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🎃 Everyone hail to the pumpkin song 🎵
Nothing but frights in these festive nights!
It's noticeable — the coming autumn nights are growing dimmer, bats start circling the skies more often, and a lone wolf howling at every occasion towards the moon's appearance. An inexplicable sense of dread permeates your being as you begin to feel the hairs rise on your skin, and you might just chalk it up to only the chilly fall wind passing by. But some take to believing these are signs pointing that the night of Halloween is drawing near. A chance for ghouls and goblins to come out and play, and maybe earn a sweet treat or two along the way.
Somewhere around the outskirts of a small country town, its people gather around to set up shop and open their annual Halloween Fair to all. While they mostly bring in people from neighboring towns to join in the celebration, unbeknownst to the townsfolk their event is about to get a little more festive with the sudden influx of visitors from beyond their borders. And perhaps from beyond the grave as well...?
This is just an open RP post with a sandbox-like setting. While there's some scenarios premade for your roleplaying needs, you can mess around with it as much or as little as you want. Feel free to use it for voicetesting, create cross-canon shenanigans, or develop a ship even further. You can carry the story over to your musebox if you'd like too. And you can re-use this post as many times as you'd like (until it hits the comment limit.) So bring your blorbos, your originals, your AUs, your friends and your friends' friends along for the fun!
- Comment with your character's name and series in the subject.
- Follow it up with a starter, and state your preferences too.
- Label any warnings when necessary.
- Reply to other characters!
- Most importantly, just don't worry and have fun!
Arriving at the fairgrounds, you'll find the whole place heavily decorated with an assortment of spooky-themed ornaments: glowing jack o' lanterns, paper bats lined on garlands, plastic skeletons in comical poses, bedsheet ghosts hanging on a wire, a statue of a famous movie monster or two looming over you menacingly, and so much more. The sounds of whimsical theremins and sinister pipe organs could be heard playing in the background. All the stalls have even installed fake cobwebs to match the vibe. And some of the townsfolk, even the visitors too, have taken to dressing up in costumes for the festivities.
It's fortunate that the fair doesn't charge you for admission. So like a ghost hovering and lost, you can haunt around the grounds as much as you please. Grab a candy apple, try your luck at a pie-eating contest, get lost in the cornfield maze, or maybe go trick-or-treating while you're at it. There's plenty of things to do for you to have a scary good time!
While it isn't required for everyone to wear a costume for the event, you're definitely encouraged to dress up while exploring the fairgrounds. Besides, wouldn't it be more fun to stalk the grounds as the grim reaper? And you get bonus discounts from food stalls for being in the spirit of it all!
If you were convinced enough to do so, you were then directed to the costume rental store under a large tent and try something from there. No doubt the store has a wide array of costumes in all shapes and sizes from the mundane, to the grotesque, to the avant-garde. You can dress up as a doctor, a zombie, a legally distinct superhero, or even a giant avocado. There's even matching costumes for you and your partner to wear together for laughs. There's no rhyme or reason why some of these costumes are made really, this is all in good fun.
But once you've made your choice, you start to gain this strange unconscious urge to act out as the costume you're wearing. And soon enough your mind is absent, instead fully entranced to play the role as long as the mask stays on. Though not all hope is lost — if you have enough willpower you can break its spell. Having a friend pull it off is a viable option as well, but it won't be easy with how firmly it's stuck to you.
Like any town fair, there's no shortage of finding entertainment while you're here. After all, the spooky season isn't only just for scares. Sometimes a little laughter and enjoyment goes a long way. If you're feeling competitive, how about you try your hand at Apple Bobbing, or the Pie-Eating Contest if you have a big enough appetite to do it. The Halloween-flavored Ring Toss game is also a good one, where you toss rings around some witch hat shaped pegs instead. Or how about some Haunted BoOoOoOwling!! and find out if you can strike all ten ghostly pins in one go. Winning in any of these games will reward you with an assortment of prizes (plush toys, novelty items, a huge pumpkin, etc.), so it's definitely worth playing them!
But if you prefer something more chill, then show your creativity and carve a funny face onto a pumpkin of your choice over at the Pumpkin Carving corner. Your creation will be featured alongside many others like an art piece in an exhibit. You'll also be rewarded if your pumpkin is the most presentable of the bunch, so you don't get to leave empty-handed.
A couple of rides are built for the Halloween Fair as well. The Drop Tower is a favorite amongst fair-goers looking for thrills, Or the simpler Ferris Wheel if you'd like to view the whole fairground and the cornfields surrounding it from above. They even have a huge Inflatable Bouncy Haunted Mansion for everyone to hop into and embrace their inner child. Yes, it even comes with a ballpit!
