songerein | { gingerbread town | test drive #09

Entry tags:

{ 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.

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.
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.

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!
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.

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.
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) :

Regular chocolate: Makes the drinker nostalgic, particularly for something in their childhood.
Peppermint: Gives the drinker a spark of inspiration to work on something creative.
Caramel: Gives the drinker extra energy, making them unable to stay still without doing something.
Raspberry: Makes the drinker want to get back to nature by finding an outdoor activity to do.
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.

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[ Susato has been turned into a gingerbread cookie by the curse, but that doesn't seem to hinder her efforts. If anything, she's pretty motivated to see the curse broken; so when they're encouraged to go into these cares in particular for some strong notes to charge the bell, Susato reluctantly agrees, not really knowing what to expect.

It helps that she and Gina have found each other. When the scene of Gina's present starts, Susato of course recognizes the living room immediately, though by now it's shocking to see Kazuma without his ponytail. Lord van Zieks also looks particularly chipper, and a moment later, her suspicions are confirmed.

She'd left them. She'd chosen Japan. She'd been so confident then, despite everything. She'd received Kazuma's blessing. So why...? Why does she feel this way now? Is it because that Kazuma is not the same as the one she knows now...? ]

...Two months.

[ Said in a bare whisper. She's not crying, and maybe she is more composed than Gina is, but she's still visibly emotional regardless. ]

Fifty days, actually. Fifty-two... I've taken the journey so many times, I'm able to keep count. I wish we could have stayed a little longer.

[It's a bittersweet mood as she watches the scene play out. It comes with a stinging reminder of how much she misses Iris and wishes she could have been around for this holiday too. ...And she guesses she misses Sholmes too.

Ironically, some of the people that Gina is missing in that scene are the ones she has her in this world - like the gingerbread friend who is also witnessing the scene. Gina tries to be mindful of her feelings as well.]

...I still can't imagine bein' on a boat for so long. [And ive over the the holidays too.]

At least, we... we 'ad Christmas together 'ere. An' I'm sure we'd find a way to get together for the next one back 'ome, too! Ya... Ya ain't gonna be in Japan forever, right?

[ Susato manages to crack a smile. She is tempted to tease her and say how she'll never make it to Japan if she can't manage it, but she ultimately decides to keep that thought to herself.

She allows the question to sink in for a moment, wiping a pesky tear from her eye when she responds. ]

Not forever, no. That is a promise.

[ Though the scale of change they wish to encourage will take time. Perhaps they will not even live to see it... There is a pause as she shudders at the thought. ]

...He looked happy.

Edited (tenses) 2022-12-21 03:44 (UTC)

...Good.

[She says that in response to the promise. As lively as the scene looks, it feels incomplete without those who went back to Japan. Back home and here in this world, she's really come to feel the desire to have all the people she cares for in one place. Why can't they all just stay put?]

Which one? They all seemed pretty 'appy to me. [She answers her hesitantly, with a little smile. Although it doesn't take much thought to guess she's talking about the guy she's been snogging.] ...Oh. Prosecutor 'Soggy, ain't it? ...Yeah. Looked like 'e was enjoyin' wot company 'e 'ad there an' all. While also missin' wot ain't there wiv 'im.

[ GINA......

.........

No, it's valid. Susato is an open book, though even if she wasn't, Gina is a great detective, isn't she? Either way, Susato doesn't seem to bat an eyelash, simply nodding to confirm Gina's suspicions. (Though in Susato's defense, Barok looked equally colorful, uncharacteristically so. ]

Do you think he was disappointed that I didn't stay? [ Was he expecting that she would? Just putting aside Ryunosuke for a moment, because she knows (and Kazuma knows) how much he (and other lawyers like him) were needed in Japan. ]

[It's true, Gina was absolutely stunned when she saw a younger smiling Barok in his own dreamscape once. This variety of smiling Barok is mild in comparison! In any case, Gina figured it was most likely the boyfriend, and Susato's response confirms her deduction. It also leaves her struggling to formulate an answer.]

...I... I can't speak for the man. I dunno wot's goin' through that bread o' 'is. All I know that 'e got faith in ya, don't 'e? So I doubt that 'e's gonna go an' 'old it against you. That 'Soggy would much rather believe in you, I'd think.

[She feels confident in that much at least.]

[ Bread......

