fix: board deserialization

src/base-environments/youth_room/youth_room.gd

@@ -7,9 +7,6 @@ extends RoomTemplate
 @onready var card_picker: CardPicker = %Picker
 @onready var ui: Control = %UI
 
-# Is populated by child cardboard instead of onready.
-var card_board: CardBoard
-
 func start_room():
 	%UI.show()
 	$logic/PlayerController.process_mode = Node.PROCESS_MODE_INHERIT

src/dev-util/i18n.gd

@@ -0,0 +1,31 @@
+## Localization Utility class to move lists of keys out of difficult to read code
+extends Node
+
+func get_memento_prompt(count: int) -> StringName:
+	return TranslationServer.translate(_memento_prompts.get(count, ""))
+
+func get_story_caption(id: Scenes.id) -> StringName:
+	return TranslationServer.translate(_story_captions.get(id, ""))
+
+
+const _memento_prompts: Dictionary[int, StringName] = {
+		1: "There are three Mementos left to find.",
+		2: "You have collected half of the mementos.",
+		3: "Find the last Memento to complete the Board.",
+		4: "Combine cards to order your thoughts.",
+}
+
+const _story_captions : Dictionary[Scenes.id, StringName] = {
+	Scenes.id.YOUTH_DRAVEN: "Starlight",
+	Scenes.id.YOUTH_CHILDHOOD: "crafted Mask",
+	Scenes.id.YOUTH_VOICE_TRAINING: "Comic Stash",
+	Scenes.id.YOUTH_JUI_JUTSU: "Sports Clothes",
+	Scenes.id.TRANSITION: "Move on",
+	Scenes.id.ADULT_DND: "colorful Dice",
+	Scenes.id.ADULT_VOLUNTARY: "Gemstone Art",
+	Scenes.id.ADULT_CHRISTMAS: "Chat Messages",
+	Scenes.id.ADULT_EATING: "Dishes",
+	Scenes.id.ADULT_UNI: "Science Poster",
+	Scenes.id.ADULT_THERAPY: "Doctors Note",
+	Scenes.id.ADULT_BURNOUT: "Paperwork",
+}

src/dev-util/i18n.gd.uid

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+uid://26fa8xwylhxl

src/dev-util/room_template.gd

@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@ var initialised: bool = false
 var id: State.rooms = State.rooms.NULL
 
 @onready var scene_player : AnimationPlayer = %ScenePlayer
+@onready var card_board : CardBoard  # Optional Board, if present - set by the board in its own _ready()
 
 var is_active: bool:
 	set(value):
@@ -72,4 +73,3 @@ func unload():
 ## Override in subclasses to add custom scene preparation logic
 func prepare_scene_start(_scene_id: Scenes.id, _is_repeating: bool) -> void:
 	await get_tree().process_frame # Dummy wait for LSP warning otherwise
-

src/dev-util/savegame.gd

@@ -14,8 +14,6 @@ class_name SaveGame extends Resource
 # Board state - properly typed fields
 @export var board_positions: Dictionary[StringName, Vector2] = {}  # Position of all cards and stickies
 @export var board_attachments: Dictionary[StringName, StringName] = {}  # Sticky name → Card name (if attached)
-@export var board_in_panel: Array[StringName] = []  # Stickies currently in the side panel
-@export var board_randoms: Array[StringName] = []  # Items picked randomly
 
 @export var is_childhood_board_complete: bool = false
 @export var player_position: Vector3 = Vector3.ZERO

src/logic-scenes/board/card.gd

@@ -14,7 +14,6 @@ enum burned {
 var compatible_sticky_notes: Array[StickyNote] = []
 @export var evil_sticky_notes: Array[StickyNote] = []
 var own_sticky_notes: Array[StickyNote] = []
-var current_sticky_note: StickyNote = null
 var wiggle_pos: float = 0
 var wiggle_intensity: float = 0
 var noise: Noise = FastNoiseLite.new()
@@ -38,23 +37,22 @@ var transfor_arr: Array[Transform2D] = [
 @onready var label: Label = $Label
 @onready var background_sprite: AnimatedSprite2D = $AnimatedSprite2D
 
-@export var picked_random: bool = false
-
 @export var wiggle_strength: float = 0.2
 @export var wiggle_speed: float = 5
 @export_range(1, 2) var scale_bump: float = 1.05
 @export_range(1.0, 10.0) var bounce_speed: float = 5
-@export_range(1.0, 2.0) var highlight_brightness: float = 1.4
+
+@export_color_no_alpha var highlight_color: Color = Color(1.4, 1.4, 1.4)
 
 ## Override set_highlight to add visual feedback for cards
 func set_highlight(value: bool) -> void:
-	if value != _highlighted:
+	if value == _highlighted: return
 	_highlighted = value
 
