DUEL 2 NEWSLETTER
Date : 12/24/2025 Duedate: 01/06/2026
SHADOWSPIRE ARENA
DM 81 TURN 492
This Week's Top Honors
THE DUELMASTER IS
HOARD
DRAGONBANE GUILD (13)
(81-3974) [20-15-1,116]
Chartered Recognition Leader Unchartered Recognition Leader
KAPOW POSITION IS EMPTY
ALE HOUSE MERCS (5)
(81-4085) [19-8-3,130]
Popularity Leader This Week's Favorite
FLAVIUS MANICUS SARCASM
ROMAN REPUBLIC (204) WICKED MARTYRS (148)
(81-3976) [21-24-0,90] (81-4051) [16-19-2,80]
THE CURRENT TOP TEAM
ALE HOUSE MERCS (5)
TEAMS ON THE MOVE TOP CAREER HONORS
Team Name Point Gain Chartered Team
1. ALE HOUSE MERCS (5) 72
2. LITERATE LOONS (40) 37 NBA LEGENDS (156)
3. BIG LAKE SOLUTION (178) 34 Unchartered Team
4. CULT OF BACCHUS (4) 25
5. ROMAN REPUBLIC (204) 22 THE SCRAPYARD (143)
The Top Teams
Career Win-Loss Record W L K % Win-Loss Record Last 3 Turns W L K
1/ 1 NBA LEGENDS (156) 359 294 19 55.0 1/ 4 ALE HOUSE MERCS (5) 10 5 1
2/ 2 CULT OF BACCHUS (4) 1082 905 39 54.5 2/ 1 ARDUIN (200) 10 5 0
3/ 3 DRAGONBANE GUILD (13) 830 723 23 53.4 3/ 9 BIG LAKE SOLUTION (178) 9 6 0
4/ 4 CLAN LONGBEARD (39) 1031 899 36 53.4 4/ 3 CULT OF BACCHUS (4) 8 6 0
5/ 5 ALE HOUSE MERCS (5) 276 244 11 53.1 5/ 2 NBA LEGENDS (156) 8 7 1
6/ 6 DARQUE AGES (29) 1129 1048 46 51.9 6/ 5 DRAGONBANE GUILD (13) 7 8 1
7/ 7 WICKED MARTYRS (148) 697 698 32 50.0 7/ 6 ROMAN REPUBLIC (204) 7 8 0
8/ 8 BIG LAKE SOLUTION (178) 519 563 37 48.0 8/ 8 DARQUE AGES (29) 7 8 0
9/12 LITERATE LOONS (40) 849 962 36 46.9 9/ 7 CHILDHOOD HEROES (8) 6 8 2
10/11 ARDUIN (200) 119 136 4 46.7 10/14 LITERATE LOONS (40) 6 8 0
11/13 CHILDHOOD HEROES (8) 174 204 12 46.0 11/10 CLAN LONGBEARD (39) 6 9 0
12/10 TOILET PAPER (202) 45 54 2 45.5 12/11 TOILET PAPER (202) 5 10 0
13/14 ROMAN REPUBLIC (204) 120 145 3 45.3 13/12 WICKED MARTYRS (148) 2 1 0
14-15 HIGH ORDER (123) 30 59 4 33.7 14-13 HIGH ORDER (123) 1 4 0
'*' Unchartered team '-' Team did not fight this turn
(###) Avoid teams by their Team Id ##/## This turn's/Last turn's rank
TEAM SPOTLIGHT
Christmas in the Spire
Snow fell like ash upon Shadowspire, softening the sharp angles of its stone towers
and veiling the city in a rare hush. Nestled at the foothills of the Shadowspire
Mountains, the city was more accustomed to the clang of forges, the roar of the crowds
in the arena or the whisper of secrets than to carols or holiday cheer. Yet on this
longest night of the year, something gentler stirred.
Winter lanterns, glass orbs filled with pale blue flame were being lit along the High
Road. Their glow reflected off the mountain slopes, where jagged peaks loomed like
watchful sentinels. Children in layered cloaks ran laughing between market stalls,
their breath puffing white as they chased one another through the snow. Even here, in
a city known for shadows, Christmas found a way in.
