Chris Fic Challenges

CHALLENGE #1: LARABEE LASHINGS It has come to our attention that there are lots of us out there who love all things Larabee. And while there are a number of good "Chris" stories out there, our dark-clad leader is generally used as a supporting character - picking up the pieces when one or more of our other darling Seven are beaten and down-trodden. Well, it's time for Chris to be "taken care of" for a change, and we all know what that means - more Larabee Lashings. Several fans are now calling for more abuse to our fearless leader! I believe our site Webmistress called it "bashing." But have you ever looked "lashing" up in Rodale's Synonym Finder? Let's see, there is whipping, flailing, smacking, hitting, whomping, thwacking, flogging, poking, sticking, agitating, cuffing and one of my personal favorites - jumping all over! The Magnificent Seven has some of the best fan fiction authors I have ever seen. Let's see how creative you can all be when it comes to testing our courageous hero! Let's face it, Chris has a past that is made for torture - and he has six strapping "brothers" to help him out.

Don't Know From Adam - Jordan McKenzie [CHALLENGE #1, #2 and #9]

Good Luck... for Once - Raquel [CHALLENGE #1]

The Price of a Broken Promise - Winnie  ATF [CHALLENGE #1]

• Contains material which may be unsuitable for sensitive readers

Retribution - Bern [CHALLENGE #1]

CHALLENGE #2: INMATE 79 "Inmate 78" was a terrific 'Chris" episode - a very dark and curious look into the Larabee character. But have you ever wondered how the episode might have differed had one of the other Seven been abducted alongside him? How would his attitude have been altered had he had someone other than himself to look after? And how would things be different in the rescue if one of those responsible for his liberation had not been there to help out? Write a story choosing your other favorite MAG7 character (keeping in mind that Chris is still the feature) to play the role of INMATE 79. Or, if you're feeling really ambitious, you might want to choose an INMATE 80 as well.

Don't Know From Adam - Jordan McKenzie [CHALLENGE #1, #2 and #9]

CHALLENGE #3: COWBOYS & INDIANS Has anyone else out there noticed the lack of Native American activity in and around Four Corners? The presence of American Indians was only seen a couple of times during the show's run. And I've only seen one fanfic that reminded me there were indeed Indians "hangin' round" the west at the time. The challenge this time around is to write a story featuring Chris and our Magnificent team as they battle against or ally themselves with Indians. Good or bad, friend or foe. A little "Cowboy and Indian" interaction would be great fun to write and read! Oh, and don't feel like you have to limit it to OLD WEST stories. ATF/AU stories are also welcome (for any of the challenges.)

CHALLENGE #4: FEAR IN FOUR CORNERS Halloween is just around the corner. How about we carry it right around Four Corners? Write a story that forces our hero to face a fear. It can be psychological, physical, deep-seated or off the cuff. Feel free to bring any of the remaining Magnificent Seven team along for the ride. The story can be Halloween related or simply about a "fright" theme. It can also be written in any Magnificent Seven universe (OW, ATF, Search and Rescue…)

All Hallows' Eve - Deirdre ATF [CHALLENGE #4]

CHALLENGE #5: IN DISBELIEF Chris Larabee comes off as a very strong and unflappable man. After all, he's the leader of the Magnificent Seven; a guiding force for an amazing team of peacekeepers. But what if he were to see, hear or experience something so far-fetched that he couldn't get anyone to believe him. How would he react? What would he do to prove what he knows as truth? Everyone has probably experienced this situation - let's see how creative the MAG7 authors can be this time around. Feel free to write in any MAG7 universe.

Seeing is Believing - Carla Stinson  ATF [CHALLENGE #5]

CHALLENGE #6: DAGNABIT! (Hey, I'm from the South and even I don't know how to spell it!) Okay everybody, 'fess up! Have you ever done something, not really knowing why you've done it, and have it lead to something else that never really should have happened, but did, and then when you try to fix it, it beats you to the corner, circles around and bites you rather unceremoniously on the butt? I thought so. Me too. How would it be if Chris were the one who did the 'something' that should never have been done? This story challenge can be either dramatic or comedic, but I have a feeling we may all get a few laughs out of this one.

