Ubique's Weekly

A Mutual Endeavors Publication

Issue #75 ~ 29 March 2005

The Blurb

"You must give some time to your fellow men.  Even if it's a little thing, do something for others - something for which you get no pay but the privelege of doing it." -- Albert Schweitzer

Greetings and salutations, readers.  It seems to be a running habit lately that Ubique's Weekly is turning into a biweekly.  I have no one to blame but myself for all of the procrastination that has been going on, and I only hope you can all forgive me for that.  Life has been keeping me very busy despite having a lot more free time on my hands.  My sleep/awake schedule is out of whack and I just haven't had the energy to concentrate on this as much as I should.  My plan is to make it up to all of you by providing more in the future.  I only hope that I can succeed in this plan.

There is a lot of news to share with you this week, half of which should have been circulated last week instead.  Many people have been working very hard to get storylines into action and events transpiring.  There are also quite a few out of character updates concerning other projects in the works.  With the coming of spring, roleplaying activity has reached a new high.  I only wish that more people would share information with one and other and collaborate to the best of their ability.  We all have a great deal of potential in regards to cooperation.  Please, don't waste it.

Top Story!

"Change has a considerable psychological impact on the human mind. To the fearful it is threatening because it means that things may get worse. To the hopeful it is encouraging because things may get better. To the confident it is inspiring because the challenge exists to make things better." -- King Whitney Jr.

The results are in!  I want to extend thanks to all of you that voted.  I got a lot more responses than I was expecting which is very good indeed.  But without further ado, here are the results to last week's survey.
 
1:  It has been a tradition of UW to run quotes, fables, and other such passages in between articles.  Do you think this feature should continue to be done?
 
Most of you voted for "A.  Yes, I think that it gives the paper its own unique touch."  So you all like the stories and fables eh?  Do you have a favorite story, fable, or quote you would like to see in a future edition of UW?  Do not hesitate to send it in.
 
2:  Every year UW likes to run a feature that is generally known as "The Best of."  For example "Best Couple of the Year," "Best Dressed," ect.  Do you think that we should continue to do this?
 
A lot of you out there voted for "B.  No, I do not."  Guess this explains why so few votes were cast for the last ballot.  Several of you went on to make an interesting point.  It has been said that things such as this encourage competitive role-playing and that freeform role-play should not be about winners or losers.  On a personal note, I could not agree more.
 
3:  Do you think that UW should be a strictly OOC (out of character) publication, IC, or a mix of the two?
 
Nearly all of you voted "D.  I like having it be a mix between the two as it is right now."  A point was raised that this paper needs to be very clear about what is in character and what is out of character.  Lately we have been taking to using different fonts to colorize what is in character and out of character, but perhaps more can be done.  Hmm, I think a new survey might be in the works. 
 
4:  Do you think that the current set-up of UW is a good one?
 
Here the vote was almost evenly split between A and B.  It seems that I am not the only one with poor vision out there.  While I work on the next survey, I will go ahead and toss this question a little early.  Out of the following list of fonts, which one is easiest on your eyes?  If the font you are seeing does not match what is written, that means your computer does not have the font installed.  For that reason I tried to choose those that were given as a default on my system and I see as easy to read.  Please look through the list and tell me what you like best.  Send your answer to me at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .  I plan to go through these and weed the list down to four choices.  Expect to see them in a future survey.

Here is the font list:

10 point Arial
12 point Arial
10 point Book Antiqua
12 point Book Antiqua
10 point Courier New
12 point Courier New
10 point Tahoma
12 point Tahoma
12 point Times New Roman
 
5:  Do you think the Ink Wire Associates are necessary?
Nearly all of you voted "A.  I think they do a great job helping to compile everything"  All I can say is I am glad you think so! 
 
In closing, I want to thank everyone once again that voted.  I have been inspired to make yet another survey in my quest to make this publication as enjoyable a read as possible.  Do you have any questions you would like to see asked?  By all means send them in.  Happy reading!

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

Storyline Spotlight

"Creative work is play. It is free speculation using materials of one's chosen form." -- Stephen Nachmanovitch.

