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The Dresden Files => DFRPG => Topic started by: Mr. Death on September 06, 2012, 05:13:28 PM
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So in my scenario, there's a high profile wedding going on, and representatives from the local supernatural nations are invited (Winter and Summer courts and Monoc are attending--the Jade Court was invited, but respectfully declined) and I'm having some trouble deciding on wedding gifts. The Summer Court is going to offer some wildflower enchanted to promote the bride's fertility, the Valkyrie's going to bring a keg of mead (again, fertility) and a sword and shield (for the groom), but I've no idea what Maeve might bring as a wedding gift. Any ideas for something appropriately Wintery for the occasion?
If it helps, the scenario's taking place right around the same time as Ghost Story, and the couple are Inari Raith and Bobby.
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Maeve? Something juuuuuust this shy of a horrible spiteful insult, I think. Useful, but at the sime, not nice.
A jumbo-sized box of condoms, maybe? Not sure what tone to go for.
Also, keep in mind the Fae situation regarding gifts and exchanges. If they don't get something back from the wedding, it could be... problematic.
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Maeve? Something juuuuuust this shy of a horrible spiteful insult, I think. Useful, but at the sime, not nice.
A jumbo-sized box of condoms, maybe? Not sure what tone to go for.
Yeah, that's the problem I'm having too. At the moment, Maeve has no reason to insult them (or Lara, who's hosting the party) but all the wintery stuff I can think of is a touch on the 'evil' side.
Generally speaking, I'd say Maeve is representing her Court more than just herself, so probably something a little more courtly than a box of condoms is in order :P
Also, keep in mind the Fae situation regarding gifts and exchanges. If they don't get something back from the wedding, it could be... problematic.
Yeah, I'm aware of that, and I've got ideas for what the Fae will receive in return. Lara knows how to play the game, after all.
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Remember that Winter isn't necessarily spiteful, evil etc. Maybe something that would genuinely help the couple, but isn't exactly the kind of thing you'd want.
Considering the Summer court's increasing the Bride's fertility, maybe an enchantment that can reduce fertility if the couple so chooses. Mirrors the other court, is genuinely useful, and is pretty much the same as the condoms, just a shade more tasteful. Mab's style, and since Maeve is representing her, that would make sense. Useful, but not the kind of thing you'd talk about at a wedding. Very Winter.
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I would reccommend something like a vial of poison for their enemies, a guardian spirit frozen in an ice crystal to warn them of oncoming danger, or if you really wanna mess with stuff one of the swords of the Cross (I know another powerful winter fae that offered one as a gift).
The winter fae tend to give gifts either representing death or treasures that they acquired from someone else that they don't consider valuable in and of its self.
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How about a cursed item.
Like an amulet to go with that sword and shield from Monoc that while it does make the wearer more brave it also instills bloodlust and an addiction for battle where the user over time will become so dependent that he will destroy himself as he tries to quench the thirst of battle.
Or something along those destructive tendencies where their marriage would not last for long. (of course a long time for mortals and Fae are different. ;) )
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A malk kitten.
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How about a cursed item.
Like an amulet to go with that sword and shield from Monoc that while it does make the wearer more brave it also instills bloodlust and an addiction for battle where the user over time will become so dependent that he will destroy himself as he tries to quench the thirst of battle.
Or something along those destructive tendencies where their marriage would not last for long. (of course a long time for mortals and Fae are different. ;) )
Well, Bobby isn't someone who's going to use a sword and shield much (it's mostly a symbolic gift, I figure), but I like the idea of something that seems well-meaning but is meant to decay the marriage.
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I think the object itself should be, as a mirror to the wildflower from summer, a flower of eternal ice.
But what does it do? I don't think they would go and do something malevolent just for fun. Or could, for that matter, since neither Inari nor Bobby are affiliated with the Faerie courts. However, I could see Mab plotting to get house Raith on her side, since she is collecting power left and right, and this would be a good way to get on Inari's big sisters good side. Maybe something that not quite counters Summer's gift, but complements it. Summer's gift is fertility, which will probably lead to a lot of offspring. Winter's gift could make those kids stronger, healthier, fitter. Maybe Mab is planning on breeding a new knight, or she wants to influence new emissaries from the start. She would well be devious and patient enough to do such a thing, and it would be easy enough to get the kids, since she could simply take back her gift and have them feel weak, so they'd come crawling to her for that strength back and maybe more.
