After the turmoil of early December, it seems only right and proper to hold an exciting and (allegedly) harmless celebration that will let students and staff alike get rid of the stress from both finals and the state of things at large - whether it’s through vigorous physical activity for rewards or through peacefully enjoying the selection of hot food and drink on offer. Daybreak’s annual Krampus Hunt is set in rolling, snowy fields not too far from Soleil, a perfect and peaceful backdrop to be shattered by the strange pseudo-academical ritual about to take place.


A. PREPARATIONS

It is traditional for faculty or TAs who draw the short straw, have lost bets, have unspecified sins to atone for or are simply volunteered (willingly or unwillingly) by their coworkers to dress up as Krampus and be chased through the fields by students. A number of disguises have been provided for this purpose - ranging from ordinary suits to more magical glamours that equip even the most mild-mannered and unassuming-looking faculty member with the guise and temporary ability of a fleet-footed, horned monster. Those unfortunates who have been chosen to get beaten by overenthusiastic students have some time to reflect on their choices and to prepare themselves for the night ahead by choosing both costumes and gifts to give those who catch them. The traditional packaging for gifts is a large lump of coal that is cracked open to reveal the prize within, but faculty can and often have gotten far more creative.


B. THE CHASE

Once the hunt begins, students are encouraged to take weapons from the racks provided and go hunting for Krampuses (who tend to stand out, being all bright red in fields of untouched white snow) . Any student who catches and manages to get a Krampus to agree to submit - by force, by words, or by any other method they can think of - will receive a gift. To receive more gifts, students merely have to hunt down other Krampuses...though it’s unlikely they’ll make it easy on you.


C. TREATS FOR LUCK

For those who have declined to participate in the more active festivities (or are simply taking a break from it), the stalls laden with a selection of hot food are available for perusal. Filled with traditional and festive treats from all over Europe, both savoury and sweet, there’s bound to be something here to satisfy any cravings you might have.
It’s best to be cautious when biting into some of these, however - though finding hidden coins in your food is thought to be a sign of luck for the coming year, it’s definitely not lucky to swallow them outright.

(In a magical twist, the coins you might find in certain treats have small, magical quirks - things like always landing on one side, always being warm (or cold), showing a baseless ‘fortune’, and changing their engravings on a whim.)

For those who are looking for something to quench their thirst, as well as a selection of non-alcoholic beverages - hot chocolate, coffee, tea, spiced ciders, and so on (plus alcoholic beverages for those who are of age) , there is also a station where you can customize your drinks to your hearts’ content. Sprinkle a modest coating of cinnamon or add marshmallows to your hot drinks, or make a monstrosity with every topping you can find - it’s up to you.


D. BONFIRE

For those who don’t seek warmth at the food and drink stalls set up for the occasion, there’s always the bonfires. Magically enchanted to radiate warmth and not melt the snow around them, log seats and tables made from stumps have been set up to accommodate gatherings around the roaring fires. It makes a perfect atmosphere to sit and relax, and ignore the chaos happening in the background.