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This is the general schedule & informational post.
General Links
2025 Collection
2025 Tagset
2025 Schedule
Sept 1 – Nominations Open
Sept 8 – Nominations Close
Sept 11 – Sign-Ups Open
Sept 18 – Sign-Ups Close
October 24 – Assignments Due
October 31 – Gift Reveals (16:59 UTC)
November 7 – Creator Reveals (16:59 UTC)
All times are 23:59 UTC unless otherwise specified.
The Basics
Trick or Treat is an exchange in the style of exchanges like Yuletide or Chocolate Box. It is inspired by a real world holiday, but you do not need to celebrate Halloween to participate in this exchange.
Each participant will receive at least one gift. The gift will be a trick or a treat, and gift minimums are 300 words for fic or a nice sketch for art. A trick should be more horror, occult, supernatural, or scary. A treat should be more sweet, sexy, or fluffy. These are a bit vague to give the writer/artist room for how they interpret trick or treat.
Participants must be 18 years or older.
( Read more... )
Please note the time-change on reveals!
The masks are off! Creators are revealed!
Nov. 7th, 2025 09:20 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
pumpkinkingmodCreators are now revealed, and you can continue enjoying the collection here.
The final tally on the treat sheet was 79 out of the starting 225 -- that puts us just shy of reaching tier 2 (75 remaining). That's still a very good percentage, so cheers to the valiant treaters!
Thank you everyone for another wonderful Trick or Treat!
The final tally on the treat sheet was 79 out of the starting 225 -- that puts us just shy of reaching tier 2 (75 remaining). That's still a very good percentage, so cheers to the valiant treaters!
Thank you everyone for another wonderful Trick or Treat!
pumpkinkingmodExplore the collection here! Enjoy!
Works will remain anonymous until creator reveals on November 7, 16:59 UTC.
Works will remain anonymous until creator reveals on November 7, 16:59 UTC.
On track for reveals!
Oct. 30th, 2025 03:41 pmpumpkinkingmodAll pinch hits are in, and we are on track for our regularly scheduled Halloween reveal! Work reveals will be October 31, 16:59 UTC (12:59 pm EDT).
In the meantime, we've completed the first tier of the community challenge! Here is the Treatless Spreadsheet to find more treatable treats to treat :)
In the meantime, we've completed the first tier of the community challenge! Here is the Treatless Spreadsheet to find more treatable treats to treat :)
The final three! dundundun
Oct. 29th, 2025 08:21 ampumpkinkingmodThree pinch hits remain! These must be filled in order for the collection to open on Halloween. Thank you to everyone helping out!
These are due October 30, 23:59 UTC. (8 pm EDT)
To claim, please comment on this post with your AO3 name and the number or name of the pinch hit you would like. Comments are screened. Pinch hits are first-come, first-serve, and if you're the first to claim, you'll receive the assignment to your email.
You don't have to be signed up to Trick or Treat to claim a pinch hit.
CLAIMEDPH #13 (plicate):
Head On (1998), Set It Off (1996), Succession (TV 2018)
https://autoao3app.fandom.tools/#/trickortreatex2025/user/plicate
CLAIMEDPH #29 (Audrelite):
Teen Titans (Animated Series), Metal Family (Cartoon), Subarashiki Kono Sekai | The World Ends With You (Video Games), ジョジョの奇妙な冒険 | JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken | JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, 氷属性男子とクールな同僚女子 | Koori Zokusei Danshi to Cool na Douryou Joshi (Anime), Pocket Monsters | Pokemon (Main Video Game Series), Yu-Gi-Oh! GX, Depois do Universo | Beyond the Universe (2022)
https://autoao3app.fandom.tools/#/trickortreatex2025/user/Audrelite
CLAIMEDPH #41 (merle_p):
Downton Abbey, The Pitt (TV), Mid-Century Modern (TV), Nicked - M. T. Anderson, Crossover Fandom, Olympo (TV)
https://autoao3app.fandom.tools/#/trickortreatex2025/user/merle_p
These are due October 30, 23:59 UTC. (8 pm EDT)
To claim, please comment on this post with your AO3 name and the number or name of the pinch hit you would like. Comments are screened. Pinch hits are first-come, first-serve, and if you're the first to claim, you'll receive the assignment to your email.
You don't have to be signed up to Trick or Treat to claim a pinch hit.
CLAIMED
CLAIMED
CLAIMED
Community Challenge Treat Sheet!
Oct. 25th, 2025 07:47 pmpumpkinkingmodThank you to all the pinch hitters hard at work! We have eight pinch hits left at this post, if you missed it!
And thank you to shadow for running our official treat sheet! Find your next treat recipient here.
The spreadsheet includes participants with one or zero current gifts, who completed their assignments, and did not opt out of extra gifts. The last-updated timestamp is at the top of the sheet.
Our tiers for Community Challenge success are:
33.33% success: 150 remaining - ACHIEVED!
66.66% success: 75 remaining
100% success: 0 remaining
Happy trick or treating!
And thank you to shadow for running our official treat sheet! Find your next treat recipient here.
The spreadsheet includes participants with one or zero current gifts, who completed their assignments, and did not opt out of extra gifts. The last-updated timestamp is at the top of the sheet.
