DUEL 2 NEWSLETTER

Date   : 06/23/2009    Duedate: 07/20/2009

TELORINTHE ARENA

DM-83    TURN-28

This Weeks Top Honors

THE DUELMASTER IS

CONFESSION
OLDIES (5)
(83-47) [24-4-1,122]

Chartered Recognition Leader   Unchartered Recognition Leader

CONFESSION                     POSITION IS EMPTY
OLDIES (5)                     
(83-47) [24-4-1,122]           

Popularity Leader              This Weeks Favorite

PARALDOXIA                     MORWEL
ZEITGEIST (18)                 DEATH'S CHOSEN (17)
(83-112) [11-16-0,103]         (83-210) [10-13-0,69]

THE CURRENT TOP TEAM

OLDIES (5)

          TEAMS ON THE MOVE            TOP CAREER HONORS
Team Name                  Point Gain  Chartered Team
1. OLDIES (5)                  69
2. BAD SIGNS (24)              41      BAD SIGNS (24)
3. ZEITGEIST (18)              35      Unchartered Team
4. OLLIS HEROES (27)           33
5. THE ASCENDANTS (10)          4      FORGOTTEN REALMS (36)

The Top Teams

Career Win-Loss Record           W   L  K    %  Win-Loss Record Last 3 Turns    W  L K
 1/ 1 BAD SIGNS (24)            92  43  4 68.1   1/ 3 OLDIES (5)               11  4 0
 2/ 2 OLDIES (5)                91  49  3 65.0   2/ 2 BAD SIGNS (24)            9  6 1
 3/ 3 THE ASCENDANTS (10)       56  33  0 62.9   3/ 1 INVIDIOTS (16)            8  7 0
 4/ 4 INVIDIOTS (16)            83  52  6 61.5   4/ 7 THE ASCENDANTS (10)       7  3 0
 5- 5 ACRONYMS (38)             25  24  5 51.0   5/ 5 ZEITGEIST (18)            6  9 0
 6/ 6 OLLIS HEROES (27)         66  72  2 47.8   6/ 8 OLLIS HEROES (27)         5  9 0
 7/ 7 ZEITGEIST (18)            58  77  2 43.0   7/ 4 DEATH'S CHOSEN (17)       5 10 0
 8/ 8 DEATH'S CHOSEN (17)       54  86  1 38.6   8- 6 ACRONYMS (38)             2  3 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+-----]|%{ *

