recolle | DECEMBER EVENT LOG

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DECEMBER EVENT LOG

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Re:Decorate
The city of Recollé sure knows how to celebrate the holidays, doesn't it?

I.
Hello there, Retrospecters. Are you enjoying the snow? Luckily it's stopped coming down in droves sometime the morning of the 5th and the plows in the city are able to start working to clear the sidewalks and the roads. Life continues even with this winter wonderland taking over, and the citizens of Recollé are well on their way to decorating for the holidays.

Christmas decorations are everywhere you turn in all kinds of storefronts and shopping centers, but displays for other holidays such as Hanukkah, Kwanza, and even the winter solstice are out as well. Strangely, the stores aren't crowded even with everyone trying to get in their last-minute shopping. It's as though the city has expanded just enough to allow for all of these people to co-exist peacefully, and everywhere you look it's smiles and laughter amongst the townspeople.

…actually, it's a little odd, isn't it? Everyone seems to be in a good mood even in the worst circumstances, almost as though there's nothing that can deter them from the joy of the holiday season. It takes a while to see it, but if you're lucky you can turn your head just in time to catch a glimpse of a wispy, wintery spirit zipping away after touching the shoulder of a nearby citizen.

If you happen to catch sight of this spirit, well, that's unfortunate for you. With a new target in sight Jack Frost finds himself giddy with delight as he works his magic to make sure you're having fun, too. His idea of fun isn't quite the same as everyone else's though. For those who are more inclined to be happy and joyous on their own, you may find yourself on the receiving end of a snowball to the back of your head, slipping and sliding your way down the sidewalk, or even just a cold, chilled breeze up your spine as snow and frost make its way down your shirt. If you're particularly friendly, take note of a small chirp from above; it seems as though the mistletoe bats from last winter have returned and are working with Jack to make the holiday brighter, leafy wings tangling together and bringing people closer together. Literally.

But for the people who are a little more Scrooge-like, Jack puts in overtime for his pranks. Particularly fussy, loner-types will immediately find themselves tightly wrapped in a large, ugly sweater, ensnaring the closest person nearby to share the other half and unable to be removed until the pair get along and share the magic of the holidays. (And even if you're not a loner, any sign of grumpiness will land you in a pretty hideous sweater.) Those who try to work too hard during this time will find visions of sugarplums dancing before them, stubby arms holding up a tray of cookies and candy canes for you to take. The sugarplums will dance around anyone who refuses to try one of their treats, and the longer you avoid them to more likely you'll find these treats really aren't so sweet. Cookies may be frosted with toothpaste, candy canes may turn your mouth black, and even treats such as hot cocoa or cider will cause literal steam to come out of your ears and nose.

There's no limit to the tricks and games Jack likes to play, and some may be very unexpected. Best be on guard for a while.

II.
Even if you choose to stay indoors for the next couple of weeks, holiday magic will still find you. Going about your day and venturing to all parts of the city, it becomes clear that your path is dotted with a series of snow globes that pop up whenever you pause in place. These globes appear in all sorts of sizes and are foggy upon first glance. The scenery inside appears to stick with the theme of winter ranging from snowmen, Christmas trees, sleigh rides and similar scenes. It's a little hard to fully make out what they are, but it's nothing a good shake won't fix.

The moment you shake your chosen snow globe, something happens. The scene inside the globe shifts and changes to form a picture-perfect replica of something precious to you; a vision of your loved ones and your happiest memories appear inside the glass, or it could be an item that's important to you that takes shape and remains encased in the safety of the snowstorm forever. These globes can be kept and the longer you hold onto them, the warmer and calmer you'll feel.

As the scene settles inside your globe, ice and sparkles swirl around your feet as a gift-wrapped box appears with your name clearly labeled on it. Inside you'll find a small gift, ornaments to hang on a tree or even a batch of cookies for you to share with the people around you. This gift seems designed specifically for you, and upon closer inspection the label bears the Retrospec logo. Hm. Can you trust them? That's up to you.

But what about those of you who ignore the globes entirely? That should be easy, right? They're just snow globes. Where are they going to go? As it turns out, these globes will begin to appear more frequently around you the longer you ignore them, multiplying in size until they're just large enough to encase you and shake you around, trapping you in your own personal cyclone and leaving you on display until someone comes across you. The glass can be broken from the outside, of course, but that seems a bit dangerous. Citizens will have to get a bit creative to figure out how to shake these globes and trigger the magic inside…but you won't receive a present for being rescued. The box that appears for you will be lumpy and damaged, though it will still have your name on it. Enjoy your newly obtained bag of coal!

