::On the cover... a picture of Kairee long legs fully visible sitting at the bar of the inn talking with
Falon who's holding his hand up trying to block the camera.  Over this reads, DOS TODAY::

*    *    *

DoS TODAY   Volume 2,  Issue 1

Contents:

Editorial                     page 2
Advert for Guytar's Gore           page 3
Report on the Vixxenish-Valmion Fight   page 4
Advert for Gloin's Weapon O-Rama        page 6
Advert for Arelia's Trinkets            page 6
Interview with Valmion             page 7
Advert for Chanson's Musical Day Care   page 9
Photo spread                       page 10
Advert for Dark Axe's Lessons      page 12
Advert for Vega's Armory           page 13
Interview with Cym2                page 14
Advert for Dark Axe's Cologne      page 17
Upcoming Events                    page 18
Advert for Gaijin's Shop           page 19
Advert for SlothShamn's Leaves          page 20

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

*    *    *
page 2

Editorial--Shucks

  I'm a stubborn man.  If I do something, I like to think I'm decisive in my actions.  A couple of
weeks ago, I said I was leaving.  It was my belief that I was no longer serving the community as I
had endeavored to do from the beginning, and so I wanted to stop.  Being the stubborn man that I
am, I considered the matter closed.  But perhaps it takes another prideful fool to show the first
one the error of his ways.  I received a letter during my packing from Falon, well known stoic. 
And it was because of that letter that I am here today.  I will not share with you all the contents of
the letter, suffice to say it was well written and persuasive.  I did want credit to be given where it
was due, however, and since Falon and I have never been what anyone could consider "close," I
wanted you all to know of his deed.  If thanks for the return of my trusty little rag can be given,
they deserve to be given to Falon.  But then that's just my opinion...

*    *    *
page 3

::the page opens on a photo of halfling Guytar standing with one hand on the hilt of his sword, the
tip of which is on the ground.  The runes on the sword are stained with bits of red.  He is wearing
his elven armor with a large button on it.  In his other hand he is holding out a bag full of amber
fluid.::

Buy my bag o' gore!
Have you ever been to a match with is completely made of defensive moves or where the
opponents just dance a lot?
Here is your solution!
You can throw it at a friend!
Juggle it!
Or for that special vampire in your life... it is guaranteed pure and safe to ingest.
It's only two gold pieces a bag... (the stuff o' life)

Are you a commoner?
Do you get sick of being put upon by warlords?
Do you see all those "Amaltea for Overlord" buttons and wish you had a button?
Well now for the very first time, you can buy my "I'm a future warlord" button.
That's right.  Let them know!
Show them that you are no common commoner!
Just one copper!
For all this neat stuff and more, come see GUYTAR or if he's not around you may see Crodo foe.
I would like to give credit to Dare Ltan for showing me that there is a market out there for my
stuff.

*    *    *
page 4

::photo of Valmion on his knees weeping openly::
The Killer Vees

  The Overlord challenge that took place back on the 7th of this month was fast and clean.  The
duelists, Vixxenish and Valmion dueled a fair fight and as I reported briefly in the last issue,
Vixxenish especially reacted in a very honorable and polite manner that is not often seen in the
rings.
::Photo of Vix slashing with her deadly dueling teabag as Valmion low cuts with the Sword of
Imperators.  Blood is just appearing on her neat pantyhose::
  The crowd was quite vocal in their support of their favorites, although one sign did seem rather
offensive, but the perpetrator seemed to realize that he was being unnaturally rude and took it
down after a few choice glares from the audience.
::photo of Vix sidestepping in a lavender blur (thanks for that visual Red) as Valmion's sword arcs
up in a metallic flash heading for the side of her head::
::photo of Valmion slashing out and catching his blade on the mighty teabag of Vix's stop hit::
::photo of Valmion following low with another cut to Vix's blooded leg, only to find the teabag in
a move so fancy it stopped his blade cold.  Both battlers have a dark look in their eye as they
realize the score is now tied::

::photo of blood spurting from Vix's midsection, and soggy tea splooshes from Valmion's as the
pair trade thrusts in a dual impalement::
::photo of Valmion, face urgent with concentration swinging his blade up high to connect with
Vix as she sidesteps right into the blade, her face equally concentrated::
::photo of Vix snapping Max's fingers making a lavender sash and tiara appear on Valmion after
the fight::
  The title was passed and a new Overlord was crowned.

*    *    *
page 6

::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"

=======================================================

::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."::

Arelia's is located next door to the Red Dragon Inn, and can be found in the message boards in
the "From the Dragon's Mouth" folder.

*    *    *
page 7

We caught up with Valmion recently in his busy castle and asked him about the overlordship.

