Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Gladius_News_Network 04-11-07, 10:30 AM	Nov 9, 2005 It’s that time of the week again, the highly coveted Gladius Arena Weekly makes another appearance! Bat Attack Gladius has very strict laws regulating the keeping of animals, as some gladiators found out when they were marched of to prison for violations. Gladius separates the animals in two broad categories: which are basically dangerous animals and harmless animals. Taxes are much less for exotic animals who are thought not to be capable of harming people. Recently one of our gladiators pets was accused of harming a fellow citizen. This seemed impossible because the fruitbat in question was clearly categorized in the harmless category. Other senior pet-owning senior citizens immediately threw their weight into the discussion and a meeting of city elders was held to see if the laws needed amendment. After voting was completely it was decided that bats will from now on be treated as ‘dangerous’. Read more >> ( http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?t=530124) Taxes lowered In all their wisdom, the Gladius city council has decided to lift property taxes levied off citizens who go away on long campaigns to defend Gladius reputation and her interests abroad. There are some fears that the reduced income will cause a shortage of funds, but most officials are taking a wait and see position on this issue, hoping the Gladius economy will be strong enough to counter the loss of revenue. Gladius gladiators unanimously welcomed the new law. Read more >> (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?t=531865) Dancing shoes for a discount The city council has been pretty busy last week, because another law that affects gladiators is going to be altered. The council convened on the issue of Hennan’s vocal implants. Each citizen in possession of a masterwork instruments get special discount on performing taxes from the city, and Hennan claimed this discount as well. When he got to the city office the officials refused him his discount on the reason that ‘vocal implants’ are not an instrument according to the letter of the law. Several well-known musicians started a pretty vocal protest after this ruling by the official and elders were forced to convene. Current voting seems to go in the direction of allowing this and other corner cases to get the discount as well. Read more >> (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?t=532717) Guild Halls Busy The newly erected guild halls have seen regular visitors. Already the Arcane Order, Celestial Forces and Warfare Alliance have more applicants than they need. The once mighty ETHC seems to be struggling to get by, and we have heard alarming sounds coming from the PSI Consortium as well. Will a shortage of founding members be the downfall of these barely started guilds. Have their founders misjudged their attractiveness, or is it just a case of insufficient publicity? Guildmasters should know that the best deals in Gladius are made in dark and shady corners, and not on the open street. Secret of Sam and Grik Contrary to common practice fellow gladiators Sam (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=6968278) and Grik (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7022092) have a very peculiar tactics. They adamantly refuse to use potions, scrolls, tattoos or other magical expendables in their fights. Despite this obvious fault in their tactics they have fared fairly well in the arena. Sam is even at 4 vs. 4 while Grik is up a respectable 7 to 3. Prior to their last fight we even heard Yoriko Obato (” http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=6778414) say about Sam: “Hmm, he seems to be better at just about everything then I am except for ranged combat and movement.” Is this a hint, have the two gladiators caught on to a new and effective strategy? Will we see more of this? It seems that the shady upstart pipsqueak going by the obvious nickname “Memorex (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=6576274)” has already made this strategy part of his philosophy. And he’s up 2 to 0. The Curse of Vandelar the Red It seems characters who have defeated Vandelar the red are misteriously dissapearing by chronological order the Battle maiden Zaya who fought him february 5th and Mugen who fought him on march and Xyanthraxia who fought him next in a free for all match. All have dissappeared without a trace since. Luni was interviewed about this alleged curse "Nonsense it's a known fact that some gladiators move on to other places after a few fights" After this Luni was reported missing she showed up a few days later claiming personal business had kept her busy. Curse or perhaps a vendetta against those gladiators who have bested him this reported interviewed Vandelar. "Curse! What the devil are you speaking about, Get out of here! NOW!, don't you have some real news to cover?" Mr. and Ms. Gladius elections The response to our announcement has been less than overwhelming. Only one gladiator actually bothered to show up our registration booth. And he did not show himself once, he slammed his registration form down every day since we announced the paegant. Uncouth and badly mannered, this dwarf is the last person we would like to present as Gladius finest, and his reponse when we told him he didn’t meet the criteria for entering his response was: “Charisma 6? So, i'm da i'm da best looking dwarf 'round, and ya best vote fer me, or i'll chop yer head off if ye don't. I ain't so good luukin', but my wins are. Just ask that knock-off, spoiled little rich kid i just pummelled. Ya like dat? eh? eh? Well der's plenty more where it came frum. Beside, i gots a snazzy new suit o' plate. Vote, or face the falchion.” In the face of this (literally), we are forced to lower our entry requirements. No longer are gladiators required to bring forth a decorative painting of themselves, and we require only a single descriptive sentence (we even accept badly spelled ones!). We will send out reporters to likely prospects next week. Gladiators, you have a responsibility to our fair Arena and city to join! Don’t let the dwarf win! Rebreg Leaving? This week one of our most favorite gladiators, Rebreg Eenoss told one of our reporters he was contemplating of leaving Gladius. For good. “What else is there to prove?” He said after reaching 5-5 in matches won vs. lost after annihilating Perius. “I’ll go and meditate on it while I practice my woodcarving skills.” He added. His fan base, although dwindled of late, has been struck hard with this news. We want to see Rebreg at least with more victories and losses, the head of the fanclub commented. Fans were seen preparing flags with “Rebreg Don’t Go!”. The fans were already shocked at the farewell of Archie, are they prepared to take another loss of serious magnitude? Read more >> (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7680545) B-Krunch After both contestants shooting there mouths off around town about who was the better combatant, it was easy to see why this would be the most hotly watched fight of the week. It was standing room only in the arena that day and many people from the past came to cheer on their favourites. Even one of the Harvesters showed up to watch the match. But he started fidget and get a little uneasy when Krunch's cousin Spike took a seat next to him. Nervously Harv turned to Spike, "So, uh...good popcorn hunh?" To which Spike's reply was a non-commital grunt and with a quick flash and a draw of his mighty magical falchion, cleaved Harv's head clean off in one stirke. Spike sat down again, despite the pool of blood forming at his feet and was heard mumbling, "Damn spooky guy was get tin' on me nerves." A few of the Celestial Forces newfound members where there to cheer on their champion, until they all got a glaring shot from Spike. And the fight went on...At first it seemed like Krunch might be in trouble, but those huge muscles of his snapped those vines like they were...uh..vines. He took off in the air and the fear in Balbanes facial expressions could be seen and throughout the crowd everyone recognized that it spelled doom for Balbanes. Even the Celestial guildmates commented, "Yup, it's over." and "Oh boy, he's ticked, Balby is screwed now." And about as fast as it began it ended. Krunch cleaving into all the images and the horse and then finally Balbanes, ensuring nothing is left standing in the arena. It was told by some spectators that his head went flying so far from his body that it took the cleaning crew nearly 2 hours to find all the pieces and piece him back together again for the ressurection. Read more >> (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7692275) Weekly Rankings This weeks top and bottom gladiators listed for your convenience: Top 5 1. Mer-Man (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=5179940) (Caterane) at 2046 2. Uhmentarymster the Old (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=5179937) (Caterane) at 2011 3. Indri'ynar Per-El'ereth (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=5179939) (Caterane) at 1611 4. Nexa (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7020028) (Usurpator) at 1582 5. Balbanes, Avatar of Life (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=6884101) (King Uther) at 1563 As last week, there was little movement in the top 5. Balbanes was the only active one of the top dogs, and while he took a loss to Krunch, it was not enough to topple him entirely from the list. Nexa and Indri both move up a spot thanks to the loss though. The closest threats to the top 5 are all campaign, so it will probably be unchanged next week as well, unless Balbanes loses another fight that is. Bottom 5 1. Vivi (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7016241) (Dr.Funk) at 591 2. Santos Fi’Corma (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=6719309) (Gonbow) at 641 3. Aeryn Valaer (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=6739289) (Altaris13) at 649 4. Ch'ch'ili (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=6640369) (Begferdeth) at 656 5. Tak the Hungry (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7183096) (Oldmangray) 699 This week Vivi has taken the bottom spot, congratulations! The wizard is closely followed by Santos, a new entry in this list. Old favorites like Aeryn, Ch'ch'ili and Tak the Hungry are still hanging in there. This editor would like to add that Crovax’ disappearance from this list has nothing to do with blackmail of any kind. Crovax has not threatened to call upon his dark elven friends to raid our office, nor has he threatened to kill our families with vile magic. Our reporter that was to interview him this week suddenly had to leave the city to visit his ailing aunt, and we must repeat that there has been no violence of any sort from Crovax. Fight of the Week There were a number of fights this week were the crowd had barely taken their seat when the sign ‘fight over’ was given. Fortunately, there were more than the usual share of battles, so the public was treated to some tense matches as well. One of the most exitic and bloody matches of this week with one of the public favorites, Grik, faced off against a true abomination of the deep: Aquin. After some initial missile exchange both gladiators got into a really nasty wrestling match. On the brink of death, the orc managed to put down Aquin a mighty last effort before collapsing and dying himself. Read more >> (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7661041&postcount=582) Thanks to our guest columnists/reporters Tellish of Ket and Soullord for their contributions! Nov 16, 2005 If it is not in the Weekly, it just as well might not have happened! Crackdown on No-shows Jessie the Slow (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7748463) and Maven (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7745372) were invited for a ‘private’ discussion by the Arena management this week. Not coincidentally both didn’t show up for their fight this week. We spoke to Jessie afterwards and he said he had to aplogize for being too slow too reach the Arena in time for his fight. Maven refused to comment at this time, but we heard from reliable sources that she was seen shopping during the time she should have been fighting in the arena. The Arena management issued a brief statement after speaking to both gladiators: “We are paying each gladiator a fee for their appearances in the arena and the public pays for tickets. We expect any gladiator under contract with us to appear and give us their best in the arena. We have no room for cowards, quitters and no-shows, and such gladiators will get their contracts cancelled. Maven and Jessie have been warned!” Cartography project started We are proud to announce that several influential citizens have started an extensive cartography project. Their goals it to create the most comprehensive map of our world ever made. People who have travelled to Gladius from abroad are urged to contact the Cartographer’s office, since they will pay for reliable information from far away countries. Read more >> (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7733074&postcount=661) Denth's Following Getting Stronger? Its been almost four months since the first Cleric of Denth the Summoner appeared in Gladius. Although Kraegin's effect on the colliseum had little to do with his record, he clearly has sparked the religion into a spurt of growth. This is clearly indicated by the fact that the colliseum has been joined by new clerics of Denth every few weeks. While their records have been nothing to brag about, it is surely concerning that so many are amongst us. Currently, this is the list of known Summoners of Denth: - Kraegin, current leader of the rejuvenation (human Cleric 6) 3 wins/6 losses - Tlanth (human Cleric 3) 0 wins/2 losses (retired) - Vakkor (human Cleric 4) 1 win/2 losses (currently campaigning) - Delaria (human Cleric 4) 2 wins/3 losses Just now, we've been told that another has joined the crowd. She seems to be building on the diplomatic ties of Delaria and Kraegin's crafting ability. No one knows why the clerics of Denth are amassing here - in Gladius - at this particular time. One can only hope that it is not a repeat of Denth's wars from centuries ago. Baelin and Daeren massacred The EHTC allied Baelin was slain in a most gruesome manner by a many-headed cryo-hydra, who left him virtually no chance. Spectators say the assassin didn’t stand a chance and looked out of his element in the dungeon arena. Daeren put up more of a fight, but was overwhelmed by the sheer number of his Ghast opponents. When interviewed he commented: “I could’ve slain them easily, if not for all the expendables the arena management gave them. These tattoos and potions made them next to impossible to hit. We gladiators have to be careful about our investments, but the guys can just blow through the equipment given to them in one fight. I don’t know if that’s right, but I have more important tasks ahead of me. I am going to find the Spear of Fangs, or die trying. Tensions between Guilds rise Our sources have seen frequent visitors entering and leaving the guilds. Many guilds have sent envoys to others, and one can only guess at what they are discussing. The Psi Consortium has been most suspicious, and some report having seen Validi walking inside with two severed heads. A heavily wounded Kronos has been spotted crawling into the halls of the EHTC, but we were unable to confirm who did that to him. No official alliances have been declared as of yet, but our guess is that will be only a matter of time. We hope to keep you updated on the suspected secret alliances as well. Mr. and Ms. Gladius elections We are glad to announce that we have received several entries, but due to pressing business on other fronts we had to postpone invitations to other public-favored gladiators. Hopefully we will be able to present a final list in next week’s newsletters. We would like to thank the current entrants for their willingness to be the face of Gladius abroad. Lycanthropes spotted! This week saw the appearance of the first two lycanthropic gladiators in Gladius for some time. While the eagle-like Imperi Valhalla (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7307744) immediately left Gladius to go questing, the other newcomer, Tezca (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7573203) immediately got to test his mettle against one of the top ranked gladiators: Balbanes. While the fight initially seemed to go to Balbanes, the latest new is that Tezca was given the victory. Judges are still debating the final outcome. An interesting new tactics was revealed in this fight, as it became apparent that some creatures that can climb well can actually charge up the steep pillars and walls of the arena. Read more >> (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7680545) Weekly Rankings This weeks top and bottom gladiators listed for your convenience: Top 5 Gladiators 1. Mer-Man (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=5179940) (Caterane) at 2112 2. Uhmentarymster the Old (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=5179937) (Caterane) at 2011 3. Indri'ynar Per-El'ereth (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=5179939) (Caterane) at 1611 4. Nexa (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7020028) (Usurpator) at 1582 5. Balbanes, Avatar of Life (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=6884101) (King Uther) at 1563 Mer-Man defeated another gladiator, securing his top position. Balbanes fought as well, but first the judges declared him the winner in his match against Tezca, then the decision was reversed after careful scrutiny of the facts. Balbanes appealed against the new decision and Arena Management is not changing his ranking before the issue is resolved. Validi is the only gladiator currently aspiring to join the top ranks. Bottom 5 Gladiators 1. Vivi (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7016241) (Dr.Funk) at 538 2. Ch'ch'ili (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=6640369) (Begferdeth) at 591 3. Tak the Hungry (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7183096) (Oldmangray) 618 4. Delaria (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7301351) at 635 5. Santos Fi’Corma (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=6719309) (Gonbow) at 641 Despite her loss, Ch’ch’ili was unable to dislodge Vivi from the bottom spot, the old geezer remained one step ahead of the dashing Dromite. But it seems that Chili is bent on taking another Lowest Power of Gladius throphy home soon. Tak and Santos remained in the list and we have a new entrant: Delaria, replacing Vakkor as one of Denth’s representatives in this list. Aeryn Valar seems to have retired without word and thus is no longer on this list. Guilds Rankings 1. The Celestial Forces (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?t=527674) at 4 – 0 2. The Psi Consortium (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?t=517706) at 4 - 1 3. The Warfare Alliance (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?t=517715) 3 -2 4. The Arcane Order (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?t=500767) at 1 - 2 5. The East Habari Trading Company (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?t=501159) 0 - 1 6. The Living Tree (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?t=501578) 0 - 1 The Celestial Forces immediately made a strong entry. Only Maeril did not fight, but the other active guildmembers all beat their opponents. The Psi Consortium could have topped them, but Alyana Shanti, a newcomer to Gladius lost her match against Mektos, putting them in second place. The guildmembers of the Warfare Alliance was primarily fighting each other, four of their matches were against members of their own guild. Do these guys like to fight or what? The EHTC and Living Tree members were fairly quiet, one has to wonder if they are able to pay the taxes the guild laws require. Fight of the Week Despite Jessie’s and Maven no-shows, the public was treated to a lot of interesting battles. Steel clashed against arcane energy as the gladiators battled it out. The Hand of Denth played a major role in the match got almost got the most votes: Annix vs. Kraegin (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7735444&postcount=627), but is was the Hunter fight of Zassl, Grik and Daemon took the most votes. Seeing pure muscle, pure magical artillery and a mix of both matched against each other proved exciting. Spell battles, chases, even a change into Xorn that burrowed into the arena were some of this match highlights.Read more >> (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7733661&postcount=625) Thanks to our guest columnists/reporter TelinArtho for his contribution! Jan 18/06 New Editor Found The Gladius Weekly has found a new editor and management, so that everyone can get the news again. We plan to maintain the old standard, and keep adding on new stuff, and hope our brave reporters don't get killed. Rumors that the old editor was fed to a red dragon are completely unfounded. The price for each copy will stay at the old price of 1 sp. Hagrid Returns Do to a mathematical error, Hagrid II was asked to come off his exalted status and do one more fight for the crowds. Since no one was willing to face him in his league, he was put up against a hyrda, which he handidly defeated. Read More (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=8270012) Pitlords Sick? Rumor has it that numerous pitlords have caught an illness. At least one unnamed 9aladin said he was running ragged trying to catch up to all these pitlords and heal them, especially when they immediately seem to go into hiding upon getting ill. We wish that all pitlords and gladiators get and stay healthy. Ghost Spotted A ghost was spotted entering into the arena battles. Ever since Anna disappeared, the arena wasn't haunted. We aren't sure how a ghost enters their name on the ledger, so we will have to find out for you. With any luck, this reporter, can track down and get more information for you soon. Best Gladiators 1: Mer-Man (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=5179940) (Caterane) (Power Ranking 2412) 2: Uhmentarymster the Old (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=5179937) (Caterane) (Power Ranking 2155) 3: Indri'ynar Per'Elereth (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=5179939) (Caterane) (Power Ranking 1911) 4: Nexa (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7020028) (Usurpator) (Power Ranking 1783) 5: Kracknol (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7476824) (SauroGrenom) (Power Ranking 1656) The Underdogs 5: Weiniete Windershins (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=8029894) (Skojar) (Power Ranking 604) 4: Krayko, Bringer of Frozen Justice (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7995588) (^Rayne^) (Power Ranking 597) 3: Ch'ch'ili (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=6640369) (Begferdeth) (Power Ranking 578) 2: Tan, Son of Sty (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7342802) (Book5) (Power Ranking 515) 1: Perius (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7224426) (Ravashack) (Power Ranking 485) Prison Riots? Rumors that a prison breakout nearly happened are apparently untrue. We have talked to the Prisonlords, and he said that there was a problem prisoner, but that he has managed to contain the situation. After talking to people around the city, we think that the problem prisoner was a half-dragon. On a related note, the new prison was finally built, and there are already a few prisoners filed in. Also, Pestilence was led into the prison, but was released after a short stay, based upon a misunderstanding. What happens to the old prisoners in the old prison are unsure. We think that they'll be used as food for all these hydras. Sam Jones Retires The brave dwarven monk known as Sam, has decided to retire. He was one of the founding members of the Warrior Guild, and was a favourite of the crowds. Unfortunately, he had a curse against giant-kin, and was ill-suited at fighting all the mounted combatments. In the words of the dwarf, "We shal' mis' ye". Read More (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=8287036&postcount=99) Paladin vs Poison Countess Ural, one of the many paladins here, recently faced off against the ugly dwarf, Manzarf the lonesome. Needless to say, the dwarf resorted to using poison against the paladin's horse, and the fight ended up as an archery duel. Unfortunatly, Countess Ural lost the battle from a hit by Manzarf's scythe. Read More (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=8279275&postcount=58) Most Boring Fight Ever? Solomon and Gaston faced off against each other this week. Solomon used his normal tactics to go invisible and summon