III.
You may have received ornaments from your snow globe adventures, but what will you do with them? Perhaps it's time to make your way down to Tribunal Terrace where a large, 70-foot Christmas tree stands proudly in the center of Recollé Square. The tree is a constant work of progress and Mayor Mayer invites everyone in the city to help decorate it each day leading up to Christmas. Strung with lights and crystal baubles, a "create your own ornament" station is set up thanks to ReVa allowing citizens to paint, sculpt and paper maché their own special creations.

Miles and miles of garland could use some detangling, and the strings of beads can be braided and looped over each and every branch. As you approach the tree whether to hang your handmade ornament or just to admire the beautiful scenery, something catches your eye.

A round bauble hangs directly in front of you, the planet seemingly turning on its own and the scenery changing. Many of you have memories of a world and a city far different than this one, a place your other self used to reside. These baubles reflect these places, showing scenery, buildings and planet conditions of the place you've seen in countless regains. For those of you who've yet to regain anything, the bauble will appear blank but the soft blue glow encourages you to touch it.

In fact, all of these baubles encourage a gentle touch. Hold onto your hats, everyone, because the moment your fingers brush the glass you and whoever's nearby are immediately pulled forward into the ornament itself, transporting you right into the heart of where you used to live. For those of you without memories of the world you once came from, you'll return to the location of your happiest memory in your current life whether that's someone's home, an amusement park, a forest or elsewhere. There's no telling where you'll end up if you remember multiple locations, but all of these worlds are peaceful and covered in a light dusting of snow and winter effects, even if the world you once knew was a dark and dangerous time. The monsters that have haunted your past appear to be away and the world itself is open for you to explore. Take the time to visit the area, check out what you can and learn more about yourself. But beware! There is a time limit. An hourglass hangs overhead and seems to follow you from place to place, indicating that you have one hour to see the world as you knew it before you'll return to Recollé Square. You can't return back after the bauble has been activated, but the ornament is yours for the taking.

There truly is no place like home, is there?

IV.
Surely that's all there is to discover in the city this month, isn't it? No, of course not. Why would it be? Despite the snow globes and the tree that can be seen from anywhere in the city, it's hard to miss the new fixtures that have grounded themselves to the sidewalk of all six districts. Standing proudly, you'll see new snowflake statues glowing that same, soft blue color and lit up in the most magical way. These statues can't be moved nor can they be destroyed and it becomes obvious they're growing straight up from the ground.

A little inconvenient, but not terribly so. The problem, of course, is that the snowflakes are on a timer. Those who are caught in the crossfire, those who touch the statue themselves, or even those who fall victim to one of Jack Frost's pranks will see the statue turn green after a short 30 seconds before they're teleported with a sound like the crack of a whip, disappearing from their space in Recollé and falling straight through a dark portal below. The fall feels like a lifetime, but the landing's nice and soft as you hit a pile of snow somewhere between the city and the region of Magatus. A large, crystalized dome shines in the distance and as you wander closer the snowcapped mountains flank and pop up around you to close in and encourage you onward. As you continue on your path, you may be comforted to know you aren't the only one who's been pulled to this arena.

The sound of the crowd around you draws your attention as you spot several winter creatures such as polar bears wrapped up in scarves, penguins with winter hats, arctic foxes with little snow booties, and, you know, several yetis who are just happy to be here. These creatures will cheer you on and persuade you to enter the winter games held inside the arena. These games include activities such as toboggan races, snowboarding, ice skating, skiing, and more, and the creatures don't have a preference. They enjoy all of these games and will cheer regardless.

Then again, it seems that they won't let you leave until you participate in at least one sport. What's the harm? So what if you've never done this before? Now's your chance to try something new and wow the crowd with your skills!

Who will win? Well. That depends on who you're competing against, doesn't it? Whether it's a foe or a friend, the crowd's ready for some action. Don't disappoint them, now. Find a partner and compete against them. Winners will take home a beautiful trophy...and a bucket of fish courtesy of the animals. With the winners determined and the prizes distributed, it's a race downhill that'll take you home and slide back down into the city of Recollé.

You're always welcome back, of course! But maybe one game was more than enough for you.

BONUS.
It's quiet at first. You think you you're imagining the pitter-patter of steps in the evening as you go about your business. Even further, you think you're imagining the whispers that follow you wherever you go. But when the moon's out and you're settled for the evening, you'll soon find yourself approached by a small myth-like figure. With a clipboard in hand, this elf will scroll down to your name and peer at you inquisitively, not even bothered that you might not be alone. As they look at you and then at their notes, their expression appears...disappointed, actually, as they shake their head.

"Oh no, oh no. You've been very bad this year, haven't you?"

Whether you agree with this elf or argue again its claims, they will disapprove of your claims and provide you with a deadline. You have twelve whole days (December 5th to December 17th) to clear your name and prove that you've been good this year, or Santa will give them permission to punish naughty citizens. What does it mean to be good? It can be anything from performing a kind deed for someone in the next twelve days, or being on your best behavior, or even rescuing someone from a snowdrift. The elves will take all of these into consideration...but every evening there's a reminder of your ever-approaching deadline.
Good luck.

