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Ubique's Weekly
A Mutual Endeavors Publication
Issue #61 ~ 30 November 2004
The Blurb
The Goose With the Golden Eggs
One day a countryman going to the nest of his Goose found there an egg all yellow and glittering. When he took it up it was as heavy as lead and he was going to throw it away, because he thought a trick had been played upon him. But he took it home on second thoughts, and soon found to his delight that it was an egg of pure gold. Every morning the same thing occurred, and he soon became rich by selling his eggs. As he grew rich he grew greedy; and thinking to get at once all the gold the Goose could give, he killed it and opened it only to find nothing.
Hello again, loyal subscribers! The month of November marks a month of revelations. Change is in the air concerning Ubique's Weekly. Hopefully these changes are good ones. After the completion of Issue #59 I realized that perhaps finally this great collaboration project was just a little too much for me to handle alone. In the previous issue (UW #60) I made mention of the establishment of an organization known as Ink Wire Associates that has been hinted at in past issues. In the following sections I will be discussing in more detail precisely what is happening at the offices of Ubique's Weekly concerning management and newsletter construction, and how everything will change in the future. So once again I urge you not to skim over this newsletter and encourage you all to read everything in full detail. There are important matters that need to be brought to your attention. This project is an intense collaborative effort that I cannot do alone. Nor can I do it without all of you, our loyal readers and subscribers.
As for the Blurb. As it stands, it will still remain mine. Taking on the responsibility of Editor in Chief is not as easy as it sounds. There is a lot of information that I receive that needs compiled into a structure that is easy and enjoyable to read for one and all. The words here are my thoughts, the thoughts of the Nefarious SM (Editor In Chief of Ubique's Weekly). What is to follow is an example of what is to come, as well as the usual news that you have all come to expect and enjoy. I think I've done enough rambling for now. So keep your eyes peeled and pay attention! There's so much news to share!
Top Story!
The Ant and the Grasshopper
In a field one summer's day a Grasshopper was hopping about, chirping and singing to its heart's content. An Ant passed by, bearing along with great toil an ear of corn he was taking to the nest.
"Why not come and chat with me," said the Grasshopper, "instead of toiling and moiling in that way?"
"I am helping to lay up food for the winter," said the Ant, "and recommend you to do the same."
"Why bother about winter?" said the Grasshopper; "we have got plenty of food at present." But the Ant went on its way and continued its toil. When the winter came the Grasshopper had no food and found itself dying of hunger, while it saw the ants distributing every day corn and grain from the stores they had collected in the summer. Then the Grasshopper knew:
It is best to prepare for the days of necessity. And what good is history if we never learn from our mistakes? What good is learning from those mistakes if we never do anything to prevent them from happening again? Those are the thoughts that plagued me until recently. Though it took the advice of a friend and fellow roleplayer for me to finally realize that there was an answer to solve the problems I have been experiencing as Editor In Chief of Ubique's Weekly. Let us talk a little bit about the concept and existence of:
Ink Wire Associates
When I first started writing up the publication of Ubique's Weekly, I never imagined that it would grow as intensely enormous as it currently has. In the beginning, I created Mutual Endeavors, which is an organization of dedicated roleplayers who continue to strive to keep the dream of cooperative freeform roleplaying alive and well to this day. Following the example lead by Fayalki (better known as Hunter to most Red Dragon Inn regulars), I decided to start my own Group@AOL. At the time it seemed like a good idea, but over the course of the past year I am steadily realizing that its mere existence is but a shadow of the actual, overall dream. It took me awhile to think up a name for the organization. It all started with the concept of the phrase "joint effort," and I thought at first that would be a good title for the group. However, that name had already been claimed. So I turned to my handy, dandy thesaurus and came up with the name as you now know it.
The word mutual is defined as "directed by each toward the other or the others; having the same feelings one for the other; shared in common; and joint." Though there is a snippet of the third part of the definition that is also fitting: "of or relating to a plan whereby the members of an organization share in the profits and expenses." Concerning the tennants prescribed about cooperative freeform chat-based roleplaying, these definitions are more clear. The way I see it, we are all creative writers striving towards one overall common goal. That being the enjoyment of our leisure time by bringing our characters to life and having them interract. However, there stands to reason the need to cooperate, to work together with our fellow players to ensure a mutual level enjoyment for all parties involved. In that sense, roleplaying is an endeavor. As a noun, an endeavor is simply a "serious determined effort" or an "activity directed toward a goal." The verb of course is not much different, and it can be both of those things at once concerning our dreams. For a more detailed approach at defining what freeform cooperative chat-based roleplaying is all about, pay a visit to the Red Dragon FFG Group and browse around. Do some reading there to learn more (http://members.aol.com/rdifayalki/RDIGroup/index.htm).