Our tiers for Community Challenge success are:
33.33% success: 150 remaining - ACHIEVED!
66.66% success: 75 remaining
100% success: 0 remaining
Happy trick or treating!
Post DEADline pinch hits! mwahaha
Oct. 24th, 2025 06:44 pmpumpkinkingmodThe deadline has passed! Which means you may peruse our lineup of eepy creepy pinch hits below!
To claim, please comment on this post with your AO3 name and the number or name of the pinch hit you would like. Comments are screened. Pinch hits are first-come, first-serve, and if you're the first to claim, you'll receive the assignment to your email.
You don't have to be signed up to Trick or Treat to claim a pinch hit.
These are due October 28, 23:59 UTC.
For claims on October 28 or later, these are due on October 29, 23:59 UTC
Thank you!
PH #13 (plicate):
Head On (1998), Set It Off (1996), Succession (TV 2018)
https://autoao3app.fandom.tools/#/trickortreatex2025/user/plicate
( Already claimed )
To claim, please comment on this post with your AO3 name and the number or name of the pinch hit you would like. Comments are screened. Pinch hits are first-come, first-serve, and if you're the first to claim, you'll receive the assignment to your email.
You don't have to be signed up to Trick or Treat to claim a pinch hit.
These are due October 28, 23:59 UTC.
For claims on October 28 or later, these are due on October 29, 23:59 UTC
Thank you!
PH #13 (plicate):
( Already claimed )
pumpkinkingmodWorks are due October 24, 23:59 UTC/7:59 EDT. Please take this opportunity to double-check assignment requirements and that you've actually posted the work instead of leaving it in drafts!
Please also remember there will be no extensions.
After the works deadline, there will be a week for pinch hitting and treating to get ready for work reveals on Halloween.
Speaking of which, our Community Challenge of Treating Every* Participant will kick officially into gear after the post-deadline pinch hits go out! There will be a treat sheet for tracking.
*some restrictions apply
**like opting out of treats, haha
Please also remember there will be no extensions.
After the works deadline, there will be a week for pinch hitting and treating to get ready for work reveals on Halloween.
Speaking of which, our Community Challenge of Treating Every* Participant will kick officially into gear after the post-deadline pinch hits go out! There will be a treat sheet for tracking.
*some restrictions apply
**like opting out of treats, haha
More tricksy pinch hits for you!
Oct. 14th, 2025 05:09 pmpumpkinkingmodTo claim, please comment on this post with your AO3 name and the number or name of the pinch hit you would like. Comments are screened. Pinch hits are first-come, first-serve, and if you're the first to claim, you'll receive the assignment to your email.
You don't have to be signed up to Trick or Treat to claim a pinch hit.
These are due at the regular assignment deadline, October 24, 23:59 UTC.
PH #6 (firsttraintovictoriaville):
Roots of Pacha (Video Game), The White Stripes, Pathfinder: Kingmaker (Video Game), Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop - Hwang Bo-reum
https://autoao3app.fandom.tools/#/trickortreatex2025/user/firsttraintovictoriaville
PH #13 (plicate):
Head On (1998), Set It Off (1996), Succession (TV 2018)
https://autoao3app.fandom.tools/#/trickortreatex2025/user/plicate
PH #15 (redgear):
Hallo itt Mátyás király! - Bogáti Péter, 15th Century CE RPF, Debrief (Paracelsus Games Roleplaying Game), Felvidek (Video Game), Dark Prince: The True Story of Dracula (2000)
https://autoao3app.fandom.tools/#/trickortreatex2025/user/redgear
PH #16 (rubylily):
Code Vein (Video Game), 神さまのいない日曜日 | Kamisama no Inai Nichiyoubi | Sunday Without God (Anime & Manga), Märchen Forest: Mylne and the Forest Gift (Video Game), Octopath Traveler (Video Game), Octopath Traveler II (Video Game), 刀使ノ巫女 | Toji no Miko | Katana Maidens (Anime), void tRrLM(); //Void Terrarium (Video Game), Xenoblade Chronicles 3 (Video Game)
https://autoao3app.fandom.tools/#/trickortreatex2025/user/rubylily
PH #18 (UnhinderedDreams):
Crossover Fandom, The Black Dagger Brotherhood (TV), Buffyverse (TV), I Kissed A Vampire (2010), Nocturnal Animals (2016), The Vampire Diaries (TV)
https://autoao3app.fandom.tools/#/trickortreatex2025/user/UnhinderedDreams
PH #26 (Marenke):
原神 | Genshin Impact (Video Game), Yellowjackets (TV), Something Dark and Holy Series - Emily A. Duncan
https://autoao3app.fandom.tools/#/trickortreatex2025/user/Marenke
( Already claimed! )
You don't have to be signed up to Trick or Treat to claim a pinch hit.
These are due at the regular assignment deadline, October 24, 23:59 UTC.
PH #6 (firsttraintovictoriaville):
PH #13 (plicate):
PH #15 (redgear):
PH #16 (rubylily):
PH #18 (UnhinderedDreams):
PH #26 (Marenke):
( Already claimed! )
pumpkinkingmodTo claim, please comment on this post with your AO3 name and the number or name of the pinch hit you would like. Comments are screened. Pinch hits are first-come, first-serve, and if you're the first to claim, you'll receive the assignment to your email.
