Ubique's Weekly

A Mutual Endeavors Publication

Issue #66 ~ 4 January 2005

The Blurb

Happy New Year!  Boy does it feel good to say that.  Greetings and salutations once again, loyal readers.  It's the start of a brand new year, and we here at Ubique's Weekly are happy to report that things are progressing splendidly.  The growth of our publication over the last year has been tremendous.  We've seen an increase of subscription requests from roleplayers far and wide.  We have also implemented the creation of the official Ink Wire Associates, another endeavor that has brought us great success.  Our small handful of volunteers have made it much easier for me, the Editor in Chief, to compile the entire newsletter and send it out in a more timely manner.  That is without exhausting myself with excess hours of work.  So thank you once again to those of you who have offered us that helping hand.  I feel I cannot express my thanks enough on that matter.

Many of us are still recovering from the toil of the holiday season, so do not be surprised if this issue is lacking.  The editorial staff is working overtime online and offline to keep everything together and running smoothly.  So please be patient while we get our heads together.  Sanity is an easy thing to lose this time of year.  As it is, I don't want to bore you all with my overwhelming tendency to babble on.  So let's get on with the news!

Top Story!

In our last issue I mentioned the intense collaboration that we ran last year known as the Best Of series.  It is my intention to continue this as a tradition for Ubique's Weekly in the many years to come.  With our hard work and dedication to the dream of freeform cooperative roleplaying, I feel that Ubique's Weekly will still be around for a long time coming.  Therefore I would like to direct your attention to Ubique's Weekly issue number twenty-one, archived for your convenience on the UW homepage (http://www.geocities.com/ehzoterik/UW/issue21.html).  In that issue, almost exactly one year ago, we presented you with a poll known as the Best of 2003.  It is the intention of the editorial staff to run a new ballot for the Best of 2004.

Ink Wire Associates DarkAngelGenesis and DonatelIo Harada, will be working together this year to compile a ballot and present in a future issue of Ubique's Weekly.  This is an intense project that will require the cooperation of all our subscribers, readers, and interested roleplayers.  When everything is all said and done, I would also like to present the poll and results on the Red Dragon Inn PaP boards.  But for now, subscribers get the first chance to share their thoughts on the matter.  Therefore, we are opening up a Suggestion Box to each and every one of you.  What sort of questions would you like to see on the ballot this year?  Do you have any ideas for a Best Of this time around?  Your thoughts and opinions are always welcome, and for the effort they are also valued.  So send in your suggestions to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it and tell us what you think.

--DarkAngelGenesis
Storyline Spotlight Editor
Ubique's Weekly
Mutual Endeavors

Storyline Spotlight

The Crow and the Pitcher

A Crow perishing with thirst saw a pitcher, and hoping to find water, flew to it with delight.  When he reached it, he discovered to his grief that it contained so little water that he could not possibly get at it.  He tried everything he could think of to reach the water, but all his efforts were in vain.  At last he collected as many stones as he could carry and dropped them one by one with his beak into the pitcher, until he brought the water within his reach and thus saved his life. 

Necessity is the mother of invention.

There are a great deal of intense collaborations out there that I hear rumor about on a daily basis.  The problem is, I never see any of these storylines being detailed anymore!  There is a saying that I live by.  A story must be written.  A story must be told.  It cannot be locked away forever, for the mind to hold.  Don't be shy, ladies and gentleman.  Tell us all about your roleplaying excursions.  Share with us your noteworthy creations of the imagination.  We here at Ubique's Weekly want to know that you are involved.  We want to know what you and your characters are doing.  You never know.  After reading about what other people are doing, chances are you'll stumble across some new good friends who want to spend their time with you as well.  Our stories can be so much more, if we are just willing to work together.  Especially if we are cunning enough to get the job done.

--DarkAngelGenesis
Storyline Spotlight Editor
Ubique's Weekly
Mutual Endeavors

This Just In

Seriously?  I think our Headline Editor is getting bored over there.  Do you people mean to tell me that there have been absolutely NO group projects going on in storyline land?  I refuse to believe it.  Same old stuff, different day.  That's mostly what I'm seeing in this section.  Give us something new and exciting to work with!  So if you don't think that your storylines are intense enough to be mentioned as a Spotlight, by all means... Send them over to DonatelIo Harada so she isn't sitting there twiddling her thumbs all the time!  As it is, here is what we have to share with you again for this week.

