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dreamposts ([personal profile] dreamposts) wrote in [community profile] songerein2022-12-16 01:00 pm

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




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.

senorita_perfecta: (Sad)

[personal profile] senorita_perfecta 2023-01-20 10:29 am (UTC)(link)
Almost too late. Me and my sister were having a heartfelt moment to ourselves when our Abuela showed up and began to scold her for being a ‘bad influence’ on me. An argument between them arose and she told her that her grief was the main cause of our many problems.

That was when I learned about our home crumbling with the rest of the family and the argument was unfortunately the last straw that set off our home falling apart. I tried to help in saving the candle representing the source of our magic but my gift was cut off abruptly before I could reach for it and pass it along to anybody.
senorita_perfecta: (Confused)

[personal profile] senorita_perfecta 2023-01-20 10:43 am (UTC)(link)
(She solemnly nods in agreement. It was not easy for her to being a gold standard and have her own life ever since she was, like, five. It may appear that she can do things nearly flawless at home in the past but it had always been a facade behind so much emotional pain of being restricted in what she can do.)

Yeah, it was a heavy thing for me to carry all that weight. For a long time, I had grown to hate being scrutinized for just my gift alone and I did grew to be very jealous of my youngest sister for not having to live under so much pressure the way I did.
lestray: (downcast)

[personal profile] lestray 2023-01-20 01:43 pm (UTC)(link)
[She's trembling as the scene continues. Just watching them continue to talk and live and breath. And that last comment cuts right through her, eliciting a soft gasp a renewal of the tears that stain her cheeks.

It's hard to focus on Barok now in the face of all this. She follows her comment with some words that sound more sincere... if much quieter and weaker, on a shaky breath.]


...M-me neither...
azuresong: ((●´ω`●)ゞ)

[personal profile] azuresong 2023-01-20 03:56 pm (UTC)(link)
Hehehee! Okaaaay! [ Alright alright she will settle down but that smile literally soaring across her face is not going to go away anytime soon. ]

Why don't you tell me more about this place! I'd love to hear all the stories you have! [ She'll waddle up close beside him now, trying to quiet her giggles.

Even if this place was strange to her... the presence beside her was an anchor of stability. She knew that whatever happened here, that she was going to be okay.
]
perfalmost: (arms folded)

[personal profile] perfalmost 2023-01-20 08:56 pm (UTC)(link)
[Pointless arguments can be so much fun! Magilou relaxes while her skin starts to become less waterlogged.]

Perish the thought! I only put smiles on the faces of everyone I meet. Would I not like you when you're angry?
monolike: (that can't be)

[personal profile] monolike 2023-01-20 11:15 pm (UTC)(link)
Eizen- [Has Rokurou ever seen the mention of a name completely obliterate someone's smile so quickly?]

Eizen's...your friend?
pactmarshal: (very green. very pensive.)

[personal profile] pactmarshal 2023-01-20 11:53 pm (UTC)(link)
No. It isn't.

[ He wants others to have a waking self to return to. That Nier doesn't, stings in a way. If only his painted face could show the sympathy he feels for him in this moment. ]

It was...complicated. The consequence of a long sequence of events that I started, and I was eventually left with no other choice.

[ His mistake lead to his death. And everything that happened in between was nothing but pain, despair, and the smallest parts of him clinging to the faintest slivers of hope. As much as he wants to work past that-- ]

This realm seems to delight in reminding me of this.

[ Anger seeps from his voice and clings to the void around them. When can he rest? ]
heseesonlyher: (pic#15175209)

[personal profile] heseesonlyher 2023-01-21 12:25 am (UTC)(link)
[Somehow, he's not surprised to hear it. Nothing about the concept of death is a simple thing. Existence, in general, is probably more complicated than he's likely to give credit for.

He takes several moments to simply rest on Trahearne's explanation. He can't even offer solace because there's truth in the assessment of the world. It seems like many things remind him that he has nothing to return to.]


It does, at times, I've noticed.

[But unlike Trahearne, it seems, he's just accepted it. Probably not the right way to handle that...]

