Maidens of the Kaleidoscope
~Beyond the Border~ => Rumia's Party Games => Topic started by: It's Purvis! on May 17, 2023, 01:39:32 AM
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>YOU NITORI KAWASHIRO, GENSOKYO’S FAVORITE TINKERER! You are well known as a leading voice in the field of technology in Gensokyo. Or at least you imagine that you are. You are also an entrepreneur, a necessary thing for funding your work and also keeping yourself fed. You are a respected member of Kappa society, as much as kappa respect other kappa; which isn’t very much at all. You are blessed to enjoy your work, and find your work enjoyable. When you are not actively inventing something, you’re generally restoring something, or maintaining something, or cleaning something. When things get too monotonous, you do enjoy a nice board or card game. You have a taste for music, and like most kappa you enjoy collecting the strange black music boxes that sometimes find their way in from the outside world. Sometimes you’d like to have one every one there is, but that seems to be a virtually impossible order. You’re half decent at sketching as well, if only out of necessity for some of your more intricate works.
>And, you have a project to return to. Perhaps your finest work to date, cruelly overshadowed by various events. Save for one exception that doesn’t really count, as far as you’re concerned, you were the first person to facilitate slipping the surly bonds of gravity and send a youkai into the realms of the heavens above. Not yourself, of course, you had to stay on the ground and do the launch; you sent up Patchouli. Patchouli will of course claim Scarlet Devil Mansion did this first, which is technically true but doesn’t really count when you think about it. …And apparently Yuuka got up there somehow, but that also doesn’t count!
>Regardless! You have finally gotten the baseline money, the time, and the drive to restart the project! Before you only managed to get as far as the Sun, but now, you’re going straight up there as far as anyone ever has! Not only as the inventor, but the explorer as well! …Once the Rocket’s engine is complete. And once you actually figure out a course. And maybe once you get a co-pilot of some kind in case things get nasty. There’s still some work that needs to be done, if you’re being honest. But it’s almost ready!
>You are currently in the main area of your home and warehouse. The floors are bare save for a few ratty old rugs and oil-stained sheets thrown about to make it more livable, or at least keep messes from spreading. All kinds of old junk and inventions occupy shelves, boxes, crates, workbenches, and large swaths of the floor. Currently your rocket stands in the middle of the warehouse, salvaged from the body of the original that fell back to earth and reforged anew, as well as its support scaffolding. Its engine is currently in a few pieces, but you can have that ready to go in a few tens of minutes, really. The workbenches have been pushed close to the walls, doubled up in some cases, and are crammed with things you had to rapidly clean up to make space. Which is a typical state of affairs. Noontime light comes in through the small windows set higher up on the walls. To the right is the door leading to the more personal spaces of the building, to the left are the smaller personal door and larger bay door leading outside. Obvious exits are South, North, and North 2
>_
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> Check chest for usual growths.
> Skills
> Inventory
> Notable Relationships
> Opinion of the tengu in general
> Opinions of Shameimaru, Inubashiri, and Himekaidou in particular
> ...Opinion of Takane Yamashiro, assuming we can stomach dwelling on her
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> Check chest for usual growths.
> Skills
> Inventory
> Notable Relationships
> Opinion of the tengu in general
> Opinions of Shameimaru, Inubashiri, and Himekaidou in particular
> ...Opinion of Takane Yamashiro, assuming we can stomach dwelling on her
>They're there and they're fantastic, thank you very much.
>Your skills are:
>Excellent Machinist
>You are a pro with mechanical devices! The more mechanical, the better. Newish things from the outside world are still beyond your understanding (they make no sense!!), but in general you think you have a good grasp on how things work. Or at least can figure out how they work with enough time and effort. You won't admit it, but the things you see are continually surprising.
>Skilled Business Sense
>By necessity, are are good at running businesses, at least short term ones. You like to eat as much as anyone does, and it takes money to get the parts you need to bring your next inspiration to life.
>Acceptable Draftmanship
>You can draw pretty decently! Not particularly realistically, your style is very stylized toward outlining machinery. But you can do it and make things recognizable!
>Queen Baronet of Games
>You are familiar with a wide variety of board and card games, and have a decent idea how to go about winning them.
>Not Too Shabby Brewing
>It's not uncommon for kappa to try their hands at brewing various liquors, and you're no exception. You know how the process works, and how to bring it from a pile of ingredients to a wholly acceptable drink.
>Your Inventory Contains:
>Kappa Cap
>A puffy green hat with a brim, favored by kappa everywhere.
>Utility Dress
>A dress with many pockets, handy for screws, nuts, bolts, washers, small tools, and more.
>Backpack
>Carries everything you need. Though you tend to keep it kind of light most times just to make it not be a burden
>Basic toolset
>A hammer, wrench, screwdriver, and small crowbar. Light, easy to carry.
>Bits and Bobs
>A small collection of nuts, bolts, screws, sprockets, springs, flanges, and so on. Handy bits to do handy things.
>You're in good standing with the kappa community, or at least you better be if they know what's good for them. You'd like to think the Hakurei Shrine and the Moriya Shrine both think well of you, after all the money you've brought in for them from various festivals. You are on shaky terms with the human village, as most youkai are. You assume the tengu as a whole do not hate you in particular. You want nothing to do with any oni. You've worked with Marisa Kirisame in the past, she's a good sort.
>Everyone knows the tengu are snobs that think they're better than everyone else and that Youkai is theirs and everyone else is just living on it. That said, your dealings with tengu in general have been pleasant enough, when you cross paths. Momiji is a friend, she comes over for lunch and a game of shoji sometimes. And always wins... The other two you know mostly by reputation, Aya is a troublemaker and a pain and she takes photos of things that she shouldn't (you included...). Hatate is just kind of a snoop, but usually from a distance.
>You think the Yamawaro are kind of silly, but you understand where they are coming from. They ran up the mountain to escape possible floods, but didn't want to seem like fools for it; you get that, it makes sense. Their emphasis on playing war rather than good proper tinkering is kind of vexing, in a general sense. You don't really know Takane, in general you haven't bothered with the Yamawaro. Thank heaven you got your rocket section back well before they took over the area, otherwise that would have surely been a point of contention.
>_
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> Does the kappa community have any sort of governing body, or is it more or less absolute fire trucking chaos (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfRRE1hg53E) that only manages to hold together by a general drive to not be jerks to each other more than is necessary?
> What's our take on the university?
> The heretical seven-letter S-word is still heretical, right?
> Are there any fairies worth a damn?
> How tall (or, uh, not-tall) are we?
> How fat or thin are we?
> Have we ever had any lovers?
> If no, have we ever desired any?
> Does our chest ever get in the way of our smaller tinkering handiwork?
> If not, would it if it were any larger?
> What do we think of the possibility of a larger chest? Do we actively want such a thing, actively not want such a thing, not particularly care either way, or something else?
> Of the people we know, who seems the most qualified candidate for our co-pilot? Consider both the technical know-how side of things and the "who am I willing to trap myself with in space for an indeterminate but possibly lengthy period of time" side of things.
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> Does the kappa community have any sort of governing body, or is it more or less absolute fire trucking chaos (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfRRE1hg53E) that only manages to hold together by a general drive to not be jerks to each other more than is necessary?
> What's our take on the university?
> The heretical seven-letter S-word is still heretical, right?
> Are there any fairies worth a damn?
> How tall (or, uh, not-tall) are we?
> How fat or thin are we?
> Have we ever had any lovers?
> If no, have we ever desired any?
> Does our chest ever get in the way of our smaller tinkering handiwork?
> If not, would it if it were any larger?
> What do we think of the possibility of a larger chest? Do we actively want such a thing, actively not want such a thing, not particularly care either way, or something else?
> Of the people we know, who seems the most qualified candidate for our co-pilot? Consider both the technical know-how side of things and the "who am I willing to trap myself with in space for an indeterminate but possibly lengthy period of time" side of things.
>There is not really any kind of government. When there's problems, the town gathers up and figures things out as best they can. Generally there are influential figures people listen to. You're one of them. Usually. You better still be.
>You don't bother with the University much. You took a few classes when it was new out of general curiosity, but by and large you don't want to teach and don't have the time to learn.
>Don't even think it.
>None of the faeries are worth a damn, but sometimes you can make use of them in the short to moderate term. They mean well.
>You're rather short, honestly. That's just how Kappa are.
>You're built for comfort, not for speed.
>You have not...
>Well...you're married to your work, of course! But maybe it'd be nice...You'd get so nervous, though...Uh!
>...Maybe it has.
>Almost certainly, it would get in the way if it were any larger.
>You haven't really thought about it, it doesn't seem necessary.
>That is a question you'll have to answer. In terms of technological knowhow, the list is pretty narrow.
>_
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> Hmm...it may not be strictly necessary, but it could be an interesting pursuit as a side project. Particularly since, if it gets large enough to consistently get in the way of smaller tinkering handiwork, it would be large enough to use as a surface up-close for smaller tinkering handiwork. Uh, the less immediately dangerous sorts of smaller tinkering handiwork, of course.
> Add quest: Find a way to grow our chest larger.
> Opinion of Yamame Kurodani, assuming we know who that is
> South, into the residential area! We can take the opportunity to review any personal belongings we might want to take with us before finalizing our rocket.
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> Hmm...it may not be strictly necessary, but it could be an interesting pursuit as a side project. Particularly since, if it gets large enough to consistently get in the way of smaller tinkering handiwork, it would be large enough to use as a surface up-close for smaller tinkering handiwork. Uh, the less immediately dangerous sorts of smaller tinkering handiwork, of course.
> Add quest: Find a way to grow our chest larger.
> Opinion of Yamame Kurodani, assuming we know who that is
> South, into the residential area! We can take the opportunity to review any personal belongings we might want to take with us before finalizing our rocket.
>You can't imagine that would be...efficient.
>...Quest added. It's a curiosity, at least...
>You know of her, via Marisa meeting her back during that one incident. She seems...kinda weird? Sometimes she comes around with Utsuho and you wish she didn't, Earth Spiders are kind of bad for the water quality.
>You go south, into a simple space that is both your dining room and your living room. It is clean...well, clean enough. A large, low table dominates the room, with a few books stacked on one edge, a spot cleared for dining, and the remains of some some half-finished other projects atop it. In the corner is a music player you've restored, and your collection of music boxes that play on it occupying a shelf. The walls are bare, several windows on the western wall let in light, and are framed with heavy curtains, and outdoor shutters to hide them. One door on the far wall leads to the kitchen, while your bedroom is to the left.
>Obvious exits are South and East.
>_
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> Are we aware of any general tsuchigumo proclivity for construction?
> If we do, do we know how Yamame is at it?
> Left, into the bedroom
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> Are we aware of any general tsuchigumo proclivity for construction?
> If we do, do we know how Yamame is at it?
> Left, into the bedroom
>...Oh that is a thing, isn't it?
>You have no idea.
>You head Eastward into the bedroom. It's...liveable. You do kind of need to pick up some clothes. And straighten up your futon. And put it up. Close the up your clothing box... Get your shoes straightened out... Put up your books... But otherwise it's a perfectly nice bedroom. It is kind of small, but serviceable. You have a chest for your clothing, painted with a cucumber vine design. A plain shelf for your books. Your futon is nice and soft, but otherwise unremarkable. A nightstand low to the ground holds small important things like your spellcards and savings. To the north is the bathroom. Obvious exits are North and West.
>_
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> Mmm. Maybe we could bring some books for recreational reading during any downtime we may have. Money probably won't do us any good, though. Spellcards...maybe, if there are other races way out there? Impossible to say.
> Anyway! Good inventory-taking, that's something we can keep in the back of our mind for a bit.
> But now is the time for action! Get back into the main area and head over to the engine pieces.
> Before we begin, though, give the pieces a good look-over to make sure they're in proper condition. Safety first!
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> Mmm. Maybe we could bring some books for recreational reading during any downtime we may have. Money probably won't do us any good, though. Spellcards...maybe, if there are other races way out there? Impossible to say.
> Anyway! Good inventory-taking, that's something we can keep in the back of our mind for a bit.
> But now is the time for action! Get back into the main area and head over to the engine pieces.
> Before we begin, though, give the pieces a good look-over to make sure they're in proper condition. Safety first!
>It is known that there are Rabbits and Lunarians on the moon. Who knows what else might be up there? Probably deities, there's got to be a few around the River of Heaven, at least.
>You return to the workshop and look over the Engine. It is currently in a couple pieces, and it requires a few things. In particular, it needs a proper tube to funnel from the inner chamber to the nozzle at the end. You are sure you can get one at the marketplace here in town. And you're sure you don't want to, the price would be terrible. As well, it needs a reservoir of divine power to actually provide the propulsion it needs. Last time, you (or rather, Patchouli) cut a deal with Shizuha, but you don't think she'd be up for it again. And she's not in season right now, so she wouldn't be as capable.
>_
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> Do we have a usable tube already in our possession?
> If not, where else might we find one that's not the marketplace?
> Are we willing to do business with either of the Moriya deities for that divine power?
> Hmm...market prices, doing business... ...if we do find a way to make our chest larger, and the method is reasonably reproducible, we could probably use our business acumen to make a decent profit off of it as a service. With proper discretion applied as needed, of course, depending on which way the social winds blow; we obviously don't need to tank our reputation by running around and asking every person we meet about their bodies.
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>What is our opinion on cucumbers?
>Does the key we wear on our chest have any use?
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> Do we have a usable tube already in our possession?
> If not, where else might we find one that's not the marketplace?
> Are we willing to do business with either of the Moriya deities for that divine power?
> Hmm...market prices, doing business... ...if we do find a way to make our chest larger, and the method is reasonably reproducible, we could probably use our business acumen to make a decent profit off of it as a service. With proper discretion applied as needed, of course, depending on which way the social winds blow; we obviously don't need to tank our reputation by running around and asking every person we meet about their bodies.
>If you had a tube, you wouldn't need one.
>There's a lot of Gensokyo out there. But you could do worse than Kourindou.
>You've certainly willing, but they're a canny lot, and won't come cheap.
>You imagine you could?
>What is our opinion on cucumbers?
>Does the key we wear on our chest have any use?
>Food of the gods. Even if the local gods don't quite agree.
>It's symbolic. Also it's the key to your front door.
>_
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> Define the mental command 'Assess [name]'s co-pilot aptitude' as checking the following conditions: (a) if they're smart enough to know how to follow any instructions we may have for them; (b) if they do NOT think they're smarter than they actually are and are unlikely to accidentally muck everything up by doing bad and wrong things without our permission; (c) if we could tolerate their presence in a small space for an indeterminate amount of time; and (d) if we could pry them away from their own commitments (such as any full-time jobs they may have) long enough to take part in the flight.
> Double-check our current available supplies to make sure we actually have all the other pieces on-hand that we may need. We don't want none of that "I thought I had it but I can't find it so I guess I have to return to the hardware store for the eighth goddamned time" bullstrawberries. Time is of the essence here!
> While double-checking our resources, assess Momiji's co-pilot aptitude.
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> Define the mental command 'Assess [name]'s co-pilot aptitude' as checking the following conditions: (a) if they're smart enough to know how to follow any instructions we may have for them; (b) if they do NOT think they're smarter than they actually are and are unlikely to accidentally muck everything up by doing bad and wrong things without our permission; (c) if we could tolerate their presence in a small space for an indeterminate amount of time; and (d) if we could pry them away from their own commitments (such as any full-time jobs they may have) long enough to take part in the flight.
> Double-check our current available supplies to make sure we actually have all the other pieces on-hand that we may need. We don't want none of that "I thought I had it but I can't find it so I guess I have to return to the hardware store for the eighth goddamned time" bullstrawberries. Time is of the essence here!
> While double-checking our resources, assess Momiji's co-pilot aptitude.
>Don't you try that coding bullstrawberries with us, Mister. Purvis Hobotech has made this parser hackproof...from that vector, anyways.
>You should have everything else you need, unless you want to double up on spare parts for emergencies, which would mean more weight to get off the ground.
>Momiji can definitely follow instructions. She probably does think she's smarter than you, but likely acknowledges you have more specialized knowledge (she is not smarter than you). You could probably tolerate having her around, if she doesn't get in a mood. Whether or not she can get time off is questionable.
>_
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>This quest shouldn't be too hard, it's not like it's rocket surgery right? Oh wait...
>Do we stockpile any actual weaponry or just like to use it for danmaku?
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>This quest shouldn't be too hard, it's not like it's rocket surgery right? Oh wait...
>Do we stockpile any actual weaponry or just like to use it for danmaku?
>Quest Added: Save Mima's Brain
>You do have a watergun suite that you've used in the past; most notably back when all the religions were fighting and getting in the way. It is effective, but makes it hard to much danmaku or dodging, so you have to commit to it.
>_
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> Return to our bedroom and retrieve our spellcards and...let's say twice what we expect to pay for a hose, just to be safe.
> Come to think of it, given the joyous and accomplished nature of the task we're so close to completing, is there anyone in particular we actively want to share it with? Having a technically-savvy co-pilot has its benefits, but it would also be nice to have someone along for the ride who will appreciate what's being accomplished and that we enjoy them being happy.
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>What do we think of Patchouli, having worked with her before?
>Can we breathe underwater or just hold our breath for a really long time?
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> Return to our bedroom and retrieve our spellcards and...let's say twice what we expect to pay for a hose, just to be safe.
> Come to think of it, given the joyous and accomplished nature of the task we're so close to completing, is there anyone in particular we actively want to share it with? Having a technically-savvy co-pilot has its benefits, but it would also be nice to have someone along for the ride who will appreciate what's being accomplished and that we enjoy them being happy.
>You obtain: Optics "Optical Camouflage"
>You obtain: Flood "Ooze Flooding"
>You obtain: Water Sign "Kappa's Pororoca"
>You obtain: Kappa "Monster Cucumber"
>You obtain: 300☼
>Only you can answer this.
>What do we think of Patchouli, having worked with her before?
>Can we breathe underwater or just hold our breath for a really long time?
>You have a pretty good opinion of Patchouli. She's kind of gloomy and negative, but you get it.
>You can do both.
>_
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> Head outside, making sure to lock up once we're there.
> Along the way, assess Yamame Kurodani's co-pilot aptitude.
> Also, assess Hina Kagiyama's co-pilot aptitude.
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> Head outside, making sure to lock up once we're there.
> Along the way, assess Yamame Kurodani's co-pilot aptitude.
> Also, assess Hina Kagiyama's co-pilot aptitude.
>You head outside. It is a lovely late spring day in Kappa Village. The marsh is good and marshy, the cattails and aquatic plants have fully greened up and have hit that point of proper concealing growth. The algae in the ponds is bright and vibrant. Your own warehouse... well it looks like a warehouse covered in mud and swamp plants. You've done what you could to make it blend into the environment, but there's only so much. Most of the other kappa homes are much more concealed.
>The village itself is bustling, kappa going to and fro, the market in full swing. Distantly, you can see the university across the river seems kind of empty, compared to the market which is just full of activity.
>You do not know Yamame well enough to really assess her. But you imagine she'd be a real pain to hang around with.
>Hina is a curious choice. You know her somewhat well, enough to know she is quite nice for a disaster magnet. Given her role is to pass misfortune on to the gods, you don't know what that means for your engine. You don't know how well she takes orders, but you can't imagine she's stubborn about them.
>_
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> Are there any other kappa we're on particularly good terms with?
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> Are there any other kappa we're on particularly good terms with?
>There's some neighbors you don't mind.
>_
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> Well, we already decided the market isn't worth it. Let's head to Kourindou.
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> Well, we already decided the market isn't worth it. Let's head to Kourindou.
>That is some distance from here.
>_
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>Is there anybody we know from Eientei reasonably well, stuff up there may have something in common with the moon?
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>Is there anybody we know from Eientei reasonably well, stuff up there may have something in common with the moon?
>You know Reisen, she helped you recover your rocket some time back.
>_
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> Where might we find a hose that is not the marketplace or 'some distance from here', then?
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>Add Reisen to our mental list of candidates.
>Have we worked with Utsuho before?
>Would we trust Utsuho as a source of divine power?
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> Where might we find a hose that is not the marketplace or 'some distance from here', then?
>It's more that you aren't just going to make that kind of trip on a lark. How do you plan to get there?
>Add Reisen to our mental list of candidates.
>Have we worked with Utsuho before?
>Would we trust Utsuho as a source of divine power?
>You might be able to use Reisen. Who can say if she'd be interested?
>You kind of have, when you putzed around the university. You have a weird kind of rapport with her.
>You don't think she counts. ...Does she? Surely not.
>_
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> Oh, hmm.
> How close can we get swimming down the Genbu?