                                        Part 1

     "Absolutely not!"  Michael was about a decibel short of shouting.  "You've
brought this matter up numerous times in the past, Ebonariex, and the answer is still
the same!"
     "Perhaps he has, but I have not."  Azaziel swirled the last of his wine slowly.
"Your nature has always been a bit of an enigma to me, Michael, but if what the
dragon says is true...."
     Michael slammed the palm of his left hand down hard enough to split the black
oak paneling of his desk.  "It does not matter.  I paid a price for centuries, and I
will not willingly give up all that I have striven for in those intervening years for
something so fleeting as power."
     Ebonariex sneered.  "Oh, really, and what good is your knowledge without the
power to utilize it to its fullest capacity, Michael?"  He crossed his massive arms
and leaned back against the wall.  "Thanks to you, Michael, my arcane skills far
outstrip the complexity of any natural born dragon, but without the draconic might I
possess to fuel those intricate formulae, that knowledge would be USELESS!"
     Michael sighed.  "Your case is unique, Ebon--"
     "No, I tend to agree with the dragon's statement there, Michael," Azaziel
interrupted.  "Your arcane knowledge is far more broad than my own, and you certainly
have access to matters which would confound even my immortal mind," he ran a finger
across the rim of his glass, creating an eerie hum, "but many of the theories you
pose are just that, Michael--powerless theories."
     Michael slowly lowered himself into his chair.  "Azaziel, you have known me for
some time, but Ebonariex knew me when my curse was still fully in control."  His
sentium hand curled into a tight fist.  "As such, he should know how much I dread the
loss of control that curse brings with it."
     Before Ebonariex could interject, he continued, "You know a thing or two about
the 'Curse of Cain', Azaziel."  He paused to allow Azaziel to acknowledge the fact.
"In the world of darkness from which I hail, the Curse is a far more involved matter.
There are numerous clans and bloodlines, each with their own strengths and, in some
cases, weaknesses."  He paused a moment in contemplation.  "My sire's clan was of the
worst sort, Baal.  His blood gave me access to many unusual powers, but also
instilled within me an almost uncontrollable urge to commit vile acts.
     "Now, in all truth, the first portion of my unnatural existence was almost
completely under the control of my sire anyhow.  He sought to corrupt me by force."
Michael smiled thinly.  "That did not, however, work out in his favor.  I stole his
greatest masterpiece, and with it claimed his power and his very soul."
     Michael chuckled a bit ruefully.  "I did not fully comprehend the nature of the
artifact I had claimed, and for my ignorance I paid a very heavy price.  For
centuries, I was compelled to hunt down demons and their kin to fuel the unnatural
power of the weapon.  Otherwise, my sire's soul, which I had later learned was WITHIN
the blade, would be freed and would likely take control of my own body.
     "The weapon was insidious, and over time its influence over me grew.  It gnawed
at the edges of my sanity, and I spent decades completely in its thrall.  I remember
little of those years, aside from the memory of bloodshed and pain.  In the end, it
was the love and sorcery of a youngling that allowed me to regain my dominance,
though the world as I knew it would end before I truly managed to free myself from
its influence.
     "More by accident than plan, I found myself cast into an alternate reality when
the Armageddon struck.  It was in that new world that I met Ebonariex, and also that
I purged my father's soul once and for all.  Most of my advanced arcana was derived
from those years of newly gained clarity.  Most amazing of all, though, was the fact
that it appeared my final act of sacrifice in my home world had severed my bloodline
curse.  I no longer suffered beneath the light of day and the blood craving that
could never be completely denied was gone.  I still needed blood to fuel the most
potent of my powers, but I no longer required it to live.
     "And now you, both of you, are asking me to replace the chains I striven for
centuries to break."  Michael shook his head slowly.  "I can't do that.  No, I WON'T
do that!"
     Silence held court for a ten-count before Ebonariex spoke.  "Michael, I know
first hand what you went through, but you yourself said that you have never tapped
the powers of your sire's bloodline since the fall of your world.  Can you still even
access those powers?"
     "It's a pointless question, since I won't attempt to."  Michael shrugged.
"Besides, what would it matter if I could?"
     Ebonariex became a bit more animated as he dived into his point.  "If you COULD
tap those powers, then I would concur with what you've stated regarding your curse.
But if you CANNOT, and that is what I believe, that you cannot, then it would prove
the validity of MY point.  You are being foolish, Michael.  Your reality has
collapsed, and with it the laws that bound you to it.  You know the nature of such
things better than I, as you are the one who TAUGHT me.  And yet you sit here and
argue around the obvious:  the Curse you speak of does not exist in this reality, and
therefore you have nothing to fear!"
     Michael seemed to be gathering himself for a response, but Azaziel, who had
quite literally faded into the woodwork, spoke first.  "He's right, you know.  I
myself am constrained by the laws of my own reality, and as such possess LESS power
outside my own realm.  If my own realm were to collapse, and I was to somehow
survive, I would no longer be able to access a great deal of the power derived from
that existence."  Azaziel smirked.  "A simple matter of logic, as I believe you would
say, Michael."
     Michael stared at his hands.  The one, immortal flesh and blood, the other a
sentient magical metal.  'Could it be?  Have I been so determined to deny the old
ways that I have blinded myself to a simple fact?'  Deep inside, he sought,
tentatively, for the unique power that his sire's bloodline had gifted him.
'Nothing.'
     Michael stood and met his friends' eyes.  "I believe you may be right...."  He
held up a hand to cut off any statements.  "However, I am still hesitant to tap into
the forces of which you speak so freely.  Remember, I DO understand their nature, and
even if the Curse no longer has a hold on me, it will not change who I am and how I
operate.  Ruthless, I can do.  Bloodthirsty, I am not."
     Azaziel laughed.  "Why, Michael, I don't believe there's a 'ruthless' bone in
your body, but I've been wrong before.  Needless to say, our allies in the Dread
Naughts will be pleased to know that you're willing to give it a try."
     Ebonariex maintained a stony expression.  "I could care less about the current
alliance.  There are those who want you destroyed, Michael.  You know it as well as
I."  He summoned a magic globe above his left palm.  "Remember them, Michael, for
they've not forgotten you or me, and when they come, it is I who will once again need
your help.  I can't have you falter in the face of those forces, and I will kill you
myself to prevent them from finding me alone."
     Michael stared into the summoned globe for some time before responding.  "I've
not forgotten, Ebonariex, and I'll not fail you when that time comes."  He stepped
around his desk and clasped the globe in his left hand, crystallizing it with a
whispered phrase.
     "Let us concern ourselves with the present for now, and I will consider what can
be done about the past in the days to come."  He pocketed the globe and keyed open
his laboratory's exotic 'door'.  "I've learned much about the nature of Ghea's laws,
so it is ironic that I must be reminded of such basic matters as those we have wasted
time discussing.  But come now, let me show you Morngrym's latest contraption.  It
should prove to be immensely useful in the months to come."
     As Michael and his guests departed the study, a small horned creature appeared
atop the desk in a puff of acrid smoke.  It quickly glanced about the room to be sure
no one remained, and then went about rummaging through the desk drawers.  "You'd
think a half-dead scribbler would at least keep some interesting snacks lying
around!"
     A second cloud of smoke appeared just to the rear of the first, and the newly
arrived imp swiftly kicked the other square in the rump.  "If you don't get out of
the scribbler's stuff, I'M going to tell Azaziel!"
     The first looked up from the floor in disgust.  "Come on, we're supposed to be
checking in on The Fallen."
     With that, the two disappeared with a simultaneous BAMPH!

