R:"First I'd like to say thanks for meeting with me for this interview. From my understanding, you haven't been dueling that long. And you've made Emerald fairly quickly. What do you think led to your success?"

C:"Heh, not as quickly as I'd like....but yeah, I guess you could say that. I might be relatively new to duelin, but not to fightin. That's what led to my success here. My folks. They've been trainin me since the day I was born."

R: "Of all the duelists that come to the rings, who do you think would be the best person to refer new fighters to' Like to learn the ropes and get a feel for just how tough a sport it is."

C: "Hard to say, depends on what the greens are lookin for. Not me. Maybe Old Man Simon, saw him walkin around with the new caller, telling her bout this an'that. And he can fight for sure."

R: "Of all the goals you might have in dueling, what?s one you want the most' To hold a certain title, or a certain record."

C: "I got a job, outside of callin for the venues, fightin. Any notoriety I get in the Outback serves to bring in more cash from that job, so I'll take what I can get long as I'm around. Course it's no secret that I want the black rock....but that ain't a duelin goal exactly."

R: "Of all the fighters that have stepped into the rings, present or past, are there any you'd want to go a few rounds with?"

C: "You mean that I haven't already?" Smirks, "I want to get in the ring with every one I can. If I lose....I wanna go again. I want to keep testing myself against them until I'm good enough to take them down....and then I want to keep goin. But I got a few I have my eyes on right now. Gonna get Big Badsider Jake in the Pit with me. Need a second shot at The G Man's woman, Kaja. Maria Grazzy-somethin' or other. She don't come round often enough and when she does....well I'm still workin on bestin her....long with Neo, Roddy, Marc-boy and Jochin who hasn't shown his ugly mug in a while."

R: "I'll admit, I don't get out to the duels as much as I'd like, but do you think that the 'Veteran' duelists have any sort of expectations out of the newer fighters?"

"Veteran duelists huh' Heh. Spose it's possible, they're all different, sure to have different expectations. Wouldn't know. Don't sit around much, shootin the **** with them or anything. But they're likely looking for what anyone else is, a good fight....an' if you're anythin' like that chick Koy....a brutal fight, yeah?"

R: "Once again thanks for doing this, I know a lot of the folks who duel actually have very busy lives. Any parting comments for the dueling fans?"

C: "Not really. But ...you know....we got rings and we need bodies to fill them, so come out and have at it."

R: "Imp, thanks for agreeing to do this. I've got to ask this. Who do you think is the hottest woman at the duels?"

I: "I don't want to pick just one but, if I have to, I have to say Kaja. She's so hot she deserved her own ring! "

R: "I saw in the dueling histories you've held Opals before...any desire to get back into Fists, or was that a different Imp?"

I: "Must have been a cousin or somthin, I've never dueled fists. I do have an opal ring that Mama Imp gave me. That count' "

R:"My mistake then, though I think it might be cool to see you in the Outback rings. Speaking of rings, from what I understand, you're the senior caller. How does that feel?"

I: "I am' Dayum! "

R: "Tying in with my last question. You've outlasted a lot of other callers, what do you think has aided your tenure to last this long?"

I: "A double scotch and a Valium right before each shift"or is it a double Valium and a scotch?"

R: "Is there any duelist you'd like to see come back and take up the career again?"

I: "I miss Sartan. Because whenever he came in the room Rory followed and she's one hot chick!"

R: (laughing) "Well he made Diamond not too long ago, you might get your wish!"

R: "Saw your response to the Best I Ever requests, you seem like a very confident person. What would you say is responsible for that?"

S: "Responsible" I'm the best, there's not much else to say. But don't get me wrong. For these people, the day Seirichi graced their rings was the most important day of their lives. But for me, it was Tuesday."

R:. "You have any dueling dreams in mind" Overlord, Diamond" Triple Crown?"

S: "Nope, nope, and nope. I don't care much about titles. Sure, I'll challenge someone for it, but the title itself" Nah. The fights all that matters, not a silly title or so called honor you get from your peers."

