DUEL 2 NEWSLETTER
Date : 12/06/2006 Duedate: 12/19/2006
DAL SHANG ARENA
DM-65 TURN-383
This Weeks Top Honors
THE DUELMASTER IS
ANNABEL BLACKHEART
POSSE (718)
(65-6769) [13-5-2,115]
Chartered Recognition Leader Unchartered Recognition Leader
MADE IT HOME POSITION IS EMPTY
GOT IT FOR CHRISTMAS (717)
(65-6671) [17-12-0,119]
Popularity Leader This Weeks Favorite
GOBARL FRIAR DUCK
REFUGEES (377) MIGHTY DUCKS (720)
(65-6604) [21-36-0,99] (65-6865) [8-5-0,79]
THE CURRENT TOP TEAM
POSSE (718)
TEAMS ON THE MOVE TOP CAREER HONORS
Team Name Point Gain Chartered Team
1. POSSE (718) 90
2. SAND DANCERS (233) 25GOT IT FOR CHRISTMAS (717)
3. TIL DEATH DO US PART (724) 20 Unchartered Team
4. STUMBLIN' DRUNK (356) -5
5. REFUGEES (377) -9 OCTOBER RUST 55 (668)
The Top Teams
Career Win-Loss Record W L K % Win-Loss Record Last 3 Turns W L K
1/ 1 GOT IT FOR CHRISTM (717) 88 34 4 72.1 1/ 5 POSSE (718) 10 5 1
2/ 2 MIGHTY DUCKS (720) 207 186 6 52.7 2/ 1 MIGHTY DUCKS (720) 9 6 0
3/ 3 STUMBLIN' DRUNK (356) 117 112 10 51.1 3/ 3 TIL DEATH DO US PA (724) 7 8 1
4/ 4 POSSE (718) 140 136 11 50.7 4/ 2 STUMBLIN' DRUNK (356) 6 9 3
5/ 5 TIL DEATH DO US PA (724) 289 313 28 48.0 5/ 6 GOT IT FOR CHRISTM (717) 5 1 0
6/ 6 SAND DANCERS (233) 781 917 20 46.0 6/ 4 SAND DANCERS (233) 5 6 0
7/ 7 REFUGEES (377) 414 516 14 44.5 7/ 7 REFUGEES (377) 2 7 0
'*' Unchartered team '-' Team did not fight this turn
(###) Avoid teams by their Team Id ##/## This turn's/Last turn's rank
TEAM SPOTLIGHT
* >)] H [(< * >)] Til Death Do Us Part [(< * >)] H [(< *
Til Death Do Us Part guildhouse:
Triss walked down the stairs rubbing her eyes, trying to wake up. That was
always hard work in the mornings for her. When she could focus, she saw Octavia
sitting by herself at the table, drinking a cup of coffee. The two made eye contact,
and Triss smiled.
Octavia returned a half-hearted smile. *What have I done?* She looked down at
her hands, away from Triss, who thought she was a friend. *I did my mission, that's
what I did. My mission was to join this team, make friends with Triss, the sword
bearer, find the sword Windsong, and then get it back to Tenerus. I did that? So
why do I feel so bad? And why did I come back?*
"What are you thinking about?" Triss took the seat across from her.
"Just... daydreaming," Octavia muttered. The lies were getting easier as they
piled up.
"Oh. Well, what do you think of this?" Triss sat up straight. "Let's sneak
off today and go shopping! It has been so long since I've been out of the house. We
can make a whole day of it." She was practically bouncing in her chair from
excitement.
Octavia glanced at her again, and then away. *You have no idea what happened to
you last night, do you? What I did to you last night. I'm so sorry.* She
swallowed. "I would love to go shopping," she said.
"Good!" Triss hopped up. "Let's get out of here before the others know we're
gone."
Harbor Town:
Killjoy stood at the bottom of the walkway from the ship, waiting for it to
unload. For such a small ship, that seemed to take forever. But eventually the
people she was waiting for emerged.
She smiled tensely. "I thought you'd missed your boat."
Wild Weasel smiled back. "No. We just have a member in our party that doesn't
have her sea legs yet."
Lameto and a pale-looking Jinx came down behind him.
"Thank you for coming," Killjoy said to them.
"My pleasure." Lameto bowed slightly.
"Next time... we find another way," Jinx muttered.
Killjoy had turned back to Weasel. "How is Tapestry and your son?"
"They're great. Crossbones agreed to keep an eye on them for me."
That surprised a laugh out of the manager. "Oh, my... how is he?"
