DUEL 2 NEWSLETTER
Date : 09/05/2025 Duedate: 09/18/2025
NOBLISH ISLAND ARENA
DM 93 TURN 695
This Week's Top Honors
THE DUELMASTER IS
OVERDO
BASH BROS PROJECT (1960)
(93-11483) [5-3-0,37]
Chartered Recognition Leader Unchartered Recognition Leader
BEAST OVERDO
GOTHIC HORRORS (1926) BASH BROS PROJECT (1960)
(93-11275) [2-5-0,11] (93-11483) [5-3-0,37]
Popularity Leader This Week's Favorite
OVERDO BORING
BASH BROS PROJECT (1960) BASH BROS PROJECT (1960)
(93-11483) [5-3-0,37] (93-11485) [4-3-0,21]
THE CURRENT TOP TEAM
SKYLINE (1962)
TEAMS ON THE MOVE TOP CAREER HONORS
Team Name Point Gain Chartered Team
1. SKYLINE (1962) 48
2. JJKIER (1935) 13 GOTHIC HORRORS (1926)
3. BASH BROS PROJECT (1960) 7 Unchartered Team
SKYLINE (1962)
The Top Teams
Career Win-Loss Record W L K % Win-Loss Record Last 3 Turns W L K
1- 1*COMEDY KNIGHT (1943) 5 0 1 100. 1/ 3*SKYLINE (1962) 9 1 0
2/ 2*SKYLINE (1962) 9 1 0 90.0 2- 1*TROUBLEMAKERS (1958) 6 4 0
3/ 4*BASH BROS PROJECT (1960) 23 14 0 62.2 3- 2*COMEDY KNIGHT (1943) 5 0 1
4/ 6*JJKIER (1935) 8 16 0 33.3 4/ 4*BASH BROS PROJECT (1960) 4 5 0
5- 5*TROUBLEMAKERS (1958) 13 32 0 28.9 5/ 6*JJKIER (1935) 2 1 0
6/ 7 GOTHIC HORRORS (1926) 4 14 0 22.2 6/ 5 GOTHIC HORRORS (1926) 0 6 0
'*' Unchartered team '-' Team did not fight this turn
(###) Avoid teams by their Team Id ##/## This turn's/Last turn's rank
TEAM SPOTLIGHT
Training in Basic D2
Skills or Stats?
D2ers often hear a statement similar to this: "Train skills; don't train
stats." The implication or sometimes direct statement is that you will be
sorry if you train stats, especially certain stats. The Consortium opinion is
that, in the majority of circumstances, it is perfectly all right and normal
to train stats, and in some cases it is better to train stats. (This process
of training stats is often called "burning.") The purpose of this document is
to explore stat and skill training and to give the new D2 Manager some ideas
as to if, or when, stat training is either aok or best. The article will also
explore when it is considered best not to train stats. First, to set the
stage, there are several principles, givens, and ideas that the reader must
understand.
Skill training is mostly dependent on WT (e.g., The higher the wit, the more
skills per fight the warrior is likely to learn). It also seems one can learn
more skills fighting a very experience/skilled warrior. (Whom apparently
teaches well?) There is always a luck roll involved. Stat training is rather
highly dependent upon two things:
WL: A warrior's stat learn probability is 5% times the will. (E.g., a warrior
with 10 WL has a (5%x10=50%) 50/50 chance to learn the stat, while a warrior
with 15 WL has a 75% (3 to 1 odds) chance of learning the stat.
The number of stats of that type already trained. A warrior's learning rate for a
specific stat is halved each time he earns one of those stats. For example,
a warrior with 10 will has a 50% (5%x10) of earning a first stat of a type,
but only a 25% (5%x10 halved) of earning the second stat of that type. ((and
on to 12.5% for the third) Realize, however, that it is really 50% for the
1st, 27.5% for the 2nd (since he earned the 1st and is now at 11 WL) and 15%
for the 3rd. (Since he had previously bumped the WL to 12). Note: There is
always a luck/unlucky roll involved.
Training most stats also earns the warrior certain skills. (Check your C.I.C. packet
or the Terrablood or Assur database for skills involved.) There are limits to the
number of stats and skills a warrior can have.
In basic, a warrior can have no higher that 21 of any stat type. A warrior is limited
to earning 20 skills (beyond the initial skills the warrior is "born" with) of each
type in his career. Those 20 skills may come from learning skills or from training a
stat which gives the warrior one or more of those skills. He is deemed "maxed" in that
attribute when he learns the 20th. A warrior can, however, learn more than 20 skills
of a type if he first learns his 20 allowed skills, and then trains stats which give
the warrior one of those specific skills. (This factor is why one often hears "Do not
train stats or you will be sorry".)
Certain stats improve the "physicals" of your warrior (e.g., there is a reasonable
possibility that training ST can improve how much damage your warrior does when he
hits).