> Are air travel and foot travel options?
> ...Have we ever run errands for other kappa for monetary compensation? Say, something like 'Hey folks, I'm headed to X faraway place, if you have business there but don't want to travel I'll handle it for you for a totally not exorbitant fee'?
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>How much do we know of the source of Utsuho's power?
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> Oh, hmm.
> How close can we get swimming down the Genbu?
> Are air travel and foot travel options?
> ...Have we ever run errands for other kappa for monetary compensation? Say, something like 'Hey folks, I'm headed to X faraway place, if you have business there but don't want to travel I'll handle it for you for a totally not exorbitant fee'?
>Going by water would get you past the foot of the mountain before you'd have to get out..
>They are.
>This is a service that can be provided. It's not glamourous or desirable work; you're an inventor, not a gopher; but it's work you can do.
>How much do we know of the source of Utsuho's power?
>Something something Moriyas something something Yatagarasu? You weren't worried about details when she was being a problem.
>_
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> Assess Kogasa Tatara's co-pilot aptitude.
> Do we have the materials necessary to make a written-word sign on a stick that we can hold above our head?
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> Assess Kogasa Tatara's co-pilot aptitude.
> Do we have the materials necessary to make a written-word sign on a stick that we can hold above our head?
>You don't know, really. You haven't interacted too much with her. Apparently she's popular in the Human Village, so she's probably not the worst?
>They're in the warehouse, but you do. You have an old stand or two if you wanted.
>_
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> Mosey back into the warehouse, then, and construct a sign (to be placed on a stand since that's easier than us holding it) that says:
> "Headed to Kourindou"
> "Will courier or similar for a reasonable fee"
> "Should be back later today"
> "(Can't promise urgency)"
> spruced up as we see fit to stand out.
> Then grab the sign, a stand, a notepad (pocketed), something to write with (pocketed), and something small to tinker with while we wait (pocketed), bring them outside, find a decently visible place, and set our message up.
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> Mosey back into the warehouse, then, and construct a sign (to be placed on a stand since that's easier than us holding it) that says:
> "Headed to Kourindou"
> "Will courier or similar for a reasonable fee"
> "Should be back later today"
> "(Can't promise urgency)"
> spruced up as we see fit to stand out.
> Then grab the sign, a stand, a notepad (pocketed), something to write with (pocketed), and something small to tinker with while we wait (pocketed), bring them outside, find a decently visible place, and set our message up.
>You head inside and whip up a quick sign. Do you want it to be a standalone sign, or a whole booth kind of stand where you can linger?
>You obtain: Some Lose Scraps of Paper
>You obtain: Pencil
>The best place to advertise this would probably be the market.
>_
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> If the "whole booth kind of sign" isn't too awkward to carry, set up, and take down, let's go with that. Otherwise, a standalone sign is fine.
> Head to the market once we're ready.
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> If the "whole booth kind of sign" isn't too awkward to carry, set up, and take down, let's go with that. Otherwise, a standalone sign is fine.
> Head to the market once we're ready.
>You require repurpose your old mask-selling booth. It helpfully has lockable wheels and a handle, so it's reasonably easy to tug down toward the market. Reasonable easily, the roads are dirt, rough, and swampy. But you put on good tires with treads to get through it.
>As you draw closer to the market, you are sure there's an unusual amount of activity. And music? ...Did they decide to hold a festival? Did they decide to hold a festival and not tell you!?
>_
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> Frown.
> Look around for the source of the music while we push forward with just a little more haste.
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> Frown.
> Look around for the source of the music while we push forward with just a little more haste.
>They are, they are absolutely having a festival! When was this decided?! And more importantly, why weren't you involved with that? Not that you would have the slightest interest, but it's the principal of the thing!
>Don't really have to look around to find out, you'd recognize the chaotic and distinctive rhythms of The Prismrivers. Though you don't remember that particular kind of drum in there usual sound...
>_
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> Who would have the authority to make this sort of decision? We're gonna give 'em so many pieces of our mind...!
> Urgh, whatever! Let's just get ourselves set up somewhere decent. We can be properly grouchy about this once that's done.
> Try to see where that drum's coming from while doing so.
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> Who would have the authority to make this sort of decision? We're gonna give 'em so many pieces of our mind...!
> Urgh, whatever! Let's just get ourselves set up somewhere decent. We can be properly grouchy about this once that's done.
> Try to see where that drum's coming from while doing so.
>It would have been done collectively, like all village decisions are.
>The easiest places to set up with be along the outskirts of the market, but that also means little traffic. You could try to set up further in, but that means it will be harder to find a space to squeeze in.
>As you approach the market, you see a stage has been set up along one edge of it. The Prismrivers are there, playing away. Behind them is a much taller woman with short red hair, wearing a white jacket and skirt, playing on a drumset that has at least some outside world instruments(?) built into it.
>_
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> Outside World music stuffs? Get closer so we can get a better look.
-
> Outside World music stuffs? Get closer so we can get a better look.
>The market is rather crowded, and towing booth behind you doesn't make it too easy to proceed. But you do manage to make your way closer. Whatever she has mounted on top of those drums aren't drums, they're flat disks that make otherwordly sounds when hit.
>_
-
> Now that we're closer - is she hot?
-
> Now that we're closer - is she hot?
>...Absolutely.
>_
-
> Oh no she's hot
> uh
>
> er
> Are we at a place we can reasonably drop anchor and set our booth up, or are we too in the way of everyone else?
-
> Oh no she's hot
> uh
>
> er
> Are we at a place we can reasonably drop anchor and set our booth up, or are we too in the way of everyone else?
>Dangit...
>You recenter yourself. Looking around, you can try to squeeze in between a crepes stand and a brazed cucumber stand. Squeeze in being quite literal, there is just enough room and you would almost surely be in the way, and vice versa. There's a spot between two houses, further away, that might work if you don't mind blocking off the people who are using it as a way to pass through. And there's spots on the outskirts.
>_
-
> Pick whichever of the first two options gives us a better view of the redhead.
-
> Pick whichever of the first two options gives us a better view of the redhead.
>That would be the first.
>You squeeze your stand in between the two others, with barely enough space for a finger between either. The crepes seller, a tall turquoise-haired kappa you really don't know, gives you some dirty looks, but customers keep her occupied. The other is too busy to really notice, a shorter kappa with short dark hair and glasses that you think you kind of recognize as a friend of a neighbor's.
>_
-
> Set up the sign we made.
> Then get to watching the pretty redhead while waiting for folks to show up.
-
> Set up the sign we made.
> Then get to watching the pretty redhead while waiting for folks to show up.
>You set up the sign and wait. The crepes shop is doing quite well. Well enough the owner nearly elbows you accidentally a few times. The braised cucumbers don't seem to be doing as well, but you think it is competing with too many other stands.
>As for your service, there don't seem to be any immediate takers, So you watch the Prismrivers play. Lunasa is as subdued as always, only slightly swaying to the turn as she plays. Merlin dances all over the stage in contrast, trumpeting away. Lyrica is stuck to her keyboard, which she has mounted on the stage, but she makes up for it by adding seemingly random footwork as she plays. The redhaired youkai matches their intensity, moving her hands and arms intricately as she plays.
>"Hey," says the dark-haired kappa after a few minutes. "What're you selling, anyways?"
>_
-
> Answer while still looking at the drummer.
> "Courier service. Need anything in the Kourindou area?"
-
> Answer while still looking at the drummer.
> "Courier service. Need anything in the Kourindou area?"
>"Uh," she says, "Like what?"
>_
-
> "Carrying messages, buying or selling something, anything that's not urgent or labor-intensive. I should be back in this area later today."
-
> "Carrying messages, buying or selling something, anything that's not urgent or labor-intensive. I should be back in this area later today."
>"What if you can't get or do the thing?" she says.
>_
-
> Are we okay offering warranties/money-back guarantees?
-
> Are we okay offering warranties/money-back guarantees?
>You would really rather not...especially because it would lead to some cannier customers suggesting that shouldn't pay upfront.
>_
-
> "..."
> Purse our lips a bit.
> "...I have to admit, I hadn't really considered that possibility. I just kinda figured no one would ask for anything outlandish."
> Tear our eyes away from the drummer and settle them on the invariably-less-attractive(-not-that-that's-commentary-on-her-appearance-in-a-vacuum) dark-haired kappa.
> "Do you have a request you think has that level of risk?"
-
> "..."
> Purse our lips a bit.
> "...I have to admit, I hadn't really considered that possibility. I just kinda figured no one would ask for anything outlandish."
> Tear our eyes away from the drummer and settle them on the invariably-less-attractive(-not-that-that's-commentary-on-her-appearance-in-a-vacuum) dark-haired kappa.
> "Do you have a request you think has that level of risk?"
>"I think it'd be really easy to ask for something that you've got a low chance of finding, like some new music boxes or a serpentine belt," she says.
>_
-
> Shrug.
> "I suppose I could offer different rates for different levels of promise. I was preparing to negotiate with folks depending on their request anyway."
-
> Shrug.
> "I suppose I could offer different rates for different levels of promise. I was preparing to negotiate with folks depending on their request anyway."
>"I see," says the kappa.
>_
-
> "Yeah. Really, this entire thing was a why-not whim. I need to go shopping there myself, but it's a bit of a trek, so I figured I'd offer the service."
> Frown and go back to watching the hot drummer lady.
> "Then I found that everyone planned a festival day without me, and now here we are."
-
> "Yeah. Really, this entire thing was a why-not whim. I need to go shopping there myself, but it's a bit of a trek, so I figured I'd offer the service."
> Frown and go back to watching the hot drummer lady.
> "Then I found that everyone planned a festival day without me, and now here we are."
>"Weren't you too busy to attend the meeting?" says the dark-haired kappa.
>_
-
> Were we even told there was a meeting?
-
> Were we even told there was a meeting?
>You don't think so...
>_
-
> "It would depend on when it was. I wasn't even told one was happening."
-
> "It would depend on when it was. I wasn't even told one was happening."
> Also ask to whom we should have gone to be informed about that meetting, or who was involved in the info-spreading, AND what were the important points of that meeting.
-
> "It would depend on when it was. I wasn't even told one was happening."
> Also ask to whom we should have gone to be informed about that meetting, or who was involved in the info-spreading, AND what were the important points of that meeting.
>You know how this is supposed to work, word's supposed to be spread a day or two ahead of time, via word of mouth and knocking on doors. There's not really anyone particularly in charge of it, just whoever is there.
>"Really? Maybe you were too busy to bother?" says the dark-haired kappa.
>_
-
> We haven't been that visibly busy recently, have we?
-
> We haven't been that visibly busy recently, have we?
>You don't think so. You've been in the workshop a lot, lately, but that's hardly unusual for a kappa.
>_
-
> "I don't think I've been. Maybe everyone just assumed someone else would get to me."
> Frown a bit.
> "Or maybe no one wanted to tell me. I dunno."
-
> "I don't think I've been. Maybe everyone just assumed someone else would get to me."
> Frown a bit.
> "Or maybe no one wanted to tell me. I dunno."
>"I thought someone would have," she says. "Otherwise I would have told Miori to do it." Miori being the neighbor she is friends with.
>_
-
> Assess Miori's co-pilot aptitude.
> "Bad luck for me with the first one, then, I guess."
> Gesture to the drummer.
> "At least the view is nice."
-
> Assess Miori's co-pilot aptitude.
> "Bad luck for me with the first one, then, I guess."
> Gesture to the drummer.
> "At least the view is nice."
>Wouldn't trust her; too brash and proud without having earned it.
>"I guess," says the kappa, "Sorry?"
>You gesture toward the Prismrivers. "Well, yeah," She says.
>"Oh, you're a Prismriver fan too?" says the crepe-making kappa to your other side.
>_
-
> When was the last time we were given notice about a meeting?
> "They're quality enough, sure, but I could certainly become a big one if they're adding that drummer to their entourage full-time. Her sound with those discs is otherworldly. And not to objectify, but so is she."
-
> When was the last time we were given notice about a meeting?
> "They're quality enough, sure, but I could certainly become a big one if they're adding that drummer to their entourage full-time. Her sound with those discs is otherworldly. And not to objectify, but so is she."
>A few months ago? You don't even remember what it was about, some minor thing? Something about one of the old Moriya Projects no one cares about anymore.
>"Oh, you're a Raiko fan," says the crepe-making kappa, as she starts to make a new batch now that the crowd has died a little. "Those drums are so weird, though! I've heard stuff like them in some music box somewhere, though."
>_
-
> How many village happenings since that meeting have seemed like the result of another meeting that we didn't attend? Current festival day aside.
> "...Raiko..."
> Look to the crepe-maker.
> "You wouldn't happen to remember where, would you?"
-
> How many village happenings since that meeting have seemed like the result of another meeting that we didn't attend? Current festival day aside.
> "...Raiko..."
> Look to the crepe-maker.
> "You wouldn't happen to remember where, would you?"
>"Someone had one," says the Crepes maker. "I don't remember what it was. They're all foreign, you can't tell them apart easily."
>_
-
> "Hmm. I'll have to look into that, then. Thanks for the intel."
-
> "Hmm. I'll have to look into that, then. Thanks for the intel."
>"So," the dark-haired kappa says, "is there a weight limit on what we can get? Size limit?"
>_
-
> Do we have easy methods at home for transportation of large cargo?
-
>"So," the dark-haired kappa says, "is there a weight limit on what we can get? Size limit?"
> Ask her if the main issue is size or weight or the material or particular properties.
-
> Do we have easy methods at home for transportation of large cargo?
>Not onhand.
> Ask her if the main issue is size or weight or the material or particular properties.
>"Probably both," says the kappa. "I could use a bunch of tires."
>_
-
> How difficult would it be to transport tires?
-
> How difficult would it be to transport tires?
>One would leave your hands full. More would take a wagon or something, which involves pulling a wagon or something up the mountain.
>_
-
> "Ah, yeah that would be hard...I can keep an eye out, at least? And let you know if I see any deals that might be worth your time later, or if you're better off shopping here. But I wouldn't be able to grab more than one, and even that would be tough."
-
> "Ah, yeah that would be hard...I can keep an eye out, at least? And let you know if I see any deals that might be worth your time later, or if you're better off shopping here. But I wouldn't be able to grab more than one, and even that would be tough."
>"Oh, that's a shame," says the dark-haired kappa.
>_
-
> "Sorry. I have a major project I'm working on right now, so..."
-
> "Sorry. I have a major project I'm working on right now, so..."
>"Ah," says the dark-haired kappa, her voice full of understanding.
>"Excuse me?" come another voice, as a kappa with long hair and a long dress approaches your stand. "I understand you are taking orders outside of the village?"
>_
-
> Do we recognize this kappa?
> Is she hot?
> Immediately put on our customer-facing face and voice.
> "Hello! Yes, I am planning on heading to Kourindou today, and am willing to courier most things that are physically reasonable for me to courier. What can I do for you?"
-
> Do we recognize this kappa?
> Is she hot?
> Immediately put on our customer-facing face and voice.
> "Hello! Yes, I am planning on heading to Kourindou today, and am willing to courier most things that are physically reasonable for me to courier. What can I do for you?"
>Oh, that's Yua, she specializes in watches and tends to keep to herself. Weirdly popular in a quiet way.
>Kind of. She has a polite noblewoman sort of aura.
>"Do you have a list of things you might have to share?" she says.
>_
-
> Do we know where Yua lives?
> Assess Yua's co-pilot aptitude.
> "For my own stuff, I'm not bringing anything I can't pocket, and I'm only picking up a hose, which shouldn't take up a lot of space. In terms of other folks, I have nothing else lined up yet for transportation. So whatever you're looking for, I probably currently have the space for it."
-
> Do we know where Yua lives?
> Assess Yua's co-pilot aptitude.
> "For my own stuff, I'm not bringing anything I can't pocket, and I'm only picking up a hose, which shouldn't take up a lot of space. In terms of other folks, I have nothing else lined up yet for transportation. So whatever you're looking for, I probably currently have the space for it."
>Not really. Somewhere near the middle of the village?
>You know her to be pretty meek, so she wouldn't likely try something stupid on her own. Her watches are good, she might be trustworthy to repair things.
>"I was hoping to get a decent chain, for a new watch," she says. "If that isn't too much trouble?"
>_
-
> How much do we trust our own judgment regarding watch chain quality?
-
> How much do we trust our own judgment regarding watch chain quality?
>Reasonably? She almost certainly wants something of jewelry chain quality. She hasn't specified a type of metal, so that isn't important.
>_
-
> How much to those sorts of chains usually go for?
> "That should be doable. Any specific details you're looking for?"
> While speaking, pull out a notepad and write "Yua - Chain for watch".
-
> How much to those sorts of chains usually go for?
> "That should be doable. Any specific details you're looking for?"
> While speaking, pull out a notepad and write "Yua - Chain for watch".
>That's a good question. You are certain the very cheapest would be like 10☼. The upper limits, who knows?
>"Not in particular," she says. "I haven't decided on a bod yet, you understand."
>Quest Update: Dashing for Cash
>_
-
> In our business experience, what would be a fair courier fee, be it a flat fee or a percentage of the cost of what we get?
> "You got it. Where should I deliver it when I return here?"
-
> In our business experience, what would be a fair courier fee, be it a flat fee or a percentage of the cost of what we get?
> "You got it. Where should I deliver it when I return here?"
>Fair is what you can get away with, really. But probably no worse than 10% if it is a simple job.
>"My home workshop, please," she says.
>_
-
> How is Yua's figure? (Obviously, don't make a show of ogling her.)
> "Sure, though I admit I'm not 100% sure where that is."
-
> How is Yua's figure? (Obviously, don't make a show of ogling her.)
> "Sure, though I admit I'm not 100% sure where that is."
>Fairly modest. Her dress may play it down a little?
>"It shouldn't be too hard to find," Yua says, as she gives you a series of directions that essentially lead to one of the ponds in the middle of town; a popular place for a kappa home.
>_
-
> Jot those directions and destination down.
> "Got it. Anything else you'd like me to keep in mind?"
-
> Jot those directions and destination down.
> "Got it. Anything else you'd like me to keep in mind?"
>"I believe that should be it," says Yua.
>_
-
> "Alright. I'll do my best to have something for you tonight, Yua."
-
> "Alright. I'll do my best to have something for you tonight, Yua."
>She bows. "Thank you. What will it cost?"
>_
-
> "Hmm..."
> Tap our chin thoughtfully with our pen(cil?).
> "...For you? Cost of the chain, plus 5%, plus a willingness to hear me out on a work matter of my own upon delivery. Or first thing next day if I return late at night and you want to go to sleep. Is that agreeable?"
-
> "Hmm..."
> Tap our chin thoughtfully with our pen(cil?).
> "...For you? Cost of the chain, plus 5%, plus a willingness to hear me out on a work matter of my own upon delivery. Or first thing next day if I return late at night and you want to go to sleep. Is that agreeable?"
>"I suppose it will be fine to hear you out," Yua says. "Yes, that will be agreeable."
>_
-
> Is there anything customary to be done at this point to finalize the agreement?
-
> Is there anything customary to be done at this point to finalize the agreement?
>There is nothing particularly special. Some people like to get it in writing for larger or more important deals, but that carries a distinct air of human legalism.
>_
-
> "Splendid! Pleasure doing business. I'll keep you posted if anything unexpected happens."
-
> "Splendid! Pleasure doing business. I'll keep you posted if anything unexpected happens."
>"Thank you," Yua says with another bow as she departs.
>_
-
> Well, that's a mood-saver. A little extra money and the chance to bring a beloved competent cutie into the co-pilot fold!
> Nod to ourselves.
> "Excellent, excellent."
> Have a quick glance at our neighbors to see how they're doing.
> If they're both busy, go back to watching the hot redhead.
-
> Well, that's a mood-saver. A little extra money and the chance to bring a beloved competent cutie into the co-pilot fold!
> Nod to ourselves.
> "Excellent, excellent."
> Have a quick glance at our neighbors to see how they're doing.
> If they're both busy, go back to watching the hot redhead.
>The crepes seller has a line again, and the dark-haired kappa is currently cutting up more cucumbers for her next batch.
>You settle in to watch the Prismrivers, or at least one of their associates. A few minutes drift past before another person approaches your booth. A shorter, older human gentleman, dressed in simple clothing. You know him well, everyone in the village does. No one knows where he came from or why, he simply moved in one day and no one had to heart to stop him. Now he does courier work around town, and everyone thinks of him as a grandpa.
>"Pardon me," he says. "I understand you're doing deliveries out of town now?"
>_
-
> Do we know his name?
> Immediately put on our customer-facing face and voice.
