DUEL 2 NEWSLETTER

Date   : 01/16/2007    Duedate: 01/16/2007

SHADOWSPIRE ARENA

DM-81    TURN-1

This Weeks Top Honors

THE DUELMASTER IS

POSITION IS EMPTY

Chartered Recognition LeaderUnchartered Recognition Leader

POSITION IS EMPTY              POSITION IS EMPTY

Popularity Leader              This Weeks Favorite

SILENCE                        SILENCE
LEGION OF SOLITUDE (46)        LEGION OF SOLITUDE (46)
(81-251) [0-1-0,1]             (81-251) [0-1-0,1]

THE CURRENT TOP TEAM

JUST CHILLIN (28)

          TEAMS ON THE MOVE            TOP CAREER HONORS
Team Name                  Point Gain  Chartered Team
1. LA PENTARCHIE (11)          40
2. CLAN LONGBEARD (39)         39      FURRY FURY (25)
3. AMERICAN MUSCLE (43)        35      Unchartered Team
4. DEATHONTHESANDS (33)        34
5. RODENT CLAN (37)            33      JUST CHILLIN (28)

The Top Teams

Career Win-Loss Record           W   L  K    %  Win-Loss Record Last 3 Turns    W  L K
 1/ 0*JUST CHILLIN (28)          5   0  1  100   1/ 0*JUST CHILLIN (28)         5  0 1
 2/ 0*CLAN LONGBEARD (39)        5   0  0  100   2/ 0*CLAN LONGBEARD (39)       5  0 0
 3/ 0*RAGNAROK'S WOLVES (21)     4   1  1 80.0   3/ 0*AMERICAN MUSCLE (43)      4  1 1
 4/ 0*VAMPIRATES (38)            4   1  1 80.0   4/ 0*RAGNAROK'S WOLVES (21)    4  1 1
 5/ 0*AMERICAN MUSCLE (43)       4   1  1 80.0   5/ 0*VAMPIRATES (38)           4  1 1
 6/ 0*LA PENTARCHIE (11)         4   1  0 80.0   6/ 0*LA PENTARCHIE (11)        4  1 0
 7/ 0*BIG LAKE OUTCASTS (19)     3   2  1 60.0   7/ 0*BATTLE GRUNTS (20)        3  2 1
 8/ 0*BATTLE GRUNTS (20)         3   2  1 60.0   8/ 0*BIG LAKE OUTCASTS (19)    3  2 1
 9/ 0*DEATHONTHESANDS (33)       3   2  1 60.0   9/ 0*DEATHONTHESANDS (33)      3  2 1
10/ 0*AARP (41)                  3   2  1 60.0  10/ 0*AARP (41)                 3  2 1
11/ 0*DOC LEGRAND'S LAB (6)      3   2  0 60.0  11/ 0*ERRATA (44)               3  2 0
12/ 0*CAROLINA BLUE (9)          3   2  0 60.0  12/ 0*DRAKE'S HARDWARE (10)     3  2 0
13/ 0*DRAKE'S HARDWARE (10)      3   2  0 60.0  13/ 0*CULT OF BACCHUS (4)       3  2 0
14/ 0*DRAGONBANE GUILD (13)      3   2  0 60.0  14/ 0*DRAGONBANE GUILD (13)     3  2 0
15/ 0*THE DRAUGS (17)            3   2  0 60.0  15/ 0*THE DRAUGS (17)           3  2 0
16/ 0*INEBRIATION (27)           3   2  0 60.0  16/ 0*INEBRIATION (27)          3  2 0
17/ 0*CULT OF BACCHUS (4)        3   2  0 60.0  17/ 0*CAROLINA BLUE (9)         3  2 0
18/ 0*DARQUE AGES (29)           3   2  0 60.0  18/ 0*DARQUE AGES (29)          3  2 0
19/ 0*RODENT CLAN (37)           3   2  0 60.0  19/ 0*RODENT CLAN (37)          3  2 0
20/ 0*ERRATA (44)                3   2  0 60.0  20/ 0*DOC LEGRAND'S LAB (6)     3  2 0
21/ 0*WAR MACHINE (26)           2   3  1 40.0  21/ 0*WAR MACHINE (26)          2  3 1
22/ 0*LUROCIAN SCHOLARS (42)     2   3  1 40.0  22/ 0*LUROCIAN SCHOLARS (42)    2  3 1

Career Win-Loss Record           W   L  K    %  Win-Loss Record Last 3 Turns    W  L K
23/ 0*LITERATE LOONS (40)        2   3  0 40.0  23/ 0*LIFE IMPACTS (2)          2  3 0
24/ 0*WARMASTERS (15)            2   3  0 40.0  24/ 0*LITERATE LOONS (40)       2  3 0
25/ 0*LEGION OF SOLITUDE (46)    2   3  0 40.0  25/ 0*CLUB CUTTHROAT (12)       2  3 0
26/ 0*DARK ENCLAVE (16)          2   3  0 40.0  26/ 0*DARK ENCLAVE (16)         2  3 0
27/ 0*AARDVARK HAMMERZ (31)      2   3  0 40.0  27/ 0*WARMASTERS (15)           2  3 0
28/ 0*D2 MIGHTY DUCKS (32)       2   3  0 40.0  28/ 0*KELLUMBO'S KIDS (18)      2  3 0
29/ 0*ALE HOUSE MERCS (5)        2   3  0 40.0  29/ 0*AARDVARK HAMMERZ (31)     2  3 0
30/ 0*ASSASSIN NATION (34)       2   3  0 40.0  30/ 0*D2 MIGHTY DUCKS (32)      2  3 0
31/ 0*KELLUMBO'S KIDS (18)       2   3  0 40.0  31/ 0*ASSASSIN NATION (34)      2  3 0
32/ 0*AS SEEN ON TV (7)          2   3  0 40.0  32/ 0*ALE HOUSE MERCS (5)       2  3 0
33/ 0*LIFE IMPACTS (2)           2   3  0 40.0  33/ 0*AS SEEN ON TV (7)         2  3 0
34/ 0*CLUB CUTTHROAT (12)        2   3  0 40.0  34/ 0*RED IRON KNIGHTS (22)     2  3 0
35/ 0*RED IRON KNIGHTS (22)      2   3  0 40.0  35/ 0*KNIGHTBLADE (23)          2  3 0
36/ 0*KNIGHTBLADE (23)           2   3  0 40.0  36/ 0*MIGHTY MEAD ORCS (24)     2  3 0
37/ 0*MIGHTY MEAD ORCS (24)      2   3  0 40.0  37/ 0*LEGION OF SOLITUDE (46)   2  3 0
38/ 0*BLADESMEN (45)             1   4  0 20.0  38/ 0*THE MONGOLOIDS II (30)    1  4 0
39/ 0*KNIGHTS OF KEKORAL (35)    1   4  0 20.0  39/ 0*STREET WALKERS (14)       1  4 0
40/ 0*DESOLATE ONES (36)         1   4  0 20.0  40/ 0*KNIGHTS OF KEKORAL (35)   1  4 0
41/ 0*STREET WALKERS (14)        1   4  0 20.0  41/ 0*DESOLATE ONES (36)        1  4 0
42/ 0*KATHOUSE (3)               1   4  0 20.0  42/ 0*KATHOUSE (3)              1  4 0
43/ 0*THE MONGOLOIDS II (30)     1   4  0 20.0  43/ 0*BLADESMEN (45)            1  4 0
44/ 0*CHILDHOOD HEROES (8)       0   5  0  0.0  44/ 0*CHILDHOOD HEROES (8)      0  5 0

    '*'   Unchartered team                       '-'  Team did not fight this turn
   (###)  Avoid teams by their Team Id          ##/## This turn's/Last turn's rank

                                    TEAM SPOTLIGHT

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

     The door to the outhouse banged open and out stepped a thin, wiry, medium height
fellow, wearing a set of wool red long johns.  He scratched his left rear cheek
through the rather worn apparel, and stuck his hands in the cold water overflow
barrel to wash up.  His very old fine leather kick-butt cowboy boots fit comfortably,
and he pulled his sock cap off the peg on the front of the outhouse door.  (Where he
came from, one did not wear a hat in his place of bidness.)
     "Gonna have ta git me sum mora them there Sears Catalogs," he thought to
himself, as he wandered up the trail back to the cabin.  His mind switched to the
issue at hand as he pondered, "How in tarnation did I gits myself in thisn ruckuss?
Cain't believe I let them Consort folks talk me this managing thang.  Granny allas
said JIST SAY NO, but I shore nuff caved in ta all that money.  You betcha!  A man's
gotta have hisn privacy, 'n I shore done give up a might big chunka mine.  Yup."
     He blew breath on his hands as he neared his rickety porch.  It was pretty
chilly this time of the year in The Ozarks, and real men did not wear gloves.  When
he entered his cabin, he was surprised to feel warmth, as he knew he had not yet lit
the winter fire.  His surprise magnified, when he saw couple of old friends sitting
on his old oak church pew, warming their countenances before his roaring hearthfire.
     "Dag nab it, Fandil, ya coot, dja use up alla chopped wood fer that humdinger?"
snarled Smitty to his very old friend Fandil The Wise.  He smiled gently at the other
occupant, Lady Fern, whom he had always had a "thing" for.  (But then, so did a lot
of other people, especially in Fratsfa, where her Flower Girls excelled in the arena
and in the bedrooms.)  He knew that Lady Fern was Fandil's much younger sister and it
was them plus their brother Kennelworth of Bulldogs in Aruak City, all Elders in The
Consortium, who had talked Smitty into this "managin gig", as he called it in the
new, yet unnamed, traditional arena, affectionately called EIGHTY-ONE.  (It was not
likely that Smitty could recognize, much less pronounce, the word Renaissance.)
     "Now, don't you fret your redneck body, Smitty, I used a litefire spell and none
of that sassafras and pine you have stacked in the corner.  It will stay lit a while.
You wouldn't want my sister to freeze, now, would you?" responded the wise wizard.
"Besides, you know why we are here.  We won't need the fire long, as I need to
transport you to EIGHTY-ONE so you can get started with running the newest Consortium
Stable."
     "I be havin lotsa second thoughts about this ruckuss stuff." mumbled Smitty.
But when Lady Fern came over and kissed him on the cheek, he blushed up and said,
"But let's git it on!  I'm gonna kick me some high-kaflootin butt, you betcha!"
     Fandil added, "Oh, by the way, Smitty, not only are you presented with the
wonderful opportunity to manage the team, but The Consortium finagled a spot on The
Player's Committee for you.  Indeed, you will be the first chairperson.  Wasn't
that...."
     "What the tarnation, you say!?" belted out Smitty.  "Some fool committee thang?
A dag-nab chairperson crock of cow dung!  I jist agreed tuh hep out 'n manage fer a
spell.  Hain't gittin me in anya them there high kaflootin committee thangs,
nosireebob!"  (The wiry old country fellow emphasized all his words with a few
motions and signals not fit for PG publication.)
     "My goodness, Smitty, you see, it was such a great honor for The Consortium to
be voted to this position, and they wanted a really, really good manager to fill the
role for them." intoned Lady Fern while she affectionately placed her hand on
Smitty's arm.
     You could see the almost instantaneous acceptance on Smitty's face after Lady
Fern's gentle touch.  "I see.  I see." muttered the redneck.  "Well, shucks, Fandil,
we better get goin on over.  Let me git muh packins."  He came back from the loft
moments late with a duffel bag, his truck keys, a shotgun, and was followed by his
mutt, Old Yaller.  "Granny usedta say LIFE WUZ LIKE A BOXA CHOCOLATES AN 'TIL A BOY
ET ONE, HE WOULDN'T KNOW WHAT IT WERE LIKE.  Git me ta EIGHTY-ONE, Fandil The Wise."
     "Smitty, my friend." started the wise wizard, "You will not be able to take the
truck and the gun where you are going; because of the time warp they would not work
as Alastari-land just doesn't have any petrol.  But The Consortium has a couple of
parting gifts for you."  He clapped his hands and a finely honed quarterstaff
appeared along with a large corked jug of what appeared to be Moonshine.
     "Dag nab it, Fandil, whaterwe waiting fer?" responded the now excited Smitty as
he grabbed his gifts and was whisked off to the land of EIGHTY-ONE.

