Spirit of Competition?

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Spirit of Competition?

Post by DoS Archive » Mon Oct 18, 2004 1:24 pm

From: gnrtdrgoon@aol.com (GnrtDrgoon)
Date: 15 Nov 1999 05:50:26 EST



Where is it?

What does it mean to you?

Do you enjoy it?

Would you like to see more of it?


Where is it?
It's in all of us. It's human.. and well, whatever race you are, nature. We're all born with that spirit. It's part of what makes us who we are in an effort to better ourselves, I think.

What does it mean to you?
It means that there will always be something to go for. To see if I am better than I think I am. It means that I'll always be able to strive in an effort to enjoy whatever I'm competing against someone for.

Do you enjoy it?
Hell yeah. Who doesn't? There's people who compete, and if they always lose, they may not enjoy it as much as I do. If you win, you either become bored with your success, or get a huge ego cause you're so good. Me, I'm above average, I think. But there are quite a few people who I lose to on a regular basis. Lupton, for example, or Jeff. I've a losing record against Lupt that's pretty bad, and against Jeff, it's absolutely rediculous about how
many times I've lost to him. But I enjoy competing against them cause I know I can win, and I've won a few times against them, so I know I can. But every time we duel, it's a new one, and the competition of "Can I win this time" is a big thing.

Would you like to see more of it?
Of course, who wouldn't? Personally, I think the mentality of the Arena patrons is "Me, Me, Me" instead of "Us" I feel that an actual feeling of competition is lacking. Everyone is uptight about dueling for themselves, or dueling just for rank. What's happened to making "Rivalries?"

I would say that right now I don't have an actual rival, myself. Doesn't hurt me from trying to create one, but noone has been biting. Although Avery and I actually do have an astounding record against each other, we're incredibly even, despite one or two pretty nasty duels where I got crushed. But we still have a majority of 5-4 duels. I even made a chart on our duels so we could see how we rate against each other. It was amazing to see how our
numbers looked. So I guess he's closest thing I have for a rival.

What about the rest of you? What do you say? I'm interested in hearing your thoughts on the Spirit of Competition. And, Friendly Rivalries.

Who is your rival in the Ring?
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Post by DoS Archive » Mon Oct 18, 2004 1:25 pm

From: leducblanc@aol.com (LeDucBlanc)
Date: 15 Nov 1999 13:37:45 EST

Competition is measuring yourself against both yourself, and the most competent opponents available. It is part education, part recreation, part socialization. Real competion is based in respect for the abilities of your competitors (otherwise why do you compete with them) and confidence in your own abilities. Competition is a noble endeavour, and even if one does not win one often still betters one's
self. Likewise, competion brings out the best in those one competes with, as well.
The spirit of competition is properly expressed as the sporting pursuit of excellence. This is a constant pursuit, because excellence can never truly be achieved. There will always be someone better, no matter how good you get. Someone will always be able to beat you, by a fluke if nothing else.
Rivalries bring out the best, and sometimes the worst, in the rivals. During competition, rivals give each other their best effort, every time. A friendly rivalry allows two people to continually test themselves against each other and improves both rivals, as people and as competitors. An unfriendly rivalry can bring out some of the worst parts of human nature, but still brings out the best efforts in every contest.
Do I have any friendly rivalries? Well, I used to very much enjoy dueling Dalamar. The total of our duels was very close, and most of them ended reasonably close as well. Avery and I enjoy dueling as well, I think. I probably have more, these days, in the TDL than the DoS. Especially since I retired. I love dueling Merewyne, and hope to get another chance this season.
I hope some of that helps, G.







Duc Percival Marchand de Clermont

Captain, Rising Stars

The White Duke
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Post by DoS Archive » Mon Oct 18, 2004 1:25 pm

From: dreystarke@aol.com (DreyStarke)
Date: 15 Nov 1999 16:02:38 EST


I'll duel for satisfaction. I even teach when asked, and I love dueling all in itself. I love the swords inside-out. Nothing compares to it.

Spirit of Competition? I'll admit I don't like losing 'constantly' all the time, but as I've grown I've learn to accept that competition involves a certain heart to run with it. To keep up with it. For the example; the usual Tournament winners and Challenges. The consistent ones.
A good sport. I personally enjoy it when the opponent is outwardly amused. I hate it when they throw tantrums, and rush out without a curtsey. Myself, I try and enjoy it to the fullest.
Challenge matches are my favorites, for each duelist bust their arse just to gain stature. Pursuing something that took a lot of time and effort to reach that level. This is why I'm fond of long lasting Barons/Overlords. The ones that withstand several challenges. Ajay, Zafiroo, Magnus, and whomever. The competition to reach a certain height.

Rivalry? I'd say it is either Cas or Simini. I've dueled Cas atleast nine times and he has beaten me about five times and I've defeated him about four (Two in one night! ;) ). Most of the scores were outstandingly close. He usually tops me, anyhow.
Simini too. We've only dueled three times, considering the challenge match. I've tied her, defeated her, and lost to her. Won 5-4, lost 5-3, and tied 6-6. I believe we tied first, then I won, then she won. So we're due for another go in the ring, I suspect.

I'm coming, Simini!



- Drey D'erest Sanchez Starke
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Post by DoS Archive » Mon Oct 18, 2004 1:25 pm

From: clkdmenace@aol.com (ClkdMenace)
Date: 16 Nov 1999 17:07:50 EST

Hmm. I should have a rival by now, but no single duelist comes to mind anymore. It's a little depressing ...
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Post by DoS Archive » Mon Oct 18, 2004 1:25 pm

From: shivblade@aol.com (SHIV BLADE)
Date: 16 Nov 1999 17:58:43 EST

>Hmm. I should have a rival by now, but no single duelist comes to mind
>anymore. It's a little depressing ...
>

Cause your old......

...... Old man

As written by Christopher for

Avery
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Post by DoS Archive » Mon Oct 18, 2004 1:25 pm

From: sartanz@aol.com (Sartan Z)
Date: 18 Nov 1999 15:01:56 EST

I think the single person I most enjoy dueling is Jeff. He knows why.

~S
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Post by DoS Archive » Mon Oct 18, 2004 1:26 pm

From: zafiroo@aol.com (Zafiroo)
Date: 22 Nov 1999 12:31:22 EST


As a rival I would have to say Cletus..I always beat him, but he keeps it close and runs his mouth which I think is very funny.
My best duel was against Deagarth in a challenge match and he would be one I would love to meet in the rings again.
Avery is another I enjoy dueling, but I dont consider him a rival, but more of a teacher.

Zafiroo Turidan
Baron of the First
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Post by DoS Archive » Mon Oct 18, 2004 1:26 pm

From: simini@aol.com (Simini)
Date: 27 Nov 1999 17:01:56 EST

Simini too. We've only dueled three times, considering the challenge match. I've tied her, defeated her, and lost to her. Won 5-4, lost 5-3, and tied 6-6. I believe we tied first, then I won, then she won. So we're due for another go in the ring, I suspect.

I'm coming, Simini!

She smiled as she read Drey's words, and quickly penned a response.

Indeed, Drey... and I will be sure to extend a "curtsey" when we have finished.

~ Sim
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