Chatterbox: Pudding's Place

You are peacefully reading [insert title of your favorite book here] for the eleven-thousandth time when your phone rings. Loudly. In fact, you're pretty sure your phone doesn't usually have such an obnoxious, repetitive, blaring ringtone. Grimacing already, you pick up the phone, most likely about to snap at whoever has subjected you to such a horrible twelve seconds of torturous sound. Before you can do so, however, the person on the other side cuts you off, speaking in a fast, excited voice that sounds like someone from a TV commercial.

"You- yes, you, the person currently grumbling about irritating ringtones- have been invited to star- yes, I said STAR- on The Arbitrary Reality Show! The Arbitrary Reality Show's first season is currently being filmed in our glamorous studio that's very very far away from wherever you currently are- but don't worry about transport, we'll get you there. What you should worry about is not getting eliminated, because if you lose a challenge, you'll lose the chance to win our FABULOUS GRAND PRIZE! It's so fabulous, we CAN'T REVEAL WHAT IT IS! So get ready to WIN- or you'll lose and be sent home with nothing."
She hangs up abruptly, and you take a moment to stare at the phone in bewilderment before you realize you have suddenly been transported into a large limo. Next to you is a  suitcase in the neon color of your choosing. The voice from the call comes over the speakers in the sides of the limo walls.
"Welcome, lucky contestant! You'll soon arrive at the studio, where The Arbitrary Reality Show is being filmed. But first, you've got to pack! Just announce what you're bringing to the limo and it will all appear in the suitcase. I assure you, it's the more trendy equivalent of a carpet bag- everything will fit. 
Now, before you get to packing, you'll need some information. You've probably heard of "ski lodges." This is a lot like those- except no one dies! That's significantly more cheering than what most other ski lodges promise, isn't it? Instead of dying, contestants that are eliminated will be sent home in humiliation. Unless I like them very much, in which case they might be allowed to stay on as an extra. So you've got nothing to worry about, right? 
Oh, one more thing: you've been chosen to star, but you've got to earn it by being quick. Only NINE LUCKY PEOPLE can be contestants, so make haste! Sign up when the limo arrives, or you could lose your chance to win that FABULOUS GRAND PRIZE! Filming begins on July 11 (next Monday). Don't be late!"
And with that the voice stops. Well, you might as well sign up. That GRAND PRIZE does sound FABULOUS.
*Notice: Each contestant may bring one (1) alter ego and one (1) CAPTCHA if he or she wishes. Aes will be contestants. CAPTCHAs may provide assistance to their respective owners if such assistance is necessary, fair, and/or applicable but may not participate as contestants on their own.
submitted by The Host
(July 7, 2016 - 12:06 pm)

back to the Pudding's Place

I'm coming!

I'll bring:

Necessities

iPad/ speaker/ earbuds (so I can listen to Hamilton)

Marker/ whiteboard (I might feel the need to write random Hamilton references on it and hang it up somewhere where everyone will see it)

A magical bag that will provide me with any book I wish to read

Other random Hamilton related stuff

I'm so excited to go! (Also, I'm a girl)

Da dadada DA da dadadadayada dada Da da dayada... 

submitted by Kestrel
(July 9, 2016 - 10:33 am)

SO COMING!!!!!

I just became obsessed with Hamilton (my favorite songs being the ones where King George goes da da da da da, daaaaaa da da da da da da, ect) But I'm not really familiar with the storyline, seeing as how I only started listening to the music this week.....

Ok, I'm going off topic! I'm bringing......

Luna, my CAPTCHA (sassy grey wolf)

Saphira, my Æ (I'll post a pic of her in her fancy clothes; she can turn into a blue dragon)

My pocket library.

My ipod.

My newest item......pocket Broadway theater, so we can all watch Hamilton AS MUCH AS WE WANT TO!!!!!!