Stay focused, Susato, you know what she meant. As she stares up, perhaps waiting for another scene to start (or however this car is supposed to work), her expression actually softens at Gina's answer. ]

Yes... Yes, of course. He did give me his blessing, after all, but I... Sometimes I wonder.

[Gina's conflicted on whether or not she'd want to stay with this scene longer - because it is very much a bittersweet mix of feelings. It's almost like she really is the her that's there having fun with those people she misses. But that also makes the ache of their absence stronger.

At least focusing on helping Susato can help her not to get lost in her own thoughts.]

Well ya shouldn't keep thinkin' like that. [She shakes her head and waves her hand.] It ain't doin' ya any good, innit? An' like you just promised me... You'll be back someday. We... The 'ole lot of us'll be able to see each other again someday. [It's a hope she has to hold onto for herself, too.]

[ Normally it's Susato doing the encouraging. As she listens to Gina, however, and watches Kazuma's smile in the scene, she feels just a little empowered. Surely if letting him go could result in a smile like that, it would be worth it...? ]

We will. They will meet again in the courtroom, him and his partner. And... [ What side would she be on? She knows the answer, even if a part of her doesn't like it right now. ] I will be there, doing my part to find the truth.

[ The scene goes dark as notes glow and fly away to charge the bell, though the flickering of the screen would seem to suggest that they aren't quite done here. ]

[Gina figures that it must mean a lot if Kazuma could smile even without Susato around. In any case, she feels relieved to her Susato's new conviction, and it helps to ease some of her own feelings.]

That's right! You're real great at wot ya do, after all! By the time ya meet up again, I'm sure you'll be... a... [A confused blink.] ...Wot comes next for you? ...Judicial master...?

[She doesn't know much about judicial assistants. Regardless, she takes one last look at the scene before them as it starts to fade. She tries to savor it and frame it like a picture in her mind (how she wishes this one came with a free picture too!). And then she just gives Iris a little wave farewell.]

......Lawyer?

[ Susato laughs, though if she's honest, she kind of likes the sound of judicial master. There has been talk about her becoming one in her own right; she's certainly put in the work. Rather than take a side, then, maybe she would one day be able to carry the side of the defense, all on her own.

A moment later, the screen flickers on, and a new scene starts to play. You can almost feel the warm breeze in the air as the cherry blossom petals start to fall, and a young girl and boy stand in the shade of a huge tree.

It's not entirely clear what is happening right away, but the boy seems to hold a bokken in his hand, and what surrounds them appears to be a garden. ]

....Oh yeah, I guess it'd be that. [She admits with a sheepish laugh while rubbing at her hat.

It makes sense of her assisting Ryunosuke, she guesses. In a way, it feels like they're both apptentices of sorts! Although Gina feels like Susato's the more qualified out of her pair, truth be told. No offense, 'Oddo!

She watches as the scene shifts, with a frown.]

Wha...? I don't recognize these kids... [Except that they do look very familiar.]

[ Susato, on the other hand, looks on with a nostalgic sparkle to her eye. She didn't know exactly how this was going to work, of course. Do they move on to the next car? Is there some indication once they've "finished"? But now she sees. ]

You don't?

[ There is a teasing, cheeky tone in response to Gina's comment, but she almost doesn't want to "spoil" it. In the end, she decides not to. The scene continues and a hissing noise can be heard from somewhere off-screen. The boy raises his little wooden sword defensively, and the girl is cowering behind him. In front of them both, there is a garden snake, looking very territorial (probably moreso than it actually was).

"Kazuma-sama!" the girl cries out.

"It's alright, Susato," the younger Kazuma replies, voice confident. "I'll protect you."

"L, Let's go back inside." The girl, apparently Susato, tugs lightly at the sleeve of his arm, clearly trying to pull him back. ]

. . . .

[Gina's silent ~~aside from Ace Attorney text sounds~~ while watching the scene play out. Susato's response almost seems to be teasing her! Does she know them? She's sure she's never met these kids before. Or even been anywhere that looks like this! She might not be considering that the memory on display might not be her own! Not until she hears them speak.]

Wait! Ain't that... ain't that yer name?!

[With that, her head whips back and forth, looking between her and her younger self.]

That... that's you as a babe, ain't it? ...An'... Prosecutor 'Soggy!