                                     Elsewhere

     The deathly chill of these hyperborean peaks was nothing in comparison to the
dead chill of Hel's realm; nevertheless, it was far from any normal civilization.
Outside the shallow cave carved into the side of a matterhorn-like peak, slicing
winds whipped ice flecks the size of shurikens at deadly speed.  Nothing natural
lived for long at these heights, and for that reason, among others, Eliphas Tragoruss
had chosen it.
     His passage through Hel's realm had been excruciating, and had taxed his powers
to their limits.  The breach he'd followed had been guarded well, and he'd had to
take extraordinary precautions to avoid detection.  The current arrangements were far
from comfortable, but with a few minor magical wards, he could survive indefinitely.
The important thing was that it was highly unlikely that Michael would ever direct
his attention to this forlorn portion of the globe, and the dragon didn't
particularly care for this sort of climate, either.  As for the 'new' arrival... that
one could pose problems, but as long as he refrained from certain activities, there
should be no reason for THAT one's attention to fall on him.
     Carefully arranging the last of his elaborate preparations, he turned to a large
frosted mirror he'd recently procured from a former 'dabbler'.  The hedge wizard had
no idea just how valuable an artifact his grandmother had passed down to him.  It was
an ancient scrying mirror, engraved with numerous archaic runes along its filigreed
edge.  Many of those runs were not even of this world, but, of course, the hack who'd
formerly possessed it had thought it only capable of seeing into the past and
sometimes the present.  What he hadn't known was that it could do far more than SEE
into the past or present... it could reach out to them.  And if the arcanist was
skilled enough, perhaps even reach INTO them.
     Oh, Michael thought him long dead, and that damnable alchemically altered drake,
too, but he had found a way out in those fleeting final moments.  He was no fool;
Michael and his allies were too powerful to attack head on.  Which was why he was
about to secure the perfect bait.
     Muttering words of power unheard in this realm for centuries, Eliphas ignited
the sigils of the mirror one after the other.  As each came to life, images began to
coalesce; first indefinite, and then with more clarity.  When all but the final sigil
had been awakened, he paused.  Clearly envisioning the one he sought, and bringing to
mind the exact moment when Michael would have last seen her, he uttered the final
invocation.
     A human female of indeterminate age came into focus.  Her waist length raven
hair was in disarray, and a small garnet teardrop was embedded in her left cheek just
below the eye.  The ravaged condition of both her clothing and her body confirmed the
accuracy of his timing, as did the small silver pendant she wore--a perfect replica
of Solomon's Seal.  The medallion seemed to be smoking slightly, and for a moment
Eliphas paused.  He knew well the power behind that charm.  It was more than the
replica it seemed, and if his information was correct, it had been given to Michael
by the Keepers of the Key themselves in honor of some bumbling favor he'd
accomplished for them.
     He shook off his momentary dread and continued with the process necessary to
breach the confines of reverse chronology.  Of course, the process would probably not
be possible if her realm still existed, but it had terminated and therefore only
existed in theory, without concrete law.  Where law had failed, power could prevail.
With a final guttural series of phrases, and a vicious wrenching motion, the vision
became reality.
     As Eliphas staggered back from the crumpled form of Crystaltear to catch his
balance in the sudden ebb of magical force, he smiled.  And as the wind wailed its
horror across the ravaged peaks, Eliphas Tragoruss laughed.