At the heart of the Spire stood the Old Gate Plaza, where a statue of the city's
founder cast a long silhouette across the cobbles. Beneath it, Mara Vensh, a widow and
baker, arranged loaves of honeyed winter bread on her stall. The scent of spice and
warmth cut through the cold, drawing passersby closer.
"Solstice blessing," she said to each customer, pressing an extra roll into their
hands when she could. Coins were scarce this year. The mountain passes had been
treacherous, and caravans few. Still, Mara baked more than ever, as her mother had
taught her: On the darkest night, you give, and the light answers.
Up the hill, near the mountain road, young Lorin watched the city from the steps of
the watchtower. His father was late, very late, returning from patrol in the lower
passes. The mountains had been restless lately, winds howling through the ravines like
mourning spirits. Lorin hugged his threadbare cloak tighter and tried not to be
afraid.
As the bells of the Spire began to toll the Hour of Stillness, a sound rose above
them, a low, distant horn, echoing off the mountain walls.
The gate guards snapped to attention.
Out of the swirling snow came a line of figures: travelers, exhausted and frostbitten,
leading pack animals laden with supplies. At their head walked Lorin's father, his
armor rimed with ice but his eyes bright.
"They made it through," he called. "The pass opened, just long enough."
Cheers rippled through the plaza. The caravans brought grain, candles, and small gifts
from the lowlands and simple things, all of them precious this winter. The city gates
swung wide and Shadowspire welcomed them in.
Later that night, the people gathered in the plaza, lanterns held aloft. No grand tree
stood there, wood was too scarce for such a thing, but instead they decorated the
statue with ribbons, bells, and sprigs of mountain pine. Someone began to sing, softly
at first, then louder as voices joined in.
Mara handed Lorin a warm loaf, fresh from the oven. "For waiting bravely," she said
with a wink.
Above them, the clouds parted. Moonlight spilled down the mountainside, illuminating
Shadowspire in silver and blue. For one night, the shadows did not feel heavy. They
felt protective, like a shelter against the cold.
And so, in the city of Shadowspire, at the edge of the mountains, on the edge of
darkness. Christmas came not with miracles or gold, but with warmth shared, gates
opened, and hope carried through the snow.
DUELMASTER'S COLUMN
Notes from the arena champ.
Wow, two callouts for down challenging in one newsletter. I would normally say that
all press is good press, but I am trying to be the first NBA Legend to make the Hall
of Fame. As you can imagine, the Hall of Fame is very important to us NBA Legends, so
I need to be on my best behavior and keep up a squeaky clean image.
So, with that all said, I could sit here and explain myself -- you know the whole
highest rated warrior other than the duelmaster stuff, blah, blah, blah. Instead, I'll
just say to our play-by-play announcer Mr. DePriest -- you're seriously calling me out
for a downchallenge against Big Lake Solution. Seriously? That's like accusing me of
flailing to try to draw a foul from James Harden.
Anyways, I'm once again going to be downchallenging this turn, so please no negative
press. Only good press that will help me get into the HOF. Thank you in advance.
- John Stockton
SPY REPORT
Spy Report - The Special Christmas Edition
Well now... gather round the Yule log, Shadowspire, and try not to spill ale on it.
Huard DePriest here, fresh off the snow-dusted streets, boots wet, liver worse, and
spirit only marginally improved by the season. It's Christmas in Shadowspire, which
means cheer, charity, and the annual tradition of warriors pretending they didn't mean
to kill someone right before the holidays. Let's get to it!
First, crown-shaped wrapping paper goes to the new Duelmaster. Hoard climbed down the
arena chimney and kicked in John Stockton's teeth. It isn't the tradition I remember
from childhood, but who am I to judge? I'm guessing that Hoard is on the "Nice List"
while John made it to the "Naughty List," losing the big seat. Congratulatory cards
can be sent to the Dragonbane Guild chapterhouse, just don't expect a thank-you note
in return.