> "Hello! For today, yes, I am planning on heading to Kourindou, and am willing to courier most things that are physically reasonable for me to courier. What can I do for you?"
-
> Do we know his name?
> Immediately put on our customer-facing face and voice.
> "Hello! For today, yes, I am planning on heading to Kourindou, and am willing to courier most things that are physically reasonable for me to courier. What can I do for you?"
>You do not. You're not sure if anyone has ever mentioned it around you.
>"Oh, that sounds lovely," he says. "I was hoping you could get me some black tea. I've run out, you see."
>_
-
> "Sure thing. Any particular preferences, like volume?"
> While speaking, write 'Human Friend - Black tea' in our notebook.
-
> "Sure thing. Any particular preferences, like volume?"
> While speaking, write 'Human Friend - Black tea' in our notebook.
>"A few pounds, please," he says. "It would be nice for it to last awhile."
>_
-
> Add ", a few pounds" to the end of the old man's note.
> "You got it, friend. Any other details?"
-
> Add ", a few pounds" to the end of the old man's note.
> "You got it, friend. Any other details?"
>"That should be fine," he says. "It isn't good to be too picky."
>_
-
> Nod.
> "Understood. Where would you like it delivered?"
-
> Nod.
> "Understood. Where would you like it delivered?"
>"It shouldn't be any trouble for me to pick it up, I think," he says. "How's the big project coming along?" You know you haven't told him about it that, so he must have heard it through the cucumber vine.
>_
-
> Add ', will find me to pick up' to the old man's note.
> "Really close to ready. Just need a couple final things, one of which is why I'm headed to Kourindou in the first place. Once I have 'em, it shouldn't take me more than an hour or two to finish off."
-
> Add ', will find me to pick up' to the old man's note.
> "Really close to ready. Just need a couple final things, one of which is why I'm headed to Kourindou in the first place. Once I have 'em, it shouldn't take me more than an hour or two to finish off."
>"It sounds exciting," he says. "Best of luck! How much do I owe you, young lady?"
>_
-
> "Thanks! Cost of materials plus 5% sound fair?"
-
> "Thanks! Cost of materials plus 5% sound fair?"
>"That sounds just fine," he says, smiling. "I'll leave you to it, then."
>_
-
> "Splendid! Pleasure doing business. I'll keep you posted if anything unexpected happens."
-
> "Splendid! Pleasure doing business. I'll keep you posted if anything unexpected happens."
>"Thank you," he says with a bow, before trundling off elsewhere.
>With that exchange done, you notice things have gotten a bit quieter. Ah, the Prismrivers seem to have finished their set, and are taking a break by the looks of it.
>_
-
> How are we feeling about two extra errands for people we reasonably enjoy as enough extra justification for the long trip to Kourindou?
-
> How are we feeling about two extra errands for people we reasonably enjoy as enough extra justification for the long trip to Kourindou?
>Depends on the scale of the requests.
>_
-
> Well, specifically using the two requests we've received so far. Do we feel we need to take on more to justify the trip, or is this enough?
-
> Well, specifically using the two requests we've received so far. Do we feel we need to take on more to justify the trip, or is this enough?
>Do you?
>_
-
> ...Yeah, this is probably enough. Especially if we tack on that tire hunt.
> "Mmm, I think that'll do. Sorry for the encroachment, ladies. I'll get out of your hair."
> Break down shop and bring our cart back home.
-
> ...Yeah, this is probably enough. Especially if we tack on that tire hunt.
> "Mmm, I think that'll do. Sorry for the encroachment, ladies. I'll get out of your hair."
> Break down shop and bring our cart back home.
>"It was a little cramped, but it's okay," says the dark-haired kappa.
>"I suppose I can accept it if you're a Raiko fan," says the crepes seller.
>_
-
> "Oh, absolutely."
> Bring the cart back home.
-
> "Oh, absolutely."
> Bring the cart back home.
>You depart, returning your stand back home. It's somewhat slower going, due to going uphill, but you get it there in good time and without any problem. It seems like things are fine around the warehouse, as well. Fairly quiet, given most people are at the market.
>_
-
> How much does black tea typically go for?
> Put the stand away wherever it goes and head back inside proper.
-
> How much does black tea typically go for?
> Put the stand away wherever it goes and head back inside proper.
>You put the stand away outside for now; you doubt anyone is going to take it, and head back inside. Things are as you left them.
>You don't know off the top of your head. But it shouldn't be terribly expensive? Maybe a little difficult to find, but you don't expect it to be actually be hard.
>_
-
> Grab an extra 50☼, then, just to be safe.
> Then return to the market on foot, checking to see if the musicians (well, the hot redhead specifically) are still on break.
-
> Grab an extra 50☼, then, just to be safe.
> Then return to the market on foot, checking to see if the musicians (well, the hot redhead specifically) are still on break.
>You grab some extra money, and return back to the Market. The crowds are a bit worse now, and the Prismrivers are not playing at the moment. They seem to be fiddling around on stage. Save for Lyrica, who is currently enjoying a crepe.
>_
-
> So what is our general backpack situation? Do we only have the one, or do we have different ones of different sizes?
> How large is the largest backpack we own? Consider the general size, as well as whether or not we could fit a tire in it.
> Would our backpack keep contents safe and dry if we swam in the river with it?
> Is our Exteeeeeending Aaaaaarm purely a spell card gimmick? Or do we have a device that can extend and grab? Or would our arms really change sizes if someone pulled on one, like some legends say about kappa biology?
> Is the stage work the band is currently doing instrumental, or is it wiring work or something else up our alley?
> What is Raiko specifically doing?
-
> So what is our general backpack situation? Do we only have the one, or do we have different ones of different sizes?
> How large is the largest backpack we own? Consider the general size, as well as whether or not we could fit a tire in it.
> Would our backpack keep contents safe and dry if we swam in the river with it?
> Is our Exteeeeeending Aaaaaarm purely a spell card gimmick? Or do we have a device that can extend and grab? Or would our arms really change sizes if someone pulled on one, like some legends say about kappa biology?
> Is the stage work the band is currently doing instrumental, or is it wiring work or something else up our alley?
> What is Raiko specifically doing?
>You have a few different backpacks. The one you have now is your general one, large but not too large. Your largest is currently housing some experimental technology, the helicopter hover and your water gun system and such. It's also kind of a pain to carry around, and doesn't work well with your spell cards.
>Your backpack is waterproof! Provided it is properly closed.
>You do have an extending arm as part of the aforementioned system your largest backpack houses. It is not something you can do personally.
>It seems like they're just getting the stage ready.
>Raiko seems to be looking over her drums, perhaps to see if they need any maintenance?
>_
-
> What was the most recent major incident that we got dragged into?
-
> What was the most recent major incident that we got dragged into?
>The whole thing with the Yorigami Sisters. You tried to stay on the periphery of that, with only some success.
>_
-
> What is the crowd around them like? Are they being socially engaged by anyone, or are they being left alone to their work?
-
> What is the crowd around them like? Are they being socially engaged by anyone, or are they being left alone to their work?
>It seems that Lunasa is chatting with a kappa who has dyed her hair red. Otherwise they are being left alone.
>_
-
> Well. She who hesitates is lost!
> Head toward the redhead (without getting up on the stage, obviously). Give her a smile and a wave if she happens to look in our direction.
-
> Well. She who hesitates is lost!
> Head toward the redhead (without getting up on the stage, obviously). Give her a smile and a wave if she happens to look in our direction.
>You walk around the side of the stage, having to dodge around a few kappa.
>You wave to her when she glances toward you for a moment. She gives you a little wave in return.
>_
-
> "Hey there! You've got a real otherworldly sound going!"
-
> "Hey there! You've got a real otherworldly sound going!"
>"Hey!" she says. "Glad you like it!"
>_
-
> "Absolutely! What in the world is it?"
-
> "Absolutely! What in the world is it?"
>"It's just good percussion at the end of the day," she says with a wink. "Very modern~"
>_
-
> oh gods the hot lady winked at us oh gods
> "N-no kiddin'...are, are you new around Gensokyo? I've never heard anything like this before..."
-
> oh gods the hot lady winked at us oh gods
> "N-no kiddin'...are, are you new around Gensokyo? I've never heard anything like this before..."
>Oh heck, oh dang!
>"Not that new, but kind of," she says. "Only been working with the Prismrivers for a bit, though."
>_
-
> Nod.
> "Right, right. I've never heard them with someone else before. You work really well together! Uh, not to imply any of you were bad before or anything, of course."
-
> Nod.
> "Right, right. I've never heard them with someone else before. You work really well together! Uh, not to imply any of you were bad before or anything, of course."
>"Ah, they just needed a little percussive backup," Raiko says. "You're a fan, huh?"
>_
-
> Huh...First those kappa we sandwiched ourselves between, and now Raiko...Has there always been such a cultural social emphasis on musician fandom?
-
> Huh...First those kappa we sandwiched ourselves between, and now Raiko...Has there always been such a cultural social emphasis on musician fandom?
>Not really, but when you're talking to and about well known musicians, it's bound to come up.
>_
-
> "I'd say so, yeah. Music is pretty great in general, and I definitely enjoy when they're here more than when they're not. I'm most definitely not the most dedicated fan, but when you live on the mountain and have a full-time job as an inventor, it's kind of hard to follow tours and stuff."
-
> "I'd say so, yeah. Music is pretty great in general, and I definitely enjoy when they're here more than when they're not. I'm most definitely not the most dedicated fan, but when you live on the mountain and have a full-time job as an inventor, it's kind of hard to follow tours and stuff."
>"Makes sense," she says, "Kappa don't travel a whole lot, do they?"
>_
-
> Shake our head.
> "Nah. Where we are is just right for us."
> "Though, it's funny you say that. I actually do plan on heading down to take a day trip to the Kourindou area to get something I need for my current project. I'm doing courier work for a couple of other kappa while I'm down there. Depending on how long you'll be here, is there anything you'd like me to pick up for you?"
-
> Shake our head.
> "Nah. Where we are is just right for us."
> "Though, it's funny you say that. I actually do plan on heading down to take a day trip to the Kourindou area to get something I need for my current project. I'm doing courier work for a couple of other kappa while I'm down there. Depending on how long you'll be here, is there anything you'd like me to pick up for you?"
>"I don't think so?" she says. "Unless you're suggesting something?"
>_
-
> "Nothing in particular, just wanted to offer in case you had something you wanted."
-
> "Nothing in particular, just wanted to offer in case you had something you wanted."
>"Naw, we'll be heading out after the festival is done," Raiko says, "So I can get anything I need."
>_
-
> Nod.
> "Alright. That's probably for the best if you're leaving so soon, yeah. With how long the trip is, I doubt I'll be returning before it's over."
-
> Nod.
> "Alright. That's probably for the best if you're leaving so soon, yeah. With how long the trip is, I doubt I'll be returning before it's over."
>"I dunno, it'll be going well into the night," Raiko says. "Or at least it will be if we have anything to say about it!"
>_
-
> "Oh. Well, maybe, then! But if there's nothing you think you might need, then don't worry about it."
-
> "Oh. Well, maybe, then! But if there's nothing you think you might need, then don't worry about it."
>"You'll have to try harder than that if you want to bribe me with a gift," Raiko says, snickering and tapping a drumstick against one of those odd hexagon disks, producing a sound she regards with pursed lips.
>_
-
> "What?! N-no, this was part of a business run!"
-
> "What?! N-no, this was part of a business run!"
>"Hahah, sure, whatever," says Raiko.
>_
-
> Frown.
> "Alright. This trip isn't going to go on itself, so if none of you need anything, I'm outta here."
> Turn around and head back home without waiting for a response.
-
> Frown.
> "Alright. This trip isn't going to go on itself, so if none of you need anything, I'm outta here."
> Turn around and head back home without waiting for a response.
>"Good luck!" Raiko says. "Be sure to get back in time to catch our next set! Maybe we'll do a request!"
>_
-
> Keep on going.
-
> Keep on going.
>You leave the festival and head home once more. It is as you left it last time.
>_
-
> Okay.
> Do we have proper travel wear on?
> Do we have proper travel equipment, uh, equipped? Bear in mind we will be returning with tea, a small chain, and a tube.
-
> Okay.
> Do we have proper travel wear on?
> Do we have proper travel equipment, uh, equipped? Bear in mind we will be returning with tea, a small chain, and a tube.
>Your Inventory Contains:
>Kappa Cap
>A puffy green hat with a brim, favored by kappa everywhere.
>Utility Dress
>A dress with many pockets, handy for screws, nuts, bolts, washers, small tools, and more.
>Backpack
>Carries everything you need. Though you tend to keep it kind of light most times just to make it not be a burden
>Basic toolset
>A hammer, wrench, screwdriver, and small crowbar. Light, easy to carry.
>Bits and Bobs
>A small collection of nuts, bolts, screws, sprockets, springs, flanges, and so on. Handy bits to do handy things.
> Optics "Optical Camouflage"
> Flood "Ooze Flooding"
> Water Sign "Kappa's Pororoca"
> Kappa "Monster Cucumber"
>350☼
>This is 350☼
>Some Lose Scraps of Paper
>A handful of loose, cheap, reasonably clean and uncreased paper
>Pencil
>A cheap pencil. It does not work underwater.
>_
-
> We'll be able to fit the tube and several pounds of black tea in our backpack, yes?
> How physically strong are we, anyway?
-
> We'll be able to fit the tube and several pounds of black tea in our backpack, yes?
> How physically strong are we, anyway?
>You should be.
>You're about average strength, you think?
>_
-
> All right. Let's do this. We have a rocket to launch, a festival to get far away from, and maybe an opportunity to get to know Yua better to take advantage of. ...And maybe some breasts to grow. More.
> Lock up shop, and then head to and swim down to river to begin our shopping trip.
-
> All right. Let's do this. We have a rocket to launch, a festival to get far away from, and maybe an opportunity to get to know Yua better to take advantage of. ...And maybe some breasts to grow. More.
> Lock up shop, and then head to and swim down to river to begin our shopping trip.
>You decide to give the festival some berth this time, and head right to the river. Today it is flowing reasonably slowly, the rain having been scarce lately. Downstream will take you through the ravine, where it gets faster, then past the mountain and toward the north, taking you east of the Hakurei shrine and then meandering westward around the the nameless hill covered with lilies, then on toward the Sanzu river. If you are aiming for Kourindou, you would want to leave just outside of the ravine. If you want the human village, it is best to leave just before the Hakurei Shrine.
>_
>_
-
> Have we ever gone all the way to the Sanzu?
> Let's pop out just outside the ravine, and then aim for Kourindou on foot.
-
> Have we ever gone all the way to the Sanzu?
> Let's pop out just outside the ravine, and then aim for Kourindou on foot.
>You have not. It's well known that if you swim in there, you're not coming back. Something will get you.
>You follow the river as it follows down the mountainside and throw the ravine. The water is particularly clear today, which means there's little chance of a surprise crag or piece of junk in the water coming your way, allowing you let the flow carry you without worry, and makes dodging around the failed dam project all the easier. Soon the water slows and you step out a decide distance from the foot of Youkai Mountain.
>You find yourself at the south-eastern edge of the fields outside and around the human town and the forest where the Hakurei Shrine lies, not far from the edge of the Forest of Magic. You make your way quickly toward the Forest of Magic, seeking out the road that leads through it. Things are rather peaceful today, you can see distant farmers to the north tending to their fields. In the forest, you can hear faeries at play amidst the hum of insects and the chirping of birds.
>Soon you find your way onto the main road, the old dirt path that it is. Following it southward, you head into the forest. While a bit drier than you'd like, the cool shadows cast by the foliage is comforting. Soon, Kourindou is in sight, an old and kind of run down building, shaded by the forest, its front yard full of old furniture no one ever wants.
>_
-
> Anything or anyone interesting outside?
> Enter!
-
> Anything or anyone interesting outside?
> Enter!
>Not particularly, unless you're in the market for old, rain damaged furniture that needs restoration work.
>You head inside. The shelves are all tidy and full of various goods, as you would expect. A barrel full of paper rests by the back counter, covered with various writings and in varying conditions. A sign says that it is free; you presume people take it for kindling. A youkai in a buddhist nun's habit sits behind the counter, she waves as you enter. There is another person in the store, a familiar sight around the kappa village, one Utsuho Reiuji. She seems to have doffed her more flamboyant Yatagarasu garb, and is currently tinkering with a gray box set into a side window. That gray box has vexed you for a long time, it produces cold air somehow, but neither the old owner or the new ones would ever let you have a look at it. But it seems like that hell crow has the thing in several pieces now!
>_
-
> "Oh hey, finally going to town on that thing, huh?"
-
> "Oh hey, finally going to town on that thing, huh?"
>"Huh?" Utsuho says, looking up then over toward you. "Oh! Uh, yeah. It's been running kind of lousy, you know, so...I thought I'd have a look?"
>_
-
> Internally eye twitch that they didn't let us do this.
> "Right, of course."
> Distract ourselves by browsing the contents of the store.
-
> Internally eye twitch that they didn't let us do this.
> "Right, of course."
> Distract ourselves by browsing the contents of the store.
>It really is kind of annoying. Not even another kappa, just her. What does she know about those things, anyways?
>The store contains
>Black-feathered arrow
>Glass Shield
>Goose Feather
>Small Ruby
>Black Music Box
>Thick Length of Chain
>Crystal Orb
>The selection seems unusually slim today...
>_
-
> That thick length of chain wouldn't work as a jeweler's/watch chain, would it?
> "Huh. Slow supply day or busy sales day?"
-
> That thick length of chain wouldn't work as a jeweler's/watch chain, would it?
> "Huh. Slow supply day or busy sales day?"
>Not for anything other than an avant garde piece.
>"Busy day," says the shopkeep, Ichirin. "Sakuya came through this morning and cleaned us out."
>_
-
>Examine the chain more closely.
>Examine the music box.
>Ponder the orb.
-
> "Well, shoot. In that case, not to ask one merchant for help with finding other merchants, but would you happen to know where I could get black tea, jeweler's chains, tires, and engine-compatible tubes? Presumably not all in one place, though I sure wouldn't complain if somewhere did have them all."
> Provide a rough size estimate for the tube as needed.
> Examine the small ruby while we're here, because why not.
-
>Examine the chain more closely.
>Examine the music box.
>Ponder the orb.
>It is a thick length of chain, suitable for lifting or restraining very heavy objects.
>Ah, you have this one! It is a small black box with an opening one of the ends, wherein you can see some strange dark brown tape. No one knows how these work, but with the right machine you can make them play music. They are all foreign in origin, no one really can read there. Or at least no one who cares to. This one depicts 5 dark-skinned men with dark hair in spotless white suits (...not unlike Raiko, now that you think of it) standing on what you assumed is a darkened stage, surrounded by a kind of red starburst. The letters are bright and colorful, common for m (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temptations_Live!#/media/File:Temptations-live.jpg)usic boxes.
>Looking closer, you think this "crystal" is glass, colored pale blue. There are curious shapes and distortions inside, which you presume are artifacts of making the orb. It is about palm sized.
> "Well, shoot. In that case, not to ask one merchant for help with finding other merchants, but would you happen to know where I could get black tea, jeweler's chains, tires, and engine-compatible tubes? Presumably not all in one place, though I sure wouldn't complain if somewhere did have them all."
> Provide a rough size estimate for the tube as needed.
> Examine the small ruby while we're here, because why not.
>Glancing at the ruby, it seems very nice. You don't know much about gems, but it is about the size of a sunflower seed, and has as sort of trapezoid-looking cut.
>"Well, there's a jeweler in town," says Ichirin. "They might be able to help you with the chain. And maybe the tube? Or there's the blacksmith. As for tires...oh! You mean the weird bouncy outside world ones? There's a a few of them out back, I think.
>_
-
> Nod.
> "Great, thanks. You don't mind if I take a look at them, do you?'
> "Anything notable about this gem?"
-
> Nod.
> "Great, thanks. You don't mind if I take a look at them, do you?'
> "Anything notable about this gem?"
>"Go right ahead. Oh, actually...thinking on it, I am pretty sure there was a tube kind of like what you wanted among the stuff Sakuya bought. Maybe you can convince them to part with it?
>"Nope, it's just a pretty ruby," she says.
>_
-
Intentionally not leaving just yet in case Yaersulf wants to follow up on the cassette tape and/or the oooooooooooooooooooorb. (This follow-up could even take place before Nitori heads back outside!)
> Snap our fingers once in acknowledgment (rather than frustration).
> "Good to know, thanks. I'll probably swing by there, then. Okay, be right back."