Headlines

Bloody Beach:  Rhydin Shore Patrol is still investigating a massacre at what appears to have been a luau.  Details on the shooting spree are being withheld by authorities.  A total of twenty-six people were shot to death with a variety of weapons.  Until further notice, a square mile of Rhydin's coast is closed to the public.

Dear Abby?:  Throughout all the discussion on an IC newspaper on the PaP boards, there is one in particular that has captured the Editor In Chief of Ubique's Weekly's attention.  A question presented by UW subscriber AKrugerAllen:  "Are you planning a Dear Deb section?"  With this inquiry, the member also submitted a sample question for what could potentially be a humorous addition to the pages of Ubique's Weekly.  The Editor in Chief's response was that should Deb subscribe to UW, she would be more than happy to invite her to handle just such a section.  The question is ... what do our readers think?  Should we include a Dear Deb section in our newsletter?  At least a Dear Somebody?  For more inspiration, please review the PaP boards which are linked to in our Advertisements sections.

Rhy'Din Yellow Pages:  Through discussion amongst players about the terrible confusion that transpires concerning precisely what it is that each individual character in Rhy'Din does to pay the bills, a great idea has been born.  I felt it would be beneficial to not only display this idea as a UW Advertisement, but also as a Headline.  The details as to why this idea came into focus can be reviewd on The Circle (the specific post has been provided via hyperlink).  In brief, the question arises, "Who can my character turn to when a certain job needs done?"  Many of us have taken great care and have spent many hours devising backgrounds and occupations for our characters.  With this in mind, it would only seem logical (and also cordial) to conclude that if your character needed a specific something done that he or she would turn to another player's character who can do just that.  To not would be foolish and at times possibly even bigoted.

Therefore, Mutual Endeavors member and fellow storyline collaborator DarkAngelGenesis has taken it upon herself to collect as much information as humanly possible from all of you players in an effort to create Rhy'Din's very own Yellow Pages.  Take a moment of your time one of these days and think about what it is your characters do for a living.  What are their occupations?  How do they make their money?  Would other characters come to them in order to make use of their services?  An example listing would be:

Rei:  Openly - student at Northedge Academy, studies drama, plays football, occasionally works at the Rambling Rose Tavern. 
Covertly - pickpocket, con artist, and sneak thief.

Use your imaginations and help us to help you by providing all the details that you feel are necessary.  In a future issue of Ubique's Weekly, I will be highlighting as much as I can.  Perhaps we can even add this into a section of the Mutual Endeavors website.  Please send all information to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for these purposes.  More information on this as it comes in.

Rogues of Rhy'Din:  Months ago it was brought to my attention that a new type of storyline is being built.  In some respects it could be considered a guild, but no.  While it is centered around a select choice few of character candidates, it is not necessarily guild revival in roleplaying.  A great number of characters fall under the category of rogue, and it is plausible to conclude that there would indeed be a Thieves' Guild in the area.  Though do not confuse it with the old version of guilds that use to overpopulate the RP scene.  This is in fact a group storyline, a collaboration in the works.  For more information, please visit the website at: http://www.thievesden.ashadowofme.com/  Their numbers are slowly growing, at least so far as identified rogues are concerned.  Perhaps your character can find a place to fit in amongst the underground movement as well!

Same Old Stuff, Different Year:  Return of the Living Dead: Most Rhydinians remember a time, almost two years ago now, when a horrific virus was unleashed on their questionably fair city. Thousands died, turned into zombies that didn't have the decency to die easily or move slowly, but were eventually turned back after Donatello and Sydney Harada, with the help of Joe Yamada, led a team to destroy the laboratory of their creator. There have been minor flareups since then, but this week, the worst happened. The virus returned. Zombies have been running rampant in Rhydin, led by huge, mutant creatures with massive claw-arms capable of slicing through plate steel. Zombie dogs run the streets in packs, hunting down what the mutants miss. Several safe zones have been established, the military has established a presence on the streets, and a serum discovered by Dr. Maranya Valkonan seems to halt the transformation process. A cure is in the works, and the zombies seem to be decreasing in number considerably, but residents are still encouraged to stay inside and listen to their radios for further developments. The Northedge, Southridge, Overbrooke, and Central Rhydin districts have been particularly affected, but the entire city should be on the alert.

