ADVANCED DUELMASTERS

Date   : 10/02/1997    Duedate: 10/15/1997

GATEWAY

DM-108    TURN-48

RANK TEAMS                    W   L K    %  RANK TEAMS                    W   L K    %
  1 KILLER ABORIGINE 37/58  42   5  1 89.4      ABOUNDING AGONY II 29/48              
  2 ANGELS OF PAIN 9/23     40   7 38 85.1      WAYNE'S WORLD 20/101                  
  3 SWEORDMASTERS 1/6       16   6  0 72.7      WOLFRAVEN REAVERS 43/104              
    THE INANIMATES 38/63                     14 DEADLY SHADOWS 46/96    51  54  2 48.6
  4 WOLVERINES 18/99        58  23  3 71.6      ENGINES OF DOOM 43/95                 
    MAD SCIENTISTS 18/34                     15 THUNDR + LITENI 18/100  11  12  0 47.8
  5-DOC LEGRAND'S LA 20/37 106  59  7 64.2   16 UNDERDOGS 60/75        105 118  1 47.1
  6 CCE 60/76              470 326 20 59.0      WILD CARDS 57/73                      
    ZIG ZAG 37/59                               BIRDS OF PREY 23/41                   
    GOLDEN HOSTE 6/16                           DEATHTONGUE 46/68                     
    NOMADS 14/29                             17 THE BEARS 48/70        140 168  1 45.5
    HACK AND SLASH 24/44                        THE BEARS 46/69                       
    ZIG ZAG 1/5                                 THE HURT 36/103                       
    ZIG ZAG 5/14                                THE BEARS 43/67                       
  7 ROMAN HEROES 32/53      78  57 24 57.8   18 JACKSON FIVE 17/30      66  80  8 45.2
    MISCELLANEOUS II 38/62                      FIRE FIGHTERS 41/65                   
  8 RAT PAK 41/82          103  76  2 57.5      BOOB TUBE RUBES 33/91                 
    RAT PAK 19/80                               DOCTORS OF DUEL 10/88                 
  9-DEATH MASTERS 7/18     109  93  3 54.0   19 TRIBAL COUNCIL 4/83     18  26  0 40.9
    NINJA TURTLES 22/40                      20 SUPERIOR FORCES 1/120   11  18  2 37.9
    INFERNAL LEGION 9/22                        SUPERIOR FORCES 29/113                
 10 DARK GUARDIANS 1/8     167 148  5 53.0   21 THOSE WHO RULE 1/121     3   5  0 37.5
    THE GUARDIANS 19/35                      22 BRITERON BY 8/20        48  84  2 36.4
    THE RED REAVERS 28/47                       PRETTY THINGS 52/93                   
    MYTH AND MIGHT 2/10                      23 WARLORDS 11/110         10  29  0 25.6
 11 TEAM$(150) 1/77         24  24  3 50.0      THE BRIGADE 23/90                     
 12 FROG PRINCES 18/33      24  24  0 50.0   24-ILLUMINATION 46/116      1   3  0 25.0
 13 POWERAGE 52/105         64  66  9 49.2   25 MOLES 63/118             4  14  1 22.2
    BIBLE BROTHERS 38/64                        CREW MONIKER 76/119                   
    WOLFRAVEN REAVERS 10/24                  26 BY THE NUMBERS 51/122    0   1  0  0.0

    '##/###' Avoid teams by their Team Id     '-'  Team did not fight this turn

                                  WARRIOR SPOTLIGHT

     The huge Roc soared over the treetops at an incredible velocity, occasionally 
clipping a swamp cypress with his retracted talons.  Teetotaler laughed with pleasure 
as the wind rushed through his hair--it was far more pleasant in the bright red 
sunlight than it was skulking through the murky bogs below.
     The avian was learning swiftly, showing a considerable aptitude for the rigorous 
regimen of tasks set by the Companions.  Soon it would be ready for the planned 
mission deep in the heart of enemy territory, capable of deposition the two man team 
near to the Chaos temple, then returning to pluck them from the jaws of death upon 
hearing a signal whistle.
     As they approached the Companion's hidden fortress, Teetotaler wheeled the Roc in 
a tight circle and set him down atop the camoflauged watch tower.  A few more flights 
and he would be ready.  Dismounting as Trebonuis and Darius came forward to give the 
beast its rubdown and afternoon meal of swamp lizard, the grizzled warrior headed in 
to speak with his Captain.
     Vengeance was marking sightings of enemy patrols on the huge area map and barely 
looked up when Tee entered.  Instead he muttered to himself and began circling a point 
in the shaded green area, indicating a location which had never been scouted by foot 
patrol.
     "That's it.  That's where we have to land.  From what we can tell from the air, 
the clearing is big enough and enemy forces are very seldom seen there.  It's only six 
miles or so from the temple, a quick run."  Vengeance put a red 'X' on the exact spot.
     "Of course, that could mean that there's something there that the Chaos kin both 
fear and expect to guard against attack from that front", Tee noted.
     "Possible, but we haven't caught sight of anything yet.  I'm guessing that their 
hatred of sunlight is the real cause of their lack of a presence in that area.  But 
even if some beastie is waiting for us, we will be in and out so quickly that I'm 
willing to chance it.  It might even offer us cover when we're on the way back out."  
Vengeance looked up.  "Any word from the Keep?"
     "Not much.  There haven't been any volunteers that I've heard of, other than 
Donny's group, and they're all new to the swamps.  They've been doing a lot of 
wandering in circles.  I'm hoping that as the big day approaches, some might realize 
that they're not going anywhere without that key."
     "Well, let Donny in on the plan.  If he can get a few more men, he might be able 
to create that diversion we need."
     Tee nodded.  "He's like a small army all by himself."
     "We really do need more manpower to pull this off though."  Vengeance looked over 
the map, examining the number of enemy forces and their known locations.  "We've let 
our own rivalries interfere with the larger picture."
     Teetotaler shrugged.  "Not much to do about it.  We gladiators are a fractious 
lot."
     "Unless, of course, we could get everyone behind a well-liked, well-respected 
Gate Commander..."
     "Hey, wait a minute.  Why are you looking at ME like that..."

