The MacGuffin Exercise

[Arcadia]

MacGuffin (a.k.a. McGuffin or maguffin) is a term for a motivating element in a story that is used to drive the plot. It serves no further purpose. It won't pop up again later, it won't explain the ending, it won't do anything except possibly distract you while you try to figure out its significance. In some cases, it won't even be shown. It is usually a mysterious package/artifact/superweapon that everyone in the story is chasing.

Your task is to design an object under the trope of a MacGuffin that seems completely ordinary, however is desired by all parties in your desired plot.

 

[Madeline]

A torch. Not ordinary. It gives BLUE flames. Wow. Torches can give blue flames if they want to, and most people thought it was normal. But the threesome, they knew it's true significance. They would jump over oceans for it. Now, it was in an unknown space.

 

[Professor Objection]

A gear made with a currently unknown metal; it has the exact size, shape, and composition that four people need for their completely different inventions. But at this very moment, an unknown thief has taken possession of it and is planning to melt it down and sell the metal itself. The inventors have no time to waste and nothing else to lose: at all costs, they must get the gear.

 

[Kazama]

It has been heard of in myth and legend for countless millennium. It has been passed through kings, emperors, and rulers all through history. It has been said to possess power beyond comprehension and for this very reason, many have sought it. The ancients called it Psomí Kafstíra. Today it has come under a new name.

The Toaster of the Gods

It is said that any bread placed in it will emerge a golden brown delicacy. It's aroma will be crisp and warm, while it's flavor is both crunchy and soft at the same time. Wars have been fought over it. Brothers have slain each other for it. And now, it has been rediscovered in an ancient tomb. A toaster encrusted in gold and rubies, ready for any bread that may be placed into it.

One man wants to destroy it. The wars that come with it have the potential to rage for centuries.
One group wants to study it. To deduce what creates such a perfect combination of scrumptious and delicious.
One woman wants to use it. To make her restaurant, La Croûte Croustillante, the most famous for it's godly toast.

At the end of this story, the toaster will sit in La Croûte Croustillante. The owner, having committed atrocious crimes in order to possess it will finally taste the same bread eaten by the ancient gods. She will bite into it and profess:

"Eh. It's okay."