DUEL 2 NEWSLETTER Date : 11/15/2006 Duedate: 11/28/2006 ARVAT ARENA DM-32 TURN-537 This Weeks Top Honors THE DUELMASTER IS EVE ELWON DEVIL ADVOCATES (105) (32-4345) [17-4-1,115] Chartered Recognition Leader Unchartered Recognition Leader EVE ELWON LAURA DEVIL ADVOCATES (105) LUROCIAN GUARD (378) (32-4345) [17-4-1,115] (32-4390) [7-1-2,95] Popularity Leader This Weeks Favorite JUSTICE GELEN ANGELS OF PAIN (360) RILL'S GCSC2 (370) (32-4217) [20-13-1,89] (32-4320) [10-14-0,64] THE CURRENT TOP TEAM DEVIL ADVOCATES (105) TEAMS ON THE MOVE TOP CAREER HONORS Team Name Point Gain Chartered Team 1. DISILLUSIONED (381) 53 2. CAESAR'S THUGS (379) 39 CALL THE PRIEST (344) 3. ROMAN HEROES (73) 34 Unchartered Team 4. LUROCIAN GUARD (378) 22 5. RILL'S GCSC2 (370) 16 DISILLUSIONED (381) The Top Teams Career Win-Loss Record W L K % Win-Loss Record Last 3 Turns W L K 1/ 0*DISILLUSIONED (381) 5 0 0 100 1/ 1 DEVIL ADVOCATES (105) 11 4 0 2/ 1 CALL THE PRIEST (344) 180 89 8 66.9 2/ 2 RILL'S GCSC2 (370) 10 4 0 3/ 3 DEVIL ADVOCATES (105) 908 537 48 62.8 3/ 3*LUROCIAN GUARD (378) 9 6 1 4/ 2*LUROCIAN GUARD (378) 25 15 3 62.5 4/ 5 CAESAR'S THUGS (379) 9 6 0 5/ 4 ANGELS OF PAIN (360) 107 70 4 60.5 5/ 7 ANGELS OF PAIN (360) 8 7 1 6/ 5 RILL'S GCSC2 (370) 69 50 2 58.0 6/ 6 NOTORIOUS (71) 8 7 0 7/ 8 CAESAR'S THUGS (379) 29 22 5 56.9 7/ 9 ROMAN HEROES (73) 7 8 1 8/ 6 NOTORIOUS (71) 352 275 10 56.1 8/ 4 FISHERMAN'S WHARF (288) 7 8 1 9/ 7 ROMAN HEROES (73) 540 451 63 54.5 9/ 0*DISILLUSIONED (381) 5 0 0 10- 9 PHILANTHROPISTS (368) 55 57 7 49.1 10/ 8 CALL THE PRIEST (344) 4 5 0 11/ 0 APOCALYPSE (385) 108 125 6 46.4 11/10*THE REPUBLIC (380) 4 11 0 12/11*BEHIND THE BUSHES (369) 5 7 0 41.7 12/11*BEHIND THE BUSHES (369) 1 1 0 13/12 FISHERMAN'S WHARF (288) 393 621 13 38.8 13/ 0 APOCALYPSE (385) 1 2 0 14/10*THE REPUBLIC (380) 13 22 2 37.1 14/ 0*CLASSIC SLAYER (376) 0 1 0 15/ 0*CLASSIC SLAYER (376) 0 1 0 0.0 15-12 PHILANTHROPISTS (368) 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 A Day in the Life of Caesar... The coolies, twenty in total, groaned beneath the massive palanquin straining their aching muscles to hold it steady as they traversed the twisted byways of Arvat. Seat covered their sun-bronzed bodies and dust, stirred from their tattered feet, caked their miserable frames. The Arvat sun burned brightly in the still, humid mid- afternoon air. Peasants and immigrant laborers from nearby Zukal filled the dusty streets. Hammering, sawing and other construction noises could be heard throughout the city. Arvat was experiencing an unprecedented period of expansion and revitalization. The recent success of the arena games had ushered in a boom period for Arvat. The city was bustling with activity and rejoicing at the prospects of a sustained recovery. Caesar scanned the unwashed masses from the lofty palanquin. He looked bored and indifferent to those that craned their heads and necks to catch a glimpse of him as the elaborate palanquin navigated the streets. With him were Trebonius the Magnificent and Darius, the old guard of the Roman stable. Servants with large fans surrounded them and kept them cool and free of the city's legendary mosquitoes. The three men sipped chilled wine, poured from crystal decanters into their golden wine goblets by servants assigned solely to this task. The interior of the palanquin was very luxurious and comfortable. No expense had been spared in construction. It was the largest in the city and required a crew of twenty coolies to operate it. The wine tasted wonderful, aged for the past several years in oaken casks beneath the massive Roman Guildhouse. A splendid blend, grown and bottled on Caesar's sprawling vineyard. Ahead of the palanquin, Caesar's Thugs cleared the roadway of the various local rabble. They bore large clubs and pounded away at those that crossed their path. Worthless peasants cried out in anguish as the thugs advanced through the street. The coolies chanted a light "heave, ho, heave, ho" to maintain their rhythm. The palanquin was heavy, and they struggled to hold it aloft in the scorching afternoon sun. Caesar wearily motioned to the lead coolie, the golden rings upon his fingers glistening in the sunlight. "Halt! Stop the procession here. We have arrived at our destination." The coolies, grateful for a much-needed break, eagerly obliged. They slowly and deliberately began to lower the great palanquin. Just as the palanquin was about to touch ground, a shrill cry of absolute terror could be heard. The palanquin came to rest atop