*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_**_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*

     Let me begin by stating that only Neon Necromancer could complain about one of 
his warriors becoming Captain of the Gate.  The complainer legacy lives on...
     It is also amusing that Neon would suddenly decide to send Psycho Scientist in to 
Defend the Gate which he loathes so much.  He decides to monopolize the position.  
Remember how he complained in the beginning when the Title holder defended the Gate?  
He felt that this should not be allowed because a warrior might hold the Title forever 
if continually successful in the Gate.  And now Mr. Double Standard tries (and fails) 
to do exactly what he once declared was unfair.
     And talk about paranoid...The Gate monsters have been rigged so that Teetotaler 
and Vengeance can win?  Yeah okay.  I would hardly call the Gate monsters "docile 
victims."  Teetotaler is frequently slain while defending the Gate.  That wasn't a 
docile victim which dispatched Psycho Scientist last turn.  Tzenori has butchered 
Teetotaler quite a few times.  And the only reason that Vengeance is so successful is 
because he is truly just an awesome warrior.  There is no secret to his success.  A 
great design, great bases, and massive training/experience.  And you can't complain 
about his skill prize anymore, can you?  It doesn't seem to me that it could possibly 
make him any greater than he already is at this point.  So I highly doubt that 
anything is rigged.  Stop your whining and paranoia.  Get a grip.
     I have to agree with Oscar that if you stepped through the Gate then you should 
be prepared to fight some monsters.  Anyone complaining about the random attack should 
be ashamed of themselves.  You are in Gateway now.  Expect the Chaos Spawn to be here 
also (duh!).  This isn't some super Primus, it's Gateway, the last exit on the 
Duelmaster's highway.  The place where legends and brave of heart choose to go to 
retire from the rat race of Primus.  What are you doing here if you cannot stomach the 
Chaos Spawn?  And please don't say "I'm here regaining lost skills."  We all are here 
for skill redemption and new skills.  I thought that the random attack was cool.  I'm 
glad that the Commission implemented the Dark One's idea.  How typically Scrag to 
state that he would have been annoyed if Furious Impaler had been killed or missed a 
training opportunity.  Poor baby.  What about all of those training opportunities that 
Dee Dee is missing by cowering behind in Primus?
     Oscar, I will identify myself when you do.  Also, albendranius is not a word.  It 
sounds more like it could be the name of one of my Romans...
     I would just like to state that I doubt if Teetotaler will monopolize this 
position.  Some wretched monster will undoubtedly come along and tear him to shreds 
with its talons.  Let's face it guys and gals, this Gateway arena isn't perfect, but 
it sure is fun.  A welcome change from the monotony of Primus.  Something different.
     In closing I would just like to bid a belated welcome back to Stormbringer of 
Those Who Rule.  It's alway interesting to see one of the ancient names of the game 
resurface in the ranks.  It would be cool to see Khorga Khan, Engwar, Silverflash and 
some of the other oldies here in Gateway.  Chaos Knight was back temporarily, but 
apparently lost interest.  I also miss seeing Epitaph lurking about.  It would have 
been interesting to see how the Queen of Evil fared in the skill replenishment/bonus 
skill environment of Gateway.  Perhaps the Commission should send some of these old 
managers letters explaining that they can resurrect their ancients and repair them in 
Gateway.  Who knows, maybe somebody will return.
     Anyway, if you don't see Teetotaler on top next week, I guess that will mean that 
his carcass will be rotting in some Chaos hell out there...

                                      Caesar for Lieutenant Teetotaler, Gate Commander

                            RAMBLINGS FROM WITHIN THE KEEP

     I found this on my desk when I came in today.  The stationary certainly looks 
official.

* -  *  -  *  -  *  -  *  -  *  -  *  -  **  -  *  -  *  -  *  -  *  -  *  - * - * - *

                           Proclamation from the Grey Tower

As demonstrative evidence of the Lady's displeasure, no Tournament Champion prize will 
be awarded for any unsanctioned tournament held in Kaikwok.  The prize that would have 
been awarded, as well as any others which might accrue before the recovery of Her Key, 
will be held aside and accumulated to be awarded to the individual who returns the Key 
to Her safekeeping.

Let it so be noted.

* -  *  -  *  -  *  -  *  -  *  -  *  -  **  -  *  -  *  -  *  -  *  -  *  - * - * - *

     Which brings me to the main topic for this week:
     What, if anything, are we going to do about a tourney?
     Unfortunately, I've put this off for too long.  Since you need to decide pretty 
much immediately whether you're going to participate in any tourney, we don't have 
really have time for any discussion on the topic.  This is entirely my fault.  I 
should have brought this up earlier.  
     A definite need for the recovery of the key has been evidenced, on both the level 
of this arena as a whole, and (as evidenced by this notice) by you gladiators as 
individuals.  It seems like this is a good opportunity to get some more experience 
against the local denizens.
     Originally I felt the correct way to do this was to just have fights against 
locals.  Some of you have whined excessively about this, though.  Therefore, here's 
how it's gonna go:

     Each day we will fight one round of the tourney.  A round will involve the choice 
of a den of locals, a journey to an appropriate location, and a one-on-one fight by 
each gladiator against a monster.
     As a bonus round, the victor of any round will be matched against another victor.  
This fight will not count toward your tournment record, but skills will accrue as 
normal.
     As Skek is not excited about the concept of a large number of resurrections in 
any given day, rescue teams will be on hand to prevent deaths at the talons of the 
monsters wherever possible.  Should the rescue be too slow, or should one of you be 
inconsiderate enough to kill another, a resurrection will be done by Skek (but be 
prepared to do a lot of gross labwork).
     There have been rumors that Combat Stress Fatigue Syndrome tends to result in 
poorer learns when fighting locals.  My personal research seems to indicate that these 
are faulty statistics, but I have nonetheless prevailed on Skek to attempt to create a 
situation where learning is as full as possible under this compressed time frame.  
After all, the whole point of this is to prepare you to go get the key back.
     As standard for Gateway tourneys, 8 victories (against monsters) will result in 
the awarding of Tournament Victor status.  Warriors with 3 losses (again, against 
monsters) will be eliminated, but not before the end of Round 5.
     My intent is to begin with some of the easier creatures we've encountered 
(lizards, and such), and slowly work our way up to the most dangerous.

