Halloweenfaire Event

[keeperoftales]

HALLOWEENFAIRE—

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This time last year, there was still a grand Halloween Feast where the denizens of the Index and the lucky refugees who managed to escape their stories were determined to hold onto hope and welcome these new strangers the Storyteller promised would help them. But there had been an undercurrent of true fear and despair that the Story Eater could not be stopped. Now? Not only have the Aspects struck down and slain so many Erasers- even driven back the Story Eater itself when it attacked the Index last year- but they’ve even managed to breathe new life back into the ravaged stories. So where better to celebrate this triumph and the Halloween season than in the first story the Aspects restored: A Hollow Christmas Carol, borne from the remnants of A Christmas Carol and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.

Aspects who travel the bridge of light and swirling pages through the portal will be greeted with sprawling farmlands and forests right on the cusp of fall and winter. Normally the landscape would be cool and dark and quiet, but today- with tents and booths, red and green steamers and evergreen garlands with orange and black ornaments, motley costumes and festive, sometimes eerie, always loud music- the whole story is a riot of color and sound!

Even though most of the Aspects are already dressed like their Essence, they still might get ushered into a small temporary shop to try on costumes for some extra flair! Or ridiculousness, that’s also a possibility. Try your luck at some of the carnival games, beat up a Story Eater piñata, or try out the delicious… well, mostly delicious Halloween- and Christmas-themed foods! Though there still might be some tricks tucked away in the treats. You might even have been asked to run your own attraction or sell your own food! The presence of the Horsemen of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, the Headless Horseman, and the Ghost Bride have added other influences as well, such as jousting contests and haunted sleigh rides through the countryside. Who knows? Perhaps you might catch a glimpse of at least one of the ghosts as you celebrate tonight.

However, there is a slight chill in the festive air; the slight disapproval from some citizens in the Index and disagreement with their neighbors is much more pronounced in an actual story. It turns out that some of the citizens- called traditionalists if asked- while grateful for the Aspects’ help in reviving their home, aren’t as thrilled about being mashed up with another story, or with the wild deviations from the original text. On the opposite end of the spectrum are the Freewriters (name pending), who revel in the changes as a sign of new opportunity and growth. Needless to say, the Aspects’ interactions with the denizens might vary a bit, depending on whom they talk to.

But why let a little philosophical dispute get in the way of a good party, right? Eat, drink, dance, play around with the candy effects if you feel really bold, and have fun!

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§ prompts.

[Mod Note: Refer to the Game Notes for full details on the event.]

¶ I. A Halloweenfaire. A variety of activities and stalls can be found throughout the town. There are games that range from the traditional fun like ring toss and throwing darts to more specialized sports entertainment such as jousting and archery. There is a live band playing festive music along with other minstrels singing their share of ballads, and there is an area cleared away for dancing. Finally, there is plenty of food about, although the candy may be worth paying attention to.

• Bumper Swan Boats. Grab a friend—or go it alone if you have the strength—for a two-person swan boat ride. Of course, in keeping with the spooky theme of this world, these swan boats are either missing their heads or have pumpkin head replacements. And that’s not the weirdest thing about them, either. After a few minutes in the boat, it becomes clear that these decapitated swans are possessed, and what should have been a calming boat ride is going to be more of a game of bumper cars… Or boats, as the case may be. The boats with pumpkin heads have a trigger that can fire the pumpkin at their target—only one shot, so make it count! Those without pumpkin heads can create smoke screens to defend themselves and create obscuring fog.
  
  
• Santa Claus’ Snow Army. In the vein of things that should be harmless… There’s something wrong with the snowmen around the place. These snowmen are able to move around, but these are no Frosty the Snowmen… They’re quite angry to have people around, apparently, and will attack anyone who gets too close. Fortunately, at least they’re pretty slow as they hop along, and can be destroyed with Essence-based powers; they’re particularly vulnerable to fire and light magic or weapons. Leading the charge is an evil Santa Claus. Not only does he have complete command of the snowmen, but he’s also got a shoulder cannon that shoots pumpkin-sized snowballs with powerful force. Whether naughty or nice, you’d better watch out.
  
