Reprints of DoS/Dueling Today

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:: on the cover... a photo of WizSlinger and Broadway Dan both casting Reflect, and ending up in
an infinite loop, with zillions of them both lined up. DOS TODAY printed across the top::

* * *

DoS TODAY Vol.1 Issue 3

Contents:
Letters to the Editor page 2
Editorial page 3
Advert for Dark Axe's lessons page 4
Report on Duel of Magic page 5
Advert for Arelia's Trinkets page 7
Hedda Hat's First column page 8
Advert for Dark Axe's Cologne page 10
Advert for Chanson's Musical Day Care page 11
Report on Questrion page 12
Advert for Gaijin's HSN page 13
Report on the Dueler's Challenge page 15
Advert for Gloin's Weapon O-rama page 16
Report on the Ladies from Hades page 17
Late-breaking news page 19

Staff: Oscar Madison, Editor in chief
Broadway Dan, Associate Editor
Hedda Hat, Columnist

* * *
page 2

Letters to the Editor:

Editor,

As usual, I'm writing after the event. Since I could barely talk last night.
I always thought "friends" didn't challenge friends for the title of
Overlord, silly me. Thank you all for being there and your kind words, sorry
to have disappointed you.
Suz and Cobra, thanks for the laughs.
Siera you did a great job.
Xeno, I just want to thank you in public. Thanks for being there.
Vix, congratulations again.
Hail the new Overlord.

~Amaltea thu-Darelir
Warlord of DoS

Dear Editor,
I'd just like to begin by sayin' that ye' have done an excellent job. As a
dedicated dueler i feel that ye' have truly managed to capture the feel of
thin's. Ye'r articles have been informative and well-written, and the
pictures help give it even more flavor (I especially liked the one of my
sweetheart and I ). Altogether I hope to receive DoS Today for a long time
to come.
That bein' said... the point of this letter is to inquire more about ye'r
editorial "To Jump or not to jump." My question bein' this: What exactly
would the move do for ye'? Obviously it would give an advantage over the Low
Cut... but would it be able to gain advantages of the parries as does the
duck? And what if one jumped and his/her opponent ducked? While I admit that
an additional move holds some appeal for me, I'd like to know more about it.
If ye've got the room..perhaps a follow-up story may be in order.... an
perhaps even a readers poll to see if there is a consensuses among duelers..
Lookin' forward to yer next issue...
Kalamere Ar'Din...

All right... a readers poll. Who's in favor of a jump? ~Ed.

* * *
page 3

Honor. It is a word that rings across duel of swords basement like a bell on a sailing ship. In the
past there have been different interpretations of honor within the dueling community. There is a
school of thought that says you don't try to win on a fancy if you only need half a point to win.
There is another school of thought that says win at all costs. There are conventions that we all
adhere to in dueling. Bowing or saluting our opponent and our referee. Being a gracious loser as
well as a gracious winner. Some may think that all this convention to politeness is a waste of time
and a sham. It is not. Honor serves a very useful purpose within our framework.
The best illustration comes when two friends enter the ring to duel. Whatever the outcome,
whatever actions are taken during the duel, all these should be forgotten in that last salute or bow.
So that when the pair step from the ring, their friendship should remain. For rank is a fleeting
thing, but friendship should not be. It has been said that friends should not challenge friends
within the ring. If this were truly the case, I think many of us would rapidly run out of dueling
partners. Honor reminds us of this as we bow and salute at the end. The duel is done, but life is
not.
Honor also reminds us that while we are dueling our enemies must also be treated with courtesy,
and the bow and salute at the end of this duel reminds us that hostilities can begin again.
Without honor there would be no duel of swords--there would be rudeness and mayhem, and no
one would enjoy the game. But that's just my opinion...
~Oscar Madison

* * *

:: Page four opens to a full length photo of Dark Axe, posed in a dueling stance, wearing a light
leather dueling vest, leather trousers, his long tawny hair held in the back by a single silver clasp.
A large sign is seen in the background, it reads 'Come today! Join Ulath's dueling lessons Inc.!
Drop a note to Ulath for details!' ::

* * *
page 5

:: a large photo faces the article on the next page depicting Vega Dragon firing off three meteors
at Sorsha W, who reflects them back at him in an explosion of rock.

Page 6

Duel of Magic: An exploration into a new realm?
By Broadway Dan

On Saturday night, this reporter went on assignment for DoS Today for the first time. Readers,
I found something that will shock veteran duelers, and may even surprise duelers new to the field.
I found the Duel of Magic.
This is a new spin off, from the long line of Duel of Swords and Duel of Fists, except that the
fighting rather than physical, is all mental. The moves have been changed slightly, so that novice
mages get fewer moves in their spellbooks, and as one gains in rank, one is allowed to add spells.
In addition, while there are more moves available to the higher ranked mages than the Duel of
Swords has, there are fewer for the beginner, which may make it easier to learn the new system,
while also letting higher ranked duelers learn new moves to change their matrix tables.

