FLASH!  Missing Baby!  ::photo on the cover this week is a picture of Valmion and Alaisia's child
Arlingond::
Have you seen this child?  Please contact Valmion or Alaisia at Questrion Castle if you have any
information on his whereabouts.  There will be more information about this in the next issue.


DoS TODAY   Volume 2,  Issue 4

Contents:

Letters to the Editor                        page 2
Advert for Falire's Chimney Sweeping service page 4
An Interview with the Arch Mage              page 5
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 10
Hedda's Policy (re-print)                    page 11
Advert for MidnytBlue's Garden               page 12
Advert for Magic is Music Nightclub               page 13
Editorial                          page 14
Advert for The White Rose                    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, Columnist

*    *    *
page 2

When invited to air her views of the article about her and Gavilean, Luthien answered with the
following letter. ~Ed.

Hello, Oscar.

     For anyone wishing to read about Gavilean and Luthien's relationship.., completely IC.... 
Gavilean and I have gone to great pains to bring it together in folder form.   Anyone remotely
interrested in how we came to be a couple.. should look therein.   If you would like to read it,   I
would suggest that you log it and read it offline as it is....extensive.  well over 20 longish posts. 
The folder starts off in the present, almost the future... and then the two remember the events that
let to their wedding...... posting a series from a private Email storyline never intended for other's
eyes... edited of course.

The folder name is  Castle Clatterbridge. Dragon Tales.

Anything that would  NOT  be in this folder, no one in RhyDin would have the right to know. 
Therefore, I suppose there is no need for further interviewing.

I thank you.

Luthien



Editor,
::lopsided grin:: if that ragmaster Oscar had any sense at all, he'd stick to the mail room instead of
the war room. ::shrugs:: the same goes for most of the other DoS'rs. bunch a whining little babies.
"he wrote this about me....she used all her fancies......I can't duel you, your to high a rank!"
bunch a sissies! we should make you all go sit in the DoS nursery while the ones who came to
duel can, without havin' to listen to all this crybaby crap!
     I suggest you all just avoid dueling me when I get up in the ranks, because when you do, I'm
gonna shove every damb fancy I have down each and every one of your throats! then you can go
cry about me being dishonorable. that's ok because I'm the bad guy here and it's my job to push
all you little weenies around. and just so you know....I don't care about honor so don't come
looking for a shred of it from me, honor should be classified as a four letter word so screw it.
::laughing, he walks away::

~The preceding was sent by Carnifexx, no one knows why... Ed.~



Gentlemen,

  You recently published an interview with the proprietor of the Red Dragon Inn.  I would take
this opportunity to "set the record straight" on several items that are misleading and perhaps
confused by the interviewee.

1)  The Duel of Swords came to RhyDIn in May of '92.  It is a copy of a similarly named sport in
my beloved Hammacher Egolas.  We invented the game years before RhyDIn.  I, of course,
dominated the sport from the first time I handled a sword and soon sought new challenges other
than the local talent (who I might add would easily defeat the vast majority of RhyDIn duelers).  I
caught wind of a particular contestant of marked competency here in RhyDIn and so set out to
challenge and, well, the rest is history.

2)  With regards to tenure, since my arrival Gloin, BlkPanther, The Doctor, Halbarad and
GreyHunter are the only ones I see around who are still dueling. Me Monk, a dear friend now,
had started to duel only a week before my arrival in Mid-September of '92 (RhyDIn time).  And I
quickly ascended the ranks ahead of him.  GrayMax (a former student), RC and Splugorth did not
participate in the duels until early '93.  So, the RDI's asserted time table is faulted (I'm sure for
lack of documentation only).  And I have in my possession official DoS documents to back my
assertions.

3)  To imply that Gondar left dueling out of boredom is a bogus coverup perpetrated by Gondar
himself.  In early November of '92 I challenged (non-title) and defeated him handily before Me
Monk challenged him.  After that he was standoffish and avoided contact with me.  It was that
December that I challenged him openly to a duel of duels knowing the passing of the title was a
ruse.  I proposed a once and for all best of 5 matches contest with the defeated banished from
RhyDIn for life.  I do not believe Monk was aware of any of this.