DoSTODAY:  How do you like being Overlord so far?
VALMION:  Well my friend, it is what I have worked towards since February of this year when I
first appeared in RhyDin.  I truly enjoy the title of Overlord and only hope to bring back the same
air to the title that it had when Xenograg carried it so proudly.

DT:  Were you surprised by your victory?
V:  Not at all.  If I did not think I could win, I would never have made the challenge.  I enjoyed
the high rank of Warlord that Valmion had obtained and to lose a challenge means you lose your
rank.  I thought hard about it, but alas I felt the challenge necessary to revenge a loss that a friend
of mine had suffered as Overlord.

DT:  Do you plan to paint the men's bathrooms?
V:  No, if you expect that kind of color, no pun intended, out of Valmion, then many will be
disappointed.  I will carry the title with as much honor and prestige as I can muster.  I believe the
Overlord should be an example to all, and I hope to be a fine example.

DT:  What do you plan to do as Overlord?
V:  Well, in a nutshell, win.  Then win again.  I really hope to carry the title for some time as I
believe my skill as a dueler is not matched by many and that the new rules that DoS have now has
only enhanced my skill.

DT:  How do you feel about all the challenges you've received so far?
V:  They are expected.  But I must say that I wish I could have honored MadMadMax first as his
was the most colorful challenge that I have seen to date.  I think that those who challenge need to
put forth some effort in their challenges and not give it the same old routine if you know what I
mean.  But as far a challengers, please, come one come all.  I will fight the first time this
upcoming Sunday and then will try to give another a shot within three weeks.  I will not do a
challenge every week as to the wishes of the RDI staff and management who wish to make this
something special once again.  And with this point I wholeheartedly agree as some challenge way
to often in the Rank Challenges.  No sooner do they have one rank, if the Warlord ahead of
them is in the room then they challenge for that rank right there on the spot.  This is not right, it
should be paced a bit better so that all get to enjoy what they have achieved.

DT:  How is Questrion these days?
V:  It is quiet there these days.  My author has been spending a lot of his on-line time with the
game Neverwinter Nights as he is a avid AD&D fan and believes that you get the best of both
worlds there.  So, the lovely Lady Alaisia has taken over the hosting of the Questrion Challenge,
but alas it is not as grand as it once was.  I became very active there when I first created
it as that is how I believed one to be judged worthy of becoming an RDI, but alas I found that not
to be true after about 6 months of hard work, so I have sat back and respond to visitors and the
such, but I must admit, you will find me sitting in front of a warm fire with a book more than
wandering the realms quelling evil as of late.

DT:  And your school?
V:  I believe that there was a bit of a misconception as to the school issue.  I held a fellowship
more than a school.  I did write lesson plans, five in all that I gave those who joined my fellowship
but as far a school, I cannot say that there ever was one officially.  My students, or brothers in the
duel as we should call them, were all Warlords in their own right, and still are.  I am hoping to
bring the fellowship back together here in the future for a challenge with Xeno's Dojo, as it is
something we have planned for a few months now.

DT:  Are you concerned about your first challenge with the Warlord Cym?
V:  Not at all.

DT:  Do you have anything else you'd like to add or comment upon?
V:  Only that everyone should remember but one thing in the Duel of Swords.
"Honor the Duel, and the Duel will honor you."


*    *    *
page 9

::the page opens to a full page photo of a large, relaxed-looking crowd in a nightclub, watching a
band on-stage 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 10

Photo Spread and Nickname day

::photo of Bapheloc (sometimes known as Baps, Baph, Baphyduck, and the guy who really likes
red heads) winning a duel (will wonders never cease!  Just kidding there Baphs) as he low cuts a
stop hitting Zenithian::

::in another miracle of statistical averages, this photo is of AceoSwords (commonly known as
Raven) dancing around the ring after defeating first Harkur (Commonly known as Harkur) and
then OIC Blank (commonly known as Ol'ak).  Two wins for the bird?  Can world peace be far
behind?::

::photo of Luthien and Gobbo low cutting and showering the ring in bright sparks of blue::

::photo of a sidestepping Kalamere (sometimes known as Mere) being brained by PsiMystic
(sometimes known as Psi, Mysti, Mysticate, and "Hey, you!") as he high cuts::

::photo of a more typical Raven being given a haircut by Sporksaint (ah the holy men always have
some advantage...) as he stop hits::

Extra blood photo for you vamps and other assorted blood lovers in the audience ::in an old-
timers rematch, Cym2 (Commonly known as Cullyn Darelir) cuts high connecting with Fantasy
RC's head sending a shower of blood over everything in sight as RC (not to be confused with the
soda) cuts low and venerable blood flows out of Cym's leg and all over the ring::


::Jornus (sometimes known as Sodahead because he has a sprite on his shoulder ha ha),
resplendent in his purple floppy-sleeved battle robe, low cuts just as Halo thrusts into him for the
hit and win proving that yet again those with divine help...(Well just look at Monk!  He's not an
orangutan ya know):::

::another photo as RC weaves his blade from right to left and back again effectively hypnotizing
Cym and making him bark like a dog... woof::

::photo of Bapheloc thrusting into yours truly as I took to the ring in a misguided attempt at
insight-- Oscar low cuts and lives to regret it.  I heartily recommend that if you duel, you not use
a pen::

*    *    *
page 12

:: 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 13

::an ad opens before you, showing VegaDragon in his new store::

Weapons for sale!  New or used!  Plain or Magical!  Armor for the masses!  Come on down to
Vega's Armory and check out the merchandise!  All methods of payment accepted.  You cannot
be turned down for credit!  Come on down today!