  
• Smash the Piñata. Piñatas in the shape of Story Eaters have been hung up for those to try their luck in breaking the goodies they carry inside. Candy! But they're not quite your average candy. Thought sweet and delicious, some of the traditionalist candy makers might have slipped some prank-laden treats in with normal candies, for some light revenge. These effects won't last forever and will eventually wear off. Till then, you'll just have to deal with what your sweet tooth has brought upon thee. [Note: Refer to the Game Notes for all the possible candy effects.]
  
  
• Food Stalls. If you don't fancy candy, don't worry! There are plenty of food stalls offering other carnival treats, from turkey legs to cider. Careful though, some of those turkey legs might actually be candy flavored. There is also a selection of pies to choose from. Some are your usual flavors of pie, like pecan or sweet potato, but a traditionalist baker might be tempted to slip you an eggnog pie laced with crickets or squid tentacles. Meanwhile, some of the more ambitious Freewriters might be trying a bit too hard to please the Aspects, offering creations like whole turgooduckens Wellington and three-story haunted mansions built from gingerbread and fruitcake! Good luck to your stomach. There also appear to be a bit of a commotion by the cider booths too. Apparently people arguing over which is better, pumpkin or apple? Which side will you choose? Or will you try to subdue the tension?

¶ II. Gifts from the Horsemen. The three horsemen of Christmas Past, Present, and Future will randomly hand out small presents to everyone with each gift matching their job. Opening the gift will provide display a brief memory or vision.

• Past: This pale green box rests easily in the palm of one's hand and is topped with a sparkling yellow bow. Upon opening, a bright light shines from within and a brief memory will play before them. This memory will reflect a happier moment in the past of their own life. Of course it may be bittersweet in the present, but at least in the past they were happy.
  
  
• Present: A brilliant red bag tied with a white ribbon. Once opened, a flurry of snow will burst from the bag and reflect a vision that represents how they are now in the Realm. Perhaps it's something they are worried about or an accomplishment they've recently achieved. Whatever it is, it is meant to be a reflection of who they are now.
  
  
• Future: A black envelope with a golden seal. Upon opening, black smoke billows out to wrap around the envelope. In this smoke there is a heavier vision alluded within: their world as it's being attacked by the Story Eater. However, how it ends will vary. It will depict both: first a dark ending where everything is lost and destroyed, and then a happier ending where their world is saved. It is not a premonition but a what if, of what could happen depending on what path they take. Perhaps that is what the Horseman is trying to remind them…

¶ III. Wild "Slay" Ride. Experience Ebegeezer's wild ride from the "Headless Horseman." Featuring a two person sleigh driven by a black horse, one person is designated as the driver and the other is in the back to try and fend off the headless horseman chasing them using an assortment of tricks such as smoke bombs, sticky taffy, and other assortment of silly equipment designed to slow the Horseman down. The Horseman itself is completely fake—an animated puppet created by the Bride—so there is no real threat unless it catches up. If caught, the sleigh goers will have a giant pumpkin smashed over them and dump an obscene amount of pumpkin guts before the Horseman gallops away laughing.

To make matters trickier, there will be black, sickly rose thorns that appear every so often on the course. Sometimes they chase the sleigh to try and wrap their vines around it and trap it, other times they're already in front creating a thorny wall barrier. They must use their Essences to defend and break through any thorny obstructions.



¶ IV. Magical Mistletoe. Streamers and ornaments aren't the only things hanging around the festival. If you happen to be walking under a tree branch or a lamp post…or inside a barn…just about anywhere there's something to hang from, you might find yourself frozen in your tracks, caught under a sprig or clump of magic mistletoe! Maybe someone will help free you with a display of affection, like a hug or a kiss! Or you could try to destroy the darned things. Normal brute force will only make the plants grow bigger, but maybe some Essence powers might work. But really, where's the fun in that?

Just be careful when touching it, if you can even reach that high. Apparently there are some sort of thorns growing among the normally harmless plants too, and not only does getting pricked sting…you might start feeling just a little drowsy for a little while.


¶ V. Wildcard. Make up your own prompt! Feel free to this for any who plan to have their own character activity.

