Overlord Challenge

[Saul Heyman]

Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Saul Heyman. If you don't know by now, that's okay, because I am going to keep introducing myself over and over and over and over like this every time an announcement is needed. I am the advocate for my client, G'nort Dragoon-Talanador. You may remember me from campaigns such as "None of the Above." and "The Best in the World needs New Haven." and I still have full authorization from my client, G'nort Dragoon-Talanador, to speak for him in matters pertaining to his illustrious, record breaking, dominant, elite career.

You may also remember that recently, my client asked me to remind everyone that he was one title short of being the only duelist who has graced the halls of the Arena to have held every Barony available. He had held the Old Temple Barony twice, once when it was just the first ring, the Dockside Barony twice, the fourth ring twice, the ninth ring twice. He has held the fifth ring, Old Market, Seaside, Dragon's Gate, Battlefield Park... He has held the Barony rank thirteen times. Thirteen.

And now, because he desired it, he is currently the reigning, defending Baron of New Haven. He is the only duelist to have held all seven Baronies in the Arena, with fourteen Baronies in total. Nobody can claim that. Nobody. Not Aya Hayashibara, and she's just one away from having held all seven, but she still can't claim it. Not Anubis. He can't claim that. He's barely close to holding that.Matt Simon, Lupton est Dracoern, Jeff Oakenshield, Billy Ray Karnafexx, Cletus, Daegarth, Cassius. The list goes on and on and on. Nobody can make the claim that my client can. He said he was going to do it, and by gods, he went and did it.

Still.

Still.

While he can say he is the best and have all the evidence to prove it, there's something else. You might remember the first person I mentioned that was not my client, G'nort Dragoon-Talanador. Someone that while my client does not care much for, he does happen to hold in above average regard. She's one away. One away from -Tying- my client for having held all seven Baronies. One away from being his equal. One away.

But would she be? If you do some research, and believe me, I do my research, you may notice that miss Hayashibara has done something my client, due to a lack of desire, has not done. Something that would bring into question, should she obtain her seventh title, would make an argument for her to be, perhaps, better, than my client. She has been the Overlord, hasn't she? Overlord and six Baronies. If she gets that seventh...

My Client is the first to get all seven Baronies. My client is the first to ever win the Madness Tournament. My client is the first in many things, but, someone could just beat him at another, important, first. The first to hold all seven Baronies *and* the Overlord Title.

My client, G'nort Dragoon-Talanador, had thought that obtaining the last Barony he needed would end his goals in this Arena. My client, G'nort Dragoon-Talanador, had thought there wouldn't be anything else to desire. My client, G'nort Dragoon-Talanador, had thought there was nothing else to prove. My client, G'nort Dragoon-Talanador, was wrong. And you can keep this on record because it's exceedingly rare to ever hear him admit to being wrong.

So. What now?

I'll tell you what now. What now is that my client, G'nort Dragoon-Talanador, has a clear goal. What now is that You, Overlord Rand alTan, are under challenge. If you want to defend your title against weaker, less proven challengers, that's fine. If you want to give your grants away to complete rookies or 9 year old children who are better off learning how to swim or ride bikes than be in a ring of violence, and please, Maggie, I know you're going to want to respond with something about why you deserve to fight in here, I don't want to hear it, I'm simply not interested. If you, Overlord Rand'alTan, want to do all these things, that's fine, that's your right as Overlord and my client has no ill will towards doing what you're completely in the right to do.

But, My client, G'nort Dragoon-Talanador, has a new goal. And right now, you're the obstacle. It could have been anyone, but it's you.

My client, G'nort Dragoon-Talanador, hereby challenges you for the right to be Overlord, because it's what he wants. And my client, G'nort Dragoon-Talanador, always gets what he wants.

::drops mic::

[Mairead Harker]

On her way back to Old Temple from the Shanachie Theater, Maggie had seen Saul giving his speech, but he was gone before she could respond. So, she tacked up the following notes:

Dear Saul Heyman,

Your entitled to your opinion, but so am I. I can already ride a bike, swim, and do and know a lot of other things that maybe you don't, can't, or never even heard of. By taking part in these rings of violence, the one thing I will never become is a helpless victim. Far too many people of all ages fall end up as prey to criminals on the street because they never learned to use a weapon. To paraphrase the words of the Lady Eowyn of Rohan, those without weapons can still be killed with them. By the way if you've never heard of that brave woman, you should know that she hails from the same realms as Queen Luthien Tinuviel, who once upon a time officiated in those rings of violence. She also held the Ninth Baronial Ring for more than a year.

I am disappointed to see that G'nort, a man I have had a great deal of respect for in my rather short lifetime, has decided to have someone else speak on his behalf. Maybe he's not the best with words, but I always thought he had more courage than to hide behind someone else.

Mairead E. Harker

----------------

Rand,

I will use the Challenge Grant that you graciously gave me. I hope to use it wisely. Win or lose, I would welcome the opportunity to champion you and/or stand as your Second against G'nort in this challenge. I'm well aware that an Overlord's champion, that is not already a Loyal Baron, that defeats a Renegade Baron may press immediate challenge for that Baron's title.

