Chapter 01: Act III - The Horseman of Christmas Future

[keeperoftales]

A Hollow Christmas Carol: Act III—

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The party goes off with almost nary a hitch. Everyone plays their part, their actions developing the story in strange and interesting ways. Poor families are given gifts and tributes, bringing in some hope and life into the town. The party itself is filled with festive cheer—and a bit of mischief, but it remains under control. And thanks to a few brave souls, the mansion is also protected from attempted attacks from the Erasers, several fended off without anyone noticing inside. Compared to the muted, subdued beginning, everything and everyone is brighter and the entire town feels more alive.

Then, after the final scene comes to an explosive close, once more mist and fog from the forests roll over the entire town, casting a spell over everyone so that they fall asleep right where they are. Again they are left completely unaware as the the environment shifts and shuffles, letters and ink swirling as more constructs are formed. And just like before, the Aspects will have a dream depicting a little more of the story they've helped create.

In a sleigh pulled by a strong, heavy horse, the Horseman of Christmas Present pulls Ebegeeser through the town of Lowry. The Horseman tries to instill into Ebegeeser the lesson of generosity, and as they pass through the streets and come across poor families, the man is slowly moved to pity. He offers money, but it's the clothes off his own back that bring true joy and comfort to the people. Seeing this, Ebegeeser's heart begins to change and he vows to try and find a way to help them further.

After arriving at the party, Ebegeeser lives through the possible "what if" of the day. He shares a dance with Beltrina, awkward though it is. One might think she could be charmed, but Bromfred's love for the woman may be genuine. Despite the harrowing and terrifying tale of the Headless Horseman he shares, he treats Beltrina with care and charm before sharing a dance with her.

Seeing this, Ebegeeser is once again driven to consider his plans, even debating if he should actually kill Bromfred. But the Horseman of Christmas Present intervenes and manages to talk him out of executing such a nefarious plot. Thus already resigned to his fate, Ebegeeser asks Beltrina to meet him in private, a room on the second floor.

Although he already knows the answer, he makes one last attempt and proposes to Beltrina. She rejects him, but Ebegeeser takes it in stride. She then asks if he could help loosen her bodice as it had grown too tight for her. However, given his apparent inexperience, Ebegeeser accidentally tightens the garment instead, constricting the poor young woman's chest even further to the point that she struggles against him. In his attempt to help her, they both stumble instead, tripping over the carpet and she staggers toward the window...

.......And that is where the vision ends, the Horseman of Christmas Future bearing down, dragging in darkness and the stench of death. This is where our story continues...

When the dream fades, the fog disappears and everyone awakens scattered around a church and its cemetery. It's dark, the moon just a small sliver in the starless, night sky, and the fog covers the ground. There are some sounds—various insects and the occasional hoot of an owl. But a more sinister sound can sometimes be heard deep within the dark forests: hooves thundering over earth and gravel, the shrill neigh, and a hoarse, raucous laugh.

All Aspects have been assigned to their new roles, and their journals softly glow with their assignments. Everyone set to work with one another will find themselves near each other or in their set location. Aspects will also learn of a particular task regarding the collection of certain items that would help create the Segment road to connect this Story to the Index. There are also no enemies here except for one—the real Headless Horseman, which will look eerily like the one described in the story told during the party. Everyone should be wary for it it seeks not just Ebegeeser's head, but everyone's.

They are nearing the end—but what kind of end will it be?

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§ instructions.
With fairly unanimous support, this will be the designated log for this Act. All Main Scenes and Sub Quests have their own top level created for those involved to respond under, but players are also free to post outside of the designated top levels to create your own for any additional prompts you'd like to take on. Each Main Scene top level has the scene prompts and casting, and assignments for the sub quests are listed below. If you haven't signed up for a sub quest yet, you can still do so!

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. The information they have is roughly the same as what is written OOCly.

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

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§ sub quests.

Everyone is free to participate in the sub quests, including those of the main cast. You can also participate in both. Characters can help each other with their assignments, even if they do not have one or already finished theirs. If you have any questions, post them here.

Segment Scavenger Hunt. Characters are tasked in finding particular relics that will help forge the Segment path between the soon to be finished Story and the Index. These relics are scattered around the setting area and will be objects symbolic to the story. The list itself can be found in the journals with clues as to where to find the items and anyone is technically allowed to find any of them, but for our purpose we're using assignments to make it more organized. Upon finding and collecting the relics, the relic will glow a soft white before disappearing into a sparkle of white light and ink. Here are the assigned relics and their locations:

• 9S: The first is a large red apple. Located in a nearby apple orchard, most of the apples there are either green or rotten. But there is one large apple hanging near the top of one of the trees. Beware the hungry crow "guarding" it. His second is a small pumpkin. Somewhere within the graveyard is an open grave. Inside is a pumpkin along with a knife. Carve a face onto it.
  
