Maidens of the Kaleidoscope
~Beyond the Border~ => Rumia's Party Games => Topic started by: Neovereign on November 13, 2021, 05:13:35 PM
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> You are a human.
> A human who is hopelessly lost.
> Well, maybe not hopelessly. There is a path you're on, leading to a village... But a... Floating orb of pitch black darkness guards it...
> The path behind doesn't look any better, also covered in darkness. Though less than the orb.
> Next to you stands a... Stand. Like an old market. Otherwise, its those two paths and the woods off the path...
>_
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> Who are we?
> How did we end up lost? What were we doing before?
> And what IS this place, if we can even tell?
> Anyone running the stand?
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>Does the stand look like it has been used recently?
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> Who are we?
> How did we end up lost? What were we doing before?
> And what IS this place, if we can even tell?
> Anyone running the stand?
>Does the stand look like it has been used recently?
> Your name is shrouded in fog. Well, shrouded in mist sounds better. Maybe it had something to do with mist?
> You were heading home for the night, you're sure. But this doesn't look like anywhere you've been before.
> It seems like a village. At least, youd call it such given the absence of taller buildings, cars, or even streets.
> The stand is in pristine condition, as if newly made. You don't see anyone present, though, at least from here.
>_
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> Do we know anyone?
> Check ourself. What do we have?
> Look over the stand. Does it look like it's open for business right now?
> And if we can see anything, what kind of products are visible?
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>Inventory
>Any special skills or knowledge
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> Do we know anyone?
> Check ourself. What do we have?
> Look over the stand. Does it look like it's open for business right now?
> And if we can see anything, what kind of products are visible?
>Inventory
>Any special skills or knowledge
> No friends or family come to mind.
> You check, noticing a gun in your possession, as well as a phone. No wallet or money, though...
> There appear to be no products in stock...
> Returning back up, there appears to be someone at the stand now. A maid? White hair, though...
> You believe you know how to use a gun. Surely how to fight if so, too.
>_
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> Has the maid noticed us??
> Check the phone for any useful identification.
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>How much charge does the phone have?
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> Has the maid noticed us??
> Check the phone for any useful identification.
>How much charge does the phone have?
> It seems so... She's just staring at you.
> The phone still works. Its at 98%.
> Theres... A lock screen. Not even numbers either. It brings up a keyboard...
> The background features a lone black hat with a white ribbon.
>_
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> Is the phone expecting some sort of password? If so, try entering "maid" and see what happens.
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>Does Touhou ring any bells
>Is it a witch hat?
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> Is the phone expecting some sort of password? If so, try entering "maid" and see what happens.
>Does Touhou ring any bells
>Is it a witch hat?
> Yes.
> You try "maid".
> No dice. Still locked.
> What about toes? Of course you wash yours properly. You think? You don't feel like you wouldn't, so you believe you do.
> Not witch-like. Its round at the top, and the ribbon or bow may reach slightly above it?
>_
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> Look at the maid.
> "Uh. Hello? Do you speak this language?"
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>Kilgamayan
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> Look at the maid.
> "Uh. Hello? Do you speak this language?"
>Kilgamayan
> Stare... All she does. Is she even breathing?
> "Sale. They're half off...- I would like-"
>The maid speaks, stopping abruptly to open her hand out towards you in expectation.
>_
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> Look down at her hand, then up at her.
> "I'm sorry, I don't quite understand what you're saying."
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>Pull out our pockets to show we're broke
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> Look down at her hand, then up at her.
> "I'm sorry, I don't quite understand what you're saying."
>Pull out our pockets to show we're broke
> You invert your pockets.
> "... I understand" your voice repeats to you from the woman, still holding her hand out.
>_
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> Look down at her hand again, then up at her again.
> Put our phone away and place a hand in hers.
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//Getting bad vibes
//She's copying our voice
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// Oh crap I missed that part
> Put our phone away and place a hand in hers.
> Don't do this part, actually.
> Instead, take a step back.
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> Look down at her hand again, then up at her again.
> Put our phone away and place a hand in hers.
//Getting bad vibes
//She's copying our voice
// Oh crap I missed that part
> Don't do this part, actually.
> Instead, take a step back.
> You step back.
> Nothing changes...
>_
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> "...Why did you sound like me just now?"
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> "...Why did you sound like me just now?"
> " Sound." "Sale." Your voice, then the maid's speaks from her. "Hello - sale." She repeats one of your previous words. "Sorry- sale. Understand." She holds both hands out.
>_
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//I think she has to use other people's words to construct sentences like a parrot
>"If you understand me, could you please nod your head?"
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//I think she has to use other people's words to construct sentences like a parrot
>"If you understand me, could you please nod your head?"
> The maid nods.
>_
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>Gingerly put our hand into hers
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>Gingerly put our hand into hers
> You place your hand on hers.
> "Mistress, you know that humans are no good here. There are substitutes, though." The maid speaks, moving her hand away from yours, but keeping it out. "If you really want a human, I can look further. Understand."
>_
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> "...Am I a danger to you? You can simply answer yes or no."
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> "...Am I a danger to you? You can simply answer yes or no."
> "No." The maid answers, with your voice this time.
>_
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>"I'm in danger. Someone is looking for people, yes?"
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> "Huh. That's...a little bit depressing, on some level, to be honest."
> "Where am I, anyway?"
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>"I'm in danger. Someone is looking for people, yes?"
> "Huh. That's...a little bit depressing, on some level, to be honest."
> "Where am I, anyway?"
> "Yes." She responds.
