Let me just say that this entire article was a chore and a half.  SM and Mel have both decided that we're never doing this again!  Unless of course the 2010 year of Ubique's happens to be fortuitous.  In which case we can just C&P a buttload of This Just In headlines into another composite list for 2011.  If we even come to that.

The largest temptation for this introduction was just to tell you all that a lot of crap happened in 2009, and it's true.  A lot went down on both the RDI @ Dragon's Mark and Rings of Honor communities.  Those two sites are where we got all our information for this article, and it took quite a bit of digging around.  We won't bore you with an excessive bit of babbling, because Huge Article Is Huge!  So here you have it.  The Mutual Endeavors and Ubique's Monthly 2009 Role-Playing Year In Review!

January

Killer Kitties
Death came to Rhy'Din on great-big cats feet. Starting around December 6th and visiting the unwary,  Pantherghaunts causing havoc to those who use magic or harbor it until January 4th. An accidental summoning brought them here. Various shops, items and sometimes people!, were stalked by these frightening felines. Luckily, the citizens of Rhy'Din were able to rally together to put each beast to rest at the start of the New Year.

Cat Fight in the Old Temple Corral
Rivalry was a-stewing around the 13th of January when Erinalle Dunbridge proposed a challenge to current Baroness of the Old Temple District, Teagan Rielea.  Though the results of this match seem to missing from the public record, documents show that Erin successfully defeated Teagan and acquired her district from her for a reign lasting approximately four and a half months.

Twister! Without the Polka-Dot Grid
In Magic news, four spell savvy competitors met on Twilight Isle on the 13th of January, all with the spell-slinging intent to secure themselves a new bit of property.  Of them all, the lady Rena A. Cronin came out the victor, and as we understand it remains the Keeper of Air to this very day.  What a reign!  Hopefully all that hot air in her new pad hasn't filled up her head.

Arch Mage, I choose you!
On the 19th of January, all we know is that some mages of high rank in the Duel of Magic got together to zap it out and see which of them was most worthy of challenging the present Arch Mage of the time, Bran Bale.  The winner of the seasonal Arch Mage Tournament was the lady Topaz, and two days later she went on to challenge for her right to take up residence in the Celestial Tower.  Alas, she did not succeed, but it was a good try.

February

Splendour in the Taverns
Brought to Rhy'Din by the New Haven fashion houses; Rhy'Din Fashion Week started on February 6th promised--and delivered-- a unique splash of color and fun to the everyday of life in this violent, chaotic realm. The precarious high-heels of fashionistas and solid clicks of polished leather flats echoed throughout the shops streets in a clatter. Many designers and Rhy'Din personalities, such as Randall Bane, Li Xang, Millie & Mallie, Highlife Haberdashery, Kitchy Kando, Neese,  and more, flaunted their good (or not-so-good) taste and fantastic fashion sense.

Sold for Love
Nothin' says love better than...selling yourself for a charitable cause! The month of love featured a fantabulous Charity Auction Extravaganza hosted by Sinjin Fai on February 8th at 8pm. The night was a success and broke charity donation records as well as banks! It seemed like the entire populace of Rhy'Din showed up that evening, cramming the Red Dragon Hall to near capacity. 

Owner of a Lonely Heart
Romance for all was the idea and theme behind the Lonely Hearts Pre-Valentines Mixer held on February 10th. An event to ensure that all the single ladies and gents of elven, dragon and other descents wouldn't find themselves alone with their heart-shaped fripperies that year. 

Smells like Heaven
Sometimes we Rhy'Dinians (native or otherwise) just have to admit: Life here can stink! Luckily for us, the timeless elven beauty, Elessaria, opened her amazing shop, Open Heart Notes Parfumerie at noon on February 13th. Not just your regular scent-shop, Elessaria's Heart Notes offered personal, one-of-a-kind perfumes and fine collectibles for the discerning nose. 

No Tag Backs!
Fliers written in strange silver-purple ink exploded all over Rhy'Din proclaiming ominous tidings on February 14th, the traditional day of love. A storm of unbelievable magnitude was gathering across the face of the realm and would mercilessly take all whom were unwary: tag. Yes--a realm wide game of tag where only the victorious and strong could avoid being IT. Though we have no idea who won, or if it's still ongoing! So watch your backs!

Splish Splash, Tower of Water Clash!
On the evening of the 17th of February, young upstart Magic duelist Neo Eternity -- who had worked his way up in the ranks to earn the right to challenge -- met the lady Wyheree to combat her to see which of them was more worthy to stand as the Keeper of the Tower of Water on Twilight Isle.  It was Neo who came out the victor in only two of a possible three matches, and to the best of our knowledge he has kept that position all year long!