> Head back outside and have a look at the tires
-
I actually wanna talk to Utsuho and see if we can get ourselves some divine power that way. If it's not gonna blow up our ship of course >w<
-
That also works! I suspect she is in sufficient control at this point in the story that it will not explode us, but I suppose the possibility is there.
-
> Snap our fingers once in acknowledgment (rather than frustration).
> "Good to know, thanks. I'll probably swing by there, then. Okay, be right back."
> Head back outside and have a look at the tires
>Good thing she doesn't seem to try to hide who bought what like the previous management did!
>"Sure thing," Ichirin says.
>You step out and head around the back. Here is where the real junk lives. busted up pieces of metal, weird outside world things that are in advanced states of disrepair, outright scrap, and a few rubber tires in various states of wear; most with stagnant water trapped inside them.
>_
-
> Anything usable in the scrap?
> Take handwritten notes on the tires that are present, specifically noting size and wear. If we have measuring tape with us, use it to record diameters specifically.
-
> Anything usable in the scrap?
> Take handwritten notes on the tires that are present, specifically noting size and wear. If we have measuring tape with us, use it to record diameters specifically.
>You glance at the scrap. There might be some good things in this, actually? Are you looking for anything in particular?
>You take some notes and measurements on the tires. Most of them are pretty worn; you don't really know how tires from Outside get this worn, but they always seem to. It shouldn't be a real problem.
>_
-
> Add a general "Various States Of Wear" note to our tire data. (That is, literally write that phrase down as-is. We don't need to spend time classifying each tire's state of wear.)
> Do we have any projects currently going other than the rocket?
> If so, are we missing parts for any of those projects?
> If so, check around for those things.
-
> Add a general "Various States Of Wear" note to our tire data. (That is, literally write that phrase down as-is. We don't need to spend time classifying each tire's state of wear.)
> Do we have any projects currently going other than the rocket?
> If so, are we missing parts for any of those projects?
> If so, check around for those things.
>Nothing on the front burner. There's any number of projects on the back burner. None of them are really to the point where parts would be missing yet.
>_
-
> ...Well, we're probably not going to find anything as delicate as watchmaker materials or as comestible as tea here...
> ...Sift through the scrap a bit, looking for anything that could serve as an engine tube.
-
> ...Well, we're probably not going to find anything as delicate as watchmaker materials or as comestible as tea here...
> ...Sift through the scrap a bit, looking for anything that could serve as an engine tube.
>Your suspicions are correct, you don't find either.
>Nor do you find an engine tube. By and large, this scrap has stuff that is either too weak or too low a melting point to make a decant part. However, you do find some scrap melt that would work as a the base for such a tube.
>_
-
> Take it! (But don't pocket it yet, we haven't paid for it.)
> Would this scrap melt be part of building out own tube, or do we still need to get a full-fledged tube and this scrap melt will just enhance it once we do?
-
> Take it! (But don't pocket it yet, we haven't paid for it.)
> Would this scrap melt be part of building out own tube, or do we still need to get a full-fledged tube and this scrap melt will just enhance it once we do?
>You obtain: Useful Scrap
>This should be useful for making a tube.
>_
-
> Is the scrap enough on its own, or do we need more material?
> If we need more material, what other material might we need?
-
> Is the scrap enough on its own, or do we need more material?
> If we need more material, what other material might we need?
>This should do it.
>_
-
> Oh wow, how fortuitous! About damn time something went right today.
> Head back inside the shop.
-
> Oh wow, how fortuitous! About damn time something went right today.
> Head back inside the shop.
>You head back inside. Ichirin is still behind the counter. you think she is pouring over some buddhist text or other. Well, you assume it's buddhist, being a monk and all. Utsuho is fiddling with what looks like some kind of filter, though a lot more complicated than anything you'd usually see.
>_
-
> "Hey, how much for this?"
> Hold up the scrap.
-
> "Hey, how much for this?"
> Hold up the scrap.
>Ichirin shrugs. "It's all yours."
>_
-
> Blink.
> "...Really? Well, uh, thanks. This'll help a lot. I owe you one."
> Look back at the hell raven.
> "Hey, Utsuho, not to distract you from the box with personal questions, but I've been wondering about the divinity of your skill set, so to speak."
-
> Blink.
> "...Really? Well, uh, thanks. This'll help a lot. I owe you one."
> Look back at the hell raven.
> "Hey, Utsuho, not to distract you from the box with personal questions, but I've been wondering about the divinity of your skill set, so to speak."
>"I mean, I'm not gonna charge you for trash," Ichirin says.
>"Unyu?" Utsuho says, glancing back at you, clearly absorbed in her work. "Uh. It's complicated, I guess? I don't really worry too much about it myself."
>_
-
> "Well, okay. I need a reservoir of divine power for my current project. Is that something you could provide, assuming appropriate compensation?"
-
> "Well, okay. I need a reservoir of divine power for my current project. Is that something you could provide, assuming appropriate compensation?"
>"I..um, I don't think that's something I can do?" Utsuho says. "I don't have my stuff today, too."
>_
-
> "Oh. Er, sorry for the misunderstanding, then."
-
> "Oh. Er, sorry for the misunderstanding, then."
"
>"It's fine," she says, "It's an honest question, isn't it?"
>_
-
> "Yeah, but I still interrupted your work on the cold box."
-
> "Yeah, but I still interrupted your work on the cold box."
>"I suppose," she says. "It's not really a thing, though."
>_
-
> "Well, alright, if you say so."
> What non-mountain markets are we aware of that aren't in the Human Village?
> Is there a faster way to get to the Human Village from here than ducking back into the river and popping up later downstream?
-
> "Well, alright, if you say so."
> What non-mountain markets are we aware of that aren't in the Human Village?
> Is there a faster way to get to the Human Village from here than ducking back into the river and popping up later downstream?
>"So what're you up to?" Utsuho says, as she gets back to work.
>There is one in the tengu village, but getting to it can be tricky depending on their mood. Sometimes places like Scarlet Devil Mansion and Eientei are willing to deal in things, but that's not really a market. Supposedly there's a black market out there, but heck if you know where it would be found or what they even have.
>From here, it is faster to follow along the road or take to the air.
>_
-
> "Updating my rocket. Gonna get further than anyone ever has!"
-
> "Updating my rocket. Gonna get further than anyone ever has!"
>"You're doing that too? Neat!" Utsuho says.
>_
-
> "Yep! ...Wait, what do you mean 'too'?"
-
> "Yep! ...Wait, what do you mean 'too'?"
>"Yeah, Scarlet Devil Mansion apparently decided to restart their space program," says Utsuho. "Never knew they had one to start with. I think that's why Sakuya was buying up all the stuff earlier."
>_
-
> "..."
> Go gradually pale, then gradually red with anger.
> "...Oh, hell no. They are not outracing me on this."
> Given rushed nods to the two youkai present.
> "ThankyouforyourtimeImustbegoingbye!"
> Dash out of Kourindou and begin high-tailing it to the Human Village.
-
> "..."
> Go gradually pale, then gradually red with anger.
> "...Oh, hell no. They are not outracing me on this."
> Given rushed nods to the two youkai present.
> "ThankyouforyourtimeImustbegoingbye!"
> Dash out of Kourindou and begin high-tailing it to the Human Village.
>"Uh, bye!" Utsuho says as you dash out.
>And out you go! You start running northward. Running, however, is not one of your many talents, and you soon find yourself short on breath.
>_
-
> Godsdamnit!!
> Take a moment to catch our breath, then.
> Can we fly without winding ourselves?
-
> Godsdamnit!!
> Take a moment to catch our breath, then.
> Can we fly without winding ourselves?
>You can. It would be the smarter way to do it, if not the most passionate one.
>_
-
> Once we're physically able, take flight and speedily head to the Human Village.
-
> Once we're physically able, take flight and speedily head to the Human Village.
>You do so, taking to the air with all haste, following the road northward.
>Approaching the human village, you can see it is bustling along. People are milling about, the market seems reasonably busy. There don't appear to be any disasters going on. The Myouren Temple at the far end of town seems to be fairly quiet in comparison.
>_
-
> Head for the market specifically.
-
> Head for the market specifically.
>You descend toward the market. It is full of people coming and going, the babble of the crowd echoing off nearby buildings. This mingles with the sounds of merchants advertising their wares, the rhymic sound of the blacksmith's hammer, food sizzling on grills and spits, the cry of the occasional animal... The scent food fills the air, mixed with the a slight hint of dust kicked up from all the passing feet.
>Many day to day wares are available here, all kinds of groceries and foods, textiles, some kettles and basic tools on display at the blacksmith's. You're unlikely to find more esoteric or luxurious things here, but there might be a surprise.
>_
-
> Does 'more esoteric or luxurious things' include jeweler's chains?
> Search amongst the comestibles vendors for anyone selling teas.
-
> Does 'more esoteric or luxurious things' include jeweler's chains?
> Search amongst the comestibles vendors for anyone selling teas.
>Certainly not the place for it, you think.
>Looking around, you see a few places that have it. One stand in particular strikes you as being a specialist in it. Currently there is a small, winged, pink-haired youkai in a brown dress there, getting what seems to be a very large back judging from how the vender is shoveling it in.
>_
-
> Do we recognize the youkai?
> Get in the specialist's line.
-
> Do we recognize the youkai?
> Get in the specialist's line.
>You're pretty sure she runs the lamprey stand in the forest.
>You get in line. You note, much to your relief, the vendor seems to be shoveling in green tea. Soon the transaction is complete and the youkai, was it Mystia, grabs the bag; easily as large as she is; hefts it over head with a "Hup!" and trundles off. She gives you a nod.
>"What can I get you?" the merchant says, dusting off her hands.
>_
-
> Is the merchant hot?
> Nod at the winded woman, then turn to the merchant.
> "A few pounds of black tea, please, miss."
-
> Is the merchant hot?
> Nod at the winded woman, then turn to the merchant.
> "A few pounds of black tea, please, miss."
>Eh, not especially. Middle of the road. She's got a charm, perhaps.
>"Is that all?" she says, as she prepares a paper packet.
>_
-
> Is there a list of other options somewhere?
> Do we have any tea preferences?
> Do we happen to know what tea, if any, Yua prefers?
-
> Is there a list of other options somewhere?
> Do we have any tea preferences?
> Do we happen to know what tea, if any, Yua prefers?
>There is not. You are probably just expected to ask for what you want.
>You tend toward green, most people do.
>No idea whatsoever.
>_
-
> "...And a pound of green, please."
-
> "...And a pound of green, please."
>"Sure thing," the lady says as she scoops out tea leaves into the container she has made. "I must say, you're an unfamiliar face."
>_
-
> "Yeah. Don't come out this far from the mountain too often. But you go where the business takes you."
-
> "Yeah. Don't come out this far from the mountain too often. But you go where the business takes you."
>She places one packet on the counter, and assembles a smaller one for your other order. "I thought so. Are you finding everything alright?"
>_
-
> "Most everything, yeah. Only thing left on the list is a jeweler's chain. You happen to know where I can go for one of those?"
-
> "Most everything, yeah. Only thing left on the list is a jeweler's chain. You happen to know where I can go for one of those?"
>"The jeweler, I imagine," she says, as she starts measuring out green tea into the smaller packet. "That would be a little north and west of here, near the residences. You won't miss it, just look for the sign."
>_
-
> "Oh, great, good to know. Thanks plenty. How much do I owe you?"
-
> "Oh, great, good to know. Thanks plenty. How much do I owe you?"
>"It'll be 19☼," the merchant says. "Will there be anything else?"
>_
-
> "That'll be it, thanks."
> Blink, then frown a bit.
> "How much was the green by itself? I forgot I needed to itemize."
-
> "That'll be it, thanks."
> Blink, then frown a bit.
> "How much was the green by itself? I forgot I needed to itemize."
>"That's just two," she says.
>_
-
> "Great, thanks. Keep the extra."
> Hand over 20☼ and gather our tea.
-
> "Great, thanks. Keep the extra."
> Hand over 20☼ and gather our tea.
>"And very kind of you, thank you," the merchant says, as she pushes the packets over.
>You obtain: Large Black Tea Packet
>You obtain: Small Green Tea Packet
>_
-
> "Have a good 'un."
> Follow the directions we were given to get to the jeweler's shop.
-
> "Have a good 'un."
> Follow the directions we were given to get to the jeweler's shop.
>You leave the market behind for the much quieter residential area. Long rowhouses line the road here, lift up from the street enough that a mouse or cat could slink under them. A few people, mostly housewives and small children, mill about here. Other rest in front of their homes, doing their work, conversing with neighbors, or both. You attract the occasional glance as you pass through. There are shops and such interspersed among the rowhouses, a small grocery here, a teahouse there. Then you find it, a jewelry store, or at least you assume so, across the street from what seems to be the Kirisame Charms Store.
>Stepping inside the small shop, you see the floor is lined with glass cases, displaying various jewelry; some of it quite simple, others rather elaborate. Perhaps not on par with some of the works that are rumored to come from the underground, but nice enough looking. The walls are fairly bare, save for a wall scroll featuring a likeness of the Hakurei Miko, proclaiming to would-be thieves that she would be allowed to keep whatever is stolen if she found it.
>A small, slight youkai with short white hair and a blue coat sits at the counter, her face covered by a noh mask resembling an oni. She seems to be lost in fiddling with a locket.
>_
-
> Did we know Marisa had a charms store here in the village?
> Does this youkai look familiar at all?
-
>You leave the market behind for the much quieter residential area. Long rowhouses line the road here, lift up from the street enough that a mouse or cat could slink under them. A few people, mostly housewives and small children, mill about here. Other rest in front of their homes, doing their work, conversing with neighbors, or both. You attract the occasional glance as you pass through. There are shops and such interspersed among the rowhouses, a small grocery here, a teahouse there. Then you find it, a jewelry store, or at least you assume so, across the street from what seems to be the Kirisame Charms Store.
>Stepping inside the small shop, you see the floor is lined with glass cases, displaying various jewelry; some of it quite simple, others rather elaborate. Perhaps not on par with some of the works that are rumored to come from the underground, but nice enough looking. The walls are fairly bare, save for a wall scroll featuring a likeness of the Hakurei Miko, proclaiming to would-be thieves that she would be allowed to keep whatever is stolen if she found it.
>A small, slight youkai with short white hair and a blue coat sits at the counter, her face covered by a noh mask resembling an oni. She seems to be lost in fiddling with a locket.
>_
> Did we know Marisa had a charms store here in the village?
> Does this youkai look familiar at all?
> Move closer and silently to, without disturbing and startling het, better observe what kind of work is she doing.
> If she shifts her attention to us, or when she is finished working, greet her and explain to her that, while we have come here for business, we were were getting curious about the type of work she was attempting, then finally specify what kind of business we have come here for.
-
> Did we know Marisa had a charms store here in the village?
> Does this youkai look familiar at all?
>You did not. You are certain she works out of the Forest of Magic
>...You don't think so?
> Move closer and silently to, without disturbing and startling het, better observe what kind of work is she doing.
> If she shifts her attention to us, or when she is finished working, greet her and explain to her that, while we have come here for business, we were were getting curious about the type of work she was attempting, then finally specify what kind of business we have come here for.
>At a glance, she seems to be setting a gem of some kind into it.
>She suddenly becomes very away of you, her head snapping up, and her body visibly tensing. Then she settles a little, staring at you.
>_
-
> "Oh, sorry. Uh, don't worry, I get it. I get hyper-focused on my work too."
> "Anyway, I'm looking for a jeweler's chain, and you appear to be my best bet around town."
-
> "Oh, sorry. Uh, don't worry, I get it. I get hyper-focused on my work too."
> "Anyway, I'm looking for a jeweler's chain, and you appear to be my best bet around town."
>"Chain?" she says at length, relaxing a little. "For a necklace?"
>_
-
> "Er...for a watch, honestly."
-
> "Er...for a watch, honestly."
>"So nothing too fine," she says. "Doable. Preferred material?"
>_
-
> "Client didn't specify."
> Give a wry smile.
> "Probably not the most helpful answer, I know. But I suspect she found the mystery a little appealing when requesting."
-
> "Client didn't specify."
> Give a wry smile.
> "Probably not the most helpful answer, I know. But I suspect she found the mystery a little appealing when requesting."
>"How much are you wanting to spend?" says the white-haired youkai.
>_
-
> Adopt a thinking expression.
> "...60☼?"
-
> Adopt a thinking expression.
> "...60☼?"
>"Copper, then," she says. "I can do that."
>_
-
> "Great, thanks! How long does it take?"
-
> "Great, thanks! How long does it take?"
>"I won't need long," she says. "If you want to go do something instead of waiting, I'll have it ready when you return."
>_
-
> What else is there to do in the village that we know of?
> "Hmm, that should be doable."
> Adopt a thinking expression.
> "...In that case...total shot in the dark here, but would you happen to know of anywhere in town with resources for...altering one's appearance?"
-
> What else is there to do in the village that we know of?
> "Hmm, that should be doable."
> Adopt a thinking expression.
> "...In that case...total shot in the dark here, but would you happen to know of anywhere in town with resources for...altering one's appearance?"
>There's a couple taverns and tea houses, at least.
>"There's probably some cosmetics in the market," says the youkai.
>_
-
> "...Mmm. I was thinking more...figure-changing than that. You know?"
-
> "...Mmm. I was thinking more...figure-changing than that. You know?"
>"...I have no idea," she says.
>_
-
> Frown a bit in frustration.
> "Dang. Ah well, worth a shot. Thanks."
-
> Frown a bit in frustration.
> "Dang. Ah well, worth a shot. Thanks."
>"You'd probably have to ask a doctor," she says with a shrug.
>_
-
> What will charting a course for our rocket launch require?
> Is there anything we've been debating adding to the rocket that isn't required for launch but might make the experience more enjoyable, enough so that compensating for any weight change involved would be worth it?
> Do we know how to get to Eientei?
-
> What will charting a course for our rocket launch require?
> Is there anything we've been debating adding to the rocket that isn't required for launch but might make the experience more enjoyable, enough so that compensating for any weight change involved would be worth it?
> Do we know how to get to Eientei?
>Time, mathematics, and a telescope (which you do have at home)
>Are you? As it stands, there's a couple futons, and a small table built into the wall.
>...Very roughly. Supposedly there are guideposts now, according to a newspaper you read some time ago?
>_
-
> Do we have a way to use the music boxes on the rocket, for entertainment purposes? If not, how difficult would it be to add something?
> Are we aware of any gods that frequent this village?
-
> Do we have a way to use the music boxes on the rocket, for entertainment purposes? If not, how difficult would it be to add something?
> Are we aware of any gods that frequent this village?
>You don't see why not? You could just put in the player than you have and secure it down.
>...Maybe? Wasn't there an article about that some time ago?
>_
-
> "That makes sense. Alright, I'll be back in a bit."
> Exit the jeweler's shop and head back toward the main market area, looking around to see if anyone particularly notable stands out. (If we can spot someone that appears to be a god and isn't one of those Yorigami bozos, all the better!)
-
> "That makes sense. Alright, I'll be back in a bit."
> Exit the jeweler's shop and head back toward the main market area, looking around to see if anyone particularly notable stands out. (If we can spot someone that appears to be a god and isn't one of those Yorigami bozos, all the better!)
>"I won't need too long," she says.
>You return to the market. Looking around the crowds, you spot a purple-haired medicine dealer you're quite certain is a poorly disguised Reisen and a teal-haired karakasa who seems to be milling about. You also note Miss Kamishirasawa shopping for groceries, by the look of it, and what seem to be a couple of rabbit youkai by the edge of the market selling dango, with a curious woman in gray with a wide hat considering them. A woman with long purple hair, dressed in white and red robes that mark her as someone of importance seems to be hanging around the blacksmith's.
>_
-
> Do we know how far it is from here to the Bamboo Forest?
> Does the woman in grey appear to be a god?
> Does the important-looking woman appear to be a god?
-
> Do we know how far it is from here to the Bamboo Forest?
> Does the woman in grey appear to be a god?
> Does the important-looking woman appear to be a god?
>It's a bit of a trip.
>...She looks like a jizo statue, so...sort of?
>She looks more like a samurai.
>_
-
> A jizo statue, huh...can they even provide divine power?
-
> A jizo statue, huh...can they even provide divine power?
>Not really, you don't think.
>_
-
> Does she have a nice butt?
> Head in Totally Not Reisen In Disguise's direction.
-
> Does she have a nice butt?
> Head in Totally Not Reisen In Disguise's direction.
>Kind of hard to tell through her clothes, but signs point to probably.
>You approach the disguised Reisen. She is tending to a small, very temporary stand made of bamboo poles and a board in front to serve as a table. Currently she has no customers.
