Storyline Spotlights

Okay, well, our spotlights editor was out of town this week, so I'll go ahead and let them out of the toe shackles. Here's a couple of things I'd like to see this coming week, though:

What's happening in the lives of Rhydin's local angels and hellbeast?

Did anyone get the Best Of featurette? No one responded. Well, two did, but neither filled out the whole form.

Who'd like to get a full synopsis of who's who and what's what? This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it does! Send in your characters details, like occupation and parents. There are some residents where this alone would fill the newsletter.

And here's a new one: While we're making a Rhydin phone book, who'd like to aid in the construction of a Rhydin Commons map? While I, the Headlines editor, would go ahead and put together the map, I need to know what's there to be mentioned. Who's castle is where, in what relation to the Silver Moon Inn and the Rambling Rose Tavern is Ariana's Divine Delights Bakery? Where's the hospital? Where are the temples? If we all used the same image, perhaps some storyline timeframes would make more sense. It's a thought!

Character Updates

"Poor thing!" said Robert the Bruce. "You, too, know what it's like to fail six times in a row."

But the spider did not lose hope. With still more care, she made ready to try for a seventh time. Robert the Bruce almost forgot his own troubles as he watched, fascinated. She swung herself out upon the slender line. Would she fail again? No! The thread was carried safely to the cave wall, and fastened there.

"Yes!" cried Bruce, "I, too, will try a seventh time!" 

So he arose and called his men together. He told them of his plans, and sent them out with hopeful messages to cheer the discouraged people....."

I'm so jealous of this editor. Something new to do every time. Sometimes too much, maybe, but it's better than the orb spiders taking over my in-box. So, on to her masterpiece!

Anna (AriannaRavenwood):  The blue sister will celebrate Valentine's Day with her husband Galen (Galen Ravenwood).

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.   Ariana made a relatively brief appearance at the Willow Tree Tavern this past week and danced with an old ducky friend, but otherwise she continues to stay out of the public eye, save to work at her Bakery as usual.  The green sister will celebrate Valentine's Day with her husband Galen.  She also helped Elaine make some very special presents for the holiday.

Aya Aillister (Destiny of Music):  Aya really enjoyed celebrating Carolyn's birthday today. It's one of the best surprises the bard-girl has planned in a really long time.

Carolyn Vakonan (DreamsInBurgundy):  And here she thought she was going to succeed in forgetting about her fifteenth birthday! She should've known her best friend Aya (Destiny of Music) might've had something to say about that.  It's one of the happiest birthdays she can remember, marred only by a few sorrow-filled recent events.
 
Cassandra Tyra (Against Descent):  Life tends to be difficult when you need to fight against yourself every day. Regardless, the Hieracthon has battled on.  Most recently she's been spotted in the Rambling Rose Tavern, playing poker with a few other folks (Gentleman Jim T, Irina Braeden, and Peculiar Silence). Her endeavour to break out a bit and befriend people has met with less than scintillating success, so far, however.
 
Dris (BardGaIIant):  Dris celebrated his forty-first birthday in the privacy of his own home on Monday.  Nothing too spectacular.  It was Valentine's Day afterall.

Doctor Maranya Tatiana Valkonan (Maranya Valkonan):  She's tending to her patients as usual, including one of the tenders at the Silver Moon Inn and a young woman with emotional problems.  The good Doctor continues to spend time volunteering her medical services at a local free clinic.  Maranya is very pleased with Jack's ongoing efforts to repair the damages to her ranch's landscaping from the invading zombies, said damages forcing a temporary cancellation of the Winter Wonderland fundraising events there.  The good Doctor has since stuck to dealing with her patients at Riverview Clinic and making things comfortable for her new Siamese kitten, Zorro, at her ranch.  She plans to celebrate Valentine's Day in a private, relaxing fashion.

