Event: Holiday Plots!

[ten_fwd_mods]

It's that very special time of year in space. A time filled with friendship, good cheer, and ... suckling pigs? Wait.

WHAT: A Very Special Holiday Episode Plot
WHEN: December 17th – the first week of January
WHO: Opt-in/Opt-out for the whole ship!
WHERE: Both on the Enterprise and docking planetside
WHY: Profit! Why not!

Did you think Q got his fill of mischief during Halloween? Sorry to break it to you, but no. Strangely, not everyone found his attempts to "boost morale" with super-powered candies and ridiculous costumes enjoyable, so he's ready to give it another shot. Q will be causing some holiday-themed madness on the Enterprise — meanwhile, having discussed it with his crew, Captain Picard will be bringing the ship to Risa, a pleasure planet located about 90 lightyears from Earth, in his own attempts to boost morale. The Enterprise will stay docked at Risa for several weeks, where characters can come and go as they please in exploring the friendly planet.

All holiday events will be opt-in/opt-out, and run more as a Choose-Your-Own-Adventure plot rather than anything quite as organized as our first game plot was. Players can therefore feel free to come and go as their holiday schedules allow, pick events that most interest them, or create their own adventures.

Events on the Enterprise:

>> Saturnalia: The holiday mischief will kick off on December 17th, the day the ancient Roman festival of Saturnalia was observed. Q, enchanted by the notion and, in the spirit of the old holiday, will make a few dozen suckling pigs appear on the Enterprise — and then sulk when none of them are sacrificed (you people just don't understand the spirit of the holiday!). The pigs will appear on every deck of the ship and in true form will be hard to catch, but someone has to do it. After all, no one wants to see what happens if a pig gets into Main Engineering. In addition to the porcine plague, Ten Forward will be getting a "carnival atmosphere" makeover in the spirit of the original holiday, and many of the tables will be set up for gambling of all sorts. Poker, blackjack, games of luck, games of skill — it's up to you!

>> Let it Snow: Freak snow flurries will begin shipwide, despite the ambient temperature of the room one's in. Some of these will be Q's doing, and some — one in particular, targeted at the Captain's Ready Room — will be courtesy of our very own Jack Frost. Unlike any regular snow flurry, the ones Jack creates fill those present with feelings of fun, happiness, and joy. Even the most soured captain may be seen smiling; how will the snow affect you? Jack's player, Arc, is available to plot with on plurk and in the comments below!

>> Nooow Kiss!: You guessed it: mistletoe. But is this just any mistletoe? Oh, no. Those unlucky enough to stand beneath it will feel absolutely compelled to kiss whomever they're with, regardless of whether or not they would normally do so. There will be sprigs hung throughout the ship, most notably at the entrance to Ten Forward, in the turbolifts, and on Deck 7 near guest quarters — but they will constantly be moving. One may sneak up on you when you're not looking, or if you'd rather avoid the mistletoe altogether perhaps you just happened to get lucky and pass at a time it wasn't there. Unlike Cupid's arrow, the enchantment will break once your characters have kissed, leaving them to process it afterward. Was it awkward? Was it enjoyable? Care to brawl? Care to take it somewhere more ... private? It's up to you!

>> Holodeck Malfunctions: Characters who use the holodecks any time between December 17th and December 31st may encounter one of two holiday-themed simulations. 1) Something naughty: no matter what your holodeck program started off as, it suddenly starts to turn into a dark, black forest. A terrible monster pursues you. You guessed it, Krampus has snuck into your holodeck program, convinced you have been very naughty and must be punished. 2) Something nice: no matter what your holodeck program started off as, it suddenly turns into a wintry landscape, bright and sparkling, with nothing but a few fir trees and a lamppost standing among the blanketing white. As you approach the lamppost, you see tracks in the snow that could have been made by a deer, or perhaps a faun. If you choose to follow those tracks, they will lead you to a warm, welcoming cabin, where your character's greatest holiday wish is waiting inside. This can be anything from the perfect present to the one person they want to see most; anything your heart secretly desires. Once the program malfunction begins your character will not be able to return to their original settings. Multiple characters can enter one simulation. All effects will end when the program ends: no more terrifying Krampus, no more holiday wish.

>> Secret Santa: It's so secret, we don't even know about it! :O The lovely Lauren, player of John Sheppard and more, is currently putting together a Secret Santa sign-ups post that will be available this week. It will feature something for both IC and OOC, with Sheppard heading up the IC exchanges. Keep an eye out for that!

Events Happening Planetside:

>> Docking at Risa: The Enterprise will be docking at Risa next Friday, December 19th, and it will remain there through the first week of January or longer. Characters will be able to transport down to the planet at their leisure, as the transporter rooms will be open to them for the duration of this event. They may transport to and from the planet as much as they choose during this time, but in order to return to the Enterprise they will need to rendezvous with a Starfleet officer who can hail the ship (this may all be handwaved, it's simply for your IC information!). Characters who were brought aboard this app period must be cleared from quarantine and have their Sickbay checks before they'll be allowed to leave the ship.

