DUEL 2 NEWSLETTER Date : 03/02/2005 Duedate: 03/29/2005 STORMCROWE ARENA DM-45 TURN-227 This Weeks Top Honors THE DUELMASTER IS STORM SERPENT SUPERIOR FORCES (310) (45-2416) [20-10-0,114] Chartered Recognition Leader Unchartered Recognition Leader STORM SERPENT B.F. GOODRICH SUPERIOR FORCES (310) ROAD WARRIORS (476) (45-2416) [20-10-0,114] (45-4143) [1-1-0,26] Popularity Leader This Weeks Favorite ALICE OSBORNE FRANCINE KRUGER MORDRED'S MADMEN (409) MORDRED'S MADMEN (409) (45-3970) [12-10-1,101] (45-4015) [8-10-0,87] THE CURRENT TOP TEAM DARQUE FORCES (428) TEAMS ON THE MOVE TOP CAREER HONORS Team Name Point Gain Chartered Team 1. A DEAL'S DEAL (457) 54 2. NORTHERN LIGHTS (393) 24 SUPERIOR FORCES (310) 3. ROAD WARRIORS (476) 20 Unchartered Team 4. DARQUE FORCES (428) 20 5. SUPERIOR FORCES (310) 10 ROAD WARRIORS (476) The Top Teams Career Win-Loss Record W L K % Win-Loss Record Last 3 Turns W L K 1/ 1 SUPERIOR FORCES (310) 58 47 0 55.2 1/ 1 DARQUE FORCES (428) 12 3 1 2/ 2 MORDRED'S MADMEN (409) 113 94 6 54.6 2/ 3 MORDRED'S MADMEN (409) 8 7 1 3/ 4 DARQUE FORCES (428) 160 134 9 54.4 3- 2*MUTANT HAMMERZ (456) 7 3 0 4- 5*MUTANT HAMMERZ (456) 24 21 2 53.3 4/ 4 SUPERIOR FORCES (310) 7 4 0 5- 6 WALKING DEATH (197) 85 76 1 52.8 5/ 5 A DEAL'S DEAL (457) 7 8 1 6/ 7 NORTHERN LIGHTS (393) 111 138 3 44.6 6/ 9*ROAD WARRIORS (476) 3 7 0 7/ 8 A DEAL'S DEAL (457) 42 68 4 38.2 7/ 8 NORTHERN LIGHTS (393) 3 12 0 8- 9 THE LORDS OF WAR (477) 9 17 1 34.6 8- 6 THE LORDS OF WAR (477) 2 3 0 9/10*ROAD WARRIORS (476) 3 7 0 30.0 9-10 WALKING DEATH (197) 0 1 0 '*' Unchartered team '-' Team did not fight this turn (###) Avoid teams by their Team Id ##/## This turn's/Last turn's rank TEAM SPOTLIGHT * }%|[-----+O+-----]|%{ * }%|[-----+O+-----]|%{ * }%|[-----+O+-----]|%{ * ---===FREE BLADES REGIONAL NEWS===--- Duelmasters ----------- DM 9 ZUKAL (turn 510): CAT TASTROPHIE of ARENA FELINES (Garfield, mgr.) DM 12 RIZTAB (turn 510): PLATO of DREAMERS (Sleepy, mgr.) DM 15 MALCORN (turn 504): CITATION of TRIPLE CROWN (Sultan, mgr.) DM 16 WILLAF (turn 506): FELIX of ARENA FELINES (Garfield, mgr.) DM 17 ALJAFIR (turn 505): PIP THE TROLL of HEROESANDFOUNDONES (The Judge, mgr.) DM 19 ZUWAYZA (turn 503): SIT of VALHALLA (Odin, mgr.) DM 28 MORYA (turn 251): LAVA RUNNER of PRIMAL FURY (Sensei Jan, mgr.) DM 29 LAPUR (turn 495): ENOSHIMA of BLACK SAMURAI (Doc Miracle, mgr.) DM 31 CHIMLEVTAL (turn 249): KIRKEN TUORNIN of THE NIGHTHAWKS (Firehawk, mgr.) DM 32 ARVAT (turn 492): SAVORY of SARATOGA GLORY (The Trainer, mgr.) DM 33 NIATOLI ISLAND (turn 490): NIMBLE NEUTER of ARENA FELINES (Garfield, mgr.) DM 35 MURSKA (turn 483): HUCKLE CAT of BUSY, BUSYTOWN (Huckle Cat, mgr.) DM 43 VEASTIAN (turn 446): ELLEN SUE GOTLANDER of GIRLS X3 (Non, mgr.) DM 45 STORMCROWE (turn 226): STORM SERPENT of SUPERIOR FORCES (Manager, mgr.) DM 47 SCOMSS SWAMP (turn 221): RAINBOW of LAND OF OZ (Oz the Successful, mgr.) DM 50 SNOWBOUND (turn 208): YAIWE of DARK SIDHE (Daehir, mgr.) DM 56 ROCANIS (turn 371): MECHANISM of TOOLS OF TORMENT (Mad Max, mgr.) DM 61 JURINE (turn 350): COOL CAT of ARENA FELINES (Garfield, mgr.) DM 73 ERINIKA (turn 156): YANKEE DOODLE of WORLDWIDE GORE (Crip, mgr.) ADM 103 FREE BLADES (turn 396): PARANOIA of DSM4 from ZUKAL (The Sandman, mgr.) Top Teams --------- DM 9 ZUKAL (turn 510): BLUE MOON (Jorja, mgr.) DM 12 RIZTAB (turn 510): BLOODSUCKERS (Way Cool, mgr.) DM 