  
• Shizuo: Must reach the large church bell and ring it three times. It's found at the top of the church bell tower, but caution: the way up is rotten and rickety, and there is no rope to pull the bell. He'll have to find another way to ring the massive bell.
  
  
• Alfyn: Must retrieve an old teacher's handbook. It's buried in the old headmaster's grave located in the center of the cemetery beneath a large oak tree. The skeletal remains are harmless, but its holding onto that book pretty tightly.

Players can still sign-up to find a Segment relic! Just comment here.


Hunting the Headless Horseman. Characters will need to fight the Headless Horseman and will have multiple chances to do so, like a repeating mini boss battle. Each time the Headless Horseman suffers a deep wound, it will disappear, only to reappear again later somewhere else. Although the characters own powers and weapons will be sufficient, there are additional items to help. Pumpkin bombs for explosive splash damage; pitchfork spears for the extra jabs; ornamental stars for piercing projectile attacks; and the handheld choir bells which when rung will have a charm and stun effect on the Horseman (good for distractions) and provide some healing and support buffs for the fighters.

Although the horse itself will be dangerous, the Horseman will also be armed with a fiery whip chain sword, capable of slashing and slinging it out to try and grab others. The order in which each particular part is hit is based off sign-up/assignment order because lazy, and when struck the part will alight in flames and turn black before the Horseman disappears. When it reappears it will be unable to use that part. Although characters are assigned certain parts, they can still fight it multiple times to help others. Simultaneous hits are also allowed.

Here are the assignments:

• Rokurou: Left Flank. A large enough slash will result in the left rear leg of the horse to become broken and limp, hindering and slowing its movements.
  
  
• 9S: Horse's eyes. The entire head is also viable, but damaging the eyes in particular will at least result in the horse losing more of its balance and erratic movements due to blindness.
  
  
• Finn: Horseman's arm. Either arm, although its right arm is dominant. Damaging the arm will force the Horseman to only fight with one arm and potentially lose balance.
  
  
• Asougi: Horseman's leg (either one). Damaging the leg will cause the Horseman to fall and unable to ride the horse.

As a reminder, the Horseman will disappear soon after receiving critical damage. Although a lot of progress is being done in the fight, there's still plenty of damage that can be dealt and there is no "final" piece to allow any late sign-ups or if anyone wants to do more. Just sign up here.

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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 1: EBEGEESER AND THE HORSEMAN OF CHRISTMAS FUTURE

[keeperoftales]

Ebegeeser (not a zombie) will find himself in a wooden coffin with the Horseman of Christmas Future banging a hammer into it with his trusty steed nearby waiting patiently nearby. Don't worry, the Horseman can let him out...if they want. Or they can just keep him in there and lecture him about doom and death and all that. If the Horseman does set Ebegeeser free, they will be inside a creepy mausoleum and they must break out of the sealed door. There are various items available to use, and the Horseman can either help or just sit back and watch.

Cast: Ebegeeser - 9S; Horseman of Christmas Future - Finn

[decryptic]

[ 9S wakes up to......... blackness, and a rhythmic pounding above him. He immediately tries to sit up, only to also immediately thump his head against a "roof" about a foot above him. He yelps and grumbles, and the way his voice bounces tightly back at him alerts him to the closeness of whatever space he's in.

There's some more thumping as he tries to move his hand up to his head, only to jam his arms up against the sides of his container. He might be panicking if he needed oxygen, but he doesn't, so he just feels extremely cramped, confused, and uncomfortable instead. He raises his voice. ]

Er, hello?! Is anyone out there?!

[finnality]

[Knock, knock, knock. The hammer continues knocking, almost to a rhythm. In fact it is to the rhythm! Of someone whistling while he works.

But it does pause as 9S starts talking. From outside the box, a voice answers very casually, but there is pride shining in his tone, he was waiting to hear a question like that.]

Yeah - the entire future, yo! Sorry Ebegeezer, old boy, but it's gonna move on without you.

[decryptic]

[ Oh, it's Finn. 9S relaxes and focuses on talking. ]

Is this because I chose not to kill Bromfred? Dammit, I knew he'd be trouble.

