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Ubique's Weekly
A Mutual Endeavors Publication
Issue #78 ~ 3 May 2005
The Blurb
The Dog in the Manger
A Dog looking out for its afternoon nap jumped into the Manger of an Ox and lay there cosily upon the straw. But soon the Ox, returning from its afternoon work, came up to the Manger and wanted to eat some of the straw. The Dog in a rage, being awakened from its slumber, stood up and barked at the Ox, and whenever it came near attempted to bite it. At last the Ox had to give up the hope of getting at the straw, and went away muttering: "Ah, people often grudge others what they cannot enjoy themselves."
Good day! Unfortunately, I'm a little peeved right now because AOL took a crap on me in the middle of putting this week's issue together. Regardless, I'm going to try again! As you can plainly see, this week's edition of Ubique's Weekly is brought to you in the format of 10 point Courier New. Assuming your system allows you to see it as such. I'm still waiting on feedback from people concerning the most favorable format for everybody's eyes. I can be patient and continue these experiments for a little while longer, though. If all else fails, at the end, I'll just go back to my preferred Times New Roman. We shall see what happens to the fate of UW in the future at another point in time. Until then, on with the news!
Top Story!
The Farmer and the Stork
A FARMER placed nets on his newly-sown plowlands and caught a number of Cranes, which came to pick up his seed. With them he trapped a Stork that had fractured his leg in the net and was earnestly beseeching the Farmer to spare his life. "Pray save me, Master," he said, "and let me go free this once. My broken limb should excite your pity. Besides, I am no Crane, I am a Stork, a bird of excellent character; and see how I love and slave for my father and mother. Look too, at my feathers-- they are not the least like those of a Crane." The Farmer laughed aloud and said, "It may be all as you say, I only know this: I have taken you with these robbers, the Cranes, and you must die in their company."
I'm not really in the mood to ramble on too much this week. There isn't really much to say that wouldn't count as me repeating myself. However, there is still a lot of discussion going on in regards to the War Storyline. Feel free to read up on the opinions of others on the Red Dragon Inn message boards, under the Players Assisting Players folder. The exact topic can be located under the heading A War Within Rhydin City? I encourage each and every one of you to read up on it more. Share your thoughts and opinions on the matter.
Some information is starting to be spread fast, like wildfire! Review the Mutual Endavors LiveJournal Community at any time to see what's new. And remember, if you'd like to voice your opinion but aren't a member, do not hesitate to request joining or sending your commentary to me for posting. I'm fairly neutral when it comes to discussion like this. Don't be shy.
--The Nefarious SM, standing in for,
--DarkAngelGenesis
Storyline Spotlight Editor
Ubique's Weekly
Mutual Endeavors
Storyline Spotlight
The Lion, the Bear, and the Fox
A LION and a Bear seized a Kid at the same moment, and fought fiercely for its possession. When they had fearfully lacerated each other and were faint from the long combat, they lay down exhausted with fatigue. A Fox, who had gone round them at a distance several times, saw them both stretched on the ground with the Kid lying untouched in the middle. He ran in between them, and seizing the Kid scampered off as fast as he could. The Lion and the Bear saw him, but not being able to get up, said, "Woe be to us, that we should have fought and belabored ourselves only to serve the turn of a Fox."
Nope. No Storyline Spotlight this week. Creativity isn't exactly lacking so much as the desire to send in more updates. Though on my part, it's the creativity. My brain just isn't functioning properly today. Hopefully next week we have more to share with you.
--The Nefarious SM, standing in for,
--DarkAngelGenesis
Storyline Spotlight Editor
Ubique's Weekly
Mutual Endeavors
This Just In
The Milkmaid and Her Pail
Patty the Milkmaid was going to market carrying her milk in a Pail on her head. As she went along she began calculating what she would do with the money she would get for the milk. "I'll buy some fowls from Farmer Brown," said she, "and they will lay eggs each morning, which I will sell to the parson's wife. With the money that I get from the sale of these eggs I'll buy myself a new dimity frock and a chip hat; and when I go to market, won't all the young men come up and speak to me! Polly Shaw will be that jealous; but I don't care. I shall just look at her and toss my head like this." As she spoke she tossed her head back, the Pail fell off it, and all the milk was spilt. So she had to go home and tell her mother what had occurred.
"Ah, my child," said the mother, "Do not count your chickens before they are hatched."
The Headlines this week aren't very astounding. Mostly things I had to make up on my own based on what I've seen transpiring this past week. But since my memory isn't as great as I'd like it to be, I'm probably missing some important things. If anyone cares to remind me by sending in their own headlines, rest assured they will be included in next week's issue.