Fancy clothes (which I will make a pic of later)

Oh yeah, and clothes and toiletries and stuff.  

image.jpeg
submitted by Shadowmoon
(July 9, 2016 - 4:47 pm)

Oh yeah, I'm a girl. Sorry!

submitted by Shadowmoon
(July 9, 2016 - 10:11 pm)

Signups are now closed! The challenges begin Monday! But I'll tide you over with an intro.

Day 0

Bookworm clambered out of the limo, Sandra on her head and Russel on her shoulder. She turned to thank the driver, but the limo was already peeling around the corner like a very lengthy racecar. Shrugging (it wasn't the weirdest thing she'd seen), she turned toward the imposing building in front of her. On its front were six glowing letters: STUDIO. 
"Well, I guess that makes it the studio," she said to herself. 
"Duh," Sandra rolled her eyes. Which shouldn't have been possible, considering she was a bird.
Bookworm ignored her and walked through the double doors to find most of the CBers already there, talking to the Host.
"So what do we have to do to win?" MP pestered. "I am GETTING that prize."
The Host grinned. "Why, you have to beat the challenges, of course."
"Yes, but what are the challenges?" He said exasperatedly. 
"You'll see," she replied, and took great delight in smiling mysteriously. 
Suddenly the sound of "Alexander Hamilton" came from The Riddler's pocket. "And the world's gonna know your name- what's your name, man?"
About half the group started singing along, loudly. "Alexander Hamilton...my name is Alexander Hamilton. And there's a million things I haven't done, but just you wait. Just you wait!"
Then The Riddler realized she should probably check her phone. Apparently the song was her text tone. 
"Leafpool's limo got stuck in traffic. She says the driver said Mei-xue and Kestrel would be late as well."
"How would he know?" Mirax frowns. 
"They have some weird intercom thing between cars. Random Hollywood perk," the Host explains. 
About five minutes later, Mei, Kestrel, and Leafpool walk through the double doors.
"I'll explain exactly what's going to happen tomorrow, then," the Host said, when the whole group had convened. "The Arbitrary Reality Show is compromised of a series of random challenges. These challenges could be anything from trivia to obstacle courses, but, rest assured, they will always be exciting."
"Trivia, exciting?" Stan snorted. "I doubt it."
"I assure you, our trivia is unlike any trivia you've ever seen. Anyway, you don't need to be the first to complete each challenge. You just can't be the last- and you especially can't fail to complete the challenge at all. These would result in your elimination, and we all know what that means."
"Wait, I thought no one dies in this ski lodge." September fretted.
"No one is going to die...you just get sent home. Exactly how many of these things have you been to?" 
"There are a lot of them where we come from." Mei informed the concerned Host.
"And they all end in death?"
"Yup."
"Wow. Harsh. Anyway, each of you gets a dressing room. CAPTCHAs will share rooms, three to a room. The Aes will be separated because I really don't want to see what happens when they're stuck together. CBers can room together if they want, but you don't have to. Dressing rooms are up these stairs and to the left and right. They're labeled." The Host gestured to a lit, sweeping staircase. "Good luck on Monday!"
So good luck! Also, Mei-xue- it is okay for me to call you Mei, right? Just checking.
submitted by The Host
(July 9, 2016 - 9:53 pm)

Wow I'm so excited! I'm pretty sure that if I had a phone I would do exactly that - put Hamilton as my ringtone!

Host, are you OtR? 

submitted by The Riddler
(July 10, 2016 - 10:48 am)

No, not OTR...

submitted by The Host
(July 10, 2016 - 2:14 pm)

