Reprints of DoS/Dueling Today
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::on the cover this time, Photo: <<Percival swings fancily around Jake's Snap kick to earn the
last point, and secure the tournament's victory>> Caption: "The kick is wide, and Percival
retains his title with this Fancy dodge."
At the top of the cover in large print, "DUELING TODAY"::
DUELING TODAY Volume 3, Issue 9
Contents:
Advert for Red Oaks Stable page 2
Letters to the Editor page 3
Advert for RhyDin Manor Apts. page 4
Plain and Fancies page 5
Advert for Red Orc Brewery page 6
Report from the Arena page 7
Report from Twilight Island page 8
Report from the Outback page 9
Advert for the White Rose page 10
Advert for Garden Day Care page 11
DoF Photospread page 12
Interview with Diamond Percy page 13
Advert for Larana's Love Loft page 14
Advert for Arelia's Trinkets page 15
Staff: Oscar Madison, Founding Editor (DoSEditor)
Johanna Gutenbergh, Editor (Gutenbergh)
Hedda Hat, Columnist (HeddaHat)
Jake Thrash, DoF correspondent (JakeThrash)
Devon Goral, Roving Reporter (DevonGoral)
R Lupton, Roving Reporter (RLupton)
Shannon Colton, Photographs (ShanniCltn)
Gnimish Gnimoi, DoS Photographer (Gnimish RW)
Rennor Christy, DoS correspondent (Rennor111)
* * *
page 2
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* * *
Page 3
Dear Editor,
Why would a successful dueler retire at what appears to be the height of her
career? Many people have asked me that, and so I thought I should answer in
the pages of the magazine that has meant the most to me in my dueling career.
If you should like it plainly the firing of the small beaver has shaken my
faith in the veracity of the callers within the basement. I had my doubts
about the place when a duel I rightly won went to my opponent. That the the
beaver, who was outspoken and yet staunchly for the rights of the
participants, was fired only raises further doubts in my mind. It does
explain why it took me so long to reach Warlord when more popular members of
the community are able to reach that lofty goal within one weekend. With
such a stink surrounding the sport, it seemed the time to move along.
I would be interested in hearing well thought out arguments to the contrary.
Surely my faith in dueling would love to be restored, but I fear that the
only one who could eloquently argue that dueling is not in trouble is the
feared-dead Bishop.
Merilsa MacDonnly
Dear Merlisa,
I have fought but three duels in the basement Arena. I lost the first, rather badly, and won the
last two. There is little I can say as to the truthfulness of the callers. In my limited experience,
they have been accurate enough. I have heard that there are duels occasionally mis-reported to
the standings keeper, and occasionally duels which are listed to misspelled screen names. But as
for deliberate "fixing" of the calls, I have been given no evidence. The beaver has joined,
seeming involuntarily, a long list of folks who no longer frequent RhyDin. Of there many, I
knew only the barest few, surely to my loss. The beaver I did know, and miss. I regret I will not
have the opportunity to know yet another fine dueler who is retiring, namely your self.
- Johanna Gutenbergh.
Letter to the Editor
In regards to the recently held Warlord Tourney, I'd like to express my
unhappiness with the method used to resolve ties. While the overall event
went well, and it was enjoyable to see the high degree of skill displayed by
the participants, I felt that the methodology of using wins over losses from
the regular standings to resolve ties was both unfair and poorly considered.
The premise of any tournament must be even footing. While it is perfectly
acceptable to use wins over losses to seed the first round of event, that is
only a starting point. To take wins and losses any further into the
tournament invalidates the notion of equal standing. By definition, under
this method those with a higher wins over losses record have a better chance
of winning. This is grossly unfair to the younger duelers who have worked
hard to win the chance to participate in the tournament, and may have dueled
extraordinarily well, but will automatically lose because they haven't got an
arbitrary number of regular wins under their belt.
It has been suggested that anyone who disagreed with the methodology
should have said so before the event took place, and I will grant that there
is validity to this statement. However, I would like to suggest that perhaps
there were others like myself who did not realize quite what was meant by
wins over losses and presumed that it referred to wins over losses in
relation to the tournament itself somehow. C'est la vie. What's done is
done.
In the future, however, I hope that we shall never again see this
methodology used.
Signed,
Dueler who seeks a fair chance
Dear Dueler,
I also hope that one of the widely available methods for resolving ties will take the place of the
"wins-over-losses" used in the last tournament. Personally, I like the idea of resolving ties with
combat rather than mathematics. So it makes the tournament longer. Isn't dueling what we're
here for?
- Johanna Gutenbergh.
* * *
page 4
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* * *
Page 5
PLAIN AND FANCIES
by Hedda Hat
*****************************************************
Love and scandal are the best sweeteners of tea.