15 MALCORN (turn 504): STARBASE 5 (Zeus, mgr.) DM 16 WILLAF (turn 506): GOLDEN GLADIATORS (Midas, mgr.) DM 17 ALJAFIR (turn 505): HEROESANDFOUNDONES (The Judge, mgr.) DM 19 ZUWAYZA (turn 503): THE MAGNIFICENT MAGS (Jorja, mgr.) DM 28 MORYA (turn 251): NORTHERN BADLANDS (Maximillian, mgr.) DM 29 LAPUR (turn 495): EQUESTORS (Spartacus, mgr.) DM 31 CHIMLEVTAL (turn 249): THE STORMGUARDS (The Icelord, mgr.) DM 32 ARVAT (turn 492): SARATOGA GLORY (The Trainer, mgr.) DM 33 NIATOLI ISLAND (turn 490): THE SEWING CIRCLE (Jorja, mgr.) DM 35 MURSKA (turn 483): CHILDREN OF LLYR (Jorja, mgr.) DM 43 VEASTIAN (turn 446): GIRLS X3 (Non, mgr.) DM 45 STORMCROWE (turn 226): DARQUE FORCES (Master Darque, mgr.) DM 47 SCOMSS SWAMP (turn 221): LAND OF OZ (Oz the Successful, mgr.) DM 50 SNOWBOUND (turn 208): SNOW CALL HAMMERZ (Hammer, mgr.) DM 56 ROCANIS (turn 371): ARNIE'S ARMY (Barnabas, mgr.) DM 61 JURINE (turn 350): FAVORITE GUYS (Jorja, mgr.) DM 73 ERINIKA (turn 156): DUDS (Amy A. Airhead, mgr.) ADM 103 FREE BLADES (turn 396): LEGION OF DUMB (Carnage, mgr.) Recent Graduates ----------------- DM 12 RIZTAB (turn 510): BADGER of HIGH JINKS (Jondeaux, mgr.) DM 16 WILLAF (turn 505): PEACH NUTT of PUNNY AMINALS (Jorja, mgr.) DM 17 ALJAFIR (turn 504): MCARTHUR of HEROESANDFOUNDONES (The Judge, mgr.) DM 28 MORYA (turn 250): ALARIC of THE WARLORDS II (Fizban, mgr.) RAY D AYTOR of OTTO'S MECHANICS (Crip, mgr.) DM 31 CHIMLEVTAL (turn 249): DROKK of WHAMMO & THUDDA 4 U! (Micky, mgr.) DM 43 VEASTIAN (turn 445): DISMAY of HELL'S PAWNS (Harbinger, mgr.) DM 47 SCOMSS SWAMP (turn 221): RAINBOW of LAND OF OZ (Oz the Successful, mgr.) DEEP FRIED LARD of MYSTIC ORC FEAST (Slugbait, mgr.) (turn 220): COURAGE of LAND OF OZ (Oz the Successful, mgr.) DM 61 JURINE (turn 349): DRACO EL TANIN of BLADE AND BLOOD (Noachian, mgr.) DUELMASTER'S COLUMN Notes from the arena champ. So I'm walking down to the commission office to check to see if I remembered to take myself off of maintenance. Apparently, I became the Duelmaster when I wasn't paying attention. I suppose that means I'll have to head down to the isle one of these days when I'm not looking too. At least I can nap on the isle. I'd avoid Master Darque, but I'm pretty sure he's not paying any attention either. Talk to you guys later! (Ok probably not, I'm sure I won't remember to write a column ever again!) Storm Serpent SPY REPORT The sages err'd not in their foretelling of a god descending upon STORMCROWE, for I, Novgorodny Vir, have returned! What's a move up by 3 you ask? (alright, maybe you didn't ask) Cause for celebration, according to ROAD WARRIORS. Say what you will about blind luck and dirty fighting, but A DEAL'S DEAL will tell you 42-68-4 is nothing to laugh at... Practice pays for WALRUS, who pummelled PYROTECHNICS, to pocket 24 points. Win some, lose some. Speaking of which, ZOEY was winsome, after beating ICELINIA and seeing her lose 18 points. STORM SERPENT found out being STORMCROWE's Duelmaster isn't all nuts and berries, receiving 4 challenges! Well, Duelmaster STORM SERPENT challenged DARQUE FORCES' MOTHER. Is a 19-10-0 good enough? MOTHER found out that STORMCROWE isn't a democracy. You've gotta be the best to be Duelmaster here! Word has it one team in STORMCROWE is using psychics to predict wins. They lead a charmed life! My mother wished me to avoid conflict, and seek the gentle