  Gondar first agreed but wanted some time, which I agreed to.  Then he hesitated using worn out
rhetoric and childish excuses to delay the match for over a month and a half.  Ultimately he
reneged opting instead to hide behind "giving" the title to Me Monk and feigning disinterest when
all along he was petrified to meet truth head on.

  With due respect to Ms. Kairee's personal feelings, I'm personally tired of the immortalization of
this whining and cowardly expirant.  With all due respect to Monk, I don't think he deserved the
title because Gondar had already defeated him and my challenge was already put forth but
ignored.  And, though I was not made aware of the backroom politics, for obvious reasons
(picturing Gondar plotting how to keep the title from me - not a real stretch of the imagination as
he was sleeping with Ms. Kairee), THEY decided to give Monk the title.  This has never sat well
with me but being the gracious man I am I accepted the ruling and of course went on to take the
title from Me Monk who at least had the courage to face me.  At that time I had seven fancy
maneuvers at my disposal.  Here is an extract from the 3/22/93 standings...

OVERLORD       Falon        47 : 9 : 5    7 Fancys
Warlord        Gondar 1     24 : 5 : 1    3 Fancys
Warlord        ME Monk      26 : 11 : 1   3 Fancys
Grand Master   Fantasy RC   22 : 12 : 2   2 Fancys
Grand Master   Halbarad     20 : 8 : 0    2 Fancys
Master-at-Arms GreyHunter   12 : 4 : 0    1 Fancys
Master-at-Arms The Doctor   13 : 7 : 0    1 Fancy

  The DoS establishment had to rewrite the fancy rules to try and contain me.  And between that
and the three easy title defenses against Fantasy RC and private issues, which I won't go into here,
I eventually lost inspiration and the will to exceed in the sport.  It's just not the same.  I don't
know if anyone will ever see a real aggressive Falon again.

  But I assure you and your readership that no one, not Gondar, not Me Monk, not even
Xenograg, has had the impact on DoS that I have had.  And no one ever will.

4)  As far as libidinous skill sets are concerned it was she who came to my abode that night and it
was she who over slept the following morning, not I.  And would I do it again?

::here the letter suddenly stops::


~And that letter was courtesy of Falon, in case the authorship was in question.  Ed.~

*    *    *
page 4

   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
{if he reappears online that is :/})

*    *    *

page 5


Recently, I have become intrigued with the new "sport" in Rhydin - the Duel of Magic.  Not only
is the entire sport - or should I say art? - in a key formative stage where every match creates a
precedent and sets a standard for subsequent matches, but also it attracts different participants
from DoS - or reveals a new side to experienced DoS-ers.

Recently, CONNORMcld became Rhydin's first ArchMage.  He is a handsome, charming, and
capable individual who is known to many of our readers.  Although reticent on the subject of his
history prior to arriving in Rhydin, Connor is pleasant and forthcoming in other areas.  His
thoughts on the ascent to this lofty title, on the magical dueling experience, and on some of the
issues which have surfaced thus far in the *art* are reflected in the following interview.

The interview took place in Oscar's office at DoS Today and began after appropriate social
niceties.

