Maidens of the Kaleidoscope
~Beyond the Border~ => Rumia's Party Games => Topic started by: Tom on February 09, 2024, 08:28:45 AM
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> Seija Quest Part 4
> You're Seija Kijin the rebellious Amanojaku.
> Tonight you were supposed to be accompanying Shinmyoumaru to the Full Moon Festival at the Hakurei Shrine, to help her feel a little more comfortable around these powerful and influential humans and Youkai. She's pretty much your only ally in Gensokyo who hasn't forgotten you after your exile so you accepted helping her, even though you're an Amanojaku.
> However while walking up the long stairway to the Hakurei Shrine you spotted one of Aya's newspapers under the shrine's gate and the headline caught your attention, it read:
A Competition among Gensokyans
To Fulfill all Ten Desires
Wealth? Knowledge? Prestige? Magic? Longevity? Any one of them can be yours~
Whoever can successfully cause an Incident without being caught will have their
greatest wish fulfilled~!
Everyone interested should gather at the Hakurei Shrine Grounds at Sunset.
Also in this Bunbunmaru issue:
>Another year of excellent crop yields thanks to Minoriko's blessings. (Page 2)
>The Kraken confirmed!? Eyewitness reports from fishermen about strange sightings
under Misty Lake's surface! (Page 3)
>Reading Tarot Cards 101! 5 cards link you to your past, present and future, according
to an expert. But which cards provide the highest accuracy of readings? We compare results
from 5 different sets of cards across 30 individuals. (Page 4)
>An exclusive interview with Village Physician Unshou about the health benefits of
smoked herring, a village delicacy. (Page 5)
> The details about this competition were revealed during the Full Moon Festival. A doll named Iris claimed that incidents have become mere nuisances and troublemakers are only dealt a simple slap on the wrist for causing them by a weak, misled by Youkai Hakurei Maiden. Iris has promised that whoever causes a successful unresolved incident will get their greatest wish fulfilled, thus sparking conflict among the major forces in Gensokyo.
> The first incident happened shortly after Iris' announcement when the Hakurei Shrine was thoroughly destroyed by Mima with the assistance of Marisa and Yuuka.
// Since this quest is "chapter-ized" into different incidents full summaries won't be included for each one, though they are linked below:
> First Incident - The Hakurei Shrine destroyed once more: Thread 1 Thread 2
> Investigating - The mysterious doll named "Iris": Thread 3
> After the incident's conclusion Seija invited Reimu to spend the night at the Shining Needle Castle as Iris repaired the Hakurei Shrine.
> Following concerns from the librarian and princess, Mokou spent the next day investigating Alice for a possible connection to the doll Iris. This unfortunately was inconclusive though some potentially interesting communications were found.
> After having met the librarian Patchouli during the Full Moon Festival (and subsequent incident) she quickly took interest in you and invited you to visit her at the Scarlet Devil Mansion's library.
> At the Scarlet Mansion's library you helped Patchouli learn about your magical "swapping" abilities, and in return she gave you a necklace with a crimson gem that appears to amplify your power. You then met the "young mistress" Flandre for a duel arranged by the librarian, which you where you came into possession of a sword named "Excalibur".
> Upon leaving the Scarlet mansion you ran into a short blonde girl named Rumia who was really impressed with your duel against Flandre and really, really wanted to meet her! After escorting her to the mansion for a playdate with Flandre you decided to head back to the Hakurei Shrine, only to find it empty.
> Deciding it was time to undo the size & location "swap" with Mokou you had performed earlier (to find out more about Iris), you wrote down a message telling her to rendezvous at the Hakurei Shrine to share findings.
> After undoing the swap you found yourself in a stormy foreign world, following a shadow you later came to know as "Sariel". Not only is she exceptionally tall with *six wings* but she also claims to be a sort of "bounty hunter" that slays demons and mages! Sariel agreed to help you return to your world, if in exchange she could search for any demon fugitives hiding there. On the way back you accidentally found stumbled upon the Oni's Ancient City and had to trade your way up to something the bridge princess would consider "adequate payment" to permit you to leave. In the Ancient City you visited Momoyo's Mining & Gem store, and purchased an odd metallic cylinder with a wheel and a red crystal that shoots real fireballs when struck against something.
> During your time with Sariel you learned that she used to work together with a powerful partner who disappeared long ago while hunting a powerful demon. The only thing left was a sword with mysterious symbols on it. Intrigued by her story you decided to help investigate and took a picture of the blade using your Tengu Camera so you could make further inquiries.
> Upon leaving the Ancient City you emerged from a cave behind the Hakurei Shrine which had a sign reading "Cave to the Ancient City". Upon closer inspection Sariel noticed that the "Ancient City" part appeared to be nailed on top of an older sign, which when made semitransparent (using your inversion ability) revealed that the old sign read "Hell & Makai".
> You then decided to travel towards the Human Village to visit Suzunaan and met Meiling the Scarlet Mansion's gatekeeper. After showing her the picture of the mysterious blade she suggested visiting the Scarlet Mansion's head maid, who is apparently "quite the knife collector".
> At the Human Village you ran into Tenshi, who tried to convince you take a step into to the village casino to "find your fortune".
> Wanting to avoid getting sidetracked you politely declined and headed off towards Suzunaan, who identified the script on the knife as an ancient Western script which spelled "Darkness".
> On the way out of the village you popped into the blacksmith's workshop where you met Kogasa. Upon showing her the sword given to you by Patchouli she was immediately impressed by the foreign craftsmanship and wished to study it some more. You then learned it may in fact be a legendary sword from West known by many names such as "The Sword of Light" or "Excalibur".
> Wishing to introduce Sariel to Shinmyoumaru without revealing the Shining Needle Castle's location you decided to repeat the "swap trick" you performed earlier with Reimu to instantly transport her to the castle. Only this time Sariel is thinking with portals and has a trick up her sleeve to save you the return trip!
> While waiting for you to reach the castle Sariel observed the puppeteer Alice, accompanied by two dolls named "Shanghai" and "Hourai" making an 'illicit exchange' with a third small figure. The puppeteer appeared to receive a disc-shaped object that she's been clutching tightly ever since.
> At the Shining Needle Castle you found Shinmyoumaru in the observatory, who was very impressed with how tall you've gotten from swapping size with Sariel and is really eager to try being that big herself!
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> Chuckle.
> "Okay, sure. But let's get Sariel swapped in here first, okay? I don't want to leave her hanging more than I already have."
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> "Sure!" she nods.
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> "Alright. Make sure to mention you're the Princess I've told her about. See you again in a bit."
> Undo our swap with Sariel.
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> "Alright. Make sure to mention you're the Princess I've told her about. See you again in a bit."
> Undo our swap with Sariel.
> "I certainly will!"
> You disrupt the magical energy maintaining the switch and end up back at the bridge near the village, only this time you're apparently hiding up in a tree!
> Surprised by the change of scenery you lose your footing and fall ... into a portal on the ground!
> Which leads back to the Shining Needle Castle's observatory! Where you're shot out of the other end (preserving your falling momentum) and make yet another mini Amanojaku-shaped hole in the wall...
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> Groan.
> Let gravity peel us off the wall.
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> Groan.
> Let gravity peel us off the wall.
> Too late for that as you've gone through to the next room!
> You're now in the armory! You look back through the hole and see Shinmyoumaru and Sariel peeking through the hole trying to spot you.
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> Weskly raise a thumbs-up.
> "Haah...now that's...a dynamic entry..."
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> Weskly raise a thumbs-up.
> "Haah...now that's...a dynamic entry..."
> The Princess crosses her arms and remarks with a frown "More like making a new entry..."
> Just when Shinmyoumaru finishes speaking the armor stand upon which you landed topples over, knocking the rest of them over like dominos!
> As the dust settles you wonder if today just isn't your day...
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> Groan again, now with irritation mixed in with the pain.
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> Groan again, now with irritation mixed in with the pain.
> In response you hear the Princess tapping her foot expectantly.
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> Sigh.
> "I'm fixing it, I'm fixing it..."
> Get to our feet properly, having a look at our two companions.
> "..."
> Swap with Sariel again.
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> Sigh.
> "I'm fixing it, I'm fixing it..."
> Get to our feet properly, having a look at our two companions.
> "..."
> Swap with Sariel again.
> Shinmyoumaru's expression instantly changes as she cheerfully replies "Thank you Seija!"
> You swap with Sariel, returning to the Observatory.
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> Are we aware of a direct way to get to the armory from the observatory that does not involve going through the brand new hole in the wall?
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> Are we aware of a direct way to get to the armory from the observatory that does not involve going through the brand new hole in the wall?
> Other than swapping with Sariel? Nope. You'd have to exit the observatory, walk down the hallway and enter the armory.
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> Would Shinmyoumaru qualify for the 'flat' end of the extreme we were mulling earlier? We were inside her robes the other day, presumably we got enough of an up-close view to know.
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> Would Shinmyoumaru qualify for the 'flat' end of the extreme we were mulling earlier? We were inside her robes the other day, presumably we got enough of an up-close view to know.
> You momentarily zone out and ponder whether Shinmyoumaru is 'flat', before being reminded to cease such insolent thoughts before the Princess executes you on the spot through a giant world-ending Miracle Mallet.
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> Gently wrap one arm around Shinmyoumaru's back (with our hand on her side) and give her a slight side hug.
> "You're lucky you're cute, Princess."
> Let go and head into the Armory the normal, not-through-the-wall way, and begin setting things back upright.
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> Gently wrap one arm around Shinmyoumaru's back (with our hand on her side) and give her a slight side hug.
> "You're lucky you're cute, Princess."
> Let go and head into the Armory the normal, not-through-the-wall way, and begin setting things back upright.
> Shinmyoumaru happily accepts your hug.
> You return to the armory and begin setting all the armor stands back up. Meanwhile Sariel inspects the hole in the wall and chants various spells to try and repair it.
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> Keep half an eye on her progress as we work, to see if she succeeds. Hopefully she does and it saves us the effort of trying to flip it from broken to intact.
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> Keep half an eye on her progress as we work, to see if she succeeds. Hopefully she does and it saves us the effort of trying to flip it from broken to intact.
> You watch Sariel while arranging the armor stands. She tries raising a barrier to serve as a "structure" to build off of before levitating the broken wall's pieces and splitting them into a fine powder. Then the barrier changes color, attracting the powder like a magnet. Finally she summons a tiny storm cloud, only for the rain to fall sideways onto the wall! Finally she summons her staff with a levitating fireball at the end and carefully approaches it to the wall to avoid leaving smoke marks, which restores it's original surface and texture.
> Finally the moment of truth: She dispels the starting barrier before floating up to the newly repaired surface and tapping on it. As she turns around, seemingly satisfied with her work small cracks begin to form before shattering like a pane of glass! Rats! It appears you'll have to give it a shot using your abilities...
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> Focusing on the pendant, try flipping the wall from 'broken' to 'intact'.
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> Focusing on the pendant, try flipping the wall from 'broken' to 'intact'.
> The pendant glows and becomes hot to the touch as the wall instantly reverts back to how it was before your little 'accident'. The shattered pieces from Sariel's attempt to repair it also instantly vanish.
> "Rats! If only the shattered pieces didn't disappear..." a voice whispers in your head.
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> What difference does the shattered pieces disappearing make?
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> What difference does the shattered pieces disappearing make?
> "Why, duplication my silly dear..." the voice laughs.
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> ...Can we duplicate like how we can obliterate?
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> ...Can we duplicate like how we can obliterate?
> "Can you... ?" the voice asks.
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> "I gotchu, fam."
> Finish resetting the armors.
> While working, dwell on how we might be able to use our powers to duplicate things, given we've discovered how to obliterate them.
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> "I gotchu, fam."
> Finish resetting the armors.
> While working, dwell on how we might be able to use our powers to duplicate things, given we've discovered how to obliterate them.
> You continue arranging the armor stands while thinking about how you might be able to create more of something as long as you have one. The main issue that comes to mind is that 'some' and 'multiple' are not as distinct a concept as 'some' and 'none'. Perhaps you need to come at this problem a different way? ...or just happen to discover it while solving an entirely different problem? Like how swapping sizes solved your problem of transporting yourself and others great distances and even through barriers?
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> Perhaps 'single' and 'multiple' are distinct concepts? Or 'single' and 'plural'? Or maybe 'unique' and 'commonplace'?
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> Perhaps 'single' and 'multiple' are distinct concepts? Or 'single' and 'plural'? Or maybe 'unique' and 'commonplace'?
> "Are they?" the voice adds.
> Maybe there's other concepts that are easier to grasp which can be used for the purpose of obtaining more of something?
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> Well, 'one' and 'two' are distinct simple concepts...they're not really opposites, but they could work maybe?
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> Well, 'one' and 'two' are distinct simple concepts...they're not really opposites, but they could work maybe?
> You could try but you really believe they have to be opposites to have a chance of succeeding.
> As you finish piecing together the last armor stand in the center of the room you notice a golden crown on the floor behind where it had fallen.
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> ?
> Pick the crown up and look around for where it might go.
> If there's nowhere obvious for it to go, and no attempt to dissuade us from holding it or wearing it, try putting it on.
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> ?
> Pick the crown up and look around for where it might go.
> If there's nowhere obvious for it to go, and no attempt to dissuade us from holding it or wearing it, try putting it on.
> You pick up the crown and look around for where it might've come from. Perhaps it was placed inside that armor stand's helmet and fell out when it toppled?
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> Do we feel anything unusual from holding it?
> If we do not, put it on.
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> Do we feel anything unusual from holding it?
> If we do not, put it on.
> It feels somewhat heavy for it's size, could it be made of actual gold!?
> You decide to try wearing it.
> You're now Shinmyoumaru Sukuna - Descendant of the Inchlings
> Just as you return to studying astral patterns a loud thud from the room next door interrupts your thoughts.
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> ???
> Hopefully Seija isn't knocking stuff over again...
> Head out of the Observatory and head into the Armory to check out what's going on.
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> ???
> Hopefully Seija isn't knocking stuff over again...
> Head out of the Observatory and head into the Armory to check out what's going on.
> You decide to investigate and head over to the armory, running into Sariel on the way who points at Seija. She appears to be wearing a golden ring on her head... wait that's Issun-Boushi's crown! It got cursed by the Miracle Mallet when it's power ran out while being used to rule over the inchlings, making the bearer go mad with power.
> Seija Kijin blocks the path.
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> Uh
> What options do we have for dealing with this?
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> Uh
> What options do we have for dealing with this?
> You have to knock the crown off her head!
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> Can the crown simply be lifted off of her, or is it magically affixed to her by virtue of the curse?
> How are the Mallet's reserves at the moment?
> Does Seija seem to have noticed us?
> Is she actively blocking the doorway, or is she just in the Armory room?
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> Can the crown simply be lifted off of her, or is it magically affixed to her by virtue of the curse?
> How are the Mallet's reserves at the moment?
> Does Seija seem to have noticed us?
> Is she actively blocking the doorway, or is she just in the Armory room?
> It can just be knocked off you believe.
> You haven't used it for a while, therefore it should have magical power.
> Seija has certainly noticed you opening the door.
> She's standing in the center of the armory.
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> Does the crown actually grant any additional power to its wearer? If so, what power might that be?
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> Does the crown actually grant any additional power to its wearer? If so, what power might that be?
> From what you've heard it drives the bearer "mad with power", but you're not sure what exactly that means. Perhaps it enhances one's magical abilities, but will they really be able to use them to their fullest extent while under it's influence?
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> Give an uneasy smile.
> "Hey, Seija, whad'ja find?"
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> Give an uneasy smile.
> "Hey, Seija, whad'ja find?"
> She snaps her fingers and familiars fly out towards the suits of armor, which begin to glow thereafter.
> "Who is Seija?" she asks in an echoed voice before adopting a defensive stance that is mirrored by the armor stands 'knights' in the room.
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> Oh dear, that's not good.
> Where is Sariel at the moment?
> Did the voice sound angry, curious, or something else?
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> Oh dear, that's not good.
> Where is Sariel at the moment?
> Did the voice sound angry, curious, or something else?
> It doesn't help thinking that the only other time you've fought against Seija you lost!
> Sariel is floating next to you eyeing Seija curiously.
> It sounds threatening with it's lingering echo.
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> Cover our mouth, glance over to Sariel, and whisper "We need to get that crown off her head."
> Un cover our mouth and look back to Seija. "Y-You are, silly! And we're your friends!"
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> Cover our mouth, glance over to Sariel, and whisper "We need to get that crown off her head."
> Un cover our mouth and look back to Seija. "Y-You are, silly! And we're your friends!"
> "I am the spirit of the Oni slain by Issun-Boushi" she replies in the same echoed voice.
> Her eyes dart to the Miracle Mallet on your side "You must be their descendant!"
> "Today I win back what was stolen from us long ago!" she roars while switching fighting stances.
> The 'Oni' then snaps her finger and a large circle surrounds the room.
> Suddenly the doll you came to know as Iris appears beside you and Sariel!
> She announces "Heads up, this is a hand to hand battle! All spellcards and bombs will have no effect on her!"
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> ...How are we at grappling?
> How are we at martial arts?
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> ...How are we at grappling?
> How are we at martial arts?
> She's too gigantic to grapple!
> Seija taught you the basics in case you needed to defend yourself during the revolution.
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> Based on our knowledge, what sort of pose is the 'oni' taking?
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> Based on our knowledge, what sort of pose is the 'oni' taking?
> She's ready to parry the first attack you throw at her.
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> How physically strong are we?
> What material is the floor made of? Could we slide along it with a running start, or would there be too much friction for that?
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> How physically strong are we?
> What material is the floor made of? Could we slide along it with a running start, or would there be too much friction for that?
> Surprisingly strong for your size!
> The floor is made of alternating marble and granite tiles in a checkerboard pattern. You reckon you could slide easily on it!
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> Are the 'oni's legs spread wide enough we could slide through them underneath her?
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> Are the 'oni's legs spread wide enough we could slide through them underneath her?
> Not in the current fighting stance.
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> Well, here's hoping we can use her size against her.
> Dash directly at the 'oni'. Once we get close, veer off a bit to the side and try to slide feet-first past her, throwing a chop at the back of her knee.
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> Well, here's hoping we can use her size against her.
> Dash directly at the 'oni'. Once we get close, veer off a bit to the side and try to slide feet-first past her, throwing a chop at the back of her knee.
> You dash towards the oversized 'Oni' and she throws a kick but misses as you dash to the side. Once past you whack the back of her knee making 'Seija' stumble. However she manages to use the sword she just got as a cane and avoid falling over!
> This is an opening, she's lost her balance and won't be able to take a swing at you easily!
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> Which sword is this?
(IIRC we left Excalibur with Kogasa)
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> Which sword is this?
(IIRC we left Excalibur with Kogasa)
> A blade she got from the armor stands. As far as you know these have no magical properties or enchantments.
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> Are we behind her at this point?
> Given we slid to one side of her, is the sword she's using to keep herself upright on the side close to us or away from us?
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> Are we behind her at this point?
> Given we slid to one side of her, is the sword she's using to keep herself upright on the side close to us or away from us?
> You're a few steps behind her back foot.
> The sword is in front of her so it's on the far side for you.
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> Is she still mostly upright, or did she at least fall to one knee?
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> Is she still mostly upright, or did she at least fall to one knee?
> Mostly upright but putting most of her weight on the sword.
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> Scramble to a standing position and jump onto her back as high as we can get!
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> Scramble to a standing position and jump onto her back as high as we can get!
> You jump as high as you can, landing just above her waist.
> The 'Oni' instinctively pushes the sword, causing it to slide on the smooth tiled floor, regaining her balance but losing the sword.
> Iris cheers for you "In the industry we call that a stagger and a grab!" while clapping.
> Sariel tilts her head in confusion and stares towards Iris.
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> Is the crown within reach?
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> Is the crown within reach?
> It's too high up!
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> What sensitive areas (not like that) are within reach?
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> What sensitive areas (not like that) are within reach?
> You could try a chop to the side, but there's nothing obvious.
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> Could we get our hands or arms around her neck and try to choke her out, maybe? Or is even that too high up?
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> Could we get our hands or arms around her neck and try to choke her out, maybe? Or is even that too high up?
> You could try but would you really attempt that on a raging Oni?
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> Hmm. Could we reach our arms all the way around her, perhaps?
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> Hmm. Could we reach our arms all the way around her, perhaps?
> You probably could.
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> And just to verify - we are still Seija-sized, correct?
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> And just to verify - we are still Seija-sized, correct?
> You're actually currently Mokou's height.
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I had an idea but I completely forgot what it was. Onto the next thing!
> Are either of the oni's shoulders within reach?
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I had an idea but I completely forgot what it was. Onto the next thing!
> Are either of the oni's shoulders within reach?
> That's a definitive yes!
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> Using one hand (and our legs, if possible) to stay gripped to the oni's back, tickle the oni's armpit with our other hand, aiming for whichever shoulder is more open.
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> Using one hand (and our legs, if possible) to stay gripped to the oni's back, tickle the oni's armpit with our other hand, aiming for whichever shoulder is more open.
> "Aaargh" the oni complains and spins around before knocking you into the air (and almost reaching the tall ceiling!) with her other hand!
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> Is there anything on the ceiling we could grab onto?
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> Is there anything on the ceiling we could grab onto?
> There is a solar lighting fixture hanging from the ceiling that you could reach for.
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> Does it look strong enough to support our weight, given our current large size?
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> Does it look strong enough to support our weight, given our current large size?
> It certainly wasn't designed to hold the weight of person, so who knows?
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> What is the ceiling made of?
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> What is the ceiling made of?
> Paneling
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> Crap, so there's nothing we can grab that would support our weight.
> What's directly below us?
> How far do we have to fall before we hit the floor (assuming anything else directly below us wasn't there)?
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> Crap, so there's nothing we can grab that would support our weight.
> What's directly below us?
> How far do we have to fall before we hit the floor (assuming anything else directly below us wasn't there)?
> Quite the predicament indeed!
> An angry oni.
> Three times your height.
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> And what is that angry oni doing?
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> And what is that angry oni doing?
> Preparing an upwards punch.
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> Once we start falling, bank hard to whichever side corresponds to the arm she's prepping to punch us with, in the hopes that we get just outside its range.
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> Once we start falling, bank hard to whichever side corresponds to the arm she's prepping to punch us with, in the hopes that we get just outside its range.
> You pull yourself just out of range, causing the oni to whiff and fall over from the lack of resistance. You don't want to think about what might've happened if that punch connected!
> You land with a roll, ending up on Seija's left side.
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> Are we back on our feet after rolling, or still on the ground?
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> Are we back on our feet after rolling, or still on the ground?
> Unfortunately not, but you could get back up on your feet quickly!
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> Spring back onto our feet, then, and check where the oni's head is.
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> Spring back onto our feet, then, and check where the oni's head is.
> You regain your footing and notice that the oni has fallen forward from the whiffed punch.
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> Did she just lose her balance, or is she actually close to/on the ground?
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> Did she just lose her balance, or is she actually close to/on the ground?
> The oni put so much effort into that punch that she flew forward and fell after missing.
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> If we got enough of a running start, do we think we could jump from behind her and land on her neck/shoulders?
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> If we got enough of a running start, do we think we could jump from behind her and land on her neck/shoulders?
> Certainly!
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> Get a running start and jump over the oni from behind to land on her as close to her head as we can get! (Don't get stabbed by a horn.)
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> Get a running start and jump over the oni from behind to land on her as close to her head as we can get! (Don't get stabbed by a horn.)
> You clear her head and land just past it!
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> Yamk that crown off!
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> Yamk that crown off!
> With a chop you knock the crown off the Oni's head! In an instant the armor stands go rigid as the magic circle surrounding the room fades into a storm of sparks while Iris starts clapping in celebration with Sariel joining in shortly after!
> Seija rolls over and tries to get up while uttering "T-tired..." before collapsing on the floor once more.
> You're once more Seija Kijin - The Rebellious Amanojaku
> Who was just woken up by rays of sunshine and the sound of various birds chirping outside an open window.
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> ...Just woke up? Weren't we just putting that crown on? What happened?
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> ...Just woke up? Weren't we just putting that crown on? What happened?
> The crown... it shall be yours soon. Wait weren't you just w-
> Your thoughts are interrupted by the sound of several footsteps running towards you.
> "Aunt Seija! Aunt Seija! You promised to take me to the markets today!"
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> ...'Aunt'? Do we have a sibling that had kids?
> Do we recognize the voice?
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> ...'Aunt'? Do we have a sibling that had kids?
> Do we recognize the voice?
> 'Aunt'? Is it possible you have siblings!? Or could it be an elaborate ruse you've crafted? Wait you do remember being called that! But by who?
> It reminds you of Shinmyoumaru but higher pitched?
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> "...Huh...?"
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> "...Huh...?"
> "Hurry up!" the same voice demands while trying to shake you out of bed.
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> "Wha-!"
> Open our eyes to see what miscreant is bothering us!
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> "Wha-!"
> Open our eyes to see what miscreant is bothering us!
> You open your eyes to see a short silver haired girl trying to wake you.
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> Does she look like anyone we know?
> "Oy, oy! I'm up, I'm up!"
> Sit up.
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> Does she look like anyone we know?
> "Oy, oy! I'm up, I'm up!"
> Sit up.
> She looks familiar but you just can't seem to place a name?
> Just as you sit up two other ladies run into the room with a shocked expression.
> Trying not to make eye contact they explain in sync "Lead Minister we apologize for the Princess' behavior."
> The silver haired girl turns around before becoming a little embarrassed and taking a few steps back "Sorry Seija..."
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> ...?
> Have we ever been Lead Minister of anything?
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> ...?
> Have we ever been Lead Minister of anything?
> Some vague memories of a distant dynasty come to mind but one particular thought stands out, this silver haired girl has yet to fulfill an important role.
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> Do we recall a rough time period and/or location for this dynasty?
> Do we know a Sagume Kishin?
> Sigh while rubbing our eyes.
> "It's fine, it's fine."
-
> Do we recall a rough time period and/or location for this dynasty?
> Do we know a Sagume Kishin?
> Sigh while rubbing our eyes.
> "It's fine, it's fine."
> You're having difficulty recalling a time period but the decoration and attire suggest this taking place a long time ago, perhaps at the peak of human beliefs in Youkai and Magic? As for a location, it's definitely not western but you'd need to find a map to tell precisely where you are. Though they'd probably only include friendly territories with only a vague outline of anything outside.
> 'Sagume' is a familiar name, wait that's the silver haired girl's name! You're unsure of her family name though?
> Taking another look around you deduce the two identically dressed ladies behind the 'princess' must be her maids. The room is decorated very ornately, and together with the 'Lead Minister' title you were just referred to as suggest you must be a very high ranking official.
> "I'll wait outside while you get ready!" the girl explains before running outside.
> One of the two maids asks "Lead Minister, shall we request miss Lavender for assistance?"
-
> How often have we been a high-ranking government official in our life?
> Does the name 'Miss Lavender' ring a bell?
-
> How often have we been a high-ranking government official in our life?
> Does the name 'Miss Lavender' ring a bell?
> While your memories are a bit hazy at the moment, you imagine you would've certainly climbed the social ladder in the past to fulfill your ambitions of overturning society. Sophisticated systems of hierarchy are seldom beaten by outside rogue forces alone.
> Miss Lavender... that's a rather unusual name now that you think about it? Could it be a name you've given her to avoid recognition or is she trying to hide her identity?
-
> Blink, then nod.
> "Please."
-
> Blink, then nod.
> "Please."
> The maids bow before stepping outside, leaving you alone in your room.
> A small vial on a short shelf opposite your bed catches your attention for some reason. It's like suddenly remembering you were supposed to do something but forgetting what it was!
-
> Pick it up and examine it up-close.
-
> Pick it up and examine it up-close.
> It has an odd rounded cylindrical shape that rolls easily and is impossible to stand on it's own. The liquid inside of it is dark with hints of purple when viewed under the right light.
> As you hold the vial your thoughts wander to an odd triangular shaped object next to it... Wait you just remembered that's your official token, it proves what position you hold to those who don't know you!
-
> Do we recall what the contents of the vial are for?
> Take the token (without spilling the vial) and affix it to ourselves as is appropriate.
-
> Do we recall what the contents of the vial are for?
> Take the token (without spilling the vial) and affix it to ourselves as is appropriate.
> You gaze at the vial and suddenly get chills down your spine, recalling that you must not drink this!
> The token is too large to affix, it's just slightly smaller than your fist. As you pick it up the emblem from the top of it falls out, how unlucky!
-
> What's in the vial that we shouldn't drink it?
> How easy or hard would it be to repair the token?
-
> What's in the vial that we shouldn't drink it?
> How easy or hard would it be to repair the token?
> A few thoughts come to mind: perhaps it's benign like cherry concentrate which tastes awful if consumed directly, or it could be something more sinister? If it is something sinister how did it appear in your room? Is it something you confiscated and aren't remembering or is there someone around with malicious intents?
> Examining the token you discover that it's actually hollow! The emblem must function as a sort of cap, judging by the fact you were able to easily twist it back on!
-
> Pocket the emblem, then, and leave the vial where it is.
> Examine ourselves to see if anything is off from what we remember from being in the Shining Needle Castle a minute ago.
-
> Pocket the emblem, then, and leave the vial where it is.
> Examine ourselves to see if anything is off from what we remember from being in the Shining Needle Castle a minute ago.
> You pocket the token and leave the vial on the shelf.