I don't know what that means for people like us. Dreamers can just wake from the dream, or somethin'. I try not to think about it too much. No point in doing so if we can't change it.
monolike: (ay lil mama)

[personal profile] monolike 2023-01-21 02:19 am (UTC)(link)
[Well, that's really nice to think about. Sounds like something Lailah would say, too, if it's important to you it matters. Stay true to oneself.

Sorey rests his chin in his hands and smiles at Kisara.]
I guess you're right! We're all dream versions of ourselves here, after all.
lemiserable: (10)

500 years later (We can always fade to them fighting if you want)

[personal profile] lemiserable 2023-01-21 02:34 am (UTC)(link)
It did make sense in context, you know.

[Which he was going to explain if another mouse didn't show up.]

...well good, cause here comes another!

[It's so huge it literally manages to slam into an entire house.]

Damn, I know that the bigger they are, the harder they fall, but that's ridiculous!
lemiserable: (3)

[personal profile] lemiserable 2023-01-21 02:44 am (UTC)(link)
I couldn't haven't done it without those kids. [He knows he mentioned that already, but credit where credit is due.]

[He the nods in silence, knowing the pain they both felt, and bows back to him.]

Thank you. I think she'll be able to rest now. My own deepest condolences for your brother.
sermom: (11)

[personal profile] sermom 2023-01-21 03:46 am (UTC)(link)
That's true.

[Her smile shifts at that, a little tentative. She'd taken a while to adjust to that, but with him being so new...]

You've taken to the idea surprisingly well. Does it not bother you?
lestray: (in action)

Sure, we can fade out here!

[personal profile] lestray 2023-01-21 03:57 am (UTC)(link)
[Context, schmontext.

As the next mouse comes into play, she goes right into business mode! ...While feeling just a teensy-bit intimidated by its size.]


'Ridiculous' is a word you're gonna find yerself usin' a lot in these parts! [She shakes her head as she starts moving into action.]

C'mon now ya ol' Wolf, try to keep up!

[And off they go, into another battle!]
flamekthunder: (ϟ 034)

~fin

[personal profile] flamekthunder 2023-01-21 05:12 am (UTC)(link)
Of course.

[And he'll being the start of what would likely be a long explanation...but really he'll just let her enjoy herself and explore at her own pace. They'll have time to catch up and for him to tell him everything. For now, he just wants to be sure she's safe and is aware enough for whenever she decides to try and venture on her own.]
rokubro: (‡ 264)

[personal profile] rokubro 2023-01-21 05:53 am (UTC)(link)
[...

WELL.

THAT'S NEW FOR SURE.]


Uh....yeeeeah—well, I don't know about friend. More like a fun rival.

[They're friends. They will just never admit it.]

But we traveled and fought together...why? You know or heard of him?
discourtesies: (counsel)

[personal profile] discourtesies 2023-01-21 06:12 am (UTC)(link)
[I'm certain you'll make all of us proud, his brother answers in kind.

For his own part, Barok would rather watch the poor girl suffer through her own grief than meet the gaze of the two phantoms, himself. His hand rests over the shape of the carved badge still present despite their toylike forms, but slowly tightens almost to a fist.]


Do you believe their sentiment was genuine... Miss Lestrade?
nulland: (93)

[personal profile] nulland 2023-01-21 06:24 am (UTC)(link)
[You're fine, Ken, Rob's just a jerk and realizing his planning skills still aren't the best can be an issue.]

Erm, about that...

[He gives as hard of a tug as he can manage with his nutcracker body. His hand stays firmly in place.]

I think I'm kind of stuck. So this may be up to you now.
lestray: (head down)

[personal profile] lestray 2023-01-21 06:36 am (UTC)(link)
[Gina tries to tug on her hat, but her current one doesn't quite move as easily due to being attached on her head. Instead, she just shrinks back and bows her head while responding softly.]

...Y-yeah. Yeah, I do. They mighta 'ad a 'ole lotta secrets, b-but... but I think they're 'onest on this one. That's 'ow I feel.