Sled Into Adventure:  The Kodiak Falls Office of Blackjack Adventures is open for business.  Think the season ended with the warm weather?  Wrong!  We have new and exciting adventures for you!  Contact Administrative Director of Operations Irina Braeden to schedule an adventure package with Chasz Havery, BJA's resident Mudbogger or Yvonne Rivard, BJA's resident Snowdog (See Classifieds for more details).

The Blackjack Family would like to extend our gratitude to those who made our inaugural season such a success.  As a token of our gratitude, winter clients will receive discounts on select spring packages.  It's just our way of thanking you for your loyalty.

Still On The Crime Beat:  Anyone with information on various cases, including the murders of Aileen Hodgeson, Dorothy Peterson, Becky Johnson, Howard Conway, Patricia Miller, Stella Donaldson, and Paul and Mary Hanson is strongly urged to contact Deputy Marshall Wynter. Leave a message with the local PD, or a voice message at  940-555-7002.  Remember, your local authority needs your help to solve these cases.  You will not be asked to give your name or information about yourself.

Winter Wonderland:  In the tradition of the Spook Spectacular Haunted Hayride events at Dr. Maranya Valkonan's ranch and due to the success of the Winter Wonderland events the good Doctor and her gardener Jack Bishop planned for the month of December, the Winter Wonderland will be extended through January.  The proceeds from these events will continue to go to benefit programs at Riverview Clinic.  Bring your snow shoes, your mittens, and your sense of humor!

(The Valkonan family in no way, shape, form, or fashion take responsibility for any damages by the pranks, jokes, handshakes, or general contact with Jack Bishop.)

Words of Thanks:  Rhydin Family Charities would like to thank all those who made gifts of time and money during this holiday season and would like to foster the spirit of giving throughout the year.  The 2nd Annual Rhydin Family Charities benefit, catered by Ariana's Divine Delights Bakery and Aldo's Restaurant, was a smashing success, raising a record amount of money for various charitable organizations.

--DonatelIo Harada
Collaborative Headline Editor
Ubique's Weekly
Mutual Endeavors

In Other News...

Today we can all breathe easy.  As I mentioned last week, and as I suspected, UW's CNE has made up for lost time by compiling quite an intense group of individual Character Updates for us this week.  Thank you all for being patient and persistant.  So without further ado, here they are!

Ahriman (TheAngraMaiynu): There was a very powerful strain of the flu that briefly struck a few individuals.  Could it be that this dark entity is the one behind such a thing?  It is a logical conclusion to make, but there is still more evidence to be found.

Anna (AriannaRavenwood): The blue sister was last seen at the family gathering for Yule.  After giving a belated Yule present to Dris and Carmine (BardGaIIant, TaciturnMerc) on New Year's Day at the stroke of midnight, Arianna has gone back to staying out of the public eye.
 
Ariana (ArianaMacGyldren, SMI Ariana):  The green sister, along with her husband Galen (Galen MacGyldren) and daughter Elaine (Elaine Aqua), still resides at her husband and brother in law's clan lands.   Except for looking after the Silver Moon Inn on New Year's Day, Ariana has pretty much stayed out of the public eye, save to work at her Bakery as usual.   Ariana spent the holidays at her husband and brother in law's clan lands with her twin sister and her family.

Aya Aillister (Destiny of Music): During the holidays, the bard-girl spent a lot of enjoyable time with the Valkonan family.  She confronted a few personal demons as well, and now is just trying to be a girl again.

Calypso (Lady Proudfoot):  Yule was nice, she got things out if it.  Any holiday where she gets nice things is all right by her.

