DUEL 2 NEWSLETTER Date : 09/15/2009 Duedate: 10/12/2009 TELORINTHE ARENA DM-83 TURN-31 This Weeks Top Honors THE DUELMASTER IS CONFESSION OLDIES (5) (83-47) [27-4-1,140] Chartered Recognition Leader Unchartered Recognition Leader CONFESSION MORBID ANGEL OLDIES (5) CHAPEL OF THE GHOULS (21) (83-47) [27-4-1,140] (83-126) [2-1-0,18] Popularity Leader This Weeks Favorite PARALDOXIA GUSHAN ZEITGEIST (18) ZEITGEIST (18) (83-112) [12-18-0,104] (83-222) [13-10-0,92] THE CURRENT TOP TEAM OLDIES (5) TEAMS ON THE MOVE TOP CAREER HONORS Team Name Point Gain Chartered Team 1. CHAPEL OF THE GHOULS (21) 28 2. OLDIES (5) 23 OLDIES (5) 3. NONSUCH HOUSE (39) 10 Unchartered Team 4. OLLIS HEROES (27) 7 5. ZEITGEIST (18) 4CHAPEL OF THE GHOULS (21) The Top Teams Career Win-Loss Record W L K % Win-Loss Record Last 3 Turns W L K 1- 1*JUST CHILLIN' (15) 5 1 3 83.3 1/ 1 OLDIES (5) 11 4 0 2/ 2 OLDIES (5) 102 53 3 65.8 2/ 2 OLLIS HEROES (27) 9 6 1 3- 3 BAD SIGNS (24) 94 50 4 65.3 3/ 3 ZEITGEIST (18) 7 8 0 4/ 6*CHAPEL OF THE GHOUL (21) 9 5 0 64.3 4/ 8*CHAPEL OF THE GHOUL (21) 6 3 0 5- 5 INVIDIOTS (16) 86 54 6 61.4 5- 6 DEATH'S CHOSEN (17) 4 1 0 6/ 7 OLLIS HEROES (27) 75 78 3 49.0 6- 5 INVIDIOTS (16) 3 2 0 7/ 8 ZEITGEIST (18) 65 85 2 43.3 7- 4 BAD SIGNS (24) 2 7 0 8- 9 DEATH'S CHOSEN (17) 58 87 1 40.0 8- 9*JUST CHILLIN' (15) 1 0 1 9/ 0*NONSUCH HOUSE (39) 1 4 0 20.0 9/ 0*NONSUCH HOUSE (39) 1 4 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 1V Azaziel reclined in an elaborate throne consisting primarily of the bones of once great mean and women. Ah, death had a way of leveling the playing field like no other factor did. It would seem that his and Ebonariex's plans were progressing nicely. Michael was a fine fellow, but his insistence on taking a moral high ground, and his damnable "Death Before Dishonor" attitude was going to get him killed one day if he kept locking away the greater portion of his personal power. To that end, he and Ebonariex had determined to create an "emergency." One they could certainly contain if it came to that, but a serious threat to Michael in his current condition. There was only one thing that was bothering him. That little trance-like state that Ebonariex dropped into near the end of the last meeting... that wasn't in the plan. Perhaps it was just a convincing ad hoc, but from what he knew of the dragon, he wasn't given to such fancies. BAMPH! "Hey, boss, there's some weird critter, that just showed up in the Lower West," the little imp snorted a laugh, "ate a couple of the bootlicker imps before I could get here." Azaziel scowled. "And just how did it manage to 'show up'?" The imp shrugged. "Don't know. One minute it was lah de dah, and the next, CHOMP! See what I mean?" Azaziel shoved himself to his feet in a single fluid motion. "Lower West, eh..." his eyes swirled with momentary dislocation. "Ah, yes, but wait... the outsider is no longer there." He tilted his head as if sniffing the air, then spun to face the no longer diminutive imp. "You DARE invade MY sanctuary?" The 'imp', now fully seven feet in height, let loose a rasping chuckle. "You may think yourself untouchable, Azaziel," the daemon shattered the skeletal throne with an off-hand gesture, "but there are those who would be to differ--consider me their HARBINGER!" The daemon thrust both hands forward in a vicious gesture, but Azaziel had already snapped a defensive shield into place, and the twisted black-and-crimson flames roiled harmlessly around his form. He cast out mentally for his minions, but there seemed to be a lot more chaos in his realm than usual. It would appear that he would have to handle this personally. The daemon