a whole pile of Astral Constructs. Gaston decided to simply run away whenever he saw a construct. The fight lasted for a little over 3 minutes. This reporter was glad when the fight ended as she was starting to fall asleep. Read More (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=8297997&postcount=75) Cooked Dwarf? Ashhûr was seen jumping into a pile of lava for some unknown reason. Surprisingly, he survived the lava. Lissa decided to put the dwarf out of his misery with an arrow. Read More (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=8301765&postcount=81) Coming next week Coming next week, this reporter is going to try and interview a gladiator here. Which one, shall remain a secret until next weeks edition. Quote of the Week: Oh gosh not another ghost... (Sindorin) Feb 1, 2006 Heroic Deaths The group of three heroes, Saffron Brass, Daeren Stronghammer the Dragonslayer and Morgan MacNiven tried to help the noble people of the Uqua tribe defeat Cillansha the Sand Wyrm, a fearsome blue dragon. We have been told that the dragon put up a very good fight, and was too much for the brave heroes. We wish them luck in future endeavors and hope they don't let this experince keep them down. If you want to make contributions towards the rebuilding of the Uqua tribe, send your donations to the Gladius Weekly. We'll make sure it arrives. Read More... (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?t=567038) Fight of the week: Good vs Evil collided this week, as the noble wilder Anton Fael faced off against the evil half-elf Jonathon Raven. I can't really say more than the after action report written by Gonbow. Read More... (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=8331611) 96 round shocker Sven faced off against one of the four horseman, Famine, who seems to have lost his horse. Famine, fired a lot of arrows off, trying to hit Sven who wouldn't hang around for the arrows to hit him. Sven showed us what he was made of when he finally got into a fight, as he wounded Famine enough so that Famine would draw his wand. Unfortunately, you shouldn't try sundering wands if you don't know what you are doing. Read More... (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=8350340) Late Fights So good were held over for a second week. Tsuizues Pettles fought Rethun Woshad in a short but vicious fight. Kids were shocked at the brutal hits Tsuizues dealt to Rethun. Read More... (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=8344482) Solomon fought Gaston Dar'ath in a slightly longer battle. Solomon used his normal tactics of summoning a small army which unfortunately couldn't beat Gaston before his army disappeared. Read More... (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=8358307) To the Hunter goes the spoils The only hunter type match this week was between Anakala, Uilo and Feradeth. Anakala managed to find Uilo off the bat, but she couldn't prevail over the druid. Feradeth, happy that his target fell without him even damaging him, moved forward and outlasted Uilo only because of his wand. Read More... (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=8356258) Shooting Gallery Tan, Son of Sty faced off against Shaz Greatheart in a match that had arrows flying everywhere. Tan was cursed to lose again, but it is only a matter of time 'til he starts a winning streak. Good luck to both of them next week! Read More... (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=8342934) Dragon Attack! Lord Frost, a white Wyrmling faced off against The First Horseman (who isn't the first horseman to fight here, it is just his name). The dragon tried to hover and freeze The First Horseman to an ice cube, but the First Horseman got lucky and managed to slay the dragon with his ranged attacks. Read More... (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=8358427) Ripped Apart Dr. Hobo, a brave druid of the Living Tree, was ambused by 6 barghests who ripped him apart in the woods. He managed to turn into a Deinochyus, but has no match for the fury of the outsiders. May he rest in peace until the nimbus restores him. Read More... (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=8353083) Guild Statistic of the week Most Members: WAR: 10 members PSI: 9 Members CEF: 9 Members EHTC: 9 Members TAO: 7 Members TLT: 7 Members Eye: 6 Members The guilds are actually quite close in member count. No one has a large advantage over someone else. Popular Gladiators Improved upon. Gladiators must be fighting on a regular basis to be on the list. Also, if you don't want to be on future lists, PM me and I'll remove your name. Gundir Malakis (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=5181120) (Kaigan) (Power Rating 1647) Vandelar the Red (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=6452290) (SoulLord} (power Ranking 1630) The Harvester (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=5179961) (Caterane) (Power Rating 1625) Validi Dezox (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=6886889) (Iced) (Power Ranking 1548) Barthleby (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=5203496) (Pittbull) (Power Ranking 1531) Kracknol (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7476824) (SauroGrenom) (Power Rating 1510) Coming next week: The interview for sure this time, a short summary on whether Special Powers helps a gladiator out, and a short post from the leaders of the guilds. February 8th, 2006 Near Revolt! After a small change about official Pitlording Changes was announced, pitlords far and wide complained bitterly about it. "For the sake and preservation of the CoCo, I vote no." - Sindorin. Clearly, the rule change caught everyone by surprise. The man in charge, even created a new topic for everyone to discuss their opinions. If you want to read arguements mostly against, read the following topics. Personally, as longs as everyone is happy, policy doesn't really need to be changed. Read More... (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?t=580356) and Read More... (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?t=580368) Fight of the week: A half-dragon fought a draconic kobold sorcerer this week. Galagith the half-black dragon half-giant (really weird parentage) fought the noble kobold Zassl, and his band of scaly, merry kobold friends. Unfortunately, the kobold just couldn't out-wrestle the dragon. When Zassl finally ccompletes his transformation and gets a rematch, my money is on him. I just like the cute scally kobold. Read More... (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=8397460) Rogue Time Stop Aeeryl Nalladar fought Anakala in the weirdest match I have personally seen. Some strange time stop spell jumped into the arena and froze both contestests indefinetly. The people who run the place, have informed me that the fight will continue next week, when the two gladiators get out of stasis. If you are the wizard and lost your time stop spell, please retrieve it from The Arcane Order. Read More... (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=8410732) Chariot Combat! Gorak brought a chariot into his match today. He faced off against Jonathon, a mounted warrior. The chariot was ugly and very noisy. I'd recommend bringing ear plugs if you intend to see Gorak's next fight. The cart actually was more effective then I had imagined. Read More... (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=8384121) Free-For-All Goodness Three Free-For-Alls battles were held this week. In the first one, Zwei, Maeril, Manzarf and Tsiuzues fought it out in the arena. The battle was short and vicious, and when it was finally getting exciting, it ended! Only took 66 seconds for the Paladin Maeril to emerge victorious! Read More... (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=8414876) Also, Tatyana, wanting to prove that 66 seconds is too long, managed to be victorious over Leif Goldeneye and Ch'ch'ili. She managed to single handidly defeat both opponents in 54 seconds! Being a kineticist clearly has its advantages. Read More... (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=8410902) And finally another 4 man FFA was fought. The 4 contestents of Nycalik, Hassan, Shaz, and The White Hand fought in a very interesting fight. Nycalik proved the bravest by blindly rushing Hassan, while Shaz and White Hand buffed. After losing several attempts to push Hassan over, he finally succeeds and puts his glaive through Hassan. Then Nycalik charged the White Hand, and had Shaz shooting at him as well. There must be something wrong with Nycalik's eyes, as he couldn't seem to find The White Hand at one point. The White Hand was merciless on Nycalik. Finally, the White Hand used some darkness to sneak up on Shaz and his air elemental, but it was all for naught. Shaz emerged victorious in an almost 3 minute long fight. Read More... (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=8419273) Warriors Coming? Everybody seems to be wanting to join the warrior guild. 5 applicants were accepted this past week, scaring this reporter dearly. Hopefully the city guards can keep the band of ruffians in check. Is the apocalypse coming? Ghost Destroyed Kracknol, a popular gladiator around here, managed to put to the end, Kara the ghosts short winning streak. Will Kara re-manifest for next week? Only time will tell. Read More... (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=8419055) Monster Mash Rayos Atess, an experienced archer, was destroyed by a stone giant, due to the new policy of not telling gladiators the monsters they are going to fight. Rayos fought well, but he just couldn't dodge those boulders. Read More... (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=8373527) Guild Statistic of the Week Most Rooms: WAR: 5 Rooms Though the map only shows 4 PSI: 5 Rooms CEF: 5 Rooms TAO: 5 Rooms EHTC: 4 Rooms TLT: 4 Rooms Eye: 4 Rooms Some guilds like to build more than others. I also wonder where the Warrior Guild has that hidden room Popular Gladiators Improved upon. Gladiators must be fighting on a regular basis to be on the list. Also, if you don't want to be on future lists, PM me and I'll remove your name. Nexa (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7020028) (Usurpator) (Power Rating 1783) Gundir Malakis (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=5181120) (Kaigan) (Power Rating 1647) Vandelar the Red (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=6452290) (SoulLord) (power Ranking 1630) The Harvester (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=5179961) (Caterane) (Power Rating 1625) Validi Dezox (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=6886889) (Iced) (Power Ranking 1602) Kracknol (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7476824) (SauroGrenom) (Power Rating 1586) Archangel Ixenthor (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=5179942) (Caterane) (Power Rating 1564) Barthleby (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=5203496) (Pittbull) (Power Ranking 1531) Thwap McSmash (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7867468) (Warclone) (Power Rating 1513) Usurpator's Unrest3 Columns Eye on Gladius A new specialized bulletin called ‘Eye on Gladius’ has appeared this week. Apparently a few enterprising citizens saw Sybil futily trying to use Death’s wand after she put him to sleep in last week’s fight. Apparently she didn’t know the proper command word and failed to activate it. Since command words need to be spoken aloud, and the arena battles aren’t exactly a public affair, the Eye on Gladius now published a weekly update list of all command word items and their activation phrases known in the arena. From now one, a gladiator can only count on the secrecy of a newly commissioned item in the very first fight he uses it. And the management of the Eye says that they have means of getting these command phrases as well. Is it a coincidence that the name of this newsletter bears close resemblance to one of Gladius’ guilds? The Four Horsemen were seen headed for a local tavern to indulge in a drinking binge when they saw the first copy appear. It is said the WAR guild is preparing to take measures against the newsletter, claiming it falsifies competition. TAO refused to comment at this time. Rankings Format Change As you might have noticed we changed the format of our gladiators listing last week. We no longer simply list simply the top ranked gladiators, but take into account the activity of the gladiators. Everybody knows fame fades quickly, and the public does not favour gladiators that don’t show their face in the arena. Nexa, who was just released from prison, came by our office to complain. She stated that she had fought more recently than Validi (who did appear on our list), and fought more frequently than the Harvester (who also appeared on our list). Uhmentarymster merely shrugged when he heard he was removed, Mer-man was out swimming and unavailable for comment, while Indrinar simple said that he cared more for power than for fame, and it was not his fault there are no tournaments held in his league. We firmly deny any allegations that money buys a position on our prestigious list. Crackdown on Scrolls Scribers From this day forward gladiators must deliver a list of scrolls they desire to scribe that week when they register themselves to fight. Additionally, if the gladiator manages to finish his scrolls before his fight is scheduled, it is forbidden for him to bring that scrolls with him to the fight. Also, once a gladiator has delivered a list what he wants to scribe, he cannot later change his mind, even if he has time after the fight to scribe more. The public somewhat puzzled by this move from the management, and some complaints were issued, primarily by the TAO, but most gladiators simply shrugged and went on with business as usual. The snooty members from the TAO who always claimed that ‘the pen is mightier than the sword’, probably never expected the saying to bite them ’in the paperworks’, since they are hit the hardest by the new regulations.
Gladius_News_Network 04-11-07, 10:30 AM	Sep 12, 2005 Hear, hear, latest news and gossip from our beloved city and arena: New husbandry laws? Scuffles were reported at the gate where Draconis Regina came wandering into Gladius with a untrained Hippogriff in tow. She was barely able to control the fierce creature when guards approached her accusing her of not having the proper papers for keeping a Hippogriff. Draconis defended herself by claiming she was not keeping the creature, only bringing it to a proper trainer. Rumors of a new law that required gladiators to have formal papers for every animal they kept spread across the city like wildfire: many gladiators were seen at the stables, trying to move their mounts to a less public place while others were wondering if they had to turn in their trusty mounts for fear of breaking the law. Guilds laws being discussed Many wise men were seen gathering all around our beloved city. Most were speaking about new guild laws that are rumored to be passed soon by the council. Some guilds had already posted their charter, but caused some consternation when their entry requirements were suddenly changed. Everyone is expe Free-for-all matches to be banned? Both public and gladiators issued several complaints about the free-for-all match format. The public demanded more excitement and action, while the gladiators were clamoring for rightfull rewards and the right to choose their own opponent. A few new proposals were handed over to the Arena management, but when asked about their opinion they stated ‘no comment’. Mithril Shortage Feared! A recent survey held among the starting gladiators revealed where the drain on the nearest mithril mines is coming from. Amazingly more than a quarter of the rookies (28%) preferred not to wear any armor at all. Of those who do wear armor the chain shirt is still in vogue, 63% of the gladiators wears a jingling shirt of mail. Studded leather and full plate (both 10%) is less popular, breastplate is hanging in there (7%) and almost no sane gladiator wants to be seen in leather armor or banded mail (both 5%). But most amazingly of all, the startups have managed to scrape together enough gold to that almost one-third of all armor (30%) is made of mithral. That’s 150 lbs. of mithral people, enough to keep an average dwarven mine busy for a year! One gladiator even order a adamantine suit of armor, and one set of dragonhide was spotted as well. As a side note, 6 gladiators preferred their armor outfitted with deadly spikes. Amazing Victory The award for the most amazing victory this week goes to Grik in Tatyana and the Amazing Death Missile vs Grik (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7200845). Even after getting hammered by sonic missiles from Tatyana, Grik’s trusty bow kept on shooting, and hitting! Grik commented by saying, “It be ‘Luk’ that won it for me, it was! My reeelly nice bow ‘Luk’. Foolish Loss The award for most foolish loss this week goes to Maeril in The First Horseman vs. Maeril (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7212790). In this fight Maeril floored his opponent with a sleep spell and instead of killing him woke his opponent up and asked if he wanted to surrender. The First Horseman replied with his fists and spiked armor, crushing the hapless paladin to bloody pulp. Afterwards the First Horseman commented: “I am a horseman of the apocalypse and will kill indiscriminately. Asking me to surrender is like asking the sun not to rise.” Maeril was praying at the local shrine of Heironeous and unavailable for comment. Hotly Contested Without a doubt the team match between Vivi and Zassl vs. Methos and Gang Lion (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7220395) was this weeks most contested match. Right after the match Zassl and the referee were spotted shouting at each other, the small kobold verily purple from anger, with Gang Lion and Methos shouting some arguments from the side lines. None of the parties were available for comment later. Thank you for buying & reading Gladius Weekly. We keep you up to date! The editor Sep 20, 2005 Amazing insight, news you haven't heard on the streets! The Amazing Hrolf This week a new fearsome gladiator has entered the arena: Hrolf the Grappling Horse. Hrolf single-hoofedly slew Methos, a gladiator well known for his expertise at unarmed combat. After the match spectators and gladiators alike were lining up at the stables to see the Hrolf from up close. There was much speculation about where Pirotess managed to get such a fine specimen, and who trained him this expertly at seek and destroy operations. The wicked spikes on the animal’s flimsy leather barding were the object of much admiration as well. It is rumored that agents have been sent to discover where Pirotess got this animal, and we might be seeing more of his kind in the near future. Read more >> (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7259006) Spiky Issues Also this week a gladiator re-discovered some forgotten passages in a document that serves as an addendum to the Codex of the Arena. It seems that while the Codex allowed certain uses of armor spikes, the Addendum forbids them. Several learned gladiators and elders perused both documents. Some argued the laws and rules of the Codex should prevail, since it is a more official source than the Addendum, while others argued that the Addendum is also an official source, and a more recent one at that. The issue seems to be swinging towards accepting the addendum. In a possibly related story, Guts (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=5978432), a gladiator famed for his skill with armor spikes, was seen leaving Gladius. Guts refused to give any comment, so we must wonder if this is the real reason he is leaving, and will he ever return? Gladiators and City Administration at odds Since the gladiators began organizing their own guilds the city administration has stepped in to pass laws that help those guilds become professional organisations. Many drafts have been proposed and good progress is being made on building permits, salary rules and assorted laws. A more controversial issue is that the city administration has raised the entry requirements for many burgeoning guilds. A sizeable number of gladiators fear that they will now be unable to join the guild that had originally intended to, arguing that the Gladius council has no business in determing who they admit to their guilds. Will the dissatisfied gladiators go rogue and start underground guilds or will a compromise be found? Only time will tell. Draknisis under siege: update As we all know a siege has been laid upon the port city of Draknisis by a contruct army from an artificer-wizard gone mad for some time now. Several of Gladius citizens have responded to Draknisis’ call for aid rushed out to the besieged city. We have recently received message from a minor outpost that the heroes arrived there to commandeer a shipment of adamantine. Most unusually, they were accompanied by giant blueish snakelike creature, who chatted amiably with Lady Tira. Additionally our messenger reported that the heroes relayed that they were ambushed by a quartet of wyverns who slew their horses. The infested swamp now awaits the heroes, will they succeed in their mission without their mounts or will Draknisis fall before they arrive? Read more >> (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?t=457081 ) Prison Report Kronos the Farslayer was put in prison (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7259963) early this week, and hasn’t been released yet. Prison officials said he had forfeited on some debts. We immediately visited and interviewed shopkeepers, and it seems like Kronos had some tattoos scribed and bought potions which he never paid for. We tried to contact Kronos accountant, but nobody seems to know where he is. Kronos is being held in prison until his arena fight has finished, which should earn him enough money to pay off his debts. Unfortunately for Kronos the fight is continually being postponed, is someone out there to get the Xeph? Match of the Week With a solid majority the public voted for Gang Lion vs. Silas (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7266718) as match of the week. One spectator commented: “It was good to finally see some gladiators trade blows back and forth the oldfashioned way!” another said “I like thoroughly enjoy matches that last for more than a minute. Some fights today are finished so fast you don’t have time to take a sip of your beverage.” Coward of the Week With overwhelming majority the public voted the scaly Devolved Sleestak as the coward of the week. The Sleestak fought Grik (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7264701), a gladiator well known for his direct and no-nonsense approach to combat. The Devolved one not only used a potion of invisibility (a recipe for impopularity with this crowd) but kept backing away from his opponent. Some readers might think Sleestak a feeble wizard or psion, but nothing could be further from the truth. The lizard-folk has an impressive physique and wicked claws to boot. Why doesn’t he fight? Thank you for buying & reading Gladius Weekly. We keep you up to date! The editor Sep 26, 2005 More amazing stories from Gladius and environs: Students Kidnapped! Three days ago a witness saw several creatures ransacking two buildings on the campus of The Arcane Order and capturing several young students. The wizardress named Pirotess (of Hrolf the Grappling Horse fame) defended the campus bravely and managed to rescued several students. The creatures were later identified as devils by learned members of the Order. Many of the faculty have gone missing, and some students say they were kidnapped. The Magister has been unavailable for comment (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?t=502666). All classes have been put on hold until the source of the attack is determined. What makes this most troubling is that the campus is the only known place in Gladius that has a magical ward against the Nimbus. Read more >> (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?t=506130) Guild Laws Continue to Cause Turmoil The new Guild Laws bill is still a source of much confusion in Gladius. This week a petition appeared against the passing of the guild laws and number of gladiators signed it as a form of protest. We spoke with several gladiators who signed, and it seemed some of them were misinformed about the content of the current draft, since some laws have been relaxed since the last protest. A representative of the City Council made a speech at the assembly hall this week, impressing upon all present to wait until the complete bill has been finished before dismissing it. He stated that their best legal experts were working on it, making sure the new laws would be fair, just and easy to apply. Read more >> (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?t=456309&goto=lastpost) Obituaries