There's likely more that hasn't been mentioned — as there are other horror-themed games and rides you can try. So at least nothing will keep you bored while being here.
If you aren't up for gaming excitement, or you just happen to have more to spare in your wallet, then there's plenty of shops to check out in the Fairground Market.
Much of them sell local produce from this town and neighboring communities — apples, pears, carrots, corn, the like. And each of them come with their own unique varieties too. But you can also grab a cup of Bewitching Pumpkin Spice Latte or a slice of Monstrous Pumpkin Pie, or even some Scarily Spicy Pumpkin Glazed Donuts if you're feeling peckish. Of course, if you're not the biggest gourd gourmet, there's always the usual savory fairground treats like corndogs and burgers you can find along the way. Food carts are pretty much scattered everywhere, so you are spoiled for choice.
Food isn't the only thing the fair has to offer. There's an assortment of trinkets and oddities on sale if you look around, it's not too dissimilar to that of a flea market. There's a tent selling secondhand clothing of the retro and modern kind, while another showcases curios from around the world if you fancy spotting some forgotten family treasure or a cursed relic from a distant past. You'll even find a stall featuring spellbooks and occult paraphernalia that would spark curiosity. There is just about everything here you can find in the market area. Why not buy a rare novelty or two to take home with as something to remember by?
It might not sound like the most thrilling attraction in the fair, but getting lost in a corn maze can be quite harrowing especially for the directionally-challenged out there. At every side all you'll find is towering cornstalks that spread as far as your eye could see. Corn here, corn there, corn everywhere. You'd soon realize how hard it is to discern which way to go when the maze is surrounded by... well, maize. Luckily there are a few distinguishing markers that will help you on your way such as a jack-o'lantern or a scarecrow, just as long as you keep your feet on the trail that's laid out for you to traverse.
While normally it's best played during the day, no one is stopping you from going through the maze at the darkest hours of the night however. Unless you have a flashlight with you, it isn't the most ideal way to do it. But whether you were dared to or just felt like it, the pathways still remain open for you to explore.
"Be careful." the owner eyes over you, "Strange things lurk in the night y'know."
According to the owner, apparently there's a local legend about creatures that skulk in the fields at night, preying at the undiscerning and appear to them in the form of their worst fears imaginable. You may get a sense that the old farmer is just trying to persuade you to think it over and visit the maze while the sun is back up, however the choice to pursue this challenge is ultimately left up to you.
Maybe you're the type who just wanted to get away from all of that cheer, and decided to make your hauntings around somewhere quiet, and perhaps a little bit somber. The town's cemetery is a little ways off from the fairgrounds, but it's worth visiting if you're not in the mood to partake in the festivities. Surely you'll find yourself at peace just like those who lay six feet under your feet.
However the dead think otherwise.
Much to your surprise (or not), there is in fact a morbidly grand party being held here of all places. Apparitions of lives once lived are seen dancing, communing, rough-housing, having a ball of a time. Some of them are playing music, using their precious strings and brass they carried with them to the afterlife. It's like death never bothered them. Or perhaps the unbridled joy of having to be on this plane of existence again is just a distraction from that. Who's to say? What is certain is that they seem unbothered by your presence. In fact, one of them even welcomes and persuades you to join in the fun.
It's not too crowded though, some take to floating above instead to leave more space for others. Many of them are former townsfolk who knew each other from long ago. Old friends, distant relatives, long lost rivals, all reunite in the spirit of the season. There's no buffet table around if you're looking for something to snack on, but there had been some weeks-old food lying on graves that only the spirits could enjoy. A few would be willing to share, but there's no guarantee they would be edible.
And then something catches your eye — a certain someone you know who shouldn't be around, or alive at all. Maybe that frightens you, whether they be friend or foe, to see them among the lively dead. And to what reason they have for being here, you'll just have to be brave and ask.
If the fair itself is too much for you and prefer something that's a tad simpler, then there's always the old classic Halloween tradition of putting on a fun costume, knocking on strangers' doors, and hope for some sugary delights to fall in your hands as a reward. And if they don't hand the sweets over... Well that's where the "Trick" comes in, doesn't it?
Although don't expect everyone offering candy as you stand on their doorstep. Some neighbors would rather treat visitors with granola bars, bags of chips, jars of play-doh, toys, or even packs of Pokémon cards instead. Maybe a kindly old woman offers you some freshly-baked muffins or chocolate chip cookies just for stopping by. If it's not to your liking, you better take your complaints to them. Though they'll probably slam their doors in your face as a result.