R: "I'll admit I'm out of the loop on a lot, but of everyone at the duels, it looks like you've got it out for Harris the most. Care to explain what that's about?"

S: Laugh. "Because Harris wont let me have his kid. He'd make me a strong daughter so I need to force the idea into that thick skull of his. Other than that' Harris is one of the only people around here I can really respect. Why not fight a guy you respect?"

R: "Do you think you can beat him' Of all the duelists he's got the loudest mouth and the ability to back it up."

S: "Did you hear" He totally beat down this Sarah chick with one hand tied behind his back. Right now I'm shaking in my boots because of the beating I can imagine him giving me. I mean, what if he writes about me in his little paper" I'd totally start to cry! Nah. You might as well put down at the end of this interview that I'll be beating Harris whenever he decides to stop being a little boy and accept my challenge. I can totally see into the future, so I know this for a fact."

R: "If you could change anything about the duels, what would it be?"



S: "Take away those stupid challenge restrictions. I'd love to see some newbie pop in and challenge the overlord at any given time. That's one thing I liked about this Halloween event going on." Laugh. "You know what kind of upset it would be to have someone no one's ever heard about before beat down one of the so called of the bests of the best' Archmages, diamonds, whatever you want to call them' That would be hilarious."

R: "Again, thank you for doing this Lady Kairee, or is it just Kairee" Any preference?"

Kairee: "Don't stand on ceremony, babes. I have no taste for groveling."

R: "Just playing it safe since I only know of you through reputation. The duels. You were there at their inception. Do you like how they've grown?"

Kairee: "Do the duelists come to duel" Do they find challenge and excitment' Do the crowds still gather to witness displays of martial finnesse" All those things show the sucess of the duels. I brought the duels here for three reasons, babes. First to get the fighting out of the inn. It was hurting business. Second, for the duelers. There's nothing better than to test your skills against other masters. And finally, for entertainment. Watching the best duel is very invigorating. I always enjoy a good contest."

R: "Any contest or just ones of physical prowess" I'd say the idea was a success then."

Kairee: "A success form day one. That's why I sponsored the creation of the other duels. To answer your questions, any contest but there is something.....about physical prowess...."

R: (Coughs )"Touching on the founding the duels. Were you the one that created the healing wards then" I tried to look up how they came to be but some of the older writings need touched up."

Kairee: "No." "I did not create healing wards. I don't recall who did...sounds very Xenograg-ish. He'd be concerned about people getting hurt."

R: "So 'The General" might have had a hand in their construction' That'd be an interesting fact to learn, at least I think so. Magic's a bit outside my field of expertise."

Kairee: "you should ask him, babes, though he may downplay it in his humility. He will also tell you true if he had no hand in them."

R: "I'll have to do that. My next question might be a bit personal, if it is feel free to decline answering. You and Gondar...." "The pair of you were pretty close. Would he be proud of the Arena in how far its come?"

Kairee: "What an interesting question!" a suprised and very genuine smile emerged, "You never knew Gondar and if you did, I doubt you would ask your clever question. I doubt Gondar would be "proud" of what the duels have become. He wouldn't have the emotional investment that "pride" would require. He'd be intrigued, perhaps. He would certainly try his blade against today's alledged best." "You do know that Gondar was undefeated in the duels and left because the challenge was gone, yes" And so, He'd be curious and would test the mettle of the duelists if he felt them worthy."

R: "I didn't know that he left undefeated. Do you think that might have changed had he stuck around during the years of Dalomar?"

Kairee: A sudden laugh, "You are funny!" then more seriously, "No. I don't think that would've changed. Gondar was the greatest swordsman the duels have ever seen, but Dalomar may have given MeMonk and Fallon a run for their money."

R: "Do you think any duelists have come close to Gondar's legacy?"

Kairee: "No."

R: "Could there ever be? Depending on philosophy there are always greater challenges to be found."