It's a Winter Warlord Wonderland!
At least, we think this was the Winter cycle's Warlord tournament.  The records aren't too specific on that bit, but we do know it happened the night of February the 22nd, and was hosted by none other than the Imptastic Imp himself!  Six warlords showed up for the main event, and only one walked away the victor.  Teagan Rielea walked away with the grand prize ring for the Barony of Dockside, which had been left vacant since October of 2008.

March

Going to the Chapel
Rhy'dins hottest cat and renowned romancer, Tass, finally tied the knot on the evening of March 6th! The wedding was one of the events of the year, bringing people, creatures and more from all over the realm to watch these two say their vows.

I am not a crook!
Waterhouse accounting took the honor of becoming the independent advisory committee responsible for safe guarding the election, and candidates presented themselves accordingly, declaring their intentions on March 9th. Lord Travanix, Darkmere Alacar, Krajiinkt Vakntah Kro'burst F'nakestah, Tara Rynieyn, Sinjin Fai and Corlanthis Wystansayr all presented themselves with winsome smiles and heated promises in order to oust Matthew Algiers Simon from his seat.

Let's get Hitched!
March seemed to be the month of love as Rhy'Din's most adorable sweethearts Taneth and Tormay announced their engagement party. Decorators Tara and Topaz worked hard to pull off the best of the best on the evening of the 10th of March; the party was a hit!

No, you are! No! YOU are!
After a vote to narrow down the choices went through, the four remaining candidates -- Sinjin Fai, Matthew Simon, Corlanthis Wystansayr, and Darkmere Alcar -- filled the Dragon's Great Hall March 29th,  with the cheers and jeers of supporters whilst battling out their supremacy with words.  The Gubernational debates were quite a sight to behold. While three of the four candidates all seemed to be in agreement on their views, much controversy surrounded candidate Sinjin Fai's support of the previously vetoed No Contest vote from the previous year, promising that should he be elected he would immediately step down from his position and once again allow Rhy'Din to once again be the haven of anarchy it used to be.

April

Footie Pjs ahoy
Taneth & Fio throw the slumber party of the century on April 3rd, with food, games and so much more. Denizens of Rhy'Din in their comfiest pajamas were treated to a fun evening chaperoned by Sinjin Fai and Tara, or so it was said.  The truth of the matter was that neither of the chaperons actually showed up for the occasion!  However, we hear it was a smash, with games of Truth or Dare added to the mix!

Guess who's back? Back again?
Despite candidates best attempts to win over the voters this year, announced on April 6th,  Rhy'Din votes to keep Governor Matt Simon in office for a second term. Better luck next time guys and girls!

Unleash the Dragons! ...Gate.
It seems some bit of rivalry was going on between Warlord Cassius Gaius Maximius and Baron Drey Starke of Dragon's Gate.  We're not sure precisely what it was, but we hear that Cass is a bit of a tight, um, you know.  All we do know is that the Baron and the Warlord did meet on the 9th of April to see which of them was more worthy of the right to hold the ring for the barony of Dragon's Gate, and in a single elimination style round of combat, the Roman came away the victor to secure his reign as the next Baron of Dragon's Gate!

Spells Gone Wild!
On the evening of the 17th of April, a handful of spell casters from all walks of life got together for a grand old tournament available to all ranks known, quite simply, as the Magic All Ranks Tournament. Of the five competitors that attended, only one walked away the victor, and that one spitfire of a spell-slinger just so happened to be Sivanna Cyredghymn.  As first prize winner, she walked away with a purse full of 1500 silver nobles and a rank increase!

En Pointe
A night filled with grace and dancing; the Rhydin Ballet Troupe pulled off a stunning performance of Coppeli on April 24th. Coppeli, a macabre comedy and love story featuring an inventor, Doctor Coppélius, and his creation -- a life sized dancing doll that he becomes infatuated with and sets aside his true heart's desire, Swanhilde -- was masterfully brought to life by the Rhydin Troupe. A dancing-good time was then to be had with an after party held in the Hall. 

But in my Country, I'm a Queen
Rhydin sent in their candidates to represent the May Queen for Beltane and on April 26th selected Alystrianna D'Vaustaival, who seemed like summer herself cast in the many fires of Beltane. 

Fifty-Seventh Diamond Quest Activated!
While the records again appear to be lacking of what precisely happened in the Outback on the night of April the 26th, what we do know is that a handful of Emeralds and Opals all got together to beat the tar out of each to see which of them was the strongest and most worthy of becoming known as the next great Fists Diamond.  We also know that Jaycy Ashleana was the victor!

A sprinkling for the May Queen
In the field adjoining the Southern Glen, Rhydin's Empress held a celebration for the beginning of summer on the eve of April 29th that created memories to last the coming year. The Beltane festival taught Rhydin to shake off its winter sluggishness and wake up to spring with a flurry of activity, from what to wear to the Beltane festival, to booths and entertainers to make a memorable celebration all the more memorable. 