trade of Spyreporter. But warriors aren't supposed to avoid fights! Like the noble eagle soaring amongst the mountaintops, so stand the warriors of MORDRED'S MADMEN, alone and unchallenged. Like a pup with its tail between its legs, SUPERIOR FORCES scurried away from MORDRED'S MADMEN. Oh, the shame! Like the wind whispering among the pines, do hearest I many disquieting rumors. BOMBSHELL of DARQUE FORCES spared NORA BATES (13-17-0) from having to lose any more fights. What's your next plan, MORDRED'S MADMEN? Never one to advocate diplomacy and restraint, I was pleased to see A DEAL'S DEAL retaliate against MORDRED'S MADMEN in bloodfeud! Oh hard! that to strike a flame, the match itself must needs be wasting! Do not think spyreporting in STORMCROWE is the highlight of my life. As the seasons change, and the creatures of the wild change also, so do I feel a yearning to leave this place. Can anything compare to the pleasure of writing Spyreports for STORMCROWE? On that giddy note I take my leave-- Novgorodny Vir DUELMASTER W L K POINTS TEAM NAME STORM SERPENT 2416 20 10 0 114 SUPERIOR FORCES (310) CHALLENGER CHAMPIONS W L K POINTS TEAM NAME BOMBSHELL 3914 14 10 3 113 DARQUE FORCES (428) HOT LIPS 3743 25 6 0 105 DARQUE FORCES (428) MOTHER 3741 19 12 1 101 DARQUE FORCES (428) ALICE OSBORNE 3970 12 10 1 101 MORDRED'S MADMEN (409) CHAMPIONS W L K POINTS TEAM NAME FRANCINE KRUGER 4015 8 10 0 87 MORDRED'S MADMEN (409) DEATH FOG 4017 12 6 0 77 SUPERIOR FORCES (310) JANE THE RIPPER 4096 8 2 0 77 MORDRED'S MADMEN (409) -WRECKER 1402 18 14 0 71 WALKING DEATH (197) SHARD 3507 14 26 1 69 NORTHERN LIGHTS (393) CHALLENGER ADEPTS W L K POINTS TEAM NAME -SHADOW STALKER 4155 7 3 0 64 THE LORDS OF WAR (477) ADEPTS W L K POINTS TEAM NAME WALRUS 3995 7 14 0 56 NORTHERN LIGHTS (393) ADEPTS W L K POINTS TEAM NAME -CANNONBALL HAMMER 3960 6 3 0 49 MUTANT HAMMERZ (456) PYROTECHNICS 4018 15 3 0 48 SUPERIOR FORCES (310) ZOEY 4126 5 1 1 46 A DEAL'S DEAL (457) -SKORG 1804 11 7 1 44 WALKING DEATH (197) -JOGLI 1902 10 4 0 43 WALKING DEATH (197) -ANGEL HAMMER 3962 6 3 2 40 MUTANT HAMMERZ (456) -BEAST HAMMER 3963 5 4 0 38 MUTANT HAMMERZ (456) CHALLENGER INITIATES W L K POINTS TEAM NAME MALDROIT MABEL 4161 2 0 0 33 A DEAL'S DEAL (457) -BISHOP HAMMER 3993 4 3 0 30 MUTANT HAMMERZ (456) ICELINIA 4092 5 6 1 27 NORTHERN LIGHTS (393) FROSTFLARE 4112 3 5 0 27 NORTHERN LIGHTS (393) B.F. GOODRICH 4143 1 1 0 26 ROAD WARRIORS (476) INITIATES W L K POINTS TEAM NAME FROSTBITE 4014 2 17 0 23 NORTHERN LIGHTS (393) -SHADOWCAT HAMMER 3961 3 6 0 20 MUTANT HAMMERZ (456) AUNTY MACASSAR 4137 1 3 0 17 A DEAL'S DEAL (457) RAGGEDY ANN 4148 3 0 0 16 DARQUE FORCES (428) GREZELDA 4131 2 3 0 15 A DEAL'S DEAL (457) AMY YATES 4145 3 1 1 14 MORDRED'S MADMEN (409) -MASOJ 2603 2 1 0 13 WALKING DEATH (197) HITCH 4167 1 0 0 13 ROAD WARRIORS (476) LULU 4135 3 1 0 10 DARQUE FORCES (428) -JARA 4160 1 0 0 6 THE LORDS OF WAR (477) WINSTON 4141 1 1 0 6 ROAD WARRIORS (476) ASU 4105 1 0 0 6 SUPERIOR FORCES (310) -SMOKE 4154 1 1 1 5 THE LORDS OF WAR (477) BERTHA 4168 1 0 0 5 A DEAL'S DEAL (457) T.A. 4139 0 2 0 2 ROAD WARRIORS (476) LEAD PEDAL 4142 0 2 0 2 ROAD WARRIORS (476) -CARA 4159 0 1 0 1 THE LORDS OF WAR (477) -HENGIST 3460 0 1 0 1 WALKING DEATH (197) '-' denotes a warrior who did not fight this turn. THE DEAD W L K TEAM NAME SLAIN BY TURN Revenge? MAYOR BILL 4138 0 2 0 A DEAL'S