     Any questions about this, or suggestions as to which monsters to attack 
/locations to visit are welcome:  oscar@reality.com or diplo me.  To be quite honest, 
posts in next turn's newsletter will probably be soon enough also.

                                          -- Oscar

P.S. Anyone planning on participating in this tourney who is afraid of heights, PLEASE 
LET ME KNOW before the tourney.

CAPTAIN OF THE GATE               W   L  K  TEAM NAME                  CITY           
  1) TEETOTALER 38-326          171  80 26  MISCELLANEOUS II (62)      CLIFFHOME

THE GATE COMMANDERS               W   L  K  TEAM NAME                  CITY           
  2) VENGEANCE 9-2052           149  37 25  ANGELS OF PAIN (23)        ZUKAL
  3) PSYCHO SCIENTIST 18-697    120  85  5  MAD SCIENTISTS (34)        TALCAMA
  4) FALSTAFF 37-899            148  72  5  ZIG ZAG (59)               SIBIKHAS
  5) TAGAN 6-1226               149  67  1  GOLDEN HOSTE (16)          TRANSEL
  6) RAGE 48-906                108  88  4  THE BEARS (70)             CAER
  7) QUICKSILVER 14-857         140 102  4  NOMADS (29)                TOBIR
  8) OPUS 1-1526                151  78  5  ZIG ZAG (5)                MORDANT
  9)-BARON COCKROACH 20-703     109  78  2  DOC LEGRAND'S LAB (37)     SEAM
 10)-DONATELLO 22-366           216  46  2  NINJA TURTLES (40)         SOLVEN
 11) DELBAETH 6-978             156  83  2  GOLDEN HOSTE (16)          TRANSEL

LIEUTENANTS OF THE GATE           W   L  K  TEAM NAME                  CITY           
 12) JESSE JACKSON 38-747       109  75  4  BIBLE BROTHERS (64)        CLIFFHOME
 13) 3066 14-1351               101  61  1  NOMADS (29)                TOBIR
 14) EXECUTIONER 43-1035        112  71  2  ENGINES OF DOOM (95)       VEASTIAN
 15)-LEONARDO 22-205            180  86  7  NINJA TURTLES (40)         SOLVEN
 16) REGGIE JACKSON 17-1339     124  88  7  JACKSON FIVE (30)          ALJAFIR
 17) ELLEGON 19-1723             92  54  2  THE GUARDIANS (35)         ZUWAYZA
 18) FURIOUS IMPALER 37-762      96  37  2  KILLER ABORIGINE (58)      SIBIKHAS
 19) HAWK 46-554                104 102  1  DEADLY SHADOWS (96)        ARDIVENT
 20) HANGOVER 29-638            149  76  9  ABOUNDING AGONY II (48)    LAPUR
 21) NODONN 6-866               138  99  0  GOLDEN HOSTE (16)          TRANSEL
 22) TA'RA 24-1088              119  98  5  HACK AND SLASH (44)        ZORPUNT
 23) ALICIA 24-1551             114  71  2  HACK AND SLASH (44)        ZORPUNT
 24) EUSEBIO 6-1456              81  53  2  GOLDEN HOSTE (16)          TRANSEL
 25)-SGT SLAUGHTER 7-541        166  71  0  DEATH MASTERS (18)         BONSUR
 26) HYPER-RAT 19-1170          112  65  3  RAT PAK (80)               ZUWAYZA
 27) NAMELESS TOOK 1-3195       102  44  3  DARK GUARDIANS (8)         MORDANT
 28) FIRE DONBELOW 41-101       120 103  3  FIRE FIGHTERS (65)         KATI-TEI
 29) TAWNY 24-1369              121  78  1  HACK AND SLASH (44)        ZORPUNT
 30) CHAR$(3008) 1-3008          97  83  3  TEAM$(150) (77)            MORDANT
 31) LAZAR WOLF 4-1169           67  57  1  TRIBAL COUNCIL (83)        JHELUM

DEFENDERS OF THE KEEP             W   L  K  TEAM NAME                  CITY           
 32)-NECRON-99 7-565            163  71  2  DEATH MASTERS (18)         BONSUR
 33) WHIPLASH 19-1221           120  68  1  THE GUARDIANS (35)         ZUWAYZA
 34) DON JUAN 24-849            122 109  5  HACK AND SLASH (44)        ZORPUNT
 35) SABRE TOOTH 28-1193         94  59  1  THE RED REAVERS (47)       MORYA
 36) URSA 48-1678                75  72  2  THE BEARS (70)             CAER
 37) FERNDOK 60-607              89  61  2  UNDERDOGS (75)             ARADI

DEFENDERS OF THE KEEP             W   L  K  TEAM NAME                  CITY           
 38) DOOMED 36-1547              92  67  5  THE HURT (103)             JHANS
 39) MAIMED 36-2213              76  58  4  THE HURT (103)             JHANS
 40) SLY 18-68                  128  52  4  WOLVERINES (99)            TALCAMA
 41) BHURAK 60-1081              83  60  3  CCE (76)                   ARADI
 42) REEBOK-RAT 41-432          130  69  2  RAT PAK (82)               KATI-TEI
 43) DANGEROUS 43-842            99  96  2  ENGINES OF DOOM (95)       VEASTIAN
 44) INFLATIBLE DOLL 38-682      91  66  0  THE INANIMATES (63)        CLIFFHOME
 45) WRAITH 57-2615              76  51  0  WILD CARDS (73)            ANDOR
 46) SKYBREAKER 52-756           60  32  1  POWERAGE (105)             FRATSFA
 47) PAPA BEAR 46-1340           82  59  1  THE BEARS (69)             ARDIVENT
 48) NICODEMUS 8-1729            83  57  3  BRITERON BY (20)           ARKERS
 49) JASON CULLINANE 19-1241     78  82  3  THE GUARDIANS (35)         ZUWAYZA
 50) UNZASTER DIZASTER 10-1424   96  72  2  WOLFRAVEN REAVERS (24)     KOLACT
 51) DARIUS 32-688              116  85  3  ROMAN HEROES (53)          ARVAT
 52) THUNDERBIRD 23-2317         77  59  4  BIRDS OF PREY (41)         TI
 53) STEEL DWARF 2-1955          82  62  0  MYTH AND MIGHT (10)        NIANIA
 54) RAGAMOFFYN 1-1943           79  60  1  SWEORDMASTERS (6)          MORDANT
 55) LAZY DRAGON 57-2050         97  60  1  WILD CARDS (73)            ANDOR
 56) ALVARON 8-522              117  83  1  BRITERON BY (20)           ARKERS
 57) J 10-939                    98  81  1  DOCTORS OF DUEL (88)       KOLACT
 58) GOLDILOCKS 18-470           97  88  1  FROG PRINCES (33)          TALCAMA
 59)-THANATOS 9-1069            139  96  0  INFERNAL LEGION (22)       ZUKAL
 60) RAVEN 23-1526               76  76  0  BIRDS OF PREY (41)         TI
 61) NOELLE 14-2005              87  55  2  NOMADS (29)                TOBIR

