Ubique's Weekly

Special Holiday Edition

A Mutual Endeavors Publication

Issue #64 ~ 21 December 2004

The Blurb

Greetings and salutations to one and all.  Today marks a most special occasion for some of you.  I know it does for me at least.  Tuesday morning (December 21, 2004) marks the first day of Winter.  And for some of you it is also a holiday worth celebrating.  It is also generally considered the day of Yule.  So I would like to start off this week's edition of Ubique's Weekly by wishing all of you a Happy Yule!  I'll be celebrating tonight.  Perhaps some of you will as well.  Though according to American traditions, I have a feeling most of you will be waiting until Saturday.  So to those of you who will be waiting, Merry Christmas!  And to those of you who are already caught in the midst of celebration, Happy Hannukah as well!  For any other holidays, I can only apologize.  Unfortunately I do not know when all of them are celebrated this time of year.  So to the rest of you, to all of you, Happy Holidays to one and all.

In honor of the holidays, I'm going to start off this week's edition a little differently.  This week I'm going to share some humor with you all that was shared with me by one of our very own UW subscribers.  Thanks go out to ObsdnShayd for sending me this funny.  Considering that most of this newsletter is based around freeform chat-based roleplaying on AOL, I think that this little story is fitting.  So I give to you...

Heh heh heh.  Now I'm certain that most of you will be busy with the season.  Parties with relatives and perhaps even friends.  However you celebrate, be sure to celebrate well.  And for those of us in retail or similar industries, just remember that there's less than a week left of shopping for consumer America.  Hopefully only a week's worth of returns to deal with and it will all be over.  From all of us to all of you at Ubique's Weekly, Happy Holidays!  May your future be merry and bright.  Now ... on with what you've all been waiting for.

Top Story!

I would like to take this time to point out a resource that many of you likely are already aware of.  It is a board known as the Red Dragon Inn Message Board.  These are the areas that I am familiar with there.  
Players Assisting Players:  This is an area where people can pose a question concerning the art of free form role playing and potentially get answers.  It also appears to be a place to discuss various issues and concerns that come up while playing the game.
The Kitchen Sink:  This is the out of character area of the board where people can post about things they would like to share with others. 
Words of Praise:  Is there a player out there that you think is worthy of praise and want to tell the world about it?  This is the place to do that very thing.
Writer & Role Player Recruiting:  Do you have a storyline, but lack players to participate and wish to find some?  This is the area to go.
 
Stop on by and check it out!

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

Storyline Spotlight

Regarding Hmte
Ecologists say that Hmte, the sentient colony of giant ants, has tunneled into a wide number of locations recently, increasing its population without a concurrent increase in its food collection.  The results of this are easy to forecast -- Hmte is soon to resume raiding the surface in an effort to feed its expanding brood.  Be on the lookout, especially in the Techno-dead zone to the north, the ancient Illithid Node, and the abandoned mansion that served as Hmte's original lair.

Gen-Gen also says: I have been insanely busy this week and did not get any other work done than hellish retail.  Happily I got one update this week and here it is.

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

This Just In

Come oooooooooon people!  I know there are things going on out there!  You and a bunch of other characters infested with termites?  Send me a line!  A pink and tangerine elephant rampaged through the Medieval?  Tell me what and who was damaged!  I'm here...waiting.  You know...because I never sleep.  As it is, here's the...

Headlines

A Note from Animal Control:    Remember to Spay and Neuter your pets!  The Spellslinger's Guild is offering a sponsored free spay and neuter clinic for the rest of December-so you have no excuse not to!

Dear Abby?:  Throughout all the discussion on an IC newspaper on the PaP boards, there is one in particular that has captured the Editor In Chief of Ubique's Weekly's attention.  A question presented by UW subscriber AKrugerAllen:  "Are you planning a Dear Deb section?"  With this inquiry, the member also submitted a sample question for what could potentially be a humorous addition to the pages of Ubique's Weekly.  The Editor in Chief's response was that should Deb subscribe to UW, she would be more than happy to invite her to handle just such a section.  The question is ... what do our readers think?  Should we include a Dear Deb section in our newsletter?  At least a Dear Somebody?  For more inspiration, please review the PaP boards as discussed in the Top Story! listed above.

Ew, I stepped in poi.....:  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.