With those principles in mind, one can postulate certain scenarios which might provide
a basis for decision-making as to "what to train". These represent, first, the
knowledge necessary, then, The Consortium scenarios for training decision: STATs or
SKILLs?
KNOWLEDGE
* Be aware of the probable skill learn rate. (This is a highly variable number, based
on many, many factors of the game, including luck rolls.) (However WT is the primary
factor.)
* Be aware of the stat training probability for that stat. (Mostly determined by WL.)
* Be aware that virtually everything in D2 has a probable roll or luck factor
* Be aware of the potential "physical" improvement to your warrior for stat training.
* Know which stat trains do not provide any skills (e.g., raising to 12ST improves the
stat, but cannot provide any skills or "burning", while raising to 15ST improves
that stat and provides two "burned" skills, attack and parry). Note: Physicals might
improve in either case.
* Determine if that specific warrior will be enhanced by a possibility of earning more
than 20 skills of a type. (Example, a warrior that is meant for the long-term, or is
deemed to be a near-godling is extremely likely to benefit from the extra skills at
high-ADM classes where every warrior is maxed or near maxed in stats and skills and
every single skill can make a difference in a fight. A warrior who is expected to be
around for a shorter period, or is to be "retired" upon graduation to Lord
Protectorship, will not be around long enough to earn and benefit from the few extra
skills available.
* Know which is likely to benefit your warrior most when you decide to train skills of
a certain stat. (Example: How many skills am I likely to learn if I train skills
verses the probability of learning that specific stat train and the subsequent
physical and skill gain earned.)
CONSORTIUM DECISION MODEL
* Upon rollup, evaluate each warrior and classify: long-term/godling (GOD), possible
long term (PGO), standard warrior/run to graduation (STD).
* Do not train stats on GOD, unless they are non-burning stats.
* Limit training stats on PGO, unless they are non-burning stats, if and when it is
decided that this warrior is definitely not a GOD.
* If a STD, train whatever the manager believes will most enhance the warrior winning
fights.
* When deciding between stat or skill training, compare the probability quantity of
skill earning vs. the probable of learning the chosen stat and its potential
physical and skill contribution.
Perhaps a couple of Consortium examples are in order. Let's consider these two
warriors: 14-7-12-15-20-14-11 striker and 4-10-11-17-17-4-21 aimed-blow.
Although a solid warrior, the striker would be considered STD, especially since
strikers are not considered likely Primus-level styles. The warrior probably rolled
good damage and good endurance. The odds of getting a first stat raise are near 100%
(5%x20, but everything has a "luck" roll). The warrior at 15WT should expect to earn
nearly two skills per turn (Consortium rates 15WT skill learn rate at 1.75ish).
Consortium Managers would plan two immediate "bumps": WL to 21 and ST to 15. Moving to
21 WL gains seven fine skills (2 each Att, Par, Def and 1 Decise) and enhances
physicals a tiny bit. (Adds 0.4 hit points and improves endurance a small amount.)
Training skills would have yielded a probability of two skills, and three if lucky.
The choice to train WL is a no-brainer. The 2nd plan train to 15ST is also a good one.
At 15 ST, two skills are earned, attack and parry. The 15ST also enhances weapon
selection, making the striker now strong enough to carry certain "larger weapons" with
no penalty. (The battle axe is an often favored weapon of Consortiumites -- and
probably should be a favorite of yours.) The 15ST also has the possibility of raising
the warrior's damage rating from good to great. Consortium places this damage bump
odds at 4-1, appx 20% likely.) Compared to the probability of learning 2 skills (or an
unlucky 1 or a lucky 3) the 15ST raise seems like a good one. There are no more
planned raises for this warrior, but that does not preclude that a Consortium manager
might not later attempt an additional ST raise to 16 (if great damage was not
attained) and a raise to 8 CN, especially if the warrior has a "frail" rating.
Warrior #2, the aimer, is rated a GOD. There would be no planned stat raises to the
warrior, training skill all the way until maxed. However, there would be no reason not
to consider CN raises, as no CN raise burns skills and every aimer can use additional
hit points. This choice would need to be balanced against the probability of earning
2.25 skills per turn (Consortium rating). One additional consideration should be
given. If this warrior rolled "little damage", (normal damage is more likely) the bump
to 5ST could be what is needed to get normal damage. The raising of that stat "burns"
a parry and an attack skill, however. For a long-term warrior, especially an aimer
which can use little-damage somewhat effectively, this bump would probably not be
recommended.
In conclusion, there is no absolute when it comes to training skills or stats.
Training stats is certainly not a no-no. Burning skills can be inconsequential.
Physical and skill gains from stats can greatly enhance the warrior and the W/L
record. But, like most other decisions in D2, there is a trade-off. Burning stats on a
long-term, ADM+ warrior could prove damaging to the warrior's long-term health. Choose
wisely rather than automatically.
