From: redzealot@aol.com (Red zealot)
Date: 18 Jan 1998 23:14:27 EST
To the DoS in general,
I write this missive for a number of reasons, one of them being to ease the sorrow in my heart and the other to inform those of you who have not been present in this sport long enough about things that affect my response to this challenge. I pray that you will bear with me, young and old, open you eyes and heart and try to understand a person you know nothing about.
A long time ago there was an overlord by the name of Gnimish, by the end of his tenure he was possibly the most dislike and least respected overlord this sport has ever seen or will ever see again. This was brought about by what people termed "constant whining" and his own lack of confidence in his own abilities as a dueler. I can honestly say that his reign was not what it should have been and it indeed left a sour taste for the overlordship in
my former lord mouth.
People read my letter and have the nerve to comment on my response to my former lord assuming they have the faintest clue as to what they speak. I tell you this is not so! You speak from lack of information and out of friendship for Gnimish. Although I rejoice that my former lord has found a strong following within the newer factions of the DoS I would expect him to tutor them on some form of civility when speaking to myself.
For you see, I was always among gnimish's greatest supporters while he was overlord.
You speak of outrage because I would throw friendship by the wayside for a simple honest challenge between friends? I feel that it is my *duty* to be outraged at my former lords lack of respect for one of his most unswerving of supporters. You see, I value loyalty above all other virtues, I also learned the pain of betraying loyalties in the past. One thing I have always strived for is the virtue of honesty and dedication in my friends.
My brother Nova Shayde has expressed anger and sadness at my response to my former lords challenge and compares his challenge to this one. I tell him now that he (Nova) and I had not the history that my lord Gnimish and I have had in the past. One must not compare apples and oranges when examining bananas. Nova and I shared a common bond as warriors at a difficult time in the life of this sport, I love him as a sibling because he was willing to
forgo the limelight and duel me in relative privacy while a political scandal raged on in another room. For that I will always love him.
I have to strongly resist the urge to chide people like Lady Aja who feel compelled to comment on things they have no knowledge (admittedly) of. Gnimish and I have not a friendship! I gave him my loyalty instead. For my to give my loyalties to a person means I feel more deeply for that person than mere friendship, it means my life is willingly forfiet for their protection, something most of you could not comprehend, let alone give yourselves.
You call this a game? A sport? I call this the essence of life itself! To give oneself for the safekeeping of another is how I was brought up, the Vallichi covenent would accept no less. I am a warrior born and bred and I give myself not easily to any man. This is an instance when only the oldest of my sister can truly see the meaning of my words. My mentor Siera Red would never betray a friend nor turn on her lord and having always been one with
the same goals I will strive to carry her ways onward even though she is long gone from our world.
So I pray tell you not to comment on the present when the lifeline of the arguement stretches well into the past. Loyalties given are loyalties earned....I give no less and demand the same.
I speak long of the sancity of the ring I hold, it's lineage is short yet strong, it is the purest by far of all the rings. I have made my lifes focus to see that the purity and sanctity of this sport I do love is reflected in the holders of this ring. Although most other rings are treated like a barroom doxy, I have striven to keep this one bauble, this one piece of jewelry exempt from this mistreatment. For the it is just a ring but what it
represents is so much more than most can fathom, it stands for all that is good and sacred in my life and my love of this sport, or what I loved of it at one time.
As I part from this missive I leave those of you that would respond to my letter ina negative way a warning. I seldom speak, I seldom argue my point, I rarely try to make myself one with the public eye. I am a quiet woman of many simple vitues, but if you cross me or verbally abuse me without proof or lack of knowledge again I will do more than write my feelings on parchment for you to see. You will indeed learn how swift and true Justicant can
strike. That is no bluster, it yet remains an unfulfilled promise, make me not prove myself.
I am:
Adeena Maeax,
The Red Zealot,
Baroness.
Of my challenge.
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From: missliiy@aol.com (Miss LiIy)
Date: 19 Jan 1998 00:50:56 EST
::reads her note and nods::
Adeena~
I owe you an apology. Sorry, I jumped to conclusions.
~Lily Lesprit~
Date: 19 Jan 1998 00:50:56 EST
::reads her note and nods::
Adeena~
I owe you an apology. Sorry, I jumped to conclusions.
~Lily Lesprit~
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From: iainmacknz@aol.com (IainMacKnz)
Date: 19 Jan 1998 02:53:20 EST
Baroness, and Sister~
I must confess that I had intended to remain silent, knowing that not only would you possibly be shamed by support, but that did you feel the need, you would speak your own heart and mind.