a cobbled area of the street, one of the new and rare areas of paved lanes. A bizarre thud and crunching sound could be heard immediately following the scream. The Romans looked at one another in bewilderment. "What was that wretched sound?" asked Darius, resplendent in his purple and red robes of royalty, a wreath of laurels about his graying head. "I believe that we may have come to rest atop a peasant or other such vile person," replied Trebonius the Magnificent. He wore his high priest robes, an eye always on the lookout for potential sacrifices. "It sounded similar to the scream of one of my sacrificial virgins, did it not?" "One of our thugs must have knocked some poor wretch over and he got caught beneath the palanquin as it was lowered," stated Caesar. "It matters not at this time. We have arrived at our destination and I cannot be distracted by any such rubbish." "I'm famished," chimed in Darius. "Let's get out of this sun and into the cool confines of the restaurant." "There are plenty more peasants to go around," laughed Trebonius. "We have hundreds of them at our bidding. Besides, this one belonged to someone else!" All three men let loose a great laugh and began to step from the palanquin. A coolie quickly dropped to his hands and knees to serve as a makeshift step as the men began to depart for the restaurant. A second coolie tossed a mat over the kneeling coolie's filthy back so that it would not dirty the sandals of Caesar and his men. The Dark One owned the restaurant, one of the finest in Alastari. Caesar and his men entered the establishment, content with the fact that they would be well fed within. Caesar paused at the door and turned to scan the busy streets of Arvat. Yes, it was great to be back from exile.... There is yet much that can be accomplished. DUELMASTER'S COLUMN Notes from the arena champ. Last turn's column: Well, not surprisingly my column did not make it in last turn, so maybe we get a double post this week or maybe this column ends up late too. Who knows! At least, hopefully, I'll get into print at some point! This turn I defeated my alliance-mates, Demetren in a good fight. Demetren is looking good. But just in case he is getting cocky, I want him to know that I had that rating he got this turn after my eighth fight in the arena!! But he still looked better than I did out on the sands. Maybe I need a new coach...Sigh! At least I won. I failed to get my challenges through against United and Loggerhead both. This turn I don't even have a choice. Only guildmates and alliance brothers up here in the Challenger Champs. And Loggerhead. So he gets my challenge. With any luck I will be back next turn to speak to you all again. Misery Duelmaster This turn's column: Misery, I did that JUST for you. You like to feel miserable, right? So I helped you out, from the goodness of my heart. Er, I think there's some goodness in my heart. Loggerhead P.S. Congratulations on graduating. P.P.S. EPEE? Who are they KIDDING? SPY REPORT Hail and well met warriors of ARVAT! Know me for who I am, Zontani Sharp Eyes, Spymaster extraordinaire of all Alastari. There were bitter words at FISHERMAN'S WHARF's guildhouse after a 1-4-0 showing this week which dropped the stable into 8th. Dark Arena anyone? My praise to CAESAR'S THUGS for their 4-1-0 week this time out. Indeed, it was a skillfully fought round deserving of notice! A new guild, DISILLUSIONED, entered ARVAT with a clash this turn, showing off a 5-0-0 record. Indeed, a worthy addition to the city guilds. VARIUS caught the eye of many in the gladiatorial commission as he skillfully bested FOR THE GODLINGS! and was awarded 20 points in recognition. In one of the week's more notable duels, HERON put down JERRY HAHN, causing him to lose 16 points of recognition in the process. This time out EVE ELWON made hers bid for the throne as she challenged LOGGERHEAD in an all out contest of skill for possession of the title! The city has turned out in honor of EVE ELWON, for with hers arena victory she may now lay claim to the highest position in the city! Informants "close" to the city champion have told me that he never fights without pantyhose on beneath his armor. Watch out! Many and various are the arts of battle. In ARVAT "art" is a word that has long since passed from the language! ARVAT, city of gladiators! Mighty among the names of thy guilds is NOTORIOUS, a guild shunned and avoided by many in the weekly duels. Methinks more than a few here could name the guild it was that spent