synflux | [Open] Christmas Party

WHO: Everyone!
WHAT: A Christmas Party is held for all the outsiders! Everyone in the game is invited, even if they don't know the party's organizers. It's meant to be a cute and fun mingle log for all to participate in.
WHERE: The Ruby Room event hall
WHEN: 25th December
WARNINGS: Kissing and mean elves
CREDITS: Ly wrote the first and fourth prompts, as well as influenced the fifth prompt. Mods gave their permission for the mistletoe and gift-giving effect. Code taken from

lucavi

In the weeks leading to Christmas, each and every outsiders shall receive an invitation to a party organized by Ereshkigal and Elysium. Yes, even those who have been naughty and not very nice. After all, it is not too late for their wretched little hearts to grow three sizes! The invitation promises a good time filled with cheer, merriness and good food. It is recommended to come dressed in a festive yet comfy manner, but there are no strict dress code being enforced here.

As for where to go, veterans may find themselves familiar with the place: the Ruby Room, the event hall where Callisto held his gala back in September! But on the day this party is being held, the hall looks like a totally different place. It feels warm, yet the walls look as though they're made of ice. Looking up, it is like it's snowing, yet no actual snow can be seen hitting the ground. Decorations hang on every icy walls, tall Christmas trees reaching up to the ceiling. While the icy walls and snow are digital, the decorations are all real! Ishmael helped putting them all up, hopefully her arms don't hurt too much...

There are tables lined by the walls, a space to dance and at the feet of the largest Christmas Tree fake gifts can be found! Opening them will reveal a disappointment in the form of coal: how dare you ruin the decoration! But fear not, for real gifts may be on their way...

I/ Tis The Season Of Giving

The invitation comes with a suggestion: to bring gifts for your fellow outsiders. But this recommendation doesn't come solely from the party's hosts. Christmas is considered the season of giving for a reason, and LILITH, ever the champion of teambuilding, sees no excuse for Outsiders to shirk the seasonal spirit!

And so this year, the festivities come with a twist: a nudge from LILITH to embrace the season by buying or crafting gifts for their fellow Outsiders. Participation is encouraged—who wouldn't want to join in when it feels so uniquely rewarding to do so? The satisfaction of giving seems oddly amplified, almost as if the universe itself approves when the gift is delivered directly or placed under the communal tree.

However, opting out of the spirit of Christmas might come with its own peculiar consequences, such as their implant glitching or the subtle hum of disapproval in the air. Whether they choose to test the boundaries or not, the effect will only ever be mildly annoying at most and easily ignorable otherwise.

II/ Tis The Time To Party

But this is far from being the only way in which LILITH decided to participate for the festivities. Indeed, LILITH paid for a woman named Mariah Carey to be awakened from her cryosleep. And here she is now, putting up a private concert for the outsiders. Her classic All I Want For Christmas Is You is the star of the party, but she will sing multiple other songs throughout the event. She can also take requests from outsiders for particular songs they'd like to hear!

You can even ask her to sign autographs and pose for pictures, but she will not answer any question. Why, asking her something will cause her to put on her sunglasses and walk away.

So why not dance to the tune instead of pestering her? There is enough space in the center of the room for that, and the ambiance is perfect for festive and romantic dances! Of course, if you don't have the courage for that, you may be tempted by a glass of champagne or two. Or three. There are plenty of bottles and glasses lined up on the tables, along with Christmas chocolates and sweets. Legend says drinking a lot of it will make even the shiest of people into party animals!

III/ Tis The Chance To Kiss

Are you talking with a fellow outsiders? Or did you just accidentally cross path with someone even though you're desperately trying to avoid people? Too late! With no warning, mistletoe appears above your head! What would Christmas be without mistletoe? Sad, to be sure. What's even sadder are the people who try to avoid it because they think they're above such cute things. That's why this party's mistletoes are special. They are nowhere to be seen, until they appear right above you like by magic.

But that's not all! Those are special mistletoes that generate an energy field around their targets and will keep them trapped until they do what the mistletoe demands: kiss! The energy field takes the form of digital little snowflakes and hearts floating around the pair trapped under the mistletoe. How romantic, and it shields the trapped pair from indiscreet eyes (or does it)! Try as they might, outsiders will be unable to break free through any means other than kissing.

Of course, a kiss on the cheek is supposed to be more than enough... And the energy field is supposed to break if the two people under it display negative emotions... But alas! There is a glitch in the system and the energy field will not break until a kiss is given! And sometimes, a kiss on the cheek will just not be enough. Proper smooches may be required to fulfill the all-seeing mistletoe demands. What the mistletoe demands is up to the players' discretion.

Oh and don't think that just because you've been trapped once, it won't happen again. The mistletoe is still out there. It'll find you, that's what it does. It can't be bargained with. It can't be reasoned with. It doesn't feel pity, or remorse, or fear. And it will absolutely will not stop... ever, until you have smooched as many people as possible.