However, the words left elsewhere by William leave me with a sense of shame, for having made a statement in regard to two other instances, but remaining silent on this matter, as it leaves the impression that I may be participating in a hypocrisy, accusations of which he directed elsewhere.
As one who was keenly aware of your loyalty to the former Overlord when he and I stood as enemies, I must strenuously support the truth in your words, and offer understanding as to your feeling of betrayal. Loyal to a fault to Lord Gnimoi when he held this sport's highest position, you withstood recriminations for said support with grace, and it saddens me to see him repay your loyalty with a challenge that - to all appearances - he issues because
he has nothing better to do.
Further, Lord Gnimoi has made mention of departing this realm once again - to the point of causing the captain of his dueling team to be concerned about her ability to field a roster week-by-week - and I find it galling that he would issue challenge under those conditions. If he does, indeed, intend to remain and represent his position should he earn it, that is a different matter, but one can only make suppositions of this nature from the knowledge
one already possesses.
Still, the challenge has been issued, and presumably will proceed. I have faith that you will prevail, as Justicant has always struck true in the name of that which is, appropriately, just. As always, Sister, even when our loyalties have been at cross purposes, you have my full support... indeed, as I have always felt returned in kind.
Iain MacKenzie
Lord Tynsdale
Prince Consort, New Mountainside
Warlord and Thrice-Baron of the Duel of Swords.
Date: 19 Jan 1998 02:53:20 EST
Baroness, and Sister~
I must confess that I had intended to remain silent, knowing that not only would you possibly be shamed by support, but that did you feel the need, you would speak your own heart and mind.
However, the words left elsewhere by William leave me with a sense of shame, for having made a statement in regard to two other instances, but remaining silent on this matter, as it leaves the impression that I may be participating in a hypocrisy, accusations of which he directed elsewhere.
As one who was keenly aware of your loyalty to the former Overlord when he and I stood as enemies, I must strenuously support the truth in your words, and offer understanding as to your feeling of betrayal. Loyal to a fault to Lord Gnimoi when he held this sport's highest position, you withstood recriminations for said support with grace, and it saddens me to see him repay your loyalty with a challenge that - to all appearances - he issues because
he has nothing better to do.
Further, Lord Gnimoi has made mention of departing this realm once again - to the point of causing the captain of his dueling team to be concerned about her ability to field a roster week-by-week - and I find it galling that he would issue challenge under those conditions. If he does, indeed, intend to remain and represent his position should he earn it, that is a different matter, but one can only make suppositions of this nature from the knowledge
one already possesses.
Still, the challenge has been issued, and presumably will proceed. I have faith that you will prevail, as Justicant has always struck true in the name of that which is, appropriately, just. As always, Sister, even when our loyalties have been at cross purposes, you have my full support... indeed, as I have always felt returned in kind.
Iain MacKenzie
Lord Tynsdale
Prince Consort, New Mountainside
Warlord and Thrice-Baron of the Duel of Swords.
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From: gnimishrw@aol.com (Gnimish RW)
Date: 19 Jan 1998 06:16:24 EST
::Reads Adeenas' post, thinking to himself before tacking up a little note::
Baroness,
My apologies if I have offended you with this simple challenge. It is not, nor was it ever, my intention to show disrespect toward you in any way, shape, or form. Perhaps you are correct, that I had failed the Overlordship in the past, and am now proceeding to challenge one of my greatest supporters, seemingly in folly. I didn't want this sort of fight over such a thing, truly. I thought that you would actually welcome such a challenge
from me, knowing it was not made with malicious intent or the like, but it seems I was wrong.
And to the rest of you, my friends...The Baroness is right, you've all little reason to berate her for this reaction. Many of you were not even around during the time that I was Overlord, and as much as I appreciate your support, I am afraid I must ask you to keep such opinions about Adeena to yourself. This was never to be a match that would produce such squabbling, or create a rift between myself and supporters I loved from long ago.
But, in the end, I will go through with this challenge. Regardless of the outcome, though, just know that I will still respect you to the utmost. And despite my seemingly bad memory, I still appreciate your support those years ago...I'm truly sorry you feel it all has to end this way.
-Gnimish Gnimoi
::Wanders off, thinking "I really need to stay away from these damn boards!"::
Date: 19 Jan 1998 06:16:24 EST
::Reads Adeenas' post, thinking to himself before tacking up a little note::
Baroness,
My apologies if I have offended you with this simple challenge. It is not, nor was it ever, my intention to show disrespect toward you in any way, shape, or form. Perhaps you are correct, that I had failed the Overlordship in the past, and am now proceeding to challenge one of my greatest supporters, seemingly in folly. I didn't want this sort of fight over such a thing, truly. I thought that you would actually welcome such a challenge
from me, knowing it was not made with malicious intent or the like, but it seems I was wrong.