Comments

[rokubro]

[When Rokurou was told about the Halloween costumes and saw his options, he immediately took to what was described as a "demon samurai," complete with horns. Those are interesting to deal with, but he is definitely having fun with this. Helps that his markings fit perfectly with it. Along with going around the fair itself, he gets roped into helping with one of the activities. But it sounds fun and he has ideas so it'll be great.

In charge of a "spooky" version of a scavenger hunt, Rokurou is stationed right outside of town at the edge of the forest. There's a dimly lit trail to lead to the site with several people already engaged in what's going inside. There are definitely a lot of screams but also laughter within the woods, so at least people are having a good time.

Note: Anyone is free to use the basic or advanced level for your own thing with someone else! Rokurou is only participating in the extreme level, but he can also be asked to help for the others if someone wants to do it with him. But he won't cheat so it'll mostly be him watching.]

» haunted scavenger hunt: basic level «
[Since he has to be family friendly, there is one section of the forest that's a bit more on the "easy" and "silly" side. There are plenty of spooky and creepy decorations along with puppets that pop out at various locations.]

This is the easy route. All you have to do is follow the hints and search through the forest to find as many items as you can in half an hour. Seriously, this is the kid level—you sure you want to do this one?

[Maybe the kids are the ones they have to watch out for... There will be a lot of extra pranks in place, so be on your guard!]


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» haunted scavenger hunt: advanced level «
[Now this? This is the fun one that Rokurou may have had too much of a hand in and may have met with some protests from the locals. But it's fiiine. Not only is he a daemon, but also a Huntsman. Totally fiiiine.

As Rokurou explains this route of the hunt, his eyes are gleaming a little more than they probably should.]

For those after some real game, this is the one you want. There's a lot of people attending this festival and that means a lot of hungry mouths. To help the cooks, we have a regulated "hunting" zone where you track down and hunt any of the following animals on this list. Don't worry, they're all game and won't be wasted. I heard that some of the animals need to be culled, and some will be stored for their winter. The big game will be deer and boar, but gotta stick with the numbers listed. If you hunt more than you should...well I'm sure you don't one of the Horsemen to find you.

[A devious grin.]

That said, this is the wilder section of the woods. There are other wild animals out there so don't head out too far. And who knows. There might be something else out there hunting around.

[OoooOooOoOh.

There are other dangers to keep an eye out for, which are all listed on the list and the map provided. Pitfalls, some spooky traps early on, etc. But this is mostly hunting focused. Types of animals are the classic, like rabbit, pheasant and other fowl (especially turkey), deer, etc.]


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» haunted scavenger hunt: extreme level «
[This could happen anywhere in the woods. When you're sticking close to the shadows focusing on finding the next item on the list, or even if you're just going through the outskirts of the faire or by the forest and not even part of the scavenger hunt. But before you realize it, the light has grown dim, the shadows deepen, and an eerie silence fills the air before its broken by an ominous sound...

Clop clop clop clop

Should you turn and look, someone in dark armor riding a black horse is suddenly there. At first they just stand staring at you before the horse suddenly moves forward. It starts at a walk, but then it quickly turns into a fast canter. The rider leans forward, reaching back to pull out a sword and it's then that you can clearly see—there is no head.

If not frozen in fear, perhaps you will run. Should the rider catch up to you, it will swing that sword—but the aim is at various well placed prop pumpkins which will dump orange and black confetti and silly string all over. At that point a maybe familiar laugh will be heard.

Should anyone try to fight, however, they will be met with a force so strong and full of energy, it's like the "headless" horseman is excited to have someone challenge it.

So which will you choose?

(Spoilers: the horseman is Rokurou. It won't be easy to tell at first as he's using a different sword for the runs, but if engaged in battle it'll be more apparent.)]


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» wildcard «
[Rokurou will be up to pretty much everything the faire is offering when not being part of the scavenger hunt, so feel free to hit me with any of the other prompts!]

advanced.... psyche! it's a wildcard

[shslliar]

[Kokichi expected an actual scavenger hunt. While there is an option for just a normal scavenger hunt, he is also kind of stuck like this at the moment. Not good.

So ya know what, he's gonna trot right up to the guy running this mess and pester him.]

