Volume 1, Issue 9

Editor's: Diggy Dirtshover and Leyara Rin
Assistant Editor: Karma Freeze
Newshounds and writers: Flash, Vincent, Changeman

Contents:

1) A few words from the Editor.
2) Letters to the Editor
3) Rise of the Classes - Vincent Loure
4) Gladiator's Gossip - Gladiator Gus
5) Top Fives - Leyara Rin
6) Changeman's Vault
7) Dark Rider - Greta Gloom
8) Loiosh's hissy fit - Flash

While Blister is occupied doing all the things he has to do, I shall be the Editor only until he has the time to once again take The Spectator on. So I shall do my best to continue making it as interesting, shocking, amazing, or just downright incredible as he did, and if you have any complaints, suggestions, opinions, please send it in to my scribe.


Letters to the Editor

Dear Spectator ~:

I am an Arachnian, and I am responding to the commentary written by Vincent Loure, the note to the Arachnians written by Michael'a, and the attacks on the Secian community. First, I have been conversing with a few fellow Arachnians and we are going to track Vincent Loure and kill him, second we will continue our attacks on the Secian race until we feel that the dragons have been punished enough. Feel our wraith.

*Anonymous*

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Rise of the Classes
Vincent Loure

Smakem Buckhanna is still retaining his position as Master of the Barbarian's guild. He is still ahead of Cutlich by quite a few points so it doesn't look like the current Master has to worry about losing his title anytime soon. Down in three we have Barracuda Krow the Human who has been known to wear tight clothing, sing, dance, and act merry. Oh wait, that's Stanrar, ah all those Humans look alike to me. Barracuda is holding a tight grip on third and I don't doubt that he won't become Master someday, he just seems to have the potential. Down in four we have everyone's favorite Monitanian, and down in five we have the Thugian Wing Capo that is an item with Wisedeb Gandalf the Frontacian (Aren't there laws against that sort of thing?), In number seven we have Daphinia Arachnia the Arachnian with Jaeger Trotsky the Oog-ra right behind her. Vollid Erfuln and Ogkay Clerio are at nine and ten respectively. Keep up the good work foamers, and congratulations and good work Master Smakem Buckhanna.

::: Current Skill Rankings :::

  1. Smakem Buckhanna the Thugian
  2. Cutlich Forgefist the Hithual
  3. Barracuda Krow the Human
  4. Jazbo Woondle the Monitanian
  5. Wing Capo the Thugian
  6. Morlandin Rokhart the Hithual
  7. Daphnia Arachnia the Arachnian
  8. Jaeger Trotsky the Oog-ra
  9. Vollid Erfuln the Thugian
10. Ogkay Clerio the Monitanian
11. Tonton Granitefist the Oog-ra
12. Bruto Thickhead the Thugian
13. Frith Headbasher the Thugian
14. Vekkattraka Artakkatrrk the Arachnian
15. Dmajh Ironclan the San Elf
16. Mildain Organgrinder the Hithual
17. Galiant Zay the Thugian
18. Moolaag Oonak the Oog-ra
19. Jonas Scravy the Oog-ra
20. Tsalkon Sal the Thugian
21. Ulgoth Dragonspear the Oog-ra
22. Jordanist Hixley the Monitanian
23. Thrunk Graps the Oog-ra
24. Roknia Hunle the Monitanian
25. Vor Thunderbringer the Human
26. Broc Roughrider the Human
27. Salamandra Flametail the Drag-al
28. Fury Narbondel the San Elf
29. Czarik Bloodrain the San Elf
30. Chapel Oshea the Thugian
31. Tarkell Wixten the Monitanian
32. Mariss Leblank the Oog-ra
33. Flynt Arman the Thugian
34. Ungers Obaj the Thugian
35. Blakbreeze Aman the Human
36. Maestro Vallastro the Thugian
37. Jijivdachick Kletemnechtik the Arachnian
38. Vaqrewn Deadsmash the Thugian
39. Thropp Tomm the Oog-ra
40. Nynae Emryss the Hithual
41. Dud Dampnas the Thugian
42. Squash Littlethings the Thugian
43. Zaedi Turshhlicht the Monitanian
44. Squish Themall the Thugian
45. Kynwolffe Larr the Thugian
46. Cutesy Fruffalump the Oog-ra
47. Uhnka Bobb the Thugian
48. Smallpox Brokenford the Go-blin-al
49. Xanathos Kelemvor the Thugian
50. Slisthidri Hiserra the Monitanian

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The Top Fives
Leyara Rin

Most dishonorable Leuian

1. Purrkinn
2. Leyara
3. Melraath
4. Kassandra
5. Incense

Well, this is most interesting indeed. Purrkinn, the current Khatyr of the Pride was named the number one most dishonorable Leuian in Spur. She even got more votes than yours truly, me. Following in third place, is Melraath, the Tarr'khat that put new meaning into the word Tarr. Oh and then we have Kassandra, once a thief now a fighter, or is that once a fighter now a thief? Ah no bother. Last but not least is Incense, who I don't really know much about so instead of making something up, I will say nothing..

