Rings of Honor

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Reign's impressive run as Overlord came to an end when she was challenged by the Baron of New Haven, Anubis Karos, and lost the mantle to him. As Anubis ascended to Overlord, Reign then took his Barony. (link)

Stitch's first challenge came from the same man who he took the ring from in the form of Anubis Karos. When the two met, Stitch selected a single match to settle the challenge. Anubis maintained the lead for the entire challenge after claiming it in round one. This was a match of points being scored despite the evasive efforts of the opponents. Only one round passed where one or the other of the fighters did not take a defensive stance. In the end, Anubis managed a 5-2 victory over Stitch to reclaim the Barony. (link)

Anubis faced his first challenge from the Minion of Deathlord, who sought to claim New Haven to honor her master with appropriately macabre decorations set in display there. When the two met, Anubis opted for a single challenge match and was never in much danger of losing the Barony as he cruised to a 5.5-1 victory in 10 rounds. (link)

The second challenge came from twelve-year-old Talon winner Nikolai Allen. He hoped "Anpu" was in good health and issued the challenge with all the politeness of a well versed student. Anubis, however, found the challenge "more exasperating [...] than most, for reasons that none of [us] can understand." The single match started with Nikolai earning first blood, followed by a fast exchange back-and-forth until Anubis took the lead in the eighth round. The Baron defended 5 - 3.5 in 9 rounds. (link)

But there was no rest for the weary - Baron Karos barreled right into his second challenge as Stitch came out from under the bar at him with a wrench! Steaming off his momentum in the first challenge, Anubis picked up three points in three rounds before Stitch could stop him with a defensive block. And even then, the Baron still was first to matchpoint in the eighth round with Stitch trailing 4 to 2.5. It was looking very dangerous for the challenger! It took another five nerve-wracking rounds for the fight to shake out, but in the end, Stitch had managed to claw his way past Anubis and come away as the new Baron of New Haven! 6.5 - 5 in 13 rounds. Stitch promptly rewarded Reign's generous bounty by declaring Loyal. (link)

Rock throwing enthusiasts were no doubt ecstatic as long time duelist and multi-title holder Anubis Karos issued challenge to Baron Jackson Payne for the right to hold New Haven. New Haven would be all Lord Karos needed to become the first to hold all eight of the titles, as only a handful held all seven before the inclusion and return of the 7th Ring; now known as the Barony of Cadentia. Perhaps this possibility was what urged Anubis on as he fought against Baron Payne well into the night with rounds rising to the sixteenth as both Anubis and Jackson fought to sudden death at 8 - 8 points to each of them. With his historical moment there waiting to be taken, all Anubis needed to do was score one - final - point, and that point was taken from the thrusting Jackson. With the patience of a coiled viper Anubis reacted to stop the thrust in its tracks and took the win, the Barony of New Haven, and the knowledge that he would stand alone and at the top of the mountain as the one who has held all eight of the current Duel of Swords titles. Congratulations! (link)

Anubis was mostly absent from the Arena during his reign, only dueling three times since winning the title over seven months and not once facing challenge. Former Overlord Jewell Ravenlock finally stepped forward to challenge Anubis for the Barony, and ruffled his feathers in doing so. When the time for the duel arrived, Yuri used their King's Decree to test Jewell, while Overlord Reign stepped in to counter. Reign was successful, defeating Yuri and clearing the path for Jewell to meet Anubis. Apparently the rust wasn't too much for Anubis, as he took a 4-2 lead after 9 rounds. Though perhaps being out of practice kept him from putting the duel away, as Jewell clawed her way back to tie the duel at 4 in the 15th round. But it was not enough, as Anubis scored the final points and secured a defense by the score of 5.5-4 in 17 rounds. (link)

Shortly after becoming Overlord, Reign issued a bounty seeking a new Baron for New Haven. While the exact nature of her objection to Anubis Karos was not made explicit in the notice, there were two who immediately took up the call. The first of those were Anya de la Rose, and she was quickly followed by Stitch who queued up right behind her. The challenges were scheduled as a double-header to see who, if anyone, could take down the Renegade Baron.
The Baron selected a single match for his challenge against Anya. She started strong, putting up two points before Anubis finally got on the board himself with a trade of blows. But once he found his momentum in the fight, Lord Karos could not be stopped. He scored four unanswered points, holding Anya in her tracks, and securing himself the defense! Anubis defends, 5 - 3 in 10 rounds. (link)

Wanting to throw rocks is a good enough reason to challenge someone. It’s not as if anyone has ever challenged for less! Jackson Payne would put a rock or two to use as he fought against Baron Salvador Delahada for the right to hold New Haven. A single digit could be counted that night to how many matches would take place, and it would be in a single duel that Jackson Payne won the Barony for himself with a 5 - 2 finish in 9 rounds. And yes, before anyone asks, the throwing rocks claim was not a threat as both challenger and former Baron put them to good use. (link)

Eregor's next challenge came from the skillful and sometimes violent Salvador Delahada. The two were no strangers to one another, and in Sal's challenge, he even brought up the expectation that there would be bleeding - and bleeding there was! Eregor chose a best of three for the format, and the first two duels were both lands of contrast. Eregor was aggressive in the first match, only going defensive in two of the six rounds, and he came away with a 5-2 victory. The next match had Sal eschew in favor of offense, with using three defensive moves in nine rounds, which earned him the 5-3 victory. The final match started with Eregor blocking Sal's high attack, but that would be the only point he scored as Sal picked up the final five points and came away with a 5-1 victory in seven rounds. Not long after his victory and in a nice gesture to the community, Sal's spokesperson announced the New Haven pool was open for all to use! (link)