It is the season of giving, and more than a few gladiators gave the gift of death this
cycle. Kapow was very much in the spirit when he put down Rasae. Truly, it is the gift
that keeps on giving, especially in Shadowspire, where death is a life-long
subscription to a dirt nap. Also getting a one-way ticket to permanent sleep was Zi
Shadowsplice, compliments of Velma Dinkley, and Marcus Cicero from the cheerfully
named Whipsicle. I'm looking forward to the weeks ahead to see if anyone tries to re-
gift to their opponents.
The team that isn't on everyone's Christmas list is Big Lake Solution. No one invited
them to the parties, and no one wanted to face them on the sands. The most
enthusiastic avoiders were over at the Cult of Bacchus guild. Big Lake Solution saw a
significant surge in rankings, which is impressive given that no one wanted to compete
with them. The name on everyone's shopping and challenge list is Allen Iverson. He got
more challenges than our Duelmaster.
Other notable news saw Literate Loons, whose heads inflated enough to serve as parade
balloons, complete a nice 4-1 turn. Flavius Manicus continues as the arena's
Popularity Leader. I'm sure he will see many gifts this season. For the turn, eyes
were staring hard at Sarcasm of Wicked Martyrs. Nothing warms the heart like irony
with a sword. Charmin remains the least popular guy on the sands, which feels unfair
until you remember his name.
That's it for this turn, Shadowspire. In the spirit of the season, I will refrain from
calling you bums, bums. May your presents be sturdy and your challenges unevenly in
your favor. Even the holiday, while it lasts. Next turn, the goodwill expires. Now, if
you will excuse me, I have a date with Otto's Diner, a cracked mug, and the slow
realization that it's still Shadowspire, Christmas or not.
Sharpen, Shine, and Sip,
Huard DePriest
DUELMASTER W L K POINTS TEAM NAME
HOARD 3974 20 15 1 116 DRAGONBANE GUILD (13)
CHALLENGER CHAMPIONS W L K POINTS TEAM NAME
KAPOW 4085 19 8 3 130 ALE HOUSE MERCS (5)
ARCTIC WOOKEY 4035 20 16 0 101 ALE HOUSE MERCS (5)
MOLSON 4084 14 13 1 92 ALE HOUSE MERCS (5)
JOHN STOCKTON 4089 15 9 0 91 NBA LEGENDS (156)
CHAMPIONS W L K POINTS TEAM NAME
FLAVIUS MANICUS 3976 21 24 0 90 ROMAN REPUBLIC (204)
GROOG 3960 22 23 0 89 CULT OF BACCHUS (4)
VELMA DINKLEY 4077 11 19 1 88 CHILDHOOD HEROES (8)
RUNNYMEADE 4130 12 2 0 86 DARQUE AGES (29)
GEORGE ELIOT 3978 14 31 2 84 LITERATE LOONS (40)
THE LEPER KING 3995 20 22 0 82 DARQUE AGES (29)
