On December 12, 2020, a young elf, Sylvan Sagefinch, 12 years old, plays with action figures in the snow. He lines up a group of SDF Forces in uniform facing off against orcs, goblins, trolls and ogres. Behind the good guys is a snow hill, atop which stands Santa. He is surrounded by his reindeer, including Rudolph. The opposite snow hill holds up Krampus. Sylvan takes the leader of the SDF And moves him towards the bad guys. Sylvan starts smashing the good and bad guy action figures together, making battle sounds: boom, pew pew pew, blaow, etc. He flies the reindeer towards the villains. He makes the villains blast them. Sylvan makes Rudolph crash into the ground with an explosion.
Four other elves walk up to the Sagefinch cottage: Tinsel, Belle, Buddy, and Jingles. They make fun of him. They tell him to hurry up or they’re gonna be late for work. Sylvan reluctantly follows.
On December 5, 2025, workers of various races walk around: elves, dwarves, gnomes, orcs, and others. They are of varying skin colors, hairstyles and genders. Inside Santa's Workshop, there are older versions of Tinsel, Belle, Buddy, Jingles and Sylvan. Sylvan uses a wooden hammer to assemble a wooden dollhouse. A gnome named Gneo from the mail room throws a card in front of Sylvan. Sylvan looks at the card in puzzlement. There’s no return address. Sylvan opens the envelope and pulls out a card. It features a cartoon-y drawing of Krampus with a child in the sack on his back, chasing more children. It's a Krampuskarten making fun of Sylvan. Gneo delivers 3 more Krampuskarten. The other elves laugh at him.
Sylvan stumbles through the snow towards the Reindeer Barn. Among the reindeer wanders Rudolph. Sylvan approaches the red-nosed reindeer. Sylvan wonders if he can ask Rudolph a question. Rudolph tells him to go ahead. Sylvan asks how Rudolph put up with all the bullying. Rudolph says "it really used to bother me. Especially when they wouldn’t let me play in their reindeer games. I fucking LOVE reindeer games. And, by the way, I’m really good at reindeer games. They have no idea they were ostracizing the Simone Biles of reindeer games. But what all that nonsense taught me was to ignore the bullies and pursue my dreams. And you know what? Of all people, Santa loved what I could do and, as the TV show implied, I lived happily ever after. So, ignore the bullies, follow your dreams and, just maybe, Santa will notice and promote you."
Sylvan walks down a long hallway toward Santa’s office. It’s dark and quiet. It feels like approaching the Wizard of Oz. Sylvan shakes with nervousness. He enters Santa’s audience room. It’s cavernous. Sylvan says "I know you assigned me as a toymaker, like the other elves, I don’t mean to question your judgment, but I always wanted to be a member of the SDF." Santa asks Sylvan to tell him more. Sylvan continues "I always dreamed that my destiny was to help defend against your enemies. I hate making toys. I always wanted to be part of the SDF." Santa grants his wish. Sylvan celebrates as he leaves.
As he's leaving, Sylvan passes an ogre, Flogg. Flogg asks why he's so happy. Sylvan says Santa granted his wish. Flogg asks what the wish was. Sylvan says "I’ve been assigned to work in the Toy Workshop, but I’d rather be a part of the SDF. He said yes!" Flogg says he has the exact opposite wish, "I’m a member of the SDF, but I really want to make toys." Sylvan encourages him to ask Santa. Flogg thanks him. Flogg heads inside. Sylvan heads outside.
Sylvan runs from Santa’s headquarters to the SDF building. In the SDF male locker room, Sylvan changes into his new SDF Uniform and heads into the hallway, which leads to a meeting room. Sylvan heads inside. He surveys the busy building. Elves, gnomes, orcs, pixies and other woodland creatures wander about, each busy with their own tasks. Every species has different skin colors, hairstyles and genders. It’s a diverse group. Sylvan stops at the information desk, where Gnarls the gnome works. Gnarls says "Welcome to the Santa Defense Force Headquarters, part of Santa’s village at the North Pole. How may I help you?" Sylvan says "Today is my first day at SDF. I don’t know where I’m supposed to be." Gnarls looks it up and tells him he should be in the 2nd floor briefing room.
Sylvan turns around and immediately smashes into Elowen, a dark elf, knocking her to the ground. He’s embarrassed and he scrambles to help her up. He apologizes. Elowen sees him and her breath is taken away. He’s smitten. Sylvan says she's very pretty. Elowen says he's very pretty, too. They stare at each other, grinning. Elowen says "But I’m also the toughest woman you’ll ever meet." Elowen shows a devious grin. She's a captain in the SDF.
Furioso greets them and tells them to "hurry up or they’ll be late for the briefing." He heads towards the briefing room. Sylvan and Elowen follow.
In an expensive corporate boardroom with fine wooden paneling, Santa stands at the head of the table. Sitting around the table are department heads Hermes, Warwick, Kilter, Furioso and others. Sitting on the back row are various assistants, including Snarzog Bolakharz. Santa leads a briefing. Hermes reports that production is ahead of schedule this year and they should finish Christmas production at least a week early this year. Warwick says shipping is on schedule. Everything that isn’t to be delivered Christmas Eve is out the door and most thing are ahead of schedule. Kilter reports the R&D department has been busy and pulls out a plastic toy pistol. She says this is their prototype laser tag pistol. It really works. If you get hit by this thing, you’re immobilized for 10 seconds. No more arguments about whether or not something’s a hit. Furioso reports as it's Krampusknacht. Krampus is unpredictable. They’re on high alert for anything funky. He tells them to pay close attention to any alarms or announcements. They won’t be drills. Santa adjourns the meeting. The meeting breaks up.
Sylvan asks Elowen if it always this cautious around here? She says always. Just to be safe. Sylvan frowns. He gets up to leave. Elowen stops him. Time for the SDF briefing. Sylvan sits down. Furioso takes over the briefing. He’s flanked by Snarzog and Mergigoth. Furioso says they need to be on high alert. They don’t know what to expect, but they suspect it’s gonna be big. He calls on Dr. Victor Strange to tell them what defenses his team has. Dr. Strange says they're putting up a magically-reinforced ice wall.
Outside, various mages, fairies and pixies use their magic wands to create a massive ice wall around the complex. The wall is thicker than a city bus.