GUARDIANS OF THE WALL             W   L  K  TEAM NAME                  CITY           
 62) MOLLY RINGWALD 52-520       82  62  4  PRETTY THINGS (93)         FRATSFA
 63) FARUM 8-1697                70  54  4  BRITERON BY (20)           ARKERS
 64) MAYNARD G KREBS 33-2098     81  69  4  BOOB TUBE RUBES (91)       NIYTYOLE ISLAND
 65) AJAX 23-804                 64  37  0  THE BRIGADE (90)           TI
 66) MASH 14-1528                84  95  0  NOMADS (29)                TOBIR
 67) TREBONIUS 32-604           115  75  7  ROMAN HEROES (53)          ARVAT
 68) EDWINA 60-517               72  51  2  UNDERDOGS (75)             ARADI
 69) COMPLETE CHECK 76-756       68  38  2  CREW MONIKER (119)         SIMTAKKA
 70) WASTE OF STEEL 43-1521      77  45  1  WOLFRAVEN REAVERS (104)    VEASTIAN
 71) JOHN WAYNE 20-1763          44  39  1  WAYNE'S WORLD (101)        SEAM
 72) LIVIUS 32-880               72  46  4  ROMAN HEROES (53)          ARVAT
 73) BILL THE CAT 46-699         90  85  2  DEATHTONGUE (68)           ARDIVENT
 74) STORMBRINGER 1-318         135  44  0  THOSE WHO RULE (121)       MORDANT
 75) NORIEL 51-1488              71  57  0  BY THE NUMBERS (122)       TRICORUS
 76) PATIENCE 1-2619             62  42  1  SUPERIOR FORCES (120)      MORDANT
 77) MARIONETTE 1-4093           68  74  1  DARK GUARDIANS (8)         MORDANT
 78) G.I. JOE 29-723             79  67  3  SUPERIOR FORCES (113)      LAPUR
 79) TOE JAM 1-3433              33  24  1  SUPERIOR FORCES (120)      MORDANT
 80)-SAMONA 46-1469              63  24  0  ILLUMINATION (116)         ARDIVENT
 81) BREAK 8-599                114  82  0  BRITERON BY (20)           ARKERS
 82) MAMMA 43-1602               69  60  1  THE BEARS (67)             VEASTIAN
 83) FER DE LANCE 5-1938         93  82  1  ZIG ZAG (14)               KALTOS
 84) JUANITA 63-1482             52  40  2  MOLES (118)                AMEN-TEI
 85) TARAD 18-181               111  71  5  THUNDR + LITENING (100)    TALCAMA
 86) PUTT 8-518                  83  90  1  BRITERON BY (20)           ARKERS
 87) HASDRUBAL 11-1339           49  36  1  WARLORDS (110)             ARUAK CITY
 88)-RAPHAEL 22-202              86  53  0  NINJA TURTLES (40)         SOLVEN

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

THE DEAD                    W   L  K TEAM NAME              SLAIN BY              TURN
T'ZEEXIQAL 108-49           0   1  0 DARK ARENA 0           TEETOTALER 38-326       48
XIXZOK 108-69               0   1  0 DARK ARENA 0           PSYCHO SCIENTIST 18-69  48
YIL 108-12                  0   1  0 DARK ARENA 0           VENGEANCE 9-2052        48

                               PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE

Personal Ads, DM 108

Oscar -- Magic comes in many forms, shapes, frequencies, colors, intensities.  Presume 
not that Lady Greywand is the only mage powerful enough to penetrate the barriers that 
separate worlds.  How do you think the mind of Norman Bates came to occupy the warrior 
body I made and became Psycho Scientist?  I have stretched out across the planes 
countless times, and to far more exotic places than "Kaikwok."  I, too, am concerned 
about the defense of my homeland, and to this end I communicate regularly with my 
warriors on the vicious side of the gate.  While always a complicated process, it has 
proven much easier than communicating with the Gladiatorial Commission. -- Neon 
Necromancer, Sorcerer of the All-Seeing Eye, Grand Mage of the Crystal Cave, First 
Order of Astral Walkers, and MCI Customer

     Oh.  Well.  Okay, then.  Sorry to bother you, then. -- Oscar

Oscar -- No magic is necessary to gather good intelligence information on your 
enemies.  We have plenty of good military experience among the defenders here.  It 
should be a cake walk, especially since our intrepid leaders have been bringing back 
information about our foes for so many cycles now. -- Psycho Scientist

Oscar -- Group adventure volunteers:  Team Leader, Psycho Scientist; 1st Lt, Sly; Sgt 
of the Guard, Selleque.  Tarad might want to tag along also, but he hasn't officially 
committed yet.  In the meantime, put us down for some training sessions like Tarad had 
last cycle. -- Psycho One

     The next scheduled training for this type of activity will be during the tourney. 
     -- Oscar  
     P.S.  And thanks for volunteering.