>"Ah...hello..." she says. "Rather bold of a kappa to just appear here in town, haha..."
>_
-
> Oh, that's just adorable. We absolutely have to tease it.
> ...This isn't why no one told us about the most recent village meeting, is it?
> ...No, surely not, it was definitely just a mix-up in communication like Miori's friend's info suggested.
> Have we looked Totally Not Reisen In Disguise in the eyes? If so, how did it feel?
> "It's certainly a trip from the mountain, I tell you what. Though, now that you mention it, it does feel like there are plenty of non-humans at this human village market, doesn't it? Me, the lamprey stand lady, the karakasa lady, the jizou lady...even a couple of dango-selling rabbits. Kinda makes you wonder who else might be here."
-
> Oh, that's just adorable. We absolutely have to tease it.
> ...This isn't why no one told us about the most recent village meeting, is it?
> ...No, surely not, it was definitely just a mix-up in communication like Miori's friend's info suggested.
> Have we looked Totally Not Reisen In Disguise in the eyes? If so, how did it feel?
> "It's certainly a trip from the mountain, I tell you what. Though, now that you mention it, it does feel like there are plenty of non-humans at this human village market, doesn't it? Me, the lamprey stand lady, the karakasa lady, the jizou lady...even a couple of dango-selling rabbits. Kinda makes you wonder who else might be here."
>While she's correct that youkai aren't technically supposed to be in town, this is less of a rule and more of a guideline. except when it isn't.
>You're sure people just forgot.
>Not yet; she's got her hat tipped low. But you can see the ears squashed off to the side under it.
>"I'm sure you're just seeing things..." Not-Reisen replies. "That'd be so much trouble. What may I interest you in?"
>_
-
> What is she selling?
> If we can't tell: "Depends. What are you selling?"
-
> What is she selling?
> If we can't tell: "Depends. What are you selling?"
>It seems to be various medicines from a chest behind the counter.
>_
-
> Can we tell what the medicines do?
-
> Can we tell what the medicines do?
>Well beyond your paygrade. But you're pretty sure they are mundane medicines.
>_
-
> Adopt a thinking expression.
> "...Mmm. Got a bit of a...personal matter I want to discuss with a medical professional privately. Like you, or any doctors you might happen to know."
-
> Adopt a thinking expression.
> "...Mmm. Got a bit of a...personal matter I want to discuss with a medical professional privately. Like you, or any doctors you might happen to know."
>"Ah, I can certainly hear you out," Reisen says.
>_
-
> Glance around to make sure no one's obviously listening in.
> Assuming no one is, lean in a bit and take a quieter tone.
> "I'm looking into...changing my appearance. On a biological level, not a cosmetic one."
-
> Glance around to make sure no one's obviously listening in.
> Assuming no one is, lean in a bit and take a quieter tone.
> "I'm looking into...changing my appearance. On a biological level, not a cosmetic one."
>Now you can see her eyes, and they are wide. And disturbing, egh.
>"Are...Are you trying to turn into a human?" she says back in the same tone.
>_
-
> "No, nothing like that. I want to change my shape. If you know what I mean."
-
> "No, nothing like that. I want to change my shape. If you know what I mean."
>"...You want to turn into an animal or something?" Reisen says, not knowing what you mean.
>_
-
> Frown just a little bit.
> "I'm thinking about growing my chest out a bit."
-
> Frown just a little bit.
> "I'm thinking about growing my chest out a bit."
> Well,in light of current normal staus,it is best to reconsider making that(useless) request... > Check chest for usual growths.
> Skills
> Inventory
> Notable Relationships
> Opinion of the tengu in general
> Opinions of Shameimaru, Inubashiri, and Himekaidou in particular
> ...Opinion of Takane Yamashiro, assuming we can stomach dwelling on her
>They're there and they're fantastic, thank you very much.
...
>"Ah, I can certainly hear you out," Reisen says.
>_
> Ask that,in order to have a better grasp about it yourself when relating to what actual medicine can offer, you would like beforehand if she can summarily describe which medicine for which purpose she has brought here to sell .
-
> Well,in light of current normal staus,it is best to reconsider making that(useless) request...
> Ask that,in order to have a better grasp about it yourself when relating to what actual medicine can offer, you would like beforehand if she can summarily describe which medicine for which purpose she has brought here to sell .
> Belay this, and do indeed ask the originally submitted question.
Please (https://www.shrinemaiden.com/index.php?topic=446.msg28326#msg28326) read (https://www.shrinemaiden.com/index.php?topic=446.msg28330#msg28330) before countermanding other players' harmless pursuits.
(We can ask about the existing medicines if/when the conversation goes in that direction, even though we already have a decent idea of what's there (https://www.shrinemaiden.com/index.php?topic=446.msg29426#msg29426).)
-
> Frown just a little bit.
> "I'm thinking about growing my chest out a bit."
>"...You don't need it, if you ask me," Reisen says.
>_
-
> "Well, yeah. But the possibility is still a curiosity of mine."
-
> "Well, yeah. But the possibility is still a curiosity of mine."
>"Ah, well," Reisen says, shifting a bit.
>_
-
> Does she seem uncomfortable with this subject?
> Consider the possibility of growing our hair extra long, the way Reisen (who is definitely not the medicine seller in front of us) has.
> "Yeah. If it isn't possible, then oh well, I have other discoveries in life to make and curiosities to satisfy. But if it is possible, I'd like to at least look into it."
> Gesture at the purple-haired salesperson.
> "Which is why I'm here, talking to you. A medical professional seems like a reasonable place to start to me."
-
> Does she seem uncomfortable with this subject?
> Consider the possibility of growing our hair extra long, the way Reisen (who is definitely not the medicine seller in front of us) has.
> "Yeah. If it isn't possible, then oh well, I have other discoveries in life to make and curiosities to satisfy. But if it is possible, I'd like to at least look into it."
> Gesture at the purple-haired salesperson.
> "Which is why I'm here, talking to you. A medical professional seems like a reasonable place to start to me."
>Kind of, but it's hard to tell why.
>"I suppose it's possible, if you spoke with Doctor Yagokoro," she says. "But, if you asked her that, she would also put an arrow through you, I think."
>_
-
> Consider the possibility of growing our hair extra long.
> Frown.
> "Why?"
-
> Consider the possibility of growing our hair extra long.
> Frown.
> "Why?"
>That might be kinda cute.
>"I think she'd consider it kind of an insult to her talents," Reisen says. "And once she does it once, others would ask for it too."
>_
-
> "Oh. Hmm, that's actually not unreasonable. ...Sorry if you feel insulted as well, then. I hadn't considered that aspect."
> "Let's say I want to pursue it myself, then. Any ideas how I might go about that?"
> "Also, something else just occurred to me in a similar vein that hopefully isn't as insulting. What about the possibility of rapidly growing my hair long? Like, maybe waist or hip length, or maybe even something your length."
-
> "Oh. Hmm, that's actually not unreasonable. ...Sorry if you feel insulted as well, then. I hadn't considered that aspect."
> "Let's say I want to pursue it myself, then. Any ideas how I might go about that?"
> "Also, something else just occurred to me in a similar vein that hopefully isn't as insulting. What about the possibility of rapidly growing my hair long? Like, maybe waist or hip length, or maybe even something your length."
>"Don't worry, it wasn't insulting, just kinda weird coming out of nowhere."
>"Huh. Well, I don't know how you'd do it," Reisen says, pursing her lips. "I guess you'd need to ask someone extremely powerful, like Yukari or Okina? Though...well, I'd be careful about that. You wouldn't want to suggest they do it, if you didn't want to make an enemy."
>"Oh, hmm. Well, I don't have anything like that. But I do know of something, if you can bring me the ingredients. It's only lasts a few weeks, though. Then you have a mess on your hands."
>_
-
> Raise an eyebrow.
> "...What kind of a mess?"
-
> Raise an eyebrow.
> "...What kind of a mess?"
>"The extra hair falls off," she says. "Like high piled snow from a roof."
>_
-
> "Oh. That's manageable. Not as bad as I was expecting, honestly."
> "Alright, then, I'm in. What do you need me to get, how long does my hair get, and how much do I owe you?"
-
> "Oh. That's manageable. Not as bad as I was expecting, honestly."
> "Alright, then, I'm in. What do you need me to get, how long does my hair get, and how much do I owe you?"
>"I'll make you a list," Reisen says. "I can't guarantee results, but probably at least twice as long, and...we'll call it 120☼."
>_
-
> Hand over the money.
> "Any way to improve odds of additional growth length or time before fallout? Like larger volume of ingredients, or extra ingredients?"
-
> Hand over the money.
> "Any way to improve odds of additional growth length or time before fallout? Like larger volume of ingredients, or extra ingredients?"
>You pay the medicine seller. She pulls out some loose paper and begins to write some things down.
>"Maybe, but it's above my skilllevel," Reisen says.
>_
-
> We've considered bringing a co-pilot along for our space adventure. How feasible would it be to have two? Or a co-pilot and a passenger?
> "Mmm, got it. Depending on how this goes, I might be willing to be a test subject for you if you ever decide you want to research it further to expand said skill set."
-
> We've considered bringing a co-pilot along for our space adventure. How feasible would it be to have two? Or a co-pilot and a passenger?
> "Mmm, got it. Depending on how this goes, I might be willing to be a test subject for you if you ever decide you want to research it further to expand said skill set."
>You'd need to ask a lot of the divinity, at least. Or it would have to be a small passenger?
>"Ah, well...I don't have plans for it, currently," she says.
>_
-
> "Right, of course. Just something to keep in mind in the future."
> "Oh, one other thing, since you mentioned Doctor Yagokoro. If you're in this line of work and are familiar with her, you're probably also familiar with her apprentice Reisen? Charming woman, probably the envy of the rest of Eientei's residents. Anyway, if you happen to see her around in your business travels, could you find out if she has any interest in space travel? I'm fixing up a rocket is mine that she helped me retrieve one time, and I'm currently narrowing down the prospective co-pilot field for my next planned voyage to see just how far I can go."
-
> "Right, of course. Just something to keep in mind in the future."
> "Oh, one other thing, since you mentioned Doctor Yagokoro. If you're in this line of work and are familiar with her, you're probably also familiar with her apprentice Reisen? Charming woman, probably the envy of the rest of Eientei's residents. Anyway, if you happen to see her around in your business travels, could you find out if she has any interest in space travel? I'm fixing up a rocket is mine that she helped me retrieve one time, and I'm currently narrowing down the prospective co-pilot field for my next planned voyage to see just how far I can go."
>You see her eyes widen under her hat. ....Eugh. "I don't- I mean...she wouldn't want to go back there again. Not just on a lark. ...I'm sure."
>_
-
> "Well, if you think it might make a difference, I don't intend to go to the moon."
-
> "Well, if you think it might make a difference, I don't intend to go to the moon."
>"Even then...it's...a problem, I'm sure."
>_
-
Sorry, Yaer, looks like it's a no-go.
> "Mmm, that's unfortunate. But I suppose I have other options."
-
> "Mmm, that's unfortunate. But I suppose I have other options."
>"Haaa, sorry to disappoint..."
>_
-
> "It is what it is."
> Let her finish writing that list of ingredients.
-
> "It is what it is."
> Let her finish writing that list of ingredients.
> While waiting do some observation about anything else peculiar,standing out,or just familiar .
-
> "It is what it is."
> Let her finish writing that list of ingredients.
> While waiting do some observation about anything else peculiar,standing out,or just familiar .
>You look around, but nothing else seems too out of place.
>Soon, she hands you a list. "There, that should do it. You may be able to buy most, if not all of this stuff from local magicians."
>You obtain: List of Ingredients
>_
-
> Have a look at that list. Hopefully it's not too long...
-
> Have a look at that list. Hopefully it's not too long...
>There are eight items on it, and they all sound esoteric, to say the least.
>_
-
> Are there any we don't recognize?
> ...Are there any we DO recognize?
> Look back up at Totally Not Reisen.
> "Well. I can think of Marisa and Patchouli, but I get the feeling they don't fall under your definition of 'local'. Any recommendations for anyone here in town, and possibly directions for how to get to them?"
-
> Are there any we don't recognize?
> ...Are there any we DO recognize?
> Look back up at Totally Not Reisen.
> "Well. I can think of Marisa and Patchouli, but I get the feeling they don't fall under your definition of 'local'. Any recommendations for anyone here in town, and possibly directions for how to get to them?"
>This is outside your field. You recognize that it's asking for a kind of mushroom with one, a kind of dust in another...
>"Oh, that's about who I meant, really," she says. "They're local enough, no?"
>_
-
> "Oh, okay. I thought there might be some here."
-
> "Oh, okay. I thought there might be some here."
>"I wouldn't know," she says. "There might be?"
>_
-
> Inventory
> "Alright, I'm on it. How long did you say you'll be here?"
-
> Inventory
> "Alright, I'm on it. How long did you say you'll be here?"
>"I should be here til evening," she says.
>Your Inventory Contains:
>Kappa Cap
>A puffy green hat with a brim, favored by kappa everywhere.
>Utility Dress
>A dress with many pockets, handy for screws, nuts, bolts, washers, small tools, and more.
>Backpack
>Carries everything you need. Though you tend to keep it kind of light most times just to make it not be a burden
>Basic toolset
>A hammer, wrench, screwdriver, measuring tape, and small crowbar. Light, easy to carry.
>Bits and Bobs
>A small collection of nuts, bolts, screws, sprockets, springs, flanges, and so on. Handy bits to do handy things.
> Optics "Optical Camouflage"
> Flood "Ooze Flooding"
> Water Sign "Kappa's Pororoca"
> Kappa "Monster Cucumber"
>330☼
>This is 330☼
>Some Lose Scraps of Paper
>A handful of loose, cheap, reasonably clean and uncreased paper
>Pencil
>A cheap pencil. It does not work underwater.
>Useful Scrap
>You can use this to make a tube for your rocket!
>Large Black Tea Packet
>About five pounds of black tea
>Small Green Tea Packet
>Tea for your own use.
>List of Ingredients
>A list of eight items Reisen needs to make a medicine to make your hair grow.
>_
-
> "Okay. Hopefully I'm not out that late. Back soon."
> Head back in the direction of the jewelry shop.
-
> "Okay. Hopefully I'm not out that late. Back soon."
> Head back in the direction of the jewelry shop.
>The medicine seller nods. "I'll try to wait for you."
>You make your way back to the jewelry store. Inside is as quite as before. The shopkeeper is back to working on her original project. This time, however, her eyes snap up toward the door the moment it opens. A delicate length of copper chain is coiled on the edge of the counter.
>"You're back," she says. "That will be 60☼."
>_
-
> "Dang, you weren't kidding about getting it done quickly."
> Hand over the appropriate money.
> Then gently retrieve the chain.
-
> "Dang, you weren't kidding about getting it done quickly."
> Hand over the appropriate money.
> Then gently retrieve the chain.
>"It's not difficult," she says, as you count out the money. "It just takes some focus."
>You obtain: Copper Jewelry Chain
>_
-
> Opinion of Hata no Kokoro
> "Well, thanks all the same. Before I get out of your hair, though, would you happen to know if there are any magicians in town?"
-
> Opinion of Hata no Kokoro
> "Well, thanks all the same. Before I get out of your hair, though, would you happen to know if there are any magicians in town?"
>Weird troublemaker. At least initially. She seems to have settled down, since? You've seen her dance at festivals, and she's quite good at it.
>"The closest I know is old man Kirisame across the road, but...you don't want to go there." the masked shopkeeper says. "Hm, well, I suppose the lady at Myouren Temple counts?"
>_
-
> "Mmm, I get the feeling she doesn't sell ingredients for stuff. But thank you for the info."
> "Also, before I leave, have you met Hata no Kokoro? You both have that whole mask thing going, after all."
-
> "Mmm, I get the feeling she doesn't sell ingredients for stuff. But thank you for the info."
> "Also, before I leave, have you met Hata no Kokoro? You both have that whole mask thing going, after all."
>Weird troublemaker. At least initially. She seems to have settled down, since? You've seen her dance at festivals, and she's quite good at it.
>"The closest I know is old man Kirisame across the road, but...you don't want to go there." the masked shopkeeper says. "Hm, well, I suppose the lady at Myouren Temple counts?"
>_
> Correct ourselves,after she has has about Hata no Kokoro, tht this is the last inquiry before we areabout to leave and let her be professionally in peace at her trade ...
by modality of warranted tact & tuned-on-her perceptivity with tact and willing availability to describe for us...
bout her "sufficiently experienceful" hints on Old man's Kirisame and nearly opposed,or with such difficulty, business to his Trade... they have piqued (some parts) interest ,in order to be more perceptively around eventual uselessness,blunders or...well... pieces of floundering around...., so more bettermeant cognizant & familiar & perceptive without ,,,,
>... ask with tact and for as much she is willingly available and open regarding an appraisal on Old man Kirisame's business,position,""living marks ...
> more precisily marks of trade ,especcially him and them being ' closer but not quite for magician in this town',relatedto and standing, seemingly mixed reputation , relations or contacts with some or more importance be they hindering or helpful or mixed and variable, her veiled but Sensible and Experienced and to steer clear of his business & professionally...around them and similar to what she...the younger masked lady-shopkeer at this side-pharmacy""...is forward to supply...
-
> "Mmm, I get the feeling she doesn't sell ingredients for stuff. But thank you for the info."
> "Also, before I leave, have you met Hata no Kokoro? You both have that whole mask thing going, after all."
>"I could not guess what she gets up to," the masked jeweler says to your first statement.
>"I...am aware of her," she says as you ask about Kokoro. "We have not met, no. I've seen her from a distance, performing. I doubt she knows of me."
> Correct ourselves,after she has has about Hata no Kokoro, tht this is the last inquiry before we areabout to leave and let her be professionally in peace at her trade ...
by modality of warranted tact & tuned-on-her perceptivity with tact and willing availability to describe for us...
bout her "sufficiently experienceful" hints on Old man's Kirisame and nearly opposed,or with such difficulty, business to his Trade... they have piqued (some parts) interest ,in order to be more perceptively around eventual uselessness,blunders or...well... pieces of floundering around...., so more bettermeant cognizant & familiar & perceptive without ,,,,
>... ask with tact and for as much she is willingly available and open regarding an appraisal on Old man Kirisame's business,position,""living marks ...
> more precisily marks of trade ,especcially him and them being ' closer but not quite for magician in this town',relatedto and standing, seemingly mixed reputation , relations or contacts with some or more importance be they hindering or helpful or mixed and variable, her veiled but Sensible and Experienced and to steer clear of his business & professionally...around them and similar to what she...the younger masked lady-shopkeer at this side-pharmacy""...is forward to supply...
>"Kirisame is very traditional about youkai," she say. The euphemism being rather obvious to you; he does not trust youkai. Which a human should not, of course. But still... "I am not certain, but I do not think he is a magician in the sense that, say, the younger Kirisame is. Perhaps not at all? I do not fully understand what he does. I avoid him. It is better that way."
>_
-
> "Hmm. Shame all around, but it can't be helped. Anyway, thanks again. Good business to you."
> Exit the jeweler's shop.
> Exhale and steel ourselves for some more traveling.
> Then exit the village on foot, taking flight once we've left and heading toward Marisa's pad.
-
> "Hmm. Shame all around, but it can't be helped. Anyway, thanks again. Good business to you."
> Exit the jeweler's shop.
> Exhale and steel ourselves for some more traveling.
> Then exit the village on foot, taking flight once we've left and heading toward Marisa's pad.
>You leave the village, quickly hustling past a few different drinking establishments, the school, a few shops and housing rows... Leaving the village, you exhale a breath you didn't really know you were holding. You're used to humans, you're really are! But sometimes being around a lot of them can be...draining and a bit harrowing.
>Taking to the air, you zip back toward the Forest of Magic. Marisa's house, thankfully, is more or less on the way toward Kourindou, and reasonably easy to spot from the air. Landing in the front yard, littered with various knicknacks, weights of various sizes, and equipment for more various kinds of exercise (which you wouldn't even recognize as such if you didn't know Marisa), what seems to be a large, overturned wagon, only partially intact. The house itself is comfortably run down, curtains over all the windows, a peaked roof and a western style door. You note what seems to hornet's nest just below a window on the hear side of the house.
>_
-
> Keep a wary eye on that hornet's nest.
> Go up to the front door and knock.
-
> Keep a wary eye on that hornet's nest.
> Go up to the front door and knock.
>You go to the door and knock, keeping an eye on the hornets. They don't seem to take offense to you, at least not yet.
>"Just a minute!" Marisa calls from inside.
>A moment later, she appears at the door, grinning down at you while wearing a somewhat singed apron. "Oh, hey, don't usually see you out this way," she says.