Kairee shrugs, "Anything is possible. I've not forseen it but then again, the future is always shifting. There are too many variables. I should like to meet that duelist should he or she ever come to be."

R: "I think everyone would." Agrees a bit. "Did you ever duel" Or just come to watch the blood, sweat, and skill?"

Kairee: "I toyed with it in the begining, babes, but there were too many rules. I don't like being contrained by rules."

R: "That's a common thread I've found. Though some have mentioned the constraints of the duels have made them better in unbarred fights outside the rings. Don't like rules, then what do you like?"

Kairee: "I like doing whatever I want, whenever I want, with whomever I want."

R: "What do you think about the Duelists being granted their own holiday?"

Kairee: "Babes, I don't recognize the authority of anyone, thing, or group to grant holidays or to control any aspect of any one's life. Having said that, if the duelists choose to subjugate themselves to the authority of another...Why should I care what they are granted or denied?"

R: "I don't know. I wouldn't mind a day of the year where people celebrate my own greatness. Just reminds me I need to work harder."

Kairee: "Babes, people should feel free to celebrate you anytime they damn well please. I certainly never limit when, where, and how people clelebrate me. And they do celebrate...with abandon."

R: "They do' I might need to pay more attention then as that's something I've not come over yet."

Kairee: "You live a sheltered life. You should get out more."

R:. "Glad you could be here, Gork. I guess my first question has to be...Why the Moon?" ( a pause then as though expecting a groan) "I'm kidding. So, you took a break from dueling. What were you away for?"

G: "Why is the TDL champions?" ::chuckles:: "Just that, a break. I just needed some time away from dueling to recharge. "

R. "Now that you're back, are there any goals you left from befoe that you want to persue again?"

G: "I've already accomplished one goal since my return and that is to win an Opal. I would also expect a Duel of Swords challenge from me in the near future as well. As far as magic goes, I just want to finally make it to Mage. "

R: "I've kind of asked this of everyone so far, but what got you interested in the duels?"

G: "I just decided to check out the dueling venues one day and saw some people duking it out. I decided to step in the ring and give it a shot, I loved it, and it just kind of grew from there."

R: "Would you say you have any dueling rivals or nemesese?"

G: "Just the general population of those that we all love to hate. My upcoming challenger for FireStar, Anubis, would be a good example."

R: "Just one more question before we wrap things up. If someone asked you what is the most important quality to be a duelist, what would you respond with?"

G: "Practice makes perfect. The more you duel, the better you'll get. Nobody comes in here for the first time and becomes Overlord, Diamond or ArchMage in a week."

R: "Quad header today, Rhydin. I'm sitting down with not one, not two, but three generations of duelist. Colleen and her daughter Rhiannon, and Rhiannon B, and Little Maggie. Thank all four of you for coming to do this."

Collie: Collie cleared her throat and spoke carefully, her accent tamed, "Thank you for having us here, Race." RhiH: "Good to be here, Race." Maggie: She grinned, "Hiya." RhiB: "Hello, Race."

R: "I guess my first question is more for the dual Rhiannons. What's it like to literally grow up dueling?"

RhiH: "It's been quite the experience, Race. As you probably know, my sister and I started when we were two and our mother was working in the arena as an official. Some of the older duelists absolutely refused to duel a child. However, others like Papa Tass, Jaycy, Seamus MacDonnaugh, and Baphe took that desire to learn seriously. Between us, we've seen many come and and go. Most have been a positiv influence."

RhiB: "One of the advantages of growing up dueling is that you have many adults to look up to and learn from. It's also a good way to help avoid being a victim statistic on The Watch's crime list. This is not to say I think kids should be wandering the streets without supervision. I think children need every edge they can get to protect themselves."

R: "Two' Actually I didn't know that. I know the Arena has mellowed in recent years, but I thought at that time the atmosphere was rather ...cut-throat. Though I've gotten mixed answers on that point of history."