submitted by Owlgirl
(July 10, 2016 - 5:43 pm)
Day 1 Part 1
At 9:30 on Monday, the contestants were woken up by various alarms. Mirax, upon awakening, began batting around, attempting to silence the shrill whistling that seemed to come out of nowhere (actually, it came from Whistler, who was very easily bribed with shortbread cookies). Mrs. Elton, who had entered the room a few minutes ago to set the alarm, informed her that it would have been dreadfully bad form if she had been late, so Mirax really ought to thank her. Mei woke because Xiǎo tùzǐ was jumping on the bed (yes, the CAPTCHA was jumping on the bed. Fúdìmó the Æ was busy. Doing what, no one wanted to know). Brookeira was awakened with a pie in the face from Masked Piester, but she gave her such a glare that MP immediately looked contrite and went off in search of Fúdìmó to get him to perform a cleaning spell (thankfully distracting him from his extremely suspicious magical activities). Shadowmoon got up early and walked to breakfast looking extremely rested, insisting that when your CAPTCHA was a wolf you got used to slumber interruptions. The irritated, if not too tired, CBers, grumbled at this. 
The Host, for her part, looked as sunny as ever. Well, she hadn't been awakened by Stan "accidentally" setting off one of The Riddler's warships' cannons (which caused a certain CBer to shout "STUPID HAMILTON REFERENCES!!!" which naturally aroused several objections). No, she had slept in a different wing of the studio.
"Is everyone ready for the first challenge?" The Host asked. When the CBers' moods did not seem to improve, she called for breakfast. Chocolate chip pancakes and muffins put everyone in a much more awake and happy mood.
"So, whaff ith the firff chow-" Stan halted, realizing he couldn't really talk with his mouth full of pancake. And muffin. And bacon. (I'm not entirely sure where he got the bacon...) Mrs. Elton looked scandalized. 
Arwen, seeing the proper Æ's reaction, grinned and bit off a huge chunk of blueberry muffin (I really thought they were all chocolate chip) and continued. "Yefffff, whath eckthackthly-" Mrs. Elton winced with every syllable- "willff we be dooh-ing today?"
Masked Piester spat watermelon seeds everywhere (Hold on- watermelon?!), spluttering, "I hopeFFT it's not boringPPPT!" Mrs. Elton hid under the table.
The Host stood up. "I'll tell you about the first challenge when you clean up."
Alter egos are not ones to behave, nor ones to listen and do what they're told. The troublemakers stubbornly crossed their arms. The Host waited. Arwen tapped her foot. A corner of the Host's mouth began to curl upward. MP bit her lip impatiently. The Host hid a grin, watching impassively as, one by one, each Æ who had been involved in the mischief dragged his or her feet on the way to wash up. 
Æs may be stubborn, but they are not patient. 
When the Æs returned they began to eat their scrambled eggs (Okay, where is this food coming from?!) in a slightly more mild manner. 
"Alright, then. The first challenge..." The Host said, pausing dramatically. "...Is ARBITRARY TRIVIA!!!"
"Trva? Excl lent!" Russel proclaimed. "Ican help ulef pool!"
"That's okay, Russel," Leafpool told the inchworm. "I think I'm good."
"Arbitrary trivia starts at eleven," the Host said. "You all can prepare if you'd like."
"Inde eedd," Russel said. Leafpool sighed. Arwen offered her a cinnamon roll (...not even going to ask).
There will be a part two, probably today but possibly not until tomorrow.
submitted by The Host
(July 11, 2016 - 11:00 am)

Haha, I love how Mrs. Elton is freaking out.

Hmm, no mention of me yet...*arises from glowing mountaintop* NOTICE ME NOW, DON'T YOU? *gasps* Oh no, I sound like an AE! 

Don't worry, we all have those days!

You ARE an AE.

Whatevs! 