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, as well as returning to her studies at Northedge Academy.  The eleven year old's also been helping her Ma, Aunty Allison and Melly (Ariana MacGyldren, Allison Reynor and Melanie Wyndham) with the baking at her Ma's Bakery.  Elaine plans to deliver baked good presents to some members of her family who celebrate birthdays on Valentine's Day, like her brother Dris (BardGaIIant).   She is also going to give a special Valentine to one of her cousins.  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.
 
Faladar (Afreet Master):    So little of Faladar's business is taken to the taverns and inns, so it may appear he does little.  Quite the contrary!  This last week he had personally recieved two shipments of human cargo he'd captured months earlier.  The first was three hundred "of the wicked!!!" and the second was two hundred slave children;  They were promptly executed and housed (respectively).  Ah, his little Private Academy scheme is going to work out!  In a couple decades he will have a fresh new army-  And EVIL* will Cower!!!!!

*Faladar reserves right to alter definition of evil at any time.

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

Irina Braeden (Irina Braeden):  In this week's installment, among the news of note for this native Rhydin resident was that she was spotted at the Rambling Rose Tavern, The Merry Eire Pub and the Silver Moon Inn this past week.   She's got a Valentine's Day present in the mails for her fiance Auggy (August R Benson) and hopes it gets there in time.  One of her presents from Auggy is currently worn around her neck.  Issue #30 of Bright Suns has also been spotted on the racks at Comic Masters in town.  Stay tuned.
 
James Tanner (Gentleman Jim T): The Gentleman Gambler has been seen frequenting The Rambling Rose Tavern this week. He's been giving refresher courses in poker to a couple of lovely young ladies, and giving instruction to a somewhat odd young Spaniard as well. He has also made a decision concerning his latest acquisition, A riverboat named "The Lady Luck". He has decided to hire it out, if posable, as a Floating Gambling den.

Joker (SMI Joker, Richard D Harker):  The flirtatious bartender for the Silver Moon Inn is glad he finally changed his shift there to Sunday nights, as he's actually had enough customers the past few weeks to keep him busy as a result of the scheduling change.  Joker is still worried about his younger brother Nige (Peter N Harker).  The eldest Harker brother is currently undergoing anger management counseling along with his usual medical treatments from the Valkyrie (Maranya Valkonan).   Joker enjoys trying out the present Rhi (Rhiannon D Brock) got him on some of the winding roads around Rhydin.  He gave Rhi another sparkly present for Valentine's Day and he got a furry present in return.

Lyssa Lyssa Bjornson):  Ariana's shy dollmaking daughter continues to make dolls based on dreams she's been having for a still undetermined reason.  She will spend Valentine's Day distributing dolls to the lovers out there.

Melly (Melanie Wyndham):  The shy relief baker plans to relax from the Valentine's Day rush for baked goods and candies at Ariana's Divine Delights Bakery.  Chocolate is something she personally doesn't want to see for a while.  Will Melly tend bar at the Silver Moon Inn again?  The world may never know.

Mer Harriss (Heavy Metal Mer):  The Virtual Adept was recently seen in the company of her fiance (Orion Ksyhsravor) at the Silver Moon Inn, aiding in someone else's prank on a poor unsuspecting Silencer.  In all, it was a quiet night out--something she hasn't had in a while.

Orion Ksyhsravor (Orion Ksyhsravor):  Finally he's figured out a name for a recent acquisition--a furry 'inbred' feline gotten from Seamus Wylie of the Rambling Rose. The orange, polydactyl kitten has been named Anandara.  Mer (Heavy Metal Mer) has resolved to call her "Andy".

Salvador (Peculiar Silence): With the silence of Winter still upon him, Sal has been trying to find more and more ways to occupy his mind.  Visits to the Rambling Rose Tavern this past week have been an equal amount of uncomfortable and relaxing.  He left a memorial on a bench on the patio for his lost friend.  Twice in the past week he spent some time learning how to play a game called poker from a gentleman he met by the name of James.  Though he hasn't explained his reason for missing school one day last week to his father, nor has he shown any remorse, it should be known that he was busy teaching Irina how to defend herself from would-be attackers without needing to use a firearm.  There are so many more creative ways afterall that hurt just as well without killing.
 