From the collaborative minds of a group of individuals who have brought you a fair number of intriguing storylines over the years comes a project of such wide-scale proportion that we have not only decided to list it here, but on the RDI message boards as well.  The originator of this portion of the story did a great job of formatting it into newspaper quality print, but I can't seem to get it to work well with this publication.  Suffice it to say, we are  Starting a War and all of you are invited to participate with the information we are providing.  While I'm waiting for a write up of the rules of participation from one of the co-collaborators, I can at least give you this:

Twenty seven Dead After City Hall Bombing

Blast Kills Four employees; Riots Follow
Two Youths Slain; State Reinforces Rhydin Commons Police

Rhydin International

March 15th, 2005

Rhydin, March. 15 -- A bomb hurled from a passing car blasted City Hall last night, killing four, three security guards and a state secretary, and triggering outbreaks of violence that left two more persons dead in the streets.

Two youths were killed in outbreaks of shooting seven hours after the 16th Street City Hall was bombed, and a third was wounded. On a laundry near the initial bombing, "No more half-breed [mutts]" was spray painted in three foot letters. The message has since been removed.

As darkness closed over the city hours later, shots crackled sporadically in the business districts as the reports of outworlder threats and demands spread through the city.

Five Fires Reported
Police reported at least five fires in business establishments tonight. A official said some were set, including one at a mop factory touched off by gasoline thrown on the building. The fires were brought under control and there were no injuries.

The fires are believed to be in response to the demands of a self proclaimed conquerer that is threatening the city, the details of which are still being withheld.

Meanwhile, Executive district Mayor Matt Wilkins wired General Madison that unless the Federal Government offers more than "picayune and piecemeal aid against this type of threat" citizens will "employ such methods as our desperation may dictate in defense of the lives of our people."

Reinforced police units patrolled the city and 500 battle-dressed City Guardsmen stood by at an armory.

City police shot a 16-year-old half-elf to death when he refused to heed their commands to halt after they caught him stoning cars.

Police Battle Crowd
Downtown streets were deserted after dark and police urged Elven and human parents to keep their children off the streets.

Thousands of hysterical half-breeds of various species poured into the area around the City Hall this morning and police fought for two hours, firing rifles into the air to control them.

When the crowd broke up, scattered shootings and stonings erupted through the city during the afternoon and tonight.

The Elven youth killed by police was Azafel Il, 16. They said he fled down an alley when they caught him stoning cars. They shot him when he refused to halt.

Police patrols, augmented by 300 mercenary troopers sent into the city by General Minas Avril, quickly broke up all gatherings of humans and elves. Avril sent the troopers and ordered 500 City Guardsmen to stand by at Rhydin Common armories.

Arthur Milingham arrived in the city tonight and went into a conference with General Fredrick Shuttlesworth, a leader in the local military to discuss safety measures for the city, and approved proposals for a curfew.

Dozens of persons were injured when the bomb went off in the City Hall, which held 114 workers and petitionists at the time, including 80 children.

Both Prime Minister Arthur Milingham and General Fredrick Shuttlesworth's representatives are reluctant to answer questions on the rumors of war at the moment.

Mayor Albert Boutwell, tears streaming down his cheeks, announced the city had asked for help.

"It is a tragic event," Boutwell said. "It is just sickening that a few individuals could commit such a horrible atrocity. The occurrence of such a thing has so gravely concerned the public..." His voice broke and he could not go on.

"While the situation appears to be well under control of city law enforcement officers at this time, the possibility of further trouble exists," Boutwell and Moore said in their telegram.

As the crowd came outside watched the victims being carried out, one youth broke away and tried to touch one of the blanket-covered forms.

"This is my sister," he cried. "My God, she's dead." Police took the hysterical boy away.

--The Nefarious SM, standing in for,
--DarkAngelGenesis
Storyline Spotlight Editor
Ubique's Weekly
Mutual Endeavors

This Just In

"Imagination is the beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire, you will what you imagine and at last you create what you will." -- George Bernard Shaw

Aside from the above newsblotter in the Storyline Spotlight, I received little to no updates that could qualify as Headlines this week.  However, having been part of a few intricate storylines myself, hopefully I can at least give you all something interesting to read about.

