::On the cover:  Amaltea and Shadowrun waltzing across the ring.::
Caption: The two duelers take a break from fighting, and sidestep across the arena.  BD
:: Over the top is the title DOS TODAY ::

*    *    *

DoS TODAY,  volume 1,  issue 6

Contents:

Letters to the Editor                   page 2
Advert for Arelia's Trinkets            page 3
Editorial                     page 4
Advert for Dark Axe's Cologne      page 5
Poetry Corner                      page 6
Advert for Gryphonwing             page 7
The Maxes--One into Two            page 8
Advert for Gloin's Weapon O-rama        page 10
Duel of Magic Photo Spread              page 11
Advert for Chanson's Musical Day Care   page 12
The Bishop                         page 13
Advert for Gaijin's HSN            page 14
Duel of Fists Photo Spread              page 16
Advert for Dark Axe's lessons      page 17
Duel of Swords Photo Spread        page 18

Staff:  Oscar Madison, Editor in chief
          Broadway Dan, Associate Editor (photos by Dan so stated by a BD)
          Hedda Hat, Columnist


*    *    *
page 2

Dear Sir,

     Though I appreciate Dare's flattering words, I feel it is incumbent upon me to make two
important amendments.  The first is a simple one - I imagine my wins over losses has dropped
since the past weekend, though my game can only have improved through the heightened tension
and excitement of the new rule duels. The second point is genuinely important, however, and
please bear with it for however long I ramble.

     The records serve to establish rank and act as a gauge for dueling success; no amount of
WINS OVER LOSSES beyond 15 is of any import and that is AS IT SHOULD BE.  I in no way
make pretense of being even an above average Warlord, most certainly not because of my record. 
Numerical advantage here is relatively irrelevant.  The skill of the DoS is reflected by those who
struggle up towards the pinnacle of our dueling avocation, those who battle for rank and
Overlordship - the highest honour.
     Thank you for publishing such a fine periodical, sir.  Peace be with you.

                          Yours Sincerely,
                          Fandral Kurgan.

*    *    *
page 3

::A photo of the shop front is surrounded by white roses with red spots with the caption, "Arelia's
Trinkets.... for all your dueling needs."::

*    *    *
page 4

Why duel anyway?  Grumbles and Complaints...

  Why do we duel?  For the prestige?  For the name recognition?  Because none of us have
anything better to do on a weekend night?  First and foremost because dueling is actually rather
fun.  Also, we who duel have a comraderie that can extend outward from the basement and into
the inn.  When we see our friends we always can spare them a hello.  Dueling doesn't have to be
just a hack and slash to fancy or not to fancy bloodfest.  There is a real opportunity while dueling
or waiting for a duel to just have a good time.
  Some of the RDIs resent having the background chatter going on as they are calling.  Some even
claim that it slows the system down, although in my experience the system failures never seem to
have anything to do with the amount of people talking at a given time.  One can be sitting in a
private room alone, and if the IMs don't work, they don't work.  This is not the point however... 
my point is that the RDIs should be glad that the people have assembled together in the duels to
enjoy themselves.  In this medium enjoyment comes from expressing ourselves with the written
word.  If we are to be curtailed in this activity, the fun itself ceases to be fun.  So for one weekend
perhaps, let's try going out with our various weaponry and have some fun.  Leave the tension and
the anger at the door, leave the egos and all of that at home in a bucket or whatever you use to
carry them around.  Come and forget about records and wins and losses.  Just for a weekend.
  And remember... the RDIs have a tough job calling 3 or more duels at a time.  Give them space,
always be courteous to them, and do not IM them without an official reason without obtaining
their permission first.  In most cases, if you are polite, they are polite as well.  Also, if you have
not set aside the time to duel, then do not blame the RDI when your duel takes too long, or that
you have to leave before getting called.   Set aside plenty of time for yourself, and above all...
HAVE FUN.

*    *    *
page 5

::this page 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 6

Poetry Corner  by Broadway Dan


A fancy is an interesting thing...
It makes the upper class sing.
The lower ranks weep,
For what they can't keep,
While the Warlords feel just like Kings.

Generally, the higher the rank,
The more fancies they've got in the bank.
From the Overlass with 'er crown,
To the Swordsman, who are so far down,
They're all in the DoS 'Fancy Tank'  (Gee, that's a tough one to rhyme)

Now, the RDIs, to keep the game fun,
Said, "Fancies, now you are done!"
Causing a wealth of sad faces,
The fancies work in only some cases,
At least, for this month the game's run.

The debate rages on, and on...
Some say, "This rule should be gone!
"The fancies should stay,
"In the exact way,
"That they've been in DoS, 'ere long."

The Warlords are whining all day,
"Oh, please, turn it back!", they say.
Yet, the commoners grin,
Above the Warlords' din,
"Now that it's fair, they'll surely pay!"

