EVENT ★ WINTER WONDERLAND

[futurologists]

HOLIDAY PREPWORK The sun might still be AWOL, but that doesn't mean it's time for a vacation! The goblin community seems even more motivated to get their holiday preparations together, working tirelessly to brighten up the grim atmosphere. To that end, they've enlisted the help of the ALASTAIR recruits that've been bumming around. Characters that signed up will be invited or roped into the goblins' various holiday traditions and events. Though they may refuse or fail these tasks, for every one that isn't accomplished, characters will suffer one effect from the curses list for upsetting the holiday balance. Note that those that didn't sign up can still help with tasks out of the goodness of their hearts, they just won't be assigned anything themselves or suffer any curses. Additionally, though PCs are magically bound to work with some partners, they may team up with others as well. GREETINGS FROM LLOYD ALASTAIR sends their holiday tidings! Some characters will find special deliveries addressed to them by name from the mysterious Lloyd of HR. The packaging might be messy and overtaped, and some of the gifts are less nice than others, but it's the thought that counts. MISTLESNOW The first snowfall of the year arrives, and though this may not bode well when there's no sun to melt it away, for now it's pristine and beautiful. Flurries and gentle snowstorms continue for days, blanketing all of Chantes and the outskirts. With it comes a uniquely magical weed epidemic. Mistletoe grows off every surface it can, stems and shrubs of it creeping off of anything it can cling to, including trees, archways, lanterns and buildings. This parasitic plant is a notorious holiday tradition, but in Chantes it packs an extra punch: when two characters step under it together, they'll find themselves magically rooted in place. Mistletoe's spell can only be broken by a kiss, and while chaste exchanges usually work (kisses to the hand, butterfly or eskimo kisses, etc.), more stubborn weeds do exist. This effect lasts until characters smooch or the weed dies from lack of sustenance, which could be anywhere between several hours to a full day. Mistletoe can be destroyed by a third party in a pinch, but be careful not to get stuck under the plant as well! As an OOC note, feel free to be creative on the range and strength of the mistletoe, but please respect other players' boundaries! If you would like to break the mistletoe with a hearty handshake or have your character be immune, be our guest. HAPPY HOLIDAYS All the hustle and bustle aside, the festivities themselves are peaceful and joyous -- and thanks to the ALASTAIR recruits, not punctuated with death or ominous Chimera motifs this time. A large bonfire continues all night with food and mulled wine aplenty. It's time to kick back, make some snow angels, and relax.

Comments

[capital_asset]

[Raidou smiles a little, although there's a certain amount of ruefulness there.]

He sort of insisted.

[By which Raidou means "He stole my spare uniform and had Victor fuse him with it. And then picked a fight with me."]

It's nice to meet you as well.

We haven't been making snowpeople, no.

[Raiho's definition of "making snowpeople" isn't quite standard.]

[boneafide]

Oh. Well, you should! It's fun. Or you could make snow angels instead, if you don't want to stand up. Or you could help me with mine! The world is full of choices!

[capital_asset]

Do you do this sort of thing a lot, where you're from?

[boneafide]

All the time! Usually I just do ones of myself though, which is why (as you can tell), it's so much more masterfully done.

[AKA it has like a million muscles that he, as a skeleton, lack.]

[capital_asset]

[Raidou knows better than to comment on the snow-skeleton's musculature.]

So you've had a fair amount of time to hone your skills.

[boneafide]

Oh, yes. Weeks! Months! ... Years..?

[He pauses, seeming a little like he's confused himself, but shakes it off.]

Surely you've made some yourself before, haven't you?

[capital_asset]

[Raidou wonders at that lapse, but doesn't comment.]

No - I never really had the time.

[boneafide]

Well...! Now you do! Feel free to join in!! Any time now!!

[capital_asset]

[...Er.]

I'm... not sure where to start.

1/2

[boneafide]

Seriously?

[boneafide]

Okay! Follow my instructions, step-by-step!

One: Get a lot of snow. Don't worry. I'll wait.

[capital_asset]

[Sadly, making snowpeople wasn't part of Raidou's training.]

How much is a lot?

[But he busies himself gathering some regardless.]

[boneafide]

Enough to make one of you! You can do it!

[capital_asset]

[Raidou really isn't comfortable with the idea of making a replica of himself.]

I... see.

[boneafide]

...

I can see you're hesitant on this. Is something the matter?

[capital_asset]

I'm... not really used to the idea of making a sculpture of myself.

[boneafide]

Some people aren't! But here's a tip: imagine drawing a picture of yourself. Now, instead of it being two-dimensional, make it out of snow! Easy.

[capital_asset]

[Raidou had never really had any reason, or desire, to draw himself before.]

I'll... try.

[Raiho, of course, has no such difficulty and is already busily making a snow-Raiho. Raidou thinks that might be ever-so-slightly redundant, but opts not to comment on that.]