Dueling Zone
Reprints of DoS/Dueling Today
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::on the cover this time, Photo:  <<JakeThrash the Orc slams into the mat as his fancy dodge gets
tangled in Dareiyl L'tan's leg sweep>> Caption:  "Dare Snares a Dodge and a Diamond!!!"

 At the top of the cover in large print, "DUELING TODAY"::

DUELING TODAY  Volume 3, Issue 11

Contents:

Advert for Arelia's Trinket Shoppe   page 2
Advert for Red Oaks Stable              page 3
Editorial                                           page 4
Advert for RhyDin Manor Apts.       page 5
Advert for Mermaid's Tale Tavern   page 6
*Plain and Fancies                              page 7
Advert for Red Orc Brewery            page 8
Report from the Arena                   page 9
Advert for M&R Construction       page 10
Report from Twilight Island           page 11
Report from the Outback              page 12
Advert for the White Rose             page 13
Advert for Garden Day Care          page 14
Advert for Larana's Love Loft       page 15

Staff:    Oscar Madison, Founding Editor (DoSEditor)
     Johanna Gutenbergh, Editor (Gutenbergh)
     Hedda Hat, Columnist (HeddaHat)
     Shannon Colton, Advertising Editor (Shanni Ctn)
     Jake Thrash, DoF correspondent (JakeThrash)
     Devon Goral, Roving Reporter (DevonGoral)
     R Lupton, Roving Reporter (RLupton)
     Kyttn, DoF Photographer (Kyttn)

*    *    *
page 2

ARELIA'S TRINKET SHOPPE

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::

*    *    *
page 3

********** RED OAKS STABLE ***********

Full-service stable offering boarding, training, riding lessons

Breeding farm with two stallions on-site and access to two others, reasonable
stud fees. Breeding for pleasure riding, hunter/jumper, dressage and racing.

Horses for sale

For more information, contact Rayn deFallon (RaynDF) at Red Oaks Stables

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
((Business with Red Oaks can be conducted via email or by post in the Red
Oaks folder in Red Dragon Innsights))

*    *    *
page 4

EDITORIAL
by Johanna Gutenbergh

First, I want to thank all the folks who helped and offered to help after I broke my nose on the
door of the Dueling Arena. The healers at RhyDin Medical Center were especially thoughtful -
and the garden there is beautiful.

Second, it really was the door. I've always been a little accident-prone, but this took real grace. I
was going up the stairs and just before I reached the door I somehow tripped. It happens. Maybe
more to me than others, but it happens. And of course, I would break my fall with my nose
instead of my hands. 

Well, I think I'm all healed up now and there's an issue full of the stuff that makes your pulse
race - a new Diamond, a new Arch-Mage, lots of challenge news in the Arena.

*    *    *
page 5

RHYDIN MANOR LUXURY APARTMENTS

   Coming soon...

   Rhydin Manor luxury apartments!  Located just a short hop from the town of
Rhydin and only a short commute from Stars End Spaceport!

   Specializing in homes for the discriminating taste.  At Rhydin Manor we
can accommodate your needs!  On-site architects, engineers and enchanters can
create the home of your dreams!  Need space?  A southern view?  Automated
kitchen?  Rhydin Manor can meet your needs!

   Affordable!  Rhydin Manor has pricing plans for everyone.  From the
hardworking blacksmith to the affluent trader on the go!  We'll work with you
to make sure you get the most living quarters for the gold.

   Rhydin Manor will have the most complete range of facilities anywhere in
Rhydin, laundry rooms, pools, indoor racquet ball courts, a coffee shop, even
a chapel!  The Manor is constructing state of the art communications
capability to support even the most technologically advanced tenant.  And
since the Manor is near the the crossing of three major ley lines, even the
most power-hungry of mages will find the Manor to their liking.

   Spaces are limited, apply now for the quarters of your dreams!

 *    *    *
page 6

THE MERMAID'S TALE TAVERN

The Mermaid's Tale Tavern, a quiet, wharfside tavern estab. 1637, Capt. Peter
Blackthorne, Proprietor...