> Shining Needle Castle? Right! Memories of a six winged angel and discovering a peculiar crown come back... then just a memory of being really tired before uttering something and passing out. How did you get here is the question? You spot a golden mirror in the room step over to examine yourself in it. Instead of your normal outfit you appear to be wearing more traditional clothes reminiscent of that historian Akyuu from the village but in white and light pink colors.
-
> Do our body and physical features look normal? Size, shape, horns, hair style, etc.
-
> Do our body and physical features look normal? Size, shape, horns, hair style, etc.
> Your shape looks familiar, yet your hair appears to be somewhat longer. As you place your hand on your head to feel your horns you notice they're strangely missing! How peculiar!
-
> Is our hair at least the correct colors?
> Do we still feel like we have the magics we should?
-
> Is our hair at least the correct colors?
> Do we still feel like we have the magics we should?
> The colors have not changed, only the length.
> You haven't tried casting any spells yet.
-
> Hmm. What are the largest objects in the room?
> Do we still have that amulet from Patchouli?
-
> Hmm. What are the largest objects in the room?
> Do we still have that amulet from Patchouli?
> The bed you woke up in, the table at the end of the bed, various shelves, a few lanterns, a handful of vases on the shelves, another table near the window with various documents and writing utensils on it and a flower pot that has a small yet carefully pruned tree growing in it.
> You check your dress only to find it lacks both pockets and convenient sleeves to store things in! It looks like you can only keep one or two small objects near the decorative band on your waist.
-
> Double-check the door to make sure no one is there. Assuming no one is there, close it if it isn't closed already.
> Then lie down on the floor and try swapping with the bed.
-
> Double-check the door to make sure no one is there. Assuming no one is there, close it if it isn't closed already.
> Then lie down on the floor and try swapping with the bed.
> You peek through the hole between the sliding doors but don't spot anyone.
> You lie down and on the floor and try using you magical ability to swap sizes... but nothing happens! It's feels like you are out of energy...
-
> Get back up off the floor.
> ...Are we human somehow, now?
-
> Get back up off the floor.
> ...Are we human somehow, now?
> You hear distant footsteps approaching from outside the room.
> Could you be!? What if you're the human that became Seija Kijin the Rebellious Amanojaku?
-
> Do we even remember such a time?
-
> Do we even remember such a time?
> You find it very difficult to remember anything from so long ago. In the rare occasions you do happen to recall a memory it's usually triggered by something you see or hear or a particular scent. You suppose it's similar to how one can forget about an object or location to the point they can't describe it yet instantly recognize it upon coming across it again.
-
> Prepare whatever we need to prepare to look dignified for the incoming guest(s).
-
> Prepare whatever we need to prepare to look dignified for the incoming guest(s).
> Speaking of getting ready, shouldn't you be wearing something more befitting of the title 'Lead Minister'? You search the room but come up empty handed, literally everything in your room either decorative or official administrative documents!?
> The footsteps approach the door which slides open and in comes a blonde lady wearing a long light purple dress in a similar style to yours. This must be "Miss Lavender" the maids mentioned earlier.
> In a serious tone "Lead Minister, everything you've requested has been prepared for tonight."
> She sets down a basket on the table and asks "Do you require my assistance changing into formal robes or shall I call a maidservant?"
-
> ...Is this Yukari?
-
> ...Is this Yukari?
> Yukari? If it is, she's really well disguised!
-
> Huh.
> ...
> Smile just the slightest bit.
> "Would it be inconvenient if I preferred you?"
-
> Huh.
> ...
> Smile just the slightest bit.
> "Would it be inconvenient if I preferred you?"
> She opens the basket "Certainly not, this should only take a moment!"
-
> "Then please do."
> Let 'Miss Lavender' do her thing.
> If she is non-conversational during this process, in the middle of it, say: "Mmm. An idle curiosity, Miss Lavender. Does the name 'Yakumo' mean anything to you?"
-
> "Then please do."
> Let 'Miss Lavender' do her thing.
> If she is non-conversational during this process, in the middle of it, say: "Mmm. An idle curiosity, Miss Lavender. Does the name 'Yakumo' mean anything to you?"
> Miss Lavender nods before removing an ornate dress from the basket along with some other accessories. While she's assisting you putting them on you find a moment to ask about the 'Yakumo' name and you notice her eye twitch upon hearing it.
> She asks "What an uncommon name? Where may you have heard about it?"
-
> "A strangely vivid dream. It felt almost real."
-
> "A strangely vivid dream. It felt almost real."
> Worried "Could you elaborate Lead Minister?"
-
> "Well...I admit, I somewhat fear talking about it may lead to people thinking I am losing my mind."
-
> "Well...I admit, I somewhat fear talking about it may lead to people thinking I am losing my mind."
> She steps around to look at you in the eyes and places her hands on your shoulders before asking "A premonition? I cannot help you if you keep me in the dark."
> She gazes at you expectantly while taking out several ornate hair pins and ornaments from her basket. "Which shall you wear today miss?"
-
> Have a look. What are the options?
-
> Have a look. What are the options?
> She holds out a tray full of hair pins:
- Moonlit Hairpin: Crafted from silver with a delicate crescent moon design, this hairpin seems to capture the essence of a starry night sky.
- Floral Cascade Hairpin: Adorned with tiny, intricately carved blossoms of various hues, this hairpin seems to bloom with life.
- Phoenix Feather Hairpin: A large golden feather, said to imitate a feather once plucked from the tail of a phoenix, this hairpin radiates warmth and vitality.
- Obsidian Elegance Hairpin: Carved from obsidian and adorned with shimmering threads of silver, this hairpin seems to absorb light, casting shadows even in the brightest of rooms.
> There's a few other ornaments on the tray she hasn't pointed to yet.
-
> "Ooh, these all have their own appeal...decisions, decisions..."
> What else?
-
> "Ooh, these all have their own appeal...decisions, decisions..."
> What else?
> She complements "Aren't they wonderful? I wish one day to be able to afford even one of such elegance!"
> You take a look at the ornaments and they appear to be in sets that match a particular hairpin.
-
> "Mmm...I'll go with the moonlit set, please."
> Once Miss Lavender gets back to work: "And I suppose you raise a good point. ...Near as I can tell, I was in some sort of fantastical setting, with many creatures one night normally consider wicked monsters. But, oddly enough, they were all humanoid, and...the land was actually rather peaceful. Not idyllic, certainly, but...they behaved almost as though they were human themselves."
> Lower our voice a bit.
> "But the strangest thing...was that I myself was one such humanoid monster."
-
> "Mmm...I'll go with the moonlit set, please."
> Once Miss Lavender gets back to work: "And I suppose you raise a good point. ...Near as I can tell, I was in some sort of fantastical setting, with many creatures one night normally consider wicked monsters. But, oddly enough, they were all humanoid, and...the land was actually rather peaceful. Not idyllic, certainly, but...they behaved almost as though they were human themselves."
> Lower our voice a bit.
> "But the strangest thing...was that I myself was one such humanoid monster."
> In thought "Wicked monsters..." she gazes at the official looking documents on your desk and comments before smiling and placing the hairpin on your head.
> As she adds the set of ornaments she explains "Lead Minister you must be overworked from trying to solve that case of the mysterious deaths in the city. I suggest taking a few days off and visiting the empress' summer palace!"
-
> Does 'solving a case of mysterious deaths in the city' sound like something familiar from our past?
-
> Does 'solving a case of mysterious deaths in the city' sound like something familiar from our past?
> It may have fallen within your responsibilities as Lead Minister?
-
> "...Maybe. ...It is simply so strange that such a setting would be friendly, instead of awash in blood..."
> "Anyway, to get back to why I originally brought this up, one of the more prominent youkai had the family name 'Yakumo'. She had blonde hair, and an association with purple, so I was reminded of her when I saw you."
-
> "...Maybe. ...It is simply so strange that such a setting would be friendly, instead of awash in blood..."
> "Anyway, to get back to why I originally brought this up, one of the more prominent youkai had the family name 'Yakumo'. She had blonde hair, and an association with purple, so I was reminded of her when I saw you."
> She smiles at your first comment "How about a premonition that your continued service as the Lead Minister will promote prosperity within the dynasty?"
> Absentmindedly "A peaceful land where even wicked monsters can be friendly is such a wonderful idea... Away from perpetual wars between the realms and class struggles between the citizens and within the court."
> She finishes fixing your hair and asks "Could you create such a utopia here Lead Minister?"
> In a low whisper "Since you've got your eyes on the throne, promise me you'll be different from the one you replace?"
> She holds your hand and smiles "I suppose my role in the palace is quite prominent as the head maid. I'm happily surprised it's reflected as such through your mind and dreams."
-
> Smile in return.
> "Of course. Honestly, I got the feeling this person was more important to the land than I was. Perhaps my subconscious has particular political opinions."
-
> Smile in return.
> "Of course. Honestly, I got the feeling this person was more important to the land than I was. Perhaps my subconscious has particular political opinions."
> Holding your hand she asks "How so?"
> She retrieves a silver mirror from her basket before showing you the elegant hairpin and decorations.
-
> What do we actually know about Yukari Yakumo?
-
> What do we actually know about Yukari Yakumo?
> You know that she cares more about Gensokyo than even the shrine maiden. Shinmyoumaru said that she visited the Hakurei Shrine regularly while she lived there and would treat Reimu to tea out by the lake behind the shrine on starry nights to discuss matters concerning Gensokyo. Shinmyoumaru also complained that she was almost never invited to join them, something about 'being a third wheel', though she couldn't understand what it meant.
-
> Nod in approval at the presented accoutrements.
> If we're expected to put them on ourselves, do so. Otherwise, let Miss Lavender finish it.
> "Her passion for the land, and her relationship with the...shrine maiden champion of humanity, I think is the best way to put it."
-
> Nod in approval at the presented accoutrements.
> If we're expected to put them on ourselves, do so. Otherwise, let Miss Lavender finish it.
> "Her passion for the land, and her relationship with the...shrine maiden champion of humanity, I think is the best way to put it."
> You're already wearing them, she's holding the mirror for you to see your reflection.
> She smiles at your description "Speaking of the land, the war minister's recently implemented policy adjustments allowing private armies to impose tariffs on civilians of the territories they protect has been causing unrest amongs the less wealthy. Coupled with rumors of several cases of the mysterious deaths being related to opponents of the policy, we may have a difficult to control situation on our hands."
> In a whisper "Furthermore, our informant amongst the war minister's staff has reported unofficial communications addressed to two high ranking generals. Could there be sinister or exploitative objectives behind the policy adjustment?"
-
> Frown.
> Whisper: "There always is."
-
> Frown.
> Whisper: "There always is."
> She whispers "What shall I instruct our informant to do following this development?"
> She looks towards the door before asking openly "Any leads on those mysterious cases in town?"
-
> Now that we've been in this setting for a bit, can we recall anything about what she's talking about?
-
> Now that we've been in this setting for a bit, can we recall anything about what she's talking about?
> You're unable to recall specifics, yet you get this gut feeling whoever this war minister is, they're dangerous. As for the other mystery, you're drawing a blank, perhaps it only started recently?
-
> Gruh...
> Can we remember anything specific about our relationship with this 'Miss Lavender'?
-
> Gruh...
> Can we remember anything specific about our relationship with this 'Miss Lavender'?
> Thinking hard you recall that you've been acquainted for quite a long time! A blessing and a curse, as she probably knows more about you than you know about yourself at the moment!
-
> Can we recall her full name, then?
> Have we ever been romantically involved with her?
-
> Can we recall her full name, then?
> Have we ever been romantically involved with her?
> As far as you can recall her name is Lavender, as for her family name you're drawing a blank here! Being the head maid, you'd assume there would be a file on her somewhere? Or perhaps you could ask some of the lower ranking maids about her?
> Her behavior so far hasn't suggested it, she's probably either a good friend or very loyal (or both).
-
> Normal speaking voice: "I do not recall reading any. Though, perhaps I should double-check the reports in case I have already forgotten something I only read in an overworked daze."
> Whisper: "See if the informant can get information about the contents of those unofficial communications."
-
> Normal speaking voice: "I do not recall reading any. Though, perhaps I should double-check the reports in case I have already forgotten something I only read in an overworked daze."
> Whisper: "See if the informant can get information about the contents of those unofficial communications."
> She responds "I reorganized the file at sunrise and left it on your desk, it includes all the recent investigation results. No suspects yet unfortunately."
> In a whisper "There's the banquet tonight which the war minister is expected to attend, so it may be possible for our informant to snoop his room then. Unless you can find a distraction earlier that is..."
-
> Nod.
> Normal speaking voice: "Ah, thank you. I'll have another look over it when I am able."
-
> Nod.
> Normal speaking voice: "Ah, thank you. I'll have another look over it when I am able."
> She bows and walks towards the door before turning around and waiting expectantly.
-
> "Ah, where are you off to next?"
-
> "Ah, where are you off to next?"
> She explains "Preparations for the banquet tonight"
-
> Look pensive.
> "...I will be honest with you, Lavender, I noticed that reaction of yours when I said that other name, and I am very curious why it happened. But...if you do not wish to speak with me about it, I will respect that."
-
> She explains "Preparations for the banquet tonight"
> Tell her to kindly refresh our still-not- if this that of tonight is an usual banquet or some special one, also to better prepare again ourselvesn
> Look pensive.
> "...I will be honest with you, Lavender, I noticed that reaction of yours when I said that other name, and I am very curious why it happened. But...if you do not wish to speak with me about it, I will respect that."
> Before saying that add more quietly that it is even curiouser that in" that"premonition of sorts"that peculiar Yu. name was also paired up with another peculiar Ya. familiay name... but, while still looking out for hef reactilns, nonetheless stick to your promise to respect and do not talk further about them.
-
> Tell her to kindly refresh our still-not- if this that of tonight is an usual banquet or some special one, also to better prepare again ourselvesn
> She reminds you "The banquet is part of the opening ceremony of the yearly horse racing tournament!"
> With a frown "Please consider getting more rest Lead Minister!"
> Before saying that add more quietly that it is even curiouser that in" that"premonition of sorts"that peculiar Yu. name was also paired up with another peculiar Ya. familiay name... but, while still looking out for hef reactilns, nonetheless stick to your promise to respect and do not talk further about them.
> She comments "Yukari? What a nice yet uncommon name!"
> Look pensive.
> "...I will be honest with you, Lavender, I noticed that reaction of yours when I said that other name, and I am very curious why it happened. But...if you do not wish to speak with me about it, I will respect that."
> In a whisper "Y-you p-promised to not bring up this matter, e-especially in the palace..."
> Openly "Y-you just reminded me of a history book in which I saw that name, that's all..."
-
> Frown a bit.
> "Ah, did I? My apologies, dear."
-
> Frown a bit.
> "Ah, did I? My apologies, dear."
> She nods and comments "You're not really yourself today... Are you perhaps not feeling well, could you be under the weather?"
-
> "...I guess...I just don't really feel like myself today, somehow..."
-
> "...I guess...I just don't really feel like myself today, somehow..."
> She smiles "I would ask the physician to visit, but I'm sure the remedy would be to get more rest."
> Moving towards the door to leave "Would it help if ask to postpone the meeting with the case detective for a few hours so that you can get a little more rest?"
-
> "...That is probably for the best. My apologies..."
-
> "...That is probably for the best. My apologies..."
> "I shall let them know minister." she bows before sliding the door open, stepping through and quietly sliding it closed again.
> You're once more on your own...
-
> Have a sit at our desk, get comfortable, clear our minds, and have a look at those reports.
-
> Have a sit at our desk, get comfortable, clear our minds, and have a look at those reports.
> You inspect the reports and find various victim profiles, a few containing rough sketches, some others having just a name, and a handful with neither a name or sketch. All of them list the height and gender of the victim, yet none list weight or the cause of death.
> Unfolding a large map you see the plans of the city, with the palace in the center and many markers placed along the streets and houses surdounding it. Could these be the locations the victims were found in?
-
> Is there any visual pattern to the markers?
> Is there any economic pattern to the markers, e.g. clustered in lower-income or higher-income areas?
-
> Is there any visual pattern to the markers?
> Is there any economic pattern to the markers, e.g. clustered in lower-income or higher-income areas?
> The palace appears to be in the center of the map with a river splitting north of it and re merging south of it, creating an island of sort. The markers appear to form a 'ring' around the palace, with a few spread further out along the north and south, usually near the river.
> This specific map doesn't provide any kind of economic data, but if you had to guess you'd assume wealth is distributed radially and centered around the palace where the markets and commercial districts are.
-
> So probably lower-income victims if they're avoiding the palace area. Figures.
> Any other useful info in these reports?
-
> So probably lower-income victims if they're avoiding the palace area. Figures.
> Any other useful info in these reports?
> Not necessarily as the city spans pretty far, you'd say the ring is concentrated at the inner 1/3rd of the town. Perhaps, they're avoiding the palace area because it's more heavily patrolled and guarded?
> You decide to flip back towards the oldest reports and notice the first several cases are labeled as "Grave robing".
-
> These are cases that are marked on the map?
> And the mysterious deaths are also marked on the map in the same way?
-
> These are cases that are marked on the map?
> And the mysterious deaths are also marked on the map in the same way?
> They appear on the map as well.
> Some of the markings are slightly different, these must be the old cases!
-
> At what point do the cases seem to stop being grave robberies and start being attacks on the living?
> Do we know anyone that might have a particular predilection for grave robbing?
-
> At what point do the cases seem to stop being grave robberies and start being attacks on the living?
> Do we know anyone that might have a particular predilection for grave robbing?
> You search for the turning point and find a few disappearance reports within the last grave robberies, after which all the cases are categorized as mysterious deaths.
> No names in particular come to mind.
-
> You inspect the reports and find various victim profiles, a few containing rough sketches, some others having just a name, and a handful with neither a name or sketch. All of them list the height and gender of the victim, yet none list weight or the cause of death.
> Unfolding a large map you see the plans of the city, with the palace in the center and many markers placed along the streets and houses surdounding it. Could these be the locations the victims were found in?
> You search for the turning point and find a few disappearance reports within the last grave robberies, after which all the cases are categorized as mysterious deaths.
> No names in particular come to mind.
> The always-reported details of the victims are gender and height...cross-check those characteristics for similiarities,patterns,peculiarities.
> Also look for the most detailed " mysterious deaths" reports and cross-check them as well.
-
> The always-reported details of the victims are gender and height...cross-check those characteristics for similiarities,patterns,peculiarities.
> Also look for the most detailed " mysterious deaths" reports and cross-check them as well.
> The genders go M, M, F, M, F, F, M, F, M, M, F, F... in a fairly random order, there doesn't appear to be any pattern? You take a look at the heights but don't recognize the units they are listed in! You could still make relative comparisons between victims or sort them by height though?
> You look through the occasional more detailed reports which include some additions like employment, there appear to be 7 palace guards, 3 members of the night watch, 6 employees of a clandestine bar, 5 marked as 'rebels' and a palace maid who's listing has been crossed out and marked as 'rebel' below. Most other files lack such information.
-
(Sorry for the Belated Polished New Post of my post, including that I had 1st to remove my previous one.
Yet now mine are now clarified and better parse-able commands.)
> At what point do the cases seem to stop being grave robberies and start being attacks on the living?
> Do we know anyone that might have a particular predilection for grave robbing?
> The genders go M, M, F, M, F, F, M, F, M, M, F, F... in a fairly random order, there doesn't appear to be any pattern? You take a look at the heights but don't recognize the units they are listed in! You could still make relative comparisons between victims or sort them by height though?
> You look through the occasional more detailed reports which include some additions like employment, there appear to be 7 palace guards, 3 members of the night watch, 6 employees of a clandestine bar, 5 marked as 'rebels' and a palace maid who's listing has been crossed out and marked as 'rebel' below. Most other files lack such information.
> The genders go M, M, F, M, F, F, M, F, M, M, F, F... in a fairly random order, there doesn't appear to be any pattern? You take a look at the heights but don't recognize the units they are listed in! You could still make relative comparisons between victims or sort them by height though?
> You look through the occasional more detailed reports which include some additions like employment, there appear to be 7 palace guards, 3 members of the night watch, 6 employees of a clandestine bar, 5 marked as 'rebels' and a palace maid who's listing has been crossed out and marked as 'rebel' below. Most other files lack such information.
> Try for a relative comparisons, then sort by heigts "the Disappearances and later the Mysterious Deaths".
> Any other stated or hinted details from the few sort-of detailed reports, by the "Yukari Yakumo-looking"Imperial Palace Head, maybe some of our "linge4ing vague new memories, about "Clandestine Bar" and "Rebels"? That" Clandestine Bar" with 6 victims being 1 Neutral, 5 Rebels., Rebel-Defected crossed-out Palace-Maid"...
>An order, preference or pattern of some sort among the "Time-Lines". of the disappeared and then found dead. people...?
-
(Sorry for the Belated Polished New Post of my post, including that I had 1st to remove my previous one.
Yet now mine are now clarified and better parse-able commands.)
> Try for a relative comparisons, then sort by heigts "the Disappearances and later the Mysterious Deaths".
> Any other stated or hinted details from the few sort-of detailed reports, by the "Yukari Yakumo-looking"Imperial Palace Head, maybe some of our "linge4ing vague new memories, about "Clandestine Bar" and "Rebels"? That" Clandestine Bar" with 6 victims being 1 Neutral, 5 Rebels., Rebel-Defected crossed-out Palace-Maid"...
>An order, preference or pattern of some sort among the "Time-Lines". of the disappeared and then found dead. people...?
> You sort the records by height and notice the earlier victims are generally shorter, and taller ones appear only more recently.
> You think hard about the bar mentioned in the report and recall it's been suspected of providing a front for illicit operations at night while also harboring criminals, but you've yet to find conclusive evidence that would let you form a cast against it. It primarily operates at night, making it difficult to get trustworthy eyes and ears inside.
> Taking a break to regain you focus you look through the files once more and notice several heights appear twice, once as a grave robbery and once as a victim. The grave robbery files don't have names, so you're not sure if this is just a coincidence or something else?
-
> You sort the records by height and notice the earlier victims are generally shorter, and taller ones appear only more recently.
> You think hard about the bar mentioned in the report and recall it's been suspected of providing a front for illicit operations at night while also harboring criminals, but you've yet to find conclusive evidence that would let you form a cast against it. It primarily operates at night, making it difficult to get trustworthy eyes and ears inside.
> Taking a break to regain you focus you look through the files once more and notice several heights appear twice, once as a grave robbery and once as a victim. The grave robbery files don't have names, so you're not sure if this is just a coincidence or something else?
> Examples of "names" and "professions and allegiances or supposedly pointed at" of the victims which are linked to "nameless"grave robberies, and later on switching mysterious disappearances, by similar heights?
-
> Examples of "names" and "professions and allegiances or supposedly pointed at" of the victims which are linked to "nameless"grave robberies, and later on switching mysterious disappearances, by similar heights?
:ldream: :lpower: :dream: :faith:
> "Names,Professions,Allegiances, Traits, Supposedly so" ="Initials,Marks, Higlightedness, Brief(er) Descriptions, Notes, References...even Links and/or Inklings, Frames, Threads back-forward Other Culpability-Innocence-Suspicions onto other Documented-Reported Ufficial-Ufficious, of matters-subjects"....
>... to note the more important are "The Switches-Differences from-to Crimes of Grave Robberies, Mysterious Disappearances and... Revealed Murders or Manslaughters... "
>...Not to gloss over... Are there any more In-referencable or Cross-Referencabme at or through Criminal, Rebelliuos, Traitorous, Suspicious Activities... what about the Aftermath by The Imperial Law-Justice persecuting-incrimination-judgements-sentencing to them...?
-
:ldream: :lpower: :dream: :faith:
> "Names,Professions,Allegiances, Traits, Supposedly so" ="Initials,Marks, Higlightedness, Brief(er) Descriptions, Notes, References...even Links and/or Inklings, Frames, Threads back-forward Other Culpability-Innocence-Suspicions onto other Documented-Reported Ufficial-Ufficious, of matters-subjects"....
>... to note the more important are "The Switches-Differences from-to Crimes of Grave Robberies, Mysterious Disappearances and... Revealed Murders or Manslaughters... "
>...Not to gloss over... Are there any more In-referencable or Cross-Referencabme at or through Criminal, Rebelliuos, Traitorous, Suspicious Activities... what about the Aftermath by The Imperial Law-Justice persecuting-incrimination-judgements-sentencing to them...?
> Looking through the documents something clicks and you have an epiphany. The grave robberies are linked to mysterious disappearances and deaths! Each grave robbery appears to have a matching disappearance/death file in which all the descriptions (height, gender) match!
> Putting two and two together you ponder why the cases were first labeled as "grave robberies"? Graves usually contain bones and occasionally valuables depending on cultural practices, you assume it'd be rather obvious to discern between a "mysterious death" and a "grave robbery". Unless... only skeletons were found, leading the guards to assume a grave robbery took place?
-
> Looking through the documents something clicks and you have an epiphany. The grave robberies are linked to mysterious disappearances and deaths! Each grave robbery appears to have a matching disappearance/death file in which all the descriptions (height, gender) match!
> Putting two and two together you ponder why the cases were first labeled as "grave robberies"? Graves usually contain bones and occasionally valuables depending on cultural practices, you assume it'd be rather obvious to discern between a "mysterious death" and a "grave robbery". Unless... only skeletons were found, leading the guards to assume a grave robbery took place?
:cirnotan: :heart: :star: :meiling:
> Ah, so as suspected, it is more along the lines of "guards and inspectors chalked it down to Grave Robberies instead of Mysteriously-Motivated-Enticed-Provoked grave-sites Trespassing&Searching "!
> Determing the " Timing and Placing sufficiently Recent" is important as well...
> ... This also means, after verification. that on one hand the Correspondece"Matching Mystery Grave Robbery to Mysterious MurdersMurder Disappearance t " are finished or is there 1,2,3...?
>... can all of this be, especially the last analysis be cross-checked, cirmustanciated, confirmed proved at this point?
-
:cirnotan: :heart: :star: :meiling:
> Ah, so as suspected, it is more along the lines of "guards and inspectors chalked it down to Grave Robberies instead of Mysteriously-Motivated-Enticed-Provoked grave-sites Trespassing&Searching "!
> Determing the " Timing and Placing sufficiently Recent" is important as well...
> ... This also means, after verification. that on one hand the Correspondece"Matching Mystery Grave Robbery to Mysterious MurdersMurder Disappearance t " are finished or is there 1,2,3...?
>... can all of this be, especially the last analysis be cross-checked, cirmustanciated, confirmed proved at this point?
Moderately Accurately for real sufficient Clarity and Activity, the return of them.
-
:cirnotan: :heart: :star: :meiling:
> Ah, so as suspected, it is more along the lines of "guards and inspectors chalked it down to Grave Robberies instead of Mysteriously-Motivated-Enticed-Provoked grave-sites Trespassing&Searching "!
> Determing the " Timing and Placing sufficiently Recent" is important as well...
> ... This also means, after verification. that on one hand the Correspondece"Matching Mystery Grave Robbery to Mysterious MurdersMurder Disappearance t " are finished or is there 1,2,3...?
>... can all of this be, especially the last analysis be cross-checked, cirmustanciated, confirmed proved at this point?
> Indeed it's looking more like the inspectors were led to believe these were grave robberies based on what they found.
> You previously looked at the map showing the placement of the crimes and the dates of the reports are at mostly uniform and regular intervals.
> You do not know of any other documents at this point or have any relevant memories to confirm your theory. After all these are the original case files, anything else you'd find in say a newspaper or article would be speculation or theorizing. You may need to ask those who discovered the crimes to elaborate for more information.
-
> Indeed it is about time to "Check for overlooked insights", "Underscore breakthroughs from the selected parts of reports", "bring for... Explanation and to... Attention" these "more enlighting parcel of such criminal reports"... alongside their unreported consequential change & gain of perspective...
> You search for the turning point and find a few disappearance reports within the last grave robberies, after which all the cases are categorized as mysterious deaths.
> No names in particular come to mind.
> You sort the records by height and notice the earlier victims are generally shorter, and taller ones appear only more recently.
> You think hard about the bar mentioned in the report and recall it's been suspected of providing a front for illicit operations at night while also harboring criminals, but you've yet to find conclusive evidence that would let you form a cast against it. It primarily operates at night, making it difficult to get trustworthy eyes and ears inside.
> Looking through the documents something clicks and you have an epiphany. The grave robberies are linked to mysterious disappearances and deaths! Each grave robbery appears to have a matching disappearance/death file in which all the descriptions (height, gender) match!
> Putting two and two together you ponder why the cases were first labeled as "grave robberies"? Graves usually contain bones and occasionally valuables depending on cultural practices, you assume it'd be rather obvious to discern between a "mysterious death" and a "grave robbery". Unless... only skeletons were found, leading the guards to assume a grave robbery took place?
> Indeed it's looking more like the inspectors were led to believe these were grave robberies based on what they found.
> You previously looked at the map showing the placement of the crimes and the dates of the reports are at mostly uniform and regular intervals.
> You do not know of any other documents at this point or have any relevant memories to confirm your theory. After all these are the original case files, anything else you'd find in say a newspaper or article would be speculation or theorizing. You may need to ask those who discovered the crimes to elaborate for more information.
>... and also "with proper finesse"go for a consultation and intermediation with "Miss Lavender" since she is proven so far to be our main assistance, intermediary and... new contact.
