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JINGLE ALL THE WAY | GAME EVENT | TEST DRIVE MEME ❅ 2
The Yetis work year-round in Santa's Workshop but that doesn't mean they don't have to do some last minute cramming. The ramp up to Christmas Eve makes it clear that all the hustle and bustle of the season so far was nothing. Even up to the Christmas Eve, kids are writing Christmas lists, letters are coming in to the workshop, and the naughty and nice list is being magically updated.
(North, being the softie that he is, never leaves a child coal anymore, but sometimes there's a note from Santa in the vein of "please be nicer to your sister next year" that makes some kids sigh and realize yeeeah maybe they weren't entirely well-behaved.)
Phil the Yeti and Jack Frost are noticeably more and more exhausted in the lead up to Christmas Eve, what with Phil having to handle far more of the actual day to day production leadership without North and Jack having to handle a lot of decision-making he's only barely qualified for.
But. Being the Guardian of Fun means he's still more qualified than most at figuring out how to make fun happen.
"I know, I know, we've got no lead up here, but the last few mail calls have shown a huuuge increase in Bluey Toys, and -" he turns to look at a yeti at a nearby work table "- hey, Marv, I know you're in a rush but look at what you just grabbed."
Marv the yeti looks at his hand and sees that it's not a Dreamworks Trolls toy he was about to box and wrap - it is in fact a very cranky, wiggling troll.
"Oop," says Marv putting him down on the table.
"That is the third time! I'm done!" Branch kicks over a little container of paint brush water in annoyance and storms off, muttering, "Branch, go small and help us do paint touch ups, they said -"
"...Yeah, that's probably for the best. He's going to wind up wrapped up in a present in Zanzibar at this rate." Jack says, carrying on. "Speaking of which, we've got like an increase in requests for toys from the new movie, last minute because they showed it right before the holidays -" he grumbles "- thanks a lot, Dreamworks - so you'll need to get on the orders I just put in."
Phil throws his head back and sighs.
"I know, buddy, I know, but we're almost there."
T'WAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
a) HE'S MAKING A LIST
The yetis need more help than just toy-making (though there is a ton of that.) Presents need to be packaged and wrapped, pallets need to be guided with cranes to the loading areas where everything is tossed into Santa's magic sack. Those who are good at organizing and delegating are tapped for that duty. The reindeer need to be corralled and fed and watered.
The best way to make the work light is with many hands, and the best way for the owners of those many hands to work fast without boredom is by chit-chatting with the people you're working with.
Being assigned doesn't mean you're fit for the particular task however, but they're desperate for help - they'll take anything. Even if all you can manage is something sloppy.
And for those new to the Pole, it's quite a bit of chaos to walk into. You may find themselves handed a comm, nudged towards a table, and plunked down to do a task with some other Otherworlder Myths. No reason you can't keep busy while having everything explained to you, right?
The yetis need more help than just toy-making (though there is a ton of that.) Presents need to be packaged and wrapped, pallets need to be guided with cranes to the loading areas where everything is tossed into Santa's magic sack. Those who are good at organizing and delegating are tapped for that duty. The reindeer need to be corralled and fed and watered.
The best way to make the work light is with many hands, and the best way for the owners of those many hands to work fast without boredom is by chit-chatting with the people you're working with.
Being assigned doesn't mean you're fit for the particular task however, but they're desperate for help - they'll take anything. Even if all you can manage is something sloppy.
And for those new to the Pole, it's quite a bit of chaos to walk into. You may find themselves handed a comm, nudged towards a table, and plunked down to do a task with some other Otherworlder Myths. No reason you can't keep busy while having everything explained to you, right?
b) WHEN, WHAT TO MY WONDERING EYES SHOULD APPEAR
Time to go! The sleigh converts to its roller-coaster like state so you can all pile in. It's time to travel over the whole world but you've got magic on your side. The sleigh, Santa's magic sack, and the good will Jack garnered last year by convincing children he was Santa's helper, mean there's plenty of magic to help time slow down and to fill you with boundless energy that makes the work seem to pass in a flash.