You don't have to be signed up to Trick or Treat to claim a pinch hit.
These are due at the regular assignment deadline, October 24, 23:59 UTC.
PH #6 (firsttraintovictoriaville):
Roots of Pacha (Video Game), The White Stripes, Pathfinder: Kingmaker (Video Game), Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop - Hwang Bo-reum
https://autoao3app.fandom.tools/#/trickortreatex2025/user/firsttraintovictoriaville
PH #10 (MxKit):
Happy Halloween Scooby-Doo! (2020), The Nameless Game (Gameverse), The Spectacular Spider-Man (Cartoon)
https://autoao3app.fandom.tools/#/trickortreatex2025/user/MxKit
PH #13 (plicate):
Head On (1998), Set It Off (1996), Succession (TV 2018)
https://autoao3app.fandom.tools/#/trickortreatex2025/user/plicate
PH #15 (redgear):
Hallo itt Mátyás király! - Bogáti Péter, 15th Century CE RPF, Debrief (Paracelsus Games Roleplaying Game), Felvidek (Video Game), Dark Prince: The True Story of Dracula (2000)
https://autoao3app.fandom.tools/#/trickortreatex2025/user/redgear
PH #16 (rubylily):
Code Vein (Video Game), 神さまのいない日曜日 | Kamisama no Inai Nichiyoubi | Sunday Without God (Anime & Manga), Märchen Forest: Mylne and the Forest Gift (Video Game), Octopath Traveler (Video Game), Octopath Traveler II (Video Game), 刀使ノ巫女 | Toji no Miko | Katana Maidens (Anime), void tRrLM(); //Void Terrarium (Video Game), Xenoblade Chronicles 3 (Video Game)
https://autoao3app.fandom.tools/#/trickortreatex2025/user/rubylily
PH #18 (UnhinderedDreams):
Crossover Fandom, The Black Dagger Brotherhood (TV), Buffyverse (TV), I Kissed A Vampire (2010), Nocturnal Animals (2016), The Vampire Diaries (TV)
https://autoao3app.fandom.tools/#/trickortreatex2025/user/UnhinderedDreams
PH #23 (xeena):
Squid Game (TV 2021), Nine Puzzles (TV 2025), Near Dark (1987), Scream (Movies), Hellraiser (Movies 1987-2018), The Lost Boys (Movies)
https://autoao3app.fandom.tools/#/trickortreatex2025/user/xeena
( already claimed! )
You don't have to be signed up to Trick or Treat to claim a pinch hit.
These are due at the regular assignment deadline, October 24, 23:59 UTC.
PH #6 (firsttraintovictoriaville):
PH #10 (MxKit):
PH #13 (plicate):
PH #15 (redgear):
PH #16 (rubylily):
PH #18 (UnhinderedDreams):
PH #23 (xeena):
( already claimed! )
Assignments out! Initial Pinch Hits here!
Sep. 20th, 2025 01:41 pmpumpkinkingmodAssignments have been assigned! Find yours at the email address associated with your AO3 account. Alternatively, you can find it under the "Assignments" tab on the sidebar of your AO3 profile.
If you linked an unfinished letter, please try to complete and/or unlock it as soon as possible.
If your recip's letter is incomplete or locked, please wait to contact me about it until after Sept 27. (Or just work from the signup details.)
Assignments are due October 24, 23:59 UTC. Please note that there will be no extensions.
Initial Pinch Hits
To claim, please comment on this post with your AO3 name and the number or name of the pinch hit you would like. Comments are screened. Pinch hits are first-come, first-serve, and if you're the first to claim, you'll receive the assignment to your email.
You don't have to be signed up to Trick or Treat to claim a pinch hit.
These are due at the regular assignment deadline, October 24, 23:59 UTC.