May

Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better!
Standing female Diamond of the Duel of Fists puts forth the proclamation to the start of the Fourth not quite so annual InterGender War!  On the 4th of May, the men and women of the pugilistic dueling community all went at it, fists a flying, to see which gender was the meanest and strongest and overall greatest at fighting in hand to hand combat.  This competition only started in May, however.  Read on to see what the results were!

In Memory of Siera Redwin
On the 16th of May, twelve hack and slash under ranked competitors in the Duel of Swords got together to compete in a tournament held seasonally in honor of deceased dueling legend Siera Redwin.  Of them all, Sierra Black bested her twin and many others to not only win the Talon and honor its original wielder, but honored her as a namesake as well!  Never mind the extra R.

Arch Mage Tournament & Challenge
Spell slinging masters Vincent Smith, Topaz and Neo Eternity all fought in the Spring seasonal Arch Mage tournament to determine which of them was most worthy of challenging the current standing Arch Mage Bran Bale.  Vinny arose victorious from the challenge on the 19th of May, and later went on the very next day to challenge Bran for his right to stand as the next Duel of Magic Arch Mage.  He won too!

DoS Madness Tournament Begins!
Of a listed thirty-six registered competitors, the last week of May (the 21st through the 28th) marked the first round preliminaries in which six duelists in four divisions met to see which of the three of them would be moving forward into the second official round.  One competitor withdrew from the tournament early on, leaving the following duelists to move into the month of June: April Acerino, Dawn Shadowsbane-Karos and Tsu Nami.

June

We Like to Spell It, Spell It!
Not only was the 2nd of June the date of the Spring seasons Duel of Magic All Ranks Tournament, but it was also an Ice Cream Party extravaganza hosted by DoM coordinator Topaz Datrazanov!  Of those who attended, Neo Eternity came out on top as the grand prize winner, securing himself a big fat purse full of 1500 silver nobles and a rank increase!  Not that he really needed one, but hey.

DoS Madness Round Two!
Thirty-two registered combatants got together in the first week of June (the 4th through the 7th) to decide which sixteen of them would be moving onto the third round.  Xeric Mues, Ticallion Carter, Anubis Karos, Aya Hayashibara, Bran Bale, Matt Simon, Vincent Smith, Cassius Gaius Maximius, Jaycy Ashleana, Jewell Ravenlock, Jay Capistrano, Stephen Kidd, Tormay Eludes, Michiko Ito, Myria Graziano and Wyheree Ravenlock all came out victorious in round two.

DoS Madness Round Three!
Of the sixteen remaining competitors who came out victorious in the second, the second week of June (the 11th through the 14th) literally cut down the competition even more!  Moving into the third week and round four were the following duelists: Ticallion Carter, Aya Hayashibara, Bran Bale, Vincent Smith, Jaycy Ashleana, Jay Capistrano, Tormay Eludes and Wyheree Ravenlock.

I heard it through the Grapevine
The Gossip GangSTAR and the pinkfully sly Marc Franco outdid themselves in the evening of June 19th with an elegant, cultivated evening for the kids! Launching the Gossip GangSTAR Childrens foundation,  waiters in exquisite black suits touched with pink ties swarmed the Red Dragon with style, doling out the blush-hued drinks and mingling with some of Rhydins finest in an evening for the children. 

Ch-ch-changes
Change can be difficult, hard to adjust to and accept, but despite the change of venues from AOL to an independent website, not only did the Red Dragon survive but become an entity of its own on. Celebrating Four years of story lines, characters, role-playing and the bonds created from it between players on June 20th. Good on ya, DM. Here's to many more. 

DoS Madness Round Four!
The third week of June (the 18th through the 21st) significantly thinned the blood of the competition in the 2009 Duel of Swords Madness Tournament.  Moving into the end of the month semifinals were these four victorious duelists: Ticallion Carter, Bran Bale, Jay Capistrano, and Tormay Eludes. In the last week (June 25th through the 28th) this number was hacked down to two, moving Ticallion Carter and Tormay Eludes into the finals.

Magic & Mysery
Summer was honored with an incredible Mid Summer's Eve party on June 21st. Gypsy enchantment wove its way throughout the realm thanks to the Garridan family. Acrobats, fire dancers, food, fun and magic filled the night in true Rhy'Din revelry. 

Playing House for Real
June the 26th marked the wedding of the century!  Or at least the year.  Taneth and Tormay finally met at the altar after a long and adorable engagement of only a few short months, a common Rhy'Dinnian tradition.  The wedding was a huge and extravagant event held in the Southern Glen with a portal set up courtesy of Tormay's mother Topaz.  Everyone who was anyone attended, and they all had different views of this joyous occasion.