HeddaHat   : Good.  Okay.  First, tell me a little about your background.
C0NNORMcld : Well, I come from the highlands
HeddaHat   : ::nods:: Why did you come to Rhydin?
C0NNORMcld : That's a good question ::raises eyebrow::
HeddaHat   : Have you an answer? ::raises her eyebrow also::
C0NNORMcld : Let's just say I wanted to get away from ahhh things.
HeddaHat   : What kind of things, Connor?
C0NNORMcld : I needed a fresh start. 
HeddaHat   : ::smiles then laughs:: Okay, okay.
HeddaHat   : So...how did you get interested in Duel of Magic?
C0NNORMcld : Well to tell you the truth at first I was a little skeptical.  I mean fighting  without
weapons.  Read a few books about it. Then went a tossed a few bolts around.  It was a lot less
bloody . More of a thinking man's game. Not that I don't enjoy a good bloodfest, mind you.
HeddaHat   : Yes, of course.  Who doesn't? ::grimaces inwardly::
HeddaHat   : So..DoM is more of a thinking person's game.  
CONNORMcld:  Well, there are no weapons involved, just studying and memorizing  spells.  You
can see that it is not as physical.
HeddaHat   : So...you liked that and decided to try for the title?
C0NNORMcld : Well actually I was very involved with it, then I took a rest.
HeddaHat   : Why did you do that?
C0NNORMcld : This was before it was official. I felt it would be better not to give away  too
much in the preseason, so to speak
HeddaHat   : ::laughs:: Indeed.  So..then the season began in earnest.  How did your early 
matches go?
C0NNORMcld : Well actually I lost my first match.  Since then I am undefeated.
HeddaHat   : Who did you lose to?
C0NNORMcld : Wizslinger.  As it turned out he would be the main competition for the  title.
HeddaHat   : Ah...but later you defeated him.
C0NNORMcld : Yes
HeddaHat   : So...how would you describe your rise through the ranks?
C0NNORMcld : It's all really a blur. It happened so quickly.
HeddaHat   : Any images remain vivid in your mind? Any close battles?  Any lopsided  victories?
C0NNORMcld : Well yes. Two things.  The first was the second match with Wizslinger.
 It was quite interesting because we were equal rank but had different spells.  He had AB, MS,
and Reflection.  I chose AB, Ghostform and Reflection.  In fact, I decided to go defensively in the
second match, hence my choices.
HeddaHat   : And how did that play out?
CONNORMcld:  Well it was a tight match - he led most of the way.  As it turned out, I  gained
an advantage using Ghostform on the second to last move to tie it and then
 won on a lucky guess the last move.
HeddaHat   : Do you feel in general having a strong defense is better than a strong offense  in
DoM?
C0NNORMcld : I think apprentices and enchanters should be very defensive minded.
HeddaHat   : Yes...::thoughtfully:: This would make sense given the upper level spells the mages
have.
C0NNORMcld : Actually against each other!  Against upper level mages, a defensive mind  set
could be disastrous.
HeddaHat   : Why could it be disastrous?
C0NNORMcld : Well, an upper level mage can often blow through the best defense.
 Sometimes good defense means a good offense.
HeddaHat   : Yes....good sentiment.  ::writes it down::
HeddaHat   : Now....this dispute with Dark Axe regarding the fairness of the matches between
ranks.  All can read the arguments in the folder.  Do you have anything to say here...for our
readers on the subject?
C0NNORMcld : Well, to be honest the game was developed to allow inter rank fights.  A good
caster can win against upper level spells.  Not that I recommend an apprentice go out and fight
only wizards and mages.  A  person should fight to enjoy it.  If that means fighting apprentices,
great.  If it  means taking on mages, that's good too.  There is no shame in a lower level dueler 
refusing an upper level fight.
HeddaHat   : Yes.  Is there foolishness in accepting one?  Some say this apprentice who fought
you was a fool.
C0NNORMcld : It depends on why you're dueling.  If you are learning to duel, it may be 
worthwhile to fight even if you feel you will lose.
HeddaHat   : Experience is the teacher.
C0NNORMcld : Exactly
HeddaHat   : Okay...any more on that subject before we move on?
C0NNORMcld : No that's pretty much how I feel. ::smiles::
