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.




ricebird: (Stood Up)

[personal profile] ricebird 2019-10-31 03:05 am (UTC)(link)
[It's only now that the love and the care in his words really sinks in... and that barely-holding dam finally breaks, a few sniffles breaking free even as she tries to hold onto just a little more calm...]

I'm sorry... You... You shouldn't have to deal with this...
holdthemtogether: (Gentle)

[personal profile] holdthemtogether 2019-11-04 12:34 pm (UTC)(link)
Well, I don't think that's true, but... It doesn't matter if I should or not. I don't mind.

[He gives her a couple of pats on the back.]

ricebird: (Stood Up)

[personal profile] ricebird 2019-11-04 01:41 pm (UTC)(link)
You don't...?

[That's another part of why she's so shaken, fear that Hunk will start feeling too awkward and stay away, now that he knows. Even now the idea that might not happen has a hard time sinking in through the upset.]
holdthemtogether: (Speaking)

[personal profile] holdthemtogether 2019-11-04 02:03 pm (UTC)(link)
No, not at all. This stuff happens, you know?

[He shakes his head - he feels like he doesn't have the right words for what he's trying to say.]

Look... We're always going to be friends, you know?
ricebird: (Try Listening Harder)

[personal profile] ricebird 2019-11-04 02:30 pm (UTC)(link)
[She almost balks again at the platitude before he shakes his head... and says that. It's now that she finally looks up at him.]

Y-yeah...?

[She's never really done something like this before, so she doesn't KNOW how it goes. And... well, he wouldn't be the first person to just drop out of her life.]
holdthemtogether: (Ready)

[personal profile] holdthemtogether 2019-11-04 02:31 pm (UTC)(link)
[He nods once, smiling at her. He's glad she's looking at him. It's a good start.]

Yeah, definitely.
ricebird: (Stood Up)

[personal profile] ricebird 2019-11-04 02:40 pm (UTC)(link)
[Another pause... and NOW she finally returns the hug properly, arms wrapping tight around him.]

Thank you...
holdthemtogether: (Gentle)

[personal profile] holdthemtogether 2019-11-04 02:41 pm (UTC)(link)
[His smile widens as he gives her a little squeeze.]

Of course, Kotori.
ricebird: (Breathe)

[personal profile] ricebird 2019-11-12 01:29 pm (UTC)(link)
[She just... keeps holding him like that for a minute, no longer caring about being seen hugging him this long or crying in public, just... letting herself be comforted. Eventually, though, she has to pull away, but at least it's gentler this time.]

Thank you... We should... probably find a way out of this.

[Unless that was enough to make the mistletoe release them.]
holdthemtogether: (Awed)

[personal profile] holdthemtogether 2019-11-18 03:20 pm (UTC)(link)
[Hunk nods. While they may well not be under the spell of the mistletoe anymore, in his mind, there's only one way to fix this. He leans in and gives Kotori a light peck on the cheek.]
ricebird: (Chatting While Cooking)

[personal profile] ricebird 2019-11-18 04:12 pm (UTC)(link)
[Ah. Physically it feels nice, but any pleasure she would've felt a few minutes ago is bittersweet at most, if not totally absent, and now that she knows he DOESN'T want her to kiss him back... Well, better just leave it. Still, at least she can give a small smile now, even if the light doesn't reach her eyes. A nod in thanks, a step backwards... and she's able to take another.]

I guess that worked.
holdthemtogether: ("Uhh...")

[personal profile] holdthemtogether 2019-11-22 01:30 pm (UTC)(link)
Yeah... [He pauses after taking a step back, himself.] Kotori, are you going to be okay?
ricebird: (Chatting While Cooking)

[personal profile] ricebird 2019-11-22 02:06 pm (UTC)(link)
[A small nod.]

I will be.

[And she means it, even if her voice sounds very tired right now.]

It's... been a long day, though. I think I might grab some more food and go home.

[She gives him a light bow.]

Um... thanks for the help, and... [She WANTS to apologize, but... that would just make Hunk feel guilty again, and maybe illicit more platitudes. Neither of them need that. And... well, she IS grateful to still keep his friendship. VERY grateful.] Well, thank you. I mean it.
Edited 2019-11-22 21:07 (UTC)
holdthemtogether: (Gentle)

[personal profile] holdthemtogether 2019-11-23 12:08 pm (UTC)(link)
[He nods in return, managing a little smile. Going home sounds good, it's been quite the day. He might need some help from the honey to fall asleep after all of this, of course...

Ah. There's an idea.

He summons up a handful of small lavender-honey honey pots, and holds them out towards Kotori.]


Here. These might be a good idea.

Have a good night, Kotori.
ricebird: (Default)

[personal profile] ricebird 2019-11-24 04:43 am (UTC)(link)
[Oh, that's... not that she'd admit it, but some nights she's been having trouble sleeping, ever since Hyde's attack on her home. Thankfully all the property damage has been repaired- with Disciple even helping to pay- and the brace on her hand should be ready to remove in a few more weeks, but... her mind is still taking its time to recover. This? This really thoughtful. And kind.

With a nod and a light bow, she carefully gathers up the pots in her hands, eyes watering a bit.]


I... thank you, Hunk. That's... that's really sweet.