IV/ Tis The Moment To Eat

Tucked off to the side of the communal room, an impressive bronze cauldron quietly commands attention. Standing 60cm tall from the base to rim, it rests on bird talons, claws curling delicately around the cauldron's base. On each side is a different raised symbol, acting as the artist's "signature": a flame, a sun, and a star, all remarkably well made in contrast to two of the panels they lay on. Bright tinsel drapes across its surface, adding a cheerful, festive contrast to the dark, burnished metal.

No one tends to it, and no fire burns beneath, yet the cauldron radiates a steady warmth, sustained by the simple decorative runes encircling its surface.

The cauldron's contents are as hearty as they are nostalgic, a testament to the collective efforts of several Outsiders who answered the call to contribute to a community stew. Crafted with ingredients mostly procured during their recent adventure in Transylvania, the stew is a rich medley of real meats and vegetables, its savory aroma wafting through the room like an unspoken invitation. At the front, a small, ornate nozzle provides an effortless way to serve up portions, beckoning passersby to indulge.

Those who do might notice an almost imperceptible shift within themselves. A quiet surge of vitality, wounds knitting together faster than expected, or an unusual lightness in tired limbs—all thanks to a permanent enhancement infused into the cauldron itself. As unassuming as it sits, it offers more than just a meal; it gifts strength, warmth, and is a perhaps a subtle reminder of the Outsiders' shared bonds.

If any Kaiju parts have found their way into the mix… well, what the Outsiders don't know won't hurt them. Probably.

V/ Tis The Day To... S-Sit on Santa's Lap????

Ho ho ho! There is a Santa Claus photo booth! Outsiders are expected to come sit on Santa's lap, tell him what they want for Christmas and smile for the photo before leaving. But unfortunately... The actor playing Santa is sick and couldn't come! Thankfully, the actors playing the elves have an alternative: picking an outsider to play Santa! The photo is taken with a Polaroid, both Santa and the one sitting on his or her lap will get a copy immediately.

1. You're Santa Claus! The elves approached you and asked you to put on the suit, fake beard and hat. The costume is pretty cheap, but you don't have to put the costume on correctly. Just do your best and other outsiders will sit on your lap, telling you everything they want for Christmas before taking a photo with you! Are you going to be a happy, merry Santa? Or a grumpy Grinch who will make this the worst Christmas ever?

Of course, it is possible to say no, but the elves won't have any of it. First, they'll just ask nicely. Then they'll insist, going for the emotional route by saying how disappointed everyone will be if there is no one playing the role of Santa. The more you say no, the more into guilt tripping territory things go. And if you keep saying no even after such heartfelt pleas... Why, the elves will claim they know where you live! It would be so unfortunate if an accident happened to you in the near future. Or if your secret conversations were to be leaked for everyone to hear. Is this blackmail?!

After that, they're done playing nice. They'll kick you in the knees, force the Santa costume on you and drag you to Santa's throne. They're surprisingly strong for elves! Who knew Christmas could be so violent? Still, they won't have any qualms with you being a good or horrible Santa, so long as you have the coat on and listens to the people who come sitting on your lap. What extent the elves must go to is up to players' discretion.

2. What's that you're seeing? An outsider is dressed as Santa Claus? And the elves are forcing you to sit on this Santa's lap... They're gently pushing you his way, but they're numerous and surprisingly strong: no matter how you slice it, there is no escaping this.

You are now expected to say what it is you want for Christmas before smiling for the picture! It may seem like it's embarrassing right now, but please consider the one playing the role of Santa is probably even more embarrassed.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Most people would probably try to rest that bone but Godzilla? Nope. He goes right ahead and rotates the arm in question, completely oblivious to the extent of Taryon's concern. Satisfied with how it feels he proceeds to flash a thumbs up and a grin. ]

Indeed! Not even a wound of the flesh, as they say. However I would advise against repeating my attempt.

I will keep that in mind.

[He likes his shoulder, and he's like to not be in incredible pain tonight.]

How do we get out? It's a kiss, right? Or am I misremembering after hearing all those romantic songs?

That is indeed the custom, as my understanding goes.

[ Which has Godzilla looking up thoughtfully. He's not really bothered by this whole situation? Just kind of academically confused. ]

One wonders to its origins. The plant used must use other, larger plants to survive, and is itself toxic to your kind. The link between it and physical displays of fondness are... nebulous? Yes, that seems a good word.

Because love feels like a poison? A god is associated with this plant? There are a multitude of reasons for any tradition.

[The metaphors he can come up with based on Godzilla's observations are...not very flattering towards romance.]

I'll just have to research it on this implant. It's surprisingly useful, I've found.