continued to hammer at him with various forms of infernal energy, but had yet to engage him physically. It would seem that he'd been briefed on the folly of that, at least. Nevertheless, he was going to have to take the offensive soon-- defensive battles were not his strong point. "You've brought this upon yourself, Dark One!" the daemon blurred into a series of incantations. "Your meddling ends NOW!" Azaziel had only a moment's respite, to realize what the daemon was invoking, but as the truth of the working became clear, even HIS blood ran cold. This daemon was bringing the Upper Divine to bear, even knowing such power would destroy it! Azaziel instinctively attempted to step into the shadows, but something blocked his access! 'Impossible! This is MY realm!' With a battlecry belying his slim stature, the Fallen Angel lunged for the daemon. Rune etched battle regalia coalesced about his form, and the roar of long forgotten battlefields echoed throughout the chamber. The daemon threw its arms up in a defensive gesture, and hastily shouted the final phrase of its spell. As Azaziel's lightless blade traced its deadly arc, a horrible ripping howl issued from the daemon's form. Cerulean light erupted from every pore of the creature, and as its head tumbled free, the daemon quite literally erupted in a chain reaction of supernatural power. Azaziel was thrown violently backwards, and though certainly scorched from the celestial nature of the explosion, he was far from mortally injured. 'That's odd... there was enough power in that incantation to do me SERIOUS harm.' He stood up and surveyed the damage. It was relatively minor considering the amount of force that had been brought to bear in the last few minutes. Something seemed slightly out of sink, though. Azaziel altered his vision to allow the magical undercurrents of the area to become visible. What he saw left him stunned. "The bastard webbed my realm!" He spun full circle and everywhere it was the same. Intricately meshed into the very fabric of his realm were strands of pulsing celestial energy. The implication was obvious--he would be trapped here until he could unravel the threads. Hopefully, the infernal nature of its delivery would allow for a weakness in the mesh somewhere, but it was still going to take time. "A daemon just engaged in self-sacrifice to keep me out of the picture... that does not bode well." He made a gesture, and a few moments later a bedraggled imp came staggering into the chamber. "What in the name of all that's unholy was THAT, boss?" the imp swayed slightly as it tried to keep its balance. Azaziel continued to study the ebb and flow of the working. "A mistake on my part, it would seem." The imp squinted and glanced around. "Uh, we're having a bit of difficulty moving around, boss," the imp shivered slightly. "Last one to try it just kind of went POP!" He glanced back at Azaziel, "The mopheads are still cleaning up the mess downstairs." "Tell the others to stay put for the time being," he reached down and lifted the diminutive creature to his shoulder, "but I'm going to need your assistance soon, so let's see if we can sort this little tangle out, eh?" The imp continued to study the pervasive enchantment. "You know, it's times like this when I think that darn scribbler might actually be useful." Azaziel glanced at the normally spiteful creature. "Yes, his assistance would be useful.... I thin, however, that he may be in a far more dire situation than we find ourselves, little one." With a sigh, Azaziel went to work on the web. 