORY       
BEFORE THE DAWN 4148 (9-2-0)           3  3  0         CALL THE PRIEST      
ELECTRIC EYE 4156 (8-3-0)              0  3  0         CALL THE PRIEST      
UNITED 4162 (2-6-1)                    0  3  0         CALL THE PRIEST      

INITIATES TOURNEY                      W  L  K         TEAM NAME            
SINNER 4165 (3-4-0)                    7  3  0         CALL THE PRIEST      

APPRENTICES TOURNEY                    W  L  K         TEAM NAME            
GUNGRAVE 4154 (0-0-0)                  5  3  1         DRAGON JUNKIES XXV   

ROOKIES TOURNEY                        W  L  K         TEAM NAME            
FREEWHEEL BURNIN' 4245 (0-0-0)         9  4  0         CALL THE PRIEST      
EMERALD TWIST 4241 (0-0-0)             3  3  0         THE MOTHERSHIP       
PEARL DROP 4238 (0-0-0)                0  3  0         THE MOTHERSHIP