So, Summer moves in towards Fall,
And Winter will soon send its call,
Yet, as the ice is blue,
Some duelers are, too,
As they mope around the Red Dragon's Hall.

And as the game is reforged, and refired,
And the fancies are possibly rehired,
"Make the change," I say,
"The game's fun in any way!"
But of course, I'm long since retired.

-Dan, Grand Master, Rtd.

*    *    *
page 7

 To all the commoners currently tearing their hair out over every duel they fight:

 Yes! We know who you are! We know all about your plight!
 
-Are you tired of losing continually to people who seem to be able to predict you like a Weather
Channel meteorologist?

-Are you tired of watching people use fancy after fancy when you can't seem to get even ONE, no
matter how hard you try?

-Are you tired of getting condescending remarks from Warlords when you ask them for
assistance?

-Do you want to gain skill at the sport that so many people you know and love seem to take for
granted?

We have the solution!

Gryphonwing Dueling Academy!

The newest addition to the Castle Gryphonwing, a practice dojo of immense proportions, will be
erected shortly! Don't miss out on this wonderful opportunity to study the art of dueling through
intense personal training and Socratic discussion with Warlords and former Overlords such as
Amaltea and PsiMystic!

Join the Gryphonwing Academy today! Classes are presently scheduled for Wednesdays, 9-11
P.M., Eastern Standard Time.

To enroll yourself in Gryphonwing Dueling Academy, you need only send a short Email to
Amaltea or PsiMystic.

Thanks bunches to Suzielle for letting us use her castle!

See you soon!

~Mysticate "Psi" Anjere
~Amaltea thu-Darelir

*    *    *
page 8

::photo of MadMadMax dueling Kalamere.  Max's rune covered blade glinting in the overhead
light as he slowly circles his opponent, the onyx ball of the hilt a cold black beneath his hands::

One into Two

  This editor caught up with well known warlords, Gray Max and MadMadMax, who recently
became two separate people.  Those unfamiliar with Gray and Max, should know that in the past
they both inhabited the same body in the sense of having multiple personalities.  This is no longer
the case.  I interviewed the two Maxes in the Duel of Swords Basement recently.  They sat side
by side on one of the bleachers, both of them holding their respective swords.

DOSTODAY:  What happened?  I was under the impression you two were one person.
MadMadMax:  We', we wuh wun persin, shuah, evveybuddy knu tha'. Bu' I snap'd m' finguhz an'
whoa! theyuh he wuz, rite i' m' fayce.
GrayMax:  (looking askance at the other Max) One person? I never knew I was Max. One day,
everything seemed a bit clearer, the air a bit fresher, the sky a bit bluer.


DT:  Are you getting along better now as two individuals?
MMM:  Yup.
GM:  He is still somewhat the fool, is he not? ::Laughs:: But his heart is strong
and he believes in the sword. I doubt I will see him much, as our paths
travel in different directions. Like him, perhaps, though I would not care to
marry him. ::Laughs again:: Humor, what a concept.

DT:  What's up for the future?
GM:  I plan a journey. Perhaps this old man will find one last adventure before my
time in the lands is done. I grow older not younger as the days pass me by,
it would seem. There is little else to do in the lands these days, at least
for an old barbarian.
MMM:  Ummuh Max, no' a freekin' fo'tchune telluh.

DT:  How long have you been warlords?
MMM:  I dunno.
GM:  I have been a Warlord for as long as memory serves me. Forever.


DT:  Does either of you have any interest in the Overlord's title?
GM:  I do not.
MMM:  Heheh, me be th' Ovvuhlo'd? ge' reel.

DT:  Do you have any comments or thought about dueling you'd like to share?
GM:  Listen to the sword
MMM:  Sheesh... Don' fawl aslee' i' th' ring, yu'll looze fer shuah.

::photo of Gray Max kneeling in the ring, his battered blade before him, blood trickling down his
cheek, as a duel ends::

*    *    *
page 10

::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"


*    *    *
page 11

  (In large 3-D letters, with glowing bolts of fire around them)
                              Duel of Magic Photospread

Note: For information on play-testing the Duel of Magic, either contact RDI Klytus, or go to the
folder at Keyword RDI, message board:  Red Dragon Innsights:  Duel of Magic.