-		if is_inside_tree() and is_node_ready():
 	if scale_tween: scale_tween.kill()
 	if wiggle_tween: wiggle_tween.kill()
 	if brightness_tween: brightness_tween.kill()
+
 	if _highlighted:
 		scale_tween = get_tree().create_tween()
 		scale_tween.tween_property(self, "scale", Vector2(scale_bump, scale_bump), 0.1)
@@ -62,8 +60,8 @@ func set_highlight(value: bool) -> void:
 		wiggle_tween.tween_property(self, "wiggle_intensity", 1, 0.2)
 		brightness_tween = get_tree().create_tween()
 		brightness_tween.set_parallel(true)
-				brightness_tween.tween_property(background_sprite, "modulate", Color(highlight_brightness, highlight_brightness, highlight_brightness), 0.15)
-				brightness_tween.tween_property(label, "modulate", Color(highlight_brightness, highlight_brightness, highlight_brightness), 0.15)
+		brightness_tween.tween_property(background_sprite, "modulate", highlight_color, 0.15)
+		brightness_tween.tween_property(label, "modulate", highlight_color, 0.15)
 	else:
 		scale_tween = get_tree().create_tween()
 		scale_tween.tween_property(self, "scale", Vector2(1, 1), 0.3)
@@ -73,21 +71,7 @@ func set_highlight(value: bool) -> void:
 		brightness_tween.set_parallel(true)
 		brightness_tween.tween_property(background_sprite, "modulate", Color.WHITE, 0.2)
 		brightness_tween.tween_property(label, "modulate", Color.WHITE, 0.2)
-		else:
-			if _highlighted:
-				scale = Vector2(scale_bump, scale_bump)
-				wiggle_intensity = 1
-				if background_sprite:
-					background_sprite.modulate = Color(highlight_brightness, highlight_brightness, highlight_brightness)
-				if label:
-					label.modulate = Color(highlight_brightness, highlight_brightness, highlight_brightness)
-			else:
-				scale = Vector2(1,1)
-				wiggle_intensity = 0
-				if background_sprite:
-					background_sprite.modulate = Color.WHITE
-				if label:
-					label.modulate = Color.WHITE
+
 
 @export var voice_line: AudioStream = null
 @export var is_dragable: bool = false
@@ -153,14 +137,13 @@ func init(card_name: String = "card", own_id:StringName = "-1") -> void:
 	if card_name != "c_void":
 		text = card_name
 	if !card_name.begins_with("c"):
-		push_error("Illegal card.")
+		push_error("Illegal card!", card_name, own_id)
 	card_id = own_id
 	name = card_name
 
 
 func _ready():
-	input_event.connect(_on_input_event)
-
+	super._ready()
 	_handle_wiggle(0)
 	_on_text_updated.call_deferred()
 
@@ -203,35 +186,17 @@ func _process(delta: float) -> void:
 
 func _handle_wiggle(delta):
 	wiggle_pos += delta * wiggle_speed * wiggle_intensity
-
 	rotation = noise.get_noise_1d(wiggle_pos)*wiggle_strength
 
 
-func _input(event: InputEvent) -> void:
-	if event is InputEventMouseButton:
-		if event.button_index == MOUSE_BUTTON_LEFT and not event.pressed:
-			is_dragged = false
-
 func _on_mouse_entered() -> void:
-	if not Input.is_action_pressed("mouse_left"):
-		# Do nothing if mouse hovers over sticky_note (it has higher priority)
-		if has_sticky_note_attached():
-			if current_sticky_note and current_sticky_note.highlighted:
-				return
-		if "handle_hover" in owner:
-			owner.handle_hover(self)
+	super._on_mouse_entered()
 
 func _on_mouse_exited():
-	highlighted = false
+	super._on_mouse_exited()
 	if burn_state == burned.SINGED:
 		burn_state = burned.NOT
 
-func _on_input_event(_viewport, event, _shape_idx):
-	if event is InputEventMouseButton and event.button_index == MOUSE_BUTTON_LEFT and event.pressed:
-		if "handle_mouse_button" in owner and highlighted:
-			mouse_offset = get_viewport().get_mouse_position() - position
-			owner.handle_mouse_button(event, self)
-
 func _move_card():
 	if is_dragged:
 		update_drag_position(get_viewport().get_mouse_position())
@@ -249,8 +214,7 @@ func get_attached_sticky_note() -> StickyNote:
 func preview_sticky_note(sticky_note: StickyNote):
 	if not is_instance_valid(sticky_note):
 		return
-	sticky_note.reparent(self.get_parent())
-	sticky_note.attached_to = self
+	# Keep sticky in current parent during preview (just move it visually)
 	# Use a safe transform with validated position
 	var target_pos := global_position + sticky_note_position
 	if is_finite(target_pos.x) and is_finite(target_pos.y):
@@ -264,11 +228,7 @@ func attach_sticky_note(sticky_note: StickyNote) -> bool:
 
 	sticky_note.reparent(self)
 	sticky_note.position = sticky_note_position
-	sticky_note.on_board = false
 	sticky_note.is_dragable = false
-	current_sticky_note = sticky_note
-	#var former_parent = sticky_note.attached_to
-	sticky_note.attached_to = self
 
 	if name == "c_hit" and sticky_note.name == "c_effort" and Steamworks.has_initialized:
 		Steam.setAchievement("FIGHT_FOR_GOOD")
@@ -277,30 +237,19 @@ func attach_sticky_note(sticky_note: StickyNote) -> bool:
 	return true
 
