Some of you may remember the forum of the Rezephua AoDs. For those who don't, the concept of an arena is simple: a certain number of characters, designed by the members, are pitted against each other by an impartial organiser in a knock-out competition. This is the essential form, of which there are many variations and deviations. Rezephua is the haven of the 'original' AoDs, as begun by yours truly on the GW boards, and also hosts any other AoDs members might want to run. For those who doubt the fun of such an activity, here is a sample fight from AoD no. 18 (there have been 19 'original' AoDs):

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King Fricis Danriksson strode into the arena, his rune-inscribed battle-axe held in both hands. The gromril armour of his forefathers gleamed in the light as he lifted his weapon into readiness, gazing with determination at the opposite doors. The elf had beaten him before – he would not beat him again.

Opposite, the great gates rumbled outwards, the fast rattle of hooves echoing down to corridor. Suddenly, Xaos burst from between the gates, reining in his speeding horse as he drew his sword with a flourish, punching it skywards to the cheers of the crowd. Seeing his foe, Xaos turned his steed, lowering his blade into readiness.

Danriksson stepped forwards. “Elf!” he roared. “Face me!”. For a long moment, the two glared across the arena…

Xaos muttered in Eltharin, sending his horse forwards at a trot, then a canter, then a galloping charge as he lifted his blade high over his head to strike. Fricis stepped forwards, giving his axe an experimental loop in his gromril-gauntleted fists. The elf thundered in as the dwarf king lifted his blade, preparing to strike.

Axe and sword met in a shower of sparks, the dwarf battering his opponent’s lighter blade aside to strike out at Xaos’ unprotected back as he rushed past. There was a clang of gromril blade on ithmaril armour, and Xaos toppled from the saddle, rolling as he hit the ground. Quickly scrabbling upright, he lifted his blade just in time to avert a sweeping blow from the dwarf, blades clashing together again. Xaos’ blade scraped aside, swinging left to strike out at Fricis, but the dwarf stepped aside, letting the blade swing through empty air. Once, twice the two blades clashed again, the dwarf’s heavier axe-blows forcing the Asur back, step by step. Blow after pealing blow rang in the still air of the arena, the crowd holding their breath as the swinging weapons picked up speed, crossing and looping in a display of incredible skill.

Danriksson was the first to err, his axe missing Xaos’ incoming blade as the sword swung past his defences, tearing into his shoulder in a spray of bright blood. Lifting his axe-haft, he tried to block, but the elf was shadow-quick – slipping to the side, Xaos battered a powerful backhand slash into Fricis’ side, drawing blood once more. Roaring in pain-fuelled rage, Fricisswung out, his blade buckling and tearing through the ithmaril armour of the elf. Xaos staggered backwards, blood leaking from beneath his cuirass, as the berserk dwarf stomped forwards, his axe ringing against the uplifted shield of the Asur. Mustering his strength, Xaos lunged suddenly as the King drew back his axe, his elegant sword piercing the ribcage of the dwarven lord. A second’s silence seemed to last forever as Fricis looked down at the blade, bured hilt-deep in his chest. His axe fell from numbing fingers as he began to crumple, a bloody cough issuing forth before thudding, dead against the floor. The blood-slick point of Xaos’ blade protruded from his back.

“Victory to Xaos!”
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The written format of the stories is backed up by the excitement and strategy of challenges - trying to challenge those who you have a grudge against, or who you think you can defeat, or you insanely wish to fight. There is also inter-round fluff and IC humour from the players. All this adds up to make an enjoyable pastime.

A couple of months ago - maybe more, I don't remember - I stopped writing AoDs. Since then, the site has fallen into a rather depressing inactivity, in accordance with the cessation of the reliable main arena. Now a group of members are restarting the main arena, and a revival of the site is being planned, along with a huge SOC arena in August, against the backdrop of the siege of the Temple-City itself. We need more members for the main arena! More characters! The address of Rezephua is pasted below.

Join now, and save a great site. An account is free, and if you are a cautious fellow then I am happy to inform you that unregistered guests are allowed to post under whatever name they wish.

The address: http://p070.ezboard.com/bthearenaofrezephua