Photo: <A bolt of blue fire going from Gaijin, rubbing her temples, to Wiz, in the act of tossing
several meteors>
Caption: GaijinMage peers out across the ring at WizSlinger, as glowing fire arcs around them.
She concentrates, and casts a Mindwhip at Wiz, just as he throws a shower of meteors at her,
knocking her unconscious for the win.   BD

Photo: <shot over Connor's shoulder of blue ice shooting from his fingertips engulfing Fenisko
and her Wizard Blades>
Caption: Fenisko, taxed by the battle of magic, desperately shoots several blades at Connor
McCleod. However, he steps back and freezes the blades, and Fenisko with an Arctic Blast for the
win.   BD

*    *    *
page 12

::the page 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 13

The Bishop:

  After a long and arduous struggle with AOL gods and faulty memory circuits on the Editor's
part, we finally got to sit down with famed dueler Fandral Kurgan, also known as the Bishop, and
jokingly referred to as the Pincushion of DoS, for an interview.

DoSToday:  How long have you been dueling?
Shadowrun:  I believe that I've dueled for nine months or so... Perhaps a bit under, perhaps a bit
over, but roughly that.  And every moment has been enjoyable, particularly my extensive
experience as a commoner. 
    I was, at my best as I like to think, 0:12.  I was not a natural duelist, to say the least, until
Cymranger took me as a student.  Soon thereafter Cym was forced to travel far from this land,
and he asked his Kensai, Xenograg kathu-Darelir, to accept me as a student.  It was a great
honour indeed to join so auspicious a Dojo.
    I still consider myself to be very much student and scion of Dojo Darelir, the Kohei of my
Kensai.  As such, I myself do not teach.

DT: What about your phenomenal record?
SR:  I do not consider my record to be at all phenomenal.  I duel frequently and intensively, and I
tend to win more than I lose only as a result of the fine training that has been visited upon me.  As
I've noted previously, a record means nothing above fifteen wins over losses.  Any who presume
that wins denote skill shall be sorely and abidingly mistaken; you have my assurance that they do
not.

DT:  And your plan for the Warlords?  The tier plan?  What can you tell us about that?
SR:  I would not call it a plan, really, just a proposal of a system similar to the one used in Kendo. 
Divide the Warlords by their rankings into circles of ten.  The first circle consists of the top ten,
the second of Warlord ranks 11 - 20, and so forth.  A Warlord may elect to challenge as high as
his or her counterpart in the circle above, thus the 25th Warlord may challenge the 15th or any
below the 15th.  The impetus to rise through the ranks is that only a Warlord of the first circle,
one who has, so to speak, paid his or her "dues", may stand ready to challenge the Overlord.
   I am guilty of making an oversight in my verbatim application of Kendo rules to DoS, namely
the one that MadMadMax so astutely brought up.  In my proposal, I suggested that an
unsuccessful challenger drops as far down as they challenged upward; I stand by this, as there
should be some penalty for the unsuccessful challenger.  I was remiss, however, in suggesting that
if Warlord 25 loses the match to Warlord 15, 25 drops to 35 and 35 rises to 25.
  On reconsideration I would suggest that the unsuccessful challenger should drop as far back as
they challenged up, and the intervening ranks should move up one (the former 35 is now 34, and
so forth so that former 26 is now 25). If a Warlord challenges successfully, the loser should move
down by one in order to make room only for the winner.  This system is imbalanced in favour of
the high ranked Warlords, but such status is only a maximum of four successful challenges away. 
Without a risk for the challengers, Kendo would devolve into a sea of challenges and counter-
challenges; I believe that DoS would as well.  The only reason this has not yet occurred is because
there is little impetus to move forward in the ranks; if the impetus is provided, in the form of 1st
Circle exclusive rights to Overlord challenges, then the regulation mechanism of backsliding must
also be furnished to make potential Overlords think twice before issuing challenge all the way up
the line.  I believe that the current system should remain in place, such that an unsuccessful
challenger for Overlordship should drop to the bottom of the lists and a deposed Overlord should
assume the position of 1st ranked Warlord.
     Once more, I suggest this not because I think it the ideal and perfect plan.  Far from it.  I do
however feel that it would breathe new life into life as a Warlord in the rankings system; currently,
unsuccessful challengers can rechallenge immediately, and stand to lose nothing but pride if the
fail. Only the defenders stand to lose something.  Similarly, low-ranked Warlords have little
reason to struggle up through thirty-odd rank matches if they can challenge the Overlord
immediately.  This problem will only become more marked with time, as Roustam pointed out, for
new Warlords struggle up with gratifying frequency.
     Instead of installing arbitrary rules concerning time or opponent requirements before a
rechallenge, I feel that a tier system might prove more elegant.  Certainly it would make score
keeping more tiresome, but as all challenge results would HAVE to be posted in the DoS folder
before the next weekend's duels, one person could tally the results and send them to Kensai
Xenograg.  Though I am not myself so fortunate as to be an RDI, I would volunteer gladly to
perform such a duty if it would improve our game.