Henry Fielding
1707-1754
*****************************************************
It's May and I have to note no one's asking "May I"...they just proceed without permission. But
then, it's the season of men's fancies and women's follies, some say. My first item goes beyond
fancy or folly, however, and into the realm of what's shocking. The story starts when young
Faedor Ferenczy - and I don't swear by the spelling, dears; I've only heard it whispered - broke
the hand of one Michael Jones. The offense of said Jones was, reportedly, that he dated Faedor's
sister Faenia. Now, if Mr. Jones had first hurt Ms. Ferenczy, this would be understandable. But
it was a date. Those in the Red Star bar at the time say Faedor's act and words seemed consistent
with that of a jealous lover. So what is it all about? An overly-protective brother? An excess of
brotherly love? At the conclusion of the scene, a pained Michael Jones accused his antagonist of
a terrible crime. I dismissed this accusation until it was repeated by a second source who was
NOT involved in any way in the first episode. The accusation? Gentle readers, rumor has it that
Faedor and his lovely sister Faenia are engaged in a torrid affair. Yes, dearies, they are accused
of choosing one another as sexual partners...rather taboo behavior even for Rhydin...and this
accusation comes from several independent sources. Distressed - as any caring individual would
be - I went to the sibling's father, Faeor, to talk with him about it. His response to my query?
"If you print one word about my family, I will kill you, Hedda." Nothing about getting
counseling for the young people or shock and dismay at the accusation. Those who know me are
aware that I will hold back on items that might increase danger for those involved. Yet, Faeor
never even considered that course of action. He simply threatened me with death. Not quite the
reaction of an unknowing father, eh? I hope the pair will get counseling of some sort soon.
Perhaps this column will help make that happen. So if my dead, zaftig, yet well-dressed body
turns up in Rhydin - remember this reporter kindly. Most of all, remember this report. Stay
tuned for further developments.
On a lighter note (and almost anything would be), one disappearance has concluded happily.
Artsblood, sought by her mother Hilde and Moraxian throughout Rhydin, has surfaced. She
looks ill, but she is definitely alive. And no thanks to the inept Moraxian who attempted to
coerce *moi* into accompanying him to his infamous home under the misapprehension that I
knew something about Arts disappearance. And this man is a security consultant? Fortunately,
that handsome pirate Peter Blackthorne (who owns a delightful bar called Mermaids Tale Tavern
down by the bay - check it out, dearies) rescued me and saw me to safety.
Another disappearance, self-prompted this time, is that of Valmion who left fiancee Elyn Dawyn
(in tears or relief?) when he left Rhydin.
Gavilean's son Tristian was abducted some time ago and an attempted rescue is underway as I
write. Upon the prayed-for successful conclusion of this sad tale, Gavilean and dear Jonalyn
will be wed in a manner befitting a king and former regent. I hope this time Gavilean keeps his
vow of fidelity and that the marriage lasts forever. Lovely Jonalyn deserves no less. And
Rhydin has not seen a fabulous wedding in many moons - bring on the pomp and circumstance!
One surprise in the romance department is the thriving partnership of Lady Lyric and Malachi. I
really did not expect that lovely lady to find the fellow engaging for this long a period of time.
But I'm always happy to admit my miscalculations when happiness is at stake. And they do
appear happy. Best of luck, dears.
From the basement arena of Duel of Swords comes rumors of more happiness. Are wedding
bells in the offing for Merentha and Myriddin? And will warlord Rennor take commoner Tess
to abide at his side?
A less savory rumor has Lady Helix finally giving up on charming knights, although not nights
of charm. She left Sir Galar for Sir Fane, Sir Fane for Sir Padriac. Now she has moved on to a
non-knight, Girvin. The lady doth get around.
Speaking of the Duel of Swords, I dropped by recently and was charmed by the delightful and
acrobatic Duel Girl. I'm sure you all will join me in wishing this bouncy beauty well.
A new face in Rhydin is that of the refined and elegant LuciadeC...a recent arrival from lovely
Italy. This noblewoman lives in a villa outside Rhydin where she grows her beloved herbs and
spices. She assures me they haven't the famed nefarious effect of the Medici plants.
Less subtle than the Medicis is Sheigh Burke who, in full public view, shot Michael Jones for an
as yet unknown reason. She does seem to have set off a series of copycat crimes - lovely ladies
all shooting the seemingly harmless Mr. Jones and taxing his estimable healing abilities. What
does this fellow DO that engenders such hostility?
A word of caution - avoid the vitriolic tongue of one Poison...recently wed to Duke Anton
Glorhenath. She speaks without governing her thoughts. Some say she has endangered her
illegitimate daughter with her actions. A word to the wise....
Well, my darlings, I must run along. Oh - one last thing. Policewoman Jessie Black's honey -
*Father* Miguel has left Rhydin, Hedonism, and environs. Some say he seeks a release from his
vows so he can marry the pretty officer of the law. Others say it as to do with a fierce conflict at
the last race day at Royal Crown Racetrack. I don't know the reason -- yet. However, I do know
that Jessie was seen having an intimate dinner with usually angst-ridden Rayn de Fallon.
deFallon has been out on the town a few times since the flight of his long-time live-in lover Ree
Skylr (with their three children) to settle in Central. At first, Rayn looked distraught and
threatened mayhem to Michael Jones (yes, the same one the ladies are shooting) and to himself,
then a week or so later was out and about looking debonair and carefree. And charming Officer
Black. Ah well, Spring *is* the season for renewal.