Elowen says they need a way to get advanced knowledge of what’s coming. Strange says he might have a solution for that. He's interrupted by an alarm blaring throughout the village. People start to panic. Mergigoth says they're under attack. Furioso says "Okay, people. This is it. This is not a drill. Time to stand up and get in the mix." He rushes out of the room. The others follow. Elowen says it's time to stand up and get in the mix. Sylvan says it's his first day. Elowen says she knows. She holds his hand as they follow the others.
The SDF forces move outside, heavily armed. Approaching the village are a small army of creatures, including demons, centaurs, gnolls, goblins, giants and minotaurs. Furioso tells them to be ready. If they attack, they have to hit back with overwhelming force. Sylvan looks at the enemy forces. He’s gripped with fear. Elowen puts a hand on his shoulder. He relaxes. She says they've handled much worse than this. Sylvan is skeptical. Elowen prepares her crossbow. The assembled enemies emit an inhuman war cry. Santa’s forces are shaken by the onrushing wave of creatures. Furioso says "Don’t let them shake your confidence, people. We’re prepared for this, we’ve have a defensible position, and we have superior firepower." Led by Rudolph, the reindeer fly over the wall and drop devastating bombs on the creatures. Santa’s forces cheer. The gunners rush to the front of the ice wall and start firing their high-tech blasters. Sylvan and a few other low-ranking SDF members stand near Furioso and the other leaders. They hold tall plastic shields. They block incoming rocks and other projectiles launched by the creatures. Elowen pats Sylvan on the back and tells him "good job." The creatures are being decimated and the survivors start to flee. A giant runs against the tide, headed towards the ice wall. He carries a bomb. The SDF concentrate their fire on the giant. He’s hit multiple times, but stumbles on. The giant falls at the base of the ice wall. The bomb goes off. An electromagnetic pulse is emitted, bricking all the blaster rifles. The SDF forces are confused. The last of the living creatures run into the forest.
The leaders of the SDF are back in the briefing room. Sylvan sits next to Elowen. Furioso says "good work, people. We took out most of the enemy, with few casualties on our side. The bomb that went off emitted an EMP--an electromagnetic pulse. Essentially all our high-tech weapons are bricked." Snarzog says "What are we going to do if... WHEN they attack again?" Furioso says "I’m not sure... we’ll have to figure that out." Snarzog can barely hide his contempt for Furioso.
Krampus’ home is a large black castle. It has many turrets and towers. It’s surrounded by a moat filled with crocodiles. The drawbridge is down. Brocán the leprechaun approaches. He is a short, red-bearded man with a mischievous grin. He wears a red square-cut coat, richly laced with gold. The jacket has seven rows of buttons with seven buttons to each row. He also wears a cocked hat and shoes, all with buckles. Brocán goes inside.
Furioso walks outside, lights a cigarette and takes a puff. Snarzog comes outside. He bums a cigarette. Snarzog takes one and hands the pack back. Furioso pulls out a Zippo and lights Snarzog’s cigarette. Snarzog takes a puff of the cigarette and waves thanks. Furioso says he didn't know Snarzog smoked. Snarzog says he's stressed. Furioso asks him what he has to be stressed about. Furioso turns towards Snarzog, who stabs him in the stomach. Blood spurts from his mouth. Furioso asks why. Snarzog says "Five gold rings!" Furioso falls to the ground, dying. Snarzog reaches down and pulls out a medallion hanging from a necklace Furioso wears under his shirt. He snaps the necklace and takes the medallion.
Krampus sits on his throne. The throne room is a massive library, with shelves lining the walls. In addition to the hundreds of books, and a wide array of trinkets and treasures. Among them is an Elf on the Shelf. It looks directly at the throne. He summons Gnuvugs, the spokesgoblin, and tells him to escort their guest in. Several seconds later, Gnuvugs returns, escorting Brocán. Krampus thanks him for accepting the invitation. Brocán says it’s about time someone put Kringle in his place. Krampus asks how he plans to do it. Brocán says he'll start by giving five gold rings as a bribe to his man on the inside to kill the only man strong enough to protect Claus, Furioso. Then he’ll send in the Irish Contingent. Brocán’s laugh echoes through the castle. Krampus laughs with him. Krampus says "Today is December 5th! Let the Krampusknacht begin!" Both monsters break into evil laughter.
Mergigoth leads a briefing of the SDF Various OFFICERS, including Hermes, Warwick, Kilter and Elowen sit near the head of the table. Sylvan sits next to Elowen. Mergigoth announces he's now acting chief of the SDF. They just discovered Furioso’s murdered body. They suspect Snarzog Bolakharz. The officers are aghast. They’ve never encountered violence before. Mergigoth warns them that tonight is Krampusnacht, and they must be prepared for Krampus and any challenge that may come their way. Dr. Strange he left an Elf on the Shelf with a nanny cam at Krampus's castle. He says that next they're going to face Brocán the Leprechaun and he's bringing every single Irish monster with him. Mergigoth asks if they're ready. The SDF forces nod and say “yes.”
The workshop is a flurry of activity. Creatures of all shapes and sizes and species make toys. Flogg sits at a workbench. He builds a toy wooden horse.
The First Plague. Snarzog waits outside, hidden amongst the trees. Brocán the Leprechaun approaches. Brocán bribes Snarzog with 5 golden rings. Brocán asks for proof. Snarzog pulls Furioso’s medallion from his pocket. He holds it so that the medallion hangs down and glistens in the morning light. Snarzog lets the medallion fall into Brocán’s hand. Brocán drops the five gold rings in Snarzog’s hand. Snarzog runs off into the forest. Brocán pulls out an Irish Flute and plays a pithy tune. From the forest come an army of Irish creatures: banshees, púcas, abhartach, unseelie, dearg dues, man-wolves, oilliphéists, bánánachs, merrows, a muckie, a Balor, far darrig, the Dullahan, formians, sluaghs, aos sí, and failinis.
This is Brocán’s “Irish Contingent.”