SARCASM 4051 16 19 2 80 WICKED MARTYRS (148)
FRANK O'CONNOR 4075 17 14 0 78 LITERATE LOONS (40)
MISTI SKYE 4117 11 4 0 77 BIG LAKE SOLUTION (178)
THOMAS MANN 4076 14 17 0 73 LITERATE LOONS (40)
TAIZU 4131 10 4 0 69 DARQUE AGES (29)
CHALLENGER ADEPTS W L K POINTS TEAM NAME
MOLDYLOX 4080 13 15 0 66 CULT OF BACCHUS (4)
BOSCOE 4074 16 15 0 63 CLAN LONGBEARD (39)
PHAROX TAHT 4097 11 11 1 62 BIG LAKE SOLUTION (178)
SHADOWFIST 4140 4 5 0 60 CULT OF BACCHUS (4)
GWORM 4071 14 10 0 59 ARDUIN (200)
ADEPTS W L K POINTS TEAM NAME
SKY BISON 4109 10 8 0 56 ALE HOUSE MERCS (5)
ROBERT PARISH 4095 10 11 0 52 NBA LEGENDS (156)
-SHELENA 1601 13 5 0 51 HIGH ORDER (123)
LEONARDO 4136 7 4 0 50 CHILDHOOD HEROES (8)
GIOTTO 4093 13 10 0 49 DARQUE AGES (29)
GILMUR 4139 7 3 0 48 CLAN LONGBEARD (39)
PTYALISM 3916 13 7 0 46 TOILET PAPER (202)
DILLY DILLY 4111 8 9 0 46 BIG LAKE SOLUTION (178)
JOHAN 4110 9 8 1 45 CLAN LONGBEARD (39)
ALLEN IVERSON 4125 6 7 1 45 NBA LEGENDS (156)
JIMMY CRACKCORN 4099 8 12 0 44 BIG LAKE SOLUTION (178)
THUNDERFIST 4132 7 4 1 41 CULT OF BACCHUS (4)
BRUTE SQUAD 1 4142 4 6 0 41 CHILDHOOD HEROES (8)
PTEROSAUR 3912 8 11 1 38 TOILET PAPER (202)
CHARMIN 3943 10 7 0 37 TOILET PAPER (202)
PTERODACTYL 3913 8 12 1 37 TOILET PAPER (202)
CHALLENGER INITIATES W L K POINTS TEAM NAME
QUINTUS LAENAS 4152 4 3 0 33 ROMAN REPUBLIC (204)
PTOMAINE 3914 6 14 0 32 TOILET PAPER (202)
JASON KIDD 4143 6 3 0 31 NBA LEGENDS (156)
JANE AUSTEN 4133 5 7 0 31 LITERATE LOONS (40)
SWEEDE 4129 7 7 0 28 CLAN LONGBEARD (39)
AII LORAII 4153 4 2 0 28 ARDUIN (200)
DECIUS BELLUM 4155 4 1 0 26 ROMAN REPUBLIC (204)
SCREAMING ITCHY 4147 4 5 0 26 ARDUIN (200)
CHALLENGER INITIATES W L K POINTS TEAM NAME
CAIUS FLACUS 4134 7 4 0 25 ROMAN REPUBLIC (204)
INITIATES W L K POINTS TEAM NAME
CARE BEAR 4168 1 1 1 23 CHILDHOOD HEROES (8)
KOBE 4138 4 6 0 20 NBA LEGENDS (156)
DONATELLO 4159 2 2 0 16 CHILDHOOD HEROES (8)
CALYPSO 4173 1 0 0 15 ALE HOUSE MERCS (5)
BATTERSKULL 4144 3 5 0 14 DRAGONBANE GUILD (13)
SOULQUAKE 4145 3 5 0 14 DRAGONBANE GUILD (13)
-KALEESI 3758 3 5 0 14 HIGH ORDER (123)
WHIPSICLE 4162 1 2 1 14 DRAGONBANE GUILD (13)
SNOW GOLEM 4165 2 1 0 13 ARDUIN (200)
-BELLA 4148 2 3 1 10 HIGH ORDER (123)
JACH SKELLINGTON 4175 1 0 0 10 BIG LAKE SOLUTION (178)
BUBBLE MAN 4164 2 1 0 9 ARDUIN (200)
-SARAH J 4158 0 3 0 3 HIGH ORDER (123)
CRUSADE 4171 0 2 0 2 DARQUE AGES (29)
C.S. LEWIS 4172 0 1 0 1 LITERATE LOONS (40)
'-' denotes a warrior who did not fight this turn.
THE DEAD W L K TEAM NAME SLAIN BY TURN Revenge?