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// :cherry:
ForGive :smallcherry: me, please… for having removed my previous post : it was... still somehow lacking in its foundation and, especially, potential follow-ups for any later in-play and/or out-of-play user //
-
> Indeed it is about hould time to "Check for overlooked insights", "perfom Underscored Copies from them selected parts of reports", "bring for... Explanation and to... Attention" these "more enlighting parcel of such criminal reports"... alongside their unreported consequential change & gain of perspective...
> You keep staring at the reports, however no new facts or deductions come to mind...
> You step out into the hallway to find miss Lavender but don't get very far when something (or someone!?) hits you in the back of the head knocking you out.
> You open your eyes and find yourself back at the Shining Needle Castle laying on a couch in the Library. Reimu notices you shift and runs off to fetch Shinmyoumaru.
-
> "Wha-!"
> Sit up and look around.
-
> You keep staring at the reports, however no new facts or deductions come to mind...
> You step out into the hallway to find miss Lavender but don't get very far when something (or someone!?) hits you in the back of the head knocking you out.
> You open your eyes and find yourself back at the Shining Needle Castle laying on a couch in the Library. Reimu notices you shift and runs off to fetch Shinmyoumaru.
> ...get up from the couch in order not to worry the two of them and...
> ... feel at the back of our head to determine if we either have any lingering pain or numbness or strange sensation or it was all "another Iris-induced Trial by sorta super-Illusion".
-
// Apologize for the long delay, hopefully regular updates can return!
> Feeling your strength return you sit up to take in your surroundings and find you're in the familiar library of the Shining Needle Castle.
> A small (but cozy!) fire is lit in the fireplace across from the couch you awoke upon. The necklace Patchouli gifted you is laying on a short table between you and the fireplace, with it's gem producing a dim glow. As your gaze wanders you spot the cylinder you bought in the Former Capital propped up against a shelf, alongside some odd 'burn marks' on the marble mantel that surrounds the fireplace (you sure hope those can be cleaned!).
-
> Were those burn marks always there?
> Groan a bit.
> "Great, I'm definitely losing my mind..."
> If we can, get up, walk over to the amulet, and retrieve it.
-
> Of course not! They look recent too!
> With some effort you manage to get up to grab the amulet and wear it, immediately feeling more of your usual energy return. It's exactly where it belongs now.
> After picking up the amulet you spot the red gem you bought in the ancient city lying next to the replica Miracle Mallet. Did these two raid your belongings while you were out!?!?
-
> What's the last thing we remember before that...experience of being a minister?
> Were we actually in such a ministerial role at any point in our life?
-
> Wearing something on your head, was it a hat, or something else? You can't quite put a finger on it.
> You recall holding many high positions in the distant past in your attempts to change society. What was it another Amanojaku once told you? 'Confronting long standing and widely accepted institutions head on rarely works. Sometimes you have to take a page out of their playbook and corrupt them from within.'
-
> So that vision, or hallucination, or whatever the hell it was, may have actually happened in the past?
> Check over our person to see if any of our other things have been taken.
-
> You suppose it very well might've happened... As to why you just re-experienced it just now, who knows? Your mind first goes to Iris, which would scarily imply that doll is capable of reading your memories, however no previous 'illusions' of hers have involved such experiences. No, it must be something else you reassure yourself.
> As you notice that everything on your person is gone you're drawing a blank as to what you're expecting to find! Perhaps you should recall specific objects to search for?
-
> Check what we generally have on our person, then.
-
> You don't go anywhere without your 'cheat items', especially since the fall of the rebellion. Unless you're expecting a duel you tend to carry three, which leaves room for other things you might need or acquire. Other than that you're drawing a blank, perhaps there's a specific item you're looking for?
-
> We didn't get anything from that cute samurai woman, did we?
> Grab the red gem, just to have it on our person.
> Then check for any of the alcohols we got out of the underground ciity with.
-
> We didn't get anything from that cute samurai woman, did we?
> Nothing comes to mind at the moment, perhaps a few more details have to be recalled.
> Grab the red gem, just to have it on our person.
> Then check for any of the alcohols we got out of the underground ciity with.
> As you pocket the gem you notice the mysterious spell card you got at the beginning of the incident is still on you. Are you going to leave the replica mallet on the table?
> Ah the sake! You investigate and find a bottle of Ancient Grade on the bookshelf the metal cylinder is leaning against.
> You decide to take inventory as you hear footsteps approaching:
>> Scarlet Pendant: A pendant containing a glowing red crystal. The feeling of drawing magical energy from it is intoxicating... Apparently a form of 'courting gift' for inviting familiars in some cultures.
>> Fiery Gem: A crimson gem which emits a very real fireball when struck. Purchased from an antiques and gem shop in the Ancient City.
>> Ancient Grade: The sake against which all others are graded. They must be at least as delicious as Ancient Grade to be allowed for sale in the Ancient City.
>> Mysterious Spell Card: A spell card given to you by Shinmyoumaru. According to what you overheard earlier they contain questionably obtained information on everyone, among a snarky comment or two on one's personality.
-
> Pocket the gem, then grab and pocket the replica mallet.
> Then have a look at our ID card, just to see if it says anything different than last time.
-
> You pocket the gem and mallet before holding the spell card and seeing all the expected information on it.
> Just then Shinmyoumaru and Reimu run into the room and exclaim in unison "You're awake!"
> Shinmyoumaru continues "When you put on that crown you got possessed by an evil spirit."
> Reimu adds "I believe that must've been one of Issun-Boushi's descendants, based on historical descriptions of the crown Shinmyoumaru and I found."
> The inchling princess approaches "You were still knocked out even after we removed it... I was so worried that I went to search for miss Reimu in case we had to exorcise that evil spirit!"
-
> Do we know if Shinmyoumaru herself is a descendant of Issun-boshi?
> Given how long we've been kicking around, did we ever meet Issun-boshi ourselves?
-
> Do we know if Shinmyoumaru herself is a descendant of Issun-boshi?
> Given how long we've been kicking around, did we ever meet Issun-boshi ourselves?
> You're certain she is, based on your research from before the revolution. Shinmyoumaru knows he's a distant ancestor, however you've avoided revealing the whole story of how the mallet ran out of energy, dooming the Inchling race to live amongst Oni. You hid all the relevant literature after discovering what happened, fearing Shinmyoumaru would either become too hesitant to use to mallet to further the cause, or become fearful of Oni (which Amanojaku are related to).
> While some might say it's a small word (no pun intended), you've only ever heard tales of the Inchling's most famous Oni slayer.
-
> Give Shinmyoumaru a blank look.
> "So what I'm hearing is that you have evil ancestry."
-
> Give Shinmyoumaru a blank look.
> "So what I'm hearing is that you have evil ancestry."
> She nervously smiles "I hear every dynasty has a few skeletons in it's closet! Though I'm not sure who that would've been..."
-
> Grin a bit.
> "I'm just yankin' your chain, Princess. Thank you both for taking care of me."
-
> Grin a bit.
> "I'm just yankin' your chain, Princess. Thank you both for taking care of me."
> Shinmyoumaru nods "I was so worried..."
> The shrine maiden interrupts "It's a relief to know that my services won't be needed after all." Whispering to herself "Which is a good thing because I haven't done one of these exorcisms in years..." Before walking away and announcing "I need to get back to the village because I'm afraid a new incident is afoot!"
> With a dash she runs off into the hallway and disappears from view.
-
> Call out to Reimu: "Don't be a stranger!"
> Then look back to Shinmyoumaru.
> "Where did my other companion go?"
-
> Call out to Reimu: "Don't be a stranger!"
> She shouts something back but the castle halls are too echoey to understand what she said.
> Then look back to Shinmyoumaru.
> "Where did my other companion go?"
> "Miss Sariel? I asked her to find Patchouli in the Scarlet Library in case we needed more help..."
> With an expression of realization she explains "I... I think I should have been more specific on how to get to the Scarlet mansion, she's not from around here is she?" before smiling nervously "Sorry!"
-
> Are we normal size or Sariel size?
> Is Shinmyoumaru normal size or us size?
> Shrug.
> "Eh. If she thought she needed more help, she would've asked for it."
-
> You had to revert to bring her here.
> Shinmyoumaru is about as tall as Alice's puppets.
> She nods before commenting "The red white sure was in a hurry... It didn't seem so urgent when I ran into her in the Youkai forest."
-
> "Oh, it's probably because she has a crush of me and is just too embarrassed to stick around now that I'm awake again."
-
> "Oh, it's probably because she has a crush of me and is just too embarrassed to stick around now that I'm awake again."
> With a grin she asks "Enough of a crush to turn the tide of our next revolutionary campaign?"
-
> "That would be nice! But that's certainly not my intent, of course. Nor is it my intent in trying to get the librarian and the samurai women to fall for me as well."
-
> Shinmyoumaru snickers before asking "Shall we visit the village to see what had Reimu in such a hurry?".
-
> "Sure."
> Hoist the Princess onto our shoulder to sit, as we typically do.
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> "Sure."
> Hoist the Princess onto our shoulder to sit, as we typically do.
> She happily accepts. "On towards the village?"
-
> "On towards the village."
> On towards the village!
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> "On towards the village."
> On towards the village!
> Half an hour later you arrive at the village!
> The princess asks "Which part should we visit first?"
-
> Is there any sign of where Reimu wound up?
> Is there any sign of unusual activity?
-
> Is there any sign of where Reimu wound up?
> Not at first glance.
> Is there any sign of unusual activity?
> While the majority of townsfolk appear to be busy with tending to their shops or trades, a small crowd appears to be heading towards the central plaza.
-
> Point toward the moving crowd.
> "That looks promising."
> Check out what's going on in that direction!
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> Point toward the moving crowd.
> "That looks promising."
> Check out what's going on in that direction!
> You follow them to the central plaza and find a large crowd gathered around what appears to be a golden statue in the center of the plaza! Not only that, almost everyone who attended the Hakurei Shrine Full Moon festival appears to be present here as well, along with some new faces. You can't seem to get a good glimpse of the statue due to everyone crowding around it, with the shrine maiden and two others at the center inspecting it closely.
> As you try standing on your toes to get a better glimpse the green haired shrine maiden walks into you absentmindedly, almost making you fall. Shinmyoumaru jumps from your shoulder and summons a small dish to float on before shouting "Watch where you're going!"
-
> Does the green-haired shrine maiden seem apologetic at all, or even like she noticed us?
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> Does the green-haired shrine maiden seem apologetic at all, or even like she noticed us?
> She seems to have been distracted and is just realizing what happened.
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> How large is her chest? (Don't stare or make a show of looking.)
> Recover our balance with a neutral face of displeasure.
> "What's the hurry?"
-
> How large is her chest? (Don't stare or make a show of looking.)
> Recover our balance with a neutral face of displeasure.
> "What's the hurry?"
> Larger than the red shrine maiden's.
> You regain your footing and give the shrine maiden a stern look.
> "Oh sorry, didn't see you!" she apologizes before placing something near her ear.
> "Nothing, just bumped into someone! I'm at the plaza, and there's something big in the middle everyone's gathered around." she tells you with a still distracted look in her eyes before continuing "I'll let you know when I find out more about it." before placing something in her pocket and suddenly changing topic "Ahh, you also attended the Hakurei Full Moon Festival right? Didn't catch your name..."
-
> Bigger than us?
> "Seija."
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> Bigger than us?
> "Seija."
> You... don't want to admit it, but it's true.
> She happily introduces herself as "Your friendly neighborhood miracle worker Sanae Kochiya!" before grabbing your hand and excitedly shaking it.
> Shinmyoumaru nervously asks "M-miracle ... worker?"
> The shrine maiden nods with excitement and explains "Yep that's all we do at the Moriya Shrine, you should visit sometime! We're the real deal, unlike some other ... institutions of so called faith."
-
> "I, uh...I see."
-
> "I, uh...I see."
> Changing the topic she points at the center of the crowd. "Any idea what's up with that? I just got here you see!"
-
> Shake our head.
> "No idea, we just got here ourselves. The red-white mentioned something earlier about a new incident that just sprang up, though...this is probably that. Want a boost to see better?"
-
> Shake our head.
> "No idea, we just got here ourselves. The red-white mentioned something earlier about a new incident that just sprang up, though...this is probably that. Want a boost to see better?"
> She shakes her head "It's closer that we need to get!" before stepping forward to try and push past the townsfolk and gesturing for you to follow.
-
> Quickly glance over at the Princess to make sure she's okay.
> If she is, follow that shrine maiden!
-
> Quickly glance over at the Princess to make sure she's okay.
> If she is, follow that shrine maiden!
> Shinmyoumaru is sitting on a small dish staring at the crowd.
> You push through the crowd (while ignoring the occasional rude comments) towards the center to find the red shrine maiden, the witch, and the pink haired ghost carefully inspecting a golden statue of a lady. This figure stands just a little taller than you, is wearing a long dress and has what appears to be long hair, while standing in a pose holding their arms out as if making an offering at a temple. While being all gold makes it a little difficult to identify at a first glance, the figure feels familiar.
-
> Is it perhaps a statue of one of the people from the party at the shrine the other day?
> Does it look like a 'normal' statue, or does it look like a real person was petrified?
> Can we feel anything supernatural from the statue?
-
> Is it perhaps a statue of one of the people from the party at the shrine the other day?
> Does it look like a 'normal' statue, or does it look like a real person was petrified?
> Can we feel anything supernatural from the statue?
> Now that you think about it yes! It is someone from the festival, though you can't quite place your finger on who...
> A scary thought comes to mind, what if the statue was the result of 'petrification' instead of being crafted? As far as you know there's no way to tell?
> Supernatural? No, but you feel wealthier just looking at it!
-
> Is it a statue of Yakumo, perhaps? She was conversing with the pink ghost lady...
-
> Is it a statue of Yakumo, perhaps? She was conversing with the pink ghost lady...
> Bingo! That's right! Though she does appear to be wearing a less formal dress, and lacks the hat she was wearing at the festival.
-
> Does Yakumo appear to be present here in the flesh?
-
> Does Yakumo appear to be present here in the flesh?
> If she is you haven't spotted her yet. Though rumor has it she avoids making an appearance where incidents are involved, as everyone's all to quick to point the finger at her. While it's not difficult to imagine why, you suppose there's probably a story behind it you haven't heard of.
> Anything to avoid having your teeth kicked in by an uninformed shrine maiden!
-
> "Isn't that Yakumo?"
-
> "Isn't that Yakumo?"
> "Sure looks like it ze?" Marisa nods.
> "This is her, I'm sure of it!" the ghost worriedly claims.
> "We just got here, we can't be sure of anything yet..." explains Reimu.
-
> "What, like, she got petrified or something?"
-
> "What, like, she got petrified or something?"
> The witch steps in "Petrified? Heavens no. Perhaps ... erm ... I'm not sure what the word is for turning into gold!"
> Reimu shrugs "Don't look at me, why would I know!?"
> The ghost appears to be taking this a lot more seriously than Gensokyo's best known incident investigators...
-
> Try flipping the statue from inert to alive.
-
> Try flipping the statue from inert to alive.
> As you attempt to focus on what differentiates the alive from the inert everything around you fades to ghostly outlines. The chatter amongst the townfolk and sounds of the village coming from the market go silent. Even the occasional birds chirping seem to stop. The houses, the sky and even the floor all seem to disappear and all you're left with are shapes of interconnected lines representing where everything once was. Directly ahead of you within the shrine maiden's outline you spot a fiery red yin-yang orb, to her left the witch's outline contains a bright sun surrounded by various star symbols, the ghost on the other hand possesses something peculiar; an exotic bird surrounded by cherry branches in an overwhelming pink hue. Which raises the question, why would a ghost possess whatever it is you're seeing? Aren't you trying to focus on the essence of life (as you know it)?
> Staring at the statue straight ahead you spot what looks like a lotus flower glowing in the exact pink hue the ghost's is. Only this flower appears to be surrounded by rotating layers of ancient looking sigils, almost obscuring it from view.
> The pendant you're wearing has started feeling warm. How shall Seija proceed from here?
-
> Do the sigils look familiar at all?
> Can we differentiate the sigils from each other?
> Are we capable of movement while we have this perspective of reality active?
> Are the objects within the three we know to be alive moving at all?
> If so, is the lotus flower within the statue moving at all?
-
> Do the sigils look familiar at all?
> Can we differentiate the sigils from each other?
> Not in the slightest, you're barely able to differentiate them from eachother.
> Are we capable of movement while we have this perspective of reality active?
> You begin moving but it feel resistance as if moving through water, only much denser. It's not tiring per say but you figure it would probably take an hour to even leave the plaza! Everyone and everything else appears to be just barely moving as well.
> Are the objects within the three we know to be alive moving at all?
> If so, is the lotus flower within the statue moving at all?
> Reimu's yin yang orb appears to have small flames dancing around it, Marisa's sun appears to be revolving around itself and emitting the occasional spark, and cherry petals appear to fade in out of existence while floating in the wind for the ghost lady. The lotus flower on the other hand appears completely static and inanimate.
-
> Try stopping the rotation of the sigils, in the hopes that doing so gets the lotus flower to be more dynamic.
-
> Try stopping the rotation of the sigils, in the hopes that doing so gets the lotus flower to be more dynamic.
> By grabbing the sigils (magically, of course!) you discover that every action carries an equal an opposite reaction, sending you spinning in every direction!
-
> Uwaaaaaaa!
> Hold ourselves still!
-
> Uwaaaaaaa!
> Hold ourselves still!
> You curl into a ball to protect yourself!
> The pendant has become hot to the touch.
-
> Mental review: What has happened in the past when the pendant got really hot?
-
> Mental review: What has happened in the past when the pendant got really hot?
> You recall it feeling a little uncomfortable to wear or hold but you've no idea what might happen further up the scale.
-
> Keep holding both the sigils and ourselves still, through sheer force of will if we have to, making a note if the pendant starts becoming ]too hot to touch.
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> Keep holding both the sigils and ourselves still, through sheer force of will if we have to, making a note if the pendant starts becoming too hot to touch.
> As you try to slow your rotation the previously stopped sigils start spinning once more, returning to their original speed as you come to a stop.
> The pendant is almost as hot as a freshly brewed cup of tea right now.
-
> Guh! Let go of the flip attempt and return to normal, just to be safe with the pendant.
-
> Guh! Let go of the flip attempt and return to normal, just to be safe with the pendant.
> Upon breaking your almost trance-like focus color returns to your world, and the familiar sounds of the village and wildlife resume.
> "It's her..." states the pink haired lady, before trying to hold the statue, her ghostly hand passing through it. The tone in her voice seems to have changed the shrine maiden's mind about the situation, who now looks alarmed rather than annoyed.
> Marisa is still not buying it.
> Sanae speaks up "Seeing that miss Yakumo is not here, I'm inclined to believe Lady Yuyuko!" before taking initiative "First things first, with this looking more and more like an incident let's move miss Yakumo's statue somewhere indoors where it will be out of the rain and away from curious eyes." before pointing at the inn.
-
> Are we aware of the pink ghost's relation to our cutie-pie samurai from the party, if any?
> Groan and hold our head a bit.
> "Yeah, it's her. There's a bunch of weird rotating sigil keeping her core in stasis."
-
> Are we aware of the pink ghost's relation to our cutie-pie samurai from the party, if any?
> Groan and hold our head a bit.
> "Yeah, it's her. There's a bunch of weird rotating sigil keeping her core in stasis."
> You believe she is the head of her household. She certainly looks the part!
> "Where-" Marisa tries to ask something but is interrupted by the ghost lady who floats over and questions "Odd sigils? May you elaborate?".
-
> "I can try. Are we gonna move her elsewhere, or am I publicizing your friend's personal aspects right here?"
-
> "I can try. Are we gonna move her elsewhere, or am I publicizing your friend's personal aspects right here?"
> The ghost nods "Tell me more when we finish..." before gesturing for you to pick up the statue.
-
> Purse our lips a bit at the assumption that we're just going to carry this thing.
> Then walk up to the statue and lift it.
-
> Purse our lips a bit at the assumption that we're just going to carry this thing.
> Then walk up to the statue and lift it.
> No one objects or suggests otherwise as you walk up to the statue and place your hands around it's waist to lift it.
> ... this is heavy! Even for you, a relative of the Oni species. You feel your feet sink into the ground slightly as you lift the life sized statue of miss Yakumo and realize it's made of solid gold, all the way through!
> If you had to guess, you'd say this statue weighs about as much as three grand pianos from the finest manufacturers!
-
> No one objects or suggests otherwise as you walk up to the statue and place your hands around it's waist to lift it.
> ... this is heavy! Even for you, a relative of the Oni species. You feel your feet sink into the ground slightly as you lift the life sized statue of miss Yakumo and realize it's made of solid gold, all the way through!
> If you had to guess, you'd say this statue weighs about as much as three grand pianos from the finest manufacturers!
> Gently place Statue!Yukari on the ground....
> Tell the others that Statue!Yukari only looks like stone but it is instead a,for her its size and proportion...,an oddly super-heavy gold ....
> Tell this is heavy even for you to the point you are going to try to flip the material weight,but the others also need to hold firmly onto her or it and be ready to pull down...
> If none object and when everyone,ourselves included,has a solid grip onto and ready to pull down...
> Try to "half-wafway flip the material/physical weight over the gold seemingly-stone Yukari statue"
> Eventually proceed to the inn imn a more or less cooperatively carrying manner.
// So the "spinning factor-force of each sigil pair around the Statue!Yukariscore"did "stop or move again proportionally to how much Seijia "was magically-reactively spun-back or slowed-down depending if she did little for her spinning slow-down or much with each or both to stop them" ...?//
//...If correct...o it would be An interesting magically reaction-interaction to mention for insight to our group of 4 and as 1 of the side to work around for "sigil-to-core unsealing"??
-
> Gently place Statue!Yukari on the ground....
> Tell the others that Statue!Yukari only looks like stone but it is instead a,for her its size and proportion...,an oddly super-heavy gold ....
> Tell this is heavy even for you to the point you are going to try to flip the material weight,but the others also need to hold firmly onto her or it and be ready to pull down...
> If none object and when everyone,ourselves included,has a solid grip onto and ready to pull down...
> Try to "half-wafway flip the material/physical weight over the gold seemingly-stone Yukari statue"
> Eventually proceed to the inn imn a more or less cooperatively carrying manner.
// So the "spinning factor-force of each sigil pair around the Statue!Yukariscore"did "stop or move again proportionally to how much Seijia "was magically-reactively spun-back or slowed-down depending if she did little for her spinning slow-down or much with each or both to stop them" ...?//
//...If correct...o it would be An interesting magically reaction-interaction to mention for insight to our group of 4 and as 1 of the side to work around for "sigil-to-core unsealing"??
> You set the statue down and try swapping it's weight, the transition catching you off guard and causing you to lose your balance and fall backwards. You hear a deep sound of something breaking as you hit the ground and find the patch of pavement you landed on has cracked.
> Sanae rushes over to see if you're alright and you explain that it must be made of solid gold! You can just about see Marisa's eyes turn into dollar signs (if you knew what dollars were, that is). Upon standing up you notice your weight has returned to normal, likely due to the fall breaking your concentration.
> Everyone seems to get the idea and cooperatively assists in moving the statue to the Inn.
> You recognize the lady at the front desk as Keine, the village teacher and guardian. She takes one look at the statue and gestures towards the large room left of the entrance which seems to double as a library and dining area for guests. Keine politely directs your group to place the statue at the head of the long dining table, where it won't be in the way of guests. As you set the statue down you can't help but wonder what those sigils you saw earlier could be.
-
> Did the Princess come with us? If so, how does she seem to be handling things?
> Did anyone new/unfamiliar come inside?
> Is the cutie-pie samurai here, given the pink ghost is here?
-
> Did the Princess come with us? If so, how does she seem to be handling things?
> Did anyone new/unfamiliar come inside?
> Is the cutie-pie samurai here, given the pink ghost is here?
> Shinmyoumaru is back at the front desk and is chatting with Keine who has returned to the lobby.
> No, however there is still somewhat of a crowd in the plaza, with some new faces here and there.
> It doesn't look like it, perhaps there were chores to do?
-
> What's the human/non-human split of the crowd look like? 50-50, or weighted in one direction or the other?
> Look to the pink ghost.
> "Okay. What do you want to know? I can't promise much, but I'll relay what I can."
-
> What's the human/non-human split of the crowd look like? 50-50, or weighted in one direction or the other?
> Probably slightly favoring humans.
> Look to the pink ghost.
> "Okay. What do you want to know? I can't promise much, but I'll relay what I can."
> With a determination in her eyes you haven't seen in years she asks "You mentioned something about symbols, what kind of wicked magic is this!?"
-
> "Uh, well, I'm hoping someone that's more of a subject matter expert can tell everyone that. This isn't really my field, you see...all I can do is tell you what I saw. I tried livening the statue, and things suddenly got real weird."
> Describe Yukari's symbolic core, including how it was static compared to everyone else's dynamic symbolic cores, and the behavior and appearance of the rotating sigils to the best of our memory. (We don't need to go into details on other people's symbolic cores.)
-
> "Uh, well, I'm hoping someone that's more of a subject matter expert can tell everyone that. This isn't really my field, you see...all I can do is tell you what I saw. I tried livening the statue, and things suddenly got real weird."
> Describe Yukari's symbolic core, including how it was static compared to everyone else's dynamic symbolic cores, and the behavior and appearance of the rotating sigils to the best of our memory. (We don't need to go into details on other people's symbolic cores.)
> The pink haired lady silently listens to your explanation, especially upon describing the shape you saw within her friend's outline. You subconsciously noticed she was clutching her fan tightly when you described how everything in the world seemed to come to a stop.
> "Thank you." Your explanation appears to comforted the ghost.
> Some of those who moved the statue into the inn have dispersed back out to the plaza, leaving Reimu, Marisa, Sanae, Keine, the Princess, the owner of Kourindou, the rowdy Celestial, an ice fairy, the pink haired ghost and you in the dining area.
-
> "No prob. Sorry I can't offer more. Like I said, not my field. Hopefully someone here can make sense of it."
-
> "No prob. Sorry I can't offer more. Like I said, not my field. Hopefully someone here can make sense of it."
> Cryptically she offers some words of encouragement "A clean mind sees things for what they are, not what they want them to be. Your description has given me hope that this magic, whatever it may be, can be reversed... unlike some actions that can't be taken back."
> With that she gets up and floats over to sit by the fireplace near the statue of Yukari.
-
> ...Sure, okay. That just happened.
> Shuffle over to nearby the Princess while waiting for someone else to have an idea (or for her to prompt us).
-
> ...Sure, okay. That just happened.
> Shuffle over to nearby the Princess while waiting for someone else to have an idea (or for her to prompt us).
> You stroll over to the front desk while Shinmyoumaru chats with Keine about new developments in town, like the casino.
> Sanae joins you once while once again holding something near her head "I would estimate two thousand kilograms." after a short pause she continues "I agree, someone could have seen something yesterday or last night... Though only humans are allowed in the village after dark."
> She places something in her pocket and suggests "We should find out if someone saw miss Yakumo around recently."
-
> 'We'? Am I am incident solver now?"
-
> 'We'? Am I am incident solver now?"
> Sanae pauses for a moment before asking "Doesn't Iris' challenge make us all incident investigators?" and approaching while asking "Or are you perhaps the one who'll reap the rewards this round?" sarcastically.
> "Truth be told, as a former outsider the Youkai of Gensokyo fascinate me and my patron deities, who would like to learn more about you! So would you up for teaming up to investigate this incident?" the Moriya priestess enthusiastically asks.
-
> Look to Shinmyoumaru to see if she's paying attention.
-
> Look to Shinmyoumaru to see if she's paying attention.
> She appears to have been listening.
-
> Look back to Sanae.
> "I guess? I'm not gonna, like, betray the red-white, though."
-
> Look back to Sanae.
> "I guess? I'm not gonna, like, betray the red-white, though."
> Sanae tilts her head "How so? She's probably investigating as we are right now."
-
> "I mean that you weren't exactly subtle in your introduction earlier."
-
> "I mean that you weren't exactly subtle in your introduction earlier."
> You appear to have caught her off guard "Erm- Be assured that my rivalry with Reimu is purely over promoting our patron deities. Nothing more!!"
-
> "Well, like I said, I'm not gonna betray the red-white. If that won't be a problem, then I don't see a problem."
-
> "Well, like I said, I'm not gonna betray the red-white. If that won't be a problem, then I don't see a problem."
> Sanae nods with a confused look "Well I'll start from the road leading to the plaza and work towards the open market." before stepping outside.
> Shinmyoumaru comments "She sounds so eager to investigate!"
> Keine wisely adds "You probably don't realize it unless you live here, but miss Sanae has worked hard to earn the faith of the village, therefore she has a lot to live up to."
-
> "I see. Be a real shame if she threw that all away by being the responsible party for what happened to Yakumo, wouldn't it?"
-
> "I see. Be a real shame if she threw that all away by being the responsible party for what happened to Yakumo, wouldn't it?"
> Keine affirms "She would never! I've known Sanae since she arrived in Gensokyo and seriously doubt she'd be able to perform her duty and exterminate a Youkai if it came to that. She's a kind soul, who as a former outsider is fascinated by anything supernatural."