After participating in, and winning two duels, I'd have to say that the Duel of Magic is
surprisingly good. From reading about it ahead of time, I would have thought that it would be a
very close copy of Duel of Swords, as the Duel of Fists turned out to be. However, it is only
loosely based on the same system, and is more new than old.

::photo: BrdwayDan slinging a Mage Bolt through WizSlinger's Arctic Blast,
with a burst of blue flame.::

Although still in testing and revising stages, RDI Klytus and RDI Kira, the two referees, feel
that it has made a good first showing.

::photo: RDI Kira and Klytus calling the Duels from the safety of the Ref's couch, with several
explosions visible in the background.::

The new offensive moves available to beginners are:
Mind Whip- a narrow psionic blast
Mage Bolt- a bolt made of magical energy
Wizard Blades- 3 whirling blades
Shield- a shield-sized force field
Displacement- teleport 2 feet in a random direction
Armor- gives the mage skin like steel
In addition, as the mage increases, the following spells are open for use:
Meteor Shower- 3 flaming meteors
Arctic Blast- blankets an area with ice and cold
Reflection- a mirror-shield for turning attacks against the user
Ghostform - makes the caster non-corporeal, just like a ghost

For the two highest ranks of mages, an eleventh spell is allowed, called Dispel. This simply
counters any offensive spell directed at the mage.

Overall, I'd have to say I prefer this system to the other two Duels. DoS Today looks forward
to the official opening of the Duel of Magic.

* * *

An interview with Mike McJaggerz, professional WizSlinger, and Duel of Magic tester
By Broadway Dan

Today, DoS Today got a chance to speak to Mike McJaggerz, also known as
WizSlinger. Mike is the most experienced beta tester of the new system of
dueling, the Duel of Magic.

DoS Today: So, Mike, how do you feel about the new system?
Mike McJaggerz: I think it works well. [Duel of Magic] is very different
from the other Duels. More fun, though.
DT: In what way?
MM: I like the fact that the moves have changed so much. It's a whole new
system to learn, completely different from the Duel of Swords. I think
that DoM will go far in the Red Dragon Inn.
DT: For how long have you been involved with the testing?
MM: Since the beginning. As I said before, I've dueled the most in the play
testing. From what I've seen so far, I think that the Duel of Magic is a
good system, and will get a large following.
DT: Thank you for your time, Mike.
MM: My pleasure, Dan.

This editor also interviewed Ulath DarkAxe about the playability of the magical game, and
Ulath's response was very favorable:

DosToday: So how was it?
Dark Axe: I've never felt such power flow from my very fingertips as I cast a Magebolt. ::shrug::
It's difficult to explain. The power coursing through your very veins is truly an unusual feeling.
I've also been able to use spells such as Arctic blast for mischievous reasons in the RDI.. ::winks::
DT: How about experienced magicians? Won't they feel rather uncomfortable going back to the
basics for the purposes of the game?
DA: Well, no. Klytus, whom is well-known for being an accomplished mage is phenomenal at
the game. He tells me that just being able to best someone else in spellcasting is as exhilarating
for him, as for me. It is different, I suppose, casting at a defenseless, non-magic user. Though I
haven't really tried that much. And also, some of the spells that can be learned are very advanced.
He uses those spells frequently. I'm sure even *he* learns a bit from the game.
DT: So it is fun?
DA: Oh tremendously fun. I think you could assume that, aye.

And that is the Duel of Magic. For more information e-mail RDI Klytus or read the Duel of
Magic folder in Red Dragon Innsights.

* * *

::Page 7 opens onto a large colorful ad with salve tins surrounding several swords and other
dueling paraphernalia::
ARELIA'S TRINKETS your one stop shopping location. Carrying all your dueling needs from
swords to clothing to banners with your favorite dueler's name printed on them. Also the
exclusive supplier of Potion's Miracle Salve. Fresh from the lass herself. As always... mention the
Duel of anything and get 25% off your purchase. So drop by Arelia's today.
Located conveniently next to the Red Dragon Inn for your convenience.