Perhaps this quote from another player's article will enhance your understanding?
"Raising stats: Care must be taken in doing this. All fighters start out with the
ability to learn 20 skills each in the categories of Defense, Parry, Riposte, Attack,
Decisiveness, and Initiative. When you learn all 120 skills, you've maxed out. You
can get skills through normal learns, or by raising stats; however, if you raise stats
BEFORE you max out (except for Con which has no skills), anything gained will count as
one of the 20. This is called "burning" skills. If, on the other hand, you wait
until you've maxed out, then raising stats will add those imbedded skills to the ones
you've learned, enabling you to exceed your limits. But raising stats will give an
immediate boost to your abilities. It's a question of short term vs. long term gain."
-- Explorer, Skyline (Consortium affiliated)
SPY REPORT
Greetings, warriors of NOBLISH ISLAND! Once again I've been called out of
retirement for my abilities and insights into Spyreporting. Woof! TROUBLEMAKERS
were a bunch of dogs after SKYLINE got through with 'em! 2nd ain't so sweet as 1st!
What's with SKYSCRAPER? It actually beat NOBLISH ISLAND's EMBEZZLING SCRIBE, and
walked away with 18 more points from the fight. Major screwup at BASH BROS PROJECT.
BORING lost 6 points to SHIELDER. Some new strategies, perhaps? Maybe BORING will
provide more easy wins... Har har har! Did ATAVISTA wimp out, or just get lazy?
Anyway, she's not Duelmaster anymore. I'm sure NOBLISH ISLAND is excited about
OVERDO, the new Duelmaster from BASH BROS PROJECT. (remember?) But when you've seen
as many as I have... Wouldn't it be nice to have live subjects to practice on? I
hear some team is looking into the uses of convicted prisoners.
Speaking of cowardly avoiders and unfair challenges... NOBLISH ISLAND thinks
BASH BROS PROJECT and their 23-14-0 is too much! If at first you don't succeed, give
up... In my day, no team with a 21-11-0 would scare me off! What's the problem,
SKYLINE?
Warriors of NOBLISH ISLAND unite. You have only your games to lose! Here's
some advice: study your opponent, master many skills, fight dirty.
Who knows what the future holds for a warrior. More fights, there's no doubt.
NOBLISH ISLAND is a nice place to live, but I don't like to live in nice places. I
don't want to overstay my welcome...-- Olaf Modeen
DUELMASTER W L K POINTS TEAM NAME
OVERDO 11483 5 3 0 37 BASH BROS PROJECT (1960)
ADEPTS W L K POINTS TEAM NAME
-ATAVISTA 11465 5 4 0 47 TROUBLEMAKERS (1958)
CHALLENGER INITIATES W L K POINTS TEAM NAME
SHIELDER 11336 4 3 0 32 JJKIER (1935)
HARD WORK 11484 5 3 0 28 BASH BROS PROJECT (1960)
MOUNTAIN 11502 2 0 0 27 SKYLINE (1962)
SKYSCRAPER 11505 2 0 0 25 SKYLINE (1962)
SCOPE CREEP 11487 6 2 0 24 BASH BROS PROJECT (1960)
-BARBELA BLOODSTONE 11467 3 6 0 24 TROUBLEMAKERS (1958)
INITIATES W L K POINTS TEAM NAME
CUMULO NIMBUS 11506 2 0 0 22 SKYLINE (1962)
-BATTLESHIP KATE 11490 2 4 0 22 TROUBLEMAKERS (1958)
BORING 11485 4 3 0 21 BASH BROS PROJECT (1960)
-IRON MCGINTY 11489 2 4 0 16 TROUBLEMAKERS (1958)
-SIR JERRY 11379 1 0 0 15 COMEDY KNIGHT (1943)
-SIR PRYSIN 11382 1 0 0 14 COMEDY KNIGHT (1943)
INITIATES W L K POINTS TEAM NAME
TREE 11504 2 0 0 13 SKYLINE (1962)
-DAME MAIM 11381 1 0 0 13 COMEDY KNIGHT (1943)
-SIR RENITEE 11378 1 0 1 12 COMEDY KNIGHT (1943)
BEAST 11275 2 5 0 11 GOTHIC HORRORS (1926)
BLOWER 11334 2 5 0 11 JJKIER (1935)
ARCH 11503 1 1 0 10 SKYLINE (1962)
-SIR CULL 11380 1 0 0 10 COMEDY KNIGHT (1943)
KATANA 11273 2 3 0 9 GOTHIC HORRORS (1926)
RIPOSTER 11335 1 1 0 9 JJKIER (1935)
-AFNORD FORGETHIM 11501 0 3 0 3 TROUBLEMAKERS (1958)
UNFINISHED 11508 0 1 0 1 BASH BROS PROJECT (1960)
-SOPHIEA 11274 0 1 0 1 GOTHIC HORRORS (1926)
'-' denotes a warrior who did not fight this turn.