Headlines
Dockside Blaze Causes Thousands In Damages: Late Saturday night a fire in the warehouse district near the docks destroyed or damaged several buildings and an unknown amount of goods. The blaze seems to have originated in the offices of Inter-Dimensional Pest Control and spread rapidly to surrounding locations before local firefighters were able to contain and finally extinguish the blaze. One eye witness stated that he saw a short figure with some kind of incendiary device setting fire to the offices of Inter-Dimensional Pest Control and their service vehicle. The regional manager for the pest control company was unavailable for comment at the time of printing.
Mutual Endeavors on the Web: The great archiving project is still successfully under way. Bronze Mesteno never ceases to amaze me with his excellent productivity. Past UW issues numbers 46 through 50 are now up on the website for your viewing pleasure. The journal Community is ominously silent this week. Stay tuned for more.
State of the RDI: From the Multiverse Minutes dated 24 April 2005: "The original member room, Red Dragon Inn, has been recovered from the hijackers. We now have two Member Room RDIs; The above and The Red Dragon Inn, RDI Panther has been keeping The Red Dragon Inn open, and assigning Moderator rights to selected members who have agreed to host the room. Now we have to decide if we want two or three RDIs!
"The Conference Room RDI is still being hosted by the previous HOSTs, because we refuse to give up and let the babbling lunacy take over the inn. We have found that the HOST name still carries some weight, as we have had no major problems in maintaining order in the Conference Room."
From the Multiverse Minutes dated 1 May 2005: "There has been no major improvement in the Conference room RDI, although I did have an IM conversation with one of the disrupters that leads me to believe that the RDI is now the room of choice to meet your friends and discuss the daily happenings. Since the HOSTs have no control over this situation, other than reminders of what a TOS Violation does to an AOL account; it is getting harder and harder to convince the sufferers of Adolescent Angst to behave like human beings."
--The Nefarious SM, standing in for,
--The Elusive Jess
Collaborative Headline Editor
Ubique's Weekly
Mutual Endeavors
In Other News...
The Kid and the Wolf
A KID, returning without protection from the pasture, was pursued by a Wolf. Seeing he could not escape, he turned round, and said: "I know, friend Wolf, that I must be your prey, but before I die I would ask of you one favor you will play me a tune to which I may dance." The Wolf complied, and while he was piping and the Kid was dancing, some hounds hearing the sound ran up and began chasing the Wolf. Turning to the Kid, he said, "It is just what I deserve; for I, who am only a butcher, should not have turned piper to please you."
Fewer individual character updates than last week. I must say I'm a little disappointed here. I think I need to kick my IWA CNE in the head or something. Ellyn!
Dris (BardGaIIant): Dris dropped in on the Rambling Rose Tavern earlier this week in an effort to hunt down Salvador before his father could do so himself. Of course he got himself wrapped up in being social once again and forgot about the search. At least he was able to spread the word to some of the people who know the boy that his parents are looking for him. Now he waits and hopes that Sal comes home before Carmine drags him home!
Ehzoterik VonArcanum Tempestas (Ehzoterik): She can only keep herself cooped up in Limbo for so long before Ehz needs to get out and live a little! This past week she did just that. Dropping, quite literally, in on the folks at the Medieval Tavern. Mesteno gave her a piggy-back ride and she was happy! Not to mention Ehz made a new friend named Sin. If he knows what's good for him, he'll run for the high hills!
Faye: She Who Tends the Dead (Faye Random): Apparantly Faye has come out of hiding for a short while. Something is troubling her, perhaps. All anyone really knows is that she took some time to pay a visit to her adopted son Mesteno at some point and talk to him about her true son. In the process, she ended up adopting a daughter into the twisted little family by the name of Cassandra Tyra. She has not been seen since, but rumor has it her kin have been poking their noses about. Particularly Kymeera (TheDreamWarden).
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 and Medieval Taverns this past week. Issue #33 of Bright Suns is out on the stands and available at Comic Masters. Irina is nearly finished drawing Issue #34. Maybe that's why she's looking so tired lately. Oh, and her hair is now sky blue and magenta pink. Life goes on. Stay tuned.
Jack Bishop (Jackrabbit Blue): Recently Jack as been avoiding the public eye, or has he? He might just be far too busy for his own good! After discovering a mysterious item of interest and consulting Dr. Valkonan about it, he has been biding his time on how best to address the situation. Why does he have to be a nice guy?
Salvador (Karmic Venganza): Never a dull day. He found out his parents are looking for him, but he still hasn't gone home. Friends and newly discovered family have been trying to reason with him, but he just isn't buying it. Actions speak louder than words, right? At least, that's what Salvador thinks in regards to this particular situation. He has been spending a lot of time at the Medieval Tavern. Making new friends. And his brother has been giving him ideas. The entire world should be scared! Mesteno? Giving Salvador ideas? Doomed! His father's going to be very upset over the fact that he is still skipping school this week too. Oh well. Sometimes kids just have to act out to get their parents' attentions, right?