The next to challenge the jotunn was none other than the start of the Stage and Screen, Eregor Túr Gairdín! Why? Why else would you challenge for New Haven? The pool of course! I mean, that is the reason our favorite BFG, Runt, had it! But for Eregor to take it, he brought with him a... a... well, lets just call them Voltregor and leave it at that. Slass (that's "fight" for all you non-jotunn speaking out there) One got started with Voltregor taking the lead, but Runt quickly caught it and then stomped it into the ground, winning the first 5-2 in 8. Slass Two saw the jotunn take the early lead, but then Voltregor took it over and drove right on through, winning the second 5-3 in 9. It all came down to Slass Three had Voltregor taking the early lead, but Runt tied it up in the seventh at three apiece. But that would be the last time Runt would score as Erego... Voltreg.. the challenger took the win, 5-3 in 9.(link)

The first to go renegade with the new Overlord, Eregor was quickly challenged, not just by one, but by three! The first to step into the ring was... Eregor's wife? Rhi? Really? Well, who am I to judge. Certainly not her.. well, never mind that. When the night came, Eregor chose a single match. Perhaps he was being nice to Rhi. If he was, the score didn't reflect it. They started off with a trade, and kept it that way till the third, when Eregor took the lead, and he didn't relent. In the end, Eregor won and went on to face the next int he queue! Eregor def. Rhiannon Brock, 5 - 2 in 9 rounds.(link)

Second up in the challenge queue was Haru Jeong! Haru had been in a queue with Eregor before, and was itching to do it again! And they would do it on the same night as the previous match! When Eregor was done with Rhi, Haru stepped into the ring and once more, Eregor decided to fight in a single match. Eregor started with the lead, and not once did he let up, only allowing Haru to score in the final round of the fight. Eregor def. Haru Jeong, 5 - 1 in 7 rounds. Eregor would go on to face the third opponent in the queue. (link)

The third fight would end up being the first to issue challenge, Mrs.. Miss.. Ettyn de la Rose! Ettyn was in it for the pool. Even if she might have gotten the saying wrong, her heart was still in the right place. I mean, who wouldn't want a heated pool during a RhyDin winter? Eregor understood and didn't want to give it up! So, after a few days rest from the previous two matches, they faced off. Eregor really didn't want to give the pool up, and he dominated the match, going six rounds, but giving nothing in turn. Eregor def. Death Knell, 5 - 0 in 6 rounds. (link)

Eregor and his newly petitioned Loyal status was challenged by Layla Paine, RhyDin's resident... Undertaker? Well, she does run a Funeral Parlor! Though, a little bird did whisper that she didn't know she challenged, but we won't get into that here, because she did show up (and not someone else, so who could have challenged for her if it wasn't her?) Eregor chose to test Layla with his squire, Mr. Rhys Germain! Layla chose not to have anyone intercede on her behalf and went into the ring with Rhys. Layla took the first point, but Rhys was quick to tie it up then take a two point lead! Layla wasn't deterred though, and brought it back to tie it up at three in the seventh. Then in the ninth, they traded IMPalements and brought the match to sudden death. It would be Rhys, however, would would walk away with the win, ducking under Layla's defense. Rhys Germain def. Layla Paine, 5 - 4 in 10 rounds. With Rhys' defense, Eregor keeps the ring for now! And don't forget folks... Celebrate the festivities of the New Year by looking ahead! 20% discount applied to all your casket needs during the months of February and March.. and not only that! With the purchase of any 2 promotion marked caskets you will receive one more as a free bonus! Like the fireworks that fill the beautiful skies of our fair city, cremation fees are slashed in half with free funerary urn included! Come down to The Crossroads Funeral Parlor today! (link)

With the forfeit early in the cycle, a special tournament was held in a round robin format, with a cap of six duelers to claim the vacant Barony. The six duelers were Colleen MacLeod, Karma Armstrong, Runt, Anubis Karos, Gren Blockman, and Neekylah Lang. At the end of the round robin, both Anubis and Runt had finished the night 4-1, so it was decided the two would face off - Runt would need one victory by virtue of defeating Anubis earlier in the tournament, while Anubis would need two victories to claim the Barony. At first it seemed Anubis was poised to earn a third and deciding match as he took a commanding 4-1.5 lead, but the Frost Giant would not be denied, and fought his way back to tie, and eventually take the lead and win the Barony by a score of 5-4 in 16 rounds. It's a good thing the place has a giant-sized pool! (link)

Nobody was eager to challenge Runt, and that's with good reason (he's big!), so his first challenge didn't come until a couple of months into his reign. Haru Jeong stated that he actually had fun dueling the Frost Giant, and stepped up to the plate. Runt allowed Haru to choose the format, and Haru opted for the best of three option. Runt then went on to prove why he was such a feared competitor in the ring, and not just because of his size - though that's probably one factor as well. Runt defeated Haru in two straight matches, allowing only a total of three points across both duels. one of which was on a trade. We'll see just how eager the next challenger is, whenever that one comes. (link)

The next challenger might not have been eager, but Rachel Blackthorne was determined. And who wouldn't be after getting Velgr’s Grace-Breaker Challenge Grant? After gaining permission to use the Outback for the challenge (poor Matt), they went to town destroying the place in a best of three. Rachel took the lead in the first match, but Runt quickly tied it up in the fourth round, then went on to score two unanswered points in the sixth and seventh round, winning the first match 5-3 in 7. The second match had them both evenly matched, until Runt once again took two answered points int he sixth and seventh, winning the second match 5-3 in 7. Who will be next to try and topple the giant?(link)