> The receptionist warns though "While I hate hearing of my kind being sealed or exterminated, attacks by nameless Youkai still occur outside the village, despite being outlawed. Furthermore starting a few years ago residents have reported occurrences of Youkai using unbeatable attacks to secure victories in duels. I recall creating such patterns to defend the village against a so called outlaw, but it seems they continue to be used illicitly on unsuspecting victims. What I'm trying to say is, you'd be a fool to think the village would shed tears over a Youkai getting sealed or exterminated."
> Your conversation is interrupted by the ice fairy bursting through the doors and flying out of the building while announcing "I'll be the first to get the purple lady out of the golden ice!"
-
> Watch the fairy go with a blank look.
> Then turn back to Keine.
> "So who around here has the ability to turn a youkai into gold, anyway?"
-
> Watch the fairy go with a blank look.
> Then turn back to Keine.
> "So who around here has the ability to turn a youkai into gold, anyway?"
> "I've heard legends of alchemists turning lead into gold, but people? That's a new one!" the receptionist answers.
-
> Does this receptionist look familiar at all? It sounds like she was gearing herself up for that time when everyone was trying to bend the spell card rules to annihilate us.
> "Right. And isn't Yakumo supposed to be pretty powerful? Seems like not just anyone could pull this off."
-
> Does this receptionist look familiar at all? It sounds like she was gearing herself up for that time when everyone was trying to bend the spell card rules to annihilate us.
> "Right. And isn't Yakumo supposed to be pretty powerful? Seems like not just anyone could pull this off."
> Unlike more civilized duels, there were almost never any introductions or discussions before the fight where you'd clearly see your opponent. It's almost impossible to identify someone in the heat of a danmaku duel, and a lawless one at that. Combined with the fact that those were some of the densest and brightest patterns ever created, there's no wonder you were never identified you as anything more specific than an horned Youkai called an Amanojaku in the outlaw posters. On the bright side, it appears so far that hanging low for a couple years was all that was needed to grant you a clean slate once more- oh and people mistaking you for an Oni there's also that.
> Keine nods "Powerful indeed, yet such strength invites the risk of underestimating one's foes. There's a well known story I recite to the children every winter of a man slaying a giant. One lesson is about the man working smarter, not harder while the other is about not blindly relying on size or power and assuming victory."
-
> "Is Yakumo the kind of person to do that? I admit I don't know her very well."
-
> "Is Yakumo the kind of person to do that? I admit I don't know her very well."
> The receptionist thinks for a moment "I have only spoken with her briefly on a handful of occasions and wouldn't know for certain."
> With a snicker she continues "I'll admit that I've occasionally underestimated my students 'ingenuity' as well. Just the other week I caught a young group of students from the village creatively using the spell card mechanics to share the answers during quiz time..."
-
> "Mmm. In that case, setting Yakumo herself aside, who around here has the power and knowledge to do this to anyone?"
-
> "Mmm. In that case, setting Yakumo herself aside, who around here has the power and knowledge to do this to anyone?"
> Keine explains "It's been a hundred of years since the last time an alchemist resided in the village. Perhaps some of the village elders or miss Akyuu may know stories from someone who was around when they were alive?"
-
> Do we know who this 'Akyuu' is?
-
> Do we know who this 'Akyuu' is?
> From what you've heard she is the mayor of the village and lives in the estate opposite the inn on the plaza.
-
> "So no one recent that could be responsible for this, then."
-
> "So no one recent that could be responsible for this, then."
> She nods before explaining "Excuse me, I need to clean a room for a guest that's moving in."
-
> Nod.
> "Sure."
> Check on the Princess as Keine wanders off.
-
> Nod.
> "Sure."
> Check on the Princess as Keine wanders off.
> Shinmyoumaru asks "Where could we find out more about alchemy?"
-
> Do we know any alchemists?
-
> Do we know any alchemists?
> You do not.
-
> "Honestly? No clue. I can't think of any alchemists I know..."
-
> "Honestly? No clue. I can't think of any alchemists I know..."
> Thoughtfully she asks "Where should we start looking then?"
-
> "I guess we could ask around to find out who might know."
> Look over at the red-white to see what she's doing.
-
> "I guess we could ask around to find out who might know."
> Look over at the red-white to see what she's doing.
> She suggests "Maybe we could find miss Akyuu as Keine suggested?"
> The red white is still inspecting the statue.
-
> "Probably a good idea, if they're going to be busy taking a look at the statue up-close."
-
> "Probably a good idea, if they're going to be busy taking a look at the statue up-close."
> The princess nods and points towards the plaza.
-
> Head out toward the Akyuu estate, then!
-
> Head out toward the Akyuu estate, then!
> You step across the plaza and find a wide gate leading to a grand estate. A small river runs through the well kept garden and under a bridge that's on the path to the mansion. Scattered across the garden are small clay figures with pointy hats, placed strategically as it to ward off evil while watching over every square inch of the garden. Among them bloom magnificent flowers, meticulously arranged in alternating colors. Even the trees look imported and foreign to the village.
-
> How tall are the tallest trees? Consider both in terms of independent height and how they compare to the door(s) of the building.
-
> How tall are the tallest trees? Consider both in terms of independent height and how they compare to the door(s) of the building.
They're up to the top of the 2nd floor, in fact you reckon someone could climb them without much effort and enter through a 2nd story window.
-
> Did we get taller than the trees when we were experimenting in the library?
> If (if) we swapped with a tree so we became its size, would we be able to fit through the doors of the estate if we crawled or something?
> Does the estate have a clear mechanism for announcing one's arrival? Or does it seem like we're expected to simply walk up to the front door and knock?
-
> Did we get taller than the trees when we were experimenting in the library?
> If (if) we swapped with a tree so we became its size, would we be able to fit through the doors of the estate if we crawled or something?
> Does the estate have a clear mechanism for announcing one's arrival? Or does it seem like we're expected to simply walk up to the front door and knock?
> The change in perspective is difficult to visualize but you doubt it. More like as tall as the top of the ground floor.
> The estate might be grand enough to feature a double door, but it's still human proportioned. Maybe you could fit, but it would be impossible to move around inside without knocking down walls. Not to mention your new weight would cause the floor to collapse if there is a basement, which there most likely is.
> There appears to be a cord next to the door that can be pulled.
-
> Hmm. The trees are tempting, but it's probably best to wait until we've met and gauged the lady of the house before we try to entertain her with party tricks.
> Tug the cord. Make sure not to pull it too hard, it's most likely designed for weakling humans and we don't want to rip it clear off (at least not right now).
-
> Hmm. The trees are tempting, but it's probably best to wait until we've met and gauged the lady of the house before we try to entertain her with party tricks.
> Tug the cord. Make sure not to pull it too hard, it's most likely designed for weakling humans and we don't want to rip it clear off (at least not right now).
> You tug the rope carefully and hear a bell ring, followed by a voice saying something incomprehensible. A few moments later the door is opened by a purple haired lady in colorful robes, who introduces herself as Akyuu and invites you inside, wishing to learn more about the incident that was discovered this morning in the village.
-
> Nod.
> "Thank you."
> Enter!
-
> Nod.
> "Thank you."
> Enter!
> You follow Akyuu inside to the study where she serves you a cup of tea before sitting and gesturing for you to do the same.
> Akyuu asks "Has miss Reimu discovered any clues as to who may have placed that golden statue on the plaza sometime last night?"
-
> You follow Akyuu inside to the study where she serves you a cup of tea before sitting and gesturing for you to do the same.
> Akyuu asks "Has miss Reimu discovered any clues as to who may have placed that golden statue on the plaza sometime last night?"
> Tell Akyuu that while Reimu is still checking around for additional clues,there is a discreet possibility we may have found out "the how" that golden statue was placed there which may lead to "the who".
> Be more specific and reveal it could have been done through some sort of particular alchemic transumation or similar linking it to an alchemist leading us to search for clue and information for ones not far or visiting this area...even ones in the past.
-
> Have a take and take the tea cup with gratitude before speaking.
> While speaking, consider our host. Is she hot?
-
> Have a take and take the tea cup with gratitude before speaking.
> While speaking, consider our host. Is she hot?
> It's a pleasantly unique flavor you haven't tasted before! You discuss what's been discovered with the statue, Akyuu gasps when you explain that it's believed that Yukari somehow got turned into the statue.
> "That's a lot to take in... It's tough to believe miss Yukari of all people would fall prey to this. Perhaps it was some kind of ambush? There were no reports of a danmaku duel in the plaza last night..."
> You'd say fairly attractive.
-
> "Perhaps there was conflict elsewhere, and she was deposited here as a sign? An ambush is quite possible, if someone is looking to win that incident contest."
-
> "Perhaps there was conflict elsewhere, and she was deposited here as a sign? An ambush is quite possible, if someone is looking to win that incident contest."
> She nods "That's a reasonable explanation, yet it took several Youkai to move the statue? While taking a walk through the garden I saw you, an Oni, just barely being able to get the statue off the ground." Ouch that hurt, surely could've gotten the statue to the Inn on your own... probably? Would your back have ached for the rest of the week? Certainly.
-
> Look slightly awkward.
> "I mean, I could have moved it on my own if I had to...it was just easier with more people."
-
> Look slightly awkward.
> "I mean, I could have moved it on my own if I had to...it was just easier with more people."
> Akyuu smiles, as if expecting you to say that. "I believe it is very important to establish when the statue appeared in the plaza. As I'm sure you're aware those who don't have a residence in the village or aren't staying at the Inn aren't allowed to reside past sunset, for historical reasons. Yukari of all people would have certainly known this, and with her dedication to maintaining 'the balance of Gensokyo' would have avoided setting a bad example by violating it."
-
> Nod and sip our tea.
> "Makes sense. I assume it wasn't there last night and was first spotted this morning? The red-white was at our place this morning, and she mentioned a new incident before peeling off and heading here."
-
> Nod and sip our tea.
> "Makes sense. I assume it wasn't there last night and was first spotted this morning? The red-white was at our place this morning, and she mentioned a new incident before peeling off and heading here."
> Akyuu explains "I had sent a messenger early this morning to explain that a shiny statue had appeared on the plaza and that there may have been some magic preventing us from moving it. However it turned out to be just really heavy, enough to take a group of Youkai and an Oni to move it."
> In thought she adds "If I recall, it was spotted sometime just before sunrise when the merchants were out prepping their stalls."
-
> Look to the Princess.
> "Just to make sure - whatever happened last night, is it possible I did this?"
-
> Look to the Princess.
> "Just to make sure - whatever happened last night, is it possible I did this?"
> "Absolutely not!" she responds with a huff.
> "I was watching you the entire time!" she explains.
-
> "Okay, good."
> Look back to Akyuu.
> "So either a team carried it into the village under the cover of night, someone teleported it in, or Yakumo was trespassing when she knew she shouldn't."
-
> "Okay, good."
> Look back to Akyuu.
> "So either a team carried it into the village under the cover of night, someone teleported it in, or Yakumo was trespassing when she knew she shouldn't."
> Akyuu adds "Someone could have also transported it on top of a wagon or cart! But why place it in the middle of the plaza though? Not only was it a huge risk, but the statue was immediately discovered this morning! Anyone could've walked through there last night and discovered the culprit in the act!"
> In thought she explains "From what I understand of Iris' competition, to win one must cause an unresolved incident. Wouldn't the easiest way to win be just to never get found out? An incident can't be resolved if it's never discovered!"
-
> "Maybe causing a problem and not getting caught counts as a victory, even if the issue is fixed?"
-
> "Maybe causing a problem and not getting caught counts as a victory, even if the issue is fixed?"
> Akyuu argues "I recall the doll telling me 'unresolved', which I assume means 'at large', as in still causing trouble. Perhaps it's worth asking for an explanation?"
-
> "Iris, you're watching, aren't you? Mind clarifying?"
-
> "Iris, you're watching, aren't you? Mind clarifying?"
> On cue Iris hops in through an open window!
> "You ask and you shall receive~!" she announces while waddling around Akyuu's office desk.
> The doll bursts "The mayor absolutely, completely, one hundred and twenty percent indisputably is right! That's not just unquestionable, that's positively certain plus twenty percent!". As the doll walks around with nonchalance it steps over various devices causing colorful lights to appear below it.
> Akyuu seems to mutter "Someone got a dictionary for their birthday..." as music seems to fill the room out of nowhere. (:notes: The Grimoire of Alice)
> Standing on the window frame the doll complements "Untouched Score Volume two? A classic! Ever thought of doing a collab show with the puppeteer? This would be right up her alley!"
> With that out of the way, the doll hops outside as quick as it arrived!
-
> "Sure would be nice to have some semblance of privacy anywhere."
> "Anyway, in that case, my best guess is that whoever did this doesn't care if people know. Possibly because they don't think anyone can undo it."
-
> "Sure would be nice to have some semblance of privacy anywhere."
> "Anyway, in that case, my best guess is that whoever did this doesn't care if people know. Possibly because they don't think anyone can undo it."
> "That's... a worrying thought to have." she admits while stepping over to her desk and undoing whatever Iris pressed or moved around.
> Noticing the mess on her desk up close and looking at the clock she asks "If you excuse me, the doll left quite a mess and there's a meeting is starting in fifteen minutes with the board of education to discuss the village's longstanding problem of outdated textbooks. Please let me know what your investigation uncovers, or if the shrine maiden finds any leads!"
> With that she opens the door and politely gestures farewell.
-
> Do we have a way we could help clean up the mess beyond basic manual labor that anyone can do?
> Are Akyuu's robes voluminous enough that the Princess could hide under them undetected?
> What's the tallest thing in the room?
-
> Do we have a way we could help clean up the mess beyond basic manual labor that anyone can do?
> Are Akyuu's robes voluminous enough that the Princess could hide under them undetected?
> What's the tallest thing in the room?
> Looks just like the boring task of moving things back in order while pressing buttons on the odd devices.
> She can likely get away with it for a short amount of time if she's careful.
> Probably the desk Akyuu intends to clean.
-
> Stand up in preparation to leave.
> "Of course. Though, just out of curiosity, how available is our pretty little mayor for visits that are more...social?"
-
> Stand up in preparation to leave.
> "Of course. Though, just out of curiosity, how available is our pretty little mayor for visits that are more...social?"
> She admits "The calendar is quite full at the moment with board of education meetings and writing about Iris' incident for the chronicle, but we're having a puppet show carnival in a few days and you're more than welcome to attend."
> With that she politely shuts the door.
-
> Frown.
> "Well, okay then."
> Head back to where the statue was originally located when we got here.
-
> Frown.
> "Well, okay then."
> Head back to where the statue was originally located when we got here.
> You step outside and walk through the garden to the plaza. There's an obvious imprint in the dirt where the statue stood from all it's weight. The crowd seems to have dispersed with everyone from the village having gone back to their daily activities.
-
> Are there any tracks or drag lines leading up to the statue? Given its weight, if it were dragged or carried here, presumably there would be some sign of that.
-
> Are there any tracks or drag lines leading up to the statue? Given its weight, if it were dragged or carried here, presumably there would be some sign of that.
> You look around carefully but find nothing that would suggest tracks or lines. However you notice a very faint impression, like a 'dent' immediately in front of where the statue stood, as if something was dropped there.
-
> Presumably the dent is not from where we stood to lift the statue?
> How is the dent shaped?
> Are there tracks leading to and/or from the dent?
-
> You look around carefully but find nothing that would suggest tracks or lines. However you notice a very faint impression, like a 'dent' immediately in front of where the statue stood, as if something was dropped there.
> Presumably the dent is not from where we stood to lift the statue?
> How is the dent shaped?
> Are there tracks leading to and/or from the dent?
> Go near " the dent " to examine it more closely,and...
> ...confront it with the rest of the pedestal,even ,if no odd feeling or alert or such stop.us before,touching and prodding it and around it.
-
> Presumably the dent is not from where we stood to lift the statue?
> How is the dent shaped?
> Are there tracks leading to and/or from the dent?
> No, that would be the two impressions on the side near the cracked pavement.
> It's shaped like a short line, between two and three thumb widths long. It slowly fades in from one side and ends abruptly on the other side.
> Nothing you're able to discern.
> Go near " the dent " to examine it more closely,and...
> ...confront it with the rest of the pedestal,even ,if no odd feeling or alert or such stop.us before,touching and prodding it and around it.
> You widen your search area, but the area just a few feet from the statue has been trampled from the large crowd that was gathered here this morning.
-
> Is it possibly an indent from a geta tooth?
-
> Is it possibly an indent from a geta tooth?
> It could be! But what explains there only being one and directly in front of the statue? You recall having to pick up the statue from the side, as it'd be awkward to hold from the front given the pose it's in.
-
> With how Yakumo's arms were posed, is it possible she dropped something after being petrified that made this dent?
-
> With how Yakumo's arms were posed, is it possible she dropped something after being petrified that made this dent?
> The distance from the base would place the dent below where her arms were. With that an idea comes to mind: could this be the most elaborate heist ever planned?
-
> In what regard? What would have been stolen?
-
> In what regard? What would have been stolen?
> The first thing that comes to mind is whatever she was holding?
-
> Given where her hands and arms were positioned, what might she have been holding?
-
> Given where her hands and arms were positioned, what might she have been holding?
> Her hands were positioned as if offering something at a shrine. You'd guess it can't be something gigantic but something large enough to need two hands to hold.
-
> Indicate the dent in the ground.
> "Whad'ya think might've made that, Princess?"
-
> Indicate the dent in the ground.
> "Whad'ya think might've made that, Princess?"
> The princess hops down to the ground and crawls near the indent to take a good look at it. Then she moves a few steps away and whacks the ground with the Miracle Mallet, leaving a round indent that slowly fades as it's power drains. "Definitely not a mallet!" she laughs, scratching her head.
-
> "It might've been something Yakumo dropped when she got put here. But it's hard to think of what that might be, given how she was posed."
-
> "It might've been something Yakumo dropped when she got put here. But it's hard to think of what that might be, given how she was posed."
> The princess nods "From the time I spent at the Hakurei Shrine I don't remember Miss Yakumo striking me as someone who'd carry valuables around to show off."
> Sanae returns from the market as Shinmyoumaru finishes and asks "What have you been able to uncover so far?" before eagerly explaining her findings "Several merchants reported seeing miss Yakumo yesterday walking towards the plaza at sunset when they were cleaning their stalls. Furthermore no one recalls seeing her leave before it got dark."
-
> "So she may not have left the village? We've come to learn that she spotless have known she's not allowed to be here overnight."
-
> "So she may not have left the village? We've come to learn that she spotless have known she's not allowed to be here overnight."
> Sanae thinks for a moment "That she knew of for certain. Yet there's a little known loophole in the rule."
> Pointing towards the forge and school she explains "Ever wondered how Kogasa or Keine live in the village? The exact wording goes something like 'One must have a residence to remain or enter the village past sunset'. Now the way it's worded can be interpreted two ways; in the outside world residence is a type of status one earns after living somewhere for a long time, but here it literally means 'residence' as in a house or place to stay. So renting a room at the Inn *technically* gives you a residence! In fact that is how Tenshi opened the casino!" in an over enthusiastic tone as if announcing a big discovery.
-
> Are we aware of any subordinates Yakumo might have?
> "Will the innkeeper tell us if she stayed here last night?"
-
> Are we aware of any subordinates Yakumo might have?
> "Will the innkeeper tell us if she stayed here last night?"
> You've seen her accompanied by a fox Youkai occasionally. Perhaps some kind of assistant?
> Sanae nods "Certainly, given the situation."
-
> "Let's head there, then."
> Head to the inn.
> Along the way: "By the way, I remember Yakumo sometimes having a fox youkai in her company. Has anyone heard from her?"
-
> "Let's head there, then."
> Head to the inn.
> Along the way: "By the way, I remember Yakumo sometimes having a fox youkai in her company. Has anyone heard from her?"
> She nods "You'd think Ran would race to get here upon hearing of a statue resembling her master being discovered. In fact her absence was my first hint of something fishy going on here and could mean one two things: Yukari and Ran are totally in on this and the statue itself is the incident along with the mystery surrounding it, or Yukari really did get turned to gold and she's having difficulty reaching us as a result."
> With the eagerness of a trivia show contestant Sanae explains "She's actually a Shikigami if you didn't know, meaning she shares magical energy with Yukari and thus could be experiencing... how should I put it.. withdrawal symptoms without it. Kind of like what you'd experience if you visited the outside world for too long!"
-
> What do we know about shikigami?
-
> What do we know about shikigami?
> Shikigami are... complicated. You studied this subject extensively at the height of the revolution, as a potential pathway towards possess certain key figures that were certain to oppose the cause, yet you needed their (apparent) support to legitimize your new world order. A common misconception is that Shikigami are familiars, however the term actually refers to the technique of granting spirits a physical manifestation through possession, and receiving their allegiance in return. True familiars (referred to as strong familiars in literature) are speculated to be exceedingly rare and would require power greater than what Youkai can attain given their lifespan. The authors of the books you were studying were divided into two camps. One side compared true familiars to creating consciousness out of nothing but magical energy, and the other side speculated such a thing could be achieved by primordial entities which manifested at the dawn of supernatural beliefs given unyielding dedication to this feat. Weak familiars on the other hand are rare but not unheard of, they're basically Youkai or spirits with an existing physical manifestation that pledge allegiance to a stronger entity and share magical energy.
> Back to Shikigami, you were investigating the possibility of empowering friendly spirits to possess opponents, and while this would've worked against Youkai it does not work on humans (or anything that can exist without magical energy). Which included your two greatest threats, the red white and the not-so-ordinary witch.
-
> "So no one has heard from her? Hmm."
> Whatever we did to get into that zone where we could see people's spiritual cores or whatever, do it again. Then check what Sanae's core is.
-
> "So no one has heard from her? Hmm."
> Whatever we did to get into that zone where we could see people's spiritual cores or whatever, do it again. Then check what Sanae's core is.
> "Suspicious, right!?" she agrees.
> You attempt to focus once more on what differentiates the alive from the inert and time seems to stop as everything around you fades to ghostly outlines. Looking towards Sanae's outline you see a mirror in the shape of a star with a ghostly snake curled around it's points that's reflecting the image of a frog.
> Huh, you noticed her snake and frog hairpins, but didn't know their meaning was this deep.
-
> Since we didn't check earlier, what does our core look like, and what does the Princess's core look like?
-
> Since we didn't check earlier, what does our core look like, and what does the Princess's core look like?
> You're not sure what the proper name is for these things, but your symbol looks like a transparent sphere that appears to invert whatever is shining through it. Shinmyoumaru's is too difficult to identify from her unusually dense outline, perhaps this is just because she's smaller than you.
-
> Are Sanae's 'core' (for lack of a better word) and our 'core' in motion, without unknown sigils spinning around them?
-
> Are Sanae's 'core' (for lack of a better word) and our 'core' in motion, without unknown sigils spinning around them?
> These 'essences' appear to be animated in a way, like yours changing whatever shines through it, and Sanae's mirror showing a gentle breeze with autum leaves flying around in it's reflection.
-
> Leave this state of perception without altering anything and return to normal.
> "It would certainly be nice if we could find her, yeah. But I think it's the latter situation, and the statue is Yakumo."
> Explain the spiritual 'core' situation to Sanae, including how Yakumo's is surrounded by those sigils.
-
> Leave this state of perception without altering anything and return to normal.
> "It would certainly be nice if we could find her, yeah. But I think it's the latter situation, and the statue is Yakumo."
> Explain the spiritual 'core' situation to Sanae, including how Yakumo's is surrounded by those sigils.
> You let your mind wander and everything returns to normal.
> "As time goes on I'm becoming more convinced of the latter as well. Still holding out hope it's some stunt of the Yakumos."
> Your explanation piques Sanae's interest "So you're saying some symbols you don't recognize have surrounded Yakumo's... 'soul'? What a unique ability! It's so... abstract in a way? Like Youkai are created from human beliefs, which are typically very specific. Say, particular animals, nature like seasons and weather, or desires like health, youth, or luck are where a lot of Youkai originate."
> "What else can you see with your ability? Can you describe how you see it? How everything looks?" the shrine maiden rapid fires questions with the excitement of a little kid hearing about something for the first time!
-
> "Uh, well, this isn't really my specialty, to be clear. I can do it, but it's not what I can do, it's simply a thing I can do. If that makes sense? I don't know if I'd be able to see other metaphysical things, is what I'm saying. Anyway..."
> Generally describe what we just saw, including how it looks and such. Include details on what Sanae's 'core' looked like, but leave out details on ours or the Princess's.
-
> "Uh, well, this isn't really my specialty, to be clear. I can do it, but it's not what I can do, it's simply a thing I can do. If that makes sense? I don't know if I'd be able to see other metaphysical things, is what I'm saying. Anyway..."
> Generally describe what we just saw, including how it looks and such. Include details on what Sanae's 'core' looked like, but leave out details on ours or the Princess's.
> Sanae eagerly listens to your explanation, asking the occasional questions here and there, though surprisingly not so much about the 'cores' but more on how the world and specifically people's outlines looked. Your description of what her 'core' looked like put a glowing smile on her face.
> "What *is* your specialty then? I bet it something really abstract, like perception, or imagination? Maybe judgement, or intuition, or equality? Did I get close at least?" she tries to guess which Shinmyoumaru finds funny.
-
> Historically, how have we answered this sort of question?
-
> Historically, how have we answered this sort of question?
> Your answer... usually depended on what you were trying to achieve. On occasions where you were trying to impress through shock and awe you'd invent titles like "Goddess of Exchange" or "Keeper of Balance". While you're neither a goddess or guardian deity, such names made it easier to gather support for your cause, with the powers at be even welcoming you into their inner circle sometimes (thinking they could control you... oh how good it felt to finally turn the tables!). On the occasions where you had to play the villain to rally the masses against a common threat (that you'd slowly 'unmask' as someone high in the hierarchy) you'd go with being a witch, an Oni, a demon, or make up a story about a nightmarish beast that lives in the shadows or an assassin that stalks the night. Sometimes you'd even play both! A benevolent goddess by day and necromancer by night...
-
> "Mmm...I'm a bit of a private person when it comes to things like that, admittedly. But you can think of me as a keeper of balance."
-
> "Mmm...I'm a bit of a private person when it comes to things like that, admittedly. But you can think of me as a keeper of balance."
> "A keeper of ... balance?" she repeats, a little disappointed with the mystery as you both step into the Inn.
> Keine immediately notices the shrine maiden "Ah, miss Kochiya! I assume you'll be staying with us in the village to investigate? Your room can be ready by this evening, but I suggest you check in fast as only three rooms remain."
-
> Look to the Princess.
> Quietly: "We intended to go back to your place, right?"
-
> Look to the Princess.
> Quietly: "We intended to go back to your place, right?"
> The shrine maiden nods and approaches the counter while you hang back for now.
> Shinmyoumaru whispers back "But what if we miss out on something big? Everyone's probably here and the castle is kind of far away and isolated..." Is there a hint of worry in her voice? Nah, it's just your imagination.
-
> Quietly: "We can stay here tonight if you really want."
-
> Quietly: "We can stay here tonight if you really want."
> The princess quickly nods in agreement.
-
> Nod as well.
> Quietly: "Should we get our own room, or try to stay with our fellow detective?"
-
> Nod as well.
> Quietly: "Should we get our own room, or try to stay with our fellow detective?"
> The princess quietly whispers back "I-I don't know, we probably shouldn't bother her detective work. Miss Reimu really doesn't like to be distracted when she's focused on something. Unless you think you could help with the detect-ing stuff."
-
> Quietly: "I had a bit of a mind to take a night-time stroll, actually. See what might be out there. Or who."
-
> Quietly: "I had a bit of a mind to take a night-time stroll, actually. See what might be out there. Or who."
> She explains "I'll probably stay in tonight and look up alchemy stuff from in the Inn's library."
-
> Quietly "Sounds like a plan."
> Go back to paying attention to what Keine and Sanae are doing.
-
> Quietly "Sounds like a plan."
> Go back to paying attention to what Keine and Sanae are doing.
> "It'll be ready in the afternoon." Keine explains as she hands Sanae a room key before she steps away and retrieves that weird rectangle from her pocket and fiddles with it.
> "Can I help you?" the receptionist asks.
-
> "Uh, yeah, we were also interested in staying the night."
-
> "Uh, yeah, we were also interested in staying the night."
> "Excellent! With so many great minds investigating the statue's origins I'm sure this will get solved in no time!" she complements before flipping through a book and commenting "It looks like neither of you maintain a tab here...".
> The princess hops up on the counter before presenting two silver coins and asking for a double room.
> "... and five days worth security deposit?" the receptionist asks, as Shinmyoumaru searches her robe to find a smaller gold coin. Which seems to do the trick as Keine accepts the payment and hands Shinmyoumaru a rather large (for her) key!
> Keine explains "Your room number is 14. Dinner is served at sunset and breakfast shortly after sunrise!"
-
> "Thanks."
-
> "Thanks."
> Keine reminds "Like miss Kochiya's room, yours will be ready this evening." before asking "Anything else? Extras like pool access? Mini-bar?"
-
> Look to the Princess.
> "What do you think?"
-
> Look to the Princess.
> "What do you think?"
> "I don't think we should let ourselves get distracted." Shinmyoumaru explains before remembering "Ah, weren't we going to ask if miss Yakumo stayed here last night?"
> Hearing this Keine answers "While we try and avoid disclosing our guest list, these are some exceptional circumstances. Last morning a two night reservation was made by Ran Yakumo and her apprentice Chen, however it was miss Yukari that showed up later that day to check in. I believe it was around lunch time that she arrived, went up to drop off her belongings and joined us for lunch, after which she returned to her room for an hour or two before stepping out."
