{ gingerbread town | test drive #09 - december 2022 }

[dreamposts]

GINGERBREAD TOWN

On Tuesday the 27th, with no warning whatsoever, everyone will awaken and find the entire town transformed into gingerbread and candy, from peppermint candy cane trees, to gumdrop bushes, to chocolate brick roads. They will also find themselves changed into one of the following forms: gingerbread figures, nutcrackers, or wooden figurines. It's a complete transformation—no costumes or partials this time! Although they can move and use most of their abilities, it's a bit hampered when it's also discovered that everything has shrunk down a bit in size. Not only that, but there is an indestructible magiglass dome over the town to prevent anyone from breaking in—or out. So if there is anyone who happened to be out of town at the time, they will not be changed and will be stuck outside. The Tree of Stories, the Observatory, and the Carnival park are excluded from the change and remain normal.

Fortunately a pair of gingerbread twins named "Hansel" and "Gretel" as well as the tapirs are there to help explain what happened. The town has been cursed by the witch who inhabited that suspicious house from the Dream Board, and everyone needs to band together to do two things to break out of curse: 1) gather enough dreamotion music notes to charge up the golden chocolate bell hanging at the Plaza and 2) break into the gingerbread house and destroy the witch.

————— ⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱ —————
More details on everything can be found here, but an important reminder that this event log doubles as our Test Drive Meme and information can be found in this section.

This means any outside characters participating in the log are canonly logged as appearing in Songerein in December and will remain in Songerein from the IC date of December 27 through 31. TDM only characters can only thread within this log. Anyone who apps in and is accepted will have their character count December as their first time in the game without any disruption, so all content will carry over. Those who do not apply will disappear which should not seem too unusual as people randomly disappear already, however players in game can choose to retcon and pretend a character was never there to begin with if it would be easier; or even think their presence was just a dream.

IMPORTANT! All outside characters MUST have "TDM" in their subject line, even if you might not app. This will help people differentiate those who are already in the game and those who are not.

TDM threads are required for samples. Refer to the Game Info for general information and feel free to toss any questions here. Reserves will open Sunday, December 25th and Applications will open on January 1st. Our application cycles are bi-monthly so the next cycle after won't be until March.

TDM Toplevel Link Directory (click to view; updated 12/30)

Adventure Time - Finn the Human
Adventure Time - Jake the Dog
Ai: The Somnium Files - Mizuki Okiura
Bleach - Riruka Dokugamine
Bunjou Stray Dogs - Ryunosuke Akutagawa
Chainsaw Man - Denji
Don't Starve Together - Wendy Carter
Fallout 3 - The Lone Wanderer
Final Fantasy XIII-2 - Noel Kreiss
Final Fantasy XIV - Y'shtola Rhul
Fire Emblem: Three Houses - Bernadetta von Varley
Forgotten Realms - Jarlaxle Baenre
Friends at the Table: COUNTER/Weight - Cassander Timaeus Berenice
Genshin Impact - Amber
Genshin Impact - Scaramouche
Granblue Fantasy - Lyria
Heroes of Olympus - Leo Valdez
Kingdom Hearts - Demyx
Kingdom Hearts - Riku
Persona 5 Strikers - Zenkichi Hasegawa
Pokemon Scarlet/Violet - Penny
Rage of Bahamut - Amira
Shadow Game Series - Enne Salta
South Park - Kenny McCormick
Spark the Electric Jester 1 & 3 - Spark
Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion - Agent 8
Tales of Zestiria - Sorey
Undertale - Flowey

THREAD SUBMISSIONS WILL BE IMPORTANT TO DETERMINE HOW THIS EVENT ENDS FOR JANUARY! We will request them during AC and TDM threads will count. For more information, refer to the Game Notes.

I. IN TOWN

There is a lot to process with everything changed and the appearance of Hansel and Gretel, but by now most people are used to needing to roll up their sleeves and get through the tasks needed to succeed. The giant bell at the Plaza helps serve as a reminder of what they need to do and many will be anxiously watching as the musical notes slowly gather into it. To gather enough notes for the bell, everyone will need to work together and utilize their current forms. Note: all prompts can be done by anyone, however some forms have an advantage over others. Musical notes will automatically appear and go to the bell when the objective is achieved. The gumdrops are also trapped in town and will still pull their "mistletoe" mischief.