> "Exchange." The maid... no, a different voice, not from the maid's mouth, but somewhere lower without the maid moving her lips, speaks? The maid places one hand on the stand, still having the other recieving.
>_
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> Look down at where we think that new voice came from.
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> Look down at where we think that new voice came from.
> Theres nothing new over here... Just you, the maid, and the stand separating you two. Unless theres someone at her legs / feet now?
>_
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> Look back up at the maid and point down at where we heard the new voice come from.
> "Who was that?"
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> Look back up at the maid and point down at where we heard the new voice come from.
> "Who was that?"
> She taps the top of the stand again, still holding her hand out.
>_
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> Frown a bit.
> "Your stomach just talked, or something. I'd at least like that matter addressed before continuing."
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> Frown a bit.
> "Your stomach just talked, or something. I'd at least like that matter addressed before continuing."
> The maid smiles.
> "Trade. Or exchange. We offer anything, for anything in exchange. Continuing is not a big exchange. We will not address this matter much in response." The voice repeats.
> In looking around during it, that voice seems to come from nowhere. If not that, then inside the stand.
>_
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> How close is the maid to the stand? If we tried to look behind it, would she be blocking it?
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> How close is the maid to the stand? If we tried to look behind it, would she be blocking it?
> A step away. She wouldn't block it.
>_
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> Lean forward and try to look behind/under the desk.
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> Lean forward and try to look behind/under the desk.
> You lean over
> Just a regular stand. No scratches, no products...
>_
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> Nothing that would be emitting a voice?
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"This isn't one of those deals with the devil - hell I actually would take it."
>"Could I trade labor for shelter?"
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> Nothing that would be emitting a voice?
"This isn't one of those deals with the devil - hell I actually would take it."
>"Could I trade labor for shelter?"
> None you notice, unless its in the wood.
> the maid nods.
>_
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> Stay leaned over.
> "Alright. What needs doing?"
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> Stay leaned over.
> "Alright. What needs doing?"
> "Anything." The voice answers. It has to be inside...
>_
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> "With all due respect, that's rather vague."
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> "With all due respect, that's rather vague."
> "Exchange based on what is provided. We accept anything."
>_
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> "That's why I'm asking what needs doing. I don't know anything about this place. How could I possibly know what would be good to do?"
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> "That's why I'm asking what needs doing. I don't know anything about this place. How could I possibly know what would be good to do?"
> "Anything."
> "I thought Mystia usually set up here... This isn't her." A different voice speaks from behind you.
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> Turn around to look at the newcomer.
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> Turn around to look at the newcomer.
> You turn to see... A short, flying girl.
>_
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>"Hello," Wave to the newcomer
>"Are you a magician? I'd love to see your other tricks later."
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>"Hello," Wave to the newcomer
>"Are you a magician? I'd love to see your other tricks later."
> "Im Rumia. If i show you a trick, wont you give me a treat?"
>_
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> "I don't know that I have any to give."
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> "I don't know that I have any to give."
> "I can tell that you have some."
>_
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>"I've got a phone."
->Give s small Shrug
-->"If I figure out the password I could let you play games on it as a treat."
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>"I've got a phone."
->Give s small Shrug
-->"If I figure out the password I could let you play games on it as a treat."
> "Id rather have my own. Thats too short lived." She replies.
>_
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>"I don't have anything else to offer as a treat."
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>"I don't have anything else to offer as a treat."
> "Hm... What about you?" She asks the maid.
> The maid holds out her hand, once again.
> "What? You'll lend me a hand?"
>_
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>"Careful, they exchange for anything. If I understand correctly."
>"How many hours of physical labor would I need to exchange for shelter?"
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>"Careful, they exchange for anything. If I understand correctly."
>"How many hours of physical labor would I need to exchange for shelter?"
> Your question goes unanswered...
> "Anything huh..." The girl looks back over, before dropping a few... Coins? A generous amount too... " Tell me what you exchange for. If i give you enough money, will you really let me eat you?"
> The coins sink into the wood, vanishing out of sight.
> "Anything." The voice answers. "Whatever you are capable of providing. Money. Labor. Greetings. Insults. Threats. Blood. Water. Rocks. Descript-"
> "Okay okay, anything, i get it..." The girl considers.
> "The better you offer, the better we will exchange for."
> "So... It is possible to trade you something that'll let me eat you?" She points at the maid. "Don't you know that's a stupid idea to agree to?"
> No answer...
>_
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> "It's not like that I can give something good enough in order to obtain the stand itself as my property."
> Pause, then look over to the stand in consideration.
> "... Though it is an interesting consideration."
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> "It's not like that I can give something good enough in order to obtain the stand itself as my property."
> Pause, then look over to the stand in consideration.
> "... Though it is an interesting consideration."
> "Hurry and get your thing done first. I want the person running it." Rumia steps down.
>_
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//I am thinking we offer physical labor for shelter and credit we can exchange later.
>"Right. I just got to be careful, this might be monkey paw shenanigans."
>"I would like to exchange 40 hours of labor for any request that doesn't risk my life or injure my body for shelter and credit to exchange at a later time."
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//I am thinking we offer physical labor for shelter and credit we can exchange later.
>"Right. I just got to be careful, this might be monkey paw shenanigans."
>"I would like to exchange 40 hours of labor for any request that doesn't risk my life or injure my body for shelter and credit to exchange at a later time."
> Silence.
> "Guess they dont exchange every-"
> "The structure visually opposite of us from your current perspective will improve as time passes, up to 40 hours, and improve further depending on the labor you provide for us within that time. Part of said labor will contribute to later exchanges when specified to exchange such." That voice explains.