The SDF forces step to the front of the ice wall, heavily armed. They have modern guns, grenades and mortars. Elowen tells the mortars to fire. SDF officers up and down the line fire mortars at the Irish Contingent, taking out chunks of the enemy. They fire again, taking out more of the enemy. Elowen approaches Sylvan and grabs him by the shoulder. He’s clearly frozen with fear of the Irish Contingent. She tells him to take deep breaths, he's on the verge of a panic attack. He takes several deep breaths and calms down. Elowen says she needs him to supply the front line shooters with ammo. She points to crates spaced strategically along the wall. He says "Yes, ma’am." She tells him to get to work. "Oh, and if you call me ma’am again, I’ll frag you myself." She brandishes her crossbow. He’s not sure if she’s serious or not, so he laughs nervously. She urges him on. He runs towards the nearest crate. She smiles as she watches him go. The Irish Contingent rushes the ice wall under Brocán’s watchful eye. The leprechaun emits an evil laugh. The SDF forces fire upon the creatures, mowing them down. The reindeer launch in flight. Sylvan watches them fly over his head and over the ice wall. The reindeer drop bombs on the Irish Contingent. Santa’s forces cheer. The frontline SDF continue firing on the Irish Contingent. A large portion of the creatures have been killed. The line breaks and many of the Irish Contingent who remain alive flee. Brocán sees things are falling apart. He sneaks off through the woods, probably returning to Ireland. The rest of the Irish Contingent flees. Santa’s forces cheer. Sylvan looks toward the battlefield and sees nothing but corpses, body parts and fleeing Irish creatures. He relaxes with a sigh.
Ala approaches Krampus's castle. She is a huge-mouthed demon, half human, half snake. She has huge wings and a thick, sword-like tail. She crosses the drawbridge and enters the castle.
Krampus sits on his throne. He drinks blood from a gold chalice. Gnuvugs enters the room and makes an announcement, Ala has arrived. Krampus thanks her for coming. She says she was summoned. Krampus asks how she's going to defeat Santa. She says she's going to bedevil them. Krampus laughs. Ala joins him.
Santa’s workers quietly clear the battlefield. A large pit has been dug in the forests. Pixies and fairies use wands to move the remains of the Irish Contingent to the pit. Ogres, trolls and giants carry other remains to the pit As each section of the pit fills up, human mages cover it up. The leaders of Santa’s forces watch the clean-up grimly. They turn and go inside.
Mergigoth leads the SDF briefing. Hermes, Warwick, Kilter and Elowen sit near the head of the table. Mergigoth says they must prepare for whatever’s next. Dr. Strange says next is the demon Ala. He says they need to summon the eagles. Kilter says she's on it. Mergigoth says they need to reinforce the ice wall, to protect against ground forces. Dr. Strange says he'll handle that. Kilter says her team is working on reversing the effects of the EMP. The SDF forces nod approval.
Work continues apace on the building of toys. Hermes looks over Flogg’s shoulder as the ogre builds a toy train. He compliments the new worker. Flogg smiles and goes back to work, a look of pride on his face.
The Second Plague. Ala addresses her forces. They are minor demons and devils of wide variety. She says "For too long, these surface-dwellers have celebrated life and freedom while we’ve languished below." The demons and devils boo and hiss. A demon says "Make Earth Great Again!" The demons and devils watch eagerly as Ala begins casting a spell. She waves her hands in ritualistic motion. Energy swirls around her, then rises into the sky. Thunderclouds form above her. Santa’s magicians run out and begin casting counter-spells. But Ala is too powerful and her storm grows bigger and darker. The storm rolls impossibly fast toward the ice wall. Hail starts falling. It pummels the SDF forces and they have to take cover. Sylvan holds the plastic shield above Mergigoth’s head. Hail hits the shield. A flock of giant eagles flies towards the battlefield. A number of them break off and fly directly towards Ala. The demon flees from the eagles. The storm dissipates as she goes. With the storm and Ala gone, the demons and devils flee. The eagles chase them. Santa’s forces cheer.
Gedi Sanniya approaches Krampus's castle. He wears only a loincloth and a ceremonial mask. His body is covered with boils and cysts. He crosses the drawbridge and goes inside.
Krampus paces back-and-forth in front of his throne. Gnuvugs enters the room and makes an announcement, Gedi Sanniya has arrived. Krampus thanks him for joining him for on Krampusknacht. Gedi says he's "glad to join you on this holy day." Krampus asks Gedi what his plan is. Gedi says "I’ve brought an army of demons from a different hell. One the Western world knows nothing of." He asks Krampus how long the siege will last. Krampus says "I’ve secured enough allies to last all through the night and into tomorrow. We’ll keep going as long as it takes." The camera focuses on the Elf on the Shelf.
Santa’s workers quietly clear the battlefield. The bodies of demons and devils are plentiful. The workers use magic to carry them to the pit.
Mergigoth leads the SDF briefing. Santa, Hermes, Warwick, Kilter and Elowen sit near the head of the table. Mergigoth says good work so far, but they’re going to have to keep it up all night. Dr. Strange says the next opponent is the demon Gedi Sanniya. A demon who rules over disease. He inflicts blisters and boils. And rules over a legion of demons. Mergigoth tells everyone to cover up. As little exposed skin as possible. Stay out of Gedi Sanniya’s line of sight as much as you can. Dr, Strange says they're going to need special masks. Strange rushes from the room to summon the masks. The SDF forces slowly shuffle out.
Flogg carves a wooden mask, from a picture sitting on his workbench. Dr. Strange stands nearby, supervising. He says "Keep up the good work, everyone. Remember, we need quality work done as fast as you can." Hermes stands next to Dr. Strange. They exchange a nod, approving of what they see.
The Third Plague. Gedi Sanniya addresses his forces. He says the humans and their allies will not continue to lord over them. They aren't going to let Kris Kringle remain the most powerful being in the world. Gedi tells the demons to attack and destroy them all. The demons yell and scream as they rush the ice wall. Gedi Sanniya slowly follows, a smug grin on his face. The SDF forces fire on the demons. Elowen fires her crossbow, but the demons dodge her bolts. Elowen says their weapons aren’t slowing the enemy down. The reindeer attack from the air, but don’t fair much better. The demons pull a SDF man down from the wall and tear him to pieces. Strange arrives, carrying one of Santa’s sacks. He pulls several masks from the bag. He hands them to Sylvan, Elowen and others. He tells them to put on the masks. They do. Strange hands out more masks, totaling 17. He keeps one for himself, then puts it on. Gedi starts to panic. Strange starts performing an exorcism. Bands of energy emerge from the 18 masks. They swirl and combine in the air above Strange as he continues the ritual. He finishes and a blast of energy emerges from the swirling bands and smashes into Gedi Sanniya. The demon screams in agony then dissipates. The demons grow confused. The SDF forces fire upon them and without Gedi Sanniya’s protection, they are vulnerable. The SDF forces mow down the demons. Those who aren’t killed flee. Santa’s forces cheer.