the better part of last week avoiding NOTORIOUS. Indeed it was ROMAN HEROES. Mighty fighters cannot but expect competition from those below. SARLOW take warning! You have more than a few enemies in ARVAT. A match that raised a few eyebrows at the games this week, it seems that EVERYTHING ZEN posted a challenge against the more highly recognized APPIUS. The results, you ask? Well, the firebrand EVERYTHING ZEN was subdued by APPIUS. Remember warriors, this is the discipline of steel. Is not Death a warrior's foremost adviser? Warriors, may this counselor stand ready at your right hand forever! I have seen warriors die in youth. I have seen men cut down in their prime. This week DEVIL ADVOCATES must mourn the loss of 15-2-2 RON WAY to ARVAT. Some say a warrior is judged by the way he bears arms. One thing is sure, better a dagger in hand then a sword on the belt! If it were not for my skills as a spy I would have been mugged three times already in ARVAT. Nice atmosphere you have here! Sadly warriors, now longer can I keep thy company nor savor the ale of thy fine city. Depart I must and soon! Till next we meet remember: a fool flies into a rage quickly and often. The wise are angered by the same thing only once. Zontani Sharp Eyes DUELMASTER W L K POINTS TEAM NAME EVE ELWON 4345 17 4 1 115 DEVIL ADVOCATES (105) CHALLENGER CHAMPIONS W L K POINTS TEAM NAME DEMMELL 4318 16 8 0 113 RILL'S GCSC2 (370) ROLAND 4319 17 7 0 111 RILL'S GCSC2 (370) TORMENT 4271 19 13 1 101 ANGELS OF PAIN (360) LAURA 4390 7 1 2 95 LUROCIAN GUARD (378) CHAMPIONS W L K POINTS TEAM NAME MALIGNANT TUMOR 4493 16 6 0 90 APOCALYPSE (385) JUSTICE 4217 20 13 1 89 ANGELS OF PAIN (360) FREEWHEEL BURNIN' 4245 18 4 1 85 CALL THE PRIEST (344) UNITED 4162 16 14 1 85 CALL THE PRIEST (344) -PHIFDEN 4327 8 12 0 77 PHILANTHROPISTS (368) I.M. CEYTIN 4308 17 10 1 72 DEVIL ADVOCATES (105) -BISIMWA 4291 11 11 2 71 PHILANTHROPISTS (368) DEMETREN 4317 12 12 0 67 RILL'S GCSC2 (370) CHALLENGER ADEPTS W L K POINTS TEAM NAME HERON 4273 10 22 0 66 FISHERMAN'S WHARF (288) GELEN 4320 10 14 0 64 RILL'S GCSC2 (370) PSYCHOTRON 3420 8 2 1 63 NOTORIOUS (71) P.Y.T. 3421 6 5 0 57 NOTORIOUS (71) ADEPTS W L K POINTS TEAM NAME SERVIUS 4410 10 3 0 53 CAESAR'S THUGS (379) -JHANTI GRAVETT 4292 11 11 3 51 PHILANTHROPISTS (368) JERRY HAHN 4361 12 5 0 45 DEVIL ADVOCATES (105) MACHINEHEAD 3474 3 0 0 42 NOTORIOUS (71) THUNDER ROAD 4326 7 5 0 41 CALL THE PRIEST (344) MERIDIUS 4426 4 2 1 41 CAESAR'S THUGS (379) TED ICKENS 4436 3 1 0 41 DEVIL ADVOCATES (105) LARRY 4391 6 2 1 40 LUROCIAN GUARD (378) SARLOW 4346 7 14 0 35 FISHERMAN'S WHARF (288) CHALLENGER INITIATES W L K POINTS TEAM NAME SEXTUS 4427 5 1 2 33 ROMAN HEROES (73) SAPHRONICUS 4395 3 5 1 33 ROMAN HEROES (73) DEVIL DIGGER 4350 6 2 0 31 CALL THE PRIEST (344) LORIE 4393 5 3 0 30 LUROCIAN GUARD (378) VARIUS 4424 3 3 1 30 CAESAR'S THUGS (379) APPIUS 4437 4 0 0 26 CAESAR'S THUGS (379) RAGE 4381 4 5 0 25 ANGELS OF PAIN (360) ANGUISH 4466 3 0 1 24 ANGELS OF PAIN (360) INITIATES W L K POINTS TEAM NAME CYRUS 4428 3 3 2 23 THE REPUBLIC (380) FOR THE GODLINGS! 3411 5 5 0 20 NOTORIOUS (71) ARTEMIDORUS II 4398 5 3 0 20 ROMAN HEROES (73) -ISA 4372 3 5 1 20 PHILANTHROPISTS (368) -PUSHING PRARIE DOGS 4310 2 1 0 20 BEHIND THE BUSHES (369) INITIATES W L K POINTS TEAM NAME LARA 4394 5 3 0 18 LUROCIAN GUARD (378) APOLLONIUS 4423 4 2 0 18 THE REPUBLIC (380) -GATHERING LEAVES 4324 1 0 0 17 BEHIND THE BUSHES (369) HEARING AID 4448 1 0 0 15 DISILLUSIONED (381) HUNCHBACK GROWLER 4313 0 3 0 15 BEHIND THE BUSHES (369) IHAO 4476 3 3 1 13 APOCALYPSE (385) PETER PIQUIN 4434 3 2 0 13 FISHERMAN'S WHARF (288) COMMODUS 4429 3 3 0 13 THE REPUBLIC (380) BALD SPOTS 4521 1 0 0 13 DISILLUSIONED (381) LARS 4392 2 6 0 12 LUROCIAN GUARD (378) ANTONIUS 4409 2 4 1 11 CAESAR'S THUGS (379) SENILE 4447 1 0 0 11 DISILLUSIONED (381) -SQUATTING 4325 1 0 0 9 BEHIND THE BUSHES (369) CONSTIPATED 4445 1 0 0 9 DISILLUSIONED (381) -HAMMIR 4475 2 2 0 8 APOCALYPSE (385) EVIL FANTASIES 4443 0 1 0 7 CALL THE PRIEST (344) PASSING TIME 4323 1 0 0 6 BEHIND THE BUSHES (369) EVERYTHING ZEN 3473 1 2 0 5 NOTORIOUS (71) BIONIC HIP 4444 1 0 0 5 DISILLUSIONED (381) AEMILIANUS 4468 1 1 0 4 THE REPUBLIC (380) REIGN IN BLOOD 4380 0 1 0 3 CLASSIC SLAYER (376) -DOC 4474 0 2 0 2 APOCALYPSE (385) EUTYCHIUS 4525 0 1 0 1 THE REPUBLIC (380) REMUS 4523 0 1 0 1 ROMAN HEROES (73) '-' denotes a warrior who did not fight this turn. THE DEAD W L K TEAM NAME SLAIN BY TURN Revenge? NIGHT FIGHTER 4522 0 1 0 APOCALYPSE 385 WURM KIN 336 537 NONE DEATH ROW 4403 