                                 DUELMASTER'S COLUMN
                             Notes from the arena champ.

     The coach says write a DM Column or I don't start.  So, I shall write a DM
Column.  Yep.
     You all know me as that Reconciliation guy.  The man behind the curtain.  But
did you know that?
     1. I started with 21 Will.
     2. I'm 6-0 vs. BA, WS, TP, PS.
     3. 5-1-1 vs Rippers. (Yes, a kill.)
     4. 11-1 vs. Lungers.
     5. Hate Aimers! 1-2.
     6. Am smart enough to have learned 3 skills in one fight.
     7. Love to keep you in the dark.
Too much information?
     Well, then, beat up on me, win the Crown, and write your own doggone column.
Criminy!

                  Confession, Duelmaster

                                      SPY REPORT

     It's me, The Unknown Spymaster, back to give you this week's Spy Report.  Sit 
back in your seats and we'll have more fun than a barrel of Zontanis.  We now have a 
new top team for all of you guys to dogpile on.  OLDIES now holds the crown and they 
are betting they can keep it.  Coming up with a solid 3-2-0 outing, THE ASCENDANTS 
has advanced 3 places in the rankings.  It looks like the guys(?) at OLDIES had a 
good week as they went 5-0-0 to put them in 1st place.  I guess steroids help!  Hey 
everybody, watch out for CUSTODIAN, who flew up 24 points in the rankings after 
mashing GENERICKY like a melon.  Keep your eye on this guy.  And falling like a 
basher in the top ten was GENERICKY, who dropped 20 points after a disappointing (to 
say the least) bout with CUSTODIAN.  Unlike most arenas, CONFESSION managed to get 
its challenge off against the 11-15-0 PARALDOXIA.  Our battling duelmaster CONFESSION 
has managed to hold the title, fending off PARALDOXIA's none too subtle advances.  
Better luck next time, ZEITGEIST.  Can you believe they are paying me 10 gold to 
deliver this stuff?   
     Here is other news that is of note.  Did you hear that ZEITGEIST was most 
avoided team this week?  Well, knowing the personal hygiene of ZEITGEIST's warriors, 
I'm not surprised!  And you guys like to boo me?  Well, unsling your rasberries, 
cause DEATH'S CHOSEN beats feet every time ZEITGEIST smiles at them.  Try farming, 
eh?  Well just about everybody wants a piece of TORPORTLY, who was this week's most 
challenged warrior.  In a touching display by a 'touched' warrior, CYCLIDIA went 
after TRAKE, who was higher by 19 points.  Well, when the dust settled, CYCLIDIA was 
bested by TRAKE.   
     Being a spy is great--other people die and you spend the rest of the day 
drinking to their memory.  Better tanked than dead!  Ask not the elves for counsel, 
for they will say both yes and no.  Silly buggers, eh?   
     Well, there's the manager of the TELORINTHE giving me the 'cut' sign (or is that 
'They're going to strangle you in the alley?).  Well, there goes another Spy Report.  
Good luck in next week's fights.  Its been real, and its been fun, but it hasn't been 
real fun...-- The Unknown Spymaster  

DUELMASTER                     W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 CONFESSION 47                24   4  1   122       OLDIES (5)

CHALLENGER CHAMPIONS           W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 GUSHAN 222                   12   8  0   115       ZEITGEIST (18)
 TORPORTLY 102                17  10  2   110       INVIDIOTS (16)
 PARALDOXIA 112               11  16  0   103       ZEITGEIST (18)
 LETTER SWEATER 43            17  11  2    96       OLDIES (5)
 CUSTODIAN 215                12   9  0    93       OLDIES (5)
 GOSSIPID 99                  18   9  2    91       INVIDIOTS (16)

CHAMPIONS                      W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 STEAL HOME 138               21   6  1    88       BAD SIGNS (24)
 PEP RALLY 46                 15  13  0    82       OLDIES (5)
 TRAKE 72                     14   4  0    82       THE ASCENDANTS (10)
 LOTUS-EATER 193              16   9  2    78       INVIDIOTS (16)