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

     "It is a growing problem and I do not have an easy answer," Lord Kinnishan of
Chimlevtal said somberly.  He pointed over to the prison courtyard to emphasize his
point.  The prison of Chimlevtal, or the Pit as it was called in the area, was not
really a prison at all.  Four stone walls in a perfect square, four feet thick, shot
forty feet into the air.  A tower occupied each corner, but only the southern tower
had an access portcullis into the prison proper.  Inside the Pit, prisoners were left
to fend for themselves.  Grass huts and some patchwork wood structures lined the
walls.
     Guards marched along the tops of the walls, but had very little interaction with
the prisoners.  Their duties included lowering baskets of bread and water into the
prison yard three per day and keeping the prisoners from escaping.  The Chimlevtan
guard prided itself on their clean record.  The saying among the prisoners was, "the
only way out of the Pit was on the death cart."
     Two guards shadowed Kinnishan and his small visitor as they walked along the
north wall.  Such formality was often avoided, but with today's visitor the guards
and Lord Kinnishan were taking every precaution.  Master Darque was a long-time
resident of Chimlevtal and even called the free city his home, but trust for the
half-demon was always in short supply.
     Kinnishan's small statured guest nodded in agreement.  "Yes, you do seem to have
a problem with over-crowding.  I would assume since the closure of Monuntial's arena
there has been an influx," Darque was not asking a question but stating his
assumption as a fact.  "Have you tried work release programs?  I am sure there are
enough farms and ship captains in the area to accommodate releasing the "lesser
evils" of your prison system," the wizard smirked at his final comment.
     Darque's emphasis upon lesser evils did not escape the Chimlevtan prince, "We
have such a plan in action now.  What you see before you in this courtyard are the
more violent of our criminals."  As if to emphasize Kinnishan's words, prisoners
began to cackle and yell as a fight erupted in the courtyard.  Two inmates began to
brutally beat a third man.
     The half-demon smiled, "I see your point.  I sense murder is actually a lesser
charge for those that are incarcerated here."  Kinnishan gave no answer or gesture,
but his silence spoke volumes to Master Darque.  The wizard missed the old days when
a hardened criminals were executed for the smallest of transgressions.  Now the
bleeding heart humanitarians had infiltrated the Council of Nobles and the Council of
Burgesses in Chimlevtal and capital punishment was frowned upon except in the most
extreme cases.  The irony was not lost on the half-demon.  The Councils would attend
a Dark Arena bout without batting an eye, yet executing a criminal they felt was a
step too far.
     Perhaps it was for the best that this new breed of Council was taking power,
Darque thought to himself.  After all, the wizard was a criminal, one of Alastari's
most notorious criminals.  The difference between the men in the courtyard and the
wizard upon the wall was the wizard was too smart to allow himself to be caught.  Or,
so he thought at that moment.  "Why have you called me here?"
     "It is no secret to me nor the Chimlevtan councils that many of your gladiators
have come from this institution," Kinnishan's tone was not accusatory, he just stated
his words matter-of-factly.
     Darque feigned surprise at the prince's words, "If you wish to charge me with a
crime, do so now because I will not remain here to listen to such outrageous claims
against my character."  Of course his gladiators were from the prison, Darque
thought, who in there right mind would willfully serve a half-demon.
     "How you procured their release is of no concern to us.  The fact that you have
broken a multitude of laws in doing so will be of no concern to us if you will accept
our offer to relieve us of our over-crowding problem," the Prince looked down at
Master Darque, whose powder white head barely crested Kinnishan's belt.
     "I can relieve you of this problem with merely a flick of my wrist," Darque
hissed.  He did not like the direction this conversation was going.  If Kinnishan and
the Council of Nobles knew of his illegal actions, why was the Prince seemingly
taking it so easily.  He was not known for tolerating such lawlessness from any
citizen.
     Kinnishan shook his head, "We do not wish them killed.  We will not stain our
hands with so much blood, despite some of them deserving it in my opinion.  No, we
will not kill them.  We wish to deploy them.  If we can generate a profit in doing
so, all the better."
     Darque tilted his head to the side and raised an eyebrow.  He understood the
Prince's words, but he wanted it more plainly.  "What are you saying?"
     Prince Kinnishan let out a long sigh.  He knew the half-demon knew exactly what
he was saying, but he also knew Darque was immensely enjoying his discomfort.  "Since
you have made use of these criminals in the past, we are certain that you have means
of making use for them in the future.  We are merely offering to make your actions
legal from this point forward.  While we know that one manager does not have the
means to fix our prison crowding problem, we are hopeful that said manager may know
of others that could use able gladiators."
     Master Darque was not amused the Prince and Councils of Chimlevtal wished to use
him as a broker for their criminal population.  However, he did see opportunity.  "I
agree under one condition."
     Kinnishan's brow furrowed, he was not sure he would like what he heard next.
The half-demon had contemplated and agreed too quickly.  "And what would that be?"
     "News of our agreement should be kept a secret.  I do not wish to tarnish the
reputation of you my prince nor my glorious city councils," the half-demon gave a
bow.
     "Agreed," Kinnishan knew his reputation had nothing to do with the wizard's
compliance.  It was the wizard's reputation that would be stained if his criminal
associates knew he was working not only within the confines of law and government in
Chimlevtal, but for the law and government of Chimlevtal.
     Forbidden fruit would fetch a higher price on the black market.  Convincing
other managers they were buying qualified, yet illegal men for the gladiatorial games
would make the prisoners' value sky rocket.  Kinnishan would work out the details of
the deal with the half-demon at a later date.
     Darque turned to leave and then paused, "I will have the first customers here by
the beginning of next week.  Have the guards separate the more violent ones from the
general population.  The aggressive ones will fetch a higher price."
     "So soon?" Kinnishan asked.
     "Yes, so soon.  The tournament will be over and the Commission is doing
something they have not done in quite some time by opening a new arena in
Shadowspire.  The market will be crawling with potential buyers.  We will put money
in your coffers and rid Chimlevtal of this vile element once and for all," Darque
swept his hand over the courtyard.  With a maniacal grin and a slight bow he turned
and left Kinnishan upon the prison wall.
     The Prince of Chimlevtal pondered the half-demon's words for a moment.  If
Master Darque succeeded in ridding Chimlevtal of every criminal in the Pit, the vile
element would still exist in Chimlevtal.  "I just made a deal with the devil
himself," Kinnishan whispered as he walked to the north tower.