*    *    *
page 14

  We met up with Cullyn Darelir not long ago and talked for a time about his plans and desires for
the future of dueling.  Listen in...

DosToday:  You are first to challenge Valmion...
Cym2:  Aye......I challenged some time ago
DT:  What changes do you think you'll bring to the overlord spot should
you win?
Cym2:     The reason for my challenge is simple. When I was rising through the
ranks, the average length of an Overlordship was 2 - 4 months.  The Overlordship is not a title of
the week to be bandied among those with rank and no honor.  As you may know, I began my
career under the 3rd Overlord, Falon, many cycles ago.  From what I have seen since my return to
RhyDin.....the rank of Warlord has fallen greatly.  Warlords use all 4 fancies on commoners.

Photo: <<Cym2 leaning forward, grey eyes sparkling dangerously, as he talks about dignity>> BD

Cym2:     Fancies are earned, and their use is honorable.  BUT.  It has never been and never shall
be honorable to use Fancies to replace skill.  The only Warlord of honor I have seen among the
younger ones is Dare Ltan, and he is retiring.
DT:  Valmion is rather honorable however... and he's rather new.
Cym2:     I have the utmost respect for Valmion, as I have stated my challenge is not a
condemnation of him personally.  If my challenge is successful, I intend to petition that the
same rule that applies to Overlords (1 fancy over the opponents) be applied to all Warlords
DoSEditor:  You would force people to be honorable?

Photo: <<A far-away look enters Cym's eyes as he speaks about his plan for Warlords and
fancies>> BD

Cym2:     Honor can not be forced. Honor has no price and can only come from the heart.  But
justice can be enforced.
DT:  Think of how resistant people were when they changed the fancy rule to its current
incarnation.  What do you suppose your petition would do?
Cym2:     Small minds always resist change.  I imagine the commoners would not object overly
much.  If a duelist needs 4 fancies to win a match, then he is not worthy to be called Warlord.  I
noted that my friend Fantasy RC stated much the same thing in the pages of this publication.  Also
note that the new rule would still give an advantage to the higher ranked opponent, but would
prevent the blatant unfairness I have personally witnessed.  If need be I will voluntarily give up all
my fancies as proof of my commitment to this idea
DT:  But commoners should know that to challenge a warlord means facing fancies.
Cym2:     Warlords are meant to be the epitome of honor in the DoS.  It is up to THEM, not the
commoners, to show honor.
DT:  Not to mention that most of the duelers there these days are warlords.
Cym2:     Indeed, I think there you hit upon it.  Perhaps the WoL for Warlord should be raised
DT:  Cymmie, you say that "warlords are meant to be the epitome of honor"...
Cym2:     Yes Dan.
DT:  ... Warlord, though, is a term taken from the Chinese Warlords, who had no sense of
honor.  In addition, towards the end of the Chinese era of Warlords, there were a really large
number of them, about at the same ratio that we have now for Warlords to Commoners.  What do
you say to this?
Cym2:     New duelers look to those who are Warlords for a role model.  I say that either honor
must be defended now, or it must not be pretended towards.  I personally can not be a part of a
sport where there is no honor.  But it may be that the patrons of the DoS do not want honor.  If
that is the case I will retire, laying down my Overlordship (should I be so at the time)
DT:  You plan to make your overlordship a martyr's cause?
Cym2:     Not at all.  My challenge for the overlordship is because I feel I am both qualified and
capable.  My wishes for the DoS do not depend on being either Overlord or Warlord
DT:  Cym, towards the end of any major era, there is a large ruling class. Here, too... Do you
think
that DoS might collapse beneath the weight of the Warlords?
Cym2:     :::::sits still, obviously considering this:::::  I think to an extent it has already begun to. 
Attendance has declined lately.  I think either DoS will collapse or will become something totally
different from what DoS is today.
DT:  Do you think that, through pressure as the Overlord, you might shrink the Warlord class...
and so prevent this collapse?
Cym2:     Dan..... I'd not seek to shrink it, only to right the balance between Warlord and
Commoner.  May I make a quick back trip into memory?
DT:  Sure.

