Jack Smith's DoS Madness PREVIEWS OF DOOM

[Smith]

Posted on the Duel of Swords Bulletin Board is an excerpt from one of the many fanzines that circulate the city, DoS Renegade, Issue #512 . . .

DoS Madness 2010 First Round Preview
By Jack Smith

Has it been a whole year already? It seems like only yesterday when Jay Capistrano was the next big thing and I was drooling all over Green (woowoo!). But it's that time again, time to see which one of these sixty-four duelers are going to come out on top in this zany thing they call DoS Madness! So forget about Tour de Rhydin and concentrate those peepers thisaway!

And of course I've got to chip in my two cents, because I'm "Jumpin'" Jack Smith, baby! Accept no substitutes! So without further ado . . . .


HERE THERE BE PREVIEWS!

Previews are based upon each dueler's records from the past year, according to the 2/26/2009 standings, to the 2/25/2010 standings that
were current when the seeds were made. In terms of DoS WoL, I will indicate (0) for someone that has been a commoner with no WoL gained
the past year.


DALAMAR DIVISION


(1) Maria Graziano vs. (16) Alec Tuttle

Maria’s stats:
DoS: +7 WoL, Baron
Two Baron Rings won

Alec’s stats:
DoS: (0) WoL, Commoner

Maria's had a busy year, taking the Barony of Old Market from Xenograg,
then the Barony of Old Temple from Xanth. Here's a tip: If your
first name starts with X, and you're the Barony of a large district in RhyDin City . . . watch out for Maria. She'll be facing newcomer Alec
in the first round. At first I thought this guy might be a surfer (Like, Tuttle-y awesome, DUDE!), but I hear he walks around in a black trench coat,
so there you go. Maria looks like the winner here.


( 8 ) Myria Graziano vs. (9) Ulric von Leofrick

Myria’s stats:
DoS: +0 WoL, Commoner

Ulric’s stats:
DoS: +3 WoL, Swordsman

And here we have another of the Graziano clan, the youngest, Myria. She
hasn't been around the Arena much since the last Madness tournament,
but I see she's made Emerald over at the Outback. Perhaps that combat
success will translate over to her First Round duel against another
newcomer, Ulric. Ulric's made Swordsman already, and despite his last
name sounding vaguely like a lion combined with a swear word, I'm
going to go with the upset here and say he'll get the victory.


(5) Kalinda Acheron vs. (12) Cyrail Kennyr'tlarn

Kalinda’s stats:
DoS: +9 WoL, Master-at-Arms
won Squire of Old Temple

Cyrail’s stats:
DoS: (0) WoL, Commoner

Alright, we've got the exotic dancin' Kalinda in the Tournament! woowoo!
Kalinda's not just a looker, she was also able to gain the title of Squire of
Old Temple! Remind me to bring my dollar bills for her duel with Cyrail
the elf, who's been seen hanging around with Carley. Well, he's got to have a high threshold for pain and discomfort to do that, but I still think
Kalinda has the edge here.


(4) Jake "On The Take" Thrash vs. (13) Delphi Alethelia Thais

Jake’s stats:
DoS: +1 WoL, Warlord

Delphi’s stats:
DoS: (0) WoL, Commoner

One of the legends of the rings returns for this year's Madness. Jake's
most notable acheivement this year has been gaining another Diamond
at the Outback. We'll see how he does this year against . . . Delphi
Alethelia Thais? Hey, that's my old fraternity! Back when I used to go to
RhyDin State . . . uh, hyphen Old Temple Southgate! DAT! DAT! DAT's WHERE IT'S AT! Beer Pong and Jello Shots, Midnight at the Quad!
WOOOOOOOOOOOO! Jake to win.


(6) Vincent Smith (no relation) vs. (11) Etherean Esperwind

Vincent’s stats:
DoS: +4 WoL, Grand Master

Etherean’s stats:
DoS: +1 WoL, Commoner

TEAM TWILIGHT EXPLODES! Etherean took a long vacation after winning
MVP for the final season of TDL, but he's back to face off against his
Assistant Captain! Vincent spent most of last year as the ArchMage (as
usual), and won a stage of the Tour de RhyDin! Vinny's worked his way
up to Grand Master as well, and I think he'll get the victory against the
rusty Etherean.