A. Woodstock. Those turned into a wooden figure will find they have the least amount of changes appearance wise…but their legs and feet are stuck together, forcing them to hop and slide around. Fortunately they can control their movements and after some adjusting they will find it's not too strenuous to be hopping around everywhere. It can be tough to get up if they fall over, though.

1. Caroling. What better way to gain notes than making some? With movement a bit limited, singing and playing simple instruments may be the easiest way to help. The catch is the music must be filled with hopeful, cheerful dreamotion strong enough to form those notes, and the instruments can also be a problem. First they have to be found, and then some instruments may try to play music on their own—and it's not always the right genre.
   
   
2. Snowmen Mayhem. Snowmen can be found all over town, most of them built before the town changed. Now they are coming to life, wearing big, giant frowns as they slowly shamble around and chuck snowballs at everyone they see. Melting them or using physical force only makes them reform back into snowmen. The only way to stop them is to participate in the snowball fight until that frown turns into a smile to release a note! People could even just have a snowball fight around them and it would please the snowmen. Perhaps they just wanted to have fun, too…?

B. Gingerbread Run. Those made of gingerbread will find they are quite fast and even have the urge to run for whatever reason. However, although sturdy enough, they are still fragile and can break easily. Fortunately they can quickly repair themselves with an extra bit of dough and icing, but water is the greatest weakness. A few drops or even a brief dousing won't hurt them too badly (maybe make their icing a little runny), but they can't swim and submerged in water too long will make them very mushy.

1. Obstacle Course Marathon. Some streets are sectioned off to have a simple marathon for those who just can't help but feel restless and want to run, and notes can be released throughout the course. More like a cross country track, there are numerous "checkpoints" participants must pass through while shouting the famous line, "Run, run as fast as you can, you can't catch me I'm the gingerbread man!" Each checkpoint mimics the story of "The Gingerbread Man."
   
   
   1. Avoid the "old ladies" swinging candy canes (non gingerbreads can take this role to help)
      
   2. Outrun the plush pups and kittens (or just stay and play with them, also valid)
      
   3. Climb up and over the makeshift marshmallow chocolate wall (don't let it melt!)
      
   4. Use the "foxboat" (swan boats altered to look like foxes) to peddle across the river (don't sink!)
      
   5. Dash through the finish line
   
   Since it's designed as a group marathon, participants are encouraged to help each other. More notes gained, the better!
   
   
2. The Chase is On! Those who were not turned into gingerbread figures will feel a strange urge to chase those who are. They may be fully aware, or they may desire just a nibble of that delectable baked good. While punching the chasers in the face to try and knock some sense into them will be an option, those who are gingerbread will similarly have the urge to run, run, run! Passing over any type of water, including puddles, will end it. This chase can be long or short, and at the end of it whether the gingerbread is caught or escapes, a musical note will play and fly to the bell, freeing the two from the weird curse…until it happens again.

C. Nutcrackin' Around. Nutcrackers have a sturdier build compared to the general wooden population, with powerful jaws and already armed with a weapon—even if it might feel more like a toy. Their movements might feel a bit stiff, but they have their strength to make up for it.

1. Get Crackin'. Built to crack nuts, it's no surprise that Nutcrackers are assigned to crack through as many nuts and hard candies to try and find some notes hidden within. They have to go to the farm fields to find the right trees to harvest from, and anyone can assist in this. If they listen carefully, they might be able to hear the note ringing inside as a hint. But they also need to be careful—some nuts are actually cursed and once cracked open will cause the individual to brandish their weapons (or whatever they have on hand) to attack those nearby. Unfortunately there's no tell, so it's truly luck of the draw. Shove a jawbreaker in their mouth and they'll be back to normal. With a slightly damaged jaw, maybe.
   
   
2. Mouse Infestation. Large, toy wind-up mice are causing havoc around town. Although they are just oversized toys and don't attack, they're crashing into buildings and chasing people. Anyone can try to catch and slow them down, but a Nutcracker is the only one capable of inflicting enough damage to break the gears inside and stop it for good. Doing so will release a note.

D. Candy Monsters. While the town is mostly safe, nightmare energy is seeping in from everyone's initial fears and chaos and absorbed into all the candy and delicious goods that make up the town. It makes them come to life to turn into aggressive and sometimes cute monsters made out of candy. Fortunately, they are not too difficult to fend off even with everyone changed into different forms, and dreamotion abilities are in full effect. Other creative ways to defeat them like dumping boiling water or freezing them can also be used.