> "Oh." Rumia blinks. "Hm..." She looks over the stand, before... Turning into a mist and heading into the woodwork?
>_
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>"Darn, I feel bad for her."
->"Maybe I should have told her to make sure she was more careful to word her trade," Scratch the back of our head.
>"What do you need or want me to do first for you?"
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>"Darn, I feel bad for her."
->"Maybe I should have told her to make sure she was more careful to word her trade," Scratch the back of our head.
>"What do you need or want me to do first for you?"
> "There's not even anyone in here... Are they somewhere else?" Rumia's voice speaks, before that mist comes back out of the stand.
> "Bring someone willing to exchange." The voice replies.
>_
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>"If you're after human flesh you could try asking how much per pound. The cut would probably affect the value."
->Mumble into our hand, "What about meat pies?"
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>"If you're after human flesh you could try asking how much per pound. The cut would probably affect the value."
->Mumble into our hand, "What about meat pies?"
> The mist seems to form back into the girl.
> "Hm... I'll give you some of my darkness for some human meat." The girl says, holding her hand out.
> She sets a small... cube of darkness, on the stand. As it vanishes, a smaller piece of meat sits in it's spot.
> The girl quickly downs it, though seems unsatisfied.
>_
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>"Does human meat taste like pork?"
>"Do the people in that village also practice cannibalism?"
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// Interesting quest! Mind if I join in?
> So they want us to market their shop and find customers? Doesn't sound too difficult!
> "Where would I find the closest settlement with people interested in trade?"
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>"Does human meat taste like pork?"
>"Do the people in that village also practice cannibalism?"
// Interesting quest! Mind if I join in?
> So they want us to market their shop and find customers? Doesn't sound too difficult!
> "Where would I find the closest settlement with people interested in trade?"
//Of course more can join. Who said it was a quest?
> "It depends on the person. And I doubt any of the villagers get eaten. I'm not one of them." The girl puts a hand to her chin.
> "The human village, obviously. You're an outsider to Gensokyo though. Youkai like me will eat you if you don't end up staying there."
> The word, no, the place, sounds familiar.
>_
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// Purely informative post no actions/time pass required
> "The human village, obviously. You're an outsider to Gensokyo though. Youkai like me will eat you if you don't end up staying there."
> Who is saying this? The shopkeeper or this Rumia person?
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// Purely informative post no actions/time pass required> Who is saying this? The shopkeeper or this Rumia person?
> Rumia
>_
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> Look at the shopkeeper
> "Is there any alternative you could offer to what miss Rumia proposes about staying at this village?"
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> Also this Gensokyo place where have we heard it before?
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>"That would be terribly inconvenient especially if I continue working for the stand."
>Look at the shelter we bargained for
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> "Unless you know of another way not to get eaten while living there?"
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> Look at the shopkeeper
> "Is there any alternative you could offer to what miss Rumia proposes about staying at this village?"
> Also this Gensokyo place where have we heard it before?
>"That would be terribly inconvenient especially if I continue working for the stand."
>Look at the shelter we bargained for
> "Unless you know of another way not to get eaten while living there?"
> You heard of it from someone speaking to someone else about it. A dangerous land of fantasy where there are humanoid monsters and people that could go against them, like with the ability to control fire. Given its stuck with you when your name hasn't, you assume it was very important to know about.
> The shopkeeper does not answer.
> "The village is pretty much the safest place. Otherwise, you did just ask for a shelter right near it, so..." Rumia glances towards it.
> You look over to the shelter in question.
> Its practically just a bus stop, but with a larger roof and 3 see-through walls of what you believe is glass.
>_
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> Was this some friend of ours that mentioned it to some other?
> Glance at the shopkeeper "Do you think you could teach me how to defend myself out here? It would help me assist you with other tasks, so consider it an investment"
> Shiver at the possibility of being stuck in a village surrounded by canibals... If we can defend ourselves and roam around we atleast have a chance at finding out more about our situation and just maybe, our way back to society...
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>"You said you were a youkai. Do you mean you're one of those supernatural creatures from mythology, Rumia?"
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> Was this some friend of ours that mentioned it to some other?
> Glance at the shopkeeper "Do you think you could teach me how to defend myself out here? It would help me assist you with other tasks, so consider it an investment"
> Shiver at the possibility of being stuck in a village surrounded by canibals... If we can defend ourselves and roam around we atleast have a chance at finding out more about our situation and just maybe, our way back to society...
>"You said you were a youkai. Do you mean you're one of those supernatural creatures from mythology, Rumia?"
> You dont think they knew you, but you feel like you knew them.at least
> The woman doesnt answer. Nor does the voice.
> "Hm... Mostly." She answers. "Id have eaten you as well, but this thing can provide more if I find something worth it... I dont know what would be really worth, though..."
>_
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> Think for a moment about what Rumia could trade...
> "Maybe you could bring her other meats like rabbit, beef or pork and she'll convert them for what you want"
> Afterwards return to talking to the shopkeeper
> "Since you mentioned you'll trade for descriptions, would you be interested in hearing about civilization or technology from where I come from?"
> Assuming we really are in this Gensokyo place we can asume its fairly isolated otherwise we'd surely have heard of cannibals and supernatural abilities
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>"How much knowledge of protecting myself and finding more customers could I get for my left eye?"
//Plan odin
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>"How much knowledge of protecting myself and finding more customers could I get for my left eye?"
//Plan odin
// Haha we'd need to trade for an eyepatch after that! Also depth perception is kind of a necessity to survive in a world full of danmaku, ever played that EoSD 3D game?