How the Valkyrie Stole Christmas:  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.  Bring your snow shoes, your mittens, and your sense of humor! (The Valkonan family in no way, shape, form, or fashion take responsibility for any damages by the pranks, jokes, handshakes, or general contact with Jack Bishop.)

Rhy'Din Yellow Pages:  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 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it 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!

Sled Into Adventure:  The Kodiak Falls Office of Blackjack Adventures is open for business.  Think the season ended with the warm weather?  Wrong!  We have new and exciting adventures for you!  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 inagugural season such a success.  As a token of our gratitude, winter clients will receive discounts on select spring packages.  It's just our way of thanking you for your loyalty.

Still 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. Leave a message with the local PD, or a voice message at  940-555-7002.  Remember, your local authority needs your help to solve these cases.  You will not be asked to give your name or information about yourself.

--DonatelIo Harada
Collaborative Headline Editor
Ubique's Weekly
Mutual Endeavors

In Other News...

The most important thing about motivation is goal setting. You should always have a goal.
--Francie Larrieu Smith

Of course, our goal is to get as many updates as possible!  I am very pleased with the number of individual Character Updates that I received this week.  Even more pleased with the efficiency and accuracy in which they were compiled by our newly appointed CNE Ellyn VT.  With your help, this is what we have to share for this week:

Ahriman (TheAngraMaiynu):  As of yet there is still no new news on the exploits of this dark and fiendish entity.  There are some out there that feel that this is the so-called "Nameless One" that a certain murder of crows (Corvide Dispatch) seeks to seal away from Rhydin.  Others think that this is just a case of "similar flavor of evil, different entity."  Whatever the case might be, rest assured that this is not a welcome being anywhere.

Anna (AriannaRavenwood): The blue sister has still not been seen since an appearance at the family gathering for Thanksgiving.

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.  Except for a recent visit to the Silver Moon Inn, Ariana has pretty much stayed out of the public eye, save to work at her Bakery as usual, busy with the preparations for the upcoming Rhydin Family Charities benefit, along with the usual holiday baking rush.

Aya Aillister (Destiny of Music):  Carolyn comes up with scary ideas. That's all she has to say at the moment!

Calypso (Lady Proudfoot):  Could it be?  Calypso appears to have finally chosen a proper suitor to pay her court.  Oddly, it was one that was under her very nose all this time.  Strange how things just seem to work out that way.
 
Carmine (TaciturnMerc):  Carmine spent a quiet and peaceful birthday at home with Dris, Mozart and his son.  He likes it quiet and calm, but chances are likely that he will be convinced to go out for a belated birthday party.  After all why deny his lover the chance to have a little fun?  He has been grouchy and antisocial for far too long.
 
Carolyn Valkonan (DreamsInBurgundy):  School's out for the year, and she couldn't be happier. Of course this means she's putting all sorts of different plans into play.  After having been out and about in public for the past few weeks, all of a sudden, she's disappeared again. Just what could the little dreamer be up to? And what does her new friend Aya have to do with all of this, if anything?
 
Cassandra Tyra (Against Descent):  The search for productive work continues.  A certain upsetting event has had her withdrawing into herself again, much to the dismay of a certain murder of crows (Corvide Dispatch). The mischievious bird-spirit told her to consult with the feline that had her tongue and take it back.  There's a sense of urgency about her, but so far, no one has seemed to pry the reason why from the mouth of the quiet oracle.
 
Chief Haverack (ChiefHaverack):   Donations are rolling in. A nice change for the overly busy Chief of Rhydin Animal Control and the Rhydin Menagerie. If mundane animals weren't trouble enough of late,  he's had to deal with a new species of metallic, subterranean rodent tentatively called a 'Bunting'.  No parties have come forward to accept the blame or brag about importing the fast breeding creatures.  So far the Chief has no leads and no answers.  The Buntings lack predators and typically only attack when provoked.  The true threat of the Buntings beyond their rapid population increase is the damage they do to homes.  Without regard,  the beasts burrow under walls, into homes, take what they want and defend themselves viciously if humans try to intervene.  How do you stop a 20 lb metallic rat?  A 45 lb metallic cat would seem to be the answer but none are forthcoming.  Thankfully the local Spellslinger's Guild has lent the assistance of some of their Apprentices.  It is unfortunate but the beasts are impossible to keep caged.  Extermination seems inevitable...but again how?  In other news the Chief was seen wrestling a 40 ft shark in the canals of Rhydin proper this morning.  The beast was magically summoned and didn't actually hurt anyone (other than the Chief) but did attack a small boat.  Through no small effort the shark was moved to a holding tank at the Menagerie.  The Chief is apparently quite fond of the beast and if it can't be rehomed is thinking of building a fine tank for it in the Menagerie.