Michelle's first challenge came from an unexpected source: one of her fellow teammates from House Royal/Real Rhydin. Bailey Raptis issued challenge and explained that he felt title holders should defend their titles, and Michelle had not done so. The challenge was gracefully accepted, and Michelle showed no ill-will and chose a single duel format. Bailey opened up a one point lead which Michelle was able to flip to a 4-3 score, but Bailey would not be denied this Barony like he had his previous challenges, and scored the final two points to win 5-4 in 7 rounds. (link)

Bailey had gone months without challenge, but when the new year came, challenges started flying! Karma Armstrong had claimed a Baronial Challenge Grant in the 2020 Fall All Ranks Tournament, and used it to challenge Bailey. Bailey welcomed the challenge, and after a bit of a misunderstanding, the two met on more amicable terms. Bailey opted to defend in a single match, and then quickly found himself in a 2-0 hole after two rounds. The Baron rallied, though, and scored 5 unanswered points to make his first successful defense by winning 5-2 in 8 rounds. Afterwards, Bailey and Karma discussed the possibility of having a Black Magic Burger made in her name. (link)

Bailey was one of the last Loyal Barons to be challenged on the same day as all the others, which we like to call Challenge-tine's Day! He was also one of the last to have their challenges scheduled, but he did eventually find a time to face longtime dueler and new challenger Colleen MacLeod for New Haven. But he would never have to step into the ring. Overlord Hope Naharis, fresh off of retaining her title in the ring, opted to test the challenger. Renegade Baron Salvador Delahada interceded on Colleen's behalf, and fought Hope tooth and nail, but the Overlord eventually prevailed with a tough 5-4 win in 11 rounds. Up next was the challenger herself, but Hope was on fire this evening, and she was able to secure the defense for her Loyal Baron with a 5-1 win in 6 rounds. (link)

Citing personal and professional reasons, Bailey retired the Barony. (link)

Having (hopefully) recovered from the clutches of Cthulhu, the shadowy Michelle Montoya used the 2020 Dueling House Cup Grant to challenge the Hero of New Haven, Alasdair Galloway. The two parties amicably decided to wait until the Hero of New Haven had reached his one year anniversary. With one defence already under his belt, Alasdair elected for a single-match challenge. The lead switched three times but ended 5 - 3 in 7 rounds in favour of the challenger. Team Real RhyDin claimed the New Haven Barony as their home. (link)

Alasdair's first go at a challenge after attaining the rank of Warlord had been for New Haven (we wouldn't blame him, New Haven does have a pretty nice pool). The Baron of New Haven, Jonn Revelator, elected to have the right of the barony decided on a single duel -- and a single duel had been all Alasdair needed to secure his first barony with a score of 5 to 3 in 9 rounds. - (link)

Alasdair’s first challenge would come from the young Overlord Grantee, Amaris. While she would have had no choice but to challenge a Loyal baron at the time, or forgo even using the grant, she challenged Alasdair with the creative style common among young girls, with crayons and brightly colored stickers. The Baron appreciated her artistic talent and didn’t waste any time accepting the challenge and they fought a couple days later. Alasdair chose a single match format and dominated in six quick rounds, only two of which were trades, thus defending 5 – 2 and continuing his reign as “The Hero of New Haven”, a moniker dubbed upon him by a Wilds teammate. - (link)

The third match in the open challenge night - (link) - came from newly turned Warlord Jonn Revelator! While Jin did gain the first point of the match -- Jonn didn't let her keep it for long. The score kept tied throughout much of the match, though Jin did squeeze ahead once again in a moment, but the tie was regained soon enough. With the score reading 5 to 5 in the 8th the two fighters moved to end the match..! Jin, moving toward Jonn.. and Jonn moving away! With a sudden disengage Jonn gained the final score and secured the Barony of New Haven! (It was discovered after the events of his failed defense against Alasdair Galloway that Jonn Revelator was not truly Warlord rank at the time of challenging Jin Chae for the Barony of New Haven.) - (link)

Fresh off his loss against Overlord Matthew Simon's champion in a bid for the throne (Due to being banished from Loyal to Renegade), Jonn decided to finish the night by allowing the challenge made by warlord Hope Naharis. Hope's challenge had been on hold until the results of the Banishment Challenge to the Overlord, and while the New Haven Baron had time to rest, he elected not to. A single duel would decide if Jonn defended or Hope would become the new owner of the New Haven ring... and after 9 rounds which led to a sudden death score of 4 to 4, it would be Jonn's quick low strike in the 10th that caught the sidestepping Hope to end the match. - (link)

After winning a grant via Warlord Tournament, Best Chae set her sights on New Haven, claiming that Matt Simon had something she wanted. Matt, in true form, was sure to tell her that we can't always get what we want, and the pair met a week and a half later to settle things. Jin dueled under the South Korean standard with KC Chae as her second and Charlie Nine, Grace Frigg, and her niece Ling Ling Chae as people of honor. Matt dueled under the bumblebee colored black and yellow with no second and his wife and children as people of honor. The baron decided to settle the contest with a single duel and from the get go, Jin reigned supreme. Scoring in every round, Jin closed it out in a scant five rounds while the reigning baron was able to pick up a sole point in a mid-match trade. Keeping with a pattern of loyalty, the new baroness declared that New Haven would remain loyal to Overlord King and additionally named Charlie Nine her squire. (link)