> Recalling something "Ah, there's an important meeting I have to attend at the mayor's office on school supplies. If you excuse me, miss Fujiwara should fill in for the rest of the day." she steps out of the front desk and walks across the plaza towards Akyuu's estate.
-
> Where did Sariel get off to, again?
> Frown a bit at the Princess.
> Quietly: "Running off as soon as we start asking about Yakumo, huh?"
-
> Where did Sariel get off to, again?
> Frown a bit at the Princess.
> Quietly: "Running off as soon as we start asking about Yakumo, huh?"
> She went off to find miss Patchouli from what you remember, but wasn't given directions. [Link to post] (#post_msg37406)
> Shinmyoumaru explains "Seems odd at first but miss Akyuu also said she had to attend some kind of school related meeting, and miss Keine is the principal after all..."
-
> "True."
> Look around for 'Miss Fujiwara'.
-
> "True."
> Look around for 'Miss Fujiwara'.
> Looks like she hasn't arrived yet!
> Sanae returns and with a mischievous smile asks "Up for sneaking around miss Yakumo's room? We might not get another chance, now that there's no one at the reception!"
> In her hand you spot a key similar to the one Shinmyoumaru received.
-
> Nod.
> "Sure. Lead the way."
-
> Nod.
> "Sure. Lead the way."
> You follow Sanae up the staircase that's opposite the dining area which leads to a wide hallway with rooms on each side.
> On the way she explains "I picked up the key along with a fan, parasol and Yin Yang orb this morning near the statue, before everyone else arrived. Now, Yukari of all people, like Reimu doesn't go anywhere without spell cards and therefore their absence is what leads me to believe the Yakumos are in on this. Not to mention the items I found were arranged in a near perfect circle around the statue... If this really was an ambush why would the culprits just leave everything? This is one of the nicest parasols I've ever held..."
> Holding up the room key which has the number 7 engraved on it "Not to mention whatever treasures would be in her room..."
> "Here!" she stops, pointing out the seventh room and inserting the key before turning the handle.
> Inside you find a spacious room with a set of windows that overlook the central plaza, facing towards the mayor's estate. There's an ornate wooden wardrobe, a large desk with various belongings on it, and a huge bed with a travel case on it. Approaching the desk you spot a Yin Yang orb, a magnifying glass, a blank spell card, a few silver coins, a goofy looking hat, an odd triangular shaped key, a dark red metallic case, a spyglass, a half disassembled Iris doll, and an empty cup of tea with a few tea-rings inside showing that it hasn't been washed since it was last used.
-
> Compare the orb Sanae picked up to the one in the room.
> Inspect the hat, key, and doll.
> Then inspect the case, opening it if possible.
-
> Compare the orb Sanae picked up to the one in the room.
> Inspect the hat, key, and doll.
> Then inspect the case, opening it if possible.
> She shows you the orb, what do you know? It looks identical!
> The hat would look very out of fashion in the village and among Youkai... More akin to something you'd find at Kourindou. The key ends in a small circle that has a triangular hole cut into it. Almost like something you'd use to wind up a toy. Looking over at the doll you see it's joints have been disassembled, consisting of a sphere and socket, surrounded by tiny springs akin to what you'd imagine goes in a pocket watch which provide a natural position.
> You inspect and open the metal case which surprisingly lacks a lock, instead featuring just a latch on the front. Inside are countless tools, some of which you recognize like a hammer or mallet and others that look foreign, like a silver cylinder with glass at one end.
-
> Might the key have gone to the Iris doll pre-disection?
> "Huh. What do you make of these tools in this case?"
-
> Might the key have gone to the Iris doll pre-disection?
> "Huh. What do you make of these tools in this case?"
> You can't spot a winding mechanism it would work with?
> Sanae steps over and explains "Oh? A mechanic's toolbox!" before realizing "They're used by kappa or in the outside to build or repair machines."
> Picking up the silver cylinder she presses something and a light shines from within "Like this one's a torch!"
> "Can you try opening the travel case behind you, I think it's stuck." Sanae asks.
-
> Try opening the travel case!
-
> Try opening the travel case!
> With a little elbow grease you manage to get the stuck case open and countless books spill out and onto the floor. "Whoa!" shouts Sanae before covering her mouth, realizing that no-one's supposed to know you're here.
> "Textbooks? Not just that, they're the same ones we used in school." she explains before picking up one labeled "Economics" and flipping through it to a random page which reads "Effects of increased demand".
> In the case you spot books with titles like "Algebra", "Trigonometry", "Literature", "Physics", "Chemistry", etc.
-
> How familiar are we with these subjects?
> How familiar are we with how Sanae came to Gensokyo?
-
> How familiar are we with these subjects?
> How familiar are we with how Sanae came to Gensokyo?
> Out of all the subjects, you've recently become familiar with Geometry and Trigonometry ever since the creation of the spell card system, as they're needed to create effective spell cards with adequate battlefield coverage and no safezones. Additionally your understanding of economics with regard to politics is probably deeper than anyone else's in Gensokyo from countless years of trying to topple hierarchies 'from the inside'.
> You know she arrived in the last couple years and have heard she used to live in a modern city, that is bigger than even the largest of capitals you saw back in the day.
-
> How old does Sanae appear to be?
-
> How old does Sanae appear to be?
> Younger than the red white, probably. Though you do feel like there's a generational gap between Sanae and practically everyone else in Gensokyo, having lived elsewhere for so long. Especially when it comes to all these newfangled 'technologies' and 'modern conveniences' their shrine preaches about.
-
> Purse our lips in thought.
> "...You say you used these in school? How old are you?"
-
> Purse our lips in thought.
> "...You say you used these in school? How old are you?"
> She nods "Twenty nine, I was just finishing highschool before we moved thirteen years ago. Looks like the books haven't changed a bit! I guess education is still underfunded when it comes to textbooks..." she sighs.
-
> "That's actually exactly it. The mayor said the meeting she and the teacher were going to was specifically about outdated textbooks. If these books are like your outside school books, then they're probably more up-to-date than whatever Gensokyo has. Do you think Yakumo may have intended to get involved in that issue?"
-
> "That's actually exactly it. The mayor said the meeting she and the teacher were going to was specifically about outdated textbooks. If these books are like your outside school books, then they're probably more up-to-date than whatever Gensokyo has. Do you think Yakumo may have intended to get involved in that issue?"
> Something clicks "A-ha! That must be why Yakumo was visiting the village for two nights! Akyuu's term is almost up and Keine must've approached her to work on education improvements for her last big action as mayor. If all goes she'll have an easy time getting reelected!"
> In thought "Reimu, Yukari and the Buddhists probably have the easiest time bringing stuff to Gensokyo, however Yakumo is probably the only one with an outside income able to afford such a purchase. Rumor has it she's does something related to engineering, but I really just can't see it. Every time lady Kanako has brought up the wonders of technology to her, she claims we're only creating problems just to sell the solutions to them."
-
> "So...maybe whoever did this did it to sabotage the mayor's re-election campaign?"
-
> "So...maybe whoever did this did it to sabotage the mayor's re-election campaign?"
> In shock "I hadn't even thought of that!"
> She explains "The only other candidates I know of are Rinnosuke, Mamizou, and Unshou. Lady Suwako has kept the Moriya Shrine out of politics despite Lady Kanako's objections because she feels it could tarnish our reputation if something out of our control goes sour."
-
> Are we familiar with 'Mamizou' or 'Unshou'?
-
> Are we familiar with 'Mamizou' or 'Unshou'?
> At one point you tried recruiting Mamizou to your cause, upon hearing she was good with disguises. However when you realized how expensive her services would be to hire for all the missions needed, your plans changed. Unshou? First time hearing that name.
-
> "Would any of them have the alchemical knowledge to turn Yakumo into gold?"
-
> "Would any of them have the alchemical knowledge to turn Yakumo into gold?"
> She answers "I don't think there's anyone in Gensokyo that I know who has such knowledge. I've only ever heard of scientific 'alchemy' in the outside world, and it's exponentially more expensive than just finding natural gold."
-
> Frown a bit.
> Look around the room for anything the magnifying glass or the spyglass might have been useful for.
-
> Frown a bit.
> Look around the room for anything the magnifying glass or the spyglass might have been useful for.
> Sanae asks "Do you think she was leaving the Inn or returning when she was ambushed?"
> The magnifying glass looks like it would help with inspecting the small parts of the Iris doll. The spyglass on the other hand... you peer out the window and spot Akyuu's mansion directly across and near the school. To the left and right are a few other shops and establishments.
-
> Which way was Yakumo's statue positioned relative to the inn entrance and Akyuu's mansion?
-
> Which way was Yakumo's statue positioned relative to the inn entrance and Akyuu's mansion?
> You recall it facing the Inn.
-
> "I'm not sure. She was facing the inn, but she also looked like she might have been holding something."
> Describe the small dent we found on the ground below Yakumo's statue arms.
-
> "I'm not sure. She was facing the inn, but she also looked like she might have been holding something."
> Describe the small dent we found on the ground below Yakumo's statue arms.
> Sanae thinks "Either she was returning to inn or turned around during the ambush, maybe after hearing something!"
> In response to the description "That's a good point, we could prove your theory by placing something in her arms to see if it fits naturally..."
-
> Is there anything in the room that would make sense as something the statue was holding?
> Nod.
> "It's certainly worth considering. By the way, something else I noticed. Take a look out the window with the spyglass and see what prominent building is in easy view."
-
> Is there anything in the room that would make sense as something the statue was holding?
> Nod.
> "It's certainly worth considering. By the way, something else I noticed. Take a look out the window with the spyglass and see what prominent building is in easy view."
> The pose implies it wouldn't be something difficult to carry, but other than that you'll have to try downstairs.
> Sanae walks up to the window and looks through the spyglass, exclaiming "Akyuu's estate? Wait I can see miss Keine pacing back and forth through the window upstairs!"
-
> "How does her face look?"
> Hurry to the window and see if we can make anything out without the spyglass.
-
> "How does her face look?"
> Hurry to the window and see if we can make anything out without the spyglass.
> "Looks like she's talking or explaining something?"
> You can tell something's moving back and forth between the windows but not much else.
-
> "Does she look concerned or flustered, like one might be if they were giving a public presentation after a colleague that was supposed to help out was unable to be there at the last minute?"
-
> "Does she look concerned or flustered, like one might be if they were giving a public presentation after a colleague that was supposed to help out was unable to be there at the last minute?"
> Sanae agrees "You hit it right on the head!"
> Shinmyoumaru pauses from inspecting the small tools and hops away from the table before explaining "I'll keep a lookout for anyone heading upstairs..." and leaving.
-
> Nod at the Princess as she turns to leave, then look back to Sanae.
> "You keep watching the meeting in case anything interesting happens. I'm going to check around downstairs to see if I can find what Yakumo might have been holding."
-
> Nod at the Princess as she turns to leave, then look back to Sanae.
> "You keep watching the meeting in case anything interesting happens. I'm going to check around downstairs to see if I can find what Yakumo might have been holding."
> Sanae nods before complaining "Aww, Keine walked away from the window. No wait she's back!" and continuing to watch.
-
> Head downstairs.
-
> Head downstairs.
> You step downstairs towards the common room and find that there's still no one at the counter, which Shinmyoumaru is now watching from the stairs.
-
> To the Princess: "I'm going to look around for anything that seems like Yakumo might have been holding it when she got statuefied."
-
> To the Princess: "I'm going to look around for anything that seems like Yakumo might have been holding it when she got statuefied."
> Shinmyoumaru nods "Just keeping watch for miss Sanae."
-
> Flash her a thumbs-up.
> Then get to searching around for what Yakumo might have been holding. (If there are no employees around, check employee-only areas first, to get them out of the way before anyone shows up.)
-
> Flash her a thumbs-up.
> Then get to searching around for what Yakumo might have been holding. (If there are no employees around, check employee-only areas first, to get them out of the way before anyone shows up.)
> After giving the thumbs up you slide behind the front counter and find a large guestbook detailing the check-in and check-out dates of each customer, a top-down wooden floorplan of the Inn with marbles placed in some rooms, a basket of keys, a deck of identical spell cards, and two stacks of paper which look like schoolwork. In the common room you find miss Yuyuko sitting near the statue and reading something while occasionally glancing up towards Yakumo. There don't appear to be any loose items around that don't come from the inn's small library.
-
> "Hey, you're Yakumo's friend, right? We've found evidence that she might have been holding something when this happened. Possibly something heavy enough to leave a small dent in the ground when it fell. Can you think of anything she might carry the way she's posed?"
-
> "Hey, you're Yakumo's friend, right? We've found evidence that she might have been holding something when this happened. Possibly something heavy enough to leave a small dent in the ground when it fell. Can you think of anything she might carry the way she's posed?"
> "I... might lack the experience needed to give a good answer" she warns before attempting to pick up a lantern on the table, her hands phasing right through it.
> After a moment studying the pose "A guess would be something large but not heavy enough to really require both hands, considering Yukari went nowhere without her parasol. Yet something valuable enough to pilfer, as she was found empty handed..."
-
> "Hmm..."
> Now that there's no crowd, get up close to the statue and look it over for anything of potential significance we might have missed earlier. Maybe her facial expression or body posture suggests something new about the moment this happened?
-
> "Hmm..."
> Now that there's no crowd, get up close to the statue and look it over for anything of potential significance we might have missed earlier. Maybe her facial expression or body posture suggests something new about the moment this happened?
> You walk up to the statue to examine it closely. Her expression almost looks like one of surprise, making you wonder if she had a chance to counterattack or even realize she's being ambushed.
-
> Where is she looking? Up, down, or straight ahead?
> Do her clothes have any pockets we can go through? Or is she solid and unmoving all along her surface?
-
> Where is she looking? Up, down, or straight ahead?
> Do her clothes have any pockets we can go through? Or is she solid and unmoving all along her surface?
> She's looking slightly downwards, just over her hands.
> All the places she'd store things look strangely empty.
-
> Given how she's positioning her arms and hands, and the dent in the ground below them that we spotted outside, would it make sense for her to have been carrying that travel case of textbooks?
-
> Given how she's positioning her arms and hands, and the dent in the ground below them that we spotted outside, would it make sense for her to have been carrying that travel case of textbooks?
> You feel it's unlikely, with the travel case being too big to fit between her hands unless she was carrying it vertically, which would look really goofy besides being awkward. It's plausible for the mark on the ground to have been made by the case though, if it landed on it's corner first.
-
> What about the dark red metallic case, or the Yin-yang orb?
-
> What about the dark red metallic case, or the Yin-yang orb?
> You doubt the dark red case would fit nicely, the Yin-yang orb on the other hand might.
-
> And would the orb have made that dent?
-
> And would the orb have made that dent?
> You really doubt it. So on the one hand you have the case whose shape possibly produces such a dent, and on the other hand the orb which probably fits in her hands but doesn't match the imprint.
-
> "...Those Yin-yang orbs she has. What do they do?"
-
> "...Those Yin-yang orbs she has. What do they do?"
> She shows you the orb and comments "At first I thought it was a danmaku familiar, you know the kind that leaves bullet trails or summons rings. Finding the second one though reminded me of an old incident where Reimu and Yukari teamed up to investigate the great underground, and used orbs to communicate. Could these be two of them?"
-
> Did we leave both orbs back in Yakumo's room?
> Where did Reimu get off to, again?
-
> Did we leave both orbs back in Yakumo's room?
> Where did Reimu get off to, again?
> There's the one with Sanae and the other you found still in the room.
> She was inspecting the statue until you brought it in, then agreeing to investigate with Sanae you visited Akyuu's estate. Upon returning everyone except Yuyuko and Keine had left, probably off investigating on their own.
-
> "We'd need to flag the red-white down and ask her, I imagine. Though I was thinking of doing that anyway, given we have a pretty short list of suspects that fit the likely motive."
-
> "We'd need to flag the red-white down and ask her, I imagine. Though I was thinking of doing that anyway, given we have a pretty short list of suspects that fit the likely motive."
> "Have you found anything we could use to bring her back?" the ghost asks.
-
> "Not yet. At least, not that we're aware of. The things we've found have lent themselves more to the who and why than the how."
-
> "Not yet. At least, not that we're aware of. The things we've found have lent themselves more to the who and why than the how."
> Somewhat disappointed she wishes you luck and explains "I'll be staying in the village as long as it takes to bring Yukari back."
-
> Nod with a pondering look.
> "...While you're here, where's your samurai subordinate?"
-
> Nod with a pondering look.
> "...While you're here, where's your samurai subordinate?"
> The ghost explains "Tending to the gardens around our home in my absence."
-
> Nod while getting up close to the statue.
> "And you have difficulty being corporeal?"
-
> Nod while getting up close to the statue.
> "And you have difficulty being corporeal?"
> Looks like gold, weighs as much as gold, which means... it's probably made of gold. Makes you wonder how those ancient societies which are said to have built golden statues of their deities moved these darn things.
> She admits "Such is the nature of ghosts..."
-
> "Once this situation is resolved, would you like me to try to change that for you?"
-
> "Once this situation is resolved, would you like me to try to change that for you?"
> With a curious tone "What do you mean?"
-
> How large is Yakumo's chest relative to the likes of ourselves, Sanae, and Patchouli?
> "I can't promise anything, but I might be able to make you corporeal, at least temporarily. It's something to think about while I try something else with your friend here."
> Wrap our arms securely around the statue of Yakumo, and go back into Flipping From Inanimate To Animate Mode, so we can see her core and those sigils again.
-
> How large is Yakumo's chest relative to the likes of ourselves, Sanae, and Patchouli?
> "I can't promise anything, but I might be able to make you corporeal, at least temporarily. It's something to think about while I try something else with your friend here."
> Wrap our arms securely around the statue of Yakumo, and go back into Flipping From Inanimate To Animate Mode, so we can see her core and those sigils again.
> You'd guess about the same, though it's difficult to tell on the statue.
> She nods "I wish you the best of luck."
> Everything seems to stop as you focus on the statue and notice the rotating sigils once more.
-
> Keeping our grip on the statue and bracing ourselves for the possibility of sudden rapid movement, will the sigils to stop rotating.
-
> Keeping our grip on the statue and bracing ourselves for the possibility of sudden rapid movement, will the sigils to stop rotating.
> Stopping the sigils sends you spinning unpredictably, only you notice that the statue's outline remains fixed. Your outline is merely passing through it unobstructed.
-
> Damnit.
> How quickly are we spinning? Do we have enough of a sense of perspective to be able to function?
-
> Damnit.
> How quickly are we spinning? Do we have enough of a sense of perspective to be able to function?
> You can't really tell directions, especially since everything is just formed out of a web of lines.
-
> Cease our efforts to stop the sigils.
> Then let go of our flip attempt without doing anything, and take a couple steps back from the statue.
-
> Cease our efforts to stop the sigils.
> Then let go of our flip attempt without doing anything, and take a couple steps back from the statue.
> You return everything to how it was and step back from the statue.
> The ghost asks "Discovered something?"
-
> "Yes - that the idea I just had might end really poorly if I'm right up next to her."
> Go back into Flipping From Inanimate To Animate Mode once more. Once we do, try walking toward the statue again.
-
> "Yes - that the idea I just had might end really poorly if I'm right up next to her."
> Go back into Flipping From Inanimate To Animate Mode once more. Once we do, try walking toward the statue again.
> Before she has the chance to comment everything stops as you focus on the statue once more. Walking in this state is very slow, it may take a minute or two to reach the statue at this pace.
-
> Stop walking, then.
> Will the sigils to stop with the expectation that we'll begin spinning willy-nilly.
> Then close our eyes and focus on identifying what force is affecting us while we spin.
-
> Stop walking, then.
> Will the sigils to stop with the expectation that we'll begin spinning willy-nilly.
> Then close our eyes and focus on identifying what force is affecting us while we spin.
> You focus on slowing down the sigils which sends you spinning, however this time you try and figure out what's making you spin. It doesn't feel like something is pushing you in some way, yet you are not slowing down either.
-
> Try willing ourselves to stop moving while still also willing the sigils to stop moving.
-
> Try willing ourselves to stop moving while still also willing the sigils to stop moving.
> Whenever you will yourself to slow down or stop the sigils start rotating again and vice versa.
// Hint: Whenever Seija is 'stopping' something she's really just exchanging her stopped-ness for it's movement.
-
> Hmm.
> Do we think we could physically interact with the cores we've seen?
-
> Hmm.
> Do we think we could physically interact with the cores we've seen?
> You doubt it, everything seems to just pass right through the outlines.
-
> In that case, what might happen if we 'let go' of the current mode while we're still spinning and the sigils are still?
-
> In that case, what might happen if we 'let go' of the current mode while we're still spinning and the sigils are still?
> You try letting go of your focus, but you find that difficult do to while spinning. Like if you try not thinking about something, you actually just end up thinking about it anyway.
-
> Stop spinning and let the sigils go back to normal.
> Consider what we've learned about this current 'mode' and how we've been able to interact with the sigils to consider things we haven't tried yet that might yield new results.
-
> Stop spinning and let the sigils go back to normal.
> Consider what we've learned about this current 'mode' and how we've been able to interact with the sigils to consider things we haven't tried yet that might yield new results.
> You return everything to how it was before.
> When you focus on the difference between the animate and inanimate everything turns into a web of lines forming outlines with symbolic 'essences' or 'cores' appearing in the animate. The one in the center of miss Yakumo's statue is surrounded by unrecognizable sigils. Could this be hinting towards what caused her to turn to gold?
> Everything feels like it slows whenever you focus, and so far you've figured out that your outline just passes through other outlines which really limits your interactions. It's almost like you have trouble being tangible, kind of like someone else you just met.
-
> Are we able to touch our essence/core?
-
> Are we able to touch our essence/core?
> You doubt it's possible using your outline.
-
> When we move in this mode, slow as we are, does our 'core' move with us?
-
> When we move in this mode, slow as we are, does our 'core' move with us?
> You recall it moving with you.
-
> Let our focus go and go back to normal perception mode.
-
> Let our focus go and go back to normal perception mode.
> You let yourself get distracted and everything returns to normal.
> Sanae steps into the room, commenting "Looks like no one ever showed up to the front desk...", followed by Shinmyoumaru.
-
> "Anything interesting happen out the window?"
-
> "Anything interesting happen out the window?"
> "Just more of the same really. Akyuu stepped up for a moment as well." Sanae explains.
> "There's only a few hours in the day left, we should check a few other stores in the village before they close like the blacksmith, the bookstore and Kourindou on the outskirts. I suggest we each visit one and meet at the last one before sunset." Sanae explains.
-
> Do we know what a 'Kourindou' is?
-
> Do we know what a 'Kourindou' is?
> It's probably the best known shop for magical trinkets and other oddities.
-
> Do we know the proprietor/proprietess?
-
> Do we know the proprietor/proprietess?
> You've heard Shinmyoumaru call him Rinnosuke.
-
> "Kourindou? You mean the place run by one of the primary suspects?"
-
> "Kourindou? You mean the place run by one of the primary suspects?"
> Your comment gets the ghost's attention while Sanae comments in thought "I- guess you could call him that?"
> Seeing your appetite for investigation the shrine maiden then asks "So, do you want to meet up there before sunset and confront him about last night's events?"
-
> "That probably makes the most sense. For splitting up before then, as nice as it would be to visit little Kosuzu again, I have unfinished business with the blacksmith. If you're going to the bookstore, say hi to her for me."
-
> "That probably makes the most sense. For splitting up before then, as nice as it would be to visit little Kosuzu again, I have unfinished business with the blacksmith. If you're going to the bookstore, say hi to her for me."
> She states "Will do!" before stepping outside.
> Shinmyoumaru comments "I'll keep miss Saigyouji company and look up alchemy in the Inn's library."
-
> Nod.
> "Alright. I do think you'll want to talk to Kogasa at some point, though. Pay her a visit when you can."
-
> Nod.
> "Alright. I do think you'll want to talk to Kogasa at some point, though. Pay her a visit when you can."
> Shinmyoumaru agrees.
-
> "Good luck to all of us."
> Leave the inn and head to the blacksmith.
-
> "Good luck to all of us."
> Leave the inn and head to the blacksmith.
> You walk back to the village blacksmith and enter the shop. Kogasa greets you before announcing "I found a lead on the symbols on the odd sword you left!"
-
> Raise our eyebrows in interest.
> "Really? What'd'ya find?"
-
> Raise our eyebrows in interest.
> "Really? What'd'ya find?"
> Kogasa explains "Well you see, I don't have much literature that's not directly related to smithing, so I've just been hopping in and out of Kosuzu's bookstore to 'browse'. Last night I was able to stay a bit longer than usual before closing time thanks to a customer keeping Kosuzu occupied, which is when I found the symbols in a journal describing faraway places. Specifically in the chapter about the Latin alphabet, which was apparently used in a grand empire long ago."
-
> Do we know anything about such an alphabet or such an empire?
-
> Do we know anything about such an alphabet or such an empire?
> You have heard about the empire but never got there before it's fall.
-
> "Huh. I had no idea..."
-
> "Huh. I had no idea..."
> She places it on the table and frowns "First time I've heard of it as well, meaning I can't tell you what the writing means other than where it's from."
-
> "Writing? Maybe Kosuzu could tell us."
-
> "Writing? Maybe Kosuzu could tell us."
> "Oh that's a good idea! How didn't I think of that?" she agrees.
-
> Shrug.
> "Maybe you were distracted by the hubbub earlier?"
-
> Shrug.
> "Maybe you were distracted by the hubbub earlier?"
> "Yeah perhaps... Kosuzu was being kind of loud and pushy trying to chase that sale." she admits.
> Frowning "Guess she hasn't learned yet that being too aggressive really can hurt sales..."
-
> "Oh, I meant Yakumo getting turned into a gold statue."
-
> "Oh, I meant Yakumo getting turned into a gold statue."
> "Scary, right?" she nods.
-
> "I certainly wouldn't want that to happen to me, yeah. Do you happen to know anything about what happened?"
-
> "I certainly wouldn't want that to happen to me, yeah. Do you happen to know anything about what happened?"
> "Not really, I hit the sack after the bookstore closed." answers Kogasa.
-
> Nod.
> "How about this morning?"
-
> Nod.
> "How about this morning?"
> Pointing outside "I noticed the commotion and followed the crowd to the statue. I remember Sanae being there picking things up from the ground. At first I thought it was some narcissistic prank from Yakumo, but looking closer I found it to be impossible. Gold is one of the densest materials around, if you've ever held a gold coin or bar you'd be immediately surprised by it's weight compared to it's size. Weight however, does not create strength... A knife made of solid gold would be bent after serving a single slice of cake!"
> Slamming her fist on the counter she exclaims "That statue should have long collapsed under its own weight! No sculptor in Gensokyo should be able to create such an object."
-
> Nod.
> "I can definitely verify its weight is as you say, having lifted it briefly myself. Do you have any theories as to why it's still standing, then?"
-
> Nod.
> "I can definitely verify its weight is as you say, having lifted it briefly myself. Do you have any theories as to why it's still standing, then?"
> Raising her eyebrow "You've.. picked it up?" before explaining "A metal can be strengthened by combining it with other metals to form alloys, something all modern swords use to stay sharp longer. This is actually what clued me into looking at ancient civilizations to identify the sword you asked to look into. It's blade is not made of an alloy, just pure iron. In fact the purest iron I've ever seen in a blade, so dense not even rust can form."
> She admits "This statue however, defies any physics of metalworking I know of... Being curious as to how it was holding up all that weight I ran a little test to measure it's purity and found it's actually solid gold." before revealing a glass rod and dipping it's one end in a green vial then holding it's other end against a gold coin. A few seconds later you notice a yellow line appearing at the bottom of the rod and traveling upwards before reaching the top where '999+' is marked.
-
> Do we know what that thing she just did means?
-
> Do we know what that thing she just did means?
> No! First time ever seeing such a device! Perhaps it's a metalworkers thing?
-
> Give the rod a curious look.
> "What's that thing?"
-
> Give the rod a curious look.
> "What's that thing?"
> "Every prospector's friend, the trusty gold tester!" she announces before presenting it on the counter.
> "Interested in purchasing one? For a silver coin." she asks.
-
> Do we have any money on us?
> "Huh. And how did you test that the statue was really solid gold with that thing?"
-
> Do we have any money on us?
> "Huh. And how did you test that the statue was really solid gold with that thing?"
> You tend to let the princess pick up any tabs.
> "By holding up the gold tester against it when everyone was distracted by the red whites arrival!"
-
> "...I guess that makes sense."
> "Well, alright, since you know as much as you do already, I'll let you in on a little somethin'. Don't go spreading this, though."
> Take on a quieter tone and get a little closer.
> "That statue is actually Yakumo herself. Someone did that to her."
-
> "...I guess that makes sense."
> "Well, alright, since you know as much as you do already, I'll let you in on a little somethin'. Don't go spreading this, though."
> Take on a quieter tone and get a little closer.
> "That statue is actually Yakumo herself. Someone did that to her."
> You can see the color drain from her face as you reveal the statue's secret. She probably considered it, but that's different from hearing your suspicions be confirmed.
> "How did Yakumo of all people fall prey to this?" She questions.
-
> "Not sure. But we have reason to believe it was done to sabotage the current mayor's re-election campaign."
-
> "Not sure. But we have reason to believe it was done to sabotage the current mayor's re-election campaign."