[ Not only are those observations not flattering, they kind of cut into some Issues the big guy has been dealing with as of late. So uh, good job there. ]

Love having the feeling of a poison? Hmm.

[ He crosses his arms and considers it. The pilots Yzak and Dearka seem constantly troubled by their partnership, their pack leader Lacus has gone through two mates. The fiery hunter Ishmael has had to lay her own partner to rest, surely alongside part of her heart

And then his own situation. The absence of Mothra, the feelings he's grappled with that could never possibly be returned. The sting he sometimes feels, the burn in his blood that's an unpleasant simmer rather than the blazing fire of battle or rage... ]

"Love dwells not in our will," as Byron wrote. There is little hope to ensure it is not poisoned in nature, one supposes.

[ So. Now he's bothered. He lets out a grumpy sigh, smoke bellowing from his nostrils. ]

Not...all the time. [Taryon regrets talking so poorly of romance around Godzilla. This may spoil the party.] It's more like...do you like spicy food? It's like when you find enjoyment in painful things, but the relief afterwards makes it better?

No, wait. That doesn't sound right. [Did he make it sound dirty? Probably, when he thinks about it. Better to stick to poetry. Godzilla apparently lovws literature.]

Lovesickness! [He snaps his fingers.] You feel awful until you confess your undying love, and that cures you! That must be why it's tradition to kiss in order to escape the mistletoe. Clever.

[Nodding to himself, satisfied at his explanation, he turns to Godzilla.] I didn't know you were a reader.

[ If Taryon did indeed make things sound dirty it went entirely over Godzilla's head. He is a pure, innocent being. Mostly. ]

Confession cures the feeling...? Bah, if such was true it would not be written of so oft. [ He shakes his head and lets out another snort, half amused half annoyed. ] Yet the sentiment is of the idealistic type many are inclined to. Perhaps you may be upon the path of the truth of it.

[ He shrugs and gratefully takes the change in topic. Things are getting dangerously close to introspection here. ]

Indeed. I have gained fondness for the written arts of this world. Poetry, philosophy, experimentation of thought. It is perhaps the best use your kind has put their invention of writing towards.

I mean... [His eyes drift to the side. He doesn't have many happy examples to counter Godzilla. His parents were trapped in a toxic relationship. His first relationship was forcibly ended. One of his friends died and left his girlfriend with sadness in her heart. So, there's Perical and Vex to be the sole exception.

But Taryon is one of the idealists that believe in the magic of the healing mistletoe. He knows, in his heart, that a good confession erases any emotional illness.]

People like writing about dramatic stories, not guide books. Trust me. There are plenty of stories with things working out. I've read plenty.

[Unfortunately his favorite examples are back on Exandria...]

Really? You read all that? What about fiction? Any genre in particular? [Taryon waits, wide-eyed, for a hint that Godzilla may be a new reading partner. If there's one thing he misses, it's someone to have lengthy discussions on texts with.]

Hmm.

[ Maybe Taryon's right. The world of origin holds Godzilla and Mothra as prime examples of things working out, perhaps Godzilla's just been over thinking things? That's actually a comforting thought!

Anywhom, onto books. ]

I must confess, I do not yet hold a genre of preference in regards to fiction. War and Peace was... a challenge. Though the writings of Christie have proven an amusing change of pace. The effort humans will go to to end one another and then hide it is quite humorous.

[ He uh. Chuckles at that. Chuckles and shakes his head. Godzilla thinks murder mysteries are funny. Amazing. ]

I...have not read that one yet. It's because I'm not from Earth, not because I was intimidated by that book.

[Heaven forbid that someone thinks he won't back down from a difficult book.]

What's that about? A dark comedy about a gang of criminals?

[ Luckily for Taryon, Godzilla still takes everything at face value so he has no follow ups on that topic! It's a thick book in a very niche topic, he's certain someone from a world like Taryon would find several other writings of far more interest to begin with. ]

Ah. The author Christie has varied works, however her primary muse is that focused upon a Detective Poirot. One whom finds the reasoning behind humans slaying one another. It is all quite ridiculous.

[ A laugh and a rueful grin. ]

Take for example the slaying aboard the steamed engine. Why would the slayer not simply kill the rest of the humans rather than let themselves be discovered? [ Another laugh and a shake of his head... yeah humans sure are funny. ] Your kind oft miss simple solutions, even in fiction. It is a thing of charm, one supposes.

But...

[His eyes drift downward.] A violent comedy is one thing, but while Taryon isnt too familiar with the mystery genre, he suspects these sort of stories are better when they center on the crimnals.]

Isn't that what a detective would do? Figure out who the murderer is? I'm not sure why that's ripe for humor.

[Now he must find a copy of The Adventures of Poirot and see for himself.]

Unless the writing is actually that excellent.

[Open] Christmas Party

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