Maggie

Ironically, her audition piece for the Shanachie had been a song called "Defying Gravity."

[Seirichi]

Damn. What Overlord would even think about testing the "only duelist who has graced the halls of the Arena to have held every Barony available. He had held the Old Temple Barony twice, once when it was just the first ring, the Dockside Barony twice, the fourth ring twice, the ninth ring twice. He has held the fifth ring, Old Market, Seaside, Dragon's Gate, Battlefield Park... He has held the Barony rank thirteen times. Thirteen."?

And with a child no less? Daaaamn. I sure hope not. That's asking for a string of challenges to follow after G's. When did the Arena become such a joke? Oh, wait. I forgot. When Duel of Fists became more relevant.

[PrlUnicorn]

Seirichi,

G'nort has indeed done a lot for this sport and without having a mouthpiece to do things for him. Perhaps you are not aware that I have been around long enough to have watched all of it happen including how the Fifth Ring seemed to have carried a curse while he wore it. He could have chosen to speak for himself or use a better spokesman. Have you considered the possibility that the offer of being a champion was made because G'nort effectively chose to use one to make his challenge instead of, you know, doing it himself or because Mairead was offended by his representative? Unlike some of the participants in the rings, G's quite able write and speak on his own behalf.

I like G'nort, he's been a friend for many years, but I must express my own disappointment regarding how this challenge was issued. Said disappoint is on par with when I was in physical custody of the ring of Seaside. The direct insult toward my granddaughter was uncalled for. It is not her fault that Rand's original choice for the grant, Ellie, somehow got caught in a misinterpretation of the rules and thought the grant given to her was invalid. Since G'nort hired this Haymen fellow then is he not responsible for the words he uses toward others? G'nort has never been unkind to Maggie, but yet he hires someone that is?

I would prefer to not think that Prin, Kaja, or Mercedes wandered off with G'nort's testicles and has them in a box somewhere. Saul Heyman has given the impression that is the case since he has decided to try to intimidate a nine year old on G's behalf. The G'nort I know is not a coward that needs a sock puppet. So, who is this Heyman guy and what has he done to G?

Colleen

[Seirichi]

Looks to me like he's a PR rep looking to add a little flair to the boring and rather dated challenge style this yawn fest of a sport has. Does G even need to speak for himself anymore? Saul made it pretty clear. He's beyond most of you normals in this sport.

So what if this guy insulted a kid. If the banter can't be handled then it's best to stay clear of dueling all together. The fact is that G has been a baron thirteen times and the idea that testing him seems a little hilarious. Is Rand such a pussy that he has to test the guy with a child? I'd like to think our current Overlord has a little more balls than that and would meet Saul's client head to head.

I could be wrong though. I usually am. I shouldn't put other men on the Harris-scale and expect them to match even 10% of what he is.

[Mercedes]

I would prefer to not think that Prin, Kaja, or Mercedes wandered off with G'nort's testicles and has them in a box somewhere.

Nope, they're still right where I left them, just checked!

I would personally like to thank you for giving my darling G'nort even more free publicity. That big mouth Saul is fantastic at inciting heightened emotion as everyone can clearly see by the reaction to his speech. I'm fine with paying that huge sum he charges because of this right here. I'll take you and Maggie to lunch one day Miss Collie as repayment. Kisses!

--Mercedes

[Mairead Harker]

Miss Merci,

Lunch sounds good! We need a good dessert. Have you ever had my Gran's special Death by Chocolate? It's very sweet!

Maggie
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Miss Seirichi,

Why is it that when people want to insult a man they tend to use words that pretty much say he's acting like a girl? There's nothing wrong with being a girl or a woman. People need to stop talking like it's a bad thing and using it like an insult. I know some girls, including you, that can hit harder and faster than some men.

I can handle the talk around here just fine. Doesn't mean I have to sit back and be quiet because somebody, who never even set foot in a ring, doesn't care what I have to say. And if he doesn't like that a girl has an opinion, he can kiss your butt and Harris can punch him for it!

Maggie

[Seirichi]

Because the best way to insult a man is to hit them in their masculinity. They have a need to be stronger, faster, bigger, and stronger than anyone else. That's why all the best heroes are men -- because they like to write about themselves enough to boast. Telling a man he's a pussy is attacking that masculinity. It's like saying someone is a gay-wad for testing a thirteen time title holder. It's attacking their masculinity and heterosexuality. If someone was straight, well, that would very well rile the up! Most real men live off their machismo. It's like neutering a cat or a dog. They get fat and become useless.

Good example. Saying G'nort lost his balls for having someone else speak for him and that it must be a woman keeping them locked away. That's attacking right at a mans heart!

But, let's not follow the path of political correctness or thinking too hard about the context of words. Those who tend to go that direction lose humor points and the ability to take jokes.

After all, some of us do get paid for being as non-PC as possible.

[Gabby]

That dude has an even bigger mouth than my boss...never thought I'd be able to say that about anyone! Nevertheless, the challenge is valid and may proceed.

I would also like to thank G and Rand for celebrating my return from horrendous captivity by fighting. Nothing like violence and bloodshed to make one forget their trauma.