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How about this:
Cloak of Snow
+2 Item of Power
-1 -Cloak of Shadows (Reflavored for immunity to Whiteout conditions and Hiding in Snowy Environs)
-2 -Lesser Glamours (Illusions and Phantasms sculpted from snowflakes and snowdrifts etc)
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I should clarify that I'm not talking in a mechanical sense, just thematic--Inari and Bobby aren't going to become prominent characters or anything, the wedding's primarily a backdrop for the game's larger plot, and a way to introduce Lara as a major player in the area.
I like the idea of it mirroring Summer's gift in some way, though.
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A bearskin rug, maybe a polar bear? It's the kind of thing you'd think about to keep you warm through a cold winter. It can really tie the room together, if the room is a log cabin deep in Alaska or Colorado or something. Maybe it reinforces the couple's threshold or something, provides some protection to their home as opposed to the couple themselves?
And the backhanded Wintery thing is that it's a freaking bear rug. Wasn't Bobby supposed to be a feng shui designer after his film gig? They might be able to make it work, but it works best as kind of an eyesore. But it was a wedding gift, so they can't just pack it away, not for a while at least.
Bonus points for being a polar bear rug, because anyone mundane who sees it will think that they're assholes. :)
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Ice sculpture. Does nothing, but it's very pretty and lasts forever.
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A one (or two, even three) free "Babysitting" ticket.
To the why... Since everyone else got the babymaking part covered, the smart move would be what comes next. A baby, and the promise not for merely a item but a act. To watch over their child for a set time period, even if Heaven or Hell is about to thump its parents.
And such, it does several things that benefit both Maeve and the parents. Like for Maeve, it puts her in the child's life. Which could prove profitable later once the child is grown. For the parents, having such a haven for your child if things go all crazy and world-ending. Plus its practically, which can only bring a smile to Maeve.
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An offer to 'Godmother' their first-born.
Just look at the situations Lea's involvement in his life got Harry into, and even her best intentioned actions were often incomprehensible from a mortal perspective (Wanting to turn him into a Feyhound in order to keep him safe from harm for example).
Something that the less knowledgeable on the Fae would see as a powerful boon ("Ooh, this uber-powerful being is going to protect our kid from enemies; ensure that he/she prospers; and god-forbid anything happens to us, will ensure they are well cared for"), but those in the know will see as a potential trap/trouble ("Uh oh, this uber-powerful being is attempting to tie our bloodline to it for the forceable future").
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A one (or two, even three) free "Babysitting" ticket.
To the why... Since everyone else got the babymaking part covered, the smart move would be what comes next. A baby, and the promise not for merely a item but a act. To watch over their child for a set time period, even if Heaven or Hell is about to thump its parents.
And such, it does several things that benefit both Maeve and the parents. Like for Maeve, it puts her in the child's life. Which could prove profitable later once the child is grown. For the parents, having such a haven for your child if things go all crazy and world-ending. Plus its practically, which can only bring a smile to Maeve.
Brilliant idea, yeah.
I like it.
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My opinion:
Lara would have some sort of contract in place not allowing the couple to take gifts directly to keep them out of debt from the Sidhe. Lara is that smart after all.
Something equal to or greater than Summer. A little competition. Something that benefits Winter.
I like the Malk kitten idea : hear me out - if they bound it to the family for protection they'd have a protector, but Winter could likely still spy on them with it.
I could see a mild insult underlying the gift. Maybe an expensive furniture set that is stain resistant or a camcorder. Hinting at their respective pasts/heritages. The card possibly having a good divorce attorney business card in it.
The ice statue is a rather nice but likely harmless gift.
I think something like a new kitchen set complete with the latest in refrigeration technology. Several years of service of some fae critter that can act as a living central air conditioning unit.
Idea I do not like: the babysitting one.
Lara is throwing the party yes? She'd be all over that trap as protective as she is. She's too shrewd to let the one family member who finally was cured/escaped get pulled back in.
I could see winter or summer giving Lara a crown ( publicly or otherwise - likely in secret), letting her know they have an inkling of who really runs the White Court.
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Idea I do not like: the babysitting one.
Lara is throwing the party yes? She'd be all over that trap as protective as she is. She's too shrewd to let the one family member who finally was cured/escaped get pulled back in.
I personally consider the Summer Court gift more of a trap, since it enforces fertility. The Valkyrie gift is a close second, for at least it gives you a choice... yet it may be more devious because you could get one or the other taking sips where the other one doesn't know (like the movie 'She's having a Baby).