(3) Aya "Papaya" Hayashibara vs. (14) Lord Brag Calide

Aya’s stats:
DoS: +4 WoL, Warlord

Lord Brag’s stats:
DoS: (0) WoL, Commoner

Ah, Aya. I'd make lewd comments about her, but she's the type to hunt
me down and skewer me for even thinking about it. Aya started the year
as a Baron, and gained some WoL, but it's been pretty quiet for her
otherwise. She'll be facing the rookie Lord Brag. Hey, that's a cool name
for a Lord! Might get a bit confusing though. "Good Evening, Lord . .
um, pardon, what's your name?" "Brag." "Ok, Ok, I know you're a Lord,
you don't have to rub it in . . . " Aya to win.


(7) Salvador Delahada vs. (10) Jin "Rummy" Eternity

Salvador’s stats:
DoS: (0) WoL, Commoner
won Squire of Seaside

Jin’s stats:
DoS: (0) WoL, Commoner

Salvador has kept active since last year's tournament, becoming Squire
of Seaside and competing in the Tour de RhyDin. He'll be facing . . . ah,
another "Call-out-my-moves" member of the Eternity clan. Seeing as
how Jin'll be up against Salvador, hopefully we won't be hearing things
like "Yelping Dodge of Public Embarassment!" and "Rapid
Backstepping of Eternal Shame!" Salvador for the win.


(2) Tasslehofl Momus vs. (15) Paradise Stromgard

Tass' stats:
DoS: +7 WoL, Warlord
One Overlord Reign, One Overlord Defense, Spring 2009 WLT 3rd Place

Paradise’s stats:
DoS: (0) WoL, Commoner

Paradise is mostly known for hanging around Twilight Isle, but she's
chosen to try her hand at the Madness Tournament! She's going to have
her hands full as her First Round opponent will be former Overlord Tass!
Besides a reign as the top dueler in the Arena, he also finished third in
the Spring Warlord Tournament. If Tass can keep his hands to himself (a
stretch, I know), then he should be able to take the win here.

(XENOGRAG Division to follow)

[Smith]

XENOGRAG DIVISION


(1) Anubis Karos vs. (16) Athos

Anubis’ stats:
DoS: +1 WoL, Baron
Three Baron Rings won, Two Baron Defenses, One Overlord Reign

Athos' stats:
DoS: (0) WoL, Commoner

Oh, that naughty Anubis. Becoming Overlord, getting three of his buddies
to be his loyal Barons, spreading chaos and anarchy all over RhyDin City.
So what does he do for an encore? Join the Madness Tournament, of
course! He'll be facing one of the reincarnated Musketeers, Athos.
The "All for One for and One for All" mentality doesn't really work in
an "Every Man for Himself" situation, so I'm going with Anubis here.

( 8 ) Lem DeAngelo vs. (9) Maranya Ergin-Falconne

Lem’s stats:
DoS: +0 WoL, Warlord

Maranya’s stats:
DoS: (0) WoL, Commoner
Summer 2009 Talon of Redwin, Fall 2009 Talon of Redwin,
King of the Ring 2009 3rd Place

Lem is YOUR current ArchMage, so what's he doing in a Swords
Tournament? Just so happens he's a Warlord too, and I'm sure he
wouldn't mind being Overlord at some point in his career. He'll be facing
an up-and-comer Maranya, who won two Talons last year (one for each
husband)! No word on whether Misty will be there to support her with ICE
COLD SMOOSHIES OF DOOM, but I'm going to pick an upset and say
Anya will move on to the Second Round!


(5) Shadow vs. (12) Stiles Mornay

Shadow’s stats:
DoS: +2 WoL, Warlord

Stiles' stats:
DoS: (0) WoL, Commoner

Stiles made quite an impression this year, having competed in the Tour
as the only full-time free agent, and doing bizarre things like dragging
bloody spines into the ring to duel with. Ok then. He'll have a tough fight
in the form of returning Warlord Shadow. Shadow may have the veteran
status, but Stiles' got the shock factor, so I think I'm going to go with
him.


(4) Matthew Algiers Simon vs. (13) Silver Starblade

Matt’s stats (Rhymin' Rulz!):
DoS: +8 WoL, Warlord
TdR Red Jersey 3rd Place

Silver’s stats:
DoS: (0) WoL, Commoner

When Governor Matt isn't busy ridding the City of evil-doers and winning
Yellow Jerseys, in his spare time he likes to join Swords Tournaments like
this! Matt just made Warlord this year as well, so Huzzah! He'll be facing
off against a rookie named Starblade. Well, he/she's got "blade" in their
name, so let's hope that implies some skill, because Silver will need it.
Matt should take the win here.