After a generous bestowing of a Challenge Grant by Tanya Acheron from her efforts in the Dueling House, electrifying newcomer Mallory St. Martin set her sights on New Haven and its Baron, veteran duelist and french fry connoisseur Jin Chae! The pair met inside the Arena on a rainy Sunday evening to decide the fate of the upscale district, with the defender fighting beneath South Korea Taegukgi banner and the challenger beneath the three-eyed bull on a field of red. Both seconded in absentia, Jin Chae was potentially showing a lapse in stamina from the extra baby weight when she opted for a single duel to decide the outcome. Mallory St. Martin had shown herself to be a tenacious fighter in the way she burst onto the Duel of Swords scene, with the prospect of an impressive career ahead of her, but in the end experience (and likely the promise of tacos and sushi) won out and Best Chae managed to keep her ring and the keys to the pool after 6 rounds and a score of 5-2. (link)

Citing "Nothing Personal" Jewell Ravenlock went after New Haven with the hopes of gaining access to the baronies lovely (and heated) swimming pool! The two fighters met and Jin proved that in the battle of swimming pool loungers she is queen! - (link)

Jin felt it was time to put family first and issued an open challenge for the first three Warlords to come after her! Should she defend against all three -- she'd retire the title! (link) . The first of the challenges came from Evan Rush Rynth! In the 18th round Evan still held the lead, if only by a half point, but a well placed lowcut by Jin saw the favor of the match chain. Jin, with a thrust, secured her first victory of the night! - (link)

The second challenge of Jin's open challenge night - (link) - came from Wrecking Crew member Jay Capistrano! Jin controlled the challenge by scoring a 4 to 0 solid lead against Jay until the 8th round, where Jay's thrust pinned Jin's high swing! What some thought as a possible comeback sadly came to an end as the round after Jin turned her cut to score the final point of the challenge match. - (link)

With his wife's business in the district of New Haven, Matt decided it would be best if he held that particularly barony. The challenge was fairly low drama, though despite Matt's attempts at claiming it wasn't personal, she still took some afront since the manor was her only home and held a deal of sentimental value. Other than a bit of delay in the answering, however, this didn't lead to any interesting fireworks. When the pair met, Hope chose a single duel format for the duel and fought below a white banner while naming Sabine both Lady of Honor and Second (also apparently having Jewell and Eden in the wings). Matt, as always, dueled below TMF's black and yellow, in honor of his wife Koyliak and family and with no named second. After a null first round, the challenge took the first 3 points of the duel before Hope finally scored with a low cut in the 5th. Matt cut high in the 6th to reassert the three point lead but then faltered as Hope began a strong comeback to bring things all the way to a 4-4 tie in the 11th. The twelfth round sudden death saw the baroness lunging in with a thrust, and Matt ready with the high parry to counter and take the 5-4 win. Having claimed the barony, he declared himself loyal. (link)

After a six month or so self imposed hiatus from the swords title game, Hope returned looking to reclaim the ring she'd lost back in November. She was clear in her challenge that there was no personal malice towards Rachael and was mostly interested in redeeming herself for past mistakes. Baroness and Challenger turned the challenge into a charitable event, collecting food and clothing for the needy of New Haven. Entry to the event was paid in non perishable donations rather than silver. Hope took to the ring under the black and pink banner of Team Dirty, naming Sabine as second and fighting in honor of Claire and Terry. Rachael's standard was black and gold, emblazoned with a panther and wolf, and named as her second David Harada while fighting for the honor of her husband, Ian. The baroness called for a best of three series of duels. The first was a nail-biter, tied or within a point of each other for all 12 rounds before a final advantage with a lat parry earned Hope the win. The second duel would be far less even. Hope drew first blood in the 2nd with a thrust over Rachael's low cut and then marched off another four consecutive points, ending once again with a lat parry and taking a 5-1 win to reclaim New Haven manor. (link)

After being championed twice by Vael, the New Haven ring was placed into the 2016 Fall Warlord Tournament. The tournament saw only four participants compete for the two prizes. Rachael won through the winner's bracket, defeating Rand and Nayun and then met up with Kalamere who recovered from a round one loss and advanced to the final from the loser's bracket. Rachael needed to win just one of two attempts against the shady elf and gave him the first in a 5-2 score. The second duel was close, tied at 1-1, 2-2 and 3-3. Rachael sidestepped a parry in the 6th to take the lead though and then sealed the win with dual thrusts in the 7th. As her prize Rachael chose the barony of New Haven, leaving Kalamere with the Overlord challenge right. (link)

Rachael's first challenge came from venerable warlord, Vince Smith. Vinny had been coaxed back to the Arena to join in on the annual Madness tournament, but once knocked out decided to take a title shot. Empress Overlady, Jewell Ravenlock, stepped in on the challenge to defend her loyal baroness. Rather thank facing Vinny in the Test of Wortiness, however, Jewell found herself in the ring with Lirssa al Amat, Old Market's renegade baroness deciding to take up Vinny's cause in the Right to Challenge. Lirssa was on her game and took the duel 5-2 in 7 rounds to preserve Vinny's shot at Rachael. Rachael took to the ring with a banner of black and gold, naming her husband Ian as her lord of honor and Andu Kirost as he second. Vinny's banner was red and black and he called no honors beyond Lirssa as his second. The duel was close through the first 10 rounds, the pair either tied or with Vinny holding a small lead. In the 11th, the baroness sidestepped a thrust to take her first lead of the night, going up 4-3.5. In the very next round she landed a cut below Vinny's parry to complete the defense. (link)

Two baronies were available in the Warlord Tournament held for the Spring of 2016; New Haven and Old Temple. With a field of 10 warlords, Hope won out in the winner's bracket and defeated Red urThorne to take first place overall. As her prize, Hope picked New Haven. (link)

