These are the results of a SOL test conducted under the auspices and supervision of the Balm and Ringseller's 
Federation (B.A.R.F) on April 10th, 1990 at the temple in Torri.  The Sol was wielded by your faithful author, Silly..Alf.
The body was kindly provided by R.Selrahc..alf.
	Preliminary information of note is as follows.  The SOL was wielded by a 19th level knight with 2nd rank brilliant 
skill in the SOL and wearing 4 strength glowers. A strength spell was cast prior to commencing the test which expired 
on round 16 and was not recast (more than 16 rounds elapsed in the test to allow for readouts of hits and balming...rounds 
are numbered by swings and not actual rounds).  
	Wizard Selrahc is a 14th or 15th level wizard with 2 shield glowers, cloud dragon scales and a SOL.  The Wizard's 
weapon skill is undetermined, but is believed to be in the range of skillful.


ROUND NO.	DAMAGE READOUT		HITS REPORTED		COMMENTS
____________________________________________________________________________
1:		heavy			122
2:		moderate		54
3:		moderate		68
4:		heavy			106
5:							blk'd by shield spell
6:		heavy			121
7:		heavy			140
8:							blk's by shield spell
9:		severe			160
10:		mod			61
11:		heavy			136		2 round stun
12:		severe			150
13:							blk'd by shield spell
14:							blk'd by shield spell
15:		heavy			137
16:							blk'd by shield spell
17:		severe			146
18:		severe			162
19:		heavy			140
_____________________________________________________________________________

                         TOTAL:       1703

	Average hits per blow landed:	121.6
	average hits per swing:		 89.6	(includes blocks)
	% of swings blocked:		 26.3%  (5 blocks in 19 swings)

	It is noteworthy that NO swings were blocked by armor or weapons, but the shield glowers were effective in 
blocking 26.3% of the swings.
	Also of note is the following comparison of average hits with and without the benefit of a strength spell:
Rounds 1:15	avg WITH strength spell (11 swings, 1255 hits):	114
Rounds 17:19	avg WITHOUT strength spell (3 swings, 448 hits): 149.3
	I believe the results of damage inflicted without an operative strength spell is misleading due to the small 
number of swings (3).  The
sucessive hits were 146, 162 and 140 suggesting favorable rolls more than anything else.
	These results DO reflect a substantial increase in a previous test conducted by your reporter at skillful which 
yielded an overall average of 92.3 hits per round which is substantially less than the current average of 121.6.  This 
suggests that each rise in skill level will produce an increase of 10 hits per round, on the average.  However, no 
shield glowers were worn in the previous test and no blocks resulted.  A repeat of this SOL test is indicated without 
use of shield glowers by the defender. Accordingly, another test will be conducted shortly under the following conditions:
	1:  Defender has no shield rings or weapon in hand;
	2:  Defender has SOL but no shield rings.

	Since few of the critters are wearing shield rings these days, much less the glowing kind, these future results 
may reflect a more accurate picture of damage inflicted in actual combat.  Since your reporter knows from first hand 
experience that the bare hand ninjas are very capable of blocking a SOL with their hand, we are earnestly seeking the 
services of a well trained and experienced Martial Artist to assist in evaluating the SOL, both with and without shield 
glowers.  If any Martial Artists are interested in participating in this proposed test, please enquire by leaving a 
message for the author in the forum. It is suggested that interested participants possess at least 300 hits in the 
interest of safety, and we recommend 350 as a precaution in the event of an exceptional dice roll.  All tests will be 
conducted at the balmseller's for obvious reasons.  Participants will be asked to assault the author first to prevent 
loss of his lawful status and irritation of the puppy dogs.