PH #5 (facethestrange):
镇魂 | Guardian (TV 2018) RPF, 镇魂 | Guardian (TV 2018), 镇魂 | Guardian - priest, Crossover Fandom
https://autoao3app.fandom.tools/#/trickortreatex2025/user/facethestrange
PH #6 (firsttraintovictoriaville):
Roots of Pacha (Video Game), The White Stripes, Pathfinder: Kingmaker (Video Game), Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop - Hwang Bo-reum
https://autoao3app.fandom.tools/#/trickortreatex2025/user/firsttraintovictoriaville
PH #10 (MxKit):
Happy Halloween Scooby-Doo! (2020), The Nameless Game (Gameverse), The Spectacular Spider-Man (Cartoon)
https://autoao3app.fandom.tools/#/trickortreatex2025/user/MxKit
PH #13 (plicate):
Head On (1998), Set It Off (1996), Succession (TV 2018)
https://autoao3app.fandom.tools/#/trickortreatex2025/user/plicate
PH #14 (psychomachia):
Blood Son - Richard Matheson, The Devil You Say - Charles Beaumont, Blood Creek (2009), The Lawnmower Man (1992), The Fall of the House of Usher (TV 2023), The Sinner (TV)
https://autoao3app.fandom.tools/#/trickortreatex2025/user/psychomachia
PH #15 (redgear):
Hallo itt Mátyás király! - Bogáti Péter, 15th Century CE RPF, Debrief (Paracelsus Games Roleplaying Game), Felvidek (Video Game), Dark Prince: The True Story of Dracula (2000)
https://autoao3app.fandom.tools/#/trickortreatex2025/user/redgear
PH #16 (rubylily):
Code Vein (Video Game), 神さまのいない日曜日 | Kamisama no Inai Nichiyoubi | Sunday Without God (Anime & Manga), Märchen Forest: Mylne and the Forest Gift (Video Game), Octopath Traveler (Video Game), Octopath Traveler II (Video Game), 刀使ノ巫女 | Toji no Miko | Katana Maidens (Anime), void tRrLM(); //Void Terrarium (Video Game), Xenoblade Chronicles 3 (Video Game)
https://autoao3app.fandom.tools/#/trickortreatex2025/user/rubylily
PH #18 (UnhinderedDreams):
Crossover Fandom, The Black Dagger Brotherhood (TV), Buffyverse (TV), I Kissed A Vampire (2010), Nocturnal Animals (2016), The Vampire Diaries (TV)
https://autoao3app.fandom.tools/#/trickortreatex2025/user/UnhinderedDreams
PH #21 (ambiguously):
Star Wars: Obi-Wan Kenobi (TV), Star Wars: Rebels, Star Wars: Resistance (Cartoon), Crossover Fandom, Star Wars: Skeleton Crew (TV)
https://autoao3app.fandom.tools/#/trickortreatex2025/user/ambiguously
To claim PH21, please comment logged-in or email halloweenmod@gmx.com
( claimed! )
If you linked an unfinished letter, please try to complete and/or unlock it as soon as possible.
If your recip's letter is incomplete or locked, please wait to contact me about it until after Sept 27. (Or just work from the signup details.)
Assignments are due October 24, 23:59 UTC. Please note that there will be no extensions.
Initial Pinch Hits
To claim, please comment on this post with your AO3 name and the number or name of the pinch hit you would like. Comments are screened. Pinch hits are first-come, first-serve, and if you're the first to claim, you'll receive the assignment to your email.
You don't have to be signed up to Trick or Treat to claim a pinch hit.
These are due at the regular assignment deadline, October 24, 23:59 UTC.
PH #5 (facethestrange):
PH #6 (firsttraintovictoriaville):
PH #10 (MxKit):
PH #13 (plicate):
PH #14 (psychomachia):
PH #15 (redgear):
PH #16 (rubylily):
PH #18 (UnhinderedDreams):
PH #21 (ambiguously):
( claimed! )
Signups are closed!
Sep. 18th, 2025 06:43 pmpumpkinkingmodJust an update that signups are closed! I'm going to finish fine-tuning matching tomorrow morning (East Coast time), so don't wait up for unmatchable emails tonight :)
Community Challenge & Signup Reminder!
Sep. 16th, 2025 09:16 pmpumpkinkingmodHello, sweet and spooky Trick or Treaters! Signups close in just under two days (September 18 at 7:59 PM EDT/23:59 UTC). Here is the signup information post!
And for this year's Community Challenge, we're going retro again. Your collective goal is to treat every participant.
*except for the ones who opt out of treats. do not treat them!
This will be managed in a similar style to the 2021 community challenge (see here) with percentage tiers of success. I'll post the exact tier targets after signups close and we have the numbers.
Get excited, and good luck!
And for this year's Community Challenge, we're going retro again. Your collective goal is to treat every participant.
*except for the ones who opt out of treats. do not treat them!
This will be managed in a similar style to the 2021 community challenge (see here) with percentage tiers of success. I'll post the exact tier targets after signups close and we have the numbers.
Get excited, and good luck!
Boo! Signups are open!
Sep. 11th, 2025 05:02 pmpumpkinkingmodFirst, if you nominated Batman AMT, Digimon Adventure, or Sonic AMT, please check out this query post!
Second, signups are now open! 🎃 They will close on September 18 at 7:59 PM EDT/23:59 UTC.
Please review the signup instructions in this post before signing up.
The community challenge post will be up sometime this week.
Signup form
Tagset
Requests summary
Signup summary
FAQ post
( Sign up details )
Second, signups are now open! 🎃 They will close on September 18 at 7:59 PM EDT/23:59 UTC.
Please review the signup instructions in this post before signing up.
The community challenge post will be up sometime this week.
Signup form
Tagset
Requests summary
Signup summary
FAQ post
( Sign up details )
pumpkinkingmodI have some questions for the nominators of the below fandoms! Please reply by Saturday, Sept 13, 11:59 AM EDT, or I'll choose how to handle them without input.
Note that this deadline does overlap with signups, which will open later today (Sept 11). So if you intend to sign up with any of these fandoms, you may want to wait a couple days - my apologies for the inconvenience!
Batman - All Media Types
There are various Batmans already in the tag set. Can this be merged into DCU (Comics)?
Digimon - All Media Types
Digimon Adventure
There are two overlapping Digimon nominations. Can the AMT nominator pick a specific version? And does the Digimon Adventure nominator mean the original anime or the 2020 reboot? (or does the fandom treat them interchangeably?)