DEAL 457 AMY YATES 4145 225 JUST REV NORA BATES 3883 13 17 0 MORDRED'S MADMEN 409 BOMBSHELL 3914 227 DABABY 4104 0 1 0 SUPERIOR FORCES 310 SHEWISH GIANT 21 227 NONE PERSONAL ADS Warrior Lord -- Welcome to our humble arena, Stormcrowe. Make yourself at home and enjoy the sights. We hope you have a long and productive stay here. -- Master Darque, mgr. Darque Forces Frostflare -- Must be someone different. I'm a Darque disciple and arena diva (that can be read as not a very nice lady). Can your Lulu make such a claim or are the similarities in name only? -- Lulu of the Darque Forces B.F. Goodrich -- Have a few tourney fights under the belt don't you?! Impressive display of skill with the blade in that match. A few more swings and the outcome may have been in your favor. Better luck next time, but I'll be keeping my distance from you. -- Raggedy Ann All -- GEEZ, I go 5-0 and don't even make into the Teams on the Move category. -- Master Darque Tha Saint, Keeper a Lists -- Dey should'a been so lucky. -- Applejack, mgr. A Deal's a Deal. A team what is gettin ugly. N' believe me, I knows ugly. <grin> P.S. Please revert da team name ta it's original title durin tha upcomin name- change-a-rama. Yer missin a "a" ...an as dat was da original title sent in wif it's explanatory explanational p-ad, ya'd be mighty low ta charge me fer dis convenience. Thanks. Applejack -- Whoops! My list is changed; I must have had a sip too many before doing that.... -- The Saint, keeper of sometimes-accurate-sometimes-not lists P.S. I've passed your name correction request on to those who do such things, but the charge depends on them. Frostflare -- A rouser, by rickity. N' take that! -- Grezelda Smoke -- Yes'n Ya'n n' I'm an Ork, too. How could you tell? <leer> -- Mabel Shadowcat Hammer -- Lost again. Drat! Trial n' error, an I trialed that one and it errored. If you had any brains we wouldn't be in this mess. -- Aunty Angel Hammer -- So much for the unblemished record. Quality skill trade, though. -- Zoey All -- Two orks onna same team. Euuuuuu-kay -- A. Francine Kruger -- And you could, of course. There isn't a live houseplant in your whole house. You probably kill them just by looking at them. -- Shard Amy Yates -- I always knew you orcs were nasty, and now I have proof. -- Frostbite Jane the Ripper -- Listen, sister, if *I* got into your bathtub, you wouldn't have a chance to face anything, because it would FREEZE SOLID. -- Icelinia Beast Hammer -- You might as well call yourself "Walrus Hammer," because you surely did hammer on this one. Ouch. -- Walrus Grezelda -- I thought there was supposed to be some kind of special virtue, patience or something, associated with your name. But I never met a more IM-patient woman! -- Frostflare Hammer -- Well, one manager is easy to guess: if there are ALWAYS personals from that team, it's probably me! -- Jorja, Northern Lights 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 1 March 2005 The Contract [as retold by Hammer the WordSmith] What had begun as a contract for swords and armor between a well known name in the DM community and the former VC Captain/WordSmith and WeaponSmith of the Vendetta Cartel Tarantula Tribe was destined to impact and altar the landscape of the dueling community for years to come. The following is but a condensed retelling of history in the making. Hammer continued