Carmine (TaciturnMerc):  Christmas came and went without a hitch.  He cooked a nice feast for his family and gave them each some presents that he has been keeping secretly stashed away for a few weeks.  Dris was given some parchment to pen new songs on, some wood to craft more music boxes with, some new shirts and pants to wear, and a box of oils that he chose to give him when his son was not watching.  As for his son, he was given some new clothes, and a set of small gold hoops and assorted gemstone studs to wear in various piercing locations.  He is not fooled by his son's sneakiness in removing the earrings when he is not looking for those holes are just not healing up.  So if he cannot win here, he might as well give him some decent looking jewelry to wear.  There are more important things to be stern about.  Mozart was given some high quality cat food, and one of those self cleaning litter pans.  Ariana was given some rare spices, and a card thanking her for all the good things she has done for him over the years. 

Carolyn Valkonan (DreamsInBurgundy):  Holidays were great. She got some nice stuff, and gave nice stuff out too. Whee.  It seems as if puberty is finally striking with a vengeance and along with the physical changes that are coming along, the hormones are driving the dreamer nuts.  Who knows what possessed her to grow her hair out?  It seems if nothing else, she got a makeover of sorts for Christmas.  Valkonans are strange birds.

Cassandra Tyra (Against Descent): The Hieracthon has been up to her earlobes. First she had to deal with a flu-sick half-elf (Terrance Tomar), and when he disappeared, another elf (Afreet Master) saw fit to floor her by asking her out to dinner!  The poorly socialized girl, misunderstanding, refused in a most impolite way.   The new year saw her shooting up zombies at the Rambling Rose before she returned to her hidey hole thanks to the help of the Murder (Corvide Dispatch).  A vision had her braving the assault again, however, which seemed to end in the Incarna and the Euthanatos butting heads.  Is this what a second chance has brought her?  If so, is it all worth it?

Chief Haverack (ChiefHaverack): With help from the Spellslinger's Guild a goodly portion of the Buntings were wrangled and sent back to their home dimension.  The Chief feels confident the majority of the trouble is over.  The Chief spent the holidays with his new best friend, Fred, the Great White Shark he saved from the canals.  The shark stopped biting him so perhaps the (troll's) Chief's high empathy is changing the great fish's mind...that or it got tired of not hurting him.

Deputy Marshall Wynter (Rachael Wynter): The scarred law woman in black continues to work on wrapping up certain investigations (see Headlines).  Rachael received information about a recent series of ritualistic murders from an anonymous informant and is currently investigating this lead.  She is also working closely with Doctor Nigel Newborn from RCSI on this case.  Her investigations keep the Deputy Marshall out of the public eye for the most part.  Rachael spent the holidays the same way she has the past four years, on the job, Serving and Protecting.

Dinosaurs (Supersaur Love):  The family faced a serious setback recently when Hmte took over Carven's labyrinth-the loss of a chick and a home.  The female/hen keeps pipping and looking for her lone lizardling unsuccessfully.  Pinfeathers/Samsin is faced with the unenvyable task now of keeping his family not only fed and protected but sheltered and good shelter is hard to find. Can the first time father manage to not lose anymore chicks?

Doctor Maranya Tatiana Valkonan (Maranya Valkonan): She's tending to her patients as usual, including one of the tenders at the Silver Moon Inn.  The good Doctor continues to spend time volunteering her medical services at a local free clinic.  Maranya is very pleased with the landscaping on her ranch and the Winter Wonderland events there.  However, the combined strain of keeping up with her busy schedule overall, along with investigating a series of mysterious deaths among some of her young cancer patients and working on changing her employment for the better continues to take its toll on the good Doctor.  Thankfully, Maranya spent her holidays in a pleasant and relaxing manner and she recently adopted a Siamese kitten.  There is the matter of some zombies who've decided to make their residence around her home, however, which may make things not so relaxing for her after all for a while.

Duncan MacNamara (ThWanderingSaint):  Duncan has gone somewhat missing in the past week, leading to speculation as to where he is, and what trouble he may be getting into. . . of course, more recently, it seems he and a few others have been battling zombies.  Just what is going on around Rhydin?

Drake Valkonan (Drake Valkonan):  More holiday celebrations surrounded by family--as the reigning Valkonan patriarch, Drake couldn't be happier.

Dris (BardGaIIant):  Breaking in the New Year was of course done through music.  Afterall, when does Dris not celebrate with music?  Though after midnight, he had to take a break from the festivities due to the arrival of a postponed Yule gift.  One in which he is very surprised and also delighted to have received.  However, he must have come down with the flu as well, since he hasn't been out of his room all weekend long.