> "Or a quart of blood for that matter" // Since it's a renewable resource and likely of more value than an eye since vampires would pay good money for it
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> Think for a moment about what Rumia could trade...
> "Maybe you could bring her other meats like rabbit, beef or pork and she'll convert them for what you want"
> Afterwards return to talking to the shopkeeper
> "Since you mentioned you'll trade for descriptions, would you be interested in hearing about civilization or technology from where I come from?"
> Assuming we really are in this Gensokyo place we can asume its fairly isolated otherwise we'd surely have heard of cannibals and supernatural abilities
>"How much knowledge of protecting myself and finding more customers could I get for my left eye?"
//Plan odin
// Haha we'd need to trade for an eyepatch after that! Also depth perception is kind of a necessity to survive in a world full of danmaku, ever played that EoSD 3D game?
> "Or a quart of blood for that matter" // Since it's a renewable resource and likely of more value than an eye since vampires would pay good money for it
> "That sounds fair." Rumia responds.
> "Yes." The... Stand answers.
> They dont give you an amount... You may have to figure this out yourself.
> "Why do you have a body here if you dont need it?" Rumia questions, tugging at the woman at the stand. "Itd be better to just have a sign up."
> The girls thinks for a bit.
> "I'll "trade" you getting this body off your hands in exchange for giving you a sign that explains what you do."
> The youkai is already pulling the maid into a pool of darkness...
>_
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> Look to the maid.
> "Uh, are you really okay with this?"
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> Look to the maid.
> "Uh, are you really okay with this?"
> The maid continues without objection. And in the corner of your eye, something on the stand changes.
>_
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> Based on current pull speeds, how much longer does the maid have before she's completely pulled in?
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>What changed
>"Rumia, please stop. She may be a previous customer."
//I wish to be immortal. The soul leaves and the body mans the stand forever.
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// I'm prepared to just grab the maid and try to make a break for it, tbh
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// Somehow I really doubt we can outrun Rumia. She's probably the most Youkai-like of all the Youkai
> Quick glance at the stand to see what is changing
> "Rumia! What if she's someone from the village that just agreed to work here in exchange for something. Besides how do you know you'll be able to get more meat without the shopkeeper?"
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> Based on current pull speeds, how much longer does the maid have before she's completely pulled in?
>What changed
>"Rumia, please stop. She may be a previous customer."
//I wish to be immortal. The soul leaves and the body mans the stand forever.
// Somehow I really doubt we can outrun Rumia. She's probably the most Youkai-like of all the Youkai
> Quick glance at the stand to see what is changing
> "Rumia! What if she's someone from the village that just agreed to work here in exchange for something. Besides how do you know you'll be able to get more meat without the shopkeeper?"
> A few seconds.
> A message is now visible on the stand, though you dont think you have time to read it.
> "She'd speak up if she had any objections. In fact, she doesnt even look like she cares." Rumia responds. Though you cant affirm such anymore yourself.
>_
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>"Stop! You might be trading yourself!"
//I doubt Rumia paid enough to compensate for the shopkeeper.
-
>"Stop! You might be trading yourself!"
//I doubt Rumia paid enough to compensate for the shopkeeper.
> "Rumia can't you see something's wrong here!? Any person would put up a fight or run away from being eaten!"
> "What if they're possessed and this is some kind of trap!?"
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>"Stop! You might be trading yourself!"
//I doubt Rumia paid enough to compensate for the shopkeeper.
> "Rumia can't you see something's wrong here!? Any person would put up a fight or run away from being eaten!"
> "What if they're possessed and this is some kind of trap!?"
> "I don't think they can match my cost. I'll be fine." Rumia says, as the woman is fully pulled in.
>_
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> Is the woman at least still visible?
-
> Is the woman at least still visible?
> No.
>_
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// Putting it out there that I want to reach in and try to grab the woman and pull her out. I won't actually enter such a command without others stating agreement or indifference, though.
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//Not sure. It depends on how likely Rumia will eat us.
//On the other hand the stand having a timeshare on Rumia sounds interesting. That is the minimum that I expect from this ordeal.
-
// Caveat emptor! I'm curious to see what'll happen to Rumia, might give us some sense of how powerful the shop is. At least she wont be able to eat us afterwards since we're a paying customer
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// Just realized there haven't been any actions
> Exclaim "You've got to read the fine print Rumia!"
-
// Just realized there haven't been any actions
> Exclaim "You've got to read the fine print Rumia!"
> "Hm... Thats a better sign than i expected." Rumia speaks, reading and ignoring you...
>_
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>Read the message on the stand
-
>Read the message on the stand
> Exchanges: Make any request and provide any payment you possess. Anything can be exchanged, the result depends on the value of what’s traded.
> Note: Do not destroy our stand, as it is currently our best way to contact others for exchanges.
> Examples: Request for food outputs poor quality food. Sincere / Kind request or extreme threatening for food outputs better quality food.
> There is a small picture of a figure speaking to the empty stand below the text, and food appearing atop the stand in another picture next to it.
> "I would've just wrote: 'If you give something, you get something.'" Rumia speaks.
>_
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>Is it a nice sign?
>Slowly creep away from Rumia and towards the village
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> Aha! The shopkeeper won't be able to fulfill any requests if she's eaten, so to get her to fight back we need to exchange for something quick!
> Do we have anything the shop might consider valueable on us? (Including knowledge and other intangible goods)
-
>Is it a nice sign?
>Slowly creep away from Rumia and towards the village
> Aha! The shopkeeper won't be able to fulfill any requests if she's eaten, so to get her to fight back we need to exchange for something quick!