Another Ant Incursion:  It seems as if the forces of Hmte have been moving once again.  Earlier this past week a large soldier ant and several worker ants invaded the Silver Moon Inn.  The large ant stood six feet tall on five of its six limbs, and witnesses claim that it was carrying a sword!  While that ant held off the patrons of the Inn, the worker ants made off with all the meat that was on the buffet.  Colleen MacLeod (PrlUnicorn) is rumored to have been injured in the "attack", and Joe Yamada (GraySilencer) managed to capture one of them.  The carcass has been taken to the local university to be examined by scientists.  More on this breaking story as it comes to us.

Marketplace Riot:  Early this past week the Rhy'Din Marketplace was overrun by local authority officials when a large riot broke out and disturbed the peace of exchange that people have enjoyed for years.  It seems the accusations and assault on half-breeds is constant since the instigation of attacks that began earlier this month.  Many citizens were prone to literally throwing stones and several passersby were injured.  Peace officers flooded the scene and broke up the fighting as quickly as possible, but since then several citizens have been avoiding the Marketplace at all costs and refusing to conduct business with local tradesmen.  The general mood around town is that people are being singled out for being different.  Some people believe that the ones to watch out for are individuals wearing a pin of a sheared wheat, for one such individual was preaching about "purity" shortly before the riot broke out.

Sleep Studies:  Rhy'Din area doctors recently conducted a series of tests on the nature of sleep and how people dream.  The issue of dreaming has been cause of continuous controversy over the years as many people differ on their opinions of the how and why of it all.  Earlier in the week scientists were baffled when several of their volunteers lapsed into a deep coma-like state with increased brain activities.  Several of the volunteers woke up recalling vivid and unexplainable nightmares that "had me feeling as if I were suddenly attacked by evil monsters and unable to control the circumstances," one individual recalled.  Researchers are baffled and continue to investigate the possibility of how so many people at once could have experienced the same thing at the same time in their dreams.  So far there are no definite conclusions that any can agree upon.

Ink Wire Associates:  Recently the Nefarious SM has made to make a drastic decision in regards to the appointment of UW's Ink Wire Associates.  Many months ago we detailed to you the allotment of duties and expected contributions to this newsletter.  Some changes have needed to be made in regards to our active Archive Editor.  Formatting all of our past issues into HTML coding is a tedius labor that SM has been working on by herself for quite some time.  Editing this newsletter in addition to keeping the site updated is a lot of repetitive work.  After a recent discussion, another player who has less time to actually play has volunteered to help out in this area.  SM would like to formally welcome Bronze Mesteno aboard as UW's newest Archive Editor.  So far we've seen some progress and hope to actually maintain a continous update of five old issues archived per week.  We'll see how it goes.  If everything goes according to plan, we should be up-to-date in a matter of a few short months!

Mutual Endeavors on the Web:  Recent work has been continued on the great Archiving Project and other areas of the ME website as found at: http://www.geocities.com/ehzoterik/ME.html  The Nefarious SM has moved all of the Mutual Endeavors links to their very own page and is currently trying to come up with a better way of presenting the website.  In an effort to further encourage cooperation and collaboration in roleplay and storytelling, the Nefarious SM has even gone so far as to start up a Mutual Endeavors LiveJournal community.  Several players are rumored to have LiveJournals of their own, and as such SM is offering open invitations to those few who actually do support the cause of collaboration and cooperation.  So far it seems to be working wonderfully as an addition to the weekly newsletter in keeping players up-to-date on what is happening in roleplay.  We'll keep you posted on the latest and greatest concerning Mutual Endeavors.  Anyone wishing to join the community may submit a request through the journal site located at http://www.livejournal.com/community/mutualendeavors/ .  All requests made will be reviewed and elligibility will be considered.  Only those who do strive to keep the dream alive in working together for the betterment of roleplay far and wide will be accepted into the community.