Mutual Endeavors was formed with the idealogy that all it takes to roleplay cooperatively is to remember to communicate with one another. However, the longer I sat and watched that Group collect dust and do nothing, the more I realized that something more needed to be done. So I thought of a way for us all to be able to share our ideas and stories with each other. That concept blossomed into the newsletter you now read, Ubique's Weekly. By clicking on that link you will see the webpage headquarters of the publication, but most importantly of all the UW Mission Statement. It is not anything entirely too fancy, merely serving its purpose. But it is something it does rather well. Some time ago I decided that it would be a good idea to archive past issues of the newsletter somewhere that could be located by all subscribers. A place where we as players could turn to in order to look back on days gone by and remind ourselves of what has happened, if perhaps we chanced to forget. Though also long ago, I determined that it was also an overwhelming endeavor for me to tackle on my own. As well as the steadily growning enormity of the current newsletter as it progresses week to week. So ... I formulated yet another plan. One that I am now bringing into focus and putting to work.
Following the advice of a friend, I decided to finally give the name Ink Wire Associates a definition and a purpose. As I stated in the previous issue of Ubique's Weekly, the group's purpose is to become the editorial staff of the newsletter. I no longer plan to handle all of this information on my own. In the previous issue I listed a Headline concerning the opening of certain positions. A fair number of you responded to my distress call either through e-mails or by IMing me directly. And as of today I can say that I am grateful to have dedicated friends and collaborators such as you by my side. After reviewing the "applications" as they were, I have come to some conclusions concerning the management structure of the editorial staff. It took a great deal of discussion based on opinions and credentials, but I feel that I have made the best decisions for all concerned. Starting with next week's issue, these co-editors will be taking control of their appointed sections and dealing with the appropriate news in those areas. In an effort to keep you all informed, I now present to you (our loyal subscribers) the new editorial staff of Ubique's Weekly; also known as the Ink Wire Associates.
Editor In Chief (Ehzoterik): The Nefarious SM. Abbreviated to the initials of EIC in the near future for points of reference. SM is of course the woman behind the master plan. The one in charge of putting all compiled information together into one neat newsletter for all subscribers to read and enjoy on a weekly basis. SM's editorial voice will be seen in the areas of The Blurb and the Final Thoughts in future issues. She is the one to turn to with any complaints or concerns or other such thoughts concerning each and every issue of the publication known as Ubique's Weekly. In essence, SM is the boss, so to speak.
Storyline Spotlight Editor (DarkAngelGenesis): The notorious Gen-Gen. SM's official Muse. Abbreviated to the initials of SSE in the near future for points of reference. Gen-Gen will be in charge of constructing write-ups week to week for entertaining and informative Storyline Spotlights. Based on the information we receive from all subscribers, as well as first-hand accounts of events that have transpired during personal play, Gen-Gen will just about be pulling things out of her rear end. Remember, the dream is to keep roleplay cooperative. But the ideal is for it to be as entertaining as possible for all parties involved. Hopefully Gen-Gen will not let us down with her abundant creativity to back her up. I have faith that she will not fail in her appointed task.
Collaborative Headline Editor (DonatelIo Harada): The elusive Jess. Abbreviated to the initials of CHE in the near future for points of reference. Jess will be taking on the responsibility of compiling all group storyline project information into the stories you read about weekly. Based on the information we receive from all subscribers, as well as first-hand accounts of events that have transpired during personal play, Jess may also just about be pulling things out of her rear end. Anything you want included in each issue should be sent to her for editorial purposes, as well as the EIC. Remember that the dream is to keep roleplay cooperative, and what better way to show that we are striving than by having these Headlines exist in each and every issue of Ubique's Weekly? I have faith that Jess will not lax in creativity and reliability either.
Character News Editor (Ellyn Vt): The demented Ellen. Abbreviated to the initials of CNE in the near future for points of reference. Ellen will be taking on the incredibly overwhelming responsibility of covering the individual Character Updates in future issues of Ubique's Weekly. I call her demented because she's crazy to volunteer for the position! However, I feel that she is the best qualified for the job considering that she has way too much time on her hands. All future updates concerning only what your characters have been doing for the past week should be sent to the CNE as well as the EIC. The best way for us to keep the dream alive is to keep each other informed of what our characters have been doing, and what their reactions have been to all collaborative efforts. That section of the newsletter has been known to take the most time and effort and I now hand it over graciously. I have faith that Ellen will be able to handle those responsibilities regally and with perfect reliability.