Ehzoterik VonArcanum Tempestas (Ehzoterik):  Ehz spent New Year's making use of the telephone.  Chances are her intergalactic/interdimensional phone bill is going to be sky high when it comes in, but she doesn't care.  She just HAD to wish EVERYBODY a Happy New Year.  And that means EVERYBODY!!!

Elaine (Elaine Aqua): No solo exploring jaunts for Elaine at all.  She's enjoying the winter weather and having fun engaging in snowball fights with her cousins and family.  The eleven year old's also been helping her Ma, Aunty Allison and Melly (Ariana MacGyldren, Allison Reynor and Melanie Wyndham) with the holiday baking at her Ma's Bakery.  Elaine still misses Beauty but is consoled by taking care of the rest of Empress Emerald of Grayfur's kittens, though she's still grumpy that she's not allowed to name the kittens.   Elaine really misses her brother Banshee (Banshee Aqua) and really truly doesn't believe he's truly gone.

Emmy (Empress Grayfur):  The Empress Emerald of Grayfur has decided that it's high time she gets rid of her kittens.  Sure, she has enjoyed being a mother, but they are far past the weaning stage and are starting to get on her nerves.  Therefore, her and her kittens have been parading about Rhy'Din looking for worthy people to call their own.  So far only two of her kittens have departed from the ranks.  It will only be a matter of time before all five of them have good homes to call their own.  And then Emmy will be able to breathe easy once again.

Faladar (Afreet Master):  (12/26/04)  Faladar has taken the week off due to the general holidayness. Those on his hit list will enjoy their last Christmas.  Instead he is collecting various bits of loot to give to his "friends", all of it thoroughly cleaned, made ready for new owners. He's already given gifts to Terrance and Terrance's....son?, and is much relieved to find him alive at all. Apparently, disappearing into nothingness is something he does all the time, so it was not some horrible murder conspiracy. Faladar is at the moment hunting for people to give gifts to.
 
(Recently)  Faladar has had quite an eventful week.  His risky dabblings with Mithril's patience finally resulted in a strong rebuke, to which even Faladar could not grin. The entire room seemed hostile for various reasons, except for Terrance, who kept quite silent throughout the short episode.  At least, that's how Faladar remembers it, and he's prone to paranoia.  Perhaps his innocent insinuations had gone to far. After all, the elf isn't even "an homo-sect-sual".

Faye: She Who Tends the Dead (Faye Random):  Still hibernating.

Gnolfir Baruktar (GnolfirBaruktar):  Oakanfist celebrated the Yule by crushing a small clan of orcs (for fun), hiding in the basement of the Ramblin' Rose Tavern with humans, and leeches (vampires)-he's ready for a vacation.  Too bad he won't get one til his training is over...oh well atleast it all counted as experience toward his goal-reclaiming his father's axe and his own title as Warrior.

Irina Braeden (Irina Braeden):  In this week's installment, there's still been no news of note or actual sign of this native Rhydin resident around anywhere.  However, Issue #29 of Bright Suns has been spotted on the racks at Comic Masters in town.  Stay tuned.

Jack Bishop (Jackrabbit Blue):  Jack would just like to know where all the zombies came from!  He went home to ring in the New Year with his family and came back to work to find that the monsters were everywhere!  So in an effort to get rid of them, he has been spending his time "digging" sink holes in the yard.  Great, once this is over with he's going to have a heck of a whole lot more work to do.  Just great.

Joker (SMI Joker, Richard D Harker):  The flirtatious bartender for the Silver Moon Inn went back home to London with Rhi (Rhiannon D Brock) for the Christmas and New Year's holidays.   Joker is still worried about his younger brother Nige (Peter N Harker) and hopes to see him at the family gathering, along with his brother JT and sister Connie.  The eldest Harker brother is currently undergoing anger management counseling along with his usual medical treatments from the Valkyrie (Maranya Valkonan).   Joker can't wait to try out the present Rhi got him on some of the winding roads around Rhydin.

Jules (Jules Braeden):  She is currently hard at work building a whole new computer network for some unexpected clients of hers.  Naturally this means she is going to be rather busy for some time.