> "But why? Akyuu has been so supportive over the last few years, especially with small stores like the one I run." Kogasa explains.
-
> "Maybe one of her opponents, or one of their supporters. really wants to win."
-
> "Maybe one of her opponents, or one of their supporters. really wants to win."
> "Rinnosuke and Mamizou also own shops, and Unshou runs a small practice in the village as well..." she comments.
> In thought she nods "Maybe you should look deeper into which of their supporters stand to gain the most from their success."
-
> "Are there any obvious ones? I'm not really up-to-date on village politics, you see."
-
> "Are there any obvious ones? I'm not really up-to-date on village politics, you see."
> "I too only know the candidates, not their supporters." she admits.
-
> "Mmm. And how soon is the election?"
-
> "Mmm. And how soon is the election?"
> She looks at the calendar "In- five days!"
-
> Look elsewhere.
> "Iris, is that our time limit for this nonsense?"
-
> Look elsewhere.
> "Iris, is that our time limit for this nonsense?"
> With a skip and a jump Iris hops into the store, announcing "Correct!" before dashing out.
> Kogasa raises an eyebrow.
-
> "Don't worry about that. Anyway, that's all very good to know, thanks."
-
> "Don't worry about that. Anyway, that's all very good to know, thanks."
> "Thanks for stopping by!" she waves.
-
> "Of course, and thank you for your study of my sword."
> Speaking of, take it if it's still on the table.
> "When do you get off work, anyway? I could probably get you a chance to study the statue up close some more if you wanted one."
-
> "Of course, and thank you for your study of my sword."
> Speaking of, take it if it's still on the table.
> "When do you get off work, anyway? I could probably get you a chance to study the statue up close some more if you wanted one."
> You obtain: 'Excalibur' (?): You've been led to believe this is the sword of legends far away.
> She glances at a mechanical clock on a shelf "At sunset... in less than a half hour. Though, I'm not sure what else there I'll be able to discover as a metallurgist."
> Recalling something she adds "While looking into your sword I came across descriptions of another legend from far away, a supposed recipe for turning lead to gold. Sounds like a tall tale to me as a smith, but there's always a little truth in legends right?"
-
> "Huh. Maybe something similar was employed here, then? Obviously Yakumo's not made of lead, but."
-
> "Huh. Maybe something similar was employed here, then? Obviously Yakumo's not made of lead, but."
> "Maybe something worth asking miss Patchouli about?" she comments before returning to measuring out some small mechanical parts.
-
> "Oh, is she around?"
-
> "Oh, is she around?"
> "She was around earlier, but I think she retired for the night."
-
> We probably can't get to the vampire mansion and back in half an hour, can we?
-
> We probably can't get to the vampire mansion and back in half an hour, can we?
> What's that thing Shinmyoumaru says when she's tired? Why do today what you can do tomorrow!
-
> "Damn. I'll have to check with her tomorrow."
-
> "Damn. I'll have to check with her tomorrow."
> "Hopefully she either has answers or can point you in the right direction!"
-
> "Hopefully. Though, all that aside, we'd still be glad to have you stop by for a visit, at least."
-
> "Hopefully. Though, all that aside, we'd still be glad to have you stop by for a visit, at least."
> "I could make a trip after closing for lunch, but it'll have to be short!" Kogasa explains.
-
> Wait, what time of day is it, again?
-
> Wait, what time of day is it, again?
> When you discussed with Sanae to meet at Kourindou before it closes, you reckon you had a little under an hour of daylight left. Much of the day must've passed while you were knocked out.
-
> "Bit of a late lunch, huh?"
-
> "Bit of a late lunch, huh?"
> Surprised she laughs "Tomorrow, not now!"
-
> "Oh, got it. I can't guarantee we'll be in the area at that time, but I'll at least let you know if I know we won't be."
-
> "Oh, got it. I can't guarantee we'll be in the area at that time, but I'll at least let you know if I know we won't be."
> "Sounds good! Now I need to finish some repairs before closing time if you don't mind."
-
> "Sure thing. Have a good'un."
> Step back outside with our newly-researched sword.
-
> "Sure thing. Have a good'un."
> Step back outside with our newly-researched sword.
> She waves as you step outside. The evening sky has turned a beautiful light hue of orange.
-
> Oop! Not much time left. Shuffle on over to Kourindou.
-
> Oop! Not much time left. Shuffle on over to Kourindou.
> Your trek over to Kourindou is uneventful. Sanae, who is waiting outside notices your newly reacquired sword but steps inside without commenting. Looks like the items that are usually outside to draw in customers have already been packed up.
-
> Head inside as well.
-
> Head inside as well.
> You step inside Kourindou, and wow the shop feels.. busy, to put it mildly. Every nook, every shelf, every square inch of this shop is overflowing with stuff, in fact you can barely see the floor! You'd call them products to be polite but (9) out of things on display are just junk.
> If you ever hope of finding something useful in here, it's probably best to look for specific items! Else you're likely to get distracted and overspend, like a certain princess wandering through the market without a list...
> The only tidy area in the entire store is a long, tall counter, behind which the shopkeeper Rinnosuke is seated.
> Responding to a question the shopkeeper states "Indeed, she stopped by around noon to trade wares for almost an hour."
-
// Don't have the time to look into what time-passing action I want to take, so:
> Does it appear that Sanae asked him that question?
-
// Don't have the time to look into what time-passing action I want to take, so:
> Does it appear that Sanae asked him that question?
> It appears so.
-
> "Yakumo did?"
-
> "Yakumo did?"
> Noticing you he adds "Indeed, she dropped by as I was reopening after lunch break."
-
> "Yesterday, I assume?"
-
> "Yesterday, I assume?"
> He nods in agreement.
> Sanae asks "Well what were you 'trading' for an entire hour?"
> The shopkeeper retrieves a small notebook and starts reading through various sales and purchases (from the point of view of the store):
- Sale: Oni Slayer x 12btl
- Purchase: Misc. silverware
- Sale: Catnip x 2lbs
- Sale: Laser Pointer
- Purchase: Kerosene x 55gal
- Purchase: Wall mirror
- Sale: Double acting steam cylinder
- Sale: Sand bag x3
- Sale: Misc. traffic signs
-
> Are we aware of Yakumo having a pet cat?
> What might a double acting steam cylinder be used for, in our experience?
> Give a low whistle at the list.
> "Damn. Wish I'd been invited to that party."
-
> Are we aware of Yakumo having a pet cat?
> What might a double acting steam cylinder be used for, in our experience?
> Give a low whistle at the list.
> "Damn. Wish I'd been invited to that party."
> They're not that uncommon as there's quite a rodent presence in Gensokyo.
> That sounds like a steam locomotive part.
> Sanae laughs "Pfft. The Moriya events are way more fun than Suika's! They don't even serve beer!"
-
> "You don't want to know where I've been lately, then. Wonder what's up with that steam cylinder? Don't think I've seen any trains here."
-
> "You don't want to know where I've been lately, then. Wonder what's up with that steam cylinder? Don't think I've seen any trains here."
> Hearing you mention trains Sanae jumps and exclaims "Ah! The hat, it's an engineers cap!".
> Rinnosuke explains "Miss Yakumo is quite fascinated by steam power, and especially locomotives. She frequently stops by to look for parts to restore various antique engines."
-
> Come to think of it, we didn't see that steam cylinder in Yakumo's room, did we?
> Recalling both the position of Yakumo's hands and arms, and the shape of the dent in the group, consider whether or not it possible she was carrying the steam cylinder, and dropped it when she got petrified.
-
> Come to think of it, we didn't see that steam cylinder in Yakumo's room, did we?
> Recalling both the position of Yakumo's hands and arms, and the shape of the dent in the group, consider whether or not it possible she was carrying the steam cylinder, and dropped it when she got petrified.
> You'd surely recall something that large. Not to mention others would've certainly seen it as well.
> That'd surely make a dent, but given the pose you can't imagine carrying something that large comfortably. Perhaps you could try it with that heavy cylinder thing you bought underground? It may be of a similar weight and size.
-
> Do we have that cylinder with us? Or did we leave it back at the castle?
-
> Do we have that cylinder with us? Or did we leave it back at the castle?
> You left it in the castle library.
-
> "Huh. I guess that would explain some things."
-
> "Huh. I guess that would explain some things."
> "Is there anything else? Stores packing up for today, so if you fancy browsing now would be the time to do so!" Rinnosuke asks.
> Sanae quickly checks her pockets while asking "Ehm, could you identify this for me real quick?". She retrieves the small yin yang orb you saw earlier and passes it to the shopkeeper who examines it with a magnifying glass.
> After a moment he explains "I've seen these before, they're communication orbs. You can speak into one while holding it tightly and be heard from others."
-
> Hmm. Maybe this was how she planned to communicate with Akyuu during that meeting earlier.
> "Huh, long-distance communication. Sounds handy."
-
> Hmm. Maybe this was how she planned to communicate with Akyuu during that meeting earlier.
> "Huh, long-distance communication. Sounds handy."
> Now that's an interesting theory!
> Sanae nods "That's one area where technology outdoes magic! Look at this!"
> She produces a small rectangular object from her pocket with numbered squares on it.
> Rinnosuke explains "While enchanting two items with an acoustic entanglement is a quick and effective way to communicate, try scaling that with more objects! Each object needs to be linked with every other so for 4 objects you'd need 6 enchantments, and for 5 objects you'd need 10!"
> Sanae agrees "Right! So imagine if miss Kanako wished to offer these to our biggest patrons. I'd be enchanting to the end of time... Thankfully miss Kawashiro saved the day by repairing the telephones you had collected over the years."
> Rinnosuke complements "Indeed! They solve the enchantment complexity problem by only using a single link thanks to their numbering technology."
-
> Have we seen a tiny numbered box like this before?
> Do we know a Kawashiro?
-
> Have we seen a tiny numbered box like this before?
> Do we know a Kawashiro?
> This is entirely new!
> She's most likely referring to Nitori Kawashiro, a Kappa that markets various technological devices at village fairs. Shinmyoumaru's always excited to see the latest gadgets!
-
> "Whack. What's a woman gotta do to get one of those things?"
-
> "Whack. What's a woman gotta do to get one of those things?"
> Rinnosuke offers "There's a few for sale in the back room, though they may need some repairs at miss Kawashiro's shop before they can work."
> Sanae adds "Or make a generous donation to the Moriya shrine for lady Kanako to provide one as a patron gift!"
-
> "I'll let the Princess know those are options."
> Look to Sanae.
> "So what did I miss, anyway?"
-
> "I'll let the Princess know those are options."
> Look to Sanae.
> "So what did I miss, anyway?"
> She explains "I went to Kosuzu's. One of the assistants who was closing up the shop mentioned Yakumo stopped by briefly yesterday to pick up an order."
-
> "Anything interesting in that order?"
-
> "Anything interesting in that order?"
> Disappointed she admits "I was led out because they were closing before I got the chance to ask."
-
> Rinnosuke offers "There's a few for sale in the back room, though they may need some repairs at miss Kawashiro's shop before they can work."
> Sanae adds "Or make a generous donation to the Moriya shrine for lady Kanako to provide one as a patron gift!"
> "I'll let the Princess know those are options."
> Look to Sanae.
> "So what did I miss, anyway?"
> She explains "I went to Kosuzu's. One of the assistants who was closing up the shop mentioned Yakumo stopped by briefly yesterday to pick up an order."
> Disappointed she admits "I was led out because they were closing before I got the chance to ask."
> Nod,reassure Sanae she did well for the opening hours of.today.all considering the mostly- usual deadline of businesses,more humanely usual as weat the Human.Village
> "Inner"-check and "Sanae-wise"-asking check if "the timing and radius are approx.coinciding of the 'Yakumo's Order before that unknown tract of time ..."
>..later on the Night up to the Earliest Morning.
-
> Nod,reassure Sanae she did well for the opening hours of.today.all considering the mostly- usual deadline of businesses,more humanely usual as weat the Human.Village
> "Inner"-check and "Sanae-wise"-asking check if "the timing and radius are approx.coinciding of the 'Yakumo's Order before that unknown tract of time ..."
>..later on the Night up to the Earliest Morning.
> Sanae agrees "We can add that to the list of things to check tomorrow morning!" before asking "Do you want to follow up on the order placed at Kosuzu's bookstore?"
> Rinnosuke adds "If you stop by early tomorrow before the shop gets busy you can look through the telephones in the back."
-
> "I'll talk up the Princess about those things, yeah. She handles the finances, so."
-
> "I'll talk up the Princess about those things, yeah. She handles the finances, so."
> Rinnosuke states "If that'll be all, I need to finish packing up for today."
> Sanae nods and steps outside.
-
> "Pack away."
> Follow Sanae outside.
> Quietly, after the door closes: "So what do you think?"
-
> "Pack away."
> Follow Sanae outside.
> Quietly, after the door closes: "So what do you think?"
> "Yakumo's order was big and unusual, but I get the feeling the're on good terms. The election seems to be the most likely motivation now."
-
> "So you think he's not the one responsible for what happened, even though he's a candidate?"
> While speaking, lightly wrap an arm around Sanae, holding onto her opposite shoulder, and begin walking back to the hotel, physically guiding her to come with us.
-
> "So you think he's not the one responsible for what happened, even though he's a candidate?"
> While speaking, lightly wrap an arm around Sanae, holding onto her opposite shoulder, and begin walking back to the hotel, physically guiding her to come with us.
> On the way back to the inn Sanae subtly tugs on your arm before leading you towards a small garden in corner the village plaza.
> After glancing around for any eavesdroppers she explains "We didn't find practically any of the items Yakumo bought in her room, which is quite suspicious if you ask me. Obviously I wasn't just ready to just accuse Rinnosuke of making the whole 'shopping spree' story up without proof, that's what a second-rate shrine maiden does! However on the walk back I pieced together a way of proving Rinnosuke's involvement or innocence, without shooting a single danmaku bullet!"
> She pulls you in closer and whispers "Even though we couldn't find Yakumo's purchases, Rinnosuke admitted to buying quite a few unique items from Yakumo. Things you don't usually come across in Gensokyo. So it wouldn't be that difficult for someone sneaking into his shop to find these and verify his story, right?"
-
> "It wouldn't, no. What're you thinking for such a plan?"
-
> "It wouldn't, no. What're you thinking for such a plan?"
> After a moment of thought "Sneaking in tonight after curfew disguised as a fairy? You see not everyone knows about the inn loophole, so you might attract unwanted attention as a Youkai at night."
> She then offers "I could help with the disguise!"
-
> Nod.
> "Maybe this is something we can discuss back at the inn, in the privacy of a room, where we can coordinate abilities to refine our plan as much as we can?"
-
> Nod.
> "Maybe this is something we can discuss back at the inn, in the privacy of a room, where we can coordinate abilities to refine our plan as much as we can?"
> She nods in agreement and invites you to her room at the inn. It looks almost identical to Yakumo's in the layout, but faces the courtyard instead of the plaza.
-
> Did we pass the Princess along the way?
> If so, would we have had the opportunity to invite her along?
-
> Did we pass the Princess along the way?
> If so, would we have had the opportunity to invite her along?
> Yes! You spotted her sitting ontop of an open book in the library.
> After letting Sanae know you head downstairs and fetch the Princess before heading back.
-
> Catch the Princess up on what we've learned today, including what we learned from Kogasa (since we didn't tell Sanae that stuff).
-
> Catch the Princess up on what we've learned today, including what we learned from Kogasa (since we didn't tell Sanae that stuff).
> You recount the events at Kogasa's store and present the blade in question. Sanae grabs it with excitement and immediately strikes several overdramatic poses, while exclaiming it reminds her of a sword from one of her favorite 'video game' series! Shinmyoumaru claps and complements her performance!
-
> Just to double-check, is the Princess her regular doll size at the moment?
> Do we know what a 'video' is? If yes, do we know what a 'video game' is? (Presumably we know what a game is.)
> Give small polite applause as well.
> "Yes, it's quite nice, isn't it? But I have to confess I was more interested if any of the metallurgy stuff Kogasa said means anything to you, in regards to investigating Yakumo up close and personal."
-
> Just to double-check, is the Princess her regular doll size at the moment?
> Do we know what a 'video' is? If yes, do we know what a 'video game' is? (Presumably we know what a game is.)
> Give small polite applause as well.
> "Yes, it's quite nice, isn't it? But I have to confess I was more interested if any of the metallurgy stuff Kogasa said means anything to you, in regards to investigating Yakumo up close and personal."
> Indeed she is!
> You do not know the term 'video'. // Seija might be able to figure out what a 'moving picture' is though!
> Nodding "I would like to test if the statue is made of gold... I'll have to ask miss Kanako if we should purchase one of those testers!"
-
> "I'm sure Kogasa would appreciate the business."
> Look to the Princess.
> "By the way, Princess, Kogasa is someone of interest to you, I think. She's willing to spend her lunch break tomorrow stopping by here and meeting you, if you wish."
-
> "I'm sure Kogasa would appreciate the business."
> Look to the Princess.
> "By the way, Princess, Kogasa is someone of interest to you, I think. She's willing to spend her lunch break tomorrow stopping by here and meeting you, if you wish."
> Shinmyoumaru nods "Yes! I'd like to meet her!"
> Sanae interrupts "Now, about finding Yakumo's purchases... Fairies are always fooling around and getting into places they shouldn't, so I think our best chance would be to disguise as one of them!"
-
> "Right, about that. Do you want to do that, or should I?"
-
> "Right, about that. Do you want to do that, or should I?"
> Smirking she comments "It'd take a miracle to pull off such an elaborate disguise!" as sparkly energy surrounds you both, transforming you into a fairy!
> You're now disguised as a Lake Fairy, which grants you a doll-sized body and an even smaller hitbox! Be careful though as one pellet is all it takes to poof into a :point: or :power:! As a high-class Lake Fairy you'll automatically use "Desperation Attack", upon getting hit and summon several fast danmaku kunai aimed at your attackers true hitbox.
> You look around examining your new body, and notice Sanae appears frozen in a trance surrounded by sparkly energy.
> Shinmyoumaru exclaims "I guess that solves who's going!"
-
> Just to double-check, is the shrine maiden's chest smaller or larger than ours?
> Fly around the shrine maiden, to see if her eyes follow us or she is otherwise aware of us.
-
> Just to double-check, is the shrine maiden's chest smaller or larger than ours?
> Fly around the shrine maiden, to see if her eyes follow us or she is otherwise aware of us.
> As of now you have no chest to speak of!
> She doesn't appear to be aware of you. Hovering around feels different than usual, as if there's wind resistance. Could this be what having wings feels like?
> Wings allow Seija to take advantage of aerodynamic flight in addition to hovering! // A good comparison would be how fast one moves in Minecraft with the Elytra vs hovering in creative mode.
-
(FWIW I have actually never played Minecraft)
> Oh, do we no longer look like ourselves at all, or what?
-
(FWIW I have actually never played Minecraft)
> Oh, do we no longer look like ourselves at all, or what?
> You look completely different! You're wearing a light blue skirt, have longer blonde hair, and crystal-like wings floating behind you! A true Lake Fairy!
-
> ...
> Look at the Princess, grin slightly, and gently place a finger to our lips in a "shush" pose.
> Then look back to Sanae.
> "So how long does this last?"
-
> ...
> Look at the Princess, grin slightly, and gently place a finger to our lips in a "shush" pose.
> Then look back to Sanae.
> "So how long does this last?"
> The Princess smirks, but you get no response from Sanae.
-
> Look back to the Princess.
> "Well. This little fairy sees a giant shrine maiden ripe for the pranking. What do you think?"
-
> Look back to the Princess.
> "Well. This little fairy sees a giant shrine maiden ripe for the pranking. What do you think?"
> Shinmyoumaru nods furiously!
-
> What sorts of actions are generally off-limits for pranking someone like this?
> Is there anything the Princess would specifically not approve of?
-
> What sorts of actions are generally off-limits for pranking someone like this?
> Is there anything the Princess would specifically not approve of?
> Depends on what might incur Sanae's or Kanako and Suwako's wrath?
> You're not sure, you recall her one sticking all the furniture in your room on the ceiling one time... That's probably the farthest she'd go.
-
> Where would mildly lewd acts fall on that spectrum? (Obviously anything outright explicit is over the line.)
> Do we think we could fit inside Sanae's mouth at these relative sizes? If so, it is presently open or closed?
> Is there a drawing marker or something similar anywhere nearby and obvious?
-
> Where would mildly lewd acts fall on that spectrum? (Obviously anything outright explicit is over the line.)
> Do we think we could fit inside Sanae's mouth at these relative sizes? If so, it is presently open or closed?
> Is there a drawing marker or something similar anywhere nearby and obvious?
> Shinmyoumaru wouldn't approve.
> Not in the slightest, you're about the same size as Shanghai and Iris.
> You can't find anything of that sort in the room.
-
> Is it curfew yet?
> Are there any living creatures we see regularly that are small enough that we could fit inside Sanae's mouth if we were their size? If not, are there any household objects around the room small enough for that?
> Frown a bit after looking around.
> "Hmm. I was going to suggest scribbling on her face, since that's always good for a laugh, but I don't know that we have a marker for that."
-
> Is it curfew yet?
> Are there any living creatures we see regularly that are small enough that we could fit inside Sanae's mouth if we were their size? If not, are there any household objects around the room small enough for that?
> Frown a bit after looking around.
> "Hmm. I was going to suggest scribbling on her face, since that's always good for a laugh, but I don't know that we have a marker for that."
> It most certainly is!
> There's a few small perfume bottles on the table you could try playing around with? Though, you're not sure if using magic beyond a fairy's capabilities will break the disguise...
> After staring at you for a moment, the Princess whacks the floor with a devious grin using the Miracle Mallet and you immediately feel weightless. It's like you don't need to expend energy just to hover.
-
> Have a look at how Sanae is affected by this.
-
> Have a look at how Sanae is affected by this.
> Nothing's affected ..yet! It's only weightlessness, nothing is being pushed upward.
-
> Move over to Sanae and try lifting her.
-
> Move over to Sanae and try lifting her.
> It's quite easy!
-
> Rotate her so she's upside-down.
-
> Rotate her so she's upside-down.
> You spin Sanae upside down, she's now 'balancing' on her head.
> Shinmyoumaru laughs "Now's our chance to rack up a giant room service bill!"
-
> "Oh, that's not a bad idea. Though, how long will this mallet effect last? We probably don't want her to suddenly come crashing down directly on her head."
-
> "Oh, that's not a bad idea. Though, how long will this mallet effect last? We probably don't want her to suddenly come crashing down directly on her head."
> "I-I'll keep it going while you're away! I'll be down in the lobby reading something interesting I found on alchemy."
-
> Nod.
> "Alrighty. And feel free to order us up something good to tack onto her tab."
> Head out, and sneak off to the curio shop to investigate!
-
> Nod.
> "Alrighty. And feel free to order us up something good to tack onto her tab."
> Head out, and sneak off to the curio shop to investigate!
> Shinmyoumaru nods as you carefully float out the window to avoid being spotted by anyone in the common areas. A few short minutes later you arrive at Kourindou. The entrance appears locked and all the 'windows' on the ground floor appear to be display cases which can't be opened from the outside. Looking up you spot two smaller normal windows on the roof where the attic should be, and a chimney you might be able to enter from.
-
> Float up to those windows first, and have a peek inside each to see if the shopkeeper is present in either of them.
-
> Float up to those windows first, and have a peek inside each to see if the shopkeeper is present in either of them.
> The coast is clear!
-
> Up to the chimney, then! If it's open enough for us to dive down into it, do so.
-
> Up to the chimney, then! If it's open enough for us to dive down into it, do so.
> You dive down the chimney and find yourself some distance behind the counter the shopkeeper was sitting at earlier. It's strangely tidy here compared to the rest of the store...
-
> Okay. The store allegedly acquired a wall mirror, 55 gallons of kerosene, and a bunch of silverware from Yakumo. Are any of those things visible from our current vantage point?
> Does there appear to be a door to a back room, or something similar?
-
> Okay. The store allegedly acquired a wall mirror, 55 gallons of kerosene, and a bunch of silverware from Yakumo. Are any of those things visible from our current vantage point?
> Does there appear to be a door to a back room, or something similar?
> You don't recall seeing it in the store, and you doubt any of it would fit in the numerous drawers and cabinets of the counter in front of you.
> Yes! There's one just to the side of the fireplace!
-
> Try (quietly) opening the door.
-
> Try (quietly) opening the door.
> Despite trying to open the door as slowly as possible it grinds harshly against the floor! In fact you can clearly tell it's swing path by looking at where the floor has become polished from years of use.
> You find yourself in a storeroom surrounded by shelves that stretch up to the ceiling. There's various odd but interesting items placed on them, you haven't the slightest idea what their significance or purpose is. In one corner is an odd metallic barrel, hiding something covered with cloth. The only thing illuminating the room other than moonlight is a faintly glowing crystal ball, displayed prominently on the shelf directly across from you. On the other side of the room the shelves have a grid-like design with countless small squares, some of which have a bottle inside.
-
> Are we above thievery, or are finders truly keepers?
> Take a moment to listen for any activity in the building, in case that grinding woke someone up.
> If we don't hear anything, have a look at the crystal ball.
-
> Are we above thievery, or are finders truly keepers?
> Take a moment to listen for any activity in the building, in case that grinding woke someone up.
> If we don't hear anything, have a look at the crystal ball.
> It wouldn't be the first time, but you try to avoid it!
> You don't hear anything moving.
> As you approach the crystal ball you notice the glowing patterns inside change to the outline of a mirror.
-
> ?
> Look around to see if we can see the mirror in the room.
> If not, go back to looking at the crystal ball, to see if what it shows changes.
-
> ?
> Look around to see if we can see the mirror in the room.
> If not, go back to looking at the crystal ball, to see if what it shows changes.
> Besides what was described earlier, looking around you spot several dolls, gemstones of various sizes, several oil paintings, a bucket containing many brooms, a stuffed moose head on the wall above the door, and a crossbow hanging on said door. You could probably spend all night examining various things in here, but decide to focus on the orb again.
> The glowing patterns now show the outline of a door.
-
> So it changes...
> Ponder Watch the orb for a bit to see what it has to show us.
-
> So it changes...
> ~~Ponder~~ Watch the orb for a bit to see what it has to show us.
> As you watch the orb it changes from a door to a mirror once more, then a spoon, a knife, a crossbow, a bottle, and a barrel before showing a mirror once more.
-
> Hmm. Was the mirror a wall mirror?
> Was the bottle a bottle of kerosene?
-
> Hmm. Was the mirror a wall mirror?
> Was the bottle a bottle of kerosene?
> Indeed! It looked like a nondescript oval wall mirror.
> You're not sure what such bottles would look like? The one it showed was like the glass bottles sake comes in.
-
> As it cycles through the things it shows, try touching it the next time the mirror shows up.
-
> As it cycles through the things it shows, try touching it the next time the mirror shows up.
> As you formulate a plan the mirror shows up and you grab the orb immediately. The instant you touch it an identical outline appears in front of you!
-
> An outlier of the mirror?
> Is anything else shown with it?
-
> An outlier of the mirror?
> Is anything else shown with it?
> An outline of the mirror has appeared in front of you.
> Nothing, just an outline!
-
> Keeping one hand on the orb, try touching the outline with our other hand.
-
> Keeping one hand on the orb, try touching the outline with our other hand.
> Upon touching it the outline emits a puff of smoke and you feel a momentary drain in your magical energy.
-
> Back away!
> Look around to see if anything changed.
-
> Back away!
> Look around to see if anything changed.
> You back away and the outline disappears.
> Nothing looks different? It feels more like something failed as the drain was momentary and you recovered immediately...
-
> Weird. Maybe it's some kind of anti-theft device?
> Let's get back to this later. Have a look underneath the cloth covering the metallic barrel.
-
> Weird. Maybe it's some kind of anti-theft device?
> Let's get back to this later. Have a look underneath the cloth covering the metallic barrel.
> You're not sure what this is?
> You peek under the cloth and find a wall mirror! Yes!
-
> Is it the same mirror as the one in the crystal ball?
-
> Is it the same mirror as the one in the crystal ball?
> No, not in the slightest! This one's ornate and the one you saw as an outline was just about the most generic mirror you could think of...
-
> Weird. Well, all the more reason to not revisit that orb. For now, at least.
> Have a proper look around the room, seeing what's here, rather than trying to search by simply standing in the doorway and looking around. Keep in mind that we're looking for kerosene and silverware, though anything else particularly notable that catches our eye is worth noting.
-
> Weird. Well, all the more reason to not revisit that orb. For now, at least.
> Have a proper look around the room, seeing what's here, rather than trying to search by simply standing in the doorway and looking around. Keep in mind that we're looking for kerosene and silverware, though anything else particularly notable that catches our eye is worth noting.
> Being the only thing emitting light in the room it naturally draws your attention!
> Thinking about it, the silverware would probably be difficult to find... Not only are knives and spoons small but who's to say they're actually the ones Yakumo sold? As for the kerosene you imagine it have to be in some container of sorts and the only two things that come to mind are the bottles on the far end of the room and the barrel next to you. There's other objects in the room but they're not really catching your attention at the moment, unless you're looking for something specific?
-
> Check the bottles on the far end of the room for kerosene, then.
-
> Check the bottles on the far end of the room for kerosene, then.
> Let's see, Oni Slayer, Radiant Brew, Autumn Day's Blend, Autumn Light, Moriya's Blessing... the list goes on. These bottles all look like beverages of varying potency.