>_
-
> Look up at her in response.
> "Don't usually come out this way. But I've come into an interesting opportunity."
> Hold the list of ingredients out (and up).
> "I need as many of these items that you can sell me."
-
> Look up at her in response.
> "Don't usually come out this way. But I've come into an interesting opportunity."
> Hold the list of ingredients out (and up).
> "I need as many of these items that you can sell me."
> What are the ingredients on not-Reisen's list?
> Remind ourselves it is very uncertain if an extra quantity of ingredients could actually boost the hair-growing medicine,so...do not splurge,also because we are bigger projects in store.
> " I am also hoping a relative quantity-in-bulk-order to both net me a fair discount and to net you a fair compensation ".
> Wink.
> After she responds to our requestsand our hint, also ask Marisa if before our arrival she attempting any experimental breakthrough.
-
> Look up at her in response.
> "Don't usually come out this way. But I've come into an interesting opportunity."
> Hold the list of ingredients out (and up).
> "I need as many of these items that you can sell me."
> What are the ingredients on not-Reisen's list?
> Remind ourselves it is very uncertain if an extra quantity of ingredients could actually boost the hair-growing medicine,so...do not splurge,also because we are bigger projects in store.
> " I am also hoping a relative quantity-in-bulk-order to both net me a fair discount and to net you a fair compensation ".
> Wink.
> After she responds to our requestsand our hint, also ask Marisa if before our arrival she attempting any experimental breakthrough.
>The list has a bunch of odd items on it, most of it out of your range of knowledge, really.
>"Oh wow, a customer," Marisa says, "Haven't had one of those for ages!"
>She takes the list and looks it over with a thoughtful frown. "Hmm, yeah. I can get you most of this stuff."
>_
-
> "Great. How much'll it run me for what you have and info on where to get the rest?"
-
> "Great. How much'll it run me for what you have and info on where to get the rest?"
>"The only thing I can't get you is sulfurous ash," she says. "You might get lucky if Patchy or Alice or Renko has some? Otherwise, you'll wanna be talking to someone from underground probably. Um, give me a moment to price the rest of this out... What do you need all this junk for, anyways?"
>_
-
> ...Huh, she didn't mention her relative in the Human Village...
> Do we have any sort of acquaintanceship with Alice? If so, how good or not-good is it?
> Given we've been to one of the locations involved and proooooobably? know the locations of the other two, mentally map out the most sensible route from here that hits up all of Casa de Margatroid, Casa de Usami, and Casa de Scarlet.
> Mentally lament the fact that, if Patchouli does end up being our source of that ash, we probably can't sabotage the mansion's rocket efforts in good conscie- uh, good moral-feeling.
> "A concoction that a medicine peddler in human town that definitely isn't a moon rabbit in disguise is making for me."
> Grimace at the mention of the underground.
> "Though I don't very much fancy a trip to OniLand. I stayed up here while you went down there for a reason."
-
> ...Huh, she didn't mention her relative in the Human Village...
> Do we have any sort of acquaintanceship with Alice? If so, how good or not-good is it?
> Given we've been to one of the locations involved and proooooobably? know the locations of the other two, mentally map out the most sensible route from here that hits up all of Casa de Margatroid, Casa de Usami, and Casa de Scarlet.
> Mentally lament the fact that, if Patchouli does end up being our source of that ash, we probably can't sabotage the mansion's rocket efforts in good conscie- uh, good moral-feeling.
> "A concoction that a medicine peddler in human town that definitely isn't a moon rabbit in disguise is making for me."
> Grimace at the mention of the underground.
> "Though I don't very much fancy a trip to OniLand. I stayed up here while you went down there for a reason."
>She did not mention her relative at all! You've not probed into it, but word is they do not get along.
>Not really. You've seen her at festivals? She might has been at once of your stalls.
>By air, they are essentially in a triangle, and you can start with about any of them. Alice and SDM are deeper into the forest, Renko is outside of it.
>You would probably get in a lot of trouble if you tried. But, possibly worth it?
>"Oh, are you sick or something?" Marisa says, frowning. "And, it'd be nice if you didn't have to risk going underground, huh?"
>_
-
> "Not sick, just considering trying an image change for a little bit. And yes, hopefully Renko will have it and I can just be done with it."
-
> "Not sick, just considering trying an image change for a little bit. And yes, hopefully Renko will have it and I can just be done with it."
>Marisa tilts her head a little as you explain why you want it.
>_
-
> Blink.
> "...Oh. Uh, just thinking of growing my hair out. But, like, really fast."
-
> Blink.
> "...Oh. Uh, just thinking of growing my hair out. But, like, really fast."
>"Oh!" she says. Then she gives you a curious look, and you can see plainly she's trying to picture the results in her head. "Huh, don't that beat all, then? I think...70☼ ought to do it?"
>_
-
> "Works for me."
> Fish out 70☼ and hand it over.
-
> "Works for me."
> Fish out 70☼ and hand it over.
>You give Marisa a good amount of your remaining money.
>"Alright, I'll need a little bit to get it all together and bundled up," Marisa says. "In the meantime, you got anything else you wanna go do?"
>_
-
> How much money do we have left at this point?
> "Probably find that ash stuff you mentioned, unless you've got something else in mind."
-
> How much money do we have left at this point?
> "Probably find that ash stuff you mentioned, unless you've got something else in mind."
>You're down to 50☼
>"Naw, just wanted to know if you were going to be hanging around or not."
>_
-
> "Oh. Nah, got too many other things to do, including a major project back home that needs finishing."
-
> "Oh. Nah, got too many other things to do, including a major project back home that needs finishing."
>"Some kind of hair groomer?" Marisa says, chuckling.
>_
-
> Frown.
> "No, that's just a side interest that I took up because I was away from the mountain anyway. I'm working on-"
> Stop.
> Slowly adopt a thinking face and pose.
> "...A hair groomer, huh..."
> Ponder the development of an automatic hair groomer.
-
> Frown.
> "No, that's just a side interest that I took up because I was away from the mountain anyway. I'm working on-"
> Stop.
> Slowly adopt a thinking face and pose.
> "...A hair groomer, huh..."
> Ponder the development of an automatic hair groomer.
>...The hair pulling would be a nightmare to deal with.
>_
-
> Once we've finished our magician triangle and ended up back here, where is Reimu's place relative to either the Human Village or going home?
> Frown.
> "Mmm, that's not a bad idea, but it would be really hard to avoid getting your hair yanked a lot. Anyway, I'm going to hit up Renko and hope my ashventure stops there."
> Give Marisa a quick wave.
> "Don't let those hornets by that window over there get any funny ideas until I'm back home."
> Depart the Kirisame residence and head toward Turtle House.
-
> Once we've finished our magician triangle and ended up back here, where is Reimu's place relative to either the Human Village or going home?
> Frown.
> "Mmm, that's not a bad idea, but it would be really hard to avoid getting your hair yanked a lot. Anyway, I'm going to hit up Renko and hope my ashventure stops there."
> Give Marisa a quick wave.
> "Don't let those hornets by that window over there get any funny ideas until I'm back home."
> Depart the Kirisame residence and head toward Turtle House.
>The Hakurei Shrine is shortly to the east of the human village, or some ways north by northwest of the youkai mountain.
>"Oh don't worry about those guys, they're just hanging around," Marisa says.
>You depart, and make your way toward the edge of the forest. There you find a small, two story house; once white but now a riot of colors. One of those color rioters can be seen now, a small faerie covered in what you assume is some kind of orange paint, clinging to the side of the house near what you can only assume was an impact splatter. A garden has been set out near the front of the house, hosting a variety of crops and plants. The blonde of the magician duo is there, currently weeding the garden. You don't know they well, but they appear around the university often enough you've seen then sometimes.
>_
-
> Mentally assess the artistic value of the overall color riot.
> Mentally assess the quality of the impact splatter in particular. Did she get a good'un in?
> Make our way toward the blonde.
> "Pardon me, Miss?"
-
> Mentally assess the artistic value of the overall color riot.
> Mentally assess the quality of the impact splatter in particular. Did she get a good'un in?
> Make our way toward the blonde.
> "Pardon me, Miss?"
>Practically none. Unless this is one of those avant garde things from the Outside World? ...Nah.
>Oh yeah, she had to have run into it at full tilt.
>You approach the blonde woman, who looks up. "Oh! Hello there."
>_
-
> "Hello. Is Renko in? I'm looking to buy some sulfurous ash off of her if she has any."
-
> "Hello. Is Renko in? I'm looking to buy some sulfurous ash off of her if she has any."
>She shakes her head. "No, she's away right now. We might have some, though?"
>_
-
> "Would you be willing to check?"
> Gesture to the garden.
> "I could help you with that if you like, to compensate your time spent looking."
-
> "Would you be willing to check?"
> Gesture to the garden.
> "I could help you with that if you like, to compensate your time spent looking."
>"I could," she says. "But, I don't really know what it's worth if we did have it."
>_
-
> "Ah, that's fair. Well, knowing whether or not you have it would be good enough for me for now, since it would at least mean I know I don't have to look elsewhere."
-
> "Ah, that's fair. Well, knowing whether or not you have it would be good enough for me for now, since it would at least mean I know I don't have to look elsewhere."
>The blond woman nods. "I'll check, just a moment."
>She stands up, stretches out her back, then makes her way inside.
>You are left alone, save for the faerie, who's given you a look.
>_
-
> Give the faerie a thumbs-up.
> "That was a top-quality splat you did there."
-
> Give the faerie a thumbs-up.
> "That was a top-quality splat you did there."
>For a moment, the faerie's demeanor lightens at your compliment. Then she narrows her eyes. "I'm onto you..."
>_
-
> "Hmm?"
-
> "Hmm?"
>"The moment no one's looking, you'll make your move," the faerie says. "But not me. I'm looking. I'm always looking!"
>_
-
> Do we know what SCP-173 is?
> Nod.
> "Do what you gotta do."
-
> Do we know what SCP-173 is?
> Nod.
> "Do what you gotta do."
>You do not.
>"I'm gonna. You just try to cucumber up their garden, see what happens!"
>_
-
> How large or small is this faerie, compared to ourselves?
> Is she still covered in paint?
> How sensitive are we about our build/figure? Specifically, are we okay acknowledging our comfort build in a lighthearted way in someone else's presence?
> Are we above lying to faeries even if the lie is fairly harmless?
> Frown a bit.
> "Well, that's rather racist, don't you think?"
-
> How large or small is this faerie, compared to ourselves?
> Is she still covered in paint?
> How sensitive are we about our build/figure? Specifically, are we okay acknowledging our comfort build in a lighthearted way in someone else's presence?
> Are we above lying to faeries even if the lie is fairly harmless?
> Frown a bit.
> "Well, that's rather racist, don't you think?"
>You are not particularly tall, and she's about knee high to you.
>She is still covered in paint, that won't change until she gets cleaned off, you think.
>You're not particularly ashamed of it, but it is a little rude to talk about it in public for no reason.
>It barely counts as lying when its to a faerie. Though it is mean if you wind them up too much or get them hurt; no one likes to see a faerie cry.
>"Nu-uh! I bet you got all kinds of cucumber seeds in one of those pockets!"
>_
-
> "See, there it is again. Why do you think I must want to grow cucumbers everywhere? Because I'm a kappa?"
-
> "See, there it is again. Why do you think I must want to grow cucumbers everywhere? Because I'm a kappa?"
>"Cuz I'm onto you!" the faerie says. "I know your game. Edging out the soybeans for the oni. Not on my watch!"
>_
-
> "Clearly you don't know my game. Sure, cucumbers are great and all. But you know what my favorite thing to eat is?"
> Adopt a grin.
> "Faeries."
-
> "Clearly you don't know my game. Sure, cucumbers are great and all. But you know what my favorite thing to eat is?"
> Adopt a grin.
> "Faeries."
>The faerie makes a look as if you punched her in the gut. Then she suddenly turns and runs toward the forest, shrieking.
>_
-
> Oops, that might have worked a little too well. Hopefully nothing bad comes of it!
> Sigh.
> Resume waiting for our host to return.
-
> Oops, that might have worked a little too well. Hopefully nothing bad comes of it!
> Sigh.
> Resume waiting for our host to return.
>It doesn't take long for the blonde woman to return.
>"I had a look," she says, "And we do seem to have some in storage."
>_
-
> Say our plan from here was to return to Marisa's and also hit up the Hakurei Shrine before returning home. Which would it make more sense to go to first?
> "Ah, splendid. Do you know roughly when Renko might be returning, then? I have a mish-mash of matters I can take care of in the meantime."
-
> Say our plan from here was to return to Marisa's and also hit up the Hakurei Shrine before returning home. Which would it make more sense to go to first?
> "Ah, splendid. Do you know roughly when Renko might be returning, then? I have a mish-mash of matters I can take care of in the meantime."
>Marisa's place is much closer to here. The Hakurei Shrine is somewhat closer to home.
>"Probably some time this evening," she says.
>_
-
> Grimace.
> "That's...a little tricky. My vendor will be gone by then. Hmm."
> "...How about this. How much do you trust Marisa Kirisame?"
-
> Grimace.
> "That's...a little tricky. My vendor will be gone by then. Hmm."
> "...How about this. How much do you trust Marisa Kirisame?"
>"Pretty well," she says. "What were you thinking?"
>_
-
> "The sulfurous ash is one of a number of ingredients I need to acquire. I just committed to purchasing all of the rest of Marisa. If I brought her here, would you trust her monetary valuation of your ash?"
-
> "The sulfurous ash is one of a number of ingredients I need to acquire. I just committed to purchasing all of the rest of Marisa. If I brought her here, would you trust her monetary valuation of your ash?"
>"Sure, if you wanted to drag her out here. I don't think she'd lie."
>The blonde woman pauses and purses her lips. "I don't think she'd lie about that."
>_
-
> "If you're okay with that, I'll go ask her, since I needed to collect materials from her anyway."
-
> "If you're okay with that, I'll go ask her, since I needed to collect materials from her anyway."
>"Sure, I'll be here," she says.
>_
-
> "Thanks again."
> Head back in Marisa's direction.
-
> "Thanks again."
> Head back in Marisa's direction.
>You make your way back toward Marisa's house.
>The trip is an easy one, you land in her front yard without trouble. You note a cloth bundle resting on the porch with a note on it.
>_
-
> Uh oh...
> Approach it, take it, and read the note.
-
> Uh oh...
> Approach it, take it, and read the note.
>You pick up the note.
>"Should be everything," it reads. "Good luck! -M"
>You obtain: Bundle of Reagents
>_
-
> Does the interior of the house seem to be quiet?
-
> Does the interior of the house seem to be quiet?
>It does, but it was fairly quiet when you came before.
>_
-
> Sigh in a "time to be even more socially awkward than usual" manner.
> Knock on the door again.
-
> Sigh in a "time to be even more socially awkward than usual" manner.
> Knock on the door again.
>You knock on the door again, and are answered with a muffled "Just a minute!"
>About a minute later, the door opens. "Oh, hey Nitori, need something else?" she says.
>_
-
> "If you're able, yeah. Renko has some of that ash stuff, but she's not home to fairly price it, and her partner doesn't know what it's worth. Would you be willing to quote it for her?"
-
> "If you're able, yeah. Renko has some of that ash stuff, but she's not home to fairly price it, and her partner doesn't know what it's worth. Would you be willing to quote it for her?"
>"Depends on the quality of it," she says. "It can range quite a bit."
>_
-
> "Well, the unspoken part of the ask was you going there and looking at it yourself so you could tell her directly."
-
> "Well, the unspoken part of the ask was you going there and looking at it yourself so you could tell her directly."
>"I wasn't really planning on going anywhere today, if I'm being honest," Marisa says. rubbing the back of her head.
>_
-
> Nod.
> "That's fine. Sometimes that's just the way business winds blow."
-
> Nod.
> "That's fine. Sometimes that's just the way business winds blow."
>"Here, gimme a second," Marisa says, as she takes the note and pulls out a charcoal pencil from her apron. She puts it against the doorframe and writes something, then hands it to you. "That oughta do it," she says. "Be careful not to smudge it."
>You obtain: Ash Pricing Notes.
>_
-
> "Thanks! I'll be careful with it. Enjoy your day in."
-
> "Thanks! I'll be careful with it. Enjoy your day in."
>"If you see any big fires over here, bring that water gun of yours," Marisa says with a good-natured chuckle, before heading inside.
>_
-
> Do we have that on us? Or did we leave it at home?
> Taking care to not ruin the list, head back to Merry's.
-
> Do we have that on us? Or did we leave it at home?
> Taking care to not ruin the list, head back to Merry's.
>It's at home with your combat suite (IE: The really big backpack with little room for actual backpacking)
>You fly back to Maribel's home, and find her at work weeding the garden. "Welcome back," she says.
>_
-
> "Hey. Marisa has something going on keeping her home all day, but she did write this up. Careful, it's written in charcoal."
> Offer the piricing guide.
-
> "Hey. Marisa has something going on keeping her home all day, but she did write this up. Careful, it's written in charcoal."
> Offer the piricing guide.
>The blonde woman takes it and looks it over.
>"It'll be a bit pricey," she says.
>_
-
> "Mmm. I have some cash on me, but I can head back home to the mountain to get more if need be."
-
> "Mmm. I have some cash on me, but I can head back home to the mountain to get more if need be."
>"According to this, it'll be about 40☼. Renko doesn't mess around with quality. you see."
>_
-
> Pull out 45☼ and offer it.
-
> Pull out 45☼ and offer it.
>You produce nearly all the money you have.
>"Are you certain?" she says, not taking it just yet.
>_
-
> Do we at least still have some left at home?
-
>You produce nearly all the money you have.
>"Are you certain?" she says, not taking it just yet.
>_
>Nearly?
> Is it the best balance achieveable or have we already been "contemplating (? )expanding beyond our 'very small outsourced share of profits' "? > Do we at least still have some left at home?
> Or at least have other viable means to reintegrate our expenses ?
-
> Do we at least still have some left at home?
>Some.
>Nearly?
> Is it the best balance achieveable or have we alreqdy been "ontemplateing expanding beyond our 'ery small outsourced share of profits' "? Or at least have other viable means to reintegrate our expenses fast?
>You...don't really have any current source of income other than your delivery service.
>_
-
> How have we earned money in the past? Anything other than stall sales?
-
> How have we earned money in the past? Anything other than stall sales?
>Typically from stall sales and whatever you can get selling parts and inventions to other kappa.
>_
-
> Well, we're going to get 18+63=85☼ back when we get home...
> "I mean, I'll give you exact if you really want."
-
> Well, we're going to get 18+63=85☼ back when we get home...
> "I mean, I'll give you exact if you really want."
>"If you want," she says. "I'm just saying you don't have to."
>_
-
> Frown slightly in thought.
> "...Actually, I may have a slightly better idea."
> Put 5☼ back and hand over the remaining 40☼.
> Once Merry takes it, whip out our pad of paper and a pencil, and write:
> "For Human Friends Merry and Renko
> I.O.U.
> One favor in the 5-10☼ range
> (Or less if you really want)"
> Then sign our name, rip the paper out of our pad, and offer the note to Merry.
-
> Frown slightly in thought.
> "...Actually, I may have a slightly better idea."
> Put 5☼ back and hand over the remaining 40☼.
> Once Merry takes it, whip out our pad of paper and a pencil, and write:
> "For Human Friends Merry and Renko
> I.O.U.
> One favor in the 5-10☼ range
> (Or less if you really want)"
> Then sign our name, rip the paper out of our pad, and offer the note to Merry.
>She takes the paper, and looks at it.
>"What brought this on?" she says, as she pockets it.
>_
-
> "Consider it an extra thanks for trusting me enough to sell me this when you admitted you weren't sure of its market value."
-
> "Consider it an extra thanks for trusting me enough to sell me this when you admitted you weren't sure of its market value."
>"Well, I figure if there's any problem, Renko or I would just find you and sort it out," Maribel says, as she starts toward the house.
>_
-
> "Well, still. Have a good day!"
> Now that we have all our ingredients, fly back to the Human Village. Once we get there, walk (don't run) back to the medicine peddler.
-
> "Well, still. Have a good day!"
> Now that we have all our ingredients, fly back to the Human Village. Once we get there, walk (don't run) back to the medicine peddler.
>You give her a moment to provide the ash, then you say your goodbyes and depart. "Good luck!" she says.
>You return to the Human Village, and make your way back to the market. There are quite a few more kids on the streets now; you presume school must have let out for the day. Making your way toward the market, where a good number of those children are running around, playing, and generally cause small scale havoc, you see the Non-Reisen medicine seller is currently seeing a customer. Though by the time you reach her, the customer is served and she is free to take you.