Then again, you don't always have to follow tradition to a T. You could loiter around in the streets, watch the Halloween parade and marvel at everyone's costumes, or gaze at whatever stars you can make out in the inky darkness above you. Maybe you can disregard the "Treat" part entirely and jump into the "Trick" at full-force — pulling pranks like a livestreamer causing mayhem around the neighborhood. You might get arrested for that, but it's worth it if you're in it for the thrill of it all, or just enjoy being a complete jackass during this night of all frights.
If you're not feeling any of these prompts, or have some other ideas in mind, then go wild!
You can mix and match scenarios or come up with your own. Swap roles where you play the villain and your partner would be the hero or the other way around. You can even expand the setting with new locations, or AU it up and rebuild it into your own version of the setting if you'd like. There's no limits to what your imagination can create. It's free real estate here, and the world is your oyster!
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Good boy Pooka!
[ She gave the best boy ear scritches, and then turned back to watch Anya nail the last two rings. ]
Amazing! That was so well done, Anya. [ She clapped politely, almost dropping her own plush, but managed to resecure it. ]
You're definitely going to be able to get one of the big prizes for landing so many rings. Which one are you going to choose?
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Bark, bark!
(The little dog happily lets the praise sink in from both women. Anya lets out an amused giggle, knowing how much it means for her dog.)
Ho boy, there is plenty of choices to choose from. But I think that I have eyes on that fluffy looking pale blue bear with a cool looking purple top hat. This one attracts my attention the most.
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Don't get jealous though, Pooka, I'm sure Anya thinks you're much more cuddly. [ She patted Pooka on the head again, grinning before turning to Anya. ]
Is there anywhere else you wanted to go?
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Yes, I agree. He sure does look dapper with that hat really well. What do you think, Pooka? Isn’t he quite a special bear? Just remember not to feel tempted to make him your next chew toy please.
Bark, bark!
Well, what do you know? Even Pooka likes him as well. Though I think that Pooka wants to try his paw on the ring toss game now. He has probably waited for a long while to get here.
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Hrm...he has waited an awful long time like a good boy. [ She flagged down the gentleman running the booth. ]
Pardon me sir, could my friend let her dog try the ring toss game?
"Eh? I mean.. it's.. kinda... not..meant for- ah screw it, yeah go ahead missy, let's see what your dog can do!"
[ He handed five of the lighter rings that the children tended to use, over to Anya to give Pooka, while Agnès gave the man an appreciative smile. ]
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(Anya walks over to Pooka and hands him the children’s rings so he can participate in the game. Plenty of people are also playing the game too, though they are both surprised and amused by the idea of a dog wanting to play ring toss at the same time as them.)
Bark, bark!
Okay, Pooka. Are you ready to toss the rings into the pole?
Bark! Bark, bark, bark!
Alright then. Time to give it a shoot, boy!
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You can do it Pooka!
[ For a first time participant, maybe his aim won't be as good - or maybe he'll be a natural. She didn't know how much Pooka understood about the game. Her own dog would probably content with just chewing on the rings. She hoped he' be able to surprise the onlookers - one or two were even starting to make light hearted bets with the more skeptical of the onlookers. ]
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And much to her surprise and relief, the first ring manages to land on the pole right on the mark. People are also surprised to see it happen, muttering about how a dog like him could do pull it off.)
Good job, Pooka! Let’s keep it up.
Bark, bark!
(He does the same for the next two rings and they safely land on the pole with great style. Anya keeps cheering on her for him as he tosses the fourth ring at the pole fairly on point.)
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...Wow! That's incredible! You're amazing Pooka! [ Maybe he was a former circus dog? What toy would a clever little pup want? ]
What a good boy!
[ The poor booth runner probably thinks he's being scammed, he's just staring incredulously at Pooka's skillful ring tosses! ]
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(Pooka’s down to two rings now and he has to get these to the pole right. The little dog throws the fifth pole towards the pole, and despite people fearing that he may have thrown it too far, the ring is able to land it.
Then comes the last ring and Pooka tosses it at the pole with a little bit of style in his jump too. What a competent showboating puppy. When the booth operator saw this, his jaws dropped in shock: Pooka did the impossible of getting all the rings onto the pole as a dog.
Anya happily races for her dog and proceeds to scope him in her arms and give all the hugs and cuddles for a spectacular run.)
Oh Pooka! That was a great run you put up. Now loads of people will be talking about your big win for a good while.
Arf, arf, ard!
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"Hey just a minute.. "
[ Agnès quickly piped up with a smile. ]
Wasn't that amazing? You must feel proud to be the only booth supporting the talents of such a clever dog. I was worried that we would get laughed out of the park for the suggestion, We really appreciate it!