Neither a Sender Nor a Larabee - Beth Green ATF [CHALLENGE #6]

CHRIS FIC CHALLENGE #7: SURVIVOR Enduring the trials of nature without the aid of modern conveniences seems to be of great interest these days. There are games, camps and TV shows based on the subject of survival. Wouldn't it be interesting to see our boys take the challenge? Only for them, it wouldn't be about entertainment, it would be about staying alive. Let's put them in the midst of a real-life struggle for life. The premise is as follows: Seven men are stranded in a setting of your choice. They all have a wide array of skills and instincts, but it'll take Chris' leadership to see them safely home. The big catch-- Chris is severely injured. How can he overcome great odds, carry his own weight during the endeavor, and guide his men to safety when he's battling a personal disadvantage? Hey, he's one of our Seven-- let him be Magnificent!

Stranded - Winnie AU (The Firm) [CHALLENGE #7]

CHRIS FIC CHALLENGE #8: WHEN TROUBLE TRAVELS WITH YOU How hard could it be to go from here to there? If you think it's a simple thing, you've never talked with a fanfic author for the Magnificent 7. They make a walk in the park seem downright cataclysmic! In light of this uncanny ability, I am calling on all MAG7 writers to create a story discussing the humor or tragedy in getting from Point A to Point B. Feature Chris utilizing any mode of transportation you choose. It can be a horse, a stagecoach, a train, a car, an elevator, a hang-glider, a light aircraft, a jetliner, a helicopter, a boat, a cruise ship or a spacecraft. Anything at all-- in any Mag7 universe. Have fun!

CHRIS FIC CHALLENGE #9: CASTING CALL The casting of the actors who played the Magnificent Seven was nothing less than an inspiration from Heaven. Michael is Chris, Tony is Ezra, Eric is Vin... I couldn't imagine anyone else filling the shoes of my favorite Peacekeepers. I can however, imagine guest stars. Now this isn't about writing a crossover story, where a character from another show meets the Seven. This challenge is about choosing an actor/actress who you would like to see in a guest role on the show. Select a performer and create a character with he/she in mind. Be sure to give the name of the actor when you submit your story; that way everyone who reads it will be able to truly envision your guest star.

Don't Know From Adam - Jordan McKenzie [CHALLENGE #1, #2 and #9]

CHRIS FIC CHALLENGE #10: MUCH LIKE CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS Do you remember when Chris and Hank were discussing Sarah's belief that chicken and dumplings were for Sundays in the episode Vendetta? Well, that was a rare look into a character we never really got to know. Sarah and Adam were Chris Larabee's whole world for several years, yet we know so very little about them personally. This challenge is intended to flesh out the two people who most affected our hero's life. For a reason of your own choosing, have Chris relate a memory/anecdote about his wife and/or child to one or more of the men he now considers his family. You control the circumstances, create the memory and choose who he confides in.

The First Dance - LaraMee Deux [CHALLENGE #10]

Home Alone... With Child - LaraMee Deux [CHALLENGE #10]

CHRIS FIC CHALLENGE #11: WITH CHILD This challenge was suggested by a very talented friend of mine (I'm nodding in your direction, Ms. Moore.) What would happen if Ella Gaines (of the episode Obsession) were to re-enter Chris's life either pregnant or having just given birth? Is the child really his? How would she use the baby to manipulate our hero? What would Mary's reaction be? A story based on this scenario could be extremely powerful. Let's see what those clever and creative minds of yours can come up with!

