DUEL 2 NEWSLETTER
Date : 01/03/2020 Duedate: 01/16/2020
NOBLISH ISLAND ARENA
DM 93 TURN 547
This Week's Top Honors
THE DUELMASTER IS
VERMONT
STATELY (1761)
(93-10303) [5-1-0,62]
Chartered Recognition Leader Unchartered Recognition Leader
POSITION IS EMPTY VERMONT
STATELY (1761)
(93-10303) [5-1-0,62]
Popularity Leader This Week's Favorite
CHAT ROOM VERMONT
BASH BROS SPOILERS (1762) STATELY (1761)
(93-10307) [3-3-0,19] (93-10303) [5-1-0,62]
THE CURRENT TOP TEAM
STATELY (1761)
TEAMS ON THE MOVE TOP CAREER HONORS
Team Name Point Gain Chartered Team
1. STATELY (1761) 58
2. BASH BROS SPOILERS (1762) 20 DYSERAY (312)
Unchartered Team
STATELY (1761)
The Top Teams
Career Win-Loss Record W L K % Win-Loss Record Last 3 Turns W L K
1/ 1*STATELY (1761) 23 7 0 76.7 1/ 1*STATELY (1761) 13 2 0
2/ 3*BASH BROS SPOILERS (1762) 12 18 1 40.0 2/ 2*BASH BROS SPOILERS (1762) 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
D2 (Duelmasters) -- THE SCOPE. (SIMPLY PUT)
D2, the play-by-mail (not play-by-computer, nor play-through-internet) game of
Duelmasters, is just plain fun. It is so good that there have been three published
books written about it! It must be great, then! Do you want to have the fun and
pleasures that hundreds of other managers before you have experienced? Can't blame
you! I, personally, have been enjoying Duelmasters-to-D2 for over 30 years. Perhaps
this article will assist or simplify your introduction to this game and speed up your
enjoyment process. It goes something like this..............
ACQUIRE A D2 ROLL UP team sheet from RSI. (Reality Simulations Inc., P.O. Box
22400, Tempe AZ 85285/2400, ph. 4809677979) The first sheet/team is free. Subsequent
five-warrior teams cost $5. Later, after your introductory 10 turns in the Noblish
Island (DM93) arena, you can transfer your starting team to another arena, or you may
find you want to start up a new team/s in other arenas, or both. Actually, you can
start new teams any time, even while going through your learning process in DM93; but
you may want to "learn the ropes" first.
FILL OUT THE ROLL UPS and send the sheet to RSI. Other than the normal personal
information, the most important things to decide are: Team name, Manager Name, and 5
individual warrior designs. Let's discuss each of those briefly. Team name and manager
name can be anything you like that fits you. (RSI will edit inappropriate naming.)
They can be gladiator driven, silly ideas, great play on words, or whatever. The
warrior names can be closely tied to the team name, or not. My very first team was:
Bulldogs, manager Kennelworth, and names like "Tiger Lily, Sir Smythe, Wild Wayne, and
Flash, etc. A team I admire in the game is Azure Clouds, manager Slugbait, warrior
names like "Black Bile, Violent Orange, Blue Note.......
We could spend hours and hours on warrior designs, (Where to place the 14 points
on the fixed 70 points and what style to choose?) and there are many articles
available examining design, so I will offer only a few basic comments:
* Offensive styles are easier to learn for a newbie. (Or anyone, for that matter)
* Gender does not matter at all in the fight process.
* Generally, fast & quick or brawny & strong rule the day. I said generally.
* WT and WL are the most important stats.
* There are reasons to design to odd numbers. (Exclude CN from that statement.)
* Read newsletters and other RSI info, especially DM93 newsletters, for design reviews
You have received your 5 warrior profiles back from RSI. Time to fill out DUEL II
STRATEGY FORMS and send them in to RSI. "Goodness!" you say; "I wish I had a lot more
information about weapons and strategies and what the warrior profile means, and
......"
Here are a list of places and methods for getting additional info:
* "Phone a friend". Diplo, e mail, call, write, beg from other players, especially
experienced players in the game.
* "Put on your newbie outfit." Ask RSI, or better yet, diplo the teachers/coaches in
Noblish Island (DM93), the "starter's arena" and ask for information provided there.
If you are already in Noblish Island, ask RSI to make sure you get the free CIC or
"fact sheets".
