GGJ23 - The Root of the Problem

(b4r:"double","solid")+(b4r-colour:white)[(align:"==><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/IiKiIdw.png" width=70% height=70%>](align:"<==")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[You've been called to a group of flats after a series of anonymous noise complaints. Question the inhabitants to find the ''Root of the Problem''. Head to the [[Flat Overview]]]] (set: $Balaena1 to false) (set: $Balaena2 to false) (set: $Balaena3 to false) (set: $Business1 to false) (set: $Business2 to false) (set: $Business3 to false) (set: $Tinker1 to false) (set: $Tinker2 to false) (set: $Tinker3 to false) (set: $Reece1 to false) (set: $Reece2 to false) (set: $Reece3 to false)

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")+(b4r:"double","solid")+(b4r-colour:white)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/XfaZOMZ.png" width=50% height=50%> (align:"<==")["Good day to you! The noise? Absolutely dreadful business. Not coming from here of course, I did take in a strange delivery for next door recently though." [[Take Ms. Balaena's clue]]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")+(b4r:"double","solid")+(b4r-colour:white)[Who do you want to visit? <img src="https://i.imgur.com/Ga8ERY0.png" width=70% height=70%> [[Mr. Tinker]] [[Ms. Balaena]] [[Mr. Business]] [[Reece]] [End the game? [[Who is the ''Root of the Problem'']]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")+(b4r:"double","solid")+(b4r-colour:white)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/Qg7O2pd.png" width=50% height=50%> (align:"<==")[The door opens to reveal a relatively short women with a silver pixiecut. She has a powerful stance and a glint of mischief in her eye. "Sup." Good afternoon [[Reece, What's that noise?]] (if: $Reece1)[[Are you having band practice here?]] (if: $Reece2)[[Do you have a history of sleep ~~talking~~ yelling?]] (if: $Reece3)[[Why do you need so many pans and spoons?]]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")+(b4r:"double","solid")+(b4r-colour:white)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/XfaZOMZ.png" width=50% height=50%> (align:"<==")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")[The door opens to a rotund women with glasses that make her tiny eyes seem huge. Her hair is slicked back which gives a harsher appearance that her warm smile immediately counters. "Hello my dear, what can I help you with?" Good afternoon [[Ms. Balaena. What's that noise?]] (if: $Balaena1)[[Downstairs have informed us of a leak, do you know the cause?]] (if: $Balaena2)[[We've heard you have a history of pets in the building?]] (if: $Balaena3)[[I hear you've been having problems sleeping?]]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")+(b4r:"double","solid")+(b4r-colour:white)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/XfaZOMZ.png" width=50% height=50%> (align:"<==")["Pets? Oh my, who mentioned this?" "I can't lie, it's true I have been known to have pets. They bring me such joy." *She sighs* "I don't undertand how anyone would not want some of that joy for themselves let alone feel the need to take it away from others. A nosy neighbour has reported me before. I know my immediate neighbours would never do that so it must be Mr. Business. What even //is// their line of work?" *The door closes* Head back to [[Flat Overview]]]] (set: $Business2 to true)

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")+(b4r:"double","solid")+(b4r-colour:white)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/XfaZOMZ.png" width=50% height=50%> (align:"<==")[*She looks nervous* "A leak? Are you sure it's coming from here? It must be my err... pipes.. yes. I'll call a plumber at once, thank you." *You see her dart quickly towards the bathroom as the front door closes. Was that a fin?* Head back to [[Flat Overview]] ]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")+(b4r:"double","solid")+(b4r-colour:white)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/XfaZOMZ.png" width=50% height=50%> (align:"<==")["Is this still related to the noise? I'm sure there's plenty more racket being made by certain other residents while they're sleeping. More than I could possibly make while I'm awake." "I ran into the lady downstairs the other night, roaming the halls yet sound asleep! Reece I think her name is? Maybe talk to them?" "I had a cousin once who yelled like a mountain goat even during short naps!" *She chuckles a little before closing the door* Back to the [[Flat Overview]]]] (set: $Reece2 to true)

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")+(b4r:"double","solid")+(b4r-colour:white)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/G44sNsT.png" width=50% height=50%> (align:"<==")[*You recieve a bottle of high shine bell polish in a box addressed to Mr Tinker.* Head back to [[Flat Overview]]]] (set: $Tinker1 to true)

