A notice of Retirement.

[DoS Archive]

From: perrinis@aol.com (Perrinis)
Date: 28 Dec 1998 06:48:53 EST

Perrinis Alabaser checked the message board for what may be the last time. Not because of terminal illness for any such malediction on the part of the General, but more in a stern resolution to never again dirty his fingers with the pages so tarnished with ignorance, petty grievances and lack of any sort of sportmanship and comradery. To read a missive was to engage in an intense bout of eye-rolling and perhaps, a
cursory sigh. The endless arguments blended into each other, to where there was no remarkable difference, only circumstance to punctuate the beginning of yet another quarrel.

The not-so-young General now agreed on a point with his former wife: He did not want his daughter dueling after all. Tearing a piece of paper from the pad, he sat at one of the provided tables in the Dueler's Arena, and set a pen to task.

To those that remain,

There is a deep shadow hanging over the ring of old, a ghastly, spectral composite of undesirables. The dueling stock has grown petty and inbred, a loss of luster that may never be shaken from the Histories. Even now, undoubtedly the quarrels continue, in the minds and hearts of those who might, in a better time, compete for glory and honor among the Lion's share of our society's genteel hosts. That which was, in the memories of
yesteryear, has been undeniably lost among this center of All.
Where has the Epic grace of our ranked Nobility gone? Where is the esteem for those brave and skilled, gallant and strong, that hold the Treasured Rings, and above them, the Blessed Crown? Like a painful cancer, time and entropy have claimed our Rings, unseen to some and all to shamefully evident to others.
I point to the ideal of Respect, so many times debated before, so few times understood in recent minds. Where is the respect for the Champions of this sport, where is the respect for the mass of dueling hopefuls? It has been washed away in a tide of cruel words and hubris, even among the upmost ranks of the Duels. Fading memory can attest to times when even the resident villains and ruffians of the rings were treated with all that was due
their skills and triumphs. Few would treat any dueler with the crude slings and arrows so displayed as commonplace today. It surprises me none that so few of those duelers who knew better days remain today. Moreover, those who hold titles of esteem now sully them in dust and poor favor, infighting through flimsy allegiances and still more flimsy friendships. They are no example to neonates among the rings, so it is no mean shock that duelers who yet
rise among rank are so startlingly without core, without inspiration and without that sense of heriocism and sportsmanship that was once standard.
I point to the curse of Mediocrity, and Apathy, which have afflicted so many. Gone, long gone indeed, are the epic quests and tales of time past. I fear that never again shall this community be shaken and moved as one by the critical turns of the past; indeed, if nothing can unify the duelers, for good or for ill, then this ceases to be any manner of community, only a squabbling arrangment of poor fellows who have no ties to another
save their anger and malevolance.
With sadness for the loss of what has passed, in this, I turn my back upon the Rings. I shall not cross arms with those who do not understand nor care for what I hold dear.


This, consider my retirement from these fallen rings.

Signed, with heavy hand:
-General Perrinis Alabaster

The note is left on the table next to the boards, and the General, who's heart has aged yet a little more, exits the arena.

[DoS Archive]

From: cygnetsera@aol.com (CygnetSera)
Date: 28 Dec 1998 21:06:14 EST

The angel studies the General's note, placed with deliberate care on the table beside the ancient board.

Touching the note, sensing his sadness, she vanishes to go look for him, a place in her heart still his.

[DoS Archive]

From: sidarthae@aol.com (Sidartha E)
Date: 29 Dec 1998 21:36:11 EST

Perri, my friend~

Leaving will not lift the shadow from the Arena. However, as much as I'd like to see you stay, it seems that it would be best for you to go live your life for a while. Good luck in your endeavors, and don't hesitate to return, should your feet start itching for the feel of the sands of the rings. Be well and be happy.

Your friend,
~Sid

[DoS Archive]

From: occurs@aol.com (Occurs)
Date: 30 Dec 1998 04:53:56 EST

Perri,

Nae much ta say, but that ya be missed and that ta candles burn in ta windows till ya return.

Summer

[DoS Archive]

From: jakemheart@aol.com (JakeMHeart)
Date: 30 Dec 1998 09:14:56 EST

What cnadles in the windows? ::Lost::



-------)> Jake HEART :)

[DoS Archive]

From: jakemheart@aol.com (JakeMHeart)
Date: 30 Dec 1998 10:06:38 EST

::Scratches out cnadles and writes candles in its place::

[DoS Archive]

From: casmaxim@aol.com (Cas Maxim)
Date: 31 Dec 1998 04:10:15 EST



The ones that light your home because you can not afford electricity, Jake




Cassius Gaius Maximius
Laylla's husband.
Roman pretorian
Master at Arms in DoS
Mage in DoM

[DoS Archive]

From: casmaxim@aol.com (Cas Maxim)
Date: 31 Dec 1998 05:17:30 EST



::Shakes head::: I don't know what demon possessed me to say that.....sorry.




Cassius Gaius Maximius
Laylla's husband.
Roman pretorian
Master at Arms in DoS
Mage in DoM