To Hope... and Second Chances - Jesfrealo [CHALLENGE #11]

CHRIS FIC CHALLENGE #12: TOP HAT WHO? I've been thinking about the episode The Collector, and I've decided that there's no one better to ask for an explanation than a writer for The Magnificent Seven. Here's the challenge-- can anyone out there "flesh out" the meeting between Chris and Top Hat Bob Spikes? It took Chris quite a while to remember his history with Spikes, but it seems to me that if you put someone's eye out, accidentally or otherwise, you'd be able to bring them to mind with little trouble. We have little information to go on, it happened after a rail-splitting contest in Indiana when our hero was about 18 years old, but that shouldn't present a problem for the vivid imaginations in this fandom! Special note: The story can be in any Mag7 universe (OW, ATF, AU, etc...), and now it can be in any class of story, Genfic or Adult fic. Keep your eyes open for the postings of Adult Chris Fics on this site. Authors, if you have any stories you would like to see archived here, please send me the URL, the name of the story, your name and which universe it's written for.

CHRIS FIC CHALLENGE #13: LEST HE BE FORGOTTEN The challenge this time was a suggestion made by one of our Magnificent 7 writers (thanks, Christine!) We have seen stories covering Chris' father-in-law, Hank, in the OW universe; now we'd like to see some set in one of the modern universes. How would Sarah's father feel about the loss of his daughter and grandson given the circumstances established in the alternate universes regarding the death of Larabee's family? To what extent does he blame Chris? How would he confront Chris on the issue? It's ground that needs to be covered-- who's up to the task? Please Note: This challenge, and all previous challenges, are now open to ADULT interpretations as well GENERAL. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

CHRIS FIC CHALLENGE #14: TAKEN AWAY As a gunslinger and a peacekeeper, Chris Larabee has had to rely on all his senses in order to stay alive. How would Chris' life be changed if he were to lose one or more of his senses, even if it were a temporary condition? Would he be able to compensate for the loss if he tried? Would he be able to accept the loss if he were forced to? How would he react to his friends; would he permit them to help? You decide. As is the case with all Chris Fic Challenges posted on this site, feel free to relate your story in any Mag7 Universe (although I think it would be interesting to see this one set in the OW since the medical profession back then could offer little hope or help to those who suffered such afflictions). Both ADULT and GENERAL interpretations are welcome.

Blind Justice - LaraMee [CHALLENGE #14]

CHRIS FIC CHALLENGE #15: PROTECTIVE CUSTODY Chris Larabee is in danger and is forced to accept Protective Custody. Fortunately, he is placed under the watchful eyes of one or two of his own men. Unfortunately, the bad guys manage to get their hands on him and steal him away. You decide the details of his confinement, who is resonsible for safeguarding him, and the repercussions of his abduction. The story can be either humorous or dramatic, OW or AU, Genfic or Adult. Have fun!

CHRIS FIC CHALLENGE #16: TO FORGET ONESELF This challenge is a little different in that it presents two possible angles on the same theme. The subject is amnesia. I personally have been wondering what Chris Larabee would be like if he were to lose his memory. If our memories make us who we are, how would Chris differ if he had no recollection of what happened to his wife and child? Would he still have what it takes to be a leader of men? The second angle on this storyline was suggested by my friend Morgen, a gifted writer and "thinker." She suggests that it would interesting to have Chris lose his memory and then fall in with a group of bad guys. How far would he go as a "baddie" and what would it take to bring him back to the right side of the law?

      CHRIS FIC CHALLENGE #17: PINK PAGES
      Are there episodes of The Magnificent Seven that
      you wish had been told just a little differently? Well, here's your chance!
      Take all or part of an actual episode and rewrite it to suit your own
      expectations. This doesn't mean you have to write it in the OW universe either.
      Take the rewrite as far as you want. If you would like to see a specific
      storyline set in a completely different universe, go for it! Have
      fun!
       

CHRIS FIC CHALLENGE #19: THE MAGNIFICENT TWO Write an adventure for Chris and Buck that happens before The Seven are united. Perhaps even focus on how the two met. Feel free to include Sarah and Adam, but don't feel that it's required. The field is wide open here, my friends!

CHRIS FIC CHALLENGE #20: VOODOO Take Chris to New Orleans and involve him with a Haitian Sorcerer. Use witchcraft and all it’s props to test our hero’s sanity and instincts for survival. Feel free to bring any or all of his teammates along for the ride! OW or AU. When submitting a story, be sure to let us know which challenge you’re responding to so we can list it on our PREVIOUS CHALLENGE page.