But Jack still isn't Santa. Time will slow, not stop, meaning he'll still need help to keep on schedule. That's where you come in.
The magic is strange, making it seem like the outside world is slowed to a crawl. But after magically whooshing inside through ventilation systems and fireplaces, inside each house is a bubble of living Christmas that seems to move at normal pace, despite the fact the clocks in each house have stopped. Sometimes children wait up and try to catch a peek of old St. Nick.
It means everyone is sent off in pairs or trios, so some of you can keep watch for the little ones and maybe handle milk-and-cookie-eating duty (you'll get sick of cookies before long but it at least seem like you never get full), while the others fills stockings (if present), and place presents under the tree or in other appropriate places, based on each culture. (You'll know instinctively what to do at each house.)
In some houses, Guardians may find that the children taking a peek are huge fans of you, and utterly delighted to see you, their presents ironically ones from your personal stories.
In households that don't celebrate Christmas there will be culturally and religiously appropriate gifts for the season, or gifts that are simply more general in nature, like the childrens' favorite candy, letting them get a nice surprise that is still respectful of their family's culture or beliefs.
New people may find themselves swept up in this strange time-frozen ritual, as you're spotted by others and brought into the sleigh, which keeps sprouting a new seat for every new myth. You may be asked if you want to help bring joy to the season, get handed some presents, and get ushered into some breaking and entering. (The clock is ticking, after all, albeit slowly, and the group needs all hands on deck).
As far as entrances go, yours could be a lot worse and far less magical than to be pulled onto a magic flying sleigh, getting an explanation of your circumstances, and asked to help bring gifts and joy across the world.
Time to go! The sleigh converts to its roller-coaster like state so you can all pile in. It's time to travel over the whole world but you've got magic on your side. The sleigh, Santa's magic sack, and the good will Jack garnered last year by convincing children he was Santa's helper, mean there's plenty of magic to help time slow down and to fill you with boundless energy that makes the work seem to pass in a flash.
But Jack still isn't Santa. Time will slow, not stop, meaning he'll still need help to keep on schedule. That's where you come in.
The magic is strange, making it seem like the outside world is slowed to a crawl. But after magically whooshing inside through ventilation systems and fireplaces, inside each house is a bubble of living Christmas that seems to move at normal pace, despite the fact the clocks in each house have stopped. Sometimes children wait up and try to catch a peek of old St. Nick.
It means everyone is sent off in pairs or trios, so some of you can keep watch for the little ones and maybe handle milk-and-cookie-eating duty (you'll get sick of cookies before long but it at least seem like you never get full), while the others fills stockings (if present), and place presents under the tree or in other appropriate places, based on each culture. (You'll know instinctively what to do at each house.)
In some houses, Guardians may find that the children taking a peek are huge fans of you, and utterly delighted to see you, their presents ironically ones from your personal stories.
In households that don't celebrate Christmas there will be culturally and religiously appropriate gifts for the season, or gifts that are simply more general in nature, like the childrens' favorite candy, letting them get a nice surprise that is still respectful of their family's culture or beliefs.
New people may find themselves swept up in this strange time-frozen ritual, as you're spotted by others and brought into the sleigh, which keeps sprouting a new seat for every new myth. You may be asked if you want to help bring joy to the season, get handed some presents, and get ushered into some breaking and entering. (The clock is ticking, after all, albeit slowly, and the group needs all hands on deck).
As far as entrances go, yours could be a lot worse and far less magical than to be pulled onto a magic flying sleigh, getting an explanation of your circumstances, and asked to help bring gifts and joy across the world.
c) LET YOUR HEART BE LIGHT
The world is full of sadness at times and despite the happiness Santa's giant crew tries to bring, and the winter holidays are no exception to this rule. But there are things the Guardians can do to help, on their long path through the world, moments where a bubble of unfrozen time allows them to intercede and help those who need it. They can become visible to adults even more easily on this night and the magic of Santa's sack lets them find whatever might help most.
