Challenge for the Tower of Air

[Kruger]

There was quite a bit of scrutiny from those present, much of that narrowed eyes of goblins, as The Anvil moved to the corkboard and pinned a message. It was very possible that moments after walking away, a delegation of goblins ran the entire way to the Tower of Air to complain... I mean... to let Xanth know.

[Royal]

This challenge is valid and may proceed.

[XanthVanBokkelen]

To the Challenger, the Coordinators, and the dueling community at large:

I purposefully waited until now to answer this challenge. If I hold this Tower for another 800 days from today, I would tie the
record for longest reign of an Elemental Tower, currently held by one Matthew Simon, a man who has kicked and punched his way into
ArchMage Tournament infamy. Here is some free advice, try casting spells. I would find great pleasure in supplanting him in yet another
magical achievement on this Isle.

But I digress.

My current challenger, a glutton for punishment by all accounts, saw fit to provoke me with a mocking serenade during his reign in the
Tower of Earth. I promised retribution, and luckily for me, I did not have to search him out.

I am more than pleased to accept this challenge.

Do you hear that music in the background? It is a dirge being sung just for YOU.

Sincerely,
Xanth Van Bokkelen
Current Keeper of the Tower of Air

[Kruger]

Wait... Was I supposed to add all those other people to my challenge? It didn't say so in the rules, maybe this is just etiquette for the dead... you know Deadiquette. I'll tell you what, I will endeavor to comply.

To the Challenged (for some reason I feel like this could be considered an insult), the Coordinatorships, and dwelling dueling community on Twilight Island:

Please take note that this challenge is set to take place on Thursday, July 13th at 8:00 PM on the eastern clock. The caller is yet to be determined for this most major of events.

Please also take note that the keeper refuses to use my name. He is the highest chief in courtesy, because clearly he wouldn't use it in vane, (that's a weather pun, I'll let you figure it out).

800 days is a long time for me to put this off, but I understand your desired goal. There's a part of me that wants to help out, but it's the generous part and today decisions are being made by the punishmental gluttonous part. I am overwhelmed that you remember so finely the day of music which I gave you, and most delighted to hear that you are listening to something soothing. If it wouldn't be too much trouble, I'd love the sheet music. I will convert it into seven fourths time, add some guitar sludge, a little bit of drumming, and turn it into something extremely grungy.

Best regards,

Kruger "The Anvil" Allen

[Kruger]

Olaf von Trunk has agreed to officiate. At least I think that was what it said. My language of luggage is not very good.

[Partly Cloudy]

Catering for the Tower of Air Challenge is provided by The Matadero Meat Truck and Kitten’s Confections Bakery & Café.

ENTREES

Baby Back Ribs

Grilled Hamburgers
beef & black bean varieties

Grilled Badsider Brats
pork & seitan varieties


Entrees are served with freshly-made brioche buns or dinner rolls,
plus all of the favorite toppings & accompaniments, such as house-made pickles,
house-made bbq sauce, grilled peppers & onions, fried jalapeños & bourbon-bacon jam.





ACCOMPANIMENTS

Grilled Corn On The Cob
served with fresh salted butter & a trio of compound butters

Grilled Summer Vegetables

Stuffed Poblano Peppers

Sweet Potato Fries
served with homemade ketchup & chipotle aioli

Tortilla Chips With Dip Trio
salsa, guacamole, and spicy black bean dip





DESSERTS

Gourmet Popsicle Bar
featuring specially-made brownie chunk, mango lassi, vegan berries & cream,
strawberry cheesecake & many other flavors

Grilled Summer Fruit Shortcake Skewers
strawberry, peach & pineapple
served with whipped creams, chocolate & strawberry sauces & dulce de leche

Jesse’s Orange Jello Pretzel Salad

Lem’s Mixed Berry Lemon Pie Bars


All chocolate items are prepared using Celestial Chocolate, which is safe
for those who are allergic or otherwise sensitive to regular chocolate.