sipping his tankard of Elven Tonic as the mysterious hooded figure quietly seated himself across the table from the Veteran Manager whose back was against the wall; allowing for a subtle, but effective surveillance of the dimly lit tavern. Recent events in both Illis and North Fork/SCOMSS Swamp Arena had stunned the DM managerial world with the announcement that Hammer had resigned from his position as a well respected member of the Vendetta Cartel Alliance. Those managers and associates closest to Hammer were shocked and dismayed that there seemed to be NO Rational Explanation for Hammer making such a seemingly irrational, hasty and extremely illogical decision; by what seemed to be a spur of the moment reaction following the Declaration of War by Hammer in the DM 47 P-ads. This is what stirred the mysterious hooded figure to seek Hammer with a request that would change the managerial course of both men; ultimately Rocking the Managerial World of Alastari as a result of the forthcoming decisions reached by the two Veterans. Time passed swiftly as both Veteran Managers discussed how the landscape of the DM game on the sands of Alastari had changed over the years both in Basic and Tourney play; producing a new breed of managers who would of necessity band together in an alliance with a common goal; waging war against antagonists while improving the managerial skills of each participating member in their glorious quest for DM excellence. Hammer listened intently as his unexpected guest inquired about the situation in North Fork/SCOMSS Swamp Arena; revealing his desire to participate in the upcoming Turf War 4 contest in DM 47 with an alliance that would accept him on a more permanent basis other than for just fighting together as a TW4 alliance to win fame and Gift Certs. Here was a Veteran Manager, seeking the advice of Hammer regarding an alliance to join on a permanent basis; plus extending a sword arm of friendship and requesting that Hammer join him as an alliance mate with those who would welcome their membership. The Iron in the Words of Hammer had produced this opportunity as a result of the recent conflicts witnessed first hand by the manager seated across the table from Hammer. This Veteran Manager had been secretly searching and scouting around Alastari for someone worth his mettle to fight alongside; someone who would know where to find the perfect gang of rebels who were unafraid of waging war against anyone. Hammer knew exactly where to look and in a matter of days the two newcomers were welcomed into the ranks of a group of managers who received them as war waging equals in an alliance that had joined a Confederation of Alliances for the TW4 contest. Fighting under the banner of The Illuminati Confederation of Alliances alongside members of Chaos Inc, kLk and The Company of Brothers during the TW4 was more than either of the two Veteran Managers had envisioned a few months ago. Hammer was now entering a new journey with a new attitude. Perhaps you readers may have noticed that new attitude by now since this announcement by Hammer is uncharacteristically Exclamation Point Free. Except for the famous quote by Hammer at the end of this announcement. Now that Hammer and the Mysterious Hooded Figure have agreed to join forces with an alliance whose members have welcomed them enthusiastically; let those