RASAE 4032 17 21 0 CLAN LONGBEARD 39 KAPOW 4085 492
ZI SHADOWSPLICE 4102 10 4 0 DRAGONBANE GUILD 13 VELMA DINKLEY 4077 492
WALT WHITMAN 4151 1 5 0 LITERATE LOONS 40 ALLEN IVERSON 4125 490 JUST REVENGED
MARCUS CICERO 4156 2 3 0 ROMAN REPUBLIC 204 WHIPSICLE 4162 492
PERSONAL ADS
Author O'Connor -- Perhaps our spymaster was onto something. It does seem that the
pen was not the mightiest thing in the arena, and I wasn't even using a maul! -- Hoard
Brute Squad 1 -- Keep making challenges like that and there isn't going to be a Brute
Squad 2. -- Zi
Snow Golem -- Hmmm . . . Flurries in the arena is a bit odd. I'd suggest trying for
ice. Its harder. -- Soulquake
11 Total parry? Not surprising, I suppose, especially with so much toilet paper
laying about the place. But 11 bashers? What are they serving in the managers tavern
these days?
Thomas Mann -- That make 2 for me and 1 for you. -- Rasae the Braggart
Sarcasm -- Well crap! That makes us even. -- Boscoe the Trounced
Moldylox -- You are one tough golem. -- Johan the Beguiled
Batterskull -- That makes 2 for me. -- Sweede the Boss
Ptyalism -- Well fought. -- Gilmur the Disconcerted
Congrats, Mickey Splitz and Dakata on your invites to the Isle. -- Visionist and Clan
Longbeard
LAST WEEK'S FIGHTS
THOMAS MANN devastated ALLEN IVERSON in a 1 minute mismatched Bloodfeud fight.
HOARD vanquished JOHN STOCKTON in a 1 minute uneven Challenge Title battle.
MOLSON savagely defeated GROOG in a crowd pleasing 1 minute expert's Challenge fight.
ARCTIC WOOKEY defeated FLAVIUS MANICUS in a 2 minute veteran's Challenge fight.
VELMA DINKLEY dispatched ZI SHADOWSPLICE in a crowd pleasing 3 minute Challenge fight.
MOLDYLOX was narrowly defeated by FRANK O'CONNOR in a 3 minute Challenge brawl.
AII LORAII was vanquished by LEONARDO in a 1 minute uneven Challenge duel.
SHADOWFIST defeated PTYALISM in a 3 minute Challenge duel.
THUNDERFIST won victory over PTERODACTYL in a 4 minute gory Challenge fight.
CARE BEAR was overpowered by JIMMY CRACKCORN in a 2 minute one-sided Challenge melee.
JASON KIDD overpowered BUBBLE MAN in a 3 minute bloody one-sided Challenge match.
BATTERSKULL was overcome by KOBE in a exciting 1 minute brutal Challenge contest.
DONATELLO was bested by DECIUS BELLUM in a 3 minute amateur's Challenge bout.
KAPOW easily killed RASAE in a popular 1 minute bloody uneven fight.
SARCASM was unbelievably bested by RUNNYMEADE in a 5 minute one-sided fray.
THE LEPER KING bested PHAROX TAHT in a 2 minute brutal veteran's fight.
GEORGE ELIOT beat TAIZU in a popular 1 minute one-sided bout.
MISTI SKYE handily defeated CONVICTED ASSASSIN in a 1 minute mismatched competition.
BOSCOE beat DILLY DILLY in a action packed 1 minute fight.
GWORM subdued PTEROSAUR in a action packed 4 minute bout.
BRUTE SQUAD 1 lost to GILMUR in a crowd pleasing 2 minute fray.
CHARMIN outlasted SCREAMING ITCHY in a slow 13 minute match.
GIOTTO was savagely defeated by SKY BISON in a exciting 2 minute gory duel.
ROBERT PARISH vanquished PTOMAINE in a 2 minute brutal one-sided fight.
JOHAN viciously subdued CAIUS FLACUS in a action packed 2 minute gruesome bout.
SWEEDE was overpowered by QUINTUS LAENAS in a 1 minute one-sided fray.
SOULQUAKE was handily defeated by JANE AUSTEN in a 2 minute one-sided duel.
MARCUS CICERO was slain by WHIPSICLE in a 2 minute beginner's fight.
SNOW GOLEM overcame CRUSADE in a 2 minute brutal novice's fight.
C.S. LEWIS was overpowered by JACH SKELLINGTON in a 1 minute one-sided fight.