"Getting fat," Weasel answered, grinning. "Too much retirement and not enough
anything else."
They shared a chuckle over that as they rounded up their bags and started up the
steep road to the main city. Killjoy led them toward the guildhouse and filled them
in with current events on the way.
Dal Shang marketplace:
Man-O-War and Sitha walked side by side down the busy street, with Bobika
trailing right behind them. They were giving him a tour of the city. Sitha was
doing most of the talking, and Man-O-War was silent.
Finally she stopped and looked up at her companion. "What's wrong?"
He shrugged minutely and looked away.
She glanced back at Bobika.
The newcomer took her hint quickly enough. "I'm going over there to look at..."
he glanced around quickly, "that armor," he said. "I'll catch up with you guys in a
minute." He walked away from them.
Sitha dragged Man-O-War over to a bench and made him sit down, then looked him
squarely in the eyes. "Are you still thinking about what Joy said?"
"Yes... I am."
"Aranthar, Joy over-reacted. She is a very passionate person." She sat down
next to him, still holding his hand.
"It's more than that." He shifted to face her where she sat beside him. "We
have been through a lot of things. Several times there was a chance we wouldn't make
it out alive. But I never once thought we would fail." He looked at the ground,
rubbing the toe of one boot around and around on a single cobblestone. "Joy was
right. I was scared. I thought I was going to die. I have never let such thoughts
enter my mind before."
"You had every right to be scared. Hobgoblin is evil. You did the right
thing."
Man-O-War stood up. "Maybe so." He looked down at her and smiled. "Make sure
Bobika gets back to the guildhouse. I'll be there soon." He started to walk away.
Sitha leaped up. "Aranthar!"
He stopped and looked back.
"I love you."
He smiled again. "I love you, too." Then he moved into the crowd of people and
was lost from sight.
Sitha stared after him, not sure what to think.
"What's up with him?" Bobika asked, rejoining her.
Back at the guildhouse, later on:
Triss and Octavia were laughing when they walked into the guildhouse, both of
them loaded down with bags and parcels from their shopping.
"That was fun!" Triss said.
"Yes, it was. Thanks for--"
"Triss!" Killjoy's voice boomed from another room.
The two friends stopped in their tracks, looking at each other in dread like
schoolchildren caught by their parents sneaking back into the house after dark.
"Will you come in here, please?" Killjoy called again.
As they walked into the room, they were surprised to see the unfamiliar faces of
Wild Weasel, Lameto-Kesino, and Jinx.
Killjoy introduced everyone. "Triss, Wild Weasel has something that I want you
to see." She motioned to him.
He drew his sword, holding it up for them to see.
Triss's and Octavia's eyes and mouths were wide open in amazement.
"Oh, my..." Triss whispered. "Is that...?"
"Angelfire, so I have been told," Wild Weasel said nonchalantly.
Triss smiled, even as her eyes filled with tears of wonder. "Angelfire," she
repeated. "May I hold it?"
"Sure." He handed it over.
She took hold of the sword and pulled it in close to her body, blade pointing
down as she embraced it. "Oh, red dragon rider...." She closed her eyes.
Wild Weasel got an odd look on his face and glanced across at his brother.
Lameto, with the same odd expression, just shrugged. Killjoy and Jinx were smiling.
Octavia was... amazed was not a big enough word, to be seeing another sword of
power. The main thought in her mind was, *Hobgoblin does not need to know about
this.*
Triss, still holding the sword tight against herself, rocked back and forth.
"How did you find it?"
"Well, I was working on my house and fell through my roof and my porch into a
cave," Weasel said. "Under my house was a skeleton. I was told it was a dragon...."
"You have seen the Red Dragon!" Her eyes popped open.
"I guess. Kind of. Well, it was all bones...."
"Oh, my goodness." Her hands were shaking as she handed him back the sword.
"You are so blessed."
"Will you tell him what you told us?" Killjoy asked.
"Of course I will. A sword bearer must know the history of the swords."
Everyone sat down as she began to recount the history.
Outside town:
Darkness fell across Dal Shang as Man-O-War rode his horse out of the city gates
and away from the road, toward the treeline. He was wearing his oldest armor, that
he had brought with him from Kekoral. The crest of Torasin, his homeland, was barely
visible on his breastplate due to the dents and scratches that years of battle had
put on it.
As soon as he found the perfect spot, he pulled his horse to a halt and
dismounted, patting its muscular neck. A good horse, well trained and cared for, was
a knight's valuable ally. He flipped its reins around the limb of a fallen tree and
made his way to a group of rocks that he had noted while hunting months ago.