... where Siera Red once pinned a roach with her dagger to Hedda Hat's
fuschia pump.... where LyloMarvin picks his snout and tries to use fake
coupons to pay for his drinks.... where SaltySofie tends on Tuesday evenings
and might reveal some scandalous tales of her sordid days in the Southwark
slums of London.... where the philosopher Aristotle Andrews might debate with
you the meaning of life as you share a hot mead by the fire.... 

...where brawling's prohibited, hoodlums must behave, and assassins are
laughed from the establishment.

... and where some tales end with their telling by the fireside, while many
others are just beginning.

The Mermaid's Tale Tavern.  Located across the lane from the wharf,  between
the fortuneteller's shop and the tobacconist, two doors down from the
Chinaman's apothecary.

((The Mermaid's Tale Tavern is a member room in the Arts & Entertainment area
of the People Connection.  If you don't see it on the list, feel free to
create it.  For more info, contact (email) Nomad.))

*    *    *
Page 7

PLAIN AND FANCIES
    by Hedda Hat
*****************************************************
Love and scandal are the best sweeteners of tea.
                    Henry Fielding
                    1707-1754
*****************************************************

The summer doldrums are soon to end and we will sweep into the social season of the year.  A
glimpse ahead reveals weddings and weddings...notably Jonalyn and Gavilean will finally tie the
royal knot.  Pray all that this time it's a Gordian knot.  Little else will hold that gentleman.  

Before the social swirl begins, however, let's take one last look at the hot summer doings in our
little corner of the universe....

As I reported last month, former Duel of Magic ArchMage Mike XXVII was seen snuggling in
the arena with one young DemiLHeart - prior to divorcing the darling Kreshentia.  As I
predicted, he was soon seen openly squiring Ms. Heart about the bars.  However, soon, his eye
roved and Ms. Heart threw a jealous fit as Mr. Mike flirted with one Treazen....Interesting how
summer love melts away, eh?  Will Ms. Heart be the next Ms. Heart-broken?

Another heated relationship that seems to be cooling rapidly is the marriage of Lady Helix and
Brian Girvin.  Somehow I'm not surprised, as the supposed lady goes through men faster than I
go through shoes!  But then she has quite the temper...She was seen recently in passionate
embrace with Duel of Swords' own Phlag, then later argued with husband Girvin, complaining
bitterly about his drinking.  Who can blame the poor man....to have one's wife behaving in that
manner, in public?  Surely, Mr. Girvin will never allow the woman custody over Ben....why she
might leave the child somewhere while chasing her latest amour.

An engagement that I hope has a happier history is that of my dear friend RLupton and the
delightful Celebriel of Adamant, who was sporting a lovely ring at the duels the other night.  I
certainly look forward to attending THAT wedding.  May it be soon and last long.

Rumor has it that the Baron Tarl Cabot is quite taken with my very own boss, Dueling Today's
editor Johanna Gutenbergh.  She fainted after a duel (she *is* a wee thing) and the gallant Baron
carried her from the ring and desired to accompany her home.  He was quite solicitous of her
wellbeing.  Keep an eye on that one, dear readers.  

Sharp eyes caught LordEtrigan going in and out of Dansr's suite at the Inn recently....

The oft-shot Michael Jns seems to be in very public clinches with one TalithaL.....Tsk, tsk....the
man and Helix are in competition for the alleycat award....

Take notice of young Magnus V.....new to the rings but displaying great talent.  And attractive
too, they tell me.

On a less romantic note....but still of great interest, Rhydin is agog with the return of Elisabeau
Bilieu....former duelist of repute.  We shall watch her in the rings.  Another returnee - although
this lady departs and returns every year - is LadyeBeth.  The old druid, Me Monk, also has
wandered back into Rhydin.  We look forward to the duels of these come-back kids.

Rebounding from the walls is one Shanni Clntn right smack into the arms of NovaShayde ...
apparently Shanni can hear again.  Perhaps her hearing returned just so she could listen to the
murmured sweet words of the redoubtable Mr. Shayde.  Although they say Mr. Shayde proposed
to Shanni in the Outback one night recently...perhaps because she carries his child?  And
amazingly she is dueling in Duel of Fists again.  So much for long-term boycotts...perhaps
because Percy is no longer Diamond, she came back?

