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.




richestduck: (Facepalm)

[personal profile] richestduck 2019-10-30 11:21 pm (UTC)(link)
[He glances up to see the plant and groans.]

Tell me that isn't what I think it is.
lifesa_witch: (Lie Ahead)

[personal profile] lifesa_witch 2019-10-30 11:25 pm (UTC)(link)
You know it. I know it. That plant has the same meaning in every world.

[Long. Resigned. Nostril sigh.]

I hate this holiday...
richestduck: (Annoyed)

[personal profile] richestduck 2019-10-30 11:27 pm (UTC)(link)
Nothing for it then.

[Maybe it's the cider in his system (funny, he'd thought he'd avoided the hard cider) or maybe it's just he just wants it to be over with. He leans forward and presses his beak against hers. Whinging about this isn't going to free either of them.]
lifesa_witch: (Piercing Beauty With)

[personal profile] lifesa_witch 2019-10-30 11:31 pm (UTC)(link)
[Magica takes a breath, expecting the need to say stuff like 'of course neither of us will like it, but we'll do it quick, and get it over with, then never speak of it again', or maybe she has to bribe him to make him do it, or -

OR HE COULD JUST DIVE RIGHT IN.

She freezes instantly, CLEARLY NOT HAVING EXPECTED THIS. Her cheeks go apple red, shoulders and hands rigid, eyes as wide as dinner plates.
]

Mmmph?!
richestduck: (Linefacing)

[personal profile] richestduck 2019-10-30 11:32 pm (UTC)(link)
[It doesn't last long. He doesn't expect that they have to fully "make out" or any such nonsense. He pulls back almost as soon as he kisses her.]

There. Let's see if we can go then.
lifesa_witch: (The Darkest Night)

[personal profile] lifesa_witch 2019-10-30 11:34 pm (UTC)(link)
[Hang on, she needs to find her brain. Then her voice. Searching...]

... WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU?! YOU - YOU - YOU ANIMAL! YOU BEAST! YOU DIRTY OLD MAN!
richestduck: (Furious pacing)

[personal profile] richestduck 2019-10-30 11:37 pm (UTC)(link)
[And going to blatantly ignore your screeching, raising a foot and moving it away from her. Ah, good. The curse is broken. Victory.]

I'm going to need more cider.
lifesa_witch: (Lie Ahead)

[personal profile] lifesa_witch 2019-10-30 11:39 pm (UTC)(link)
YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO GIVE A LADY TIME, YOU... YOU...!

[As much as she wants to tear him apart, she knows her Essence won't allow it. So the next best thing will have to do.

HAVE A SNOWBALL AT THE FACE
]
richestduck: (Growling)

[personal profile] richestduck 2019-10-30 11:49 pm (UTC)(link)
[Scrooge fumbles with the dodge because what is depth perception anymore? However, he scowls back at her.]

You really want to start something, witch?
lifesa_witch: (The Darkest Night)

[personal profile] lifesa_witch 2019-10-30 11:52 pm (UTC)(link)
What I want is an apology! I don't know what kind of world you're from, but in mine, you don't just... KISS people without any warning!

[What a fuss she's making, and she's still blushing! What kind of grown woman gets so upset over a kiss, it's not like she's never...?]
richestduck: (WTF YOU GUYS)

[personal profile] richestduck 2019-10-31 12:01 am (UTC)(link)
Would you rather we have just stood there all day?!
lifesa_witch: (Beyond Compare)

[personal profile] lifesa_witch 2019-10-31 12:04 am (UTC)(link)
Would it have killed you to give me a minute to prepare?!
richestduck: (Disapproval)

[personal profile] richestduck 2019-10-31 12:14 am (UTC)(link)
Look, if I just went for it, it'd be over with in a few moments. Which it is. We're free. Now we can go on and pretend it never happened.
lifesa_witch: (The Darkest Night)

[personal profile] lifesa_witch 2019-10-31 12:16 am (UTC)(link)
HOW CAN I PRETEND IT NEVER HAPPENED WHEN YOU WENT AFTER ME LIKE THAT?! I don't know about you, but I don't get kissed every day!
richestduck: (WTF YOU GUYS)

[personal profile] richestduck 2019-10-31 12:24 am (UTC)(link)
Come on, Magica! When you frame it like that, it sounds like I took advantage of you!
lifesa_witch: (Beyond Compare)

[personal profile] lifesa_witch 2019-10-31 12:26 am (UTC)(link)
You're the one who just swooped in for a smooch! You didn't even hesitate!
richestduck: (Getting real sick of this...)

[personal profile] richestduck 2019-10-31 12:33 am (UTC)(link)
I wanted to leave! It's not like I wanted to kiss you!
lifesa_witch: (The Darkest Night)

[personal profile] lifesa_witch 2019-10-31 12:34 am (UTC)(link)
I didn't want to kiss you either! As if I wanted my first kiss taken by Scrooge McDuck of all people!
richestduck: (What do you want from me?)

[personal profile] richestduck 2019-10-31 01:16 am (UTC)(link)
[Scrooge blinks.]

I'm sorry, but...what?
lifesa_witch: (Lie Ahead)

[personal profile] lifesa_witch 2019-10-31 01:18 am (UTC)(link)
[... Ah crap. She now gets the reddest she's ever been and turns away.]

I... I am a committed bachelorette for life! As if I'd ever waste my time on silly things like romance and dates and kisses!
richestduck: (Shock)

[personal profile] richestduck 2019-10-31 01:25 am (UTC)(link)
[He is stunned.]

I was your first kiss? You can't be serious!
lifesa_witch: (Shine Their Light)

[personal profile] lifesa_witch 2019-10-31 01:27 am (UTC)(link)
... Not unless you count all the love potions, love perfumes, love arrows, and love charms that didn't go the way they were supposed to...

[Hi, can she die now? She'd like to die now.]
richestduck: (Seriously?)

[personal profile] richestduck 2019-10-31 01:28 am (UTC)(link)
[Okay, creepy. Still...]

You're...what? A few centuries at least, right? And nobody's kissed you even once in that time?
lifesa_witch: (Beyond Compare)

[personal profile] lifesa_witch 2019-10-31 01:29 am (UTC)(link)
I'd never let anyone kiss me! I'd turn them into goats first!

[canon.]
richestduck: (Linefacing)

[personal profile] richestduck 2019-10-31 01:32 am (UTC)(link)
[That makes him snort. Well, there's that difference between his Magica and this one: goats would've been if his Magica felt merciful.]

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