::On the cover, a blood lover's fun fest.  A clear shot of Valmion and Connor thrusting into each
other, blood droplets arcing over each other's heads.  Over this reads DOS TODAY::

*    *    *

DoS TODAY   Volume 2,  Issue 3

Contents:

Editorial                     page 2
Advert for The White Rose               page 3
Report on the Valmion-Connor duel       page 4
Advert for Falire's Chimney Sweeping service    page 5
Poetry Corner                      page 6
Advert for Gloin's Weapon O-Rama        page 7
Advert for Arelia's Trinkets            page 7
Photo spread                       page 8
Advert for Guytar's Gore           page 11
Plain & Fancies by Hedda           page 12
Advert for MidnytBlue's Garden          page 14
A Dueler's Tale part 2             page 15
Advert for Chanson's Musical Day Care   page 16
Late-breaking News                 page 17

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

*    *    *
page 2

How hard is it to get a duel?

  Well from what this editor has seen, pretty hard.  For all the people that seem to crowd the
basement every weekend--sometimes 23 people for several minutes at a time--it seems
increasingly difficult to get a duel these days.  I do not know what to attribute this difficulty to,
for although there have been shouts of cliquishness and snubbing, I don't think this is the root of
the problem.  Some say rank is a problem, but I'm not sure that is the case either.  I myself am
only a humble Swordsman, and I have had much trouble.  The warlords always seem to complain
that no one will duel them because of their rank, yet commoners complain of the same thing.  It is
something that I myself have noticed however, and wonder about.  If one of you readers has an
idea about it, I'd certainly like to hear it.

*    *    *
page 3

<<<<------------------------------------------>>>>            
                           THE WHITE ROSE                      

               Catering and other hands on activities.

               Centrally located in downtown Rhydin
               between the Red Dragon Inn and the
               Stars End Bar and Grill.

            Walk-ins welcome, appointments appreciated.

      ---/--\-%{@  Bria Thorne, owner and proprietress

<<<<--------------------------------------------->>>>

*    *    *
page 4

A Matter of Politics

  On December 15, Lord Valmion of Questrion successfully defended his title of Overlord against
Connor MacLeod.  Much to the surprise of many, QnLuthien stood with Connor against her old
friend Valmion.  Seems that Valmion had once promised Luthien that he would choose her as
second when it came time for him to challenge the Overlord.  When the time came, he changed his
mind and chose the most honorable Shadowrun in an attempt to attain honor by proxy.  In his
efforts to prove his honor to a crowd that was mostly unconcerned with it, he showed an
appalling lack of it by not standing true to his word.  Could the tombstone crest he wore at the
fight mean a death of his honor?
  But whatever the politics behind it, the fight itself was quite good.  Called by the famous dwarf,
Gloin, the match lasted nine rounds with the points trading back and forth.  At the seventh round,
they were tied at 3 a-piece then the Overlord showed his abilities and won on the next to points,
fancy duck and high cut.

The rounds:

Valmion        Connor
fancy duck          high cut
fancy circular parry     fancy circular parry
low cut        thrust
fancy duck          stop hit
thrust              fancy circular parry
fancy lateral parry high cut
thrust              thrust
fancy duck          high cut
high cut       fancy circular parry

  A great display of fancy use was made by both competitors.  And after the bout, a fine show of
good sportsmanship was made as Connor and Mamusia both graciously congratulated the winner. 
The animosity between Luthien and Valmion was still quite apparent as the elven queen was
seemingly ignored as she wished the victor congratulations.
  Valmion did declare that MadMadMax was next on the list of competitors and that he was
looking forward to the fight with keen interest.  This magazine also looks to that fight as being
quite interesting.  If you can't make it to any other match this season, this may be the one to go to.

*    *    *
page 5

   Tired of climbing up your chimney and emerging covered in soot?  

   Tired of going for a romantic slide down your chimney with your sweetheart and tasting sooty
lips at the bottom? (Or maybe on the way down if you're an expert.) 

    Then give me a call at 1-800-CHIMNEY.  Our operators are standing by (mainly me, and I'm
not fully operational), waiting to hear your pleas for help and come rushing to the rescue.  And
we're cheap!  In fact, we usually forget to collect payment...

    So be the first in your neighborhood to have a clean chimney.  That neighbor may always beat
you in the yearly Xmas lawn decorations contest, but you'll be damned if his chimney's cleaner! 
Remember, 1-800-CHIMNEY.  Call now.  Or later, just call!

(Paid for by a grubby old man that just wanted to be left alone.)