submitted by Owlgirl
(July 11, 2016 - 9:12 pm)
Day 1 Part 2
At eleven o'clock, The Host led everyone to what looked like the set of Jeopardy, except there were 17 podiums (as opposed to the usual three)- one for each CBer and Æ. The Host stood on a raised platform where the question-screen should have been.
"Welcome, everybody! Now, the rules of Arbitrary Trivia stand thus:
-Every answer must be phrased in the form of a question. If your answer is not phrased in the form of a question, you will lose and be eliminated.
-Every answer must be WRONG. If your answer is not wrong, you will lose and be eliminated."
"Wait..." Owlgirl said. "The answers have to be wrong?"
"Yup!" The Host answered cheerfully. "Oh, and one more thing- in order to receive credit for the question, you must be the first to answer incorrectly. And...that's everything. Let's begin!"
"What was the pirate Blackbeard's real name?" The Host read off of an index card.
The CBers looked at each other. All they had to do was-
MP smashed the buzzer. "What is SpongeBob SquarePants!"
The Host shuddered at the mention of the name, but went on. "That is incorrect."
"Cerulean is a shade of what color?"
Saphira grinned and buzzed in. "What is orange?"
"That is incorrect."
Answers got more and more outlandish.
"What is Colgate toothpaste!"
"Who are Lock, Shock, and Barrel!"
"Who is Frankie Jonas!"
Eventually it got to the point where The Host couldn't even finish the question before being bombarded by a tidal wave of wrong answers.
"This person died in the Battle of Bunker-"
"Who is Princess Aurora!"
"This advocate for women's rights made a-"
"Who is Percy Jackson!"
"Which invention revolutionized the textile industry-"
"What is a neon orange rubber duck!"
Leafpool had been watching the proceedings with growing frustration. Every time she tried to buzz in, someone cut her off.  When The Host began the next question, Leafpool, in a fit of desperation, buzzed in the instant she began to speak.
"Scotland-"
"What is a unicorn!" Leafpool proclaimed triumphantly, finally managing to be the first to answer. 
For a moment everything was quiet. Then-
"That's...correct," The Host said disbelievingly. 
"What?"
"That's correct," she said, "The question was, 'Scotland has a very unusual national animal. What is it?' And the answer is, a unicorn."
"What?"
"That's what it says."
"Wait, but, if I got it right..."
"I'm sorry, Leafpool, I have to eliminate you."
Everyone gaped.
"But if you want to stay, you can help out if you'd like. You know, read the questions like I did today, that sort of thing."
"Um, okay." Leafpool was at a loss for what to do.
"Meet me upstairs, then."
She left, still looking dazed. The Host turned to the rest of the contestants.
"Congratulations, everybody! You guys have not been eliminated. The second challenge will be held tomorrow. Feel free to hang out in your rooms until then." She stepped down from her platform and walked out, heels clicking.
"Wow," Mei-xue said.
"Is the unicorn really the national animal of Scotland?" Kestrel asked.
The Riddler pulled out her imaginary cell phone and looked it up. "Apparently."
"Weird."
"Why is everyone so quiet?" MP shouted. "Here, have a pie!" And she smashed a pie in September's face. Which didn't make September very happy (Chester hissed very defensively in MP's direction) but relieved the tension considerably. Once Brookeira had MP under control, the CBers went back to their rooms.
"I'm watching The Princess Bride if anyone wants to come," Bookworm said. Most of the CBers accepted the offer. Soon the night was filled with shouts of laughter and cries of "Inconceivable!"
Sorry about your elimination, Leafpool. Good luck to everyone else.
submitted by The Host
(July 11, 2016 - 6:17 pm)

Yay! I love the Princess Bride!

A couple of days ago me and Kestrel were walking around in the rain and acting out dramatic Hamilton dueling scenes (with umbrella guns) and other random duels when I ended up saying "No! To the pain!" and then continuing the rest of that conversation and explaining what "to the pain" meant. I think it was probably very confusing to her until I explained it was from a movie.

submitted by The Riddler
(July 12, 2016 - 3:58 pm)

I love that movie! It's inconceivable.

My name Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.

submitted by Owlgirl
(July 12, 2016 - 7:47 pm)

Yes! The princess bride!

Here's my pic! 

Luna says "prmu* No, I'm not going to a prom, I'm going to a gameshow! 

image.jpeg
submitted by Shadowmoon
(July 12, 2016 - 12:11 pm)

I still wasn't quite sure, so I looked up the national animal of Scotland.

It really is a unicorn. I applaud you, Scotland. Good job.

submitted by The Riddler, age 843.946, Here
(July 12, 2016 - 4:00 pm)

I still wasn't quite sure, so I looked up the national animal of Scotland.

It really is a unicorn. I applaud you, Scotland. Good job.

submitted by The Riddler, age 843.946, Here
(July 12, 2016 - 4:00 pm)
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