NOTES.
Welcome to

recolle's December event!

Following the game's new format, this is the first event log! The second log will go up on 12/17!

Characters will be able to explore the city, areas such as Jabberwock Island, Rainbowland (de-Retrospec'd), and Wall Maria, and the four regions (Pesgare, Respatrum, Bosuma, Magatus.) The four regions currently match the descriptions on the locations page.

You can claim two freebies on this log!
-Players may claim one freebie for engaging with a snowglobe or an ornament on the large tree (please do not claim freebies for both!) This thread must be at least 5 comments from you.
-Players may claim one freebie participating in the winter games in competition with someone. The winner does not matter as both participants may submit the thread. This thread must be at least 5 comments from you.

-Please note, you do not have to use the pranks we mentioned in the log! If you'd like your character to be targeted by Jack Frost, you are free to make up pranks in a similar vein.

-As the bonus is bonus, you do not have to engage with the elf! However, if you would like to see what happens if your character is naughty or nice, please fill out the comment and reply here! Effects for these choices will go live with the second event log.

Finally, any questions you have regarding this event may be directed to the mod comment here. Be sure to review the mods' question thread on the plotting post for additional information as well!

( coding by fleeting )

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I:

[Sakura, for her part, is mostly enjoying having some semblance of normalcy in getting somewhat prepared, heading out and about in buying her presents and such. She's bundled up against the chill but that doesn't stop a seemingly stray wind blowing up her layers of clothes against her back, or the snowball that hits her square between the shoulder blades. She shivers, turning and figuring it was probably just some kids playing nearby. ]

Huh?

[...And then. Oh. Oh no. She knows that chirping.....the mistlebats again.]

H-hoeeeeee? Not again?!

[This is what she gets for being....well. Her naturally cheerful and optimistic self, enjoying the festivities.]

II:

[Of course, initially, Sakura is curious right off of the bat. Probably assuming when she wakes up to find a snow globe that Fai or Iwai found it and left it for her as a present or something.

Her own snowglobe, when she shakes it, shows her with her brother and father. It probably would also show her mother, if Sakura herself could really recall her. It's a simple scene, of the three of them preparing a meal and then eating it, her father guiding them and playing peacemaker as Touya teases her about something and has her pouting at him. That they were together and happy.

She blinks, trying to glance up to attempt to avoid the prickling of tears falling that she can feel. It's only once she glances down next to her that she notices the present. She opens it to find the cookies, noting the logo as she tilts her head. She might be a little wary, with the app being involved, but perhaps if she tries one and the cookies seem fine, she can share them out. She does so, giving out cookies shaped like a teddy bear's head.]

III:

[Sakura might not be the tallest, but that doesn't stop her offering to help decorate the tree, to help try untangle strings of lights and such. When she heads to the tree, she notices the ornament and reaches for it.

She doesn't realize what it does. That it would send her to Tomoeda, Japan. Chances are it probably sends her either to her home there, or the park with the Penguin slide. At least, initially.]

[There was never not a time when Xiaolang didn't want to go out and spend time with Sakura, and after their conversation on the Retrospec post, he was more determined than ever to help her holidays be a little more happier. She mentioned shopping for gifts as one of the Christmas traditions she enjoyed, so framing a date around that seemed to be a no-brainer. They could hang out together, help one another find presents for their families... and Xiaolang could probably figure out something for her as well judging by her reactions to things. Plus, he was always happy to hold her bags if she needed it, too.

In a way, it was vastly different to how they spent their time together last year, and he can't help but quietly reminisce as they make their way from one of the other stores. Last year, he had wanted so badly to spend more time with her, to do things together with her, for reasons he couldn't fully acknowledge or admit. But now... it was amazing how much happier he was, once he embraced how he was feeling, and took the risk to share it with her as well. Their year had plenty of highs and lows, but being able to give her his love, and somehow receive her love in return, was the best thing to have come out of all of it.

He's so lost in his warm musings that he hardly notices the snowball that smacks into his back until it's too late, and it's not until another slaps against Sakura that he whirls angrily towards to the source, eyes blazing indignantly. He'd give a pass for getting hit himself, but when it involved Sakura, that was inexcusable.]

Hey--!

[But that sound of chirping draws his attention back, and he pales-- he recognizes that noise too, and it's one he dreads all too much.]

... oh no.

[This wasn't something he wanted as a constant between his holidays, thank you very much!!]

[Initially, she assumes it's just some kids playing or something, throwing the snowballs around. Or, well. Younger kids, given she and Xiaolang were still in school themselves and all, still considered kids by most. She's not angry about the snowballs, just more surprised in it not being expected, the chill and force of it, at least. The dampness now at her back.