Rhi: "Having a mother that knew most of the duelists didn't hurt. It was pretty cutthroat, Race. However, new blood, no pun intended is the lifeforce of duels. If the youth are ignored, things die."

R: "Looked like it was going to take that route a few years back. Either of you know what helped to reinvigorate the duels as a whole?" The question posed more to Collie and RhiH.

RhiH: "I think years ago, people gravitated more toward the individual sports rather than all three. I think these days there's a nice melding of things. Swords, of course, is my favorite, but I have taken a turn or two in Magic. All it takes is telling one friend and next thing you know, several more people take the step into the dueling venues to see what the talk is about, Some stay, some don't. It's getting them in the door that first step to keeping the sprts and traditions alive."

Collie: "Management changes have made a great difference over the years. Matt has been associated with Fists for as far back as I can recall. Rask was in charge of the Outback when I worked the Arena. Neo is has made many improvements over on the Isleand I look forward to being able to try them out in the near future. G'nort is a fixture in the Arena, has been for a long time. He's been doing a fine job of of things. The recent Trick or Treat Challenge is a good example of some of the things he's implemented to keep interest going."

R: He'd chew on his bottom lip regarding the responses, his face thoughtful as though considering his next question. "As multi-generational duelists, what would you say keeps people coming back to the duels" I know its the 'civilized combat' " air quotes it. "For some..and others the means of a realistic training tool for another side."

Collie: "For some, it's the need for continuity, for leaving their mark in the history books. For me, personally, it's the people. I've done my time in the trenches in more than one battle. Civilized combat, as you put it, forges bonds in a similar fashion as those made during a battle. You learn a great deal about the character of a person when they are pointing a deadly weapon at you and vice-versa."

RhiH: "As mother said, forging bonds or learning who not to create them with. I know the Maggie is fairly safe within the walls of the arena because I know who is there."

Maggie: She piped in with, "I learned to duel Mama and Da at home, but I need to," she paused find a word, "practice with other people. So I go there to watch and learn. More kids should, but they gotta know it can be messy."

R: That actually gets a laugh from him. "Well Maggie, like your mom, and gram' have said, some are hesitant to duel children. I know if I had a daughter or son, I couldn't watch them duel, unless it was someone I'd trust swinging a deadly weapon at them. Jus tme though, but I'm more of a Dueler, not a duelist. I go just for the fun, not really a career."

Maggie: She gave Race her trademarked impish smile. " 's ok, Mr. Race. Mama 'n' Aunt Rhi tell me wasn't easy for them when they started either. Sometimes, you gotta keep goin' 'til the big people takes you serious. The big rules I learn from them 'n' Gran are no makin' fun if you win and no poutin' or cryin' if you lose. If you acts like a big baby the big people will say no all the time. If you behave, they will know you wanna learn. So, I watch a lot. You knowed what I learned?"

R: "What did you learn?" he's smiling now at that look

Maggie: "I learned it's ok break Mr. G's rule, but you gotta know when no matter what the caller says about not smashin'!"

RhiB: She'd been quiet until now, but was stifling giggles at her very verbal niece. "Slashing, Maggie. G'nort's rule is no slashing."

Maggie: "Ok, slashin', but my way sound better cause he uses the big hammer thing!"

That produced chuckles from the three women.

RhiH: "Excellent point, Maggie."

R: "Very astute of you, Maggie. I know from my limited dueling, not many use my weapon either, so I can appreciation a different weapon than a sword." Nods in understanding.

Maggie: She nudged her aunt and stage whispered, "Aunt Rhi, wha's ah-stute mean?" She was smart enough to ask what she didn't know.

RhiB: "Means you pay attention and learn from what you see."

Maggie: She grinned at Race. "Thank you."

R: "You are most welcome, Maggie." grins. "Any advice for people that are still hesitant about dueling?" opens it to all of them.

RhiB: "My advice is to take the step and try each sport at least once. Much like anything else in life, you won't know if you're good at it until you try. The next newcomer to walk through the door could be a future holder of the Triple Crown; Overlord, Diamond and Archmage. Everyone of the current title holders had to start somewhere. Don't be intimidated by numbers, just get out there and duel."

