songerein | { gingerbread town | test drive #09

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{ 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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[He knew you'd have his back, Childe. Hearing his thoughts, Rokurou thinks for a moment as he studies the area. Distraction, huh...

Getting an idea, he grins.]

No problem, just leave it to me. And don't worry about me—moment you see your chance, just take the shot.

[He nods- he knows, after fighting Rokurou before, that he'll get done what he sets out to do.]

Alright, just don't die on me before this is all over, haha.

[With that, he takes off, trusting his companion to do what he needs to give him the shot he needs. Childe is fast on his feet, taking full advantage of his gingerbread man powers for movement. The oven seems to notice him at first, and he fires a few shots just to annoy it.

Out of the corner of his eye, he can see Rokurou making his moves.]

[Childe acting as the first distraction helps Rokurou sneak through as he dashes towards the feet of the oven, able to get behind it before working to get up the nearby table. It's a bit of an ordeal, his size not helping matters, but he at least still has strength and agility to make higher jumps than the average person, reaching up to grab whatever hold he can to climb up where he needs to. It won't take much longer that he reaches his goal, standing on top of a hanging pot.]

Hey, oven lady!

[By now the oven had started advancing towards Childe, the flames burning hot and the metal spine like arms swinging around as if to swipe at him. But at Rokurou's voice, it pauses and turns, only to met in the face by a clang! as Rokurou cuts the pot right as it looks up. It smashes into the "face," a maddening shriek following as the fires erupt.

With the attention now on him, all he has to do is keep it. And he'll do so by playing a very risky game of "dodge," running along the beam before jumping down onto a shelf to occasionally throw expendable things at it, all the while taunting it. He's mostly keep it turned away from Childe so he can prep for his shot.

However, when trying to jump to another spot, he doesn't notice some melted icing there and ends up slipping on the landing, sending him careening into some tin measuring cups.

Not good.]

[Meanwhile, Tartaglia is laughing manically as he dodges the oven's attacks, running while still shooting hydro arrows from his bow. He can see the small figure of Rokurou in the background, as he makes his way up on top of the pot as he tries to turn the witch in a way as to give his companion an opening.

The pot hitting the oven right in the face is beyond comedic, earning a good laugh from him. Grinning, he moves swiftly into position, impressed and very entertained by Rokurou's antics. He's like a cat knocking things off the shelf as he keeps the witch distracted, relentless destruction of the neatly placed cookware and items that one would find in a kitchen. It's a thing of beauty, really, if anyone were to ask him.

Childe levels his bow, steadying his aim as pure hydro coalesces at the arrow's tip, readying his shot when the unexpected happens.

Rokurou loses his footing and goes flying into those measuring cups, and for a second he's not worried. Unfortunately, that's the only second he'll get, as the witch sees her chance to end the squabble with at least one of them here, part of her spine circling around to come down right on top of where he's landed. The Harbinger's eyes widen, but he's not letting his companion get felled this early, not by that- and electro energy crackles around him as he leaps.

In a flash, from where he was on the floor to the shelf, he's up with dark purple blades blocking the spine, struggling from the weight. But despite it, he still grins wickedly back at their opponent, but he's going to get smashed if something isn't done.]

[That certainly hadn't been his best moment, and he'll look back at this with a lot of reflection. But for now he just works to try and get himself out from the tin cups, some large enough he could hide in. Which is something he considers if she starts throwing fire at him. At least the tin would be able to resist and withstand the heat for a bit.

But just as he frees himself, he sees that metal spin coming at him. This is definitely not good, and his brain races to determine if he could somehow jump out of the way or use something else. However, just as he's about to try and roll away and sacrifice a leg or something, there's that flash and his eyes widen in surprise to see Childe blocking it.

Seeing him struggle, Rokurou doesn't have to think as he steps out and twirls his blades to execute Form 7: Rapid Bolt, seven orbs of light suddenly flying out to converge onto the spine, electricity sparking from the impact. Whether or not it does damage isn't the point so long as it's enough to at least knock the spine away from Childe so they can regroup.]

[If he had teeth to clench right now he would, the weight of the spin bearing down on him. Now it's a matter of freeing himself and putting some distance between him and the witch, but Rokurou's already got that in mind.