From the satchel over his shoulder he pulled out candles and small figurines,
arranging them carefully on the rocks. He lighted the candles, then pulled of his
helmet and unsheathed his sword, laying them on the ground between himself and his
make-shift altar.
He went to one knee and fixed his eyes on the god-figures.
"Lokar, God of War, it has been a long time since I called on your aid. But I'm
going to need your help on this, if you see that I am worthy. If you do aid me, in
the name of Mendarlo I swear to you that my sowrd is yours to command as you see
fit."
He stayed motionless for several minutes, then repeated his prayer.
Til Death Do Us Part guildhouse:
When the story was finished, Wild Weasel just stared, wide-eyed, for a long
moment. "Wow."
"Amazing, huh?" Triss was smiling, proud of her memory and the reflected glory
of the tale.
"So you have one of these swords, too?"
"Yes! Hold on." Triss took off running up the stairs.
Octavia's heart skipped a beat, then started racing. She didn't know what to
do. Run away? Will Triss know that it was me? She looked down at her hands, which
were trembling. Her face went pale.
Triss came back down the stairs slowly. This time the tears in her eyes were
not from excitement. "It's gone," she said.
To be continued.
DUELMASTER'S COLUMN
Notes from the arena champ.
I hope to continue the unbroken Mighty Duck tradition of holding the throne at least
once prior to graduation, but one way or another, my reign here must soon come to an
end. Death or immortality are set before me this next fight. I fully expect a
challenge from the now immortal Gift Certificate. I am issuing no challenges and, as
always, neither I nor any of the Mighty Ducks will avoid. May you all bear the
Mighty Duck blessing/curse: Learn fast or die. -- Ugly Duckling (I'm still irritated
over the errant spelling of my name plate)
SPY REPORT
Thankyouthankyou. It's great for me, The Unknown Spymaster to be back in DAL
SHANG. Hope you enjoy the show. Oh, who am I kidding? I already got paid! Say
good-bye to MIGHTY DUCKS, as they are pushed from the coveted top team spot by the
POSSE stable. Coming up with a solid 5-0-1 outing, POSSE has advanced 4 places in
the rankings. Hey everybody, watch out for LONESTAR, who flew up 25 points in the
rankings after mashing BOBIKA VHETT like a melon. Keep your eye on this guy. And
falling like a basher in the top ten was VALARION, who dropped 19 points after a
disappointing (to say the least) bout with LONDEL TYL SARH. It's a proud day for the
POSSE stable, as their warrior, ANNABEL BLACKHEART, ascended the Duelmaster's throne.
Can you believe they are paying me 10 gold to deliver this stuff?
Let's dig a little deeper into what's happening in the DAL SHANG arena. Did you
hear that POSSE was most avoided team this week? Well, knowing the personal hygiene
of POSSE's warriors, I'm not surprised! Okay, so I may not be funny, but catch GOT
IT FOR CHRISTMAS' act in the arena. Those acrobats seem to be fairly deft at running
from POSSE. Well just about everybody wants a piece of IRISH CREAM, who was this
week's most challenged warrior. In a touching display by a 'touched' warrior,
REVEREND BLOOD went after AMORE', who was higher by 25 points. Well, when the dust
settled, REVEREND BLOOD bested AMORE'. MADE IT HOME of GOT IT FOR CHRISTMAS had
better have a good reason for challenging down 9 points in a challenge which he won.
I thought MADE IT HOME showed great skill and promise when he won victory over KO
LAO-DEN. All right, so I slept through it! Big deal!
Remember that an arena is not always a safe place to be, but it is one of the
most interesting, though! This week 16-5-0 GIFT CERTIFICATE was sent to the Dark
Arena. I know a lot of fighters with similar records who might take notice of this.
There's got to be more reason for the sending of GIFT CERTIFICATE to the Dark Arena
than his record (16-5-0). Anybody got any ideas GOT IT FOR CHRISTMAS? Carrion Bird
Cinematic Humor: SIGBAN II: THE REMATCH. Well, just when you thought it was safe
to put a new warrior in the arena. No no! BOBIKA VHETT, a mere boy, was slain by
LONESTAR this turn. Remember: alliances are great, but try and take your ally in
the arena with you and see what happens.