 func remove_sticky_note() -> StickyNote:
-	var former_child:StickyNote = get_attached_sticky_note()
-	current_sticky_note = null
+	var former_child: StickyNote = get_attached_sticky_note()
+	if not former_child:
+		return null
 	former_child.reparent(get_parent())
-	former_child.owner = self.owner
-	former_child.on_board = true
-	former_child.attached_to = owner
 	return former_child
 
 func exchange_sticky_note_with(new_note: StickyNote) -> StickyNote:
-	var tmp := remove_sticky_note()
+	if new_note == get_attached_sticky_note():
+		return null
+
+	var old_note := remove_sticky_note()
 	attach_sticky_note(new_note)
-	return tmp
-
-# This makes sure this node highlights itself when focus has left the sticky note.
-func check_hover():
-	# Re-trigger hover handling - owner will decide if this should be highlighted
-	_on_mouse_entered()
-
-func reclaim_sticky_note():
-	current_sticky_note.on_board = false
-	current_sticky_note.tween_transform_to(Transform2D(0, to_global(sticky_note_position)))
-	await current_sticky_note.transform_tween_finished
-	current_sticky_note.reparent(self)
-	current_sticky_note.owner = self.owner
+	return old_note
 
 
 # === DROP TARGET PATTERN IMPLEMENTATION ===
@@ -337,7 +286,7 @@ func handle_drop(draggable: StickyNote) -> int:
 ## Retrieves the sticky that was exchanged during last drop
 ## Clears the reference after retrieval
 func get_last_exchanged_sticky() -> StickyNote:
-	var result = _last_exchanged_sticky
+	var result := _last_exchanged_sticky
 	_last_exchanged_sticky = null
 	return result
 
@@ -346,4 +295,4 @@ func get_last_exchanged_sticky() -> StickyNote:
 
 ## Cards always drop back to board dropzone
 func find_drop_target() -> Node:
-	return owner if owner is CardBoard else get_parent()
+	return _get_board()

src/logic-scenes/board/card.tscn

@@ -8,10 +8,11 @@
 size = Vector2(277, 231)
 
 [node name="Card" type="Area2D"]
+collision_layer = 4
+collision_mask = 0
 priority = 50
 script = ExtResource("1_emip0")
 text = "asdf"
-metadata/_custom_type_script = "uid://ddy8kb2hjvgss"
 metadata/type = "card"
 
 [node name="CollisionShape2D" type="CollisionShape2D" parent="."]
@@ -38,6 +39,3 @@ text = "Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod
 horizontal_alignment = 1
 vertical_alignment = 1
 autowrap_mode = 3
-
-[connection signal="mouse_entered" from="." to="." method="_on_mouse_entered"]
-[connection signal="mouse_exited" from="." to="." method="_on_mouse_exited"]

src/logic-scenes/board/draggable.gd

@@ -4,6 +4,9 @@ extends Area2D
 ## Base class for draggable UI elements (Cards and StickyNotes)
 ## Provides common dragging behavior and boundary protection
 
+## Margin from screen edges when confining to screen bounds
+@export var screen_margin: float = 50.0
+
 ## Drop result codes for DropTarget pattern
 enum DropResult {
 	ACCEPTED,      # Drop successful, item is now owned by target
@@ -11,10 +14,7 @@ enum DropResult {
 	EXCHANGED      # Swap occurred, exchanged item needs handling
 }
 
-## Static helper to check if a node implements DropTarget pattern
-## DropTarget pattern requires: can_accept_drop(draggable) and handle_drop(draggable)
-static func is_drop_target(node: Node) -> bool:
-	return node != null and node.has_method("can_accept_drop") and node.has_method("handle_drop")
+var mouse_over: bool = false
 
 var is_dragged: bool = false:
 	set(dragged):
@@ -34,17 +34,72 @@ var highlighted: bool:
 func set_highlight(value: bool) -> void:
 	_highlighted = value
 
-## Margin from screen edges when confining to screen bounds
-@export var screen_margin: float = 50.0
-
 ## Drag state tracking
 var _drag_start_position: Vector2
 var _mouse_drag_offset: Vector2
 var _drag_source: Node = null  # Where the drag started from
 
+## === SETUP ###
+func _ready() -> void:
+	mouse_entered.connect(_on_mouse_entered)
+	mouse_exited.connect(_on_mouse_exited)
+	input_event.connect(_on_input_event)
+
+
+func _get_hover_handler() -> Node:
+	var parent := get_parent()
+	while parent and not parent.has_method("handle_hover"):
+		parent = parent.get_parent()
+	return parent
+
+
+## Walks up the scene tree to find the CardBoard
+func _get_board() -> Node:
+	var node := get_parent()
+	while node:
+		if node.has_method("handle_mouse_button"):
+			return node
+		node = node.get_parent()
+	return null
+
 ## === DRAG LIFECYCLE METHODS ===
 ## Override these in Card and StickyNote for specific behavior
 