Beelzebub approaches Krampus's castle. He appears in the form of a giant, slime-dripping fly. He flies across the drawbridge and goes inside.
Krampus sits on his throne, staring down at his guest. Gnuvugs announces that Beelzebub is present. Krampus thanks him for accepting his invitation. He says "Even with my perverse tastes, you are disgusting." Beelzebub doesn't speak. Krampus says "Well, get to it. You’re dripping on my floor." He waves the demon away. Beelzebub flies out of the throne room.
Santa’s workers quietly clear the battlefield. There are bits and pieces of demons everywhere.
Mergigoth leads the SDF briefing. Santa, Hermes, Warwick, Kilter and Elowen sit near the head of the table. Dr. Strange says that next up is Beelzebub. Lord of the flies. King of gluttony and envy. Sylvan shoot a worried look toward Elowen. She asks if it's ever going to let up. Dr. Strange says not before tomorrow. Mergigoth says they'll make it. He and Santa have faith in all of them. Warwick asks what they can do to fend off flies. Kilter says they have, in varying amounts, peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, lemongrass, cloves and citrus, basil, mint, rosemary, and marigolds. Mergigoth tells them ton gather as much as you can, mix them with water and load up all the toy water pistols. They’ll use them on themselves to ward off the flies. Then they’ll go on the offensive. Everyone gets up and leaves to get ready.
Hermes and Dr. Strange supervise the workers in the workshop. Dr. Strange says "It’s a solution of eucalyptus, lemongrass and some other ingredients." The workers fill the water guns with a liquid solution. Flogg helps Warwick place a giant water balloon onto a catapult.
The Fourth Plague. Beelzebub addresses his forces. He says "Bzzzzz! Bzzzzz! Bzzzzz!" The bug-demons and flies excitedly buzz in response. The bug-demons and flies rush towards the ice wall. Sylvan walks along the wall carrying a water pistol, spraying everyone as he walks by. He sprays Elowen. It's eucalyptus. Elowen stiffens up, then develops an evil grin. She turns to look at him with an evil grin and says "Fool! Now is the time when you die!" She lunges at Sylvan. He dives to the side and avoids her. Hermes and Kilter toss a net over Elowen, capturing her. Dr. Strange says "She’s possessed. By Beelzebub. It’s his specialty. Yes. I’ll keep her confined until we defeat Beelzebub. Then she’ll return to normal." Sylvan is skeptical. Dr. Strange escorts her inside. Sylvan turns back to the battle. He sprays the demon-bugs and flies with his water pistols. The other SDF forces do the same. Warwick and Mergigoth roll a catapult out of the workshop. Warwick examines the catapult for aim. Mergigoth orders him to fire. Warwick cuts the line holding the catapult back. It flings the giant water balloon through the air. Beelzebub looks up and frowns. The balloon hits him and bursts. The liquid dissolves the demon. The SDF forces cheer.
Abaddon approaches Krampus's castle. He appears as a large humanoid with insectoid features. He is followed by a swarm of insects, including many locusts. Abaddon goes inside the castle.
Krampus sits on his throne. Gnuvugs enters the room and makes an announcement, Abaddon has arrived. Krampus welcomes him and asks what Abaddon has planned for Santa. Abaddon says he is the lord of the locusts. The locusts will rain down on Kringle’s forces. Krampus likes the sound of that. They both laugh.
Santa’s workers quietly clear the battlefield. This time the cleaners use shovels to scoop up thousands of flies and other bugs, dumping them in the pit.
Mergigoth leads the SDF briefing. Santa, Hermes, Warwick, Kilter and Elowen sit near the head of the table. Dr. Strange says the next opponent is Abaddon, a demon of judgment... of locusts... of decay.... He says they can expect locusts, obviously... but demon-locusts. Kilter says garlic fends off locusts. Dr. Strange says that high-pitched sounds work, too. Mergigoth tells them to get to it. Quickly. Everyone gets up to leave.
Kilter has joined Warwick and Dr. Strange in the workshop. Dr. Strange says "This solution is garlic. Skip this one if you’re allergic." The workers fill the water pistols again. Flogg helps Warwick load another giant balloon onto the catapult.
The Fifth Plague. Abaddon addresses his forces. He holds a trumpet and says "Four of us have attacked the home of Kris Kringle. Four of us have gone down to defeat. There will not be a fifth." Abaddon blows the trumpet. A great, smoking pit opens in the middle of the battlefield. A seemingly endless stream of demonic locusts emerges from the pit and flies towards the ice wall. Abaddon says "Rise, my pets... rise and destroy them all!" Kilter passes out sonic guns and water pistols filled with a garlic water solution. Abaddon blows the trumpet again. The demonic locusts fly toward the ice wall. Sylvan rushes over and sprays Elowen with his water pistol, which is filled with garlic. Sylvan ducks as a few demonic locusts fly past, barely missing his head. He sprays them with the water pistol. They screech in pain and fly away. Mergigoth and Warwick roll out the catapult again, loaded with another giant water balloon. Warwick examines the catapult and gives the green light. Mergigoth tells him to fire. Warwick cuts the holding rope. The catapult fires. The giant balloon flies through the air. The balloon hits him and bursts. He screams in agony and falls into the pit. The pit closes up. The demon locusts fly away. The SDF forces cheer.
Nyx approaches Krampus's castle. She is wrapped in a vaporous cloud and flies through the air on a chariot pulled by demonic horses. Black bat-wings emerge from her back, but she doesn’t use them. She wears a black dress. Nyx crosses the drawbridge.
