synflux | [Open] Christmas Party

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[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

[Now, the first couple of times, sure. Sure, it was fun! And exciting, or at least interesting. And then Sylvain managed to avoid a couple of close calls - he's a trained soldier and fought for his life for many years at this point. He can avoid awkward situations.

But, high off of the confidence of managing to swerve around having to dip someone unfortunate and make out with them, Sylvain makes a left instead of a right, thonks into someone, looks up, and sighs.

He just sighs.

...but it's not Taryon's fault, so-]

So, how's your night been? [Sylvain's challenging his fate because Taryon deserves better than a deeply pragmatic kiss and it's not like he's gotta run and pee or anything, so...

No rush.]

I thought I saw some of our coworkers about to fight outside but nothing came of it.

[This is so stupid.]

Talk about missing the holiday spirit. [And he's learning about Christmas via osmosis, what is this.]

Good. [It's not a lie. The night has been fun. He's had good food, made some friends.] Apart from hitting my head, I mean. On the whole, the festivities are fine.

[And, well. He could be trapped with worse people. At least Sylvain isn't jumping straight to making out.]

Wait, really? Were they drunk? Was there a row about out missions?

[Folding his arms, he angles his body in a conspiratorial manner. There's something interesting going on out there.]

[He shifts to the other side of the magical forcefield, puts his hand on it to make sure he knows it's there- and then Sylvain leans back on it like it's a brick wall and they're two guys hanging out which...

They are, they're just hanging out under mistletoe and there's a magical forcefield involved. What. It's not like Sylvain's in a hurry to run away from Taryon. He's a good guy.]

Drunk? Probably. I've had a few, and some people had a few more. I heard something about breaking things - something about a door, but then a few minutes later they hugged it out and walked off together.

[It's a reasonable response to an unusual situation. It's better than immediately pushing Taryon into making out — which is what most of the stories he's read about mistletoe end up being about. Although something must be done eventually, and Taryon has no clue how to bring that up politely.

Speaking as if they were having a normal conversation after running into each other at a party? That, he can manage.]

Oh. All's well that ends well, I say! Hopefully nothing important was broken. [He is silent as he thinks of anything of note from his end.] I saw a man hand out raw fish by the tables.

[He's thinking of Godzilla, whose human form he hasn't connected to fhe giant lizard.]

Really. Can you imagine? [He's miming carrying a fish.] I got you a trout. [Sylvain says this like he actually got Taryon a trout and it's a very thoughtful gift.

And he releases his hands and the two of them can imagine a fat trout landing on the ground with a splat and gently decomposing as the two of them watch it.] You're welcome.

[Normal voice again.] I didn't get anyone gifts but I figure it's fine. I'd be shocked if I was given anything and I can make it up to them in the middle of the year.

[Even if the trout was imaginary, Taryon steps back as if to avoid getting any odorous fish oil onto his shined shoes.]

Note for myself: do not go near the Christmas Fishmonger unless I am covered in protective clothing.

[He writes that note on his note app installed in his implant, but he's used to speaking out loud and having his automaton inscribe it on paper.]

About that — [He reaches into a pocket inside his suit and pulls out a small metal tree.] I made one for everyone here.

[He holds it out towards for Sylvain.]

Here's your first gift of the party.

[Now, see, the cold, suspicious part of Sylvain (which is a huge chunk of him, really, for all that he tries to present a friendly front) is trying to point out things like how it doesn't mean much and clearly this guy made them for everyone (Taryon just said as much) and he shouldn't read too much into it.

The rest of him is too busy feeling incredibly fucking touched, holy shit, to listen to the suspicious bastard parts of him and Sylvain takes the tree with a small smile.]

You made this? [The only thing Sylvain can make with his own hands is trouble.] You're really good- you're good at a lot of things, you know that? [Sure, Taryon might have new technology available here in the future, and maybe he's using something like that, but a potter doesn't somehow become less impressive because they use fancy glazes, and skill's skill.]

[Taryon nods. It felt rude to turn up empty-handed, especially when he had to reforge his old connections, so part of him felt obligated to bring gifts. Another part wants to believe anyone would appreciate a small token and become immediately enamored with him.

Just like now, with Sylvain praising him for his engineering prowess. He grins and drops the present into his hand.]

Well, you've seen what I can do in a fight. This is what I do in peacetime. I do some tinkering for pay back home where magic wares are appreciated. Oh, by the way, if you grip it for a few seconds, it'll activate the knight spell and glow for an hour.

[And now here he is, the cad instead, thinking, "Oh, it's not like I'm gonna get anything. I'm keeping a careful friendly distance, still friendly, but with enough of a distance that surely no one would go 'oh I should get the knightly slut a gift.' It'll be safe."

And now here he is, feeling bad, and once Vash's present hits on the 25th, he'll be wrecked. But that is later, and this thread takes place sooner, so the wreckening is beginning.