[ The booth runner scratched his head, looking a little unsure, but with the crowd alternating between watching him and watching Anya and Pooka, he considered, then realized this might be a great PR moment! ]
"Er... uh.. yeah. Yeah don't mention it..! I'm willing to let anyone try, even a dog, haha! "
[ Agnès giggled a little, then turned to Anya and Pooka. ]
Okay Pooka, what are you going to pick for your prize? [ There probably isn't a squeaky bone plush though. ]
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(Pooka barks cheerfully in return, his tongue panting in an eager pace. Anya takes him to where the prize plushies are at and lets him to see which one does he want to get for winning.
The little dog could sure use another friend to play with alongside Anya’s dapper bear plushie.)
So Pooka. Which one of these cuddly prize toys do you want to get then? Just pick one that you really like and you can have play fights with them for days on end.
(Pooka looks at the toys on display, sniffing at them curiously. Eventually he settles on a fluffy cream unicorn with a rainbow mane and tail and a shiny silver tone horn.)
Arf, arf, arf!
Oh this unicorn over there? Okay then. Sir, my dog wants to get this cream unicorn plush with the rainbow mane and tail, please.
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[ It's also almost as big as he is, but that was fine, right? Maybe he'd nap on it. Though the idea of Pooka having playfights with Anya's plush was adorable. ]
You understand him so well! [ Or at least it seems like that. ]
Did you want to look anywhere else, Anya?
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(Pooka happily barks as he gives the unicorn plushie a friendly snuggle after Anya claims it for him. The Grand Duchess lets out a cheerful chuckle as she sees her dog enjoying his prize. Just seeing her little pup having so much at the fair is more than enough to give her so much joy.
She can already see Pooka having a blast playing with the plushies at the garden of Grandmama Marie’s Parisian apartment for many days to come.)
Ho boy! There are so many places to check out in this fair. But I haven’t visited many seller stalls, so I would love to go check them out right away.
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[ Never go shopping when you're hungry! ]
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Same with Pooka: aren’t you very hungry after your ring toss win, little guy?
Bark, bark!
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From what I recall, there was a large amount of fried goods, as well as desserts. [ Which she was a little more hesitant to try. ]
Does that sound good to you two?
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Oh Pooka. We’ll get to the food in a little bit.
Oh yes! I would love to get some of the food in there. I’m looking forward to check out the food offerings.
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[ Agnès started to make her way towards the booth - though she probably didn't need to show Anya the way, the smell of delicious (and not so delicious) food being boiled, roasted, and deep fried was wafting on the air, an amalgamation of different aromas. There were booths selling desserts such as caramel and candied applies, popcorn balls, pies and cookies, roasted chestnuts, fried bananas, burgers with purple cheese - as well as snacks such as corn dogs, deviled eggs, chili, grilled squid, chicken skewers, fish cakes - even rice cakes shaped like ghosts and more! ]
I didn't walk through this area when I first arrived, but they really have a lot of things don't they?
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Yes, there is quite a variety of foods that are being sold tonight. And they are made with various cooking methods as well, some of which I’m not that familiar with back at home.
Arf, arf!
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[ She glanced at the booths around them - she's not sure how safe they are for dogs to eat though. Well surely there were biscuits and gravy? ]
What would you like?
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Right now, she has to figure out what snacks and drinks to get.)
That’s really amazing to hear. It is always interesting to see different cultures and ways of cooking being showcased in places like fairs.
Hm, as for what I would like to get, Agnès, I would get some of this Pumpkin Spice Latte drink that the people here are raving about and perhaps some popcorn. Also I do want to know if there are any dog friendly treats for Pooka to eat. There could be some stalls offering them right now.
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Oh! I had some of that earlier! It's very good. And if you're looking for popcorn, one of my friends is selling blueberry popcorn at their booth. Right over there. [ She pointed over to a booth where a pretty woman was cheerfully bagging up blue colored bits of popcorn. ]
And if I recall, dogs can eat popcorn - only a little bit though. I've given some to Alfonse before.
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(As she approaches the blueberry popcorn booth, Anya waves at the lady and begins to ask her for some blueberry popcorn.)
Hello there. I would like to order some blueberry popcorn please. Me and my dog would like to try them tonight.
Bark, bark!
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Yes, of course! Please enjoy. [ She poured a few scoops of the blue tinted popcorn into a bag, the scene of butter and blueberries wafting upwards. She selected a smaller bag, one probably reserved for children, and filled that one with a single scoop as well, handing both to Anya. ]
And one for your darling little dog.
[ Agnès smiled briefly, bowing in thanks. ]
Thank you! And of course, I'll have one for myself as well, please!
[ She accepted a third bag from the other woman, then glanced over at Anya. ]
Are you okay holding all of that? You wanted a drink too, right?
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