State of the RDI:  The Red Dragon Inn these days seems to have turned into a continuous scenario of same old stuff, different day.  Though there are still people who fight the good fight, so to speak.  Last week's issue of the Multiverse Minutes had this to say:  "The downhill slide seems to have begun.  I spent the first hour of my shift last night logging sheer garbage.  Scrolling MP3 player menus, foul language, and acres of adolescent angst. It seems the epitome of adventure for these children is to attack the HOST.

"All is not lost, however.  When HOST Game Dey advised them that violations of the Terms Of Service would be reported, most of the perpetrators left the room.  From that point on, things looked more like a role play room, instead of "guess--what-I-did-at-school-today" room. (Some of those things done at school can be rather frightening, by the way!)"

My personal opinion is that the only way the RDI is going to improve is if players put aside past grudges and actually make an extended effort to play there.  However, some hold onto grudges too strongly and I cannot change minds.  In my own way I too have given up on the Red Dragon Inn, but that is primarily due to the fact that play can be found elsewhere.  All we here at UW can do is wish those who keep on keeping on the best of luck.

--The Nefarious SM, standing in for,
--The Elusive Jess
Collaborative Headline Editor
Ubique's Weekly
Mutual Endeavors

In Other News...

"Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing." -- Abraham Lincoln

Last week I didn't receive any individual Character Updates at all, so that is primarily why the newsletter was postponed until this week.  A lot of us here at Ink Wire Associates have been busy with real life things.  So I'm not holding anything against anyone.  I could've gone ahead and printed what I had, but I think that would have been pretty boring.  It is my opinion that these updates are the ones that people look forward to the most.  Once again the list is long, but I hope you all enjoy what you see.  Here's two weeks worth of news!

Anna (AriannaRavenwood): The blue sister made a rare appearance at the celebration for her great nephew Salvador's (Peculiar Silence) birthday party this past Sunday.  She gifted him with some of her prized gingerbread.  Other than that, Arianna has not been seen in public before or since.

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 is still hard at work at her Bakery to produce Easter candies and treats, along with other baked goods as usual.  The green sister made an appearance, along with Elaine and her twin sister Anna (AriannaRavenwood), to help celebrate her grandson Salvador's (Peculiar Silence) birthday party this past Sunday.  Ariana gave Sal a special ginger and cinnamon cake.  She also made a rare public appearance at the Silver Moon Inn after the party to converse with her dear friend Faye (Faye Random) and also informed Faye that she kept her vow.

Aya Aillister (Destiny of Music):  Oh man, life is confusing.  The bard-girl never saw this coming, back in winter when she reluctantly accepted Carolyn's offer of a warm place to stay!  Thoughts of leaving have completely left her mind.  It's entirely occupied by something else...

Caife (SMI Multifarious):  It seems that the flesh-and-blood Caife has found a pet. Or perhaps it's found him.  It's a hedgehog, an oddly gregarious, well behaved hedgehog.  And it seems to have a truly amazing appetite for shrimp...

Carmine (TaciturnMerc):  What a horrible, horrible time for him to be called out to duty.  It was his son's birthday!  As it turned out a group of fiends of the like he has never seen before was attacking a minor magic academy and feasting on the apprentices there.  People getting eaten by monsters was not anything he could just ignore.  He just hopes his son can forgive him for leaving.

Carolyn Valkonan (DreamsInBurgundy):  Will wonders never cease? It seems that Alex (Terra Nephilim) has finally broken down enough to speak to her. After a rather nervous and unsettling exchange between them both, Carolyn and Alex both have decided to pool their efforts on a pair of problems that have been troubling them both with respective people they care about...

Cassandra Tyra (Against Descent):  Nothing but an interesting week for the Hieracthon. She's made the startling discovery that chocobos exist in Rhydin, cooked Easter dinner for her friends, and apparently has started dating a certain Professional Eccentrist.  Save certain unsettling feelings persist. What's a girl to do?