Sonic the Hedgehog - All Media Types
Sonic the Hedgehog (Video Games) is already in the tag set. Can this be merged with that, or can you pick a different specific version?
---
Tron - All Media Types
Tron: Uprising is already in the tag set. Can you pick a specific version?
The Legend of Zelda & Related Fandoms
Other Zeldas are already in the tag set. Can you pick a specific version?
Wiedźmin | The Witcher - All Media Types
The TV show and video games are already in the tag set. Can you pick a specific version?
Note that this deadline does overlap with signups, which will open later today (Sept 11). So if you intend to sign up with any of these fandoms, you may want to wait a couple days - my apologies for the inconvenience!
There are various Batmans already in the tag set. Can this be merged into DCU (Comics)?
Digimon - All Media Types
Digimon Adventure
There are two overlapping Digimon nominations. Can the AMT nominator pick a specific version? And does the Digimon Adventure nominator mean the original anime or the 2020 reboot? (or does the fandom treat them interchangeably?)
Sonic the Hedgehog - All Media Types
Sonic the Hedgehog (Video Games) is already in the tag set. Can this be merged with that, or can you pick a different specific version?
---
Tron: Uprising is already in the tag set. Can you pick a specific version?
Other Zeldas are already in the tag set. Can you pick a specific version?
The TV show and video games are already in the tag set. Can you pick a specific version?
pumpkinkingmodNominations are closed, but please don't worry if your tags haven't been processed yet. The schedule includes three days for me to finish that up before signups open :)
If I have any questions about the lingering tags, I'll make a clarification post, so stay tuned!
If I have any questions about the lingering tags, I'll make a clarification post, so stay tuned!
Trick or Treat 2025 Nominations Open! 🎃
Sep. 1st, 2025 09:33 ampumpkinkingmodWelcome back to Trick or Treat! Nominations are open until September 8 at 7:59 PM EDT/23:59 UTC. Please read this post before nominating!
Countdown until nominations end.
Here is this year's tag set! You may nominate up to 8 fandoms with 8 characters or relationships in each.
Nominations format
You can nominate characters and/or relationships under each fandom you nominate. For AO3 matching algorithm reasons, both characters and relationships are nominated under the “Characters” slot in the tag set, and relationships should be specified by including “Ship:” in front of the pairing, whether romantic/sexual or platonic.
All fandoms in the tag set need to be nominated with at least one character or relationship tag under that fandom.
For all tags:
Please nominate original works under the fandom Original Work. If you don't specify a character's gender in the tag, you're leaving it up to the creator to choose.
Please avoid using pipes where possible and do not use diacritics/tone marks where unnecessary.
All character and ship nominations must be disambiguated. (See below for an explanation!)
Please use the name order as in the canon ("Given Name Family Name" for most western canons, "Family Name Given Name" for most Asian canons).
For relationship tags:
Relationships must include "Ship:" in front of the pairing.
You may nominate / or & relationships. "A/B" is a romantic or sexual relationship; "A & B" is a platonic relationship.
Please alphabetize ships by family name.
Please nominate crossovers under the fandom Crossover Fandom, with ships in the format:
Ship: Yuri Plisetsky (YOI) & Rajah (Aladdin).
You cannot nominate both / and & in a single tag. This means any nominations like "Ship: Aerith/Tifa & Cloud (FFVII)" will be rejected.
What is disambiguation?
This means adding the fandom in brackets after your nomination. Some examples:
Sakurayashiki Kaoru (SK8)
Leia Organa (SWOT)
Luke Skywalker (SWST)
Ship: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson (BBC Sherlock)
Ship: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson (Sherlock Holmes - ACD)
Ship: Mia Fey/Phoenix Wright (Ace Attorney)
Ship: Enoshima Junko/Tsumiki Mikan (DR Hope's Peak)
Ship: James "Bucky" Barnes & Steve Rogers (Marvel 616)
Before nominating, please check if your fandom is already in the tagset, and what disambiguations were used. Your nominations get approved faster if they are already in the correct format.
Specific Fandom Nomination Guidelines
Updated per feedback for 2025: Please nominate all MCU movies and Marvel TV shows under Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Updated per feedback for 2025: Please nominate Dimension 20 campaigns separately according to continuity.
Updated per feedback for 2025: Please nominate FFVII Remake/Rebirth separately from Compilation of FFVII.
Marvel Comics should be nominated by the characters' native universe, e.g. Marvel 616.
DC Comics should be nominated together under DCU (Comics). You may specify timeline (e.g. Pre-Flashpoint) in the disambiguation.
Arrowverse TV shows should be nominated together under DC's Arrowverse. Superman & Lois is separate.
All DCEU movies should be nominated together under DC Extended Universe.
Baldur's Gate games should be nominated together as Baldur's Gate (Video Games). "Tav" or "Dark Urge" are the main character of BG3. "Charname" is the main character of BG1 or 2. "Original Character(s)" are not player characters.
Buffyverse (TV) consists of the television shows for both Buffy the Vampire Slayer (TV) and Angel: The Series.
Doctor Who is divided between 1963, 2005, and Torchwood.
