Ruby Rose

R U L E S

RESPONSE

RECEIVED // APPLICATIONS

In early to mid-December, you will have no doubt noticed the tracks in the snow around town. Huge prints, far bigger than animals you’ve perhaps ever known. From what you can tell, the prints look to be in the shape of cloven hooves. But what kind of wild boar could make tracks such as these?

For Interlopers who have been here long enough, they'll know just who these tracks belong to.

Attempts to track the prints and see where they lead will come up fruitless, and there seems to be no way of trapping the animal for those hoping to bag a hefty prize of meat in the harshest of midwinters. The beast is incredibly illusive, and sometimes Interlopers may wonder if it truly exists at all. But it does.

Close to the winter solstice, it will appear. At any point during the long night, when characters find themselves outside travelling about town, or out in the wilds, the mysterious creature will finally make an appearance.

It is a boar. It appears almost out of nowhere before you: bigger than you've ever seen in your life, bigger than any man. A gigantic, broad beast — with thick fur covering its body and four sharp tusks protruding from its snout. It looks far more ancient and grizzled than any wild boar you’ve seen, and as it gazes down at you from where it stands, there’s something… oddly intelligent in its eyes. It regards you curiously for a long moment, sniffing the air around you thoughtfully before it raises its head.

‘Greetings.’ though its mouth does not move, you hear the voice. Low and old and grumbly, but not a terrible voice to hear. It’s actually rather gently spoken, for such a huge and ferocious looking creature. ‘I bring you good tidings.’

Yes, the giant boar is talking to you. It brings you good tidings.

‘The sky grows its darkest. But even in this terrible dark, there is light.’ the beast tells you. ‘I will grant you such a light. I offer you one thing, a gift. Ask for it. What do you desire, child?’

Child, yes. No matter your age, it regards you as such. Perhaps it speaks of its incredible age. But at any rate, the boar wishes to give you a gift. Whatever it is you desire. Food, alcohol, or perhaps some kind of practical item to help survive the long winter. Or perhaps even a cherished thing from home, some precious memento that could lift your spirit during these difficult times. Whatever you wish for, make it known to the boar. It is ready, listening, waiting for your request.

Once you have made your request, the ancient boar’s eyes will close and he will bow his head low in agreement.

‘That is amenable.’

For a long moment, it looks as if nothing is happening. The boar is frozen, with eyes closed, as if in some very deep thought. Then, suddenly, with a brief gag, the boar throws up the exact thing you’ve asked for. It’s covered in thick, gunky saliva — but it seems to run off very quickly, leaving the item itself untouched and in pristine condition.

… It’s probably fine.

‘Seasons greetings.’ the boar will finally say and will bow its head once more in reply to any thanks offered to it.

As you move to pick up the item, by the time you lift your head once more, you’ll find that the boar has vanished once again. But even so, you’ve ended up with some neat gift you really wanted for the holiday season. That was kind of nice, right?

Happy Holidays, Interloper.