(In case there's any confusion... the preceding was from everyone's favorite chimney sweep,
Falire)

*    *    *
page 6

An RDI Christmas
~By BrdwayDan, based on "A Visit from St. Nicholas" by Clement C. Moore

'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the lan',
Not a duelist was stirring, 'cept I - Broadway Dan.
T'other duelists were nestled, all snug in their bunks,
Sound asleep after partying, those poor silly drunks.
But I stood in the Inn, an axe on me back,
Along with a bass guitar, painted quite black.
A camera, against my chest, it did lay,
Along with a press card titled 'DoS Today'.
Straight 'cross the hall, to the bar I did run,
The 'tender was out; I could have some fun.
I rolled out a large cask, with ale to it's top.
I stuck in a straw through the cork with a *pop*.
I leaned back to drink, and my eyes did behold,
A guy standing there, who looked rather old.
A red suit he wore, a beard, and a hat,
(And surely a pillow - boy, was he fat!)
A large sack was slung, over one shoulder.
This bag was quite huge, the size of a boulder.
He dropped it down, with a loud *clang*,
And a helmet rolled out, hit the wall with a *bang*.
"My Gosh!" I cried, "Who the heck are you?"
He grinned as he said, "It's me, Cymmie Poo!"
"Why, Cymmie, you've changed!" I stared at his girth.
He laughed and he chortled and giggled with mirth.
"I'm just here to drop off some toys,
For all of the RhyDIn good girls and boys.
I've got armor, and weapons, good swords made to kill.
And for you, Broadway Dan, I've brought you a still."
"But, Cymmie," I asked, "Why did you go?
Did you quit when faced with a deadly foe?
What about duty and honor?" I cried.
"I didn't retire, Dan, I actually died.
I fought and I fought, and at last did not win.
I saw there'd never be Overlord Cym."
"Now you're back to deliver Holiday Cheer?"
"Aye, RDI's and patrons, you all are quite dear.
Kairee, Siera, Mamusia the Keeper,
Xeno, and Carp, the fish who seems deeper,
Gloin, Doc, Boyle, Ace, and still more,
Thumper, Dark Elf, Amal, and Glor,
The Innmates, the Newbies, and others of fame,
But at the moment, I've forgotten their names."
He glanced at his watch, an hour 'til dawn.
He picked up his bag, a <flash>, and he was gone.
Yet, a call I heard, out of the night:
"Merry Christmas to all! And to all a good fight!"

Happy Holidays, from the editors at DoS Today!

*    *    *
page 7

::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"

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

::white roses with red spots circle the ad::

@    @    @    @


ARELIA'S TRINKETS

for all your dueling needs...

If she can't make it, it can't be made.

Exclusive supplier of Potion's Miracle Salve

The shop is located conveniently next door to the Red Dragon Inn and the dueling basement.


@    @    @    @

*    *    *
page 8

Photos:

::A holographic moving photo of Blind Yasafel dueling Oscar.  A shower of sparks drip over
them as they move in slow motion, both cutting upwards.  Yasafel, instinctively reacting to the
editor's movements, smiles as the blades crash together.::

Series of money-owing photos... Although reluctant to show photos of himself dueling as he
prefers to remain neutral, this editor does realize that some of his dueling partners would like to
be memorialized in the magazine.  Therefore...

::photo of ShadoFall beating Oscar badly, the final hit being a stop hit which causes said editor's
blood to flow out onto the ring as he stupidly thrust::
Caption:  ShadoFall beats up on DoSEditor.  Hah.  Thought I wouldn't publish it, did you?
::photo of Ragnerock giving the poor old Editor a false sense of hope just as he comes in for the
kill, sidestepping his circular parry, and beating the journalist senseless::
Caption:  Scotsman takes advantage of pen-wielding journalist.
::photo of Cryptkickr coming from behind to blast the beejeebus out of an old and weary editor. 
A high cut smack across the forehead as I did a very nice and extremely fancy sidestep::
Caption:  Sheesh people... be kind, I'm old.

::photo of new dueler, Kato Heian stop hitting a slash from Cryptkickr::
Caption:  Even new people can prevail against good duelers on occasion

Special DoS Today Duel of Max Photospread!

They're Bad, they're Mad, they're Rad, and sometimes they're even Plaid! It's the Maxes! From the
original MadMadMax, they've split like bacteria into the outstanding? trio seen today!