Well, that wasn't too bad; Alarond told me that the people in DAL SHANG have no
sense of humor. Or maybe that they were senseless. C'mon, Leadfoot, let's make some
tracks. Its been real, and its been fun, but it hasn't been real fun...-- The
Unknown Spymaster
DUELMASTER W L K POINTS TEAM NAME
ANNABEL BLACKHEART 6769 13 5 2 115 POSSE (718)
CHALLENGER CHAMPIONS W L K POINTS TEAM NAME
MADE IT HOME 6671 17 12 0 119 GOT IT FOR CHRISTMAS (717)
LONER 6779 10 9 1 102 MIGHTY DUCKS (720)
KO LAO-DEN 6614 24 26 2 100 SAND DANCERS (233)
GOBARL 6604 21 36 0 99 REFUGEES (377)
SIXKILLER 6795 11 6 0 97 POSSE (718)
UGLY DUCKING 6771 13 7 1 91 MIGHTY DUCKS (720)
CHAMPIONS W L K POINTS TEAM NAME
REVEREND BLOOD 6868 8 6 2 90 POSSE (718)
IRISH CREAM 3065 14 16 2 88 STUMBLIN' DRUNK (356)
FRIAR DUCK 6865 8 5 0 79 MIGHTY DUCKS (720)
AMORE' 6879 7 2 2 68 STUMBLIN' DRUNK (356)
CHALLENGER ADEPTS W L K POINTS TEAM NAME
SCREWDRIVER 3541 11 7 1 66 STUMBLIN' DRUNK (356)
MAN-O-WAR 6810 9 6 3 66 TIL DEATH DO US PART (724)
ADEPTS W L K POINTS TEAM NAME
LONDEL TYL SARH 6895 3 3 0 47 SAND DANCERS (233)
OCTAVIA 6890 5 2 0 45 TIL DEATH DO US PART (724)
LISSANE TYL DRU 6881 8 3 0 34 SAND DANCERS (233)
CHALLENGER INITIATES W L K POINTS TEAM NAME
BETTER DUCK 6889 4 3 0 33 MIGHTY DUCKS (720)
LONESTAR 6901 2 1 1 33 POSSE (718)
VALARION 6808 6 8 0 26 TIL DEATH DO US PART (724)
CHIANA 6807 6 7 0 25 TIL DEATH DO US PART (724)
INITIATES W L K POINTS TEAM NAME
MOJITO 6896 2 2 0 23 STUMBLIN' DRUNK (356)
LUCKY DUCK 6903 1 1 0 23 MIGHTY DUCKS (720)
STEELHORSE 6900 2 1 0 19 POSSE (718)
MODORAM 6880 3 8 0 17 REFUGEES (377)
PUCKER 6894 2 4 0 10 STUMBLIN' DRUNK (356)
'-' denotes a warrior who did not fight this turn.
THE DEAD W L K TEAM NAME SLAIN BY TURN Revenge?
GIFT CERTIFICATE 6787 16 5 0 GOT IT FOR CHRIST 717 STONESHATTER 18 383 NONE
M2 MALLARD 6786 12 6 0 MIGHTY DUCKS 720 IRISH CREAM 3065 381 REVENGED
SIGBAN 6710 14 17 1 REFUGEES 377 MAN-O-WAR 6810 383
JAEGO SARL 6709 18 12 0 SAND DANCERS 233 AMORE' 6879 382
BOBIKA VHETT 6891 5 2 0 TIL DEATH DO US P 724 LONESTAR 6901 383
PERSONAL ADS
All -- Sorry about the lack of activity in the personals. I'll try to keep up. --
Woody
All -- Here's the info on M2 Mallard: 11-12-10-13(14)-11-10-17 (19 FE) Final
skills were: 21/13/16/18/10-14(?)/7-11(?) Physicals: Normal end/good dmg.
Blessed/hosed (Terrablood) +2 init, +1 rip, +3 att, +3 par, +1-4 def (suspect about
+2 or 3), unknown dec (suspect about +2). I don't remember why I trained his wit. I
was probably shooting for epee suitability. I figured he'd be good for about 12 FE
before he peaked, but he surprised me and peaked at 16 FE. I think scimitar was his
favorite. If so, it certainly helped his record. He did help confirm some of my
suspicions on plunger luck factors. These rollups are pretty common, and I like
plungers, so expect to see more in the future. -- Woody
Stumblin' Drunk and Irish Cream -- I would consider that last turn to be sufficient
vengeance for M2's death. M2 turned out to be just as lucky in death as he was in
life. (I'll still send a blood feud, but you'll probably win.) -- Woody
Sixkiller -- Nice adjustment. Your desperation strategy was just right. -- Friar
Duck
Ghost of Jaego Sarl -- You requested a prayer. I'll perform last rites for you. --
Friar Duck
Ghost of Annabel Blackheart -- Ugly Duckling really wasn't running very aggressively.