Krampus sits on his throne. He drinks blood from a gold chalice. Gnuvugs enters the room and makes an announcement, Nyx has arrived. Krampus says "I might be more excited by your willingness to join me more than any of your brethren." Nyx says his flirtations will avail him naught. Krampus laughs. He asks what she has in store for the do-gooders. She says never-ending darkness.
Santa’s workers quietly clear the battlefield. Once again, they use shovels to scoop up the locusts and throw them in the pit. One of the demon-locusts and attacks one of the workers. The worker smashes it to death with a shovel. He scoops up the dead locust and tosses it in the pit.
Mergigoth leads the SDF briefing. Santa, Hermes, Warwick, Kilter and Elowen sit near the head of the table. Dr. Strange says Nyx is next. She brings with her the darkness. Only fire can dispel her darkness. Mergigoth asks Hermes to quickly produce torches. Dr. Strange says they'll need at least 200. Hermes leaves the room. Dr. Strange says his team can magically light the torches. The magical fire will be harder for Nyx to dispel. Mergigoth tells them to get to it. Everyone gets up to leave the room.
Flogg and the other workers wrap wooden stakes with gas-soaked rags to make torches. Warwick supervises. Flogg looks up at him, worried.
The Sixth Plague. Nyx addresses her forces. She says "The sun has dominated the sky for too long. It’s time for that to change. Darkness will reign over the North!" Her army of all-female ogres, orcs, goblins, and gnolls hoots and hollers. Nyx begins casting a spell. Darkness emerges from her hands and quickly makes everything around her sink into darkness. It expands and soon, all of Santa’s village and the surrounding forest are enveloped in the darkness. Mergigoth tells them to light up the torches. A series of torches lights up across the ice wall. They create small spots of illumination. Sylvan joins the others in lifting rifles, and aiming at the creatures. He raises the gun and shoots, missing an orc in the darkness. Elowen tells him to keep trying. Elowen takes out a goblin with her crossbow. Sylvan nods and takes aim at a goblin. He carefully pulls the trigger and hits the goblin, killing it. He cheers. Elowen and Sylvan keep firing at the goblins. The other SDF forces do, too. They have enough firepower to induce fear in the goblins. Some break off and flee. Dr. Strange steps forward and casts a spell. A bright light emerges from his hands and forms a giant, fiery ball. The ball blasts forward and smashes into Nyx. She dissipates. With their leader gone, the rest of the goblins flee. The SDF forces cheer.
Raum approaches on Krampus’s castle. He’s a tall, thin demon with crow-like features. He has a large black beak and black feathers around his head and chest. He also has giant bird wings. He has pale skin and yellow eyes. Raum crosses the drawbridge.
Krampus sits on his throne. He drinks blood from a gold chalice. Gnuvugs enters the room and makes an announcement, Raum has arrived. Krampus thanks him for responding to the invitation. Raum says "I am your servant. For now." Krampus says "I only need your services long enough to take down Kringle." Raum says it'll be his pleasure. Krampus asks Raum what his plan is. Raum asks Krampus if he's familiar with Alfred Hitchcock. Krampus asks which film he has in mind. Raum says he prefers the one with Tippi Hedren. They both laugh.
Santa’s workers quietly clear the battlefield. The bodies of ogres, orcs, goblins, and gnolls litter the ground. Once again, the workers use magic to clear the battlefield.
Mergigoth leads the SDF briefing. Santa, Hermes, Warwick, Kilter and Elowen sit near the head of the table. Mergigoth says they’re getting far enough along into it. He asks Santa to say a few words? Santa steps up to the head of the table. Mergigoth steps aside. Santa says "Thank you, Mergigoth. You’ve done a great job protecting us all. Hermes, your production department has done amazing things... We’ll need a little more from you. I’ll get back to that in a moment. Kilter, you shown a flexibility with your tasks that marvels the mind... Warwick, we haven’t needed your services in defense of our home, but amazingly, everything will still ship on time and no arrivals are expected to be late... Strange, I think we might all be dead without you... Hermes, we’re going to need your services now more than ever. It’s time to shift from toy production to weapons production... temporarily... we’re getting low on our existing supplies and we’re going to have trouble defending ourselves." Hermes says he'll do his best. They’ve got some Vibranium that was intended for Wakandan kids... Santa says "Make sure that the Vibranium can be repurposed for the Wakandan kids after Krampus stops being an ass. No reason the kids should do without because Krampus has lost his mind. Everyone has done great so far, but we still have a ways to go before we can rest." Everyone nods in agreement.
Dr. Strange looks through the workshop’s front window. He’s casting a spell. Flogg steps up to Warwick and asks what Strange is doing. Warwick says "I believe he is summoning cats." Flogg is puzzled. Warwick says "All the cats." Flogg watches Dr. Strange.
The Seventh Plague Raum addresses his forces. He says "I am here to bring salvation to all. And nothing brings salvation quicker than pain. Pain frees the soul." Birds sit on every tree and cover the ground: partridges, turtle doves, French hens, calling birds, geese, swans and others. He continues "Everyone shall equally feel the pain that will make them feel human and achieve salvation. Take flight, my children, take flight. Bring them pain! Tear! Rip! Rend! Destroy!" The birds take off and fly toward the ice wall. On the ice wall, the reindeer attempt to take flight, but there are too many birds. Rudolph tells them to take cover. "There’s too many of them! They’ll rip us to shreds! We’re grounded!" Rudolph leads them to safety. Sylvan runs to Dr. Strange. Dr. Strange says "Raum and his birds hate cats. I’ve summoned every cat in a 50-mile radius. They should start arriving any second now." Sylvan eagerly looks towards the forest. The birds are attacking everyone on the ice wall. The SDF forces fend them off with anything they can: gun barrels, brooms, hockey sticks, whatever. A small housecat emerges from the forest. It is curious. Raum laughs and says "You think a lone cat is enough to intimidate me?" Hundreds of other cats, of all sizes and species come from every direction. A few of them attack the birds, tearing them to pieces. The other birds panic, then flee. The cats give chase, taking a number of birds down. A lion and a tiger each approach Raum, circling around him. The lion roars. Raum is startled and jumps. He runs. The large cats give chase. Santa’s forces cheer.
Lamashtu approaches Krampus’s castle. She has the head of a lion, the teeth of a donkey, naked breasts, a hairy body, blood-stained hands with long thin fingers and fingernails. Lamashtu crosses the drawbridge.