Photo: <<Bird's eye view: BadBadMax's sword is held parallel to the ground above his head, as
Lord Kaaos' blade bounces towards the viewer>>
Caption: The Max who's Bad shows off a proficient Fancy Lateral Parry, sending Kaaos' thrust off
in an unexpected direction, at least for the photographer.  BD

Photo: <<Seen through a cracked lens: BadBadMax is kneeling, inches above the mat, with his
sword firmly stuck in Lord Kaaos's shin>>
Caption: BadBadMax cuts low and under Lord Kaaos's lat parry for the hit and comeback win! 
BD

Photo: <<Bapheloc's sword is flying off of MadMadMax's spinning blade in an arc straight at
poor Baph's leg>>
Caption: Bapheloc thrusts right into the Mad Max's well-timed stop hit.  BD

Photo: <<There is a shower of sparks from the clash of MadMadMax and Bapheloc's swords>>
Caption: We'll need earplugs after the ringing of these two duelists' low cuts.  BD


Special Special Section:

Some of the RDIs and their favorite antics

::photo of the Doctor dematerializing before the eyes of several dueling fans::

::photo of Gloin cleaning the wax out of everyone's ears with his megaphone, one poor duelist
getting blown right out of the ring by the volume::

::photo of Siera Red collaring a poor (and very abused.... ::written in red ink above the photo
obviously after the magazine was proofed by the editor::) cub reporter after he foolishly called her
"my lady".::

::photo of Amaltea eating orange ice cream with olives (not for the weak of stomach) with a tired
Xeno running back and forth to the bar for more more more odd requests::

::photo of Anton Glorhenath sipping tea rather than his usual coffee as several duelists circle each
other in the background::

::photo of the dark elf, Feadur, throttling his misfired macro generator::

::photo of Xenograg in a lighter moment floating in the air after calling, his blue Ostego cloak
falling around him like a tent::

::photo of Splugorth leaning down pitifully for his pencil on the ground which has fallen too far
for him to reach (a mere six inches away)::

::photo of Keeper drawing a doodle of a nice Holstein cow on her scoresheet as several of her
duelers mysteriously vanish right out of the ring victims of the menacing puntmonster::

*    *    *
page 11

::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!
Buttons of all sorts made upon request!
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 12

PLAIN AND FANCIES
                    by Hedda Hat
 
************************************************************************
I'll make thee glorious by my pen,
And famous by my sword
                              James Graham, 1612-1650
************************************************************************

So wonderful to be back in Rhydin, minus a few pounds and plus a few good stories from the
other coast.  But, things have been hectic back here!  DoS Today nearly closes down!
Hmmph....as if the reason we're all here is to watch duels.  But then....one might accuse me of
bias, no?

The real excitement, however, is the reappearance of old friends and the blossoming of eternal
love.  First, and most exciting, is that LdyeBeth, the once (and possibly future) RDI, has returned
to Rhydin.  She has chosen, wisely?, to remain mum about the rumors swirling around her
departure and look, instead, to the future of the sport she loves.  Her educated eye has noted an
apparent increase in general name-calling amongst duelers which she feels detracts from the sport
itself, costing some comraderie. On the other hand, LdyeBeth feels the new fancy rule is working
well.  When asked, she explained that she duels for the enjoyment and fun of sport and healthy
competition.  (Certainly something we can all aspire to...even if you look as I do, that dinnertime
is your favorite time of day!)  Let's all hope that the lovely lady is reinstated soon and we get to
see another accomplished dueler in the ring!

So Bapheloc and JayneLaMer are engaged to be married....on December 21st.  No room seems
large enough to hold the overflow crowd, however.  So the reception location is to be
determined.  Let's hope the bride-to-be lives long enough to be the bride...apparently someone
named Kasmira kidnapped her and hurt her.  Now recovering, Jayne has been under constant
protection by  Baph and/or his guards.  Anyone know this Kasmira or her cohorts?  Who would
have reason to prevent this marriage?  But, thinking ahead to happier times....Jayne has a lovely
dress picked out.  It is long and.....oops, sorry.  Can't tell.  You'll have to be there to see it! 
Ranger Blue will be giving away the bride and Xeno is Baph's best man.  Loranth will perform the
wedding...a very nice touch since he is so recently married himself.  Mayhaps he will have some
interesting advice for the charming couple?

Having quite open ears all the time, I recently heard from some recent DoS newbies that thy have
found it hard to break into DoS - and how "cliquish" the duelling room feels to them.  They also
say there are inaccuracies in the reporting of the matches.  As a neophyte myself, I cannot say that
my experience was similar, quite the contrary, but I pass it along for what it's worth.  Just
remember that the future of the sport depends upon welcoming new blood into it.