Photo: <<Cym2 sits back, all blurry and unfocused, as he goes on a trip down memory lane>> BD

Cym2:     In the beginnings of my career, the DoS was a very different thing.  There were 6
Warlords, one Overlord for many cycles, and few duelers.  At that time, the duels focused on
honor and skill.  Warlords were not masters they were teachers, who endeavored not only
to impart skill but to show the ways of honor.  With the larger ranks of Warlords, the focus of
DoS has changed more to a tournament style.  Which is not all bad, simply different.  I do not
seek to change that which is unalterable.  I seek only to regain the balance that MUST be kept if
the DoS is to thrive.  I will try to do this whether I defeat Valmion or not..... Valmion is my
true Overlord.  And if he defeats me, he shall still be my true Overlord.  And I shall do everything
that can be done for the Duels, in any way that I can
DT:  Is this why you have returned to dueling?  To bring back the honor?
Cym2:     To challenge?  Nay. I returned because I love the dueling rings.  But when I came back
I
began seeing things that were not right
DT:  Isn't it odd though, to see you, Fantasy RC and Monk all return after so long an absence?
Cym2:     Perhaps it is only that we three have striven together a long time
DT:  Mr. Cym, you say that you wish to "regain the balance of the duels"...
Cym2:     Aye
DT:  ... most Warlords however will probably not willingly give up
their rank.  How do you propose to get around this?
Cym2:     I don't advocate removing their rank.  Making Warlords the same as the Overlord in
terms
of fancies is easier.  That way Commoners feel they have a chance to rise and Warlords still
maintain the advantage they have earned
DT:  From what I've seen those commoners with any skill have risen rapidly that's why the
warlords are so crowded already.
Cym2:     Perhaps, but skill is not a concrete term.  Let me put it this way, if a dueler IS skilled,
then
why will it hurt him so much to not use all his fancies on some poor commoner?  He didn't have
them when he got there he shouldn't need them against commoners.
DT:  This is so... I suppose my question is, are you against having so many warlords? or just so
many dishonorable ones?
Cym2:     Many Warlords is the inevitable effect of a more popular game.  It makes me happy that
so many have played.  But I DO want to weed out those who do not understand what being a
Warlord is about.
DoSEditor:  Well Cym, it seems to me that it comes down to one basic question.  Is winning more
important than honor?
Cym2:     In my eyes that is the issue, and if I ever come to need a win more than my honor, I will
leave forever.

Cullyn Darelir... a man with purpose.

*    *    *
page 17

::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 18

::a photo of an anatomically correct Amaltea Doll in its original package:::
 
                                        COLLECTOR'S ITEMS
                                              Amaltea Dolls
                               Autographed by Amaltea Herself!
                                supplies limited - get yours now! 


                                             *****

:: a photo of Kwameaki holding a beautiful tea-tin, smiling mischievously::

                                                 New!
                 and exclusive at the RhyDin Shopping Network!

Feeling romantic?  Want to impress that certain special someone?  Try Kwameaki's Pleasure Tea™
....a gentle and exotic blend of rare herbs stimulates the pleasure center for a feeling of wellbeing
or crazed lust, depending on your mood.

Stop by and try some now! 

*    *    *
page 19

Upcoming Events and Latebreaking news:

THIS SUNDAY!  At 10:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (commonly known as EST) Valmion
(commonly known as Valmion) defends his title for the first time against Cullyn Darelir
(commonly known as Cym2).  Come and watch two of the greats in action and maybe learn a
thing or two.  If Valmion should win, he's already got two more duels lined up in the wings.  A
challenge from Connor McCleod (commonly known as Connor, Connar, Conner, etc.) and
another from MadMadMax (commonly known as MadMadMax).

Dare L'tan, ::photo of Dare dueling with retired Shadowrun:: long time dueler and lately warlord,
will be leaving the rings and retiring.  His last fight was with Cym2 last week, and his brand of
punnish humor will be sorely missed in the rings.  But the good news is that his screen name is
still available to send e-mail to and once he gets reality straightened out, he will probably return.

In these pages next time:

The long awaited interview with the splendiferous babe herself, Kairee
An interview with ThGreyBard, an old Q-linker come to call
A report on the Overlord challenge....
and more!


*    *    *
Page 20

::A bright green photo of the jungle appears on this page and down on the floor of this
rainforested scene is the loinclothed Warsloth, SlothShamn, standing at a small booth.  A sign in
front of the booth reads::
Leaves for sale.  Improve your dueling while you heal your wounds with SlothShamn's
wonderous magical leaves.  (Sloth also recommends chewing a leaf or two before dueling him,
although this magazine cannot be held responsible for the outcome of the duel.)

Leaves, they're not just for shade anymore.

Contact SlothShamn for your leaves today.

*    *    *

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  :)