II. TRAIN CARS

All aboard the Dreamer Express! The toy train has a simple track that circles around the town with the main station right at the Plaza. Anyone can hop on to either enjoy the ride or help get those notes.

A. Past, Present, Future. There are three particular cars that Hansel and Gretel will encourage most to go through because the notes in these cars will be the strongest. When going through either of the "Past," "Present," or "Future" cars, everyone will have a "Scrooge" experience and walk through either a happy or difficult memory or made up simulation of that set time period. The primary theme for each one is something that the individual can learn or reflect on. The experience can be done solo or with a partner. If with a partner, only one simulation will be active, but the other person's could begin after the first ends. Sometimes the memories will be passive like watching a movie and will only stimulate emotional reactions. However, the stronger the memory, the more realistic it will become, to the point that one will live through it all and must face and interact with whatever is there to get through. Once they reach the exit, the note will be granted.

B Unboxing. Most of the train cars are either passenger cars or boxcars filled with presents. A lot of presents. Guess where a lot of notes are hidden. While opening presents seems like a simple task, it can be tricky when some gifts are actually mimics that will pull unsuspecting individuals inside of them instead. Fortunately they are not too difficult to beat up and free the trapped prisoner.

C. Hot! Hot! Ooh, We Got It! There is a special car that's only purpose is to serve hot chocolate…as a musical number. Witness or perhaps even participate as servers dance around with extremely hot chocolate and somehow not spill a drop—or maybe someone gets scalded by an unfortunate spill. But when it's all done, anyone can enjoy some different flavors that can last for quite a while (ie as long as you want it) :

1. Regular chocolate: Makes the drinker nostalgic, particularly for something in their childhood.
   
2. Peppermint: Gives the drinker a spark of inspiration to work on something creative.
   
3. Caramel: Gives the drinker extra energy, making them unable to stay still without doing something.
   
4. Raspberry: Makes the drinker want to get back to nature by finding an outdoor activity to do.
   
5. Spicy (chili powder and cinnamon): Makes the drinker feel more amorous than usual.

III. WITCH'S HOUSE

Getting the notes is just one half of the equation. To completely beat the curse, the witch behind this needs to be defeated. But it won't be easy with everyone transformed and the witch quite powerful. The gingerbread house has a lot of traps inside, from sticky paper to snapping mouse traps to licorice that try to tie them down.

A. Breaking into the Gingerbread House. The witch's gingerbread house will be the biggest piece compared to everything else. The original defense mechanisms are in place and people can get sucked inside like before, however there is no easy way out. A little stealth can help gain an advantage especially as the battle begins by those who enter first.

B. Escape Routes. While some may try to let themselves get caught to get inside faster, having an escape route would be prudent. Since they are smaller in size, it'll be easier to sneak around the house and try to carve a piece out of it to make a hole, or maybe something from the windows or chimney. Multiple routes would be ideal, just be careful not to get caught!

C. Fighting the "Witch." For those expecting some creepy old woman, they will be in for a surprise. The "witch" is actually the oven itself, moving and operating as if it were alive. Rather, perhaps the oven is what the original witch of Hansel and Gretel has become as an eerie cackling can be heard when the doors open and fire flickers out. Regardless, despite its form the "witch" will be a difficult foe to defeat due to its sheer size and everyone still in smaller forms. Restrain it, try to douse the flames, but another effective way to stop it is to just fill its mouth with anything that can go inside, from candy and baked goods, to pots and pans. The more it consumes, the slower it moves. Time to over stuff the oven.

Comments

[consider8]

The gingerbread cookie may have looked like she came out of an apocalypse film, but to the Octarian looking at her what Angel was wearing was a form of high fashion. Though that's not entirely why the Capital Wasteland survivor was being tailed. Oh no.

The girl behind her is looking intently at the Pip-boy, aware, it seems, that it was some sort of transmission device, and is sending out the cheery little song. It was old-fashioned, but reminiscent of a time when music was being learned. She kinda liked it.

And so, Angel would find a octopus girl cookie tagging along, swinging her gingerbread fingers in tune with Angel's singing.