Danganronpa has the original continuity ("Danganronpa - Hope’s Peak Arc") while Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony is separate.
Dragon Age should be nominated as Dragon Age - All Media Types.
If you've read this far down the post, please comment with your favorite spooky creature. This doesn't mean anything, it's just for fun.
Star Trek should be divided by show, with Star Trek: Alternate Original Series (Movies) separate.
Star Wars should be divided into Star Wars Prequel Trilogy, Star Wars Original Trilogy, Star Wars Sequel Trilogy, the standalone movies, then the individual properties, e.g. The Mandalorian (TV).
Ace Attorney and The Great Ace Attorney are two separate fandoms. Please use localized names where applicable, i.e, "Miles Edgeworth" and "Herlock Sholmes."
Countdown until nominations end.
Here is this year's tag set! You may nominate up to 8 fandoms with 8 characters or relationships in each.
Nominations format
You can nominate characters and/or relationships under each fandom you nominate. For AO3 matching algorithm reasons, both characters and relationships are nominated under the “Characters” slot in the tag set, and relationships should be specified by including “Ship:” in front of the pairing, whether romantic/sexual or platonic.
All fandoms in the tag set need to be nominated with at least one character or relationship tag under that fandom.
For all tags:
Please nominate original works under the fandom Original Work. If you don't specify a character's gender in the tag, you're leaving it up to the creator to choose.
Please avoid using pipes where possible and do not use diacritics/tone marks where unnecessary.
All character and ship nominations must be disambiguated. (See below for an explanation!)
Please use the name order as in the canon ("Given Name Family Name" for most western canons, "Family Name Given Name" for most Asian canons).
For relationship tags:
Relationships must include "Ship:" in front of the pairing.
You may nominate / or & relationships. "A/B" is a romantic or sexual relationship; "A & B" is a platonic relationship.
Please alphabetize ships by family name.
Please nominate crossovers under the fandom Crossover Fandom, with ships in the format:
Ship: Yuri Plisetsky (YOI) & Rajah (Aladdin).
You cannot nominate both / and & in a single tag. This means any nominations like "Ship: Aerith/Tifa & Cloud (FFVII)" will be rejected.
What is disambiguation?
This means adding the fandom in brackets after your nomination. Some examples:
Sakurayashiki Kaoru (SK8)
Leia Organa (SWOT)
Luke Skywalker (SWST)
Ship: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson (BBC Sherlock)
Ship: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson (Sherlock Holmes - ACD)
Ship: Mia Fey/Phoenix Wright (Ace Attorney)
Ship: Enoshima Junko/Tsumiki Mikan (DR Hope's Peak)
Ship: James "Bucky" Barnes & Steve Rogers (Marvel 616)
Before nominating, please check if your fandom is already in the tagset, and what disambiguations were used. Your nominations get approved faster if they are already in the correct format.
Specific Fandom Nomination Guidelines
Updated per feedback for 2025: Please nominate all MCU movies and Marvel TV shows under Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Updated per feedback for 2025: Please nominate Dimension 20 campaigns separately according to continuity.
Updated per feedback for 2025: Please nominate FFVII Remake/Rebirth separately from Compilation of FFVII.
Marvel Comics should be nominated by the characters' native universe, e.g. Marvel 616.
DC Comics should be nominated together under DCU (Comics). You may specify timeline (e.g. Pre-Flashpoint) in the disambiguation.
Arrowverse TV shows should be nominated together under DC's Arrowverse. Superman & Lois is separate.
All DCEU movies should be nominated together under DC Extended Universe.
Baldur's Gate games should be nominated together as Baldur's Gate (Video Games). "Tav" or "Dark Urge" are the main character of BG3. "Charname" is the main character of BG1 or 2. "Original Character(s)" are not player characters.
Buffyverse (TV) consists of the television shows for both Buffy the Vampire Slayer (TV) and Angel: The Series.
Doctor Who is divided between 1963, 2005, and Torchwood.
Danganronpa has the original continuity ("Danganronpa - Hope’s Peak Arc") while Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony is separate.
Dragon Age should be nominated as Dragon Age - All Media Types.
If you've read this far down the post, please comment with your favorite spooky creature. This doesn't mean anything, it's just for fun.
Star Trek should be divided by show, with Star Trek: Alternate Original Series (Movies) separate.
Star Wars should be divided into Star Wars Prequel Trilogy, Star Wars Original Trilogy, Star Wars Sequel Trilogy, the standalone movies, then the individual properties, e.g. The Mandalorian (TV).
Ace Attorney and The Great Ace Attorney are two separate fandoms. Please use localized names where applicable, i.e, "Miles Edgeworth" and "Herlock Sholmes."
pumpkinkingmodThe masks of anonymity are off, and creators have been revealed. Thank you all for another fun and spooky Trick or Treat Exchange!
Continue enjoying the collection here: https://archiveofourown.org/collections/trickortreatex2024/works
Fandom Sorting Feedback
For nominations, Trick or Treat's fandom sorting is based mostly on what previous Pumpkin Kings have done. The rest is a mishmash of how other exchanges handle certain fandoms, my own understanding of fandoms I'm familiar with, and participant input throughout the years.