Anyone else notice the delightful Jonalyn has exquisite taste in many things?  Definitely in sherry. 
And who could help but notice that cute Aspendale...he's no commoner by my standards!  And
then there's the symmetrical Connor!  And has anyone else had the tables in the duelling hall talk
to them? No? Hmmmmm...  Amaltea seems to be retaining that duelling form despite her cravings
for ice cream and cheese and olives...all together.  And then there's DarkFantom.  What's his story
anyway?  It's all entwined with Clara Tal and some dead person named Nigel and WizSlinger - the
spellcaster extraordinaire of Duel of Magic.  Despite rumors to the contrary....Sweetflower says
he and QnLuthien are divorced...but wasn't it just two months ago that Luthy called him
"husband" in the duelling hall?  Sweet says their divorce was witnessed in the "bowels of the
earth."  What could that mean?  And why did they split up?  And what does GavileanS think
about all this on the fast approaching eve of their wedding?  Well...gotta rush.  Hope this makes
the deadline.

While Sweetflower seems to be upset about Luth's new marriage, Gavilean is quickly trying to
cover the traces of his past and not-so-past loves.  Poor Sidartha tells a sad tale of betrayal.  But
then there is the other young girl...so innocent...who does not understand why Gav has not
returned to her as he promised earlier this month.  Her story will appear in the next DoSToday if
it is still relevant. In the meantime, Luth, "Marry in haste, repent at leisure."

*    *    *
page 14


::page opens on a picture of a garden::
MidnytBlue would like to announce the opening of her Healing and Tarot Garden.  Duelers and
others welcome.  Please see her folder "Healings and Taort" in Stars' End Sector.

*    *    *
page 15

(The continuing story by Dark Axe... Part 1 appeared in issue 8)

A Dueler's Tale, Part 2 by Ulath ni Fici
       He cautiously enters the inn, the smell of strong ale, blood, and perfume overwhelming his
senses.
      He glances about, his jade gaze warming on the sign that spells out "dueling downstairs".  He
strides down the stairs, to peer about the corner of the wall.  His gaze falls upon a few rings,  the
canvases in them covered in red blood.  He grimaces slightly at this sight. He steels himself and
strides slowly to a table, placing his feet up onto it, plopping down into the oak chair, attempting
to look experienced  As he watches the duels, familiarizing himself with them.  He marvels at the
smooth grace of many of the duelers, parrying and riposting, attacking without a flaw.
          His hand strays to the axe at his side as a strange man wanders over to him, the strange
man coolly watching him with dark, blue eyes.
       "Would you care to duel, monsieur?", the words spill from the mouth of this man.
       "Perhaps, I don't duel nameless spawn, though."  Ulath smiles wryly at his joke, awaiting the
response.
     "Gio. "
     "Well then, Gio.  Off we are then."  He places one hand tightly around the handle of his axe,
trying to steady its palsied shaking.  As Gio moves sleekly off to tell the referee of the upcoming
duel, Ulath asks himself, "What did I just get myself into?"  

*    *    *
page 16

The Music is Magic Nightclub, for the best music, food and drink in RhyDin.

Regardless of your dueling preference (swords, magic, fists or spectator),
and your musical preferences, the Music is Magic Nightclub has something for
almost everyone.  Stop by, sit back, and relax after a hard evening of
dueling.  Enjoy the relaxed ambience of the most successful nightclub in
RhyDin.  Stop by our gift shop where you can get a variety of music-related
items, and help out the RhyDin Orphanage and the Halfway House at the same
time.  (A portion of the proceeds goes to these two establishments.)

Unless otherwise specified, a portion of every evening is under an "open
mike" policy.  Impromptu performances are always welcome, as long as they are
within the bounds of propriety.  (No TOSables).

(Music is Magic Nightclub, message board in From the Dragon's Mouth)

*    *    *
page 17

Late-breaking News:

  Has anyone else (besides E-core) noticed Halbarad's move up the warlord ranks?  Quiescent for
months, this warlord has apparently returned to stir up the middle ranked warlords.  First
challenging GreyHunter and now Lady Finch.  Does he perhaps have eyes for the Overlord spot
and is getting a bit of practice in before the big match?
  And what of MeMonk's challenge to Vixxenish and Luthien's to Splugorth?  What has come of
these challenges?  DoSToday will keep you posted.  Whatever the reason, there seems a new
resurgence of movement in the ranks.
  And speaking of movement, will Siera Red ever challenge Amaltea for the top spot in the
warlord ranks?  And what of the other warlords who seem content to sit on their laurels?  Where
are they now?
  Speaking of where are they... has anyone seen Binzo or GrayMax recently?

We here at DOS TODAY are still in the market for freelance material.  If you've an idea or have
written something pertaining to dueling, we would love to take a look at it.

*    *    *
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  :)