Shadi  (Shadibadoo):    Shadi is free, loose, mellow!  Everybody smilin', Sunshiny da-ay! Everybody laghin', Sunshiny da-ay!  Shadi just can't stay inside all day, he's got to get up and get out in the rays.  He's met two new girls in the past week, but doesn't quite understand his feelings.  They're both so meek and shy, but Dementia stands out.  She's been hurt.  Shadi's got a soft spot for needy people, understandably, but perhaps he needs somebody more bossy in his life.  Like a bad-girl! ........P-p-p-peachy Keen.......Only time will tell.

Stephen Valkonan (Stephen Valkonan):  He's been celebrating a certain anniversary with Cat (Matakhat Cain), and helping some of his friends deal with recent losses. All this on top of school and work at Northedge.

Classifieds

This is the section where anything you the player and/or your character needs can be advertised.  It's a very 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.

This section is updated from time to time with new ads as well as updates of older ads.  Please don't just skim over this section.  Read it.  Use it.

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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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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Pawn Shop :  Has this ever happened to you?  You are in a tavern or some other location, minding your own business when a stranger out of the blue insists you take one of his gadgets such as the amazing sword sharpening scabbards you have no use for?  Perhaps you are an adventurer that wound up with the dastardly magical McGuffin that is more trouble to keep than it is worth.  Ever wished that you could get some coin for all this useless stuff?  Look no further, that wish is about to come true!  Gather up all your unwanted stuff and trade it in to Barnaby Furlong's Ticky Tacky Curio and Pawn Shoppe.  We offer reasonable exchange rates, and even work with the barter system.  Never again do you have to allow useless stuff clutter up your place.  Trade it in for cash! 

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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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Rhydin Animal Control : NOTICE:  A male elephant of unknown origin has been reported pestering Longilli's Traveling Circus.  Any traveling the roads are warned to show extra care.  Remember it's always Kitten and Puppy season down at the Shelter.  As always more adult dogs and cats need homes than have them.  Perfectly fine animals who are homeless by no fault of their own.  Also the Rhydin Menagerie is seeking donations.  As the weather cools and the cost of good food rises Chief Haverack asks you to please give what you can.  Also remember Rhydin Animal Control services are still free to residents.  Finally, Please Spay and Neuter your pets.  Pest Removal Services available 24-7, if non-emergency come to 789 Comshock Ln.  For emergencies call: 915-555-5722.

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Tattoo You? :  The Rose's Thorn Tattoo and Piercing Parlor: Body modification your style? Have a specific tattoo design you've been dreaming of, aching for, but no one seems able to put ink to flesh? Rose Valkonan, proprietor, would be only too happy to fulfill your tattoo and piercing desires. Only the newest procedures used. We pride ourselves on our cleanliness and jewelry selection! 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed--the work's not done until YOU are happy! Contact Drake Valkonan at Valkonan Labs to set up an appointment. Be sure to mention the Rose's Thorn!

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Theatre Space Available :  The New Land Theatre is re-opening its doors this spring, and invites all productions!  Whether your show is comedy or tragedy, musical or straight drama or concert performance, the New Land is the perfect venue for your needs.  We have a main stage hall that seats 350, as well as two smaller studio spaces for more intimate settings.  Contact Ebon Ilnaren or Tenball for more details.

Out of Character Listings

Ariana's Divine Delights Bakery :  For those of you who remember the good old days of AOL's message boards, we would like to remind one and all that nothing is ever completely lost in this day and age.  Perhaps one way that we can all achieve our goals of keeping our storylines on the same track is to make use of this forgotten treasure.  Therefore, it is our great pleasure to direct everyone's attention to the existence of Ariana's Divine Delights Bakery.  With the creator's permission, we are welcoming one and all to read, write, and enjoy the glory that is storytelling through the use of message boards.  Keep those creative juices flowing!