Maggie, I would love to have some of that cake. If you can get some from your granny, I will trade you some gummy worms!



:::A list of challenge officials can be found tacked to the board:::

((Friendly reminder regarding the amended rule: The Challenger is responsible for acquiring the services of a caller but both parties must agree upon the chosen caller. Please obtain one as early as possible and post to the challenge thread when one is secured. Thanks!))

[Mairead Harker]

Miss Gabby,

It's not just a cake! It's one of Gran's fudge brownies with chocolate chips, a scoop of chocolate ice cream topped with dark or milk chocolate flavored whipped cream, the whole thing gets drizzled with chocolate syrup and topped with chocolate shavings. They have it on the menu over at my Aunt Nikki's Bistro and Pizzeria in Old Temple. I'll tell her to expect you and to give you a "Death by Chocolate ala Colleen." Just give her your name, it'll be on the house.

Maggie

-------------------------------------------------- -----

Miss Seirichi,

I need you to explain a couple things for me since you wrote them. What's a gay-wad? Why would anyone think a cat is a weak or overly girly animal? Have you seen a lioness hunt? The lionesses do the job of feeding the pride. The lion does the fighting for territory, but when he's not doing that he kinda lazes around. Have you seen a tigress when something threatens her cubs?

Given what I know about girl cat beasts, I just don't get why calling a man a pussy is an insult. Even if you mean that kinda rude way they use the word for girl parts, why is that thought of as weak? You're a mom, right? Getting babies out of that place can't be an easy job! My Gran's a midwife, she delivers babies and takes care of their mothers. She says it's hard work for a mom to get a baby out.

Gelding a stallion doesn't make him a mare. A wise man should know that.

Remember, I was the one Saul yapped about, me and Jackson Gray. I offered my way of settling that in the ring. My way might not be Rand's way. A thirteen time title winner should be able to make his own challenge. Maybe you don't think so, but I do. Besides, if Saul can do the talking for G then G can do the dueling for Saul.

Most of the time, I'm a polite person. You want to know what I've been thinking that maybe isn't so polite? Maybe Saul speaking for G is part of why he didn't get elected Governor last year. Who wants a Governor that can't even speak for himself? I didn't vote, I'm too young, but I still want to know what someone running for office is going to do and not what their PR rep says they will. It's like that Bible book that some people say is the word of their God. It's not, it's how people interpreted it over time; that's why there are umpty million editions!

There are ways of questioning a man's, what did you call it, machismo, without saying he's girly.

Mairead Harker

P.S. I've heard you on the radio. You should ask Race about getting on his show, too.

[Seirichi]

Sweetheart. Whoever is helping you write these postings needs to be quicker about them. It's already been way beyond 24 hours and I'm having to re-read this whole thing to even figure out what you're going on about.

Cats are for weaklings. Doesn't matter if a lioness does this and that. That's a lioness, not a house cat. We eat cats in Adenna, though they are about twice the size as the normal house vermin that wander around this city. Dogs are the real warriors friend and companion. Loyal, trustworthy, and go where you tell them to.

If you don't understand why calling a man a pussy is an insult it's most likely because you're young. Give it a few years and the chance to see men in action. Call one of them a pussy or a few other colorful words while degrading them and see how fast they change their tune when it comes to basic training. What self respecting woman calls their cooch a pussy anyway? Again, you're young. so you might not understand the concept of words-not-exactly-meaning-what-they-derived-from. It's like calling a guy a pansy. With that line of thought, I'm obviously calling them a flower and not a sissy boy.

Protip: I'm totally calling them a limp wristed sissy boy.

As for gay-wad, ask your mother.

Beyond that. You shouldn't worry too much about play on words. Have fun swinging a wooden sword or playing pirates.

PS. The whole Saul thing. Why not ask him to fight you? There's really no point to trying to explain why you responded the way you did when it's pretty obvious why. Call him out. If he fights you, great. If not, who cares? G's still a 13 time baron. Spokesperson or not. That's the fact of the matter. If he's tested, he's tested. But the one calling for the test might put more of a target on their back.

You're trying to explain yourself when you don't need to.

[Mairead Harker]

Miss Seirichi,

No one was helping me write. Just because I'm a kid doesn't mean I can't have thoughts of my own. I have to think for myself when I have a weapon in my hand, same with a pen. As far the time thing goes, I do have other things to do besides stare at the cork all day.

Limp wristed sissy boy or pansy is not nice, but at least it doesn't take a poke at girls. That's what I've been going on about. Reminds me too much of Mur hating on women.

I still think you should be on Race's show.

Mairead Harker

[Seirichi]

I miss Mur.. he was based as ****. He could be sexist to me any day.

[PrlUnicorn]

My granddaughter has pointed out to me that even implying a man has been parted from his testicles, man parts as she calls them, and having them kept in a woman's charge is just as inappropriate as equating man to a girl or woman to imply he is weak. For those comments, I do apologize to G'nort.

I suggest, however, that in future Saul needs to make use of a disclaimer notification stating that his opinions are not necessarily the same as his client's.

Colleen

[Rand alTan]

As I should, I accept and will be in touch to figure out the details.