This week Crovax’ body was found in the coastal forest several leagues out of Gladius, or at least what remains of his body, since much of it was eaten by unknown marauders. Crovax was a relatively new citizen of Gladius, and while some people dismissed him as arrogant and boastful, the drow was undeniably competent. This happened only a week after Zamier was found dead in the same area. Some people already whisper that the place is cursed, but we other gladiators take the news less seriously, commenting that anyone who names himself after a legendary vampire should not be surprised if he turns up dead (or undead) sooner or later. Will Crovax’ Curse strike again next week? Read more >> (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?t=506119) Spectator wounded In the fight between the undefeated Balbanes and Daeren Stronghammer no less than 14 bolts and 26 arrows where fired, and both gladiators produced several bad misfires which landed in the stands. One of those, a crossbow bolt from Daeren, struck a 32 year old woman in the shoulder. While formal apologies were offered, her healer’s costs were paid for, and her ticket was refunded, voices among Gladius higher circles demanded stricter security measures from the arena. Such security measures will undoubtedly detract from the experience of attending a gladiatorial match. Read more >> (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7344733&postcount=423) Match of the Week The fight between The Phantom Lord and Shakari was voted as this weeks match of the week. It was a contest between the natural and the unnatural, between animals savagery against the unwavering undead. It resulted in a solid and lenghty fight between two evenly matched opponents and provided for much excitement which proved to be exciting until the very last moments. After the match a brief bar brawl erupted between both contestants in the Cheeky Owl. Patrons who were on the scene tell us that vile insults were hurled before fighting broke out, but stories conflict about who started it. This maybe the beginning of a exciting rivalry! Read more >> (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7344007) Save Rebreg! This week Rebreg Eennoss (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7073338) suffered his fourth defeat in a row and has yet to win his first fight here. After Rebreg was ressurected by the Nimbus he looked about ready to give up. Several gladiators were seen comforting the unfortunate half-giant and giving him tips for future fights. Unfortunately, the loan sharks of this city have less mercy upon Rebreg, and it has become clear that he is one of the few gladiators who is unable to make a living from fighting in the Arena. A few more fights like this and he will probably be bankrupt. After leaving the arena, Rebreg has retreated into meditation, apparently preparing for his next fight. Since the editors of this newsletter would hate to see Rebreg leave, they call upon his fellow gladiators fighting in the arena next week to voluntary donate a small amount of their earnings, say 25 golden crowns, to their unfortunate brother in arms. While this initiative still has to be cleared with arena administrators, a strong public show of support will undoubtedly help. Thank you for buying & reading Gladius Weekly. We keep you up to date! The editor Oct 6, 2005 Letter from the Editor I must offer out sincere apologies to our devoted readers for the delay in this week’s edition. Normally we procure services from the Arcane Order to make copies of our newsletter for distribution around Gladius. This week the guildmaster cancelled the copying agreement, invoking the extraplanar threat clausule. We scrambled to get good writers in from all over town to copy the newsletter by hand instead of by magic, but this has caused major delays. We would be grateful for anyone who can assist the Arcane Order with their troubles, since we don’t have a fast and reliable alternative to the service they offered us. Council Members Stranded It was fairly quiet in City Hall this week. A delegation of the Gladius Council left on a diplomatic mission to Ghelmere, but unexpected and unexplained bad weather forced them to postpone the return trip. With the Arcane Order in a state of chaos since the attack by devils last week, no wizards were available to get them out of their predicament by use of their magic. Without their leadership development on the new Guild Laws have slowed to a crawl. An increasing number of citizens are petitioning for heroes to go in and bring them back, or at the least find out what is causing the unusually bad weather. Obituaries Crovax’s Curse strikes again! This week Torgirr’s remains where found quite close to the pond where Crovax mutalited body was found a week earlier. He was sliced into tiny bits by some razor-sharp device and traces of digestive juices were found on what remained of him. Still, it seems that more heroes have stepped up to investigate that particulary dangerous area. Will the curse be finally laid to rest? Elves taking over Gladius? The first Gladius census in many years has finally been completed. This census also revealed interesting figures about out population of gladiators. While it may come as no surprise that of the 124 gladiators 71% were male, 23% were female and the rest were of undetermined gender. More suprising was that 25% was of elven origin, while just 29% was human. Full figures below: 1 Aasimar 1 Dragon 1 Dromite 1 Drow 6 Dwarves 2 Elan 32 Elves 2 Githzerai 3 Gnomes 3 Half-Dragons 10 Half-Giants 5 Halflings 2 Half-Elves 5 Half-Orcs 36 Humans 2 Kobolds 1 Krenshar 2 Lizardfolk 1 Maenad 1 Mephit 2 Orcs 3 Pixies 2 Sahuagin 2 Tieflings Those Who Laugh Last.... A hotly anticipated match was slated this week between a trio of spellcasters and a nasty acid-ridden demon from the Abyss and his lizard cohorts. Initially the fight seemed to be going for the three gladiators, but when the fight wore on it seemed that had spent their strength to early. The demon used used his superior mobility and stealth to good advantage and openly taunted his opponents. Then Va’ria came flying in, and with her last spellpower unleashed a terrible revenge upon the demon. Read more >> (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?t=511389) True Master of Souls From one of our roving reporters: Wow...talk about upset of the century. Well, at least that's what most folk think. Pale-Rider could never see just why this guy named, "Balbanes", was given so much credit. Pale-Rider thought he was nothing more than a spoiled rich kid, playing with daddy's money. Earlier in the week, Balbanes had gone all over town bragging about how he was going to "pwng" Pale-Rider. Pale never returned the teasing. When cornered one day at the local coroners office performing an autopsy he was simply quoted as saying, "Hmmph. We'll see i guess. It's all about touch and deliverance", was all he said. None knew what he meant until the fight day. The bookies had pegged Balbanes at 243:1 odds of winning. This didn't bother the Pale-Rider though, he had a game plan. Offense, right from the starting gate. Pale spurred his mount, Pestilence, onward burning Balbanes with a glob of acid. From then on, Balbanes was completely on the defensive. Summoned creatures swarmed around Balbanes, nearly plucking his eyes out. Then the ghostly hand appeared, and it was all made clear what he had said now that day at the coroners. Pale-Rider continued to assault Balbanes with shocking jolt after shocking jolt. One by one, the black energy sapped the life-force out of Balbanes until he was a worthless husk on the arena floor. Was was so amazing about this victory is that Balbanes had hardly even scratched the frail necromancer. Having spent all of daddy's money, Balbanes was dragged uncermoniously from the arena floor where the Nimbus ressurected him to a new life of poverty. Meanwhile, the bookies were scrambling to make payments on the odd few who bet in favour of Pale-Rider...and one of those people was his good friend, KRUNCH! After learning that the bookie wasn't able to pay him, Krunch went ballistic killing absolutely everyone in the gambling house. Patrons and bookies alike fell to his mighty flachion. After a short while, he did calm down and was promptly escorted out by a contingent of security force personell. Read more >> (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7408638) Rebreg Continues Losing Streak Once again Rebreg Eennoss (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7073338) lost a fight, putting him at five to naught. Some spectators claimed this was his closest fight yet and he actually seems to be building up quite a loyal following despite his inability to perform in the arena. The match between him and the newcomer Shirl Ravenlock this week has already been sold out. ---------------------------------------- Thank you for buying & reading Gladius Weekly. We keep you up to date! The editor Oct 11, 2005 Week of Reunions Last week many gladiators of old were seen once again lounging in the taverns of Gladius. Nobody is sure why they have returned in such numbers at the same time. Do they have knowledge of some impending catastrophe that is to befall our beloved city? We have questioned them about their purposes but they refuse to explain it and claim it’s a coincidence. In any case, the crowd yearns to see some of glorious veteran’s to grace the arena with their presence once again, and possibly teach all the upstarts a lesson. Will next week be the ‘Week of the Comebacks’? Council Members return from Ghelmere Although the weather off the coast is still unusual for this time of year, the delegation from City Hall has braved the waves and returned to Gladius. It seems there time was well-spent, for they brought with them almost completed legislative documents regulating the Guilds. The news laws met with approval from many important citizens, and didn’t spark any firestorms as they did before. Read more >> (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=6467442) Unusual Gladiators Since the results of the census last week, knowledgeable readers have asked all kinds of questions. One of the more puzzling results is the exodus of wild elves. Every educated citizen knows that wild elves generally abhor civilization, yet they have appeared in great numbers in our city. Amantar ( http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7090786) and Kermadec ( http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7090810) arrived this week to join their fellow gladiators Axhind ( http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7090802) and Keltsat ( http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7090810). The druid we consulted claimed their tribal markings seem to indicate that all belong to the same tribe from the Iliqinwood in the north. The same druid also claimed that a white dragon was terrorizing the inhabitants of that pristine forest, possible causing the exodus. Read more >> (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?t=514381) Rebreg a True Hero! It seems that all the adoration showered upon him by his fans has finally paid off: Rebreg has won his first! After the match he was congratulated by his opponent, Shirl Ravenlock, who remained fair and sporting even after being forced to fight amidst a largely hostile crowd. With his winnings, Rebreg can undoubtedly pay off the loan sharks he was indebted to. The stoic warrior took it all in stride, promising his fans to return to the arena soon. A fan club has been founded, and immediately demanded a large pre-booked share of seats for the Rebreg matches. Will Rebreg claim another victory soon? Some of the older gladiators who returned to Gladius immediately weighed in on the matter, saying that they’ve had worse losing streaks in the past. This editor doesn’t know if that’s a record worth bragging about, though. Read more >> ( http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7450576) Familiar magic? This week Auburn (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7209993) has finished her master’s thesis on magical field effects and how they interact with the familiar bond. She intends to start her next project on spectral hands and charged magical touch effects next week. Both subjects are highly volatile since the actions of Vandelar’s hawk familiar Ganon in his fight against the new warrior from the deep, Aquin the Sahuagin. Read more >> (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7453763) Curse Thwarted? No deaths were reported from our sources from abroad. For the first week since some time, it looks like the regular deaths and mutilations nicknamed Crovax’s Curse have abated. Considering this it is very unfortunate that Crovax himself was unable to take advantage of this boon as he lost his contest against Brilf in the arena this week in an interesting battle. Read more >> (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7470127) The Arcane Order Reorganizes Also, as disclosed in a press conference, with the disappearance of the Magister, Vandalar has been named Magister pro tem. His first act as has been to organize a group of adventurers to deal with the threat to the school. Vandalar will be heading the expedition. The leadership of TAO believe the campus will be reopened within 3 weeks. Students injured durring the original attack are all doing fine. For the time being, TAO has relocated its classes to the Red Lion Tavern, located 1/2 mile west of the campus on Mandelbrot Lane. TAO insists that there will be no interruptions in classes, and continues to request applicants for new staff. Read more >> (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?goto=newpost&t=229519) Dwarven master smith speaks “A true mithral chain shirt, forged for a dwarf or a human weighs about 10 pounds. Anybody carrying a heavier shirt must realize that the mithral has been diluted with iron and thus has been the target of a swindle. We know that with the recent mithral shortages there has been a tendency for armorsmiths of lesser repute to produce these substandard shirts. Do not accept such shoddy work! Maybe the new guild laws will help secure the quality and the reputation of mithral shirts in the future.” This report was made possible by the donations bestowed upon our organization by the dwarven-run United Mining Clans (UMC). Fight of the Week The three-way Hunter match between Ielenia, Delaria and Casgish was undoubtedly this most exciting fight of the week. Rarely has Gladius seen such a close contest, with all three gladiators lying unconscious and bleeding on the arena right next to each other at the end. This is the stuff the arena was built for! Read more >> (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7436972) The editor also wishes to thank the Arcane Order for their press releases and for re-instating the copying contract with our newsletter. Oct 19, 2005 Gladius most popular newsletter has returned to bring you the latest gossip and truth around our beloved city: Older gladiators afraid? Last week saw the return of many old gladiators, and some of them spoke bold words. It was unfortunate to see so few of them competing in the arena. The public was disappointed with seeing only Lissa Longfellow in action against a quartet of aging gnomes. An interesting an exciting fight for sure, but the public expected more. Are the older gladiators afraid? Read more >> (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7512849&postcount=503) The truth about the Magister? Just yesterday we picked up an interesting rumour about the cause of the Magister’s disappearance. Secret conclaves are being held in the Guildhouse of the Arcane Order for several weeks now, and it seems like the leadership’s sceptre of the guild has been passed to Vandelar the Red for the time being, but they’re not sharing what has been said in their conclaves. Our latest source suggests another reason for the Magister disappearance: family matters. Our source told us that the Magister’s wife is pregnant! We wish to congratulate the Magister if this is true, and hope he can find the time to continue to grace us with his presence. Read more >> (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7532454) Gladius needs you! Sadly, two gladiators that had been sent north to act as ambassadors for our fine city have abandoned their duties. Ambassadorial aide Kaigan ( http://boards1.wizards.com/member.php?u=276552) has requested at least two new skilled heroes to travel north as soon as possible to assist their comrades-in-arms, Sir Valkin and Tergus Ciancil, in their quest to prevent an outbreak of war on our northern front. Gladius security depends you! Read more >> (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7539902) Gladius’ most fearsome gladiators It is high time this newsletter published the top ranked gladiators of this . These guys and gals are the meanest gladiators in their respective leagues, bringing home victory after victory, even against powerful opponents. Coming week this newsletter will open a ballot where you vote for your favourite amongst these giants: 1. Uhmentarymster the Old (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=5179937) (Caterane) Coming in at 2197 victory points with 18 matches won and only 2 lost, this old gray elf wizard has seen it all. 2. Mer-Man (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=5179940) (Caterane) Clocking in at 1996 victory points and 1 loss against 13 victories, this stranger from the deep seas has amazed friend and foe with his skill. 3. Balbanes, Avatar of Life (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=6884101) (King Uther) Weighing at 1626 victory points, Balbanes, flying, glaive-wielding and spell-slinging self-appointed saviour of Gladius has already instilled fear in many gladiators in the lower leagues, and his 9 wins against one loss is testament to his ability. 4. Indri'ynar Per-El'ereth (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=5179939) (Caterane) At 1611 victory points, Indri’ynar is a multi-talented wood elf not to be trifled with. 13 wins against 5 losses make him a feared gladiator, although some voices mourn the dark path he has taken recently. 5. Nexa (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7020028) (Usurpator) For 1582 victory points, Nexa the Monk/Druid wood elf closes the ranks of the top gladiators, having successfully evaded a confrontation with Balbanes, but being the only unbeaten gladiator amongst these dangerous figures at 6 wins against 0 losses. Massacre This week a truly gruesome massacre occurred in Gladius monster arena that appalled some of the audience. Few words can describe the despair these gladiators must have felt who were so outmatched by their opponents that they were unable to inflict even a single wound. Read more >> (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7510304) Who is stopping Archie? Archie Longbow scored his eight victories in a row and is still undefeated in this arena. Most opponents were unable to find an answer to his combination of perfect flight and a whole battery of defensive spells. Can no one tack this otherworldly tiefling? Are there no mortals left who can stand against this fiendish wizard? Is it only a matter of time until he joins the top five? Read more >> (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7526829) Farewell to Amion We are sad to announce that Amion Da’rath (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=6706752) has left our city for good. When he first came to Gladius and won his first two fights here, some said that he held great promise. Unfortunately, that promise was never fulfilled. After his first two victories he managed to acquire a mind-boggling NINE consecutive defeats. “I must leave before I hit the double figures.” the soft-spoken Amion told our reporters. “If only I had the support Rebreg enjoys, maybe I would have stayed...” Read more >> (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7535933) Rebreg unlocking his potential? On a more positive note, Rebreg has won his second victory in our great arena. While fans continue to adore him, dark voices whisper of a deal he has made with forces from the nether planes to grant him these victories. These voices say the evidence is found in the names of both of his opponents, which share one particular word.... Read more >> (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7535652) Fight of the Week This week’s fight of the week was not clear-cut as last week’s. The public cast a lot of different votes, but winning by a small margin was the fight between Fjörd Thjünderbjürd and Amantar. The combination of a true stand-up performance by Fjörd with his air guitar, a veritable swarm of dogs and other odd animals, a lengthy match, and a doughty barbarian chopping up opponents left and right with abandon gained this fight the honorary position. Congratulations to these fine gladiators! Read more >> (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7531707) Reporters sought! This newsletter is in search of reports who can deliver interesting news stories from abroad. Many of our heroic gladiators regularly take on missions abroad, and we have a shortage of manpower. Anyone who wishes a glamorous freelance job against a decent pay, apply here: PM me plz (http://boards1.wizards.com/member.php?u=269446) Oct 26, 2005 It doesn’t matter if you win or lose, nobody can survive in Gladius without reading the Arena Weekly! Tavern closed One of the old favorite taverns of many of Gladius gladiators was suddenly closed today. City administrators cited laws and ordinances and it seems the old tavern will be demolished. Fortunately a brand new tavern opened its doors right next to the old spot, already pulling in an eager audience. Some discussion were continued by old-timers like nothing had happened. Read more >> (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?t=525782) Brilf with new lover? One of our most steadfast gladiators in the Arena, Brilf the Monk totally lost it during his bout this week. After being struck with a volley of her cupid’s arrows, all Brilf could do was grab his beautiful feminine opponent and embrace her most tightly. She returned his passion with some serious love bites of her own, but this did not deter Brilf, he just wouldn’t let go until they almost both passed out from sheer ecstasy. Some of Gladius’ older citizens complained that Arena Management really should come up with some rating system so they wouldn’t need to feel embarrassed by fights like this. Read more >> (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7557508) Boltfight at the Gladius Arena Anya versus Perius was one of the surprise fights this week. Those who expected a ‘wild’ fight between the two wilders couldn’t have been more wrong. Neither gladiator took big chances nor both settled for a lock and load duel. Neither was very well trained in archery, and it showed. Bolts whizzed through the air for many minutes before Anya finally decided the match. After the match the arena physician saw many spectators in his office, most complaining of neck strains. Enterprising citizens have turned the discarded bolts into special fight memento’s for the wealthy, although rumors of fake ‘fight bolts’ are already turning up. Read more >> (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7598300) Uhmentarymster Falls In a hotly anticipated fight two colossal gladiators squared off against each other. Uhmentarymster the Old with an impressive record of 18 wins and 2 defeats and a handicap off 12522 versus Hagrid with a respectable 9 vs. 9 win/lose record and a handicap of 6270. The bets were going on a 2:1 rate when the match started. The public gasped as they saw Hagrid moving across the arena with a flash, launching a deadly arrow at Uhmen, severely wounding the old and frail elven wizard, unable as he was to keep up with his rival’s blinding speed. What really added insult to injury however, was not Hagrid killer missile, but the fact that Uhmentarymster was ultimately defeated by falling of his own horse. We have heard of the saying ‘the higher you climb the harder you fall’, but we never imagined that to include falling of your own (high?) horse. Read more >> (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7550041) Gladius’ most underrated gladiators After seeing the top ranked gladiators, everybody is eager to hear of those poor souls clinging to the bottom rungs of the arena rankings. Well, here they are, the gladiators who collect losses as if they were precious. The editor wishes to remind folks that these are generally the diehards of the arena, since many lesser gladiators have left the arena after accumulating a few losses. Not these guys though. 