In many cases, it can be quite practical, like providing wads of thousands of dollars of cash to hand to the homeless, enough to start them on a path to getting off the street. Or providing a car part so one of the more tech-savvy individuals in the team can fix a family's only car up like new, in a repair that would otherwise be too expensive. Or maybe you can quietly visit a ward in a children's hospital when you're characters from something they love, or magical illusions from the sack make you appear to be.
In some instances, it is clear that Story is bleeding into the world a bit too much thanks to the current state of it. There are more than a few little match girls from other dimensions that need comforting and warming until they fade back into their world of origin, having actually survived the night. (It certainly wouldn't hurt to provide them with some thermals and shoes from the sack before they fade back, as well.)
And sometimes a man in threadbare old-timey clothing can be seen carrying his son on his shoulders - a son who holds a crutch in his hand. Sometimes the two of them are anthropomorphic frogs (don't question it). Just load them up with a massive goose for supper from the sack and send them happily on their way.
The sack gives just enough so that a real difference can be made, but not so much people are suspicious - they'll simply chalk it up to the kindness of mysterious strangers or a minor miracle. These little gifts and gestures are sometimes subtle but often enough to lift a great burden off an individual or family.
Those who are new to this world may find themselves roped into one of these moments of charity - or perhaps you try to help someone before you're even found, and those who have come to the Guardians' world before you can provide some concrete gifts you can hand over to those you're trying to aid.
The world is full of sadness at times and despite the happiness Santa's giant crew tries to bring, and the winter holidays are no exception to this rule. But there are things the Guardians can do to help, on their long path through the world, moments where a bubble of unfrozen time allows them to intercede and help those who need it. They can become visible to adults even more easily on this night and the magic of Santa's sack lets them find whatever might help most.
In many cases, it can be quite practical, like providing wads of thousands of dollars of cash to hand to the homeless, enough to start them on a path to getting off the street. Or providing a car part so one of the more tech-savvy individuals in the team can fix a family's only car up like new, in a repair that would otherwise be too expensive. Or maybe you can quietly visit a ward in a children's hospital when you're characters from something they love, or magical illusions from the sack make you appear to be.
In some instances, it is clear that Story is bleeding into the world a bit too much thanks to the current state of it. There are more than a few little match girls from other dimensions that need comforting and warming until they fade back into their world of origin, having actually survived the night. (It certainly wouldn't hurt to provide them with some thermals and shoes from the sack before they fade back, as well.)
And sometimes a man in threadbare old-timey clothing can be seen carrying his son on his shoulders - a son who holds a crutch in his hand. Sometimes the two of them are anthropomorphic frogs (don't question it). Just load them up with a massive goose for supper from the sack and send them happily on their way.
The sack gives just enough so that a real difference can be made, but not so much people are suspicious - they'll simply chalk it up to the kindness of mysterious strangers or a minor miracle. These little gifts and gestures are sometimes subtle but often enough to lift a great burden off an individual or family.
Those who are new to this world may find themselves roped into one of these moments of charity - or perhaps you try to help someone before you're even found, and those who have come to the Guardians' world before you can provide some concrete gifts you can hand over to those you're trying to aid.
d) THERE GOES MR. HUMBUG, THERE GOES MR. GRIM
This isn't a usual function of Nicholas St. North but there are quite a few spirits in the world that also do good on Christmas - and some of them have been captured by Kuk too.
So if any of the gang wants to pretend to be spirits and try to terrorize a billionaire or two into being more generous, they're welcome to, and the magic sack will provide them a dossier of personal details to use, as well as an illusion of perhaps some dead colleagues of theirs to use in their schemes.
Like in other areas of the holiday, time will be frozen yet simultaneously be running in the homes of these skinflints.