CALYPSO overpowered PERSISTANT BEGGAR in a 1 minute uneven bout.
BATTLE REPORT
MOST POPULAR RECORD DURING THE LAST 10 TURNS
|FIGHTING STYLE FIGHTS FIGHTING STYLE W - L - K PERCENT|
|TOTAL PARRY 11 WALL OF STEEL 34 - 22 - 0 61 |
|BASHING ATTACK 10 PARRY-STRIKE 24 - 17 - 2 59 |
|AIMED BLOW 7 SLASHING ATTACK 37 - 35 - 0 51 |
|SLASHING ATTACK 7 TOTAL PARRY 62 - 60 - 1 51 |
|WALL OF STEEL 7 LUNGING ATTACK 28 - 29 - 2 49 |
|STRIKING ATTACK 6 AIMED BLOW 44 - 46 - 2 49 |
|LUNGING ATTACK 5 PARRY-LUNGE 8 - 9 - 0 47 |
|PARRY-STRIKE 3 BASHING ATTACK 47 - 54 - 4 47 |
|PARRY-RIPOSTE 3 STRIKING ATTACK 33 - 38 - 1 46 |
|PARRY-LUNGE 1 PARRY-RIPOSTE 20 - 30 - 0 40 |
Turn 492 was great if you Not so great if you used The fighting styles of the
used the fighting styles: the fighting styles: top eleven warriors are:
PARRY-STRIKE 3 - 0 WALL OF STEEL 3 - 4 3 BASHING ATTACK
LUNGING ATTACK 4 - 1 TOTAL PARRY 4 - 7 2 SLASHING ATTACK
AIMED BLOW 5 - 2 STRIKING ATTACK 2 - 4 2 PARRY-STRIKE
SLASHING ATTACK 5 - 2 PARRY-LUNGE 0 - 1 2 AIMED BLOW
BASHING ATTACK 5 - 5 PARRY-RIPOSTE 0 - 3 1 WALL OF STEEL
1 TOTAL PARRY
TOP WARRIOR OF EACH STYLE
FIGHTING STYLE WARRIOR W L K PNTS TEAM NAME
SLASHING ATTACK HOARD 3974 20 15 1 116 DRAGONBANE GUILD (13)
BASHING ATTACK KAPOW 4085 19 8 3 130 ALE HOUSE MERCS (5)
PARRY-STRIKE MOLSON 4084 14 13 1 92 ALE HOUSE MERCS (5)
AIMED BLOW JOHN STOCKTON 4089 15 9 0 91 NBA LEGENDS (156)
TOTAL PARRY RUNNYMEADE 4130 12 2 0 86 DARQUE AGES (29)
PARRY-RIPOSTE TAIZU 4131 10 4 0 69 DARQUE AGES (29)
FIGHTING STYLE WARRIOR W L K PNTS TEAM NAME
LUNGING ATTACK SKY BISON 4109 10 8 0 56 ALE HOUSE MERCS (5)
WALL OF STEEL GILMUR 4139 7 3 0 48 CLAN LONGBEARD (39)
Note: Warriors have a winning record and are an Adept or Above.
The overall popularity leader is FLAVIUS MANICUS 3976. The most popular warrior this
turn was SARCASM 4051. The ten other most popular fighters were JOHAN 4110, ARCTIC
WOOKEY 4035, ZI SHADOWSPLICE 4102, MOLDYLOX 4080, GWORM 4071, BRUTE SQUAD 1 4142, SKY
BISON 4109, PTERODACTYL 3913, THE LEPER KING 3995, and JANE AUSTEN 4133.
The least popular fighter this week was CHARMIN 3943. The other ten least popular
fighters were SCREAMING ITCHY 4147, C.S. LEWIS 4172, CRUSADE 4171, SWEEDE 4129, CAIUS
FLACUS 4134, DECIUS BELLUM 4155, BUBBLE MAN 4164, PTYALISM 3916, GROOG 3960, and JOHN
STOCKTON 4089.
The following warriors will travel to AD after next turn:
JOHN STOCKTON (81-4089) NBA LEGENDS (156)