I'm sure we'll see you return from Aringhol's realm in a future dead tourney. --
Woody
Made It Home -- That's fine for YOU, but what about ME? Do you know how much the
Infirmary charges for "a few days"? I'll be washing dishes for a YEAR to pay my
bill. -- Ko Lao-Den
Steelhorse -- Ambitious, aren't you? (sigh) I 'spect next time you could take me
down. -- Londel tyl Sarh
P.S. Cool name.
Amore -- If you're drunk, you certainly hold it well. Of course, such a beautifully
shaped package WOULD, right? -- Jaego Sarl the admiring
P.S. Oh, heck, I died. I hate it when that happens.
Valarion -- You going to fix the dents you made in my armor? -- Lissane tyl Dru
Gift Certificate -- Just ONCE I'd like to get one of those myself. -- Gobarl
P.S. I DO get some? Great! Thanks.
P.P.S. And congratulations to you on getting your gift of an all-expenses-paid trip
to the Isle.
Chiana -- I tried to make it quick. If you wear long sleeves, that won't even show.
-- Sigban
Bobika Vhett -- It was for your own good. Those undefeated records are dangerous. --
Modoram
Lissane -- Yeah well can you help me up then. -- Valarion
Londel -- I have considered it...I just don't like working out. I better I guess. --
Pucker
Sigban -- I wish she would do that to everyone I fought. Hehe. -- Man-o-war
Sitha -- Thanks, hon. -- Man-o-war
Modoram -- Yes...the face ripping thing...well...hmmm...I have never ripped off
anyone's face before. But for some reason I can't think of anything else to say so I
go back to the ripping of the face. Trust me I won't do it. -- Chiana
P.S. You were told right. *blushes*
Sand Dancers -- Please accept my apologies. I hope he is at peace now. -- Amore'
Ugly Ducking -- Darn darn darn, missed my shot. Great fight though. You are a
formidable adversary. -- Irish Cream
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
30 November 2006
NEED A TURF WAR ALLIANCE?? Master Beru, Wretch, Reaper, and Xoan have come together
to form an Alliance for the TURF WAR in DM47 with no regards for experience in
competitions or even the game. If you want to enjoy the thrills of the competition,
we have space for up to three more managers. Contact Master Beru at
d_spinella@msn.com for more information or send a note to Master Beru at DM 29--Army
of Darkness. If you are interested, we need to move quickly, since the contest
starts in January and there are a few requirements to meet to participate. May your
blades find the chinks in your enemy's armor. -- Master Beru
6 December 2006
ANNOUNCING THE NO-TOURNAMENT ARENA (81)
As an American I honor my cultural heritage by stealing any good idea. This idea was
originally proposed by Lord Xiang in November 2005. RSI will be opening the arena
(81) for teams willing to sign the following pledge:
* I pledge that I will not send warriors from this arena to a Tournament, nor will I
use a Tournament prize on a warrior from this arena.
* I pledge to run a full team when I run turns in this arena. If circumstances
preclude my running less than a full team I will notify the Player Committee.
* I agree to abide by the decisions of the Player Committee.
* I understand that any warrior that participates in a Tournament shall be sent to
the Dark Arena until they are dead.
* I understand that any warrior that receives a Tournament prize shall be send to
the Dark Arena until they are dead.
The following are the rules for joining this No-Tournament arena
1. No tournament play for warriors in this arena (Dead tournament or otherwise).
2. One team per manager.
3. Teams start with new rollup (or a zero fight equivalent team is transferred into
this arena.)
4. No tourney prizes allowed to modify warriors in the arena.
5. Twenty teams required, per RSI.
6. Waivers are required to allow self-regulation on tourney ban, granting RSI
authority to Dark Arena any warrior that participates in a Tournament (until the
warrior is dead).
7. Rotating council to enforce tourney ban and maintain arena integrity.
The main purpose of the Player Committee is to maintain fair play in the arena:
* Warriors that participate in Tournaments will be sent to the Dark Arena until they
are dead. This means that the Player Committee has the power to send another
player's warrior to the Dark Arena
* Managers that abuse the rules of the Arena may be banned/transferred from the
Arena.
The player with the most votes for Chairman will fill slot 1 [Chairperson] and that
term expires end of March 2007.
The player with the most votes overall will fill slot 5 and that term expires end of
November 2007.
The player with the second most votes overall will fill slot 4 and that term expires
end of September 2007.
