Athlstan Division: Baphe vs. Gloria Blaze

[Cassius Gaius Maximius]

First Round: This second round matchup was forged by the two first round results that surprised me the most. I was personally pretty sure that Lupton est Dracoern would narrowly beat Baphe...so, it was somewhat surprising when Baphe destroyed Lupton to the tune of 8 votes to 2. As one person said to me: "Hey, size matters."

I also thought that Var Medici-Giovanni would demolish Gloria Blaze in the voting(although I think the actual duel itself would be very close), but this turned out to be the most competitive matchup of the Athlstan Division's first round. I was about to declare the voting period closed at 5 votes apiece when, while checking one final time, I noticed that Gloria scored a *very* crucial sixth point just before the voting period ended. Given that a tie-breaker would have gone to the #4 seeded Var, Gloria got a little lucky.

Past History: None at all, at least not against each other. However, Baphe and Gloria were positioned at first and second, respectively in a challenge que of two, against Lupton est Dracoern for the 9th Ring(both of their personal grievances against the Dracoern Emperor are spelled out in their first round writeup). Both were defeated by Lupton...who was not as fortunate against the draconian in this tournament, robbing Gloria Blaze of a rematch. Ironically, Lupton would lose the ring shortly afterwards to G'nort Dragoon Talanador...who may face the winner int he Sweet Sixteen!

"Common Links" in Challenge and Tournament Duels: Besides their consecutive losses to Lupton est Dracoern in 1998, Lathodascia and Blaze have both also faced Adeena Maeax in the challenge ring: Lathodascia defeated Maeax in a Right of Challenge duel in a Test of Worthiness, with Maeax championing Overlord Dalamar Ar'Daumon and Lathodascia championing Huma Dragonbane, the challenger; Blaze lost to Maeax in an unsuccessful challenge for the 6th Ring.

Notable Names defeated in TDL by Baphelocutis est Lathodascia: Topaz(twice), Cassius Maximius(twice), Bode BoJangles, Artemus Kurgen, Erin Dunbridge, Jaycynda Ashleana.

Notable Names defeated in TDL by Gloria Blaze: Alyxz Taliesen, Percival, Jeff Oakenshield, Tarl Cabot, Luthien Tinuviel, Casey Shiv Blade, Johnathan Robert Bruce, Mikeal Rheinhart, Jaycynda Ashleana, Elijah Basia Uhr, Unagi Miyamoto, Magnus Eques, Billy Ray Karnafexx, Lucian, Brigath Cedran, Drachen.