::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 Advertisement - Red Orc Brewery Tired of those weak dwarven ales? Fruity elven wines got ya' down? Can't bear the thought ANOTHER bloodwyne? Mug for mug, nothing beats the hearty, rich taste of an orcish ale. And now you too can try out the ales that started a war! From the hearty and exotic Orcish Gold Ale, to the biting Orcish Red Ale, and finally the brutal Orcish Black ale (Warning, Orcish Black not recommended for the weak of stomach, including weenie paladins) Red Orc Brewing has the ale for you! 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 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Marx and Rimbaud Construction Co., Inc. * Architecture * Landscaping * Construction and repair * Interior design "Applying beaver dam structural integrity to modern construction." >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< * * * 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 <--- Dare "Percys", no score 2) Jab - LegSweep <--- Dare takes the first point, 1-0 3) LegSweep - Fancy Leap <--- Jake takes a point, 1-1 4) Fancy Leap - Flip <--- Dare escapes the orc's attack, 2-1 5) Jab - Jab <--- Dare and Jake trade blows, 3-2 6) JumpKick - JumpKick <--- Dare and Jake do a flyby, still 3-2 7) Feint LegBlock - Jab <--- Dare feints and steals an Adv, 3+-2+ 8) SnapKick - Feint LegBlock <--- Jake's turn to "Percy", 3-2 9) Fancy Dodge - Fancy Duck <--- Both duellers show off, 3+-2+ 10) Flip - Feint Hook <--- Jake feints and both convert, 4-3 11) Jab - LegSweep <--- Jake ties up the score, 4-4 12) JumpKick - Feint LegBlock <--- Dare feints and steals adv, 4+-4+ 13) Jab - Jab <--- Dare and Jake trade blows, 5-5 14) LegSweep - Fancy Dodge <--- 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 <<<<--------------------------------------------->>>> 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 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.