Nicest Taathian

1. Sweetie
2. Merrimax
3. Borus
4. Creazor
5. Cyria

And if that wasn't funny enough, now we get to see who you all feel are the nicest Taathians. Surprisingly enough, Sweetie took top honors, Merrimax that crazy lovable nut came in second, wonder of all wonders, Borus is third, Creazor the Hithual and Cyria (don't know her) were voted 4th and 5th as the nicest Taathians.

Best Dragon-Secian Bondmates/Chosens

1. Dakeen and Goldenhands
2. Cecilinor and Kymberlee
3. Litorth and Kirrra
4. Depravato and Kyrinne
5. Zuberi and Jazmyn

Nothing more wondrous then the deep bond felt and seen between Dragon's and their Chosen's or Bondmates. I only know one of those Dragons and his Bondmate, so I shall just let their names speak for themselves.

Most unique tattoo

1. Banath's tattoo of 'The Grinner'
2. Danetus's 'Secian Prince'
3. Demeralda's 'Skull and cross bones'
4. Glinka's tattoo of 'Something blue behind her ear'
5. Kento's tattoo of a 'Giant sparklie'

The Grinner landed in first place, not only do we get to feast our eyes on his grinning face but also the grin on his bulging? Biceps. Danetus's 'Prince' came in second, much better I think than say..a likeness to a Dragon's ego?, Demeralda's skull and crossbones was mentioned, then the "something blue' behind Glinka's ear, and Kento's 'giant sparklie' were also thought of as favorites.

Best Costume past or present

1. The red fur trimmed suit Skymath had last year
2. Puss's clown costume
3. Guzzle-he is always in costume
4. Kymberlee's Secian costume
5. Jazbo-anything he wears

Many of you loved the red suit, stolen? From some big rotund guy during the Rinannimas festival of last year. The clown costume that Puss has came in second place, and here is where things get interesting. Guzzle, since some of you feel he is always in costume, was named, as was Kymberlee for the same reasons, and last but not least is Jazbo, because anything he wears is a costume. Hey, I just took the info I did not name the names!

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Gladiator's Gossip
Gladiator Gus

What follows is Gladiator Gus's exclusive interview with Tasem Tel, Gladiator promoter, arena owner, and father of the not so leggy supermodel/gladiator Annalenia Tel. I was able to track Tasem down to a dark though lavishly furnished private room in the back of Aerhauven's main tavern.

Tasem was seated at a small table nearly covered with more varieties of Hithual Ale than I have ever seen. I squeezed my frame into an over stuffed, Hithual sized chair and began my interview.

G.G. So Tasem what have you been doing with your time?
T.T. What's it to you ya worthless excuse for a reporter?

G.G. Well your fans want to know what has been keeping you from the gladiator games this past month.
T.T. Do you actually watch these fights you cover? Do you see these worthless excuses for gladiators fight? Heck my dear old mother beats them up before matches. What wimps. Frankly it is just painful for me to watch.

G.G. So the rumors about you being in up here in Aerhauven simply to refill your ale barrels is untrue?
T.T. Of course it's true! How do you think I make it through those matches? You are talking to much, be quiet.

G.G. How can I interview you without asking questions?

Unfortunately the interview came to an end here rather abruptly as Tasem thought I ought to get some reaction to his comments from the tarks on the beautiful beaches of Tanga. Luckily I was able to make it back in time for this weeks games.


Things were a whole lot jollier for me in Spur as Aluiric continued as host for the Tuesday night games at the sold out Spurian arena. The usual strong group of gladiators was present including a rare appearance from the legend himself, Paratwa, in the Killfest.