>"Oh, you're back soon."
>_
-
> "Efficiency is next to godliness."
> Present all the ingredients we obtained.
-
> "Efficiency is next to godliness."
> Present all the ingredients we obtained.
>"Oh, this is efficient," The Medicine Seller Who Is Not Reisen Says. "Ah, Marisa's work? Hope she didn't charge too much. Though she was probably just thrilled to have a customer, huh?"
>The unwraps the various ingredients, and produces a mortar and pestle. "This will take a few hours to process and steep. It should be done around dinner time."
>_
-
> "I trust Marisa to not try to put one over on me. And yeah, she was pretty stoked."
-
> "I trust Marisa to not try to put one over on me. And yeah, she was pretty stoked."
>"I can imagine," she says, as she pulls some leaves from a packet, and begins to crush them with her tools.
>_
-
> "I'll leave you to that. Thanks again!"
> Head out of town on foot. Once we're outside it, take flight and head to Reimu's pad.
-
> "I'll leave you to that. Thanks again!"
> Head out of town on foot. Once we're outside it, take flight and head to Reimu's pad.
>You leave town once again, this time heading eastward. The market is fairly close to the east side of town and it doesn't take too terribly long to get there. Taking to the air, you make a reasonably short flight toward the Hakurei Shrine.
>Looking at it from above, things seem to be relatively peaceful and lazy there today. It seems weirdly empty, but that's entirely because you're used to being there when festivals are occurring.
>_
-
> What time of day is it right now?
> Land at the top of the steps and walk under the gate to the front steps.
-
> What time of day is it right now?
> Land at the top of the steps and walk under the gate to the front steps.
>It is going into midafternoon.
>You walk into the shrine, and find Reimu sprawled across the front porch, reading something. A small faerie seems to be laying on her side. You note her pet komainu is sprawled under the front porch, laying on her side but definitely watching you.
>"Hey," Reimu says as you approach, barely looking up.
>_
-
> "Hey."
-
> "Hey."
>"Don't have any festivals lined up for the next while, if that's what you're wondering," Reimu says.
>_
-
> "That's not why I'm here. Well, I'm never not here for that, I guess, but that wasn't my intent this time."
> If there is room, take a seat on the porch.
> "No, this time I need divine power for a rocket launch. Is that a thing you can do?"
-
> "That's not why I'm here. Well, I'm never not here for that, I guess, but that wasn't my intent this time."
> If there is room, take a seat on the porch.
> "No, this time I need divine power for a rocket launch. Is that a thing you can do?"
>You have a seat by her head.
>"...Maybe," she says. "You messing with that sort of thing?"
>_
-
> So what's the deal with shirikodama, anyway?
> "Oh, I'm not 'messing' with anything. You know I know exactly what I'm doing at all times when it comes to this sort of thing."
-
> So what's the deal with shirikodama, anyway?
> "Oh, I'm not 'messing' with anything. You know I know exactly what I'm doing at all times when it comes to this sort of thing."
>Antiquate practices. For the most part.
>"I don't actually know that," Reimu says. "But I'll take it on faith, I guess. So, why do you need me? Go bother a god on your own."
>_
-
> "If you, of all people, are telling me to take my business to the top of the mountain, I can certainly do that."
-
> "If you, of all people, are telling me to take my business to the top of the mountain, I can certainly do that."
>"There's other gods, surely?" Reimu says, almost but not quite grumbling.
>_
-
> "The only other ones I know are out of season. I'll take recommendations if you've met any recently that I don't know about, though."
-
> "The only other ones I know are out of season. I'll take recommendations if you've met any recently that I don't know about, though."
"That mountain's lousy with gods," Reimu says. "There's the chicken, the rainbow schemer, the mitama lady, probably some others I don't remember."
>_
-
> Do we know who any of those are?
-
>It is going into midafternoon.
>You walk into the shrine, and find Reimu sprawled across the front porch, reading something. A small faerie seems to be laying on her side. You note her pet komainu is sprawled under the front porch, laying on her side but definitely watching you.
>"Hey," Reimu says as you approach, barely looking up.
>_
>You have a seat by her head.
>"...Maybe," she says. "You messing with that sort of thing?"
>_
> Can we see what Reimu was reading from where we are seated or lean just a bit closer to see it?
> Mention it to Reimu if it could be linked with any of our pursuits or future stall-participating at the next festival.
>"Don't have any festivals lined up for the next while, if that's what you're wondering," Reimu says.
>_
>...What was the last festival we participated at the Hakurei Shrine and as an owner of which stall & merchandise ?
-
> Do we know who any of those are?
>Vaguely? You aren't highly knowledgeable about the many deities around Youkai Mountain, but you could probably find them with some poking around or asking around. Someone who travels the mountain would know.
> Can we see what Reimu was reading from where we are seated or lean just a bit closer to see it?
> Mention it to Reimu if it could be linked with any of our pursuits or future stall-participating at the next festival.
>...What was the last festival we participated at the Hakurei Shrine and as an owner of which stall & merchandise ?
>It looks like a cheap book, at least. Probably some novel.
>You were here last New Year's.
>_
-
> "Those sound...vaguely familiar at best, if I'm being honest."
-
> "Those sound...vaguely familiar at best, if I'm being honest."
>"Ugh, what were their names?" Reimu says.
>"Kutaka, Chimata, and Misumaru," comes the komainu's voice from under the porch.
>"Right, those ones," says Reimu.
>Riiiight, those ones!
>_
-
> "Oh, right, those ones. Hmm, alright, I'll see what I can do."
-
> "Oh, right, those ones. Hmm, alright, I'll see what I can do."
>"Trust me, it works better this way," says Reimu. "They like it better when you deal with them directly."
>_
-
> "Makes sense. Thanks for the advice."
-
> "Makes sense. Thanks for the advice."
>"No problem," Reimu says. "Need anything else?"
>_
-
> "Not unless you're offering something. It's nice to have a sit for a bit, but I imagine you were already enjoying exactly that before I got here."
-
> "Not unless you're offering something. It's nice to have a sit for a bit, but I imagine you were already enjoying exactly that before I got here."
>"Gotta enjoy the slow days when you get 'em," Reimu says.
>_
-
> "Of course."
> Get back up.
> "Hope it continues to be enjoyable for you, friend."
> Walk to the stairs, then take flight at the top of them and head back toward the mountain.
-
> "Of course."
> Get back up.
> "Hope it continues to be enjoyable for you, friend."
> Walk to the stairs, then take flight at the top of them and head back toward the mountain.
>"Mark my words, someone will get haunted before dusk," Reimu says. "Always happens. Hope your thing works out for you. I'll let you know when the next event is."
>"Bye!" says the Komainu under the porch. The faerie appears to be asleep.
>You stand back up and make your way out, heading toward Youkai Mountain. It's a reasonably brief flight; things are peaceful, the faeries don't seem to be agitated today. Soon the mountain is within sight.
>_
-
> Do we think we could go home and then return to the Human Village by nightfall?
-
> Do we think we could go home and then return to the Human Village by nightfall?
>Easily.
>_
-
> Let's make our way back to kappatown, then. Use the river if it's convenient, fly otherwise.
-
> Let's make our way back to kappatown, then. Use the river if it's convenient, fly otherwise.
>Swimming upriver is a difficult exercise, and you're already in the air.
>Approaching the village, you can see the festival is still in full swing.
>_
-
> Land and approach on foot in an appropriate manner.
> If we're not stopped for something, head first to where we set up shop, in the hopes that Miori's friend is still there.
-
> Land and approach on foot in an appropriate manner.
> If we're not stopped for something, head first to where we set up shop, in the hopes that Miori's friend is still there.
>You make your way back to the festival. The crowds have thinned a little, but both booths are still going. The prismrivers and Raiko are back in action, the latter dancing around as she drums and working some surprisingly intricate motions into it. You swear she notices you and gives you a wink.
>_
-
> Mmmrgh...we'll need to suss that out on own.
> Head up to Miori's friend, waiting in line as needed.
> "Hey. Got this for you. It's not much, but hopefully it's something."
> Rip the tire info page out of our notebook and put it somewhere on the counter that isn't where her food goes.
-
> Mmmrgh...we'll need to suss that out on own.
> Head up to Miori's friend, waiting in line as needed.
> "Hey. Got this for you. It's not much, but hopefully it's something."
> Rip the tire info page out of our notebook and put it somewhere on the counter that isn't where her food goes.
>Something to note, at least.
>You stand in line, which moves quickly enough.
>"Hi, Nitori," she says, before you hand her the information. Picking it up, she looks it over. "Huh. That's not bad, actually..."
>_
-
> ...Do we know this kappa's name?
> If not, is it anywhere obvious on her stall?
-
> ...Do we know this kappa's name?
> If not, is it anywhere obvious on her stall?
>It's not anywhere you can see. You're pretty sure it's Aoi or Inari, and you do not know which...
>_
-
> "Hope you find it useful. Gonna be running around a bit more. Give Miori my regards."
-
> "Hope you find it useful. Gonna be running around a bit more. Give Miori my regards."
>"I will," she says. "What do I owe you?"
>_
-
> "Whatever you think is fair is fine. Also, for what it's worth, I do need to head back down the mountain in a little bit to pickup up something from the human village; if you want to go tire perusing at the curio shop, I'll help you bring product back as best I'm able."
-
>"I will," she says. "What do I owe you?"
>_
> "Whatever you think is fair is fine. Also, for what it's worth, I do need to head back down the mountain in a little bit to pickup up something from the human village; if you want to go tire perusing at the curio shop, I'll help you bring product back as best I'm able."
> Actually, are we alright by our own standards and Kappa's ones to charge Cost of Materials + 20% 's Artisanship ?
> If yes, say it is so, but if the +%'s Artisanship is too high, lower to 15%. >You make your way back to the festival. The crowds have thinned a little, but both booths are still going. The prismrivers and Raiko are back in action, the latter dancing around as she drums and working some surprisingly intricate motions into it. You swear she notices you and gives you a wink.
>_
> When this business is concluded and we give our goodbyes, on our way down the Mountain and through the Bazar-Festival, give glances to Raiko's performance both for the sake of fun and to see if she somehow again react to us.
-
> It would be poor form to quote Either Aoi Or Inari We're Not Sure something concrete since she didn't actually ask us to do this for her. Let her decide what the information is worth to her. If she decides to take the information and run, so to speak, we can factor that into future considerations regarding her.
-
> "Whatever you think is fair is fine. Also, for what it's worth, I do need to head back down the mountain in a little bit to pickup up something from the human village; if you want to go tire perusing at the curio shop, I'll help you bring product back as best I'm able."
> Actually, are we alright by our own standards and Kappa's ones to charge Cost of Materials + 20% 's Artisanship ?
> If yes, say it is so, but if the +%'s Artisanship is too high, lower to 15%.
> When this business is concluded and we give our goodbyes, on our way down the Mountain and through the Bazar-Festival, give glances to Raiko's performance both for the sake of fun and to see if she somehow again react to us.
> It would be poor form to quote Either Aoi Or Inari We're Not Sure something concrete since she didn't actually ask us to do this for her. Let her decide what the information is worth to her. If she decides to take the information and run, so to speak, we can factor that into future considerations regarding her.
>The dark-haired kappa purses her lips thoughtfully, then produces 15☼ and places it on the counter, then spears a newly-braised cucumber on a stick and offers it to you.
>"I don't think I'll be able to leave the stand today, but that's a nice offer, Thank you."
>_
-
> Dang, that's more than we're getting from the other two! Maybe we should have upscaled more.
> "You're welcome, and thanks for these!"
> Take the money with one hand and the cucumber with the other.
> "I'll still go with and help out if you're available when I'm available. But I can't really promise anything beyond today, what with my own project and all."
> Step to the side, so we're still in conversation distance but no longer holding up the line.
-
> Dang, that's more than we're getting from the other two! Maybe we should have upscaled more.
> "You're welcome, and thanks for these!"
> Take the money with one hand and the cucumber with the other.
> "I'll still go with and help out if you're available when I'm available. But I can't really promise anything beyond today, what with my own project and all."
> Step to the side, so we're still in conversation distance but no longer holding up the line.
>You move aside, and let the next customer through.
>"Sure, if you're available," she says, distracted by taking an order.
>_
-
> "Good luck!"
> Head in the direction of Yua's place, enjoying our new food along the way.
-
> "Good luck!"
> Head in the direction of Yua's place, enjoying our new food along the way.
>You make your way toward the middle of town, nibbling on and then taking fairly sizable bites out of the braised cucumber. Ah, that sweetness, and just a tad of bitter for variety, brought out nicely by the grill and...you aren't sure what she put on it, but it's good. A decent enough lunch. By the time you finish, you are in a particularly swampy part of town, the mud clinging to your boots and the cattails growing thick. You find Yua's home, half submerged in a shallow pond; you note an entrance down there as well as one on land. It is a modest place, disguised as a hill covered in algae and tough plants.
>_
-
> Go up to whichever entrance looks like the main one and knock. (If neither is clearly a main entrance, knock on the above-water door.)
-
> Go up to whichever entrance looks like the main one and knock. (If neither is clearly a main entrance, knock on the above-water door.)
>You go to the above ground door, the area isn't so overgrown that it must be free of foot traffic.
>After a couple knocks, the door opens, and Yua peeks out. "Oh, I didn't expect to see you today," she says.
>_
-
> "Trip went easier than I expected."
> Offer the jewelry chain.
> "This work for you?"
-
> "Trip went easier than I expected."
> Offer the jewelry chain.
> "This work for you?"
>She looks it over, then nods. "That's pretty good. I have enough copper sitting around to do something with it."
>_
-
> Nod.
> "Great. Based on the jeweler's rates, product and delivery will be 63☼, if that's okay."
-
> Nod.
> "Great. Based on the jeweler's rates, product and delivery will be 63☼, if that's okay."
>"Just a minute," she says, ducking back inside.
>She returns some moments later, and hands you 63☼. "That should do, right?"
>_
-
> "That it does."
> Take it!
> "Pleasure doing business, Yua. Let me know when you're able to hear me out on my own matter."
-
> "That it does."
> Take it!
> "Pleasure doing business, Yua. Let me know when you're able to hear me out on my own matter."
>"I suppose there is no reason to make you wait," Yua says.
>_
-
> "Oh, uh, sure, okay."
> Fidget just a little bit.
> "So, I have a rocket, one that can reach outer space. It successfully launched once before, but didn't go too far. I've been making adjustments since then, with the goal of going as far as I can. They're very close to complete, which means I should be able to launch again any day now. But it would also be nice to have a co-pilot, both to make operating the rocket easier and just to have company while in space for possibly multiple days."
> Breathe.
> "If you're willing and available, I'd like you to be that co-pilot."
-
> "Oh, uh, sure, okay."
> Fidget just a little bit.
> "So, I have a rocket, one that can reach outer space. It successfully launched once before, but didn't go too far. I've been making adjustments since then, with the goal of going as far as I can. They're very close to complete, which means I should be able to launch again any day now. But it would also be nice to have a co-pilot, both to make operating the rocket easier and just to have company while in space for possibly multiple days."
> Breathe.
> "If you're willing and available, I'd like you to be that co-pilot."
>She blinks. For a moment you're afraid she's going to call you crazy. Then she says, "Really? Why?"
>_
-
> "Well, there's, uh, two considerations. One is that I need someone I can trust both to help out with operations as guided and to not think to try anything dangerous on their own. The other is that, well...like I said, there's a possibility of being up there for multiple days, and if I'm going to be stuck in fairly close quarters with someone for that long, I want it to be someone whose company I'd enjoy. Having a co-pilot with great operational skills is pointless if we're driving each other up the wall ten minutes in."
-
> "Well, there's, uh, two considerations. One is that I need someone I can trust both to help out with operations as guided and to not think to try anything dangerous on their own. The other is that, well...like I said, there's a possibility of being up there for multiple days, and if I'm going to be stuck in fairly close quarters with someone for that long, I want it to be someone whose company I'd enjoy. Having a co-pilot with great operational skills is pointless if we're driving each other up the wall ten minutes in."
>"Huh," she says. "Well, hm. I don't know if I would be a very good choice."
>_
-
> "If you're concerning about knowing what to do, you don't need to worry. I'll be giving directions."
-
> "If you're concerning about knowing what to do, you don't need to worry. I'll be giving directions."
>"I'll have to think about it," she says. "I was planning to attend more of the festival, and I'm still not sure if I'm really the kind of person you'd want."
>_
-
> Nod.
> "That's all I can ask. The launch wouldn't be today anyway, so please do enjoy the festival."
-
> Nod.
> "That's all I can ask. The launch wouldn't be today anyway, so please do enjoy the festival."
>She nods. "Don't feel like you have to be chained to me, I'm sure there's someone better."
>_
-
> "Of course. Oh! One last thing. I feel really bad about this, but I can't seem to remember the name of the braised cucumber vendor that was next to me when you visited my booth. I think it's either Aoi or Inari. Do you remember her name?"
-
> "Of course. Oh! One last thing. I feel really bad about this, but I can't seem to remember the name of the braised cucumber vendor that was next to me when you visited my booth. I think it's either Aoi or Inari. Do you remember her name?"
>She shakes her head.
>_
-
> "Shoot. Alright, I think that's everything, then. I'll let you get back to whatever you were doing. Thanks again for hearing me out."
-
> "Shoot. Alright, I think that's everything, then. I'll let you get back to whatever you were doing. Thanks again for hearing me out."
>"Please think nothing of it," Yua says. "I'll give your offer careful consideration."
>_
-
> "Enjoy the rest of your day, Yua."
> Take our leave and head back home.
-
> "Enjoy the rest of your day, Yua."
> Take our leave and head back home.
>"Have a good day," Yua says, as you depart.
>You return home, happy to find it is still standing, unburnt, and unbroken into.
>_
-
> Exhale.
> Inventory
-
> Exhale.
> Inventory
>Your Inventory Contains:
>Kappa Cap
>A puffy green hat with a brim, favored by kappa everywhere.
>Utility Dress
>A dress with many pockets, handy for screws, nuts, bolts, washers, small tools, and more.
>Backpack
>Carries everything you need. Though you tend to keep it kind of light most times just to make it not be a burden
>Basic toolset
>A hammer, wrench, screwdriver, measuring tape, and small crowbar. Light, easy to carry.
>Bits and Bobs
>A small collection of nuts, bolts, screws, sprockets, springs, flanges, and so on. Handy bits to do handy things.
> Optics "Optical Camouflage"
> Flood "Ooze Flooding"
> Water Sign "Kappa's Pororoca"
> Kappa "Monster Cucumber"
>83☼
>This is 83☼
>Some Lose Scraps of Paper
>A handful of loose, cheap, reasonably clean and uncreased paper
>Pencil
>A cheap pencil. It does not work underwater.
>Useful Scrap
>You can use this to make a tube for your rocket!
>Large Black Tea Packet
>About five pounds of black tea
>Small Green Tea Packet
>Tea for your own use.
>_
-
> Set the small green tea packet in the kitchen or wherever it would make sense to set it.
> Return 68☼ to our money stash, keeping 15☼ on our person.
> Put the Useful Scrap somewhere in the warehouse that makes sense fur working on it in the future.
> Then head back into town, keeping an eye out for grandpa.
-
> Set the small green tea packet in the kitchen or wherever it would make sense to set it.
> Return 68☼ to our money stash, keeping 15☼ on our person.
> Put the Useful Scrap somewhere in the warehouse that makes sense fur working on it in the future.
> Then head back into town, keeping an eye out for grandpa.
>You put up some of the things you've obtained, then set out once more, heading into town.
>You don't see the old man anywhere, but you imagine he'll probably be at the festival all day.
>_
-
> How much time do we have to spare if we want to get back to the Human Village by evening to pick up our concoction?
-
> How much time do we have to spare if we want to get back to the Human Village by evening to pick up our concoction?
>There's a few hours yet.
>_
-
> Let's simply wander the festival for a bit, then, keeping half attention out for anything interesting (and the other half on the clock so that we don't take too long and leave Reisen hanging).
-
> Let's simply wander the festival for a bit, then, keeping half attention out for anything interesting (and the other half on the clock so that we don't take too long and leave Reisen hanging).
>You make your way back toward the festival. Aside from the Prismrivers' performance, which you can hear just about anywhere. from that part of town, there are a number of food stalls aside from the two you squished between earlier. There are also a number of little market stalls further in offering a variety of what can be roughly termed useful scrap; you might've found something to make your cone here, but the trip to Kourindou was more than worth the savings, you think. There's also a few booth games; dart throwing, balloon fishing, and the like. It also seems like there's am impromptu swap meet going on by the riverside. It's kind of a shame no one told you about this, it might have been a good opportunity to put the mask maker back together (you've salvaged some parts out of it) and gin up a bit more profit. Oh well, you've got other things to do.