Sometimes, this results in outdated or difficult fandom sorting choices. For example, I don't keep up with what channels host the various Marvel TV shows at any given time. We also currently divide Star Wars between trilogies, while lumping every Dimension 20 campaign into a single fandom tag.
But policy changes are easier when nominations aren't currently underway. So! If you have any feedback on fandom sorting in advance of next year, I'd appreciate any comments on this post!
Here is 2024's nominations post for reference on current guidelines: https://trickortreatex.dreamwidth.org/64087.html
And here is 2024's tag set: https://archiveofourown.org/tag_sets/20767
(Note that I'm busy this month and will probably not reply to comments. I'll read everything ahead of next year's nominations.)
(Note also that I'm more interested in a generally functional tag set than a universal rule of how fandoms get divided. There will always be some inconsistencies by design.)
Continue enjoying the collection here: https://archiveofourown.org/collections/trickortreatex2024/works
Fandom Sorting Feedback
For nominations, Trick or Treat's fandom sorting is based mostly on what previous Pumpkin Kings have done. The rest is a mishmash of how other exchanges handle certain fandoms, my own understanding of fandoms I'm familiar with, and participant input throughout the years.
Sometimes, this results in outdated or difficult fandom sorting choices. For example, I don't keep up with what channels host the various Marvel TV shows at any given time. We also currently divide Star Wars between trilogies, while lumping every Dimension 20 campaign into a single fandom tag.
But policy changes are easier when nominations aren't currently underway. So! If you have any feedback on fandom sorting in advance of next year, I'd appreciate any comments on this post!
Here is 2024's nominations post for reference on current guidelines: https://trickortreatex.dreamwidth.org/64087.html
And here is 2024's tag set: https://archiveofourown.org/tag_sets/20767
(Note that I'm busy this month and will probably not reply to comments. I'll read everything ahead of next year's nominations.)
(Note also that I'm more interested in a generally functional tag set than a universal rule of how fandoms get divided. There will always be some inconsistencies by design.)
Emergency Pinch Hit
Nov. 2nd, 2024 12:14 pmpumpkinkingmodWe urgently need this pinch hit completed! Creator reveals will be delayed if this isn't filled in time.
To claim, please comment on this post with your AO3 name. Comments are screened. Pinch hits are first-come, first-serve,and if you're the first to claim, you'll receive the assignment to your email. If claiming logged-out on DW, please provide an email I can reach you at. If claiming logged-in, I'll reply if it's yours.
You don't have to be signed up to Trick or Treat to claim a pinch hit.
This is due November 5, 23:59 UTC.
CLAIMEDPH #48 (RoverMaelstrom):
Chronicles of Narnia - C. S. Lewis, Superstition (Superstition_hockey 2016), Crossover Fandom, His Boy Next Door Series - R.J. Moray
https://autoao3app.fandom.tools/#/trickortreatex2024/user/RoverMaelstrom
To claim, please comment on this post with your AO3 name. Comments are screened. Pinch hits are first-come, first-serve,
You don't have to be signed up to Trick or Treat to claim a pinch hit.
This is due November 5, 23:59 UTC.
CLAIMED
pumpkinkingmodAfter conferring with Detective Pumpkin, you join the gathering in the Room of Dreams and Nightmares. Everyone is here, from Mugwortius the Monster to Catherine Catrina Catalina the Cat to the weeping banshee housekeeper.
Detective Pumpkin stands next to an upright, open coffin, in which Velmarina the Vampire is bound.
"I'm most disappointed," Velmarina complains. "I wanted you to gather us all up before dramatically pointing at me."
"You would have escaped in a flurry of bats," Mugwortius points out, waving a sludgy hand. "You always do that. What I don't understand is why you killed the Spirit of Halloween."
Velmarina rolls her eyes. "Let the Spirit explain that for themself."
"Enough!" Detective Pumpkin says. "It's already Halloween, and without the help of my new investigator—" she gestures towards you— "I wouldn't have been able to solve the murder in time. But thanks to this amulet, I can perform the ritual to resurrect the Spirit of Halloween."
She lifts her hand, on which glitters an enormous pumpkin-orange diamond.
Catherine Catrina Catalina stretches adorably. "That would be the ring the Spirit of Halloween gave you on your, ahem, friendship anniversary?"
Detective Pumpkin can't blush. Her head is literally a pumpkin. But her candle flickers.
"It's a practical, magical amulet," Detective Pumpkin says defensively. "The Spirit thought it would be useful for my work."
She busies herself with the preparations. You help her lay out the array of festive bonbons and tiny pumpkins, surrounding the Mask of Masking and the bound Velmarina.
Then you step back, and Detective Pumpkin steps into the circle. She touches the amulet ring and says, "The culprit is Velmarina the Vampire, with the Mask of Masking, in the Room of Dreams and Nightmares. The trick has been uncovered. Bibbity bobbity boo!"
With the final "boo", a horde of ghosts flurries through the room. They dash hither and thither in gusts of cold wind and flapping sheets—then vanish.
The bonbons and tiny pumpkins float into the air. Small orange lights dance between them.
"Spirit," Detective Pumpkin breathes.
And the Spirit of Halloween appears.
