Gondar Division: Jesse Troyan vs. Topaz

[Cassius Gaius Maximius]

First Round: Jesse Troyan's matchup with Lucian in the first round was as close as a matchup can possibly get without having to go to the tie-breaker at the end of the voting period. Lucian took an initial lead and maintained it for a surprisingly long time, although it was never anything close to a blowout. For a day or so, it looked like Jesse was going to fall victim to Lucian's renowned skill in a tournament format. Jesse managed to tie it, and the second phase of this matchup saw a tie maintained for what seemed like an age. In the end, Jesse barely pulled it off with a two-vote win.

Topaz also came from behind, with Nova Gray Shadow getting a decent early lead on her. But there are a lot of Atreblans still out there to give Topaz their support, and she had something of an impressive surge..not only making up the lead, but taking a strong lead herself. In a duel, this would definitely translate into a come-from-behind victory for Topaz. This was really the duel which set a precedent for much of the remaining first round: Matchups where there are a few dissenters to a general consensus as to who would win, but a general consensus was in existence nonetheless.

Past History: Somewhat surprisingly, a perusal of the TDL Archives says that they have never faced each other in the TDL rings. With no DoS challenge or tournament finals against one another, this means I have no meaningful past history to serve as a "map" for this matchup. But they have to have dueled in the Arena on multiple occasions in the past.

"Common Links" in Challenge and Tournament Duels: Topaz has defeated Cletus Ganderfald(this division's no. 1 seed) to win a Baronial ring not once, but twice: She beat him for the 13th in 1999, and for the 8th in December 2003, thus launching the famed three-year reign as Baroness of the 8th/Dragon's Gate that she is primarily famous for in armed dueling. Troyan defeated Cletus around the same time that Topaz defeated him for the 13th, defeating him in a Right of Challenge duel in a Test of Worthiness, with Troyan championing Overlord Avery Shiv Blade and Ganderfald championing Damien Mortis, the challenger. Incidentially, this means that if Cletus Ganderfald wins his second round matchup, he will have a negative past history against his divisional semifinal opponent no matter what. His brother has fared better against these two: Magnus Eques defeated Topaz for his third reign as Baron of the 13th, and defeated Jesse in a successful defense of that ring in his first reign. Topaz defeated Methous de Amber in a successful defense of the 8th Ring, while Troyan defeated Methous as the Baronial Council's elected champion in a special test. Topaz defeated Cassius Maximius in a 2-1 B03 to successfully defend the 8th Ring, Troyan defeated Maximius in the Spring 2000 WLT undefeated bracket final, securing a prize. In summary, these two duelists have a surprisingly similar record against the same caliber of opposition.

Notable Names defeated in TDL by Jesse Troyan: Lucian(mentioned in the first round writeup for Jesse Troyan vs. Lucian), Sartan, Tasslehofl Momus, Galin Taelca, Karen Wilder, Taylara Tyree, Daryl Kyle, Cory Havoick.

Notable Names defeated in TDL by Topaz: Ford Prefect, Goon, G'nort Dragoon Talanador(mentioned in her first round writeup because of the amazing length...that or G'nort's, I can't remember off the top of my head..), Rand al'Tan, Cristian de Oro, Valmion, Beka Cavish, Alais Nitesong D'Sidhe, Steve Glowacki, Elijah Basia Uhr, Unagi Miyamoto, Sloth Shaman, Pike D'Angul, Tasslehofl Momus, Matt Simon(twice), Trixie Dread Pixie, Huma Dragonbane, Vincent Smith, Jake Johnson, Horatio Benvolio MacBeth, Kheldar Drasinia(three times), Troy Costello, Dr. Marvin Tinoosh, Melgarth Mithmellon, Baphelocutis est Lathodascia, Riddick Diesel, Bran Bale, Tarl Cabot, Cassius Maximius.