>> Go for a Holiday: Once on Risa, a wide variety of pleasurable activities will be available to your characters. We recommend perusing the Wiki article if you want as many details about the planet as possible. Risa is a tourist destination, much like Hawaii here on Earth. It's home to fantastic tropical resorts, beautiful beaches, subterranean gardens with luminescent plants, lagoons, hiking trails, caves and catacombs. It's known for being peaceful and welcoming (as well as for the frank and open sexuality of its native population), so your characters will be free to explore, sunbathe, rock climb, treat themselves to the full spa treatment, dine on fresh seafood, shop, or sight-see to their heart's content. It's fully encouraged to take the new setting and run with it.

>> Go for an Adventure: Did we mention caves and catacombs? Why yes, we did. Risa has a rich history and is no stranger to the occasional archaeologist (or captain with the odd hobby). But before we get into our mod-arranged plot, we want you to to choose your own adventure and run your own plots on Risa. We have heard some awesome ideas from all of you over the past few weeks, and there will be a section in the comments below to propose your plots and make them happen. Could be a dance-off at a local night club, or perhaps a race to see which is faster: traveling by wing, machine, or web-sling. Maybe your character is mugged or kidnapped and a rescue mission needs to be dispatched. Risa is a much bigger canvas to play with than the ship, so take advantage of the open space and terrain and go nuts.

>> Rescue a family: But wait, did we mention archaeology? Why yes, so we did. This month, a new character has apped into the game and is hoping there will be about six volunteers to run a small opening plot with her. The character's name is Ayesh, and she comes from the Ashes of the Sun book. There will be an official plot sign-up post with the details, background, and other minutia about Ayesh and her family, but the basic setup is as follows: we're looking for about six volunteers willing to explore the caves more toward the wilderness of Risa, and away from the big resorts. Located in one forgotten cave, hidden and obscured, are four large cocoons. The cocoons look like they could be big enough for an average human — and in fact they are. The volunteers should be prepared for a skirmish, for if they open one of these cocoons, they will be met with a very angry Ayesh, who will fight to protect the other three cocoons. Is your interest piqued? We will need at least one Starfleet officer (if no PCs volunteer an NPC will be provided), but the rest of the group is first come first served. The endgame is to bring Ayesh along with the three unopened cocoons back to the Enterprise, where they will be taken care of. We'll provide a link to the sign-up post here, as soon as the mun is ready with it.

IMPORTANT DATES:
>> Dec 16th: Secret Santa sign-ups.
>> Dec 17th: Saturnalia, all events related to the festival happen on this day.
>> Dec 19th: The Enterprise docks at Risa.
>> Dec 17th-31st: All holiday mischief (snow, mistletoe, holodeck malfunctions, etc) runs during this period.
>> More dates to be added as plots and sign-ups are posted

Comments

QUESTIONS

[ten_fwd_mods]

Any questions for us?

[general_chang]

Not exactly about the plot but may I direct you to this thread?

I mean, you're not going to pass up the opportunities to get Klingons crocheting, are you?

Re: QUESTIONS

[raavashing]

Can those chasing suckling pigs get into normally restricted areas while doing so? Like, one or two run through doors leading to engineering, etc?

[osirian_doctor]

OH MY GOD.

SATURNALIA.

BE STILL MY BEATING CLASSICIST HEART.

PLOT WITH PLAYERS

[ten_fwd_mods]

If you're looking for other players to jump in on a plot with you, post your idea in the subject line of your comment and tell us about it! Example:

Subject: Holodeck Malfunctions, Option 1 [Name of character]
Who would like to kick Krampus' ass in the holodecks with me?

Or perhaps:

Subject: Saturnalia, Guess I'm a Gambling Man
Let's get a card game going! I need at least four volunteers and some strapping men who don't mind losing their shirts in strip poker.


The idea is to have fun with it. ;)

Ship-side Shenanigans with Worf!

[alwaysnotwrong]

With his sudden timeline switcharoo (thanks Q!) Worf will be going through the usual quarantine etc. More than that, he refuses to even think about beaming down to Risa. It was... embarrassing.

Consider Worf Ship-bound for the month of December. Besides the usual CR meet-ups we've been planning, you can expect him to be doing several things this month:

Saturnalia Cleanup: Worf will be helping his security team tackle the various suckling pigs that have been let loose across the ship. Though easier than wrestling a horned Targ, he will appreciate any help he can get! (I am currently wrestling with the impulse to have Worf keep one. This is to him like if Q released dozens of puppies or kittens across the ship to most humans!)