> Do we have anything the shop might consider valueable on us? (Including knowledge and other intangible goods)
> Yes. It's neat and easily legible.
> You know a little about Gensoko. Maybe that's valuable? There's also the phone you have.
> You start to sneak away towards the village...
> "Next... In exchange for telling you about the person you looked like-" Rumia seems to begin another trade, oblivious to your departure.
>_
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> Keep an eye out for potential customers to show them the market stall! (Especially anyone who looks gullible...)
> In our opinion does the shop look/feel more official now that it has the sign
-
>Tom
>Turn off our phone
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> Keep an eye out for potential customers to show them the market stall! (Especially anyone who looks gullible...)
> In our opinion does the shop look/feel more official now that it has the sign
>Tom
>Turn off our phone
> You continue and turn off your phone.
> ...
> It doesn't seem like it can turn off?
> It does look better, but there's still the lack of any attendees now...
> Actually arriving, the village does seem to have occupants. Not too many roaming around outside, though.
>_
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> Take a good look at the villagers we see, do they look wealthy, poor etc.?
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> Do any of the villagers stand out in appearance?
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>Look for gaunt and desperate faces in the crowd
>Do we see an area that looks like a slum
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> Do any of the villagers stand out in appearance?
>Look for gaunt and desperate faces in the crowd
>Do we see an area that looks like a slum
> ...Well. Somehow... The maid from the stand appears to be around here. Though with a friend as well?
> It seems peaceful here. In the sense that no one seems needy of anything, or with much trouble. Perhaps this is just a good night for everyone?
> You do not.
>_
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> What does the maid's friend look like?
-
> Maybe they just don't know what they need... A good salesman is one that sells solutions, a great salesman is one that convinces you to solve a problem you never even knew you had...
> Look for any conversations or exchanges and discretely listen in.
> Take note of their actions, possessions, houses etc. does everything appear roughly like what we'd expect a remote village to look like? Any sign of technology or do they look like they're living behind the times?
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> What does the maid's friend look like?
> Maybe they just don't know what they need... A good salesman is one that sells solutions, a great salesman is one that convinces you to solve a problem you never even knew you had...
> Look for any conversations or exchanges and discretely listen in.
> Take note of their actions, possessions, houses etc. does everything appear roughly like what we'd expect a remote village to look like? Any sign of technology or do they look like they're living behind the times?
> You cant get much description from here, but it looks like they could be female.
> The maid is talking about good places to search for goods in what you'd assume is a store. Another person is talking about how uneventful their day was to someone else...
> And that's about it... Not even much idle banter by anyone at this hour. Then again, people don't commonly talk aloud to themselves.
> Not a single person you spot has a phone out. This isnt too off for a village.
>_
-
Then again, people don't commonly talk aloud to themselves.
// Huh, then I guess they aren't your average JRPG NPCs xD
> Casually search for said store and other places of interest (like a restaurant, the inn or other market stalls)
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> Keep an ear out to the maid while we search. Make a note if it sounds like there's a gap in her conversation.
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>Look for any evil or jealous looks
-
// Huh, then I guess they aren't your average JRPG NPCs xD
> Casually search for said store and other places of interest (like a restaurant, the inn or other market stalls)
> Keep an ear out to the maid while we search. Make a note if it sounds like there's a gap in her conversation.
>Look for any evil or jealous looks
> You start searching, but most of the buildings around here look like residences... There seem to be different kinds further away, but that puts you out of range.
> Still pretty peaceful. You wonder if anyone even minds anyone else here.
> "I see. And for cooking?"
> "Lets focus on one thing first." The maid answers her friend, before you notice their pause you were looking for.
>_
-
// I wanna ask the maid why she's here and not back at the booth/eaten by that darkness. Any objections?
-
// I wanna ask the maid why she's here and not back at the booth/eaten by that darkness. Any objections?
// No objections, but try and word it in a way to account that it might be a different person
-
//Go ahead
-
> Walk up to the maid.
> "Pardon me, miss, but were you just working at that stand over there? Or was that someone else?"
> Point back at the exchange booth.
-
> Walk up to the maid.
> "Pardon me, miss, but were you just working at that stand over there? Or was that someone else?"
> Point back at the exchange booth.
> "A stand? No, I only work at a mansion."
> " This is... I haven't felt something like this in forever. Similar, but very different from her. I didn't know Gensokyo had them..." The maid's friend speaks. A redhead, now that you face her.
> "Hm?" The maid herself questions her friend.
>_
-
> "Pardon?"
-
>"What is it Gensokyo has?"
-
> "Pardon?"
>"What is it Gensokyo has?"
> "Many different creatures. You should know what I am, naturally." The redhead speaks.
> Most you can say is she makes you feel a bit uncomfortable...
>_
-
> Nod in agreement
> "What is different though?"
-
//Incubus?
>Tom
-
> Nod in agreement
> "What is different though?"
//Incubus?
>Tom
> "Gee, you're a really innocent one, aren't you? Well, despite my curiosity, I won't corrupt you. You can figure things out at your own pace." The woman steps back.
> ...
> "Buuut. To sate a bit of it, it's fine if I ask things you already know, right? Were you born, or created? Or maybe you transformed?" The woman steps forward again.
>_
-
//I'm guess yokai, maybe magician
Edited
//"Maybe we can trade questions."
//Darn, should have allowed the stand to make deals through us.
-
// Why are they treating us like yokai? Didn't we like wake up at most an hour or two ago near the shop? There's no way we transformed so quick
// Also we can answer something like "I'm not sure, do you remember the first moment you were alive?"