Advertising Editor (ArianaMacGyldren): The innfamous AG. Abbreviated to the initials of AAE in the near future for points of reference. Based on previous experience in acting as Interim Editor for the Nefarious SM, the EIC feels that AG's credentials are best suited for coverning the Advertisements and Announcements sections of the newsletter. It is not an easy task to make certain that all links are in proper working order. Nor is it easy to remember to keep track of important dates. But based on what has been seen, those are AG's strong points. The abbreviation of AAE is in effect for the double A sections that she will be covering. Send all future UW advertisments (additions and changes) to the AAE from here on out. Also be sure to send her calendar dates of important events for the months and years to follow. I have faith that AG will be able to handle those responsibilities efficiently and with perfect reliability.
Newsletter Archive Editor (SmileFang): The ambitious Louisa. Abbreviated to the initials of NAE in the near future for points of reference. Based on her "resume" concerning the structuring of webpages and her knowledge of HTML formatting, I am very glad that Louisa volunteered for the job. Including this issue, there are currently 42 back issues of Ubique's Weekly that have yet to be compiled into HTML format and archived to the webpage: UW HQ Central. I call her ambitious because the endeavor of formatting all that information into webpage material will be tedious. Though I feel that given her credentials, there is currently no one better suited for the job aside from myself. However, it is far too much for me to handle alongside my other responsibilities as Editor In Chief! I have faith that Louisa will be able to handle the responsibilities efficiently, though I have a feeling it will take some time for everything to be perfect.
Congratulations to all of you, and thank you! Thank you so much for volunteering your services to the Ink Wire Associates and Ubique's Weekly. It is my hope, my dream, that in the future this publication will be sent out with more speed and accuracy with all of you helping me keep it together. Of course, UW would be nothing without our dedicated readers and subscribers. So my thanks go out to all of you as well. As they ever do. Speaking of you, I think it's about time we move on with the rest of our newsletter! So let's get moving!
This Just In
The Crow and the Pitcher
A Crow, half-dead with thirst, came upon a Pitcher which had once been full of water; but when the Crow put its beak into the mouth of the Pitcher he found that only very little water was left in it, and that he could not reach far enough down to get at it. He tried, and he tried, but at last had to give up in despair. Then a thought came to him, and he took a pebble and dropped it into the Pitcher. Then he took another pebble and dropped it into the Pitcher. Then he took another pebble and dropped that into the Pitcher. Then he took another pebble and dropped that into the Pitcher. Then he took another pebble and dropped that into the Pitcher. Then he took another pebble and dropped that into the Pitcher. At last, at last, he saw the water mount up near him, and after casting in a few more pebbles he was able to quench his thirst and save his life.
With the newly founded Ink Wire Associates, I only regret that this will be the last time I will be inserting a fable for your reading enjoyment. In the future, it will be the responsibility of the CHE to construct her own editorial voice when covering this section of the newsletter. Though thankfully this week I am all caught up on news. Everything from now on should be recent. Covering all events that transpired within the past seven days. So do enjoy our...
Headlines
Dead Man Walking!: This weekend at the Silver Moon Inn! A very strange occurrence transpired. Though taking Rhy'Din into consideration, it should not seem so very strange at all. One of the latest patrons to step foot into the Inn just so happened to be an animated corpse of some sort. Though our source is uncertain precisely what type of corpse it was in particular, what is known is news-worthy. Apparantly this rotting corpse was intelligent and cognizant. It spoke in a well-mannered fashion and even took the liberty to flirt with the timid bartender beauty known as Melly (SMI Sweetie). Eventually someone clued the "man" into the fact that he was most assuredly not living by directing him to the mirror behind the bar. He took the revelation rather well ... considering. Will Rhy'Din see more of this walking contradiction known as Lord Fellbane (The Multifarious)? Only time will tell.
Fall Into Adventure: The Kodiak Falls Office of Blackjack Adventures is open for business. Contact Administrative Director of Operations Irina Braeden to schedule an adventure package with Chasz Havery, BJA's resident Mudbogger (See Classifieds for more details).
The Blackjack Family would like to extend our gratitude to those who made our inaugural season such a success. As a token of our gratitude, summer clients will receive discounts on select fall packages. It's just our way of thanking you for your loyalty.
Full Moon Madness: (Recent -- repeated from 11/16/04). Just when things were starting to settle down and criminal activities were receding ... Local Rhy'Din PD authorities have recently revealed to the media a series of unexplanable death occurrences that have taken place over the course of the past month. It is unknown if these deaths are linked to this phenomenon, however, it seems that animal attacks are on a rise since the middle of October. Several citizens have been found dead, torn to shreds, and abandoned in parks and alleyways across the city. Citizens are advised to lock their doors at night. Most particularly on the night when the moons are most full. Some "witnesses" have claimed that canine activity is at its highest during these times. Authorities can only advise citizens to be prepared when wandering the streets at night. The local pound is also advising that any pet dogs be kept indoors at night to avoid persecution by enraged citizens. Have your animals checked for any diseases, most especially the possibility of rabies.