+func _on_mouse_entered() -> void:
+	prints("Draggable[base]._on_mouse_entered", self, self.name)
+	mouse_over = true
+	var handler := _get_hover_handler()
+	if handler: handler.handle_hover(self)
+
+
+func _on_mouse_exited() -> void:
+	prints("Draggable[base]._on_mouse_exited", self, self.name)
+	mouse_over = false
+	var handler := _get_hover_handler()
+	if handler: handler.handle_hover(self)
+
+
+## Handles global input events (used to catch mouse release during drag)
+func _input(event: InputEvent) -> void:
+	if event is InputEventMouseButton:
+		if event.button_index == MOUSE_BUTTON_LEFT and not event.pressed:
+			if is_dragged:
+				is_dragged = false
+				# Trigger the drop logic
+				var board := _get_board()
+				if board and board.has_method("_end_drag"):
+					board._end_drag(self)
+
+
+## Handles input events on this Area2D (used to start drag)
+func _on_input_event(_viewport, event, _shape_idx):
+	if event is InputEventMouseButton and event.button_index == MOUSE_BUTTON_LEFT and event.pressed:
+		if highlighted:
+			var board := _get_board()
+			if board and board.has_method("handle_mouse_button"):
+				board.handle_mouse_button(event, self) 
+
+
 ## Starts a drag operation
 func start_drag(mouse_offset: Vector2) -> void:
 	_drag_start_position = global_position
@@ -65,31 +120,24 @@ func find_drop_target() -> Node:
 	return get_parent()
 
 ## Called after drop to clean up drag state
-func end_drag() -> void:
+func end_drag() -> Node:
 	is_dragged = false
 	_drag_source = null
+	return null
+
 
 ## Confines this draggable element to stay within screen or container bounds
 ## Skip this check if a sticky note is attached to a card
 func confine_to_screen() -> void:
-	# Skip if this is a sticky note attached to a card
-	if self is StickyNote:
-		var sticky := self as StickyNote
-		if sticky.attached_to is Card:
-			return
-	
 	# Try to get bounds from parent container
 	var bounds := _get_container_bounds()
 
-	# If no container bounds, use viewport/screen bounds
-	if bounds == Rect2():
-		bounds = _get_viewport_bounds()
-	
 	# If we have valid bounds, clamp position
 	if bounds != Rect2():
 		position.x = clampf(position.x, bounds.position.x, bounds.position.x + bounds.size.x)
 		position.y = clampf(position.y, bounds.position.y, bounds.position.y + bounds.size.y)
 
+
 ## Gets the bounds of the parent container if it exists and is a Control node
 func _get_container_bounds() -> Rect2:
 	var parent := get_parent()
@@ -105,25 +153,11 @@ func _get_container_bounds() -> Rect2:
 			control.size.y - screen_margin * 2
 		)
 
-	# Check if parent is a Node2D with defined boundaries
-	# (for future support of non-Control containers)
-	if parent is Node2D:
-		# For now, return empty rect - could be extended in the future
-		# to check for custom boundary properties
-		pass
-	
-	return Rect2()
-
-## Gets the viewport bounds as fallback
-func _get_viewport_bounds() -> Rect2:
-	var viewport := get_viewport()
-	if viewport:
-		var viewport_size := viewport.get_visible_rect().size
+	# Default: whole screen
+	var viewport_size := get_viewport().get_visible_rect().size
 	return Rect2(
 		screen_margin,
 		screen_margin,
 		viewport_size.x - screen_margin * 2,
 		viewport_size.y - screen_margin * 2
 	)
-	
-	return Rect2()

src/logic-scenes/board/physics-board.tscn

@@ -147,7 +147,6 @@ _data = {
 }
 
 [node name="board" type="PanelContainer"]
-z_index = -100
 material = SubResource("ShaderMaterial_ttqei")
 clip_contents = true
 anchors_preset = 15
@@ -164,20 +163,18 @@ script = ExtResource("3_8v4c4")
 [node name="HBoxContainer" type="HBoxContainer" parent="."]
 layout_mode = 2
 
-[node name="dropzone" type="Panel" parent="HBoxContainer"]
+[node name="CardZone" type="Control" parent="HBoxContainer"]
+unique_name_in_owner = true
 self_modulate = Color(1, 1, 1, 0)
 layout_mode = 2
 size_flags_horizontal = 3
 mouse_filter = 1
 
-[node name="ScrollContainer" type="ScrollContainer" parent="HBoxContainer"]
-clip_contents = false
-layout_mode = 2
-horizontal_scroll_mode = 0
-
-[node name="VBoxContainer" type="VBoxContainer" parent="HBoxContainer/ScrollContainer"]
-z_index = 120
+[node name="NoteZone" type="Control" parent="HBoxContainer"]
+unique_name_in_owner = true
+custom_minimum_size = Vector2(400, 0)
 layout_mode = 2
+mouse_filter = 1
 
 [node name="instructions_panel" type="PanelContainer" parent="."]
 layout_mode = 2

src/logic-scenes/board/sticky-note.gd

@@ -7,14 +7,21 @@ var parent_id
 var sibling: StickyNote
 var shift_tween: Tween
 var modulate_tween: Tween
-var attached_to: Node = null:
-	set(new_attatchement):
-		attached_to = new_attatchement
+
 # cannot be explicitly typed, as this can be both handled by picker and physics-board
 var current_handle: Node
 
 var position_locked: bool = false
 
+## Computed property: Is this currently attached to a card
+var is_attached : bool:
+	get: return get_parent() is Card
+
+## Replaces the need for tracking attached_to as state
+var attached_to: Card:
+	get: return get_parent() as Card if is_attached else null
+
+
 signal transform_tween_finished
 