* "Go electronic." The best information in the game is available at reality.com/dm, or
terrablood.com, or even try chatzy.com as DMers chat there from appx 9AM to 2AM EST.
and they seem to welcome inexperienced questions.
So back to the strategy sheets. One for each warrior you plan to fight. Write
legibly! You would be very disappointed to have a code inputted improperly because
your scribbles were not so discernible. The basic stuff like warrior name and ID, or
game # and account # don't need discussion. But weapon selection, strategy, armor and
challenging do.
Weapon choice is your chance to select a best weapon against the opponent's
probable armor. Bigger weapons are probably needed against heavy armor. Some weapons
do especially well against certain armor types. (Hmmm; that information mentioned
earlier would help.) The most common weapon arrangements are a single primary weapon
and a small backup primary for offensive types, and a primary/secondary (secondary
could be a shield) and zero to two backups for defensives/finesse warriors. That, of
course, begs the question of which styles are offensive? Generally, basher (BA),
lunger (LU), slasher (SL), and striker (ST) are offensive. Generally, parry-lunger
(PL), parry-riposte (PR), parry-strikers (PS), and total parry (TP) are defensive.
Wall of steel (WS) and aimed blow (AB) are generally finesse warriors. But, really,
anything goes, as you will find defensive bashers and offensive total parries and
other mutants in this fun game.
Strategy is more difficult to decide. Offensives usually start "hot and heavy"
and then slow down, as they will wear down/tire due to weight being carried and a high
activity level Defensives tend to run moderately, but current arena defensive warriors
can be found fighting anywhere from "hot and heavy" to very slow. The desperation
strategy is important, because if your warrior is nearing defeat or exhaustion, you
may want to do something different in a last-ditch effort to pull out the win.
Armor is really a matter of preference, but like every other choice in the game,
there are trade-offs. Heavy armor, while providing more protection, can slow down and
wear down warriors. Naked or light armor may be less restricting and faster but offers
little protection. It is easy to think, "I need lots of armor.", but over encumbering
a warrior greatly impacts (diminishes) his fighting ability.
Training is simple. The most common training is "skills", but stats can be and
are trained also. In general the amount of skills learned is based on your WT (the
higher the better), but it is also impacted by the knowledge of the warriors you
fight. (And other things) Stat training is very highly dependent on WL, as the odds of
getting a first stat train of a stat type are 5% times the WL. (E.g. a WL of 15 =
5%x15 or 75% chance.) There can be a luck roll impact also in almost everything that
occurs in Duel 2. Attempting to get a 2nd stat raise in a certain stat is halved.
(E.g. a WL of 15 = 5%x15x 0.5 = 37.5%)
Challenging and avoiding are very strategic components of the game. There are
quite a few managers who do not challenge or avoid or both. You can use that to your
best advantage. Challenge warriors (the warrior ID number) and avoid teams. (The team
ID number.) Several points about challenging/avoiding):
1. Challenging and avoiding do not work until after the warrior has fought his/her
first fight in the arena and is listed in the newsletter.
2. Challenge warriors or styles you think you can beat, or who will teach you well, or
to attempt to advance in the rankings.
3. Avoid those teams who have warriors that can probably beat you, or who are likely
to challenge you.
4. Remember: challenge warrior ID numbers (not names) and avoid team numbers (not
names)
5. Some arenas, usually Andorian, frown on down-challenging. (Usually defined as
challenging someone with fewer recognition points that oneself.) Beware of the
arena environment, history, and politics.
You have the option to use an alternate "special strategy" either (or both) when
you challenge someone, or when someone challenges you. You can use this alternate to
prepare a specific strategy for that challenge you just made, or surprising an
opponent who will likely challenge or blood feud you. To use these alternatives, "x"
the proper box or boxes and fill out the strategy info on the back of the strategy
form. This alternative strategy will not be used unless the conditions you selected
occur.
That was easy, wasn't it!? After sending in your strategy sheets, (in plenty of
time for the due date " or last minute via fax; no internet submitting allowed) the
computer utilizes everyone's' inputs and the fights proceed. A few days after the
arena run date, the actual fights and arena newsletter will arrive in your mailbox.