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

                                     A New Arena

     "Are you sure that we should do this?"
     Tanzer looked at his sister, seeing the same hesitation that he felt written
plainly on her face.  She must have serious doubts to let it show so blatantly on her
face now.  Her beautiful face and long blonde hair spent most of its time looking
seductively at the men and women who she was manipulating to her way of thinking.
     "Terina, what choice do we have?  We need her help to finish the construction
and, for now, she is the only option for advanced training.  What other choice is
there?"
     A horrible thought ran through his mind, and he gasped, "You are not doubting
your abilities?!  You told me you could handle this.  Right??"
     "I think I can bend her to our way of thinking, but I am not positive anymore.
She has blocks which have resisted in each of our meetings so far.  Some things I can
push, but others seem to be like trying to move a mountain.  I....  I just don't
know...."
     The twin wooden doors into the private dining parlor opened to reveal the 6'2"
behemoth Thelonius.  He had been at each of their meetings and his role was still
nebulous, but neither of them liked his presence.  He seemed to know more than what
he let on and rarely spoke except to Sheila.
     "My lady will see you now."
     A glance at Terina showed her face was a mask of suggestion again.
Inconspicuously rubbing his hands on his trousers, Tanzer stepped around Thelonius
ahead of her.  Each movement was calculated for maximum effect for her skills.  Four
steps into the room, he stopped and bowed, allowing Terina to be revealed two paces
behind him.
     "STOP!"
     His eyes raised to Sheila's face with his body still bent at the waist in his
bow.  Her face was a thunderstorm of fury and her gaze was locked on his sister.  A
low whimper sounded behind him.  Straightening, he looked behind him....
     His sister's hands were pressed into her hair with rivulets of blood running
down her face where her nails must be digging into her scalp.  The whimper grew into
a moan intermingled generously with sobs.  Her frail form shook as blood and tears
mixed and dropped onto the white bear-skin on the floor.
     Raising his hands, he went to step toward her and found a barrier of some sort
prevented him from coming within a foot of her.  He could only stand and watch her as
she began pulling her hair, a soft tearing sound turned his stomach as her left hand
came away with a clump of hair.  Despair rushed over him and he threw himself at her,
battering against the barrier which kept him away while letting him see and hear
everything.
     "You will get no closer, Tanzer.  My barrier is attuned to you and will allow
anyone but you to go to her until I say otherwise."
     The voice brought his head around to stare at Sheila.  She stood behind the
table watching dispassionately, apparently unaware of the young woman who was tearing
her hair out and gouging her face and head.  Tanzer's blood boiled with rage.
     He found himself with a desire to scratch all over with his hands outstretched
in front of his body which was still on the table.  He vaguely remembered lunging
toward Sheila and attempting to slide over the table to wrap his fingers around her
neck.  He also remembered the invisible club which had dazed him before he stopped
moving as if his entire body had hit a wall exactly the shape of his body.
     "You do have spirit.  I could almost wish you had kept competing so that I could
see how you fared on the Isle.  But it is too late for that now.  Your sister pays
the price for her manipulation.  I regret that she will not be able to manipulate by
the time she is done.  Perhaps she will be able to boil water, but that spell is
particularly nasty and I can never tell until it runs its course."
     Even knowing that it was futile, Tanzer wrestled to bring his hands closer to
her throat.  Her lips held a thin smile as the desire to scratch grew stronger.  A
spot on his neck especially screamed for attention but his hands were still rock hard
in the air.  He started to scream and suddenly found his mouth open, but no sound
escaping.
     "No, you will have time for that later.  For now, listen.  You and your sister
wanted my assistance with the arena, but wanted it your way.  I do not work that way.
So you will learn the hard way.  Her little tricks were confusing, but she will pay
for them now.  For you, I will finish the arena, but you will use MY RULES!  While
you two enjoy your punishments, I will send your arena to a town I know.  Small, it
will only exist because of this arena.  Your warriors will be marked, and any who
enter tournaments, whether live or dead, will be slain."
     A smile twisted her lips, "And your own managers will carry out the sentence.
They will have no choice.  I will visit each Committee and compel them to inform me
when a warrior slips past me into a tournament.  Then that very committee will seal
the orders to send those warriors to their deaths.  Furthermore, no prizes from
tournaments will touch your arena, or those warriors will meet the same fate."
     Turning, she grabbed her cloak and wrapped it around her shoulders.  She walked
to the doors, patting Terina's shoulder as she passed.  The movements were small, but
Terina flinched as if punched.  Her head held half the hair it had when they came in,
with patches torn out randomly all over her head.
     "And Tanzer....  You personally will send every warrior who gets invited to the
Isle.  Oh, some will retire, but they will come to me in the end.  I will hear of
nothing else.  I will leave you with your knowledge that you hate me, but when your
bonds release you they will ensure that you are the staunchest supporter of the Isle
for your warrior's advanced training.  Every time you hear your voice support me, you
will remember today....  You will remember that I--I MAKE THE DECISIONS ABOUT THE
ARENAS!"
     A wave of her hand drove any conscious thought from his mind as the desire to
scratch his body grew to a frantic need.  It seemed like an eternity that he
soundlessly screamed in futile effort to relieve the sensations bombarding his body.
And it ended without any warning, just stopped.
     His body still wanted to be scratched, but he felt exhausted more than any other
time in his life.  With his head freed, he set it on his the table, wincing at the
sensitivity of his skin.  He slept before his head fully settled onto the table.
                         ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
     And so the call went out for managers to fill a new arena in a town which had
never had a name before.  It was known only at Arena 81 in the beginning.  Managers
far and wide were informed that they could fight in the arena, but no warrior from
the arena would be able to fight in tournaments as long as they would have to return
to those sands on pain of death.  No rumor left any doubt about the results of trying
to get around this rule, there apparently was already an example made, although none
knew more than that.
     But next time your warrior steps out of the arena, a hunched shape will shamble
into the arena with a bucket and a sponge.  Rumor has it that removing the hood worn
by this person, starts a scream which lasts for days.  And that is next to the
screams of those around when the hood is removed.  Supposedly the woman was once
beautiful, but few believe that of Terina the Arena Cleaner.
                         ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
     The room was crowded with every noble, wealthy merchant, former warrior, and
entertainer that could be found within a week's journey of the town.  All were there
to watch the first round of fights that would mark the continuing use of their arena
for battles.  Most also knew that it would bring men and women with more power than
they had seen wielded in a long time and wanted to eye their new competition for the
hearts and minds of the people.
     The house of Zamundas Nii had been chosen solely for its size for this gala, and
all eyes stared in amazement at the work the city had commissioned to make the house
even more elaborate.  Many had participated in the discussions about what was needed
to impress these accomplished and powerful managers, but none had any idea of what
their discussions had led to.  Now as gold and silver glittered around them, they
realized that Zamundas had been made quite rich by their discussions.
     Everyone had gathered in the main room which was at the bottom of a stairway
where the main entry hall was.  Citizens and nobles, alike, had checked their cloaks
and entered unannounced.  This irritated the nobles immeasurably, but was deemed
necessary to keep all honors on the managers who would be presented tonight.  Now
everyone stood around the base of the stairs, watching as the only crier the town had
ever had took his place at the top of the stairs.  A relatively simple looking man
appeared at the top of the stairway next to him and waved to the back of the room.
     Smitty stood in the doorway chatting with the oldest daughter of Mr. Nii for a
few moments as a resounding gong echoed through the crowd.  Nodding amiably, the man
turned to those gathered nearby and held his hands up to silence the crowd.  The
talking slowly dwindled to silence as the young woman backed into the room above,
leaving the man atop the stairs.
     "Ev'nin'!  I'm Smitty and I'll be runnin' the "LIFE IMPACTS" stable.  They said
I had to make a speech to kick things off.  I don't know that a speech is my best
talent being just a country boy and all, so I'll just say this.  LET'S GIT STARTED!!"
     The first man to give his name to the crier had brown hair and brown eyes,
standing tall and proud after whispering his name to the crier.  A hush fell over the
citizens and nobles who hoped to catch each name properly.  The crier waited for the
buzz to die down before introducing Aranthar, son of the Duke of Torasin, manager of
the "KNIGHTS OF KEKORAL".
     The next person in line was crowded to the announcing position by two men behind
him.  The man in front was a bit thick in girth and broad in the shoulders with dark
brown hair and green eyes.  The green eyes cut back at one of the two men behind him
and words were said that the crier frowned at, but were unheard from the base of the
stairs.  He seemed shabbily dressed, but once up close, the cut of his clothes spoke
of money spent with a master tailor with a crest on the left breast.  The crier
announced Indimar Fallon, manager of "AS SEEN ON TV II", and Hairagmi.
     Beside him, a striking young woman of above average height took his arm as they
descended into the party.  Her honey blonde hair was woven into an amazingly complex
series of intertwining braids which crowned her lovely form.  Her elegant satin dress
was a deep, tranquil blue which was the same shade as her eyes.  She seemed to glide
down the stair, drawing almost every male eye, earning several husbands some sore
ribs in the process.
     A thick young man stood at the head of the steps with a red-haired man beside
him.  The man closest to the crier had brown hair and brown eyes which watch Indimar
and Hairagmi drawing everyone's attention away from him.  His expression showed a
hint of frustration at being upstaged.  It is little surprise when the crier
announces him as Pauly, son of Indimar, manager of "ALE HOUSE MERCS".
     The red-haired man next to him is introduced as "Red Tail" and appears the
epitome of a rock come to life (if the rock had red hair, of course.)  His blue eyes
take in everything around him, although nothing seems to shatter his calm.  As soon
as they reach the bottom of the steps, he turns toward the line of ale kegs by the
wall, brushing past people quietly as he moves toward his goal.
     The 6'5" behemoth of a man that stepped to the doorway was clean shaven and got
a few derisive and fun shouts from the crowd.  Hammer whispered his name to the
crier, with a small smile at the reminder that there were a few people who had not
heard his name before.  The hints of chain mail under his cloak gave the distinct
impression of a man who was ready for anything at any time.
     Behind Hammer were five warriors who all stepped up beside him and began giving
names to the crier.  The once proud crier who had moments ago given Hammer pause, now
found himself inundated with information.  Soft shouts of "only one!" could be made
out nearby.  When the crier finally did announce them, his introduction was "WRONG
HAND HAMMER" and the "AARDVARK HAMMERZ" which lead to more catcalls from those
already inside.
     The next man in the doorway drew a round of applause at his appearance.  Doctor
LeGrand's black glasses rose from a clip board in his hands as he attempted to figure
out who was being applauded.  He began patting the back of his clipboard until the
slight woman beside him leaned over and whispered in his ear.  At this point, his
gaunt form shuddered and moved slightly away and turned toward the woman in surprise.
Looking around again, he slowly began nodding and held up his clip board to
acknowledge the applause.  He moves down the steps before the crier announces Doctor
Trystin Roe LeGrand, manager of "DOC LEGRAND'S LAB".
     The slight woman beside him wore a blue jumpsuit which had the number "81" and
the word "Shrew" sewn on her shoulder.  She sniffed the air, appearing unaware of her
habit and then followed the Doctor into the main room.  Her eyes seem fixed on the
Doctor, but as she walked her eyes made the smallest movements as she sized up the
room.
     The bearded man appearing next in line stood about 6 feet tall with hair that at
first appears brown but becomes redder as he steps into the light.  He was dressed
plainly in tan breeches and worn boots which had clearly been polished for the party.
His shirt was the exception to his drab attire being a black, shimmering silk with a
beast worked in silver embroidered on the wrists and some piece of silver jewelry at
his throat.  The crier announced the man as Nomad, manager of "DRAGONBANE GUILD".
     Anvil Ironfist.  Near the manager Nomad stands a man of shorter stature who
appears to be dwarven with black hair and a black beard which is cropped short.  He
too wears simple tan breeches and boots that appeared to be gifted with a formal
gathering instead of mud tonight.  His shirt is a blue silk without adornment.  His
grey eyes survey the room in moments and then pick up a glossed look of a warrior
confident in his ability to defeat his foes.
     The next man at the top of the stair was eclipsed by the beauty of the woman
next to him.  The woman wore a red gown with spaghetti straps and a neck line that
dove perilously low on her chest revealing graceful curves above as well as those
evident below.  Her hair was short and red, worn loosely off her shoulders with a
thin gold headpiece which intertwined with her hair which snaked around her head like
a crown which sparkling in the flicking candle light.
     The man whose arm she held paled vastly in comparison, causing many to wonder
how he found himself introduced with the vision of beauty.  He wore a dark blue
jacket over a white shirt and light blue breeches.  The jacket has a blue sapphire
falcon on the right breast and on the left side of his chest are the small medals
worn in some regions while the sleeves are adorned with gold loops which are
identical on both sleeves.  The man's gray hair is becoming more prominent than the
remaining brown on his head and around his mouth in the mustache and Fu Manchu.
     As the crier announces Master Beru, manager of "CHILDHOOD HEROES", and the lady
Rodara, the shadows behind them shift and the warrior Snake-Eyes glides over the top
step and down behind them.  His name is mentioned, but all eyes are on the
incarnation of a sun-rise as she descends and he is lost in the moment.  As the
couple move into the crowd, people notice the man dressed in a tight black material
from head to toe with a black mask hiding his face.
     And so the evening begins which heralds things to come on the morrow.  For
tomorrow, some of the warriors present will win and some will lose.  Some may well
fall forever, their lives spilled out on the arena sands.  Other names are called out
as the roll continues and formalities are dealt with as managers and warriors mix and
mingle together with the local aristocracy.  And among those in attendance a young
man mingles with pain in his eyes.  A man who feels the pull of pride at the
development of the arena tugging against the sense of loss and the guilt over what
had become of his sister.
     That young man watches everything unfold, driven to strike back at the one who
did this.  And that answer comes to him as the evening wears on.  And as the list of
teams is read off later in the evening, heads turn to watch this man laughing as some
unheard joke.  The man excuses himself and leaves, chuckles shaking his shoulders as
he walks.  The crowd returns to the crier's list of names....
     Apex with his "CAROLINA BLUE" stable, Bill with his "CLUB CUTTHROAT" stable,
Blackstorm with his "DARK ENCLAVE" stable, Master Darque with his "DARQUE AGES"
stable, DeGotti with his "CULT OF BACCHUS" stable, Den with his "BIG LAKE OUTCASTS"
stable, Drake with his "DRAKE'S HARDWARE" stable, Ghab with his "ASSASSIN NATION"
stable, Grimm with his "FURRY FURY" stable, Ikillu with his "BATTLE GRUNTS" stable,
Kat with his "KATHOUSE" stable, Kellumbo with his "KELLUMBO'S KIDS" stable, Le
Pentarque with his "LA PENTARCHIE" stable, Nuln with his "RED IRON KNIGHTS" stable,
Ragnarokwolf with his "RAGNAROK'S WOLVES" stable, Rillon with his "THE DRAUGS"
stable, Roadkill with his "STREET WALKERS" stable, Seraphim with his "LEGION OF
SOLITUDE" stable, Silas with his "GRIFFONRAWL MMA" stable, SlugBait with his "ORCS
HATE PHYSICS" stable, Terminator with his "WARMASTERS" stable....

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

                              SHADOWSPIRE SURREALISTIC
                                 NO TOURNEY TRIBUNE
                                  Systole the First
                               by Hammer the WordSmith
                                 ShadowSpire Scribe

"All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him was not
even one thing made that has come into being." -- John 1:3 Amplified