* * *
page 8

PLAIN AND FANCIES
by Hedda Hat

************************************************************************
I'll make thee glorious by my pen, And famous by my sword ~James Graham, 1612-1650
************************************************************************

In this inaugural column, let me make it clear that I am a novice to the sport of sword dueling.
This ignorance will undoubtedly lead to errors in my writing. Please do not hesitate to teach me,
if you see me about. However, realize, if you will, that my focus is not really on the dueling but
rather on the duelers and fans of the sport. In this endeavor, I have certain standards to which I
will adhere:
1. I will write what I hear from an individual directly
2. In the absence of the above, I attempt to confirm the truth of any rumor
3. If neither of the above can be achieved, I will use my best judgment in printing any story I
hear. I invite anyone who has a story you want told or investigated to contact me. I will do my
best to respond.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Recently while visiting the Star's End Bar (and I recommend it highly for a chat in more intimate
surroundings than those of the various Inns and the duelling hall), I noticed several dramas
unfolding...among them the announcement by Gloin's beloved Bela Donna of her pregnancy -
much, it appeared, to the delight of Gloin.
Further, the shock that greeted the appearance of RavHawthrn, who much resembles Poison
San, was remarkable to see...Lady Lyre and Duke Anton Glorhenath (who is NOT, I am assured,
related to Susan Anton) visibly paled. The Duke even dropped his ale glass - not sure of the last
time that happened! Raven, who is barely speaking with her family for reasons yet unknown, was
unaware of the wreck which apparently killed her sister. The question is...why did Raietha,
cousin to Raven and Poison, give the sapphire-encrusted locket to Lyre and not to Raven? The
locket had belonged to Raven's mother. The locket seems to contain pictures of Raven and Poison
San...the twins. And how exactly did Poison die? Interesting questions with interesting
answers....
Duels, duels, duels...in the recent title bout between Amaltea and Vixxenish...there was a
halcyon air about the dueling hall. Kisses, hugs, longing glances, jealous gazes, and an absence of
shame were remarkably present. The duel even seemed secondary to the overheated quality of
the room. Suzielle, resplendent in nothing, kissed and fondled a number of willing individuals
while Dark Axe and Graciana exchanged intimacies in the front row. Others, distracted by the
slow pace of the duel, entertained themselves with clever quips at one another's expense. All in
all, quite a collection of characters... and a delightful evening for a writer such as your humble
author. Speaking of Dark Axe... what happened with him, Lady Nala and Jonalyn?

::photos of Dark Axe winking at Jola Feren, with her in the foreground. A tattoo of DA's family
crest clearly visible on Jola's chest; Jola Feren rushing over to help a victorious, yet bloodied
Dark Axe from the ring; and finally the happy couple leaving together.::

Stay tuned... Whatever happened to Falon? Anyone seen him lately? Perhaps he'll now
challenge Vixxenish - hoping to win the title he could not wrest from Amaltea... Oh...and sorry to
be dense, all...but can anyone explain the scoring to me in a way I can understand? You know, I
won't tell anyone!!! I'd just like to follow the action a tad more intelligently. Speaking of duels
and scores ... what accounts for Feadur's recent string of losses? He asserts that, "The return of
my hands is unsettling." Others say that it's really his swordsibling who is unsettling him.
Hey..speaking of confusion...where was RDI Gidra last Friday? Or was it two Fridays ago? Oh,
well... mail me with any interesting stories or leads...discretion promised and delivered.

* * *

::page 10 opens onto a full page black and white photo of Dark Axe laying on his back in the DoS
room, an arm propping his head up. His upper body bare, glistened with water droplets, covering
the entire page, bronze skin gleaming with the reflection of the light.. on the top, in large bold
letters "Duel of Sword's Armor.... a refreshing new fragrance.".. at the bottom of the page is a
flap that when opened reveals a strong whiff of cologne, and a long yellow tab, with instructions
to rub a wrist on the tab and pick up the refreshing fragrance of Armor::

* * *

::page 11 opens to a full page photo of a large, relaxed-looking crowd in a nightclub, watching a
band onstage perform.::

"Music is Magic Nightclub, where music is a way of life. Whether you simply want a night out on
the town, or whether you need to unwind (or celebrate) after an evening of dueling, stop by, meet
our friendly staff, and see performers that are world-famous both in RhyDin and back on Earth.

Also announcing a Saturday afternoon special -- Children's afternoon. Got a tough duel lined up
for Saturday night? Need a little peace from the children, or just some practice time. Bring your
child to the Music is Magic Children's Afternoon, where your child(ren) will be able not only to
listen to their favorites, but also perform them. Refreshments to be provided. Donations go
towards a RhyDin halfway house for orphans, runaways, and those in trouble.

The Music is Magic Nightclub is located in the From the Dragons Mouth message board."