Which reminds me....for any who are interested...I turn lawsuits over to my editor Johanna
Gutenbergh and all subpoenas into compost. The death threats I leave to our more-than-capable
officers of the peace. 'Til next time, dearies!
* * *
Page 6
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* * *
page 7
REPORT FROM THE DUEL OF SWORDS
by Johanna Gutenbergh
It was big, it was noisy, and it is finally over. The long-delayed, much debated warlords
tournament of the duel of swords was fought at the beginning of this month. At the end of the
first three rounds the leaders were Karnafexx, Xenograg, and Rennor111, each standing
undefeated at 3-0.
When the last cut was made the next night, the same three were at the top of the leader board,
each with only one loss in six fights. To add to the confusion, Billy Ray had beated Rennor, but
lost to Xenograg. Xenograg had beaten Billy Ray, but lost to Rennor. And Rennor had beaten
Xenograg but lost to Billy Ray. The rather controversial tournament rules awarded first place to
Billy Ray Karnafexx, on the basis of his Wins over Losses record in the standings. Billy Ray
turned down the free shot at the Overlord Athlstan, taking instead his place among the nine
barons of DoS. The free shot was left to Rennor, who finished second by virtue of wins over
losses.
Rennor's challenge to Athlstan proceeded on Sunday, May 12th, with the Overlord showing little
mercy.
Athlstan fdk th fdk hc th hc
Rennor111 fcp lc fdk fcp sl lc
It is rumored that the Overlord's dojo, or dueling school is challenging Rennor's school, the
Christy School of Fencing. Stay tuned for more information as the students of these two fine
teachers meet in the rings.
In other challenge news, Warlord Alais d NS fell short in her challenge to Baroness Red Zealot.
Alais defeated the Overlord Athlstan in his intercession on behalf of the loyal baroness, but was
dispatched in the waning rounds by a well-rested Adeena.
Red Zealot hc lc hc th fdk sh fdk
Alais d NS ss th sh th lc th flp
More challenge activity lies ahead. The lone renegade baron, WickedDeth, has challenged
Athlstan for the Overlord title. Athlstan has promised there will be a Test of Worthiness. Who
will the Overlord's champion be? Stay tuned for the clash of titans!
* * *
page 8
REPORT FROM TWILIGHT ISLAND
by Jake Thrash
Ordinarily, orc's are the last ones to write articles about things
involving magic, after all "Orc's don't do magic", but in this instance,
since Dueling Today is lacking a DoM correspondent (interested parties please
contact Gutenbergh), I agreed to try and make some sense out of the Archmage
tourney which took place on 6 and 13 May.
The way the Archmage works as explained to this orc, is that all eligible
mages face off on the first night of the event to determine which mage will
get to challenge the Archmage for his rank on the second night of the event.
Upon this occasion, particpants inlcuded: past Archmage MikeXXVII,
Sueseas, Felegast, SamSpeaks, Shadow1773, MojoGoblin and GrySeal.
The event was a Swiss event, and consisted of 5 rounds of duels, with 5
duelers winning "byes" due to the odd number of particpants. The event, as
usual, was hosted by RDI Daniel.
In the opening round. Mike battled Sam, Sueseas faced Shadow, Felegast
dueled Mojo and GrySeal was awarded a bye. Sam Reflected Mike's MageBolt to
win 6-4.5 in 13 rounds. Felegast dropped an Artic Blast on Mojo and his
Blades to win 5.5-3.5 in 13 rounds. And Sueseas pelted Shadow with Meteors
to win 6-4.5 in 14 rounds.
In the second round, Sueseas faced off with Sam, Felegast dueled Grey and
Mojo battled Mike, with Shadow getting this round's bye. Sue defeated Sam
5-2.5 in 9 rounds by freezing Sam in a block of ice. Mojo stole victory from
Mike by freezing him and his Blades, to win 5-3.5 in 11 rounds. And Grey
defeated Felegast by Displacing away from Felegast's Meteors to win 5-3 in 14
rounds.
Going into round three, Sue did battle with Grey, Felegast contested
Shadow, Sam faced the goblin, and Mike was awarded a bye. Sueseas brutalized
Grey in a crushing 5-.5 victory in 6 rounds by hitting him with a powerful
MindWhip. Felegast uses a quick Reflection to send Shadow's MindWhip back
him to win 5.5-4.5 in 16 rounds. And in the longest match of the night, Mojo
defeated Sam, 6-5 in 17 rounds by using a GhostForm to avoid Sam's icy
attack.
After round three, the contestants took a short break, with Sueseas in the
lead with 3 wins, Grey, Mojo and Fele tied at 2 wins, and Mike, Sam and
Shadow all tied at 1 win.