The orbs that are summoned forth race through the metal of the oven, Childe's own electro blades nullifying the current as it knocks it back violently away, causing the witch to growl menacingly at the two of them. Childe might of been fast, but Rokurou is the one who's actually shown himself to be a real threat by using that move, focusing now on him. Childe uses the opportunity to move, putting himself close enough to his companion to speak quickly.]

Impressive! Looks like you've really got her worked up, haha! Let's make our move while we've got the chance!

[Despite the slip up, this seems to him like a better set up than before, the gingerbread man moving swiftly away from Rokurou before the witch has time to land a blow on either of them. The electro energy that was arcing off of Childe ceases, the hydro bow reemerging in his hand as he runs.

Just a little further, and he'll take his shot.]

Heh, I'm pretty good at being a nuisance—and I owe you for that save back there.

[Just a grin before he has to jump back to avoid the spine.]

And I got more where that came from!

[Using dreamotion this time, Rokurou conjures a mix of electric and fire daggers that fly out to attack the witch, aiming for what he can only assume are its eyes.

With the witch completely focused on him again, Rokurou continues to fling out various elemental attacks, and while he tried to make an earth blade on the fly, it turned more into a rock... But whatever, it'll still do its purpose in smashing against the stove.

Getting an idea, he glances at Childe, and when he sees that he's in position and charged up, he conjures a large "earth blade" that looks even more like a large muddy arrow head and flings it out, the mud and dirt splattering all over the "face."]

Now!

[Sliding into place, he watches Rokurou's show of dreamotion skills, enjoying it as the electric and fire daggers fly into the witch. He's not sure if the elements here work the same way as they do back in Teyvat, but if so, he knows that giant stove isn't having a good time. He even displays a power over what Childe would call Geo- a great move, as the rock clangs off of the stove, further angering the witch.

But now it's his turn, and he's drawn his arrow back, only needing a few seconds to charge it. The mud all over the witch will definitely leave his attack as a surprise, aiming directly at the mouth where fire rages inside.]

Celestial Voyager!

[The shot is let loose, except it's not an arrow- a giant whale emerges from around him in a violent splash of water, slamming into their opponent with no remorse as it breaches and falls. Water floods the room, and Childe looks more than happy with his hit, dismissing his bow and calling forth his dual hydro blades.

Well, the fire's out now.]

Hahahaha! Ah, seems our oven problem has been extinguished, wouldn't you say?

[Whether he's talking to Rokurou or mocking the witch, the answer is yes.]

Edited (my previous link wasn't working omg i hope this one does) 2022-12-27 02:35 (UTC)

[Whatever Rokurou expected—a giant water whale was not it. He can't help but stare in complete surprise as he watches it appear and slam into the witch. But know what? Not complaining because that was definitely badass—]

Hah, nice shot! But this will definitely make things easier. Time to fill that mouth up!

[And with all that running around he did—honestly he had a lot of fun knocking things in there, so he's ready to go.]

[He flashes a grin at Rokurou. Yep. Time to fill it up indeed.]

Didn't you say we were going to bring down the whole house?

[He glances up at the ceiling. It is a gingerbread house, and he's confident he's got the means to break it.]

It would make this a lot more interesting, haha.

[A moment of staring before he laughs.]

You really think we could?

[He looks up at the ceiling. ...Well. Maybe it's not so impossible? Heh.]

Would make it easier for people to get in and out, too. [A smirk.] In that case, how you want to do this? Gonna fire one of those special arrows of yours?

Something like that, haha.

[Even now, Tartaglia's moving so he doesn't get caught again by the witch, his little gingerbread legs skittering across the shelf he'd fired from. He's running full tilt at Rokurou, an idea forming in his head.]

Give me a boost!

[HERE HE COMES ROKU]

[He's not even going to question it. The moment Childe comes at him with the yell, Rokurou shifts his body to be in prime launching position, hands set.]

Up you go!

[And the moment Childe steps up, bro is gonna get LAUNCHED!

WITH THE ADDITIONAL BOOST OF DREAMOTION!!!]

[As he steps up, Rokurou launches him, the Harbinger twisting his body in the air to take aim at the ceiling of the house. Water coalesces all around the tip of the arrow, rippling downward as he releases the whale once more, its song ringing out as it crashes into the roof and destroys it completely.

Large sections of the ceiling fall along with Childe, his grin wide. As he falls, the Harbinger prepares to land, except when he does, it doesn't go as expected.