(6) Sylus Kurgen vs. (11) Pslyder

Sylus' stats:
DoS: +2 WoL, Warlord

Pslyder’s stats:
DoS: +1 WoL, Commoner

Two long time veterans appear from the void to try their hand at this
particular brand of entertainment. Sylus is a former Talon winner, and
Warlord. Psylder isn't ranked that high, but he has been around for a
while, and is a veteran of TDL. Hmmmm . . . . I think I'll go with an upset
here, and Seed number 11 will "Pslydeeee" into the next round.


(3) Guill "The Thrill" Fortis vs. (14) "Grapes of" Rath d'Ogre

Guill’s stats:
DoS: +22 WoL, Warlord
One Baron Ring Won, Spring 2009 WLT 1st Place,
Summer 2009 WLT 1st Place, Untold Number of Egos Bruised

Rath’s stats:
DoS: (0) WoL, Commoner

Well, you can't say Guill hasn't been entertaining this year. After
hammering everyone in the duels with his own personal vision of honor,
and ticking off half the community in the process, one heartfelt apology
later, here he is! Guill has actually had an impressive year skill-wise,
gaining the second most WoL of any dueler in the Tournament, as well as
picking up a Barony and a Warlord Tourney win. He'll be facing an
unknown in Rath. Let's see . . . Rath d'Ogre . . . . I'm guessing this guy's
an Ogre. Call it a silly hunch. Guill to advance.

(7) Harris D'Artanian vs. (10) Britania Grey

Harris' stats:
DoS: +0 WoL, Warlord

Britania’s stats:
DoS: +2 WoL, Swordswoman

Harris bursts out of retirement in style with a surprising entry into this
year's tournament. Well, if we could predict what he was gonna do next,
he wouldn't be Harris. The blue-haired one will be facing a new face in
Britania, who has already made the rank of Swordswoman. Being a
former Overlord, I would say Harris has the advantage here, but Britania
should "always look on the bright side of life!" Pssst, that's a Monty Python joke! Britania? Get it? Oh, never mind.


(2) Teagan Rielia vs. (15) Anthony (Anthony?) Graziano

Teagan's stats:
DoS: +7 WoL, Baron
One Overlord Reign, One Baron Ring Won, Two Baron Defenses,
Summer 2009 WLT 2nd Place, Fall 2009 WLT 3rd Place,
King of the Ring 2009 1st Place

Anthony’s stats:
DoS: +0 WoL, Swordsman

Hey, what's this "Anthony" stuff? Is Tony being indicted or something?
Or did Mama Graziano give him a Timeout? I guess I shouldn't complain,
seeing as how we get four Grazianos in this year's Madness. "Anthony"'s
gonna have a tough time in the First Round though, as he draws number
two seed, Teagan. Despite her romp through the gossip columns, Teagan
has put up some awesome numbers, becoming a Baron as well as
Overlord, and winning the King (Queen, that is!) of the Ring! Teagan
should win this one.


(GONDAR Division to follow)

[Smith]

GONDAR DIVISION


(1) Ticallion "The Stallion" Carter vs. (16) Ehzoterik von Arcanum

Ticallion’s stats:
DoS: +9 WoL, Overlord
One Baron Ring Won, One Overlord Reign, Fall 2009 WLT 1st Place Winner,
DoS Madness 2009 2nd Place

Ehzoterik’s stats:
DoS: +1 WoL, Commoner

RhyDin City breathed a collective sigh of relief when Ticallion ejected
Anubis from his position as Overlord, and his entry into the Tournament
shows he'd like to keep hold of that title. He'll certainly have a challenge
in the first round in the form of a bundle of energy known as Ehzoterik.
She'll be looking to use her CRAYONS OF DEATH in an upset against the
current Overlord, but something tells me Ticallion will come out on top.


( 8 ) Alexandria Graziano vs. (9) Marcus Lianno

Alexandria’s stats:
DoS: (0) WoL, Commoner

Marcus’ stats:
DoS: +6 WoL, Master-at-Arms

Our fourth and final Graziano of the tournament is Alexandria, who is still
ranked Commoner, although she's enjoyed success in TDL and the
Outback. She's going to have a tough First Round fight against Marcus
and his BUTTERFLY KNIFE OF DOOM. He can poke someone's eye out
with that thing, you know. Actually, Marcus has done pretty well for
himself, shooting up to Master-at-Arms this year. I'll pick Marcus in the
upset.