THE DEAD W L K TEAM NAME SLAIN BY TURN Revenge?
STAR 11277 0 3 0 GOTHIC HORRORS 1926 SIR RENITEE 11378 693
PERSONAL ADS
Whiting, was that another winning record turn?! Yeah! -- Explorer
ADM = Advanced Duelmasters; graduate an arena warrior with (approx numbers) 20+
fights, 14+wins 2+ experts in skills and advance immortally to an advanced arena
(triple digit number) and fight similar warriors from all other arenas. -- Explorer
What!!!??? A starting 5-0 turn? My proud warriors might be good (and might not), but
not THAT good! -- Explorer
Whiting, keep trying, Chatzy is a little delicate. You will make it in. Managers are
usually on there from appx 7:30AM to past midnight EST. (Even Assur and The Consortium
now and then.) -- Explorer
Atavista, a great Duelmaster! Salute. -- All us Skyliners (including Explorer)
LAST WEEK'S FIGHTS
OVERDO devastated BLOWER in a 1 minute mismatched Title fight.
HARD WORK slimly lost to DANGEROUS CRIMINAL in a action packed 3 minute brutal battle.
BORING was luckily beaten by SHIELDER in a 4 minute duel.
BEAST was bested by TREE in a 3 minute contest.
SCOPE CREEP defeated ARCH in a 2 minute fight.
RIPOSTER subdued UNFINISHED in a 2 minute amateur's competition.
KATANA was vanquished by CUMULO NIMBUS in a 1 minute mismatched fight.
MOUNTAIN overpowered EMBEZZLING SCRIBE in a 1 minute mismatched brawl.
SKYSCRAPER overpowered EMBEZZLING SCRIBE in a 1 minute uneven melee.
BATTLE REPORT
MOST POPULAR RECORD DURING THE LAST 10 TURNS
|FIGHTING STYLE FIGHTS FIGHTING STYLE W - L - K PERCENT|
|LUNGING ATTACK 3 TOTAL PARRY 18 - 6 - 0 75 |
|BASHING ATTACK 3 SLASHING ATTACK 12 - 7 - 0 63 |
|TOTAL PARRY 2 WALL OF STEEL 8 - 5 - 1 62 |
|PARRY-RIPOSTE 2 STRIKING ATTACK 21 - 14 - 1 60 |
|AIMED BLOW 2 LUNGING ATTACK 15 - 11 - 0 58 |
|SLASHING ATTACK 1 BASHING ATTACK 15 - 15 - 0 50 |
|STRIKING ATTACK 1 PARRY-RIPOSTE 6 - 7 - 0 46 |
|WALL OF STEEL 1 PARRY-LUNGE 5 - 8 - 0 38 |
|PARRY-LUNGE 0 PARRY-STRIKE 6 - 10 - 1 38 |
|PARRY-STRIKE 0 AIMED BLOW 4 - 7 - 0 36 |
Turn 695 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:
SLASHING ATTACK 1 - 0 LUNGING ATTACK 1 - 2 3 LUNGING ATTACK
STRIKING ATTACK 1 - 0 BASHING ATTACK 1 - 2 2 SLASHING ATTACK
TOTAL PARRY 2 - 0 AIMED BLOW 0 - 2 2 STRIKING ATTACK
WALL OF STEEL 1 - 0 PARRY-LUNGE 0 - 0 1 AIMED BLOW
PARRY-RIPOSTE 1 - 1 PARRY-STRIKE 0 - 0 1 BASHING ATTACK
1 PARRY-LUNGE
1 TOTAL PARRY
TOP WARRIOR OF EACH STYLE
FIGHTING STYLE WARRIOR W L K PNTS TEAM NAME
LUNGING ATTACK OVERDO 11483 5 3 0 37 BASH BROS PROJECT (1960)
Note: Warriors have a winning record and are an Adept or Above.
The overall popularity leader is OVERDO 11483. The most popular warrior this turn
was BORING 11485. The ten other most popular fighters were ARCH 11503, HARD WORK
11484, BEAST 11275, UNFINISHED 11508, OVERDO 11483, SKYSCRAPER 11505, SCOPE CREEP
11487, CUMULO NIMBUS 11506, MOUNTAIN 11502, and SHIELDER 11336.
The least popular fighter this week was KATANA 11273. The other ten least popular
fighters were TREE 11504, BLOWER 11334, RIPOSTER 11335, SHIELDER 11336, MOUNTAIN
11502, CUMULO NIMBUS 11506, SCOPE CREEP 11487, SKYSCRAPER 11505, OVERDO 11483, and
UNFINISHED 11508.