Hope's first challenge came from former Overlord, Anubis Karos. The slaver called out Baroness Naharis in hopes of completing his run of the baronies, the other six already having his name in their histories. Hope gave him is shot in a single duel affair, but proved more a challenge than Anubis was able to overcome. Unable to land a clean strike throughout the match, Anubis put up two points via opposing cuts in the 3rd and a trade of thrusts in the 6th as Hope closed out the defense. With the 5-2 in 6 round finish, Hope retained her hold on New Haven. (link)

A renegade to Overlady Jewell Ravenlock, Hope found herself in a challenge queue. She had challenged Jewell and then been challenged by Myria Graziano the very next day (link). Three days after that she was also challenged by Andu Kirost as part of the 2016 Trick or Treat Challenge event (link). In perhaps the confussion of the triple challenge along with the a very busy couple challenge weeks all around, due to the Halloween event, Hope failed to respon to Andu's challenge in time. As a result, the title was stripped shortly after the fight for the Overlord's mantle, but before fighting Myria. The challenge queue would be defended by the Senior Baron instead. (link)

When G'nort challenged for Overlord, Rand utilized the Test of Worthiness and placed Harris in his way. As a renegade baron, G was able to retain his own champion and tapped Apple for the job. Apple won, allowing G to face Rand directly and after a 17 round marathon, G emerged the new Overlord. As a prize to his champion, G'nort awarded Apple his barony. (link)

By virtue of a second place finish in the Fall cycle tournament of warlords, Claire Caelum earned herself an intercession free baron challenge and used it to come after Apple. The baroness had left Peaches Haggarty as steward of New Haven to run the district and hold her proxy for any official communications, but returned herself to fight the defense. Claire took first blood when they met in the ring, but the fight en large belonged to the baron. Apple avoided an errant thrust from the challenger in the 7th round, then landed a counter to take the 5-3 victory. (link)

Despite doing well in the annual Madness tournament, with an Elite Eight duel scheduled between herself and Ellisa Morgan, Apple decided to retire from all things Swords. Giving up both her barony and the tournament position as she'd decided to focus her efforts in other areas. (link)

G'nort returned to take another shot at New Haven. Having picked up Battlefield Park earlier in the year, New Haven was the last barony he needed to complete the collection. Via advocate Saul Heyman, G's challenge once again claimed him the arena's best and put him in a position to become the first duelist to hold all seven active districts in his career. Jackson elected to the fight the challenge in a single duel when the time came. He may have done better in a best of three, but overall was simply outclasses by a superior swordsman on this night. In 8 rounds, G'nort put on a 5.5 - 1 clinic and claimed the New Haven barony. His 14th ring and final piece in a run of the arena lower titles. - (link)
While having collected all of the baronies, G'nort found one thing lacking. He could not be said to have run the table and collected all of the Arena's titles unless he also collected the Overlord's mantle. To rectify that he challenged Rand and vacated the ring upon winning. (link)

Overlord Ran alTan, who had replaced Claire Caelum, awarded a grant to Jackson Gray at the end of the Spring Cycle of 2015. Jackson, a commoner at the time, used the grant to challenge for New Haven. Melanie took the challenge incredibly well and only issued the slightest veiled threats as to the damage she might inflict upon his person. The challenge itself was fought in the best of three format and Melanie started off with a win in the first duel, 5 points to 3. The last two rounds of that opening duel, however, were the only times throughout the night that Melanie would hold a lead. Jax, either tied or holding the advantage through both of the remaining duels, took 5.5-3.5 and 5-3 wins to become another grant bearing challenger to claim the ring of New Haven. (link)

A bit more seasoned than when last she'd challenged for the New Haven district, Melanie Rostol was the first challenger to darken Rena's door. The pair met in a best of three match and it took all three duels to settle. At one duel each, the third and deciding cross of blades fell in Melanie's favor. She was quick to declare New Haven loyal to Overlady Claire Caelum and allowed Rena's squire, Valentina, to stay on at the manor. (link)

Rena came for New Haven in the Spring of 2015 and while the pre-match discussions were civil, even a shared lunch to discuss the specifics, the action in the ring was not. The one time Overlady began with a cut aimed high to catch the sidestepping baron and take first blood. Charlie would get on the board with a duck and counter in the 5th to a avoid a second shot to the head, but in all was simply no match for Rena on this night. Landing a pair of thrusts, a deft parry and another high cut, Rena sailed to a 5-1 victory and her first hold on New Haven. (link)

When Overlord Terry King had the opportunity to issue the Overlord's Grant for the Winter Cycle of 2014/5, she decided to award it based on a tournament. Inviting each of the baronial squires and three other lower ranked duelists to participate, it was Charlie Nine of Dragon's Gate to emerge the winner. (link) This was the 3rd time that Jake faced a challenge by grant, but this one went considerably worse for him than the others had. Charlie's performance was inspired and he surged to a 4.5-0 lead before Jake was finally able to get on the board with a desperate slash in the 7th round. A trade of thrusts in the 8th saw the ring finally change hands, New Haven transferring to Charlie with the 5.5-2 win. (link)

With the 2013 Hydra tournament challenge incentives, another Team Beat Down challenger entered the fray in the orcly form of Jake Thrash. More known for his legendary status in the Outback, that didn't make the long time warlord any less a threat in the rings of the arena. It was only a few days before they crossed blades in a best of three match, fighting under the banners of their respective teams. Jake proved a force to be reckoned with and controlled the entirety of the two duel affair, winning 5-2 in the first and 5-1 in the second, Joku managing only one clean attack throughout the match. (link)

Shortly after earning the ring, Jake was challenged by ex-Overlord and Champion's of Mythos captain, Rakeesh Sah Tarna in another Hydra inspired grudge match. The current Overlord, Teagan Rielea, took an interest in the fight and chose to intercede on her loyal baron's behalf. At this time Teagan held an entirely loyal council of barons, so there was no one to stand for the liontaur. Teagan defeated Rakeesh 5-4 to keep Jake in New Haven. (link)