The player with the third most votes overall will fill slot 3 and that term expires
end of November 2007.
The player with the fourth most votes overall will fill slot 2 and that term expires
end of May 2007.
During the month that the chairperson's term expires the Player Committee will select
one of the remaining 4 players to be the next chairperson. During the month that any
member's term expires the arena will vote for a different player to join the Players'
Committee.
If you want to be a candidate for the player committee:
1. Post a message in the Duel2 Forum at
http://www.reality.com/duel2/modules.php?name=Forums
2. E-Mail Deke at DekeYoung@Comcast.NET
3. Send a Diplomatic Note to Doc LeGrand's Lab [ARENA 81]
There are 4 steps to joining this arena
1) Send in a new team rollup to RSI with the following pledge taped/stapled to the
rollup sheet, or transfer a ZERO FIGHT EQUIVALENT TEAM to Arena 81 and send RSI the
following form.
No-Tournament Arena (81)
* I pledge that I will not send warriors from this team to a Tournament, nor will I
use a Tournament prize on a warrior from this team.
* I pledge to run a full team when I run turns in this arena. If circumstances
preclude my running less than a full team I will notify the Player Committee.
* I agree to abide by the decisions of the Player Committee.
* I understand that any warrior that participates in a Tournament shall be sent to
the Dark Arena until they are dead.
* I understand that any warrior that receives a Tournament prize shall be send to
the Dark Arena until they are dead.
[Sign your name here ..............................................................]
2) [Optional] post a message on the Duel 2 Forums in the Creating a No-Tournament
Arena thread
http://www.reality.com/duel2/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=2296&sid=
94ebf69603ccaf5c7dbf1b19da799732
3) [Optional] send an e-mail to DekeYoung@Comcast.NET with your team name
4) [Optional] Send a Diplomatic Note to Doc LeGrand's Lab in Arena 81 with your team
name and intent to join Arena 81 and abide by the Arena rules.
RSI will be processing overviews for this arena as soon as you send them into
RSI.
The first turn will run in January 2007. This will be a normal speed arena.
While I am encouraging everyone to use TEAM MAINTENANCE it is not mandatory.
The intent is that players that run turns will run a full team. One warrior teams
are discouraged and will a topic for the Player Committee to resolve.
I also encourage players to join the Duel2 Yahoo Group for faster updates and
feedback. http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/duel/
There are already 29 managers already committed to the project
x Apex = CAROLINA BLUE -- Cf PC -- Cf PCC
x Bill (I think this is the same person) = CLUB CUTTHROAT
x Blackstorm = DARK ENCLAVE -- Cf PC
Master Darque = DARQUE AGES
x DeGotti = CULT OF BACCHUS
x Deke = DOC LEGRAND'S LAB
Den = BIG LAKE OUTCASTS
x Drake = DRAKE'S HARDWARE -- Cf PC
Ghab = ASSASSIN NATION
Grimm = FURRY FURY
Hammer = AARDVARK HAMMERZ
Ikillu = BATTLE GRUNTS
x Indimar = AS SEEN ON TV II
x Kat = KATHOUSE
x Kellumbo = KELLUMBO'S KIDS
x Le Pentarque = LA PENTARCHIE
x Master Beru = CHILDHOOD HEROES -- Cf PC
x Nomad = DRAGONBANE GUILD
Nuln = RED IRON KNIGHTS
x Pauly = ALE HOUSE MERCS
Ragnarokwolf = RAGNAROK'S WOLVES
x Rillon = THE DRAUGS
x Roadkill = STREET WALKERS
Seraphim = LEGION OF SOLITUDE
Silas = GRIFFONRAWL MMA
SlugBait = ORCS HATE PHYSICS
x Terminator = WARMASTERS
x The Consortium = LIFE IMPACTS -- Cf PC -- Cf PCC
Woody
X = 17 Team Rollups received by RSI as of 29 November 2006
Cf = Candidate for
PC = Player Committee
PCC = Player Committee Chairperson
Deke Young will not be part of the inaugural Player Committee, maybe later once
the Arena direction has been developed.
Any questions can be directed to DekeYoung@Comcast.NET
I will track Awards in Arena 81, which will be posted on a web site and included
in the following turn's newsletter.
The Honor of Sunset Award:
The first team to reach 10 Team Kills. In the case that there is more than one
team that achieves 10 Team Kills on the same turn, I will pay the Award to the team
with the most kills. If two or more teams are tied for Team Kills, I will prolong
the contest until one team has the most Kills in the Arena (it does not have to be
one of the teams that first reached 10 Team Kills.)