     GRIMMDORR GRUMBLED TO HIMSELF AS HE MADE the preparations ready for Hammer and
his AARDVARK HAMMERZ stable to occupy the Elven War Castle that had been constructed
seemingly within a matter of a few weeks or few short days in the hills to the
northwest far beyond the outskirts of ShadowSpire Arena.
     The Warrior Dwarf was not so much disgruntled that he had not been able to
attend the gala event at the house of Zamundas Nii along with his ages long friend
Hammer, but rather his aggravation was with the members of the veteran manager's
AARDVARK HAMMERZ stable who had abandoned any thought or intent to make ready their
quarters and had instead ridden away to the house of Zamundas Nii to rub shoulders
"with every noble, wealthy merchant, former warrior and entertainer that could be
found within a week's journey of the town".
     GrimmDorr's aggravation soon gave way to frustration that the five gladiators
were so foolishly drawn away to the big event on the eve of the opening sand battles,
instead of preparing themselves with proper rest and nutrition before crossing blades
with as yet unknown warriors who would likely as not cleave their life from limb due
to poor preparation.  Perhaps that was the plan of Hammer all along.  Using them as
cannon fodder for a higher purpose and plan, not to mention the satisfaction of Blood
Feuding should they sacrifice their lives on the arena sands.
     Yet it was GrimmDorr who bore the responsibility of preparing and training this
unlikely group of gladiators to cross blades in the historic arena.  There were
plenty of replacement candidates occupying and training within the walls of the Elven
War Castle, but GrimmDorr knew that the multiplied dozens of Dwarfs Militia personnel
that continued to arrive almost daily was part of a bigger picture known only to
Hammer and those like himself who held the awareness in their hearts of things yet to
be.
     Hammer had long planned to expand his Dwarfs Militia to an outpost far from his
Morya Manor Estate on the Lake a.k.a. Hammerz Flower Garden and this location over a
hundred miles east of Morya was a strategic location indeed for the ironic placement
of an Elven War Castle garrisoned by a contingent of Hammer's Dwarfs Militia.
     ArenaMaster Egan had sent a note of good will to the veteran manager who had
called upon his comrades in arms from the InterDimensional Elven Wars to assist with
the transferring of stones and other castle fortifications from otherworldly times
and spaces to mysteriously and seemingly magically construct the fortification to the
far northwest.
     Should the Rirorni or other scavengers decide to attack the newly constructed
ShadowSpire Arena community, it was comforting for ArenaMaster Egan to know that
Hammer had an eerie InterDimensional Elven War Castle constructed far to the
northwest beyond the outskirts of ShadowSpire Arena.  How fortunate the structure had
materialized in a matter of a mere few days.  How fortunate indeed.
     There were already more stables registered in ShadowSpire than had been
initially hoped and ArenaMaster Egan was well satisfied that the blood letting would
be numerous and the sheer number of managers and their stables would be yet another
deterrent to the scavengers and armies seeking to conquer and plunder the newly
restored community from outside the seemingly isolated realm.
     The question yet to be answered was who among the multitudes migrating to
ShadowSpire would eventually prove to be a greater threat from within.  ArenaMaster
Egan was not so naove as to dismiss the thoughts that each and every manager and
merchant of war did not possess their own agenda for assembling in the community.
     Add to the mix the gladiators and the multitudes more who desired to ply their
talents on the sands and ArenaMaster Egan had cause for consternation with each
passing day.  Gold Coins and the various lifestyles surrounding and pursuing those
coins had numerous ways of changing the perceptions of those who came into contact
with the mint of the realm.
     ArenaMaster Egan had his own axe to grind and the personnel in the city and
arena to maintain his influence and fulfill the agendas he had purposed upon when he
and his entourage made their agreement to oversee the construction and restoration of
a new Renaissance Arena to be known far and wide as ShadowSpire Arena.
                                     [TIME JUMP]
     GrimmDorr looked Hammer straight in the eyes and acknowledged that whatever had
brought them to this place was indeed the design of a greater plan and purpose that
had seen the two friends through countless conflicts of InterDimensional Realms and
Zones.
     Soon it would be time for the great games to begin in ShadowSpire Arena and many
of the players were finding their positions in the grand design of things yet to be.
     As they took their positions for the grand entrance into the opening ceremonies
of ShadowSpire Arena they heard a familiar voice address the gathered throng of
revelers as a resounding cheer arose as one in response to the now familiar battle
cry of the newly elected Players Committee Chairman as he hollered:
     "LET'S GIT STARTED!!"

"May Your Blades Be Sharp and Your Wits Sharper!"
Hammer
Minister of War
ShadowSpire Scribe

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

The Kingdom of Kekoral:

     Zalmar, Duke of Torasin, waited impatiently in the hallway outside the meeting
room of King Marik the Third, King of Kekoral.  The dukes of Haminil and Paldino were
both inside, and he didn't like wondering what they were saying.  Sometimes the dukes
were his allies against the king, other times they were his enemies, in alliance with
the king.
     For years now, there had been tension between King Marik and Duke Zalmor, first
over the annexation of Torasin by Kekoral, and then over an incident between Marik's
daughter Millisen and Zalmar's youngest son Aranthar.  Aranthar and Millisen had been
very close, so that everyone thought they would soon be married (Marik hadn't
approved, being sure that she could do better).  But something had happened that left
Millisen mysteriously dead and sent Aranthar into hiding.  Though Aranthar had
eventually been proven innocent, the truth was never discovered.
     The tall doors creaked as they opened, and the two other dukes stepped out into
the hallway.  Zalmar studied their faces but could read nothing.  Neither would look
at him as they walked past.
     "Zalmar."  Melorik, the king's son and heir, was standing at the door.  "My
father will see you now."
     Zalmar was glad the waiting was over, but still at a loss to understand why he
had been called away from his city.  He stepped into the large room, his face
automatically assuming the polite, expressionless mask that the other two had worn.
Behind the mask, he noted the signs of Marik's insecurity: the room was enormous, big
enough to drill a troop of cavalry.  The table in the center was the size of an
ordinary room.  Instead of being an impressive symbol of Marik's power, the room
dwarfed him.  But the king was still powerful.
     Zalmar noted the map on the table; it showed the Kingdom of Kekoral.
     "So."  The king paused briefly.  "How are things in Torasin?"
     To Zalmar, it was obvious that he didn't really care.  This was just the
customary small talk before important topics were reached, and Zalmar was not in the
mood for it.  "Torasin is strong and growing, my liege," he said.  "How may I be of
service to you and the kingdom?"
     The king scowled but nodded.  "To the point, then."  He stood and circled the
table to stand near enough to Zalmar for ordinary conversation.  "It has come to my
attention that over the past few years--  Since about the time Millisen, may Ondro
look after her, was... killed...."  He paused to look Zalmar in the eyes.  "How is
Aranthar, anyway?"
     "Doing well enough."
     "Good."  The king turned away, staring at one of the walls of books.  "For some
time, our young men, and, yes, even our young women, have been leaving this beautiful
land, leaving their own people.  Heading south, down to Lirith Kai, and even some to
Alastari.  To compete there."
     "I have heard this, as well," Zalmar admitted.
     "Fighting as gladiators."  He sounded incredulous.  "Risking their lives to
entertain foreigners!"  He shook his head.  "I am told that it isn't the same as
such... 'competitions' would be here, though.  That they are respected.  They become
lord protectors in service to Greywand for the protection of Alastari."
     "So I have heard.  Where are you going with this, sire?"
     "Why does Greywand get my men?"
     "It is said that Lady Sheila sends her lord protectors to defend more than just
Alastari," Zalmar said carefully.  It was also said, or whispered, at least, that she
did no such thing, or only for a heavy price.
     "That's the point.  Those men and women are Karians.  They should not be hers to
command."  Marik walked back to his throne, resuming his seat.  "A new arena is about
to open up.  Someplace called Shadow Spire, I believe."  He leaned back and looked at
Zalmar, standing quietly in front of him.  "I want an army of lord protectors to
defend MY borders, our borders.  So when this Shadow Spire place holds its first
fights, we will have our own men and women, sent there by you and the other two
dukes, present to represent Kekoral."
     "As you wish, sire."
     "I will make it law.  If they go on their own, they are deserters and traitors
to the kingdom, and they will be dealt with as such.  They must go under oath of
service to the kingdom, and when they are lord protectors, they will come home."
     "I'll get it set up," Zalmar said.
     The king looked down at his clasped hands, then back up.  "You know, Zalmar,
Aranthar was the first to go."
     "I know."
     "He will lead them.  Name them the Knights of Kekoral, and he will hold them to
their oaths.  I want lord protectors."
     "It shall be done."  Zalmar bowed and left the room.  As he walked down the
hallway, with no one to see, he smiled.  No wonder the other dukes wouldn't look at
him when they left!  They wanted to be in charge of this.  Pride swelled in his
chest.  It had been a long time since he had felt able to hold his head high in the
capital.

                                      SPY REPORT

     I can't believe the violence in SHADOWSPIRE!  I still haven't told Mom I'm 
writing Spyreports.  She'd have a cow!  Well, here we go...  Too bad, RED IRON 
KNIGHTS, but JUST CHILLIN was just too good to be stopped.  I just can't say enough 
good things about LA PENTARCHIE.  They went 4-1-0 their first time, don't slouch, and 
they've got good oral hygiene!  Talk about hot teams!  RAGNAROK'S WOLVES goes out, 
the very first time, and goes 4-1-1!  Like, what do you guys eat for breakfast?  I 
talked to JUST CHILLIN's manager before the fights.  He said, "We're gonna do good."  
And look at this:  5-0-1!  Psychic, or what!  I just can't say enough good things 
about VAMPIRATES.  They went 4-1-1 their first time, don't slouch, and they've got 
good oral hygiene!  Talk about hot teams!  CLAN LONGBEARD goes out, the very first 
time, and goes 5-0-0!  Like, what do you guys eat for breakfast?  I talked to 
AMERICAN MUSCLE's manager before the fights.  He said, "We're gonna do good."  And 
look at this:  4-1-1!  Psychic, or what!  MVP award for FULTON?  WAR MACHINE's proud 
of him after beating EUNICE and getting 12 points.  Is the Duelmaster really being a 
real snob to his teammates?  Don't ask me!   
     So just why would someone becomes a warrior anyway?  It can't be for these 
really neat Spyreports can it?   
     Challenges, revenges, Bloodfeuds.  All SHADOWSPIRE ever talks about is fighting! 
Me, I'm more laid back.  Hey you guys, don't you think your families would like to 
hear from you?  Write!  (Or have someone write for you.)  
     Remember, blood on a purple robe may stain.  Soak it in cold water, and hand 
wash.  I'm getting tired of writing this stuff, so I'm calling it quits.  I had a fun 
time, see you later-- Debby Tonte  

INITIATES                      W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 RAMA THE SHARK 186            1   0  1    12       DEATHONTHESANDS (33)
 FULTON 150                    1   0  1    12       WAR MACHINE (26)
 SPONGE BATH 226               1   0  1    11       AARP (41)
 '76 GRAN TORINO 234           1   0  1    11       AMERICAN MUSCLE (43)
 CHAKHARI 108                  1   0  0    11       KELLUMBO'S KIDS (18)
 LYCANTHROPIC LYNX 52          1   0  0    11       DOC LEGRAND'S LAB (6)
 ZANZIBAR 83                   1   0  0    11       DRAGONBANE GUILD (13)
 THE SMALL CAT 74              1   0  0    11       LA PENTARCHIE (11)
 CHESHIRE RAT 204              1   0  0    11       RODENT CLAN (37)
 AVARITIA 191                  1   0  0    11       ASSASSIN NATION (34)
 DA VINCI 166                  1   0  0    11       DARQUE AGES (29)
 L'HERITIER 73                 1   0  0    11       LA PENTARCHIE (11)
 THE BIG CAT 75                1   0  0    11       LA PENTARCHIE (11)
 NAEL GHUN 71                  1   0  0    10       DRAKE'S HARDWARE (10)
 SCREAMIN BOZ 42               1   0  0    10       CULT OF BACCHUS (4)
 ANGUS 217                     1   0  0    10       CLAN LONGBEARD (39)
 KIRI FACADE 37                1   0  0    10       KATHOUSE (3)
 MICEPICK 207                  1   0  0    10       RODENT CLAN (37)
 BOING!!! 181                  1   0  0    10       D2 MIGHTY DUCKS (32)
 HOOK 212                      1   0  0    10       VAMPIRATES (38)
 CELEGDRAUG 107                1   0  0    10       THE DRAUGS (17)
 URIK 215                      1   0  0    10       CLAN LONGBEARD (39)
 JAMES WORTHY 66               1   0  0    10       CAROLINA BLUE (9)
 URD 199                       1   0  0    10       DESOLATE ONES (36)
 AUTO HAMMER 55                1   0  0    10       AS SEEN ON TV (7)
 DECIMUS 97                    1   0  0    10       WARMASTERS (15)
 TRG CHINSNAPPER 116           1   0  0    10       BIG LAKE OUTCASTS (19)
 ROUGE 121                     1   0  0    10       BATTLE GRUNTS (20)
 JACK DANIELS 154              1   0  0    10       INEBRIATION (27)
 GROLSCH 45                    1   0  0    10       ALE HOUSE MERCS (5)
 RED TAIL 47                   1   0  0    10       ALE HOUSE MERCS (5)
 MOUSE OF PAIN 206             1   0  0    10       RODENT CLAN (37)
 LONELY RAGE 125               1   0  0    10       RAGNAROK'S WOLVES (21)
 '70 SUPERBIRD 233             1   0  0    10       AMERICAN MUSCLE (43)
 COPERNICUS 163                1   0  0    10       DARQUE AGES (29)
 BREGDRAUG 103                 1   0  0    10       THE DRAUGS (17)
 KERENA THE MAD 183            1   0  0    10       DEATHONTHESANDS (33)
 ALBERTA CLIPPER 162           1   0  0    10       JUST CHILLIN (28)
 GRAKUS 136                    1   0  0    10       KNIGHTBLADE (23)
 LUXURIA 192                   1   0  0    10       ASSASSIN NATION (34)
 DJAIK 169                     1   0  0    10       THE MONGOLOIDS II (30)
 SLEAZY SUSAN 92               1   0  0    10       STREET WALKERS (14)
 JAQUES HAMMYR 70              1   0  0    10       DRAKE'S HARDWARE (10)
 SENSUAL SHREW 49              1   0  0    10       DOC LEGRAND'S LAB (6)
 MARIQ 243                     1   0  0    10       BLADESMEN (45)
 KRYSTA 41                     1   0  0    10       CULT OF BACCHUS (4)
 SLOGG 151                     1   0  0    10       WAR MACHINE (26)
 AHM THE VIOLENT 185           1   0  0    10       DEATHONTHESANDS (33)
 E.E. CUMMINGS 219             1   0  0     8       LITERATE LOONS (40)
 LLUD 216                      1   0  0     8       CLAN LONGBEARD (39)
 BEREGDRAUG 106                1   0  0     8       THE DRAUGS (17)
 '69 MUSTANG BOSS 236          1   0  0     8       AMERICAN MUSCLE (43)
 GROND 80                      1   0  0     8       CLUB CUTTHROAT (12)
 BLAIR HAMMERTOE 114           1   0  1     7       BIG LAKE OUTCASTS (19)