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 helping with Jack's plans to run an Easter Egg hunt on the ranch because the proceeds will not only benefit Riverview Clinic but the orphans and other underprivileged children invited to participate.  The good Doctor has otherwise stuck to dealing with her patients at Riverview Clinic and making things comfortable for her new Siamese kitten, Zorro, at her ranch.

Dris (BardGaIIant):  Well ... Hosting Carmine's son's birthday was an interesting affair, to say the least.  Dris was pretty amazed at the number of people who actually showed up.  Never in a million years would he have imagined that Salvador, of all people, had that many friends!  The evening seemed to go rather well until Sal broke off into another one of his rare and unpredictable fits of rage.  Dris just hopes that Sal can forgive his father for being too entangled in duty to be there.  He also hopes that the boy's friends can forgive him for being ... well ... psychotic's a good word.

Ehzoterik VonArcanum Tempestas (Ehzoterik):  All we know about Ehz is that she seems to be having some trouble deciding whether or not to be social lately.

Elaine (Elaine Aqua):  No solo exploring jaunts for Elaine at all.  She's hard at work with 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 candymaking at her Ma's Bakery.  She also helped her Ma make a special birthday present for her "not so yicky" cousin Sal (Peculiar Silence) and went to the party to help give out the gifts.  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.   She really misses her brother Banshee (Banshee Aqua) and really truly doesn't believe he's truly gone.

Emmy (Empress Grayfur):  It seems as if her kittens just don't want to leave!  As old as they are now, the remaining three have taken a liking to Ariana's Ranch.  One in particular seems to have buddied up to Elaine.  Does this mean she's stuck with them?

Faye: She Who Tends the Dead (Faye Random):  Faye awoke from her Winter slumber at dawn on the first of Spring (March 20, 2005).  Many strange occurrences have transpired since and before her awakening from hibernation.  People are starting to become aware now of her connection to the young man known as Salvador (Peculiar Silence).  Other entitites have learned of their relation as well.  Having spent some time reuiniting with old friends and associates recently, a lot of truth is coming to light.  Many are baffled about why Faye has neglected to pay a visit to Salvador, and very few have asked her.  Perhaps in time it will all make more sense to the curious.  Until then, she remains always watching and rarely interracting.  Though she did have an interesting discussion with Ariana (ArianaMacGyldren) and Joe (Joe Yamada) concerning a particular species of creature they refer to as Hounds who may or may not be involved with the current rise of war.

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 and the Silver Moon Inn  this past week.  Issue #31 of Bright Suns is out on the stands and available at Comic Masters.  Irina is hard at work on Issue #32.  She took time out to go to her good friend Sal's (Peculiar Silence) birthday party this past Sunday and gave him a framed watercolor portrait of himself.  Life goes on.  Stay tuned.

Kakabel (Celestial Sorrow):  The Prince of Stars did not appear for his son's birthday.  However, a mysterious present was left for Rei wrapped in shimmering silver and black paper.  Whether or not his son has noticed it sitting on his nightstand or not remains a mystery.  Perhaps about as much as the contents within that package.  A small card on the package reads, "My son, Forgive me for being unable to be with you during this most important time of your life.  There are matters in the Heavens that need my immediate attention and I am uncertain when I will be able to return home to you and your mother.  Until such a time know that I am thinking of you both.  Perhaps this will help you to forgive me for my inability to be a better father.  If not, I hope that it will at least give you a better understanding of who your father is and why he does the things he must.  I am proud of you for all that you have done.  Never forget how important you are to me.  Your father, Kakabel."  Within that package Rei will find a black leather book with a particular symbol imbedded on the front.

Melly (Melanie Wyndham):  The shy relief baker is still hard at work helping craft the Easter candies and other treats that Ariana's Divine Delights Bakery is well known for.  Will she tend bar at the Silver Moon Inn again?  The world may never know.

Morgan Knight (Morgan Rampage):  Funny, wasn't he here seven months ago?  The Rampage is having a bad month, or maybe just a bad life, but the ache of whatever wounds have been troubling is being soothed by -- a chocobo?  A nine-foot tall riding bird?  Whose idea was this anyway?