The Race to Victory Award:
The first team to reach 75 Team Wins. In the case that there is more than one
team that reaches 75 Team wins on the same turn, I will pay the Award to the team
with the most wins. If two or more teams are tied for Team Wins, I will prolong the
contest until one team has the most wins in the Arena (it does not have to be one of
the teams that first reached 75 Team Wins.)
The Commitment to Change Award:
The first team to reach 125 Team Fights. In the case that there is more than
one team that reaches 125 Team Fights on the same turn, I will pay the Award to the
team with the most fights. If two or more teams are tied for Team Fights, I will
prolong the contest until one team has the most fights in the Arena (it does not have
to be one of the teams that first reached 125 Team Fights.) I hope I never give out
this award {figure it out on your own.}
The Team Advancement Award:
The first team to graduate 5 warriors to ADM. In the case that there is more
than 1 team that graduates 5 warriors on the same turn, I will pay the Award to the
first team to graduate 6 warriors. In the case that there is more than 1 team that
graduates 6 warriors on the same turn, I will pay the Award to the first team to
graduate 7 warriors, and so on.
The Iron Throne Award:
The first team to hold the Duelmaster for 10 turns STARTING ON TURN 11.
The Stylemaster Award.
The first team to hold the Stylemaster Award in 7 different styles, STARTING ON
TURN 11. If two teams obtain Stylemaster Awards in 7 styles on the same turn, the
goal will be increased to 8 Styles.
Team Recognition Points: The total recognition points for all warriors in the arena
The Iron Throne Ledger: We will track who has been the Duelmaster every turn in
Arena history.
Iron Throne Counter: The total number of times a team has been the Duelmaster.
Composite Team Stylemaster awards: The number of times a team has had any of the 10
Stylemasters. Having 2 Stylemasters = 2 points that turn.
Challenge win percentage: How often your warriors win when they challenge.
Challenge Defender rate: How often your warriors win when they WERE challenged.
Team Invitations: Number of warriors graduated to ADM.
Team Graduation Rate: Total team fights/Graduated Warriors.
Team Kill Percentage: Total of team Kills/Team Fights
Team Death Percentage: Total of Team Deaths/Team Fights
Team Revenge Rate: Number of Deaths/BloodFeuds Revenged (Note that the Dark Arena
will be counted as not-revenged.) You only get credit for one successful
BloodFeud per death (though I encourage you to BloodFeud all 4 turns.)
Current Win Streaks: Warriors that have gone the most turns without losing or
missing a turn.
Team Yahtzee counter: Number of times a team has gone 5-0 in a turn.
Team Bagel counter: Number of times a team has fought without a win.
Team Dark Arena counter: Number of times each team has used the Dark Arena.
The Most Feared (avoided) Team counter: Number of turns that team was the most
avoided team.
We will create a web page just for Arena 81 category leaders.
Hope to see you there. -- Deke
LAST WEEK'S FIGHTS
GIFT CERTIFICATE was dealt death by STONESHATTER in a 3 minute Dark Arena fight.
LUCKY DUCK was subdued by IRISH CREAM in a 1 minute one-sided Bloodfeud melee.
MADE IT HOME overpowered KO LAO-DEN in a 1 minute mismatched Challenge duel.
REVEREND BLOOD devastated AMORE' in a exciting 1 minute one-sided Challenge fight.
UGLY DUCKING was devastated by ANNABEL BLACKHEART in a 1 minute uneven Title brawl.
LONER devastated SCREWDRIVER in a 1 minute bloody mismatched match.
GOBARL was defeated by SIXKILLER in a action packed 1 minute uneven melee.
FRIAR DUCK vanquished HELVAN QUICKHAND in a 3 minute gruesome one-sided duel.
SIGBAN was slaughtered by MAN-O-WAR in a 1 minute brutal one-sided fight.
VALARION was handily defeated by LONDEL TYL SARH in a 1 minute one-sided bout.
OCTAVIA demolished SAGAT OF PAIDAN in a 1 minute mismatched match.
CHIANA was overcome by LISSANE TYL DRU in a 1 minute contest.
MODORAM was demolished by BETTER DUCK in a 1 minute mismatched match.
PUCKER was overpowered by STEELHORSE in a 1 minute mismatched conflict.
BOBIKA VHETT was assassinated by LONESTAR in a 1 minute one-sided duel.
MOJITO devastated OLTIMAL THE LAME in a 2 minute uneven duel.