Spring Warlord Tournament in the Hizouse!
On the 29th of June, eight registered warlords met in the Arena to hack and slash their way to the top of the charts.  Of them all, Guillermus Fortis arose victorious and would have walked away with the grand prize baronial ring, but in a surprising turn of events he turned down all prizes available!  So the grand prize went instead to second place competitor Kheldar, who chose to adopt the barony of Old Temple.

July

The Launch of the GGMFFC!
Did you know that Marc Franco had his very own fan club?  No, we're sure you didn't.  July 1st, however, marked the launch of the very first and only Gossip GangSTAR Marc Franco Fan Club!  Club president Carley did her very best to mark off this grand occasion, but our sources may believe that the fact her vice president Ehzoterik VonArcanum Tempestas may have discouraged some people from joining.  After all, who could not be a fan of Marc Franco!  Become a member of the GGMFFC today!  It's not too late!

DoS Madness Winner Revealed! 
In the first week of July, the DoS Madness Tournament came to a stunning conclusion when Tormay Eludes defeated Ticallion Carter to take home the gold prize of a pair of challenge grants in which he was free to hand out to whomever he wanted.  As second place winner, Ticallion opted to accept six Wins over Losses to his standing record.  The third and fourth place winners, Bran Bale and Jay Capistrano, each received three WoL added to their standing records.

Changing of the Mantle!
On the 10th of July, Tasslehofl Momus, using his gift as third place competitor from the Spring Warlord Tournament, challenged his long reigning son-in-law to the right to wear the mantle of the Duel of Swords Overlord.  Details on this event seem to be lacking, and all we really know is that he won!  After holding the title for nearly seven whole months, Tormay Eludes was forced to relinquish his throne to his father-in-law.

Paper Faces on Parade
The Marquis Dantalion Durand and his lovely wife Ascéline introduced themselves to Rhydin with a splash of style on the night of July the 16th. Throwing a masquerade party from the quaint Sauvignon Estate, their new home, the Marquis and lovely wife handed out Masks to those without them and a glass of their classy wine. It was quite the party! 

Fifty-Eigth Diamon Quest Ahoy!
Five emeralds banded together in the Outback on the night of the 19th of July to decide which of them was the strongest and best of the Duel of Fists. Kheldar Drasinia walked away as the next legendary Diamond of the Fists.

Like a Bowl Full of Jelly
Rhy'Din's resident bad guy extraordinaire Anubis Karos challenged the baron of Old Temple, Kheladar Drasinia, for the right to wear his ring.  Not only did he thoroughly insult him and call him fat, but Anubis also humiliated him in the Arena.  Who doesn't Anubis humiliate in the ring?  In a best of three format, the slaver came out victorious, only needing to fight two total matches to secure his position as the new Baron of the Old Temple district on the 20th of July.

On the Next Top Chef -- Seaside!
Also on the night of the 20th of July, Warlord Guillermus Fortis met in the Arena to enact his challenge to present Baron of Seaside, the rather sadly illiterate Damien Mortis.  Much like Anubis, Guill won the right to wear the ring of the barony from Damien in only two complete matches.  Though unlike Anubis, we're sure he didn't put any effort into humiliating his opponent.

New Haven for the Fairy Lord!
Not satisfied with losing his position of Overlord only to become a lowly warlord once again, Tormay Eludes issued challenge to Aya Hayashibara for the right to wear the ring to the barony of New Haven. This was yet another challenge officiated by the Imptastic Imp, on July 22nd, and retold in glorious detail.  Tormay of couse came out the victor after only two of a potential three matches, having won them both before a third was even necessary.

King--! No, wait. Queen of the Ring!
On the night of the 23rd of July, a handful of Duel of Swords competitors met in the Arena to compete in what is better known as the King of the Ring Tournament.  Though our details on this event are sketchy, we can tell you that the baroness of Dockside, Teagan Rielea, came out the victor of this event.  Of course, the link can tell you more.

Batten Down the Hatches, Dockside!
On the 25th of July, baroness Teagan Rielea met her challenger Ticallion Carter in the Arena to decide which of them was more worthy of wearing the ring to the barony of Dockside.  In a single elimination format, the Warlord defeated the Baroness in only ten rounds and thereby became the next Baron of Dockside upon his victory.

In a Blaze of Glory!
Liena Hope, former Keeper of Fire, vanished from the dueling scene, leaving her tower unoccupied!  On the night of the 28th of July, four aspiring spell-slingers met on Twilight Isle to decide which of them was the more worthy to occupy this elemental fortress.  The mysteriously creepy Xanth Van Bokkelen walked away victorious from this competition to become the next Keeper of Fire.