1. Crovax Trucido (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7261208) (Nightbanegod) With an abominable ranking of 630 with 4 losses and no wins, Crovax the dark elf is proud to be the only gladiator who has an actual curse named after him. With being inspiration for the curse of the defeated, it is only fitting that Crovax should hold first place in these rankings. And they said drow were powerful! 2. Aeryn Valaer (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=6739289) (Altaris13) Ranked just above Crovax with a ranking of 649 and one win versus 5 losses, Aeryn left Gladius briefly after graduating from the neophyte league. Unfortunately, nothing has been heard from him for a long time and the worst is feared. So much for the supposed superiority of spiked chains! 3. Tak the Hungry (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7183096) (Oldmangray) This aptly nicknamed gladiator was still hungry for his first victory after four matches, with a lowest ranking of 703. It seems that this week he will escape this list with his victory over HG Milstead. 4. Ielenia Naïlo (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7386831) (Snommelp) Little is yet known of this petite goldsmith-turned gladiator. Expert say she will either leave the arena soon and continue with her excellent handiwork or turn her luck around and start winning. With only 3 losses and a ranking of 710, she is of to a bad start, but hardly hopeless. 5. Vivi (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7016241) (Dr.Funk) What in gods name is an old geezer with the name of Vivi doing in the arena? His ranking of 713 answers this question: nothing much. Although the statistics mention 1 win against 4 defeats, archivists claim that his opponent did nothing more than stand still in that single victory. Well, even my lapdog can defeat a gladiator who doesn’t defend himself. Last but not least, the editors want to make an honorary mention of Ch'ch'ili (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=6640369) who has held the top rank in this list for many, many weeks, but was just pushed off the list by a few upstart newcomers. True Gladius fans predict the dromite male, currently ranked at 721, will make a comeback soon, but they doubt if he can bump Crovax from his throne. Fight of the Week This week’s fight of the week was the not very well visited HG Milstead vs. Tak the Hungry. Neither was gladiator has a big following among the spectators, but they did put up a fine match. There was ranged combat, spellcasting, running and dodging, hiding and generally a lot of varied interaction between both gladiators. Maybe not a big and flashy spectacle like some of the more recent fights, but and enjoyable little gem among the big names that usually pull the large crowds. Read more >> (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7584031) Gladiators Afraid of Krunch? For a new guy on the battlefield, without much of a power ranking, it seems as though this stout little dwarf has raised more than a few eyebrows. Not feeling that anyone at his own ECL can properly challenge him, he has taken it upon himself to "beat up da bigger guys" as he puts it. After proving his worth in the arena two weeks running, including an opponent of higher ECL than he, it seems as though the ECL 6 and ECl 7 roster pairings have mysteriously been left blank. This has made Krunch quite furious and has scribbled, "FIGHT ME U FOOLS!" in bold red ink upon the roster sheets. After a few more days of passing and still no new names, the red line has been traced to the ECL 5 rankings and put the number "2" there. Does Krunch wish to take on two ECL 5's if no worthy opponents can be found at his own level? Krunch issued a direct comment at the mighty Balbanes and it would seem as though even he does not wish to fight Krunch. In fact, Balbanes was heard commenting last week, "Dang. I thought I was going to have to fight that brute. Thank goodness I got stuck with another chump to pad my rating once again. Daddy's money has served me well so far. He actually scares me." When asked for comments "on the record", all gladiators thus far have refused to say anything for fear of retaliation by Krunch. Off the record however, gladiators have been bragging how easy it would be to defeat the little dwarf, but that a match against him would ‘cramp their style’. Read more >> (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7550041) Exotic Hairstyles in Vogue We always keep up to date with the newest fashions and it seems that a new hairdo has started a trend among the Gladius gladiators. This particular coup makes your hair resemble a crown of flames and is what fashion sensitive citizens have been talking about the whole week. This week we saw Flamehair (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7474112) and Alexi Wood (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=6864997) fighting in the arena, both sporting a similar hairdo. Both gladiators denied knowledge of the other’s haircut and claimed to be the originator of the trend. Read more >> (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7569747) Thanks to our guest columnists Soullord and Tellish of Ket and for their contributions. Nov 3, 2005 It doesn’t matter if you win or lose, nobody can survive in Gladius without reading the Arena Weekly! Disease Ravages Iamden Nexa and Daeren have returned from the northern forest bringing tales fraught with despair. A terrible disease has struck the village of Iamden and the surrounding area, affecting animal and people alike, killing them within days and the turning them into subservient undead-like creatures. Daeren and Nexa defeated an evil druid, a large white dragon and a dark naga in their quest to find a cure. They discovered that another mighty creature is behind the spread of this disease, but while they did deliver the ingredients of the cure to one of the local herbalists, they were unable to discover the origin of the plague. Read more >> (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?t=514381) Talari disappears The druidess Talari Leafwhisperer returned last week after stopping evil wizards and their ettin ally from burning down a large part of Jindl Forest. While she was thanked profusely by members of the Living Tree and some other guilds, a day after she returned she has inexplicably disappeared. Nobody has seen her since, and she hasn’t kept several appointments she had made. Friends of her fear for her health and have put out a call to everyone to let them know as soon as they see her. Silver Soldier returns This week a priceless collectors item has returned to Gladius. The statue known as the Silver Soldier was thought to have been destroyed with the city of San Alto when Argon the Red leveled the city over 400 years ago. To date, no other artifacts of the city have been found. Details are sketchy on how the statue found it's way to Gladius. Read more >> (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?t=521601) Dromite enters Gladius Last week the gate guards were surprised by an small insectoid creature requesting to enter Gladius. The guards let is pass without much questioning and several witnesses described this being as ‘cute’. We learned that this four-foot bug called himself Arbados, and that his primary purpose here is assimilation. What exactly he desires to assimilate is still unclear, but some people fear that the insect is a scout for an invasion force. Many dismiss this as a fable, claiming that a creature so small and cute can only be harmless. Casgish, one of the Darath brothers, made short work of the Dromite, but the crowd expressed sympathy for the defeated Arbados. Read more >> (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7631485) Silk at premium The prices of silk rose sharply upon news that an East Habari Trading Company ship has not returned from the southern lands of Parthalia. The investigation is ongoing, but it seems that the ship never left the harbor of Parthalia, and the crew has disappeared. The harbor of Parthalia has threatened to seize the ship if it is not claimed. The E.H.T.C. had no comment on the matter. Read more >> (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?t=518701) Goodbye Archie This week Archie was defeated by Alac Rensellaer in the upset of the week. Public was shocked as Alac, hardly known for his glorious victories in the Arena, surprised Archie with a combination of avoidance and magic missile attacks. The feisty Tiefling initially took the defeat rather lightly: “I was ill prepared, I know I should have planned better for this fight, but I was too busy packing in my stuff” she said abjectly. Alac refused to comment on the battle and snuck silently out of the arena. One day later Archie returned, this time all fired up. She slammed down several documents in front of the judges, demanding a review. To the surprise of the referees the documents held irrefutable proof that Alac had broken arena rules and was immediately disqualified. We desperately tried to get the cheater to comment on the matter, but he has disappeared without a trace. Read more >> (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7632685) Weekly Rankings This weeks top and bottom gladiators listed for your convenience: Top 5 1. Mer-Man (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=5179940) (Caterane) at 2046 2. Uhmentarymster the Old (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=5179937) (Caterane) at 2011 3. Balbanes, Avatar of Life (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=6884101) (King Uther) at 1705 4. Indri'ynar Per-El'ereth (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=5179939) (Caterane) at 1611 5. Nexa (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7020028) (Usurpator) at 1582 Not much has changed since last report. Uhme lost his top spot to Mer-Man because he fell to Hagrid while the Sahuagin massacred Brilf. Conspicously absent of course is Archie Longbow, who left our beloved city to pursue other matters. Bottom 5 1. Crovax Trucido (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7261208) (Nightbanegod) at 630 2. Vivi (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7016241) (Dr.Funk) at 642 3. Aeryn Valaer (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=6739289) (Altaris13) at 649 4. Kraegin (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=6687335) (TelinArtho) at 702 5. Ch'ch'ili (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=6640369) (Begferdeth) at 721 This weeks marks the glorious return of Ch’ch‘ili, who fought hard to get into the bottom 5 again. Welcome back! As predicted Vivi also climbed closer to a rank befitting his stature although still unable to beat Crovax rating. But since Crovax isn’t expected to fight this week, Vivi is poised to take over the bottom spot, and all the fame that goes with it. Fight of the Week The public was treated to raw excitement, blood and guts in this week’s fight of the week: Tan vs. Donak. Does anyone even remember the last time we saw a gladiator slice into his opponent with a dagger, much less two gladiators going at each other with one? Before the fight, Tan, an entertainer pur sang, was seen stepping languidly towards the arena as we stopped him for an interview: “Arena fight, today? I totally forgot! Where’s Jimmy, he is supposed to inform me of these things? And I did not feed Popper yet this morning! I guess I just have to win to get him some dog food. Oh, leave your questions with Jimmy, he’ll answer them for me.” Donak marched passed us without noticing us, his face tight and drawn, common among first-time gladiators. When he left the arena, bleeding heavily and barely conscious, he looked immensely wiser. We wish both gladiators a fruitful career in Gladius. Read more >> (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7640083) Evil in Decline? It seems Law and Chaos hang in the balance as they were evenly matched last week as indicated by our survey of the bulk of the fights in the lowest brackets. Good however seems to take the upper hand as they are more morally upright gladiators than their evil counterparts. The largest portion of the good gladiators resides in the lower leagues while the agents of evil have more members in the middle leagues. Could the current balance of power change in the future? Will organizations like the E.T.H.C. be a thing of the past? (statistics computed from last week results) Thanks to our guest columnists Soullord and Vathelokai for their contributions!
Gladius_News_Network 04-11-07, 10:30 AM	THE GLADIUS WEEKLY - The No1 Newspaper in Gladius - http://www.edwardsamuels.com/illustratedstory/chapter%201/printers2.jpg The Gladius Weekly is the top newspaper in the City of Gladius. Every week around pairings time a new issue appears here with information on the last week, interesting fights, news on gladiators and the arena in general, and major and minor events that happened in Gladius. You all can contribute to the next number! If you want to write an article about something, a story, a statistic or table, or any other thing you think would be cool for others to read, send a PM to Gladius_News_Network and your article will surely appear here soon. Please don't post here. Thanks. Happy Reading!
Gladius_News_Network 04-26-07, 02:50 PM	22nd December 2006 The Gladius Weekly War! The Celestial Forces have declared war upon the Warfare Alliance. Last week the aasimar Corporal Aeosil, the right hand of Captain Mellios, delivered the declaration to Gwar. Captain Mellios’ army is on the move and it will be only a matter of time when they clash with Gwar’s forces. Among the ranks of both sides have also been seen foreign forces, that are believed to be actually Achosian soldiers. Last week Gladius Weekly wrote about the return of five Gladiosian from Achos and it is believed that they have actually brought the Achosian forces into Gladius. The Council has questioned the officers of the Achosian forces and informed that they are being watched. The spokesman of the Council answered to Gladius Weekly: “There is no reason to drive these soldiers away, for they haven’t broken any laws and they can’t yet be seen as a threat to the nation. These guild wars, as you call them, are not to be tolerated. We will be watching very carefully the guilds and their allies. The City Guard has sent extra patrols into the northern part of the city, and any troubles caused by the guilds will be taken care of. The citizens are completely safe, I assure.” The citizens in the northern parts of the city don’t seem to count on the City Guard, for several families have been seen to leave their home and head into safety before the first arrows start to fly. Gladius Weekly will be watching carefully this war and reporting the events. Skeletons in the closet? Three days ago bystanders witnessed a horrible situation in Duken Marina. Three massive figures captured a young woman. Only one was brave enough to help the poor woman, a known member of the Warfare Alliance, Ihdald Seaslash. The courageous Lord of the Seas stood alone against the attackers, but to his terror they revealed to be foul undead! The hulking skeletons took him down and escaped the scene with the woman. What happens to the girl and who owill save her? Dragonslayers Return A local reporter has discovered the successful return of the two who set off to slay a dragon a few weeks ago. Led by the dwarf's faithful bloodhound, Leopold, Bulgar and Jade are once again among us in the city. The reporter was able to interview Bulgar shortly: (R)eporter: Was your quest a success? Did you find the dragon and slay it as planned? (B)ulgar: I wouldn't be standing here if it wasn't a success. (R): What kind of dragon was it? (B): A young white - sneaky and wily as they come. He tried attacking us from hiding spots with these icicles - but we were prepared for something like that - and they just didn't hurt. Forced into close quarters, I was able to take it down with my axe and Jade supported me with arrow fire and later with her sword skills. A fine ally indeed. (R): So what's next? (B): Can't reveal that quite yet, but I hear the High Forests are particularly nice this time of year... Thanks to: TelinArtho The Council discusses the guilds matter This week there has been a lot of discussion in the Council about the guilds and their status in the city. Several councilors have addressed their worries on the increasing power of the guilds. Opinions against and on behalf of the guilds were spoken aloud, but the Council didn't yet come to a conclusion. Limiting the rights of the guilds might help to bring a stop to the raging battles in the northern parts of the city. At the moment it looks like the City Watch isn't able to control the situation. The coming weeks will show, if the Council is brave enough to make a decision towards strict control. Harbour under changes The global trade union known as the East Habari Trading Company has established a new agency in Duken Marina. The new post will be dealing with silk and other exotic fabrics. The Company is one of the biggest trade organizations in Othala and it hails from the distant sultanate of Habari. There has been several suspicions about their true interests in Gladius. Some have even claimed that they have connections to the Underworld and that they worship foul gods in secrecy. The Secretary of Trade, Virgo Arkazzan, addresses the worries of the citizens: ”It is quite normal to be afraid of something as exotic as the EHTC, but I assure you that there is nothing to worry about. They are acting under the laws of Gladius and they pay their taxes. We are watching the actions of foreign companies in Gladius carefully, and if something illegal comes up, proper actions will be taken.” According to an unnamed source of Gladius Weekly, Secretary Arkazzan would have connenctions to the EHTC, but nothing has been proved. Gladiator of the Week: Wildfire This week's gladiator is a fairly unknown gladiator called Wildfire. He came to Gladius only around ten days ago, and immediately signed up to the Arena. Yet he hasn't proved himself to the crowd, for his first match ended in a loss. Wildfire is a typical, sturdy dwarf and could be from any of the nearby Dwarven fortresses. He hasn't revealed anything of his past and he is such a typical representative of his race that we can only guess what has brought him to Gladius. He carried several battleaxes with him, just like any dwarf, but he has also some strange features. His habits seem to indicate a strict training in the martial arts, which isn't that common among the dwarves. This dwarf looks like he can drive himself into fierce rage and turn himself into a lethal juggernaut with whirling blades all around him. Add that to the fact that he looks like he could easily outwrestle a black bear, and you realize the potential this young gladiator must have at the Arena. Vital Statistics: Age: Unknown (The Editorial Staff estimates his age as somewhere around 65) Height: 4’ 5” Weight: 200 lb Allies: none Manager: NiQil The Gladius Weekly wishes Merry Christmas to all our readers! 28th December 2006 The Gladius Weekly War Rages in Gawane The first fires of the battle for the control of northern Gladius have been set. The Celestial Forces moved from threats to action, when they almost destroyed the leisure site of The Warfare Alliance. WAR hasn’t been resting on it’s heels either, for there have been several attacks against the structures of CEF. What is surprising, is that WAR has favoured a more secretive approach, unlike CEF, whose attacks have been open. The fights have been once again drawn to the streets, as some of WAR's heroes almost got the Elven Elder, Uhmentarymster by surprise. At the moment WAR seems to be expecting another attack against their tavern, The Mudfoot’s Rest. The Gift of the Gods Cursed? The recently discovered mystical artefact has drawn several adventurers and scoundrels into Gladius to search for clues. The guilds of Gladius got a head start and equipped their best warriors and wizards to retrieve the Gift of the Gods. There have already been rumours that the item would be cursed, for almost all of them returned bruised and beaten. Only Raskos, the head of PSI Consortium hasn’t returned from his search. There hasn’t been any word from Raskos though, and many fear that his recently discovered dangerous pets might actually have eaten him. After all, who goes adventuring with a Hound of Hell and a treacherous Ice Dragon? The Prison Voided The cells of the Gladius City Prison are becoming voided after the execution of some of the worst criminals and lack of new prisoners. Have lawbreakers been able to escape the strong arm of law or has Gladius miraculously become a haven of law-obeying people? Rumours tell differently, for there are even whispers of a guild devoted to evil. Several suspicious-looking people stroll the streets at night and even on daylight muggings and murders happen all the time. Why isn’t the City Watch doing anything to this situation, where the Prison is empty and evil-doers walk the streets? At the moment citizens are paying for nothing to the heavy organization that upkeeps the Prison. The Temple of Denth Here to Stay? In a well advertised duel, once former allies Kraegin, the Master Summoner, and Sdentch, Grandmistress of Flowers, engaged in a formal duel in order to settle their differences. At stake? If Kraegin lost, he was to leave Gladius with the rest of the Denthian followers immediately. If Sdentch lost, she was to cease hostilities against the Denthian temples at once. The two met out on Sdentch's chosen ground - the plains to the south of Gladius. Kraegin quickly had a summoned army of centipedes at his disposal, and with the aid of Shadow-smoke, Kraegin's latest ally from the unseen planes, they marched upon Sdentch and her warhorse. In mere moments, the two sides clashed. The centipedes ran over the horse, barely slowing in their advance. An enlarged Sdentch did her best to keep them at bay, but the centipedes proved too strong for her and eventually pushed in to bite at her. While her combat prowess is among the best in Gladius, she could not overcome the small army. Once Sdentch fell, Kraegin stood beside her and took a moment to bring her back to life. Spectators had a hard time hearing what was said, but one experienced lip-reader claims he said the following: So this is settled then. [thanks to: TelinArtho] Fearsome Monsters ala Arena This week the Arena offered several interesting match-ups. Two monster fights were announced, but the other of them proved to be a commercial trick. In the first monster fight the ancient mummy, Imhotep was raised to wrap up Danidus. The second fight was a little disappointment to the audience, as the promised monster proved to be an unknown Dwarf. The arena officials claimed later that the dwarf had a pony and it would have been the promised monster, but that didn't satisfy the angry mob. Gladiator of the Week: Lord Frost This week we take a look at one of the more exotic habitants of Gladius. This little dragon who goes by the rather pompous name Lord Frost, has been flying around Gladius for almost a year now. Allthough there hasn't been sightings of this small white, it is certain that he is still around. Dragons are known to sleep long times, even hundreds of years. Hopefully we don't have to wait that long to see Frost again in action. Lord Frost can be a dangerous opponent, despite of his relatively small size. Many have been surprised by this cat-loving dragon. Although known of his natural vulnerability to fire, he handles his fire lash efficiently. Combined with his icy breath, this burrowing missile is a formidable combatant. Vital Statistics: Age: 6 Length: 6' Weight: 38 lbs Allies: none Manager: Macbrea 17th January 2007 The Gladius Weekly Negotiations for Peace The Arcane Order had called several influential Gladiosian to their campus to negotiate a peaceful solution to the disagreements between the Warfare Alliance and the Celestial Forces. The two guilds had been fighting against each other in the northern parts of the city for several weeks. The battles had caused serious damage to the infrastructure of Gladius as well as to the citizens so the wizard's guild was hoping to find a solution before there is nothing left of Gawane. The peace negotiations seem to have been successful, for the hostilities in Gawane have at least ceased. Tranian Lightfoot reports from Gawane: It's been a cold day even for this early time in the year but despite the freezing temperatures, many citizen of Gawane came out that day to witness a turn in the events that so rocked their district in the previous months. The Freedom Fighters, a para-military group, had been led out of their last hide-out near the docks of the industrial district by regular troups of the Celestial Expeditionary Forces but instead of being thrown into a deep dungeon or handed over to the local authorities - a death sentence for sure - they were escorted to the yet unclaimed district of Upper Merx, and CEF forces made sure that