Pleione (StellarBalinese):  The balinese dropped back into Quellarin long enough to deliver a birthday present to Rei.  A five-pointed star carved out of dark wood from Salvador for his birthday.  There was a note attached that read, "Rei - hapy birthday - Sal" and that is all.  The feline made it a point to give Rei her own gift.  Hopefully dead mice in shoes are appreciated.  Though she wasn't around to find out about it later.  Once again she has gone missing.

Rei (AmethystStarfall):  His quest is finally over and he has been hiding out in his house, being strangely anti-social.  He even missed his friend's birthday, but will try to make it up to Salvador somehow.  That is his plan at least.  Now he just has to figure out what to give him.  Oh well, inspiration is sure to strike as he passes through the marketplace.

Salvador (Karmic Venganza):  Strange things are happening.  Though Sal hates being the center of attention, it seems he actually enjoyed the small gathering at his house that arrived to celebrate his birthday.  He learned that it's okay to be greedy and enjoy the many various gifts he received from friends and family alike.  Though change is in the air, and it has made an impact on him since his birthday.  After a visit with his "uncle" Kymeera and being rescued from the lunatic's clutches by his friends, things have been different.  Is it possible that the young Spaniard is actually showing some emotion these days?  Is that darkened shadow in his eyes something to be concerned about?  Only time will tell.

Stephen Valkonan (Stephen Valkonan):  Hooray for another crazy week in Stephen's life! This time things were likely exacerbated by the fact that he had Easter dinner with the entire Harada clan. Dinner itself was great, but here he is in yet another foul mood. What's eating him?

Ynik (The Multifarious):  It has become clear that the trandoshan Jedi is no longer in residence at the Silver Moon Inn.  His current whereabouts are unknown, but he does drop in some days for a cup of bouillon, so a message left there might still find him.

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

Dear Ava

"You must have a room, or a certain hour or so a day, where you don't know what was in the newspapers that morning... a place where you can simply experience and bring forth what you are and what you might be." -- Joseph Campbell

Sadly, this weeks Dear Ava column was intercepted by agents of the Department of the Exterior - the unfamous, indescribable Men in Plaid - and as a consequence, only the following expurgated version reached the printers.  -Ed

Dear Ava,

       I was out watering my herd one day, when [classified for reasons of continuum security] when a [classified for reasons of continuum security] started to [classified for reasons of continuum security].  Well naturally I thought about the problems I was going to have with the animals when they [classified for reasons of continuum security], but it occurred to me that I could [classified for reasons of continuum security] so I demanded compensation on the spot and they [classified for reasons of continuum security].  Was I right, or should I have just [classified for reasons of continuum security]?
        Signed, [classified for reasons of continuum security]


         Dear [classified for reasons of continuum security],

         Have you considered taking up arbitrage?  It does seem you have a good head on your shoulders for handling transactions, and it would be much easier on your nerves than [classified for reasons of continuum security].

--Ava the Kestrel
Dear Somebody 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 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.

*          *          *

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.

*          *          *

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

*          *          *

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.

*          *          *

Help Wanted - I am seeking individuals to Crew and Staff my latest acquisition, a riverboat casino by the name of "The Lady Luck." Kindly direct all inquires to Myself. I can commonly be found at the Rambling Rose Tavern.  Or, leave a message at my current residence.

*          *          *

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

*          *          *

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!

*          *          *

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.

*          *          *

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! 

*          *          *

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.

*          *          *

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!

*          *          *

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!

*          *          *

The Lady Luck : Have an extra load of cash just waiting to be spent?  Look no further than The Lady Luck riverboat casino.  From roulette to black jack and so much more, there's no place like it in Rhy'Din.  So if you have a gambling itch that needs scratching, drop on by!  But do be sure to check your weapons at the door.  There's a strict policy about remaining unarmed while on the premises that management would like to uphold.  Please review the website for complete rules and more: http://hometown.aol.com/mathersonnorris/LadyLuck.html

*          *          *

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 Rambli