In the first non team oriented challenge New Haven had seen in some time, Rena Cronin was the next to come for the orc's ring. A trade of cuts in the 5th and of thrusts in the 8th were all points Rena could put up on Jake, as the baron marched is way through to the 5-2, 8 round victory. (link)

Runner up in the 2014 instalment of the DoS Madness tournament, Aurast Dagger Sasc was awarded a challenge grant which he bestowed upon Melanie Rostol. Though initially looking to declare challenge to SeaSide, she instead went after Jake and New Haven. Fitting, perhaps, having gotten the runner up's grant that she chose to challenge the orc who won Madness. Jake would go on to handle Melanie much the same as he'd handled Aurast in their Madness final, though this one took two duels instead of one since he'd elected best of three. First to draw blood in both duels and never giving up a lead, Jake retained his barony in wins of 5-2 and 5-4. (link)

Melanie looked to take another shot at Jake a couple months later, but then changed her mind and rescinded. (link)

G'nort was next on the docket. He had 2 baronies to go before having held them all and collecting the free toaster, and New Haven happened to be one of them. Declaring himself the best of the arena in his challenge announcement may not have been his best move. Though there's no proof that this is what inspired the orc's performance, it likely didn't help. In a single duel match Jake had no mercy and sent G on his way after a demoralizing 5-0 in 6 shutout. (link)

Jenny Chae won the Halloween Havoc / King of the Ring event to celebrate All Hallows eve in 2014 (link) In the 19 round tournament JC racked up 3 ring outs while dressed as Dark Link to earn Queen of the Ring honors and a challenge grant prize. She wanted "the best of the best" and used the grant to challenge Jake. Showing all the fight that brought her to the top of the tournament, the challenger proved to be one of Jake's toughest opponents. She led 2.5 - 1 after avoiding the orc's thrust in the 5th and though Jake would turn it around, she managed to stay in the fight all the way through. Finally in the 11th round, Jake caught her ducking into a low cut to take a 6 - 4.5 win. (link)

Team rivalries continued to make life interesting in the arena after Matt Simon failed to remove Rakeesh from the Overlordship. Terry made a public statement that she'd be the next in line to try to take the mantle, but before she could turn this into an official challenge Joku Shoyia, the Overlord's Champions of Mythos teammate, challenged her for the barony instead. The night of the fight they were seconded by their team captains, CoM's Rakeesh Sah Tarna, the Overlord, for Joku and Beat Down's Candy Hart, the Overlord Rakeesh beat to earn the title, by Terry's side. After giving up a point in the first, Terry moved to a 3-1 lead by the 5th, making a successful defense look likely. Joku wasn't done yet though and the elf came back to score in each of the four rounds that followed, a defensive clinic as only one point came while on the attack. After 9 rounds and a 5-4 finish, Joku became the new Baron of New Haven. (link)

Furthering a growing Beat Down / Wrecking Crew rivalry, Terry King issued challenge to Kheldar for New Haven. Fought in best of three format, the match was much closer than the two duel finish might suggest. In both encounters it was Kheldar who first tallied the 4th point, leading 4-3 after 7 rounds in the first and after 9 rounds in the second. Terry owned the final two rounds though, managing a stophit trap in each duel and coming out on top 5-4. (link)

As the runner up in the SPring Cycle Warlord Tournament of 2012, Kheldar was award a baron challenge for his efforts, allowing the Overlord challenge prize to fall to 3rd place finisher, Chris Graziano. Sartan, who finished first, had declined both. Tournament prize in hand, Kheldar selected New Haven as the barony the challenge for and called out Tarl. Scheduled and fought in under a week, this was one of the speedier challenges to hit the books; but that was the only thing about this challenge that could be considered fast. In what is likely the longest and highest scoring duel ever fought for a title (unverified), the two beat on each for an incredible 37 rounds and scored a combined 26 points. These numbers would be on the high side for a best of three, but this challenge was a one and done, single duel match. In the end it was Kheldar and a timely stopthrust that took the victory and won the barony, 13.5 - 12.5 after 37 rounds. (link)

Kheldar held the barony for around seven months before the first challenger came calling. G'nort had a long list of reasons to issue the challenge, but mostly he wanted a new barony. And maybe to see Kheldar's wife. The baron seemed to take it all good naturedly and the two met in a best of three match, which seemed risky given how things had gone with Tarl. By comparison, this match went a total of 30 rounds with the two men scoring a combined 27 points. G took the first duel, 5-3, then went up 2-0 to start the second, but then Kheldar began his comeback. The baron took the second and third duels, 5.5-4.5 and 5-4 to retain the title. (link)

Tarl Cabot was the winner of the 2011 DoS Madness tournament and awarded a challenge grant. Despite his multiple defenses, DeathLord remained a rare sight in the arena itself and it was for this reason Tarl selected him to use the grant against. The reasoning rung somewhat hollow given Tarl's own rare appearences in the rings, though he vowed a greater visibility should be prove victorious. Regardless, the matter would be settled in the ring and Tarl went on to show just why he'd managed the Madness win and challenge grant in the first place. In an 8 round single duel affair, Tarl came out on top at 5-1. (link)

The DoS administration made Trick or Treat challenges available to celebrate All Hallows Eve in 2011 (link) Anyone bellow the rank of warlord would be allowed to issue a first come first served challenge to a baron of their choice. Steve Smith was quick to the boads, but not quick enough to challenge for Seaside which appeared to be his first choice. After being corrected by G'nort, Steve redirected his challenge towards Tarl. That didn't seem to help either, however, as Steve missed the scheduled date and then withdrew the challenge entirely. (link)