CHAMPIONS                      W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 RIZZYN 104                   10  18  0    77       DEATH'S CHOSEN (17)
 DRAGGIN' MAIN 44             20   8  0    74       OLDIES (5)
 GENERICKY 100                16  11  0    70       INVIDIOTS (16)
 MORWEL 210                   10  13  0    69       DEATH'S CHOSEN (17)

CHALLENGER ADEPTS              W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 VODI 158                     12  16  1    66       OLLIS HEROES (27)
 CYCLIDIA 111                 12  15  1    65       ZEITGEIST (18)
 TOA JALLER 183               10  16  0    64       OLLIS HEROES (27)
 KALLOR 69                    10   8  0    61       THE ASCENDANTS (10)
 SIMPLETONGUE 194             16   9  0    58       INVIDIOTS (16)

ADEPTS                         W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
 REVENANT 213                  9  13  0    53       DEATH'S CHOSEN (17)
 HELGA HOARFROST 237           9   8  0    48       ZEITGEIST (18)
-ROFLMAO 259                   7   3  1    48       ACRONYMS (38)
 ISHTAR 184                    9  18  0    45       DEATH'S CHOSEN (17)
 OUT FOR A DUCK 275            5   1  0    45       BAD SIGNS (24)
 WASNIS 224                   10   9  0    43       OLLIS HEROES (27)
 LUMP 269                      7   3  0    43       BAD SIGNS (24)
 FENER 68                     10   8  0    38       THE ASCENDANTS (10)
-IITYWTMWYBMAD 260             4   6  2    38       ACRONYMS (38)
 ILEOSA 263                    5   7  0    34       DEATH'S CHOSEN (17)

CHALLENGER INITIATES           W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
-BOGOF 272                     3   2  1    30       ACRONYMS (38)
 YODA 274                      3   4  0    30       OLLIS HEROES (27)
 TREACH 218                    8   3  0    27       THE ASCENDANTS (10)
 MENDOZA LINE 278              3   1  0    26       BAD SIGNS (24)
 MELANCHOLIA 239               5  10  0    25       ZEITGEIST (18)

INITIATES                      W   L  K POINTS      TEAM NAME                  
-GOOML 264                     4   5  0    17       ACRONYMS (38)
-LOMBARD 279                   1   1  1    13       ACRONYMS (38)
 COTILLION 282                 1   0  0    10       THE ASCENDANTS (10)
 AVATAR 283                    0   1  0     1       OLLIS HEROES (27)

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

THE DEAD                W  L K TEAM NAME            SLAIN BY              TURN Revenge?
DELAYED FLIGHT 280      1  2 1 BAD SIGNS 24         ARENAMASTER            28  NONE
QUADRUPLE BOGEY 241     5  4 0 BAD SIGNS 24         VODI 158               24  REVENGED
YIELD 276               1  2 0 BAD SIGNS 24         LOMBARD 279            25  REVENGED
PRINS RIKARD 232        8  7 1 OLLIS HEROES 27      TORPORTLY 102          25   
TOGG 234                4  3 0 THE ASCENDANTS 10    DELAYED FLIGHT 280     27   

                                     PERSONAL ADS

Paraldoxia-- For your penance, sing tip toe through The Tulips ten times. --
Confession

Individiots -- Did you catch our signs?  That was 2-0 you were against us downing
Letter Sweater and Pep Rally.  Pshaw! -- Coach

Gossipid -- You hurt, but you taught well. -- Letter Sweater

Rizzyn -- I challenged?!  My bad. -- Draggin' Main

Wasnis -- How about THAT defense? -- Custodian

Good luck to all.... -- Coach, Oldies

All -- It was great to be back in one of my favorite arenas.  A 4-1 turn was a great
welcome as well.  The one loss was a death but I guess things do happen.  I Hope to
be sticking around for a while now. -- Wretch

Delayed Flight -- I guess Togg had too much rust on him after that long layoff.  He
will be missed but we aren't overly upset by his passing.  We may or may not seek you
out for causing his death.  You will have to wait and see I guess. -- Wretch

Coach -- I see you are doing The Consortium proud.  I am honoured to do battle
against a great example of that extraordinary group of managers. -- Wretch

Helga Hoarfrost -- I don't know what was so unbelievable about that fight.  Yes I won
and that's the way its supposed to be. -- Fener