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")+(b4r:"double","solid")+(b4r-colour:white)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/ZUHg1Tf.png" width=50% height=50%> (align:"<==")[The door opens and a large nosed nervous looking fellow who //usually// wears a bow tie peers around the door. "Can I help you?" Good afternoon [[Mr. Tinker. What's that noise?]] (if: $Tinker1)[[Did you order this bell polish?]] (if: $Tinker3)[[Can you tell me about this bell shipping label?]] (if: $Tinker2)[[Why are you so nervous around your neighbours?]]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")+(b4r:"double","solid")+(b4r-colour:white)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/OrQ3wIr.png" width=50% height=50%> (align:"<==")[The door opens to a very tall, slightly awkward looking gentleman with a large hat, dark glasses and a very shiny moustache. "HI. Here for business. BUSINESS. yes business?" Good afternoon [[Mr. Business, what's that noise?]] (if: $Business1)[[Do you own a TV?]] (if: $Business2)[[Can I ask about the nature of your work Mr. Business?]] (if: $Business3)[[Are there any children in the flat?]]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")+(b4r:"double","solid")+(b4r-colour:white)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/OrQ3wIr.png" width=50% height=50%> (align:"<==")["Car. NO. TRUCK. But...car. Big red car. NYOOOOM." *They seem to shuffle uncomfortably* "What about big crate?" "Yes. YES CRATE. Big box crate came for upstairs. Heavy, with this on it. Maybe something for Big Business? Birthday present? You find out for Buisiness." [[Take Mr. Business' clue]]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")+(b4r:"double","solid")+(b4r-colour:white)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/5N13YgV.png" width=50% height=50%> (align:"<==")[*You receive part of a shipping label that says "Handle with Care" and a symbol that looks like a bell.* Return to [[Flat Overview]] ]] (set: $Tinker3 to true)

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")+(b4r:"double","solid")+(b4r-colour:white)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/OrQ3wIr.png" width=50% height=50%> (align:"<==")["NO. NO. NO. This is place for GROWN UP. Business. BUSINESS. Business?" *a small shoe emerges from the long black suit trousers and shuffles a fluffy toy duck out of view* "ROUND THE CLOCK BUSINESS. All the time. Very busy? See Upstairs Balaena lady getting water at nightime. Problem with naps maybe? NO SLEEP. Noisy?" Head back to [[Flat Overview]] ]] (set: $Balaena3 to true)

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")+(b4r:"double","solid")+(b4r-colour:white)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/OrQ3wIr.png" width=50% height=50%> (align:"<==")["We make business. MAKE THE CALLS. Do the deals? BIG BUSINESS. Business." *They shuffle uncomfortably* "....ASTRONAUTS. PANS AND SPOONS. Yes. To get to SPACE. We sell to next door. Need many pans for many space trips. Keep breaking them on space rocks. SPACE ROCKS. Lous rocks?" *They begin to move from the door and almost seem surprised by their own motion. The door shuts behind them* Head back to [[Flat Overview]] ]] (set: $Reece3 to true)

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")+(b4r:"double","solid")+(b4r-colour:white)[''Had your fill of speaking to the residents? '' Who do you think is responsible for the noise? <img src="https://i.imgur.com/Ga8ERY0.png" width=70% height=70%> [[I think it's Ms. Balaena]] [[I think it's Mr. Tinker]] [[I think it's Mr. Business]] [[I think it's Reece]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")+(b4r:"double","solid")+(b4r-colour:white)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/ZUHg1Tf.png" width=50% height=50%> (align:"<==")["You know it's probably the lady next door. Ms. Balaena? She's lovely but this is a pet free building and she insists on bringing in pet after pet. They trigger my allergies like nothing else and I bet she's got another noisy one." *He peers a little further round the door* "...If you speak to her about this.. don't let her know it's me that's been telling on her?" Head back to [[Flat Overview]]]] (set: $Balaena2 to true)

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")+(b4r:"double","solid")+(b4r-colour:white)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/ZUHg1Tf.png" width=50% height=50%> (align:"<==")["Oh! The polish...for bells? Huh, strange. I collect brass...vegetables. Root vegetables. This is definitely for those. Thank you." *He sheepishly takes the polish from you and closes the door* Head to [[Flat Overview]]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")+(b4r:"double","solid")+(b4r-colour:white)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/ZUHg1Tf.png" width=50% height=50%> (align:"<==")["I'm not nervous around my neighbours, I just have a big event coming up and I agreed to perform. ^^Why did I agree to perform.^^ "Nothing loud though,^^ quieter the better, silent if possible^^not half as loud as the noises that come from downstairs. Sounds like they're either shooting a movie or playing the TV waay too loud. Maybe check in on them." Head to [[Flat Overview]] ]] (set: $Business1 to true)

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")+(b4r:"double","solid")+(b4r-colour:white)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/ZUHg1Tf.png" width=50% height=50%> (align:"<==")["...That's not a bell? It's...a turnip. Brass vegetable collection. I have one of those. You heard it was a big crate? Oh yes, but they just send whatever box they grab first no? Tiny item, giant box? Same old story." *They laugh nervously* "You know I heard Reece downstairs has another show coming up. Maybe they've been having band practice in the building?" Head to [[Flat Overview]]] ] (set: $Reece1 to true)