 @onready var background_sprite: AnimatedSprite2D = %BackgroundSprite
@@ -27,34 +34,28 @@ signal transform_tween_finished
 var content: Node2D
 var label: Label
 
-@export var picked_random: bool = false
-
 @export var shift_by: Vector2 = Vector2(-32, 0)
 @export_color_no_alpha var highlight_color: Color = Color(1.5, 1.5, 1.5)
 
+
 ## Override set_highlight to add visual feedback for sticky notes
 func set_highlight(value: bool) -> void:
 	if value != _highlighted:
 		_highlighted = value
 
-		if is_inside_tree() and is_node_ready():
 		if modulate_tween: modulate_tween.kill()
 		if shift_tween: shift_tween.kill()
+
 		if _highlighted:
-				modulate_tween = get_tree().create_tween()
+			modulate_tween = create_tween()
 			modulate_tween.tween_property(self, "modulate", highlight_color, 0.1)
-				shift_tween = get_tree().create_tween()
+			shift_tween = create_tween()
 			shift_tween.tween_property(content, "position", shift_by, 0.2)
 		else:
-				modulate_tween = get_tree().create_tween()
+			modulate_tween = create_tween()
 			modulate_tween.tween_property(self, "modulate", Color(1, 1, 1), 0.3)
-				shift_tween = get_tree().create_tween()
+			shift_tween = create_tween()
 			shift_tween.tween_property(content, "position", Vector2.ZERO, 0.5)
-		else:
-			if _highlighted:
-				modulate = Color(1, 1, 1)
-			else:
-				modulate = Color(1, 1, 1)
 
 @export var voice_line: AudioStream = null
 @export var is_dragable: bool = false
@@ -63,7 +64,13 @@ var mouse_offset: Vector2
 
 @onready var diameter := 312.0
 @export_range(1.0, 10.0) var bounce_speed: float = 8
-var on_board: bool = false
+
+## Computed property: Check if on the board (dropzone)
+## Replaces on_board state tracking
+var on_board: bool:
+	get:
+		var parent := get_parent()
+		return parent != null and parent.name == "dropzone"
 
 func init(sticky_name: String = "sticky_note", card_id: StringName = "-1") -> void:
 	name = sticky_name
@@ -72,19 +79,13 @@ func init(sticky_name: String = "sticky_note", card_id: StringName = "-1") -> vo
 	sticky_id = card_id
 
 func _ready() -> void:
+	super._ready()
 	label = $Content/Label
 	background_sprite = $Content/BackgroundSprite
 	content = $Content
 
 	_on_text_updated.call_deferred()
 
-	input_event.connect(_on_input_event)
-	mouse_entered.connect(_on_mouse_entered)
-	mouse_exited.connect(_on_mouse_exited)
-	area_entered.connect(_on_area_enter)
-	area_exited.connect(_on_area_exit)
-
-
 
 func _on_text_updated():
 	label.text = text
@@ -92,56 +93,30 @@ func _on_text_updated():
 
 
 func _process(delta: float) -> void:
-	if get_overlapping_areas().size() > 0 and is_dragable and on_board:
-		for area in get_overlapping_areas():
-			if area is Card:
-				if not area.highlighted or self.highlighted:
-					var diff:Vector2 = position - area.position
-					position -= diff.normalized() * ((diff.length()-diameter)/diameter) * bounce_speed * (delta/(1.0/60))
+	_move_sticky_note(delta)
 
-	_move_sticky_note()
 
-func _on_mouse_entered():
-	if not Input.is_action_pressed("mouse_left") and "handle_hover" in current_handle:
-		current_handle.handle_hover(self)
+## frame rate independent FIR smoothing filter
+func _smooth(current: Vector2, goal: Vector2, delta: float) -> Vector2:
+	var k := pow(0.1, 60.0 * delta)
+	return (1.0-k) * current + k * goal
 
-func _on_mouse_exited():
-	highlighted = false
-	# Let parent card re-check hover state if this sticky is attached to it
-	if is_sticky_note_attached() and "check_hover" in attached_to:
-		attached_to.check_hover()
 
-func _on_area_enter(area: Area2D):
-	# Handle sticky note panel gap creation
-	if area is StickyNote and is_sticky_note_in_panel() and not is_dragged:
-		attached_to.create_gap()
-
-func _on_area_exit(area: Area2D):
-	# Handle sticky note panel gap collapse
-	if area is StickyNote and is_sticky_note_in_panel():
-		attached_to.collapse_gap()
-
-func _on_input_event(_viewport, event, _shape_idx):
-	if event is InputEventMouseButton and "handle_mouse_button" in current_handle:
-		if (event.button_index == MOUSE_BUTTON_LEFT and event.pressed) or event.button_index == MOUSE_BUTTON_RIGHT:
-			mouse_offset = get_viewport().get_mouse_position() - global_position
-			current_handle.handle_mouse_button(event, self)
-
-func _move_sticky_note():
+func _move_sticky_note(delta: float) -> void:
 	if is_dragged:
 		update_drag_position(get_viewport().get_mouse_position())
+		return
+
+	if is_attached:
+		var card := attached_to
+		position = _smooth(position, card.sticky_note_position, delta)
+
 