Kakabel (Celestial Sorrow):  The Prince of Stars was very pleased to receive a late Christmas gift from his son.  A perfect score on his last English exam of the previous year!  That's enough to make any father proud.  Especially the father of a child who absolutely despises the subject.  Of course, Rei must realize by now that Kakabel will be expecting just that sort of thing in the future all the time.  The changes occurring in Quellarin have not perturbed him in the least.  He is only too happy to be at home with Gem and his son as often as he is able.  Which is more than any of them would suspect.

Lyssa (Lyssa Bjornson):  Ariana's shy dollmaking daughter continues to make dolls based on dreams she's been having for a still undetermined reason.  Lyssa spent the holidays with her family, her husband Odin and her children.

Melly (Melanie Wyndham):  The shy relief baker is relaxing from the holiday bustle at Ariana's Divine Delights Bakery.  Will she tend bar at the Silver Moon Inn again?  The world may never know.  Melly had a very enjoyable celebration to ring in the new year.

Mer Harriss (Heavy Metal Mer):  The Virtual Adept spent some quiet time on vacation with Orion. All in all, it was a good week, especially when it was compounded by wonderful presents on both ends.  She's very happy to have family around her in Rhydin these days, as well as friends.

Mithril (ASaintOfSinners):  One of the rules of existence is, no matter how powerful someone gets, there is still another out there that can take one down.  In his case, that someone took the form of a very enchanted virus that gave him the flu.  Normally immune to such things, he had no tolerance or resistance to it, and felt utterly and completely miserable.  Once more his respect for humans (and other races) that must deal with illness on a regular basis has gone up.  Fortunately, he managed to find the cure before getting too far gone with the illness.
 
Now that he is feeling better, he is hard at work tracking down the one that engineered this magical disease and delivering a little payback.

Morgan Knight (Morgan Rampage):  He spent his holiday fighting zombies.

Mozart (Amadaeus Felidae): Pleased that he was remembered during the Christmas celebration, he has decided to reward everyone by still being a good kitty.  He also gave some gifts.  A rather frozen lizard that he somehow found in the middle of winter for Sal, yet another beat up mouse for Carmine as well as one for Dris too.  Dris's gift was left in a shoe where he would be sure to find it.  Isn't he a nice kitty?
 
Murder (Corvide Dispatch): The irreverent Incarna...is quietly preparing for an end it does not want to face.  For the most part it's kept silent about such things.

Orion Ksyhsravor (Orion Ksyhsravor):  Orion cheerfully took Mer for a week-long all-expenses-paid vacation for her Christmas present.  And then he happily sent his superiors on Coruscant the bill.  A small price for getting his parts blown halfway to hell.  At least the vacation was peaceful, quiet, and extremely enjoyable.

Pleione (Stellar Balinese):  The Queen of Quellarin Manor is most perturbed to discover an invasion of unwelcome and unwanted guests.  At least according to her.  First a baby silver dragon!  Now some black knight who has stolen away all of Gem's affections?  Despite the wonderful gifts she received for this Christmas thing, and the fact that Rei has been a very obedient man, she is quite unhappy.

Rei (AmethystStarfall):  Aside from working a little at the Rambling Rose, Rei has not been doing much other than taking it easy.  He did have the fun and joy of catching a very brief episode of some kind of powerful flu, but happily his cousin cured him of that before he could feel too miserable.

Salvador (Peculiar Silence):  His first New Year's celebration.  Sal doesn't remember celebrating the new year back at the orphanage.  Then again, he is starting to forget a lot of things concerning that particular place.  Even with all the celebrating going on lately, Sal has continuously been brooding and quiet.  More taciturn than usual, perhaps even moreso than his father!  He was very pleased with the gifts he received from friends and family, though he might not show it outwardly.  With the school season starting up again this week, he is going to be very busy.  And he is looking forward to it.  Anything that keeps his mind busy is always welcome.

Shadi  (Shadibadoo):  (12/26/04) Christmas is rather strange to Shadi, because it reminds him suspiciously of a Greek holiday about the birth of Apollo.  He's swerving between worry and ease, because he isn't really sure what Sal is turning into, but keeps reminding himself that it MUST be natural.  NOBODY comes out of puberty a spikey cat monster, right? 
 
