With the last of the presents sent out, beautifully wrapped in the colours of the winning HoHoHo halflings, Ironbeard cleared the last spool of silver ribbon from his worktable. The magnanimous dwarf paused to reflect on the Logosmas season just concluded.

Time flies when you're busy, and it didn't feel so long ago that saw him seated at his favourite bar, hearing a tap tap tapping at the door.

Leaning to peer out of the window, Ironbeard saw no-one there. Why would they knock, he thought to himself, the door was always kept open. Silence reigned just long enough for him to return to his fourth frosted mug of ale before the tap tap tapping resumed. A sigh, another glance, there was still nobody there.

Having drained his ale with a loud gulp, the dwarf got up to investigate. As expected, no soul lingered at the entry, but a trail of small footprints were etched deeply into the snow, leading to the doorway, and then away again into the evening gloom.

Where the tracks paused, at about waist height to a man, a gently curling length of parchment had been nailed to the doorframe, the document obnoxiously official with its authoritative ribboning, illegible signatures, and a stamped seal in heavy wax.


--- HaHaHa Manifesto ---


We, the undersigned members of the Halflings Against Holidays And Handouts Always, challenge you, the halfling contingent of the HoHoHo choir.

Every Logosmas you undermine good capitalist halflings, devaluing our work, undermining the organisation, and giving away good stock for free! Someone has to pay the dye man, someone has to pay for the ribbon, how will the toymaker eat if you give his wares away for nothing?

We've had enough of your merciful monopoly over this season, and shall settle this once and for all! Gather your holiday helpers, place your decorations, and set your tasks, we will let Sapience decide for charity or sensible commerce.


Capitalism forever, charity never!

--- The HaHaHa ---

Ironbeard chuckled to himself, the mirthful act interrupted and flavoured by a mighty, mead-spiced belch, Sapience had spoken in force. While Allior Coyne had acquired a few mischief-making supporters, the majority had reinforced charitable acts and holiday cheer with Dogo Ooder and the HoHoHo.


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SUMMARY: The HoHoHo halflings won the Logosmas challenge laid down by the HaHaHa.


Penned by My hand on the 13th of Ero, in the year 673 AF.