(5) Joex Rodlain vs. (12) "So Fine" Sofiel

Joex’s stats:
DoS: +20 WoL, Warlord
Fall 2009 WLT 2nd Place

Sofiel’s stats:
DoS: +3 WoL, Swordswoman

Joex furthered his reputation as the Arena's dueling machine by gaining a
whopping 20 WoL over the course of the year. He'll be swinging his
hatchet at the brand new Swordswoman, Sofiel. I'm sure her rainbow
colored hair will cause him quite the distraction, but Joex should control
his hallucinations and take the victory here.


(4) Kheldar Drasinia vs. (13) Porthos

Kheldar’s stats:
DoS: +0 WoL, Warlord
One Baron Ring Won, Spring 2009 WLT 2nd Place, TdR Red Jersey 5th Place

Porthos' stats:
DoS: (0) WoL, Commoner

Kheldar's been all over the place this year, winning a Diamond, gaining
the Green Jersey in the Tour (as well as second overall for the Yellow),
and grabbing a Barony! I bet he'd like to top that off with a Madness
Tournament win, and he'll get his chance against another of the newly
reformed Musketeers, Porthos! Porthos will have to keep his drinking and
womanizing to a minimum if he wants to pull out a win here, as Kheldar
has the advantage.


(6) Jay "When The Swallows Come Back To" Capistrano vs. (11) Samiyah Zayn

Jay’s stats:
DoS: +4 WoL, Grand Master
Overlord Tormay's Grant Tournament Winner, DoS Madness 2009 Final Four

Samiyah’s stats:
DoS: (0) WoL, Commoner

Jay has continued to progress in the Arena, having made the Final Four in
last year's tournament, winning the Overlord Grant from Tormay, and
rising in rank to Grand Master. His First Round opponent will be Samiyah,
who's just recently begun dueling. We'll see if Jay can finally come out on
top this time, and he should get his first win of the tournament here.


(3) Xanth Van Bokkelen vs. (14) Penelope Brown

Xanth’s stats:
DoS: +12 WoL, Warlord
One Baron Ring Won, Two Baron Defenses, TdR Red Jersey 2nd Place
One Public Building Hijacked

Penelope’s stats:
DoS: +1 WoL, Commoner

Xanth disturbing obsession with books shouldn't overshadow what was a
successful year in the Arena, gaining a Barony which he defended twice,
and coming within three points of taking the Red Jersey. 12 WoL for the
year ain't bad, either. His opponent will be Penelope, who has certainly
showed an impressive amount of spunk, but will that be enough against
the "Lethal Librarian"?

(7) Kalamere Ar'din vs. (10) Koyliak VanDuran-Simon

Kalamere’s stats:
DoS: +3 WoL, Warlord

Koyliak’s stats:
DoS: +2 WoL, Swordswoman

Apparently being beat up in the Outback isn't enough for the fashion
mogul, Koyliak, so she's looking for more punishment here! In her
defense, she has gained a rank this year, moving up to Swordswoman.
Her opponent will be longtime veteran Kalamere, who has a habit of
showing up for big tournaments like this one. I'll pick Koyliak to pull the
upset.

(2) Tormay Eludes vs. (15) Niki Blade

Tormay's stats:
DoS: +10 WoL, Baron
One Overlord Defense, Two Baron Rings Won, One Baron Defense,
DoS Madness 2009 1st Place Winner

Niki’s stats:
DoS: (0) WoL, Commoner

It was another fun-filled year for the male fairy, as after winning last
year's Tournament, he was able to add two Baron rings to his list of
achievements. No word on whether he and Taneth have had kids yet, but
if you see babies with wings flying around dispensing hugs and snacks,
you'll have your answer. He'll be facing Niki, who I haven't seen since
DoS Madness 2008! Tormay should win this one.


(ATHLSTAN Division to follow)

[Smith]

ATHLSTAN DIVISION


(1) Jaycynda Ashleana vs. (16) Gren Blockman

Jaycy’s stats:
DoS: +1 WoL, Senior Baron
One Baron Ring Won, Two Baron Defenses

Gren's stats:
DoS: (0) WoL, Commoner

Jaycy continues to be one of the premier duelers of RhyDin, winning a
Diamond, as well as being YOUR Senior Baroness. Her opponent will be a
Ranger by the name of Gren, who spends his time with the furry forest
creatures, contemplating the moon or something equally zen-like. Poor
guy's been in the woods too long if he thinks he's going to win here,
Jaycy should move to the next round.