* * *
Page 12

This Week at QUESTRION

This editor went to the tourney at Questrion this weekend and tried out a little dueling to see
how it felt. Needless to say it was an enjoyable experience, and I was greeted warmly by Lord
Valmion and his lovely wife Alaisia. The results of the duels are as follows:

Round 1

OIC Blank defeated Amaltea
Maloria drew a bye
DoSEditor defeated Feadur
Valmion drew a bye

Round 2

OIC Blank defeated Maloria
DoSEditor defeated Valmion

Round 3

OIC Blank defeated DoSEditor

Championship Match

OIC Blank defeated Fetherstaf

I myself competed with my pen, proving that on some occasions the pen *is* mightier than the
sword. Dropping by to say hello was the very honorable Shadowrun known to many as the
Bishop.

* * *

::page 13 & 14 open to a huge holographic ad that pops out at you::

::a hologram of Gaijin herself, back to the view, wearing a Duel of Swords puntmonster leather
jacket, and matching Duel of Swords Practice sweatsuit in her trademark purple and gold::

::to her left, Talldeer, looking very much put-upon, wearing a Duel of Swords baseball cap::
::to her right, Dolby, (Gaijin's NPC - See the Rhy Din Shopping Network Folder) grinning
vapidly, wearing an oversized T-Shirt reading "I (heart) Amaltea, The Overlady"::
::To Talldeer's left, Kyle (see Dolby, above) brandishing a plastic sports bottle bearing the words
"Can't you see I'm practicing for the Duel of Swords?" in the background, Spyke23, and OIC
Blank, giving rabbit ears to Dolby and Talldeer with their fingers::

::in the background are sword sheathes, and a plethora of other dueling memorabilia and
supplies::

::underneath the holo, the caption, in glowing letters: "The RhyDin Shopping Network: For All
Your Duel of Swords Needs!"::

* * *
page 15

:: a photo of four rings of duelers concentration furrowing their brows (all except Vix who know
that if you furrow your brow too much you'll get wrinkles!), RDI Amal sitting in the foreground,
her back to the camera::

Dueler's Challenge-- SEPTEMBER

Sixteen contestants duked it out over the weekend in a fanciless tournament provided by the
official DoS staff. The grand prize in the tournament was five free hours and there were many
people very interested in getting in on that little gem.
The results were as follows:

Vixxenish def. PsiMystic
MarcAdamas def. Valmion
Suzielle won by default against Roustam (he didn't show up)
OIC Blank def. Merilsa
Alaisia def. Harkur
RobinELee won by default against RaineFlwr (didn't show up)
LordDekyan def. Fetherstaff
Dark Axe won by default against Siera Red (didn't show up)

Second night:

Vixxenish def. MarcAdamas
Suzielle def. OIC Blank
Alaisia def. RobinELee
LordDekyan def. Dark Axe

And the winners are:
First place: Vixxenish
Second: LordDekyan
Third: Alaisia
Fourth: Suzielle

The first four received from 5-2 free hours for their efforts. They were good duels all around,
and this editor would like to see this event expanded from 16 contestants to possibly 32 with
perhaps two grand prize winners. There are certainly enough duelers and RDIs around to warrant
a good hard look at this.

* * *

Page 16

::a small ad appears on the next page::
Gloin's Weapon-O-rama
Servicing the greater RhyDIn area for over 146 years
Sharpening and Cleaning Service
New and Used Weapons Sales
Consignments Negotiable
No job too small
Specializing in Swords and Axes
Ask about our exclusive "Tempered Mithril" coating process

"Shop conveniently located 3 doors south of the Red Dragon Inn"

::under the ad are photos from Sunday night's duels::

:: photo of PsiMystic dueling an unidentified man who seems to bear malice from those around
him. The figures in the fore and background are all glaring at the fellow. A photo of Binzo (how
was it you spelled that name again??) being hugged to death by the usual gang. A photo of
SlothShamn and Suzielle dueling up a charming food fight. And from the photo archives and a
loyal reader... a photo of Jade One in his famed Mickey Mouse boxers after a strip duel with Mika
Leigh::

* * *

page 17

LADIES FROM HADES

::photo of the two ladies saluting each other in the ring::

Last night the Lady Overlord Amaltea faced her second challenge in the person of Vixxenish1,
before a large crowd of fans. The pomp and vitality of these two ladies was nearly enough to
bring tears to the eyes of this aging reporter, and would have if he'd been able to keep his eyes off
the very naked Suzielle.
The caller was again the very talented Siera Redwin, as good a ref as you'd ever want to see, and
a darn fine writer, if she ever loses her RDI job...
The two ladies stepped into the ring last evening and brandished their weapons. Amaltea used as
normal her sword. Vixxenish chose the deadlyduelingdishrag for her challenge. The seconds for
the evening were Alkron (GldenSword) and famed Barbarian Gray Max. Amaltea fought in
honor of her husband, former Overlord Xenograg, and Miss Vixxenish fought in honor of Phylos,
famed holder of one of the most incomprehensible accents this world has ever seen.
The duel was tense. Both ladies showed the strain of the fight. Amaltea was even more silent
than normal and Vixxenish chose to bite her dishrag a few times to try and ease the tension.
When it was all over however, a champion had fallen, and a new Overlord stood in her place.
Miss Vixxenish triumphed to become the second Lady Overlord of the Duel of Swords.