INITIATES                      W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 MANX 229                      1   0  1     6       LUROCIAN SCHOLARS (42)
 THETA 123                     1   0  1     6       RAGNAROK'S WOLVES (21)
 FROSTY 158                    1   0  1     6       JUST CHILLIN (28)
 BLOODBEARD 211                1   0  1     6       VAMPIRATES (38)
 HUNTER 120                    1   0  1     6       BATTLE GRUNTS (20)
 SERINA 133                    1   0  0     6       KNIGHTBLADE (23)
 DIVINE BOVINE 141             1   0  0     6       MIGHTY MEAD ORCS (24)
 TRAJEN 96                     1   0  0     6       WARMASTERS (15)
 WRONG HAND HAMMER 175         1   0  0     6       AARDVARK HAMMERZ (31)
 CHAOS LORD 100                1   0  0     6       DARK ENCLAVE (16)
 STRAY CAT 242                 1   0  0     6       ERRATA (44)
 HAIRAGAMI 56                  1   0  0     6       AS SEEN ON TV (7)
 SNOW CONE 160                 1   0  0     6       JUST CHILLIN (28)
 HOWLING HYENA 50              1   0  0     6       DOC LEGRAND'S LAB (6)
 ALDEBARAN 86                  1   0  0     6       DRAGONBANE GUILD (13)
 STUMP 238                     1   0  0     6       ERRATA (44)
 KOQUISHA 109                  1   0  0     6       KELLUMBO'S KIDS (18)
 HA-THRUST! 180                1   0  0     6       D2 MIGHTY DUCKS (32)
 CUERVO 157                    1   0  0     6       INEBRIATION (27)
 PAVLOV 228                    1   0  0     6       LUROCIAN SCHOLARS (42)
 KREK 213                      1   0  0     6       CLAN LONGBEARD (39)
 CONSORTIUM? 77                1   0  0     6       LA PENTARCHIE (11)
 SAUCERHEAD THARPE 128         1   0  0     6       RED IRON KNIGHTS (22)
 JIM BEAM 155                  1   0  0     6       INEBRIATION (27)
 FOUNTAIN 241                  1   0  0     6       ERRATA (44)
 LIGHTNING HAMMER 174          1   0  0     5       AARDVARK HAMMERZ (31)
 CALM 249                      1   0  0     5       LEGION OF SOLITUDE (46)
 BURM WOLFSNARL 113            1   0  0     5       BIG LAKE OUTCASTS (19)
 COLOSTOMY BAG 223             1   0  0     5       AARP (41)
 ALEMA D'RAV 196               1   0  0     5       KNIGHTS OF KEKORAL (35)
 '69 DAYTONA 235               1   0  0     5       AMERICAN MUSCLE (43)
 ANVIL IRONFIST 84             1   0  0     5       DRAGONBANE GUILD (13)
 STELLION 99                   1   0  0     5       DARK ENCLAVE (16)
 COLD STEEL 161                1   0  0     5       JUST CHILLIN (28)
 THE COUNTESS 210              1   0  0     5       VAMPIRATES (38)
 LOST BOY 208                  1   0  0     5       VAMPIRATES (38)
 ERIC MONTROSS 64              1   0  0     5       CAROLINA BLUE (9)
 HAZER 119                     1   0  0     5       BATTLE GRUNTS (20)
 MIA HAMM 65                   1   0  0     5       CAROLINA BLUE (9)
 NIGHT FANG 126                1   0  0     5       RAGNAROK'S WOLVES (21)
 EDWARD GOREY 222              1   0  0     5       LITERATE LOONS (40)
 REST 250                      1   0  0     5       LEGION OF SOLITUDE (46)
 SADLER 129                    1   0  0     5       RED IRON KNIGHTS (22)
 BORNE 214                     1   0  0     5       CLAN LONGBEARD (39)
 DRUGE 38                      1   0  0     5       CULT OF BACCHUS (4)
 LONG NOSE HAIRS 225           1   0  0     5       AARP (41)
 DROP DEAD NED 140             1   0  0     5       MIGHTY MEAD ORCS (24)
 RECRUDESCENCE 81              1   0  0     4       CLUB CUTTHROAT (12)
 ANN VYL 69                    1   0  0     4       DRAKE'S HARDWARE (10)
 MRS. VAUGHN 28                1   0  0     4       LIFE IMPACTS (2)
 EXTRUSION 31                  1   0  0     3       LIFE IMPACTS (2)
 GUTENBERG 167                 1   0  0     3       DARQUE AGES (29)
 ICICLE 159                    1   0  0     3       JUST CHILLIN (28)
 FULL MOON SWOON 127           1   0  0     3       RAGNAROK'S WOLVES (21)
 SILENCE 251                   0   1  0     1       LEGION OF SOLITUDE (46)
 POWR GORESLINGER 117          0   1  0     1       BIG LAKE OUTCASTS (19)
 BIBIDYBOB 102                 0   1  0     1       DARK ENCLAVE (16)
 BIG BROTHER 59                0   1  0     1       CHILDHOOD HEROES (8)
 TINNIE TATE 131               0   1  0     1       RED IRON KNIGHTS (22)
 BARON STONEWALL 85            0   1  0     1       DRAGONBANE GUILD (13)
 ANGRENDRAUG 105               0   1  0     1       THE DRAUGS (17)
 CANTEX 30                     0   1  0     1       LIFE IMPACTS (2)
 RED DRAGON HAMMER 177         0   1  0     1       AARDVARK HAMMERZ (31)

INITIATES                      W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 ALLANA D'RAV 195              0   1  0     1       KNIGHTS OF KEKORAL (35)
 SEAN MAY 67                   0   1  0     1       CAROLINA BLUE (9)
 WARDEN KINCHLOE 82            0   1  0     1       CLUB CUTTHROAT (12)
 IRA 189                       0   1  0     1       ASSASSIN NATION (34)
 DJAIMZ 168                    0   1  0     1       THE MONGOLOIDS II (30)
 INVIDIA 188                   0   1  0     1       ASSASSIN NATION (34)
 PLAGUENOG 205                 0   1  0     1       RODENT CLAN (37)
 4' THICK GLASSES 227          0   1  0     1       AARP (41)
 JULIUS PEPPERS 63             0   1  0     1       CAROLINA BLUE (9)
 ZARATOR 152                   0   1  0     1       WAR MACHINE (26)
 CALYPSO TAN 54                0   1  0     1       AS SEEN ON TV (7)
 KING COBRA 51                 0   1  0     1       DOC LEGRAND'S LAB (6)
 FREAKY REEKY 139              0   1  0     1       MIGHTY MEAD ORCS (24)
 '69 CHARGER 237               0   1  0     1       AMERICAN MUSCLE (43)
 LIFESPARK 98                  0   1  0     1       DARK ENCLAVE (16)
 NECROMOUSER 203               0   1  0     1       RODENT CLAN (37)
 VERDANDI 201                  0   1  0     1       DESOLATE ONES (36)
 BAGLADY 90                    0   1  0     1       STREET WALKERS (14)
 SIRT DAYWALKER 115            0   1  0     1       BIG LAKE OUTCASTS (19)
 MYK 170                       0   1  0     1       THE MONGOLOIDS II (30)
 CHROMIAN 40                   0   1  0     1       CULT OF BACCHUS (4)
 MISTY MEANER 89               0   1  0     1       STREET WALKERS (14)
 BARKING DOG AMATO 132         0   1  0     1       RED IRON KNIGHTS (22)
 SACHE 246                     0   1  0     1       BLADESMEN (45)
 BOOGER STANG 78               0   1  0     1       CLUB CUTTHROAT (12)
 BARKILY 148                   0   1  0     1       WAR MACHINE (26)
 PURPLE ACE 29                 0   1  0     1       LIFE IMPACTS (2)
 JACOB FROLOV 194              0   1  0     1       KNIGHTS OF KEKORAL (35)
 ARVINIUS 95                   0   1  0     1       WARMASTERS (15)
 YUKON JACK 156                0   1  0     1       INEBRIATION (27)
 XON 137                       0   1  0     1       KNIGHTBLADE (23)
 MIRDRAUG 104                  0   1  0     1       THE DRAUGS (17)
 C.H.S. 32                     0   1  0     1       LIFE IMPACTS (2)
 MITHRIL MANDRILL 48           0   1  0     1       DOC LEGRAND'S LAB (6)
 TCHARLZ 171                   0   1  0     1       THE MONGOLOIDS II (30)
 WONDER WOMAN 62               0   1  0     1       CHILDHOOD HEROES (8)
 JORD 198                      0   1  0     1       DESOLATE ONES (36)
 MICK 149                      0   1  0     1       WAR MACHINE (26)
 SNAKE EYES 58                 0   1  0     1       CHILDHOOD HEROES (8)
 SLICE RICE HAMMER 176         0   1  0     1       AARDVARK HAMMERZ (31)
 CRIMSON 122                   0   1  0     1       BATTLE GRUNTS (20)
 SGT. YORK 61                  0   1  0     1       CHILDHOOD HEROES (8)
 JOAN OF ARC 165               0   1  0     1       DARQUE AGES (29)
 GHAS 34                       0   1  0     1       KATHOUSE (3)
 MARITA THE MEAN 184           0   1  0     1       DEATHONTHESANDS (33)
 DREX 135                      0   1  0     1       KNIGHTBLADE (23)
 GYGG SAUGH 72                 0   1  0     1       DRAKE'S HARDWARE (10)
 J.G. BALLARD 218              0   1  0     1       LITERATE LOONS (40)
 CHAYN SAUGH 68                0   1  0     1       DRAKE'S HARDWARE (10)
 CHAUCER 164                   0   1  0     1       DARQUE AGES (29)
 PYOTR KAPITSA 193             0   1  0     1       KNIGHTS OF KEKORAL (35)
 WINTERBRAUN 46                0   1  0     1       ALE HOUSE MERCS (5)
 VYGOTSKY 230                  0   1  0     1       LUROCIAN SCHOLARS (42)
 THE BIG LIE 79                0   1  0     1       CLUB CUTTHROAT (12)
 STEPHEN SAGAN 197             0   1  0     1       KNIGHTS OF KEKORAL (35)
 HERCULES HOOK 53              0   1  0     1       AS SEEN ON TV (7)
 HOWLING THUNDER 124           0   1  0     1       RAGNAROK'S WOLVES (21)
 SKULD 200                     0   1  0     1       DESOLATE ONES (36)
 SKINNER 232                   0   1  0     1       LUROCIAN SCHOLARS (42)
 HOLDA 202                     0   1  0     1       DESOLATE ONES (36)
 SEVEN TOE MOE 142             0   1  0     1       MIGHTY MEAD ORCS (24)
 BRENDAN BEHAN 221             0   1  0     1       LITERATE LOONS (40)
 PAPA SMURF 60                 0   1  0     1       CHILDHOOD HEROES (8)

