O'Tan'n-Grub

Every winter cycle, when the distant glow of holiday LEDs shimmers across the great living room plains, a rare and festive grub emerges from the shadows of the Plastic Forest. The O’Tan’N-Grub disguises itself as a tiny Christmas tree— albeit one with suspiciously wiggly branches and a habit of humming merrily. No one knows where this strange Grub came from or if it’s simply the Grubs’ idea of “blending in,” but its appearance is always met with equal parts cheer and caution.

Brightly wrapped presents— some real, some just cleverly painted explosives—collect around its base like offerings. Adventurous soldiers from every faction creep close in hopes of securing a holiday boon, for the O’Tan’N-Grub seems to encourage giftgrabbers with soft jingling sounds and a faint peppermint odor. But its generosity is capricious: for every useful gadget nestled beneath its branches, there lurks at least one dangerously volatile “surprise” assembled from scavenged battery cells, ornament shards, and pure festive malice.

Veteran commanders warn their squads: “Take a gift if you must— but never shake it.” For while the O’Tan’N-Grub may bring miracles, it is just as likely to bring a very sudden, very sparkly explosion. Yet year after year, troops continue to approach it, drawn by that ancient and irresistible holiday instinct… the promise of free stuff.