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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.

whatsamada: (All Around Me)

[personal profile] whatsamada 2023-01-21 10:13 pm (UTC)(link)
Wait, what? You can't do that and go through with a plan when you can't do it!

[He said before looking at his hand and then back at him.]

That's not fair at all!
leveillpier: <user name="struggleisreal"> (pic#15926078)

sorry! I got sick sometime during this month too. hope it's okay for super late ;a;

[personal profile] leveillpier 2023-01-21 10:22 pm (UTC)(link)
"Leave any of them in the rear to me. I'll make sure the civilians get to safety and wind or ice shouldn't be a problem."

Alisaie replied with a confident expression on her face. She's still ushering people to move along as she looks around as well. the smell of melted candy of some kind made her nose twitch a bit, but nothing too lasting.

"Indeed. It would be quite annoying otherwise!"

There's a Veraero going at one of the candies approaching. She doesn't have any ice spells but wind ones work the same.
monolike: (time to use more song lyrics)

[personal profile] monolike 2023-01-22 04:20 am (UTC)(link)
Bother me? ...no, I don't think so. [Leans back to fold his hands on the table instead, nudging the mug handle with a finger.] I don't think we're being lied to. So as long as my body's back home like nothing's changed, then that's okay.
monolike: (ain't nobody got time for that)

[personal profile] monolike 2023-01-22 04:27 am (UTC)(link)
[SHIIIIIIIIIT......

Sorey rubs his hands over his face, covers his mouth for a moment. He still hasn't quite been able to get the sound of Edna's frantic sobbing out of his head, and now this. He'd been hoping- he'd wished, maybe, that everything here could just be something entirely different and he could take his time, but-

Rokurou is looking at him expectantly. ...what if he blames him because of Eizen? Attacks him? Sorey's unarmed and half-bound besides, and while usually Sorey wouldn't let that stop him from telling the truth, he doesn't know what'll happen to everyone if he's killed in here. What'll happen to Maotelus if he's killed.]


Yes. [He can't lie. ...but he can't say anything yet, not yet. He has to be sure first...maybe figure out how to at least defend himself so he can escape. Now is- it's too dangerous. Mikleo would say the same thing but Sorey can't rely on him here, and shouldn't rely on him forever.] ...but I can't tell you everything. Yet. I think- I think it would be ideal if we could have a longer talk once all this is settled and done with. We probably have a lot more in common than we first thought.
sermom: (52)

[personal profile] sermom 2023-01-22 05:45 am (UTC)(link)
That's a good attitude to take. I definitely wasn't as easygoing about it when I first heard. I admire you for that.
itstillhurt: (pic#15817854)

[personal profile] itstillhurt 2023-01-22 05:57 am (UTC)(link)
[She gives a scoff.]

Of course I did, I always do exemplary work.

[...But... she does eye his hand for a moment, and finally, reluctantly, extends her tiny wooden one to shake it.]
stillarhino: (31 ☠ that they put on us)

[personal profile] stillarhino 2023-01-22 12:07 pm (UTC)(link)
Wise, smart, hard-working. She's the got it all, yo.

[There was a time when he was jealous of her for all that, being the poster child that his parents wanted. He didn't think that anymore, instead always cheering her on and being there for her like she always has been for him. It was the least that he could do after all.

But there were times he still felt that he could be doing more. Really took the time to figure out what it was that he liked to do. To find some kind of purpose. He had that for a while when Neku disappeared, vowing to hunt down his best friend, just knowing that he was still alive out there. But he's completed that. He found Neku (though it was more Neku found him), and helped bring him home. Now what? He didn't feel like he had a lot going for him.

The nudge was able to get a small smile out of him, immediately followed afterward by a chuckle.]


I dunno. There ain't anything wrong with it. But it's just more of a hobby, you know? I dunno if I can do anythin' else with it.
Edited (The stray space was bothering me) 2023-01-22 12:29 (UTC)
stillarhino: (36 ☠ and the things we love now)

[personal profile] stillarhino 2023-01-22 12:28 pm (UTC)(link)
Nah, you can... It's like game over you know? You lost. She... [It's hard to say the words even after all this time. Even if she was now back.] She lost.