[ "It's just a snake." Kazuma gently shakes off Susato's grip on his arm. Susato doesn't seem to fight it much, loosening her hold naturally as the boy's wooden sword waves with his movement. "Take our books. I'll--"

The snake bares its fangs in another loud hiss, and before he can finish, it lunges at both of them, catching air. There's a shriek from Susato as she pulls at him violently, trying to get them both out of the way. At the same time, Kazuma seems to be pushing back in the same direction to keep her back, and within seconds, the snake flies past and lands on the other side.

In the train car, Susato can feel that same fear take hold of her for a moment, and she flinches. That fear seems to pass as quickly as the snake had. ]

Yes... That day he convinced me to take our studies outside. The sun was warm, and the air was fresh, until... [ A gentle breeze seems to blow gently through the train car just then. A warmth. Relief. ] Well. It was close.

[ Now that she is seeing the scene play out, it seems like the snake was just trying to get by. Not interested in hurting them at all. Maybe it wasn't even poisonous. ]

I didn't know the two of you knew each other for so long...

[It's hard for her to imagine any kind of bond lasting that long. Knowing for sure who they are only makes the scene more endearing to watch, and she glances towards Susato with a warm smile. She shakes her head.]

I feel like it weren't really that close at all. A little snake like that ain't gonna 'urt ya. But it's good that ya 'ad someone wot was lookin' out for ya.

[ Susato watches as her younger self fusses, with Kazuma insisting that the snake hadn't touched him at all. Gina isn't wrong, though. She knows that now more than ever--dream or not, she is able to speak to them, and the conversations are real to her. Plus, the snake is definitely smaller than she remembered it. ]

He has always looked out for me... Even here, after so many years alone. I remember telling him that I couldn't trail behind him forever.

I was doing well in that regard, but...I think I've fallen back on old habits just a tad.

[She can't help but smile softly while such an endearing scene continues playing before them. And she takes in Susato's words at the same time, thoughtfully, while gripping at her hat.]

That so? I think you've been doin' a good job standin' out to me, Sooze.

I... I have?

[ Gina's not the type to lie to spare feelings. Susato knows she must mean it in earnest, but she still doesn't quite know how to respond. She doesn't even know if standing out is what she wants. She simply watches the rest of the scene, which appears to end with her younger self carrying law books far too heavy for her as she follows Kazuma into their home. There is a glimpse of an older woman, her grandmother, as the memory appears to fade.

The nostalgic scent of the cooking she learned from her, the scent she's come to associate with her childhood home, lingers in the air. ]

[It's a sentiment rooted in earnest feeling. Gina nods along, glancing towards her with a smile.]

'Course. You've done so much for the lot of us, it really stands out. Not to mention the times you've 'elped me out when... when I was down. You've been a regular soldier in these parts, Sooze.

[She attempts to reassure her. Although something else distracts her, as she snuffs at the air.]

Wot's the smell...? [It makes her hunger!]

[ A soldier... Hah. She'll have to tell 76 she said that!

The door opens then, and Susato watches as another musical note makes its way to charge the bell. Sadly, the delicious smell does not last long after that, almost as if the door had been holding it inside. It dissipates naturally, and Susato doesn't seem surprised by the fact.

She sighs. ]

It's grandmother's cooking. She taught me everything I know.

[She appreciates that Susato had some great family. Gina offers her a soft smile while shuffling towards the exit.]

No wonder you're so good at it. Smelled like ya really learned from the best! Now I'm 'opin' to find a car that's got some food in it, but it won't match up to anytin' the two of you can cook up!

[ Susato stands and moves to exit after Gina. Out of habit there's a glance back to see if they've forgotten anything, and... She lingers at the doorway. Something is different? Feels different. ]

As long as you do not eat me...

[ Said absentmindedly. (She's still a cookie.) ]

[So what if Susato looks literally cute enough to eat? The nutcracker just looks back at her for a moment.]

'Course I won't do that. I'd never wanna gobble ya up! To think I'd eat ya... you'd really 'ave to be nuts!

[She looks very proud of herself in this moment.]

[ SO PROUD... It's a good look on Gina, to be honest. She finds herself staring, and despite the fact she might completely Get It, she lets out a chuckle, because she feels like she is supposed to.

Are there typically nuts in gingerbread cookies? Well, there are in this one. Maybe her eyes, or bits that find their way into her crumbs. She's manifested it. Her previous thoughts about the train car are gone, though she really swears it is not the same one as when they entered. ]

True. Well, before we think about that too deeply, let us see what the next train car holds.

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lestray - 2023-01-03 14:44 (UTC) - Expand

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