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.

Dinosaurs (Supersaur Love): Pinfeathers/Samsin brought the family out of Carven's maze this week to apparently show off his new chicks.  The tiny replicas of their parents are bright green, curious, and fun to watch. As with any batch of anything there is one 'bad egg'.  One of the siblings is defiant and brazen and downright disobedient.  That chick is perhaps the most entertaining to watch.  Pinfeathers led his family out and away when a patron used the word 'Bad'.  Why would a prehistoric bird lizard be effected by such a word?  Maybe time will tell.
 
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 visited the Rambling Rose Tavern and the Silver Moon Inn recently to relax.   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.

Dris (BardGaIIant):  This past week Dris spent his time preparing for a certain Spaniard's birthday.  Having successfully located some gifts and arranging for quiet quality time, he has overall had a very good, peaceful, and relaxing week.  Even despite the fact that school's out for the year and Salvador is at home more.  Strangely enough, both boys, the cat, and the bat that he discovered ... have been very well behaved (except for the mouse).  Maybe they all knew it was a special occasion?  Or maybe it's just the calm before the storm.  Whatever the case, Carmine seemed to have liked the song he wrote for him.  One that he immortalized into a music box just for the mercenary Spaniard.

Ehzoterik VonArcanum Tempestas (Ehzoterik):  Shopping!  What else would Ehz be doing?  Of course she's crazy enough to wait until the week before Christmas to get her shopping done!  Look out Rhy'Din!  It's gonna be a holly, jolly Christmas ... or something.

Elaine (Elaine Aqua):   No solo exploring jaunts for Elaine at all.  She's glad school's out for the winter, but that just means more time for her to help her Ma, Aunty Allison and Melly (Ariana MacGyldren, Allison Reynor and Melanie Wyndham) with the holiday baking at her Ma's Bakery.  The eleven year old 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):  Ten-week-old kittens!  Tinsel!  Ornaments!  Garland!?  Stay away from those wrapped packages!  They aren't for you!  Oh what a flustered mommy!

Faladar (Afreet Master):   It's the holiday season, which means absolutely nothing to Faladar.  The elf has seen so many meaningless and idiotic holidays pass in and out of human history, that he usually doesn't bother to look up from his latest violence and check the calendar.  This year is different however, because Faladar is running a little experiment.  He'd like to make Christmas presents for Seamus's family, and anyone else, and gauge the response.  His elvish fingers are hard at work!

Faye: She Who Tends the Dead (Faye Random):  We can only hope that Faye has finished all of her pre-Winter tasks.  For as of dawn this morning (December 21, 2004) she will have departed from the realms for good.  At least for as long as Winter lasts that is.  Alas, no more Faye for three long months.  Hibernation time has come.

Gnolfir Baruktar (Gnolfir Baruktar): The warrior dwarf is wandering the world, and not of his own choosing.  A dwarven law--more of a technicality-- prevents him from claiming his full due as a warrior, so the dwarf must rebegin the wandering stage on his quest to become a legal warrior.  Does his mischievious brother have anything to do with this?  Either way, he doesn't seem overly upset about it.

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 really new to report.  Jack plans on leaving the realms for the holidays to return back home to Earth and spend Christmas with the dreaded non-vegan family.  Why, oh why, does he continue to immerse himself in the banal?

Joker (SMI Joker, Richard D Harker):  The flirtatious bartender for the Silver Moon Inn worked his normal shift this week.  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).   Joker is still trying to figure out what to get Rhi (Rhiannon D Brock) for Christmas.  Considering she got him an island for his birthday, that will be a hard present to top.  He plans to take Rhi home to meet his family over the holidays.

Jules (Jules Braeden): She has taken a break from her assorted secret projects to go home for the holidays, and plans to arrive after the twenty first.  Her new business seems to be doing well, and life with her boyfriend is good.  She definitely has no complaints about the current status of things.