Those who don't want to leave things to chance can always do things like, say, hack their bank accounts and redistribute their wealth to their exploited and underpaid workers. Jack's made it clear you get to choose the plays.
[ooc: Please use fictional billionaires to not make this weird but if their names are things like Melon Dusk or Biff Lezos, it's fine. Go be funny.]
This isn't a usual function of Nicholas St. North but there are quite a few spirits in the world that also do good on Christmas - and some of them have been captured by Kuk too.
So if any of the gang wants to pretend to be spirits and try to terrorize a billionaire or two into being more generous, they're welcome to, and the magic sack will provide them a dossier of personal details to use, as well as an illusion of perhaps some dead colleagues of theirs to use in their schemes.
Like in other areas of the holiday, time will be frozen yet simultaneously be running in the homes of these skinflints.
Those who don't want to leave things to chance can always do things like, say, hack their bank accounts and redistribute their wealth to their exploited and underpaid workers. Jack's made it clear you get to choose the plays.
[ooc: Please use fictional billionaires to not make this weird but if their names are things like Melon Dusk or Biff Lezos, it's fine. Go be funny.]
e) GÄVLE GOATS CHESTNUTS ROASTING ON AN OPEN FIRE
The Gävlebocken getting destroyed is now something of a yearly tradition, a thing some people enjoy as a sort of primal sacrifice to the new year. in the town of Gävle, bookies even run pools on if, when, and how the goat might be destroyed. In fact, the goat has become so popular that other places throughout the Guardians' world have started to create their own straw sculptures in response, often in the shapes of animals or objects associated with Christmas.
Many of these are under heavy guard, making it hard for humans to burn down.
That is where Nicholas St. North, champion of the people, comes in. In his travels as Santa, if humans hadn't set these sculptures on fire, North used to make sure the masses were appeased. (Only when it was safe to, of course.)
But North is gone, captured by Kuk, and you have to take over his place.
The goat and these other sculptures often come under the protection of various myths and spirits now, relishing the challenge of preventing the legendary North from accomplishing these destructive feats. Not out of any sort of personal grudge, but simply for the accomplishment of it all. It's a bit like a hockey player idolizing Wayne Gretsky and jostling for a chance to try to block his slap shot. These spirits sometimes come from all around to a particular sculpture just for a chance at the bragging rights. North being gone hasn't changed things, either, as they see Jack as his worthy replacement.
But Jack's awfully busy, so he's tasked you with jostling past the various spirits and myths and burning one of the sculptures.
Of course, newer people might not be sure what's going on here, as Guardians seem to be in conflict with other spirits, and some of them seem to be trying to set something on fire??
The Gävlebocken getting destroyed is now something of a yearly tradition, a thing some people enjoy as a sort of primal sacrifice to the new year. in the town of Gävle, bookies even run pools on if, when, and how the goat might be destroyed. In fact, the goat has become so popular that other places throughout the Guardians' world have started to create their own straw sculptures in response, often in the shapes of animals or objects associated with Christmas.
Many of these are under heavy guard, making it hard for humans to burn down.
That is where Nicholas St. North, champion of the people, comes in. In his travels as Santa, if humans hadn't set these sculptures on fire, North used to make sure the masses were appeased. (Only when it was safe to, of course.)
But North is gone, captured by Kuk, and you have to take over his place.
The goat and these other sculptures often come under the protection of various myths and spirits now, relishing the challenge of preventing the legendary North from accomplishing these destructive feats. Not out of any sort of personal grudge, but simply for the accomplishment of it all. It's a bit like a hockey player idolizing Wayne Gretsky and jostling for a chance to try to block his slap shot. These spirits sometimes come from all around to a particular sculpture just for a chance at the bragging rights. North being gone hasn't changed things, either, as they see Jack as his worthy replacement.
But Jack's awfully busy, so he's tasked you with jostling past the various spirits and myths and burning one of the sculptures.