On The Crime Beat: Anyone with information on various cases, including the murders of Aileen Hodgeson, Dorothy Peterson, Becky Johnson, Howard Conway, Patricia Miller, Stella Donaldson, and Paul and Mary Hanson is strongly urged to contact Deputy Marshall Wynter.
Red Dragon News: Concerning last week's Headline about the challenging of the message boards. The Editor In Chief would like to, at this time, make a formal apology. Apparantly there were some mishaps involved with the printing of that story. Since that time most of the kinks have been worked out. What we do know for certain is that it seems there is an uproar concerning the possibility of transforming our precious AOL message boards into strictly HTML webpage message boards. Thanks to our RDI correspondant, we have been able to construct a more accurate editorial concerning the Red Dragon Inn Message Boards. We would like to take this time to direct your attention to the folder known as *Out-of-Character: Random Thoughts. There are quite a few heated discussions going on over there at this point in time. Most of all concerning what is to be done about our AOL program-based message boards. The exact thread is found under the title of Message Board Changes. Should we keep them as they are? Or should we allow AOL to upload them to a webpage elsewhere? Our recommendation at Ubique's Weekly is that every member who is concerned take a moment to visit AOL Keyword: TELL US and do exactly that. Tell AOL and its management team exactly what you think. When enough people speak up about their concerns, it stands to reason that eventually somebody is going to listen.
Rhydin Baywatch?: Rhydin Shore Patrol is still investigating a massacre at what appears to have been a luau. Details on the shooting spree are being withheld by authorities. A total of twenty-six people were shot to death with a variety of weapons. Until further notice, a square mile of Rhydin's coast is closed to the public.
Rhy'Din Yellow Pages: (As of November 15, 2004 -- repeated from last week). Through discussion amongst players about the terrible confusion that transpires concerning precisely what it is that each individual character in Rhy'Din does to pay the bills, a great idea has been born. I felt it would be beneficial to not only display this idea as a UW Advertisement, but also as a Headline. The details as to why this idea came into focus can be reviewd on The Circle (the specific post has been provided via hyperlink). In brief, the question arises, "Who can my character turn to when a certain job needs done?" Many of us have taken great care and have spent many hours devising backgrounds and occupations for our characters. With this in mind, it would only seem logical (and also cordial) to conclude that if your character needed a specific something done that he or she would turn to another player's character who can do just that. To not would be foolish and at times possibly even bigoted.
Therefore, Mutual Endeavors member and fellow storyline collaborator DarkAngelGenesis has taken it upon herself to collect as much information as humanly possible from all of you players in an effort to create Rhy'Din's very own Yellow Pages. Take a moment of your time one of these days and think about what it is your characters do for a living. What are their occupations? How do they make their money? Would other characters come to them in order to make use of their services? An example listing would be:
Rei: Openly - student at Northedge Academy, studies drama, plays football, occasionally works at the Rambling Rose Tavern.
Covertly - pickpocket, con artist, and sneak thief.
Use your imaginations and help us to help you by providing all the details that you feel are necessary. In a future issue of Ubique's Weekly, I will be highlighting as much as I can. Perhaps we can even add this into a section of the Mutual Endeavors website. Please send all information to
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for these purposes. More information on this as it comes in.
Rogues of Rhy'Din: Months ago it was brought to my attention that a new type of storyline is being built. In some respects it could be considered a guild, but no. While it is centered around a select choice few of character candidates, it is not necessarily guild revival in roleplaying. A great number of characters fall under the category of rogue, and it is plausible to conclude that there would indeed be a Thieves' Guild in the area. Though do not confuse it with the old version of guilds that use to overpopulate the RP scene. This is in fact a group storyline, a collaboration in the works. For more information, please visit the website at: http://www.thievesden.ashadowofme.com/ Their numbers are slowly growing, at least so far as identified rogues are concerned. Perhaps your character can find a place to fit in amongst the underground movement as well!
Winter Wonderland: In the tradition of the Spook Spectacular Haunted Hayride events at Dr. Maranya Valkonan's ranch, the good Doctor and her gardener Jack Bishop are planning a Winter Wonderland event for the month of December, the proceeds going to benefit programs at Riverview Clinic. For more information about the Winter Wonderland Spectacular, please contact Dr. Valkonan by phone, mail, or visiting the ranch in person. Also keep an eye out for various fliers that are starting to be posted city-wide.
In Other News...
The Jay and the Peacocks
A Jay venturing into a yard where Peacocks used to walk, found there a number of feathers which had fallen from the Peacocks when they were moulting. He tied them all to his tail and strutted down towards the Peacocks. When he came near them they soon discovered the cheat, and striding up to him pecked at him and plucked away his borrowed plumes. So the Jay could do no better than go back to the other Jays, who had watched his behaviour from a distance; but they were equally annoyed with him, and told him: "It is not only fine feathers that make fine birds."