no constable or sympathizer of the Council of Gladius dared to approach this group that was now under the protection of the celestials. What had happened? “After a long night of negotiations, both forces agreed to stop hostilities and tried to find an acceptable solution to this conflict. The compromise was reached in form of a relocation of the Freedom Fighters from Gawane to Upper Merx, ceasing control of the industrial district for the sake of peace. In return, the CEF agreed to rearm the Freedom Fighters who were on the brink of a complete collapse due to the taxing battles against both the celestials and the council. With the new CEF weapons, food, and equipment the Freedom Fighters gained from the celestials, the para-military group has regained strength way beyond their original power, and are now a force to be reckoned with, especially if you side with the Council of Gladius. It will still take approximately three weeks to ship all ressources from the Marble Castle to Upper Merx and draft new recruits but the operation is supervised by two experienced Warriors of Light so that there should be no bad surprises. Relations between the CEF and the Freedom Fighters are still not optimal and it might be that they never will given their different sets of alignment and view on the art of fighting injustice but it has changed to the better and the open hatred of the fighters has changed to indifference thanks to the surprising offer of the CEF after they had claimed victory over them. Today, on this cold winter day, high on a stage stood Ex-Mayor Hanfgar Hallutin together with Force Commander Captain Mellios and other high ranking officials of both institutions, shaking hands infront of the audience to seal the agreement and to signal to everyone: the war was over.” Thanks to: Caterane Arena under Repairs This week the Arena has been closed for repairs, that were caused by the odd creature that was summoned to fight Antalya. Eyewitnesses say that the creature ripped of parts of the Arena, causing them to come alive and attack the were-porpoise. Many believe that the strong dwarven ale is the source for these stories. Whatever was the true reason for these repairs, the official report that the Arena is opening again next week with interesting pairings. Itsy-bitsy Spiders Benjamin Strongarm, a Gladiosian lumberjack, witnessed a terrible event in the Yurunwood. He was alerted by the trembling ground right before he spotted the creatures. Two spiders, as high as the trees themselves, strolled out from the massive cavern in the heart of the forest. They were chasing a creature that Benjamin recognized as a spider-eater. The spider-eater was injured and was in deep troubles, but suddenly a noble hero appeared to rescue the poor creature. The hero was Aerryl Nalladar, a druid of The Living Tree known of her athletic capabilities. Benjamin couldn't report the outcome of the fight, because he had to retreat or he would've been crushed by the hulking monstrosities. Gladiator of the Week: Valen Sky This week we get to know Valen Sky, a ranger from far north, dedicated to the extinction of the foul hordes of Underdark. He arrived in Gladius four months ago, and has settled in. According to his own words, he intends to stay for “a while”. What that means, is always a mystery, especially when the answer comes from a wanderer like him. His motives for fighting are clear. This agile warrior carries some personal vendetta against the darker inhabitants of Othala. He has studied the dark elves in particular, but one can't have too much skill when fighting the drow. His fighting style has proven effective against the represents of the darker cousins of elves, but his record against other races haven't been flawless. Some guesses are that he is focusing in duergar next, but Valen hasn't confirmed the rumours. Valen loves to ride in battle with Lightning, his loyal warhorse, and stick his opponents full of arrows and blast them with his powers of mind. He isn't afraid of close-combat either. His massive adamantine sword proves that. Fans of Valen can spot him near the Bardic College, where he keeps his base with the other supporters of the Loyalists. Vital Statistics: Age: 21 Height: 5' 6” Weight: 140 lbs Allies: Quartz the psicrystal and Lightning the warhorse Manager: Hirumajoe 15th February 2007 The Gladius Weekly Troublesome Times outside the City Walls Surely all have heard of the occasional caravan raids on the trade routes east of Gladius that have been caused the so-called Band of the Red Hand. Those raids have been tolerated, since they have been so rare, but now the situation has changed drastically. Few weeks ago a nearly dead survivor was found from the remains of a raided caravan. Luckily there was a cleric, who managed to heal her. The woman's description didn't seem to fit the Band of the Red Hand, for she told of creatures clearly Fiendish origin. Only a couple days after that several messages were found nailed to the trees. The messages declared that the southern roads were now the property of the Stygian Strikers, a new and dangerous group of highwaymen. Just like this wouldn't have been enough, a group of pirates has settled to the region under the lead of Captain Firfannik. The harbour has turned into a chaos and the prices are shooting up all over Gladius. The city is soon in an emergency, unless someone brave enough takes care of the situation. Rumours of a Special Tournament on the Arena Although the city is falling into chaos due to shortage of goods, the spirit in the city is kept high. The Council has informed that the Arena officials are arranging a special event on the Arena. The nature of the event is still kept behind the curtains, but rumours are already flying in the streets. The most common opinion is that the event is an Iron Man tournament to find a saviour for the city. Supposedly gladiators are thrown against each other so long that only one stands. People are already anxious to see blood mix with the sand of the Arena. Weekly announcements from the Arena officials are given for further information. A Breakout in the Prison Several weeks ago a massive explosion shook the foundations of Gladius in the middle of the night. As a result of this several dangerous prisoners escaped the City Prison. The repairs were instantly started, but many of the escaped prisoners are still missing. Some suspect that this has caused the sudden uprising in the amount of highwaymen and pirates. The Council has declared rewards for those who manage to bring these criminals to justice. Many have even abandoned their jobs to hunt down the escaped criminals in hopes for easy gold pieces. The New Courtroom Opened Constructors have finally finished the new Courtroom in the central parts of Gladius. Citizens are encouraged to take their problems there and solve them peacefully instead of violent conflicts that have been seen due to the shortage. Execution or torture of dangerous criminals are also arranged in front of the new Courtroom. These bloody demonstrations have been drawing more audience than the boring trials that go through inside the walls of the Courtroom. Gladiator of the Week: Ikhain al-Habari This week we meet a rather infamous character in the Arena, also known as The Serpent Prince. Rumours say that this cocky man is the heir of Habari Sultanate. He is often seen in the Vilis or Duken Marina, running on the errands of the East Habari Trading Company. This takes out the sharpest edge of the rumours, but nevertheless, some claim that he is an exiled prince. Whatever the heritage of Ikhain is, his combat skills speak for themselves. When seen at the Arena, his two fancy swords perform a whirling dance of death as he springs around with amazing agility. His speed and accuracy is really surprising for a human, as if he was somehow superior to others of his kin. Fans of The Serpent Prince might try to catch him in the alleys of the harbour, but they should take great caution approaching him. He is known to have a bad temper, and he might even attack ruthlessly. He acts if having a high status, and doesn't hesitate to use his sharp tongue and even his swords on those who he sees lower in status. Vital Statistics: Age: 25 Height: 5' 2” Weight: 95 lbs Allies: Jackal Manager: Abyssal Stalker I'm not that conceited that I would want to praise my own character over others. I roll these randomly. My first roll was Wildfire, who has already been the Gladiator of the Week, and the second roll hit Ikhain. Yes, I expect you people to believe. :) 15th March 2007 The Gladius Weekly Iron Man Tournament Opening The rumours Gladius Weekly wrote about few weeks ago have revealed to be true. The Arena is arranging a special tournament, where they are seeking the toughest gladiator in Western Othala. Several gladiators have signed on the tournament with high hopes for the title of The Iron Man of Gladius. Discussion is running wild and several bets have already been placed. No matter who gathers the trophy, the tournament is going to be a massive spectacle and the impacts will shock the very foundations of the Arena. Most Influential Religious Domains in Gladius In a recent survey of active clerics, priests and shaman, it appears that common elements across all racial lines has permeated the religious pantheon. The most influential sphere of belief is magic, unsurprisingly - what with the existence of the TAO and the many wizards throughout Gladius. Perhaps a little more unexpected, and even disturbing is the large number of believers of War. For the most part, these two domains are present in one manner or another in the belief systems of the priests in Gladius. The office of Religious Affairs is petitioning some clerics from under-represented domains to come forth and spread their word. After all - a wide and comprehensive religious structure is in their best interest and the best interest of the people of Gladius as a whole. Here's the complete results of the survey: Magic (9) War (7) Travel (4) Luck (3) Knowledge (2 [+3]) Strength, Protection, Trickery, Charm, Darkness (2) Rune, Plant, Evil, Madness (1) the [+3] next to Knowledge accounts for the 3 cloistered clerics who have domains in addition to their god's selection Thanks to: TelinArtho News from the High Forest In recent news, a letter from the inhabitants of the High Forest has made its way to our office. It bore the following message: To whom it may concern: I just wanted to pass along my appreciation for exemplary performance for the dedication shown to my people in the forest. This appreciation is extended to both Bulgar Stronghammer and Erithmu Darkmane not only for uncovering a vicious parasite in the form of a doppleganger, but also for slaying a dragon who's influence was causing great peril to us. This letter is to serve as a public acclaim of their service to us and we wish them well in their future endeavors. Signed: Gala of the Green Trees Bulgar was unavailable for comment on his return to Gladius, but he did leave a note that his next job is already lined up. This reporter will try to get word from his traveling companion to get the scoop on the story. Thanks to: TelinArtho A Mysterious Fire Some days ago a fancy house was burned down in Old Arkhein. These unfortunate occasions aren’t that rare in Gladius, but this time the building itself makes the incident far more interesting. The house belonged to a venerable warrior of light, the now deceased paladin Sir Therion van Pelethos. Sir Pelethos spent most of his last years in Achos, waging war against the local tyrant. After the Heroes of Achos had taken down the King of Achos, peace was restored and Sir Pelethos was able to return home. A lifetime of war had left it’s mark on Sir Pelethos and he withdrew himself from the society and stayed inside the walls of his mansion. Rumours of strange happenings started flying around the house and one by one Sir Pelethos’s servants resigned. The last one to leave the house was the caretaker, William Hargen. No one heard of Sir Pelethos or saw him again, and people started to believe that the strange noises from inside the house indicated that he had actually died and turned into a ghost. Those rumours came to an end last week when the house burned down. The officials reported that nothing out of ordinary was found on the burned remains of the house. Special Census Report! An external source has composed a listing of the guilds of Gladius, ranked by the arena records of their members. The most powerful members belonged to the Celestial Expeditionary Forces, of course, but the second and third places went to the newcomers, the Loyalists, and the underdogs, the Warfare Alliance. o=====o===========================o===== ========================o=======o |Guild| Lowest Powerrating | Highest Powerrating |Average| o=====o===========================o===== ========================o=======o | CEF |1068 (Solan the Righteous) |2155 (Uhmentarymster the Old)| 1470 | | LOY |1214 (Valen Sky) |1541 (Maya Redwine) | 1350 | | WAR | 738 (Featylec Elendi) |1967 (Celia Durrol) | 1344 | | PSI | 664 (Hassan Sabbah) |1709 (Gaston Dar'ath) | 1240 | | TLT | 739 (Faelto) |1598 (Treetall Oakleg) | 1098 | |EHTC | 730 (Annix the Warbringer)|1283 (Annalina Vale) | 986 | | TAO | 620 (Zodiac) |1358 (Eraca Moralta) | 982 | o=====o===========================o===== ========================o=======oGood thing this was done; CEF's ECLs were out of date, and PSI's, WAR's, and LOY's rosters were hugely different from the official ones. The correct ECLs and alignments have been calculated for you this time, but please keep me informed in the future. Thanks. Thanks to: MincWandererB Mercenaries Fill the City On the recent weeks the Mercenaries Guild has been taking new members. The orcish leader of the guild, Blackfang One-Eye, informed that they are in fact looking for some fresh blood. Now, all kinds of scoundrels and thugs have been drawn to the halls of the Guild, showing their skills and testing their strengths. Even some mages and clerics have been seen to join the ranks of the Mercenaries. Will this be the next group that gets an official guild status from the Council? Gladiator of the Week: Kervan Sheharath This week’s gladiator is one of the respected members of The Living Tree. This elf, who is often mistaken as a druid, is actually a priest of Emmantiensen. This might come unexpected to those who know the Treant King, for his clerics are almost always members of the mighty tree-people of the forest. What has brought Kervan into contact with the Treants and Emmantiensen, isn’t known for sure, but some seem to believe that he has suffered some conflict with his own kind. Nevertheless of his backgrounds, Kervan is an able combatant. We have seen him show his skills with sword, bow and magic in the Arena. He is able to reach the very essence of the Treant King, almost assuming the tough form of an ancient tree. In that almost invulnerable form, he attacks fearlessly with his massive sword or the pitch-black bow. Usually Kervan can be looked for in Yurunwood, where The Living Tree has settled. He often wanders the druid’s groves, practising his green thumb. Vital Statistics: Age: 170 Height: 5' 5” Weight: 109 lbs Allies: none Manager: MindWandererB April 11th 2007 Headlines: Gladiators boycott the Iron man tournament Denthians attack the Psi Consortium Rioting in the streets Editorial: The Gladius Casino Gladiators boycott the Iron man tournament Four gladiators and one team have withdrawn from the Iron Man tournament. While the reasons for departure vary, our rogue reporters found that Hell was having an Adamantie Man tournament, and most of the withdrawing members felt that Iron was just not difficult enough. While no official statements were made, many rumors have come about as to the fall out of these gladiators. The tournament officials, not wanting to bring in monsters for the second round, instead reinstated the defeated opponents of the gladiators. Denthians attack the Psi Consortium Ever looming from their base in the northern forest of Chanadar, the Denthians have seemed to hold a respectable peace with the rest of the city. A few of its members have ventured into the arena leagues with moderate success. However the summoning church sent one of its members to attack a fully guarded building of the Psi Consortium. Killed outside the protective Nimbus, the cleric fell under one of the Psi Consortium’s operatives. When asked for comment, Kraegin simply stated, ”It was a rite of passage within the church. If he succeeded he was to gain the tools to craft his armor.” This statement has not been confirmed, as none of our reporting staff want to go anywhere near Chanadar Forest. Rioting in the streets Rioting continues in and outside of Gladius. In addition to the Swampers who have set up a small base in the Luna March, a group of separatist wizards have formed in opposition to The Arcane Order’s University campus construction. When asked for comment the university teacher’s association said, ”They claim they want to freely discuss the advancement of magic, but they won’t come to the table and their actions are aggressive and violent.” While the cause of death is unknown, the ‘Free Thinkers’ have claimed that The Arcane Order has assassinated one of their senior members. While The Order claims to have done no such thing, The Thinkers have begun to increase their looting and aggressive nature. The Order has begun trying to put down the riots with trained members from its Campus; the results have been mixed. Editorial: The Gladius Casino In a move that seems like a good idea, the Council of Gladius commissioned a fully operational casino to be constructed and opened in conjunction with the start of the Iron Man tournament. In addition to the Iron Man tournament future bets will be taken on individual fights from the common resident. This Editor believes that this is a good move by the council and has many perks that are not limited to having a good time. The casino has a nice diner that works great for staff meetings. Classifieds Gladius News Network Writer/Editor The Gladius News Network is always looking for individuals to join its writing team. Requirements are that you be willing to find and report on the happenings of Gladius, or give an editorial on the comings and goings. We offer full health benefits. (Within the Nimbus) If interested inquire in the Gladius Casino for more details, ask for the GNN table. Bring enough money for a round of drinks. Council of Gladius Mediator The Council of Gladius is looking for a Mediator to keep track of decisions. The job requires that you are able to keep order and dodge fireballs, strongly worded accusations, and mental control. There are no benefits as the last for Mediators have only lasted 2 weeks. April 25th 2007 Headlines: Undead Population Rising Second Round of The Ironman Return of Warriors from the North Psionic Expedition to the South Bandits Defeated by East Habari Trade Company Undead Population Rising A series of event has lead to an increase in the number of undead within the population of Gladius. While the ever present threat of the Harvester looming over Gladius coming to take people away in their sleep has dwindled, new travelers have come. We have sent a number of reporters to explore the rumor that the East Habari Trade Company has a vampire in their employ but all our field reporters have not returned. The more overt visitors have come in the form of a necromancer who seems to be recruiting for an army. While Gladius has seen visitation from Necromancers who come to study under Vandelar, one of the more notable Necromancers at the Arcane Order; the new visitor seems to have a different mentality, he goes by the name of Corruptor. Additionally it would seem that the rising star of the Arena has returned with an undead companion of her own. The Red Knight Ceilia is rumored to have added an undead djinni to her ranks. A few of our reporters had been able to sit down to a game of chess, but lost quite horribly. Ceilia seems to hold the only sanity of the new recruiters for the undead. There have been some rumors of the Undead developing a political party and trying to gain influence in the Council. Second Round of The Ironman The Second round of the Ironman tournament completed this afternoon and only eight competitors remain. While the first round controversy is still hot in the minds of everyone, the second round cooled off a little. The remaining competitors are as follows: - Va’ria Theladrais: Loremaster of the EHTC, her fights were quickly defeating Saffron Brass and then fellow guild member Lady Indivara with simple Black Tentacles spell. She has quickly picked up the nickname of dragon slayer. - Vandelar: Necromancer of the Arcane Order, his first round was against fellow guild member Auburn in a battle that was decided on quick reactions rather than a well drawn out duel. His second round was against Lord Frost a fiery white dragon that was taken care in a similar method as Lady Indivara was. - Aerryl Nalladar: The highest ranking druid of The Living Tree, defeated Jur the magician with a display of archery that had Mssr. Hood impressed with the quickness and effectiveness of the strike. Her second round was equally as decisive as she weathered the storm of the Lonewolf Hunter, Eraca. - Besthirah Lafali: The Living Tree’s bat-monk has handled her opponents with cruel efficiency that matches her personality. While Lissa was matched up in an archery duel, Noko found that the Shapeshifter had quite a strong grip as well. She has shown an ability to be strong in both areas. - Raskos: Leader of the Psi Consortium continued his calculated victory over fellow guild member Gaston. While allies outside the arena, no quarter was given. His first round victory over the wilder Perius with his allies was also convincing. - Mssr. Hood: The underdog favorite continued to show promise as he battled in the open plains, an arena that suits him nicely with his Pegasus. While there was much aerial acrobatics and extended chases Hood pulled out a victory against the newcomer Retikos and his summons. His first victory over Telveran Trueblade gave him no difficulty due to Telveran’s lack of flight and ranged ability. - The Arcane Hand: Owen Ir’Tolden and Silis Lueria were one of the few teams that were returned to the tournament after the first round scandal. They proved that they deserved a spot in the tournament systematically disabling and then defeating Brilf in a display of tactics that one would expect out of the Arcane Order’s headmasters, but not always out of some of the doctoral students. - Loddick Saffron: The third Living Tree member who was also returned to the tournament who also proved himself against Kraegin in a much heated game of hide and go seek within Gladius’ city district. Kraegin eventually got tired of chasing the Elan around, and returned to Chandar forest to continue his summoning experiments. The matches for the third round were slated to begin shortly after dinner. Return of warriors from the North Rumors of the return of fewer CEF members than departed surprised most of the staff here at the GNN. We have been looking for more details from the CEF, but as of yet the Celestials have not released a public statement. This coupled with the disappearance of the guild’s Archangel has left many with the impression that the Marble Castle might be showing signs of cracks. Psionic Expedition to the South The PSI Consortium sent a group of its members southward on horses. Our reporters have been unable to find out the purpose of the expedition, but we have determined that both Istima and Klipquabjeg standing members of PSI, departed along with what appear to be two new recruits, and a member of the Arcane Order. The identity of the remaining members of the party and the goal of the expedition are being kept secret by Guildmaster Raskos. Bandits Defeated by East Habari Trade Company The East Habari Trade Company made progress this week eliminating one of the bandit groups that were raiding the trade routes around Gladius. Annalina Vale has commented that the Red Hand is their next target and will begin operations shortly after the festivities of the Ironman Tournament, commenting that there was plenty of money to be made with the festivities surrounding the Tournament. Many individual merchants have been looking to sign on with the Trade Company seeing the value in protection. Classifieds - Gladius News Network Independent Writers The Gladius News Network is always looking for individuals to join its writing team. Requirements are that you be willing to find and report on the happenings of Gladius, or give an editorial on the comings and goings. We offer full health benefits. (Within the Nimbus) If interested inquire in the Gladius Casino for more details, ask for the GNN table. This week we will buy you a round of drinks, or Send us a PM with the comings and goings that we seem to be missing.