COCKTAILS

The Laughing Lich
gin & elderflower liqueur mixed with lime juice & lychee syrup
tinted green with a bit of food coloring

Anvil Drop Slush
Jim Beam bourbon, frozen cola & grenadine blended with ice to make it extra slushy
garnished with a maraschino cherry

Adios, Mothertrunker
lime gin, orange vodka, lemon rum, grapefruit-hibiscus tequila & blue curaçao
mixed with clarified lemon, lime & orange juices, simple syrup & Dr. Enuf lemon-lime soda
garnished with a rubber ducky & Groucho glasses

A.M.T. Trunks Only!
bleach, Pinesol, Elmer’s Glue, Tide detergent, apple cider vinegar & Tang topped up with Crystal Pepsi
garnished with a rubber ducky & Groucho glasses
**Bar management would like to stress that this is truly a trunks-only version of the Adios, Mothertrunker cocktail.**


In addition to the above cocktails, there will be plenty of beer, soda, iced tea, and lemonade for guests to enjoy.

(( Big thanks to Olaf’s player for helping me hammer out all of the components of Olaf’s drink and for concocting the Trunks Only! version! ))

[Static Rest]

Hours after Mothra had driven Olaf back into the sea to retreat to Monster Island (don't ask), a message appeared on the cork board, above the round results:

>:[

While it had been written in a very heavily accented dialect of West Galactic Trunkish, the meaning could perhaps be surmised in this way:

That Keeper Xanth and challenger Kruger had met in the rings, and Xanth had chosen to use the elemental ring Anemoi when Olaf's fan club offered. Also, that Xanth had built and maintained a narrow lead from the first round of the first match, and while Kruger stayed close behind, the lich managed to pull away in the seventh round. Further, that Kruger had gained the lead in the fourth round of the second match and widened it in the fifth; but Xanth had staged a comeback and won by the ninth round.

And if it could be worked into the body of the message, it could be further surmised that Olaf claimed no liability for any and all acts he may have committed, including the use of dynamite, industrial chemicals, and licensed and copyrighted props, and further asserted that his fan club had not been assuming responsibility by cleaning up afterwards but had instead engaged in a spontaneous act of community service.

Ring Gemini 1: XanthVanBokkelen scores! (MW / FSH | 0 - 1, XanthVanBokkelen leads.)
Ring Gemini 2: Kruger gains position. (SH / MB | 0.5 - 1, XanthVanBokkelen leads.)
Ring Gemini 3: XanthVanBokkelen gains position. (AB / FT | 0.5 - 1.5, XanthVanBokkelen leads.)
Ring Gemini 4: Kruger gains position. (WB / MS | 1 - 1.5, XanthVanBokkelen leads.)
Ring Gemini 5: XanthVanBokkelen scores! (FFT / WB | 1 - 2.5, XanthVanBokkelen leads.)
Ring Gemini 6: Kruger scores! (RF / FMB | 2 - 2.5, XanthVanBokkelen leads.)
Ring Gemini 7: XanthVanBokkelen scores! (GF / MW | 2 - 3.5, XanthVanBokkelen leads.)
Ring Gemini 8: Everybody scores! (MB / MB | 3 - 4.5, XanthVanBokkelen leads.)
Ring Gemini 9: XanthVanBokkelen gains position. (FMW / FF | 3 - 5, XanthVanBokkelen leads.)
FINAL: XanthVanBokkelen def. Kruger, 5 - 3 in 9 rounds. - dom

Ring Whisky 1: XanthVanBokkelen gains position. (MB / FF | 0 - 0.5, XanthVanBokkelen leads.)
Ring Whisky 2: Everybody scores! (FMS / FMW | 1.5 - 2, XanthVanBokkelen leads.)
Ring Whisky 3: Kruger gains position. (DS / EF | 2 - 2, Kruger and XanthVanBokkelen.)
Ring Whisky 4: Kruger gains position. (SH / MW | 2.5 - 2, Kruger leads.)
Ring Whisky 5: Kruger scores! (WB / FFT | 3.5 - 2, Kruger leads.)
Ring Whisky 6: XanthVanBokkelen gains position. (FMW / FF | 3.5 - 2.5, Kruger leads.)
Ring Whisky 7: XanthVanBokkelen scores! (AR / MW | 3.5 - 3.5, XanthVanBokkelen and Kruger.)
Ring Whisky 8: XanthVanBokkelen scores! (FWB / FMB | 3.5 - 4.5, XanthVanBokkelen leads.)
Ring Whisky 9: XanthVanBokkelen gains position. (RF / FF | 3.5 - 5, XanthVanBokkelen leads.)
FINAL: XanthVanBokkelen def. Kruger, 5 - 3.5 in 9 rounds. - dom