Take Your Knives and Go Home
Only ten days after winning the barony of Seaside from Damien Mortis, Guillermus Fortis was set to face his very first challenger on the night of July 30th.  Jaycy Ashleana met him in the ring and not so soundly defeated him in a best of three format.  All three matches were fought, and Jaycy won two of them, thereby securing herself as the new baroness of Seaside!

Lovers and Madmen have such seething brains
The Rhy'Din Ballet Troupe enchanted the realm once again on the evening of July 31st. An evening of fun, frivolity and grace, the Ballet Troupe entertained many with a stunning performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream.

August

August's All Ranks Spell Slinging
In the Duel of Magic community, the August All Ranks Tournament was held on the night of the 11th, and again hosted by Topaz.  Though this time there was no ice cream.  Instead of money this go around, the prizes consisted of mage figurines.  Ahni walked away with the first prize purple robed figuring trophy!

Changing of the Talon
Eight underdogs among the Duel of Swords met together in the Arena on the night of August the 13th to hack and slash their way to the top of the low rank lists and decide which of them was more worthy of honoring Siera Redwin by carrying her prize dirk trophy.  Doctor Maranya Tatiana Valkonan emerged victorious in this competition and took home the prize!

Anyone Can Do It! All you need is a wand.
On the night of the 18th of August, Twilight Isle hosted the Mega Cast Tournament, brought back by popular demand.  In this battle royale of spells flying everywhere, only one contestant walked away victorious.  That grand prize winner happened to be Cassius Gaius Maximius!  Who knew the Roman knew anything about magic?

When is a door not a door? When it's a Portal Opened to Mount Yasuo!
The circle of nine during the celebration of the sun festival in Jenli made an exciting announcement. For those who have always wished to visit Mount Yasuo but found the traveling there difficult, a magical portal was opened through the Great Barrier on the 21st of August to allow instant travel to Mount Yasuo. 

This Sword... Talks!?
A newly designed rank came into the Duel of Swords this past year, and the first to wear the title was decided in a tournament hosted by Baron of New Haven Tormay Eludes on the 22nd of August.  The baron chose four competitors among the lower ranks: Misty, Skid, Neo Eternity and Michiko.  Among them, Neo Eternity emerged victorious to become the first ever Squire of New Haven!  As his prize he took home the weapon of New Haven, a rapier, which he learned later was magically enchanted, and much to his chagrin, was sentient enough to ... talk.  Oh boy!

Abbra, Abbra, Cadabra, gonna reach out and tag ya
It wasn't just the heat which stirred up tempers this August. Proposition 37 brought about some alarming political actions, for and against that seared the month into the minds of many magical and non-magical using beings across the Realm. Prop 37, or the Mage and Enchanter Registration Act, was proposed and voted upon. A hot topic for the end of the hottest month of summer. 

September

A Certain je ne sais quoi
Exploding color spread in brushstrokes across the city thanks to the Rhydin Arts Festival. The southern glen became an impromptu gallery featuring rare works held in the Hartzog and Ravendale collection, spanning the week through to the Rhydin Museum and covering an art auction held in the Great Hall.

Get Out of My Church You Heathen!
On the night of the 2nd of September, Warlord Max Quinlan Blue met the Baron of Old Temple, Anubis Karos, in the Arena to decide which of them was more worthy of residing as baron of that Swords district. This was yet another grand event hosted by the Imptastic Imp, and again reported upon in elaborate detail. In summary we learn that Anubis chose a single elimination format and lost his ring to Max in fifteen complete rounds.

Summer Warlord Tournament Late
Only three Warlords showed up for this tournament on September the 12th, and only one of them signed up ahead of time!  A surprising return of the legendary liontaur Rakeesh Sah Tarna turned out to be sadly uneventful.  Guillermus Fortis defeated both him and other late arrival Teagan Rielea.  Winning his second WLT in a row, Guill once again turned down all the prizes, but so did Rakeesh.  What was the point of fighting then if the last and only competitor walked away with the prize?

That Old Stone Was Getting Lonely
We don't know the how or the why of it really, but it seemed there was a tournament that went down on or around the 12th of September on Twilight Isle to see who was worthy enough to takeu p residency in the Tower of Earth.  Was it abandoned?  We don't know!  All we know is that somebody named Lem won.

Dude Looks Like a Lady!
Wasting no time putting her prize from the Summer WLT to use, Teagan Rielea challenged Tasslehofl Momus for his throne as the Duel of Swords Overlord.  Tass chose a single elimination style of combat, and was defeated in only eleven rounds. Teagan accepted the mantle to become the next Overlady of the Duel of Swords on the 28th of September.