who desire to be antagonistic be forewarned as to the identities of these newly welcomed wagers of war: Tripwire kLk Bringer of Pain Hammer kLk WordSmith and WeaponSmith Minister of War Illuminati Idealist "May Your Blades Be Sharp and Your Wits Sharper!" LAST WEEK'S FIGHTS DABABY was butchered by SHEWISH GIANT in a 1 minute Dark Arena fight. MALDROIT MABEL devastated AMY YATES in a 1 minute one-sided Bloodfeud duel. STORM SERPENT overcame MOTHER in a 3 minute veteran's Challenge Title match. ALICE OSBORNE devastated DEATH FOG in a 1 minute one-sided Challenge contest. BOMBSHELL assassinated NORA BATES in a 1 minute mismatched Challenge match. JANE THE RIPPER devastated SHARD in a 1 minute one-sided Challenge duel. B.F. GOODRICH bested FROSTBITE in a crowd pleasing 1 minute Challenge match. RAGGEDY ANN overcame WINSTON in a 2 minute beginner's Challenge fight. AUNTY MACASSAR won victory over LULU in a 2 minute beginner's Challenge duel. HOT LIPS unbelievably bested FRANCINE KRUGER in a action packed 10 minute fight. ICELINIA was overpowered by ZOEY in a 1 minute one-sided fight. PYROTECHNICS was handily defeated by WALRUS in a exciting 4 minute one-sided bout. FROSTFLARE devastated GREZELDA in a 2 minute brutal mismatched conflict. T.A. was subdued by ASU in a 1 minute novice's brawl. LEAD PEDAL was outwaited by BERTHA in a crowd boring 8 minute gory novice's conflict. HITCH devastated CONVICTED THIEF in a 1 minute uneven duel. BATTLE REPORT MOST POPULAR RECORD DURING THE LAST 10 TURNS |FIGHTING STYLE FIGHTS FIGHTING STYLE W - L - K PERCENT| |LUNGING ATTACK 8 TOTAL PARRY 38 - 17 - 0 69 | |STRIKING ATTACK 5 SLASHING ATTACK 24 - 19 - 1 56 | |TOTAL PARRY 5 PARRY-STRIKE 15 - 15 - 3 50 | |PARRY-STRIKE 3 LUNGING ATTACK 29 - 29 - 3 50 | |PARRY-RIPOSTE 2 STRIKING ATTACK 33 - 35 - 1 49 | |SLASHING ATTACK 2 BASHING ATTACK 14 - 16 - 1 47 | |AIMED BLOW 2 PARRY-RIPOSTE 9 - 13 - 0 41 | |PARRY-LUNGE 1 WALL OF STEEL 10 - 15 - 1 40 | |BASHING ATTACK 1 AIMED BLOW 13 - 22 - 0 37 | |WALL OF STEEL 1 PARRY-LUNGE 5 - 10 - 0 33 | Turn 227 was great if you Not so great if you used The fighting styles of the used the fighting styles: the fighting styles: top eleven warriors are: PARRY-LUNGE 1 - 0 LUNGING ATTACK 2 - 6 2 TOTAL PARRY PARRY-RIPOSTE 2 - 0 AIMED BLOW 0 - 2 2 STRIKING ATTACK BASHING ATTACK 1 - 0 WALL OF STEEL 0 - 1 2 AIMED BLOW PARRY-STRIKE 2 - 1 2 SLASHING ATTACK STRIKING ATTACK 3 - 2 1 PARRY-STRIKE TOTAL PARRY 3 - 2 1 LUNGING ATTACK SLASHING ATTACK 1 - 1 1 BASHING ATTACK TOP WARRIOR OF EACH STYLE FIGHTING STYLE WARRIOR W L K PNTS TEAM NAME TOTAL PARRY STORM SERPENT 2416 20 10 0 114 SUPERIOR FORCES (310) PARRY-STRIKE BOMBSHELL 3914 14 10 3 113 DARQUE FORCES (428) LUNGING ATTACK MOTHER 3741 19 12 1 101 DARQUE FORCES (428) STRIKING ATTACK ALICE OSBORNE 3970 12 10 1 101 MORDRED'S MADMEN (409) AIMED BLOW DEATH FOG 4017 12 6 0 77 SUPERIOR FORCES (310) SLASHING ATTACK JANE THE RIPPER 4096 8 2 0 77 MORDRED'S MADMEN (409) Note: Warriors have a winning record and are an Adept or Above. The overall popularity leader is ALICE OSBORNE 3970. The most popular warrior this turn was FRANCINE KRUGER 4015. The ten other most popular fighters were WALRUS 3995, MOTHER 3741, HOT LIPS 3743, B.F. GOODRICH 4143, WINSTON 4141, FROSTFLARE 4112, MALDROIT MABEL 4161, ALICE OSBORNE 3970, JANE THE RIPPER 4096, and AUNTY MACASSAR 4137. The least popular