R: "Rhi B" using a nickname. "You're holding of both the Talon and the Ring of Klytus, any plans to go after the Panther Claw and be a mini Triple Crown?"

RhiB: "Actually, Race, I took a shot at the Panther's Claw in the recent tournament. I wiped out in the first round to Overlady Ellisa Morgan. However, I plan to try again. One of more experienced duelists in the Outback has offered to mentor me when I'm ready."

R: "Who's that?" taking the hint.

RhiB: "Jaycy Alexander. It's rather fitting since she was one of the people I learned from when I started in Swords."

R: "You'd also be learning from her husband Plsyder, I would think by studying under her." nods with that, a look of being impressed on his features.

RhiB: "I think learning from more than one person improves one's abilities much faster. You have to be able to out think as well as out punch or kick your opponent in Fists."

R: "Depends, I know thinking too greatly on what you're going to do is more dangerous than not completely thinking through your strategy." Ponders what their responses would be to that.

RhiB: "Using the gut method is generally best. Second guessing is generally a competitor's own worst enemy much like overthinking that 50/50/90."

R: "You're right. So the ultimate thing abou dueling is; Trust your gut, learn from everyone, and don't get an ego?" There's a smile there as he asks the question.

RhiB: She smiled and nodded. "Absolutely, Race." Maggie: "Uh huh. No gloats 'n' no pouts!"

Collie: She chuckled at Maggie's comments. "Watch everyone, you never know when you might miss a technique that will work for you."

R: "Was wondering when you'd jump in Collie, started to think you were fine letting the kids commandeer the interview." A light tease.

Collie: " What can I say, I raised daughters that know their own minds, Race." She grinned. "As for Maggie, that pearl didn't fall far from the oyster bed she was raised in."

R: Sort of beams at that response befor emusing. "Every going to get that husband of yours into a dueling ring" I can imagine Chris and Emmet'd have a field day commenting on Fenner in a duel."

Collie: "With me, you mean' Oh," she smiled and there was a twinkle in her eyes as lightly patted that baby bump," have to wait until February, I think. However, it's a little known fact that Darien currently holds a Swordsman rank in Swords. Last duel, I think, was against Vinny."

R: Now that's good to know. I don't really pay too much attention to the standings. Congradulations on the coming bundle by the way. I'll be sure to send a bottle of 1970 St. Magdelene to you both." grins.

Collie: "Thank you very much, Race. "She held up two fingers and wiggled them. "That will be most welcome."

R: "While you have more experience with children, I'm sure Darien will need the relaxatin assistance more." Teasing again before looking at one of his little notes.

Collie: She laughed lightly. "I don't about that, Race. He's looking forward to this very much. His first....and second."

R: "Just going on what little I know of kids. Can jus timagine a lot of times inthe first three or four monts there there's a lot of 'Its your turn this morning' as one of you smacks the other to get the kidss from their cribbing."

Maggie: Dark brows raised and she eyed her mother as if to say ....is that so'

Collie: "We do have a nanny to help out from time to time. At least until we get into the swing of having infants in the house again."

R: " Got it. Before we wrap up, I think I might have asked this, and know I've asked most of the others I've interviewed this week but what do you think of the Duels being given their own holiday?"

RhiB: "I think it's great!" Her face just about lit up. "Good opportunity to draw in people that never tried the duels before and, perhaps, reignite the interest of those that might have dueled in the past and bring them back into the fold."

RhiH: She smiled thoughtfully. "I think it's about time that something that has been a part of Rhydin's history for so long was given wider audience, if you will. There are still people that don't know there's arena in the Red Dragon's basement or what?s beyond that mysterious portal within the inn's walls. Some have passed but never walked into the domain of the Outback. Dueler's Appreciation Week has opened that door and piqued interest."

Collie: "It's about damned time."