Kakabel (Celestial Sorrow):  There's still no sign of the Prince of Stars.  Will he be back in time for the holidays?  Considering what Christmas means to an angel...  Well, time will tell.

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 is busy with the preparations for the upcoming Rhydin Family Charities benefit as well as the usual holiday business at Ariana's Divine Delights Bakery.  Will she tend bar at the Silver Moon Inn again?  The world may never know.

Mer Harriss (Heavy Metal Mer):  The holidays have come around again...and what has Mer done? Only proven that once snow starts falling, she starts brooding.  One has to wonder...what is it NOW? Mer isn't talking--close-lipped as ever.  The best idea so far seems to be giving the Virtual Adept a wide berth and blanks for ammunition...

Mesteno (Bronze Mesteno):  The Brat King has been looking distinctly tanned this week, having been absent from RhyDin for five days on an expedition in the Amazon with his partner Michael. Saturday saw him turn 20 years old and gone Earth side again, this time to New York for an evening out to see the Phantom of the Opera. He's also been busily sorting out Christmas gifts and for once, has avoided any brawling in RhyDin!
 
Micarryl (Still More Drow):  Abbilen zhal'la neitar malar, rin'ov. Tangis' ka nind morfeth phor gajak. Ol zhah ichl mzilt treemma whol byr lodias! Mica zhahus naut s'ck nindol blyntangi, uk swariyen. Uk fridj inbalus natha myar rinteith lu' karliik. Gil'ssrigghinn, Sal xxizz'a nindel! Nin nindel magthere zhah doeb gaer zhah mzild draeval whol sarolen xund lu' nindol cielra orthae tangi d' "Yule" nindel uk zhah morfelith kr'athin whol.

Mithril (ASaintOfSinners):  Mithril seems to have gotten into the spirit of Yule and has actually been seen giving out gifts to assorted people.  He also managed to meet up with Vadriel in the Rambling Rose and had a pleasant conversation with the man.  He managed to catch up on some news about people that he has not seen in some time, and found it all very refreshing.
 
Mozart (Amadaeus Felidae): It was his human's birthday recently!  He was a nice cat and remembered this, and left him a present of one very mangled mouse on his human's pillow.  See?  This is one caring cat.

Murder (Corvide Dispatch):  The drinking, wise-cracking Incarna has been seen in the company of the Hieracthon Cass Tyra (Against Descent).  Rumors are flying as to why the spirit is here, and it seems the bird is as silent as his companion (though much more smug!).  It seems only time will reveal the creature's motives.  It seems the birds have taken a page from Cassandra, however, and they seek to consult Doctor Valkonan--the reasons behind that are a mystery as well.  Crows collect secrets, and this one is no different.

Pleione (Stellar Balinese):  Christmas trees!  Garland and tinsel and ornaments!  Apparantly Miss Bitchy Delux still has a touch of kitten in her.  Hopefully Gem isn't too upset about the mess.  For Pleione has been even moer happy since Rei came through with his promise, and she hasn't been tormenting any of the people as often.  Just inanimate objects.

Rei (AmethystStarfall):  Rei is happy that school is out and he has more free time to roam about and do whatever he wants.  Much to the worry of Mica and Shadi, he and Sal got into an argument in the middle of the Silver Moon Inn.  It was simple misunderstanding that the two managed to work out, thus proving to their two socially confused friends that it is possible to fight every now and again, and still be friends with someone.
 
In other news, Rei has been seen helping watch over the bar at the Rambling Rose while Seamus and Rose are out of town.  It is a job that he enjoys doing for it gives him another excuse to meet all sorts of new people.

Salvador (Peculiar Silence):  School's out for the year, but Sal is not quite free.  Though he hasn't needed to seek out Wanwa as much, for reasons he has yet to explain to anyone.  He still finds the time to sneak out of the house anyway.  This past week has proved even more confusing than usual.  He and Rei got into a fight at the Silver Moon Inn, over something as foolish as a simple misunderstanding.  They cleared the air quickly enough and managed to baffle both Mica and Shadi.  No surprise to Sal, really.  He's used to baffling peoples' minds these days.  Though if Shadi throws one more snowball at him ... there's going to be hell to pay.