The evening began with a good old fashioned team game. Aluiric selected Sweetie, Cleric, Tulipe and Anvil as captains. Sweetie's group was lead by Yedrow, Zerena, Shlice and September, while Cleric selected Jedaka, Tony, Keaweone and Morlandin, Tulipe picked Tarmit, Armonius, Allie and Vollid, and Anvil had Caldron, Lei, Vilken, and Valphein. For a change all of the teams mixed it up early and when center room was called all of the teams had taken heavy casualties. In the end it came down to a flying Allie and her cacophony of doom vs. Yedrow and his boomerang. Though Yedrow was able to knock Allie out of the air once and bring her close to death the Psion used the power of her mind to rise above the fray, heal herself and finally defeat the head of the fighters guild.

The second match of the night was the always popular Killfest. Captains for the event were Caldron, Phrenic, Vorach and Tarmit. Each captain then loaded their team for a specific style of play. Phrenic for example picked flying Psions up the wazoo with the idea to fly his entire team the whole game and dart em to death. Captain Tarmit used his early picks on strong fighters while the other two captains picked more balanced teams. Then as the teams made final preparations at their respective corners of the arena, Aluiric announced that there would be no following this game. The teams scrambled madly thinking up new strategies. Team Caldron and Tarmit unfortunately choose the same strategy of hold the center, effectively eliminating both teams from contention. Team Vorach stayed in its original spot and had Tulipe "like a rolling" Stonetoes drag unsuspecting gladiators from the center to their corner. As the dust settled the winners were unsurprisingly Team Vorach or as Renshi referred to them, "Team Cheese". Snide comments from the crowd were made saying it was nice of Renshi to bring a little "wine" to the party. In defense of their drag em to their death strategy team captain Vorach said, "The beauty of the plan was not in its execution, but rather in it's conception." He then continued to blather on about a thousand swords being turned into plowshares before they ever were removed from their sheathes or some such nonsense.

Here are your bloody Killfest Results:

1st Place Team Vorach
MVP: Yedrow 5 kills
MKP: Matsuo 1 death

2nd Place Team Phrenic
MVP: Phrenic 6 kills, 1 death
MKP: Grath 3 deaths

3rd Place (tie) Team Caldron
MVP: Armonius 5 kills, 2 deaths
MKP: Kithrael 8 deaths

3rd Place (tie) Team Tarmit
MVP: Gruber 5 kills
MKP: Tarmit 6 kills, 6 deaths

The last match of the night was Aluiric's favorite, pick your own two man team game. The netherworld apparently froze over as all of the usual favorites were long dead when the end game came round. An exceptional number of flying Psions made for an interesting beginning to the match. Clerics were flinging sleep darts at the blued glowies hoping to time one just right, Psions flying high keeping their blues going at all costs and darting when they had the chance, Fighters waiting patiently for Psions to fall out of the sky and jumping on their wounded land bound brethren in the meantime. This continued for many minutes with high casualties particularly among the spell casters and healers. Inevitably no fly was called exposing the two remaining Psions, Phrenic and Allie to instant death from the half a dozen or so remaining fighters. This left the field to the only remaining full team of experienced gladiators, Tony and a zerkin Frith. They proceeded to maul there way through the remaining gladiators bringing the night's action to a speedy conclusion. Tony was so taken with his victory that he announced that this would be his last gladiatory game ever. Special notice should be given to the Leuian team of Kouger and Allisha (sp? keep winning and I will get your name right) relative newcomers to the arena who managed to finish in the money this night.

Gus's Stars of the Night

1st Star: Yedrow
2nd Star: Allie
3rd Star:(tie) Frith and Tony

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Changeman's Vault
Changeman Shadowlurk

Welcome once again to my treasure house of quotes. Thanks to the help of a few lovely people, I have a larger selection this week and I hope you find them entertaining. Please if you hear or heard someone say something profound or amusing, send it to me at Stlkerazzi in the poor quarter. Please make sure that it is true, but out of context is just fine. I need your help to keep this column going. Many thanks and loud applause to Kaori, Reason, Leyara, and Vixen for their contributions and to anyone else that helped.