Alas, this is yet another section of the newsletter in which you will no longer see my own personal editorial voice in the future. However, I am still gleeful that there will be a voice to represent Ubique's Weekly. From here on out, send all individual Character Updates to both the EIC and the CNE in accordance with the new appointment of the Ink Wire Associates. At the end of this newsletter I will detail which information is to be sent to which IWA Editor. Hopefully I am not asking too much of you as subscribers. But for the time being, let's enjoy the entertaining experiences that our characters have undergone during the past week.
Ahriman (TheAngraMaiynu): There is no news on this one this week. It is possible that he is laying low like a trapdoor spider waiting to spring his next plot on the unsuspecting masses.
Alexander Camael Woods (Terra Nephilim), Alexander Camael Woods (Emerald Mirror): The 'twins' went to their mother's for Thanksgiving. Much turkey was consumed. Believe it or not, they actually helped cook -- to the amazement of Randall Woods (Elaborate Guns), their adoptive grandfather. Later on, Alex (Terra Nephilim) snuck off once again while everyone was under the influence of tryptophan to visit a certain half-dragon.
Amaliel (AmaIiel): His mountain lodge was the hosting site for an interestingly hedonistic cultural tradition of another world. Not a bad time, and a ghost that was haunting the place unseen was removed. The only damage taken was a tree that one of his brothers ran into, and that has been repaired by yet another brother.
Anna (AriannaRavenwood): Other than an appearance at the family gathering for Thanksgiving, the blue sister has not been seen since.
Ariana (ArianaMacGyldren, SMI Ariana): The green sister, along with her husband Galen (Galen MacGyldren) and daughter Elaine (Elaine Aqua), still resides at her husband and brother in law's clan lands. Ariana kept herself busy preparing the Thanksgiving feast for her family, as well as providing a holiday feast for the less fortunate with the help of her staff at Divine Delights Bakery. She has pretty much stayed out of the public eye, save to work at her Bakery as usual.
Arienh Crowther-Driscol (Arienh Driscol): The young sorceress participated in the madhouse session her fathers decided to call Thanksgiving. Presumably, she's still recovering.
Calypso (Lady Proudfoot): She is still going through her many suitors to find "the one".
Carmine (TaciturnMerc): Armed with some very important knowledge about how his son came to be in the world, he has completely revised his plans about what to do with the boy. When he found out that his son brought home some other strange kid to stay at the place he amazingly did not put up a fuss. He just got a cot for the other kid to sleep on and some blankets and asked what the other liked to eat for breakfast. Could it be that the grumpy bear is a lot less grumpy these days? Time will tell.
Carolyn Valkonan (DreamsInBurgundy): This week's adventures have her acquiring new body jewelry and finishing off that tattoo of hers. Not by herself, of course. She also was inundated by family members courtesy of the Valkonan Turkey Day of DOOM!, as well as meeting yet another cousin of Rei's. She was heard to say, as she fanned herself, "Help, I'm surrounded by hotties!"
Deputy Marshall Wynter (Rachael Wynter): The scarred law woman in black continues to work on wrapping up certain investigations (see Headlines). Rachael received information about a recent series of ritualistic murders from an anonymous informant and is currently investigating this lead. She is also working closely with Doctor Nigel Newborn from RCSI on this case. Her investigations keep the Deputy Marshall out of the public eye for the most part.
Doctor Maranya Tatiana Valkonan (Maranya Valkonan): She's tending to her patients as usual, including one of the tenders at the Silver Moon Inn. The good Doctor continues to spend time volunteering her medical services at a local free clinic. Maranya is very pleased with the landscaping on her ranch and the upcoming plans for the Winter Wonderland events there. She also made a few visits to the Red Dragon's Keep and to the Rambling Rose recently to relax. One visit helped her find a solution to a certain employment probem, while another visit allowed her to stretch her medical wings. Maranya spent the holiday in a very pleasant and relaxing manner. However, the combined strain of keeping up with her busy schedule overall, along with investigating a series of mysterious deaths among some of her young cancer patients and working on changing her employment for the better continues to take its toll on the good Doctor.
Drake Valkonan (Drake Valkonan): After much visiting with family before, during, and after Turkey Day, the Master Scientist is "damn happy". Someone check Hell and see if it's iced over?
Dris (BardGaIIant): Lately the bard has been dealing with the fact that his house just keeps getting smaller and smaller. Well actually, it is just becoming more populated! Last week he awoke to the shock that Salvador had brought home a new friend and insisted on the boy living with them. After hearing the story, Dris could not say no. So he helped the boy set himself up a room in one of the two spares available. Then on Thanksgiving, he subjected the timid lad (as well as the not-too-social Salvador) to the chaos of his family. Two sisters, two brother-in-laws, several nieces and nephews (some with spouses), and a handful of great-nieces and great-nephews; as well as the usual inhabitants of Driscol Manor. At the present time he is trying to recover from a weekend of chaos and merriment. Now that the house is less crowded, hopefully he can do that.