INITIATES                      W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 KELLIGRRL 33                  0   1  0     1       KATHOUSE (3)
 LUCIUS 93                     0   1  0     1       WARMASTERS (15)
 SOREX 94                      0   1  0     1       WARMASTERS (15)
 ARAKAN 134                    0   1  0     1       KNIGHTBLADE (23)
 PEACE 248                     0   1  0     1       LEGION OF SOLITUDE (46)
 SOL 44                        0   1  0     1       ALE HOUSE MERCS (5)
 IMPALA 240                    0   1  0     1       ERRATA (44)
 VYNAR 244                     0   1  0     1       BLADESMEN (45)
 HO! HA-HA! GUARD! 178         0   1  0     1       D2 MIGHTY DUCKS (32)
 ZIPPO 239                     0   1  0     1       ERRATA (44)
 DEANA 112                     0   1  0     1       KELLUMBO'S KIDS (18)
 ARYEH THE LION 187            0   1  0     1       DEATHONTHESANDS (33)
 ALUMINUM WALKER 224           0   1  0     1       AARP (41)
 BOREC 245                     0   1  0     1       BLADESMEN (45)
 SPIN1 182                     0   1  0     1       D2 MIGHTY DUCKS (32)
 IRISA 35                      0   1  0     1       KATHOUSE (3)
 DIRTY DIANA 91                0   1  0     1       STREET WALKERS (14)
 RELAXATION 252                0   1  0     1       LEGION OF SOLITUDE (46)
 ANTANIQUE 111                 0   1  0     1       KELLUMBO'S KIDS (18)
 SIGURWULF 87                  0   1  0     1       DRAGONBANE GUILD (13)
 TINR 36                       0   1  0     1       KATHOUSE (3)
 GRANITE 118                   0   1  0     1       BATTLE GRUNTS (20)
 NEVER SCRUB 57                0   1  0     1       AS SEEN ON TV (7)
 BLOODRUNNER 101               0   1  0     1       DARK ENCLAVE (16)
 TIRED TINY TITAN 138          0   1  0     1       MIGHTY MEAD ORCS (24)
 IMPORT-EXPORT 76              0   1  0     1       LA PENTARCHIE (11)

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

THE DEAD               W  L K TEAM NAME             SLAIN BY             TURN Revenge?
RIGHT HAND HAMMER 173  0  1 0 AARDVARK HAMMERZ 31   MANX 229                1         
ZIMA 43                0  1 0 ALE HOUSE MERCS 5     HIGH ELF 19             1 NONE    
SUPERBIA 190           0  1 0 ASSASSIN NATION 34    BLOODBEARD 211          1         
BAIL 247               0  1 0 BLADESMEN 45          SPONGE BATH 226         1         
EUNICE 39              0  1 0 CULT OF BACCHUS 4     FULTON 150              1         
TURN PARRY DODGE! 179  0  1 0 D2 MIGHTY DUCKS 32    '76 GRAN TORINO 234     1         
JOHNNY WALKER 153      0  1 0 INEBRIATION 27        BLACK ORC 20            1 NONE    
I COULDA TC'D 110      0  1 0 KELLUMBO'S KIDS 18    DARK CHAMPION 24        1 NONE    
MALCOLM LOWRY 220      0  1 0 LITERATE LOONS 40     THETA 123               1         
BLOOM 231              0  1 0 LUROCIAN SCHOLARS 42  HUNTER 120              1         
DJOH 172               0  1 0 THE MONGOLOIDS II 30  BLAIR HAMMERTOE 114     1         
PUDDLE 130             0  1 0 RED IRON KNIGHTS 22   WURM KIN 27             1 NONE    
WICKED WANDA 88        0  1 0 STREET WALKERS 14     RAMA THE SHARK 186      1         
THE BARONESS 209       0  1 0 VAMPIRATES 38         FROSTY 158              1         

                                     PERSONAL ADS

Whoa, Nellie!  We done be spectin' 40ish teams a fitin'?  What in tarnation weuns
gonna do?  Sheesh! -- Smitty, Life Impacts

Jest wanna wish yerall luck in thisn here newfangled arena.  Yup. -- Smitty and The
Life Impact Folks

Deke -- Thanks. -- The Consortium

ShadowSpire SwordPlayers -- Welcome to the Historic Grand Opening of the No Tourney
Arena!  Looking Forward to the Spots and P-ads! -- Hammer/Minister of War/ShadowSpire
Scribe

ShadowSpire StyleMasters -- Who will collect the Gold Coins wagered that I will fail
to survive to see the May Flowers?  I have a Personal Wager against WHM as to which
of us fares the best on these DM 81 sands! -- RIGHT HAND HAMMER

ShadowSpire StyleMasters -- Welcome to our own little cozy ShadowSpire Tournament on
the DM 81 Sands! -- LIGHTNING HAMMER

ShadowSpire StyleMasters -- Umm--  Err--  Uhh--  You Wasting Your Gold Coins Betting
Against Me! -- WRONG HAND HAMMER

ShadowSpire StyleMasters -- You Ready for What I Bring to the Sands? -- SLICE RICE
HAMMER

ShadowSpire StyleMasters -- SRH and I have our own little wager as to which of us
lasts longer against the fine competition here in ShadowSpire!  Watch out for SRH and
her Bloody Blade! -- RED DRAGON HAMMER

ShadowSpire SwordPlayers -- Try Your Skills Against My AARDVARK HAMMERZ stable!  Go
for the Kill and Make My Day!  Blood Feuds Welcome!  Career Arena Record is Not My
Priority!  Being a Participant in New History with Spotlights is! -- Hammer/Minister
of War/ShadowSpire Scribe
P.S.  My Condolences in Advance for the Deaths of Any Gladiators Who Mistook Any of
My Gladiators for an Easy Victim! 
P.P.S.  A Pox Upon All You Potential Skill Rapers!

We would like to once again thank Deke for all his hard work in making this arena
happen.  This is exactly what Duel II was meant to be.  No sandbagging, no
tournaments, and no dodging bloodfeuds.  I am thrilled to be a part of this arena and
look forward to playing here for years.  Life and luck to all of you and your
warriors! -- Vanek, Manager of the Warmasters

All -- Greetings, my fellow managers!  I look forward to meeting you on and off the
sands and hope to find many friends...and perhaps a few enemies as well.  *grins*  As
I am concurrently involved in moving a team into Aruak City, I will be assisted by my
wife, Lady Protector Dio Ridenow, in the operations here.  I offer only one small
piece of advice.  She's a fiery lass who has been known to...how shall we say it...
'handle'...problems herself.  Luck to us all. -- Kendric Stormblade, mgr. The Basik's
Own

Kendric--  And for that, Lord Husband, you can sleep down at the inn tonight.
*smiles sweetly* -- Dio Ridenow, Co-Mgr. The Basik's Own

To all in Shadowspire -- Welcome to the grand experiment!  The gladiators of
Dragonbane Guild and I look forward to competing with you for the honors available to
those who risk their blood upon the sands.  May the title of Duelmaster go to one who
deserves it! -- Nomad

Greetings to everyone on the initial turn of Shadowspire!  May the arena prosper and
provide the joy so many of you seek. -- Rillion, Manager of The Draugs

I shall have a spotlight next turn detailing the history of The Draugs stable here in
Shadowspire.  I expect this turn there will be many other spotlights for you to
enjoy. -- Rillion

Well I was slow signing up but I am here now. -- TGG mgr. Lurocian Scholars

I was going to talk trash this turn but figure I better wait to make sure I don't go
0-5 first.  :) -- TGG

Warriors of Shadowspire -- And so it begins. -- Indimar Fallon

All -- The Nornic Forces have brought us here to compete and learn.  Good luck, may
your weapons break upon our heads as we strike you down. -- Desolate Ones

Ditch (a.k.a. Apex) -- Instead of light, I bring you the chance to make the words
good that fell out of your pie hole in 31.  You will soon understand why it is not
wise to make father angry.  You will be "Goat" sacked chapped.  (evil grin) Oh!  Ha
ha, you're a joke. -- Goat

All -- Hello to everyone.  We are the Knights of Kekoral.  We wish you all good luck.
-- Aranthar, mgr. of the Knights of Kerkoral

18 December 2006
Let it be known that Buddy Lee is no longer a member of The Company of Brothers,
T.C.B.  I have resigned as of 10-23-06.  Thank you.