CHRIS FIC CHALLENGE #21: SUCKER PUNCH From the episode “Obsession”: Larabee raises his gun and cocks it. “Show yourself,” he commands. The window shutters part and a mustached face comes into view. “Oh, don’t point that thing at me, stud. It’s me Buck, and JD.” “What? What the hell are you doin’ here?” Wilmington and Dunne crawl in the window. “We’re here to haul you back to town, stud.” “Like hell you are!” JD raises his hands, offering no offense. “Chris, some rich lady’s puttin’ up fifty bucks each to bring you home. Now please…” “I ain’t talkin’ to you, you little weasel.” Chris grabs JD by the head and shoves him back against the windowsill. “Both of you get out!” “Shh, shh, shh,” Buck whispers as he steps in front of the angry gunslinger. “What?” Chris asked, confused. Wham! A right cross to the jaw lands Larabee across the bed, out cold. Buck looks at Maria. “Don’t worry, he’ll thank me come mornin’. Pick him up, JD.” “I hope you’ve done that before,” JD groans. “Oh, once or twice.” Your challenge—write about the other times Buck managed to sucker punch Chris.

A Helpful Shove - Marie [CHALLENGE #21]

CHRIS FIC CHALLENGE #22: STAMPEDE Let's see Chris face a "wild headlong rush of frightened animals or people." It can be cattle, horses or crazed females-- you decide!

Stampede - Ice Queen ATF [CHALLENGE #22]

CHRIS FIC CHALLENGE #23: AND THEN THERE WERE NONE Take the Seven to a Ghost Town where one by one the members of Chris's team begin to disappear!

Ghost Town - LaraMee [CHALLENGE #23]

CHRIS FIC CHALLENGE #24: A THOUSAND WORDS As a writer, do you ever wonder if you’re getting your vision of a story across to your readers? As an illustrator or painter, do you ever contemplate the possibilities of what you could do with a story’s scene in terms of pen or paint? This is a special challenge for those interested in contributing to the fandom using visual arts. Anyone interested in seeing his or her work come to life (authors and artists), please let me know.

CHRIS FIC CHALLENGE #25: IS THAT ANY WAY TO TREAT A FRIEND? The results of this challenge could be very interesting. Write a story featuring Chris Larabee and guest starring one of your friends from the Magnificent Seven fandom. Create a character that represents your pal as closely as possible; meaning, if your friend has a great sense of humor, let it show; if they’re more serious-minded, write them in way that best reflects that personality. The catch is your creation cannot be aware that he or she is anything other than part of the story.

CHRIS FIC CHALLENGE #26: BLACK HAT DOWN Okay, okay, bad pun. But what a great story! If anyone has seen the movie BLACK HAWK DOWN, then you know it’s based on the military credo that states no matter what the circumstances, no man is left behind. Write a story that tests the Seven’s ability to live up to this most honorable belief.

CHRIS FIC CHALLENGE #27: BEFORE I WAKE Explore the realm of the subconscious mind (and trust me, Chris' mind should be an interesting place to roam.) Write a story that features our hero sleepwalking. Do you predict humor in his journey? Do you see normalcy? Or would he be more likely to suffer night terrors? This could be an interesting look into the inner workings of a gunfighter.

CHRIS FIC CHALLENGE #28: FEMININE FURY Keeping in mind each woman’s strengths and weaknesses, write a story that pits Mary Travis against Ella Gaines. In the center of the battle, let us find our own favorite gunslinger, Chris Larabee.

Travis Gains! - Jo Larabee [CHALLENGE #28]

CHRIS FIC CHALLENGE #29: THE LADY HAS A PAST Chris has a history riddled with intrigue, adventure, joy and sorrow. Undeniably, he has been affected by some of the most interesting characters known to mankind. But how might he be affected by the past lives of those around him, particularly Mary Travis. We know very little of her life before Four Corners so let's create something in her past that comes back to haunt her-- and Chris.

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