In other news, he helped quietly celebrate his father's birthday this past week.  He watched as Dris stormed around grumbling about the stupid cat and a dead mouse.  Then he sat back and listened while Dris sang a song that seemed to make his father very happy.  He's not too sure if the gift he gave his father was good enough, even though the amateur wood carving of a cat is on display in the house.  But he guesses dear old dad appreciated the gift.  So no harm done this week.

Shadi (Shadibadoo):  Shadi had been sick with the flu for the past few days, which reignited his paranoia and angst temporarily.  Confidence returned with his health, and the little Greco-hippy now spends his time wandering around in his oversized captain's coat, throwing snowballs at Sal.  He's also developed quite an addiction to coffee, and is now dabbling in Beatnik-ism. 
 
Stephen Valkonan (Stephen Valkonan):  Now that school's on break for a few weeks, the mad Scientist has been dabbling in his lab. Just what has he been up to? Who knows? Even Cat (Matakhat Cain) has had a hard time dragging him out of there...which seems to spell trouble.  The upcoming Harada Christmas is a daunting one, but at least shopping is done...so far.

Terrance Tomar-Duncan (Terrance Tomar):   School's on break, YAY!! Not that there's not preparations to be made for next semester and all, but it's still a nice change of pace. Terry's been very busy with solstice machinations and social acclimation of his not-so-demonic ward. He was pleased to meet a close friend of one of his favorite people ever, Cassiel, and delighted earlier to learn that he has passed muster so far as Parhi's weapons training is concerned. It's been an entire week without any Ahriman attacks and Terry theorizes that even primal evils fear holiday traffic.

Vadriel (Vadriel de Guise): The heretic has been spotted on one of his rare public outings, visiting both the Rambling Rose and the Medieval tavern. Quite what spurred him on to be semi-sociable is anyone's guess.

Yeehaw Kikass (YeeHaw M Kikass):  Apparently, Once again Yee did it to himself.  The last time got him implicated in the murder of Johnny Hellshot.  This time though the ramifications are less dire....unless you're Yee.  What could I be describing?  Polymorphing.  Yee apparently  unsuccessfully attacked  a mage in the woods. According to Yee, the wizard captured Yee and rather than just destroy him on the spot,  cured  him of his Lycanthropy virus and then decided to teach the former were (former MegaJuicer) a lesson.  The sorceror turned Yee into a dwarf. Yes, a literal and genetic dwarf.  Not a short person but a axe wielding, elf hating dwarf.  Okay, so not much changed except maybe he needs an axe.  The physical change was instantaneous but the psychic ramifications are definitely still being played out.  Yee is slowly taking on an accent he doesn't recognise, lusts for shiny things, and can smell metals.....and he hates it.  He finds his new form utterly grotesque and spent over an hour crying about it in the Silver Moon Inn this week.  Literally crying.  When Joker didn't try to console Yee immediately, Yee picked a fight with him.  Joker valiantly dodged bottles and bar stools to try and find out what was bothering Yee but to little avail.  Yee's vanity and 'changing mind' are punishing him beyond any physical abuse ever dumped on him.  It's hard to be someone's friend when they are trying to maul you.

Yoshi (KitsuneNineTails):  Curious as to see what would happen if he took four random people and threw them together in a bizarre situation, the rascally kitsune got to work doing just that.  A demon, a dark elf, a human, and the elven taste tester of Ariana's bakery were all kidnapped one night and put into an environment that was designed to be hauntingly similar to the game show known as "The Dating Game."   Needless to say the four beings were bewildered and irritated about this, and all worked together to escape.  It was a crazy night for all.
 
Zetarris (Zetarris):   Someone was wicked enough to give this loon a gift of water pistols. There will be innocent victims, oh yes. He's even more excited about this month's holidays than he was about Thanksgiving and has been decorating in a frenzy of secular commercial gaudiness, in the spirit of true patriotism. Happy Chanukwaanzulemas!

Zohak (ABafflingEnigma):  Zohak has learned of a custom of some that happens around this time of year.  People give each other presents!  He is now hard at work trying to convince his family that this is a wonderful custom and that they should all give him as many presents as they can.

--Ellyn VT
Character News 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 an 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.

Editor in Chief's note:  THERE ARE NEW LISTINGS!!!  So don't just skim over them.  Read them for once, people!  Is that so hard to ask?

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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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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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 :  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