Entering round four, Sueseas faced Felegast, Mojo battled Grey, Shadow
dueled Mike and Sam received a bye. Grey used a MageBolt to tag a
Ghostformed Mojo to win 5-3.5 in 10 rounds. Mike defeated Shadow 5.5-1.5 in
14 rounds with a quick Reflection of Shadow's Meteors. And Felegast stole
victory from Sueseas 5.5-4.5 also using a Reflection to return Meteors.
At the end of round 4, only those with a chance to win (duelers with 3
wins) advanced along with one dueller to play spoiler. Mike acted as spoiler
and faced off with Sueseas, while Felegast and Grey battled it out. Mike
having only 2 wins was unable to win the event, but was able to knock Sueseas
out of the event by defeating Sue, 6-4.5 in 12 rounds, by shattering Sue's
Reflection with well-timed Blades. That left it to Felegast and Grey to
fight it out to determine who advanced to face Connor for the title.
Round by Round
1) Felegast MindWhips the ArticBlasting Grey for a Point. 1-0 Felegast
2) Felegast ArticBlasts Grey's Wizard Blades for a Point. 2-0 Felegast
3) Felegast's Meteors cancel out Grey's ArticBlast. 2-0 Felegast
4) Grey MageBolts before Felegast can MindWhip. 2-1 Felegast
5) Grey MindWhips a GhostFormed Felegast. 2-2
6) Grey and Felegast both Dispel to no effect. 2-2
7) Felegast Reflects Grey's Armor. 2-2
8) Felegast's Meteors cancel out Grey's ArticBlast again. 2-2
9) Felegast Reflect's Grey's MageBolt! 3-2 Felegast
10) Felegast hides behind a Shield, while Grey GhostForms. 3-2 Felegast
11) Felegast freezes Grey and Reflection with ArticBlast. 4-2 Felegast
12) Grey's MindWhip get's thwarted by Felegast's Shield. 4.5-2 Felegast
13) Felegast uses a Reflection to defeat Grey's MageBolt. 5.5-2 Felegast
Felegast's victory meant that Connor would face Felegast in a best of
three challenge on week later on 13 May.
One week later, challenger Felegast faced off with Archmage ConnorMcld in
the best of three title match. In match one, Connor took a quick lead in
round 1 by freezing Felegast with an ArticBlast, but couldn't advance beyond
that until round 5, and from that point on began scoring time and again to
win the match, 5-2 in round 11 by Displacing away from Felegast's Wizard
Blades.
In round 2, Felegast came back with a vengeance, zinging Connor time again
until round 4 when Connor started coming back, but after round 7 when the two
opponents jumbled each other's brains with duel Reflections, Felegast proved
the quicker to recover and went on to win 5.5-3 in the 10th round by freezing
the shiny Reflecting Connor in place.
It all came down to round 3 to determine who would claim the title of
Archmage. Would Connor retain his hard won title? Or would Felegast succeed
in taking it away?
Round by Round
1) Felegast opens by unsuccessfully Dispelling Connor's Reflection. No score
2) Connor uses nasty Blades to cut up the Reflecting Felegast. 1-0 Connor
3) Connor quickly Dispels Felegast's MindWhip. 1.5-0 Connor
4) Connor's GhostForm makes him immune to Felegast's ArticBlast. 2-0 Connor
5) Connor Displaces away from Felegast's hurled Blades. 2.5-0 Connor
6) Connor Dispels Felegast's ArticBlast. 3-0 Connor
7) Connor tries to Reflect a Ghosting Felegast.
8) Connor uses Blades to slice up Felegast's Meteors. 3.5-0 Connor
9) Felegast avoids being shutout! MindWhipping Connor and his ArticBlast.
3.5-1 Connor
Things get tough as neither opponent gives up a point for the next 5 rounds.
10) Both opponent's GhostForm safely ignoring each other.
11) Connor tries to Reflect a Displacing Felegast
12) Felegast tries to Reflect a Displacing Connor
13) Connor and Felegast both MindWhip to no effect.
14) Connor's Meteors get cooled off by Felegast's ArticBlast
The opponents get back to trying to win as...
15) Connor zaps Felegast's Blades with a MageBolt. 4-1 Connor
16) Felegast tries to come back by Reflecting Connor's MindWhip. 4-2 Connor
17) Connor uses a quick MageBolt to fry Felegast and his ArticBlast. 5-2
Connor
With his victory, Connor maintains the title of Archmage for another
cycle.
* * *
Page 9
REPORT FROM THE OUTBACK
by Jake Thrash
The Outback has a new Diamond! And that Diamond is an old one? Percival,
winner of Diamond Quest IV, retained the title of Diamond by winning Diamond
Quest V which took place on 4 and 10 May.
