Chapter 01: Act I - The Horseman of Christmas Past

[keeperoftales]

A Hollow Christmas Carol: Act I—

§ instructions.
This is the designated log for all the main scenes for Act I: The Horseman of Christmas Past. All sub quests and nonrelated threads are to be made in their own posts. The scenes are listed below along with the assigned cast. Organization wise, the threads can happen in any order so you don't have to wait for one group to post before you do. Just start when you're ready! But to help, include in the subject line the scene header (ex. Scene 1, Scene 2, etc.) You can fluff it up a little to make it more specific like including the main characters or even scene title. Just be sure to have the number so we know which is which!

As a reminder, characters will have the necessary information within their journals. Those who are selected to play a scene will find their journal flashing red, so hard to miss. Aside from a few aesthetic changes (costumes, makeup, etc., think stage effects), all characters will be unchanged and won't gain any new powers or properties (ie. "Ghosts" are still tangible). The information they have is roughly the same as what is written OOCly.

Although there are certain characters set for a scene, it's not impossible for those not directly involved to make an appearance as random side characters or helpers. Characters can either just happen to be there or those cast as the role can make a "call out" through the journals. Any items and locations found through the main scenes are also free to be used by others for fun. There are also Bonus scenes that are basically extra prompts for people to have fun with if they'd like.

If you have any questions, post them to the Game Notes.

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§ main scenes.

¶ Scene 1: Ebegeeser and Horseman of Christmas Past. The Horseman is supposed to show Ebegeeser how he was as a teacher and he was (supposedly) a decent guy. So the best way to showcase that is give Ebegeeser a classroom to teach. The two will need to recreate the Schoolhouse, take care of some pranks, and deal with animated straw children. The "children" can behave however players want them to. Angels or devils, throwing things at Ebegeeser. Even the Horseman can be a brat and play along if they want. The Horseman will also have their pony to deal with and yes—must ride it at some point. Note: If it's pre-planned to not find the Schoolhouse here, let us know so that it's noted in other scenes involving it.

• Find the gift with the Schoolhouse to kick things off. [It's a big green box with a piece of a chalk on top so it should be be pretty obvious]
  
  
• Disarm three pranks set up within the Schoolhouse. [Pranks can be whatever you guys want]
  
  
• Ebegeeser "teach" a class of "children" and the Horseman.

Cast: Ebegeezer - Kazuma Asougi; Horseman - 9S

¶ Scene 2: Ebegeeser's first meeting with Beltrina. Set in the Schoolhouse, Ebegeeser first meets the beautiful Beltrina...and starts thinking about her wealth. Beltrina herself is practicing the violin and is already in a relationship with Bromfred. But could Ebegeeser worm his way into her heart!? Time for Ebeneeser to get his flirt on...and the Horseman might sit on the side and watch. MUSICAL NUMBER ♫ Note: If the Schoolhouse is pre-planned to not be found in the other scene, then they will need to find the box. Otherwise, the scene is set in a random building.

• Beltrina plays or uses the violin. [Can be meshed with the musical]
  
  
• Ebegeeser tries to flirt with Beltrina through song. [♫]
  
  
• Mention Bromfred.
  
  
• Bonus: Horseman of Christmas Past makes an appearance to speak with Ebegeeser [Can have a separate thread]

Cast: Ebegeezer - Cyrus Albright; Beltrina - Pearl; Horseman - Therion

¶ Scene 3: Bromfred's arrogance and Ebegeeser's jealousy. After learning about Beltrina's relationship with Bromfred and Bromfred constantly messing with him, Ebegeeser is brimming with hatred and jealousy. Bromfred's feelings are far simpler—he just finds the guy dumb and an easy target (no one said Bromfred was nice). So they are at each other's throats and will showcase their dislike through the magic of rap. The characters will have to find microphones, make a stage, and then dish out insults at each other a la "Drop the Mic." Who will be the victor? Will Ebegeeser let slip his murderous thoughts!? MUSICAL NUMBER ♫

• Find the gift containing two microphones. [Small yellow triangular box up in a tree]
  
  
• Make a stage. [There will be planks of wood and a toolset available nearby]
  
  
• Rap at each other. [♫]
  
  
• Bonus: Horseman appears to warn Ebegeeser through rap. [♫; can have separate threads]

Cast: Ebegeeser - Edna; Bromfred - Therion; Horseman - Ib

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[Mod note: Refer to the accompanying Game Notes for more information. If you wish to switch out of your current role, let us know!]