BATTLE REPORT
MOST POPULAR RECORD DURING THE LAST 10 TURNS
|FIGHTING STYLE FIGHTS FIGHTING STYLE W - L - K PERCENT|
|BASHING ATTACK 6 PARRY-LUNGE 11 - 6 - 1 65 |
|STRIKING ATTACK 5 SLASHING ATTACK 20 - 14 - 5 59 |
|AIMED BLOW 4 TOTAL PARRY 14 - 10 - 1 58 |
|SLASHING ATTACK 4 WALL OF STEEL 4 - 3 - 0 57 |
|LUNGING ATTACK 3 STRIKING ATTACK 36 - 27 - 5 57 |
|WALL OF STEEL 2 PARRY-STRIKE 11 - 9 - 0 55 |
|PARRY-STRIKE 1 AIMED BLOW 22 - 19 - 0 54 |
|PARRY-LUNGE 1 LUNGING ATTACK 17 - 15 - 1 53 |
|PARRY-RIPOSTE 1 BASHING ATTACK 23 - 40 - 0 37 |
|TOTAL PARRY 1 PARRY-RIPOSTE 4 - 7 - 0 36 |
Turn 383 was great if you Not so great if you used The fighting styles of the
used the fighting styles: the fighting styles: top eleven warriors are:
PARRY-STRIKE 1 - 0 BASHING ATTACK 1 - 5 3 STRIKING ATTACK
WALL OF STEEL 2 - 0 PARRY-LUNGE 0 - 1 3 BASHING ATTACK
STRIKING ATTACK 4 - 1 PARRY-RIPOSTE 0 - 1 1 AIMED BLOW
AIMED BLOW 3 - 1 TOTAL PARRY 0 - 1 1 TOTAL PARRY
LUNGING ATTACK 2 - 1 1 LUNGING ATTACK
SLASHING ATTACK 2 - 2 1 PARRY-STRIKE
1 SLASHING ATTACK
TOP WARRIOR OF EACH STYLE
FIGHTING STYLE WARRIOR W L K PNTS TEAM NAME
STRIKING ATTACK ANNABEL BLACKHEART 6769 13 5 2 115 POSSE (718)
BASHING ATTACK MADE IT HOME 6671 17 12 0 119 GOT IT FOR CHRISTMAS (717)
AIMED BLOW SIXKILLER 6795 11 6 0 97 POSSE (718)
TOTAL PARRY UGLY DUCKING 6771 13 7 1 91 MIGHTY DUCKS (720)
PARRY-STRIKE FRIAR DUCK 6865 8 5 0 79 MIGHTY DUCKS (720)
SLASHING ATTACK AMORE' 6879 7 2 2 68 STUMBLIN' DRUNK (356)
FIGHTING STYLE WARRIOR W L K PNTS TEAM NAME
Note: Warriors have a winning record and are an Adept or Above.
The overall popularity leader is GOBARL 6604. The most popular warrior this turn was
FRIAR DUCK 6865. The ten other most popular fighters were ANNABEL BLACKHEART 6769,
SIXKILLER 6795, MADE IT HOME 6671, REVEREND BLOOD 6868, LONER 6779, LONDEL TYL SARH
6895, BETTER DUCK 6889, IRISH CREAM 3065, GOBARL 6604, and MAN-O-WAR 6810.
The least popular fighter this week was BOBIKA VHETT 6891. The other ten least
popular fighters were PUCKER 6894, MODORAM 6880, CHIANA 6807, VALARION 6808, SIGBAN
6710, SCREWDRIVER 3541, KO LAO-DEN 6614, LONESTAR 6901, UGLY DUCKING 6771, and AMORE'
6879.
The following warriors will travel to AD after next turn:
KO LAO-DEN (65-6614) SAND DANCERS (233)
The following warriors have traveled to AD after fighting this turn:
GIFT CERTIFICATE (65-6787) GOT IT FOR CHRISTMAS (717)
JANUARY FACE-TO-FACE IN TEMPE!
Our next winter FTF will be held in Tempe, Arizona, January 12-14, 2007. It will be
held at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Tempe, Arizona (480-894-7444), the same hotel as
last year by popular request. Room rates are $149.00 per night, 1-4 occupancy, which
includes full cooked breakfast, complimentary manager's reception (yes, really!), free
airport shuttle, free parking, high speed internet (for extra charge), fitness center,
jacuzzi, and pool. The rooms are blocked--please make your reservation by December 15
before the block is released! (This is prime season for Phoenix, and several people
were unable to book rooms last year because they waited too long.) Look for
transportation info in the tournament information sheet. We hope you're all looking
forward to it and that we will see you there!