                                  LAST WEEK'S FIGHTS

JOHNNY WALKER was butchered by BLACK ORC in a 1 minute Dark Arena fight.
I COULDA TC'D was viciously butchered by DARK CHAMPION in a 2 minute Dark Arena duel.
ZIMA was easily killed by HIGH ELF in a 1 minute gory Dark Arena match.
PUDDLE was slaughtered by WURM KIN in a 1 minute Dark Arena brawl.
C.H.S. was bested by JIM BEAM in a 5 minute novice's fight.
KELLIGRRL was demolished by CHESHIRE RAT in a 1 minute mismatched competition.
GHAS was viciously subdued by E.E. CUMMINGS in a exciting 5 minute amateur's fight.
IRISA was overcome by BEREGDRAUG in a action packed 2 minute beginner's fight.
TINR was outwaited by ICICLE in a slow 12 minute beginner's duel.
KIRI FACADE vanquished ARVINIUS in a 1 minute gory one-sided duel.
DRUGE beat ALLANA D'RAV in a 3 minute novice's melee.
EUNICE was assassinated by FULTON in a 1 minute bloody one-sided match.
CHROMIAN was handily defeated by LYCANTHROPIC LYNX in a 1 minute one-sided contest.
KRYSTA overpowered SOREX in a 1 minute mismatched conflict.
SCREAMIN BOZ overpowered JOAN OF ARC in a 1 minute one-sided duel.
EXTRUSION unbelievably bested ANGRENDRAUG in a 10 minute brutal beginner's duel.
SOL was devastated by DJAIK in a 1 minute mismatched brawl.
GROLSCH overpowered SKINNER in a 1 minute one-sided bout.
WINTERBRAUN was beaten by ALEMA D'RAV in a 1 minute novice's bout.
RED TAIL overpowered MIRDRAUG in a 1 minute mismatched conflict.
MITHRIL MANDRILL was devastated by AHM THE VIOLENT in a 1 minute one-sided bout.
SENSUAL SHREW vanquished '69 CHARGER in a 4 minute one-sided match.
HOWLING HYENA overcame ARAKAN in a 2 minute beginner's duel.
KING COBRA was bested by FOUNTAIN in a 2 minute novice's bout.
HERCULES HOOK was overpowered by GRAKUS in a 1 minute uneven fight.
CALYPSO TAN was savagely defeated by TRAJEN in a 4 minute gory beginner's fight.
AUTO HAMMER overpowered SLICE RICE HAMMER in a 1 minute uneven match.
HAIRAGAMI beat SPIN1 in a 2 minute beginner's duel.
NEVER SCRUB was outlasted by GUTENBERG in a unpopular 7 minute novice's fray.
SNAKE EYES was vanquished by ROUGE in a 1 minute one-sided bout.
BIG BROTHER was defeated by EDWARD GOREY in a popular 3 minute beginner's duel.
PAPA SMURF was overpowered by TRG CHINSNAPPER in a 1 minute one-sided match.
SGT. YORK was overpowered by SLOGG in a 1 minute one-sided bout.
WONDER WOMAN was overpowered by JAQUES HAMMYR in a 1 minute one-sided fray.
JULIUS PEPPERS was bested by BURM WOLFSNARL in a 4 minute novice's duel.
ERIC MONTROSS bested BOOGER STANG in a 2 minute novice's battle.
MIA HAMM bested LIFESPARK in a 2 minute beginner's bout.
JAMES WORTHY overpowered CHAUCER in a 1 minute one-sided match.
SEAN MAY was overcome by REST in a 2 minute beginner's match.
CHAYN SAUGH was overpowered by ANGUS in a 1 minute uneven bout.
ANN VYL outlasted SILENCE in a crowd pleasing 10 minute novice's competition.
NAEL GHUN vanquished DIRTY DIANA in a 1 minute one-sided match.
GYGG SAUGH was subdued by KOQUISHA in a 2 minute bloody beginner's duel.
L'HERITIER demolished CRIMSON in a 1 minute uneven conflict.
THE SMALL CAT handily defeated MARITA THE MEAN in a 1 minute mismatched fight.
THE BIG CAT overpowered MICK in a 1 minute uneven competition.
IMPORT-EXPORT was outwaited by FULL MOON SWOON in a tiring 18 minute novice's match.
CONSORTIUM? savagely defeated SIGURWULF in a 3 minute gory beginner's fight.
THE BIG LIE was overpowered by KERENA THE MAD in a 1 minute one-sided fray.
GROND viciously subdued BAGLADY in a exciting 3 minute bloody novice's duel.
RECRUDESCENCE savagely defeated TIRED TINY TITAN in a slow 8 minute novice's battle.
WARDEN KINCHLOE was overcome by STELLION in a 4 minute amateur's contest.
ZANZIBAR overpowered DREX in a exciting 1 minute one-sided struggle.
ANVIL IRONFIST viciously subdued GRANITE in a 6 minute brutal amateur's fight.
BARON STONEWALL was subdued by DROP DEAD NED in a 5 minute amateur's contest.
ALDEBARAN beat SACHE in a crowd pleasing 1 minute beginner's bout.
WICKED WANDA was assassinated by RAMA THE SHARK in a 2 minute bloody mismatched fight.
MISTY MEANER was bested by SNOW CONE in a popular 1 minute novice's bout.
SLEAZY SUSAN vanquished IMPALA in a 1 minute mismatched match.
LUCIUS was demolished by DA VINCI in a 1 minute one-sided conflict.
DECIMUS devastated JACOB FROLOV in a 1 minute one-sided fight.
CHAOS LORD bested NECROMOUSER in a 2 minute beginner's match.
BLOODRUNNER was viciously subdued by LLUD in a popular 7 minute gory novice's bout.
BIBIDYBOB lost to '69 DAYTONA in a exciting 3 minute novice's duel.
BREGDRAUG demolished TCHARLZ in a 1 minute one-sided duel.
CELEGDRAUG overpowered ZIPPO in a 1 minute one-sided contest.
CHAKHARI vanquished PURPLE ACE in a exciting 1 minute one-sided contest.
CANTEX was narrowly defeated by CALM in a 2 minute gory novice's bout.
ANTANIQUE was defeated by CUERVO in a 5 minute beginner's brawl.
DEANA was devastated by BOING!!! in a 1 minute mismatched match.
BLAIR HAMMERTOE savagely slew DJOH in a 3 minute bloody beginner's match.
SIRT DAYWALKER was subdued by STRAY CAT in a 2 minute novice's fight.
POWR GORESLINGER was unbelievably bested by PAVLOV in a 4 minute novice's melee.
HAZER subdued STEPHEN SAGAN in a 1 minute novice's duel.
HUNTER killed BLOOM in a 3 minute novice's conflict.
THETA viciously butchered MALCOLM LOWRY in a 3 minute brutal beginner's conflict.
HOWLING THUNDER was overpowered by MICEPICK in a 1 minute one-sided contest.
LONELY RAGE devastated VYNAR in a 1 minute one-sided match.
NIGHT FANG defeated MYK in a 2 minute novice's fray.
SAUCERHEAD THARPE subdued ARYEH THE LION in a 2 minute novice's fray.
SADLER bested INVIDIA in a 2 minute novice's bout.
TINNIE TATE was beaten by HA-THRUST! in a 3 minute brutal beginner's duel.
BARKING DOG AMATO was vanquished by AVARITIA in a 1 minute one-sided fray.
SERINA beat BRENDAN BEHAN in a crowd pleasing 1 minute novice's competition.
XON was demolished by '70 SUPERBIRD in a 1 minute one-sided bout.
FREAKY REEKY was defeated by LIGHTNING HAMMER in a 2 minute beginner's competition.
DIVINE BOVINE defeated ALUMINUM WALKER in a 2 minute gory novice's bout.
SEVEN TOE MOE was demolished by HOOK in a 1 minute one-sided duel.
BARKILY was bested by LONG NOSE HAIRS in a 1 minute beginner's bout.
ZARATOR slimly lost to LOST BOY in a 3 minute gruesome novice's melee.
MRS. VAUGHN unbelievably bested JORD in a 4 minute bloody novice's bout.
JACK DANIELS devastated RELAXATION in a 1 minute uneven battle.
YUKON JACK was overpowered by URD in a 1 minute uneven brawl.
FROSTY viciously butchered THE BARONESS in a 2 minute brutal amateur's duel.
COLD STEEL subdued HO! HA-HA! GUARD! in a 1 minute novice's duel.
ALBERTA CLIPPER vanquished PEACE in a 1 minute uneven fray.
COPERNICUS overpowered PLAGUENOG in a 3 minute mismatched competition.
DJAIMZ was luckily beaten by COLOSTOMY BAG in a 3 minute gory amateur's battle.
RIGHT HAND HAMMER was barely slain by MANX in a 1 minute gory amateur's duel.
WRONG HAND HAMMER luckily beat IRA in a 4 minute novice's fight.
RED DRAGON HAMMER was luckily beaten by THE COUNTESS in a 3 minute novice's brawl.
TURN PARRY DODGE! was easily killed by '76 GRAN TORINO in a 1 minute uneven duel.
SUPERBIA was put to death by BLOODBEARD in a 3 minute gory beginner's match.
LUXURIA overpowered SKULD in a 1 minute one-sided duel.
PYOTR KAPITSA was devastated by MARIQ in a 1 minute mismatched fray.
VERDANDI lost to '69 MUSTANG BOSS in a action packed 4 minute bloody beginner's duel.
HOLDA was defeated by STUMP in a 2 minute novice's match.
MOUSE OF PAIN vanquished VYGOTSKY in a 1 minute one-sided bout.
KREK savagely defeated J.G. BALLARD in a 2 minute gruesome amateur's duel.
BORNE unbelievably bested 4' THICK GLASSES in a 2 minute bloody novice's fight.
URIK devastated BOREC in a 1 minute mismatched match.
SPONGE BATH executed BAIL in a 1 minute mismatched duel.

                                    BATTLE REPORT

             MOST POPULAR                        RECORD DURING THE LAST 10 TURNS     
|FIGHTING STYLE               FIGHTS        FIGHTING STYLE     W -   L -  K   PERCENT|
|LUNGING ATTACK                  41         TOTAL PARRY       14 -   4 -  0      78  |
|STRIKING ATTACK                 38         STRIKING ATTACK   25 -  13 -  2      66  |
|SLASHING ATTACK                 26         WALL OF STEEL     13 -  11 -  2      54  |
|WALL OF STEEL                   24         AIMED BLOW        12 -  11 -  1      52  |
|AIMED BLOW                      23         BASHING ATTACK    12 -  11 -  3      52  |
|BASHING ATTACK                  23         PARRY-STRIKE       5 -   5 -  0      50  |
|TOTAL PARRY                     18         PARRY-RIPOSTE      3 -   4 -  0      43  |
|PARRY-STRIKE                    10         LUNGING ATTACK    14 -  27 -  2      34  |
|PARRY-LUNGE                     10         PARRY-LUNGE        3 -   7 -  0      30  |
|PARRY-RIPOSTE                    7         SLASHING ATTACK    7 -  19 -  0      27  |

Turn   1 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:

TOTAL PARRY       14 -  4     PARRY-RIPOSTE      3 -  4         5  STRIKING ATTACK
STRIKING ATTACK   25 - 13     LUNGING ATTACK    14 - 27         3  LUNGING ATTACK 
WALL OF STEEL     13 - 11     PARRY-LUNGE        3 -  7         2  AIMED BLOW     
AIMED BLOW        12 - 11     SLASHING ATTACK    7 - 19         1  SLASHING ATTACK
BASHING ATTACK    12 - 11     
PARRY-STRIKE       5 -  5     

                               TOP WARRIOR OF EACH STYLE

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 SILENCE 251.  The most popular warrior this turn was 
SILENCE 251.  The ten other most popular fighters were E.E. CUMMINGS 219, POWR 
GORESLINGER 117, BEREGDRAUG 106, BIG BROTHER 59, GROND 80, LLUD 216, BIBIDYBOB 102, 
'69 MUSTANG BOSS 236, ANGRENDRAUG 105, and TRAJEN 96.

The least popular fighter this week was FULL MOON SWOON 127.  The other ten least 
popular fighters were IMPORT-EXPORT 76, ICICLE 159, TIRED TINY TITAN 138, GUTENBERG 
167, EXTRUSION 31, BLOODRUNNER 101, MRS. VAUGHN 28, ANTANIQUE 111, GRANITE 118, and 
SIGURWULF 87.

               NEW TEAMS IN THE TEMPORARY TOURNAMENT ARENAS (DM 81/83)

Please note that all new teams created at the Face-to-Face were temporarily placed 
in a temporary Tournament Arena, DM 81 or DM 83.  If you requested that your team be 
placed in a specific arena, it has already transferred to that arena.  Any teams not 
transferred out of DM 81 and DM 83 by September 1st will be deleted.  If you have 
questions about any of your teams, please contact Customer Service. -- RSI 

               NEW GRADUATES--FROM ALL ARENAS (INCLUDING CLOSED ARENAS)

     For those of you who keep track of such things, 5 additional warriors graduated 
from regular DM arenas (including closed arenas) since the last tournament.  

                       TONY TWILO (5-4525) of HOUSE OF PANCAKES
                           MARCIE (36-6076) of MER DE NOMS
                          WAR EAGLE (55-3289) of DRAGONFYRE
                         WIPEY (82-12634) of UNJUSTLY RENAMED 
                           FORMIDABLE (82-17495) of F-TROOP 

Congrats to the grads. -- Green Eyes

                            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!

               NEW GRADUATES--FROM ALL ARENAS (INCLUDING CLOSED ARENAS)

     For those of you who keep track of such things, 11 additional warriors graduated 
from regular DM arenas (including closed arenas) since the last tournament.  

                        EEK THE CAT (2-4110) of THE FUNNY FARM 
                             HADES (11-5338) of MYTHICAL 
                    DRAUGHT DODGER (12-5209) of WISH YOU WERE BEER 
                      DRACO MALFOY (18-7115) of HOUSE SLYTHERIN 
                           FREAK (18-7300) of RUN AND HYDE 
                   BETWEEN THE EYES (60-716) of METAL MILITIA II 6
                  SHOVELING SANDY (65-3584) of STORMNITE SANDBAGGER 
                         BLUE BLOOD (73-3657) of BLACK & BLUE 
                          JOCK (82-10452) of 4-LETTER ITCHES 
                       WILLIE BROWN (82-13201) of 1976 RAIDERS 
                          YUENGLING (82-16265) of LOCAL BEER 

Congrats to the grads. -- Green Eyes

               NEW GRADUATES--FROM ALL ARENAS (INCLUDING CLOSED ARENAS)

     For those of you who keep track of such things, 12 additional warriors graduated 
from regular DM arenas (including closed arenas) since the last tournament.  

                          PETER (4-1642) of THE BAD BUNNIES
                    PHILLIP THE BIRD (40-3708) of CRUEL PET NAMES 
                  MILES HITS THE ROAD (69-7270) of CRUMBLING LEAGUE
                         ROCKWELL (7-5003) of UNDEAD ARTISTS
                          FURRY BOX (72-4314) of BRIAN LOCK
                            0001 (82-12389) of OCT 2001 1
                            0002 (82-12390) of OCT 2001 1
                      SACRIFICE (82-12669) of GAMES PEOPLE PLAY
                      HARRY SELDON (82-18333) of FOUNDATION ARMY
                         PSYCHO BITCH (82-18670) of SANDY TOO
                     ??RADAR?? (82-20310) of DYSLEXICS UNTIE! II
                          LITA (82-27080) of DARK TOADS 04D

Congrats to the grads. -- Green Eyes

                    HOLD THE DATES!  (FACE-TO-FACE XXXV AND XXXVI)

Summer Face-to-Face Tournament XXXV in St. Louis!  
Our next summer FTF will be held in downtown St. Louis, July 29-31, 2005.  It will be 
at the Radisson Hotel & Suites, St. Louis (800-925-1395--ask for the Reality 
Simulations room block). Room rates are $99.00 per night, 1-4 occupancy.  The rooms 
are blocked--please make your reservation by mid-June before the block is released! 
Look for transportation info in the tournament information sheet.  See you there!