Gladius_News_Network 04-26-07, 02:50 PM	Feb 22/06 Editors Needed The Gladius Weekly is looking for new writers to flush out the paper. We have been authorized to pay you up to 1° if you write well. Since not everybody is a natural writer, we need all the help he can get. Emergency Declared There was a State of Emergency declared,due to increasing number of gladiators outnumbering the referees. We fully support the Pitlord's decision, and hope that the emergency doesn't last too long. Read More... (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=8429045) Short and Deadly Anton Fael faced Hexacious the goblin wizard. It started off the same as most fights, by one gladiator going invisible. Then Hexacious summond a few scorpions while invisible, and then activated a scorching ray scroll to fry poor Anton. Anton weathered the attack and then fried Hexacius mind with a well-timed Mind Thrust. Read More... (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=8470486) Nature vs Faith Aerryl Nalladar faced off against Anakala, cleric of Denth this week. Each gladiator brought in some allies to make things even more interestingly. Each gladiator gave it a their best, but nature prevailed with Aerrly winning in the end. Read More... (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=8438525) Blinked and Missed It In the fight between Donak and Hassan Sabback, I accidently closed my eyes for one second, and the fight was over! Amazingly, Donak peppered Hassan with two arrows and finished him off in a very fast fasion. Read More... (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=8471112) The Adventure Begins We wish Rayos, Aranor, Nicolae and Murtagh good luck in their new adventure. Just remember the cardinal rules of adventuring. You can never have enough rope or torches. And don't argue over the treasure until you have stopped everything hostile. Read More... (http://www.wizards.com/leaving.asp?url=http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?t=588269&origin=) 3 Week Delay Vandelar and Talari fought again this time, after the first two weeks were delayed due to poor arena capacity. Like the two previous time, Talari emerged victorious again. Read More... (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=8509930) Also, Evaine and Fjord fought it out as well. Evaine managed to out-maneuver Fjords dogs to defeat Fjord. Read More (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=8487996) EHTC vs CEF Va'ria fought Dameon this week and she keeps things simple by turning into a Remorhaz and eats her competition. Dameon clearly looked surprised, as he wasn't expecting that tactic. Can someone beat Va'ria? Read More (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=8504710) Polymorph being lost? A ripple came across the kingdom of Gladius today, and when it passed, many creatures found out that they could no longer polymorph as they could before. It was a very disheartening day, as Sliver's main tactics, could no long be easily accomplished. Apparently the spell itself wasn't effected, just all the Sp and Su abilities of the spell. Read More... (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/dd/20060216a) Popular Gladiators Mer-Man (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=5179940) (Caternae) (Power Rating 2441) Gundir Malakas (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=5181120) (Kaigan) (Power Rating 1827) Nexa (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7020028) (Usurpator) (Power Rating 1783) The Harvester (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=5179961) (Caterane) (Power Rating 1694) Kracknol (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7476824) (SauroGrenom) (Power Rating 1672) Barthleby (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=5203496) (Pittbull) (Power Ranking 1614) Archangel Ixenthor (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=5179942) (Caterane) (Power Rating 1564) Talari Leafwhisper (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=6247491) (Luni) (Power Rating 1548) Vandelar the Red (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=6452290) (SoulLord) (power Ranking 1517) Talari managed to get onto the popular gladiator list, while Validi and Thwap both lost and fell off the list. Guild Stat of the Week Total Income Earned: CEF 9112 gp PSI 7282 gp WAR 5330 gp TAO 4524 gp EYE 3337 gp EHTC 2817 gp TLT 2368 gp Nearly 7000 gp in income earned separates 1st place from last place. March 07/06 Ghosts being Regulated The Gladiusian Council has decided that the ghosts that reside in the city needs some regulations. "We were going through some old files, and we realized that ghosts haven't been regulated. Clearly it was just an oversight!" was a saying from one bureaucrat. Exocists have been arriving in Gladius to personally destroy any ghosts that will not follow the new rules. One ghosts was sayign that she will drop her ethereal house on said exorcists. Read More... (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?t=588589) Fight of the week: Two local favourites faced off thsi week in the arena. Barthleby and Kracknol were asked to prove to the crowds, that the better one would win. The fight started predictably enough with Barthelby going invisible and turning into an Ice Mephit. Kracknol manifested a few buffs as well, taking into the air to counter the Barthleby's advantage. When the two gladiators finally started to engage each other, Barthleby simply used scrolls and wands to whittle Kracknol down, while Kracknol had a run of bad luck, and just couldn't hit his opponent. Read More... (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=8627167) Shootouts Telveran Trueblade and Morgan had a shootout in the arena, as the flying gladiator had no desire for melee. Telveran proved to be the better archer, as his single shot per round eventually dropped Morgan. Telveran had an archery hit rate of 57% while Morgan had an hit rate of 36% Read More... (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=8564106) Rematch Grik and Zassl fought again this week, as they seem to enjoy fighting each other more than anyone else. Grik managed to continue his winning streak, as Zassl was left complaining about all the barbarians he kept on fighting. Read More... (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=8608503) Solomon fought Gaston Dar'ath in a slightly longer battle. Solomon used his normal tactics of summoning a small army which unfortunately couldn't beat Gaston before his army disappeared. Read More... (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=8358307) Wand Master We are hearby proclaiming Feradeth to be a wand master, as it seems to be his novel way of winning fights. He used 22 charges from 2 wands to put Manzarf into the ground. We wonder if the wand strategy will stay profitable for Feradeth, or will he surprise us next week. Read More... (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=8622284) Monsters Mayhem Perius faced off against 2 gnolls and 2 hyenas, which surrounded and then hammered him into oblivion. While monster fights are a huge draw here, some of the gladiators are complaing that the monster fights aren't always against monsters. Read More... (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=8578890) Samuel, one of the ghostly warriors here, was humbled by the pairing of him versus the scary half-fiend cleric known as Ighrathor. Ighrathor rebuked Samuel and then killed him in melee. If Samuel wasn't already dead, it would of been a messy fight. Read More... (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=8609560) And finally, Noko surrendered to two Bralani who had promised to give her arrows if she would face them in the arena. Noko declined on the date though. The bralani pair, give her some arrows and let her shoot them anyways. The result was the ppor pixie siply not being able to do enough damage. Read Little... (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=8597387) Harvester Record Grows The Harvester managed to keep his winning streak intact with a victory over Karen Douglass. The fight was short, with Harvester staying out of melee and firing poor Karen full of missiles. Unfortunately, Karen had misread the league rules, and was surprised that she wasn't in the level necessary to bring in her pegasus mount, causing her to improvise. Read More... (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=8627079) Nexa Wins Again Nexa continued her winning streak, as she beat up on her fellow guildmate Shakari. Leaving her battered and bruised, Shakari complained about the two-Handed Overhand chop with the quarterstaff that she took that knocked her out. Read More... (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=8636930&postcount=345) Questers Increase More and more gladiators have asked for a three week break on their fights, in order to go on a noble quest. The ones who left Gladius this week are the Archangel Ixenthor, Tatyana, Auburn, Vandelar, Luken, Rook, Morgan and Sdentch. We wish the best luck for them, and if they should find a pen of everlasting ink, to bring it down here for the scribes at Gladius Weekly. Guild Statistic of the week Most Members: WAR: 14 members PSI: 12 Members CEF: 9 Members TAO: 9 Members EHTC: 7 Members Eye: 6 Members TLT: 5 Members WAR and CEF have the most members, while TLT and EYE have the least. Popular Gladiators Mer-Man (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=5179940) (Caterane) (Power Rating 2441) Gundir Malakis (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=5181120) (Kaigan) (Power Rating 1990) The Harvester (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=5179961) (Caterane) (Power Rating 1823) Nexa (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7020028) (Usurpator) (Power Rating 1783) Barthleby (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=5203496) (Pittbull) (Power Rating 1731) Archangel Ixenthor (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=5179942) (Caternae) (power Rating 1564) Talari Leafwhisperer (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=6247491) (Luni) (Power Rating 1548) Almaar (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=8090561) (emeraldstreak) (Power Rating 1522) Vandelar the Red (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=6452290) (SoulLord) (Power Rating 1517) Winners and Losers by SoulLord This reporter made a research through the records of the arena with some interesting information among our active gladiators. Gladiators with More wins. 1st.-Mer-Man: 19-2 9th league 2nd.-Vandelar the Red: 16-7 9th league 3rd.-Lissa Longfellow: 15-9 8th league 4th.-Kracknol: 14-4 7th league 5th.-Dameon Leone: 13-9 8th league Gladiators with most loses 1st.- Perius: 5-17 7th league 2nd.- Ch'ch'ili: 4-14 5th league 3rd.- Greefe 7-14: 6th league 4th.- Rayos Atess: 10-13 8th league 5th.- Tan, Son of Sty: 3-11 4th league Stealing the Spotlight by SoulLord Mercenaries are expensive but that might not be the only reason none have been hired recently. It seems that some mercenaries have been so sucessful, they are stealing the spotlight from their employers. "I prepared the whole week for the fight and I didn't get a chance to do anything my foe was dead before I could get to him... and that's not the worst. The public was chanting the mercs name as if I was the hired help! " Some gladiators have had mixed sucess while others are performing very well. It is said that the requirements to join the mercenaries guild are fierce, with several mercenaries fighting for the right to be featured in a league. I cleaned up your submissions a little SoulLord. :) May 23/06 New Magic Item Regulations In a heated debate over the last weeks, new laws were put into place regulating the use of some magic items in Arena combat. Strangely enough this proposal was originally advanced as an attempt by Va'ria Theladrais to claim exclusive rights of the EHTC to import potions and tattoo's in response to growing demand that could not be met by local producers. When the representative of EYE resisted this proposal, Cali of TAO proposed a limit be imposed on the purchase for personal use of all scrolls, powerstones, potions and tattoo's. With the approval of EYE, WAR and TLT the proposal passed and Va'ria was livid. The Greatest of Gladius City organizers have held a contest to determine the most talented gladosians in several aspects. The week long contests have resulted in clear winners in all categories. The Strongest Gladosian: Validi Reborn (36 Strength) The Most Dexterous Gladosian: Tezca (28 Dexterity) The Hardiest Gladosian: Validi Reborn (22 Constitution) The Most Intelligent Gladosian: Raskos The Jade Father (29 Intelligence) The Wisest Gladosian: Barthleby (26 Wisdom) The Most Charismatic Gladosian: Samuel Highborn (32 Charisma) The Fastest Gladosian: Lord Frost & Saffron Brass (150’ Good Maneuverability fly speed) The Best Wrestler: Validi Reborn (+22 Grapple Check) Little Daisy Unstoppable? After a surprise victory in an epic battle lasting a full 6 minutes earlier today, Little Daisy returns to handily shatter Eraca Moralta’s undefeated record. Today this versatile halfling druid has proven victorious in both the plains and the cavern. Will she win her third battle in a row and capture Great Renown status? Is Kracknol Settling a Score? Over two months ago Kracknol lost to Barthleby and began a series of crushing defeats that have plagued this duergar who was once a favorite of the crowds. For six weeks the once Renowned duergar champion slid in ranking and popularity as he suffered multiple defeats by Barthleby, Cyra Val and Auburn of TAO. However today the duergar has returned with a vengeance in his eyes. He has had consecutive victories over Barthleby and Cyra Val to regain his former Renown. Is Auburn next? Bardic College in Three Woods is Devastated! A small bardic college in the villiage of Three Woods was devastated this week by the efforts of a Delver. The creature undermined the walls of the structure and was driven north of the city by the Master Bard Cernac. The motivations of the creature are a mystery as well as the fate of Cernac and the Delver. July 06/06 New Breakthrough in Magical Research Researchers at TAO announced today a new technique that allows them to use the mystical energies of the Nimbus to aid in the crafting of permanent magical items. It is well know that is generally a very taxing process that often leaves the crafter drained. However secret research at The Arcane Order has been underway for years to tap into the source of energy known as the Nimbus to aleviate this drain. With a recent announcement, researchers have declaired a breakthrough which allows items to be vested with permanent power with decreased draining of the caster's personal energies. Little Daisy in Full Bloom? This newcommer halfling has shown that the smallest among us often have the capacity for the greatest deads. Without a rest between Little Daisy sequentially defeated a rival druid on the same battlefield as a heavily armored dwarven archer, then defeated a famed/reviled elvin archer diviner and most recently orcish raiders in the forests were slain as well. She is the first gladosian in recent history to accomplish such a fantastic day of success. When asked about her accomplishments she replied, "I think this shows that bullies that size does not matter." Her accomplishments have certianly made her very popular and brough Great Renown to herself and TLT. Kracknol and Cyra Join Forces for Gladius! After hunting down and slaying Cyra Val, Kracknol took the broaken body of the slender Xeph to be raised and paid for the services himself. Then saying that his honor had been avenged, Kracknol asked that Cyra aid him with clearing a band of Ogre's that had taken residence in the sewers of Gawane and allied with the gangs ravaging that district. With Cyra's agreement they traveled into the sewers to discover that a Frost Giant had taken leadership of the Ogre Gang. The well equiped gang of brutes overcame the heroes and ransomed them to their guilds. Giant Troubles Brewing Recent reports have come from the far north indicating a large Frost Giant tribe has gained banded together under a powerfull leader. With Gladius still being reconstructed after the Time of Troubles, some leaders though it prudednt toparlay with this threat and ensure the safety of gladius into the future. An ambasidor was sent to the north and returned with news of a freshly inked treaty comming in the near future in the hands of a Frost Giant Ambassator. The document is anxiously anticipated and the Ambassator was expected last week but failed to arrive. Celestial Forces To the Rescue! Two representatives of CEF have slain a Night Hag and her Wraith servants. One of the Assimar's fell in the battle, but the other persisted and killed the Hag with a final blow. The citizen's of Gladius are in debt to the CEF again for the timely dispatch of forces. Honor and Blood Rumors are still comming in and being assembled into a complete story, but there is information that Sir Valkin was ambushed by two dwarven archers a couple of weeks ago. An eye witness account has surfaced and is being performed as entertainment at a local Tavern. Sir Valkin has been unavailable for comment on the truth of the account, but the scene of the battle has been examined by skilled trackers. The expert trackers of the Gladius Weekly have concluded that the popular account is accurate at least in the number of participants, although further details cannot be gathered from weeks old tracks in a field. July 25/06 Guild Property Seized by Gladius Council Forces! This week the streets of Gladius are buzzing with news of the recent military action by forces of the Council of Gladius that have seized all property owned by guilds around the city. The Council has released recent public statements of concern with regard to growing guild power. Specifically they have been increasingly suspicious of Guild activity since The Celestial Expeditionary Forces completed construction of an outpost in Gorthym and began to exercise their influence over the district. Gorthym is the location of the Gladius Palace and location of the Great Hall of Gladius where the Council holds meetings. Rumors of CEF plans to station regiments of troops in Gorthym coupled with the recent loss of several CEF leaders traveling abroad precipitated the current actions. Today's announcement by an unnamed Council Representative states that a "Pre-emptive Strike is necessary to eliminate the threat of private armies to all citizens within the borders of Gladius". New legislation has also been passed by the Council to accompany authorization of military action. Guilds and all non-governmental organizations are prohibited from maintaining or training military forces within the boundaries of the City of Gladius. Coordinated efforts by popular, political and economic leaders of various guilds have secured some concessions from the Council of Gladius. Steadfast permission to train and hire guards to protect property and persons has been inked into law. Also reimbursement for all seized property will be given to the organizations which lost property in this week's military actions. Barghest Terrorizing the Countryside. Recent stories have surfaced indicating a terrible beast is roaming the countryside around Gladius. Unconfirmed reports indicate the creature has already slain a pegasus. Will any champion release the countryside from this specter of threat? Crowds treated to long Slugfest battle. Crowds cheered for a full eleven minutes as two members of WAR fought a rousing battle in the arena this week. Two heavily armed warriors cut and healed each other for over a hundred blows as crowds threw money into the area. Rarely is such quantities of blood spilled in the sand, and the citizens of Gladius reward the combatants with praise. 