HeddaHat   : Well, then.  On to your title duel.  You didn't defeat the apprentice by much,  despite
the worries of inter-rank differences.  Were you being generous?
C0NNORMcld : True. It was a one point victory. 
HeddaHat   : 1.5, I believe.  According to the report from Klytus.
C0NNORMcld : Yes, I think you're right . Let me ask this, with so much at stake would it  be
appropriate for the potential Arch mage not to give his best?
HeddaHat   : It would NOT be appropriate....especially for the first ArchMage of all.
C0NNORMcld : Exactly the way I felt.
HeddaHat   : Some wonder, however...and I seek to lay those rumors at rest.
C0NNORMcld : That's why I refused to duel without all my spells.  It was either all  my   spells
or no duel at all.
HeddaHat   : ::smiles:: Was it a reasonably challenging duel for you?
C0NNORMcld : Yes in fact I was behind for quite a while.  I was able to pull it out in the  last
few moves though. 
HeddaHat:  Are you enjoying the ArchMagedom (or is it ArchMagery?)?
C0NNORMcld : Well actually I have dueled only once since I've become Archmage and to  that
extent I wish I could duel more.  But as far as everything else, it has been  wonderful.
HeddaHat   : Why so little? ::confused:: Are people not wanting to duel you?
C0NNORMcld : Well since then there have been only two dueling days.  One of those I  was
asleep for.  I think there are a few people who don't want to take on the arch  mage in their first
duel.  Others are trying to move up I can understand that.
HeddaHat   : You are, however, willing to duel anyone?
C0NNORMcld : Of course.
HeddaHat   : ::nods:: Okay...who do you see shaping up as your best competition?
C0NNORMcld : There are quite a few people moving up.
HeddaHat   : Anyone in particular that you have your eye on?
C0NNORMcld : Well of course there is Wiz.
HeddaHat   : What of him?  He seems to be slipping lately.
C0NNORMcld : True. He may be in a slump. It happens to everyone.
HeddaHat   : ::smiles brightly at him:: Hasn't happened to you, yet!
C0NNORMcld : Not in this game
HeddaHat   : The last question. ::face changes:: What do you think of that rotten little CareBear
character, LoneJustic?
C0NNORMcld : To be honest, I really don't know much about him.
HeddaHat   : Have you seen him duel?
C0NNORMcld : Ahh I think I did but I really wasn't paying attention
HeddaHat   : ::brows lift:: How could you not???
C0NNORMcld : Kind of an odd name for a care bear
HeddaHat   : Yes, it is, isn't it?
HeddaHat   : Have you seen his posting in DoM?  It explains why he's after YOU.
C0NNORMcld : After Me?
HeddaHat   : Yes.  He's after the ArchMage.  That's you.
C0NNORMcld : ::chuckles::
C0NNORMcld : Well, it comes with the job.  Is it the Kilt?
HeddaHat   : He feels the problems in ::makes a face:: CareBear Land ::sighs:: Are caused  by
you.  Did you ever send spells onto Toyland?
C0NNORMcld : Ahh not to my recollection
HeddaHat   : ::eyes him carefully::  You sound like Ronald Reagan.  Care to rethink that
statement?
C0NNORMcld : I mean I don't know where care bear land is.
HeddaHat   : Or Toyland?
C0NNORMcld : Or Toyland.
HeddaHat   : So you deny categorically ever threatening Toyland?
C0NNORMcld : I can say that for sure.  Never have I threatened a toy or bear.
HeddaHat   : Anything you would like to add to this interview?
C0NNORMcld : I just want people to come and try DoM.  I think they'll love it if they do.
HeddaHat:  Thank you for your time, Your Magicity.  Or is it Your Magicness?
C0NNORMcld : Thank you ::smiles::
HeddaHat   : Which do you prefer?  It will remain that way forever.
C0NNORMcld : I'll answer to both
HeddaHat   : Well, you know, as first ArchMage...you will have to set many precedents.
C0NNORMcld : Hmm, Magicness 
HeddaHat   : ::rises and extends her hand to His Magicness::
C0NNORMcld : ::takes her hand::
HeddaHat   : Oh!  I forgot one question. ::letting her hand remain in his and leaning forward:: 
Does being ArchMage get you seats faster in the best restaurants?
C0NNORMcld : No.  I have found a good Arctic blast does the trick, though.
HeddaHat   : ::smiles and takes her hand back::  Thank you for your time and candor.  I  hope you
will feel free to contact me anytime you have something to say or comment on.