2 1 0 CALL THE PRIEST 344 CYRUS 4428 534 JUST REV RON WAY 4362 15 2 2 DEVIL ADVOCATES 105 M. CHARDINEE 323 537 NONE FISHGIZ 4419 3 4 1 FISHERMAN'S WHARF 288 LARRY 4391 537 BRUTUS 4417 2 1 0 THE REPUBLIC 380 LAURA 4390 533 NOT REVE ARCADIUS 4465 0 1 0 THE REPUBLIC 380 FISHGIZ 4419 535 BHALEN 4389 2 3 1 RILL'S GCSC2 370 ISA 4372 533 REVENGED RYNIR 4470 0 1 0 RILL'S GCSC2 370 ANGUISH 4466 536 SZ19/6WT/3WL PUD 4524 0 1 0 ROMAN HEROES 73 BANDIT PRINCE 334 537 NONE PERSONAL ADS All -- Sorry not too many ads out of me this turn. Also no challenges as I have been on vacation and now I am traveling again this week. Hopefully I will be caught up with everything soon. -- Rillion Jerry Hahn -- See that's what you get for staring at my chest. You didn't hear the arena master start the fight and I got two quick shots in on you. I appreciate all the skills you taught me though, sweetie. -- Laura Various. -- Nice fight. Not a good matchup for you though. Good luck in the future. -- Lara The Godling. -- I can't believe you won that fight. I hit you with some good shots. Well done. -- Lars Cyrus -- Uhhhh well nise fite. -- Larry Commodus -- (abashed look) Sorry about the sand. I got carried away. You know how it is, the old lady is always talking about cleaning up this, raking those leaves, sweeping something else, and it just seemed like the thing to do. Not leaving stuff lying around, you know? -- Fishgiz P.S. And besides, since you were vertical the whole time, all I really buried in the sand were your feet, right? Feet can take it. Antonius -- Ha! It takes more than thugee to handle the really HOT peppers. I just keep burning till I get through. -- Peter Piquin Ted Ickens -- Reaching on that name, guy. -- Heron P.S. But still getting there, I guess. Artemidorus II -- Was that heroic? No, seriously, I ask you, do you consider ANYTHING in the arena, except maybe challenging way out of reason high, to be heroic? Yeah, I know, they TELL us stuff like that when they're recruiting, but gods, they'll say ANYTHING to get more warm bodies for the sands. Gotta wonder who's getting paid off where, don't you? -- Sarlow the Disillusioned 20 October 2006 In accordance with those rules set forth by the Lady of the Realm, I hereby announce the formation of a small group of managers calling themselves "The Outsiders". The group consists of the following members: Doc LeGrande Apex Street Legal Carnage Ghoti Roadkill Valamond This group has only one rule. Respect the play of the managers of this alliance. We have no worries about not playing by the rules set forth by others. We fight the way we like, and all those in this group appreciate what tools each manager brings. We have managers from the Delarquan, Andorian and Free Blade regions. We have managers that focus on the tournament arenas, and we have those that focus on the regular city arenas. We have those in our ranks that fight with honor and respect for all, and we have those that have a bloodlust that cannot be quenched. Our goal is simple. To create a ensemble of managers that will show their prowess in the land of Alastari, and to bring a new level of competition to all those that share the sands with our warriors. Our warriors are many throughout the land. We have no home arena. We have no pacts we abide by. Our fighters range from Mordant to Talcama, from Lapur to Lyratilan, Aruak City to Valamantis, the Primus arena to Talahya, and many more arenas throughout the land. Whether we are sought out or ignored makes no difference to us. We are what we are. We fight how we fight. And we do it however we wish. We have no rules. We have no leader or ruler. Be prepared. We are. 20 October 2006 The Dark Knights of the Desolate Empire respond thus to the Avengers of the Light: Where are you? EACH AND EVERY Dark Knight can be found in arenas 31 and 52. Your pretty words mean less than nothing if you won't fight. EVERY Dark Knight is more than willing to back up their talk. So...we give you three turns in either 31 or 52, REPEAT 31 or 52 to show up or shut up. If you don't show we'll let all of Alastari know the Avengers are indeed cowards! -- Dark Knights of the Desolate Empire 2 November 2006 I received a Gift Certificate from someone. I'm assuming it's for entry into the Turf War 5. Whoever sent this to me...please email me at rbaphomets@yahoo.com. Thanks. 