Once again, Winter is blowing in across the bay to Paragon City?, and settling on the Rogue Isles? like an icy blanket. This year new challenges and new rewards make it an exciting time for Heroes and Villains!

By simply logging in and visiting Paragon City or the Rogue Isles between December 17th, 2007 and January 6th, 2008*, your character will receive the Gifted badge and of course the Fuzzy Earmuffs costume piece. You’ll also receive the Holiday Spirit Temporary Power, which grants 48 hours of 25% Debt Protection, as well as the Holiday Cheer Temporary Power – target another player and use Holiday Cheer on them. It will reward them with a random, Mystery Gift – possibly a Temporary Power, a sack full of Influence or Infamy, or maybe even a very recognizable hat.

Once again Father Time, the keeper of the New Year, has a crisis on his hands. Snaptooth has kidnapped Baby New Year in order to keep Father Time from passing on the chronological mantle. If he keeps Baby New Year locked away forever, guarded by the Red Caps and allies among the Tuatha, winter will never give way to spring, and the universe as we know it may come to an end. Heroes and Villains can again band together to tackle this task!

Father Time can be found through a doorway in Pocket D that leads to a ski chalet built on a piece of the Shadow Shard. If you help him out, he’ll give out a choice of one of several fabulous holiday presents.

Ski Slopes are Open
While you are helping Father Time, take a few runs down the snowy ski course outside of the chalet. Authorities have kept the slalom course in great condition and this year all runs will be timed! Start practicing because your skills could earn you Bronze, Silver, or even Gold Medalist Badges!

Candy Canes and Gamester’s Gifts
Not surprisingly Gamester is up to his usual pranks. He has loaded the streets and rooftops with gifts once more. His presents might hold an Inspiration or Temporary Power, or they might reveal less favorable items like a Lump of Coal (though some find this a good thing), a Snowbeast, or maybe even the Winter Lord!

Candy Canes, a new type of Salvage, will be abundant this year! With every present that Heroes and Villains open “successfully,” a Candy Cane will appear. These can be redeemed with the Candy Keeper in the Pocket D chalet for a huge host of holiday rewards.

With so many fun Winter activities, the only question is where to begin!

                     copy from www.cityofheroes.com