Yoda -- It seems your age has finally caught up with you.  You did make it 10
exciting minutes though.  Come to think of it I don't remember much being that
entertaining but I was fighting the view from the stand must have been very
different. -- Treach

Cyclidia -- My last 2 fights have been against you.  There was a large span between
the fights but the result was still the same.  It's great to be back. -- Trake

Ileosa -- A nice little fight for my return to the arena.  I thank you for the warm
welcome even if it didn't turn out so well for you. -- Kallor

Confession -- I confess, I'm bald, like women, and have a foot fetish.  NOW will you
let me win?! -- Paraldoxia

Genericky -- I think I could get used to this weapon.  Thanks for the practice. --
Gushan

Draggin' Main -- Recumbant bike that, chump! -- Cyclidia

Gooml -- I really do despise your sort. -- Helga Hoarfrost

Bogof -- Oh joy, I've reached the point where even a sound thrashing earns me
recognition. -- Melancholia

All -- I seem to be having HAL input problems, so if my statements spool out oddly,
please note that.  *wry grin*  Please note that I concur with Jorja about no-tourney
"contests."  I'm just throwing ideas around.  Personally, I LIKE the format, but we
seem to be a minority.  Perhaps the TW has leeched some who will return.  Regardless,
I stay. -- Michael Eldritch, mgr. Zeitgeist
P.S.  I have a diplo for you Scribe... the R.P.G. writers aspect intrigues me.

All -- I was just offering a suggestion, which, by the way, is more than either of
you have done (i.e., Coach, Dark Oracle).  As it is, though, I tend to agree with
Jorja.  It just seems that most of the "missing" stables are caused by various
contests around Alastari.  As for the "greatness" of the No-Tourney arena, I was one
of the first to champion the concept.  As you can see, I've been here since the
start!  So, now that the dialog has begun, why don't we all hear less crying and more
suggestions that way we can find the "right" solution and not only save Telorinthe
but help it grow! -- Azaziel, mgr. Death's Chosen, Dark Angel of Shadow
P.S.  Michael, your thoughts would be appreciated and always the wise Jorja shall we
continue.

Lotus Eater -- Yuk!  How do you stomach those things? -- Morwell

IITYWTMYBMAD -- I wasn't really going to rip your face off. -- Revenant

Out for a Duck -- In for a dollar! -- Ileosa

Gossipid -- I always wanted to be talked about.  Just not like that. -- Rizzyn

Custodian -- You must belong to a union!  Especially the way you treat such a
harmless little girl such as myself. -- Ishtar

                                  LAST WEEK'S FIGHTS

DELAYED FLIGHT was butchered by ARENAMASTER in a 1 minute Dark Arena fight.
VODI was viciously subdued by TORPORTLY in a 3 minute veteran's Bloodfeud duel.
CONFESSION defeated PARALDOXIA in a 3 minute master's Challenge Title duel.
GUSHAN overpowered GOSSIPID in a 1 minute one-sided Challenge fight.
STEAL HOME bested LOTUS-EATER in a 1 minute expert's Challenge brawl.
CYCLIDIA was defeated by TRAKE in a 3 minute Challenge struggle.
DRAGGIN' MAIN luckily beat MORWEL in a popular 4 minute master's Challenge brawl.
LUMP outwaited FENER in a crowd boring 18 minute Challenge duel.
WASNIS won victory over ILEOSA in a 2 minute Challenge fight.
TOA JALLER won victory over REVENANT in a 2 minute veteran's Challenge duel.
OUT FOR A DUCK overpowered TREACH in a 2 minute gory uneven Challenge match.
GENERICKY was overpowered by CUSTODIAN in a 1 minute one-sided match.
SIMPLETONGUE was devastated by PEP RALLY in a 1 minute mismatched conflict.
RIZZYN was demolished by LETTER SWEATER in a popular 1 minute mismatched match.
KALLOR handily defeated MENDOZA LINE in a 3 minute one-sided conflict.
ISHTAR was viciously subdued by HELGA HOARFROST in a crowd pleasing 1 minute bout.
MELANCHOLIA was handily defeated by YODA in a 2 minute bloody mismatched bout.
COTILLION devastated AVATAR in a 1 minute one-sided fight.

