DUEL 2 NEWSLETTER Date : 07/21/2009 Duedate: 08/17/2009 TELORINTHE ARENA DM-83 TURN-29 This Weeks Top Honors THE DUELMASTER IS CONFESSION OLDIES (5) (83-47) [25-4-1,128] Chartered Recognition Leader Unchartered Recognition Leader CONFESSION POSITION IS EMPTY OLDIES (5) (83-47) [25-4-1,128] Popularity Leader This Weeks Favorite PARALDOXIA GUSHAN ZEITGEIST (18) ZEITGEIST (18) (83-112) [12-16-0,111] (83-222) [12-9-0,103] THE CURRENT TOP TEAM OLDIES (5) TEAMS ON THE MOVE TOP CAREER HONORS Team Name Point Gain Chartered Team 1. DEATH'S CHOSEN (17) 52 2. ZEITGEIST (18) 14 BAD SIGNS (24) 3. OLLIS HEROES (27) 13 Unchartered Team 4. OLDIES (5) 8 5. THE ASCENDANTS (10) 0 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) 93 46 4 66.9 1/ 1 OLDIES (5) 10 5 0 2/ 2 OLDIES (5) 94 51 3 64.8 2/ 3 INVIDIOTS (16) 9 6 0 3- 3 THE ASCENDANTS (10) 56 33 0 62.9 3/ 2 BAD SIGNS (24) 8 6 1 4/ 4 INVIDIOTS (16) 86 54 6 61.4 4- 4 THE ASCENDANTS (10) 7 3 0 5/ 6 OLLIS HEROES (27) 69 74 2 48.3 5/ 6 OLLIS HEROES (27) 6 8 0 6/ 7 ZEITGEIST (18) 60 80 2 42.9 6/ 7 DEATH'S CHOSEN (17) 6 9 0 7/ 8 DEATH'S CHOSEN (17) 58 87 1 40.0 7/ 5 ZEITGEIST (18) 5 10 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 11 Ebonariex's expression was difficult to read, in no small part due to his draconic nature. "So let me get this straight," he gestured to the seemingly chaotic array of mechanical parts and complex schematics covering nearly every square inch of wall space, "you believe that this 'contraption' will allow you to analyze events from numerous periods in time simultaneously, and therefore test multiple strategies in a 'real-time' environment." Michael nodded while thumbing through a somewhat hastily compiled 'manual'. "That's the idea." He glanced up, "Of course, I'll get a chance to test its veracity in the upcoming Turf War. What with the sheer amount of technical data that can be obtained with so many skilled managers present, I should have more than enough input to determine its accuracy." Azaziel brushed a black-nailed hand across an amber tinted crystal jutting out from the contraption. "Speaking of the War..." the crystal sparked momentarily, "we're joining the 'Dread Naught' alliance, correct?" Michael frowned. "That's correct." Azaziel turned his attention back to the machine. "Well, what do we know about our 'allies'. Can they be trusted to follow through on this, and for that matter, WHO are they?" Michael pinched the bridge of his nose in annoyance. "Azaziel, we've covered this before. Liam the Goth is a trustworthy fellow. He's got the experience to see this thing through to its conclusion, and I've dealt with him both directly and indirectly in many arenas." Returning his attention to the manual, he continued, "As for Buddy Lee, I have no reason to believe he's anything but sincere, and I KNOW he comes with good credentials." Azaziel arched a thin eyebrow. "Perhaps, but what about this 'Owlin the Wise', and I hate to sound ungrateful, but Jorja's going to be a member?" Michael sighed, "Look, Sensei Jan helped teach our Alliance Captain, and his associates," he held up a hand to forestall a retort, "and Owlin covered our entrance fees. As for Jorja, she may refuse to challenge, but I can speak from experience that her warriors are rarely a push-over." Ebonariex looked intrigued. "Sensei Jan, you say?" He scratched his chin, "Isn't she the one who provided us with that information regarding slashers back when Inochi held Arker's throne?" Michael grinned. "One and the same, and besides, Jan wasn't precisely popular at the time we arrived, but she certainly helped US out when others were giving us the cold shoulder." Michael shrugged, "That counts for something in my book." Azaziel smirked. "Not to play devil's advocate or anything, but I guess the reliability of our newfound allies depends on who you ask, eh?" Michael tried to hide his annoyance. "Look, Azaziel, you ARE the devil's advocate, and I couldn't