keeperoftales: (Default)
Forgotten Tales Mods ([personal profile] keeperoftales) wrote in [community profile] realmofstories2019-10-27 04:37 pm

Halloweenfaire Event

HALLOWEENFAIRE—





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!






§ 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.




holdthemtogether: (Nervous)

D

[personal profile] holdthemtogether 2019-10-30 07:43 pm (UTC)(link)
Is what the candy?

[Hunk had been heading past nearby in the other direction, and he heads over when he hears Kotori.]

'Cause I tried some earlier, and I was actually breathing fire. Food should not be able to betray us like that! Are you okay, though?
Edited 2019-10-30 19:43 (UTC)
ricebird: (O-kay...)

[personal profile] ricebird 2019-10-30 10:10 pm (UTC)(link)
Hunk-san?

[Oh hi, Mr. Bear, it's Lil' Miss Fox. (And also Lil' Miss Truth Serum.)]

Y-yeah, first these ears and tail, then these weird peanut butter-- wait, FIRE breathing? Like REAL fire breathing?

[Not just figurative too much spice fire?]
holdthemtogether: (Baffled)

[personal profile] holdthemtogether 2019-10-30 10:55 pm (UTC)(link)
Yeah, real fire! What's with that?!

[He sighs, exasperated, then offers a little smile. It is entirely possible that thanks to his Essence, he's already forgotten that she mentioned something was amiss. Oops.]

But hey! [He gently pokes one of his ears.] We match now.
ricebird: (D-did Sensei just notice me?)

[personal profile] ricebird 2019-10-30 11:10 pm (UTC)(link)
[O-oh... oh no, that's too cute, Kotori's going to blush hard and tug on one of her own ears.]

I-I... yeah, I guess we do. Mine are... real fur, it seems?

[Trade pokes, y/y?]
holdthemtogether: (Worried)

[personal profile] holdthemtogether 2019-10-30 11:16 pm (UTC)(link)
[He walks closer, curiously... But is quickly sidetracked from the ear conversation when he finds his footsteps getting heavy. He tries to back up, experimentally, but... He can't.]

Uh-oh.
ricebird: (Flustered Exclaiming)

[personal profile] ricebird 2019-10-30 11:21 pm (UTC)(link)
["Uh oh?!"]

Oh no, not you too...! That's what I was trying to say, I can't move from under this lamppost!
holdthemtogether: ("Oops.")

[personal profile] holdthemtogether 2019-10-30 11:22 pm (UTC)(link)
Well, that can't be good! Why, though? I mean, we didn't do anything, did we?
ricebird: (Uuuuugh I'm so glad we're done with the)

[personal profile] ricebird 2019-10-30 11:24 pm (UTC)(link)
No, I mean... the only thing weird things I've seen or done have been because of those candies, and the gummy bears and the peanut butter cups are the only ones I've eaten! YOU haven't eaten anything other than the fire candy, have you?
holdthemtogether: (Anxious)

[personal profile] holdthemtogether 2019-10-30 11:28 pm (UTC)(link)
I had some turkey - did you have any turkey? I didn't eat more candy after I was breathing fire.

[Oh no, a thought!]

Unless I did, and I just can't remember?
ricebird: (Flailing)

1/2

[personal profile] ricebird 2019-10-30 11:30 pm (UTC)(link)
I-I mean... yeah, I had turkey too, but that a few hours ago! [Aka: Round One of feasting.] And I had a lot of others things too! Think, Kotori, think--
ricebird: (NANI THE HECK MOM?!)

2/2

[personal profile] ricebird 2019-10-30 11:32 pm (UTC)(link)
[Somehow during this panic-fest, Kotori's gaze is drawn upward and.... oh... that sure is a green sprig with white berries. It even has a cute little red ribbon around it!

..... No... it can't be...]
holdthemtogether: ("Uhh...")

[personal profile] holdthemtogether 2019-10-30 11:42 pm (UTC)(link)
What? What's there... Oh.

[He follows her gaze, and... Well. This is pretty awkward.]

I'm going to guess that's not a coincidence.
ricebird: (Shinobu...)

[personal profile] ricebird 2019-10-30 11:44 pm (UTC)(link)
I... [Nope, she feels like she can't even downplay it.] Probably not...?