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Rambling Rose :  The Rambling Rose Tavern is a bar and grill establishment in town, owned and operated by Seamus Wylie and Katie Rose Wylie.  Stop in and enjoy a drink or a home-style meal, but before you do check out the rules and room description by following this link: http://www.ramblingrosetavern.com.  There are plenty of fun times to be had at the Rambling Rose Tavern!  Don't hesitate to join in on them whenever possible.

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Red Dragon Inn :  From its historical origins to the present day, everything that ever was and will be concerning Rhydin can be found here.  There are also direct links to the RDI related rooms.  For more information contact the RDI's official correspondent Fayalki, or visit one of the links provided below:

--The official Red Dragon FFG Group Index webpage can be found at http://members.aol.com/rdifayalki/RDIGroup/index.htm.
--The official schedule can be found by following AOL Keyword: RED DRAGON INN > Role-Playing Games Chat Schedule.
--All Boards for Red Dragon Inn can be located via this link: Red Dragon Inn
         -OOC General Discussion:  The Kitchen Sink
         -Role-playing techniques, tips, etc.:  Players Assisting Players
         -Compliments to fellow players/writers:  Words of Praise
         -Recruiting: Writer & Role-Player Recruiting

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Silver Moon Inn : Looking for a good place for your characters to meet and interact?  Check out the Silver Moon Inn, located in the member created rooms under Arts & Entertainment.  But before you jump on in and join the fray, you should take a moment to look over the Rules & Regulations that correspond to the environment.  Once you've grown accustomed as to what to expect, feel free to see what the SMI might have in store for you.

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Subscribe Now! : Ubique's Weekly is a publication provided by the not-for-profit organization known as Mutual Endeavors.  As a free source of literary entertainment, you as the reader have the liberty to send out copies of our publication to whomever you think might enjoy the information shared.  To save yourselves the hassle of constantly forwarding what you might find amusing, feel free at any time to inform your friends and coconspirators to contact the Editor to request their very own future copies of Ubique's Weekly at no cost to them whatsoever.  It's as simple as clicking this link here above.

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Victims Wanted : Roleplayers seeking "throwaway characters" for recently developing storyline.  If you have a currently existing character that you're just plain sick of, or are interested in creating a "victim" please contact Inkwire Associates for more information.  The players behind the characters have asked to remain confidential in their interviewing process, but are encouraging everyone to join in on the "gory fun!"  Keep an eye on the weekly Headlines concerning murder victims to get a feel for what is expected.  The more the victims are actually in the public eye before their eradication, the more believable the players feel this storyline will be!

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Yellow Pages : I am collecting a list of characters and the jobs that they do.  I plan to compile all of these into one handy little reference guide.  Think of this as the Rhydin Yellow Pages.   Here is an example of a listing: 
Rei:  Openly - student at Northedge Academy, studies drama, plays football, occasionally works at the Rambling Rose Tavern. 
Covertly - pickpocket, con artist, and sneak thief
Please send all listings to DarkAngelGenesis.

--ArianaMacGyldren
Advertising Editor
Ubique's Weekly
Mutual Endeavors

Announcements

Any future announcements, both in and out of character, that you wish to see listed in UW need to be sent to ArianaMacGyldren.

In Character Birthdays/Holidays:

February 28th - birthday of Rekah Dravina.

March 5th - Kislara and Sylver Melniboné's wedding anniversary.

Out of Character Birthdays/Holidays:

February 21st - Happy President's Day!

March 4th - Happy Birthday to the player of ReversedHaIo!

--ArianaMacGyldren
Advertising Editor
Ubique's Weekly
Mutual Endeavors

Boy that was short. The editor is never going to trust me again. Remember, send in any submissions to the proper idiots I mean.....editors...by next week. I could blah blah blah here, and yadda yadda, but perhaps it's best I I leave it as the woman who started this project always would.

Until next week, she remains...

Our Nefarious SM

'Nuff said.