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Ubique's Weekly
A Mutual Endeavors Publication
Issue #80 ~ 17 May 2005
The Blurb
Ehzoterik: I don't expect miracles out of anybody.
The Multifarious: Good answer. Publish what you get is my advice, and don't grumble - when peole realize that this is something they want to be a part of, they'll send material.
And so it was that I decided to just go ahead and get to writing this week's newsletter before I ended up forever procrastinating again. No sense in twidling my thumbs and waiting around forever. A conversation with DL paid off, and I think it's sound advice. Which is something I seem to be getting in vast quantities from people these days, not to mention giving it myself to other people. It might just be that this week's issue is about words of wisdom. Or at the very least, giving out advice. Speaking of which, this comes from PrlUnicorn:
"I already pointed this out to AG and SM, but placing this in the next issue might help with the typeface issue. Personally, my problem is not the typeface, persay, but that TNR 10 pt seems tiny to me. In reading this week I learned that size of text on any website or e-mail that has been received can be adjusted for comfortable reading by anyone using a mouse with a scroll wheel. Open the document then depress and hold down the CTRL button and scroll wheel. Roll the wheel up or down to adjust the size as needed."
Hopefully that helps you readers. Because I think I'm fairly set on my decision to stick with the good old 10 point Times New Roman. In my opinion, it just makes the newsletter neater. As in, less sloppy. Though I didn't receive a whole lot of updates this week, I'm going to go with what I've got and hope that satisfies everyone's hunger for news. So away we go!
Top Story!
The Dancing Monkeys
A Prince had some Monkeys trained to dance. Being naturally great mimics of men's actions, they showed themselves most apt pupils, and when arrayed in their rich clothes and masks, they danced as well as any of the courtiers. The spectacle was often repeated with great applause, till on one occasion a courtier, bent on mischief, took from his pocket a handful of nuts and threw them upon the stage. The Monkeys at the sight of the nuts forgot their dancing and became (as indeed they were) Monkeys instead of actors. Pulling off their masks and tearing their robes, they fought with one another for the nuts. The dancing spectacle thus came to an end amidst the laughter and ridicule of the audience.
--The Nefarious SM, standing in for,
--Gen-Gen.
Storyline Spotlight Editor
Ubique's Weekly
Mutual Endeavors
Storyline Spotlight
VIGILANTISM AGAINST THRESHER CULT ESCALATES
For some time now since the invasion of RhyDin city by some unknown faction who are presumed to have the backings of the Humanists there has been widespread sightings of a cult whose members proclaim devotion to a deity so far known as The Thresher. Gangs of these worshippers, who proudly wear badges with wheatsheaf insignias, have often been spotted in the downtown areas singling out small groups or individuals of non-human and mixed breeds for brutal beatings and other violent acts.
However, there have been accounts from quite a few intended victims of these gang assaults that something has been stalking the Thresher Cultists in their pogroms lately. What starts out as the prelude to yet another racist assault have suddenly the hunters becoming the hunted. The rescued witnesses in each instance have been unable to describe their savior(s), instead referring collectively to how the shadows of the alleyways they were dragged into suddenly turned upon the Threshers. While there were occasional fatalities amongst the cultists- usually those whom authorities have found to be wielding melee weapons or firearms with probable intention of using them- most of the casualties inflicted were of severe but likely survivable blunt force trauma.
Until now, that is.
It was another instance of the Thresher Cult looking for proclaimed "mongrels" to "punish," yet as with recent events it was they who were punished instead. And this time, the sentence was all but utterly merciless.
A 25 year-old female of half-elven ethnicity and her 27 year old human acquaintaince -- both of whom requested their names withheld understandably given the current climate -- recall how they were trying to get back home late at night when they were cut off in every direction by the Thresher Cult. "We're not exactly helpless," the female states. "But the common sense approach to handling trouble is to avoid it in the first place so we just tried to move on without even looking at them." However, it was not enough as events progressed. "It's not funny but when I look back now, it was a scene from Children of the Corn," the male companion comments. "A whole bunch, maybe five to ten, not too large but still outnumbering us just headed right for us."