Xeric was the next to come after Tarl's hold on New Haven. Tarl was on travel at the time of the challenge, but G'nort awarded an extention on his time to answer, so things proceded without much of a hiccup. They met in a best of three match that only took two duels. Tarl won the first handily, 5-2 and jumped out to a nice 4-2 by the 5th round in the second. The baron faltered slightly and allowed Xeric to tie the duel at 4s with a low cut, thrust combination, but then got his feet back under him and took a 5-4 win in the 9th to maintain his title. (link)

By virtue of defeating Renegade Baroness Rena Cronin and Renegade Baron Tormay Eludes in a Test of Worthiness for then Overlord Anubis Karos (link), the Commoner known as Deathlord gained the right to immediately challenge Tormay for his Barony. Tormay avenged his loss at the Overlord challenge in the first match by winning 5-3.5 in 14 rounds, but it was Deathlord who take the next two matches, 5.5-4 in 9 rounds and 5-2 in 13 rounds to gain the Barony, making history by gaining title while not even being listed on the standings. (link)

The first challenge to Deathlord came from Aya Hayashibara, who had a specific interest in the Barony as opposed to any malice in relation to the Baron himself. Deathlord proved his mettle by defeating Aya 5-1 in 7 rounds and 5-4 in 9 rounds to maintain his hold upon New Haven. (link)

The Warlord Thorne was next to issue challenge, seeking to quiet the famed talking sword of Deathlord as the other two Barons he wished to challenge were currently occupied. Opting for a best-of-three the Baron was never behind in either of the matches, defeating Thorne 5-2 in 7 rounds and 5-1 in 6 rounds. (link)

Newly returned Warlord Sylus Kurgen was third challenger in as many months to Deathlord, seeking to test the blade of the Baron and end his run. It was not meant to be though, as Deathlord proved his dominance yet again by defeating Sylus in a best-of-three format, 5-1 in 6 rounds and 5-2 in 6 rounds. (link)

While in the midst of conducting his squire tournament (link) Deathlord found himself facing another challenger, this time Guillermus Iulius Fortis, who deemed the Baron was not active enough in the rings for his liking. The Baron felt disrespected by the timing of the challenge and opted to petition then Overlord Ticallion Carter for Loyalty, which was promptly accepted. (link) It was no surprise when the challenge was held that Ticallion interceded for his newest Loyal, attempting to cut Guill down before he could reach Deathlord. After jumping out to a 4-1 lead Guill stalled, giving Ticallion the next four points before eventually defeating the Overlord 5-4 in 10 rounds. Deathlord was forced to step into the ring and defend New Haven himself and he did so with little difficulty, defeating his challenger 5-1 in 7 swift rounds. (link)

The Warlord Xeric Mues issued challenge to Deathlord with a succinct missive on the cork, and the two met in an equally brief match when the Baron opted for a winner take all one shot. The first four rounds belonged to Deathlord, with a point scored in each unanswered. The challenger managed to get himself on the board in round five, but in round six Deathlord returned to scoring and ended the match, 5-1 in his favor. (link)

Damien having lost the Barony of Seaside only two days before, Aya was the Senior Baron when she stepped into the ring with former Overlord Tormay. Aya elected for a best-of-three match, the first to be used to defend New Haven in nearly two and a half years. Aya took the first round of the first match, only to have Tormay gain the next three rounds. Aya quickly tied the match in the next two, 3-3 in the sixth round. A successful defense from Tormay followed by traded thrusts gave Tormay the first match. The second match was closer. Aya took the first round, and Tormay tied it in the second. The pattern repeated, Aya taking the lead and Tormay tying it in the fourth. The pattern was reversed the next two rounds, Tormay taking the lead and Aya tying in the sixth. Aya then took the lead again, with Tormay tying it 4-4 in the eighth. Like the first match, a trade in thrusts brought the score to 5, but it being tied the match went on. Tormay cut low into the ducking Aya to claim the second match and take the title from Aya. (link)

Bearing no malice, Guillermus Iulius Fortis issued challenge to Tormay based on the reason that he was longest/tenured Baron yet to be challenged. Tormay eagerly accepted the challenge and had it fought on Halloween evening. Tormay chose to defend in the best-of-three format, and the first match found Guill successful reasonably easy by defeating the Baron 5-2 in 8 rounds. The second match was clearly a lopsided victory by the Baron, who relatively quickly defeated the challenger by the score of 5-1 in 7 rounds. The third and final match was somewhat closer a battle, but still found the Baron successful in his defense by catching Guills lunge to end the duel by the score of 5-3 in 8 rounds. (link)

Tormay then called for as many challenges as he could stand to have. (link) The challenges didn't materialize, however, and a month later Tormay took aim at the Overlord title instead. (link)

Nearly three months passed before Aya Hayashibara stepped forward, second place in the Winter Warlord Tournament. Rand again elected for a single match, but this time it would not protect him from the Warlord Tournament runner-up. At round three, it was tied at two, much like his previous defense. Aya pulled ahead by two in two rounds before Rand sidestepped the thrust from Aya to bring to 3-4. The seventh and final round decided the match 5-4 on a trade of cuts, Aya stepping away with the title. (link)

It was well over eight months before Aya was called to defend her title against Cassius as he made a run to claim the Barony for a third time. The Baroness elected for a single match, and a bloody one it was. Cassius chose the wrong defense in the first round, which was followed by a trade in cuts, Cassius tagging a ducking Aya, another trade in cuts, and Aya's successfully ducking the bookend from Cassius. After five rounds, Aya already lead 4-3, and in only eight rounds, she successfully defended the title 5-3. (link)