(Recently) Shadi had a quiet and subdued Christmas this year, slinking around in his oversized peacoat.  He made a lot of hippy friendship bracelets, because its the only thing he can make, and they're passable gifts.  Shadi's been thinking about going to school, but his thin wallet isn't the only thing standing in his way.  The last time Shadi tried visiting the Rambling Rose he found the entire town swarming with zombies and monsters.  Apparently, Hell itself is preventing this boy's education.

Stephen Valkonan (Stephen Valkonan):  Considering he's been seen around the Rambling Rose within the past week, apparently he survived the Harada Holidays. Of course, he also got his report card from his master's courses.  How could he have gotten B's? Horrors! That's something he's going to have to devote more time to in the future...

The Menagerie (GrandMenagerie):  The houndess named Brandy was found dead recently apparently run over by one of Rhy Din's many speeders. None seemed overly concerned amongst the pack or cats.  If anything everything has calmed abit about the Ranch.  The houndess was soon to come into heat again, this meant the boys were growing restless and she was challenging the collie, Casey, again.  Enkii the parrot has been taking great delight in screaming at odd times at the recent batch of kittens.  When not involved in mischief or bonding time w/ Ariana he sits quietly and grooms the tiny poodle, Buff.  The 2 have a unique bond being somewhat near the bottom of the heirarchy totem pole, and both get harrassed a great deal by the Siamese, Pyewhackett.  The elephant, Pierre, is still missing.  It is assumed he is the elephant harrassing Longilli's Traveling Circus.  He left the Ranch because one of the female elephants was in heat but his presence put all the females into season over the past few weeks.  The Injian elephant is likely to be the father of a few calves in 2 years...a possibly dead father if Longilli has his way.  The ringmaster and owner of the small circus has had to pay what he considers "too mucha!", in medical bills for his circus hands having to deal with the enraged pachyderm.  At first the circus manager and his trainers tried to just capture Pierre thinking a free elephant to be quite a boon but Pierre lashed out and drove them back.  Apparently 'love' is enough to change the bull elephant's mind.  Is the change permanent?

Yeehaw Kikass (YeeHaw M Kikass):  The Yeester Bunny started the Yule by punching a Mall Santa in the face, stealing his large sack of goodies, and running off to give them the inhabitants of the Silver moon...he even gave Sulrin one-a can of peanut brittle which actually turned out to be peanut brittle.  After that night Yee tried not to think about his new 'condition' even going so far as to convince himself that it's temporary.  he found solace in watching Elaine have a fairly wonderful Yule, he even managed to not kill anything.  Yee still has some gifts in his bag so more presents can likely be expected.

Yoshi (KitsuneNineTails):  After last week's episode involving the transport of demons, elves, and humans (oh my), the strange kitsune is once more laying low. 

Zohak (ABafflingEnigma):  Yule is over, and Zohak made out like a bandit.  He now has plenty of toys to play with, as well as lots of toilet paper to craft new items with.  Let's see how long he will stay interested in these things before getting bored once more.

--Ellyn VT
Character News Editor
Ubique's Weekly
Mutual Endeavors

Classifieds

This is the section where anything you the player and/or your character needs can be advertised.  It's an underutilized resource for soliciting and promoting cooperative roleplay in storylines and I for one would like to see that change.   I'd like to thank those players who continue to take advantage of this resource and also encourage the rest of you out there to do the same.  Any future ads and/or changes to present ads should be sent to ArianaMacGyldren.  For ease of use, I've broken the ads down into In Character and Out of Character listings.

In Character Listings

Bayview Productions : Currently seeking a local guide for their documentary crew.  Any individuals with an intimate knowledge of the area and giant ants are asked to respond to this publication.  Bayview Productions is prepared to pay handsomely for this service. For more information please contact them courtesy of Ink Wire Associates.

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Blackjack Adventures : Bored?  Seeking more Adventure in your life?  Check out Blackjack Adventures!  We have adventure packages to meet your needs!