-
//We might have traded our memories prior to waking up
//It could also be the shop is fooling them by covering our scent with its magic
//I am not certain though
-
// We could also just come straight-up clean about how we don't know strawberries, my dudette.
-
// Yeah maybe just say we don't really remember, it's not wrong... Why would we have our phone if we're a yokai that just traded memories with a human?
> Tilt our head in curiosity and smile "I'm curious what you guess would be?"
-
// Yeah maybe just say we don't really remember, it's not wrong... Why would we have our phone if we're a yokai that just traded memories with a human?
> Tilt our head in curiosity and smile "I'm curious what you guess would be?"
> "Hm... Like you're connected to someone. So maybe a gu- oh crap, Meiling!"
> 'Ah. It has been a bit long. I guess ill talk about cooking at home." The maid speaks.
>_
-
> Meiling? Does that name mean anything to us?
-
> Meiling? Does that name mean anything to us?
> Not that you know or feel.
>_
-
> "'Meiling'?"
-
> Ponder what she was about to guess when she was interrupted...
-
> "'Meiling'?"
> Ponder what she was about to guess when she was interrupted...
> Maybe a name?
> "an acquaintance of ours. We better get going."
>_
-
//I meant a human who traded their memories to be a youkai
>"Ahh, I hope we can run into each other soon."
-
// Oh yeah hadn't thought of that, perhaps we made trades before the start of the game
> Politely let them hurry back to wherever they need to be, then take a look to see who else is around and continue to look for any buildings that stand out (shops, inn, etc)
-
// For the sake of public clarity, I am fine with this course of events, as I suspect we are unlikely to get any further information about the maid thing.
-
// Oh yeah hadn't thought of that, perhaps we made trades before the start of the game
> Politely let them hurry back to wherever they need to be, then take a look to see who else is around and continue to look for any buildings that stand out (shops, inn, etc)
//I meant a human who traded their memories to be a youkai
>"Ahh, I hope we can run into each other soon."
> You allow the two to go about their business.
> There are still no buildings around here that look more notable.
>_
-
>Look for a restaurant
-
>Look for a restaurant
> You head further...
> Now this is looking more varied. Nearby are a couple of stores and a playground - which must mean the building next to it is a school.
>_
-
>Kids would be an easy mark, but would draw ire from the villagers.
>Head into one of the stores
-
>Kids would be an easy mark, but would draw ire from the villagers.
>Head into one of the stores
> You head inside one...
> A bell rings as you enter, for a moment.
> "Oh. Uh, we're actually closing for the day in a bit..." the girl opposite of a counter informs you.
>_
-
> What sort of store does this appear to be?
-
>What does the girl look like
-
> What sort of store does this appear to be?
>What does the girl look like
> A library.
> Brown hair and glasses are the features you point out.
>_
-
>"Actually I am not a customer. My employer has access to rare and common books. I wished to see if we could act as suppliers for this fine establishment."
-
>"Actually I am not a customer. My employer has access to rare and common books. I wished to see if we could act as suppliers for this fine establishment."
> "Uh. What?"
>_
-
>"The people I work for would like to supply books for your shop."
>Give a sage nod
->"We accept anything for payment."
-
>"The people I work for would like to supply books for your shop."
>Give a sage nod
->"We accept anything for payment."
> "I can't- wait... Your one of those scammers, aren't you?"
>_
-
>Shake our head
->"No."
>"We only accept payment at the time of the exchange. Though my employer is outside the village."
>beat
>"If that is a problem I'll arrange things so we can trade here."
-
>Shake our head
->"No."
>"We only accept payment at the time of the exchange. Though my employer is outside the village."
>beat
>"If that is a problem I'll arrange things so we can trade here."
> "Either way, I'm not the manager or anything. I can't make those sort of deals."
>_
-
>"We deal with individuals and businesses if you want something in particular."
>"May I see the manager?"
-
>"We deal with individuals and businesses if you want something in particular."
>"May I see the manager?"
> "Again, were supposed to be closing soon... If its not related to business, i guess i child come after."
>_
-
>Clap our hands
->"Great, when do you close?"
-
> What does the store look like? Anything interesting catch our eye?
> We could probably use a map to figure out where this village even is
-
>Clap our hands
->"Great, when do you close?"
> What does the store look like? Anything interesting catch our eye?
> We could probably use a map to figure out where this village even is
> "just a minute. You can wait outside."
> Plenty of books... A few on the desk.
>_
-
> Step out of the store
> In the meantime take a look around the more varied buildings we noticed earlier, while making sure to stay within sight of the door.
-
>Tom
-
> Step out of the store
> In the meantime take a look around the more varied buildings we noticed earlier, while making sure to stay within sight of the door.
>Tom
> You step out, starting to seek out some of the-
> "Alright, ready." She responds before you can wander off, the door opening as well.
>_
-
> "Ahh, right this way then, miss ..." (leave obvious pause for an introduction)
> Lead her back the way we came towards the market stall
-
>Tom
-
> "Ahh, right this way then, miss ..." (leave obvious pause for an introduction)
> Lead her back the way we came towards the market stall
>Tom
> "Hm?"
> You lead the lady back to the stall, not even bothering to see how she looks.
> And stop in front of it.
>_
-
>"State you wish to trade and put it on the counter then say what you want."
-
> We should stand on the other side of the stall like we're the shopkeeper
-
>"State you wish to trade and put it on the counter then say what you want."
> We should stand on the other side of the stall like we're the shopkeeper
> " Hang on, reading this." She speaks.