Ehzoterik VonArcanum Tempestas (Ehzoterik): Rumor has it that there were little packaged pumpkin pies left on doorsteps Rhy'Din-wide with a note that read: "Happy Thanksgiving! Love - Ehz!" There are also some accounts coming in from all over the Multiverse about similar occurrences.
Elaine (Elaine Aqua): No solo exploring jaunts for Elaine at all. She's been busy with her schoolwork and trying not to obviously get into fights with the kids at school who pick on her and her friend Sal (Peculiar Silence). The eleven year old also helped her Ma, Aunty Allison and Melly (Ariana MacGyldren, Allison Reynor, Melanie Wyndham) with preparing both the holiday feast for the less fortunate and the family feast. She misses Beauty but is consoled by taking care of Empress Emerald of Grayfur's kittens, though she's still grumpy that she's not allowed to name the kittens. Elaine really misses her brother Banshee (Banshee Aqua) and really truly doesn't believe he's truly gone.
Emmy (Empress Grayfur): Seven-week-old kittens are a chore and a half! At one point she decided to take a three hour break in the middle of the week. Presumably to sneak herself some of that delicious-looking turkey that the people were gorging on. She is very thankful that they know their roles well.
Faye: She Who Tends the Dead (Faye Random): The elusive spirit of entropy and atrophy was seen earlier this week paying a visit to the Silver Moon Inn. There it is rumored she engaged in a conversation with a dead man. Though it was animate. This should not be considered very strange. Especially with HER title. Gem (Gemethyst): Gem is indeed not very happy. Lots of things going on. Kakabel is a large part of it, though. And a delayed conversation she needs to have with her son, whom she feels is going to flip his fricking lid. She has not run into to him to tell him...erm...talk to him. The Lionel thing seems to have faded into the background, and so that is nice. Currently, there seems to be no one trying to kill her. Yay! She has been flitting here and there, doing various jobs. She was vastly surprised to be asked/told that she was the new second in the Red Hand, the thieves guild in Rhydin. She did not dare to ask what happened to the first second...riiight. She was appalled this week to learn that Rose had been shot. And that she was pregnant. Seems Gem has missed some things happening. Spending a lot of time at the Red Dragon inn, and has formed an interesting new friendship with the wife of a certain rather well known incubus.
Irina Braeden (Irina Braeden): In this week's installment, there's still been no news of note or actual sign of this native Rhydin resident around anywhere. Stay tuned.
Jack Bishop (Jackrabbit Blue): Nothing particularlily new to report. Jack spent the weekend back home on Earth for Thanksgiving with his immediate family. Again, his mother forgot about his whole vegan thing and he had to avoid the traditional cooked bird! Ugh! However, once he returned home from the holidays, he started off the week on the right foot. At least as far as Jack is concerned. Rumor has it that he's helping his employer deal with a particularly sticky situation. Though he is not admitting to anything at this point in time.
Jade (Irreverent Jade): The Earth Master spent a happy Thanksgiving at home with her family.
Joker (SMI Joker, Richard D Harker): The flirtatious bartender for the Silver Moon Inn didn't work his normal shift this week. Instead, he and Rhi (Rhiannon D Brock) went away for a well-deserved vacation. Joker is still worried about his younger brother Nige (Peter N Harker). The elder Harker brother is currently undergoing anger management counseling along with his usual medical treatments from the Valkyrie (Maranya Valkonan). Though the flirtatious bartender turned a year older on the 22nd of November, that doesn't seem to slow him down at all.
Jules (Jules Braeden): She spent Thanksgiving with some friends of hers and for the most part it was a quiet affair until the hungry ghost showed up. Happily the ghost was sent on to its final rest and everyone was able to resume their dinner in peace.
Kakabel (Celestial Sorrow): Gem seems stressed. Rei seems distant. Could it be that it is time for him to step in and get them all to sit down for some well-needed family discussion time? Probably. Will he? That's up in the air at this point in time.
Lyssa (Lyssa Bjornson): Ariana's shy dollmaking daughter continues to make dolls based on dreams she's been having for a still undetermined reason.
Melly (Melanie Wyndham): The shy relief baker at Ariana's Divine Delights Bakery not only helped with preparing a holiday feast for the less fortunate, but she tended bar at the Silver Moon Inn again this past week. Will she do it again? The world may never know. She will finally be of legal age to serve certain beverages on the 30th of November, however.