StormyKn and SirGhost appear to be on the outs...always bickering when in public.  And she
seems to be drinking excessively, not a good sign.  This despite the recent birth of their twins. 
Rumor has it that Stormy is playing footsie with another man....I wouldn't care to be Ghost's foe. 
His mastery of the killing arts is famous...or should I say infamous?

There was a recent uproar in Red Star when BishopeLaz and Marshall Hayes confronted one
another.  Bish does not appear to like the local constabulary....makes you wonder why, doesn't
it?  When I asked Mr. Lazaraus for a comment, he said, "Nothin' big happened.  We just had
some words."  He went on to assert, "I don't like the good Marshal.....that's my problem.  I told
him that I'd be happy to stay out of his way if he stayed outa mine."  Interesting....especially in
light of the fact that the source of Mr. Lazaraus' income is unclear and the Marshall is charged
with enforcing the law.  I understand that the two had a private meeting later in the week. 
Perhaps the Marshall is open to a....*deal*, shall we say?  Keep your other eye on this one, dear
readers.

While speaking with the ever-so-rustic BishopeLaz, I was forced to take note of a lovers' spat
between RogCormany and Obliette.  They were discussing the most intimate things right out in
public, my dears.  Of course, I couldn't *help* but listen.  But the battle was interminable and
even I succumbed to ennui and left.  Perhaps they are one of those couples that enjoy drama?  Or
should I say melodrama?  Anyway, that show is held every night in Red Star.  Admission free.  

Rumor has it that Aidenn is missing...although some psychic friends are convinced Lord Balrog
is involved....

Many of Rhydin's fair ladies are quite taken with the physique of Kalamere....it is certainly
worth the visit to the arena when he is calling...

Rumor has it that the lovely Mharinel declined the offer of Allura the Dragon Lady who offered
to act as protector to the new Queen.  Is it that Mhari is the independent type and wishes to
protect herself?  Or has she selected another to serve her in that capacity?  Time will
tell....Speaking of Mhari, her recent coronation brought together some of Hedonism's most
beautiful people.  Unfortunately, late in the evening, the party ended with a bloodletting (is that
still being investigated, Officer Blake?).  Unfortunately, I had other commitments and could not
attend thus missing the elegant folk of Rhydin indulging in group murder of a hapless would-be
assassin.

Watching the duels one night, I was most impressed with the silver-tongued Araman.....the man
could charm his way into my heart easily.....

I received the engagement picture of Jonalyn and Gavilean recently...taken in the Duel of
Swords arena.  It is a lovely photo.  I commend the photographer.

I learned that darling Xenograg can now be addressed as General...having become the military
advisor to Heiress Alais of Nitesong.  And where is the lovely Amaltea these days?  Having
more children?  Stuck in the country estate?  

As a dear acquaintance said recently, "The truth will make you free....or at least cheap." And on
that piece of advice, rendered gratis to my darling readers, I will end this month's column.  Be
careful out there, dearies.  The world conspires against manicures.....


*    *    *
Page 8

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   So the next time you are hankering for something with a bite to it, order
up an Orcish Black Ale!  Guaranteed to knock ya' down!

Advertisement - Red Orc Brewery


*    *    *
page 9

REPORT FROM THE DUEL OF SWORDS
by Lupton

Well everyone, I'm back writing on our newest duelists once again. As ye all
probably have seen, the newer people in RhyDin seem to be kind of
discriminated against. If someone has no clue what they are doing don't
ridicule or ignore them, instead tell them what to do. It will only take a
second to send your sport's rules with the dueling etiquette section added
((and if needed the starting a character post)). Well, in my quest to find
ambitious new duelists I found Abygaile Lyanessa Tennyson, Princess of the
Carmignanci Kingdom. 