Sold! To the lady with the fine red hat!
Kicking off the end of September was the Rhydin Arts festival Arts auction. Several fascinating pieces caused quite a stir. The Auction featured pieces created by: Ted Hurlbut, Lonnie Scola, Hugh Spra, Althea Harps, Lance Witherow,  Matthew Graydon, Cody Benson, Amelia Ryan, Annabelle Embrey, Tameka Cancro, Gregory Chalmers, Karina Mostella, Neil Gills, Fio Helston and Silas Dancer. 

Panther's Claw. I hope he doesn't need that.
The Duel of Fists commemorated their own low rank event on the 30th of September to kick off the new dueling season.  Much like the Swords Talon of Redwin, a small handful of underranked pugilists met in the Outback to compete and discover which of them was the most worthy of carrying around the coveted Panther's Claw.  Of them all, Thorne walked away with the prize.

October

An All Time Record! Twice in a Row!
October started off the fall season's Talon of Redwin Tournament on the 2nd, and twelve competitors all met to see which of them was the most worthy of carrying the coveted Talon of Redwin around as their honorable prize.  Doctor Maranya Tatiana Valkonan competed again, and she won a second time in a row!  Making a new Duel of Swords record as not only the first female duelist to win the Talon twice, but also the first and only duelist to win the Talon twice in a row!  Yay historical events!

Looking for the Next Seaside Slasher
Following in the footsteps of her baronial colleague Tormay Eludes, the baroness of Seaside, Jaycy Ashleana, hosted her own tournament on the 10th of October to determine which of her top eight choices was the most worthy to become her student.  Not to mention the most worthy of defending the Seaside name by carrying around a glowing purple glaive.  The winner of this tournament was Salvador Delahada, though we hear that these days Jaycy is regretting having ever invited him to compete in her tourney, just like he promised.

Watch Me Pull an Elf Out of This Hat
The October monthly Magic All Ranks Tournament was held on the 13th of the month this year. A dozen different spell slingers all met on Twilight Isle to toss around the juju, but only one of them walked away with the purple robed figurine grand prize.  Congratulations to Sivanna Cyredghymn for emerging undefeated!

Look, Ma!  I can walk through walls!
On the night of the 16th of October, Jaycy Ashleana met long time PathFinder Opal holder Vincent Smith in the Outback to decide which of them was the strongest and most worthy to tote around that magic gem.  Jaycy defeated Vinny in two of three total matches to take home the prize, and soon discovered she could turn herself into a ghost.  Now that's creepy.

Wine Tasting Extravaganza!
The Rumors Mill Vineyard and Winery hosted a Harvest Party on the 17th of October.  We have absolutely no idea what went on there, but we hear it was at least successful.  Those Gardiners sure know how to throw a party!

I want your Barony! -- Oh yeah? Well I want your Opal!
Old enmities die hard, and October the 20th marked a grand occasion in which two dueling sports venues clashed together in the Annex for a double dose of challenges.  That slaver everybody loves to hate, Anubis Karos, challenged Ticallion Carter for his ring to the barony of Dockside.  In retalliation, Ticallion Carter challenged Anubis Karos to his right to hold FireStar, one of the longest held opals in DoF history.  This night was a grand event in which a trade off occurred.  Anubis took home the key to Dockside, and Ticallion took home the Opal!  Wowee!

Fifty-Ninth Diamond Quest Explosion!
On October the 24th, a handful of emeralds and opals met in the DoF Outback once again to decide which of them was going to take home the grand prize title as the Duel of Fists next legendary Diamond.  Though only three duelists registered ahead of time, six total competitors met to punch and kick each other around the rings.  Legendary pugilist, the half-orc Jake Thrash, took home the prize and still stands today as the king of kings in the DoF community.

Up In Smoke!
Late in the month, Sivanna Cyredghmn, feeling not quite big enough for her britches yet, challenged Xanth Van Bokkelen for her right to steal away the key to the Fire of Tower from him.  They met on Twilight Isle on the 27th of October, and in three complete matches, Sivanna won two.  This allowed her to claim her prize as the sixteenth Keeper of Fire!

Off With Their Masks!
Kheldar Drasinia hosted the second ever Masquerade Brawl on the 28th of October in the Duel of Fists Outback.  Seven masked duelers all showed up in costume to compete, spending the night trading off kicks and punches and otherwise trying to figure out who was who.  The last man standing was Tasslehofl Momus, disguised as someone known as Hawk!  He walked away with an Opal challenge grant as his prize, as well as being the last competitor to be unmasked.

November

For the Discerning feline, canine, dragonette, or other small creature.
November 2nd marked the first casting call for a rather different sort of calendar--Laps of Rhy'Din. Calling all females of renowned beauty and class to be posed with slumbering cute, or beady eyed melt-your-heart critters curled in their laps, Laps of Rhy'Din promised to be this year's AWWWWW! These warm bundles were later sold exclusively at Thorne's Rare and used Book Store.