Hey, wise guy. How are you gonna keep the hunters from shooting any aspects who turn into animals?

[rokubro]

[..........Well.

Rokurou has seen a lot of things in his stay in Index. And also in his own world filled with daemons and malakhim. But this is uh............ Interesting.]

So long as you're not something on the list or don't enter the woods you should be fine...

[...]

But what are you? Some kind of donkey with dragon wings?

[Just going to rudely reach out to poke those wings.]

[shslliar]

Don't go into the woods, got it.

[The wing spreads out as soon as Rokuro pokes it. Like, in a knee jerk reaction.]

Oh, those? That's just my costume! I'm supposed to be a demon donkey, obviously.

[rokubro]

I can also put a "DON'T SHOOT ME" sign on you if you want.

[A light smirk before he's distracted by the wings again.]

But that's really just part of a costume? They seem so life-like...

[Going to give it another tug.]

[shslliar]

Nee hee hee! Aren't you a clever guy!

[The wing pulls away at the tug.]

Okay, so maybe I got a magic using friend to help me with it... Why, you want wings too?

[rokubro]

I mean, I wouldn't be too shocked if it really was. Been in this place long enough to expect a lot of weird things.

[Aw the wing pulled away... But all right, he's been enough of a nuisance.]

But nah, I'm fine. I think the horns is enough for me. If I had wings, I'd really start looking like a daemon or devil.

[shslliar]

[Oh, good. He can seek refuge in audacity. He just... Attempts to shrug.

Erm. He tries moving his shoulders, but nearly falls over face first because his weight shifted. Rgh, why is human body language so hard in this form?!

... He gives up after a few tries and pouts, pinned back ears and all.] Hmph... And what do you mean by looking like a devil?

[rokubro]

[...Trying not to laugh... As well as not to try to give him too much pity. But it was pretty, uh, interesting to watch.]

That's how they're usually depicted, right? Creatures with horns and wings? [He points to the horns on his head from his costume.] Got one half covered, so wings would complete it.

Plus I have this.

[He then lifts his hair to reveal his daemon markings and the red eye that gleams just a bit in the darkness.]

Advanced Level

[noimpulsecontrol]

[Della smirks, though she's also barely able to keep her excited anticipation contained.]

I'm counting on something else, honestly.

[She plucks the string of the bow she's touting, and there's a quiver of arrows worn on her back.]

Either way, though, it'll be fun.

[rokubro]

[Oh hey it's Miss Duck! He's seen her around but first time really talking with her. At least he knows she exists so can skip the whole "It's a talking duck" ordeal—small mercies.

Still it's...kind of interesting to see.]

Even if that "something else" could be trying to hunt you? [Just a mischievous smirk.] Think you'll be able to handle yourself out there? Wouldn't want you to be accidentally targeted.

[Because..........the hunt list.]

[noimpulsecontrol]

Sure, I can handle all of that! [She laughs, with great enthusiasm.] If I wanted something easy, I wouldn't have signed up at all. Besides, I'm not exactly your average duck down at the pond, you know?

[rokubro]

Heh, I can definitely see that. But if that's the case then I'll lead you into the forest. The sections are marked, but I've been hearing reports of kids messing with them, so not a bad opportunity to check and make sure things are still where they should be.

Do you have a preference on what you want to hunt for or does it not really matter?

[noimpulsecontrol]

[She nods with a smile.]

Sounds like a plan. [A moment to consider his question, then, before she breaks into a grin.] Well, it'd be really fun if whatever I'm hunting is bigger than me.

[rokubro]

[He has to resist saying that most things are bigger than her—]

In that case, there are some large deer and pigs out there that could work.

[noimpulsecontrol]

[It would be a fair thing to say, honestly!

Della grins, nodding as she readies her bow.]

I'll go for the pigs, if I can help it - this is for meat, right? I'm not much of a venison fan.

[rokubro]

A little surprised that you actually eat meat. Isn't it hard without teeth?

[Going to lead the way as they converse.]