[Without any warning, he slams his wooden fist against the backrest of the chair in front of him, his anger fueled by dreamotion once again. The wood cracks and spiderwebs from he impact, the edges of his wooden hand splintering from the strike.]

All 'cause she had to save my sorry ass.
makingmyway: (pic#16003744)

[personal profile] makingmyway 2023-01-22 04:38 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Dorian nods a little. Despite coming from different worlds, it seems that some struggles truly are universal. ]

Well...I'm glad things have turned around for you. Hopefully the same is true for your sister?
daemonise: (2OLbL36)

I appreciate it <3

[personal profile] daemonise 2023-01-22 06:09 pm (UTC)(link)
[She gives a steady nod and continues her magic, rushing in again to tie the legs down further while Azula works on keeping the flames under control.

...

But as she's wrapping more cotton candy around its feet, she grumbles a curse under her breath.]


This is only doing so much.

[They can wrap as much sticky candy around the witch's legs and extinguish the flames, but it just seems to be delaying the inevitable. The flames come back, and it will eventually break free of Velvet's restraints.]

Gonna really have to do some damage to this thing if we're gonna stop it.
itstillhurt: (pic#15817842)

[personal profile] itstillhurt 2023-01-22 08:15 pm (UTC)(link)
[She knows, she knows. She was hoping quenching the fire would be adequate, but so far it's only slowing it down, not stopping it.

She does have one other idea, and it fortunately works well with what they've already been doing- but if that doesn't work, she's out of ideas.]


We just need to keep it still for a few seconds.
unbrokenoaths: (3)

[personal profile] unbrokenoaths 2023-01-22 09:31 pm (UTC)(link)
[Baldr's frown deepens, but he's not in a place to argue metaphysics with someone else's world.]

Just one place? I wonder why...

[ And as for the Voidstorm, well. ]

"Apocalyptic" would be a fair description. It's something like a vast emptiness that pulls in anything it touches, land or otherwise. The people who remained were eventually able to construct a shield against it.
unbrokenoaths: (1)

[personal profile] unbrokenoaths 2023-01-22 09:31 pm (UTC)(link)
Were you planning to hold one here? I'll look forward to it with great anticipation.

[He clearly means it, too.]
crystalized_hope: (pic#15427466)

[personal profile] crystalized_hope 2023-01-22 10:33 pm (UTC)(link)
[The bright light took him by surprise, but only for a moment. Having lived in a Light drowned world such as the First for so long, you got used to the brightness. Looking over the stone statues, they seemed like fairly normal things you would see until his gaze stopped over the two fighting over a book, and then one eating ice cream. How curious that people chose to encapsulate that particular moment for all time.]

Do these mean anything to you?
whatsamada: (I Am Broken Too)

[personal profile] whatsamada 2023-01-22 11:30 pm (UTC)(link)
[As he shook her hand, he was mildly surprised to see that she took it. That was why he didn't say anything and instead, stared at their handshake before giving a small nod.]

That's good to hear! I don't want to disappoint you!
perfalmost: (got it!)

[personal profile] perfalmost 2023-01-23 03:57 am (UTC)(link)
Of course! I put on a little bit of a show right after I arrived in this world, in fact. Magilou's Menagerie always has something special in the works, rest assured! [Especially when there's no big quest to focus on. She punctuates her statement with a wink.]
rokubro: (‡ 140)

[personal profile] rokubro 2023-01-23 04:51 am (UTC)(link)
[Rokurou stares at him for a moment. He can sense the fear, the uncertainty...

....

So he just slowly opens his mouth and for a moment he starts to say something else but then there's a light grin instead.]


Sure. But just so you're not panicking over there, I can pretty much guess what happened. It wasn't really a closed secret to us, even back then.

And if it is what I'm thinking... Yeah. Maybe hearing it over a drink might not be too bad. I have a few more questions for you, too, anyway.