They look different to everyone. You might see a witch, or a devil, or a fairy, or a clown. A sexy mime or an amorphous wisp of shadow. A memory. A friend. The Spirit of Halloween is whatever Halloween means to you.
Upon resurrection, their first words are, "I'm sorry."
"Why?" Detective Pumpkin reaches out. "You've done nothing wrong."
The Spirit of Halloween clasps Detective Pumpkin's hands. "Velmarina killed me because I wouldn't shut up about you. I've been annoying her for years, talking about my crush on you without ever doing anything about it."
Silence falls. Except for the weeping banshee housekeeper.
"She what," Detective Pumpkin says, flabbergasted. Then her voice softens, her candle flickering intensely. "Your crush on me?"
"They're insufferable about you," Velmarina says, ruthless.
"We have a lot to talk about," the Spirit of Halloween says fondly. "But first, I have one spooky job to take care of..."
The Spirit of Halloween lets go of Detective Pumpkin's hands enough to gesture skyward.
Bonbons and tiny pumpkins fly away through the windows, streaming orange and purple sparkles. They light up the sky on their journeys to every corner of Halloweenland—
While in Trick or Treat Manor, surrounded by friends, the Spirit of Halloween and Detective Pumpkin lean in for a long-awaited kiss.
As the bonbons and tiny pumpkins arrive at their destinations, they transform into gifts for lucky Trick or Treaters. The murder mystery is solved, and works are revealed. Please enjoy the tricks and treats in the collection!
Detective Pumpkin stands next to an upright, open coffin, in which Velmarina the Vampire is bound.
"I'm most disappointed," Velmarina complains. "I wanted you to gather us all up before dramatically pointing at me."
"You would have escaped in a flurry of bats," Mugwortius points out, waving a sludgy hand. "You always do that. What I don't understand is why you killed the Spirit of Halloween."
Velmarina rolls her eyes. "Let the Spirit explain that for themself."
"Enough!" Detective Pumpkin says. "It's already Halloween, and without the help of my new investigator—" she gestures towards you— "I wouldn't have been able to solve the murder in time. But thanks to this amulet, I can perform the ritual to resurrect the Spirit of Halloween."
She lifts her hand, on which glitters an enormous pumpkin-orange diamond.
Catherine Catrina Catalina stretches adorably. "That would be the ring the Spirit of Halloween gave you on your, ahem, friendship anniversary?"
Detective Pumpkin can't blush. Her head is literally a pumpkin. But her candle flickers.
"It's a practical, magical amulet," Detective Pumpkin says defensively. "The Spirit thought it would be useful for my work."
She busies herself with the preparations. You help her lay out the array of festive bonbons and tiny pumpkins, surrounding the Mask of Masking and the bound Velmarina.
Then you step back, and Detective Pumpkin steps into the circle. She touches the amulet ring and says, "The culprit is Velmarina the Vampire, with the Mask of Masking, in the Room of Dreams and Nightmares. The trick has been uncovered. Bibbity bobbity boo!"
With the final "boo", a horde of ghosts flurries through the room. They dash hither and thither in gusts of cold wind and flapping sheets—then vanish.
The bonbons and tiny pumpkins float into the air. Small orange lights dance between them.
"Spirit," Detective Pumpkin breathes.
And the Spirit of Halloween appears.
They look different to everyone. You might see a witch, or a devil, or a fairy, or a clown. A sexy mime or an amorphous wisp of shadow. A memory. A friend. The Spirit of Halloween is whatever Halloween means to you.
Upon resurrection, their first words are, "I'm sorry."
"Why?" Detective Pumpkin reaches out. "You've done nothing wrong."
The Spirit of Halloween clasps Detective Pumpkin's hands. "Velmarina killed me because I wouldn't shut up about you. I've been annoying her for years, talking about my crush on you without ever doing anything about it."
Silence falls. Except for the weeping banshee housekeeper.
"She what," Detective Pumpkin says, flabbergasted. Then her voice softens, her candle flickering intensely. "Your crush on me?"
"They're insufferable about you," Velmarina says, ruthless.
"We have a lot to talk about," the Spirit of Halloween says fondly. "But first, I have one spooky job to take care of..."
The Spirit of Halloween lets go of Detective Pumpkin's hands enough to gesture skyward.
Bonbons and tiny pumpkins fly away through the windows, streaming orange and purple sparkles. They light up the sky on their journeys to every corner of Halloweenland—
While in Trick or Treat Manor, surrounded by friends, the Spirit of Halloween and Detective Pumpkin lean in for a long-awaited kiss.
As the bonbons and tiny pumpkins arrive at their destinations, they transform into gifts for lucky Trick or Treaters. The murder mystery is solved, and works are revealed. Please enjoy the tricks and treats in the collection!
Mugwortius the Monster...
Oct. 30th, 2024 10:35 pmpumpkinkingmod...is a red herring. Which means Velmarina the Vampire is the murderer! Stay tuned for the thrilling conclusion of the community challenge murder mystery!
Also, we are on track for work reveals, which will be October 31 at 17 UTC (1 pm EDT/10 am PDT)!
Also, we are on track for work reveals, which will be October 31 at 17 UTC (1 pm EDT/10 am PDT)!