Not a Tongo Sort of Man: Worf will shun most of the games that crop up, but if he happens to come across poker goings-on with other officers, he will most likely join in. Come try your guile against Worf's poker face. You will lose... but that should not stop you from trying.

SANTA BATTLES, via Holodeck: At some point Worf will be attempting to help end the Krampus simulation; if you need your character saved or if you wish to have a Klingon fight at your side against the terrifying minions of an ice king, this guy right here could be your best go-to!

(mistletoe horrors: I would not say no to any mistletoe mishaps. Worf bites. He would be mortified.)


As for the secret santas, I'm not sure how to get Worf involved in that ICly, but I would love to participate somehow! :D

[asklepian]

Julian will be available to help people call the Enterprise down on Risa, because he'll be down there most of the time. c: He likes Risa. (He could also be persuaded to go on the walkabout out in the wilderness, mostly to keep everyone else safe and because if they run into trouble they'd need him to call for transport, so if you need a Starfleet officer and no one else volunteers, mods, he'll go.)

Ziyal will split her time between the Enterprise and Risa. It'll be her first time seeing snow and it'll be enchanting~ But a little too cold for her preferences.

Seven is going to be a grump about everything and will be doing her best to go about business as usual. Definitely not going planetside. Please hit her in the face with a snowball, Jack.

Diaval will go down to Risa for a while because how can you people stand being inside all day. But he also likes snow, so he'll be happy to chill on the ship, too.

Planet-side Tourist Traps

[raavashing]

Wan is going to help out with the suckling pig wrangling, but he'll be mostly taking advantage of the plantside holiday. Especially all that earth under his feet and the sweet, sweet feel of at least two moons making his chi finally balance out again. He might make a stone angel, but he's definitely going to go cloudwalking (flying on a cloud) for a bit.

I'm very much open to having him join others on their touristy stops or have them join him on his. He's going to be wide eyed and doing all the things and probably come back with all the stupid souvenirs. keychains, spoons, thimbles, hats, shirts, whatever he can carry.

GENERAL SHENANIGANS. PUN? WHAT PUN?

[general_chang]

Chang will be quarantining and being grumpy about having Federation doctors poke at him and intimidating whoever his roommate will turn out to be. (If this roommate happens to be badass, then obviously, they'll be bros.)

After that: Chang will catch him some pigs. Or at least one, and try to slaughter and cook it. Again we're talking about unnerving people. Also pork. As far as the games go, I'll play that by ear.

Snow-wise, his cheeriness usually involves teasing and trolling folk. Possibly murder. He's a ray of sunshine is Chang.

Mistletoe: Chang's kisses are bitey. So beware of that.

You know Chang is going to want to take down Krampus, but also he might be in real danger of freezing to death in the nice version. I think the only reason I won't chose that is that I don't know what nice thing to give him. Possibly his panther K'Nera, but that seems a little harsh after I have him leave her behind him.

Secret Santa: TBD.

Risa and spying with TenSoon

[tensoon]

Now Risa's going to be a giant culture shock for TenSoon, as much of a culture shock as the Enterprise. He's from a red-sunned world where volcanic ash constantly rains from the sky onto brown-leaved plants and starving serfs. He's going to be very nonplussed by the lack of beggar corpses in the back alleys that he could have stolen and used to create a more discreet body for himself.

In short, he's going to be slinking about looking very uneasy until he hears about the weather control network, at which point he'll spring into full Spy mode and start seeking out info in the hopes he might find salvation for his dying planet.

Is anyone up for him milking them for info? He's got an incredibly steep learning curve as far as any sort of technology is concerned, but he's desperately eager to learn.

I'd like to get him involved in the Cave exploration plot! His species live in caves, so he's perfectly used to them, and he'd definitely try to ingratiate himself by offering to put his heightened senses to good use.

MISTLETOE??

[captgreatcoat]

Anyone want to come kiss Jack? He likes kissing people. :D

[a_quick_study]

Man the archaeology sounds fun. At least for Jonas :)

What is Holidays!

[whereishe]

Yuna would be happy to do something once someone explains this weird holiday to her! I'd Love more CR and I'm up for anything! I need to catch up some so I'm gonna tag around more! Let me know if there is anything you want to do. Yuna is very cheerful and sometimes thinks of really bad ideas and then chooses to do them anyway.

At some point I'd love for her to put on a concert!

[akito]

Akito swears he didn't put up any cursed mistletoe.

also will be wanting to check out archaeology mission +u+

[ten_fwd_mods]

Howdy! If you were interested in the Rescue plot, there's an updated post this a-way! :)

Jack Frost at your service!

[frostedoverland]

Hey guys, come on over here if you wanna discuss about Jack letting it snow in other places! If you want a place in particular (or perhaps just a snowflake or two to nip your noses), then let me know!

I'm all ears~

Re: Jack Frost at your service!