care less what others say, to a point. The facts are Liam, Owlin, and Buddy all come with good recommendations. Personally, I think most of the negativity that got thrown around about Sensei Jan was personal opinion, not objective analysis." Azaziel seemed to be considering the merits of that argument when a brick red imp appeared on his shoulder and proceeded to mutter something in a rapid, guttural dialect. His expression grew deadly serious in an instant. "Michael, I do believe you may be required to prove our early argument much sooner than you would prefer." He muttered a few words to the imp, which nodded and was gone. "You, meaning WE, may have a serious problem." Ebonariex had a very distant look in his emerald eyes. "An ancient enemy, or perhaps an old friend... it makes no sense, either way." Azaziel spared a bemused glance for the seemingly entranced dragon. "Whatever that's supposed to mean." He turned to Michael. "Gather your strength and meet me outside the Chimlevtal headquarters at sunset." As Azaziel stepped through the shadows and outside reality, Michael snapped his fingers to get Ebonariex's attention. "It seems you may have been right, old friend." Ebonariex turned slowly to face him. "I'll do what I must, but I can't promise what you ask. Centuries have dictated my feelings on this matter, and only time will tell if it is something I can overcome." Ebonariex began the gestures necessary to return him to his 'lair'. "I pray to whatever gods are listening that you do, Michael, because yours is not the only fate that is being put in play here." As his form rippled and contracted, his last words echoed faintly through the lab, "Of that much I am certain...." Michael stood in contemplation for some time, his normally animated features drawn and tense. Finally, he nodded and began the incantation necessary to free his sire's blade from its mystically bound 'tomb'. "You may regret that which you ask for, my old friend," ectoplasmic tendrils of vermilion light began to spurt from a point between his cupped hands, "for even you never knew me in the prime of my power." With a tortured shriek of unnatural power, a great blade of bone and jade colored glass appeared in Michael's left hand. As the residual energies tapered off, he carelessly dropped his newest creation's 'manual' to the laboratory floor. "Time to hunt...." Interlude In the greater scheme of things, the drama surrounding Michael and his friends would likely have little impact on the complex tapestry of Ghea. The blood-fueled scenarios of a world dominated by gladiatorial politics and managerial squabbles dwarfed these matters. Azaziel, Ebonariex, and Michael were all quite powerful in their own rights, but this was a world where powerful individuals could be found in nearly every city--sometimes, on every street corner. Alastari had survived far greater threats than the arrival of a single rogue mage--regardless of his power--and it would survive this latest incursion. For those directly involved, however, the stakes were high, and in some cases, perhaps too high. DUELMASTER'S COLUMN Notes from the arena champ. Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. My last confession was two weeks ago, and boy do I have a lot to tell you! How about I give you a few tidbits of Coach's life as it relates to the above? 1. He lived one block from the Catholic Church and Grade School in his younger life. 2. His confirmation name is Michael, taken from the church/school--St. Michael's. 3. He was at his own father's baptism. (His mom converted his dad.) 4. Every single morning in the summers he served at 6:30 communion. 5. There were eight in his Solemn Communion (graduation) from St Michael's Grade School. 6. His real nemesis was Sister Mary Sylvester. 7. The 6th, 7th, and 8th grade were all in the same room. (as were 1, 2 and 3,4,5.) 