*    *    *
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

Color photo specials:
<<photo of LdyWistrya in a paprika suit and a sea bass tie, with a lighted pink flamingo lapel pin. 
Next to this is another photo of Wist in a lime green 3 piece suit with tabasco colored tie>>
The pictures say it all... no need for a caption ;)

<<photo of a very sickeningly sweet blue Care Bear (aka LoneJustic) dueling in the DoM with
poor MeMonk>>
Caption:  Care Bear needs to die...

DoS Today X-tra Fun Duel of Thrusts!

Picture: <<Fethrstaf is dancing away to one side as Mamusia falls flat on her face>>
Caption: Fethr fancy sidesteps away from Mam's thrust, giving a full point, and a win!  BD

Picture: <<NinjaHackr's sword moves in a complicated circle around Shai Hulud's sword>>
Caption: Ninja circular parries Shai's thrust for the first advantage of the match.  BD

Picture: <<Bapheloc moves to the side of the ring to review his insurance policy, as Danny Kill
dives forward with his sword out front, and a puzzled look on his face>>
Caption: Baph sidesteps to check on pressing matters, without telling poor Danny, busily
thrusting at mid-air.  BD

DoS Today Somewhat Less Fun Duel of Nerf!

Picture: <<MadMadMax's eyes go all googly as Amaltea's nerf sword kisses him upside the
head>>
Caption: Max sidesteps straight into Amaltea's high cut. First Nerf, rather than first blood, goes to
Amal!  BD

A Double Impalement Collage

<< looking straight into the ring, Kato Heian's face is rigid with concentration.  Visible in the
photo is Cryptkickr's bony hand up against Kato's belly as Kato's lunging thrust catches him in the
middle as well>>
Caption:  Kato and Crypt trade blows

<<Looking sideways, the camera catches blood flying in all directions as Aspendale and
Cryptkickr meet face to face>>
Caption:  Darelir's newest member has a bone to pick with Cryptkickr.
::the editor winces at the cub reporter's caption::

<<from the bleachers, looking down, WickedDeth and OsyOzOz are seen from above sharing a
thrust with each other>>
<<Second photo shows nearly the same photo as they do it again in the same duel>>
Caption:  Death meets Oz twice but no wizard's there to help.

<<photo from the side of the ring of stylish Vixxenish, weapon of choice undetermined, dueling
Phylos who is wielding the festive New Years' walrus, exchanging thrusts>>
Caption:  Vix meets walrus and lives!


<<camera looking upwards, Branoic and Simini backlit and looking somewhat ethereal as blood
cascades from them.>>
Caption:  Relative newcomers, Branoic and Simini bleed like the best of 'em.

<<Looking straight into the ring the hooded form of TerranBlk is seen with a sword out his back
as Ldy Arane's face is masked with determination and pain>>
Caption:  Bounty hunter impaled on the sword of Lady Arane.

<<E core 008 and Kalamere from above trading thrusts.  The red gobbets of blood spurt in every
direction.>>
Caption: Elijah and Kalamere meet to discuss strategy.

<<Kitiara looks really upset in a sideview as a sword sticks out of her middle, and her sword is
stuck into Rayniaxs>>
Caption:  The very charming Kitiara meets Rayniaxs up close and personal.

<<looking up again into the ring, BadBadMax and Ragnerock's faces are clearly outlined in a
painful double thrust>>
Caption:  Strange clone BadBadMax goes hunting for some of Kyle's delicious shortbread and
leaves his sword in an awkward spot as Kyle returns the favor.

<<A very close view of E core again this time with Aarick, their faces strained>>
Caption:  Panther meets Elijah in the center of the ring as blood is the result.

<<a long view of Vixxenish coming in hard with the deadlyduelingchainsaw as Max meets her
with his sometimes scattergun sword.>>
Caption:  Max gets a point and an ugly flesh wound from the dainty Vixxenish.

*    *    *
page 10

::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 11

REPRINT:

  Because there seems to be some confusion as to the nature of Hedda's job, and her column, I
thought it timely to reprint this statement from her first column.  All capitalizations for emphasis
are mine.  ~Ed.

  In this inaugural column, let me make it clear that I am a novice to the sport of sword dueling. 
This ignorance will undoubtedly lead to errors in my writing.  Please do not hesitate to teach me,
if you see me about.  However, realize, if you will, that my FOCUS is not really on the dueling
but rather ON THE DUELERS AND FANS of the sport.  In this endeavor, I have certain
standards to which I will adhere:
1.  I will write what I hear from an individual directly
2.  In the absence of the above, I attempt to confirm the truth of any rumor
3.  If neither of the above can be achieved, I will use my best judgment in printing any story I
hear.  I invite anyone who has a story you want told or investigated to contact me.  I will do my 
best to respond.