[alwaysnotwrong]

I'm curious about how his snow modifies moods! Worf is such a sour grape that seeing him under that influence might be entertaining!

[immutablysam]

As previously mentioned, the adventuring and getting /away/ from the ship, resorts, etc. is very, very Sam. I would /love/ to get involved with the rescue plot.

Skirmishes, danger, daring rescues and lots and lots of wilderness exploration! Count me in.


Also, hunting pigs. And poker games.

[sassypulaski]

This looks fabulous! Let's see...

Saturnalia: Without knowing much about the holiday, the good doctor will still be entertained by the spirit! You might see her there playing some of the tables or joining in on the tables for old times' sake.

Let It Snow: Once she realized their mood-enhancing effects, Pulaski would love to have someone subject themselves to it repeatedly so she could try and find out what's going on with this magical snow! Of course it's unlikely that Q's left her any real clues, so it's reasonable to suppose this one might devolve into a simple snowball fight. Or making snow forts in sick bay. She's not averse to a little fun.

Now kiss!: I would love to have this happen with Pulaski at least once. Not picky about with who, so: who wants to kiss that sharp-tongued mouth?

I'd be happy to join in on someone else's Holodeck Malfunctions but she's not likely to instigate an outing to that effect.

Secret Santa sounds fun all around!

[writes_with_digital_ink]

Well, hey, Gaila's usually up for kissing anyone! :D? What are the good doctor's opinions on Orions?

can you spell F-U-N

[writes_with_digital_ink]

Gaila is going to be alternating between shipside and planetside for having FUN. This is her goal. Shall it be achieved, who knows!

So, she's up for most ideas and a hell of a lot of flirting and dancing. She's also more than happy to kiss people for freedom! Or at least, freedom-from-mistletoe.

Have at, guys :D

Re: can you spell F-U-N

[dreams_dont_die]

maybe she should kiss Jack for freedom.

[fallsinplace]

Domino is 1000% percent in favor of Saturnalia. Sorry if you bet against her, it's really not going to go your way.

I'm probably going to have both my pups affected by as many of these as possible.

[immutablysam]

Well, this could get interesting.

[dreams_dont_die]

I kinda want to do stuff with all my people for this event.

Jonas will love Saturnalia, being all studied up on ancient Earth mythology.

Dylan will be getting a holodeck wish. If anyone (other than Marion, for whom the plot will be mainly intended) wants to run into Dylan and his fiancée in the holodeck, let me know.

Jack wants to kiss people under the mistletoe!

I also want to send Jonas, Dylan, Jack, and Simon all to Risa. So if you want anyone to play with down there, hit me up? (I want to send Simon and Kaylee on a date).

Any of them can probably be persuaded to play poker with you if you want them to as well.

I REALLY WANNA DO THE ARCHAEOLOGY WITH MY ARCHAEOLOGIST :D :D :D

[sealed_gauntlet]

Samanosuke volunteers to help with the Rescue! It's kind of his thing.

[ten_fwd_mods]

Hey! If you're still interested in the Rescue, there's an updated post here! :D

[just_dewitt]

I want Booker to do all the things. Booker wants to be grumpy and do none, but he doesn't get a vote!

[pronounsarehard]

Trance will be very curious what happens if a pig gets into engineering probably be winning at every gambling event she tries and having an absolute blast at it. As for Risa, she might go down, she might not. I'm not actually sure at the moment.

Ezri will probably be trying to avoid Worf until they clear that little misunderstanding up and trying to convince her inner Jadzia and Curzon that she doesnt want to play Tongo, blackjack or anything else. Ezri will definitely be going down to Risa since Dax's last trip got ruined by Worf.

Telemachus loves Risa and thinks it's a great and wonderful place.

Dukat will be going wherever his daughter is and following her around just in case she gets any ideas about having too much fun.

Andros will not be going to Risa unless he gets dragged there because he doesn't know how to have fun. He'd much rather watch his traumatic home movie and cry.

[alwaysnotwrong]

Excuse u, if Jadzia had bothered to explain things beforehand Worf would not have been quite so put out at having his honour and dignity put into question! :I

[tanteiotaku]

OK OK OK SO

Ahim is already enjoying the holodeck shenanigans. Thusly.

Shotaro will be wrangling pigs in a corridor, where he will have plenty of opportunity to get yelled at/kissed by people passing with mistletoe/generally harassed. Thusly.

K'ehleyr is going to be enjoying Risa as much as a pregnant half-Klingon can be expected to. Perhaps some bikini sunbathing and finding some manner of companion fit to make Worf jealous. Aw yiss.

[alwaysnotwrong]

K'Ehleyr should be staying away from that pit of indecency! How dare!

[tragic_optimist]

The Doctor needs to get involved in shenanigans. Like whoa. What to do...what to do...

[ten_fwd_mods]

If you were interested in the Rescue plot, there is an updated post about it over here!