'Just one little flaw, that's all I need to find.' Elsewhere Eliphas turned away from his mirror with a superior smirk. "It would seem I overestimated this Azaziel," he couldn't contain a small laugh. "In fact, had I known it would prove this easy to contain him, I might have simply sought his permanent disposal." Crystaltear was conscious, but her blood reserves were dangerously low. As a result, she had only been able to staunch the worst of her wounds, and was till quite the worse for wear. "When Michael finds out you're still alive...." Eliphas gestured to the surrounding cavern, which had taken on a far more civilized air in the last twenty-four hours. "This sanctuary is inviolate to his petty magics." He jabbed a finger toward the mirror, "THAT one was the only enigma, and he's been neutralized." Crys winced and adjusted her position as best she could. "I don't even know who that is, but I do know this," her voice was little more than a hoarse whisper, but carried clearly. "If he is a friend of Michael's, he will find a way to help--it's called loyalty, Eliphas." Eliphas blinked, then began to chuckle. Ah, my dear Crystaltear. Much has changed since that fateful day that Michael nearly gave his life to set you free," he leaned forward and tilted her chin up. "What has been but minutes for you, has been an eternity for others." Crys jerked her head away, but there was not much else she could do in her current condition. Eliphas had taken immense precautions. She was bound at neck, wrists, waist, and ankles in pure cold iron. Thick chains linked the six rings together and provided her with very limited mobility. Locked gauntlets had also been affixed to the wrist manacles, effectively encasing her hands in iron and preventing her from moving her fingers. For most vampires, such precautions would be child's play. Michael could probably break these chains link by link. For Crys, however, they posed a very serious problem. Even if her powers had been flush, these bindings would leave her powerless. Fey blood. Her human bloodline had been fey-touched, and as a mage, she had sought to augment that connection. After the transformation of her clan, she had found herself driven by blood hunger to seek out others so touched... and the fey themselves, when they could be found. The unique blood had gifted her with many unusual powers, but carried a price--cold-iron HURT. Wounds from such weapons were considerably difficult to heal, and physical contact with the metal disrupted her ability to tap her power. This much pure cold iron left her as helpless as a child.... Eliphas hooked a steaming carafe of mulled wine from above the bronze brazier that heated the small chamber. His original intention had been to forego such niceties, but his plans were progressing far more swiftly than he had hoped. His old scars ached, and he was tired of living the life of a pauper when his station deserved the luxuries of a king. So, a few warm rugs, a comfortably padded mat, and some relatively minor--though elegantly useful-accoutrements wouldn't hurt. As he poured himself a mug of clove-scented wine, he considered his captive. She was certainly beautiful, in a raw, somewhat waifish way, but what disturbed him most was her lack of typical vampire tell-tales. He'd studied her history intensely, and was therefore aware of her potentially unique, fey bloodline. Seeing her face-to-face was still a shock. He was prepared for the typical vampiric responses, and was instead met with sullen glares. The unreasoning fear of fire was simply absent, and though the cold didn't seem to be causing her harm, she still shivered occasionally. Even HIS black heart yearned to help her... and THERE was the truth behind her power. She embodied the 'maiden