8. His mother wanted him to be a priest. So there you go. Boring, eh? Well, then, challenge and beat me and write your own doggone column. Capiche?! Confession DM V SPY REPORT It is I, Novgorodny Vir, Spymaster of Spymasters. Look on my work, ye mighty, and despair! DEATH'S CHOSEN posted a nice gain, to come in 6th. Everybody loves a winner... Practice pays for MELANCHOLIA, who pummelled LUMP, to pocket 22 points. A certain someone should cut down on the drinking and practice more, after losing 18 points to MELANCHOLIA. (Discrete enough, LUMP?) GUSHAN found out that TELORINTHE isn't a democracy. You've gotta be the best to be Duelmaster here! Word has it one team in TELORINTHE is using psychics to predict wins. They lead a charmed life! And how sociable are TELORINTHE's warriors? Come, let us see. Like a horde of jackals fleeing from the lion, so did the "warriors" in TELORINTHE avoid ZEITGEIST. The warriors of ZEITGEIST found their efforts at combat frustrated as DEATH'S CHOSEN apparently had more important things to do than fight. Everyone is famous for fifteen minutes, and STEAL HOME is it right now. Most challenged warrior. Isn't BAD SIGNS proud! STEAL HOME found itself challenged by a warrior 23 below: CYCLIDIA. CYCLIDIA of ZEITGEIST kept hers wits as she was beat by STEAL HOME. Mismatched by 10 points, CUSTODIAN was subdued by PARALDOXIA. Is this really worth noting? I thought PARALDOXIA showed great skill and promise when she beat CUSTODIAN. All right, so I slept through it! Big deal! The moving sword slashes, and having slashed, moves on... Ask not a spymaster for counsel, for he will pontificate long after you have fallen into an unconscious stupor. Leave me now, you base fools! Keep those sands bloody and the buzzards fat! Like a mixed metaphor, and an overtaxed simile, I now bid TELORINTHE farewell-- Novgorodny Vir DUELMASTER W L K POINTS TEAM NAME CONFESSION 47 25 4 1 128 OLDIES (5) CHALLENGER CHAMPIONS W L K POINTS TEAM NAME TORPORTLY 102 18 10 2 112 INVIDIOTS (16) PARALDOXIA 112 12 16 0 111 ZEITGEIST (18) GUSHAN 222 12 9 0 103 ZEITGEIST (18) LETTER SWEATER 43 18 11 2 101 OLDIES (5) RIZZYN 104 11 18 0 95 DEATH'S CHOSEN (17) CHAMPIONS W L K POINTS TEAM NAME STEAL HOME 138 22 6 1 90 BAD SIGNS (24) CUSTODIAN 215 12 10 0 90 OLDIES (5) LOTUS-EATER 193 17 9 2 87 INVIDIOTS (16) MORWEL 210 11 13 0 83 DEATH'S CHOSEN (17) -TRAKE 72 14 4 0 82 THE ASCENDANTS (10) DRAGGIN' MAIN 44 21 8 0 78 OLDIES (5) PEP RALLY 46 15 14 0 78 OLDIES (5) CHALLENGER ADEPTS W L K POINTS TEAM NAME SIMPLETONGUE 194 17 9 0 66 INVIDIOTS (16) CYCLIDIA 111 12 16 1 66 ZEITGEIST (18) VODI 158 12 17 1 66 OLLIS HEROES (27) ISHTAR 184 10 18 0 61 DEATH'S CHOSEN (17) -KALLOR 69 10 8 0 61 THE ASCENDANTS (10) GENERICKY 100 16 12 0 60 INVIDIOTS (16) REVENANT 213 10 13 0 59 DEATH'S CHOSEN (17) ADEPTS W L K POINTS TEAM NAME TOA JALLER 183 10 17 0 49 OLLIS HEROES (27) MELANCHOLIA 239 6 10 0 47 ZEITGEIST (18) WASNIS 224 11 9 0 46 OLLIS HEROES (27) HELGA HOARFROST 237 9 9 0 43 ZEITGEIST (18) OUT FOR A DUCK 275 5 2 0 42 BAD SIGNS (24) YODA 274 4 4 0 40 OLLIS HEROES (27) -FENER 68 10 8 0 38 THE ASCENDANTS (10) CHALLENGER INITIATES W L K POINTS TEAM NAME ILEOSA 263 5 8 0 32 DEATH'S CHOSEN (17) -TREACH 218 8 3 0 27 THE ASCENDANTS (10) LUMP 269 7 4 0 25 BAD SIGNS (24) INITIATES W L K POINTS TEAM NAME MENDOZA LINE 278 3 2 0 17 BAD SIGNS (24) AVATAR 283 1 1 0 16 OLLIS HEROES (27) -COTILLION 282 1 0 0 10 THE ASCENDANTS (10) '-' denotes a warrior who did not fight this turn. THE DEAD W L K TEAM NAME SLAIN BY TURN Revenge? YIELD 276 1 2 0 BAD SIGNS 24 LOMBARD 279 25 REVENGED PRINS RIKARD 232 8 7 1 OLLIS HEROES 27 TORPORTLY 102 25 NOT REVENGED THE DEAD W L K TEAM NAME SLAIN BY TURN Revenge? TOGG 234 4 3 0 THE ASCENDANTS 10 DELAYED FLIGHT 280 27 NONE PERSONAL ADS Wretch -- We are all glad you are back and sticking around for a while. May you prosper and stay looooong. -- Coach and The Oldies Wretch, again. I just read your really very nice ad. Thank you. I want you to know I wrote the above ad BEFORE I read