And to the rest of you, my friends...The Baroness is right, you've all little reason to berate her for this reaction. Many of you were not even around during the time that I was Overlord, and as much as I appreciate your support, I am afraid I must ask you to keep such opinions about Adeena to yourself. This was never to be a match that would produce such squabbling, or create a rift between myself and supporters I loved from long ago.
But, in the end, I will go through with this challenge. Regardless of the outcome, though, just know that I will still respect you to the utmost. And despite my seemingly bad memory, I still appreciate your support those years ago...I'm truly sorry you feel it all has to end this way.
-Gnimish Gnimoi
::Wanders off, thinking "I really need to stay away from these damn boards!"::
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From: gnimishrw@aol.com (Gnimish RW)
Date: 19 Jan 1998 06:20:44 EST
::Tacks up another one under the first note::
Iain,
Just to let you know, with regards to me departing this realm, that is rather old news. I already left, returned home, and have come back to RhyDin...So yes, If I do emerge victorious, I intend to hold and defend the ring accordingly.
-Gnimish Gnimoi
Date: 19 Jan 1998 06:20:44 EST
::Tacks up another one under the first note::
Iain,
Just to let you know, with regards to me departing this realm, that is rather old news. I already left, returned home, and have come back to RhyDin...So yes, If I do emerge victorious, I intend to hold and defend the ring accordingly.
-Gnimish Gnimoi
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From: beliedame@aol.com (BelIeDame)
Date: 19 Jan 1998 15:35:55 EST
The faery quietly reads the the missive from the Baroness, taking to heart all that is said.
Her gaze is fixed and pensive as she gathers her thoughts. Not one to be able to claim any true friends in Rhydin, she is one who is able to understand the nature of loyalty.
The meadow succubus, Belle, leaves scattered upon the ancient board a handful of glittering faery dust that catches the light like sapphires. Upon close inspection, the glitter delivers her personal thoughts on the subject at hand.
When I think of loyalty, I think of a steadfast ideal. That ideal applied to the Overlord and his loyal barons is one that embraces the very core of allegiance regarding the structure of the DoS. I don't believe anyone has to consider friendship in regards to being loyal. Loyalty has a deep root that taps into ones soul. It serves as fodder to keep the DoS a place where honor, chivalry and respect lay open on
the playing field...where dishonor and disrespect go hand in hand with the dark nature of the beast, perhaps keeping the field level.
Loyalty breaths deep when it is true. The Baroness Adeena's words ring with a profound truth that all in these hallowed halls should cleave to. Be you loyal to the Overlord or be a renagade loyal to the cause of sedetion. In Warlord Gnmoi's challenge, he has abandoned the bond of loyalty once held in reverence between himself and the Baroness. Though his motives be of little concern to me, that he would challenge to take the ring from one that
honored him with unwavering loyalty, and, with such little regard to the very heartbeat of loyalty itself, does indeed draw the dividing line. One could not expect anything less than hurt and dismay from the Baroness.
If my position in this realm were one of importance, I would kneel before, and implore the Overlord to intercede on behalf of the Baroness, in the name of loyalty.
BelIe Dame
Faery of the Mead
House Questrion
Sanctioned TDL Caller
Sans Merci
bd
Date: 19 Jan 1998 15:35:55 EST
The faery quietly reads the the missive from the Baroness, taking to heart all that is said.
Her gaze is fixed and pensive as she gathers her thoughts. Not one to be able to claim any true friends in Rhydin, she is one who is able to understand the nature of loyalty.
The meadow succubus, Belle, leaves scattered upon the ancient board a handful of glittering faery dust that catches the light like sapphires. Upon close inspection, the glitter delivers her personal thoughts on the subject at hand.
When I think of loyalty, I think of a steadfast ideal. That ideal applied to the Overlord and his loyal barons is one that embraces the very core of allegiance regarding the structure of the DoS. I don't believe anyone has to consider friendship in regards to being loyal. Loyalty has a deep root that taps into ones soul. It serves as fodder to keep the DoS a place where honor, chivalry and respect lay open on
the playing field...where dishonor and disrespect go hand in hand with the dark nature of the beast, perhaps keeping the field level.
Loyalty breaths deep when it is true. The Baroness Adeena's words ring with a profound truth that all in these hallowed halls should cleave to. Be you loyal to the Overlord or be a renagade loyal to the cause of sedetion. In Warlord Gnmoi's challenge, he has abandoned the bond of loyalty once held in reverence between himself and the Baroness. Though his motives be of little concern to me, that he would challenge to take the ring from one that
honored him with unwavering loyalty, and, with such little regard to the very heartbeat of loyalty itself, does indeed draw the dividing line. One could not expect anything less than hurt and dismay from the Baroness.