Mer Harriss (Heavy Metal Mer): Ah, tradition's a wonderful thing, isn't it? Including the tradition of taking the significant other home to meet the folks -- which is what the Virtual Adept did this past holiday. Perhaps her parents will finally get the remodeling they've always wanted done on their house after this visit?
Mesteno (Bronze Mesteno): The infamous young man has had a quiet few weeks. Following news of his ex-husband's death and the fall of the organization he works for Earth-side, he's taken to cleaning up corpses for some of RhyDin's most notorious hitmen, and making a tidy sum by selling healthy organs he scavanges from them on the Black Market. Besides this grisly occupation, he's been spending as much time as possible with his partner Michael, preparing for Christmas, and teaching advanced Latin at one of the local Universities. He's been spotted on several occasions at the Red Dragon Inn, typically causing mischief when and where possible.
Micarryl (Still More Drow): Nindol blyntangi Mica alus ulu natha jatha'la cahallin akh bel'la g'rftte. Ol zhahus ves bwael lu' uk jivvuln natha ssissill jivvin nibele 'zil al. Uk mziln xxizz'a Rei xund a l' Rambling Rose. Naut natha myar blyntangi p'luin jal.
Mithril/Gadreel/Lusus (ASaintOfSinners): Mithril has not been in the best of moods lately. In fact it can be safely said that he has been downright petty and hostile to several people, such as one not quite mentally stable elf by the name of Faladar. He accused this one of flirting with his mate one fine night, and gave him a rather vicious threat to cease such actions. It would not be a surprise to anyone if Faladar now believes that poor Terrance is the victim of a rather abusive spouse.
In lighter news, Mithril has offered to lend a hand to Maranya Valkonan in helping her take over the clinic where she works. He has agreed to remain behind the scenes for this and let Maranya herself do all of the hard work. All he shall do is point out various paths for her to take.
Mozart (Amadaeus Felidae): It would seem that Salvador has a habit of bringing home strays. First stray bats, now stray boys. He is keeping a careful eye on this newest arrival.
Orion Ksyhsravor (Orion Ksyhsravor): The Jedi is weathering the storms of Mer's family considerations the best way he knows how -- stay quiet and let her think. He's definitely gained in her esteem by not only meeting her parents, but getting along well with them.
Pleione (Stellar Balinese): She's still waiting on that dimensional passkey that she was promised.
Rei (AmethystStarfall): Rei has been keeping quite busy. He has a feeling that his mother has grown bored with his father and has accepted that as just one of those things without any hard feelings for anyone. His grades are gradually getting better now that he is actually spending more time applying himself to his studies. He still colors everything he does with his own quirky brand of humor, so various school teachers have had to read papers on topics such as "The proper way to hang a roll of toilet tissue", "How to tell of your pet cat hates you or is just pissed off", "How to annoy your teachers when asked to write a term paper", "Ten fun things to do with cafeteria food when eating it is impossible" and other such topics.
Salvador (Peculiar Silence): What a long and exhausting week! He is still bothered by the fact that his father is less caustic and accusing. Carmine is more lenient and accepting of everything he does! This perturbing factor has caused him to wonder if perhaps he should be misbehaving more. This new Carmine is an enormous shock on the system. There is a secret that his father is not telling him, and he is determined to figure out just what it is one of these days. Before being subjected to extreme socialization during the holidays, he took some time to get together with friends on several occassions (as well as after the holidays). On one of those occassions he discussed something important with Carolyn, and then later silently introduced Shadi as a new member of the Misfit Club. After talking to Shadi about some other important matters, he opted to bring the boy home with him and offer him a place to call his own. Surprisingly, his father took it rather well. He was expecting another argument, but instead received stoic complacency. What in the world is going on!? At least Mozart is acting normal.
Stephen Valkonan (Stephen Valkonan): Believe it or not, he had a very quiet Thanksgiving at home with his family -- his parents, his two younger sisters, and his fiancée. Karma being what it is, Christmas at Northedge promises to be absolute family hell.
Terrance Tomar-Duncan (Terrance Tomar): The roller coaster continues. The time displacement incidents seem to have stopped now, but they had some permanent effects. Terry's deceased mother has been returned to life as a result, and while he is overjoyed to have her back, other consequences have him at an even higher levels of stress than before. It seems his husband and his mother really don't get along, and the resulting moods of both parties are increasingly difficult to stand. Whoever is selling Terry his drum heads will make a killing this month if he keeps breaking them.
Vadriel (Vadriel de Guise): RhyDin's Spook Magnet turned 28 last month and enjoyed the entire day in the company of his fellow spirit beings who serve the angel after whom he is named, whilst his borrowed body recovered from a year of typically exhausting work. The ex-priest has been scarce in public as usual, and may well be in coming weeks if he chooses to accept an offer to travel to Ireland to settle the ghostly inhabitants of a famous haunted Castle.