Scrag -- Thanks, but the stay was all too brief.  Perhaps next time my plans will 
     allow me to keep the top spot a bit longer. -- Psycho Scientist

Bhurak -- You just don't learn from experience, do you? -- Sly

    Neon -- I hope fighting the gate is okay, I'm not sure what he did but I can't 
    Dark Arena Psycho Scientist. -- NAIEI

Teetotaler -- Well done.  Perhaps if you issued a decree, the slothful masses might 
spring into action against our enemies? -- Vengeance

Psycho Scientist -- Bet that hurt.  Still think the monsters are too weak? -- 
Vengeance

Donatello -- I hope there was a point to my rodeo ride on Big Bird last cycle?  I 
heard you might want us to pick up wounded in the jungle or something like that.  I 
just hope it's worth it.  I'm still pounding the dents out of my plate armor. -- Tarad

Hasdrubal -- A scimitar / punch one-two and you're finished?  Come by and see me when 
I am back from patrol and I will break out Doc Steele's con-maker stick.  A few months 
with me beating you about the head and neck with a padded quarterstaff and you will 
laugh at the next guy who dares punch you in the arena. -- Tarad

     Caesar -- Albendranius is so a word!  Just ask Debbie. -- Oscar

9/11/97
ATTENTION WEB-SURFERS!
Are you frustrated with IRC chat protocols?  Do you want to chat with your AOL buddy, 
but you're not on AOL?  Well, the Knights of the Covenant have a chatroom located 
RIGHT ON OUR WEBSITE!  That's right!  Our website hosts a DM chatroom that is open 24-
hrs a day, seven days a week.  It is faster than the aRT, and has a privacy feature 
that allows you to send a private message to one other person, and still be a part of 
the general discussion!

The Knights of the Covenant website also hosts a Message Board.  If you have a TC 
prize to get rid of, or if you are looking to get one, go there first!  It can be used 
for posting anything DM related, and as long as there are no personal attacks, and 
maintains moderately clean language, anything goes!

You do not have to be a member of our alliance to take advantage of this wonderful 
source of fun and excitement.  Just have to have web access.  Our URL is:

http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/castle/5809

We will be adding many new features in the future, so be sure to visit us often!

The Knights of the Covenant

                                  LAST WEEK'S FIGHTS

TEETOTALER viciously butchered T'ZEEXIQAL in a 5 minute Dark Arena Title fight.
PSYCHO SCIENTIST murdered XIXZOK in a exciting 2 minute gory Dark Arena melee.
VENGEANCE slaughtered YIL in a crowd pleasing 1 minute gory Dark Arena brawl.
OPUS overpowered EXECUTIONER in a 2 minute bloody mismatched Challenge match.
EUSEBIO was vanquished by HAWK in a exciting 2 minute mismatched Challenge fight.
RAGE handily defeated TAWNY in a 1 minute uneven Challenge fight.
THUNDERBIRD lost to NICODEMUS in a action packed 4 minute Challenge duel.
LAZY DRAGON won victory over MOLLY RINGWALD in a 1 minute Challenge fight.
URSA lost to LAZAR WOLF in a popular 2 minute Challenge fight.
WRAITH overpowered J in a popular 1 minute one-sided Challenge melee.
DON JUAN was demolished by WHIPLASH in a 1 minute mismatched Challenge match.
FERNDOK devastated SKYBREAKER in a crowd pleasing 1 minute one-sided Challenge battle.
SLY overpowered ALVARON in a popular 1 minute mismatched Challenge conflict.
BHURAK viciously subdued REEBOK-RAT in a crowd pleasing 2 minute Challenge bout.
PAPA BEAR handily defeated RAVEN in a 1 minute mismatched Challenge bout.
MAIMED was luckily beaten by FURIOUS IMPALER in a exciting 3 minute Challenge bout.
BILL THE CAT was overpowered by JOHN WAYNE in a 2 minute one-sided Challenge match.
LIVIUS devastated HASDRUBAL in a action packed 1 minute one-sided Challenge bout.
JUANITA was demolished by MAMMA in a action packed 1 minute uneven Challenge bout.
COMPLETE CHECK was handily defeated by EDWINA in a 2 minute Challenge contest.
TARAD savagely defeated PUTT in a exciting 3 minute gory Challenge duel.
FALSTAFF vanquished SKREEEE, CAPTURED in a exciting 1 minute gruesome one-sided fight.
DELBAETH overpowered FIRE DONBELOW in a popular 1 minute gruesome uneven duel.
QUICKSILVER overpowered SKREEEE, CAPTURED in a 1 minute uneven competition.
TAGAN overpowered ELLEGON in a action packed 1 minute gruesome one-sided fight.
REGGIE JACKSON savagely defeated CHAR$(3008) in a exciting 4 minute gory match.
3066 overpowered FARUM in a popular 1 minute one-sided bout.
JESSE JACKSON handily defeated NODONN in a action packed 1 minute mismatched match.
HYPER-RAT bested SABRE TOOTH in a exciting 2 minute bloody battle.
HANGOVER overpowered ALICIA in a exciting 1 minute brutal one-sided fray.
NAMELESS TOOK handily defeated DARIUS in a popular 2 minute gory uneven match.
TA'RA vanquished UNZASTER DIZASTER in a exciting 3 minute bloody mismatched bout.
TREBONIUS was viciously subdued by GOLDILOCKS in a popular 4 minute brutal match.
DOOMED vanquished MARIONETTE in a exciting 1 minute bloody mismatched duel.
NOELLE vanquished WASTE OF STEEL in a crowd pleasing 2 minute one-sided conflict.
INFLATIBLE DOLL slimly won victory over NORIEL in a crowd pleasing 4 minute melee.
DANGEROUS savagely defeated PATIENCE in a exciting 4 minute gory fight.
FER DE LANCE was vanquished by JASON CULLINANE in a 1 minute one-sided bout.
STEEL DWARF overpowered TOE JAM in a exciting 2 minute brutal uneven competition.
RAGAMOFFYN viciously subdued STORMBRINGER in a exciting 2 minute brutal bout.
MAYNARD G KREBS overpowered AIKIK, ENSLAVED in a 1 minute mismatched bout.
G.I. JOE viciously subdued BREAK in a crowd pleasing 4 minute brutal match.
AJAX narrowly defeated MASH in a popular 1 minute bloody brawl.