-func is_sticky_note_attached() -> bool:
-	# FIXME: this breaks if attatched to is previousely freed because GODOT IS FUCKING STUPID
-	return attached_to is Card
 
-func is_sticky_note_in_panel() -> bool:
-	## fixme ~> see above
-	return attached_to is StickyNotePanel
 
 var transform_tween: Tween
 
-func tween_transform_to(target: Transform2D, duration: float = 0.25):
+func tween_transform_to(target: Transform2D, duration: float = 0.25) ->void:
 	# Validate position to prevent teleporting
 	if not is_finite(target.origin.x) or not is_finite(target.origin.y):
 		push_warning("StickyNote.tween_transform_to: Invalid position, skipping tween")
@@ -160,46 +135,23 @@ func tween_transform_to(target: Transform2D, duration: float = 0.25):
 
 # === DRAG LIFECYCLE OVERRIDES ===
 
-## Track whether this sticky came from a panel (for exchange logic)
-var _came_from_panel: bool = false
+func end_drag() -> Node:
+	super.end_drag()
+	return _find_drop_target()
 
-## Start drag: if in panel, immediately move to board
-func start_drag(offset: Vector2) -> void:
-	super.start_drag(offset)
-	_came_from_panel = is_sticky_note_in_panel()
-	
-	# If attached to a card, detach it first
-	if is_sticky_note_attached():
-		var card := attached_to as Card
-		if card and card.has_method("remove_sticky_note"):
-			card.remove_sticky_note()
-	
-	# If in panel, immediately reparent to board for dragging
-	if _came_from_panel and current_handle:
-		var board := current_handle
-		var dropzone := board.get_node_or_null("HBoxContainer/dropzone")
-		if dropzone:
-			reparent(dropzone)
-		else:
-			reparent(board)
-		on_board = true
-		attached_to = board
 
 ## Find best drop target: Card > Panel > Board (in priority order)
-func find_drop_target() -> Node:
+func _find_drop_target() -> Node:
 	# Priority 1: Check for overlapping cards in dropzone
+	var closest : Card = null
 	for area in get_overlapping_areas():
-		if area is Card and Draggable.is_drop_target(area):
-			return area
+		if area is StickyNote and not area.is_attached: continue # Can only drop on attached stickies
 
-	# Priority 2: Check if dropped outside dropzone (over panel area)
-	if current_handle and not current_handle.is_in_dropzone(self):
-		var target_panel := _find_nearest_panel()
-		if target_panel:
-			return target_panel
+		if area is Card:
+			if (not closest) or ((area.position - position).length() < (closest.position - position).length()):
+				closest = area
 
-	# Priority 3: Default to board (stay loose in dropzone)
-	return current_handle
+	return closest
 
 ## Find the nearest panel that can accept this sticky
 func _find_nearest_panel() -> StickyNotePanel:
@@ -223,3 +175,6 @@ func _find_nearest_panel() -> StickyNotePanel:
 	# No empty panels found - will need to create one (handled by board)
 	return null
 
+
+func confine_to_screen() -> void:
+	if attached_to is not Card: super.confine_to_screen()

src/logic-scenes/board/sticky-note.tscn

@@ -9,8 +9,8 @@ radius = 48.0
 height = 312.0
 
 [node name="sticky-note" type="Area2D"]
-z_index = 1
 collision_layer = 2
+collision_mask = 6
 priority = 100
 script = ExtResource("1_yvh5n")
 text = "card"

src/logic-scenes/board/sticky_note_panel.gd

@@ -14,15 +14,21 @@ func _init(cstm_minimum_size: Vector2 = minimum_size, note_position: Vector2 = V
 	mouse_filter = MOUSE_FILTER_PASS
 	self_modulate = Color(1, 1, 1, 0)
 
+@onready var board : CardBoard = get_parent().get_parent() as CardBoard
+
 func _ready():
 	custom_minimum_size = Vector2(custom_minimum_size.x, 0)
 
-var is_attatching: bool = false
-func attatch_sticky_note(attatchment: StickyNote, custom_owner: Node, animate:bool = true):
-	is_attatching = true
+func _process(delta: float) -> void:
+	var child := get_child(0) as StickyNote
+	if child and not child.is_dragged:
+		var k := pow(0.1, 60.0 * delta)
+		child.position = child.position * (1.0-k) + ancor_position * (k)
+
+var is_attaching: bool = false
+func attatch_sticky_note(attatchment: StickyNote, custom_handle: Node, animate:bool = true):
 	attached_sticky_note = attatchment
-	attatchment.current_handle = custom_owner
-	attatchment.owner = custom_owner
+	attatchment.current_handle = custom_handle
 