The event began on 4 May with Emeralds, Lord Rannos, Goldglo, Stof Anders,
Jake Thrash and AragornKoG meeting up with Percival to once again find out
who's the baddest of the bad in the Outback's Round Robin Diamond Quest. As
has been noted before, the Diamond Quest differs from it's sister sports in
that the winner of the tournament does not get to challenge the title holder,
the winner of the tournament IS the title holder. Which means that the
Outback is no place to let yourself become rusty.
Diamond Quest V was hosted by RDI Rand, who was assisted by RDI Rask and
by guest caller I Banda.
The event opened up with Jake facing Percival, Stof facing Rannos, and
Goldglo facing Aragorn. Jake slaughtered Percy, 5-1 in 7 rounds, proving
that brute force has its merits. Rannos and Stof duked it out the hard way
reaching sudden death (4-4) in round 10 and not finishing for another 4
rounds when Rannos finally defeated Stof with a Fancy Dodge. Gold defeated
Aragorn 5-3 in the tournament's longest match of 16 rounds.
Round two saw Jake facing Gold, Stof battling Percy, and Rannos facing off
with Aragorn. Jake defeated Gold 5-2 in 9 rounds and was starting to look
like the unstoppable force. Percy overcame Stof 5-4 in yet another close
match on Stof's part as it went to sudden death in round 13, and ended in
round 14 when a risky SpinKick tagged the Fancy Dodging Stof. Over in ring
3, Aragorn started to get warmed up and managed to defeat Rannos, 5-3 in 11
rounds by utilizing a judo throw on a wary but unlucky Armblocking Rannos.
As round three began, the orc had to face Aragorn, Percy encountered
Rannos, and Stof took on Gold. Stof showed his mettle in this round as his
youthful speed led him to a 5-1 victory in the tournament's fastest match of
5 rounds. Percival managed to defeat Rannos 5-3 in a 9 round match by making
judicious use kicks and dodges. Finishing up the first night, Aragorn proved
that rangers do know a thing or two about fighting orcs as he battled Jake to
a 5-4 sudden death victory in round 14.
At the end of the night it was still possible for anyone to win the
tournament, but Aragorn, Percy and Jake were tied in the lead with 2 wins, 1
loss; while Rannos, Gold and Stof were tied at 1 win and 2 losses.
After the first night of duelling the contenders were asked how they felt
the tournament was going, and Dueling Today was able to get these comments:
Goldglo - "Things are looking to get very interesting. Those who won
their first matches started losing and vice-versa. Of course, there are
always those who seem as if they could never lose...like Jake..."
Percival - "I think the competition has been spectacular, and I wish all
the duelists the best of luck in the final rounds. I certainly plan to do my
best."
LordRannos - "I got my ass kicked 2 out of 3 times, what do you think?"
AndersStof - "Good spirits, great dueling. I've been hitting my personal
bests, and couldn't ask for better company to do it around. As for the
finals...Percy's probably the favorite to win, but at this point, it could be
anybody's game. I'm just glad and proud to be a part of it."
AragornKoG - "The Diamond Tourney, as much as we like to bet on it, is
very unpredictable. The competitors here are all formidable, and all have
their own fighting styles. Whether it be to pound the stuffing outta
someone, like an orc, or the Pokey all about the ring, like those Ranger
guys. But, all in all, it ain't over 'til the "Last Round" bell sings."
JakeThrash - "Damn that sneaky ranger..."
Regrettably, Aragorn was unable to attend the second night of the
tournament, and his duels were disqualified from the tournament. Which left
Jake at 2 wins, no losses, Percy at 2 wins, 1 loss, Rannos at 1 win, 1 loss,
Stof at 1 win, 2 losses and Gold at 2 losses.
As on the first night, spirits were high and taunts were many as the
duellers re-entered the rings on 10 May to hold the second night of the
event. It was obvious to the crowd that the duels were more intense as the
participants sweated out these last duels.
In round four, Jake faced off with Stof, while Gold took on Rannos.
Percival dueled an exhibition match with DoF Demon to get warmed up. Stof
managed to defeat the brutal orc, winning 5-4 in round 14 of a match that
went into sudden death, by Flipping the Jabbing orc from the ring. In the
mean time, Gold lost to Rannos 5-3 in a 10 round match when Rannos tagged
Gold with an impressive JumpKick.
In the final regular round of combat, Percy dueled Gold, and Jake faced
Lord Rannos. Stof, in another exhibition match, combatted DoF Demon. Percy
was hard pressed as their match entered sudden death in round 11, but managed
to pull out the win in round 14 with another risky but effective SpinKick
over Gold's attempted Flip. This left Percy with a 3-1 overall standing, and
in the running for winning the title. Over in Jake and Rannos' ring, despite
a valiant attempt on the part of Lord Rannos, the orc once more took the win
as he LegSwept a Fancy Dodging Rannos to win 5-4 in 10 rounds. The orc's win
left him also with a 3 and 1 record and meant that the orc and the paladin
were required to face off in a tiebreaker match to determine the winner of
the tournament.