10 November 2006 The Quest of the Best has come to an end. Dark Knight Toker, host of the Quest, wants to proclaim the Ultimate Victor and give a listing of prize winners. Lady Fern and her Flower Girls of the Consortium are the Ultimate Victors of the Quest. Well fought and there's nothing like coming from behind to leave us all in the dust. Can't wait to see you defend your title! (wink) Here is a complete list of managers who placed in prize positions: 1) Lady Fern, mgr. Flower Girls 2) Le Pentarque, mgr. Blood & Guts! 3) Crip, mgr. Otto's Parts 4) D.K. Heathen Hatebred, mgr. Odin's Chosen 5) Ghab, mgr. Assassin Nation 6) Fanthayne, mgr. Dark Raiders 7) D.K. Toker, mgr. Silver Knights 8) D.K. Wasby, mgr. Bronze Knights 9) The Expatriate, mgr. Bleak Legion 10) Still the Distilled, mgr. Springborne Fair Thanks to all that had the gall to show up, but I really want to thank the managers that had the mettle to survive and not run when they started getting their butt handed to them. Respect to All. Quest #1 host, Dark Knight Toker 14 November 2006 A Tale of Fusion Confusion Delusion Revolution as told by Hammer the WordSmith SomeWhere Beyond ElseWhere and ElseWhen a hooded figure brooded upon the lingering wisps of memory from days gone by. From the howling sands to the sanding howls the streams of thought bubbled and flowed, winding endlessly entwined within the darkest recesses and lightest resources of the learned and unlearned disciplines of managerial mayhem and manipulation. Nameless faces and faceless names floated in the swirling mists of madness embalmed within the memories of one who knew he did not know how far reaching the influences [both positive and negative] had rooted and flowered in the march of time and energy expended in the historical markings of gladiatorial essence and excellence experience. The tamed and the untamed coupled with the named and the unnamed resources that spilt their sweat and blood on the sands of arenas both known and unknown had metamorphosed into the dreamings and the schemings of the fadings of jadings and paradings [in both public and private] amongst the elite and the indiscreet posturings and babblings of managers becoming legends in their own minds and times. Hammer pondered upon beginnings and the seemingly endless myriad of endings possibly possible among the interspersed and intertwined impossible possibilities presently past and future. Echoing and reechoing in the vast depths and countless compartments along the corridors of his mind, Hammer played and replayed the glories shared and dared in the sixty-plus stabled arena on fabled Noblish Island DM 93. The training had been all too brief, but the competition generated by the multi faceted personages inhabiting DM 93 and the sheer multitude of numbers had forever instilled themselves in the heart and soul of the veteran manager [Hammer]; insomuch that the migration to Niatoli Island DM 33 triggered the desire to emulate the glory and the grandeur of the spectacle of stables vying for recognition from among the virtually numberless no-name newbies making names for themselves as they numbered their stables and accomplishments for all to see and behold, to the song and the sound of the sight of clashing cold cruel steel simmering the flesh of gallant gladiators consumed by the gory and the glory of crossing blades with the superior and the inferior within the interior of Greywand's Global Gladiatorial Galaxy. Far far ago and long long away had many abandoned hope for a return to the reminiscences revered by so many managers; predating even the generations of gladiators graduating from Noblish Island and the years of yore and gore and gallantry before. Rumblings and mumblings of a renovation rejuvenating the reflexes of managers numbed by the numberless trysts of tourney tarnished stables began revolutionizing the very fabric of time and space and time-honored tradition throughout the ranks of visionary newbies and volatile veterans alike and dislike. History was being shaken to the core of the gore as glory and grandeur responded to the revelry reverie revelations and reveille revolutionizing the creation of a new arena in the making; populated by No-Tourney Warriors and Full Stable Participants pledging to forge a new vision version of "The Fiercest and Best" for crossing blades and crosser banter in the personal ads and team spotlight tomes. Now was the time for Hammer to emerge and once again merge his talent among the gifted and grifted; answering the call to assemble the drifted [and to directly divulge and converge with the dozens] for the destiny of destructive denizens determined to build a new legacy upon