fighter this week was LEAD PEDAL 4142. The other ten least popular fighters were BERTHA 4168, T.A. 4139, PYROTECHNICS 4018, ICELINIA 4092, SHARD 3507, NORA BATES 3883, DEATH FOG 4017, AMY YATES 4145, DABABY 4104, and HITCH 4167. Name-Change-O-Rama The winter tourney brought a lot of people to the Isle who didn't appear there normally. This included Commission employees. Half a dozen arenamasters regarded each other warily in the mirror behind the bar at the Pig in a Haystack. The Pig was obscure and mediocre, drawing few gladiators, which is what they had all been looking for. They saw gladiators every day. Most arenamaster were convinced that this was some kind of punishment. You could always pick out the arenamasters in a crowd. There were superficial differences: One of these had clearly Adantri features, one wore an eye-patch, two were female. But there were, in significant ways, alike. The same size, the same hair-trigger alertness, the same deadliness. The one-eyed man broke the ice, raising his beer mug in salute. "I'm Zrof One- Eye from Zukal. Sugar of Arvat--" One of the women bowed slightly. "I know Sugar. The rest of you...?" The Adantri matched his salute. "Dernal of Dayla Kiv." "Daiyla Kiv? Ah...." "No, without the 'I' in it. These damned bureaucrats can't spell, and they thought adding an unnecessary vowel was exotic." Disgust dripped from his voice. "Tell me about it!" another man growled in agreement. "Khagal of Niatoli, and what they do to the spelling of THAT simple word--!" "I thought Daiyla, I mean Dayla Kiv had a different name right now," Arenamistress Sugar said. "The arena, at least, because of a contest?" "Chavez Ravine." Dernal's tone was the one that substituted in polite company for spitting on the floor. Zrof blinked, taken aback by the bitterness. He wouldn't have minded a contest in Zukal, and damn what they called the place. "It's only temporary, though." "Temporary, shmiperary," another man muttered. He seemed well into his drinking, although, like all arenamasters, he carried his liquor well. "They do it all the time in Aradi. No reshpect. Go around changing thish, changing that. I wish I could change shome thingsh." He signalled the bartender for a refill. The second woman put her hand over his mug. "You've had enough, Harkon. Try the coffee, instead." "You should be mad, too, Ripplesh," Harkon said. "They're going to do shtuff like that in Jahnsh, aren't they?" Ripples Dorrigan shrugged. All the men paused, some with glasses half raised, to watch. "It's the way things are," she said. "Not much we can do about it." "You know," Khagal of Niatoli said, "maybe we could make a few changes. Fix the spelling of Arena 33, for one, change a few standby titles--" "The Commission hates changes." Dernal of Dayla Kiv topped up his glass and drained it gloomily. "Yes, but if we disguise it," Sugar of Arvat said, excited, "make it... maybe a general Name-Change-O-Rama! Then we could slip OUR changes through and no one would notice or mind." *-------*-------*-------*-------*-------*-------* By popular demand, we are holding a Name-Change-o-Rama during the month of March. If you wish to change the name of your warriors or teams, please contact RSI Customer Service. The charge for a name change is $1, unless you're in DOOMCorps, in which case you take your chances. (Just kidding, guys! *snicker*)