-
> Is there anything in the room that would use kerosene?
-
> Is there anything in the room that would use kerosene?
> There was a cylindrical heater in the previous room but that's about it.
-
> Do we have the Toy Camera on us?
-
> Do we have the Toy Camera on us?
> You do!
-
> Go back to the mirror in the metallic barrel, uncover it again, and take a picture of it.
-
> Go back to the mirror in the metallic barrel, uncover it again, and take a picture of it.
> You snap a picture of the barrel before striking a funny pose for the Princess in the mirror!
> The camera's magnetic memory now contains two pictures.
-
> What was the first picture?
-
> What was the first picture?
> First one's the barrel and the second is you posing in the mirror.
-
> Head back out to the previous room, then, closing the door behind us. (Be prepared for it to make a bunch of noise.)
-
> Head back out to the previous room, then, closing the door behind us. (Be prepared for it to make a bunch of noise.)
> You return to the shop area, carefully lifting the door to minimize the noise.
-
> Look around to see if anything has changed in here in the last handful of minutes.
> If not, check out the cylindrical heater for signs of 55 bottles of kerosene.
-
> Look around to see if anything has changed in here in the last handful of minutes.
> If not, check out the cylindrical heater for signs of 55 bottles of kerosene.
> Nothing different.
> You remove the cover from the very top of the heater and see some liquid inside with an awful smell. This is probably what Yakumo sold, but there surely can't be 55 bottles worth of it in there!
-
> Indeed! It looked like a nondescript oval wall mirror.
> You're not sure what such bottles would look like? The one it showed was like the glass bottles sake comes in.
> Nothing different.
> You remove the cover from the very top of the heater and see some liquid inside with an awful smell. This is probably what Yakumo sold, but there surely can't be 55 bottles worth of it in there!
> Being the only thing emitting light in the room it naturally draws your attention!
> Thinking about it, the silverware would probably be difficult to find... Not only are knives and spoons small but who's to say they're actually the ones Yakumo sold? As for the kerosene you imagine it have to be in some container of sorts and the only two things that come to mind are the bottles on the far end of the room and the barrel next to you. There's other objects in the room but they're not really catching your attention at the moment, unless you're looking for something specific?
> Can we discern if the heater was used relatively recently by signs from the removed cover or inside the heater or by some kind of gauge?
> Consider if that much kerosene may be stored inside the barrel...unless there is some sort of secret , or not easily seen, storage under or around the same barrel...but knowing it is placed in glass sake bottles could also mean there is at least one among the bottles at the far end of the room....and,if true, the others could in a hidden,or not easily noticed,placementt
-
> Can we discern if the heater was used relatively recently by signs from the removed cover or inside the heater or by some kind of gauge?
> Consider if that much kerosene may be stored inside the barrel...unless there is some sort of secret , or not easily seen, storage under or around the same barrel...but knowing it is placed in glass sake bottles could also mean there is at least one among the bottles at the far end of the room....and,if true, the others could in a hidden,or not easily noticed,placementt
> Placing your hand on the side it feels warm, so it's certainly been used recently. Probably right up to when the shop closed for the night.
> You don't actually know how it's stored or what it's being kept it, you're just guessing.
-
> Hmm. Where else might product be held here?
-
> Hmm. Where else might product be held here?
> Other than the barrel you can't think of anything.
-
> And where is the unchecked barrel again?
Sorry for asking this, I've been pretty scatterbrained lately.
-
> And where is the unchecked barrel again?
Sorry for asking this, I've been pretty scatterbrained lately.
> Next to the mirror.
-
> Sigh internally.
> Head back into the store room, accounting for the door as needed to make sure it doesn't make a ton of noise, and check out that barrel.
-
> Sigh internally.
> Head back into the store room, accounting for the door as needed to make sure it doesn't make a ton of noise, and check out that barrel.
> Returning without a sound you discover that the barrel can't be opened per say. There's only two small caps at the top which you're able to unscrew, revealing the same unpleasant smell you noticed with the heater.
-
> So there's probably kerosene in it?
> If so, how full does it look?
-
> So there's probably kerosene in it?
> If so, how full does it look?
> You assume so by the similar smell.
> Tapping the side of the barrel at different heights you find that it's filled to the top.
-
> Well, that seems conclusive enough.
> Screw the caps back on, and then check to make sure the barrel, mirror covering, and crystal ball are back to the way we originally found them.
-
> Well, that seems conclusive enough.
> Screw the caps back on, and then check to make sure the barrel, mirror covering, and crystal ball are back to the way we originally found them.
> Indeed everything checks out!
> You make sure everything is returned to how you remember finding it.
-
> Head back out to the main room, quietly closing the door behind us.
> Check around one last time to make sure we haven't left any obvious indications that we were here.
-
> Head back out to the main room, quietly closing the door behind us.
> Check around one last time to make sure we haven't left any obvious indications that we were here.
> You return to the shop area while closing the door as quietly as possible.
> Everything looks in order, you don't recall disturbing anything here.
-
> Okay! Back up the chimney, and then sneak back to the inn.
-
> Okay! Back up the chimney, and then sneak back to the inn.
> Leaving the store behind you sneak back into the Inn through the window in Sanae's room.
> The glow around Sanae disappears, returning your Amanojaku form!
> With surprise she asks "Seija what are you doing upside down!?"
-
> Is Sanae still in the upside-down position we spun her around into and left her in?
-
> Is Sanae still in the upside-down position we spun her around into and left her in?
> Indeed, and you too still feel very light.
-
> "That's just kinda my thing. You seen the Princess around?"
-
> "That's just kinda my thing. You seen the Princess around?"
> She laughs before floating upright. "I've been kind of busy... Did you find anything at Kourindo?"
-
> "Lots of stuff, silly, it's a curio shop. But there was a wall mirror and a barrel full of kerosene. I didn't bother with checking for silverware, it would have been too impractical."
-
> "Lots of stuff, silly, it's a curio shop. But there was a wall mirror and a barrel full of kerosene. I didn't bother with checking for silverware, it would have been too impractical."
> "Ah great, so he was being hones-" you're interrupted by the combination of a distant thud, followed by an avalanche of popping and rattling sounds. At the same time Sanae almost loses her balance but manages to catch herself with the desk.
-
> Do we feel weighted once again?
> If so: "Oop, sounds like the Princess needs rescuing. Follow me, if you would?"
> Head out of the room in search of Shinmyoumaru and whatever delicious chaos the mallet giving out just caused.
-
> Do we feel weighted once again?
> If so: "Oop, sounds like the Princess needs rescuing. Follow me, if you would?"
> Head out of the room in search of Shinmyoumaru and whatever delicious chaos the mallet giving out just caused.
> Indeed you do!
> You run out and down the stairs with Sanae following close behind. In the lobby you spot a shadow running off into the plaza while the usually open door to the library slams shut.
-
> Point at the door that just shut.
> "Check that room out!"
> Run out into the plaza after that shadow!
-
> Point at the door that just shut.
> "Check that room out!"
> Run out into the plaza after that shadow!
> "Got it!" shouts Sanae as you push past the inn's doors.
> The figure notices your pursuit and throws three books which start summoning countless green circle and pellet bullets, completely obscuring your view from the glare!
> The danmaku is slowly spreading out and approaching towards you.
-
> Were we able to see anything identifiable about this person's appearance?
> Given our current running speed and the spread of bullets, could we get a running leap over them?
-
> Were we able to see anything identifiable about this person's appearance?
> Given our current running speed and the spread of bullets, could we get a running leap over them?
> All you could discern from the silhouette is that it looked like they were carrying something close to their chest.
> The books landed face up on the ground and are spewing danmaku in all directions including upwards, making it rather risky to jump over.
-
> Try shooting bullets at the book in the middle to take it out.
> If we're able to destroy it, slide through the gap its absence leaves.
-
> Try shooting bullets at the book in the middle to take it out.
> If we're able to destroy it, slide through the gap its absence leaves.
> You take aim at the middle book and hit it with a few consecutive danmaku shots, after which it bursts into a handful of :point: items!
> Dashing through the gap a green orb flying sideways catches you by surprise, but diving forwards lets you graze it by a few inches! Unfortunately the bright danmaku has made it difficult to distinguish anything in the darkness of night.
-
> Do we at least remember if there's open space in front of us? If so, get up and continue dashing straight forward until we can see the village layout again.
-
> Do we at least remember if there's open space in front of us? If so, get up and continue dashing straight forward until we can see the village layout again.
> You should be halfway across the plaza, and ahead of you should be the mayor's estate provided you haven't gotten turned around dashing through the books.
-
> Good enough! Dash straight forward until we can see properly again.
-
> Good enough! Dash straight forward until we can see properly again.
> You sprint to the edge of the mayor's garden, at which point your vision adjusts back to the dark. The first thing you spot is one of the green orb summoning books on the ground. There's no indication as to which direction the shadowy figure must've run off towards.
-
> Is the book open? If so:
>> Is it shooting bullets?
>> Would closing it stop it from shooting bullets?
-
> Is the book open? If so:
>> Is it shooting bullets?
>> Would closing it stop it from shooting bullets?
> It's closed, perhaps it landed awkwardly in a way where it couldn't open? Or could it just be a dud?
-
> Grab it to hold it closed.
> Then look around for possible directions the culprit could have gone.
-
> Grab it to hold it closed.
> Then look around for possible directions the culprit could have gone.
> You've obtained: Green Summoning Book - Spawns endless green danmaku when thrown.
> They most likely ran around the mayor's estate, unless they used the books as a diversion to double back towards the two main streets leading away from the plaza?
-
> What's the ground here made of? Anything that might keep footprints visible?
-
> What's the ground here made of? Anything that might keep footprints visible?
> You're standing on grass, there's a tiled path leading from the plaza to the entrance of the mayor's estate.
-
> Drat.
> Fortune favors the bold, then! Head around the mayor's estate.
-
> Drat.
> Fortune favors the bold, then! Head around the mayor's estate.
> You dash around the mayor's estate, and just as you clear the corner you spot the figure sprinting towards a narrow alley that leads towards the main street with all the shops.
-
> How far away is this figure?
> In this precise moment, can we make out any further details about them?
-
> How far away is this figure?
> In this precise moment, can we make out any further details about them?
> The length of the entire estate and don't seem aware of your continued pursuit.
> It's dark, you'd have to get considerably closer to be able to make out further details.
-
> Slow down and begin sneaking toward the figure rather than sprinting toward them.
> Also, keep a look out for locations/objects where we could trap/hide ourselves, such as a tight fit between buildings, or a large barrel with a lid.
-
> Slow down and begin sneaking toward the figure rather than sprinting toward them.
> Also, keep a look out for locations/objects where we could trap/hide ourselves, such as a tight fit between buildings, or a large barrel with a lid.
> You crouch and begin following the figure who enters the alley, stopping at the corner of the building and peeking inside. They make a sharp right when they reach the street, the direction leading away from town.
> There's a lone barrel in the alley you could hide behind. It still appears sealed, so it'd be difficult to get inside.
-
> Take flight so that we no longer make footfall sounds, and fly to that barrel, positioning ourselves so we're "behind" the barrel from the figure's point of view
> Then rotate ourselves upside-down in the air, float further "upward" as needed so we can still see the figure, and swap locations with them, in the hopes the sudden perspective change confuses them long enough for them to fall to the ground behind the barrel.
-
> Take flight so that we no longer make footfall sounds, and fly to that barrel, positioning ourselves so we're "behind" the barrel from the figure's point of view
> Then rotate ourselves upside-down in the air, float further "upward" as needed so we can still see the figure, and swap locations with them, in the hopes the sudden perspective change confuses them long enough for them to fall to the ground behind the barrel.
> Sneak increased to 100!
> After flipping upside down above the barrel you use your ability to swap with the shadowy figure! What sounds like a barrel topping over can be heard from the alley behind you.
> Your eyes widen in panic as five books hit the ground in front of you and start swinging open!
-
> Quick! Up away from the ground, and then back toward where the barrel is, as fast as we can carry ourselves! Stealth is no longer of importance!
-
> Quick! Up away from the ground, and then back toward where the barrel is, as fast as we can carry ourselves! Stealth is no longer of importance!
> The five books open, bursting with green danmaku which hits you in the knee and makes you trip!
-
> Undo the swap with the figure so we can escape this cloud of bullets and trap them in it instead.
> Once we've re-oriented ourselves at our original location, get up and run toward where the bullets are coming from in continued pursuit of the figure.
-
> Undo the swap with the figure so we can escape this cloud of bullets and trap them in it instead.
> Once we've re-oriented ourselves at our original location, get up and run toward where the bullets are coming from in continued pursuit of the figure.
> You return to find yourself lying on your back behind the barrel. Getting up you spot a wall of bullets advancing down the alley! The angle at which the danmaku spawns from the books has left an opening down low, leaving you two options: retreating out of the alley or crawling under the barrage.
-
> Crawl under the barrage. We're not giving up that easy after all this aggravation!
-
> Crawl under the barrage. We're not giving up that easy after all this aggravation!
> You get down on your stomach and crawl below the barrage! You spot a brown haired figure ahead, hastily crawling backwards towards the street.
-
> Is the figure close enough to us that our perception flip (the trick we did during the battle with Mima and Marisa to flip everyone's visual senses upside-down) would affect them?
> How much further do we have to go before we're out from under the barrage?
-
> Is the figure close enough to us that our perception flip (the trick we did during the battle with Mima and Marisa to flip everyone's visual senses upside-down) would affect them?
> How much further do we have to go before we're out from under the barrage?
> They are, but you question how effective it would be given your current stances. One can only crawl backwards or forwards in the alley.
> Forwards you have the remaining length of the alley and however much ground the danmaku has managed to cover in the street. Backwards you'd only have to get a little past the barrel.
-
> Do we still have the book we grabbed?
-
> You sure do!
-
> Stop crawling, and hold the book out in front of us as far as our arms can reasonably extend, still closed but positioned such that we would look like we were reading it if we opened it. It should also be standing on the ground, so that it could remain upright even if we weren't holding it in place.
> Prepare (but do not activate) another position swap with the brown-haired figure.
> Then open the book, let go of it, and swap positions with the figure again!
-
> Stop crawling, and hold the book out in front of us as far as our arms can reasonably extend, still closed but positioned such that we would look like we were reading it if we opened it. It should also be standing on the ground, so that it could remain upright even if we weren't holding it in place.
> Prepare (but do not activate) another position swap with the brown-haired figure.
> Then open the book, let go of it, and swap positions with the figure again!
> A risky idea comes to mind, and with a devious grin you hold out the book you picked up earlier while focusing on the figure ahead. Just as you're about to swap locations with them you open the book...
> Next thing you know there's a thundering bang in which all danmaku turns to :point: that float towards you, granting a warm and fuzzy feeling of accomplishment!
> "Ugh- What in the world was that!?" A voice grumbles ahead of you.
-
> Stand up if we're still in crawling position, and run over to the theoretically fallen figure in order to (a) get a better look at them, and (b) be better positioned to further subdue them in the event they try anything else funny. Make sure to smirk while doing so, that's the most important part!
> If we happen across anything inanimate, like a rock, that is small enough that we could close a fist and hide it, pick it up along the way. No big deal if we can't find such a thing, though.
-
> Stand up if we're still in crawling position, and run over to the theoretically fallen figure in order to (a) get a better look at them, and (b) be better positioned to further subdue them in the event they try anything else funny. Make sure to smirk while doing so, that's the most important part!
> If we happen across anything inanimate, like a rock, that is small enough that we could close a fist and hide it, pick it up along the way. No big deal if we can't find such a thing, though.
> You stand up and produce a smirk that only one who's just defeated their opponent with their own weapon can appreciate! Now close, you're able to recognize the figure as Kosuzu, the book shop assistant.
> There aren't any gravel-like rocks in the street, only firmly packed soil from frequent use.
> "Y-Youkai attack in the village!" she shouts, seeing you approach. As her words echo among the buildings you hear commotion back towards the main street. It appears all the bright danmaku has awoken a crowd.
-
> Is she still on the ground, or has she stood up?
-
> Is she still on the ground, or has she stood up?
> She's getting back on her feet while backpedaling.
-
> Memory check: Was Kosuzu's hair brown when we visited her shop earlier?
> Frown and place our fists on our hips in semi-mock anger.
> "Oi, don't go causing a midnight ruckus and then blaming me for it!"
> Once she's back on her feet, undo the most recent swap so we're our proper sizes again.
-
> Memory check: Was Kosuzu's hair brown when we visited her shop earlier?
> Frown and place our fists on our hips in semi-mock anger.
> "Oi, don't go causing a midnight ruckus and then blaming me for it!"
> Once she's back on her feet, undo the most recent swap so we're our proper sizes again.
> Indeed it was a light brown!
> You switch locations, causing her to stumble once more and backpedal faster as a result.
> "Wh- You call delivering some n-novels to miss Akyuu a ruckus!?" she shouts while waving menacingly.
-
> "I definitely call whatever you did at the inn a ruckus. And since you're keen to shift blame to a youkai, maybe we should ask the human shrine maiden that was with me there what she thinks?"
-
> "I definitely call whatever you did at the inn a ruckus. And since you're keen to shift blame to a youkai, maybe we should ask the human shrine maiden that was with me there what she thinks?"
> "What inn!? Ask miss Akyuu, I just delivered the novels she asked for, she'll show them to you as proof!" she shouts.
-
> Cross our arms, and change our expression from a look of irritation to a different look of irritation.
> "Fine, let's do that, then. Lead the way, little lady."
-
> Cross our arms, and change our expression from a look of irritation to a different look of irritation.
> "Fine, let's do that, then. Lead the way, little lady."
> She does her best to ignore your newfound look of irritation.
> Leading you to the mayor's estate she knocks on the door, and after a short wait miss Akyuu opens the doors.
> "Kosuzu and.. Seija? It's quite late..." Akyuu questions.
> With a smirk Kosuzu speaks "We've come to collect two novels that are way past overdue to be returned!"
> In a daze Akyuu responds "I- I haven't even opened them, you literally just dropped them off a minute ago! Is this your two's idea of a prank!?"
> Visibly irritated the mayor slams the door shut and locks it.
-
> Change our expression from a look of irritation to a look of concerned confusion (which is probably not all that different from our look of irritation).
> To Kosuzu: "...Something's strange here. How many of those danmaku-summoning books tonight were yours?"
-
> Change our expression from a look of irritation to a look of concerned confusion (which is probably not all that different from our look of irritation).
> To Kosuzu: "...Something's strange here. How many of those danmaku-summoning books tonight were yours?"
> Your expression seems to also confuse Kosuzu.
> "Uhh I had five demon books, that's about all I can carry together with two novels!" she explains.
-
> "And did you tell anyone that you were making this delivery?"
-
> "And did you tell anyone that you were making this delivery?"
> "Suzunaan's schedule is public! We deliver every day some time past closing hour." she explains.
> "No one else offers same-day delivery in Gensokyo!" she adds.
-
> Briefly go into core-viewing mode just to check out what symbolic core Kosuzu has. Let it go and return to normal once we've seen it.
> Frown again.
> "Then you should know that you weren't the only person running around town with those exact type of demon books tonight. So someone either got really lucky, or actively tried to set you up as the fall woman for what happened at the inn."
-
> Briefly go into core-viewing mode just to check out what symbolic core Kosuzu has. Let it go and return to normal once we've seen it.
> Frown again.
> "Then you should know that you weren't the only person running around town with those exact type of demon books tonight. So someone either got really lucky, or actively tried to set you up as the fall woman for what happened at the inn."
> Kosuzu's essence is a tree with a seemingly endless amount of branches on it, focusing on any one of them is nigh impossible as they just divide indefinitely.
> She gasps in shock before questioning "What do you mean the inn?"
-
> "There was a disturbance there earlier tonight, while that shrine maiden I mentioned and I were discussing what happened to Yakumo."
> Describe the noises we heard.
> "We split up to investigate, and I ended up chasing someone down that was dropping demon books in their wake to shake me off. Guess it worked, if I ended up tracking you instead."
-
> "There was a disturbance there earlier tonight, while that shrine maiden I mentioned and I were discussing what happened to Yakumo."
> Describe the noises we heard.
> "We split up to investigate, and I ended up chasing someone down that was dropping demon books in their wake to shake me off. Guess it worked, if I ended up tracking you instead."
> Still in shock "Wait, so you think they dropped the books and timed it just right so that I'd get blamed for whatever happened?"
-
> "If your delivery times are posted publicly, I think it's possible."
> "Would you be willing to go with me to meet up with the shrine maiden? She was investigating the inn's library. Maybe you might spot something out of place that rest of us would miss?"
-
> "If your delivery times are posted publicly, I think it's possible."
> "Would you be willing to go with me to meet up with the shrine maiden? She was investigating the inn's library. Maybe you might spot something out of place that rest of us would miss?"
> "Umm sure, if you think I can help?" she nods.
-
> "I do. This way."
> Walk back to the inn.
-
> "I do. This way."
> Walk back to the inn.
> The two of you return to the inn to find the reception still vacant and the usually open door to the library closed once more.
-
> "Sanae? You here?"
-
> "Sanae? You here?"
> "A! In the library!" She opens the door slightly and half steps out.
-
> "Find anything good?"
> Head into the library.
-
> "Find anything good?"
> Head into the library.
> Still blocking the way she explains "I've located miss Fujiwara and Shinmyoumaru.. And have a pretty good idea of what made all the noise."
-
> Huh. Why is she still blocking the door? That's weird. (Do not ask about this out loud.)
> "What did you find?"
-
> Huh. Why is she still blocking the door? That's weird. (Do not ask about this out loud.)
> "What did you find?"
> Could her worried expression have something to do with it?
> "Whats happened to miss Yakumo, it's happened again." Sanae explains after pausing for a moment to find the right words.
-
> Blink and pause in silence for a few moments to process this information.
> ...This probably hit the Princess, didn't it.
> "...Let us see. Please."
-
> Blink and pause in silence for a few moments to process this information.
> ...This probably hit the Princess, didn't it.
> "...Let us see. Please."
> Sanae steps away without a word letting you by. In the library you find Shinmyoumaru and Mokou both turned into golden statues. Surrounding them is a ring of silver and gold coins, the Miracle Mallet, an oversized sewing needle, a teacup, a plate, numerous spell cards, a large key and a leather pouch. Their pose is quite peculiar, the princess is standing on the table with Mokou opposite her, both staring downward at a point on the table.
-
> Presumably the mallet and needle are the Princess's. Do we recognize any of the other stuff?
-
> Presumably the mallet and needle are the Princess's. Do we recognize any of the other stuff?
> Yes, that's the teacup and plate she summons to hide in when frightened. You'd bet the coins are hers as well?
-
> Sigh.
> "Well, strawberries. Now I'm extra annoyed that the culprit got away."
-
> Sigh.
> "Well, strawberries. Now I'm extra annoyed that the culprit got away."
> Sanae nods "I'll lock the door to the library so no one disturbs anything until the morning when everyone's awake to investigate."
-
> "That's fine, but to be clear, I'm taking the Mallet with me."
-
> "That's fine, but to be clear, I'm taking the Mallet with me."
> Sanae points at the mallet confused "I guess that's alright, it looks more like a toy than a weapon?"
-
> "Cool."
> Retrieve the Mallet.
> Then look to Kosuzu.
> "So, uh...I didn't mean to drag you into this. I assume you and Sanae talked earlier today about what's going on?"
-
> "Cool."
> Retrieve the Mallet.
> Then look to Kosuzu.
> "So, uh...I didn't mean to drag you into this. I assume you and Sanae talked earlier today about what's going on?"
> Acquired Miracle Mallet (Real) - Summons Miracles in the hands of inchlings!
> Kosuzu nods slightly "She did, though it appears the culprit has struck again."
> Sanae escorts the two of you out of the library before retrieving a key from the other side of the door and sealing it shut. She then hides it in one of the many little compartments behind the front desk where vacant room keys are usually kept in.
-
> "Right."
> Look to Kosuzu again.
> "So clearly there's some danger in getting involved here. The Princess and I have been pretty visibly investigating the matter; this was likely a targeted attack. Given that, how involved do you want to be?"
-
> "Right."
> Look to Kosuzu again.
> "So clearly there's some danger in getting involved here. The Princess and I have been pretty visibly investigating the matter; this was likely a targeted attack. Given that, how involved do you want to be?"
> Kosuzu waves her arms in denial "My danmaku is beginner level, and I don't even own any spell cards because of how busy my schedule is working at Suzunaan. So I'll leave investigating to the investigators! Now if you find something I could help with feel free to drop by, my specialty is translating ancient scripts."
> With that Kosuzu steps out to head home from this eventful night.
-
> Look back to Sanae.
> "Should we accompany her to make sure she's safe, or...?"
-
> Look back to Sanae.
> "Should we accompany her to make sure she's safe, or...?"
> "Good idea!" Sanae agrees before running off after Kosuzu.
-
> Are we capable of sensing if other people are nearby, based on what our abilities can target? Or do we need to actually see or hear them first?
-
> Are we capable of sensing if other people are nearby, based on what our abilities can target? Or do we need to actually see or hear them first?
> Your abilities work when you know where or what you're targeting, though you're not sure about this newly discovered magic?
-
> Watch Sanae go until she's gone, if she isn't already.
> Once she's gone, retrieve that key and pocket it, returning the drawer it was in back to its previous position.
> Then head outside to see if we can see the others still.
-
> Watch Sanae go until she's gone, if she isn't already.
> Once she's gone, retrieve that key and pocket it, returning the drawer it was in back to its previous position.
> Then head outside to see if we can see the others still.
> She just ran out moment ago chasing Kosuzu.
> You grab the key and crack the door to poke your head outside. Sanae has already ran halfway across the plaza.
-
> Can we use the Mallet at all without the Princess?
> Crimony, this woman...
> Run after her.
-
> Can we use the Mallet at all without the Princess?
> Crimony, this woman...
> Run after her.
> It'll cancel bullets like your replica mallet, so perhaps you could double wield mallets to cheat in duels twice as fast? Oh and it provides a subtle magical energy buff when held like any other significant magical artifact.
> You just about manage to catch up to Sanae and Kosuzu when she reaches the main street leading away from the plaza where all the shops are.
> Surprised Sanae asks "Oh Seija! Forget something?"
-
> "Oh, uh, sorry, I thought you expected me to come with. If it's all the same to you, then, I'll go back to the inn."
-
> "Oh, uh, sorry, I thought you expected me to come with. If it's all the same to you, then, I'll go back to the inn."
> Kosuzu answers "Thanks, but I'm sure we'll be fine it's not that far." and Sanae nods.
-
> "Great. Have a good night, then."
> Return to the inn.
-
> "Great. Have a good night, then."
> Return to the inn.
> You return to the now empty lobby.
-
> Check the room with Yakumo's statue to see if the ghost is still there.
-
> Check the room with Yakumo's statue to see if the ghost is still there.
> The ghost is gone.
-
> Weird. Didn't she say she was sticking around until this was fixed?
> Head up to Yakumo's room, to see if anything has changed since the last time we were in it.
-
> Weird. Didn't she say she was sticking around until this was fixed?
> Head up to Yakumo's room, to see if anything has changed since the last time we were in it.
> She was pretty adamant about it. Part of you would like to think she made some kind of discovery on how to break the spell...
> Returning to Yakumo's room you find everything in the same place you recall it to be.
-
> Back to the room with Yakumo's statue, then.
> "Lady Ghost? Are you still nearby?"
-
> Back to the room with Yakumo's statue, then.
> "Lady Ghost? Are you still nearby?"
> Even a minute later there's no answer...
-
> What serious objectives do we have at the moment, and how might possessing the Mallet help complete them?
> Based on our behavior since this whole Iris competition thing started, what silly objectives do we have at the moment, and how might possessing the mallet help complete them?
-
> What serious objectives do we have at the moment, and how might possessing the Mallet help complete them?
> Based on our behavior since this whole Iris competition thing started, what silly objectives do we have at the moment, and how might possessing the mallet help complete them?
> That'd be figuring out what's the deal with Iris and if this 'founding crystal' can help fulfill your greatest desire of liberating Gensokyo's oppressed weaklings. Viva la revolución!
> Well you wouldn't call it silly, but Sariel has all but disappeared shortly after her arrival in Gensokyo. You can't help but wonder if her unusual height and six-winged figure didn't attract unwanted attention on her way to the Scarlet Mansion. Then there's this sword Kogasa revealed to be a lost magical artifact. You're not sure how it helps you now, but your gut is telling you that it'll be important later. Finally this 'telephone' thing Sanae showed you looked useful, but Kourindou is closed until tomorrow.
> As for the mallet? It may as well be a second replica mallet without the Inchling Princess to wield it. Despite that, you can't think of something you couldn't ask or otherwise convince Shinmyoumaru to summon for you?
> Today's events have also left you feeling drained and exhausted, so you'd also rank getting some rest as an important, more immediate objective.
-
> How long would it take to get to that Mansion from here?
> How long would it take to get to Reimu's place from here?
> Did we ever learn what direction we'd go to visit the cutie-pie samurai?
-
> How long would it take to get to that Mansion from here?
> How long would it take to get to Reimu's place from here?
> Did we ever learn what direction we'd go to visit the cutie-pie samurai?
> A little under half an hour.
> A little over half an hour.
> You have no idea where the ghost lives.
-
> Did we catch which room was Sanae's room? Head to it if so, but don't actually go inside. (It's probably locked anyway.)