Final results of the regular tourney left Jake and Percy tied at 3 wins, 1
loss, Stof and Rannos tied at 2 wins and 2 losses, and Gold with 4 losses.
In the final match, as the paladin once more faced the orc who had
defeated him in the first round of the tournament, it was obvious that the
opponents were holding nothing back.
Round by Round
1) Jake and Percy come out fast to Jab each other for mirroring Points. 1-1
2) Jake Fancy ArmBlocks a Fancy Dodging Percy. Advantages to both for being
Fancy
3) Jake and Percy both Feint, Hook and Armblock respectively. No score
4) Jake Feints a LegBlock to steal an Advantage from the Fancy Dodging
paladin.
5) Jake throws an unwise Jab and gets Flipped by Percy. 2-1 Percy
6) The paladin and the orc go down as they both SpinKick each other. 3-2
Percy
7) Jake tags a LegSweeping Percy with a hard Jab. 3 all
8) Percy uses a Feint LegBlock to steal an Adv from a Chopping orc. Adv's
both
9) Percy pulls a "Percy" and Feints at the wrong time as his ArmBlock is
wasted vs. the orc's hard Jab. No score
10) The orc and paladin tag each other hard with Chops and Jabs respectively
to bring the score into sudden death. 4 all
11) The wily paladin uses a fast Fancy Dodge to escape a heavy orcish
SnapKick, to win the match 5-4.
Percy's victory gave him the title, and the distinction of being the first
dueler of the Outback to have won the title twice. His title was once again
well earned and does credit to the Outback. Congratulations Percival! Wear
your title with pride.
Regrettably, there were some absences from the tournament, most notably
DoF Demon, who was rumored to have an excellent shot at winning the title and
a duelist we strongly suspect will win in the very near future. Worthy of
note, in his exhibition matches, Demon defeated Percy 5-4 in 10 and Stof 5-3
in 10. Also missing from the event was long time favorite, past Diamond, and
dueler extraordinaire Shannon Colton who retired in protest from the sport after a
disagreement with the reigning Diamond. Regulars of the Outback, including
Percival himself, have indicated they will miss this remarkable dueler.
**************** AP *******************
*** In need of relieving some stress? *** Feel like taking out your
aggressions the old-fashioned way? Or just enjoy throwing an opponent into
the ropes! Well, the little town of RhyDin has just the thing for you! It's
called the Outback! And there's no holds barred! Wander in! Find out why 9
out of 10 duelers say it's the best thing since the invention of band-aids!
Come on down and give it a try!
And for those who just like watching grown men and women pound each other
senseless, there's plenty of ale for the enjoying, courtesy of the famed Red
Dragon Inn.
**************** AP ******************
* * *
page 10
<<<<--------------------------------------------->>>>
THE WHITE ROSE
Catering and other hands on activities.
Centrally located in Downtown Rhydin
between the Red Dragon Inn and the
StarsEnd Bar and Grill.
Walk-ins welcome, appointments appreciated.
---/--\-%{@ Bria Thorne, owner and proprietress
<<<<--------------------------------------------->>>>
* * *
page 12
DUEL OF FISTS PHOTOSPREAD
Photo: <<Jake the Orc smacks a heavy hand into the side of Percival's knee,
aborting the attempted snapkick, and garnering him a 5-1 victory>>
Caption: "The big orc plays defense and wins, as he shuts down an incoming
attack."
Photo: <<Lord Rannos swings in a Fancy Dodge around AndersStof>>
Caption: "Lord Rannos twirls around and with that move, earns a sudden death
win in 14 rounds over Stof Anders."
Photo: <<Jake Thrash stands victorious as his victory over Goldglo is
announced>>
Caption: "At this point in time, Jake seemed to be on the fast track to the
title again."
Photo: <<Percival steps aside a Fancy Dodging AndersStof, and kicks him in
the head>>
Caption: "Defense proves Stof's undoing, as a boot to the head ends this
match for him."
Photo: <<AragornKoG locks onto the blocking arm of Lord Rannos, and flips
him to the mat hard>>
Caption: "Defense again proves unwise, as Aragorn adjusts and beats Rannos
with a judo throw."
Photo: <<A closep of AragornKoG and JakeThrash, concentrating as they
prepare to engage>>
Caption: "This match would go 14 rounds to a 5-4 win for Strider, the first
loss to the big orc Jake in the tournament."
Second Day of the Tournament
Photo: <<Stof braces his legblock with both hands, which leaves him
defenseless as Demon strikes him broadside with jumpkick>>
Caption: "Demon was unable to compete for the title this time, but made his
presence felt nonetheless."
Photo: <<Lord Rannos cannot Fancy Dodge fast enough to escape Jake Thrash's
long legsweep>>
Caption: "Once more, defense does someone in, as Jake catches Rannos' heel
before his dodge can carry him clear."
Tournament Final
Photo: <<Percival swings fancily around Jake's Snap kick to earn the last
point, and secure the tournament's victory>>
Caption: "The kick is wide, and Percival retains his title with this Fancy
dodge."