[bearlylistens]

Disarmed is one way of putting it, I guess. [Bernie pouts and looks down at her arm.]

But, um, I'm okay. I think I just need to put it back on? It doesn't hurt, so I think it should work out okay... Right?

[There's a bowl of frosting close by as if to help paste herself back together... but Bernie having onky one arm to do the whole thing is going to be difficult.

Not that she's about to admit that to a cookie she just met.]

[senorita_perfecta]

Um, you know, on second thought, I don’t think that climbing won’t work for the both of us at all. I didn’t factor in cookie body weaknesses into the climbing idea. I’m sorry if I gave you quite the scare.

(Yep, Isabela almost forgot how weak cookies are to liquids in the first place when she mentioned climbing up the mug. Whoops.)

Do you have any other ideas we can use to reach the drinks instead?

[adorabrawler]

[ There's a beat before Mizuki breaks into a quiet chuckle, a hand going over her mouth in an attempt to stifle it. ]

It's okay. I don't know if I should have any either. [ Since she is... wooden now? Which is probably the weirdest aspect of these circumstances she's had to accept so far. ] But... it looks good, so I'll try it.

[consider8]

Yeah, I see that. Here...

[And from a loop around her waist she whips out this thing.] I think this will help!

[monoceroscaeli]

[This was the sort of reaction he was expecting, stopping another snowman from assaulting them with snow, before he turns around to address the Balladeer's question.]

There's a few others here from Teyvat, and they all come from my future. Before arriving here, I'd been on an expedition in Dragonspine for a mission before returning to Snezhnaya following the acquisition of the Geo Archon's gnosis.

[And then he sent the Traveler a nice birthday letter!]

From what I've been told, I go to Inazuma sometime after that in search of someone. You wouldn't happen to know anything about that, would you?

[Aether didn't tell him who he was there to find.]

[threebetrayals]

[That...sure is a gap. Hm. Now he wonders just what all everyone remembers.

And while he can guess as to who Childe was sent to find...well. Guessing isn't knowing, is it?]

Nope. I've been busy. Maybe Signora?

[kurohato]

[Akutagawa looks back.]

Is there any reason why I shouldn't?

[He's hit with another snowball and barely flinches. Hrm.]

[kurohato]

[Akutagawa doesn't move. He watches the man and the little girl come in, and he narrows his eyes. Ah. He looks down at the cookie-girl gripping at his pantsleg. So that's her memory, so it seems.]

...

[then, quietly]

Do not let this control you. You are stronger than he will ever be.

[He clenches his teeth. Tch. How disgusting. He loathes those who think they're above others in that way. Especially children. But he knows words won't soothe this. Nothing can erase trauma like this.

So he stands firm. He tries, with what little power he has, to get Rashomon to rise, but it won't. He's wooden. If he could cut through this memory, he would, but...it's impossible.]

Y'shtola Rhul || FFXIV || TDM

[notyournhaama]

She a snacc

This certainly was an enchantment that she had never seen before. She knew of spells that could turn people into frogs and sheep, but not confections. Or toy soldiers for that matter. Everyone appeared to be in good spirits, despite the transformation.

It also appeared to be this world's version of Starlight Celebration. The city itself had not changed much, at least not to her blind eyes. She could tell it was different, but she couldn't actually see the changes.

So she's just going to wander around and enjoy the celebrations and music.


She protecc and she attacc

Y'shtola didn't hesitate to move in front of a group of people as a candy monster tried to attack. She could still use her magics, even if she was a cookie. The shield came up around them and the creature bounced off of it with an annoyed sound.

"As soon as my shield drops. Run. I shall take care of this creature," she said, not brothering to look over her shoulder. As soon as her shield vanished, she summoned her staff to her hand (it was also a cookie) and began to channel her dreamotion into a spell.

It didn't take long for the fire spell to be ready and sent towards the creature.

[lonelysmiles]

[Alastor waves his hand dismissively.]

There's no need to apologize, dear. Though even the Dickens tale this was inspired by never went quite this --

[Alastor stops, his ambient static hum increasing for a moment as things start to click into place.]

Miss Anya, what is your full name?

[kurohato]

...

[Akutagawa barely looks over.]

Apologies. [He grumbles out, only barely meaning it.] Don't assume you know what's going on, do you?

[bearlylistens]

It didn't feel like it, at the time.