                                    BATTLE REPORT

             MOST POPULAR                        RECORD DURING THE LAST 10 TURNS     
|FIGHTING STYLE               FIGHTS        FIGHTING STYLE     W -   L -  K   PERCENT|
|LUNGING ATTACK                  27         AIMED BLOW        24 -  13 -   2     65  |
|WALL OF STEEL                   18         LUNGING ATTACK   153 - 130 -  14     54  |
|PARRY-LUNGE                     11         PARRY-LUNGE       57 -  49 -   4     54  |
|TOTAL PARRY                      7         PARRY-RIPOSTE     25 -  22 -   4     53  |
|STRIKING ATTACK                  6         WALL OF STEEL     92 -  84 -   6     52  |
|PARRY-RIPOSTE                    5         PARRY-STRIKE       7 -   8 -   1     47  |
|AIMED BLOW                       3         TOTAL PARRY       30 -  37 -   3     45  |
|SLASHING ATTACK                  3         STRIKING ATTACK   19 -  34 -   1     36  |
|PARRY-STRIKE                     0         SLASHING ATTACK    8 -  16 -   1     33  |
|BASHING ATTACK                   0         BASHING ATTACK     0 -   0 -   0      0  |

Turn  48 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        5 -  2     PARRY-LUNGE        5 -  6         4  LUNGING ATTACK 
WALL OF STEEL     12 -  6     PARRY-RIPOSTE      2 -  3         3  WALL OF STEEL  
LUNGING ATTACK    14 - 13     AIMED BLOW         1 -  2         2  PARRY-LUNGE    
STRIKING ATTACK    3 -  3     SLASHING ATTACK    1 -  2         1  STRIKING ATTACK
                              PARRY-STRIKE       0 -  0         1  PARRY-STRIKE   
                              BASHING ATTACK     0 -  0     

                               TOP WARRIOR OF EACH STYLE

FIGHTING STYLE   RANK WARRIOR                     W   L  K TEAM NAME                  
WALL OF STEEL      1) TEETOTALER 38-326         171  80 26 MISCELLANEOUS II (62)
LUNGING ATTACK     2) VENGEANCE 9-2052          149  37 25 ANGELS OF PAIN (23)
PARRY-LUNGE        4) FALSTAFF 37-899           148  72  5 ZIG ZAG (59)
STRIKING ATTACK    8) OPUS 1-1526               151  78  5 ZIG ZAG (5)
AIMED BLOW        18) FURIOUS IMPALER 37-762     96  37  2 KILLER ABORIGINE (58)
PARRY-RIPOSTE     22) TA'RA 24-1088             119  98  5 HACK AND SLASH (44)
TOTAL PARRY       27) NAMELESS TOOK 1-3195      102  44  3 DARK GUARDIANS (8)
SLASHING ATTACK   49) JASON CULLINANE 19-1241    78  82  3 THE GUARDIANS (35)

The overall popularity leader is NICODEMUS 8-1729.  The most popular warrior this 
turn was DANGEROUS 43-842.  The ten other most popular fighters were TEETOTALER 
38-326, REGGIE JACKSON 17-1339, INFLATIBLE DOLL 38-682, MAIMED 36-2213, CHAR$(3008) 
1-3008, GOLDILOCKS 18-470, TA'RA 24-1088, NORIEL 51-1488, G.I. JOE 29-723, and BREAK 
8-599.

The least popular fighter this week was FER DE LANCE 5-1938.  The other ten least 
popular fighters were HASDRUBAL 11-1339, RAVEN 23-1526, ALVARON 8-522, SKYBREAKER 
52-756, TAWNY 24-1369, WASTE OF STEEL 43-1521, MARIONETTE 1-4093, FARUM 8-1697, 
ELLEGON 19-1723, and COMPLETE CHECK 76-756.

Arena(Number)        W  L K  Arena(Number)        W  L K  Arena(Number)        W  L K  
MORDANT(1)           3  5 0  TALCAMA(18)          4  0 1  CLIFFHOME(38)        3  0 1  
NIANIA(2)            1  0 0  ZUWAYZA(19)          3  1 0  KATI-TEI(41)         0  2 0  
JHELUM(4)            1  0 0  SEAM(20)             1  0 0  VEASTIAN(43)         2  2 0  
KALTOS(5)            0  1 0  TI(23)               1  2 0  ARDIVENT(46)         2  1 0  
TRANSEL(6)           2  2 0  ZORPUNT(24)          1  3 0  CAER(48)             1  1 0  

Arena(Number)        W  L K  Arena(Number)        W  L K  Arena(Number)        W  L K  
ARKERS(8)            1  4 0  MORYA(28)            0  1 0  TRICORUS(51)         0  1 0  
ZUKAL(9)             1  0 1  LAPUR(29)            2  0 0  FRATSFA(52)          0  2 0  
KOLACT(10)           0  2 0  ARVAT(32)            1  2 0  ANDOR(57)            2  0 0  
ARUAK CITY(11)       0  1 0  NIYTYOLE ISLAND(33)  1  0 0  ARADI(60)            3  0 0  
TOBIR(14)            3  1 0  JHANS(36)            1  1 0  AMEN-TEI(63)         0  1 0  
ALJAFIR(17)          1  0 0  SIBIKHAS(37)         2  0 0  SIMTAKKA(76)         0  1 0  