( 8 ) Rekah Illyriana vs. (9) Erin Dunbridge

Rekah’s stats:
DoS: (0) WoL, Commoner

Erin’s stats:
DoS: +0 WoL, Warlord

Erin started off the year as a Baron, but for some reason had to retire her
title and go take care of some personal business. Said business must
have been suitably finished, because she's back and ready for the
Madness! Her first opponent will be the . . . um, unique Rekah. Rekah
looks like she's got some skill due to her performance in the Tour, but I
think Erin has somthing to prove, so I'm going with her.


(5) Wyheree Ravenlock vs. (12) Corlanthis Wystansayr

Wyheree’s stats:
DoS: +2 WoL, Grand Master

Corlanthis' stats:
DoS: (0) WoL, Commoner

The Ice Cutie herself, Wyh, is back for this year's tournament, and she's
managed to gain another rank, making it up to Grand Master! Warlord is
just around the corner, and I'm sure we're going to see a challenge in
Wyh's future! For now, though, it'll be hard to freeze the freewheelin' and
cartwheelin' Corlanthis in his tracks, but I think that Wyh can gain a
tough victory here.


(4) Thorne vs. (13) Carley Qui'Ama

Thorne’s stats:
DoS: +15 WoL, Warlord
TdR Red Jersey 4th Place

Carley’s stats:
DoS: (0) WoL, Commoner

Thorne has shown that he can "run with the big dogs" (snicker) this year,
by becoming one of the Arena's newest Warlords in a short space of time.
He'll be using those PUPPY DOG EYES OF DOOM on the perky elf, Carley.
I'm sure that Carley could probably defeat Thorne with her power of
annoyance, but unfortunately, this is Duel of SWORDS. Thorne to win.


(6) Napoleon Bonarat vs. (11) Locke D'Vestavio

Napoleon's stats:
DoS: +0 WoL, Commoner

Locke’s stats:
DoS: -1 WoL, Commoner

The PiRATe invades! Napoleon's always fun to watch, and he'll be
up against the ice elf, Locke. Locke's giving the Tournament another
shot, and although he's had more sucess on Twilight Isle, he has
shown some skill in the Arena. We'll see if Locke tries to distract
Nap with tummy scritches and popcorn, or whether he just turns him
into a big ice cube. I'll go with Locke in another upset.


(3) Cassius Maximus vs. (14) Skid

Cassius' stats:
DoS: +3 WoL, Warlord
One Baron Ring Won, Two Baron Defenses

Skid’s stats:
DoS: (0) WoL, Commoner

Cassius had his usual productive year, gaining another Barony and
adding a couple defenses. I'm sure he'd like another shot at an
Overlordship, but he's got to get through newcomer Skid first. Skid
the reptilian humanoid has plenty of tenacity, but it may not be
enough against the veteran Roman.


(7) Kelathe Skelicia vs. (10) Egypt Element

Kelathe's stats:
DoS: (0) WoL, Commoner
won Squire of Dockside

Egypt’s stats:
DoS: +6 WoL, Master-at-Arms

Kelathe returns to the Arena after a long hiatus, and has become
the squire of Dockside. Now she can be closer to her boyfriend Neo,
awwwwwww. She'll be facing a tough opponent in the new Master-at-
Arms, Egypt. Egypt seems more interested in the Outback, but obviously
he's got some skill with the sword, so this should be an interesting
matchup that could go either way.


(2) Neo Eternity vs. (15) Sylvia Nightshade

Neo's stats:
DoS: +27 WoL, Baron
TdR Red Jersey Winner, won Squire of New Haven, One Baron Ring Won

Sylvia’s stats:
DoS: (0) WoL, Commoner

And finally, we have the top WoL gainer of the Tournament in this year's
shooting star, Neo. With 27 WoL, the TdR Red Jersey, and current Baron
of Dockside, he looks poised to become the next Overlord. But first, he's
got to make it through the Tournament, and his first opponent will be
Sylvia. She's going to have a uphill climb here, but in Tournaments like
this anything is possible.


FINAL THOUGHTS:

What we need this year is more Madness, more zaniness, more overall
wackiness! I wanna see crazy stuff I never seen before! It's up to
you, duelers! Make this a Tournament we'll never forget!

My pick for the Final Four this year are Teagan, Maria, Jay, and Neo,
who I think will win it all! You heard it here, folks! But hey, don't
take my word for it, watch the duels yourself, and ENJOY THE MADNESS!

Later.