Before submitting the new warrior strategies for the next round of fights, there is
much a manager can/should examine and review. Here are generic things that this old-
time manager evaluates:
1. Have I collected/recorded all the information I want from the fight so I can access
it quickly? (The Noblish Consortium manager and his Consortium cronies record this
for every fight " opponent's name, stable, arena and ID number, size, handedness,
record, style, armor, and weapons plus his warrior's train results, armor, weapons,
swing info (criticals/swings/extra value hits), W or L, how many minutes,
recognition points, and political point status- if any. Also recorded are who, if
anyone challenged. This is manually recorded on a sheet with my warrior's name, ID,
and size, handedness, plus style.
2. Did each warrior fight as I expected from the strategy? Do I need to adjust or
change any strategies?
3. Did any warrior act over encumbered or tire faster than I thought? Do I need to
adjust strategies, armor, or weapons?
4. Did each warrior fight well with the weapon? (e.g. hit when he swung and had
critical hits " which are strongly stated weapon hit statements compared to the
norm) Do I need to change weapon selections?
5. Did another warrior out jump me when I did not expect it? Do I need to adjust
strategies or weapons?
6. Did the warriors learn what I expected and learn well? (e.g. earn lots of skills)
If not, what can I do about it? (Switch to learning stats/skills? Challenge a very
experienced warrior?)
7. Do I know anything about the arena warriors that I can challenge? (Have I and my
friends accumulated style and other information on opponents?) Should I challenge
or take the luck of the draw? (Remember " challenge warrior #'s.)
8. Likewise, is there someone within range I just do not want to fight? (A warrior
that has beaten me before? A warrior with lots more experience than me? A team that
has my number? Should I avoid the team with that warrior? (Remember " avoid team
#'s)
9. Have I written some personal ads or a spotlight to add to the enjoyment of the
arena? Then it is time to turn in those strategy sheets again!
Duel 2 is a game of gladiators, comprised of knowledge, strategy, and a little
luck. Above all, it is fun. See you on the sands!
-- Statesman, manager of Statelies, Consortium Affiliated
(12-26-2019)
DUELMASTER'S COLUMN
Notes from the arena champ.
I am a normal damage 11-11-9-15-10-21-7 striker. What am I doing here on the Noblish
throne? Huh?
-- Vermont
SPY REPORT
Hail and well met warriors of NOBLISH ISLAND! Know me for who I am, Zontani
Sharp Eyes, Spymaster extraordinaire of all Alastari. ALASKA caught the eye of many
in the gladiatorial commission as it skillfully bested AMBITIOUS GUARD and was
awarded 13 points in recognition. In one of the week's more notable duels, MISSOURI
put down NEWS, causing him to lose 3 points of recognition in the process. Although
CONVICTED ASSASSIN made a valiant effort, it did not suffice to topple the reign of
victorious VERMONT. No confirmation, but my sources claim that the top team has
gained their position using magical aids. Charmed weapons perhaps?
I have been in deep conclave with my spies who watched all that has recently
transpired. Indeed there is much I would report. I saw one fighter that warriors
avoided when this week's challenge seeking began. MARAUDERS is feared. This much I
can say. Apparently the stalwarts of STATELY are catching the bulk of jests down at
the challenging board for their large share of the avoids. Loose talk at the arena
has reached my ears and it but confirms the knowledge that many fighters are after
NEWS. Watch your back!
Is not Death a warrior's foremost adviser? Warriors, may this counselor stand
ready at your right hand forever! Fate is a fickle mistress. She showers the
miserable with fortune but sets enemies against the victorious. Remember this!
If it were not for my skills as a spy I would have been mugged three times
already in NOBLISH ISLAND. Nice atmosphere you have here! Sadly warriors, now
longer can I keep thy company nor savor the ale of thy fine city. Depart I must and
soon! Till next we meet remember: a fool flies into a rage quickly and often. The
wise are angered by the same thing only once. Zontani Sharp Eyes
DUELMASTER W L K POINTS TEAM NAME
VERMONT 10303 5 1 0 62 STATELY (1761)
ADEPTS W L K POINTS TEAM NAME
ALASKA 10305 5 1 0 49 STATELY (1761)
OHIO 10302 5 1 0 34 STATELY (1761)
CHALLENGER INITIATES W L K POINTS TEAM NAME
SERMON 10309 3 3 0 28 BASH BROS SPOILERS (1762)
MISSOURI 10301 4 2 0 25 STATELY (1761)
INITIATES W L K POINTS TEAM NAME
NEVADA 10304 4 2 0 20 STATELY (1761)
CHAT ROOM 10307 3 3 0 19 BASH BROS SPOILERS (1762)
NEWS 10308 2 4 1 19 BASH BROS SPOILERS (1762)
AFTERASKINGFORNONE 10310 2 4 0 19 BASH BROS SPOILERS (1762)
TIME ZONE 10306 2 4 0 10 BASH BROS SPOILERS (1762)
'-' denotes a warrior who did not fight this turn.