in distress'. On a completely subconscious emotional level, she radiated helplessness. Eliphas knew better, of course. He'd watched her ruthlessly ignite a rival vampire's blood, and had once witnessed her viciously dismember a Hunter. Bound and disheveled as she was, though... it was an impressive bit of sympathetic empathy. On a whim, Eliphas conjured a second mug. "Would you like a nip to warm your blood, Crystaltear?" he couldn't hide a superior smirk, "or should I call you Mistress Elorien?" Crys jerked as though struck. "Where did you learn that name?" she hissed through clenched teeth. Eliphas raised a quizzical eyebrow. "Well, now, I AM a mage, my dear." He gestured toward her with the mug, "Besides, you haven't answered my question yet." An array of emotions rippled across Crys's face before settling into pathetic defeat. "Yes, please,' she whispered. Eliphas warily handed her the mug, watching for any signs of trickery. To his surprise, she simply grasped the warmth to her chest, before sipping gingerly of the steaming liquid. 'So, she can consume at least small portions without illness...' Eliphas's research had implied that most vampires became violently ill upon consuming 'real' food and drink. Some could manage small amounts of liquid relatively well, but rare indeed was the vampire who could handle any amount of solid food. Elorien was an anomaly, though, and while he'd learned a great deal concerning her history and bloodline, there were still many unknown factors where she was concerned. Like her innate empathetic projection, which was even now working on him. It was certainly a shame that he would not have the time to fully delve the depths of her powers. Michael was his goal--him and that mutated lizard--and for that purpose he was going to have to sacrifice this wonderful specimen. 'Ah, well. One more thing to blame Michael for.' DUELMASTER'S COLUMN Notes from the arena champ. Again. What does a warrior with seven Titles have to say? Not much. This throne is much more comfortable now that the velvet lining is completed. Those splinters were forcing me to wear armor on the throne. How uncool is that? What words of wisdom can I offer? Well The Eagles made a surprise and fine addition in Vick. The Vikings are on a roll with Favre, and they will go deep in the playoffs. Maybe all the way. Florida is loaded so look for another championship for Urban. Tiger Woods will win the Fedex, and The Gals (Oh, some of those gals!) will win the Solheim Cup. See me in the Confessional if you want to place your bets. Confession DMVII SPY REPORT Ready for some action-packed adventure, some thrills, chills and spills? Well fergit it, cause this is the Spyreport for TELORINTHE. CHAPEL OF THE GHOULS like really fought hard to move up to 4th from 8th. Way to go! MVP award for YODA? OLLIS HEROES' proud of him after beating FRATSFA SLAVE and getting 14 points. Talk about yer major upsets! VODI's match with CYCLIDIA cost him a loss of 11 points! Don't you think the Duelmaster is being unfair? I think CONFESSION should let PARALDOXIA be Duelmaster for a while, without fighting about it. Who was the wiseguy that said TELORINTHE's Duelmaster was paying for drinks at The Welcome Wench? Don't look at me! Look, you guys stick to fighting, all right? The warriors of BAD SIGNS must be getting lonely. They were the most avoided team. Do you guys know something that I don't? Hhmph! What kind of warriors are ZEITGEIST? BAD SIGNS, an easy team to beat if I ever saw one, can't get them to accept an invitation! Like, is PEP RALLY popular, or what? He was challenged the most in all of TELORINTHE! He's got a 15-16-0, is that