epidemiology | EVENT ★ WINTER WONDERLAND

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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

( it is a little sad, and a part of him knows it more so than he feels it. there are some benefits to being heartless. disappointment isn't the most enjoyable feeling.

he doesn't linger either, though. the curiosity is still new to him but it's not a bad thing. )

Ahh... puzzles? I miss doing puzzles. I suppose that's not very festive, though.

( no, Graham. no it's not. try again. )

The local diner had a very good pumpkin pie. That's what I think of when I think of Christmas.

[ It's not, but it's a clear answer that gives her a bit more insight into what kind of guy he is. She smiles; and in a breathy laugh: ]

Puzzles are a total test of my patience. I'm all for pumpkin pie, though.

[ . . . ]

You don't suppose they've got any here . . . ?

( the kind of guy he is: a boring one. without his horror story of a history he'd be nothing to write home about. )

You know, I haven't looked? Maybe they would.

( perhaps not exactly like Granny's, but the idea was still there. )

Care to go see?

I'd love to. My treat.

[ Max offers without thinking, since she's still got some pocket money to spare (and it's Christmas). ]

Food counts as a gift, right? If they don't have it, we'll just have to find something else you like.

( he should maybe argue. he's got enough money to buy his own pie, and there's some kind of lapse in chivalry in allowing a young girl to buy him pie.

he shakes his head, a hint of a smile at the offer. it's not one she needs to make, and it's one he appreciates. )

That's quite kind of you.

[ She shakes her head, because--well, it's nothing. ]

We've just got to find the nearest bakery. I think I remember passing one down this way.

[ . . . Really, she should invest in (or make) a map. ]

( a map is a good idea. if he had any idea how to make one, maybe he'd try. )

Doesn't hurt to check. It's worth it, if pie might be involved.

(and he doesn't mind the idea of having some company, either. )

[ She likes the way he thinks.

Since he doesn't seem to have any objections, she'll lead them down the path, and it almost feels normal, like she's just . . . shopping. She gave up on normal so long ago that it was almost nice to have it back--even if it's just for the holidays.

As they reach the bakery, she decides she'd better enjoy it while it lasts. ]

EVENT ★ WINTER WONDERLAND

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wrap here maybe?

sure! good stopping point.