Anyway, Sylvain obligingly squeezes it and it glows. Glow sticks are new to him too.]

You have no idea how much I would've paid for something like this back home.

A couple dozen gold, depending on the complexity of the construction. Unless th artificer overcharged or...

[Hm. Taryon holds a finger to his chin.]

I might be assuming too much by thinking you have this magic back home, am I? [It must be even more special than Taryon imagined it would be for Sylvain.] But I'm happy that my work is appreciated. It's the least I could offer on such a short notice.

The Church. [Sylvain says it as a matter of fact, like everyone should know about The Church - he says it like the capital letters can be heard - before he remembers that he's in a strange world, with strange people, standing under a strange plant, in a strange party, and-

It's tempting to deflect, and he's tempted to, but it's hard to deflect after saying The Church because they're like five inches into the pool of water, so to speak, and it's hard to pretend like their feet aren't getting wet at this point.]

Local church. [Now he's saying it with lowercase letters.] Lots of prohibitions on things like, well. This. [He waggles the tree in his hand.] So even if a guy like you came up with something like this where I'm from, I'm not sure he'd be able to make them, much less mass produce them, much less get them to the people who could really benefit from it.

We've got magic, we've got people who can do all sorts of things, but the longer I'm- [He waves his hand, indicating Neo Tokyo in general.] -here, the more I'm realizing how much stuff we could do with the tools we already have that we're not. Depressing, isn't it?

[Just one church? Then Sylvain clarifies, and Taryon thinks of a powerful temple where Sylvain lives dedicated to a specific god who try to force the local populace to follow their teachings.

There can't be only one church in the land, right?]

What exactly don't they like about it? Is it the type of magic? The frivolity? I mean, the latter is pretty sad, but I heard some of the really religious places back home don't trust arcane spells.

Which is what I used to make that.

No clue.

[Arcane spells...interesting wording. If he knew more about reason magic he could ask questions, and, not for the first time, Sylvain had some regrets about his life and his choices.]

Honestly, seeing what could be, if I had to guess I'd say they just really hate change? Don't ask me why. There's a whole lot of banned items you can't ship into the country.

Like what? Don't tell me they ban wine or books or...or the basic luxuries. That sounds economically unfeasible.

[His family was in business, this sounds like a lot like bad business.]

[And now here Sylvain is, making a noise which is supposed to be a thoughtful noise but is actually him stalling for time because it's not as if he hadn't wondered about these things before. He had. But he also can't do anything about it anymore can he? He didn't deserve to unpack more unfortunate implications, but here he is, finding some unfortunate implications to unpack with Taryon as his audience.]

More like...anything that came from outside of the continent I'm from?

[To put it simply.]

Anything more significant than wine or a type of fruit, pretty much. Plays, songs, clever devices made by men from lands I'd never see. [He waggles the tree in his hand.] Like we're trapped inside of a glass bubble that was never meant to be smashed, now I think about it. Dunno why. [And, now he's really picking it apart and comparing and contrasting it to Neo Tokyo and simple things like a tree that can glow, gosh, Sylvain really doesn't like the implications.]

[Trapped as in a force field and completely isolated from the rest of the world.]

My father was rather strict in what he allowed in the house. Of what was acceptable to do and how to...just be a person. [He clutches his hands together as he thinks back to his childhood to figure out just how messed up isolating an entire continent would be.] I remember how afraid I was to sneak anything into my room. And it was all so he could control us.

An entire landmass....I find it hard to imagine. I guess they don't allow much worship of other gods?

Nope. [He puts an emphasis on the p so it pops a little.] The best way I can put it is that it's not absolutely...prohibited so much as strongly discouraged. My nation's reliant on the church, or-

[...] Was. [Moving on.] But the new Emperor hates the church so I'm sure things'll change sooner rather than later.

[...it has to. It has to, otherwise, what was the point of everything? But Taryon isn't someone who needs to deal with that, so there's just an awkward moment in which it seems like Sylvain's going to say more, then, doesn't.]

I hope so, too.

[It may not be that simple. Every Emperor has their whims. Major changes are tumultuous and leave everyone vulnerable.]

Some emperors can be decent. If they hate the church and still got powerful, there must be a chance for things to get better.

[He makes a noise and...

...promptly changes the subject because-]

Listen to me, I'm boring you by talking your ear off about the politics of a place you'll never visit. [Moving right along.] Weirdest thing you ever made?

Huh? Oh. Right. This is a normal person party, haha.

[No need to get into political plotting and discussion when there are no rich people around.]

Weirdest? I guess it's the beard trimmer requested by one of my half-eld friends. Which shouldn't be weird, but his chin is naturally clean-shaven. I don't know how much use he'll get from it...

[It could have been a tool for pranks, what what do you know about rogues?]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Open] Christmas Party

apparently this is just gonna be kissing

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okay if you want a Jan fresh start don't tag back lmk but also I can keep this up now I'm free

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