good? Ooh! Did DRAGGIN' MAIN really know what he was doing when he challenged GUSHAN? A 23-8-0 speaks volumes. (Zontoni said that. I don't know what it means.) DRAGGIN' MAIN was so studly out there in the sands! Beating GUSHAN and getting 16 points. OLDIES must be proud, for sure! What does a fighter fight for? I mean, the crowds don't give a hoot if someone gets killed. Not after four more fights. What if they had a fight and nobody showed up? I'd be out of a job, that's what!!! I really didn't, you know, study when I was a kid. Who would've guessed I'd be a famous Spyreporter? I know how much you like reading this stuff, but I really should stop. Remember you guys, ease up sometimes! Chill out! Later, Debby Tonte DUELMASTER W L K POINTS TEAM NAME CONFESSION 47 27 4 1 140 OLDIES (5) CHALLENGER CHAMPIONS W L K POINTS TEAM NAME LETTER SWEATER 43 20 11 2 113 OLDIES (5) -TORPORTLY 102 18 10 2 112 INVIDIOTS (16) PARALDOXIA 112 12 18 0 104 ZEITGEIST (18) CUSTODIAN 215 14 10 0 98 OLDIES (5) DRAGGIN' MAIN 44 23 8 0 96 OLDIES (5) -RIZZYN 104 11 18 0 95 DEATH'S CHOSEN (17) GUSHAN 222 13 10 0 92 ZEITGEIST (18) CHAMPIONS W L K POINTS TEAM NAME -STEAL HOME 138 22 7 1 89 BAD SIGNS (24) -LOTUS-EATER 193 17 9 2 87 INVIDIOTS (16) -MORWEL 210 11 13 0 83 DEATH'S CHOSEN (17) CYCLIDIA 111 13 17 1 78 ZEITGEIST (18) TOA JALLER 183 12 17 0 72 OLLIS HEROES (27) HELGA HOARFROST 237 11 9 0 69 ZEITGEIST (18) VODI 158 13 18 1 67 OLLIS HEROES (27) CHALLENGER ADEPTS W L K POINTS TEAM NAME -SIMPLETONGUE 194 17 9 0 66 INVIDIOTS (16) PEP RALLY 46 15 16 0 61 OLDIES (5) -ISHTAR 184 10 18 0 61 DEATH'S CHOSEN (17) -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 WASNIS 224 12 10 0 46 OLLIS HEROES (27) YODA 274 5 5 0 45 OLLIS HEROES (27) MELANCHOLIA 239 7 11 0 43 ZEITGEIST (18) -OUT FOR A DUCK 275 5 3 0 39 BAD SIGNS (24) CHALLENGER INITIATES W L K POINTS TEAM NAME -LUMP 269 8 4 0 38 BAD SIGNS (24) CHALLENGER INITIATES W L K POINTS TEAM NAME -ILEOSA 263 5 8 0 32 DEATH'S CHOSEN (17) AVATAR 283 2 2 1 28 OLLIS HEROES (27) INITIATES W L K POINTS TEAM NAME MORBID ANGEL 126 2 1 0 18 CHAPEL OF THE GHOULS (21) SIN EATER 123 2 0 0 15 CHAPEL OF THE GHOULS (21) ORGAN GRINDER 124 2 1 0 11 CHAPEL OF THE GHOULS (21) -SNOW DAY 96 1 0 1 11 JUST CHILLIN' (15) -SIBERIAN EXPRESS 95 1 0 1 11 JUST CHILLIN' (15) NOCTURNAL RITES 127 3 0 0 10 CHAPEL OF THE GHOULS (21) -ICE MAKER 93 1 1 1 6 JUST CHILLIN' (15) STEEL MUSE 287 1 0 0 6 NONSUCH HOUSE (39) -WIND CHILL 94 1 0 0 4 JUST CHILLIN' (15) -SUB ARCTIC 97 1 0 0 3 JUST CHILLIN' (15) SILVERBACK 288 0 1 0 1 NONSUCH HOUSE (39) CORPSE SPITTER 290 0 1 0 1 CHAPEL OF THE GHOULS (21) CORNELIUS 285 0 1 0 1 NONSUCH HOUSE (39) ROOK 286 0 1 0 1 NONSUCH HOUSE (39) -CONSTRUCTION ZONE 284 0 1 0 1 BAD SIGNS (24) WHITEY D'EAGLE 289 0 1 0 1 NONSUCH HOUSE (39) '-' denotes a warrior who did not fight this turn. THE DEAD W L K TEAM NAME SLAIN BY TURN Revenge? MENDOZA LINE 278 3 3 0 BAD SIGNS 24 AVATAR 283 30 UNHOLY CONFESSION 125 0 2 0 CHAPEL OF THE GHO 21 ICE MAKER 93 30 PERSONAL ADS Someone forgot to feed hal last night, and some personals have (probably) been delayed while he chews on them. If you sent in something that should be here and isn't, there's a good chance it will show up next turn. -- the Editor Paraldoxia -- You, your back-up, or anyone is welcome. Come and get me. Reconcile your sins first. (wink) -- Confession Paraldoxia -- Nice try, my friend, Nice try. -- Confession Morwel -- You are such a cutie. I would fall at your feet any day. But I might not stay there. Gotta zoom, zoom, zoom. (chuckle) -- Draggin Main Cyclidia -- That was a close one. Salute. Keep on peddlin'. -- Draggin Main Azaziel and Michael Eldritch -- Thanks for the 'grats. You guys are cool! -- Duelmaster Confession Jorja -- Middle Ways are welcome and treasured anywhere we are. -- The Consortium Folk Vodi -- Too much rah rah sis boom bah for me, and not enough action on the field. Salute. -- Pep Rally Khalhum's Dwarf -- Thanks for standing in and for standing thre for our wins. -- Letter Sweater and Custodian 4-1! Now that IS better, Team. But next time we go for the touchdown. -- Coach 26 August 09 There has been a run lately of personals and columns turning up in the wrong arenas. When you email in something, check and make sure you have the correct arena number! It's easy for a finger to slip onto the wrong key. When the receipt comes back, check again to be sure it went where you intended! Vigilance is your friend, and mine too. -- the Editor LAST WEEK'S FIGHTS DRAGGIN' MAIN outwaited GUSHAN in a action packed 13 minute master's Challenge fight. CYCLIDIA viciously subdued VODI in a 3 minute gruesome veteran's Challenge match. WASNIS was devastated by HELGA HOARFROST in a 1 minute one-sided Challenge contest. CONFESSION luckily beat PARALDOXIA in a 3 minute master's Title competition. CUSTODIAN savagely defeated KHALHUMS DWARF in a 2 minute bloody veteran's struggle. LETTER SWEATER handily defeated VENEMOUS CONCUBINE in a 1 minute uneven fight. PEP RALLY was viciously subdued by TOA JALLER in a 3 minute expert's duel. MELANCHOLIA won victory over AVATAR in a 3 minute veteran vs. novice duel. YODA overpowered FRATSFA SLAVE in a 1 minute one-sided melee. NOCTURNAL RITES defeated SILVERBACK in a crowd pleasing 6 minute novice's match. MORBID ANGEL handily defeated WHITEY D'EAGLE in a 1 minute one-sided contest. ORGAN GRINDER savagely defeated ROOK in a crowd pleasing 5 minute novice's brawl. SIN EATER overpowered CORNELIUS in a 3 minute one-sided duel. STEEL MUSE bested CORPSE SPITTER in a 1 minute beginner's duel. BATTLE REPORT MOST POPULAR RECORD DURING THE LAST 10 TURNS |FIGHTING STYLE FIGHTS FIGHTING STYLE W - L - K PERCENT| |LUNGING ATTACK 4 TOTAL PARRY 27 - 13 - 0 68 | |TOTAL PARRY 3 PARRY-RIPOSTE 15 - 8 - 1 65 | |STRIKING ATTACK 3 BASHING ATTACK 20 - 14 - 1 59 | |BASHING ATTACK 3 WALL OF STEEL 6 - 5 - 0 55 | |PARRY-STRIKE 3 PARRY-STRIKE 12 - 11 - 2 52 | |PARRY-LUNGE 2 PARRY-LUNGE 14 - 14 - 0 50 | |SLASHING ATTACK 2 STRIKING ATTACK 20 - 20 - 1 50 | |PARRY-RIPOSTE 2 LUNGING ATTACK 30 - 30 - 3 50 | |WALL OF STEEL 2 SLASHING ATTACK 22 - 29 - 1 43 | |AIMED BLOW 1 AIMED BLOW 8 - 11 - 0 42 | Turn 31 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: AIMED BLOW 1 - 0 LUNGING ATTACK 1 - 3 4 LUNGING ATTACK PARRY-LUNGE 2 - 0 PARRY-STRIKE 0 - 3 2 TOTAL PARRY SLASHING ATTACK 2 - 0 WALL OF STEEL 0 - 2 1 SLASHING ATTACK TOTAL PARRY 3 - 0 1 BASHING ATTACK STRIKING ATTACK 2 - 1 1 STRIKING ATTACK BASHING ATTACK 2 - 1 1 WALL OF STEEL PARRY-RIPOSTE 1 - 1 1 PARRY-STRIKE TOP WARRIOR OF EACH STYLE FIGHTING STYLE WARRIOR W L K PNTS TEAM NAME TOTAL PARRY CONFESSION 47 27 4 1 140 OLDIES (5) SLASHING ATTACK LETTER SWEATER 43 20 11 2 113 OLDIES (5) BASHING ATTACK CUSTODIAN 215 14 10 0 98 OLDIES (5) STRIKING ATTACK GUSHAN 222 13 10 0 92 ZEITGEIST (18) PARRY-RIPOSTE WASNIS 224 12 10 0 46 OLLIS HEROES (27) 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, SILVERBACK 288, TOA JALLER 183, ORGAN GRINDER 124, CUSTODIAN 215, CYCLIDIA 111, HELGA HOARFROST 237, CONFESSION 47, PEP RALLY 46, and MELANCHOLIA 239. The least popular fighter this week was DRAGGIN' MAIN 44. The other ten least popular fighters were CORPSE SPITTER 290, CORNELIUS 285, ROOK 286, WHITEY D'EAGLE 289, NOCTURNAL RITES 127, VODI 158, MORBID ANGEL 126, WASNIS 224, AVATAR 283, and LETTER SWEATER 43.