[Like how he knows Maotelus...and how he's doing there in the future.]
rokubro: (‡ 073)

[personal profile] rokubro 2023-01-23 04:56 am (UTC)(link)
[He blinks and look up at him in some surprise before a small laugh escapes him.]

Heh, yeah I can see how it would be. But hey, now you can tell your friends you broke your leg and was able to put it back together.

[And once the leg is back in place, time to slap on that icing. ... ..Somehow. He'll try to make it nice?? Oooh maybe he can make it look like a bandage...OOH A CAST!! Yeah let's do that—]
rokubro: (‡ 130)

[personal profile] rokubro 2023-01-23 04:58 am (UTC)(link)
Given that I'm a daemon and eating others to gain strength is kind of a thing, you probably should.

[But then he just laughs.]

Just kidding, not my style. Should go find a warm place inside, though.
rokubro: (‡ 071)

[personal profile] rokubro 2023-01-23 04:59 am (UTC)(link)
Just gotta strike at the right spot.

[But he grins.]

Still, show me sometime when we're not, you know, nutcrackers and gingerbread. Curious to see how it fares against my own blades.
nulland: (29)

[personal profile] nulland 2023-01-23 05:01 am (UTC)(link)
That sounds like a total mess. But at least you tried to do something. Looks like Elmore just goes in the middle of the night. That'll be fun for them to wake up to...
rokubro: (‡ 140)

[personal profile] rokubro 2023-01-23 05:08 am (UTC)(link)
[Just a scoff.....but yeah okay, he was a bit faster when he was younger. Hard to deny the benefits of being smaller for that. At her question, however, his expression turns....strangely calm. Not a peaceful one, but heavy, like an observer who knows some ill turn of events is about to happen and has resigned themselves to just be that—an observer.]

Yeah. And should be coming in three...two...one...

[And as if on cue, there's a loud voice and a laugh as his oldest brother appears.

"Hey, little brother, out here training on your own again? Looks like you actually improved. Took you how long, a week?"

Immediately the younger Rokurou stiffens and glares at him, but there's a mixed feeling that's being made more evident, perhaps because of the nature of this world. It's clear he's irritated...but there's a slight swell of pride and hope as well.

And Rokurou himself...just watches while leaning against a tree, arms crossed. Silent. No clear emotion easily to be found yet.]
lestray: (wot's this)

[personal profile] lestray 2023-01-23 07:04 am (UTC)(link)
['Game over' is another phrase that the Victorian girl has to get through context. Of course, the whole idea of that thing being just a game is still a lot to wrap her head around.

As he slams his hand down, Gina winces and sidles to the side for just a moment.]


W-watch, your 'and! [Unless there's any resistance, she'll reach for that splintered hand to check on it. And to hold it in general, as it odd as if feels when they're both made of wood.]

So she... she saved ya, did she...? But it... weren't yer fault...
stillarhino: art by <user name="min2nr" site="twitter"> (100 ☠ we all had it made)

[personal profile] stillarhino 2023-01-23 07:23 am (UTC)(link)
[He has struck the surface on impulse, not thinking about the consequences. But when Gina comes over and takes his hand in hers, he doesn't fight her but he remembers what had happened to them a while back. Even in his nutcracker form, his face reddens slightly, but it's hard to tell if it is from anger or embarrassment.]

Yeah, it was. I jus' rushed in there without checkin' things out. Turns out it was all a trap an' I was standin' right on it. Rhyme saw an' pushed me away to save me. An' it got her instead.

[In his mind, he can hear it. The reverberation and echo of the bell pendant as it hit the ground. The only remnant of his sister at the time. Another tear threatened to spill from his eye.]

Tha's why I keep sayin' it's my fault. If I had just seen it, then it never woulda happened.
itstillhurt: (pic#15817853)

/wrap?

[personal profile] itstillhurt 2023-01-23 07:48 am (UTC)(link)
So far, you haven't.

[Heady praise indeed.]

Now, I think it's time I go and have words with the witch that did this. Good day, Amada.

[...Which would probably be a lot more badass if she didn't have to adorably hop away on an tiny wooden mono-leg after she said it.]