The couple attempted to flee but were pursued and caught by the cultists. Despite well-thought out struggle, they were overpowered and dragged into a nearby alleyway in preparation for the violence to come as the Threshers seem to have operated for a while. The couple collaborate that a few of the gang members were looking over their shoulders and muttering about the assaults on their ranks only to be ignored by the immediate leaders.
What happened next was a hallmark of the vigilantism that have wreaked havoc upon the Threshers. One of the gang members was extracted into the shadows by the unknown assailant and shrieked horrifically before a liquid gurgle quieted the cry. Even as the other members of the gang turned their heads looking for their presumably dead compatriot, the witnesses agree that there was a distinct sense of dread and helplessness permeating the air.
"The scream got everyone's attention," the female tells us. "I thought they would have taken us hostage or something, but they were too scared shitless. But hey, I was too." The male added, "The second their buddy got eaten by the shadows and gurgled, it was every man for themselves. All that mob mentality and guts vanished. They were crawling here and there, even a couple who brought flashlights were turning it on looking for someone or something. But we didn't see anything except a couple of the guys they had covering their backs laying on the ground with their heads turned in a nasty angle which said a lot there." At this point the male had a brief attack of nausea. "And the screaming bastard? He was laying in a pool of blood with his guts hanging out, eyes wide open."
The female at this point states the last they saw of the Thresher gang. "We were standing there just as shocked as they were, when suddenly the few overhead lamps in the alleyway popped and burned out. I don't know why but the second everything went pitch-black Hell broke loose." The couple then say they both felt a powerful grip on their shoulders and an echoing hiss as if something urged them to be quiet. Without argument or sound they followed the mysterious presence out to the visible street and looked back towards the alleyway to see who had brought them out. Nothing.
"That's when the screams really began," the male finishes. "I don't know what happened but aside from some brief flashes in there, I'm grateful it was too damn dark for us to see." The couple held onto each other, trembling visibly from the ordeal.
When local authorities arrived on the scene tipped off by the pair, they would find what remained of the Thresher Cult. Most of the individuals suffered gruesome demise, ranging from boring burns through vital areas consistent with some sort of energy weapon, to total dismemberment by some surgically-precise edged instrument. There was only a single survivor of the Thresher Cult gang, a young individual whose identity police have refused to disclose.
But what is really stark was how they found him. A police officer on the condition of anonymity disclosed that the youth had been sitting on the ground, back against a wall. He was trembling and sobbing uncontrollably, clearly traumatized by the massacre of his cultmates. And on the wall, a message had been painted in their blood.
"The Harvest Begins."
--DarkAngelGenesis
Storyline Spotlight Editor
Ubique's Weekly
Mutual Endeavors
This Just In
"Silence propagates itself, and the longer talk has been suspended, the more difficult it is to find anything to say." -- Samuel Johnson
And this is just one of those days in which my creativity is lacking. All I know for certain is that Northedge was closed last week on an order from the Dean due to the escalating war. And ... that's about it.
--The Nefarious SM, standing in for,
--The Elusive Jess
Collaborative Headline Editor
Ubique's Weekly
Mutual Endeavors
In Other News...
"Always be nice to people on the way up; because you'll meet the same people on the way down." -- Wilson Mizner
Very few individual character updates this week based on what I received via carbon copy from various people. Ellyn was too busy this weekened to get to compiling the list herself.
Anna (AriannaRavenwood): The blue sister has taken in her niece Elaine (Elaine Aqua) to live with her son Brion and her husband Galen (Galen Ravenwood).
Ariana (ArianaMacGyldren, SMI Ariana): The green sister, along with her husband Galen (Galen MacGyldren), still resides at her husband and brother in law's clan lands. Because of Northedge Academy's premature closing, Ariana has sent her daughter Elaine (Elaine Aqua) to stay with her Aunt Anna (AriannaRavenwood).