[She hesitates a moment before adding-]

But... you really knew the lot of 'em better than me. Does... does it feel real to you?
pricklybloom: (pic#15093361)

[personal profile] pricklybloom 2023-01-21 10:07 am (UTC)(link)
[ Despite knowing that Della is teasing, Amy can't help a suffering, only slightly exaggerated sigh. ]

I wish. But Sonic isn't really the romance-type. He's a free spirit, going wherever the wind or the call of adventure takes him.

[ Which is fine. Totally fine. She's so fine with it. ]
makingmyway: (Sad)

[personal profile] makingmyway 2023-01-21 10:35 am (UTC)(link)
[ Dorian feels something tighten in his chest at her words. ] Well...I am sorry that you had to go through something so difficult. I can't imagine how that must have been for you, growing up with that kind of weight.

But...as a younger sibling myself, I imagine it likely wasn't easy for your sister either. [ He watches as his father finally turns and walks off, and with one last look, his older brother hurries to follow, leaving the younger version of himself alone in the empty room. ] How it feels to live in the shadow of the perfect older sibling who seems like they can do no wrong...and feeling like you have to live up to the standard they set, just to be noticed at all.

And how it always feels like something is wrong with you when you constantly fail to do so.
pactmarshal: (hope and pride)

[personal profile] pactmarshal 2023-01-21 02:32 pm (UTC)(link)
[ There's an attempt to shake his nutcracker head in response. ]

No. There really isn't.

[ In all honesty, he would be fine with his afterlife being Songerein. He would be happy to spend the rest of eternity here until his soul eventually withers and fades away.

If only it didn't come with constant reminders of everything he's lost. ]


I'm sorry...that you have something of the same.

[ His own anger surrounding the situation side, Nier doesn't deserve this either. He's a good man. ]
senorita_perfecta: (So Tired)

[personal profile] senorita_perfecta 2023-01-21 04:18 pm (UTC)(link)
(Isabela couldn’t deny about the difficulties younger siblings have to face. On top of age, Mirabel had to deal with not having any remarkable gifts besides being able to understand Casita’s feelings and keeping the family together in spite of everything that has happened. Abuela’s grief of losing Abuelo so early in their marriage has certainly affected her own children and grandchildren in some form.

She had been so preoccupied with her own struggles and jealously towards Mira that she didn’t knew how big Mira’s struggles were as well.)


Oh yes that is very relatable, isn’t it? Familial and societal pressures so great that it is very difficult to not let everyone down and be one’s own person. That image of the perfect golden child has been a nightmare for me to live up to but at least I don’t have to worry too much about being someone else that I’m not these days.
heseesonlyher: ([concern] - what befalls you)

[personal profile] heseesonlyher 2023-01-21 06:08 pm (UTC)(link)
[Would that he could be more reassuring. He's not even sure outside of his wooden figure self that he could be. He'd try, certainly, but sometimes trying just isn't good enough.]

Nah. Nothing to be sorry about.

[It doesn't sound real convincing when it says it like that. He can't even really use gestures to soften any of that.]

It's not great. [For either of them, really.] But it is what it is and I came here just grateful for the opportunity and the time I've been given. Doesn't mean I wouldn't want more, but this is what I chose. If I had to make that decision again, I would, and it wouldn't be any different. I did the right thing and I don't know if I'm stupid or what, but for some reason that makes this feel a little better.

[Every time he looks at Kainé and realises that she'll live because of him, it kind of makes things all right.]
sos_pilot: by <user name=noimpulsecontrol> (if you could use)

[personal profile] sos_pilot 2023-01-21 08:52 pm (UTC)(link)
Ah, but that's what you like about him, isn't it?

[ There's an affectionate squeeze before she finally letting Amy go. ]

Hey, if he ever comes around these parts, I'll give him a good smack upside the head for you.
whatsamada: (Hey Jealousy)

[personal profile] whatsamada 2023-01-21 10:13 pm (UTC)(link)
The same goes to you too, you should take some credit for yourself! Especially when you did most of the work.

[That said, he gave his hand out to her. He wasn't sure how she would approach this but it seemed like it was appropriate? Hopefully?]