Jullwup says to Crow, "Some wacko monk once made a good attempt at dispelling some orb-magick."
Jullwup says to Crow, "Or he summoned the rutabega-god, the text is hard to translate."
Crow asks Jullwup, "The DemiGod of Fiber?"
    -Jullwup the Flerian Locksmith/Cleric -Crow the Frontacian Archmage

'Save the endangered Sweeties.'
    -Sweetie the Psycian Psion/Cleric and Dark Temptress of the Spur

'My uncle dabbled a bit in de chemistries... now he got one big ol shiny dome.'
    -Jinood the Hithual Fighter

'What's the matter, Tarr'khat got your tongue?'
    -Leyara the Leuian Locksmith

'Now if you need healing, tell me before you reach the moaning stage.'
    -India the Leuian Cleric

'Work is something done by those not creative enough to find away around it.'
    -Changeman Shadowlurk the Sanene Locksmith

'I hope you know what to do with it.'
    -Aviandha the Anthian Fighter and Warrior Princess to Stanrar the Human Fighter

'I have killed more LoC followers than anyone in this room'
    -Tylar the Sanene, former High Priest of Taath

'This isn't of your concern swiftfoot, run along to catch some butterflies.'
    -Vilken the Sanene Fighter to Rumor the Fir elf Forester

'Why, I would never stoop so low as to steal from someone else, this is an outrage!'
    -Murdach the Flerian (Alarian???) Adventurer

'Don't you understand! They do not want to be a Pride!'
'They want to be the COH of khats!'
    -Barra the Khat Fighter

'Careful, you'll get stuck that way. Oh, sorry, you already did.
    -Reason the High Priestess of Set to Cleric the Cleric (Name and profession)

'We have spent months trying to have the Taathians removed, we felt we finally had them to the point they were hated enough they would be thrown to the wolves.'
    -Palin the Sanene Colonel of the LoC armies and later Governor of the Spur

'Ahh..well being a 4th stager..I've got scales to spare'
    -Merrimax the Leuian Locksmith

'Does the phrase 'not a chance in Thumper'a's stomach' mean anything?'
    -Narcisuss the Flerian Bard

'I'm a simple locksmith'
    -Vixen the Sanene Locksmith

'OK do that God power channeling through your thingy.'
    -Shalafi the Psycian Runemage

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Peace For The Dark Rider
Submitted by Greta Gloom

I do not know how many slavering dire wolves or ancestral spirit wolves ran through the city that night in Spur, how many were injured or if anyone died, but I do know that The dark Rider was not at rest because his resting place had been disturbed and he would never be able to rest till what rightfully belonged to him, his skull, was placed back within his vaut.

I came across Loiosh - who had purchased the skull from Beluu, Fawnna, Kyrinne, Starlyn, Nalpac, Platinum, and Obou the Drag-al, the fourth cleric and the one who had done the research into the scrolls making him the experienced one in dealing with the dead, and who also had a map to this poor soul's final resting place where we would be headed eventually after we gathered items that symbolized the four Elements - wind, earth, fire, and water. Four items that would be blessed by four clerics.

We headed out of Spur and northwards towards the mineshaft up near Rathan. With Obou's guidance we found an alcove that contained vaults of Rathene Nobility, but many of the vaults were shattered, and they looked as if something from inside them had done it.

Loiosh placed the skull box upon the ground and arranged the feathers, wine, and crystal carefully around it. All was going smoothly though until two rotting corpses decided to join us and then it really got wild! Platinum and Nalpac began clawing at them, while Kyrinne tried in vain to turn the first one away. Right after she pointed at the second one and it smiled wickedly at her attempt, it picked up the finely hammered silver headbox that held the Dark Rider's skull! But all was not lost for Kyrinne then was able to immobilize it, and seconds later both of those corpses were sent back to the darkness in which they had crawled from and the skull, undamaged thankfully, was placed back in position.

When all was quiet again, Obou blessed the feathers, Fawnna blessed the wine, Kyrinne blessed the crystal, and Starlyn blessed the ceremony with a fire bolt on the wing. And with that, a strange glow then surrounded the box and the items placed next to it - the wing, the crystal, and the wine. Then before our eyes the box vanished, as did the other items as the glow consumed them. And with that the ceremony was complete.

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Loiosh's Temper Tantrum
Flash

Last night, during the auction in the pavilion, Loiosh paid 1,350 gold for a black stone vial of some unknown potion, her face lit up so! She then sniffed it suspiciously, squinted at it, and although Kithrael urged her excitedly to just drink it, she sniffed at it again, went west, came back and said to Kithrael that she didn't need it and took the last sip, then exclaimed outloud, "Ack !". After pushing Epicurious down, she hissed, she growled, she threatened, she threw the empty stone vial at him, hitting him in the head I think, and well what it all came down to is that she shrunk by two inches! Let this be a warning. If you are told something has symbols on it, and one points down and one points up, if you don't want to shrink or grow then don't buy them! Think of Loiosh and remember.

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Thanks for reading everyone!
The Spectator Staff