*    *    *
page 12

: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 13

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 14

Editorial

  Well dear readers this has been a bumpy two weeks for your charming editor.  Seems Hedda's
column ruffled a few feathers last time, and despite calls for Hedda's removal as a member of my
staff, threats of libel suits, and the like, I am here standing behind Hedda and her report.  I know
that we have gone down this road before, readers, and I am sorry that some of you feel the way
you do.  However I will remind you all again, Hedda writes a "gossip column" if there was not
gossip in the column, it would not be called such.  Dueling isn't simply about racking up the
numbers.  Dueling is about the people who duel as well.  What they are doing, what they do when
they aren't dueling.  That is Hedda's department.
  As for libel or slander, I will say this:  To slander someone is to verbally defame them.  Since
Neither Hedda nor I ever spoke to anyone about this matter, that is irrelevant.  As for reporting
libelous things about Luthien and Gavilean, I say this:  Hedda had a source that reported that her
affair with Gavilean was not over as far as she knew.  Hedda spoke with this individual, and I
have seen her notes.  I was satisfied at the time of printing that it was in fact a true story.  A small
amount of innuendo thrown Gavilean's way proved quite revealing and so as far as her report
goes, it was absolutely true to the best of our knowledge.  I am sorry that Queen Luthien dislikes
the information, but that does not make it any less real.  To libel someone is to lie about them in
print.  Neither I nor Hedda lied to the best of our knowledge.
  As to the requests from numerous folks for Hedda's resignation I am sorry to report that I will
not be firing her.  She's a darn fine reporter, and she works hard too.  And if you read the
interview with Connor she submitted to me, you'll see she asks great questions.  I would ask that
you all keep your name calling to yourselves as well.  I do not care for people referring to my
employees or my magazine in the ways to which they have been referred to the past two weeks. 
To those who did none of this and could care less, I apologize for having to explain this.  To
those who did send letters, you know who you are.

  Now on to business....  I've been hearing a lot of nasty little rumblings from the basement these
days (and since Gidra's gone it can't be his digestion) about cliques.  Cliques here and cliques
there...everyone who is anyone apparently belongs to some clique or another.  Or at least in some
views I've heard.  There's even a clique formed to do away with cliques.  Isn't that a great idea? 
Let's form our own exclusive little club to do away with all exclusive little clubs.  Rot and
nonsense if you ask me, which you didn't, but I'm going to tell you anyway because that's my job,
so there.  Being accepted by a group of people is a wonderful thing.  Everyone likes to feel that
they are part of a group; a part of something special.
  Now last time I addressed the problem of trying to find a duel, and from what I've seen, that's
not changed too much although this week I did not find it as difficult as before.  I did notice a few
things though:

  A)  Several people were picking and choosing their duels because they wanted to move up in
ranks.
  B)  Rude people were in full force.  Once especially rude fellow had a lot of duels just because
people wanted to beat the heck out of him.
  C)  People did not want to speak to me personally for reasons heretofore unexplained.
  D)  Rudeness to the RDIs was at an all time high, which is just shameful.

  But cliques?  Maybe they exist.  Judging from people's reaction to me as I said, that might
explain the silent treatment.  But that's the way life is.  We've got a herd mentality.  We rush
around in little packs of folks who share our views and often we tend to shun people who don't. 
So with that in mind, I'm proposing a novel idea.  I've even suggested it before.... this weekend
why not make an effort to meet one new person?  Whether it be a new person unfamiliar with
dueling, or one of the faces you see week after week but never talked to before.  They may
actually be interesting people.  That way instead of spending time griping about cliques, you're
actively doing something to stop them from overwhelming the place.
  But of course... that's just my opinion.  ~Ed.

*    *    *
page 16

<<<<------------------------------------------>>>>            
                           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 17

Latebreaking news:

Who was that winning so much the other day?  Was that SaharaRose?  I thought so...

Tips on food for enhanced dueling:  Ldy Wistrya goes wild for Red Hots.  Dark Axe however
likes beef bean burritos, which explains a lot.

Congratulations to Cryptkickr's ascendance into Warlordom.  Despite his opinions of the
magazine, we wish him good luck.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Starting next issue, DoS Today will be hosting a new column: Ask Dr. Stupid!
This column will deal with duelers' questions and letters sent in, and attempt to answer them as
quickly as possible so that no one notices Dr. Stupid's lack of knowledge...
Please send any letters, questions, comments, or cash to BrdwayDan, who will forward them to
Dr. Stupid... Except for the cash, anyways.
Ask him anything!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Overlord Challenge tentatively scheduled for the 19th may be postponed due to Max's
apparent abduction of Valmion's child.  When this editor wrote to the Max however, his reply was
"I din' du i'."  Anyone with any information regarding the case is encouraged to contact Valmion
and Alaisia immediately at Questrion Castle.

*    *    *

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  :)