RLupton:  ::enters::
LYANESSA1:     'ello.  ::extends a hand::  I am Nessa.
LYANESSA1:     ::curtsies::
RLupton:  ::smiles and shakes her hand gently:: I'm Lupton. Would ye mind
sittin'? ::gestures to a seat in the wood paneled interviewing room::
LYANESSA1:     ::sits gracefully in the seat::
Rlupton: I have seen ye in the ring, ye seem t' really love the sport.
LYANESSA1:     I have deep passion indeed.  In my Kingdom, at one time, the sport
was forbidden to women.
RLupton:  Where is that Kingdon yer from?
LYANESSA1:     Providence of Carmignanci.
RLupton:  In RhyDin?
LYANESSA1:     Aye.
LYANESSA1:     ::smiles::
RLupton:  How long have ye been duelin'?
LYANESSA1:     I have been dueling only three weeks.
RLupton:  An' in Rennor's school all those three weeks?
LYANESSA1:     Rennor's school for the last two weeks.  ::smiles::
LYANESSA1:     I'm really excited about the whole endeavor.
LYANESSA1:     ::sets her sword Ivoree upon a nice oak table::
RLupton:  Tha' is yer blade?
LYANESSA1:     Aye, indeed.  ::looks at the blade and nods::
RLupton:  How exactly did ye happen upon 't?
LYANESSA1:     ::the grip is strung of Red Dyed Leather of the finest and......::
It was given ta me.
RLupton:  I see, by whom?
LYANESSA1:     ::the pommel boisters a lioness head.  The ferrules are bound by
Pure Ivory.:: Serene Finjab.
RLupton:  Ahh, is he one of RhyDin?
LYANESSA1:     He is my highwatcher.   ::not sure he would understand their
customs::
LYANESSA1:     Aye, Indeed he be one of RhyDin.
RLupton:  An' wha' exactly is a highwatcher?
LYANESSA1:     When I was born, my mother appointed him to me.  He takes care of
any matters concerning holiness, but only for me.  He is a highwatcher, and I
stress HIGH
because I am the princess.
LYANESSA1:     ::holds up her finger, a red onyx shines on the pinky::
LYANESSA1:     This ring binds him to me.
RLupton:  ::nods:: Do ye have any goals, plans? In dueling or otherwise?
LYANESSA1:     ::laughs::  I always have goals: I am a climber.   I wish to bring
honor to the COV.
RLupton:  Are ye part of COV?
LYANESSA1:     I am part of the Christy School of Fencing and I guess I am since
I live at MOON FRYE KEEP.
RLupton:  ::nods:: Do ye ever plan t' be a Warlord, Baron, or even Overlord?
LYANESSA1:     I will certainly try.
RLupton:  Anythin' else ye'd like t' say?
LYANESSA1:     I wish dueling took place during AM hours as well.
RLupton:  ::chuckles:: Okay, well thank ye. ::extends a hand::
LYANESSA1:     ::smiles::
LYANESSA1:     ::shakes his hand::
RLupton:  ::shakes her hand::


Well folks, there she is. Watch out for her in the ring in times to come. 

((Disclaimer: This interview was done forever ago.))

*    *    *
page 10

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Marx and Rimbaud Construction Co., Inc.

* Architecture
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"Applying beaver dam structural integrity to modern construction."
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*    *    *
page 11

REPORT FROM TWILIGHT ISLAND
  
We await the final results of the Arch-mage tourney. That's it from Twilight Island for now.

  
   *    *    *
  Page 12
  
  REPORT FROM THE OUTBACK
  by Jake Thrash
  
    The Outback has a new Diamond, and his name is Dareiyl L'tan.  In a
  surprise win, Dare, who has generally not participated in the Diamond Quests,
  entered the event at the urging of others, and managed to steal the title
  away from the likes of Percival, Jake Thrash, Stof Anders, Lord Rannos,
  Goldglo, and first-timers DoF Demon and Kyttn.
     The event started out with some confusion as some of the eligible
  Emeralds, including Percival the current Diamond holder, misunderstood the
  starting time, meaning that several of the participants arrived late.
  Originally starting as a round-robin event, the event was changed to
  double-elimination in an attempt to deal with the confusing situation.  The
  change in format caused some problems and Lord Rannos chose to bow out of the
  event.
     Percival, Kyttn, Goldglo and Stof Anders were the next participants to be
  eliminated as DoF Demon, Jake Thrash and Dareiyl managed to win their
  respective rounds.  Dare was at this early juncture the favorite to win as he
  had managed to go undefeated.  That was to end however when he faced off with
  Jake who was intent on giving him a run for his money.
     With the three remaining participants all at one loss apiece, the night
  was ended and plans made for the remainder of the tournament to be held a
  week later.  Unfortunately, DoF Demon, one of the Outback's fast rising stars
  of the ring, was unable to attend the second night and the final battle for
  the Diamond was fought between Jake and Dare.
     A recounting of that duel went as follows:
  