 	# Expand panel height
 	if animate:
@@ -34,12 +40,10 @@ func attatch_sticky_note(attatchment: StickyNote, custom_owner: Node, animate:bo
 	# Position sticky
 	if animate:
 		await get_tree().process_frame
-		attatchment.on_board = false
 		attatchment.z_index = 125  # On top during animation
 
 		# Reparent while keeping world position for smooth animation
 		attatchment.reparent(self, true)
-		attatchment.attached_to = self
 
 		# Tween to anchor position in panel's coordinate space
 		var tween := create_tween().set_ease(Tween.EASE_IN_OUT).set_trans(Tween.TRANS_BACK)
@@ -55,71 +59,10 @@ func attatch_sticky_note(attatchment: StickyNote, custom_owner: Node, animate:bo
 			attatchment.reparent(self)
 		else:
 			add_child(attatchment)
-		attatchment.on_board = false
-		attatchment.attached_to = self
 		attatchment.position = ancor_position
 		attatchment.rotation = 0.0
 		attatchment.scale = Vector2.ONE
 
-	is_attatching = false
-	
-
-var is_gapped: bool = false
-func create_gap():
-	var self_id := get_parent().get_children().find(self)
-	var next_id = min(self_id + 1, get_parent().get_child_count() - 1)
-	var previous_id = max(self_id - 1, 0)
-	
-	if not (is_gapped or get_parent().get_child(next_id).attached_sticky_note.is_dragged or get_parent().get_child(previous_id).attached_sticky_note.is_dragged) and owner.current_context == CardBoard.DRAG:
-		is_gapped = true
-		var height_tween: Tween = create_tween()
-		height_tween.tween_property(self, "custom_minimum_size", minimum_size*Vector2(1.0, 1.8), 0.1)
-		
-	get_parent().get_child(next_id).collapse_gap()
-	if not get_parent().get_children().find(self) == 0: get_parent().get_child(previous_id).collapse_gap()
-
-func collapse_gap():
-	if is_gapped:
-		is_gapped = false
-		var height_tween: Tween = create_tween()
-		height_tween.tween_property(self, "custom_minimum_size", minimum_size, 0.1)
-
-var invalid: bool = false
-func clear_if_empty():
-	if !is_empty(): return
-	invalid = true
-	if attached_sticky_note.attached_to == self: attached_sticky_note.attached_to = null
-	var height_tween: Tween = create_tween()
-	height_tween.tween_property(self, "custom_minimum_size", Vector2.ZERO, 0.3)
-	await height_tween.finished
-	owner.on_sticky_panel_cleared(get_parent().get_children().find(self))
-	self.queue_free()
-
-func replace_sticky_note_with(new_sticky_note: StickyNote):
-	if is_empty():
-		attached_sticky_note = new_sticky_note
-
 func is_empty() -> bool:
-	return get_child_count() == 0 and not is_attatching
+	return get_child_count() == 0
 
-
-# === DROP TARGET PATTERN IMPLEMENTATION ===
-
-## Checks if this panel can accept the given draggable
-func can_accept_drop(draggable: Draggable) -> bool:
-	return draggable is StickyNote and is_empty()
-
-## Handles dropping a sticky note onto this panel
-func handle_drop(draggable: StickyNote) -> int:
-	if not can_accept_drop(draggable):
-		return Draggable.DropResult.REJECTED
-	
-	# Attach sticky to this panel with animation
-	attatch_sticky_note(draggable, owner, true)
-	
-	# Clean up other empty panels
-	for panel in get_parent().get_children():
-		if panel is StickyNotePanel and panel != self:
-			panel.clear_if_empty()
-	
-	return Draggable.DropResult.ACCEPTED

src/logic-scenes/card_burner/card_burner.gd

@@ -23,14 +23,14 @@ func _ready():
 	%SkipButton.pressed.connect(card_burned.emit)
 
 func burn_cards(_id: int, _repeat: bool = false) -> void:
-	var random_card_names: Array = State.save_game.board_randoms.duplicate()
-	
-	for card_name in random_card_names:
-		if card_name.begins_with("p"):
-			random_card_names.erase(card_name)
-	
-	var random_cards: Array = HardCards.get_cards_by_name_array(random_card_names)["cards"]
+	# Get all card names from the board (excluding stickies which start with "p")
+	var card_names: Array[StringName] = []
+	for item_name in State.save_game.board_positions.keys():
+		if not item_name.begins_with("p"):
+			card_names.append(item_name)
 	
+	# Get card instances and shuffle them
+	var random_cards: Array = HardCards.get_cards_by_name_array(card_names)["cards"]
 	random_cards.shuffle()
 	
 	for ancor:Control in ancors:

src/logic-scenes/card_picker/card_picker.gd

@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
-class_name CardPicker extends CenterContainer
+class_name CardPicker 
+extends Playable
 
 #fixme INI is probably redundant.
 enum {

src/logic-scenes/interactable/interactable.gd

@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 class_name Interactable extends Node3D
 
 @export var interaction: PackedScene = null
-var interaction_ui : Control = null
+var interaction_ui : Playable = null
 