Valentine Shyre (XValentineShyreX): Poor Girl,...at least that's what's being said. In fact, the only three that have spotted her have been Shadey, Seamus, and Shadi, and neither of them seem to know much about her status. Something has to be wrong, or at the very least...not right. She's had time to think, she's had time to stabilize herself. Decisions have been made, and her foot's been put down.
--The Nefarious SM, standing in for,
--Ellyn VT
Character News Editor
Ubique's Weekly
Mutual Endeavors
Dear Ava
The Vixen and the Lioness
A Vixen who was taking her babies out for an airing one balmy morning, came across a Lioness, with her cub in arms. "Why such airs, haughty dame, over one solitary cub?" sneered the Vixen. "Look at my healthy and numerous litter here, and imagine, if you are able, how a proud mother should feel." The Lioness gave her a squelching look, and lifting up her nose, walked away, saying calmly, "Yes, just look at that beautiful collection. What are they? Foxes! I've only one, but remember, that one is a Lion."
Again I regret that there is nothing to share from Ava's desk. Maybe next week.
--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.
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Cleaner : Quick and professional cleanup service for those rare RhyDin 'accidents' that need hiding. Guaranteed silence should there be any Law Enforcement involvement. Evidence disposed of thoroughly and prices determined on a case to case basis. Discounts for jobs with useable parts and requests made within five minutes of time of death available! Contact 411-555-5562 to do business.
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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 : 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.
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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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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 reopening 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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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. Check out the Rules Page for more rules and regulations regarding this establishment.
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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 RDI Panther, or visit one of the links provided below:
--The official Red Dragon Group webpage can be found at http://www.freeformroleplaying.com/.
--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:
April 17th - Birthday of James Tanner (Gentleman Jim T)
May 3rd - Birthday of Dimitri Kephalos (Benighted Oracle)
May 6th - Birthday of Tracy Duncan (TrcyDuncan)
Out of Character Birthdays/Holidays:
May 4th - Naked Day
May 8th - Mother's Day
May 12th - Limerick Day
--ArianaMacGyldren
Advertising Editor
Ubique's Weekly
Mutual Endeavors
Final Thoughts
The Three Tradesmen
A GREAT CITY was besieged, and its inhabitants were called together to consider the best means of protecting it from the enemy. A Bricklayer earnestly recommended bricks as affording the best material for an effective resistance. A Carpenter, with equal enthusiasm, proposed timber as a preferable method of defense. Upon which a Currier stood up and said, "Sirs, I differ from you altogether: there is no material for resistance equal to a covering of hides; and nothing so good as leather."
And ... that's all I have to say really. Nothing too exciting or encouraging. My brain, like I said, is not cooperating today. So I'll end with the usual...
Updates: All future Ubique's Weekly submissions will continue to be always due the Sunday before every expected delivery date. UW is issued every Tuesday morning, depending on how long it takes me to put everything together and sent off. Comments, questions, updates, additions, announcements, advertisements, etceteras are always welcome for every issue. While some may make it to the front page, there is no guarantee that all submissions will be printed. However, your thoughts are always encouraged to be shared. Just remember to send all of these aforementioned things to the Ink Wire Associates no later than Sunday at midnight EST.
Normally I send out a weekly blotter on Saturdays, but I've been too lazy or busy to do that. In that blotter I usually include the following information. This is a list of what news should be sent to which people, however that is not the only resource available in regards to sharing your storyline and character news with us here at Ubique's Weekly.
Top Story!: Got something else you'd like to share? Perhaps an essay. Perhaps some out of character tips and tricks for roleplayers. Or even something that you believe may be beneficial to all of us AOL members. If not beneficial, perhaps even something that you would simply like to share that does not exactly relate to specific storylines and characters involved. Whatever the case may be, do not limit yourself. Send all of those sorts of things to DarkAngelGenesis, IWA's Storyline Spotlight (and Top Story!) Editor. Or if you prefer, simply send your information to the Editor In Chief (Ehzoterik).
Storyline Spotlights: If you feel that you have an enormous collaboration that should be implemented into this section, please e-mail your submission to DarkAngelGenesis, IWA's Storyline Spotlight (and Top Story!) Editor. Or if you prefer, simply send your information to the Editor In Chief (Ehzoterik).
Headlines: All the smaller group collaboration efforts should be shared with DonatelIo Harada, IWA's Collaborative Headline Editor (CHE). These are any stories that you feel are not simply stories of your own individual characters' adventures. Or if you prefer, simply send your information to the Editor In Chief (Ehzoterik).
Character News: All the little tidbits of individual character updates should now be sent to Ellyn VT, IWA's Character News Editor (CNE). These updates are the vast majority of what has been received and published in previous editions. It's a tedius effort that SM would prefer not to have to do herself, but if you must, simply send your information to the Editor In Chief (Ehzoterik).
Dear Ava: Think you'd like to be a part of the in character news by having your character submit an inquiry to Ava the Kestral? Fire away! Please send an e-mail to |