>_
-
> Put our hands behind our back. Shoulders back and chin up in a proper, business-like pose for a better impression as we wait. Gotta cut it for the future stand owner that will draw in the attention of all this land and we gain the means to develop a monopoly and- yes, we are a great shopkeeper!
-
>Good on her to read first
>Hopefully Rumia didn't trade anything she needed.
-
> After she finishes reading confidently ask "So, what types of books are you looking for?"
-
> Put our hands behind our back. Shoulders back and chin up in a proper, business-like pose for a better impression as we wait. Gotta cut it for the future stand owner that will draw in the attention of all this land and we gain the means to develop a monopoly and- yes, we are a great shopkeeper!
>Good on her to read first
>Hopefully Rumia didn't trade anything she needed.
> After she finishes reading confidently ask "So, what types of books are you looking for?"
> You get into a business position.
> "Alright. Theres enough books back there. If this isn't related to that business, then Id like... A gun."
> The girl sets... What looks like a strange toy gun onto the counter
> And its exchanged for a genuine one...
> "That was fast..."
>_
-
> Does it look like she knows how to use the weapon or that it needs bullets to function?
> Did she receive any bullets?
> In low voice "If anyone asks, you didn't get it from here..."
> Back in normal and professional voice "So what kinds of literature interest you?"
-
>"Is there any accessories you'd like for it?"
-
> Does it look like she knows how to use the weapon or that it needs bullets to function?
> Did she receive any bullets?
> In low voice "If anyone asks, you didn't get it from here..."
> Back in normal and professional voice "So what kinds of literature interest you?"
>"Is there any accessories you'd like for it?"
> You can't tell if it's loaded.
> "Uh... No, id like my gun back, actually..."
> The weapon is exchanged again before you can check it for bullets.
> "And why do you think i want literature? Kosuzu can trade for her own just fine."
>_
-
// Maybe we should aim for becoming the youkai/diety of negotiation
> Politely and professionally "What other wares might interest you then?"
> Take a peek over towards the house we were promised for bringing in trades, any improvements to the structure?
-
>Glance at our home
-
// Maybe we should aim for becoming the youkai/diety of negotiation
> Politely and professionally "What other wares might interest you then?"
> Take a peek over towards the house we were promised for bringing in trades, any improvements to the structure?
>Glance at our home
> "Hang on, I'm thinking..."
> You look over the structure.
> It's better than the bus stop it was before. It now seems to be a small cabin? Well, you can't see the interior anymore...
> "Hmm... ... Please tell me, am I the real one?"
> "Yes" The voice from the stand before answers.
> The girl looks over at you, then down at the stand in slight confusion, but sighs in relief afterwards.
>_
-
>Answer the unasked question, "I'm an employee of the stand not the proprietor."
>"It sounds like you've got some rough troubles if you want to talk about it I'm all ears."
-
> Is the voice from the stand the voice of the original shopkeeper?
-
>Answer the unasked question, "I'm an employee of the stand not the proprietor."
>"It sounds like you've got some rough troubles if you want to talk about it I'm all ears."
> Is the voice from the stand the voice of the original shopkeeper?
> "It was just a freak situation where there were a few copies of me running around, and we had to battle it out. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't one of them and that I am the original. Ah, right. I should introduce myself. I'm Sumireko, Hifuu club's one and only president. I should at least call you something."
> "Guardian." The voice from the stand speaks.
> You don't know.
>_
-
> Well we don't know our name but Guardian sounds cool!
> Nod and repeat "Yes, Guardian" and offer a handshake
-
>"I'm a bit new. Is Hiffu club open to the public?"
-
> Well we don't know our name but Guardian sounds cool!
> Nod and repeat "Yes, Guardian" and offer a handshake
>"I'm a bit new. Is Hiffu club open to the public?"
> The girl takes the handshake.
> "Not exactly..."
>_
-
> Slightly disappointed "Ohh, I see..."
> "Well if anyone part of your club is interested in trading you know where to find me!"
-
>"A private club?"
-
> Slightly disappointed "Ohh, I see..."
> "Well if anyone part of your club is interested in trading you know where to find me!"
>"A private club?"
> "Yeah. Im sure they'd be interested." She agrees. " But i dont have a lot of members yet anyways. Not like any of them could get here either."
>_
-
>"Is it that far off the road? Did you use an ATV to get out here?"
-
>"Is it that far off the road? Did you use an ATV to get out here?"
> Its in the outside world."
>_
-
>"Outside world?"
-
>"Outside world?"
> "If you don't know what that is, don't worry about it."
>_
-
> Odd look "I thought you lived in the town we were just at? Don't you work at the bookstore?"
-
> Odd look "I thought you lived in the town we were just at? Don't you work at the bookstore?"
> "No, that's just a small thing im working at for now, nothing long term."
>_
-
>"This might seem like a really weird question, but have youkai always been with us?"
-
> Do we know any major town or city names?
> "Ohh so you're just visiting... Well would you mind showing me around the town?"
-
> Do we know any major town or city names?
> "Ohh so you're just visiting... Well would you mind showing me around the town?"
> No
> "I kinda have plans already..."
>_
-
> Slightly disappointed "Alright..."
> "You wouldn't happen to be good with technology would you?"
-
>Tom
-
> Slightly disappointed "Alright..."
> "You wouldn't happen to be good with technology would you?"
>Tom
> "Actually, I am quite good with technology." She seems a bit smug.
>_
-
>Pull out our phone so she can see it
->"Do you think you could unlock my phone?"
-
>Pull out our phone so she can see it
->"Do you think you could unlock my phone?"
> "Sure." She holds her hand out to receive it.
>_
-
>Give her the phone
-
>Give her the phone
> You hand the phone over.