SCENE 2: EBEGEESER AND BELTRINA'S GHOST

[keeperoftales]

As a result of the accident caused after the rejected proposal, Beltrina is dead. She will wait for Ebegeeser to venture out of the mausoleum into the church and proceed to haunt him. She could be spiteful, sad, forgiving—however the person acting wants her to be. Beltrina will have all the spooky ghost effects and even have the ability to float.

Cast: Ebegeeser - Cyrus; Beltrina - Edna

[scrutinies]

[Well, this tale had certainly taken a turn for the grim. This scene is far darker than the first he had been assigned, and after the vision each of the Aspects had received... needless to say, while Cyrus had hardly expected a happy end for Ebegeeser and Beltrina, he had not foreseen this.

Still, there is nothing to be done but play the role. As he leaves the mausoleum behind, the cold night air chills him down to his bones, and he picks up his pace in his approach of the church, seeking its warmth. Drawing in sharp breath, he pushes through the front doors and ventures into the church itself, letting the doors swing closed behind him. Though he's uncertain of how this should begin, he searches the room before him from where he stands before asking:]

Is anyone there?

[breakingthrough]

[It's interesting to see the effects that they've had on this story-- it almost makes it interesting. Not that she had intentions of playing her part differently than she was told. But then, there wasn't much for limitations written here.]

I suppose that depends on your definition of "there".

[How prepared then were you for the appearance of the ghost of Beltrina?]

...boo.

[scrutinies]

[Even though he'd known to expect a ghost, he still gives a bit of a start. Is it intentional, or an involuntary reaction? Hard to say, though the 'boo' gets a bit of a flat look from him in reply.]

A-ah— Beltrina?

[He's making every effort to sound forlorn.]

I never thought I'd have the chance to see you again.

[He's so sorry about the window thing.]

SCENE 3: EBEGEESER AND THE HEADLESS HORSEMAN

[keeperoftales]

The chase scene between the Headless Horseman and Ebegeeser. In this case, those acting the parts will find it less of a chase and more of a race—unless the one playing the Headless Horseman really wants to scare the one playing Ebegeeser and chase them down the path to the bridge. In any case, astride their mighty steeds(?), the two will start at the graveyard and will have to follow the road through the woods and to the bridge crossing the river. At the bridge, it will be up to the players how the scene ends. Will Ebegeeser be knocked down by the Horseman's "head"? Or will he turn back and fight? Comment here to let us know!

(The Headless Horseman has a nice little basket to help carry his "head.")

Cast: Ebegeeser - Ophilia; Headless Horseman - Asougi

[starseeing]

[ Welp, the party was fun and all, and it seems that the revelry has evoked a bit of the personality from her Essence, but the moment she sees the red flashing from her journal and informing her of her role, Ophilia drops everything to prepare. Okay, no, she doesn't drop everything because her Essence would tut at the notion of an unfinished glass of wine. Instead she quickly downs the rest of it the only way a part fox-spirit expertly could, finally going on her way... ]


...What are those?

[ Those two beautiful contraptions with wheels. One looks like a beast unto itself. And the other? Well the other is decorated with flowers and tassels and-- oh, it looks like it has an extra set of (training) wheels on the end! The cleric practically skips up to them and pokes her head just above the handlebars, eyes wide and blinking like a infant who's tasted chocolate for the first time.

She swats lightly at the silver-and-blue tassels hanging off one of the handles, and it shimmers in the thinly veiled moonlight. Straightening, she clasps her hands together and brings them to her chest, unable to hold back her delight with a laugh. ] They are marvelous!

[ Just going to be playing with the tassels one more time, not unlike a puppy wrestling with a new toy. This is so much fun.

But then she stops.

Straightens up.

And puts a hand to her chin, tilting her head to the side. ] ...Mm, aren't there supposed to be horses?

[chippedsoul]

[Annd here comes the scary Headless Horseman, still with his head...? He's got a "head" in his arm though. He looks rather unimpressed when he sees the "horses" they'd be using. He's had experience with bikes, but his was...rather over the top. It wasn't as flowery as Ophilia's, it was covered in flaming decals and pumpkins with glowing eyes instead.

Then there's who he had to chase after.] Shouldn't you have gotten a head start? [Get it.]

[starseeing]

[ Did he just--

He just made a joke.

Ophilia laughs hard enough, and it's not like the giggles or laughs she's done before where she covers her lips and is all delicate and polite about it, either. ] H-have gotten.... a, a head start...!

[ Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaah, he's killing her. ] Did you come up with that just now? [ WIPES TEAR FROM EYE. That was beautiful, Disciple. 10/10, would laugh again. ] I haven't laughed this hard in ages. [ It's the Essence/wine combo. It must be. ]

SUB QUEST: SEGMENT SCAVENGER HUNT

[keeperoftales]

ota!