Dimitri Kephalos (Benighted Oracle): The young man has quite recently found himself adopted by a mysterious brown ball of fur and claws. The biggest mystery is how the cat managed to get inside his appartment in the first place. Just because of the mysterious arrival, Dimitri has taken to calling it Mr. E.
Ehzoterik VonArcanum Tempestas (Ehzoterik): Ehz was last spotted at the Silver Moon Inn Monday evening draggng a certain golem turned man into the closet with her. Presumably to watch movies.
Elaine (Elaine Aqua): No solo exploring jaunts for Elaine at all! Because of all the yicky stuff going on, she was sent to stay with her Aunty Anna (AriannaRavenwood), her Unca Galen (Galen Ravenwood) and her yicky cousin Brion. Elaine has gotten her Ma (ArianaMacGyldren) to promise to take care of the rest of Empress Emerald of Grayfur's kittens while she's away. She really misses her brother Banshee (Banshee Aqua) and really truly doesn't believe he's truly gone.
Emmy (Empress Grayfur): Finally! The Empress Emerald of Grayfur is kitten free! At some time during the last week they all ventured off and haven't returned since. Hopefully they have found good homes and remember to write.
Faye: She Who Tends the Dead (Faye Random): Last anyone has heard of the Truthspeaker is that she is seriously considering paying her son a visit. But will she actually follow through and act upon such considerations?
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 and the Silver Moon Inn this past week. Issue #34 of Bright Suns is out on the stands and available at Comic Masters. Irina is nearly finished drawing Issue #35. Maybe that's why she's looking so tired lately. Oh, and her hair is still sky blue and magenta pink. Life goes on. Stay tuned.
Jack Bishop (Jackrabbit Blue): Spring is in the air, and with summer just around the corner, Dr. Valkonan's gardener has been out and about more often. Recently spotted at the Rambling Rose Tavern, where he fainted due to some talks about carnivorous dietary habits, it seems as if he's starting to take this war business a little more seriously. Wait. Jack? Serious? The world must be coming to an end!
Salvador (Peculiar Silence): Everywhere he turns he's making new friends. For some reason Sal has become a very popular fellow, and he still can't figure out why. Still putting on a tough act even though he's secretly pleased with the news that his mother might actually see him face to face some time. But that, as with the rest of his life thusfar, might just be another lie. So he's not getting his hopes up.
--The Nefarious SM, standing in for,
--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
Please stand by.
--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:
May 25th - Birthday of Galen Wolfe, son of Ariana and Galen MacGyldren (ArianaMacGyldren, Galen MacGyldren)
May 25th - Birthday of Lyssa Bjornson, daughter of Ariana and Galen MacGyldren (ArianaMacGyldren, Galen MacGyldren)
Out of Character Birthdays/Holidays:
May 19th - Plant Something Day
May 26th - Birthday of the player of Rev. Diablo
May 28th - Slug Day
--ArianaMacGyldren
Advertising Editor
Ubique's Weekly
Mutual Endeavors
Final Thoughts
"It's okay if you mess up. You should give yourself a break." -- Billy Joel
And that's pretty much all I have to say. Amazing. With so little information, even with the humongous Storyline Spotlight this week, I managed to squeeze everything into one e-mail once again. It's been a long, long time since this has happened. But in a way, I'm a little relieved. You all know the drill about updates. No new subscribers to speak of. Either send them all to me or send them to the appropriate IWA. Or even carbon copy me things. I use just about everything that's sent to me in some form or another. Sorry for the lack of inspiration this week. My mind has just not been wrapped around role-playing much at all today. But as always, until next time, I'll continue to be...
Keeping you informed,
-- The Nefarious SM
Editor In Chief
Ubique's Weekly
Mutual Endeavors |