the all-but-forgotten ashes of the old and olden legends of times lost. [TIME JUMP] Hammer sifted the sands in the dead of night in the desert reaches [located SomeWhere BeYond ElseWhere and ElseWhen] to discover 5 gladiators not tourney worthy, yet interesting enough to begin their careers in a No-Tourney Arena! "They need not be dispatched to the Dark Arena," the veteran manager mused as he sorted through paperwork long discarded and vaguely forgotten, "because there is nothing like a good Blood Feud to provide inspiration for writing personal ads in the arena newsletter! Besides, there are times when the replacement for a warrior wounded mortally on the arena sands fares much better than the one exchanged from Torch Light!" Fights by Torch Light were certainly deemed unnecessary as Hammer had already deduced that a number of determined stables would undoubtedly congregate with High Octane Warriors under the guidance of Higher Octane Managers to populate and depopulate the new No-Tourney Arena currently under construction in DM 81. Fortunately his feeble foray into the desert would yield somewhat suitable candidates for the newfound purposes Hammer had in mind. From among the candidates to be found Hammer would be rewarded in time by BLOODFEUDS and REPLACEMENT WARRIORS aplenty! Deep into the night Hammer searched and searched until five not-so-promising stables were uncovered in the waning hours before dawn. Ripper discards were scattered far and wide, but this was not the time or the hour to let sentimental views cloud the issue at hand. Future events would lend themselves to a suitable Ripper replacement, especially with the prospects Hammer was now sorting for his selection decision to dispatch to the Gladiatorial Commission for processing. Most managers have the luxury of selecting the best group [or discarding the worst group!] Hammer had the novelty of rounding up the castaways from the New Stables paperwork accumulated long ago from Maximillian's Morya Madness contest in DM 28 that were deemed below inferior as contest prizes [and thus banished from sight!] Hammer scrutinized and agonized over which group of gladiators were worth the sacks of gold coins he was prepared to release to the Gladiatorial Commission for fees to MAINTENANCE his new stable in the No-Tourney Arena. After what seemed like long hours passing by, Hammer discarded one and then another group of hopefuls. After lengthy debate a third was cast aside. Deciding between the final two groups found Hammer going back to interview the rejected candidates time and time again [until a final decision was made that Hammer could live with and his new stable could die with!] before the final quirks were hammered out and pen put to paper to process the prospective puny stable with the Gladiatorial Commission. The only solace gained from the painful process was the knowledge that other managers would be less tempted to run stables in DM 81 populated by their tourney- worthy warriors [under the penalty of death imposed and enforced upon tourney experienced gladiators by the Committee being formed to police and regulate such matters!] as sworn to and signed in good faith by each registering manager. [TIME JUMP] Hammer had worked long and hard to find suitable candidates for his stable and now it was time to begin their training. The paperwork had been dispatched for registration with the Gladiatorial Commission and now was the hour in which preparation was paramount! Dispatch riders had arrived with the news that Considerable Bounty was being offered as incentive rewards to those managers sending new stables to the No-Tourney Arena. Hammer realized this would Up the Ante [causing greater pause in the managerial community for selecting suitable stables!] as the creative competition was certain to escalate and produce Serious Sword Slinging Stables Staining the Arena Sands Red! Obviously a serious upgrade in the quality of competition migrating to the No- Tourney Arena in DM 81 would definitely work in favor of Hammer; enormously increasing the death toll percentage potential amongst the ranks of his new start-up stable in DM 81 [Sands Running Red and Blood Feuds Running Rampant as Undoubtedly Expected!] Hammer observed the futility of his new warriors training [as well as they could for what they were made from!] while recent memories came to the forefront of his mind! When the paperwork was nearly completed and names were selected for each Gladiator, Hammer decided to name the stable