Of course, newer people might not be sure what's going on here, as Guardians seem to be in conflict with other spirits, and some of them seem to be trying to set something on fire??
f) I'M MISTER HUNDRED AND ONE
Despite the fact Santa has substitutes, the absence of Nicholas St. North means all kind of beings moving in on his holiday or simply acting up a bit more than they usually would. For instance, Krampus seems to have split into many furry duplicate selves and is straight up trying to kidnap children who are on the naughty list tonight. Mari Lwyd, normally more of a wassailing custom, has incorporated as a spirit, and is getting drunk at people's houses and alarming them by staying around and singing (in Welsh of course) rather than leaving, and maybe needs to be nudged along. As is to be expected, hustling a drunk spirit out of people's houses is as annoying as it sounds.
That's also not to speak of the various beings being temporarily drawn into the world. For instance, a certain furry green someone, his heart two sizes too small, will have a wonderful, awful idea, and steal Christmas from one and from all. The Grinch will be a problem that can't be ignored, and everything he stole must of course be restored.
Another town will be beset by two angry brothers, Heat Miser and Snow Miser, taking advantage of the fact Santa is out of the picture, making the weather alternate from too hot and too cold, something the mystified town can only chalk up to climate change. Someone needs to intercede to get them to simmer down.
Despite the fact Santa has substitutes, the absence of Nicholas St. North means all kind of beings moving in on his holiday or simply acting up a bit more than they usually would. For instance, Krampus seems to have split into many furry duplicate selves and is straight up trying to kidnap children who are on the naughty list tonight. Mari Lwyd, normally more of a wassailing custom, has incorporated as a spirit, and is getting drunk at people's houses and alarming them by staying around and singing (in Welsh of course) rather than leaving, and maybe needs to be nudged along. As is to be expected, hustling a drunk spirit out of people's houses is as annoying as it sounds.
That's also not to speak of the various beings being temporarily drawn into the world. For instance, a certain furry green someone, his heart two sizes too small, will have a wonderful, awful idea, and steal Christmas from one and from all. The Grinch will be a problem that can't be ignored, and everything he stole must of course be restored.
Another town will be beset by two angry brothers, Heat Miser and Snow Miser, taking advantage of the fact Santa is out of the picture, making the weather alternate from too hot and too cold, something the mystified town can only chalk up to climate change. Someone needs to intercede to get them to simmer down.
g) MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL
When it's all over, when presents are given, and imposters are dealt with, when people are helped, and billionaires are spooked, it all comes to one final thing:
Everyone in the Pole collectively collapsing.
When the group gets back, you'll see the yetis have all thrown themselves down and starting napping on the toy factory floor, though a few are awake and conversing and happily high fiving each other over a job well done. Jack Frost simply flops down on his face near Phil, his little belled Santa hat dingling for one last time. He gives Phil a high five, too, and quickly falls asleep. The yetis that are the least exhausted, the ones who've been assigned to care for the others and therefore had less toymaking duty, still have a little zip to their step, and they use it to toss everyone pillows, blankets, and cushions.
Most people will find themselves too tired to even make it to their rooms. At best, they might have it in them to flop on the cushions on the toy factory floor. But it's a pleasant place, an almost slumber party-like atmosphere, where the yetis that do have energy left pass around cocoa and snacks. (Not cookies, though, they're smart enough to understand the group might be cookied out). So everyone can simmer down a little, chit-chat as they settle, and either fall asleep right there or try their best to drag themselves to their rooms.
If someone new comes in then, it's a very odd but cozy, scene, with some sleepily having their last slumber party conversations amidst piles of collapsed yetis. Elves run rampant around them all, still wrapped up in Christmas excitement, playing with the presents they just unwrapped (usually the ones they loved best while testing toys, as well as new jingle-jangles for their hats and new pointy boots.)
The holiday is over!
And to all a good night!
When it's all over, when presents are given, and imposters are dealt with, when people are helped, and billionaires are spooked, it all comes to one final thing:
Everyone in the Pole collectively collapsing.