And for the paranoid, baby = future hostage.
But my babysitting idea has a few finer points;
1. First shows Mab (or Maeve) being a forward thinker, able to guess what the others would give and not being stuck in the past herself. I mean, magical fertility gifts in this day and age... just go to the clinic if you're having fertility problems!
2. The happy newlyweds can either use the coupon (for a free babysitting) or not. Its their choice, and shouldn't put Mab out if they never do have children. Which double-up fertility gifts would, because its kinda hard to miss that... You know, no kids running about.
3. While I guess you could use the line (Just when I thought I got out, they pull me back in!), it does show that the Winter Court is not only interested in the newlyweds bloodline (ie children), they're also interested in protecting the child's future (if only for a brief period).
4. And the funnest part is, Mab or Maeve can be totally delightful babysitters with no ill intent and still benefit. Its a total win/win for them, since they can spoil the child like a grandparent and have great fun while doing it. I mean, what Fae won't take delight in a afternoon with a mortal child.... tis so storybook like.
5. And for the future parents, they got a super safe place for the kid if things go real bad. In fact, I wouldn't include a age cut-off since Mab could see a benefit having the same child somewhat older showing-up at her door with the coupon.
But I will say, there is a pretty big downside for Mab in getting involved with whomever the pair pissed-off so much that they actually need the Winter Court to protect their kid. But then, she may actually enjoy that since she gets to belly-up to the table and get involved in a affair she normally couldn't.
6. Its a very usually gift, even a bit scary which fits the Winter Court perfectly.
7. Its a future hook, which might drive the player characters nuts as telling themselves they won't ever use the coupon (It's a sucker bet!), then end-up using it when things go to hell.
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Well, the mead the valkyrie's giving isn't enchanted or anything--it's just good old Norse tradition, is all. Where do you think the term "honeymoon" comes from?
Also, as I mentioned before, the newlyweds are Inari Raith and Bobby, not Player Characters, so whatever they get isn't going to be much of a plot hook for the PCs.
But yeah, Lara would defend against any gift that she sees as a "gotcha" toward Inari (and at the pre-wedding supernatural party, she made a speech with the clear undercurrent of 'If any of you mess with my sister, you'll regret it.'). She might allow the Malk kitten, provided she got a good, hard look at the contract involved, first.
One idea I had was an amulet of some kind for Inari that is meant to preserve and enhance her natural beauty, which Bobby likely won't mind and is a reference back to Inari's previous nature as a White Court virgin...but at the same time, will make others notice and become interested in her, potentially promoting jealousy on Bobby's part.
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As to the kitten, I'm not really hot on that since its a smart little beast who might decided to just up and kill the kid no matter how many enchantments you have on it. Then of course, you have the whole issue of people thinking that was your plan in the first place.
Hmm... you know, if you're just going for show. The old flash and bang to impress the guests (and pcs), the most romantic thing I can think of is Maeve freezes their vows into ice and then forms them into a snow globe for viewing. I would think its pretty neat to watch your words floating within months later curled-up with your wife on the beach.
Kinda flash freeze your words forever....
But if that doesn't work, then maybe something with a more autumn theme. But that's a little hard for me, since the only thing I could see dealing with Autumn/Winter themes that isn't sort of a insult is a gift that suggests their love being forever. Yet I guess, you could do a x-mas theme gift as well, since it has its roots in a pagan holiday.
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I like the baby-sitting thing but mostly because I have kids and any time I hear "free" and "baby-sitting" in the same sentance, I get a little giddy :)
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I personally consider the Summer Court gift more of a trap, since it enforces fertility. The Valkyrie gift is a close second, for at least it gives you a choice... yet it may be more devious because you could get one or the other taking sips where the other one doesn't know (like the movie 'She's having a Baby).
And for the paranoid, baby = future hostage.
But my babysitting idea has a few finer points;
1. First shows Mab (or Maeve) being a forward thinker, able to guess what the others would give and not being stuck in the past herself. I mean, magical fertility gifts in this day and age... just go to the clinic if you're having fertility problems!
2. The happy newlyweds can either use the coupon (for a free babysitting) or not. Its their choice, and shouldn't put Mab out if they never do have children. Which double-up fertility gifts would, because its kinda hard to miss that... You know, no kids running about.