Winter Face-to-Face Tournament XXXVI in Tempe!
Our next winter FTF will be held in Tempe, Arizona, January 20-22, 2006.  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 $139.00 per night (same as last year!), 
1-4 occupancy, which includes full cooked breakfast, complimentary manager's 
reception, free airport shuttle, free parking, high speed internet (for extra charge), 
fitness center, jacuzzi, and pool.  The rooms are blocked--please make your 
reservation soon 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!

                                FACE-TO-FACE XXXIV

     Our next Winter Face-to-Face will be held on Martin Luther King weekend, Friday 
through Sunday, 14-16 January 2005, at the Embassy Suites in Tempe, Arizona (4400 S 
Rural Rd--this is the same hotel as last year).  Room rates are $139.00 per night, 
1-4 occupancy, which includes breakfast.  The rooms are blocked.  The reservations 
number is 480-897-7444; tell them you're with the "Reality Simulations Face to Face 
Convention" block.  Our room block will be released in mid-December, so please make 
sure you reserve your room before then! 
     Room rates include a full cooked-to-order breakfast and a complimentary two-hour 
manager's reception.  There is a free shuttle to the airport, as well as free parking.  
The hotel is located down the freeway in Tempe.  All rooms have high speed internet 
(for an extra charge).  There is a fitness center, jacuzzi, and pool, and of course a 
bar and Mexican restaurant inside the hotel.  And there's Denny's right across the 
street.  Look for transportation info in the tournament information sheet.
     The tournament information sheet/strategy sheet should be out sometime in late 
November/early December. 
     If you haven't been to a Face-to-Face before, you're overdue.  If you have, 
you'll be back.  Don't miss this one, it'll be a blast!  See you there! 

                                          -- Green Eyes and the RSI Staff

               NEW GRADUATES--FROM ALL ARENAS (INCLUDING CLOSED ARENAS)

     For those of you who keep track of such things, 18 additional warriors graduated 
from regular DM arenas (including closed arenas) since the last tournament:

                          CAFFEINE JUNKIE (3-6110) ADDICTED 
                        CATFISH HUNTER (5-3315) PARTY ANIMALS 
                          MATTAHOOPLE (16-4203) GIFTED GODS 
                         SWEET JANE (53-6535) THE DARK TEMPLE 
                              LIL NOIR (62-3311) ENIGMA 
                         NARCISSISTIC NUN (69-8644) ODD SQUAD 
                             LEGION '8' (71-2369) D.O.A. 
                       RAW SEX APPEAL (82-1331) WHY WE LOVE TUM 
                         ZOMBIE STOMP (82-2617) NO MORE TEARS 
                        VIOLENT VOLE (82-4565) MAMMAL MILITIA 
                         LADY OF THE MOON (82-5481) HARM NONE 
                      KAMIKAZI GNAT (82-6073) DEADLY ATTACKS II 
                      THE 13TH WARRIOR (82-6346) STOOPID MOVIES 
                              SIRTON (82-9190) I AM SUCK 
                            DUNE (82-10414) 4-LETTER EPICS 
                           FLEM (82-12614) 4-LETTER FLUIDS 
                     GREENHOUSE EFFECT (82-12996) GLOBAL WARMING 
                         UGLY (82-14501) 4-LETTER DESCRIPTION 

                                          -- Green Eyes 

                  MAIL-IN TOURNEY XLII

APPRENTICES TOURNEY                    W  L  K         TEAM NAME            
AND MIRRORS 5729 (0-0-0)               0  2  0         SMOKE                

DEAD APPRENTICES TOURNEY               W  L  K         TEAM NAME            
F-SMUD 4391 (0-0-0)                    3  3  0         STAR WARS 1          

                                  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*)

               NEW GRADUATES--FROM ALL ARENAS (INCLUDING CLOSED ARENAS)

     For those of you who keep track of such things, 51 additional warriors graduated 
from regular DM arenas (including closed arenas) since the last tournament.  

                          CAPTAIN CRUNCH (5-4330) TECHNOLOGY    
                             GARAI (7-4608) BLADES OF ICE       
                         GAZREK (7-5097) DEMONS OF DARKNESS 7   
                       CRIMSON BLUSH (7-5351) VENGEANCE SEEKERS 
                           NEMESIS (10-2676) MYTH AND MIGHT     
                         PLAYFUL DOG (10-4237) MONGREL HORDE   
                          CALLISTO (12-4974) NAUGHTY NYMPHS    
                         ILLUMINAUGHTY (12-5423) LOBOTOMATION   
                          SKIPPY (14-2305) PRIDE OF THE CDC    
                              ARGINASE (16-4137) ENZYMES        
                          CADEX CFM (18-3366) THE BIKE SHOP    
                            CRY-O-LIT (18-6106) ROCK-ETTS      
                          PAPA RATTLESNAKE (18-6800) APACHE    
                            SUICIDE (21-4832) APPLE CIDER      
                        REVEREND LOVEJOY (22-5517) SPRINGFIELD  
                          DVDA (22-5768) THAT'S UNPOSSIBLE!    
                            DONAHAR (24-3006) MAGIC REALM      
                      LINK HOGTHROB (33-5358) INTERSTELLAR PORK 
                        JETS TO BRAZIL (36-5604) SKATE DRAGONS  
                          ARTEMIS (41-3675) LADY OF THE MOON    
                          SELENE (41-3676) LADY OF THE MOON    
                             BETTY (58-5755) HELL HOUNDS       
                       INSURRECTION (60-5607) BLADES OF DESTINY 
                       COPPERHEAD (65-5467) NATURE'S ASSASSINS 
                          CHRISSEL (70-5208) LITHE & LOVELY    
                         SUPERIOR II (75-760) SUPERIOR FORCES                                                  
                             ARCHER (82-1198) GORGONITES                                                      
                      SQUIRREL KILLER (82-3278) END OF THE LINE     
                            CICINISTI (82-3706) BEGUILERZ           
                           GNORE (82-3717) MILITARY SCIENCE          
                        FINALITY (82-4063) SUPERIOR FORCES 3P       
                          SIR LANCELOT (82-5350) ROUND TABLE         
                            WILLY T MAC (82-5925) RAPTURE           
                         KHORGA KHAN (82-6730) THE BEGINNING        
                             ELLYN (82-8983) LAS VEGAS II            
                             MANTISSA (82-9324) MATMATICA            
                        JETS TO BRAZIL (82-9697) DRAGON SKALE       
                          ON THE WASHER (82-10019) SUNNYDALE         
                             ORAL B (82-10020) SUNNYDALE            
                         2-STROKE (82-10384) THE WILLBURYS 79        
                           HITZ (82-10428) 4-LETTER DOCTORS          
                      UNDEFEATABLE (82-10966) SUPERIOR FORCES 5M     
                        GOLDWRAP (82-11886) SUPERIOR FORCES 34       
                        CHIMPANZEE (82-12985) ANIMAL CRACKERS       
                        THE CUTICLE DANCE (82-13639) DON'T ASK       
                      SCHWETTY OLIVES (82-14247) SCHWETTY FOODS     
                     QSTAFF INFECTION (82-14523) DIRTY INFIRMARY    
                     BING S7 WANG (82-16000) SUPERIOR FORCES 6201   
                    TAKE YOUR BEST SHOT (82-16651) SLIGHTLY HEATED 
                       SMILING GOAT (82-20735) SHAVE MY POODLE      
                    CRITICAL UPDATES (82-24025) ANNOYING THINGS II 
                       LIGHTNING XLV (82-24103) DEATH STUDS IX      

Congrats to the grads. -- Green Eyes

               NEW GRADUATES--FROM ALL ARENAS (INCLUDING CLOSED ARENAS)

     For those of you who keep track of such things, 5 additional warriors graduated 
from regular DM arenas (including closed arenas) since the last tournament.  

                       SNOTTYMAN (40-3685) of THEY TRAINED ME!
                            HORRID (65-6385) of LEGION IV
                         JUDICIOUSLY (82-27214) of ADVERBS II
                      TERRICONUS (82-27651) of THE GLORIOUS DARK
                      FLABBY-O (82-30720) of STREET PIZZAD XXII

Congrats to the grads. -- Green Eyes

                                 THE VIRTUES OF SPEED

     For several years now, many of the Duelmasters veterans have eschewed the 
warrior attribute of Speed.  The Rogue She-Puppy of the Galaxy once summed up this 
sentiment by declaiming that (paraphrased):  Anything Speed can do, Deftness can do 
better; many weapons have a Deftness minimum, but none have a Speed requirement.  
This article covers aspects of Speed which may have been overlooked by many other 
Duelmasters managers.
     Other articles have covered how Speed will affect a warrior's decisiveness.  I 
won't belabor the point, except to say that the higher the Speed, the better the 
chance of "getting the jump" on an opponent.  However, Speed without a moderate level 
of Deftness will generally get a warrior in trouble.  The converse of this axiom is 
that a HIGH Deftness, combined with a HIGH Speed, will give a warrior a definite 
advantage.
     Perhaps the greatest advantage in developing a high-Speed warrior is the "VERY 
HIGHLY COORDINATED" statement which can be derived therefrom.  If SP + DF > 31, the 
VHC statement will appear on the warrior's overview.  On its own, the VHC statement 
does little more than aid decisiveness, responsiveness, and dodging.  But, if SP and 
DF are both > 31 and either SP or DF > 14, then the VHC statement will be modified by 
"with the ability to use a weapon in each hand."  So, not only will a warrior 
generally get the jump on his opponent, but if the opponent dodges towards your 
warrior's off-hand, this warrior will get a free shot at his opponent with the 
off-hand weapon.  For parry-types, using a bladed weapon (dagger, hatchet, short 
sword, etc.) for parrying purposes can oft times be the difference between winning or 
losing.  The opponent is generally caught off guard and succumbs to the unexpected 
threat.
     The greatest advantage to this high-Speed attribute can be seen in Strikers.  
Due to their innate endurance bonus, Strikers can be shorted in both CN and WL.  
Combine this with a small SZ, and your warrior can load up on ST, WT, SP and DF.  Try 
something like 13-5-10-13-9-17-17.  This will make an awesome Striker.
     For parry-types, reduce ST and add to WL.  (Obviously, this cultivation of Speed 
should not be applied to Total Parry warriors...unless you desire a Total Pud!)  
Example:  Parry-Ripper 7-6-7-17-15-17-15; five WT Statements; Incredibly Quick; Very 
Highly Coordinated; born Expert in Riposte.  This warrior fights well at 4-2-6 HE-HE-
R, 7-3-6 HE-HE-L (desp) with EP and off-hand SH, and ALE.  A born initiative-stealer 
with great learns!
     As for Slashers, this technique will usually result in an additional bonus:  The 
"SENSATIONALLY QUICK" statement; however, this will usually be accompanied by the 
"does LITTLE DAMAGE" statement.  Slashers will get the jump, but they would do well 
to train up their ST if they want a winning record.  ST = 9 is a safe bet, as this 
will get you a scimitar.  Combine this with an off-hand hatchet and go for the legs.
     Experiment a little with this and you can turn an otherwise DA-bound rollup into 
a Speed Demon.  Just pray that your warrior doesn't get HOSED!  I hate when that 
happens!  :)
     Best of luck.

          Kalkin, mgr. Faerun's Finest (7), Wraiths of Wrath (22), Wiccan Warriors 
          (33), and Knockaround Knights (74)