-
> Did we catch which room was Sanae's room? Head to it if so, but don't actually go inside. (It's probably locked anyway.)
> You haven't visited so no.
-
> Return to Yakumo's statue, then.
> ...
> Double-check to make sure no one is currently around.
> If we are, in fact, alone...try swapping chest sizes with Yakumo, like we did with Patchouli.
-
> Return to Yakumo's statue, then.
> ...
> Double-check to make sure no one is currently around.
> If we are, in fact, alone...try swapping chest sizes with Yakumo, like we did with Patchouli.
> You return to the statue alone and make an interesting discovery! Those mysterious symbols you encountered earlier are preventing you from targeting the statue.
-
> Hm! Curious. Let's see if we can pick at that.
> Go into the mode where we can see people's essences, so that we can see Yakumo's essence and the symbols surrounding it.
> Hold the symbols still, so that we go spinning in place instead.
> Once we have done this, if we are able to lock onto Yakumo, try swapping chest sizes with her.
-
> Hm! Curious. Let's see if we can pick at that.
> Go into the mode where we can see people's essences, so that we can see Yakumo's essence and the symbols surrounding it.
> Hold the symbols still, so that we go spinning in place instead.
> Once we have done this, if we are able to lock onto Yakumo, try swapping chest sizes with her.
> Despite stopping the symbols, they still 'in the way' of her essence making it nigh impossible to target while spinning fast.
-
> Undo all of that and return to normal, then.
> Get up close to the statue and begin searching it, with both eyes and with fingers running along it, in the hopes we see or feel something small we missed previously that might be a clue. (Avoid touching anywhere we shouldn't, of course.)
> Keep an ear out for arrivals while doing this: we don't want to be seen doing this because of how it would probably look, but we also want to make note of when Sanae gets back.
-
> Undo all of that and return to normal, then.
> Get up close to the statue and begin searching it, with both eyes and with fingers running along it, in the hopes we see or feel something small we missed previously that might be a clue. (Avoid touching anywhere we shouldn't, of course.)
> Keep an ear out for arrivals while doing this: we don't want to be seen doing this because of how it would probably look, but we also want to make note of when Sanae gets back.
> You don't feel anything out of place on the statue itself.
> The curtains are drawn closed, so there's no chance of being spotted. Other than than that you only hear the faint sound of crickets outside, everyone else must be asleep.
-
> Go back to the front lobby and have a seat at the desk, waiting for Sanae to return.
-
> Go back to the front lobby and have a seat at the desk, waiting for Sanae to return.
> After a few minutes Sanae returns from escorting Kosuzu.
> "See you tomorrow Seija." she waves before heading up the stairs.
-
> "Hey, uh, wait up."
> Get up out of the chair and head up the stairs after her.
-
> "Hey, uh, wait up."
> Get up out of the chair and head up the stairs after her.
> You catch up near the top of the stairs.
> "Did you find something Seija?" she asks.
-
> "No, unfortunately. It's just that...I'm suddenly without a roommate for the night. So I was wondering if...y'know, if I could join you."
-
> "No, unfortunately. It's just that...I'm suddenly without a roommate for the night. So I was wondering if...y'know, if I could join you."
> "You've already paid for the rooms at this point. Besides I only paid for a single!" she explains before continuing down the hallway before wishing you a good night and stepping into her room.
-
> Rats. Either she's not interested or she genuinely has no clue what's implied by such a question. Either way, that's annoyingly inconvenient for trying to worm our way into her better graces.
> Might as well just go back to our room and hit the hay, then.
-
> Rats. Either she's not interested or she genuinely has no clue what's implied by such a question. Either way, that's annoyingly inconvenient for trying to worm our way into her better graces.
> Might as well just go back to our room and hit the hay, then.
> Rats indeed, though she looked distracted at the moment. Most likely from thinking about today's hectic events.
> You return to your room and get ready to rest for the night. Laying down pondering tomorrow's plans you wonder if you should lock the door to your room tonight?
-
> Would we have locked the door under normal circumstances?
-
> Would we have locked the door under normal circumstances?
> Most likely if you weren't home.
-
> Lock our door, then.
-
> Lock our door, then.
> You lock the door and decide to hit the sack.
> The sun's rays awake you the next morning. You recall dreaming about investigating some mysterious disappearances. You were following a trail of evidence that led you to confronting a suspect after a difficult pursuit. You want to say you caught the culprit but can't remember what happened during or after the confrontation.
-
> Do we remember who any of the disappeared people were or who the culprit was?
> Was it possible this was reminiscing on a past fake life of ours?
> Do we have any outstanding flips/swaps going at the moment?
> Shuffle through getting prepared for the day. On top of our usual possessions (now including the sword and the pendant!), make sure we keep the Miracle Mallet and the key to the library on our person.
> While doing so, consider how truly loyal to the Princess we are, on a rough scale of "she's a convenient tool that we'll dump as soon as she's no longer useful" to "would willingly go to bat for her even if it was to our own detriment".
-
> Do we remember who any of the disappeared people were or who the culprit was?
> Was it possible this was reminiscing on a past fake life of ours?
> Do we have any outstanding flips/swaps going at the moment?
> Shuffle through getting prepared for the day. On top of our usual possessions (now including the sword and the pendant!), make sure we keep the Miracle Mallet and the key to the library on our person.
> While doing so, consider how truly loyal to the Princess we are, on a rough scale of "she's a convenient tool that we'll dump as soon as she's no longer useful" to "would willingly go to bat for her even if it was to our own detriment".
> You can't recall much about the missing, as for the culprit you recall them always being a shadowy figure in the distance always just far enough away to not be identified.
> It's certainly possible this was one time you were trying to push change 'from the inside'.
> No, sleeping or being unconscious would break the spell anyways.
> You continue with your morning routine and finish getting ready for today by making sure you've got all your belongings with you.
-
> Have a look at the door to the room. Is the key small enough that it could be slid under the door while it's closed?
> Head out of our room (locking it behind us) and over to Sanae's room (which we saw last night). Have a listen at the door to try to discern if she's in there, and, if so, what she's doing.
-
> Have a look at the door to the room. Is the key small enough that it could be slid under the door while it's closed?
> Head out of our room (locking it behind us) and over to Sanae's room (which we saw last night). Have a listen at the door to try to discern if she's in there, and, if so, what she's doing.
> No these are large old style keys.
> It's quiet, perhaps she's still asleep or already downstairs getting breakfast?
-
> Do we have anything small and flat enough that could be slid under her door?
-
> Do we have anything small and flat enough that could be slid under her door?
> A piece of paper is about it.
> While doing so, consider how truly loyal to the Princess we are, on a rough scale of "she's a convenient tool that we'll dump as soon as she's no longer useful" to "would willingly go to bat for her even if it was to our own detriment".
> As for the question of loyalty which dawned on you this morning that you've been pondering since; you're not sure. On the one hand guilt is somewhat foreign to Amanojaku but on the other hand Shinmyoumaru is probably the greatest ally you've had. Even that time you were on the run that she confronted you! Reimu had hidden the mallet away and was only willing to return in in exchange for her help in finding the rogue Amanojaku. Once she got her hands on the mallet again she'd use it to knock out the hunters where you'd both disappear into the vast wilderness towards Gensokyo's borders and form a new revolutionary front.
-
> Try to quietly open the door to Sanae's room.
-
> Try to quietly open the door to Sanae's room.
> It's locked!
-
> Do we have the tools and skills necessary to pick locks?
> If we swapped with a piece of paper, do we think we could fit ourselves underneath the door?
> If both of these are 'no', head downstairs in the hopes that Sanae is there somewhere.
-
> Do we have the tools and skills necessary to pick locks?
> If we swapped with a piece of paper, do we think we could fit ourselves underneath the door?
> If both of these are 'no', head downstairs in the hopes that Sanae is there somewhere.
> You'd never forget, it's like riding a bicycle! Though, you haven't practiced since arriving to Gensokyo and thus lack tools as nothing around here holds up to Oni strength.
> A funny idea, however you imagine you'd run into the same difficulty as swapping with very large objects or awkwardly shaped objects. You haven't figured out the criteria for making something eligible yet.
> Downstairs you notice a door opposite the library that was always closed has now been opened. Keine is once again at the lobby desk, stamping paperwork.
-
> "Ahoyhoy. Sanae been by here?"
-
> "Ahoyhoy. Sanae been by here?"
> Pointing towards the new area "In the kitchen!"
-
> "Thanks."
> To the kitchen!
-
> "Thanks."
> To the kitchen!
> You enter the inn's kitchen, part of which has been converted into a makeshift dining area. Sanae appears to have just finished breakfast.
> "Ah Seija, you're up early! There's a bit of a situation though, the key to the library has gone missing! I told miss Keine what happened last night and she's going to look for a spare in the basement storage."
-
> "Well, yeah, you didn't exactly make a secret of where you were putting it away, silly. Given the culprit was brazen enough to enter the inn and target someone looking into ways to undo the statue-fication, who knows who might have been watching you do that in order to come back for it later, or may have even already known where it normally lives?"
> Pull the key out and offer it to her.
-
> "Well, yeah, you didn't exactly make a secret of where you were putting it away, silly. Given the culprit was brazen enough to enter the inn and target someone looking into ways to undo the statue-fication, who knows who might have been watching you do that in order to come back for it later, or may have even already known where it normally lives?"
> Pull the key out and offer it to her.
> A little embarrassed and red Sanae accepts it. "Right, they could be among the guests staying at the inn..."
> "So where are you planning to investigate first today?" she asks.
-
> "Depends on what we find in the library."
-
> "Depends on what we find in the library."
> Sanae nods "Want to grab a bite to eat for breakfast?" while pointing at some sausage cuts and toast.
-
> "Sure, thanks."
> Gather some foods.
> "So I got to see yesterday what you can do, but I don't think you ever got to see what I can do. Would you like a little demonstration, just in case it may be handy as part of this investigation?"
-
> "Sure, thanks."
> Gather some foods.
> "So I got to see yesterday what you can do, but I don't think you ever got to see what I can do. Would you like a little demonstration, just in case it may be handy as part of this investigation?"
> You snack on some cold cuts and find them delicious!
> Glowing she nods "Yes yes! I'm really curious what your specialty is!"
-
> "Basically, I'm good at swaps and inversions. Flipping things upside-down, things like that."
> Is Sanae holding a utensil? If so, say "And things like this." and then swap with said utensil.
-
> "Basically, I'm good at swaps and inversions. Flipping things upside-down, things like that."
> Is Sanae holding a utensil? If so, say "And things like this." and then swap with said utensil.
> Swapping with the large spoon sends you flying from Sanae's surprise ..into a jug of water that almost topples off the table!
> "I wasn't expecting that!" she laughs "Amazing!"
-
> Ack! Climb out and float back down onto the table.
> "Easy, easy!"
> Walk over next to Sanae's plate.
> "Anyway, I can even do this more than once in a row. Like this~"
> Swap with Sanae herself this time, so that she becomes small.
-
> Ack! Climb out and float back down onto the table.
> "Easy, easy!"
> Walk over next to Sanae's plate.
> "Anyway, I can even do this more than once in a row. Like this~"
> Swap with Sanae herself this time, so that she becomes small.
> Sanae stumbles around the plate before remarking "Everything looks gigantic!" and gazing around the kitchen.
-
> Gently pick her up.
> "It's quite the perspective shift, isn't it? Imagine being the Princess and having to live with this constantly."
> "There are some advantages, though. Let's say I wanted to talk to a suspect at their place of business, and investigate that business while talking to them but without their noticing. That would be pretty hard to do on my own. If I had a tiny ally in my pocket, though?"
-
> Gently pick her up.
> "It's quite the perspective shift, isn't it? Imagine being the Princess and having to live with this constantly."
> "There are some advantages, though. Let's say I wanted to talk to a suspect at their place of business, and investigate that business while talking to them but without their noticing. That would be pretty hard to do on my own. If I had a tiny ally in my pocket, though?"
> Sanae nods "Yes, being tiny makes it much easier to sneak around!"
-
> "Glad you agree. Okay, I'm going to undo it now, so make sure to not drop me or the utensil."
> Undo our flip with Sanae, and then undo our flip with the utensil.
-
> "Glad you agree. Okay, I'm going to undo it now, so make sure to not drop me or the utensil."
> Undo our flip with Sanae, and then undo our flip with the utensil.
> You return to standing next to the table, then return to lying on the table while the spoon topples over.
> After getting her bearings back she points towards the dining room and eagerly asks "Shall the investigation begin?"
-
> Just to double-check, we are our normal size at the moment?
-
> Just to double-check, we are our normal size at the moment?
> You are!
-
> "Sure, after one last thing."
> "See, those previous flips were all or nothing. But I can also flip individual aspects as well."
> If Sanae's chest is larger than ours (that we can tell), switch our chest size with hers, like we did before with Patchouli. Otherwise, try switching our hair lengths.
-
> "Sure, after one last thing."
> "See, those previous flips were all or nothing. But I can also flip individual aspects as well."
> If Sanae's chest is larger than ours (that we can tell), switch our chest size with hers, like we did before with Patchouli. Otherwise, try switching our hair lengths.
> You can't really tell, if you had to guess it looks slightly smaller?
> Swapping the length of your hair makes Sanae's snake and frog hair pins fall out onto the table! Surprised she swiftly retrieves them, joking that you really need to find a comb!
-
> Run some fingers through our new hair out of curiosity.
-
> Run some fingers through our new hair out of curiosity.
> It feels similar, just longer and somewhat messy.
> Sanae continues "..or a brush?"
-
> "...Yeah, maybe I should tackle this after we're done in the library."
> Blink.
> "...Or maybe 'we' could tackle it? I assume you have more experience with hair this long than I do."
-
> "...Yeah, maybe I should tackle this after we're done in the library."
> Blink.
> "...Or maybe 'we' could tackle it? I assume you have more experience with hair this long than I do."
> A little worried she reminds "Let's not get sidetracked, you never know when whoever's behind this could strike again!"
-
> Does she look 'worried' in a "oh no this incredibly hot oni woman is coming on to me and I don't know how to handle it" way or in a "who knows where or how the villain will strike next" way?
> "Of course. Library?"
-
> Does she look 'worried' in a "oh no this incredibly hot oni woman is coming on to me and I don't know how to handle it" way or in a "who knows where or how the villain will strike next" way?
> "Of course. Library?"
> Kind of hard to gauge, maybe both but more likely the latter.
> You follow Sanae to the library, where you find the three golden statues you saw last night. The morning's additional light reveals the scattered coins and posessions are arranged in a near perfect ring around Mokou and Shinmyoumaru.
-
> 'Three' golden statues? Did Yakumo get moved in here?
-
> 'Three' golden statues? Did Yakumo get moved in here?
> You moved Yakumo to the inn yesterday so that she would attract less attention from the village residents.
-
//Apologies, I thought Yakumo was simply out in the foyer/main lobby. My mistake!
> Based on how the two new statues are posed, does it seem like they were perhaps reading something?
> Based on how the two new statues are posed, does it appear they were caught completely unawares?
> Point out the near-perfection of the circle of objects to Sanae.
> Then give the room a thorough look-over, without yet disrupting anything.
-
//Apologies, I thought Yakumo was simply out in the foyer/main lobby. My mistake!
> Based on how the two new statues are posed, does it seem like they were perhaps reading something?
> Based on how the two new statues are posed, does it appear they were caught completely unawares?
> Point out the near-perfection of the circle of objects to Sanae.
> Then give the room a thorough look-over, without yet disrupting anything.
// No worries, it's been a few hundred posts since then!
> They're both sorta looking downward, so you'd say there's a good chance they were reading or examining something.
> It very much does, like they didn't even have the chance to get startled?
> Sanae asks while examining the rings closely "Could these be ...all their posessions? Like everything they had on them at the time?"
> Otherwise the room looks undisturbed, there's no signs of a scuffle or danmaku duel.
-
> "There's definitely stuff in here that looks like the Princess's belongings. Is there anyone that can verify if the rest is Mokou's?"
> "There's also something that bothers me about this. They look completely unaware of what's about to happen to them. Surely they'd at least look up from what they're doing if someone stepped through the doorway?"
-
> "There's definitely stuff in here that looks like the Princess's belongings. Is there anyone that can verify if the rest is Mokou's?"
> "There's also something that bothers me about this. They look completely unaware of what's about to happen to them. Surely they'd at least look up from what they're doing if someone stepped through the doorway?"
> Sanae thinks for a moment "Uhh there is someone, but they're not exactly on good terms with Mokou..."
> Looking at the doorway "So it must've been an ambush! The culprit was already waiting for them inside the study!"
-
> Is that ghost from yesterday here?
-
> Is that ghost from yesterday here?
> She is not.
-
> "Who was in here other than the ghost woman?"
-
> "Who was in here other than the ghost woman?"
> Sanae thinks "I mean it wasn't locked so anyone could've come in here? It's not known when miss Saigyouji left, so the room might've been empty for a while."
-
> Nod.
> "In that case, we should consider why they might have been targeted. Before we split yesterday evening, the Princess said she was going to read 'something interesting she found on alchemy'. Given their poses, I can definitely imagine those two were reading something when they got got."
-
> Nod.
> "In that case, we should consider why they might have been targeted. Before we split yesterday evening, the Princess said she was going to read 'something interesting she found on alchemy'. Given their poses, I can definitely imagine those two were reading something when they got got."
> Sanae agrees "But who would've known she had found a lead? Also why would Mokou be involved? As far as I know she just fills in for Keine occasionally at the front desk?"
-
> "Those, I'm not sure about. Mokou may have simply caught wind of what was going on and looked into it out of curiosity, but that's just a guess."
-
> Nod.
> "In that case, we should consider why they might have been targeted. Before we split yesterday evening, the Princess said she was going to read 'something interesting she found on alchemy'. Given their poses, I can definitely imagine those two were reading something when they got got."
> Sanae agrees "But who would've known she had found a lead? Also why would Mokou be involved? As far as I know she just fills in for Keine occasionally at the front desk?"
> "Those, I'm not sure about. Mokou may have simply caught wind of what was going on and looked into it out of curiosity, but that's just a guess."
> Point out that it is too coincidential with theboth of them reading and. the earlier mentioned, and openly to bootalchemy book also because of...
>... no such book is among their possessions even though they were reading...
>... together with the key to the Library having been "too coincidenceally and conveniently stolen" to put a further impediment about a potential alchemy-transmutation-book breakthrough...
-
> "Those, I'm not sure about. Mokou may have simply caught wind of what was going on and looked into it out of curiosity, but that's just a guess."
> "Perhaps Shinmyoumaru asked for help with something, like bringing that alchemy book to the table and Mokou just ended up being in the wrong place at the wrong time?"
> Point out that it is too coincidential with theboth of them reading and. the earlier mentioned, and openly to bootalchemy book also because of...
>... no such book is among their possessions even though they were reading...
>... together with the key to the Library having been "too coincidenceally and conveniently stolen" to put a further impediment about a potential alchemy-transmutation-book breakthrough...
> Sanae nods "There's no sign of the book Shinmyoumaru was looking into, so the culprit must've ran off with it!"
> The key to the library wasn't stolen, you borrowed it last night to investigate and returned it to Sanae earlier this morning.
-
> Is there an obvious hole in a shelf somewhere that an alchemy book likely previously occupied?
-
> Is there an obvious hole in a shelf somewhere that an alchemy book likely previously occupied?
> You take a few minutes to examine all the shelves in detail, but find no such spot.
> In the meantime Sanae steps outside to speak with Keine. Upon returning she explains "Good news, Reisen is in town today so we could ask about meeting miss Houraisan!"
-
> Do we know who either of those people are?
-
> Do we know who either of those people are?
> Sanae did mention this Houraisan earlier when you were asking about Mokou. You're not sure about Reisen, the name does sound a little familiar though.
-
> "I'm only barely knowledgeable of those people, but if you say it's good, that's good enough for me."
-
> "I'm only barely knowledgeable of those people, but if you say it's good, that's good enough for me."
> "Well miss Houraisan isn't on the greatest of terms with Mokou but I'm sure she'd be interested in seeing the statue for one reason or another, given their circumstances..."
-
> "Sure. What do you think of also dragging the young lady from the bookstore back here? I can't find anything that's clearly a spot where an alchemy book used to be."
-
> "Sure. What do you think of also dragging the young lady from the bookstore back here? I can't find anything that's clearly a spot where an alchemy book used to be."
> Nodding "I'll go look for her."
> Sanae steps out and after a moment Keine joins you, bringing a stack of paperwork with her.
-
> "Hey, what's up?"
-
> "Hey, what's up?"
> Keine explains "Miss Sanae asked me to keep watch so no ones left alone in the study, to prevent anything from going missing"
-
> "Oh, that's a good idea, yeah. Thanks."
-
> "Oh, that's a good idea, yeah. Thanks."
> Keine nods "I'll get back to these forms then" and continues stamping papers.
-
> Have another look around the room. Is there anything else that stands out as worth examining?
-
> Have another look around the room. Is there anything else that stands out as worth examining?
> Nothing noteworthy, but you admit it could very well be one of those cases of not knowing what to look for. Perhaps it's worth revisiting this area later on with more context?
-
> Hmm. In that case...
> Give Keine a look-over. In what physical aspects does she have us beat?
-
> Hmm. In that case...
> Give Keine a look-over. In what physical aspects does she have us beat?
> You can't really tell with her sitting, but nothing's obviously standing out.
-
> Hmm...
> Place one hand on top of the Princess's head, and hold the Miracle Mallet in the other. Do we feel anything notable as a result of this?
> Do we know the mechanics of how the Princess activates the Mallet to do things?
-
> Hmm...
> Place one hand on top of the Princess's head, and hold the Miracle Mallet in the other. Do we feel anything notable as a result of this?
> Do we know the mechanics of how the Princess activates the Mallet to do things?
> Just holding the mallet imbues a feeling of confidence. You could take on the world!
> According to Shinmyoumaru, she tries to imagine the outcome she wants then gives it a good whack! It's kind of like those dreams where she knows she's dreaming and can wish things into existence.
-
> ...You know what, why not? Fortune favors the bold!
> Keeping one hand on the Princess, imagine ourselves a couple of inches taller than Sariel, and then lightly tap ourselves with the Mallet.
-
> ...You know what, why not? Fortune favors the bold!
> Keeping one hand on the Princess, imagine ourselves a couple of inches taller than Sariel, and then lightly tap ourselves with the Mallet.
> You swing the mallet and.. ouch! You feel something hitting you on the head! Instinctively reaching up you find that either the chandelier on the ceiling has come crashing down ..or you've grown tall enough to bump into it!
-
> Whoa! Duck down a bit.
> Then look around to get our bearings.
-
> Whoa! Duck down a bit.
> Then look around to get our bearings.
> You duck down as Keine notices you with surprise, remarking "Oh my! I don't think we offer rooms that large...".
-
> Have a look at the doorway. Are we able to fit out of it?
> Based on our previous experience being Sariel's height, does this feel like 'a couple of inches taller' than that?
-
> Have a look at the doorway. Are we able to fit out of it?
> Based on our previous experience being Sariel's height, does this feel like 'a couple of inches taller' than that?
> You'd hit your head on the frame.
> It's what you'd imagine it'd look like from her perspective, so about the same height.
-
> Does the Mallet have a limit before it runs out of energy and all its effects cease?
> If so, are there any further negative consequences of draining it?
> "Cool. Good to know that works."
> Smile at Keine.
> "Don't worry about it. It shouldn't be a long-term issue."
-
> Does the Mallet have a limit before it runs out of energy and all its effects cease?
> If so, are there any further negative consequences of draining it?
> "Cool. Good to know that works."
> Smile at Keine.
> "Don't worry about it. It shouldn't be a long-term issue."
> You know all too well that it has it's limits. Furthermore when it does run out it extracts it's price by causing misfortune until it's recharged.
> Keine comments "I-I see.." before returning to completing paperwork.
-
> Do we know roughly how much time we have before we hit its limit?
> Is it possible to 'undo' a Mallet wish so that things revert to normal without the Mallet hitting its limit?
-
> Do we know roughly how much time we have before we hit its limit?
> Is it possible to 'undo' a Mallet wish so that things revert to normal without the Mallet hitting its limit?
> Shinmyoumaru always complains that it runs out at the most unfortunate of times, and you can confirm that from experience.
> Yes! Just imagine the particular wish you've summoned and whack it once more.
-
> Have a seat and see how that feels in terms of not feeling cramped.
-
> Have a seat and see how that feels in terms of not feeling cramped.
> The seat feels a little short, but otherwise it's fine.
-
> "Um...A youkai being this big here won't be a problem, will it?"
-
> "Um...A youkai being this big here won't be a problem, will it?"
> Keine explains "We're welcome here in the village, as long as we blend in and don't stir up trouble. Being impossibly big will give away that you're not a local and might frighten some. Especially with rumors circulating of a Youkai skirmish last night in the streets behind Akyuu's estate."
-
> 'Impossibly' big, she says...are we large enough that we could, like, grab and lift her with one hand, with fingers curling fully around her or something?
-
> 'Impossibly' big, she says...are we large enough that we could, like, grab and lift her with one hand, with fingers curling fully around her or something?
> Not even close! However you're tall enough to need to duck to get through doors without hitting your head, that everyone else (including someone else tall like Mokou) can get through comfortably.
-
> Slight sweatdrop of embarrassment.
> "Impossibly big, huh...It is true that I don't want to incite fear here, though."
> Not right now, anyway~
-
> Slight sweatdrop of embarrassment.
> "Impossibly big, huh...It is true that I don't want to incite fear here, though."
> Not right now, anyway~
> Keine explains "Then may I suggest doing your best to blend in..."
> Just wait Iris, you'll get an incident unlike any other...
-
> Lightly tap our horns with a small chuckle.
> "There's only so much that can be done regarding that. But I'll do my best to not wander around looking like this."
-
> Lightly tap our horns with a small chuckle.
> "There's only so much that can be done regarding that. But I'll do my best to not wander around looking like this."
> Keine laughs "Perhaps a hat? Or maybe even a bow? I have quite the collection of forgotten headgear to pick from..."
-
> "It should be okay, people almost surely noticed me in town yesterday. Though I suppose I could take a look if you're trying to give it away..."
-
> "It should be okay, people almost surely noticed me in town yesterday. Though I suppose I could take a look if you're trying to give it away..."
> Keine explains "Most are in storage, but there's two forgotten hats on top of the shelf behind the front desk. You can have whichever you want."
-
> Nod.
> "I'll take a look after those two get back."
-
> Nod.
> "I'll take a look after those two get back."
> "You can close the door on your way out..." she reminds.
-
> "Sure, if you're packing up and coming with me."
-
> "Sure, if you're packing up and coming with me."
> "I'm quite busy with grading exams, but I'm sure you'll spot the hats behind the front desk."
-
> "I'm sure I will, once there's at least one other person in here so that you're not left here alone."
-
> "I'm sure I will, once there's at least one other person in here so that you're not left here alone."
> "You called?!" a playful voice fills the room as Iris waddles in from the door in question.
> "It'd be a shame if this incident were to become impossible to solve! So I'll keep an eye on these statues!" she volunteers, hopping up on the table and inspecting Shinmyoumaru and Mokou closely.
> "Wait they moved! ..maybe not. What if I moved!?" she jumps, before finding a spot to sit on the exams Keine is grading.
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> Narrow our eyes at Iris and frown.
> "You know very well your presence here assuages none of the fears of leaving someone here alone."
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> Narrow our eyes at Iris and frown.
> "You know very well your presence here assuages none of the fears of leaving someone here alone."
> Another Iris doll waddles in from the door, exclaiming "Who said we were alone?"
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> Look back and forth between the two Iris dolls.
> "...Oh, I get it now. I'm having a nightmare, aren't I?"
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> Look back and forth between the two Iris dolls.
> "...Oh, I get it now. I'm having a nightmare, aren't I?"
> "I'm a nightmare to be with?" the one on the left asks before turning around and crying theatrically.
> "That's not nice!" the other points at you disapprovingly.
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> "Look. You know very well that you being here is pointless, no matter how many of you there are. If Keine is the culprit, you're not going to stop her or tell anyone, and if she isn't and the culprit strikes here again, there will be more of you to replace any of you that get turned into a statue along with her."
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> "Look. You know very well that you being here is pointless, no matter how many of you there are. If Keine is the culprit, you're not going to stop her or tell anyone, and if she isn't and the culprit strikes here again, there will be more of you to replace any of you that get turned into a statue along with her."
> The dolls frown and admit in sync "Fine, we'll fetch miss Yuyuko! Wait warmly while dolls search for ghosts.."
> As you wait the dolls perform a short but intricate duet dance on the table, managing to capture Keine's attention despite her best efforts to focus on grading assignments.
> Several minutes later miss Yuyuko returns, noticing the new statues "Oh dear, they've struck again!"
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> "They have, last night."
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> "They have, last night."
> "Maybe if I had been here..." she shakes her head.
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> "I was curious about that, admittedly. What happened?"
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> "I was curious about that, admittedly. What happened?"
> Thinking for a moment she explains "Last night I made significant discovery in a foreign tome describing the folklore around alchemy. One of the legends it describes is of an ancient king who pioneered the art of turning things into gold through magic it describes as the "Midas Touch Spell". Wasting no time I left to visit Remilia to ask if she could search for anything in her collection of western literature which could be connected to the spell where we found a recently disturbed grimoire full of formulas and schematics."