[Bernie whispers back. Part of her head is definitely in the memory - she's being quiet just like her father told her to be - and she holds her breath until the man disappears, leaving the girl alone, tied to the chair.]

I'm stronger now, though. And nothing he tried to teach me really worked. I'm still loud and weird and not very ladylike and really, really unmarriageable.

[She disengages from his pants and hops over to the girl to stare up at her from the floor.]

But he stays away from me now. My friends made sure of that. And... and we're happy, even if we're loud and weird!

[bearlylistens]

What is that thing?

[Bernie looks at it with no small measure of distrust. It... looks strange.]

How is it supposed to help?

[kurohato]

[Well. Off goes the man, however much glee he would've taken out of killing him. Akutagawa remains silent, but...Bernadetta seems to seize her strength. She's stronger now. She's loud, and weird, and unmarriageable. Despite Akutagawa's usual stoicism, this is one of the rare things that does get the faintest flicker of a smile from him.]

Well, a lot of that is a matter of perspective, I'd say. Loud and weird are...good things. I don't feel that I'm the person equipped to speak on ladylike, but my subordinate at home never was the type to bow down to the wishes of those who wished to harm her, either. [Higuchi would be livid, actually. Unless it was from him, but they had an understanding.] And if you so wish, I'm sure you'll find someone someday.

[She seems like a charming enough girl, anyway.]

...Happiness despite the darkness is all that can be asked for.

[He follows after her, but keeps his distance a bit. This isn't his place to comment too much - they just met, after all.]

[monoceroscaeli]

[His gingerbread face turns in disgust at the name. While Scaramouche certainly is unpleasant to be around, given how frank he is, he's not Signora. At least Scaramouche is direct and to the point without any of the bullshit.]

Let's not mention her if we can possibly help it.

[It's not good for his mental health.]

We're almost there. It'll be a nice respite for you from all the chaos out here. Not that I mind any of it, of course, haha. But, at least you'll be able to get used to your new body. So, are you going to help with returning the town to normal?

woodstock

[peacewithouttyranny]

[This particular gingerbread man(?) is nursing a headache from how utterly ridiculous this dream is. So, occupied as he is, Soundwave isn't as attentive as he usually is when his leg is grabbed by something. His hand reflexively reaches his hip for a weapon that isn't there, but almost as immediately relaxes when he sees the wooden human in the snow.

Hm. Shifting his gaze a little, he then notices the crumbling bits on him where the other's hand is clutching on. That doesn't look good...]

Let go of me first and I will help.

[Additionally, she'll find that the "ankle" she grabbed isn't quite human-shaped. The entity's shape is more like a robot than man, even though he is still entirely made out of cookie. That, or the mechanical-like quality voice might suggest that the entity isn't quite huma.]

[consider8]

It's a gun! [For a measure of a "gun." For all intents and purposes it may as well be a gun.] I'm thinking of calling it the Frostcapper.

As for what it does...

[In lieu of demonstration she aims the tip toward one of her hands. When she squeezes a small dab of icing appears in her hand.] Let me see your arm, and then let me see your stump, and we'll get you stuck together before you know it!

escape routes <3

[kindashady]

[Speaking of someone's gentle groan-]

What in the hells are you scheming?

[It might not be much of an actual groan, but that voice sure is full of otherwise familiar exasperation as Artemis spots Jarlaxle and approaches the...gingerbread?? gingerdrow?????]

[Suddenly, the assassin's own obnoxiously wooden body feels like slightly less of a curse.]

[acheat]

[Speak of the devil! As if he'd expected Artemis this entire time, he scarcely looked back at him, lightly tapping his soon to be melee weapon against his palm.]

Contingency~.

You're looking rather stiff, Artemis. Much more so than usual, might I add.

[Clap back, Art, he's a cookie and he doesn't even care.]

[nulland]

[Nothing about this guy seems strange to Rob. He went to school with someone who looked almost exactly like him.

He watches the attack silently, followed by some quiet reflection as the toy struggles in the preserve.]

...Well it's still all about a sneak attack if you do it that way, so same thing!

[kindashady]

And you look like a bit of pressure would break that arm of yours clean off.

[Translation: don't you test him Jarlaxle. Though is that annoyance or concern that's actually in his voice?]