Slavery Conquers All
Rumor has it that after defeating Ticallion Carter for the barony to Dockside that Anubis Karos wasn't finished.  Immediately after securing his position as the next Baron of that district, the slaver turned around and challenged the current Overlady Teagan Rielea.  The very next day he posted his official statement.  However, Teagan and Anubis did not meet in the ring until the 2nd of November.  The Overlady chose to test the baron, and we hear engaged in some slaver shenanigans of her own.  However, the baron thoroughly defeated her after the test, humiliated her soundly and took home the throne.  Anubis Karos became the 83rd Overlord, bringing a new reign of terror to the duels that history states has been seen before.

Pretty Dead Elf Rewarded for Loyalty
On this same night, the 2nd of November, at the challenge match between Anubis Karos and Teagan Rielea, we hear that the Overlady invoked a test of worthiness on the baron.  Stepping in as his champion was the mysterious Vanion Shadowcast.  He squared off against the equally mysterious Aurora Blackmane and soundly defeated her in eleven rounds.  As his reward for championing Anubis, Vanion was awarded the barony to Dockside and naturally aligned himself loyal to the new Overlord.

Dancing and Dining with the Big Wigs
Governor Matthew Algiers Simon and his lovely wife Koyliak VanDuran-Simon hosted the Governor's Ball on the night of November the 8th in the Red Dragon's Great Hall.  We hear this was a smashing success, and Rhy'Din's top notch citizens all attended the event.  Though we also hear that some catastrophic storm blew through town that same night.  It seems the poor Governor doesn't get any rest, but in a chaotic realm like this one we'd wager he's only reaping what he's sown.  Man has to be crazy to try to govern Rhy'Din!

Storms on the Horizon
Chaos once again racked the realm and city of Rhydin on November 8th,  although it wasn't the usual suspects. This time, nature had her hand in causing the wreckage. Reports on November 8th poured in of freak rainstorms so strong as to batter those unwittingly caught underneath, sweep away animals, livestock, carriages and even the unwary. Winds suddenly raged in calm places, tearing homes and causing immense damage.  The reasons why are unknown and the Watch, along with the RASG begin investigation.  

No More Shadow Catting For You
A lot of people weren't pleased with the hijinx pulled by former Overlady Teagan Rielea, and her second Jaycy Ashleana, during her challenge.  So much so in fact that a lot of silence reigned the dueling community.  But even silence was enough of a challenge when Tasslehofl Momus called Jaycy out to take the PathFinder Opal away from her on the night of November the 13th.  Tass defeated her in two of three complete matches and rescued Jaycy from the Opal's seductive control.

Sleeping Beauty Comes to the Stage
They Rhy'Din Ballet Troupe once again hosted a grand event of arts refinement which they brought to Rhy'Din on the 13th of November.  Productions of Sleeping Beauty ran through the rest of the month and carried over into the first and second weeks of December.

Dark Times Continue to Shadow the Duels
Continuing in a long line of loyalist activity, another creepy and mysterious duelist crawled out of his warlord hole to challenge Max Quinlan Blue for the right to hold the barony of the Old Temple District.  Xanth Van Bokkelen met the baron in the ring on 14th of November, and in a single elimination style of combat thoroughly decimated him in only six rounds.  Xanth took his ring, and we hear that Max took a walk, from the duels, forever.

Tastes like Happy!
November 25th became a day tongues all around Rhy'Din rejoiced! The Great Helm Tavern flung open its doors allowing mouth watering scents to take over the entire area. And what a magnificent start to the Tastes of Rhydin food festival! Vendors, citizens and hopeful culinary wizards lined booths erected near The Great Helm with samples to entice even the most reluctant to purchase foods they may not have tasted before. A delicious success!

The Cheese Stands Alone
Perhaps much to everyone's surprise, loyal Baron of Dockside Vanion Shadowcast hosted an open tournament to decide who was most worthy of becoming his very own squire on the 28th of November.  Only four people had the balls to show up for this tournament, and even more surprising is the fact that it was won by a dwarvish priestess by the name of Kaylin Rumblegutter.  We hear this was a match made in a crazy parallel dimension in which everybody only ever wears one sock because they can't find the second half of the pair, ever.

December

Senior Baron Goes Senile
The month of December kicked off a plethora of challenges.  Maria Graziano, for no real personal reasons whatsoever, decided to challenge long-standing Senior Baron Xenograg Bey for her right to rule the Old Market District.  They met on the very 1st of the month in the Arena, and in a single elimination style of combat Maria came away the victor!

