realmofstories | 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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[He was on the cusp of asking her what she meant, when suddenly it clicked. It was mistletoe. They were stuck.

Oh no.]

...Don't say what I think you're saying.

It's mistletoe, you fool. Put two and two together!

[Her cheeks reddened darkly.]

[He growled in his throat, though it was hard to say if it was at the situation or Magica herself.]

And you're sure that'll work?

... It did before.

[She is absolutely not looking at him anymore.]

... The other Scrooge. We were trapped.

You? And the other Scrooge? Had to-?

[There's many things someone in his situation might do. Get angry at it all, feel disgust at being effectual 'sloppy seconds,' simply refuse to cooperate since he'll be in that same state in a moment...

Scrooge? Chooses to laugh. It's hooting and derisive, head cocked back and shoulders shaking, as if that's the funniest thing he's ever HEARD.]

[Magica knows by now that she can't turn into man-eating lion, because she'll just turn into a kitten. So she'll have to settle for what she has.

Luckily the pirate get-up came with her usual high-heels, so enjoy that heel stabbed into your exposed foot, ya jackass.]

OOPS. There's so little room here, it's SO HARD to move around!

[THAT got a yelp out of him and he jerked his foot back, at least as much as he was able, but nope. Still laughing.

She is going to get an elbow to the ribs, though.]

Sorry, you really are right about the space here, there's no' much of it!

[Snickering through his nose now. Alright, get the giggles out, there's a kiss to be had. Unfortunately.]

Ungh-! Why you rotten little-!

[It's really hard to think about smooching when you want fisticuffs. She tries to take a swing at him - but, my, that snow is pretty slippery -

With an ungraceful 'fwump', she lands right in his arms-]

[He caught her automatically, briefly knocking his hat askew. Don't worry, she's fully supported even by one arm while he fixed that, and he looked down at her in surprise-

Then set- part shoved -her back upright. At least he didn't drop her?]

Watch yourself, snake.

[If it helps, she's surprised too. She clears her throat a bit as she regains her balance, smoothing down her clothes. At least it seems to have settled the flames of anger.]

... At least give me time to ready myself.

[The first Scrooge attacked her!]

[He tugged his sleeves down and looked away firmly, expression almost an irritable pout.]

Fine. Take all the time you need.

[She sighs in relief.]

At least mine is a gentleman...

[It's meant to be said to herself, but it's not impossible for him to hear it. All right, time to steel herself.

A few breathes, smoothing down her clothes again, clearing her mind. Just pretend it's another love potion gone awry. It's happened enough times.

Another clearing of her throat, and she closes her eyes.]

All right, I'm ready.

[That remark went uncommented on, though he heard it. It made him wonder what the encounter with his twin was like, but he decided that as funny as imagining it was, he'd be better off not knowing.

So instead he crossed his arms, drumming his fingers on one bicep. Just one kiss and it'll be all over. How hard is one kiss? Even if it is-

"All right, I'm ready."

-Magica De Spell. He glanced toward her when she said that, and then rolled his eyes. One kiss.

Fine.

He could do that. Clearing his throat, he faced her, paused, considered, then went in for the kiss, connecting with her.

Of course, by the time he wondered how much of a kiss it had to be, he'd already been there for about three seconds. Two more while he went back and forth on "How long will it take for a kiss?" and "JUST MOVE, IDIOT" and then he jerked back, looking away with another rough clear of the throat.]

There. [A sharp glower toward her.] Happy?

[Okay, one second, they should be done.

... Two, they should be done.

Three - why is he still there?!

Four - WHY IS SHE STILL THERE?!

Five - oh thank gods and goddesses! In the flash of a second it takes to pull away and look in another direction, he might think he saw her blush deeply - but before anything could be confirmed, she POOFed herself into a raven, flapping away until there's a few feet of distance between them before POOFing back to normal form.

... Nope still blushing.]

... We will never speak of this again.

[He might've noticed her blushing, if he wasn't so concentrated on his own. Blush-? No no, that's an angry flush, clearly. He glared the raven, then Magica, down hard enough that she would've turned to ice then and there if looks could kill. Turning sharply, he started to stomp off.]

Speak of what.

[So, they're in accord about that, then.]

Hmph!

[So, what was worse? A sudden kiss with no warning, or one that wasted way too long?

Bah. A pox on both Scrooge's houses.

In a mirror image, she turned her beak up and stomped off in the opposite direction.]

Now to wash my mouth out with soap, again...

Halloweenfaire Event

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