The entire left side of his body only smushes against the ground, the attack having drenched him too much. His cookie body wasn't able to stand more than one of those attacks, and now he fails to be able to stand up properly.]

Hahaha...I might of overdone it this time.

[Whoops]

[Rokurou had followed Childe up halfway, jumping onto a higher shelf to wait and then leap out as the pieces fall. With both large greatwords in each hand, he slashes through first one piece, jumping onto the section to launch himself forward to swing blades outward into the air. The resulting airwaves cut and slice through more of the large pieces, helping them to fit and land on into the oven's gaping mouth.

Spinning the air, he continues to hop over the falling pieces until he sees Childe land awkwardly, noticing too late the other's problem. As he descends, he swings his sword to slash through a piece that's about to fall on Childe, turning it into crumbs before landing next to him.]

Maybe a little...but it worked better than expected. I'd call it a worthy sacrifice.

But you should take cover.

[All of the debris goes falling down into the witch's open mouth, stuffing it full of gingerbread garbage and frosting that had held it all together. He looks upwards to watch Rokurou make fast work of it all, and is hardly worried as the piece of the ceiling falls towards him- his companion dispatches it with ease, and he grins back up at the daemon swordsman.]

It's a shame that I'm going to miss out on the fun until I dry out a little, [he admits,] but I think you're right.

[He glances over to their target, clearly unhappy with both of their antics.]

I'll leave it up to you to take that thing out from here. It should be no sweat for you.

Heh, with everyone else pitching in now, this should be a piece of cake.

[Or cookie. Get it—]

But rest up, I'll find you later. Maybe even bring back a piece as a souvenir.

Ha, don't disappoint me, having a little something reminiscent of our fight here today sounds splendid.

[He'll do as Rokurou says, slowly dragging himself as best he can towards somewhere that he can hide for the moment and dry his cookie limbs out.]

Don't die on me out there, comrade.

[Hah, showing concern, no need for that. He just waves him off with a grin.]

Just worry about yourself.

[And away he goes! Time to see what his toy sword artes can do against this thing! And join the rest of the people starting to pitch in and fight against the staggered oven, its mouth getting fuller by the second thanks to their efforts.]

[Smirking, Childe makes sure he gets somewhere hidden well enough, sitting down behind some cookware that miraculously didn't get shoved into the witch's mouth yet. Even though he can't participate in the battle anymore, he had a lot of fun bringing an entire ceiling down with Rokurou's help- that alone made it all worth it.

He can hear the efforts of the others as they fight, and after a while he tries to drag himself out. Seems that everything is going well, but he's getting a little wary of staying in one spot for too long in case something happens.

He looks for his companion, when he finally spots him heading his way, and goodness what is that stuff in his hands...]

[Rokurou had a blast going at the witch as it continued to try and fight while others quickly filled its mouth. He did his part in offering as a distraction, darting this way and that with his blades and artes to try and help deflect the metal spines that whip this way and that. Until at last he can let others deal with it as he goes to check on Childe.

Seeing him, he grins and waves the tip of the spine in his hand, another long piece tucked under his arm.]

Looks like you're still in one piece.

It takes a lot more than just some water to stop me. Well, normally it wouldn't be like this to begin with...

[But he's a cookie!!!! Of all things!!!! It's like someone wished this misfortune on him. ~~he's right it was me~~]

Looks like you had some fun. You weren't kidding when you said you'd bring back a souvenir or two. Chopped those right off of it, didn't you?

It took a bit of effort—plastic swords can only go so far. But some extra heat helped soften it up.

[He then holds it out to him.]

But figured it would be interesting to use to make a blade or something out of. Or just hang it on a wall as a trophy, hah.

[Plastic swords...he's a little bewildered at that.]

Hah, not bad. [He waves the rod out in front of him, testing its weight.]

Prizes such as this would normally be displayed with pride, but making a blade out of it...huh. Not a bad idea. There's a smithy here, if my memory serves me correctly. If it came from our witch here, perhaps it has magic imbued in it.

Ah yeah, I think Alphen runs one. I could ask him what he thinks.

[He holds up the piece in his hands.]

But I wonder what kind of magic. Turn everything into gingerbread? [A joking laugh.]

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

DOWN WITH THE WITCH

SHE AIN'T READY FOR THIS

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