Wildcard

[titanus_gojira]

[Godzilla gives zero shits about the scavenger hunt. After all the shenanigans he had to endure in that festival, he's finally back to his lizard self and just wants to find a body of water to take a nap. He doesn't care that he's basically leaving a trail of destroyed decorations. What does get his attention is the clop clopping sounds from the spooky headless horseman approaching his position. A soft blue glow comes off from his dorsal spikes, pulsating in an area of the woods nearby. He doesn't know whether this was an eraser or a friendly getting closer, but in his irritable state, he's tempted to just blast a nasty flame breath in their direction.]

[rokubro]

[There were two reasons Rokurou was out here dressed as he was. One was to give those participating in the hunt a scare. But the other was to figure out what the hell caused this mess. As the Huntsman, he should be able employ his skills to follow and track the culprit down, especially since its in his territory: the woods.

Although there's not as much decorations to follow, there are tell tale signs that something trudged through here—and it's large. Frowning, Rokurou heightens his senses because if there is an actual threat around, he needs to deal with it before someone gets hurt.

But then he sees...]

...Blue light?

[It's faint, and an average person would have needed to approach closer to see it. But his daemon eye picks it up from a farther distance. Too far to make out any shapes, but... Well, time to investigate. With a sword drawn, he nudges his forward and makes his way closer.]

[titanus_gojira]

[As he gets closer, he'll start to hear a low growl as a warning. He has Rokurou's scent, he knows someone is there. It does not smell like an eraser, but there this iron scent that lingers, like blood. Be it his holy essence or just instinct, it is an unsettling scent to him. Another creature not part of the order?

He flicks his tail, hitting one of the trees to intentionally try to knock it over. A display of strength, and a message to back off.]

[rokubro]

[They growl and the smack to the trees startle his horse enough to falter, but Rokurou himself just narrows his eyes. Whatever is here...it's big. A sane person would turn back. But this is Rokurou. Even without his essence, he'd press onward.

Not wanting to risk his horse's well-being, he'll dismount and continue on forward on foot, clearly ignoring the warnings.]

Sounds like you're a tough guy, huh?

[Since whatever this is clearly knows he's here, there's no point in trying to conceal himself.]

[titanus_gojira]

[Ugh, that smell was getting more and more unpleasant. He growls as a human comes into view. Was it human? It didn't have a good human smell and it's agitating him. His tail slides along the ground as he faces him head on. This would be where he'd stop being so flashy and intimidating, but he really doesn't want this guy to come closer.]

[rokubro]

[...Well. This is interesting. Rokurou stops a few feet away once they are in clear view of each other, but mostly so that he can get a good look at him—well as good as he can. He doesn't have night vision, but his Essence improved daemon eye can make out a lot more details than he normally would have.

.........Hm. He taps his sword against his shoulder.]

You don't look like you belong in this story...and don't look like an Eraser. But not only have you made a mess of things, you are scaring off the animals that actually live here and it would be bad if anyone runs into you.

So. Unless you decide to move on your own, I'll have to "escort" you the hard way. And I don't mind doing just that.

[As he smirks, there's a flash of his daemon eye, more of that malicious aura that Godzilla has been sensing seeping out. He doesn't really know if this thing can understand him, but it's acting a little more intelligent than most animals. And who knows, maybe his essence can help him out. He can't communicate with animals directly, but he can understand them a little easier and somehow get his message and intents across. He doesn't even consider that the thing before him as an actual Aspect.]

[titanus_gojira]

[His eyes lit up, sensing more of that malevolence coming off him. He roars in fury as he slams the ground with his tail, making it shake. There's no way this was a human, and while he doesn't understand what Rokurou was really saying, he can easily sense that threatening vibe from him.

The spikes on his back pulsate with a blue light with more frequency, and there was a low hum of something charging up. He starts to walk towards him, small bits of plant life growing where he steps. He's intent of eliminating the threat in front him and turns to swing his tail in Rokurou's direction.]

[rokubro]

[Looks like it's the hard way.

To be fair—he didn't really help, and with it being Rokurou, he probably wasn't trying. So there's just a grin and a glimmer in his daemon eye as the strange creature approaches him and swings that tail.

He is going to do the most logical thing and jump up—



And then land right on top of it to use it to kick him up even higher as he brandishes both his blades.]