according to what he had discovered in the darkness while searching during the dismal hours of the desert night. These warriors would probably be more well suited to fight by Torch Light had they fallen into the possession of most other managers! Paper Warriors better suited to confronting Dark Arena Monsters [rather than being fed to the Gladiatorial Lions certain to be populating the regular No-Tourney Arena!] Specimens blatantly better suited for feeding upon agitated armadillo ants than for striving to attain recognition and fame in the No-Tourney Arena [or any arena!] Thus was AARDVARK HAMMERZ birthed and born for Greatness or Disgrace! [TIME JUMP] Dispatch riders on winged steeds brought the news Hammer had been awaiting! Not since the days of training on Noblish Island in DM 93 had Hammer encountered such collective enthusiasm for crossing blades in a selected arena such as DM 81 [recalling the time Hammer generated a gathering of newbies to transfer to Niatoli Island in DM 33 to match wits and cross blades with the assembling veterans upon graduation!] The Consortium had represented the veterans well in DM 33 with the SWEETNESS stable managed by Sweety Pie. Now the good news had arrived that The Consortium was seen registering a stable named LIFE IMPACTS in the No-Tourney Arena! Former alliance mates Darque and Kat had reportedly registered DARQUE AGES and KATHOUSE with the Gladiatorial Commission. Morya Madness combatant LePentarque from DM 28 had registered LA PENTARCHIE and longtime fixture Drake in North Fork DM 47 [recently returned from a lengthy hiatus] had been lured by the competition to register DRAKE'S HARDWARE. Deke [at the helm of DOC LEGRAND'S LAB] was instrumental in promoting the No- Tourney Arena by repeatedly negotiating terms with the Gladiatorial Commission. Others had laid the groundwork before him, but Deke raised the banner and carried it the final distance [Supported by Countless Managers too numerous to mention!] Salute Yourselves for Your Efforts are Most Graciously Applauded throughout Alastari! Apex had signed in with CAROLINA BLUE as had Ghab with ASSASSIN NATION. Another familiar name was found on the rolls as DeGotti registered CULT OF BACCHUS followed by DOOM KNIGHTS managed by Blackstorm. Also on the rolls to be noted were AS SEEN ON TV II managed by Indimar and RAGNAROK'S WOLVES by none other than ragnorokwolf. Nomad had signed on with PHANTOM REGIMENT and Silas followed suit with GRIFFONRAWL MMA. Another notable signature was that of MasterBeru with CHILDHOOD HEROES and a penchant for scribing Team Spotlights [A Plus in Any Arena!] Detective Kellumbo had followed the clues and was observed enroute to registering a yet unannounced stable [such are the ways of sleuthhounds and such!] Rumor had it that the manager known as Roadkill was on his way to register a stable after his namesake and Slugbait was close behind [obliviously lost in thought!] Finally [in no particular disorder!] managers Grimm, Woody, Terminator, Den and Bill were also seen elbowing their way through the gathering registration crowd to officially announce their participation in the No-Tourney Arena. COUNTLESS OTHER MANAGERS were known to be pondering the consequences of sending stables to a No-Tourney Arena and had yet to make the commitment public knowledge as to their intentions. Howbeit the Gladiatorial Commission was reportedly swamped with requests for New Stable Registration Forms [whether for the Tempe Facer or No-Tourney Arena was anybody's guess at the present time!] Judging from the furtive figures darting and ducking in the shadows and alleyways throughout Alastari [as well as those huddled in taverns or communicating with one another by various means available!] the success of such a No-Tourney Arena was Ballooning far Beyond the Expectations of the Promoters and Petitioners Bar None! HAMMER WAS UNDERSTANDABLY ENTHUSED BEYOND MEASURE BECAUSE the No-Tourney Arena had the Best Potential for attracting and assembling a congregation of competitors rivaling the numbers of Noblish Island from days gone by! JANUARY 2007 MARKS THE BEGINNING of a Journey where both Newbies and Veterans join together in a Historic Assemblage Celebrating the Crossing of Blades between some of the Best Managed Stables in all of Alastari [Known and Unknown!] "May Your Blades Be Sharp and Your Wits Sharper" Hammer Minister of War LAST WEEK'S FIGHTS SZ19/6WT/3WL PUD was butchered by BANDIT PRINCE in a 1 minute bloody Dark Arena fight. NIGHT FIGHTER was