> She fiddles with it for a few moments, before giving you a strange look.
>_
-
>Frown
->"What is it?"
-
> Does anything seem to have changed with the phone?
-
>Frown
->"What is it?"
> Does anything seem to have changed with the phone?
> "How don't you know about my club with a password like this." She questions.
> You can't see, as she hasn't returned or shown you it yet.
>_
-
> Confused "Well, there's quite a few things I seem to have forgotten like where I was last night and the road I took to get here?"
> "I was on my way home to the city when I took a wrong turn and ended up in your village... Must've had a few drinks too many or bumped my head somewhere... haha"
-
>Tom
-
> Confused "Well, there's quite a few things I seem to have forgotten like where I was last night and the road I took to get here?"
> "I was on my way home to the city when I took a wrong turn and ended up in your village... Must've had a few drinks too many or bumped my head somewhere... haha"
>Tom
> The lady squints a bit, looking through the phone more.
> She pauses... Before setting it back on the table.
> "A-Ahem... I'll trade the memories of what I saw in that phone for memories, or at least knowledge, of who this guy is." She looks aside.
>_
-
> Happily "That'll do!~"
-
>"Clever girl."
-
> Happily "That'll do!~"
>"Clever girl."
> "Huh. Its not much..." She speaks. "Well, I already introduced myself. From what I learned, you're Michael, a guardian angel, but maybe without much purpose? Though, you knowing of my club through that password before you even heard of it makes me wonder." Sumireko considers. "I dont think I have enough to trade for more knowledge on you, however. It seems like i need something worth more."
>_
-
> Jokingly "Guardian angel!? Shouldn't I have like ... wings then?"
> Try and look behind our backs
> ...
> "I was just heading home for the night and I took a wrong turn and ended up here ..."
-
> Jokingly "Guardian angel!? Shouldn't I have like ... wings then?"
> Try and look behind our backs
> ...
> "I was just heading home for the night and I took a wrong turn and ended up here ..."
> You glance behind. But there's no wings...
> "Then ask your... supervisor or whatever here yourself. Maybe you have more to trade."
>_
-
> Put both hands on the stand with a determined look
> Wish to be knocked out/unconscious in exchange for having a vision/flashback of who we are and how we got here...
-
>"I would like to trade my left arm for my history."
-
> Put both hands on the stand with a determined look
> Wish to be knocked out/unconscious in exchange for having a vision/flashback of who we are and how we got here...
> "Oh. That could work. But-" Sumireko starts, before your exchange seems to work.
> You watch over the girl you were speaking to earlier, Sumireko, for years. Ensure that the true Sumireko doesnt lose to herself. Yet with her powers and no danger she can't at least face, you watch the torch, or rather, hat, pass down to another.
> You dream of fog. Of something obscuring one's target when afar. You dream of yourself, Micheal Misuto, alongside two young woman and another woman who appears to be a ghost.
> The sensation of death is incredible, and at it's greatest around the ghost. But its fine. Death is a natural force, and you're a supernatural one. Your capability to protect beats it, at least in this instance. Despite your aid, the two women seem oblivious. The blonde could probably be fine without you later down the line. But Renko...
> Soon enough, she took, reaches a similar state. You find yourself without a purpose. Perhaps waiting for the next one? Or a situation where a guardian Angel's protection is needed.
> You awaken in a small bedroom. Not much inside of it but the bed...
>"I would like to trade my left arm for my history."
> In a sudden sting of pain, you find your arm in a cast, with a picture of a peculiar stone breaking, as well as suspicious clouds on the cast.
>_
-
> Do we remember anything about a young woman with wings?
-
>Get up and look for clues about where we are
-
> Do we remember anything about a young woman with wings?
>Get up and look for clues about where we are
> No.
> You get up and wander about a bit.
> A window shows you a view of the stand across from here. Though, now with Sumireko and someone else there.
>_
-
> Oh, this must be the shelter that was promised to us by the stand, how convenient!
> What does the other person look like, anyone familiar? Are they trading with the stand?
-
> Oh, this must be the shelter that was promised to us by the stand, how convenient!
> What does the other person look like, anyone familiar? Are they trading with the stand?
> Not familiar. Someone with white hair. Maybe a bit familiar... But definitely not someone you know yourself more personally.
>_
-
>What can we garner from the new girl's stance and clothing
-
> Can we hear anything?
-
>What can we garner from the new girl's stance and clothing
> Can we hear anything?
> She seems pretty laid back. Or maybe bored? It's not as though you would know her clothes from anywhere, either, as she seems to be wearing similar to what the few you've seen inside the nearby village wore.
> You can't hear anything from here yet.
>_
-
> If we're feeling alright cautiously and discreetly approach them
-
>Sneak towards them
-
> If we're feeling alright cautiously and discreetly approach them
>Sneak towards them
> You approach carefully...
> "It's succeeded in granting almost every try so far. I don't think it's a good idea..." Sumireko warns to the other person.
>_
-
> Friendly wave
> "Feel free to buy and trade stuff~"
-
>"Please remember to think through your trades as customer satisfaction is important."
-
> Friendly wave
> "Feel free to buy and trade stuff~"
>"Please remember to think through your trades as customer satisfaction is important."
> "I have been thinking." The mystery woman replies.
> "Still. If it actually manages..."
> "It'll be fine. We already went through what you can do if it works."
> Sumireko still seems unsure.
>_
-
> Reassure "Most non-perishable material goods can be exchanged back if you aren't satisfied!"
> Head over to the stand and see if our house has improved now that there's another customer to trade with!