Fireside Chat

[DoS Archive]

From: valmion@aol.com (Valmion)
Date: 08 Apr 1999 09:03:01 EDT

Lords and ladies of the DoS,

Much has been spoken on the subject of "Old Timer". Elijah recently blessed us with the standings of those that started the sport. Others have spoken out with other examples of what an "Old Timer" was, or is in the DoS today. I heard one voice ask, not for examples of standings, but examples of what the arena was like then. Well, I would lke to open the discussion on this, by giving my story of those early years.

When I first came to RhyDin I spent much of my time in the Red Dragon Inn and the Masquerade, two taverns that always contained plently of fair ladies for this knight to rescue. While sitting in the Red Dragon Inn one evening, I noted individuals that kept coming into the inn from the basement door, most bloodied and bruised. I asked the RDI on duty at the time, Beth, what was going on in the basement. She was more than glad to take the time to
explain to me about the duels that were held in the basement below.

Well, with curiousity perked, down into the basement I went and what an impact it was. Today you enter the "arena" and it's idle chatter on subjects that are far removed from the events transpiring around everyone. It's political retoric that most are bored with. It's young cocky duelers trying to prove from day one that they are the biggest, brightest and best thing to ever hit RhyDin. That first night I walked into the basement, I sat quietly
in awe as I watched some of this sport's true legends fight with honor and skill that are rarely shown in the arena today.

The basement was a smaller place, so there were never more than twenty one people in there at any one time. Some nights one would have to bang on the door for an hour before you were let in to spill some of your blood in the rings. But during all of those early years the Red Dragon Inn and the dueling basement were linked together in adventure. For when one was done in the basement, it would be up the stairs to partake in whatever adventure the
inn would hold that evening.

I could ramble for hours on those early days, but I wanted to put this conversation forth, to hear from others as to what it was like to duel then, in comparison to today. Also, remember in those early days, the king levied severe taxes on us for spending time in RhyDin to partake in the duels and adventure here, something most do not face today with the flat tax law that the king passed a few years ago.

Cheers,

Valmion

[DoS Archive]

From: sirbeiver@aol.com (Sir Beiver)
Date: 08 Apr 1999 11:36:08 EDT

::the big knight peruses the notes, and happens apon Vamion's story, reads through it carefully. Decides to tack up a note in response believe it safe from ridicule::

M'Lord Vamion,
I do wish to hear more stories of the past and what it was like to be there. Most people today do not realise that what transpired yesterday, can effect, or change what happens today. That is why it is important to not only know what is happening today, but also yesterday. It helps people understand that which is around them. Anyways, this was a length way of saying that I would enjoy more conversation with you of what the past was.
Sir Derek Beiver,

Church Knight,

Commoner of the DoS,

Future Official,

"If you think you aren't being watched, think again." Me