TOP WARRIOR OF EACH ARENA         W   L  K  TEAM NAME                  CITY           
  8) OPUS 1-1526                151  78  5  ZIG ZAG (5)                MORDANT
 53) STEEL DWARF 2-1955          82  62  0  MYTH AND MIGHT (10)        NIANIA
 31) LAZAR WOLF 4-1169           67  57  1  TRIBAL COUNCIL (83)        JHELUM
 83) FER DE LANCE 5-1938         93  82  1  ZIG ZAG (14)               KALTOS
  5) TAGAN 6-1226               149  67  1  GOLDEN HOSTE (16)          TRANSEL
 48) NICODEMUS 8-1729            83  57  3  BRITERON BY (20)           ARKERS
  2) VENGEANCE 9-2052           149  37 25  ANGELS OF PAIN (23)        ZUKAL
 50) UNZASTER DIZASTER 10-1424   96  72  2  WOLFRAVEN REAVERS (24)     KOLACT
 87) HASDRUBAL 11-1339           49  36  1  WARLORDS (110)             ARUAK CITY
  7) QUICKSILVER 14-857         140 102  4  NOMADS (29)                TOBIR
 16) REGGIE JACKSON 17-1339     124  88  7  JACKSON FIVE (30)          ALJAFIR
  3) PSYCHO SCIENTIST 18-697    120  85  5  MAD SCIENTISTS (34)        TALCAMA
 17) ELLEGON 19-1723             92  54  2  THE GUARDIANS (35)         ZUWAYZA
 71) JOHN WAYNE 20-1763          44  39  1  WAYNE'S WORLD (101)        SEAM
 52) THUNDERBIRD 23-2317         77  59  4  BIRDS OF PREY (41)         TI
 22) TA'RA 24-1088              119  98  5  HACK AND SLASH (44)        ZORPUNT
 35) SABRE TOOTH 28-1193         94  59  1  THE RED REAVERS (47)       MORYA
 20) HANGOVER 29-638            149  76  9  ABOUNDING AGONY II (48)    LAPUR
 51) DARIUS 32-688              116  85  3  ROMAN HEROES (53)          ARVAT
 64) MAYNARD G KREBS 33-2098     81  69  4  BOOB TUBE RUBES (91)       NIYTYOLE ISLAND
 38) DOOMED 36-1547              92  67  5  THE HURT (103)             JHANS
  4) FALSTAFF 37-899            148  72  5  ZIG ZAG (59)               SIBIKHAS
  1) TEETOTALER 38-326          171  80 26  MISCELLANEOUS II (62)      CLIFFHOME
 28) FIRE DONBELOW 41-101       120 103  3  FIRE FIGHTERS (65)         KATI-TEI
 14) EXECUTIONER 43-1035        112  71  2  ENGINES OF DOOM (95)       VEASTIAN
 19) HAWK 46-554                104 102  1  DEADLY SHADOWS (96)        ARDIVENT
  6) RAGE 48-906                108  88  4  THE BEARS (70)             CAER
 75) NORIEL 51-1488              71  57  0  BY THE NUMBERS (122)       TRICORUS
 46) SKYBREAKER 52-756           60  32  1  POWERAGE (105)             FRATSFA
 45) WRAITH 57-2615              76  51  0  WILD CARDS (73)            ANDOR
 37) FERNDOK 60-607              89  61  2  UNDERDOGS (75)             ARADI
 84) JUANITA 63-1482             52  40  2  MOLES (118)                AMEN-TEI
 69) COMPLETE CHECK 76-756       68  38  2  CREW MONIKER (119)         SIMTAKKA

                                THE HUMANS OF ALASTARI

Some managers have requested more detail on the various human races found in Alastari.   

Fratsfans  
     The Fratsfans (or Frafrejans; Frafrejan is an older variant of the name) are a 
people living in the northern part of Alastari, mainly in the Andorian League.  
Fratsfans are very fair, with hair which is blond or red, usually straight and fine, 
though occasional curly-haired families show up.  Blue or grey eyes are most common, 
though hazel, brown, and green eyes aren't completely unknown.  They are tall, 
averaging 5'10 and up for women, 6'2" and up for men.  The average Fratsfan has a 
rangy, broad-shouldered builds, with long, angular faces, strong, rather pointed 
chins, aquiline noses and sharply chiselled features.  In many cases this tendency has 
obviously been enhanced by intermarriages with the Araoi elves who colonized the area 
around Fratsfa many centuries past.  (It is to be noted that the Araoi elves of 
Alfhame consider this a revolting example of colonial degeneracy, and deny any 
relationship.  However, the evidence is plain to see in the slightly slanted eyes and 
slightly pointed ears of many Frastfan noble houses.
     Fratsfans are considered a noble, chivalrous people; they value courtesy and 
honesty.  They have a reputation for being almost foolishly courageous in war, 
sometimes choosing glory over good sense.  They have a very high opinion of themselves 
and their glorious history.  They are generous with others, but expect their 
generosity to be repaid and may take it as an affront if it is not.
     Fratsfans may be found all over the Andorian League, but are most common in 
Fratsfa, Zensu, and Andor.

Kraellians
     Krael, like Fratsfa, was an ancient outpost of the Van Empire which survived the 
Chaos War and became a kingdom in its own right.  Less militaristic than the 
Frafrejans, the rulers of Krael turned instead to the arts of wizardry, creating a 
powerful, decadent court of wizard-lords in their capital city.  The wizard-lords were 
eventually overthrown in the great catclysm which sank the city of Krael and left the 
outlying community of Iaye an island. 
     There are very few Kraellians left in Alastari today, as most of them were 
destroyed when Krael sank beneath the waves and the rest intermarried with the Aruaki 
and Convincians.  However, in Point and Iaye, there are still a few families with 
near-pure Kraellian blood.  In general, Kraellians are very similar to Fratsfans in 
build and apperance, but Kraellians tend more to brown hair and eyes, and to be 
somewhat more heavily built.  Kraellians are thought to be a haughty people with an 
aptitude for wizardry and an appetite for complex puzzles.  They put great store on 
status and play the game of politics and intrigue very well.

Harkeny
     The Harkeny are one of the most common races in Alastari.  Inhabiting the Shewish 
Forest and most of the Free Cities, they are are tan-skinned, and of average height 
and build.  The most common hair colors are shades of brown, but blonds, redheads, and 
dark brown or black hair are not unknown.  Curly or wavy hair is common.  The most 
common eye color is brown, but blue, grey, green, and hazel are found as well.  They 
tend to an average height (5'10 for males, 5'4 for females) and build, and have 
somewhat rounder, broader faces than is common in the far north.  In southern Andoria, 
notably around Caer and Ardivent, where there has been much intermarriage with the 
Kyan elves, Harkene populations are somewhat shorter and slighter, with pointed ears 
and slanting eyes.
     The Harkeny are considered superlative foresters with an uncanny ability to 
disappear into the landscape--an ability which has stood them in good stead in areas 
like the Karhhorn Empire.  Harkenes are individualistic people, not given to building 
huge monuments or congregating in great cities.  Self-reliant and distrustful of 
authority, they prefer many local chiefs or leaders to one all-powerful king.  Other 
peoples sometimes accuse them of sharp dealings; Harkenes prefer to say that they tell 
everyone the truth they want to hear--if you don't want to hear the real truth, that's 
your problem.

