InsaneJournal

[EVENT] Return of Mistletoe Bots!
Hey, what is this wacky floating robot with the mistletoe? How? What? When? Why? Where?
The mistletoe bots are back! Starting on Day 255 (Monday, January 20) and lasting the entirety of that IC day (OOC week). They can be found in all public places outside and perhaps some public places inside like restaurants and shops with all that door opening and closing. They aren't breaking their way in through closed doors, but if you want one on private property it's not that hard if you leave a door or window open!


They were created by former inmate, Anissina von Khrennikov! She is an inventor who uses a dash of science and a dallop of magic and a whole lot of awesome and fanservice. Her world didn't have the mistletoe kissing tradition, but she loved the idea of it so she created these robots who encourage your character's participation.

They do this by showing up when two people are in close proximity and erecting an invisible barrier around them. Oh, and it doesn't come down until you kiss. Oh, and it shrinks and shrinks and shrinks until...well, you don't want to find out. So, kiss! The bots are helpful things so they will prompt you with a verbal instruction to make with the kissing. You might hear, "Kiss" if the characters don't get to it. If they try kissing on the cheek or anywhere other than the lips they may hear, "Kiss on lips!" (See exceptions to this under Anissina is crazy.) A simple peck on the lips will release the force field causing the little bot to spout out confetti and happily (and very quickly) be on its way. Although there are times when you may need more than a peck on the lips because...

MEGA kissing is a thing!
Anissina was able to make a few tweaks one fourth wall. There wasn't time to modify all of the bots, but one has sensors that monitor the kiss more closely so it can tell you how compatible you are. It is called Mega-Mistletoe-kun! Because of all the work it's doing it might demand longer or more involved kisses and prompt you accordingly. "Kiss better!" "Kiss harder." "Kiss longer." Once it has determined your compatibility it will offer you a percentage (as agreed upon by the two players) and fly away to help some other lovely couple! There is only one bot of this style, so please use it sparingly. It's also just a prototype she never had a chance to further modify, so if you want to give a poor or amazing rating for hilarity or intrigue you can, however most ratings should be as accurate as you can determine them! There are two other bots in a partial state of transition which will NOT rate your compatibility, but they will sometimes give more prompts before releasing the barrier. The rest of the fleet work in exactly the same way as described above.

Hey, I can suspend belief as much as the next person, but we moved prisons! Why are these still here?
It's a good thing you asked, because you have someone new to blame henceforth in addition to Anissina's legacy. The bots still have her programming and intentions attached to them, but this time your friendly, neighborhood wardens took them from the old prison and released them. You organics like your traditions, don't you? This has certainly become one, and they would not want you to miss out. In fact they'll even happily wish you a warm Mistletoe Day. You can argue that you don't like it of course, but life signs don't lie. You can expect it to continue. You're welcome.

Your character is totally badass! But so are these robots.
Yes, your character may decide to spend the day hunting the bots to kill fun! Sad, but totally fine. Just don't expect to slice them all to ribbons and go, "BWA HA HA! I have defeated the robots! This madness has ended!" Because, no. Expect to catch one or two unawares or even while they are taking evasive maneuvers. But they will adapt and be more difficult to find before it is TOO LATE! Once the forcefield is in place no amount of strength, phasing, teleporting, god-like power, etc. is going to get you out of it or allow you to disable the bot from the inside or outside. Just kiss! Oh, and you definitely can't slice up Mega-Mistletoe-kun. It's also entirely possible the wardens have replaced a few that were broken in the past. They may have even given some of these their own little cloaking systems to prevent further injury. There's nothing like an invisible bot with an invisible barrier, right?

Anissina is crazy, but she's not that crazy.
If your character is a little kid or an animal or some random lipless thing then by all means get in on the kissing, but keep in mind that the bots will make modifications. In these cases you might find a kiss on the cheek or head works fine where it would not for a different coupling. No one is going to be forced to make out with a billy goat. Mostly because we don't have a billy goat, but also because it's kind of weird and Anissina isn't a sadist...much.

DNW! Where is my out?
Right here, my friend! While it is true that they can be found in all public areas, it doesn't mean they MUST be found there. They aren't exactly swarming. So, if you want your character to make it across the dome without getting snatched up with someone then feel free! You can also feel safe to be in any room with closed doors and windows. Just make it clear to anyone you tag on an action post that you aren't there for mistletoe shenanigans.

I want less outs! Where is my extra in?
Want to coax a robot along with you so you can purposefully be trapped with someone? This is entirely possible. They appreciate your gumption, sir! Want a threeway kiss? Well, the bots are TRYING to catch two people together, but if you make it really difficult for them this MIGHT happen. The robot will use its (your) discretion in deciding what sort of kissing combination gets you out of that fine mess!

No, seriously, what happens if you refuse to kiss?
If your character would rather be trapped for an eternity than kiss you should (must really) take the out above! The barrier absolutely will not release on it's own. It also won't squish you to death because this is a family show, but it will get you very uncomfortably close and wait you out.

The wardens will call all the bots back in before Day 256 and you can expect a mingle at some point, but you are more than welcome to post to your heart's content.

Questions/Plotting
Questions go here. Feel free to plot things out here if that's your thing. Otherwise, just hold tight until the event.