If my position in this realm were one of importance, I would kneel before, and implore the Overlord to intercede on behalf of the Baroness, in the name of loyalty.
BelIe Dame
Faery of the Mead
House Questrion
Sanctioned TDL Caller
Sans Merci
bd
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From: iainmacknz@aol.com (IainMacKnz)
Date: 19 Jan 1998 18:15:16 EST
Lord Gnimoi~
My apologies, then. That news is welcome.
For the record, while I've your attention, my support of Adeena is not intended to repoen any hostilities between us. I consider your gaffe here to be merely poor judgement, not blatant disrespect. Still, as we all know, the casual disregard of one's loyalty can bear a large price.
~irm
Date: 19 Jan 1998 18:15:16 EST
Lord Gnimoi~
My apologies, then. That news is welcome.
For the record, while I've your attention, my support of Adeena is not intended to repoen any hostilities between us. I consider your gaffe here to be merely poor judgement, not blatant disrespect. Still, as we all know, the casual disregard of one's loyalty can bear a large price.
~irm
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From: foxxgrrl@aol.com (Foxxgrrl)
Date: 19 Jan 1998 18:31:10 EST
Yes, I and many others haven't been around nearly as long as Adeena or Gnim. Certainly that means that things have transpired that they know about and I possibly could not. I can read the histories of DoS over and over and still come away with little more than the knowledge that Adeena Maeax was the third holder of the 6th Baron's ring and Gnimish Gnimoi was the 20th Overlord.
But as much as I am the first to admit I know nothing of the past, I must argue with statements like:
>>So I pray tell you not to comment on the present when the lifeline of the arguement stretches well into the past.<< (Adeena)
and:
>>And to the rest of you, my friends...The Baroness is right, you've all little reason to berate her for this reaction. Many of you were not even around during the time that I was Overlord, and as much as I appreciate your support, I am afraid I must ask you to keep such opinions about Adeena to yourself.<< (Gnim)
Maybe we can't go up and proclaim "Adeena is wrongly freaking out over a little challenge" on high, but I dare say that we newer arrivals might still be allowed to state our opinions as we see fit, be the opinions valid or not when you look at past occurrences.
~Ally St. Reynolds
Date: 19 Jan 1998 18:31:10 EST
Yes, I and many others haven't been around nearly as long as Adeena or Gnim. Certainly that means that things have transpired that they know about and I possibly could not. I can read the histories of DoS over and over and still come away with little more than the knowledge that Adeena Maeax was the third holder of the 6th Baron's ring and Gnimish Gnimoi was the 20th Overlord.
But as much as I am the first to admit I know nothing of the past, I must argue with statements like:
>>So I pray tell you not to comment on the present when the lifeline of the arguement stretches well into the past.<< (Adeena)
and:
>>And to the rest of you, my friends...The Baroness is right, you've all little reason to berate her for this reaction. Many of you were not even around during the time that I was Overlord, and as much as I appreciate your support, I am afraid I must ask you to keep such opinions about Adeena to yourself.<< (Gnim)
Maybe we can't go up and proclaim "Adeena is wrongly freaking out over a little challenge" on high, but I dare say that we newer arrivals might still be allowed to state our opinions as we see fit, be the opinions valid or not when you look at past occurrences.
~Ally St. Reynolds
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From: morganfay@aol.com (MorganFay)
Date: 20 Jan 1998 01:41:12 EST
Adeena,
Duel on, Sister.
Always,
Morgan
Date: 20 Jan 1998 01:41:12 EST
Adeena,
Duel on, Sister.
Always,
Morgan
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From: drakewynx@aol.com (Drakewyn x)
Date: 20 Jan 1998 19:09:35 EST
::Rarely having time to look over the message boards anymore, she notices a new controversy has erupted... and apparently right under her nose, too.::
Just a few thoughts.
As Ally stated, and I myself have stated a time or two, I find it most insulting when someone throws the old "you haven't been here long enough to know... (something)" arguement around. I am a dueler... a warlady... a fellow patron. Whichever of these that might apply at any given time. What it comes down to is quite simple. There is no way I, or most others, could have judged the bonds of loyalty that did, or did not, exsist between Gnimish
and Adeena. To put it bluntly, we didn't know they exsisted. Most of us base our opinions on the actions and attitudes of the people we know from the time we meet them. Is this wrong? I think not.