DT:  Where to do you see duels heading in the future?
SR:  Certainly the duels are branching out.  We now have a firmly based Duel of Fists for martial
artists and a rapidly evolving Duel of Magic for the magi among our number; these are two superb
games, and their presence I find to be very much in keeping with the DoS spirit.  No doubt these
alternative arenas will continue to grow and evolve.  My hope and firm conviction is that
the DoS, too, will evolve to keep pace.  The recent fancy rule change, which I favour, should
perhaps not signal the end of such changes... Some would protest that matters grow complex, but
I do not imagine that any Warlord could object to a simple system of challenges that places them
in a better position to rise through skill.  Similarly, I do not doubt that any rules the RDIs put in
place will be anything less than excellent; let us not forget that these are among the most devoted
of our land's citizens.  They know the game, they know the mechanics, and they know the politic
of the system.  I trust fully to them to keep the DoS a vibrant arena for everyone, commoner
and Warlord alike.

DT:  Do you participate in any of the other duels?  Magic or Fists?
SR:  I'm afraid that this old soldier is in no position to take up magic... Old dog, new tricks, et al. 
I trust to my chummer Gaijin Mage to sling a few abjurations in my name every now and again. 
As for the DoF, I simply doubt that I could survive the fierce competition.  There I must rely
upon Dare Ltan to win me my vicarious thrills... No, for me home shall always be the Duel of
Swords that embraced me after the war.

DT:  Can you tell us anything else?
SR:  I fear I've occupied too much of my esteemed colleagues' time as it is... I would thank
Overlord Vixxenish for her kind gift of a lavender sash and almost-matching carnation.

     I hope to get in a few matches this coming weekend... Perhaps someone will help me repaint
my sign?

  DoSToday has also learned that the Bishop on attaining 100 wins over losses will be retiring. 
We will all miss him very much in the dueling rings when that occurs.

*    *    *
page 14

::a photo taking up the top third of the page--GypsyLynx and GaijinMage
toasting with steaming mugs of tea::

::a magical implant on the page makes the invigorating, heady fragrance waft
out of the magazine, filling the air and tempting the taste buds::


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                       ::the decanter springs into view as a hologram::
             ::beveled engraved crystal with crossed swords in the center::
                         ::painstaking carvings of tiny figures dueling::
   
Coming soon the Duel of Fists commemorative decanter and the Duel of Magic commemorative
decanter

Duel of Fists and Duel of Magic merchandise also available, along with our fine selection of
Puntmonster leather Duel of Swords accessories and equipment.

Conveniently located in RhyDin Square, Two blocks West of the Red Dragon Inn. Stop by soon!


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*    *    *

page 16

Duel of Fists Photospread

::photo of Dare Ltan and this editor in simultaneous jabs.  Marc Adamas, as unofficial ref, smiling
from the table::
Caption:  Oscar Madison taking a beating at his first fist duel, with Dare Ltan providing the
bruises.

::photo of Dark Axe and Lady Potion watching the duel as Dare takes out the hapless reporter
with a leg sweep::
Caption:  Fun a-plenty for the spectators as Dare wipes up the floor with the editor.

*    *    *
page 17

:: the page 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 18

                            Duel of Swords Photospread

<Picture of PsiMystic leaping into the air, and coming down on Sir Juamin's head, who is leaping
forward for the thrust.>
Caption:  Sir Juamin in a hurry goes for a low cut but Psi Thrusts and pushes his head into the
dirt.   BD

Vampire's Photo: <Kalamere pinned to the ring apron by a thrust from Skirn through his chest,
and into the base of the ring. Blood flows away from the unfortunate dueler, and off their two
weapons>
Caption: Kalamere ducks down, planning to thrust up into Skirn on his next move, and gets
pinned to the ground like a butterfly in a display case by Skirn's mighty thrust.  BD

<Merilsa retreating to the side of the ring, and catching Connor McCleod's low cut in her leg>
Caption: Merilsa, wearied after a long match, stalls and steps to one side of the ring to review
strategy.  However, Connor was waiting for her, and manages to take a slice from her leg for the
win.  BD

Vampire's Photo #2: <Blood flows from the open wound, as well as several others on the duelers'
bodies. The swords, dripping blood, are quickly drawn back, as the two again rush at each other,
faces set in a mask of concentration.>
Caption:  PsiMystic, sword raised up high, quickly slashes at Sir Juamin's middle. However, Sir
Juamin quickly ducks down, and swings his sword low, biting a chunk out of Psi's leg. BD

Special Non-blood shot (for those who are adverse to gore): <Dan spraying whipped cream
harmlessly into the air, as Mam pushes her zucchini into his chest. Whipped cream and water are
spread on the ring floor, and RDI Gidra is cracking up in the background>
Caption:  BrdwayDan slashes at air with a can of whipped cream and hits the air only, as Mamusia
thrusts into him with a zucchini, causing a spray of salad!    BD


Disclaimer:

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


Happy Dueling  :)