Ice Raccoon Theory

Summary

The Ice Raccoon Theory is Cat's highly specific hypothesis about the creature the party is tracking in Session 4 of the campaign. The theory posits that the creature is "a raccoon that whenever it rubs its hands together, it freezes stuff." Brad bets on this theory as part of the out-of-character betting pool, making it one of several competing explanations for the mysterious creature's nature.

The theory becomes notable not for its accuracy, but for Cat's elaborate attempt to educate Vasso about raccoons despite having never actually seen one, leading to an increasingly absurd discussion about raccoon varieties and their supposed magical properties.

Details

According to Cat's explanation to Vasso, the Ice Raccoon Theory is built on the premise that raccoons naturally rub their hands together, and that "depending on the variety, the flavor of raccoon, different things may happen." Cat specifies that some are "cold raccoons or ice raccoon hand rubbings," suggesting a classification system for raccoons based on what occurs during this hand-rubbing behavior.

The theory's credibility is immediately undermined when Cat admits, "You know, I've never actually seen a raccoon." Despite this confession, Cat continues to speculate, comparing raccoons to fish: "Well, I've seen some raccoons, but I assume they're kind of like fish, where some fish are really big and some fish are really small." This leads to further speculation about whether giant varieties exist, similar to giant pumpkins.

The discussion also touches on whether raccoons climb trees, with Cat suggesting they do not, typically. Throughout the explanation, Cat speaks with an authoritative tone that contrasts sharply with the complete lack of actual raccoon knowledge, creating comic relief while the party pursues their actual quarry.

History

Session 4

The Ice Raccoon Theory emerges when Brad decides to bet on Cat's hypothesis in the out-of-character betting pool about the creature's identity. Cat states with confidence: "I'm betting that it's a raccoon that whenever it rubs its hands together, it freezes stuff."

Cat then attempts to educate Vasso on raccoon biology, explaining: "So, Vasso, there are these raccoons, right. You know how raccoons sometimes just sort of like, rub their hands together? Depending on the variety, the flavor of raccoon, different things may happen. Yeah. Like some are cold raccoons or ice raccoon hand rubbings."

The theory's foundation collapses when Cat admits to never having seen a raccoon, though this does not prevent continued speculation about raccoon varieties and whether they share the characteristic of coming in vastly different sizes, like fish. The entire exchange provides levity during the party's investigation while highlighting Cat's tendency to speak authoritatively about subjects where actual knowledge is absent.

The Ice Raccoon Theory stands in contrast to the Ice Monkey Theory, representing one of multiple competing hypotheses about the creature's nature that the players entertain during Session 4.