I hardly know Baroness Adeena. I've only watched her duel a handful of times, and I've only actually dueled her once. To be honest, because that's what this post is about, she seemed more than a bit condescending towards me during our duel. While it may be true that I am not her equal when it comes to dueling, he blase attitude and, as it seemed to me, her total unconcern about the duel's outcome, struck me as, in a word, rude.
Gnimish, on the other hand, I know passingly well. He is a member of my Team Dueling team, and we have had the opportunity to talk a few times. Again, being strictly honest, he is, more than sometimes, a rather rude person himself. But, I have never seen him treat any duel, or any dueler, with anything but at least the same level of respect he is shown, and often more than he is shown.
What it comes down to is... Gnim is my friend. Perhaps not a close friend, but a friend none-the-less. I'm not one of those kinds of people who believes that my friends could never be wrong, but I am one of the kinds of people who will back the decisions of my friends. I am also one of the kinds of people who will kick my friends in the behind when I think they are doing something that is wrong.
Now for the surprise section of this post.
Gnim, you're wrong to do this. If DoS is just a sport, and the rings nothing more than bragging rights, then go right ahead. In a sport like that, loyalty doesn't mean anything... it's just a "I'm better than you" situation. If, however, DoS is more than a sport, then recind your challenge. When someone gives you their loyalty, no matter how briefly, that means something. And when they remove their loyalty, it's not something that can be
fixed with a simple wave of one's hand.
This applies to everyone... What does the Duel of Swords mean to you? Is it just a sport? Just a way to prove one person is better than another? Or is it more? Is there some kind of nobility... some sort of honor... in these hallowed halls?
I thank you, those who read this, for your attention... and welcome your comments.
::Knows she's putting a big target on her back with this one.::
Lady Drake.
Date: 20 Jan 1998 19:09:35 EST
::Rarely having time to look over the message boards anymore, she notices a new controversy has erupted... and apparently right under her nose, too.::
Just a few thoughts.
As Ally stated, and I myself have stated a time or two, I find it most insulting when someone throws the old "you haven't been here long enough to know... (something)" arguement around. I am a dueler... a warlady... a fellow patron. Whichever of these that might apply at any given time. What it comes down to is quite simple. There is no way I, or most others, could have judged the bonds of loyalty that did, or did not, exsist between Gnimish
and Adeena. To put it bluntly, we didn't know they exsisted. Most of us base our opinions on the actions and attitudes of the people we know from the time we meet them. Is this wrong? I think not.
I hardly know Baroness Adeena. I've only watched her duel a handful of times, and I've only actually dueled her once. To be honest, because that's what this post is about, she seemed more than a bit condescending towards me during our duel. While it may be true that I am not her equal when it comes to dueling, he blase attitude and, as it seemed to me, her total unconcern about the duel's outcome, struck me as, in a word, rude.
Gnimish, on the other hand, I know passingly well. He is a member of my Team Dueling team, and we have had the opportunity to talk a few times. Again, being strictly honest, he is, more than sometimes, a rather rude person himself. But, I have never seen him treat any duel, or any dueler, with anything but at least the same level of respect he is shown, and often more than he is shown.
What it comes down to is... Gnim is my friend. Perhaps not a close friend, but a friend none-the-less. I'm not one of those kinds of people who believes that my friends could never be wrong, but I am one of the kinds of people who will back the decisions of my friends. I am also one of the kinds of people who will kick my friends in the behind when I think they are doing something that is wrong.
Now for the surprise section of this post.
Gnim, you're wrong to do this. If DoS is just a sport, and the rings nothing more than bragging rights, then go right ahead. In a sport like that, loyalty doesn't mean anything... it's just a "I'm better than you" situation. If, however, DoS is more than a sport, then recind your challenge. When someone gives you their loyalty, no matter how briefly, that means something. And when they remove their loyalty, it's not something that can be
fixed with a simple wave of one's hand.
This applies to everyone... What does the Duel of Swords mean to you? Is it just a sport? Just a way to prove one person is better than another? Or is it more? Is there some kind of nobility... some sort of honor... in these hallowed halls?
I thank you, those who read this, for your attention... and welcome your comments.
::Knows she's putting a big target on her back with this one.::
Lady Drake.
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From: aislainuz@aol.com (Aislain Uz)
Date: 25 Jan 1998 03:57:14 EST
::writes a note and carefully decorates it with lots of hearts and fancy curly cues::
Mon Cher Gnim;
Grosses Bises, we love you.
Aislain
Captain of the Short Swords
Date: 25 Jan 1998 03:57:14 EST
::writes a note and carefully decorates it with lots of hearts and fancy curly cues::
Mon Cher Gnim;
Grosses Bises, we love you.
Aislain
Captain of the Short Swords