Valanthe Air'loki (Valanthe Airloki): The half-dragon got her first taste of Thanksgiving -- and what an undertaking, surrounded by family, half of whom she's barely met, and a veritable riot of a joyful celebration. It was all she could do to not run away. Her celebration with one of the nephilim twins was *much* more enjoyable.
Yoshi (KitsuneNineTails): When he was asked to leave a report about what he has been doing all week, all that was offered was a rubber chicken dressed in bondage gear. In other words, we really do NOT want to know, do we?
Zetarris (TheSpiritRemains, Zetarris): Z considers himself as American as Mom, apple pie and personal grievance lawsuits. He managed to talk his buddy and the extended family into celebrating Thanksgiving, something he missed out on as a kid. For at least a few hours all war worries, disputes and bad moods were laid aside, most of the gathering played football in the yard until dinner, amiable teasing took place, a pregnancy announcement was made, and all was Hallmark. Alas, it was over all too quickly, leaving a small collection of turkey skeletons and the impending task of finding a way to jostle Mithril out of his Mood. Any and all wishes of luck sent his way will be appreciated.
Zohak (ABafflingEnigma): He has made a new friend! One very shiny crystal being that calls himself Opal. He also has not been going out much for he has been warned that other people might get hurt if he does. He is not too sure what that means, but is willing to listen for a change.
Classifieds
Starting next week, this section and the following section will be handled by the newly appointed Advertising Editor of Ink Wire Associates. Any future changes and additions should be sent to her instead of myself. Thank you for your understanding and patience in this time of change.
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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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 curtesy of Ink Wire Associates.
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Blackjack Adventures : Bored? Seeking more Adventure in your life? Check out Blackjack Adventures! We have adventure packages to meet your needs!
At our Kodiak Falls Office, we offer trail riding of all sorts. Whether your desire is to ride the back of a mighty steed through woodland splendor or you'd rather watch trees zip by as you kick up mud with an ATV, we've got you covered.
Supercross Champion, Freestyle Motocross Champion and Free-ride Moto Champion Chasz "Too Fly" Havery is on hand to guide various adventure packages, including:
-Hiking
-Mountain/trail biking
-Downhill mountain biking
-Mudsports (motocross/ATV, trail biking, mud hiking)
-Rock climbing
In another Blackjack Adventures exclusive, through a special arrangement with Hammerforge Motorsports, we are pleased to announce special race car driver fantasy packages where you actually get to drive the cars around an official track! These packages are only available through October.
Also ask about our driving programs tailored to school and employment training needs.
The Blackjack Family would like to extend our gratitude to those who made our inaugural season such a success. As a token of our gratitude, summer clients will receive discounts on select fall packages. It's just our way of thanking you for your loyalty.
For those who have yet to experience a Blackjack Adventure, we offer several introductory packages priced right for those who would like to sample before ordering a major package.
Contact Administrative Director of Operations Irina Braeden for details.
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Help Wanted : Independent, well motivated individuals interested in working for a new and exciting business. Must have skills in skiing, snowboarding, jet ski operation, surfing and other water and winter sports activities. For more information on this great opportunity, send us a request via mail or e-mail.
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Help Wanted -- Marksman : Blackjack Adventures is in the market for a Staff Marksman. Applicants must not only be proficient in the use of small arms, but must be certified to instruct others in the use of the same. Contact Administrative Director of Operations Irina Braeden for details.
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IDPC : Are pesky Pixies pirating your poultry? Dagger Drakes diving in your dough? Sarduvian Razor mice dicing your delicatessen? Irritating Insects invading your Igloo? Just call the IDPC. Inter-Dimensional Pest Control, we handle anything from the smallest flea, to the grandest giant. No job too big, none too small. 100% money back guarantee*. Now Taking Applications. Contact IDPC Rusty.
*money back guarantee subject to terms and conditions
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Junk Collector : Do you have used electronics cluttering up the place? Need some more space about your home? Broken, obsolete, it matters not. I will gladly take such items off your hands, or even repair or upgrade your system. Rates negotiable. Contact Jules Braeden at 411-555-7913. Leave a message. Let's do business!
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Mestrangelo Enterprises : Dealer and Procurer of All Things. Specialties Include: Rare Books, Antiques, Modern Machinery. Discretion and Satisfaction Guaranteed. 4242 Broadway. Conveniently located between the Tech and Old Sectors of the city.
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Photography : Local hotshot photgrapher 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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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 Rhy'Din can be found here. There are also direct links to the RDI related rooms. For more information contact the RDI's official correspondant Fayalki, or visit one of the links provided below:
--The official Red Dragon FFG Group Index webpage can be found at < |