Comments

Scene 2

[scrutinies]

( a. musical number with beltrina )

[Play the part of a schoolmaster? Well, that much, Cyrus can certainly manage, although the miserly part won't come quite as naturally. As Cyrus peruses the necessary information in his journal one last time, he feels some mild apprehension at the notion of having to sing. Of course, he quite enjoys singing, but whether or not others enjoy his singing— well, he knows for a fact they don't.

He'll just have to make up for his poor pitch with heart. The show must go on!

He clears his throat as he snaps his journal closed, tucking it away inside of the jacket that had come with being cast in the role, and turns towards his partner in this particular scene— a Miss 'Beltrina von Cratchit.' They're to be meeting for the first time here, and he is to woo her with song. Simple enough, he supposes!]

Fair Beltrina, pray, though I know you are quite dedicated to your music lessons, may I beg of you but a moment of your time?

[... yeah, he's just playing himself so far. He'll figure it out eventually?]

( b. horseman heckling )

[No more than half a bar of that musical number had been on-key, but stars above, he had tried. It was difficult to remember that he need be more interested in Beltrina's money than her person, a sentiment that Cyrus himself finds absolutely deplorable, but this is acting, of a sort— and all for a more than worthy cause. He has a responsibility to play the part a miser, and he will do it.

With the musical number now over, he drops heavily into the seat behind the desk at the front of the schoolhouse. Was there meant to be more to this scene...?]

A

[myown]

[This is for a good cause. Pearl has to keep reminding herself of that, because she's certainly no actress. The fact that she can focus her performance on the musical aspect does help, but she's still outside of her comfort zone. Still... How hard can it be? She's playing her violin when the expected interruption comes, and she finds herself suddenly wishing she knew more about this Beltrina character. How is she supposed to play this? She decides to go for a polite, meek smile. Slip back into the role of someone subservient. It's not... Fun for her, but it seems like it'll work.]

Why, of course, Sir. How may I help you?

[scrutinies]

I couldn't help noticing how very skilled you are with the violin—

[Also, something about her father's money? The idea of lusting after someone for their wealth is reprehensible, but it's a necessary part of the scene— he'll work it out somehow.]

Truly, you honor me by playing in my presence! May I ask— what brings a woman of your talent and graces to this humble schoolhouse?

[This would probably be better if he knew how to flirt. He doesn't. It just happens naturally in day-to-day life, but now that he's supposed to be trying, he's not sure how to manage it.]

[myown]

[Her first reaction is to be skeptic; call him out on flattering her. But that's the whole point, isn't it? He's flirting, in-character. And.. Hmm. Why is she playing at the schoolhouse, anyway...? Well, that one isn't too tricky to come up with.]

I'm simply here to offer music lessons to the students. I'm honored that you think so highly of my playing, though! I appreciate -

[Oh, right. She's supposed to be romantically entangled already, in this role, so...]

- I appreciate the compliment, but mind yourself. My dear Bromfred is protective of me when men approach me with lecherous intent.

[Ew. She set that up terribly; she feels bad for whoever is playing Bromfred. Sure, the character is supposed to be arrogant, but she just made him out to be downright possessive, and - Just acting. Right, right.

She tries to recover by starting to play the violin again.]

Do you perform musically at all, Sir?

[scrutinies]

Such students should consider themselves fortunate to receive lessons from one as lovely and talented as yourself.

[Ah, yes— Bromfred, his supposed 'rival' for her affections. He clears his throat, mustering up as much pomp and self-importance as he can manage— it's not hard if he thinks back to the airs and behaviors of the Headmaster at the Atlasdam Royal Academy.]