Krampus sits on his throne. His chalice is empty. Gnuvugs enters the room and makes an announcement, Lamashtu has arrived. Krampus thanks him for coming and asks what his plans are. Lamashtu says "Hellcows." Krampus says "Now, this I’ve gotta see." Krampus grins.
Santa’s workers quietly clear the battlefield. There are birds everywhere, blanketing the ground. The workers shovel the seemingly infinite number of dead birds. The pit is nearly full.
Santa now leads the briefing. Mergigoth, Hermes, Warwick, Kilter and Elowen sit near the head of the table. Santa says "It’s getting late and I’m sure you’re all exhausted. But we have a long way to go before we’re done." Dr. Strange says next is Lamashtu. And her hellcows. He tells them not to play them down. They don’t sound like much, but they’re among the deadliest demons, in terms of raw numbers. He says they’re going to need weapons made of iron. He hands out various protective amulets and talismans. He says "These will provide you with some protection against Lamashtu." Everyone takes them and puts them around their necks.
In the workshop, Flogg builds a wooden dollhouse. The other workers build various toys. Flogg is nervous.
The Eighth Plague. Lamashtu addresses her assembled forces. She says "The do-gooders think they can protect themselves with their silly little amulets. But they will learn white magic won’t protect them from my wrath!" The hellcows rush the ice wall. The SDF forces fire on the hellcows and have some success. They start to pile up in front of the ice wall. The hellcows climb up the pile and over the wall. The SDF forces rush forward and fight off the hellcows that have reached the top of the wall. Dr. Strange rush forward and casts a summoning spell. A magical portal opens atop the ice wall. Elowen asks what he's doing. Dr. Strange says he's summoning the cows’ natural enemies. The portal shimmers. Emerging through the portal is Ronald McDonald. Then the Burger King. Then Wendy. Then an army of grill cooks and other fast food mascots. Ronald leads the newly-arrived forces directly at the hellcows. The hellcows panic and flee. The mascots approach Lamashtu, who panics and flees. The SDF forces cheer.
Naamah approaches Krampus’s castle. She wears silk robes that are very revealing. She has finger-symbols on her hands.
Krampus sits on his throne. A servant elf refills the blood in Krampus’ chalice. He takes a sip. Gnuvugs enters the room and makes an announcement, Naamah has arrived. Krampus asks what her plan is. She says if her feminine wiles can’t seduce them, she’ll kill them all. Krampus emits an evil laugh. He loves her attitude. Krampus scans the room and something catches his eye. He walks across the room to the bookshelf. Looking directly at the Elf on the Shelf. He pulls it down and gives it a closer look. He rips open the back of the elf’s head. He rips out a camera. Krampus says it's a camera. "Those bastards have been spying on us." He throws the camera on the ground and stomps on it.
Strange sits at a table watching the video feed from the Elf on the Shelf. He sees Krampus dominate the screen. The camera blinks out. Dr. Strange says "Uh-oh." He slams the laptop shut and leaves the room.
Santa’s workers quietly clear the battlefield. The bodies of decimated hellcows are everywhere. Much magic is needed to clean up the battlefield.
Santa leads the briefing. Mergigoth looks on. Hermes, Warwick, Kilter and Elowen sit near the head of the table. Dr. Strange says he doesn't know what's next. His Elf on the Shelf was discovered by Krampus. They’re flying blind. Before the discovery, though, Dr. Strange believes he spotted the demon Namaah. She’s a seducer, a succubus. Erowen says "We’ll need women, gay men and those with an undying love on the front line. It’ll be our only chance to resist the demoness." Santa says to make it so. Everyone gets up to leave.
Work continues apace in the workshop. Flogg, on a break, stares out the front window, worried.
The Ninth Plague. Naamah addresses her assembled forces. He says "Now is the time. We will make them desire us... Then we will kill them." Her followers appear to be beautiful dancing ladies. Their yellow eyes and forked tails betray their demonic nature. They cheer in support of Naamah’s words. She continues "Head forth my beauties and do your work!" The demons head for the ice wall, dancing across the snow. The male members of the SDF are becoming hypnotized by the dancing demons. Elowen beats her fists on Sylvan’s chest, trying to rouse him. Rudolph and the other reindeer run forward and take flight. The reindeer chase the demons away. Naamah pulls back the string of a magical bow and lets loose an arrow. It strikes Rudolph in the chest and the reindeer crumples to the ground. Sylvan rushes to help his fallen friend. The other reindeer overwhelm Naamah, who screams in agony. The remaining demons flee. Sylvan cradles Rudolph’s head as Elowen watches. She sheds a single tear. Sylvan hugs the reindeer tightly. Paramedics bring out a large stretcher and carry Rudolph away. Sylvan stands. Elowen hugs him tightly as he cries.
Bael approaches Krampus’s castle. He appears in the form of a combined man and frog.
Krampus sits on his throne. He drinks blood from a gold chalice. Gnuvugs enters the room and makes an announcement, Bael has arrived. Krampus welcomes him. Bael envies the castle. Krampus says "Rid us of Kringle and you can have your own" and asks Bael how he plans to do it. Bael says "I’ll overwhelm them with numbers. I have a nearly endless supply of frogmen. Frogmen with sharp claws and sharper teeth." He emits an evil laugh.
Santa’s workers quietly clear the battlefield. They clean up the bodies of demonic dancing ladies. Behind the ice wall, everyone but Santa gathers in a circle. Kilter leads the ceremony. No body is present, but a small flame burns at the center of the circle. Kilter says "We have been met with great tragedy and loss today. One of our best and brightest was struck down in an unprovoked and unnecessary conflict. Rudolph never deserved this. But Rudolph will not have died in vain. We will continue to fight! We will defeat the forces of darkness! And we will save Christmas!" The crowd roars.