22nd November 2006 The Gladius Weekly Hag Invasion? There has been several sightings of sea hags in the close surroundings of Gladius. According to a member of Captain Damaran’s crew at the Blue Mermaid, a repulsive hag suddenly appeared on their deck. Luckily it was slain by a group of brave passengers, who were brave enough to withstand the disgusting sight. Within the next days, the crew of a wrecked ship was saved from an island that was thought to be deserted. The men told of terrible monsters, that had risen from the depths to sink their ship. A closer interview with a well-known Gladiosian, Eraca Moralta, revealed that there was not a single hag, but a full covey behind the attacks. Are these the first signs of a coming invasion? PSI gains support in Gauterix The Leader of the PSI consortium, Raskos has been seen in Gauterix with another famous member of the PSI, Gaston Dar’ath. Gladius Weekly held a small street gallup in the area, questioning the motives of PSI. 78% of the inhabitants of Gauterix recognized them as great heroes, hoping to enjoy more of their presence. There were of course the 16% of pessimistic voices, who claimed that their motives were only money and that they are as greedy as any other guild in Gladius. Only 6% couldn’t care less of the subject. Problems in the Zoo? Rumours of escaped beasts in the Gladius Public Zoo were whispered in the Central Gladius, but official announcements deny such happenings. The officials of the Arena confirmed that the warden of the zoo, Wallace Gormon, has hired three gladiators to his service. When asked about this, warden Gormon denied any problems. “The only problem we have had is to find decent labour. The trio that I hired from the Arena didn’t even show up.” Gladius Weekly took a short tour in the Zoo, just to make sure that everything was under control. Things seemed to be perfectly under control and the beasts were well-fed. An ambush in public A new threat to public safety was experienced this week, when the fighting guilds of Gladius rose their ugly heads once again. This time the members of the Warfare Alliance ambushed the otherworldly sorcerer of the Celestial Forces. There weren’t any collateral damage this time, but who knows when we shall see the day when innocent bystanders are the ones who get to suffer because of this rivalry for power. There was also a third group involved in the conflict, a loose organization that calls them The Freedom Fighters. What plans are behind this occasion and the earlier conflict between Celestial Forces and Freedom Fighters, yet remains to be seen. Arena refunds tickets In the arena we saw a battle come to an end, that some have already declared as everlasting. The fight started last week and kept going on until this Friday. The audience had left long before the fight was finished and Noko managed to beat Sunstroke. Why don’t the Arena officials do something about fights like this. This wasn’t a separate case, but is coming more like a habit. We saw almost the same thing in the fight between Ihdald Seaslash and Andurwin Calathos. Luckily the commentator was aware of the situation and kept the audience entertained. A bet behind the curtain? Not all of the fights were without interest, as we witnessed in an epic battle between the team Pestilence and Death challenging Sir Valkin. The battle ended in less than a minute, when Sir Valkin smashed the duo with the help of his horses. Rumours say that there was a serious bet on the outcome of the fight; the loser would be denied from resurrection. If this is true, it is hard to tell. Some of those four dwarves have been seen in the city, but it is really hard to tell because they all look the same. Martial arts An interesting battle was also seen between two monks of different schools, when Toron Brighstar beated the juitsu ou of Ynotar Mihm Eer. After the fight Ynotar called Toron a slippery devil. The fight proved to be an exciting match of two skilled martial artists. A new group rising The Council has admitted a guild status to a new group in Merisia. The new guild calls themselves The Loyalists. Their leader, Lia Mortiniella, has stated that they will return the former rule to Gladius. How they intend to do this remains to be seen, because during the Year of Hell the whole royal line was deceased by Angosh’s reign of terror. Why exactly the Council gave them the guild status, is also a mystery, because the guild so clearly threatens their position. In the future we shall see what comes out of this group in Merisia, but until now they have remained impartial in the roaming guild wars. Instead of supporting new guilds, the Council should be exterminating them. 28th November 2006 The Gladius Weekly Explorers sent to Cradalart’s Tower The informants of The Arcane Order confirmed that they have sent a group to explore the ruins of Cradalart’s Tower south of Gladius. According to Ruster, the Keeper of the Books in the Order, the motive of this expedition is their constant search of forgotten knowledge. Ruster did not comment Gladius Weekly’s questions on the personality of the explorers, but according to a nameless source, they would be the battle wizard Denshi and the mind-mage Loddick Saffrion. Surprisingly, Loddick is known of his connections to The Living Tree. What is the role of the druids in this and what are the true motives of this expedition, remains to be seen if the explorers return. Gladius Weekly reminds that previous explorers of the location in question have never returned from the ruins that are thought to hide riches beyond imagination. WAR and CEF clash again Once again the Gawane district is under hostile activities. The Gladiosian militaristic organizations, Celestial Forces and Warfare Alliance, were trying to resolve their differences in a way that seems typical for both sides. In the middle of things is a loose group called the Freedom Fighters, but it is beginning to look like the motives of the participants are somewhere else. At least they weren’t fighting on the streets, but took the fight underground. Guilds re-establish tax collection A few months ago the Council made a great decision that has improved the lives of Gladiosian citizens. The heavy taxes the guilds were collecting were ceased. But during the last weeks the former decision was voted down and now the guilds have once again started to exploit our fellow citizens. We have already seen several violent incidents when the members of the guilds have gone to collect taxes. How corrupted the Council must be to allow something like this? Capable construction labour needed A sudden need for capable labour has risen in some parts of Gladius. The guilds are constructing new structures for leisure and profit all around the city. The Celestial Forces are spreading their influence into Gawane, even though the area is beginning to look like a war zone after the recent conflicts and rioting that has followed them. Attacks against the construction sites have caused problems to find decent labour in a suitable price in the northern parts of the city. Majority of Gladius’s carpenters and stonemasons have found safer jobs in Lower Merx with PSI Consortium or in Yurunwood with The Living Tree. Employment agents in Kailo report that the situation is normal and that local construction companies have found several groups of sturdy dwarves to work on their sites. A mess at the arena Several gladiators have left the arena empty-handed due to some problems with the pairings. Some matches have even been voided due to this. The arena officials apologize the mistakes that have slipped into the rosters. “We are very sorry for the confusion. Our wizards are working with the pairingsmaker and have already located the problem. They promise that it works next week and creates even more interesting matches than before,” responded the informants of the Arena. Hopefully these “interesting matches” don’t include anymore rematches of Walden the Unseen and our gladiator of the week, Dronnar Darkjof. Quick beatings and long battles This week we saw several interesting fights at the Arena. Some of them ended almost before they started, and others turned into contests of stamina. It didn’t take too long for Tatyana to torch Destra, or Ynotar to smash Vladmir. The fights with multiple combatants took much longer, but in the end Kilpquabjeq managed to beat Ventr and Valen as well as Kervan survived his match against Krug, Torel and Indrithia. Gladiator of the Week: Dronnar Darkjof This week Gladius Weekly introduces Dronnar Darkjof, the hulking warrior of the PSI Consortium. This 320-lb psychic warrior first appeared to chop heads at the Arena in January 2006. Little was known of him at his first entrance, but soon the undeniable strength of the half-giant was on the lips of everyone. His true potential was unleashed when he discovered the ancient artefact, the Psiblade. During the last months however, Dronnar has turned into a more sinister figure. Perhaps the reason for this is his history with another Gladiosian half-giant, Sunstroke. Dronnar was outgrappled by Sunstroke several times and possibly for this reason the darker side of Dronnar has taken him over. Dronnar has bought himself a massive hippogriff, known as Carnage. Dronnar’s favourite tactics is to strike like lightning from the sky, channelling his natural psionic energy through the Psiblade and striking down the unsuspecting opponent. Some say that he uses the help of the Unholy Priests to enhance his weaponry, but no one has introduced any facts to back this up. Fans of Dronnar can spot him in the PSI Consortium, but they should take proper caution when approaching this brutal warrior – especially if you are a half-giant! Vital Statistics: Age: unknown – the editorial staff estimates his age as 35 Height: 7’ 5” Weight: 320 lb Allies: Carnage the hippogriff Manager: DSugui 12th December 2006 The Gladius Weekly A gift from the gods? This weeks most discussed subject has definitely been the secret that slipped from the Arcane Order. Their constant search of knowledge has led them to find an ancient artefact with divine wisdom imbued in it. The Order was arranging an expedition in secrecy to obtain the item to their collection, but someone leaked the information outside the walls of the school. Now every guild is preparing their own adventurers to the search of the mystical artefact. Finally the Order admitted the rumours were true. ”Whoever obtains the artefact, it will be the best of Gladius. That kind of divine wisdom creates an aura around it and those who wish to learn will gain the advantages as long as it's brought inside the walls of Gladius. We just hope that it finds it's rightful place inside the walls of the Arcane Order.” The Heroes of Achos return! Several months ago a group of Gladiosian adventurers set sail towards the southern kingdom of Achos. The kingdom was going through a civil war, that only a short time ago ended when the tyrant king Somodor was slain and the rightful Aerik was crowned as the new king. What part the five citizens of Gladius had in the events, remains shrouded in a cape of mystery. Some rumours claim that they would have been the ones to strike down Somodor, but others claim that it was actually Saemon who they killed. Nevertheless, they were saluted as heroes when they returned. Dragonslayers A few weeks ago two adventures left towards the north with intentions of dragonslaying. According to a former dragonslayer, Jaldegar the One-Armed, they are after a white dragon: “I tell you lad, they are hunting an icy fellow! Aye, that's for sure or they don't call me One-Armed. Believe the word of an old dragonslayer lad, and make sure you don't try to follow them. They'll probably end up eaten anyway...” Wannabe dragonslayers aren't anything uncommon in Gladius, but what makes this duo interesting, is that one of them is actually a dwarf of the Stronghammer clan. The Stronghammer clan is famous of it's generations of successful dragonslayers – as well as not-so-successful dragonslayers that never returned. Yurunwood filled with athletes The Living Tree hosted a competition in the woods west of Gladius. Several Gladiosian participated on the sports event, that tested the strength and agility of the competitors as well as their abilities with horses. After the five stages of the contest, there was no suspicion who the winner was; the host of the competition, Aerryl Nalladar. A crowd of two hundred was gathered to watch the athletes. Some of them suspected, that the contest was pre-arranged and only to promote the arranging guild. On the other hand, most of the people recognized Aerryl as a respected figure, known of her athletic capabilities. Warfare Alliance agitates people against the Celestial Forces The Warfare Alliance's guildmaster spoke this week in the Market Square of Gawane District. His subject matter centered on the efforts of the self-proclaimed "peace-keepers guild" to prevent the Celestial Expeditionary Forces from subjugating the citizen of the district. Many people gathered to listen, packing the large area and rendering the boisterous square abnormally quiet in the midday sun. Hand-painted anti-CEF signs bobbed above the heads of the crowd, revealing the deep-seated hostility held by the population against the invasive northern guild and their recent military actions in this once-peaceful section of Gladius. Gwar spoke at length, detailing the Alliance's actions during the last two weeks and mentioning several guildmembers by name, lauding their heroic actions in the face of insuperable odds. This reporter was able to capture some of the guildmaster's speech via cantrip. "Free Citizens of Gawane, the heroism of these great men and women provide an example the likes of which we can all strive to emulate. For many years the citizens of Gladius have labored under the yoke of the Council's dictates. Before that, the evil Angosh held Her by the neck in his spike-mailed fist. Would you have that grip removed, only to replace it with the constrictive bonds that would be imposed in the so-called "better future" that the Celestial Exeditionary Forces would force on you?" Crowd (chorus): "NO!" "Would you have them tell you how to act? How to raise your children? What you can speak about in public?" Crowd (chorus): "NO!" "I thought not. These few; Monsieur Hood, Ceilia Durrol, and Valek Usher, have labored valiantly to help you maintain your freedom. Can you contribute as much as they? As individuals, perhaps not. Not everyone can wield sword and bow. But even the mother can raise her voice against tyranny. Even the old gaffer can provide wisdom for the young to whet their courage. This is your place, friends. If you won't fight for your freedom, then who will? Will you fight for your homes? Your businesses? Your families?" Crowd (shouting): "AYE!" "I and the Alliance apologize for the intrusions the CEF has forced us to make into your fair district; defensive reactions, all. I would remind you that the Alliance has made every effort to minimize damage to property and injury to citizenry on these occasions, and has met with success both times. Though it is regrettable that such conflicts should have to take place here near your homes, I would ask you all if I might offer this bit of wisdom as a means of explanation and reason for future actions, should they prove necessary. I read now from the Pelorian Book of Healing, a beginner's text. These words can be found in the introduction of the tome. I quote: 'A healer's vocation is one of goodwill and humane action. But even a healer's peaceful vocation is not one that can exist without the drawing of blood. A healer must sometimes do harm and cut her patient; for the healing cannot truly begin until the foreign object is removed from the body.' Citizens, so it is with your fair district today. The invasive presence of the Celestial Expeditionary Forces must be expelled before the healing can begin. The CEF came into your district without cause, murdering the freedom-seeking members of Mayor Hanfgar Hallutin with no regard for his motives or actions. They did not bother to ask you whether or not you agreed with the action. They did not deem it necessary to contact the group to discover their purposes or direction. Seeing the presence of a para-military group that existed outside the law as a threat to their "better future", the CEF came a-murdering, seeking to extinguish the flame of liberty before it could become a fire too large to contain. They care not for any law but their own. The Celestial Expeditionary Forces came to you with fire and sword. The Alliance comes with peace and security, though we must needs fight to establish it. For the sake of your freedom; choose the Alliance." The roar of the crowd at the conclusion of the address could be heard for blocks in all directions. Gwar's speech this week is the second on record. Citizenry spoken to in Gawane seem to be reacting positively to the overtures of the Warfare Alliance's guildmaster, a sharp and marked contrast to the reaction this reporter got when she mentioned the name of the Celestial Expeditionary Force. Marjory Inkwell, reporting from the Gawane District Market Square. [thanks to: The Magister] Gladiator of the Week: Andurwin Calathos This week we get to know another member of the PSI Consortium, Andurwin Calathos. This master of the mind is known of his astonishing mental capabilities. He appeared on the gates of PSI only 4 months ago, but after that his might on the battlefield has become famous. His ability to burn his opponent’s mind in a blink of an eye astonishes the audience every time. Little is known of Andurwin’s past before his arrival in Gladius. He is a master tactician, and this has led some people to believe that he might be a former advisor of the Promethian Army. What has made him move to Gladius, no one knows for sure. Could it be that his ideals didn’t meet with those of the Promethians? Andurwin loves to enter the battlefield well prepared. Usually he burns a few powerstones and then challenges his opponent’s mind. Most often the raging waves of psionic energy he sends burn their minds and turn them into drooling zombies. His tricks don’t stop there, for he is also a skilled archer, with or without his crossbow. Andurwin usually spends his time at the PSI Consortium, pondering his tactical maneuvers. Eager fans might catch him before he leaves the Arena. He usually stops to give some advice to younger gladiators that he finds talented in the art of tactical warfare. Vital Statistics: Age: 133 Height: 5’ 5” Weight: 107 lb Allies: Thalac the single-minded psicrystal Manager: Zelck
Gladius_News_Network 08-12-07, 02:37 AM	City Under Attack Analysis by Vathelokai Greater Gladius Sphere ___In the last week, monsters from the north of the city have attacked regions on the north and east of Gladius. Numerous reports have come in of monsters spontaneously appearing in the city, wreaking havoc, and disappearing. Nearly all sources placed responsibility on the Church of Denth. The Denthians, so far, have not made any public comment. The worship of Denth, believed to be an old and unpopular religion, has resurfaced recently and grown exponentially. From what scarce bits of church doctrine we have uncovered, the priests claim that the surge is part of the Denthian cycle; hordes of priests are summoned by Denth, just as hordes of creatures are summoned by the priests. Church doctrine also points to a philosophy of Oblivion. The current clergy see Denth in It's aspect as Devourer, coming to destroy and create void. A brief interview with Jur of the Valhamya Church of Magic explains something of the Denth armies. "If it's your size or smaller, just run. Odds are it will disappear like an illusion. If it's bigger, find help immediately. Those are usually the type that don't disappear. If it has bat wings and obviously shouldn't, don't bother casting magic on it. "Most Denthian monster are mixtures of elements, demonic forces, and insects. They don't look like that at home, but here they distort to create more fear. So if you're spotting centipedes made of lightning, bat winged spiders, [Jur presents a long list; visit his church for more details] ... then those are most likely Denthian." The Denthian front in the north matches this description for the most part. However, the numbers and placement and type of forces changes on a near hourly basis. It seems the bulk of the fores are located north of Arcadivius in the Eastern region of High Traversam. The assaults have hit random locations, including the docks and headquarters of the East Habari Trading Company, the grain mill and goldsmiths of the Psionic Consortium, the Living Tree's Citadel and their order of aesthetic Inquisitors, and the graveyard of the Celestial Forces. The city has set up blockades and increased the guards in the street to mild effect. The guilds are scrambling to place operatives strategically. Warrior Falls in Luna Marsh Report by Vathelokai Near Luna Marsh, Greater Gladius Sphere ___Northeast of Gladius, the famed womanizer of WAR, Monsieur Hood, was spotted making rounds. Witnesses say that Hood intercepted a shadow riding a nightmare and after a fierce aerial chase, Hood's pegasus was killed, leaving Hood in a 500 ft free-fall. Priests of the Nimbus were called to the scene but were shocked to find Hood alive and well. While they tended to his pegasus, Hood rode north on a borrowed horse to parts unknown. Read More Celetials vs Demons in the Merx Report by Vathelokai Upper Merx, Gladius ___A fight was spotted in the Upper Merx last week. Leading members of the Celestial Forces apparently engaged a group of bat-winged gnomes. Witnesses say that both side summoned swarms of spirits from the ground to attack each other. No property was damaged despite a flurry of fireballs. The Celestials were seen headed east after the battle. Read More Junior associates wanted for gladiatorial battles -- no experience necessary. ===== Due to recent changes in arena rules, an exciting new opportunity is yours to discover! A gladiator of great renown has several entry-level positions open for motivated self-starters looking to break into the fast-paced world of professional bloodsports. ===== Successful applicants would possess some or all of the following: Willingness to suffer bodily harm on employer's behalf. Ability to use dorjes, power stones, wands or scrolls. Spellcasting, manifesting or other magical abilities. Results-oriented personality. Psicrystals, familiar spirits and other allies a definite plus! ===== A little information about us: Newly headquartered in the Arcane Order guildhall in the fashionable Arcadivius region. Unlike the Mercenaries Guild which has a waiting list several months long, paid positions are available immediately. Compensation is competitive (in the 90-100 gp range). A special hiring program is in place for visible minorities (gray elves, forest gnomes, deep dwarves, elans, etc.). No monstrous humanoids, outsiders or giants, please. Ici on parle