                                    BATTLE REPORT

             MOST POPULAR                        RECORD DURING THE LAST 10 TURNS     
|FIGHTING STYLE               FIGHTS        FIGHTING STYLE     W -   L -  K   PERCENT|
|LUNGING ATTACK                   6         WALL OF STEEL      8 -   2 -  0      80  |
|TOTAL PARRY                      5         PARRY-RIPOSTE     16 -   8 -  1      67  |
|SLASHING ATTACK                  5         TOTAL PARRY       28 -  15 -  0      65  |
|PARRY-RIPOSTE                    4         STRIKING ATTACK   29 -  22 -  2      57  |
|PARRY-LUNGE                      3         BASHING ATTACK    21 -  16 -  1      57  |
|STRIKING ATTACK                  3         LUNGING ATTACK    42 -  40 -  3      51  |
|BASHING ATTACK                   3         PARRY-STRIKE      10 -  11 -  2      48  |
|PARRY-STRIKE                     3         AIMED BLOW         7 -  10 -  0      41  |
|AIMED BLOW                       2         PARRY-LUNGE       11 -  16 -  0      41  |
|WALL OF STEEL                    1         SLASHING ATTACK   23 -  38 -  1      38  |

Turn  28 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:

WALL OF STEEL      1 -  0     LUNGING ATTACK     2 -  4         3  LUNGING ATTACK 
PARRY-RIPOSTE      3 -  1     SLASHING ATTACK    1 -  4         2  PARRY-RIPOSTE  
PARRY-LUNGE        2 -  1     PARRY-STRIKE       0 -  3         1  TOTAL PARRY    
STRIKING ATTACK    2 -  1                                       1  STRIKING ATTACK
BASHING ATTACK     2 -  1                                       1  SLASHING ATTACK
TOTAL PARRY        3 -  2                                       1  BASHING ATTACK 
AIMED BLOW         1 -  1                                       1  WALL OF STEEL  
                                                                1  PARRY-STRIKE   

                               TOP WARRIOR OF EACH STYLE

FIGHTING STYLE   WARRIOR                     W   L  K PNTS TEAM NAME                  
TOTAL PARRY      CONFESSION 47              24   4  1  122 OLDIES (5)
STRIKING ATTACK  GUSHAN 222                 12   8  0  115 ZEITGEIST (18)
LUNGING ATTACK   TORPORTLY 102              17  10  2  110 INVIDIOTS (16)
SLASHING ATTACK  LETTER SWEATER 43          17  11  2   96 OLDIES (5)

FIGHTING STYLE   WARRIOR                     W   L  K PNTS TEAM NAME                  
BASHING ATTACK   CUSTODIAN 215              12   9  0   93 OLDIES (5)
PARRY-RIPOSTE    GOSSIPID 99                18   9  2   91 INVIDIOTS (16)
WALL OF STEEL    STEAL HOME 138             21   6  1   88 BAD SIGNS (24)
PARRY-STRIKE     LOTUS-EATER 193            16   9  2   78 INVIDIOTS (16)
PARRY-LUNGE      SIMPLETONGUE 194           16   9  0   58 INVIDIOTS (16)
AIMED BLOW       OUT FOR A DUCK 275          5   1  0   45 BAD SIGNS (24)
Note: Warriors have a winning record and are an Adept or Above.

The overall popularity leader is PARALDOXIA 112.  The most popular warrior this turn 
was MORWEL 210.  The ten other most popular fighters were PARALDOXIA 112, TORPORTLY 
102, OUT FOR A DUCK 275, TRAKE 72, HELGA HOARFROST 237, YODA 274, CYCLIDIA 111, 
DRAGGIN' MAIN 44, ILEOSA 263, and TOA JALLER 183.

The least popular fighter this week was LUMP 269.  The other ten least popular 
fighters were FENER 68, ISHTAR 184, SIMPLETONGUE 194, GENERICKY 100, TREACH 218, 
LOTUS-EATER 193, GOSSIPID 99, DELAYED FLIGHT 280, AVATAR 283, and MELANCHOLIA 239.

The following warriors will travel to AD after next turn:

GOSSIPID (83-99) INVIDIOTS (16)

                          SUMMER FACE-TO-FACE IN CLEVELAND!

Our summer FTF will be an eastern one this time, located in Cleveland, Ohio  on July 
17-19, 2009.  It will be held at the Holiday Inn in Strongsville, OH, at 15471 
Royalton Rd (440-238-8800).  Rooms are only $95.00 per night, 1-2 occupancy.  