Santa stands before his assembled people. He says "Everyone is still doing a great job. We’ve saved a lot of lives. But we knew our luck wouldn’t last. Rudolph has served along side us for many years. Now he has fallen on the battlefield, a place he never should have been." Santa holds back his tears. He continues "We can’t wait any longer, we must take the fight to Krampus. We must stop him. Before he hurts anyone else." Mergigoth says "We don’t have the forces for a direct attack. What are we going to do?" Santa says "We’re going to need a small volunteer force to sneak into Krampus’s castle and banish him to limbo." Santa pulls a glowing blue sword from under the table. He holds it up for everyone to see. Santa says "Gram. This is the sword wielded by the hero Siegfried. It was famously forged by the blacksmith Regin from the shattered pieces of his father's sword and was used to slay the great dragon Fafnir." Santa says he trusts the right person will volunteer. Mergigoth "Why don’t you choose someone? Surely you have the wisdom..." Santa says "No, it must be a volunteer. Only someone who chooses to be good can properly wield Gram. If I deprived them of free will--" Sylvan volunteers. Elowen volunteers to go with him. Several others volunteer. Santa says "Before you head out, we have several gifts that should help you achieve your goal." First is Gram. Santa holds up the glowing blue sword. Then he reverses it and hands it to Sylvan, hilt first. Santa says "You can’t defeat Krampus with anything but this sword. And here is a chain mail shirt, made from Vibranium. That should protect you from anything Krampus tries." He tells Sylvan "I trust you, Sylvan. You can do this. With help. You’ll be able to take down Krampus and his allies. You’ll do it. You’ll do it for Christmas. Foe me. For Elowen and your friends. For the jids of the world. For Rudolph..." Sylvan chokes back his tears. Santa tells Elowen to take care of Sylvan. She says she'll do her best.
Dr. Strange stands with Warwick in the workshop. Dr. Strange says "This time it’s vinegar." The workers fill the water pistols with fluid. Flogg and Warwick load another giant water balloon onto the catapult.
The Tenth Plague. Bael addresses his assembled forces. He says "These bastards have never seen the likes of this army." Bael’s army is made up of frogmen. He continues "And they want know what to do. Their simple minds can’t handle such perversity." On the ice wall, Dr. Strange distributes full water pistols to the SDF forces. Bael raises his fist in the air. The frogmen cheer. He says "Go forth and do mayhem!" The frogmen rush the ice wall. The SDF forces hit them hard with the water pistols. The frogmen falter. Mergigoth and Warwick roll out the catapult again, loaded with another giant water balloon. Warwick checks the catapult. Mergigoth orders him to fire. Warwick cuts the line and let’s fly the balloon. It smashes into Bael. He melts into the ground. The SDF forces chase off the remaining frogmen with the vinegar-filled water pistols. The SDF forces cheer.
Sylvan leads the fellowship through the snowy forest. Elowen tells Sylvan the mission is called a "Krampuslauf." She tells him he's funny. They march through the forest. An elf laments the length of the trek. Sylvan says "Keep your heads up, people. We’re on a mission from Santa."
They keep marching.
It’s still and quiet outside Krampus’ castle. Pan approaches. He has the hindquarters, legs, and horns of a goat, much like a satyr. He carries a flute made of hollow reeds.
Krampus sits on his throne. Gnuvugs enters the room and makes an announcement, Pan has arrived. Krampus greets Pan and remarks on the need for Pan to come through. Pan says he's not known for failure and "what’s the use of being immortal if you don’t take advantage of that which life has to offer." Krampus asks what Pan's plan is. Pan says "we’ll make them panic. Then die."
Gnuvugs walks through the forest. He comes to a clearing where Snarzog Bolakharz awaits. Gnuvugs says "One of your former comrades is on a trek to kill my master." Gnuvugs wants Snarzog to kill Sylvan and his companions. Gnuvugs summons an army for Snarzog to lead. He waves his hand and the army steps forward. It consists of the leftovers of the first ten plagues, which are very plentiful in number. Gnuvugs says "Bring me head of the elf and you’ll receive whatever you wish for. When Krampus wins, it’ll be the dawn of a new day." Gnuvugs grins. The creatures roar approval.
Santa’s workers quietly clear the battlefield. Frogmen lay everywhere. More magic is used to clean up.
Santa leads the briefing. Mergigoth looks on. Hermes, Warwick, Kilter and Elowen sit near the head of the table. Santa tells them to keep up the good work. He says they can expect two more waves, unless Sylvan succeeds. If not, we’ll probably face a last wave after that.
In the workshop, the workers have stopped making toys and wait for whatever’s next. Flogg is worried, so he closes his eyes and meditates.
The Eleventh Plague. Pan addresses his assembled forces. Nearby, 11 pipers pipe a war song. Pan says "All through the hours of Krampusnacht, the forces of Kris Kringle have swatted our kind aside as if we were of no import. That ends now! If you aren’t angry, you should GET angry!" Pan emits an angry roar. The demons roar in response. Pan opens his mouth unnaturally wide and emits a shout that starts normal, then rises to an unnatural volume. Members of the SDF start to panic and run away. Mergigoth has a box filled with grenades. He distributes them to the other leaders. Mergigoth says "Let your aim be true. Let the forces of Pan fall before you." The leaders throw the grenades. Pan’s forces fall. More grenades fly. Pan’s forces flee. Seeing this, Pan flees as well. The SDF forces cheer.
Sylvan leads the fellowship through the snowy forest. He senses something is off. "There is something grave in the offing." Snarzog and his forces emerge from the forest, surrounding the fellowship. Snarzog’s forces attack the fellowship. The battle is swift and brutal. Quickly, everyone but Sylvan and Elowen are cut down. Elowen tells Sylvan to run. He runs away from the battle. Elowen throws several smoke grenades that quickly obscure everyone’s vision. She runs after Sylvan. Snarzog and an Orc emerge from the opposite end of the battlefield, coughing. Snarzog tells the orc to "follow them as soon as you can. We must catch them." The orc grabs several goblins and heads after Sylvan and Elowen. Snarzog starts wandering away. An ogre spots him and asks where he's going. Snarzog says "We failed. I want off this sinking ship." The ogre calls him a coward, then rejoins the other creatures. He says "Back to the North Pole! Let’s end this!" They head out.
Sylvan sits in front of a fire, pouting. Elowen approaches him. She asks how he's feeling. He says he's lost. He doesn't think he can venture onward. She says "You feel inadequate. Like whatever you doesn’t matter. You might as well not even try. You have no impact. Sorry, but that’s how you’re acting." She says there's nothing else he could have done. It wasn't his job to save them. It was their job to protect him. They did their job. She says "Now you have to defeat Krampus and make sure that their lives weren’t a meaningless sacrifice." Sylvan’s still hesitant. She says they need to move on.