Oum Nom Nom Oum
Small, tiny, adorable and simply irresistible. Some of the words describing a sudden invasion sweeping Rhydin that began on December 3rd. These literal little balls of soft fur cooed, trilled, and purred their ways into people's hearts and ate their way through store houses. The trouble with Tribbles you see, is that they breed faster than a jilted re-married princess and eat more than an ex wife. They quickly ate their way into our hearts. 

From Commoner to Baron -- DoS History Is Made!
As a reward for standing in as the Overlord's champion in a challenge match between Anubis Karos and Tormay Eludes, the mysterious lich known only as Deathlord later challenged Tormay Eludes for the barony of New Haven on the 4th of December.  The Baron of New Haven chose a best of three format, and in two of a complete set the challenger defeated him, making Dueling history as well as securing his new throne!

4th Quarter Warlord Tournament Comes Again
For the first time in a very long time, the Duel of Swords saw a complete roster registration of combatting Warlords meeting in the Arena on the night of December the 6th.  Additionally, the last current hold of the Talon of Redwin was granted a spot in the tournament.  Though Maranya did well for her station as a much lower ranked competitor, history was not made with her winning of the tournament.  That award went to Ticallion Carter, who was awarded the right of an intercession free challenge grant against the Overlord.

Scary Pink Puffball Takes PathFinder to Lunch
On December the 7th, Tasslehofl Momus met the creature known as Jigglypuff in the Duel of Fists Outback to decide which of them was the more worthy to carry the legendary Opal known as PathFinder.  While we're not too sure about Jigglypuff exactly being worthy, we can state that the little pink menace did successfully win the Opal from Tasslehofl.  The most disturbing part of it all was the fact that Jigglypuff then promptly ate the Opal upon being rewarded with it as a prize.

Ravenlock Estate Fire -- Thousands Mourn!
December the 17th marks one of the saddest days in Rhy'Din history.  Word spread quickly of a huge fire engulfing the estate of legendary Jewell Ravenlock and her family.  Further press release reports conclude the fact that Jewell and her children all did not survive this catastrophe.

Passing of the Torch, or Talon
The Winter Cycle's Talon of Redwin Tournament saw a spectacular increase of registrations this year.  A complete roster of sixteen individual combatants was filled, and even had a waiting list!  On the night of the 19th of December, these sixteen competitors all met in the Arena to decide which of them was most worthy of honoring Siera Redwin.  For Maranya Valkonan, her two seasons of fame came to an end.  The Imptastic Imp was the one to claim the title this season!

Benson Boulevard Initiative Announced!
Following the events of the great storm that happened the night of the Governor's Ball, some time later the Governor himself announced a disaster relief fund and committee to be instated on the 19th of December.  Though the cause of the storm, now known as Sanyumato, remains unknown, it is the hope of the governor's office that this new group will be able to at least bring relief to many of its victims.  Donations are now being accepted.

Showcase Showdown with Sinjin Fai as Bob Barker
Rhy'Din's top notch event host Sinjin Fai, put together a little event in an effort to bring more interest to the dueling sports venues at the end of the year.  On December the 22nd, three matches were fought in Swords, Fists and Magic between some of the top names in the dueling community.  Though the event was a smash hit for those already involved, it did not seem as quite so many new and interested parties showed up to witness the sports and see how they're done.  Still, everyone who did show had a lot of fun!

Grudge Match of the Year!
Using his prize from the 4th Quarter Warlord Tournament, Ticallion Carter issued challenge to Anubis Karos for the mantle of Duel of Swords Overlord.  These two competitors met on the night of December the 23rd, and a Christmas miracle was performed by the warlord!  In a total of three matches, all excedingly bloody and exhausting, Ticallion Carter defeated Anubis Karos in two and usurped the throne from the slaver humbly.  We imagine now the rest of the dueling community can breathe easy, if just for a little while.

Jewell Ravenlock, Center for Community Partnership, of RhyDin
A further press statement was released on the 26th of December stating that the survivors of the Ravenlock family catastrophe will be opening up the Ravenlock Dojo once again in memory of the recently deceased.

In conclusion....  This article could not have been written without the aid and support of our readers.  Our thanks goes out to all of you who sent us e-mails and harassed us in instant messages to point out all the events and storylines that you found most interesting in the year 2009.  Though we did a lot of digging around ourselves on the Rings of Honor forums and the RDI @ Dragon's Mark Playables, a large majority of this information came from helpful hints and provided links.

The Ink Wire Associates, Ubique's Monthly, and Mutual Endeavors thank you all tremendously for your contributions.  May 2010 be just as eventful as 2009 was, and maybe, just maybe, we'll do something like this again.  We hope you enjoyed the refresher course and wish you all a spectacularly happy New Year!