[Whatever it is, it doesn't stop Art from leaning against the wall and crossing his arms, seemingly relaxed as he watches the other man. So very relaxed, and absolutely not frantically noting down every visible inch of the house. And, you know. Anything that could possibly eat a drow-shaped cookie.]

[He has to remind himself that yes, that would actually be a bad thing, no matter how much of a nuisance his friend might be.]

Tell me you're not actually thinking of going in there. Even you couldn't possibly be that foolish.

[And yet even as he says that-]

[acheat]

Now now, we've other things to threaten, don't spread yourself too thin.

[Oh what was there any expectation he didn't plan on getting into the house? Here, let him relieve you of that hope, he would never be so cruel as to let that remain here.]

I'm not going in until I make my exit first. Are you not proud of me for being so responsible?

[He thinks he is very funny, that much is communicated in his tone as clear a bell. He glanced over at the assassin, that self assured smug grin as much of a warning as it was a mask.]

Surely you don't intend to just remain out here and bird watch?

Rokurou Rangetsu | Tales of Berseria

[rokubro]

[Rokurou has turned into a daemon samurai nutcracker! He'll have access to toy versions of all his swords (that he's not really happy about).]

⋚ i. run run as fast as you can

[While there wasn't much of an issue during the marathon, when just randomly out on the street around town, Rokurou becomes susceptible to those urges to chase unsuspecting gingerbread. He appears out of nowhere, his painted red daemon eye glowing as he dashes out, brandishing his two blades as he laughs.]

Better run, or I'll cut you up to pieces!

[Of course his blades are toys and made of wood and plastic, but against the soft gingerbread, it could still hurt if they get struck!]

⋚ ii. pick a fight any fight

[Rokurou is a fighter, and he'll be spending most of time doing some kind of fight oriented activity.

For something easy, the snowball fights will be a little less "dangerous" as he'll keep his swords away and just throw two snowballs at someone at a time instead. Of course, he'll still be relentless, taking any opening he sees. Watch that back, it's open!

As a Nutcracker, Rokurou will opt for dealing with the toy mice that are running amok rather than cracking nuts. With his speed, he can quickly close gaps to strike at a mout, his (toy) blades piercing through the hide to reach those gears and jamming them, sometimes breaking them completely. With a little bit of fire dreamotion, he'll inflict more damage to make them burst. But sometimes those toy pests are too fast even for him, and he might need some help slowing them down first before he can get a good hit in as opposed to a glancing blow.

The candy monsters will prove to be a more challenging foe for the daemon to deal with as they will actually fight back. But he won't back down and can be seen freely engaging with any that appear. The hard candy monsters are easier for him to deal with as his (toy) blades can shatter and break them to pieces. The sticky, formless ones, however are tougher as his swords can sometimes get stuck. Might need a little help there when that happens. And yes, he would be curious to try and eat one. They're just candy, right?]

⋚ iii. against the witch

[At the witch's house, even Rokurou has to admit that just using brute force and attacking the oven directly won't do much as they are.]

We have to stuff its mouth, huh...

[Looking around, Rokurou turns his gaze upwards and grins.]

Sounds like we should just try to bring the whole house down!

[Is he crazy?

Yeah, in many ways. But maybe it's not the worst idea as there are a bunch of things hanging around the place that could not only be used to fill the oven's mouth, but also maybe cause some damage if it falls on it. Of course, this would be a lot easier if he had normal sized swords, but that won't stop him from hopping up onto the shelves and tables and swing his (toy) blades and using his artes to cut and sever anything.

In the process, he'll also act as bait, deliberately jumping onto the oven to try and distract the witch oven so that others can either throw things into its mouth or get some hits in.]

⋚ wildcard

[Open to all other prompts! Is there any eggnog or some kind of alcohol around he would totally enjoy a drink for a bit if desired— Feel free to hit me up via PM, discord, or laenavesse.]

[kindashady]

[Why does that stupid grin always set off so many alarm bells in his head-]

There are some very interesting birds to see around here.

[And if he thought he could get away with just sitting this out and letting Jarlaxle deal with the fallout of whatever is about to happen by himself, he absolutely would, but...]

[...gods, this having a conscience thing is frankly terrible. And after a moment he huffs out a sigh, nodding back behind where they're standing.]

...some of the frosting in the back corner was looking old and brittle, as if something else had been getting to it for a while. If you're going to insist on getting yourself killed, perhaps you should start back there.