[NOW WHAT? I mean... it's not like she... HASN'T thought about maybe possibly hypothetically kissing Hunk sometimes... BUT STILL!]
holdthemtogether: ("Well...")

[personal profile] holdthemtogether 2019-10-30 11:46 pm (UTC)(link)
[He's blushing a bit, now. Kissing his friend? That's overstepping certain boundaries! Even for Hunk.]

Well, do you think if we...?
ricebird: (Anxious)

[personal profile] ricebird 2019-10-30 11:48 pm (UTC)(link)
[NOW her eyes go wide. He's... offering? But... wait, what if someone sees? Like Roxas, or Shizu-- wait, no, she can't even lie to herself that Shizuo would care. Ugh, she hates this...]

I... [Her face starts turning brick red, and she plays with her bangs again.] Maybe... Do you...?

[Do you WANT to, Hunk?]
holdthemtogether: ("I didn't think of that.")

[personal profile] holdthemtogether 2019-10-30 11:58 pm (UTC)(link)
I mean, if we're stuck here and I have to kiss someone, at least it's a friend...

[But then he sees her blushing- and it brings up the memory of the last time he saw her that beet red... Oh. Oh wait-]

Kotori, when you said you had a crush on someone-

[Okay, technically she hadn't said it, so much as he'd figured it out, but still.]
ricebird: (Hair Tug)

[personal profile] ricebird 2019-10-31 12:03 am (UTC)(link)
[Oh no... Her blush goes deeper, more shameful, and she still can't look him in the eye.]

It's... [Complicated. Just like she'd said.] It's... okay... if you don't, Hunk-san.

[If he doesn't kiss her. If he doesn't feel the same way. And she means it... she'd be okay... eventually...]
holdthemtogether: (Curious)

[personal profile] holdthemtogether 2019-10-31 12:19 am (UTC)(link)
...Kotori.

[He sighs - the truth is, it's complicated for him too, but the complication... It doesn't involve her. He almost wishes, right now, that it did, because he doesn't like seeing her like this.]

Hey. [he speaks softly, and is just as gentle as he puts a finger beneath her chin, trying to get her to look at him.] Kotori, you're a great friend, and I really care about you... I just- I'm sorry.
ricebird: (Try Listening Harder)

[personal profile] ricebird 2019-10-31 12:25 am (UTC)(link)
[Ah... Even as he lifts her chin like that, she knows. She can hear it in his voice, see it in his eyes before she tries to look away before her own water too much. He wouldn't have teased her like that a few weeks ago if he felt the same, anyway.

A soft swallow, and then the faintest nod against his fingers, trying SO hard to hold her upset in, to not say anything more that'd embarrass herself further. She knows...]
Edited 2019-10-31 00:27 (UTC)
holdthemtogether: (Lonely)

[personal profile] holdthemtogether 2019-10-31 12:36 am (UTC)(link)
If I'd known...

[...He wouldn't have teased her the other day. He sighs.]
ricebird: (Anxious)

[personal profile] ricebird 2019-10-31 12:39 am (UTC)(link)
[Another faint shake of her head.]

I didn't want you to...
holdthemtogether: (Awed)

[personal profile] holdthemtogether 2019-10-31 01:13 am (UTC)(link)
[He lowers his hand from her chin.]

I really am sorry, Kotori.
ricebird: (Anxious)

[personal profile] ricebird 2019-10-31 01:17 am (UTC)(link)
I know... I'm sorry too...

[Now he's stuck under some magic mistletoe with an upset girl he doesn't care about that way at all.]
holdthemtogether: (Upset)

[personal profile] holdthemtogether 2019-10-31 01:42 am (UTC)(link)
Hey, no, you don't have to be sorry for any of this - you didn't do anything wrong, okay?
ricebird: (Stood Up)

[personal profile] ricebird 2019-10-31 01:47 am (UTC)(link)
Yeah, I did...

[Having a stupid crush in the first place, ESPECIALLY when he's not the ONLY one she feels this way for? Letting him get stuck with her? Not keeping her stupid mouth shut? Getting this upset about it when neither of them can get away?

She kicks herself more as she turns away a little, so Hunk won't see her trying to not cry.]


It's not your fault, really...

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