* * *
page 13
INTERVIEW WITH DIAMOND QUEST V WINNER - Percival
Dueling Today: Thank you for taking the time to do this interview.
Percival: :: nods and moves to sit ::
DT: :: dragging out notebook ::
Percival: :: settles into his chair and adjusts the mike ::
DT: ok :: shuffling notes ::
DT: So ...How does it feel to have won the Diamond Tourney? This is your
second time isn't it?
Percival: :: chuckle :: Thought you might ask me that..
Percival: Well, it reminds me of a story I heard once about a man who went up
to a very rich man and straight out asked him "How does it feel to have all
that money?"
DT: Well it does seem the obvious question since you are the first to
have accomplished it.
DT: :: taking notes ::
Percival: And the rich man replied, very matter-of-factly, "It feels great"
:: grins ::
DT: :: chuckles :: How confident were you going into the event? Anyone
you thought had a better chance than you?
Percival: This time even more so, because I got to fight Jake going into the
final. :)
DT: oh? Why was that great?
Percival: Ah... well, that's an old story. Jake and I are old, old rivals in
the DoF, I'd say going on a year now.
Percival: Nothing personal, he's a terrific fighter, it's just a friendly
competition.
DT: Ah....so having him be your final opponent just seemed right.
Percival: Back when I was working as an RDI, we worked on opposite nights and
couldn't duel one another for at least three, four months.
Percival: I'd say it couldn't have been planned better.
Percival: :: grins even broader ::
DT: :: chuckle ::
DT: I understand that Aragorn had to to be disqualified.
Percival: Though that brings up your other question, about how I felt going
into the fight.
DT: Do you think had he been there that things would have been different?
DT: :: nods :: Please...your comment first...
Percival: Aye, that was a loss... and Demon.. I had rather hoped that one
of them would have taken the title this time, but...
Percival: All I can do is fight to the best of my ability.
Percival: :: clears his throat, thinking a moment ::
DT: :: nods :: So how did you feel going into that last match...after all
as I understand it..Jake had already beaten you once in the tourney.
Percival: I think at that point it was no-holds-barred, which is what made
the duel so intense...
Percival: Right, Jake beat me in the first round, and he also beat me in a
warm-up duel the night before.
Percival: I wasn't about to let him have three in a row.
DT: :: chuckles :: So it was a vendetta at that point...couldn't let him
win 3 times in a row.
Percival: Of course, he had no reasons of his own not to want to see 3 in a
row against me.
Percival: Vendetta? That's a strong word.. call it 'determination" :: wry
chuckle ::
DT: :: nods ::
DT: Was it a close match?
Percival: Went down to the wire.
Percival: Let me see if I have my notes on it. Frankly, it's not to clear
after all those orc punches to the head...
DT: :: nods :: So when you actually won it was ...
Percival: :: searches about :: Ah, here they are...
Percival: When I won it was moslty a matter of instinct...
DT: :: nods ::
Percival: Jake favors a lot of straight punches against me, being that that's
the only thing he can throw fast enough to hit me.
DT: :: chuckles :: So your saying he's not very fast....
DT: Or that you run a lot?
Percival: Though he has a liking for the sweep and the spinkick... he seems
to like using his standard-issue hobnailed orcish boots as well.
Percival: Run? I always said, it's not the running that hurts, it's the
sudden stop at the end.
Percival: :: grin :: Besides, he hits hard.. I'd rather not stand and take
it, if possible.
DT: What about the other duelers in the event?
DT: Anyone of note? that stood out to you?
Percival: I'd have to say all of them put up a heck of a fight. Both Gold
and Stof went 4-4 with me, and even at the end I couldn't be sure I would
win.
Percival: Stof showed a lot of courage with a well-timed fancy leap that I
think I still have the bruises of. My sweep completely missing, of course.
DT: So it really was a close competition all the way through.
Percival: Yes, I'd say that. I was watching the duel with Jake and Rannos.
I understand whoever won that match would've faced off with me in the final.
Percival: I'm sure Rannos is just itching for next time.
DT: :: nods and writes :: Rannos and the orc were sweating it I am sure.
DT: So...now that you have won...what are your plans?
DT: Any plans for the Outback? Personal ambitions for the next cycle?
Percival: Then, of course, Strider, that's Aragorn, went missing... that was
a disappointment...
Percival: Well, I've had problems coming to the Outback in the past few
months. Actually, people may not believe this, but I've been behind a plow
most of the time.
Percival: Farming is a lot of work, I had no idea.
DT: :: nods :: I am sure most of the duelers weren't aware of that.
Percival: Aye.. I wanted to come, but there was always so much to do, every
day, and you know they rise with the dawn out there in the country.
Percival: It's more than a day's ride, and when you're planting you have to
be there every day. Especially with someone as inept as myself.
Percival: But, now that the crops are finally starting to come up, I think
I'll have more time to be about. I'd like to be here.
DT: :: nods :: I am sure there are duelers that will be more happy with
that.