 @onready var view: Node3D = $View
 @onready var frame: Sprite3D = $Frame
@@ -65,6 +65,7 @@ func expand() -> void:
 
 
 func collapse() -> void:
+	if not shown: return #TODO: test
 	shown = false
 	if tween and tween.is_valid(): tween.kill()
 	tween = create_tween().set_ease(Tween.EASE_IN).set_trans(Tween.TRANS_BACK)
@@ -143,7 +144,7 @@ func interact() -> void:
 	shown = false
 	await collapse()
 
-	# Hide mouse and collapse other interactables BEFORE showing canvas
+	# collapse other interactables BEFORE showing canvas
 	get_tree().call_group("interactables", "collapse")
 
 	# Show the CanvasLayer so the story is visible full-screen
@@ -164,33 +165,7 @@ func interact() -> void:
 func _update_caption() -> void:
 	if interaction_ui is StoryPlayable:
 		var story := interaction_ui as StoryPlayable
-		match story.scene_id:
-			Scenes.id.YOUTH_DRAVEN:
-				caption.text = TranslationServer.translate("Starlight")
-			Scenes.id.YOUTH_CHILDHOOD:
-				caption.text = TranslationServer.translate("crafted Mask")
-			Scenes.id.YOUTH_VOICE_TRAINING:
-				caption.text = TranslationServer.translate("Comic Stash")
-			Scenes.id.YOUTH_JUI_JUTSU:
-				caption.text = TranslationServer.translate("Sports Clothes")
-			Scenes.id.TRANSITION:
-				caption.text = TranslationServer.translate("Move on")
-			Scenes.id.ADULT_DND:
-				caption.text = TranslationServer.translate("colorful Dice")
-			Scenes.id.ADULT_VOLUNTARY:
-				caption.text = TranslationServer.translate("Gemstone Art")
-			Scenes.id.ADULT_CHRISTMAS:
-				caption.text = TranslationServer.translate("Chat Messages")
-			Scenes.id.ADULT_EATING:
-				caption.text = TranslationServer.translate("Dishes")
-			Scenes.id.ADULT_UNI:
-				caption.text = TranslationServer.translate("Science Poster")
-			Scenes.id.ADULT_THERAPY:
-				caption.text = TranslationServer.translate("Doctors Note")
-			Scenes.id.ADULT_BURNOUT:
-				caption.text = TranslationServer.translate("Paperwork")
-			_:
-				caption.text = ""
+		caption.text = I18n.get_story_caption(story.scene_id)
 	elif interaction_ui is CardBoard:
 		caption.text = TranslationServer.translate("Mind Board")
 

src/logic-scenes/luna/playables/story_playable.gd

@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
-extends CenterContainer
 class_name StoryPlayable
+extends Playable
 
 signal text_finished
 signal finished
@@ -148,7 +148,7 @@ func play():
 	show()
 	Input.mouse_mode = Input.MOUSE_MODE_VISIBLE
 
-	# Don't know how to do this.
+	# FIXME: Don't know how to do this.
 	#%StoryScroll.grab_focus()
 
 	if name == "draven":

src/logic-scenes/playable.gd

@@ -0,0 +1,10 @@
+extends Control
+class_name Playable
+
+## Awaitable that encapsulates the core interaction with this Playable
+func play() -> void:
+	await get_tree().process_frame # Dummy wait so this is a coroutine
+
+func handle_hover(area: Draggable):
+	prints("Playable[base].handle_hover", area, area.name)
+	pass

src/logic-scenes/playable.gd.uid

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+uid://dbmkkouhc0euw

src/project.godot

@@ -28,6 +28,7 @@ PromptManager="*res://addons/input_prompts/input_prompt_manager.gd"
 Steam="*res://dev-util/steam.gd"
 Main="*res://singletons/main/main.tscn"
 HardCards="*res://dev-util/hardcoded_cards.tscn"
+I18n="*res://dev-util/i18n.gd"
 
 [debug]
 
@@ -200,7 +201,11 @@ locale/test="de"
 
 [layer_names]
 
+2d_physics/layer_1="World"
 3d_physics/layer_1="Scene Geometry"
+2d_physics/layer_2="Stickies"
+2d_physics/layer_3="Cards"
+2d_physics/layer_5="Interactable"
 3d_physics/layer_5="UI_reveal"
 3d_physics/layer_6="UI_handle"
 

src/tests/board_tests.tscn

@@ -0,0 +1,7 @@
+[gd_scene load_steps=2 format=3 uid="uid://b752f680edsnv"]
+
+[ext_resource type="PackedScene" uid="uid://bnskiyx1sksww" path="res://logic-scenes/board/physics-board.tscn" id="1_b12jd"]
+
+[node name="BoardTests" type="Node"]
+
+[node name="board" parent="." instance=ExtResource("1_b12jd")]

src/ui/menu_main/save_game_list.gd

@@ -55,7 +55,7 @@ func _load_games():
 
 
 func _sort_saves() -> void:
-	saves.sort_custom(func(a: SaveGame, b: SaveGame) -> int:
+	saves.sort_custom(func(a: SaveGame, b: SaveGame) -> bool:
 		return a.last_saved > b.last_saved 
 	)