Approaching Krampus’s castle is Raijin. He is typically depicted with fierce and aggressive facial expressions, standing atop a cloud, beating on den-den daiko drums with tomoe symbols drawn on them. Raijin has a fierce, frightening face and a muscular figure with gravity-defying hair. He carries a circle of Taiko drums that wrap around his body. He holds large hammers, with which to bang the drums. Raijin crosses the drawbridge.
Krampus sits on his throne. He drinks blood from a gold chalice. Gnuvugs enters the room and makes an announcement: Raijin has arrived. Krampus thanks Raijin for his help. Raijin says he's not doing it for free. Krampus asks how he will proceed. Raijin says he shall bring a storm unlike any they have ever seen! Krampus says Ala already tried that. Raijin says "Then I send in the demons, devils and goblins. Ala has no allies as fierce as my thralls." Krampus grins.
Santa’s workers quietly clear the battlefield. The removal of Pan’s forces progresses slowly. Santa’s workers are exhausted.
Inside SDF HQ, Mergigoth leads the briefing. Santa snoozes in a chair. Hermes, Warwick, Kilter and Elowen sit near the head of the table. Mergigoth says "I’m taking over again. The amount of magic Santa is expending to keep us victorious has tired him out. His power underlies everything we do." Mergigoth nods towards the snoozing Santa. He continues "Now, if the fellowship has succeeded, this will be the last wave of enemies." Hermes asks "What if the fellowship has failed." Mergigoth looks at everyone grimly.
Near the center of the workshop, the workers are gathered. They nervously eat and drink various snacks and drinks. Flogg sits in a lotus pose, meditating. Or praying. Whatever works.
The Twelfth Plague. Raijin addresses his assembled forces. He says the sound of thunder marks the end. The goblins, demons and devils laugh nervously. Dark clouds fill the sky. He sends them forth. The goblins, demons and devils rush the ice wall. A vicious storm rolls in, pelting the SDF forces with rain, lightning and hail. Dr. Strange tells Mergigoth to hold off the creatures, he’ll take care of Raijin. The SDF forces cheer, then attack the creatures. Dr. Strange starts casting a spell. He shapes the rain into a whirlpool in the sky. He shoves his hands in Raijin’s direction. The whirlpool of water blasts Raijin and washes him into the pit of dead creatures. It fills up, imprisoning Raijin under a pool of water. Dr. Strange says "Raijin is trapped and will not emerge until someone drains the pool." The SDF forces cheer and chase the remaining creatures away.
Sylvan and Elowen quietly sneak towards Krampus's castle. Elowen notes that with all the forces of evil being the North Pole, Krampus will be relatively unguarded. The orc and two goblins step onto the drawbridge. They demand Sylvan and Elowen surrender. Sylvan draws forth his sword. It glows bright blue. One of the goblins recognizes it as Gram. Both goblins shiver with fear. Goblin #2 flees. The orc grabs Goblin #1 by the shirt to prevent him from running away. Elowen shoots the orc in his chest with a crossbow bolt. He falls dead. The other goblin flees. Sylvan and Elowen look at each other to steel their nerves. They cross the drawbridge and sneak inside the castle.
Krampus sits on his throne eating chocolates from a heart-shaped box. Gnuvugs walk into the room, urgent business on his mind. He says their forces slew most of the party headed in their direction. The few remaining elves will certainly abandon their course of action. Sylvan says "You would think that. It would’ve been a wise choice." Krampus and Gnuvugs look up to see Sylvan and Elowen. Sylvan holds up Gram. Krampus recoils in fear and asks where he got it from. Sylvan says "Santa sends season’s greetings." Krampus orders Gnuvugs to stop Sylvan. Gnuvugs rushes towards Sylvan. Elowen shoots him in the chest with her crossbow. Gnuvugs isn’t dead, but he’s incapacitated. Krampus tells Sylvan "Come then, do your dirty work." Sylvan advances on him. Sylvan says "I intend to, with so many bodies in your wake." Krampus holds his golden staff out, attempting to fend Sylvan away. Sylvan strikes with Gram, snapping the staff in half. It falls to the floor. Krampus cowers. Sylvan strikes Krampus. Krampus screams. He starts burning up and emitting smoke. He dissipates and his now-empty robes fall to the ground. Sylvan asks Elowen if he killed Krampus. She says "No, you banished him. To Limbo." Sylvan and Elowen walk out, arm-in-arm. Gnuvugs groans. He asks for help. No one hears him.
Santa stands at a podium, speaking to the assembled crowd. He says "That was amazing, people. Everyone in our community did their part and collectively, we saved our home." Elowen says "and all the future Christmas." Everyone cheers. Sylvan and Elowen exchange a smile. Santa says "Before we go on, I’d like to bring out a friend to all... Rudolph!" A bandaged Rudolph limps into the room to thunderous applause. A standing ovation. Santa says "I’m not sure if everyone knows this, but my reindeer are functionally immortal. Krampus couldn’t kill them if he tried." More cheers. Santa says "Members of the council... Elowen... Sylvan? Please step forward." They do. Santa says "While we couldn’t have won without everyone’s efforts, the Santa Claus Medal of Merit goes to those who led the resistance." Santa, Ms. Claus and several others place medals around the necks of Sylvan, Elowen, Mergigoth, Dr. Strange, Warwick, Kilter and Hermes. Santa thanks them for their service. Everyone applauds the medal winners. Santa says "And last, but certainly not least, we must recognize Flogg and the other workers who built so many of the weapons used to defeat the enemy." More applause. Sylvan and Elowen kiss. Even more applause. Sylvan approaches Flogg and says "I see you got your wish. Congratulations!" Flogg grins and says "I see you saved Christmas. Thank you." They hug.
On December 24, 2025, Santa has finished packing up his sled. Rudolph and the other reindeer are ready to fly. Sylvan rides in the security guard’s seat. Santa asks if he's ready. Sylvan is. Santa boards the sleigh. He tells Rudolph to lead the way. He does. The other reindeer follow and the sleigh takes flight. Santa declares Merry Christmas. Sylvan grins. He’s excited.