Ah, and who said anything about lecherous intent? I assure you, my lady, I am nothing if not a gentleman— and yes, as a matter of fact. I do. I— I sing.

[His Time is drawing near...]

[myown]

[He's laying it on so thick, and honestly, it's kind of a relief to feel like maybe he's as uncomfortable with acting as she's finding herself. Or perhaps this is just how he sees his character? Pearl frowns momentarily before jumping back into her role, so to speak.]

Thank you... And I apologize for making such an assumption, then. Tell me, would a gentleman such as yourself be willing to indulge a fellow musician? I'd like to hear you sing.

[scrutinies]

[You would think so, but he is mostly... just Like This.

For a brief moment, he almost looks panic-stricken, but of course, this is a thing that must be done— he'd known this was a vital part of bringing this particular tale to life.]

You flatter me by even entertaining such an idea— I trust you won't judge me too harshly?

[Brace yourself, Pearl. This is going to be...

Not Good.]

b at long last

[trustfallen]

[Was there meant to be more? Well, whether there was meant to be more or not, Therion is making there be more because he can't just continue to sit on his horse and keep watching without any commentary. It had been an absolute struggle to keep a straight face throughout the entirety of the scene - both for respect of the theater and his role and because he wouldn't put it past 'Beltrina' to brandish a sword at him again.

But now? Now there's room in the script for a bit of improvisation. He's meant to guide Cyr-- Ebegeezer through whatever he's meant to have learned from revisting memories, but there were no actual lines about it, so...

Regardless, Therion has not often had the luxury of a horse pony to ride, so he means to make full use of it,and he enters the stage with the fat pony kicking in the schoolhouse doors and trotting in. Therion sits straight and tall and pretends this is a noble and imposing steed as he crosses his arms and smirks at Cyrus.]

Honestly, if that's the best you can do, no wonder you lost the girl.

[No one said the Horseman couldn't be an asshole...]

[scrutinies]

[Cyrus jolts upwards, sitting up straight in his seat as Therion enters on his steed— really, oughtn't he had left that out of doors?]

It's not often you see a pony in a schoolhouse.

[They don't typically make very good students. Cyrus sighs, followed by an easy smile— perhaps he's meant to be crankier than this given his role, but that's a touch difficult for him even on some of his worst days.]

Now, now. I may have lost the battle, but I've not yet lost the war. These things take time.

[trustfallen]

Sometimes even majestic steeds want to learn, you know.

[Therion leans forward to pat the pony on the neck. There, there - she's a horse in his heart!]

Anyway, I dunno. At the rate you're going, it seems pretty hopeless.

[With a final scratch, he settles back in the saddle and regards Cyrus more seriously.]

Maybe the past you should have let her go to concentrate on less... musical pursuits. Other poorly tuned fish in the sea, and all.

[scrutinies]

Is it not possible that this musical meeting of ours may have impacted her in some subtle but meaningful way?

[He poured his heart into that song! And as Ebegeeser, he supposes he's not meant to agree with the Horseman— his motives are meant to be selfish, after all.]

Perhaps there are other fish, but none so rich and worth having as this one.

[He feels some sort of inner recoil just saying that, even if he's only acting.]

[trustfallen]

[Therion shakes his head.]

... if it's just money you're after, who cares about her then? [He knows that's not meant to be the takeaway Ebegeeser is supposed to get from this, but it's too tempting not to make the suggestion anyway. Smirking, he gives Cyrus a sly look.] If you can find out where her family stores their wealth, I can help you get that instead during the party later.

[If asked about it later, he can say he was improvising a test of character. Or something.]

[scrutinies]

[Of course Therion would make such a suggestion, even while playing another role!]

And lower myself to being a common thief? There is more to it than money, sir, but the prestige of being attached to a good family name!

[Or so he assumes. Marital politics had always bored Cyrus, personally.]

Besides, the lady has other qualities that speak to me.

[Probably.]