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")+(b4r:"double","solid")+(b4r-colour:white)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/Qg7O2pd.png" width=50% height=50%> (align:"<==")["The noise? Has to be the kids next door. I don't even know when that guy has time to look after them but they seem to be there all the time." "I can totally handle the noise but keeping up with that many youths. Yeesh. It sounds like an army round there. Maybe check there?" *She taps out a quick beat on the door and shuts it behind her* Head back to [[Flat Overview]]] ] (set: $Business3 to true)

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")+(b4r:"double","solid")+(b4r-colour:white)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/Qg7O2pd.png" width=50% height=50%> (align:"<==")["Band practice here? I don't even have any instruments. I'm the singer and I just sing in the shower mostly. We practice elsewhere. Did Mr. Tinker set me up? He was awful nervous around me the other day, I just wrote it off as how he is but maybe he's hiding something?" Head back to [[Flat Overview]]]] (set: $Tinker2 to true)

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")+(b4r:"double","solid")+(b4r-colour:white)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/Qg7O2pd.png" width=50% height=50%> (align:"<==")["Ahahaha. What a weird question! But sort of? I tend not to talk or yell but I sleep "walk" a little. One time I'd got out of bed and was convinced I was a palm tree with a bug on me. Started freaking out trying to swat it away with my fronds. I'd just been playing too much Animal Crossing. I guess I'm more of a sleep performer?" Head back to [[Flat Overview]]] ]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")+(b4r:"double","solid")+(b4r-colour:white)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/Qg7O2pd.png" width=50% height=50%> (align:"<==")["Ah that's actually a bit of a mystery to me too. I keep finding my pans broken and dented. Spoons just destroyed too. I live alone so it's a bit spooky" "I may have ordered a few more pans than normal from Mr Business though. Upstairs has been leaking water through the ceiling a lot recently. I haven't had a chance to say anything yet. I wonder if that's something to do with the noise?" Head back to [[Flat Overview]]] ] (set: $Balaena1 to true)

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")+(b4r:"double","solid")+(b4r-colour:white)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/OrQ3wIr.png" width=50% height=50%> (align:"<==")["Not allowed. ROT OUR BRAINS. Brain rot." *They wriggle with excitement* "Make own stories. DINOSAUR. Quiet story by myself? SPACE. I like stories. QUIET. What's your favourite dinosaur? I LIKE THE POINTY ONES" [[T-Rex]] [[Brachiosaurus->T-Rex]] [[Triceratops->T-Rex]] [[Liopleurodon->T-Rex]] [[Chicken]]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")+(b4r:"double","solid")+(b4r-colour:white)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/Ri63J3G.png" width=70% height=70%> (align:"<==")[You march up to the door. She answers and smiles. Ms. Balaena, I have reason to believe that your home is the source of the noise. NO. *She begins to visibly shake* "YOU WON'T TAKE HER. SHE'S JUST A BABY. I WON'T LET THIS HAPPEN AGAIN" She runs to the bathroom and the door swings open to reveal a very large, slightly squished but happy looking whale. The whale is taken away and the whale song ceases. ...But noises still remain.]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")+(b4r:"double","solid")+(b4r-colour:white)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/uWxSPFi.png" width=70% height=70%> (align:"<==")[You march up to the door. Mr Tinker answers and before you can even say a word he crumbles. "I'm sorry, it's me. I can't take it anymore!" *He visibly starts to weep* "I tried to soundproof, they're getting married in like two weeks. I don't know how to bell ring. ^^Why did I say I could bell ring.^^ I'm going to ruin everything" Mr. Tinker crumples to the floor and allows the movers to get past him with ease. They remove a large brass bell and accompanying pulley system. The bell tolls no more. ...But noises still remain.] ]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")+(b4r:"double","solid")+(b4r-colour:white)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/hYC0xoI.png" width=70% height=70%> (align:"<==")[You march up to the door. They answer and as soon as you start to speak they crumple to the ground. "You'll never take us alive" "PLAY TIME WILL NEVER END" "Business business business?" Three small children scatter in all directions as the fake moustache and glassess float to the ground. You spend the next three hours convincing one of them to climb down from on top of the fridge. The flat falls silent. ...But noises still remain.]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")+(b4r:"double","solid")+(b4r-colour:white)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/gOdy1MO.png" width=70% height=70%> (align:"<==")[You march up to the door. She opens it and looks at you puzzled. What you doing here my guy? I'm hardly going to be the one making the noise. You show her the hallway footage of her leaving the flat at 3am loudly banging on pots pans and radiators with two half broken wooden spoons. "Ah. I'll see what I can do" The late night "band" practice stops. ...But noises still remain. ]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXXXXXXX=")+(b4r:"double","solid")+(b4r-colour:white)[<img src="https://i.imgur.com/8OWaap8.png" width=50% height=50%> (align:"<==")[They grow silent for a moment. "*Good Dinosaur*" Head back to [[Flat Overview]] ]]