Aya's next defense came in the form of an Overlord Grant recipient, Wyheree (link) Fought in a single match format Aya defeated Wyheree in an exhausting 18 round match, 5.5-4.5 to keep her title. (link)

After many years away from the Arena, Warlord Rand al'Tan returned with a desire to once again prove himself within the rings of combat. In only a few short weeks, Rand was able to amass enough peer wins to issue challenge to Baron Kheldar Drasinia for New Haven. The member of the Wrecking Crew chose a single match to defend his title, but he was unable to overcome Rand's desire to once again hold a title. In eleven rounds, Rand held Kheldar to only two points to once again hold the rank of Baron. (link)

In December, Second place of the Fall Warlord Tournament (link) Querylon was the first to challenge Rand. The single match was slow to build momentum, being tied at two at the ninth round. Querylon made her play by dancing around Rand's defense, but Rand then quickly scored three unanswered points to defend his title, 5-3 in thirteen rounds. (link)

Lorance's claim on the Barony was not to last long. As a result of his second place finish in the winter 2007 Warlord Tournament (link), Kheldar Drasinia received the prize to challenge a baron of his choosing. Less than two weeks after defeating Cas for the ring, Lorance was in the ring to defend against Kheldar. After ten rounds, Kheldar came out on top to give New Haven another new holder. (link)

Years ago after their last challenge match, Lorance Sneggle made a vow to never challenge Cassius again. Lorance was good to his word until a conversation with G'nort prompted Cassius to no longer hold Lorance to his oath. With the pact no longer binding, Lorance was free to challenge Cassius again, and he wasted no time in doing just that. On the night of the challenge, it appeared that Overlord Havoick would be stepping forward to meet the Warlord, but Cassius announced that the challenge would be settled in a best-of-three format. Cory sat back down, and the two longtime rivals stepped into the ring. The evening proved to be entertaining. The first duel was tight until Lorance was able to extend his lead and take the first match 5-3. Cassius was quick to rebound and even the field with a 5-2 victory. The final duel was close, and bloody, but in the end, Lorance was able to trap Cassius' direct attack and claim the barony of New Haven as his own. (link)

When Rakeesh interceded in Damien Mortis Overlord challenge, the man he fought in the Right of Challenge was Cassius Maximius. Weeks after the Overlord challenge concluded, Cassius still blamed Rakeesh for Damien's rise to the throne, and also felt that Rakeesh had robbed him of the opportunity to meet Damien's chosen champion, Skyler, in the ring. In response, Cassius challenged Rakeesh for both the New Haven barony, and Rakeesh's Opal ShadoWeaver. The challenge night was interesting in the combatant alternated fighting styles so they could settle both challenges in the same night. Although Rakeesh was able to defend his Opal from Cassius, Cassius' experience in the DoS rings proved too much for Rakeesh to overcome. In a pair of five to three matches, one lasting ten rounds and the other seven, Cassius claimed the bounty put on Rakeesh. (link)

Citing Skyler a criminal who needed to be removed from power, Rakeesh Sah Tarma challenged Skyler on behalf of the Adventurer's Guild. (link) With the Opal ShadoWeaver by his side, Rakeesh battled Skyler in three hard fought matches. With the score tied at four in the final match, Rakeesh was able to put up a strong defense to end Skyler's reign as Baron of New Haven. (link)

Controversy arose during Rakeesh reign when he used his Baronial right to intervene on an Overlord challenge despite the challenger having his own champion already picked out. (link) Matters were further complicated when, after helping Damien Mortis rise to the rank of Overlord, Rakeesh accused the new Overlord of being a criminal. Rakeesh also announced his intent to challenge Damien immediately. In response, Damien and Baron Bapheloctis offered a gold bounty to the one who could remove Rakeesh from New Haven.

The first to attempt to collect the gold was Aya Hayashibara. When the two met to settle the challenge, Rakeesh was in fine form. After a five to two victory in nine rounds, Rakeesh defended his title with a thrilling five-to-four victory in eight rounds. (link)

Cassius Gaius Maximius was challenged next by Skyler Chamberland, who felt an old rivalry rekindled by barely losing to the Baron in a duel the previous night. Within a few short days, the challenge match commenced without the usual fanfare of Seconds or Ladies of Honor because of the short turn around in time. Newly minted Overlord Tareth Thorn decided to Intercede on behalf of the Baron because of personal dislike for the challenger, while then Baron of the Old Market, Cletus Ganderfald, stepped in on behalf of the challenger for undisclosed reasons. Skyler was able to proceed directly to a one-duel format against Cassius after Cletus bested Tareth in a thirteen round duel by a dominating margin of victory of three and a half points. Skyler went on to end the reign of Cassius in New Haven in a quick eight round duel by two points. (link)

Cassius Gaius Maximius was first challenged by Chase MacLaren. The challenge was later voided due to lapsed time without resolution. Apparently both parties were subject to a controversy in which conflicting stories were given in trying to have the matter resolved. Though there was never an official date or time confirmed by either participant, the Duel of Swords Standings Keeper set one for the last possible date within the Universal Terms of Challenge that the challenge could occur on. (link) Neither Baron nor challenger showed for the match. The challenger, Chase MacLaren, was stripped of her right to challenge again for the remainder of the dueling cycle, while the Baron's fate was handed over to the Baron's Council to vote upon. (link) The Baron's Council voted to have the Baron defend his right to remain with the title against council appointed champion, Max Quinlan Blue. (link) The match between Cassius and Max took place and the baron defended his right to remain with the title in a seven round duel won by a two-point margin of victory. (link)