She is about to try tell Xiaolang it was alright, before they hear that chirp. The bats again. Her eyes widen as she glances around, trying to spot it so they could maybe flee in time.

Not that she was against being affectionate with Xiaolang, especially now they were together, but still. It's not nice to force that sort of thing.]

I thought it might be just last year? But they're back again.

[Little kids or not, it didn't excuse them from throwing something that hard at her, especially if she was a stranger. He has half a mind to take off his own coat, to lend it to her to drive away some of that chill (despite being struck with one of the snowballs himself, but his jacket was fairly thick), but... well. The reappearance of the mistlebats sort of rearranged their priorities a bit.

His eyes dart towards her, noting her panicked expression, before shifting his gaze above to spot those damned bats above, a bitten off curse nearly leaving his lips. Unlike the year before, he had fewer reservations about kissing Sakura, but... he didn't want to do it like this.]

I knew the people on the network would go and jinx it! What's the use of Retrospec doing overtime if they can't control stuff like this...?!

[But a flutter of green and white emerges in the corner of his vision, flapping it's way towards them, and his stomach drops. Realistically, he knew fleeing from it wasn't an option-- last year had taught them that much. But darn it, they were going to try anyway!! Without missing a beat, he grabs onto Sakura's hand, beginning to tug them in the opposite direction.]

Come on! Before it tries to catch up with us!

Jinx? But -- ah!

[Of course, trying to escape being forced to kiss takes priority. Not that it worked last time, but that didn't mean they might not be lucky this time? Maybe. Hopefully. It's more the idea of it being forced than the idea of actually kissing Xiaolang making her uncomfortable about it. Having that as their first kiss was...well. Not necessarily the ideal situation and setting for it, to say the least, last year and all. Let alone a repeat of it now. So she lets him take her hand and lets him lead the way, her legs moving and running to keep up with him.]

[He's mindful of their speed as they make their escape, adjusting his pace to hers even as they run so she wouldn't be dragged behind. Of course, with how athletic Sakura is, she could no doubt keep up with him with no sweat, but that's beside the point.]

Someone was talking about it-- how they wondered if these things were coming back...!

[And, on cue, the mistlebat's chirp interrupts him, starting up it's obnoxious tune as it dutifully flaps after the two. Letting out a small 'tsk', he glimpses over his shoulder at it, hand tightening around Sakura's as he does so. Neither of them should be pressured to do something like that with one another, especially not with an audience (albeit a bat-shaped, plant-y audience, but still).

Of course, this year he was a little more prepared! Whipping out his lightning talisman from his pocket with his free hand, he chucks it towards the bat, hoping his aim was true.]

THUNDER!

[Maybe it'd paralyze it? Slow it down? WHO KNEW]

Oh. I guess I missed that.

[She isn't sure if that's a good thing or not. To be somewhat possibly warned of this sort of thing. Either way, that doesn't help their current situation, but she does her best to keep up with him anyway. She matches his pace fairly well, even if she is initially being pulled along a bit in him taking the lead in trying to help her escape.

She glances behind, to check when he uses his talisman to see if it had been successful. Maybe it at least slows the thing down a little? Possibly not necessarily enough to stop it entirely, but. Some help in making their progress in escaping it.]

[His eyes stay trained on the talisman, praying that it would hit-- and it does, smacking into the creature at full force. It lets out a little screech as the charge courses through it, seizing it in place, and for a moment it seems like it's enough to get it off their tail. But maybe the magic of Christmas is just too strong, or Jack Frost is just that vengeful, that the mistlebat not only shakes off the attack, but it speeds up, zipping after them at a faster clip. It seems coursing with new energy (almost literally), it's wings flapping at double the pace to follow it's intended targets.

Xiaolang, of course, can't help but baulk, horrified by what the results have brought.]

It didn't work--?!

[Well, this just means they had to run even faster now, although Xiaolang was hesitant to do so with Sakura in tow. They had to escape, but he didn't want to wind up accidentally hurting her, even if she was keeping up with his pace at the moment. It's a mad dash to find his wind talisman in his pocket, hoping that maybe THAT could be the solution instead.]

It -- sort of?

[It sort of worked? Just probably. Not as effectively as Xiaolang might have hoped. Unfortunately. Still, Sakura is managing to keep up, so far. Even if she does go wide-eyed when the mistlebat speeds up, giving a 'hoeeeeee?!' of surprise at how fast it is suddenly. It almost makes her trip, if not for him holding one of her hands and supporting her, let alone when he pulls out another talisman of his.

It's times like these she wishes she had her magic. Her staff, her cards.]

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i because I'm shipping garbage

Kiss The Girl is clearly Their Song.

/CLEARLY/

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