THE DEAD W L K TEAM NAME SLAIN BY TURN Revenge?
ORORU 10300 1 1 0 MARAUDERS 1760 NEWS 10308 544
PERSONAL ADS
Uh, Assur, this is getting embarrassing. (For someone.) -- Statesman
Someone needs that nice lunger one advertised in the last newsletter, eh? --Statesman
From me, Statesman, and the Stately Team ..... Happy New Year.
P.S. See you all in Tempe soon.
LAST WEEK'S FIGHTS
MISSOURI unbelievably bested NEWS in a crowd pleasing 4 minute Challenge fight.
VERMONT savagely defeated CONVICTED ASSASSIN in a exciting 4 minute gory Title melee.
ALASKA vanquished AMBITIOUS GUARD in a popular 1 minute mismatched brawl.
OHIO defeated CHAT ROOM in a 1 minute match.
SERMON devastated CULT MEMBER in a 1 minute uneven brawl.
NEVADA overpowered TIME ZONE in a 1 minute one-sided struggle.
AFTERASKINGFORNONE devastated OSKSI NOBLE in a 1 minute one-sided competition.
BATTLE REPORT
MOST POPULAR RECORD DURING THE LAST 10 TURNS
|FIGHTING STYLE FIGHTS FIGHTING STYLE W - L - K PERCENT|
|STRIKING ATTACK 3 TOTAL PARRY 12 - 4 - 0 75 |
|BASHING ATTACK 3 STRIKING ATTACK 22 - 9 - 1 71 |
|TOTAL PARRY 2 BASHING ATTACK 19 - 18 - 2 51 |
|WALL OF STEEL 1 PARRY-RIPOSTE 4 - 4 - 0 50 |
|LUNGING ATTACK 1 WALL OF STEEL 5 - 6 - 0 45 |
|AIMED BLOW 0 PARRY-LUNGE 1 - 2 - 0 33 |
|PARRY-LUNGE 0 SLASHING ATTACK 1 - 2 - 0 33 |
|PARRY-STRIKE 0 LUNGING ATTACK 4 - 8 - 1 33 |
|PARRY-RIPOSTE 0 PARRY-STRIKE 0 - 0 - 0 0 |
|SLASHING ATTACK 0 AIMED BLOW 0 - 0 - 0 0 |
Turn 547 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 2 - 0 AIMED BLOW 0 - 0 3 STRIKING ATTACK
WALL OF STEEL 1 - 0 PARRY-LUNGE 0 - 0 3 BASHING ATTACK
STRIKING ATTACK 2 - 1 PARRY-STRIKE 0 - 0 2 TOTAL PARRY
BASHING ATTACK 2 - 1 PARRY-RIPOSTE 0 - 0 2 WALL OF STEEL
LUNGING ATTACK 0 - 1 1 LUNGING ATTACK
SLASHING ATTACK 0 - 0
TOP WARRIOR OF EACH STYLE
FIGHTING STYLE WARRIOR W L K PNTS TEAM NAME
STRIKING ATTACK VERMONT 10303 5 1 0 62 STATELY (1761)
TOTAL PARRY OHIO 10302 5 1 0 34 STATELY (1761)
Note: Warriors have a winning record and are an Adept or Above.
The overall popularity leader is CHAT ROOM 10307. The most popular warrior this turn
was VERMONT 10303. The ten other most popular fighters were NEWS 10308, ALASKA
10305, SERMON 10309, NEVADA 10304, AFTERASKINGFORNONE 10310, MISSOURI 10301, OHIO
10302, CHAT ROOM 10307, TIME ZONE 10306, and 0.
The least popular fighter this week was TIME ZONE 10306. The other ten least popular
fighters were CHAT ROOM 10307, OHIO 10302, MISSOURI 10301, AFTERASKINGFORNONE 10310,
NEVADA 10304, SERMON 10309, ALASKA 10305, NEWS 10308, VERMONT 10303, and 0.