The match:

Amaltea Vixxenish1
Round 1 Fancy sidestep High cut
Round 2 Fancy circular parry Thrust
Round 3 Slash Stop hit
Round 4 Fancy sidestep Fancy circular parry
Round 5 Stop hit Fancy sidestep
Round 6 Thrust Stop hit
Round 7 Low cut Fancy high cut

The end was short and sweet. Former Overlord Xenograg tried to argue with the scoring for a
moment. Former Overlord Amaltea saluted quickly and hurried out. Miss Vixxenish had a
prepared statement... several in fact (Julius Caesar's ear speech and Lincoln's Gettysburg Address)
but the wrong ones so she had this to say instead:

"I evidently don't have a speech, but I appreciate your kind presence here tonight. It was your
nice thoughts and kind words that helped me stophit and also you inundation of IMs that helped
me to thrust when I shoulda hi cut... but I digress.. what I mean to say is thanks and always
remember... ::photo of the smiling Overlord:: pink is now the official color of DoS :) ;) ;)"

DoS TODAY had an exclusive interview with the Lady Overlord before last night's match...

::Photo of the lovely Miss Vixxenish wearing a pink linen suit with matching pumps balancing her
checkbook on the end of her foot::

DoS Today: How are you preparing yourself for this challenge?
Vixxenish1: Well...I have been doubling my morning bran...
DT: How would you feel about being the 2nd lady Overlord?
V: Well....I guess it's okay if they have already chosen the first one..
DT: Would you make the duelers wear color coordinated outfits whilst under your jurisdiction?
V: ::claps hands together:: oh, wouldn't that be lovely...I mean I can just see it now!! Beautiful
hot pink tops and nicely fitted hot pink skirts with matching shoes and the silkiest hose.... now of
course the men wouldn't have to wear all of that... I never did think much of men in hosiery
actually.. tho men's hosiery was a fashionable item long before women's, you know..in fact ::runs
out of room:::
DT: What is your relationship with the strangely-accented, eccentric Max?
V: No comment.
DT: I understand you are building a house. How is that going along?
V: Well...since I got my hammer and nail at Arelia's Shoppe, I seem to be getting along better. I
have a nice board nailed up where I plan to construct the dining nook....Construction is a tricky
business--one wrong move and it's Goodbye Manicure!!
DT: How long have you been dueling? And how long have you been a warlord?
V: I've actually been dueling longer than I've been a warlord. It's been a long, long time. Let's
see.. ::looks at her records:: oh yes, I mortgaged the house in January, then there was the sale of
the jewelry and the auctioning of the household furnishings...hmmm..I'd say about a year and a
half now....
DT: Thank you for the interview
V: Do you know who's catering the affair?

All hail the new Overlord! Vixxenish1!

This editor also interviewed Vixxenish1's dueling instructor of a long time ago, Gray Max, and
asked him what he thought. He reported that he was quite proud of her. When asked however
about his plans for the future, and especially his plans to duel the flamboyant MadMadMax, the
barbarian became silent. When asked about his relationship to the eccentric duelist, the barbarian
stood and ended the interview. I think I'll turn this one over to Hedda.

* * *

Page 19

Late-breaking News:

ConnorMcld beat MadMadMax to move up in rank over the weekend. He has now issued
challenge to QnLuthien. Proving that despite the best efforts... the list we printed out last week is
wrong again. So from here on we will be dropping the warlord list. If you announce your
intentions to us via e-mail, we'll be glad to publish the results and challenges.
Dark Axe has challenged Xenograg for the next spot up the ladder.
The player behind Lord Dekyan announced yesterday that as he has been accepted at a
prestigious Aikido Dojo in Japan, and will sadly be leaving us soon.

* * *

As always... you can reach the staff of DoSToday at the following e-mail addresses:
DoSEditor, BrdwayDan, Hedda Hat.

Disclaimer:

DoS Today is an independently produced magazine in no way affiliated with the official DOS
game or AOL. The information herein should not be considered the views of AOL or its staff.
Thank you.

Happy Dueling!

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