This annual tradition started as a small gathering of friends, and those people of favorable acquaintance who otherwise had no family to spend the holidays with. Over the years it has grown to include a large number of individuals who have found a special place in many varying hearts. The originator, for reasons unspecified, has decided to cease hosting in this seventh year and is passing on the torch. This event takes place on December 25, 2020, actually on Christmas day like every year before. Being well aware that nobody is likely to actually be online and role-playing that day, we have opted to make this a board only event in which participation is encouraged but not required.
The Setting
Sheridan Driscol and his committed life partner Rhys Germain are welcoming the same guest list from years past, plus some, to their house in the Dragon’s Gate district. Being the social butterfly that he is, the bard has pretty much invited the entire city to come on out any time from sun up until sun down on Christmas day. Rumors get round by word of mouth. If a personal invitation was not extended, rest assured you’ll be warmly welcomed anyway.
For an in depth look, please see the Places of Interest complete description of The Old Pub, an abandoned bar that has been fully restored and renovated into a comfortable and cozy two story home. Of course, Dris and Rhys have decorated for the holidays! The outside of their house is decorated in festive, colorful lights. The interior is awash with sprigs of holly, scented candles, and filled with music that plays softly from strategically placed speakers in every room.
A live cut and elegantly decorated pine tree can be found in the midway between the front living parlor and back dining room. An assortment of wrapped, unmarked gifts is tucked under the tree. Guests are invited to take one if they wish. Each present is unique and could contain anything from a new festive mug, to warm socks, a literary classic, book of poetry, or even a collection of music in any various format. You decide!
Each room has an arrangement of comfortable places to sit, and plenty of standing space in the as well. A grazing board has been placed on the center of the dining room table, where guests are encouraged to place their brought dishes as well. The kitchen peninsula is decorated in a wide variety of glassware and beverages, both alcoholic and not. Help yourself and get to mingling!
As an added bonus, every room has strategically placed games for guests to engage in together. Chess and checkers, a dreidel with a basket of chocolate coins inspired by a friend, classic decks of cards, mind bender puzzles, and more! One can even find a variety of modern video games set out and ready to play on a big screen television in the upstairs den over the garage. No room is off limits, but certain wards are in place to keep thieves from making off with any valuables.
If guests find themselves overwhelmed by the crowd, they are invited to slip out the back door and into the bigger than it looks expansive back yard and gardens. There are several “blanket stations” near the fire pits, in case guests get cold. Plus, a s'mores and hot chocolate bar! Here one is likely to encounter the murder of crows, Gussie when she isn’t under your nose, a pair of gossipy talking peafowl, a mechanical owl, and a friendly foxmoth among other critters. Explore to your heart’s content, and don’t worry about getting lost. Somehow wandering feet will always find their way back home.
The Rules Both In and Out
- 1. The change up this year from those past is that everyone is invited because Dris is a crazy social butterfly who adores all of Rhydin. If your character was a participant in years past, their invitation still stands and they are welcome to attend again this year. With the venue having changed, feel free to assume word of mouth gets around to find out the new arrangements for 2020.
2. Please only participate if your character is attending with good will. Damage to the property or harm to any characters attending will not be tolerated. The Old Pub is heavily warded and under even divine protection. Not to mention expertly guarded by a fiercely loyal and loving immortal Irish wolfhound.
3. Guests have historically been asked to prepare or purchase a single dish that reminds them of home to bring along and share with the other guests in a grand potluck. Should your character decide to follow tradition and bring a dish to add to the table, it is suggested you post pictures and include a recipe in any potential descriptions.
4. Additional story bits such as collaborated writings, edited live play logs, or personal character reflections of the event are encouraged to be posted to this thread.
5. Images and hyperlinks to videos or other relative imagery that you think might additionally reflect interactions at this event are also encouraged to be posted to this thread.
6. Did your character bring any gifts for anyone? Feel free to post about that here too! Bear in mind that gift giving or exchanging while not frowned upon is never expected nor required.
7. If you do not post something to this thread, we will assume your character was not present for this event. A placeholder post stating something as simple as “my character was there” is acceptable, though we fully encourage at least a teensy bit more like any other board event.
8. There is no deadline to post, though it is suggested you post something before the end of the year. Characters are likely to talk about who was and was not present for this event in follow-up live play and collaborative writing sessions. If you don't get to it until after the New Year, though, we completely understand. This season gets busy for everybody!
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