There is a free shuttle from the airport, free parking, and free high-speed wireless 
internet in all guestrooms ($3/day in public space).  The hotel has an indoor pool, 
pool table, and hockey, and a fitness center.   The hotel is located 1/2 mile from the 
largest mall in Northeast Ohio, with indoor minigolf and pottery painting, and right 
next door to Iceland Arena, which offers open skate and skate rental.  They also have 
four bikes on property available for checkout, as the Metro parks are next door as 
well.  The rooms are blocked--ask for the "Reality Simulations" room block.  There are 
many restaurants and nightspots nearby and at the Mall, as well as a cafe in the 
hotel.  

The tournament information sheet will be out imminently.  We hope you're all looking 
forward to the tournament and that we will see you there!

                                  Daydream Believer

You once thought of me,
As a white knight on a steed.
Now you know how happy I can be...

It's true.  I'm gone.  I've punched my ticket to Immortality and I'm off to the Isle.
I know a lot of you are wondering what it is about me that has made me so successful.
I wish I knew for sure.  I think it has more to do with intangibles (knack) than it
does with design, bonuses and favorites.  I'll let you decide.

Daydream Believer (PR) 17-14-4-17-7-8-17  Poor Endurance--Good Damage
I -- 8 (+1)  R -- 13  A -- 14 (+4)  P -- 14 (+4)  Df - 8  Dc - 6 (+3)

I know what you're thinking, "WTF, that guy looks like a 98 lb weakling!"  Sigh...I
prefer to think my physical characteristics are ideally suited for a finesse style.
As for my bases, I know they aren't much to look at.  After all, I am a PR.  I'm
fortunate to be blessed where I need it the most--attack and parry.

Okay, so I've got nice bases with bonuses in the right spots.  What about favorites?
Did I know them in advance or did I change them?  The answer is no, I had no idea
what they were for sure until I recieved my graduation announcement.  I would be
happy to tell you what my favorites are but I don't think my clone, Jumpinjack Flash,
would be very happy with me if I did.  Let's just say that from the moment I stepped
on the sands as a Rookie I used the same strategy in EVERY fight.  The only thing I
ever changed was armor (early on vs. TP's) and attack/defend locations.  That should
give those of you who have faced me more than once something to think about.

You may be interested to know that I am all natural.  I haven't had a prize of any
type used on me.  I'm a freak of nature.  It just goes to show you never know when a
guy like me will walk into your guildhouse looking for work as a gladiator.  It's up
to you to spot the potential and nuture it along.

I'm going to list my tourney results and records versus each style.  It isn't meant
to be a brag--I just thought you might find it interesting and a lot easier than
looking it up yourself.  Enjoy!
     Tourneys:  Rookies: 15-1-3 TC.  Initiates: 15-3-3 TV.  Adepts: 16-2 TC.
Champs: 13-1-1 TC.  Rookies--Champs record: 59-7-7 (.894)  Challengers: 9-3 TV.
Challengers: 15-1-1 TC.
 
Challengers: 13-3 TV -- Runner-up (Marv-AB)  Challengers: 13-3 TV -- Runner-up
(Teevella-LU)  Challengers: 7-3  Challengers: 11-3-2 TV  Challengers: 11-3-1 TV
 Challengers: 13-3 TV -- Runner-up (Marv-AB)

Challengers: 12-3 TV.  Challengers record: 104-25-4 (.806).  Career Tourney record:
163-32-11 (.836)  TC's: 4  TVs: 8 (3 Runner-ups)  Arena record: 5-0-1  Grudge
matches: 3-0

Total record: 171-32-12 (.842)  Tourney record vs all styles:  AB: 7-11  BA: 6-0-1
LU: 46-9-4  PL: 5-1-1  PR: 2-0  PS: ---  SL: 9-2  ST: 51-5-2  TP: 35-4-3  WS: 2-0

As you can see, the only style I had trouble with is the ABs.  I think that has more
to do with which ABs I fought rather than the style as a whole.  I was 3-1 vs ABs
early on (Rookies-Champs) and 4-10 in Challengers.  I was 1-5 vs Marv, 0-1 vs Marv Jr
and 0-3 vs Soulsnare.  I am going to make an educated guess and assume they all had
skills or prizes added to them to make them competetive at the Challenger level where
so few ABs are.  I could be wrong, though I doubt it.

See you on the Isle,
    Daydream Believer