slaughtered by WURM KIN in a 1 minute gruesome Dark Arena battle. FREEWHEEL BURNIN' subdued CYRUS in a 1 minute uneven Bloodfeud fight. EVE ELWON devastated LOGGERHEAD in a 1 minute one-sided Challenge Title contest. PSYCHOTRON was overpowered by LAURA in a 1 minute mismatched Challenge match. SERVIUS vanquished SARLOW in a 2 minute brutal mismatched Challenge fight. LARRY viciously butchered FISHGIZ in a popular 3 minute Challenge competition. ARTEMIDORUS II outwaited PETER PIQUIN in a crowd boring 13 minute Challenge duel. EVERYTHING ZEN was savagely defeated by APPIUS in a 1 minute Challenge duel. TORMENT overpowered CONVICTED ASSASSIN in a popular 1 minute uneven match. MISERY overpowered DEMETREN in a 1 minute one-sided match. DEMMELL devastated UNITED in a 2 minute mismatched conflict. ROLAND narrowly defeated JUSTICE in a tiring 15 minute bloody master's match. RON WAY was put to death by M. CHARDINEE in a 1 minute fight. MALIGNANT TUMOR vanquished P.Y.T. in a 1 minute mismatched bout. I.M. CEYTIN outwaited M. CHARDINEE in a exciting 9 minute bloody fray. JERRY HAHN was devastated by HERON in a 1 minute one-sided brawl. GELEN savagely defeated THUNDER ROAD in a exciting 3 minute brutal match. APOLLONIUS was overpowered by TED ICKENS in a 1 minute mismatched fight. DEVIL DIGGER viciously subdued HUNCHBACK GROWLER in a popular 4 minute gory contest. RAGE was vanquished by SAPHRONICUS in a 1 minute one-sided match. MACHINEHEAD handily defeated LARA in a 1 minute bloody uneven duel. MERIDIUS overpowered IHAO in a 1 minute one-sided match. SEXTUS overpowered LARS in a 1 minute one-sided duel. FOR THE GODLINGS! was overpowered by VARIUS in a 2 minute one-sided duel. LORIE overpowered ANTONIUS in a 1 minute uneven match. COMMODUS beat MORDANT DESERTER in a 1 minute duel. AEMILIANUS was unbelievably bested by SENILE in a exciting 4 minute beginner's bout. ANGUISH vanquished REIGN IN BLOOD in a 1 minute one-sided bout. HEARING AID defeated EMBEZZLING SCRIBE in a 2 minute beginner's duel. CONSTIPATED defeated REMUS in a 1 minute novice's match. EVIL FANTASIES was defeated by PASSING TIME in a 2 minute brutal novice's fight. BALD SPOTS overpowered CONVICTED THIEF in a 1 minute one-sided fray. BIONIC HIP bested EUTYCHIUS in a 2 minute novice's duel. BATTLE REPORT MOST POPULAR RECORD DURING THE LAST 10 TURNS |FIGHTING STYLE FIGHTS FIGHTING STYLE W - L - K PERCENT| |TOTAL PARRY 12 WALL OF STEEL 26 - 15 - 0 63 | |LUNGING ATTACK 11 SLASHING ATTACK 36 - 27 - 5 57 | |SLASHING ATTACK 7 LUNGING ATTACK 54 - 42 - 6 56 | |BASHING ATTACK 6 AIMED BLOW 24 - 20 - 1 55 | |STRIKING ATTACK 6 PARRY-STRIKE 2 - 2 - 0 50 | |WALL OF STEEL 6 PARRY-RIPOSTE 12 - 13 - 2 48 | |AIMED BLOW 6 BASHING ATTACK 19 - 21 - 1 48 | |PARRY-RIPOSTE 3 STRIKING ATTACK 26 - 30 - 4 46 | |PARRY-LUNGE 2 TOTAL PARRY 39 - 51 - 0 43 | |PARRY-STRIKE 1 PARRY-LUNGE 5 - 13 - 0 28 | Turn 537 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: BASHING ATTACK 5 - 1 PARRY-RIPOSTE 1 - 2 4 WALL OF STEEL STRIKING ATTACK 4 - 2 TOTAL PARRY 4 - 8 3 TOTAL PARRY WALL OF STEEL 4 - 2 PARRY-LUNGE 0 - 2 2 SLASHING ATTACK SLASHING ATTACK 4 - 3 PARRY-STRIKE 0 - 1 1 LUNGING ATTACK LUNGING ATTACK 6 - 5 1 AIMED BLOW AIMED BLOW 3 - 3 TOP WARRIOR OF EACH STYLE FIGHTING STYLE WARRIOR W L K PNTS TEAM NAME SLASHING ATTACK EVE ELWON 4345 17 4 1 115 DEVIL ADVOCATES (105) WALL OF STEEL DEMMELL 4318 16 8 0 113 RILL'S GCSC2 (370) TOTAL PARRY ROLAND 4319 17 7 0 111 RILL'S GCSC2 (370) LUNGING ATTACK TORMENT 4271 19 13 1 101 ANGELS OF PAIN (360) AIMED BLOW FREEWHEEL BURNIN' 4245 18 4 1 85 CALL THE PRIEST (344) STRIKING ATTACK PSYCHOTRON 3420 8 2 1 63 NOTORIOUS (71) PARRY-RIPOSTE THUNDER ROAD 4326 7 5 0 41 CALL THE PRIEST (344) BASHING ATTACK LARRY 4391 6 2 1 40 LUROCIAN GUARD (378) Note: Warriors have a winning record and are an Adept or Above. The overall popularity leader is JUSTICE 4217. The most popular warrior this turn was GELEN 4320. The ten other most popular fighters were FISHGIZ 4419, HUNCHBACK GROWLER 4313, AEMILIANUS 4468, SERVIUS 4410, EUTYCHIUS 4525, LAURA 4390, LARRY 4391, APPIUS 4437, TORMENT 4271, and DEMMELL 4318. The least popular fighter this week was ROLAND 4319. The other ten least popular fighters were ARTEMIDORUS II 4398, EVIL FANTASIES 4443, REMUS 4523, REIGN IN BLOOD 4380, SENILE 4447, ANTONIUS 4409, FOR THE GODLINGS! 3411, LARS 4392, IHAO 4476, and LARA 4394. The following warriors have traveled to AD after fighting this turn: LOGGERHEAD (32-4149) FISHERMAN'S WHARF (288) MISERY (32-4235) ANGELS OF PAIN (360)