At our Kodiak Falls Office, we offer trail riding of all sorts.  Whether your desire is to ride the back of a mighty steed through woodland splendor or you'd rather watch trees zip by as you kick up mud with an ATV, we've got you covered.

Supercross Champion, Freestyle Motocross Champion and Free-ride Moto Champion Chasz "Too Fly" Havery is on hand to guide various adventure packages, including:

-Hiking
-Mountain/trail biking
-Downhill mountain biking
-Mudsports (motocross/ATV, trail biking, mud hiking)
-Rock climbing

In another Blackjack Adventures exclusive, through a special arrangement with Hammerforge Motorsports, we are pleased to announce special race car driver fantasy packages where you actually get to drive the cars around an official track!  These packages are only available through October.

Also ask about our driving programs tailored to school and employment training needs.

Canadian Freestyle Snowboard Champion and professional snowboard instructor Yvonne "Ice Queen" Rivard is also on hand to guide various adventure packages, including:

-Hiking
-Mountain/trail skiing (various skill levels)
-Downhill mountain skiing (various skill levels)
-Snowboarding (various skill levels)

The Blackjack Family would like to extend our gratitude to those who made our inaugural season such a success.  As a token of our gratitude, summer, fall and winter clients will receive discounts on select spring packages.  It's just our way of thanking you for your loyalty.

For those who have yet to experience a Blackjack Adventure, we offer several introductory packages priced right for those who would like to sample before ordering a major package.

Contact Administrative Director of Operations Irina Braeden for details.

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Forging Arms:  Looking for the right gift idea for your lovable warrior? Are you a wizard who's strength is far less than the amount of enemies you have made?  Maybe you're a damsel who refuses to be distressed, or perhaps an assassin who needs a new gimmick. 

At HKG forge we have all your weapons needs.  Special order? No problem.  Our staff of expert smiths are subject to inspection by a certified master of the forge before a sale can be completed.  Need magical properties?  No problem.  HKG forge has an elementalist on staff to service most brands of magical weapons. 

Our ore is genuine mithril and comes straight from the dwarven mine and smelting facility Crystal Cavern, whom we have partnered with nearly since its inception.  So get down to the forge today and pick up that special evening accessory today. 

5 G.P. off your purchase of any new Kruger made weapon

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Help Wanted :  Independent, well motivated individuals interested in working for a new and exciting business.  Must have skills in skiing, snowboarding, jet ski operation, surfing and other water and winter sports activities.  For more information on this great opportunity, send us a request via mail or e-mail.

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Help Wanted -- Marksman : Blackjack Adventures is in the market for a Staff Marksman.  Applicants must not only be proficient in the use of small arms, but must be certified to instruct others in the use of the same.   Contact Administrative Director of Operations Irina Braeden for details.

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IDPC : Are pesky Pixies pirating your poultry?  Dagger Drakes diving in your dough?  Sarduvian Razor mice dicing your delicatessen?  Irritating Insects invading your Igloo?  Just call the IDPC.  Inter-Dimensional Pest Control, we handle anything from the smallest flea, to the grandest giant.  No job too big, none too small.  100% money back guarantee*.  Now Taking Applications. Contact IDPC Rusty.
*money back guarantee subject to terms and conditions

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Junk Collector : Do you have used electronics cluttering up the place?  Need some more space about your home?  Broken, obsolete, it matters not.  I will gladly take such items off your hands, or even repair or upgrade your system.  Rates negotiable.  Contact Jules Braeden at 411-555-7913.  Leave a message.  Let's do business!

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Mestrangelo Enterprises : Dealer and Procurer of All Things.  Specialties Include: Rare Books, Antiques, Modern Machinery.  Discretion and Satisfaction Guaranteed.  4242 Broadway.  Conveniently located between the Tech and Old Sectors of the city.

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Photography : Local hotshot photographer seeking work!  Looking for someone to capture all those memorable moments on professional designer print?  Kevin N Summers may be just the person you've been looking for!  He works with artistic shots, action shots, wedding photos (which can be bought as a whole package with the services of Kelly's Catering Company).  You want it, you name it! Commission operates on a sliding scale to suit the customers' needs. Any interested parties can contact Mr. Summers by writing to Nick Summers c/o Ink Wire Associates, or by calling our offices and asking for Nick Summers.

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