3. While I guess you could use the line (Just when I thought I got out, they pull me back in!), it does show that the Winter Court is not only interested in the newlyweds bloodline (ie children), they're also interested in protecting the child's future (if only for a brief period).
4. And the funnest part is, Mab or Maeve can be totally delightful babysitters with no ill intent and still benefit. Its a total win/win for them, since they can spoil the child like a grandparent and have great fun while doing it. I mean, what Fae won't take delight in a afternoon with a mortal child.... tis so storybook like.
5. And for the future parents, they got a super safe place for the kid if things go real bad. In fact, I wouldn't include a age cut-off since Mab could see a benefit having the same child somewhat older showing-up at her door with the coupon.
But I will say, there is a pretty big downside for Mab in getting involved with whomever the pair pissed-off so much that they actually need the Winter Court to protect their kid. But then, she may actually enjoy that since she gets to belly-up to the table and get involved in a affair she normally couldn't.
6. Its a very usually gift, even a bit scary which fits the Winter Court perfectly.
7. Its a future hook, which might drive the player characters nuts as telling themselves they won't ever use the coupon (It's a sucker bet!), then end-up using it when things go to hell.
As to the kitten, I'm not really hot on that since its a smart little beast who might decided to just up and kill the kid no matter how many enchantments you have on it. Then of course, you have the whole issue of people thinking that was your plan in the first place.
Hmm... you know, if you're just going for show. The old flash and bang to impress the guests (and pcs), the most romantic thing I can think of is Maeve freezes their vows into ice and then forms them into a snow globe for viewing. I would think its pretty neat to watch your words floating within months later curled-up with your wife on the beach.
Kinda flash freeze your words forever....
But if that doesn't work, then maybe something with a more autumn theme. But that's a little hard for me, since the only thing I could see dealing with Autumn/Winter themes that isn't sort of a insult is a gift that suggests their love being forever. Yet I guess, you could do a x-mas theme gift as well, since it has its roots in a pagan holiday.
Defensive much?
Malk:
Critters can be magically bound by their "choice" sure Mab could in theory force it to agree tothe contract, but there are plenty of stories where things serve faithfully even if they don't want to.
Yeah in some of those they get loose and cause some righteous vengeance, but that in itself could be plot material no?
To be honest I like this idea best.
One idea I had was an amulet of some kind for Inari that is meant to preserve and enhance her natural beauty, which Bobby likely won't mind and is a reference back to Inari's previous nature as a White Court virgin...but at the same time, will make others notice and become interested in her, potentially promoting jealousy on Bobby's part.
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I like the idea of an everlasting ice sculpture but I have a completely alternative route to offer you:
Maybe none of the Queens could make it (for whatever reason, you could play around with it) so they send either The Winter King, Santa Claus in their stead or maybe...the court's new Winter Knight. Both would be easier to decide gifts for, I think.
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I like the idea of an everlasting ice sculpture but I have a completely alternative route to offer you:
Maybe none of the Queens could make it (for whatever reason, you could play around with it) so they send either The Winter King, Santa Claus in their stead or maybe...the court's new Winter Knight. Both would be easier to decide gifts for, I think.
Interesting idea, but I'm establishing Maeve as a major player in the city, so she had to be there. Plus, the game takes place when the new Winter Knight is still convalescing.
The party and distribution of gifts were last week, and I ended up going with the amulet idea. But the rest of it has given me some thought for future plot lines, so thanks for the suggestions everybody.
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An enchanted mirror that shows only the subject of her husbands desire. That's a winter court gift :)
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An enchanted mirror that shows only the subject of her husbands desire. That's a winter court gift :)
Damn, that's spiteful. I like it!
What I was thinking was something that emphasized Winter more as the ending of things. Is the couple mortal? How about a bed/icy coffin that they can both go to sleep in when they're old that will keep them alive indefinitely, together in their dreams forever?
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i liked that amulet idea. The one that kept her young and beautiful forever, but what if it also stopped certain thing from happening such as her reproductive organs. Since she is not getting older really, it would act as a sort of birth control, which would also be in opposite of the Summers fertility flower
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I love how this thread just pops back up to the top every couple of weeks with more spiteful unseelie goodies.
^_^
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I love how this thread just pops back up to the top every couple of weeks with more spiteful unseelie goodies.
^_^
I don't think of it was 'spiteful' so much, more just a price unknown due to a lacking of they are indeed, are not human. And any gift, promise, or kiss, needs more then just a single reason.