yours. Thanks again. -- Coach and his Consortium Buddies Paraldoxia -- There is nothing wrong with being bald. It expands your hat and cap selections. I think you would look best in a top hat. And if you really want to beat me, pray; and keep praying. -- Confession, DM Azaziel -- Crying? Who was crying? There is no crying in DM! -- Coach Ishtar -- Nah; I'm not the union type. Besides, I own my own business. (You, too, it seems. --wink--) -- Custodian Simpletongue -- My, my. I must have been very lucky. Rah, rah; sis boom bah! Shall we make it two out of three? -- Pep Rally Morwel -- I admit to being antsy about that challenge. But if one wants to be the best, one must fight the best. Right? Anyway, it worked out for me. Good thing I tuned the engine before. -- Draggin' Main Genericky -- I admit it was more fun cleaning your clock than it was cleaning the toilets. -- Custodian Rizzyn -- I tried to stay out of your scimitar's way so you wouldn't cut my nice new sweater. -- Letter Sweater Paraldoxia -- What's a DM to do? Gotta challenge the good ones. Keep on comin'; you'll get me yet! -- Confession Wretch -- Delayed Flight had no future. His "Is Stupid" comment meant from day one that he was being sent to the Dark Arena once he either killed someone or reached the Adepts. I thought he'd last longer than that. -- Dark Oracle, purveyor of Bad Signs Lotus-Eater -- With your style, I thought you'd be more like Vodi, who has handed me two losses. -- Steal Home Fener -- Did you make your opening move yet? -- Lump Treach -- That matchup looked like you were cheated by a sticky wicket -- Out for a Duck Kallor -- Good to see an Ascendant take one. Of course I'll pass on commenting on the experience delta we have here. -- Mendoza Line Azaziel -- My suggestion is to play this arena like an old-time arena. Personal Ads written for each warrior, even get a little snappy or pushy, but avoid actually picking on anyone. Old-time arenas were played for nothing but pride and the honour of attaining the Duelmastership. -- Dark Oracle These were delayed in the Commission office and should have been in last time; sorry about that. -- the typist Mendoza Line -- I hit you eight times in one minute. You hit me once and I freak. Typical. -- Melancholia Fener -- There are no gods, or you'd be dead. -- Helga Hoarfrost I know that feeling. Veteran Mercenary -- Don't feel bad, that fight was staged anyhow. Drinks on me when you get out of I.C.U. -- Gushan Trake -- But I... I mean... ARUGH!!! Next one's mine, you little twerp! -- Cyclidia, the flustered Confession -- Honestly, I don't mind the attention. It gives me time to hedge my bets a bit. Besides, when it comes to dirty little secrets, I'm just getting started. -- Paraldoxia I hedged a garden once. All -- Hmm, Hal's still backlogging me, but here's to another fine turn... at least, for everyone else. *wry grin* Ascendants, welcome back. -- Michael Eldritch P.S. To the Scribe, thank you on the story posting. I'll send more (in a larger font) soon. Also, let me know if any of the "role play" ideas are feasible. You're welcome, especially when you go to a larger font. I can handle the small one, but it requires the application of modern technology and time, time being in the shortest supply. Also note that delays in getting your personals in are due to the extra transit time--very little gets typed in the Commission office these days, as there's no one to do it. So it has to be physically forwarded to me. Hence, delay. -- the Scribe and typist LAST WEEK'S FIGHTS VODI was devastated by TORPORTLY in a 1 minute mismatched Bloodfeud fight. PARALDOXIA won victory over CUSTODIAN in a 2 minute expert's Challenge battle. RIZZYN slimly won victory over GOSSIPID in a 3 minute gory master's Challenge brawl. CYCLIDIA was savagely defeated by STEAL HOME in a 3 minute master's Challenge match. HELGA HOARFROST was vanquished by SIMPLETONGUE in a 1 minute Challenge fight. OUT