When the group gets back, you'll see the yetis have all thrown themselves down and starting napping on the toy factory floor, though a few are awake and conversing and happily high fiving each other over a job well done. Jack Frost simply flops down on his face near Phil, his little belled Santa hat dingling for one last time. He gives Phil a high five, too, and quickly falls asleep. The yetis that are the least exhausted, the ones who've been assigned to care for the others and therefore had less toymaking duty, still have a little zip to their step, and they use it to toss everyone pillows, blankets, and cushions.
Most people will find themselves too tired to even make it to their rooms. At best, they might have it in them to flop on the cushions on the toy factory floor. But it's a pleasant place, an almost slumber party-like atmosphere, where the yetis that do have energy left pass around cocoa and snacks. (Not cookies, though, they're smart enough to understand the group might be cookied out). So everyone can simmer down a little, chit-chat as they settle, and either fall asleep right there or try their best to drag themselves to their rooms.
If someone new comes in then, it's a very odd but cozy, scene, with some sleepily having their last slumber party conversations amidst piles of collapsed yetis. Elves run rampant around them all, still wrapped up in Christmas excitement, playing with the presents they just unwrapped (usually the ones they loved best while testing toys, as well as new jingle-jangles for their hats and new pointy boots.)
The holiday is over!
And to all a good night!
h) WILDCARD
Have a scenario idea that doesn't fit under the others? For a new character, do you want to set an intro a little before the wild toy-making lead up? Go crazy! Do whatever you want.
Have a scenario idea that doesn't fit under the others? For a new character, do you want to set an intro a little before the wild toy-making lead up? Go crazy! Do whatever you want.
❅ Starters TDMs in game are also in-game plots, being treated as game canon unless a new player requests a thread not count. Therefore this plot is open to anyone to create starters, both new players and current players. Characters who are already in game can use the event like a normal plot (and also tag it with character tags).
If a new character isn't apped, it'll simply be treated like their temporary presence was holiday magic drawing more people in to help, after which they were sent away again.
❅ NPCing: The mods won't be npcing but players are free to npc any characters or random people they need for threads, from Krampus to the Grinch to imaginary billionaires to terrify. The single detail anyone needs to know about one of the npcs is that Krampus hates Santa and has a history he won't talk about. That's it. Otherwise, go ham with npcs.
❅ Jack Frost: Jack Frost will be handwaved as directing everyone to their tasks but leave how they pull them off up to them. A comment will be provided below, however, if people have questions as to how something will be handwaved with Jack or how he'd answer something.
❅ Environment: Feel free to manipulate the environment. They'll be traveling around the world. Want to burn the Gavle goat by loading a shopping cart with flammables and shoving it at it? Go crazy! The entire world is your oyster.
❅ Threading: I'd like to encourage people to experiment! Obviously ask other players if they're down first, but it could be fun to do something other than 2 person threads, like maybe 2 PCs tagging a new character and so on. Also, if you're a current player, please clearly mark OTA prompts so players of new characters know what's open.
❅ TDM Info: New players, in the subject of your starter please list NEW CHARACTER: Character Name | Character Canon. Since plots and tdms merge here, we'd like to make sure new characters are highlighted for people to look for.
Also, you can opt to keep threads as game canon when you app, or handwave them as not-canon and start fresh. If you decide to app in, please just let threadmates know what specific threads you want to keep as game canon.
❅ Invite Info: The game is invite-only, but there is an option to request an invite from the mods by noting it in the invite section of your app. In this case, it is required to give your plurk and player handle, but if you want to keep it private from public eyes, you can tell the mods in the mod contact. Players are also allowed to tdm characters even if they don't know anyone in game if they just would like a place to RP.
no subject
[She sees what you're doing there other sun god and, while she's not opposed, she's not about to let someone who she doesn't even know the name of pat her head. She's not that kind of lady.]
no subject
Either way, Apollo is embarrassed and pulls his hand away. ]
Of course, I'm sorry. That was rude.
My name is Apollo.