Convincians
     Convincians are found in most of the Andorian League, but especially in Amen-tei, 
kati-Tei, Krill, and the extreme northwest of the kingdom.  To a stranger it's 
extremely difficult to tell a Convincian and a Harkene apart; Convincians are also of 
average height, build, and coloring.  The main difference is that Convincians are 
fairer-skinned, and the lighter hair and eye colors are a little commoner among them--
possibly due to interbreeding with the Fratsfans.
     Convincians are known for stolid, unimaginative good sense; they, do, however, 
often harbor a secret longing for adventure.  The farmboy who turns out to be a great 
hero is a favorite Convincian story.  They are excellent farmers and craftsmen and 
supply much of the goods and manufacturing for Andoria.  They prefer the civilized, 
tame, and controlled to the wild and untrammelled.  They are generally peaceful sorts, 
unwilling to start a fight.  They are, however, more than willing to finish one.  
Convincian temperment can be compared to a bull's--placid as long as you allow them to 
graze in peace, but wave that red flag...

Karnhorns     
     The Karnhorn Empire is located in the northeast of Alastari, comprising the 
cities of Zuwayza, Aljafir, Veastian, Kurukar, Jurine, and Willaf.  The Karnhorns are 
a lithe, graceful people with dark hair which may be straight or curly, and coppery 
skin.  They have large, heavy-lidded eyes, oval faces, and Greek noses (no indentation 
at the bridge.)  They favor moustaches and pointed beards for men, and very long hair 
for women.  (Facial hair is more common among Karnhorns than among some related 
peoples such as the Ferencians, but not as common as it is among the Harkens or 
Concincians.)
     Karnhorns are a proud, cruel race, much given to scientific and philosophical 
study.  They are warlike but crafty, and will not attack unless sure of their 
strength.  They are hedonistic, enjoying physical pleasures as well as mental ones, 
and many have a deeply religious bent.  They are ruthless, but by their own lights 
fair.  

Kannari
     The Kannari are the primary race of the Delarquan Federation, and are a large 
protion of the population in the southern Free Cities as well.  Kannari skintones are 
usually medium brown to tan, without obvious coppery or olive undertones.  Black or 
dark brown hair is commonest.  Hair may be straight or curly.  Brown eyes predominate 
but hazel or green eyes are found occasionally in Kannari populations; in some areas 
red or lighter brown hair is fairly common.  They are taller on the average than the 
Harkeny or the Karnhorns, but not so tall as the average Fratsfan.  (5'11 for males, 
5'6 for females.)  They are more heavily built for their height than most of the other 
races.  Their features are mixture of Rirot and Savradese: They have strong, rather 
blunt features, often with hawk noses.
     Kannari are considered to be vicious, ruthless warriors.  It's often been said 
that the Kannari are their own worst enemies, for one of the main reasons they haven't 
expanded their territory further is that they are usually fighting among themselves.  
They value pragmatism above all things--getting what you want is far more important 
than using "honorable" means to get it.  If a knife in the back is more efficient than 
asingle combat, go for the knife the the back.  

Aruaki
The Aruaki are originally of Ratani stock.  They have olive skin, and dark hair.  and 
lithe, graceful build.  They rarely have facial hair.  (Ironically, they greatly 
resemble their mortal enemies the Karnhorns.)  High cheekbones and epicanthic folds 
are fairly common.  Their eyes are yellow almost without exception.  They inhabit the 
western part of the Andorian League in northwestern Alastari.
     Some Aruaki are shapeshifters, with the ability to turn into lions, tigers, or 
other large cats.  (Yes, we know all of them are showing up as shapeshifters on the 
turn sheets.)  Aruaki are known for scholarship and wizardry, and for being rather 
cat-like in nature: curious, playful, but also capable of ruthless cruelty: a Kannari 
will kill an enemy quickly; an Aruaki plays with his prey.  It is from the Aruaki that 
most of the members of the Andorian Assassins' Guild are drawn.  
     Aruaki are more religious than most other Andorians, being devoted to Demnat, the 
god of shapeshifters.

                                 PLACES TO EXPERIMENT

This article is NOT for those of you who think Duelmasters is a known science.  It's 
for those of you who think that weird new ideas and methods are waiting out there for 
the finding, if you look hard enough.

My route to this is small arenas.  Where else can you fight the same warrior (if you 
so choose) 4 turns in a row, subtly changing your strategy to try new effects, without 
having to worry about other people getting in your way with those pesky challenges?  
Where else do half of the managers tend to be those RSI managers who never avoid, 
challenge, or change their strategies, often with really dumb warriors who don't learn 
much, giving you the most unchanging possible set of circumstances to try those 
changes out on?

According to the latest info RSI has been so kind to give me, here are some small 
arenas to try out those mutant ideas you've been thinking about in (* = slow arena):

           Arena | Nation         Arena | Nation        Arena | Nation
             12  | Free Blade        22 | Andorian         24 | Andorian
             27  | Andorian          32 | Free Blade       35 | Free Blade
             41  | Andorian          42 | Delarquan      * 44 | Andorian 
             49  | Free Blade        55 | Free Blade     * 59 | Delarquan
             64  | Free Blade        78 | Lirith Kai

Trust me, if you want to try out 8 will wastes, 21 size lungers, or 3 wit aimed blows, 
this is the best way to gather data.  Best yet, without a horde of 40 fight warriors 
clogging up the Challenger Champs or managers who glory in killing, this gives you the 
best chance to graduate these warriors to see their long-term potential (if you so 
desire), too!