noniz. ===== Interested applicants should contact Reginald Molehusband c/o the Arcane Order. Serious inquiries only. Emissary from Tegzett Arrives in the City Report by Vathelokai Lower Merx, Gladius ___An emissary from the Tegzett wizard enclave arrived in Gladius a few weeks ago. Rumor has it that the group from Tegzett wished to discuss the running problems with bandits on the trade routes. The emissary, Mrs. Nest Freemark, immediately met with the Psionic Consortium and a party was arranged to scout the trade routes east of Gladius. Diviners say that the group encountered a cave-in, but later returned to the city in good health. Later, Mrs. Freemark was seen at the campus of the Arcane Order, apparently consulting with our local wizards on undisclosed matters. Read More Stone Castle Hovers Over City Report by Vathelokai City of Gladius ___A rare sight was seen this week above Gladius as a floating stone castle flew over the eastern edge of th city. Scouts mounted on pegasai have identified the inhabitants as stone giants. This is not the first giant's castle spotted in recent history. Two years ago, a cloud giant castle made a quick skim by the city, and then out to sea. Interestingly, this castle has lingered near the city. Numerous witnesses have spotted citizens being levitated up to the castle. Mounted scouts have reported crowds of every species on the landing platforms and what appears to be a wrestling tournament among the giants. To our knowledge, no one has made contact with the giants. Rumors that the floating castle is rescuing citizens from an impending Denthian Apocalypse are entirely unsubstantiated. Read More Guild Negotiations Progress Report by TheMagister City of Gladius ___Zwei und'Vierzig, a well-known gladiator and member of the East Habari Trading Company, was seen leaving the Warfare Alliance Stronghold in Central Gladius district by numerous sources in the marketplace that surrounds the Stronghold. Immediately following her visit, representatives from The Celestial Expeditionary Forces and The Living Tree guilds also appeared, concerned about any communication between Gladius' two most volatile power centers. The CEF's representative, Ignatius of Bahamut, met with Kracknol of the Warfare Alliance outside the gates of the Stronghold. The gates had been sealed for guild deliberations, presumably concerning a possible alliance between the EHTC and WAR, and Ignatius had been politely but firmly denied entry by the gate guards on duty. Reputedly, the two gladiators had a history of camaraderie, and had only recently returned to Gladius to find their respective guilds had been embroiled in a hotbed of scandal and conflict. Sources say that the conversation was hardly private, and that Ignatius expressed disapproval with the actions his guild had taken in his absence. Nevertheless, the loyal Ignatius proposed a joint military expedition between the CEF and WAR, aimed at knocking out The Band of the Red Hand, the powerful bandit group that has been heisting valuables and people from merchant caravans for months. Kracknol, who is the most senior member in the Warfare Alliance's rolls, said that he would like to participate and would, except for his duties to WAR's guildmaster, the metal man named Gwar. Their meeting ended with a handshake. The next visitor was not exactly a surprise. Kervan Sheharath, a senior member of The Living Tree, arrived just as Ignatius was leaving. When stopped by the guards and made to wait outside, the nature priest degenerated into a pacing bundle of impatient nerves, and reportedly had words with the captain of the gate. His wait was not protracted. Kervan has now been inside the Stronghold for nearly a full day, and witnesses have reported metalline shouting that has been heard even on the street, and through the newly constructed thick walls that surround the WAR guildhall to boot. Whatever the outcome of these meetings, it is evident that the political forces that move through Gladius are reawakening, for good or ill. The Gladius Weekly will continue to stay atop this developing story, and our Diviners will gather further information as it becomes available. Gaston Dar'ath, Elf, Kinetecist Interview by Saffron Brass City of Gladius ___Our intrepid reporter, Saffron Brass, caught up with Gaston Dar'ath in the Lower Merx for an exclusive interview. Saffron Brass: Gaston! Gaston, hey, Gaston! I gotta ask you some stuff. See, I'm working for the Gladius Weekly now and we need an interview. Gaston Dar'ath: Alright. I suppose. Saffron: Everyone's saying you're the most powerful combatant in the city. Which is strange, since Raskos beat you in the tournament. Not that I put much stock in any of that. But still, you can take anything! How do you do it? Gaston: A little luck, a little skill, and quite a bit of avoiding groups of unbodied with ego whips. Saffron: Wait, so it's like "right time, right place" and stuff? Seriously? Gaston: I think my energy missiles have contributed greatly to my winning ways. Saffron: So, what's with the last name? The editor told me it was the name of a mercenary group from outside the city. Am I pronouncing it right? How do you pronounce it? Gaston: Dar'ath. Saffron: Right, thought so. Where are they from? Gaston: Mainly hailing from Arabel, it's more a clan of mercenaries. Saffron: Where are you from? Gaston: Here and there. Saffron: I hear there are a lot of them [clan Dar'ath members] in the city. I see the name sometimes when I'm reading through the upcoming fights at the arena. You keep up on that? Gaston: Many of them have been unsuccessful in the area, especially in its beginning, but since then they've become more focused on defining ways to win. Saffron: I was talking to some guys that said they met you when you first came to town and they said you were a real hot-head, if you don't mind me repeating it. Gaston: I mind. Saffron: Oh... well, how to say... people say you have become more disciplined ever since joining the Psionic Consortium. Is that what you think? Gaston: Very true. I credit the guildmaster [Raskos] with helping me make that change. Saffron: You're a scribe as your dayjob. Do you do all your work through PSI, or do you do work for the city? Freelance? Gaston: I'm mainly freelance but... you know for a dragon you really have a problem with sitting still. How'd you get this job anyway? Saffron: What kind of relationship do you have with Raskos? He's one of the few people I've seen you with regularly in public, and I've been following you for like a week. A couple bartenders I met in the Lower Merx said you two are close. Gaston: He and I have a good working relationship, he was lucky to beat me in the Iron Man, which he did go on to win. Saffron: Ummm... what do you do for PSI, exactly? Gaston: I leave the day to day operations to those in charge. My role is mainly defense of the chapter-house, and the occasional, how they say "aggressive negotiation". Saffron: You're pretty famous and all, and have lots of power. Do you think you've had any sort of impact on the city, I mean like an emotional impact, not like an energy missile impact. I know you've had plenty of those. Yeah... any affect on the city? Gaston: I'd like to think so, the Dar'ath clan has been around since close to inception in one form or another. We've seen quite a few changes, some positive, some negative. Saffron: Can you really kill people by looking at them? Gaston: *evil grin* I can kill people with my mind. Saffron: Were you born psionic? Gaston: Yes, Saffron: Can I become psionic? Gaston: By god I hope not. Saffron: Why do you think Denth attacked PSI first, out of all the guilds? I mean, Psi is all south and stuff and inside the city. I know they took some shots at the Druids, but It's like they really don't like you. Now the Arcanists, they've been shooting off fireworks in Denths direction for months and it's like Denth don't care, right? So what's getting Psi the special attention? Gaston: Purely unlucky. Not that it'll matter. We'll easily be able to handle Denth. Saffron: Well, other than handling Denth, what are the Psions going to be up to in the near future. Gaston: That's not something I'm at liberty to disclose to the likes of you. Saffron: What personal plans do you have in the near future? Gaston: Hmm. I'm thinking that with my winning personality and stunning looks, I'm going to see if I can't recruit someone to help me out in the area. Those monsters are getting nastier and nastier to fight... Total Number of Matches Brilf Zephyr - 19 won, 16 lost Kracknol - 21 won, 13 lost Izumi - 11 won, 22 lost (tie) Gaston - 25 won, 8 lost (tie) Most wins Gaston - 25 wins Leif - 23 wins Vandelar the Red - 19 wins Winning Percentage (7th level or higher) Longshot - 10 won, 0 lost Ceilia Durrol - 17 won, 1 lost Elrick Flamebrother - 14 won, 1 lost
Gladius_News_Network 08-19-07, 06:10 PM	Arena Report Recap by Grauerholz Central Gladius Arena___As always in times of turmoil, entertainment is at a premium, and the COliseum continues to deliver in style. Packed crowds have caused an increase in battles and sources in the coliseum say that referees are understaffed and overworked. Despite this, everything runs smooth with no up-turn in postponed battles. Highlights from the last few weeks: The four and a half minute sniper battle between Arbin Softfoot and Yakov was the longest in a while. While Arbin was difficult to find, Yakov remained stalwart, repeatedly taking arrows until he found a target. Yakov won in the end despite a number of wounds. The archery battle between Lightwolf Phoenixstar and Maya Redwine turned out a bit more interesting. Maya's horse was quickly disabled, leaving her on foot. Maya showed herself to be a fine sprinter, chasing Lightwolf down. Although she wore him down and caught up, in the end Lightwolfs bow won the fight for him. The free-for-all betweenEraca Moralta, Kracknol, and Valen Sky turned into a powerhouse match up when Eraca could not show up. Valen and Kracknol spent almost a full minute getting ready after the fight officially started. When the two 10 ft warriors glowing with enchantments encountered each other, there was another full minute of flails and greatswords clashing. In the end Kracknol fell. Referee's said that over 30 weapon strikes were counted in 30 seconds. In the battle between Kervan Shenarath and Longshot, Kervan came out strong, blasting away all of Longshot's defenses and showering him with arrows. Longshot responded with a series of firebolts, most causing no damage. After a minute of such exchanges, Longshot penetrated Kervan's defense, and the elf was forced to surrender. In Rubicanti's fight against Enoch the Prophet and Razorfang, Rubi took up a defensive position and barricaded himself in a tree. In a shocking turn of events Razorfang the Worg managed to scamper up the tree and chew up the fire-monk. In another hotly contested fight, Elrick fought 4 Unbodied. The unbodied proved to be powerful psions, erasing Elrick's mind before he could land a blow. A fierce argument erupted at the Coliseum headquarters and after a full day of debate, a rematch was arranged. In the rematch, the Unbodied summoned down a full storms worth of lightning around Elrick, but Elrick dodged most of it. Their powers spent, the unbodied faded away, leaving Elrick the victor. In a amazing showing, Lady Liara defeated Gakhnalak Strongjaw. Gakhnalak, previously undefeated, The small woman charged in to fight the orc wielding a sword nearly as large as herself. Gakhnalak managed to knock her off her mount, but could only hit her once before he was taken down. In the strange battle of Longshot and Lord Lorian against Sammuel Highground, well known ghost of the PSI Consortium, Longshot and Lorian won but some highly unorthodox tactics. Lorian used his telekenetic mental powers to hold the ghost in place while Longshot blasted away on Sam with lightning. The duo managed to disperse the ghost, though Longshot came away from the fight nearly unable to talk and looking very pale. Read More Letter to the Editor Opinion by Reverends Parker, Barrow, Cotton, Haarmann, and Petiot City of Gladius___Much has been said of the Denth attacks, but let us look at the facts. So far, the Denth 'armies' have not attacked the citizens or structures of Gladius. They have made no moves against the Council, the real ruling body of the city. They have caused minor damage to the money making enterprises of the guilds. They have attacked the holdings of the Celestial Forces, but not any other representatives of the Pantheon. Furthermore, the Church of Denth has been repeatedly attacked by the Arcane Order and the Warfare Alliance. As we see it, Denth is providing a service that the city has been unable to. The guilds have had too much power since the re-founding after the Year of Hell. We encourage all religious folk of the city to embrace Denth into the City Pantheon. Not only does it fit our virtues as a free city, it represents your interests as free citizens. Famed Dragon Hunter Departs for the East Analysis by Vathelokai North-East Habari Sultanate___Sources close to the Celestal Forces report that Erithmu Darkmane has again left the city with Bulgar Stronghammer in persuit of dragons. Their destination is believed to be north east Habari. Bulgar is notoriously secretive about his ventures, but information from Habari indicates that only blue dragons live in the region. Bulgar's reputation as a dragon hunter has grown quickly in the six months he has lived in Gladius. Letters of gratitude have been sent to the paper from locations as remote as Promethia, High Forest, and the Frozen North. We have also recieved letter, presumably from the representatives of dragons, deriding Bulgar a an oportunistic murderer of the young. Defenders of Bulgar have citied his history of hunting dragons in the act of attacking innocent citizens, and point to Gladius's local dragons as proof Bulgar's discernment. Read More No Flying Castle over Gladius? Correction by the Editor Kingdom of Promethia___In our previous issue, we reported that a flying castle was spotted over eastern Gladius. We received a flurry of mail on the issue, claiming no sightings and requests for the location of the Invisible Castle. We deeply regret this misinformation. The flying citadel was spotted over eastern Promethia, a weeks journey south of Gladius.
Gladius_News_Network 09-04-07, 01:19 AM	Arena Report Recap by Grauerholz Central Gladius Arena ___Highlights from the last few weeks: The battle between Maya Redwine and a Hill Giant was quick and not nearly as exciting as billed. After the standard start of potion drinking, the giant moved in to attack. Maya simply stared at the huge dummy, then it fell over. Longshot vs Kraegin was another suprisingly short battle. Kraegin took up a defensive position and attempted to curse Longshot and his mount. Despite his protections, Longshot was able to blast Kraegin to pieces very quickly with mindfire. In the battle of Kargoth and Eámanë Oronrá, Eámanë took a similar strategy to Longshot, repeatedly blasting Kargoth. Kargoth simply ran through the hail of fire and lightning, and knocked Eámanë down with a sporting charge. Kargoth proceeded to dominate, refusing to let Eámanë off the ground. In a flashy monster battle between Valen Sky and an invisible, psionic, spellcasting Lammasu, there was lots for the crowd to enjoy but little for Valen. Valen took up defense on a statue surrounded by lava, while the Lammasu circled using ineffective psionic powers on Slayer. The Lammasu kept up the assault until it ran out entirely of offensive magic, then began circling, beating Valen around the head as it passed. Valen peppered it with arrows, but didn't have the endurance to prevail. In a battle that drew big crowds, Corruptor fought the ghost of a will-o-wisp. Corruptor had one spell that would work on the ghost, and used it liberally while his allies protected him. The ghost orb weathered the assault and absorbed all of the Corruptor's strength. Afterwords, the Corruptor was seen in the administrative area and rumor has it that he may have left the arena for good. Maya Redwine was defeated after an impressive winning streak when she fought 2 lower ranked gladiators, Tiris Rush and Kathren Durrol. Maya approached cautiously, firing arrows until she could get to melee. But before she could make a good show with her greatsword, she was caught off guard by a laughter spell. He good friend and fellow warrior Vilas Caeldrim tried to hold the opponents back, but was unsuccessful. In another battle of great renown warriors, Gakhnalak Strongjaw vs Lady Liara, Gak returned himself to public favor after his highly publicised loss last month. Liara rode in on her hippogriff, completely out of the range of Gak and his ally Blurg. With some luck, they brought down the hippogriff, leaving Liara at their mercy. Suprisingly, Liara showed incredible defensive skill, holding them off for a full minute before Blurg landed a killing blow. Read More Dragon Hunter Returns from Habari Report by Kathryn Nicous (http://forums.gleemax.com/member.php?u=329610) North-East Habari Sultanate ___Sources at the Celestial Expeditionary Forces reported that Erithmu Darkmane returned from his trip to the Habari desert. While he was unavailable for comment due to an impending Denth attack, he was briefly seen with a handful of blue scales. Bulgar Stronghammer has not been seen in the city as of yet. The trade caravan that Erithmu returned with said that the dwarf and elf parted company in Promethia, with Bulgar heading east to find some of his brothers and see how their hunting goes. The interviewed members also indicated that the dwarf was in high spirits and that the dragon was slain. Erithmu has never been known to deny us an interview but we suspect that the pressing matter of the Denth attacks took priority. We look forward to an interview when his duties are fulfilled. Read More New Hope for the Stronghammer Clan Opinion by Tan Son of Sty City of Gladius ___The Stronghammer family is known for a long and illustrious history of dragon slaying as well as their piety in the faith of Grantis, dwarven God of Strength and Protection. Their reputation suffered not long ago with the disappearance of Daeren Stronghammer. A popular gladiator in the arena, Daeren was last seen traveling to the far east in the company of a brass dragon and an archer from the Celestial Forces. The entire troupe was believed to have died at the claws of Cillansha (http://forums.gleemax.com/wotc_archive/index.php/t-567038), an elder blue dragon. The noble nephew of that illustrious gladiator, Bulgar Stronghammer, has recently proven his worth by slaying one of Cillansha's clan in the North East Habari Desert wastes. All hail the conquering hero! All Hail the Dragon Slayer Bulgar! New Generation of Heros Protects the City Opinion by Rauul City of Gladius ___With the Arena's heavy hitters out trying to stop the spread of Denth, newcomers have stepped up to clean the Denth trash from the Streets. Pander Skunk-eye, Diana Valassar, Rennae Longhollow, and Brother Ryu all stepped up and intercepted the Denth as they attacked the various Guilds. Three Cheers for our Newest Heros. Destruction in the City Report by TelinArtho City of Gladius ___Over the last three weeks the Denth attacks have been repelled as much as possible, but the fact remains that they are causing destruction everywhere. No word yet on the expeditions to the north of Gladius, but the people of Gladius are hopeful that the attacks will be done soon. That said, there is word that even more attacks are coming, though how many and to what location only Denth and the fortune tellers may know. The Warfare Alliance and the Arcane Order seem to be the least targeted by the attacking armies. Speculation is wide about the reasons why. One particular individual ventured to guess that Denth was afraid of the two guild who have fought against their presence for so long. Most feel that it is only a matter of time until there are attacks against all of the guilds. In terms of destruction, the gate between Duken Marina and Gawane was nearly completely torn down, while the fountain in Gawane has proven completely inoperative. Most of the other structures have weathered the beatings dealt to them, but with more attacks on the way it is more of a question of outlasting the hurricane rather than beating back the waves. To date, a total of 12 attacks have been reported, but only 5 have been successfully repelled. 1200 (PSI Gladius Park Grain Mill) 960 (EHTC Duken Marina-Gawane Gate) 960 (PSI Lower Merx Goldsmith) 960 (EHTC Villis Guildhall) 960 (TLT Dragor Mounds Fortress) 1200 (TLT Yurynwood Fey Village) 774 (CEF Gawane Fountain) Elder God Visits Gladius Report by Erithmu City of Gladius ___It was rumored that one of the old Gods came to visit Gladius. After wandering around the city for the better part of a day she visited the Council to offer help where help was needed. Many members on the Council were taken aback by this and responded with cries of ‘Kill Her!’ One dwarven council member sprang from his seat with a large warhammer and took the first swing, only to find that she had teleported away to avoid it. No new reports have been filed as to the whereabouts of the God called Shadow, but if you see her, be nice, say hello and then when you are close enough, swing your warhammer. Read More (http://forums.gleemax.com/showthread.php?p=13600071&pp=2)