[decryptic]

[ A is for: Appleplexy

Anyone sniffing out the apple orchard, or even anyone sort of kind of near it might bear witness to one frustrated roboboy as he attempts to reach the massive shiny red apple sitting smugly atop the tallest tree in the orchard. It isn't a huge tree, but the apple is beyond his jumping range and he isn't infuriated enough yet to start throwing things at it to knock it down. He's getting there, though.

The tree rustles violently as he tries to climb it, only for yet another branch to SNAP like a whipcrack under his nearly 300-pound weight. He plummets out of the tree and slams onto the floor with a dense thud. ]

Oof! Ugh... dammit...

[ He rolls onto his back and stares up at the tree, dying a little on the inside. No matter how carefully he tries to plan his ascent, he's just too heavy for this task.

He's going to need some assistance. ]


[ B is for: Bumpkin

9S sits at the edge of an open grave, his legs dangling over the side. He's dirty and dusty from head to toe after his stint inside a coffin, and also after bodyslamming rotten apples for an hour, so for once his now-filthy visor hangs loosely around his neck so that he can see. His eyes are a pale blue, and his expression is on the side of tired as he gazes at the small pumpkin in one of his hands. The other absently holds a small knife.

He'll be sitting there for quite some time until someone comes to snap him out of his thoughts. ]

A

[sparrowrain]

[ Aya had been passing by and surveying the orchard from a distance, but it's hard not to notice the sharp drop of whoever that was from the tree, and the loud crack of the branch breaking her his weight. How odd... she wonders if he knows how to climb a tree. She hadn't seen the whole attempt.

She doesn't hesitate to move closer, jogging to close the space quickly. She calls out - ]

Are you okay?

[decryptic]

Oh...

[ Bits of smashed apple pop off of 9S as he quickly sits up and twists to look at whoever called out to him. It's an unfamiliar voice, but undoubtedly another Aspect; after all, there isn't much else in the way of population around here. As she nears, 9S answers lightly. ]

I'm all right, ma'am. To be honest, I can't even get up high enough to hurt myself when I fall out.

[ He pushes himself up to his feet. His clothes are stained liberally with apple, but he takes no notice as he smiles briefly at her. ]

Thanks for checking up on me, though. My name's 9S.

B

[twilightskey]

[Roxas had been doing what he could to help piece the story together, looking for relics and whatnot. And after remembering to take occasional dips in the river, he was doing much better in terms of his essence. When he comes across 9S, he notices the android's holding the pumpkin in his hand.]

Hey. You found the pumpkin?

[decryptic]

[ 9S looks up at him. ]

Oh. Hey, Roxas.

[ He holds the pumpkin up for Roxas to see, then the knife. ]

Yeah, I found these in this gravehole. [ ... Or whatever it's called. ] Unless there's some other activity involving knives and pumpkins I don't know about, I'm guessing we're supposed to carve a face into it.

[ church bell ]

[hatesviolence]

[Shizuo just stares up at the church where he's supposed to retrieve the bell. He can see it dangling up there, slowly swaying from an occasional breeze. But he's not too focused on that, not at first, anyway. Instead he's thinking about the scene that's about to play out in the church, the one with Ebegeeser and...Beltrina's ghost. To think what happened between him and Asougi would lead to this... He never would have imagined it, and honestly? He feels pretty damn guilty since he feels it was all his fault.]

[ closed to asougi ]
[Very early on, Asougi will get a message through his journal.]

Shit did we really kill Beltrina?

[THAT'S ALL IT IS.]


-----
[ closed to cyrus ]
[Running a hand through his hair, he first scrawls something through the journal before slowly making his way closer to the church.]

Hey, are you the one acting as Ebegeeser with Beltrina's ghost? I was the last one and... Can we talk? I'm at the church already.

[Whether he catches Cyrus before or after he's set to go, he has no idea. He hopes before so he can at least explain things, but... Oh well.]


-----
[ open ]
[Once he's back on relic hunting, he's inside the church and staring at the stairs that he's supposed to use to get up to the bell tower.


Yeah, half of them are gone, and he really doesn't trust climbing them. So he's heading back out and for anyone near the church, they'll see the strangest thing. They'll see the man just climbing up the church walls, finding handholds and vaulting himself up the side. He slips when he reaches one of the roofs, the wooden tile giving way and forcing him to land back down.]

Shit—! [He's fine, but. Dammit, this is the only other way and there's not even a freaking ladder. Maybe if he tries from another angle... Or maybe there's another (less weird) way that he missed.]