DT: Any plans for during your reign?
Percival: You mean like putting a jacuzzi into the Outback? Now, there's an
idea...
Percival: Perhaps I could get a collection going...
Percival: :: grin ::
DT: :: chuckles ::
DT: So you're going to be adding things for the duellers to relax in
after the duelling ends.
Percival: It's an idea.
Percival: Much cleaner than the jello ring I thought up before... of course,
that was funded on Inn tip money.
Percival: This time we'll see how much I can put together, but I'd like to do
something like that.
DT: :: nods ::
Percival: And, of course, be there to duel and help out in any way that I
can.
DT: Going back...anyone, anything you want to thank for your victory?
Percival: Well, I'd like to thank Jake for his final snapkick. I saw that
one coming a mile away, he must have been really tired to have been so slow.
Percival: But, well, seriously, I'd like to thank all the fighters who've
been in the Outback, dueling, and keeping me on my toes.
Percival: And Kyttn, and a few others who helped cheer me up when I felt like
resigning from the DoF. :: sad smile ::
DT: :: nods ::
DT: Who do you expect to see in the next tourney as the likelys?
Percival: Well, I hope Demon can be there. He was a favorite this time, and
he'll be my favorite next time. But I think Stof will give him a run for his
money, too.
Percival: It's hard to pick just one. I think it could be anybody's tourney,
honestly.
DT: I'm sure Demon will be gunning for you too.
Percival: Sure, but I'm not as worried about him as I am about some of the
others. He's a known threat, and they are likely to get better and better as
the Tourney approaches.
Percival: And, of course, there's always Jake...
DT: :: chuckle :: your nemesis?
Percival: And, who knows, perhaps some of the newer duelists will climb the
ranks quickly enough to be in it next time.. :: grin ::
Percival: Jake? :: chuckle :: He used to call Murphy my "nemesis"... No,
I think the only one I never thought I could beat was Siera... but, she's
gone...
DT: :: nods ::
DT: Any words of wisdom you'd like to pass on?
Percival: ::scratches his head::: I guess the key to dueling well is to
study the moves for what I like to call "corners"... that is, certain
combinations which have a high probability of success... that and to really
focus on your opponent, try and get inside his or her head.
Percival: I think dueling is really just a series of well-thought-out flashes
of inspiration.. :: smiles ::
Percival: Or rather, winning in the duels is that...
DT: :: nods :: Well... congratulations on your victory Percy..
DT: I am sure it was well earned...
Percival: Aye, thanks... a well-pummelled victory, I should think.
DT: Anything you'd like to add on the subject of Shannon Colton's
retirement?
Percival: Hmm... It's sad to see her go, aye. In the end, though, she will
always be remembered as one of the best. I have nothing but respect for her
decision, and for her skill as a fighter without peer.
DT: Well, I want to thank you very much for your time Percival.
DT: And to wish you luck over this next cycle.
Percival: Thanks for allowing me to speak my mind.
Percival: Well, Luck comes in many forms.. I'd just like to get in some
good duels, that's enough for me :grin::
* * *
page 14
Tired of the kidlets hanging off of you while you're trying to duel? Looking
for some daycare even in the middle of the night? Or perhaps you'd just like
a quiet night with your significant other?
The Garden Daycare Center is now open. Children of all ages welcome. We are
a full-service daycare center, with personnel on the grounds 24 hours every
day. For more information, please contact Aliyanna Stormbringer, proprietor,
at The Garden.
* * *
page 15
~ Larana's Love Loft ~
Looking for a romantic present for your spouse, harem, slave or lover?
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Larana's Love Loft offers a wide variety of adult oriented products, services
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An on premise massage parlor, cafe bar, and vast literature and visual
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Larana's Love Loft, the shoppe that keeps you coming back for more.
~ Larana's Love Loft ~
690 RhyDin Rd.
RhyDin City, RhyDin
Larana MacRoy
Proprietor
** Look for our new summer "Duel of Romance," catalogue, featuring your
favorite thrusters and parriers, and the outstanding art of Amaltea!
Available soon..!
* * *
page 16
Need a Sword?
Need a Barrel of Potion's Miracle Salve because dueling's got you bleeding
more than yer share of blood?
Come on down to Arelia's Trinkets today.
Mention this ad for a discount.
::a large photo of the inside of the shoppe (which looks as big as a Super
WalMart) accompanies the ad. There is no hint of trolls or any of the other
usual lurkers in the picture which makes knowledgable readers wonder if the
photo is a fake::
* * *
Disclaimer:
DoS Today is an independently produced magazine in no way affiliated with the
official DOS, DOF, or DOM games, the Free Form Gaming Forum, or AOL. The
information herein should not be considered the views of AOL or its staff.
Thank you.
(c) 1996, Dueling Today
Copyrights held by individual contributors. For information on reproduction
of any or all of this e-zine, contact screen name Gutenbergh@aol.com or
HeddaHat@aol.com.
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