FOR A DUCK was beaten by REVENANT in a crowd pleasing 1 minute Challenge brawl. ISHTAR defeated TOA JALLER in a action packed 1 minute expert's Challenge melee. MENDOZA LINE was vanquished by YODA in a 1 minute one-sided Challenge duel. CONFESSION slimly won victory over GUSHAN in a popular 11 minute veteran's Title duel. LETTER SWEATER handily defeated M. CHARDINEE in a 1 minute one-sided bout. GENERICKY was demolished by MORWEL in a 1 minute mismatched match. PEP RALLY was overcome by LOTUS-EATER in a exciting 3 minute veteran's contest. DRAGGIN' MAIN viciously subdued KUNG-FU MASTER in a crowd pleasing 1 minute bout. ILEOSA was defeated by WASNIS in a 2 minute duel. LUMP was overpowered by MELANCHOLIA in a 2 minute gruesome uneven struggle. AVATAR overpowered PERSISTANT BEGGAR in a 1 minute mismatched brawl. BATTLE REPORT MOST POPULAR RECORD DURING THE LAST 10 TURNS |FIGHTING STYLE FIGHTS FIGHTING STYLE W - L - K PERCENT| |LUNGING ATTACK 5 WALL OF STEEL 8 - 2 - 0 80 | |SLASHING ATTACK 5 PARRY-RIPOSTE 16 - 8 - 1 67 | |PARRY-LUNGE 3 TOTAL PARRY 26 - 15 - 0 63 | |PARRY-STRIKE 3 BASHING ATTACK 20 - 16 - 1 56 | |TOTAL PARRY 3 STRIKING ATTACK 25 - 21 - 2 54 | |BASHING ATTACK 3 LUNGING ATTACK 40 - 35 - 3 53 | |AIMED BLOW 2 PARRY-STRIKE 11 - 11 - 2 50 | |PARRY-RIPOSTE 2 AIMED BLOW 8 - 10 - 0 44 | |STRIKING ATTACK 2 PARRY-LUNGE 12 - 16 - 0 43 | |WALL OF STEEL 1 SLASHING ATTACK 21 - 37 - 1 36 | Turn 29 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 SLASHING ATTACK 2 - 3 4 LUNGING ATTACK LUNGING ATTACK 4 - 1 BASHING ATTACK 1 - 2 1 TOTAL PARRY PARRY-LUNGE 2 - 1 STRIKING ATTACK 0 - 2 1 STRIKING ATTACK PARRY-STRIKE 2 - 1 1 SLASHING ATTACK TOTAL PARRY 2 - 1 1 WALL OF STEEL AIMED BLOW 1 - 1 1 BASHING ATTACK PARRY-RIPOSTE 1 - 1 1 PARRY-STRIKE 1 PARRY-RIPOSTE TOP WARRIOR OF EACH STYLE FIGHTING STYLE WARRIOR W L K PNTS TEAM NAME TOTAL PARRY CONFESSION 47 25 4 1 128 OLDIES (5) LUNGING ATTACK TORPORTLY 102 18 10 2 112 INVIDIOTS (16) STRIKING ATTACK GUSHAN 222 12 9 0 103 ZEITGEIST (18) SLASHING ATTACK LETTER SWEATER 43 18 11 2 101 OLDIES (5) WALL OF STEEL STEAL HOME 138 22 6 1 90 BAD SIGNS (24) BASHING ATTACK CUSTODIAN 215 12 10 0 90 OLDIES (5) PARRY-STRIKE LOTUS-EATER 193 17 9 2 87 INVIDIOTS (16) PARRY-LUNGE SIMPLETONGUE 194 17 9 0 66 INVIDIOTS (16) PARRY-RIPOSTE WASNIS 224 11 9 0 46 OLLIS HEROES (27) AIMED BLOW OUT FOR A DUCK 275 5 2 0 42 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 GUSHAN 222. The ten other most popular fighters were PARALDOXIA 112, CYCLIDIA 111, PEP RALLY 46, LOTUS-EATER 193, RIZZYN 104, STEAL HOME 138, MELANCHOLIA 239, REVENANT 213, ISHTAR 184, and TORPORTLY 102. The least popular fighter this week was CONFESSION 47. The other ten least popular fighters were LUMP 269, MENDOZA LINE 278, HELGA HOARFROST 237, GENERICKY 100, OUT FOR A DUCK 275, VODI 158, AVATAR 283, WASNIS 224, ILEOSA 263, and DRAGGIN' MAIN 44. The following warriors have traveled to AD after fighting this turn: GOSSIPID (83-99) INVIDIOTS (16) FACE-TO-FACE TOURNEY XLIII NEW GRADUATES--FROM ALL ARENAS (INCLUDING CLOSED ARENAS) For those of you who keep track of such things, 15 additional warriors graduated from regular DM arenas (including closed arenas) since the last tournament. WHITE THUNDER (4-6040) TRIBAL COUNCIL (120) SISONGOEN (12-5168) LUROCIANS IV (438) JUMPINJACK FLASH (13-5143) PERFECTION QUEST 13 (527) HARD DAYS KNIGHT (38-2369) BUBBA LOVES CHESS (193) POWDERED SOAP (82-2837) MY BUTT HURTS (392) HICHAM (82-18389) SUPERIOR FORCES 1306 (2829) DEADLA (82-20623) SUPERIOR FORCES 3201 (2263) CLEVELAND STEAMER (82-25002) OHIO EXPRESS (3993) YELLOW POST-IT (82-26131) WORK WITH THIS (4213) CHARLOTTE (82-29266) SUPERIOR FORCES 3402 (4771) YELLOW BRICK TOAD (82-32755) 12/19/04J (5407) SOULSNARE (82-37248) OBLIVION CLEAVERS (6167) MARV (82-41424) 4-LETTER KNOCKOFFS (6915) KAORU MOTO (82-48418) MEDAL OF HONOR AA1 (2722) RENTAL PERMIT (82-51256) 101607C (8628) Congrats to the grads. -- Green Eyes