[scrutinies]

[Fortunately, Cyrus is very attentive when it comes to his journal. Shizuo doesn't have to wait long for a response, though Cyrus does furrow his brow slightly as he writes, curious.]

Yes, that would be me. Of course, I would be glad to talk. I'll be along shortly.

[He's good to his word, naturally, and makes his way to the church, knocking lightly at its front door before entering despite the fact that it's a public place— it's a bit on the spooky side, after all. He wouldn't want to startle anyone.]

Ah— I beg your pardon; I believe you're waiting for me? Professor Cyrus Albright.

[chippedsoul]

But I didn't die.

[Writing fails to emphasized how annoyed the Disciple is right now when he read the results.]

SUB QUEST: HEADLESS HORSEMAN FIGHT

[keeperoftales]

[rokubro]

[Rokurou had been roaming around, more or less exploring and investigating the area. Now back in his old clothes—well, the ones that he inherited from his Essence, anyway—he feels a lot freer and more relaxed. Now if only there was something actually, you know, fight. But there doesn't seem to be anything around which is both unusual and...eerie.

Until he hears that familiar thundering of hooves from deep within the woods.

Grinning, he heads towards the sound—but not before jotting a quick note through the journals:]

Gonna see if I can find this Headless Horseman. Wish me luck!



[Some time will pass and a new message will be scrawled through. The writing is a bit hasty, but legible.]

Found it. Full disclosure, I made up that story back at the party, but turns out that's exactly what it looks like.

Should be a fun fight!

[AND SO should anyone try to respond—he won't be answering for a while. Instead anyone who might be near the cemetery will hear the sound of fighting within the woods, along with flashes of orange light like fire and sounds of gunshots. Those who actually try to join in and help Rokurou will find him fully engaged with the Horseman, his blades clashing against the chain whip sword as he tries to get in for some strikes, utilizing the gun portion of his blades when he can't. The horse is also attacking, hooves lashing out as it rears and bucks.

The Horseman's weapon swings high above its headless neck before slinging out in attempt to either strike Rokurou or anyone who decided to join in.]

[chippedsoul]

Where? [Be nice if he, you know, mentioned a location. After waiting for a response and getting nothing, the Disciple heads out of the church to see if he could find them. Wait, why was he moving toward the fight? It was probably not the best idea to engage himself in battle after what happened before, but something was drawing him towards the temptation.

It's the enemy. It needs to be taken down anyway.

He takes a deep breath to get his bearings, as he hears a commotion somewhere in the cemetery. Turn around and go back inside. He doesn't. Logic dictates that following the sound will eventually get him to the fight, and when he does...he remains out of the way. Rokurou seems to be managing on his own that the Disciple doesn't immediately jump in. Even as he avoids the conflct, he could already sense something reaching inside him, urging him to attack. Usually nothing happens until he actually engages, but now he could feel that other self, clawing for control.

Kill. Kill. Kill!] Stop-! [The Disciple just barely gets out of the way of the Horseman's swing, as he rolls behind one of the tombstones.]

[decryptic]

[ Newly equipped with a knife (levitating behind his back), 9S loiters in the church, flipping through his journal. He comes across Rokurou's entry about the Headless Horseman and gives it a quick read. ]

Heh. I knew he was full of it.

[ He wonders if Rokurou is still fighting it; the last message was sent out a short while ago. 9S picks up his quill and touches it to paper to find out.

Suddenly, a shadow looms over him. 9S looks up in time to see a fleshless equine face, yellow lights smoldering in the pits of its skull. The headless figure atop the horse lashes out sharply, and 9S instinctively raises an arm to cover his face.

He feels a snap of scorching metal whipping around him. His wrist and neck are bound together by the coil of the Horseman's chain sword -- and then he's dashed violently to the church floor as the Horseman belts him down. Dazed, 9S can barely attempt to stand before he's wrenched in yet another direction: the Horseman's steed lunges out of the church, busting the doors down in a pained frenzy. It limps and bleeds from its left flank, but still the Horseman spurs it on with a silent, unrelenting cruelty.

The Horseman will have a new head, even if he must drag and whittle 9S's body down to its last functioning vertebra. 9S, for his part, is having trouble getting his bearings. He tosses and spins across the ground in the wake of the horse's erratic path, and the flame of the sword searing into his skin is an even greater distraction. His free hand tries to loosen the grip of the whip around his neck and wrist, and so that burns too; he's in a dire situation.

He cries out as he struggles to endure the pain. His voice rings out into the clear night air, beckoning to anyone near the church who might be able to help him. ]