     Dare             Jake
     ----             ----
  1) Feint Dodge    - SnapKick       &lt--- Dare "Percys", no score
  2) Jab            - LegSweep       &lt--- Dare takes the first point, 1-0
  3) LegSweep       - Fancy Leap     &lt--- Jake takes a point, 1-1
  4) Fancy Leap     - Flip           &lt--- Dare escapes the orc's attack, 2-1
  5) Jab            - Jab            &lt--- Dare and Jake trade blows, 3-2
  6) JumpKick       - JumpKick       &lt--- Dare and Jake do a flyby, still 3-2
  7) Feint LegBlock - Jab            &lt--- Dare feints and steals an Adv, 3+-2+
  8) SnapKick       - Feint LegBlock &lt--- Jake's turn to "Percy", 3-2
  9) Fancy Dodge    - Fancy Duck     &lt--- Both duellers show off, 3+-2+
  10) Flip          - Feint Hook     &lt--- Jake feints and both convert, 4-3
  11) Jab           - LegSweep       &lt--- Jake ties up the score, 4-4
  12) JumpKick      - Feint LegBlock &lt--- Dare feints and steals adv, 4+-4+
  13) Jab           - Jab            &lt--- Dare and Jake trade blows, 5-5
  14) LegSweep      - Fancy Dodge    &lt--- Dare takes Jake down for the win, 6-5
  
     It was a great duel and Dare was well deserving of his victory.
  
     In light of the confusion surrounding this event, the coordinator of this
  Diamond Quest RDI Rand, explained that the Double Elimination was suggested
  as an alternative to the round-robin, but that based on the results of the
  event which were less than satisfactory,  it was unlikely that Double
  Elimination would be used in a Diamond Quest event again.
  
     In other news, Shannon Colton, long time favorite in the Outback, but who
  had chosen to retire earlier in the year, returned to the rings.  Shannon,
  who is still the only dueller in the history of the Outback to ever break the
  100 WoL mark, succeeded in defeating fellow Emerald Lord Rannos 5-4 in a 15
  round nail-biting match on 23 Aug in her return to the sport.  At the
  recommendation of RDI Rand, Shannon has been awarded the "Brute of the Week"
  award for her impressive return to the Outback.
     Also returning to the rings after an extremely extended absence is Ulath
  ni Fici, who was the first ever Diamond of the Outback, and despite an
  absence of more than a year, he seems to be picking back up the sport with
  great success.
  
     It having been a over a year since the last round of discussions about the
  rules of the Duel of Fists, DoF Coordinator RDI Jake is making preparations
  to open a forum to discuss the future of the sport.  Those interested in
  participating, of any rank, can contact RDI Jake for more information.
  
     Lastly, plans are in the works for a Glass tournament in the near future.
  The Outback has had one other Glass rank only tournament which took place
  last year during AmeriCon.  The winner of that event was one Connor MacLeod,
  who was the first ever to win the "Glass-Jawed Joe" award.  The trophy, kept
  in the Outback trophy case, is being dusted off and will hopefully soon have
  another name on it's base next to Connor's.
  
                              ****************  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 ale! 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 13
  
  &lt&lt&lt&lt---------------------------------------------&gt&gt&gt&gt
                             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
  
  &lt&lt&lt&lt---------------------------------------------&gt&gt&gt&gt
  
  *    *    *
  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?
  Seeking out that special gift that keeps on giving? 
  
  Larana's Love Loft offers a wide variety of adult oriented products, services
  and entertainment for your purchasing pleasure. Friendly, helpful discreet
  service, and a broad spectrum of items that suit every nature and erotic
  taste.
  
  An on premise massage parlor, cafe bar, and vast literature and visual
  section have something to offer everyone.
  
  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..!
  
  *    *    *
  
  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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