>You catch sight of the old man sitting on a bench by the riverside. You suspect someone put that u for him, kappa otherwise tend not to leave out public amenities like that, it encourages Loiterers.
>_
-
> Make our way toward him. Wave if he looks at us.
-
> Make our way toward him. Wave if he looks at us.
>He does seem to notice you, and returns your wave.
>"Having a good afternoon?" he says.
>_
-
> "Surprisingly, better than it could be going, yeah. Got your tea for you."
> Pull out and offer him the black tea.
-
> "Surprisingly, better than it could be going, yeah. Got your tea for you."
> Pull out and offer him the black tea.
>The old man's face lights up. "Ah! I wasn't expecting it to be delivered! How much do I owe you, young lady?"
>_
-
> Smile a bit.
> "Like I said, today's gone better than it could have. Product and delivery will be 18☼, if that's okay."
-
> Smile a bit.
> "Like I said, today's gone better than it could have. Product and delivery will be 18☼, if that's okay."
>"Ah, that's no problem at all," he says, as he fishes out a handful of coins, counts out 19 of them, and offers it to you.
>You obtain 19☼
>_
-
> Take it.
> "Thanks, friend! Much appreciated."
-
> Take it.
> "Thanks, friend! Much appreciated."
>"And thank you. I'll not have to worry about rationing what's left tomorrow morning," he says.
>_
-
> "Oh, that worked out nicely, then."
> "So how has your day been, anyway? Been enjoying the festival?"
-
> "Oh, that worked out nicely, then."
> "So how has your day been, anyway? Been enjoying the festival?"
>"It's been very nice," he says. 'Everyone's so energetic."
>_
-
> Do we remember if there have been any festival days since he appeared in the village?
> Are there any male kappa?
-
> Do we remember if there have been any festival days since he appeared in the village?
> Are there any male kappa?
>There's been a few festivals, he's been here a few years now.
>...
>_
-
> How old are we, roughly?
> "The newest member of that band certainly helps the energy level."
-
> How old are we, roughly?
> "The newest member of that band certainly helps the energy level."
>Old enough you don't like it when people ask you that question.
>"Oh yes, she's quite the performer," the old man says with a chuckle. "Their music is a little wild for me, but I appreciate what they're doing."
>_
-
> "Heh. Yeah, that does tend to be the Prismrivers' M.O. in my experience."
-
> "Heh. Yeah, that does tend to be the Prismrivers' M.O. in my experience."
>"They do seem to be having fun, don't they?" he says, glancing over in their direction for a moment. "I'm sure that's the most important thing for a musician."
>_
-
> "I'd believe it. And now they've got that redhead with them, which is only going to make it more fun for them."
-
> "I'd believe it. And now they've got that redhead with them, which is only going to make it more fun for them."
>He nods. "I think you're right. It must be an exciting time for their fans, don't you think?"
>_
-
> "Already met one up close, and you're definitely not wrong."
-
> "Already met one up close, and you're definitely not wrong."
>He chuckles. "Good to hear."
>_
-
> "Oh, on a slightly related topic, when you came to my booth earlier, do you remember seeing the kappa in one of the booths next to me? Short dark hair, glasses, selling braised cucumbers?"
-
> "Oh, on a slightly related topic, when you came to my booth earlier, do you remember seeing the kappa in one of the booths next to me? Short dark hair, glasses, selling braised cucumbers?"
>"Miss Aoi, yes," he says.
>_
-
> "Aoi! Thank you. I couldn't remember if her name was Aoi or Inari, and I was feeling bad about it."
-
> "Aoi! Thank you. I couldn't remember if her name was Aoi or Inari, and I was feeling bad about it."
>"There's quite a few people, I don't think it's unusual to forget a few names when you're busy with things."
>_
-
> "I know. But it was still frustrating after she'd been nice to me, you know?"
-
> "I know. But it was still frustrating after she'd been nice to me, you know?"
>He gives a little chuckle. "It'll be our secret, then."
>_
-
> How are we doing for timing now?
-
> How are we doing for timing now?
>What are you trying to time? There's still quite a bit of time til evening.
>_
-
> "Heh, much appreciated. Anyway, thanks for chatting with me. I'm gonna keep checking out the festival before I have to head back down the mountain."
-
> "Heh, much appreciated. Anyway, thanks for chatting with me. I'm gonna keep checking out the festival before I have to head back down the mountain."
>"You have a good time, young lady," he says. "I'm just going to take it easy."
>_
-
> "Thanks, friend, and will do."
> Head back toward the center of activity.
-
> "Thanks, friend, and will do."
> Head back toward the center of activity.
>You leave, as the old man gives you a little wave.
>Returning to the main center of activity, there are food stalls, merchant stalls, games, the swap meet and the concert to look into. Things are quite busy at the moment just about everywhere you look, kappa everywhere, as well as the occasional other youkai.
>_
-
> Do we recognize any of the non-kappa youkai?
-
> Do we recognize any of the non-kappa youkai?
>There are a few you recognize. That little troublemaker Chen at a refreshment stand. There's a green-haired insect youkai you've seen come and go a thousand times, a couple of rabbit youkai you've seen selling dango before at a game booth. There's also a couple you don't recognize, such a horned youkai with white and black hair that seems to be selling fish at her own both and a green-haired kobito who seems to be arguing with a scrap merchant.
>_
-
> Did we see those rabbits in the human village earlier?
> Is the horned youkai selling fish that amanojaku?
-
> Did we see those rabbits in the human village earlier?
> Is the horned youkai selling fish that amanojaku?
>You did; they must have finished up for the day.
>No, this one is more bovine.
>_
-
> !
> Facepalm.
> Run back to where the old man is.
-
> !
> Facepalm.
> Run back to where the old man is.
>You rush back, and find him gazing out over the river again.
>_
-
> "Hey! I completely forgot to ask - do you know where I might find Kutaka the chicken god, Chimata the rainbow god, or Misumaru the mitama god?"
-
> "Hey! I completely forgot to ask - do you know where I might find Kutaka the chicken god, Chimata the rainbow god, or Misumaru the mitama god?"
>"Oh my," he says. "I'm sorry, young lady, but I don't really leave town very much. I'm sure someone who travels the mountain more would be able to help you."
>_
-
> "Ah, that's alright. Thanks regardless. Have a good one! ...Again!"
> Head back to the festival area, trying to track down that insect youkai.
-
> "Ah, that's alright. Thanks regardless. Have a good one! ...Again!"
> Head back to the festival area, trying to track down that insect youkai.
>She's a little difficult to find, green hair among a sea of blues of dozens of hues doesn't stand out as much as you might think. But you eventually find her by a shaved ice stand, just about to walk off.
>_
-
> Follow after her.
> "Hey there!"
-
> Follow after her.
> "Hey there!"
>She stops, then turns around, a cucumber-green shaved iced in her hands. "Hoi chummer," she says. "Need something?"
>_
-
> "Yeah, hopefully real quick. You seem like you get around - you know where I might find Kutaka the chicken god, Chimata the rainbow god, or Misumaru the mitama god?"
-
> "Yeah, hopefully real quick. You seem like you get around - you know where I might find Kutaka the chicken god, Chimata the rainbow god, or Misumaru the mitama god?"
>"Yeah, they're around," she says. "You'll find Thunderbird up close to the lake, far off from the Moriya HQ. The Skagwoman's on the far side of the mountain, she got her Street back there. The Orb Jockey is along the north side of the mountain, by a real drekky mine."
>_
-
> Do any of those locations make sense to us?
-
>"Yeah, they're around," she says. "You'll find Thunderbird up close to the lake, far off from the Moriya HQ. The Skagwoman's on the far side of the mountain, she got her Street back there. The Orb Jockey is along the north side of the mountain, by a real drekky mine."
>_
> Do any of those locations make sense to us?
> Actually...the estimate locatios,3 of thrm, were"kindly given but... do we need to ask her,or perphaps others,a "more precise loc. within loc. if we know they are "too much of an estimate to find within them those 3 acquaintace of ours"?
-
> Do any of those locations make sense to us?
> Actually...the estimate locatios,3 of thrm, were"kindly given but... do we need to ask her,or perphaps others,a "more precise loc. within loc. if we know they are "too much of an estimate to find within them those 3 acquaintace of ours"?
>Sort of. You know where the Moriya Shrine and the lake is, at least. The far side of the mountain is a pretty broad area, given that's about 1/3rd or so of the whole of youkai mountain. You'd hope a mine on the north side of the mountain wouldn't be too hard to find... But it's not like you go around there.
>_
-
> "What does this 'Street' you mentioned look like?"
-
> "What does this 'Street' you mentioned look like?"
>"Wood building, booths, drek like that," she says. "You'll suss when see it."
>_
-
> "Huh, interesting. Alright, thanks for your help."
-
> "Huh, interesting. Alright, thanks for your help."
>"No problem, ace," she says, before taking a bite of her shaved ice.
>_
-
> Do we know what a 'mitama' is?
> Do we know what a 'skag' is?
-
> Do we know what a 'mitama' is?
> Do we know what a 'skag' is?
>That was supposed to be magatama. The editor has been sacked.
>You have no idea...
>_
-
> What route(s) is/are available to us to getting to the far side of the mountain?
-
> What route(s) is/are available to us to getting to the far side of the mountain?
>There are some paths you could take. Flight is also an option, but you'll want to go around the mountain rather than over.
>_
-
> "Enjoy."
> Take the path to the far side of the mountain that is the easiest without wandering into tengu territory.
-
> "Enjoy."
> Take the path to the far side of the mountain that is the easiest without wandering into tengu territory.
>You leave the festival and the town behind, following a trail that runs along the circumference of the mountain. Soon you leave the river basin behind. The land becomes less marshy and more rocky, the cattails and grasses give way to bushes and small trees; then forests and reasonably heavy undergrowth. Birdsong and insect hums make a nice enough background din.
>You make your way around side of the mountain, having a reasonably easy time of it, until an explosion sounds probably no more than ten yards away, loud enough that you can feel it as much as hear it!
>_
-
> Duck and cover!
> If there isn't another explosion for, say, ten seconds, look around for the source and/or anyone nearby.
> ...This is probably the yamawaro and their war games, isn't it...
-
> Duck and cover!
> If there isn't another explosion for, say, ten seconds, look around for the source and/or anyone nearby.
> ...This is probably the yamawaro and their war games, isn't it...
>You take cover behind a nearby tree. After a few moments, there are no more explosions, but there are nearby gunshots.
>...This is almost definitely the yamawaro.
>_
-
> Call out: "Hey, watch it!"
-
> Call out: "Hey, watch it!"
>You are answered with more gunfire, and some shouting. You don't think it's aimed at you, at least? But it's hard to tell.
>_
-
> Crimony...
> Are there explosions in the air? If not, take to the air, getting above the trees enough that we get a better view of who might be around.
-
> Crimony...
> Are there explosions in the air? If not, take to the air, getting above the trees enough that we get a better view of who might be around.
>Crimony.
>You don't see any explosions in the air. You take flight, moving above the tree line. The trees are pretty dense, but you can see a plume of smoke some yards away, and some movement around that area.
>_
-
> Head in that direction to see who's there.
-
> Head in that direction to see who's there.
>You float in that direction, and find a clearing where some kind of explosion, happened, given the scarring on the ground. Though, honestly, for as loud as it was, you immediately note the damage isn't that much. You think this was more of a firework than a bomb.
>There are a few yamawaro shooting at each other from cover; how many is hard to tell, given their are in camouflage. You see at least three, you think?
>_
-
> Ugh, forget them, then.
> Look around for anything that looks like a wood building and booths.
-
> Ugh, forget them, then.
> Look around for anything that looks like a wood building and booths.
>Looking around, you don't see any sign of it. You probably have come far enough yet.
>_
-
> Would we know Yamashiro if we saw her?
> Return to the path we were traveling and continue onward. Hopefully no one else tries to blow up our face.
-
> Would we know Yamashiro if we saw her?
> Return to the path we were traveling and continue onward. Hopefully no one else tries to blow up our face.
>You do not know Yamashiro.
>You settle down onto the ground and keep going. As you do, you hear yamawaro (you presume) rushing through the underbrush toward the explosion site from several directions, and more gunfire.
>_
-
> "Try not to kill me, please!"
> Keep going alone.
-
> "Try not to kill me, please!"
> Keep going alone.
>You shout out, and you can't help but wonder if they next couple of gunshots don't come toward your direction. Not that you see any bullets hit anything around you.
>Soon you're out of the battlefield, which sounds like it's getting pretty heated; there may be more than two sides at work. There is definitely another explosion; not quite as bad as the previous, but very distinctive. You keep going, and leave it behind as you make your way to the eastern side of the mountain. The trees here are a bit more sparse, not quite the lush woodlands of the lower reaches of the mountain, but certainly more than what can be seen at this elevation on the western side where you live. That said, it's certainly thick enough to make it hard to see far from the ground.
>_
-
> Crest the canopy, if reasonably possible, and have a look around for a wood building and booths.
-
> Crest the canopy, if reasonably possible, and have a look around for a wood building and booths.
>Taking to the air, you look around and see trees in just about every direction.
>Ah, there, somewhat higher up the mountain. There's a building with the low steeped roof of a shrine.
>_
-
> Works for us! Fly to it.
-
> Works for us! Fly to it.
>You make your way toward the building, and find it is indeed a shrine. At one point it was probably well maintained, but has definitely seen better days since. Some of the timbers are old and need replacing, some of the lacquer needs reapplying, some of the tiles in the roof are cracked. The front grounds are filled with a number of merchant booths, none of them seem to be manned at the moment. The grounds do seem to be reasonably well maintained and there are some parts of the shrine that have been recently repaired.
>_
-
> "Um...hello?"
-
> "Um...hello?"
>You call out, and two heartbeats later the shrine doors slides open a loud bang. "Salutations!" calls a woman with royal blue hair as she strides out, wearing a dress composed of broad swaths of color. A white cape flutters behind her, the interior the color of the sky, marked with clouds "Welcome to the Tenkyuu Shrine! I will be most pleased to serve all of your faith-based needs. I am afraid to say the market isn't very active right now, but let's not let that prevent us from making an arrangement!"
>_
-
> Given the woman a curious look.
> "Really? The kappa and human markets seemed pretty busy today, from what I saw."
-
> Given the woman a curious look.
> "Really? The kappa and human markets seemed pretty busy today, from what I saw."
>"Exactly!" she says, smiling broadly. "Therefore, no need for this one today, wouldn't you agree?"
>_
-
> "Oh, you meant like that. Okay. Well, I don't think I've seen many yamawaro at those other markets, but I'm guessing you're running they're too preoccupied with blowing each other up to get some business going here."
> "Oh, also, since I don't think we've met, I'm Nitori Kawashiro, Gensokyo's finest tinkerer, and a decent saleswoman as well."
-
> "Oh, you meant like that. Okay. Well, I don't think I've seen many yamawaro at those other markets, but I'm guessing you're running they're too preoccupied with blowing each other up to get some business going here."
> "Oh, also, since I don't think we've met, I'm Nitori Kawashiro, Gensokyo's finest tinkerer, and a decent saleswoman as well."
>"Chimata Tenkyuu," the woman says, taking a bow and a flourish, "It is a pleasure. And yes, they have been occupied of late."
>_
-
> Now that we've remembered this god exists at all, what do we know of her?
> Do we have an idea of how the Moriya pad would feel about us going to a different god for stuff? Are they especially attached to us in any way, or are we just a face in the crowd to them, as far as we're aware?
> In our experience, how do gods prefer to be addressed?
-
> Now that we've remembered this god exists at all, what do we know of her?
> Do we have an idea of how the Moriya pad would feel about us going to a different god for stuff? Are they especially attached to us in any way, or are we just a face in the crowd to them, as far as we're aware?
> In our experience, how do gods prefer to be addressed?
>She has some connection to trade, and she was deeply involved with that recent card incident, which you've heard rumors that it went deeper than that.
>You don't have any kind of exclusivity deal. You can't imagine they'd be especially upset, any more than any god would be upset you picked a different god over them.
>With deference. Which is grating, so with some degree of respect.
>_
-
> "A pleasure indeed. Do you have any preferred titles I should use when addressing you?"
-
> "A pleasure indeed. Do you have any preferred titles I should use when addressing you?"
>"We don't concern ourselves with such things here," Chimata says, with a chuckle. Whether she is being sincere, or she's discreetly informing you to do just right is difficult to say. "Now, I'm sure you didn't just pop in to say hello?"
>_
-
> "Right. I'll cut to the chase: I'm looking for enough divine power to launch a rocket as far into space as is manageable with returning safely in mind, one that'll have myself and one, maybe two other people on board."
-
> "Right. I'll cut to the chase: I'm looking for enough divine power to launch a rocket as far into space as is manageable with returning safely in mind, one that'll have myself and one, maybe two other people on board."
>Chimata nods, the smile never leaving her face, but you can see it in her eyes as she shifts from her previous gregariousness to a more businesslike demeanor.
>"A fascinating prospect," she says, "To till the very stars. Ambitious, audacious. I adore it! Now, what are you offering in turn for this?"
>_
-
> "That I'm not sure about. Not that I'm not willing to offer anything, but because I don't know what interests you."
-
> "That I'm not sure about. Not that I'm not willing to offer anything, but because I don't know what interests you."
>Her smile wavers for a second.
>_
-
> Are requests for divine power usually strictly I-give-you-whatever-you-give-me-what-I-ask transactional?
-
> Are requests for divine power usually strictly I-give-you-whatever-you-give-me-what-I-ask transactional?
>Generally they are boons given to the faithful or the deserving. Sometimes there is give and take involved, or favors given out of kindness. They are typically not explicitly mercantile exchanges. But given Chimata's domain...
>_
-
> Inventory
-
> Inventory
>Your Inventory Contains:
>Kappa Cap
>A puffy green hat with a brim, favored by kappa everywhere.
>Utility Dress
>A dress with many pockets, handy for screws, nuts, bolts, washers, small tools, and more.
>Backpack
>Carries everything you need. Though you tend to keep it kind of light most times just to make it not be a burden
>Basic toolset
>A hammer, wrench, screwdriver, measuring tape, and small crowbar. Light, easy to carry.
>Bits and Bobs
>A small collection of nuts, bolts, screws, sprockets, springs, flanges, and so on. Handy bits to do handy things.
> Optics "Optical Camouflage"
> Flood "Ooze Flooding"
> Water Sign "Kappa's Pororoca"
> Kappa "Monster Cucumber"
>34☼
>This is 34☼
>Some Lose Scraps of Paper
>A handful of loose, cheap, reasonably clean and uncreased paper
>Pencil
>A cheap pencil. It does not work underwater.
>_
-
> In a strictly commercial sense, when we run booths at Hakurei Shrine festivals, who is benefitting from whom? Is the Shrine using our presence as a way to entice more people to come, or are we depending on people that were already planning on visiting the Shrine to stop and do business with us while they're there?
-
> In a strictly commercial sense, when we run booths at Hakurei Shrine festivals, who is benefitting from whom? Is the Shrine using our presence as a way to entice more people to come, or are we depending on people that were already planning on visiting the Shrine to stop and do business with us while they're there?
>Both. The shrine benefits from your presence making the festival more fun, and you benefit from a festival attracting more people. As well, the shrine benefits from your booth fees, and you benefit from the the direct sales.
>_
-
> "I mean, there are different facets to commerce, and while I'm aware of your domain, I don't know much about you beyond that, this being our first time meeting. If you're simply looking for a one-time offering of money or a valued possession, I can work something out. If you need an errand run, I'm heading back to the Human Village to pick up a purchase before evening sets in; I can take care of it for you while I'm out, as well as talk about you while I'm taking care of my own business to possibly get other people interested. If you're looking for a longer-term business relationship, I regularly operate stalls at Hakurei Shrine festival days; I can commit to operating them here too. Various things like that."
-
> "I mean, there are different facets to commerce, and while I'm aware of your domain, I don't know much about you beyond that, this being our first time meeting. If you're simply looking for a one-time offering of money or a valued possession, I can work something out. If you need an errand run, I'm heading back to the Human Village to pick up a purchase before evening sets in; I can take care of it for you while I'm out, as well as talk about you while I'm taking care of my own business to possibly get other people interested. If you're looking for a longer-term business relationship, I regularly operate stalls at Hakurei Shrine festival days; I can commit to operating them here too. Various things like that."
>"Hmmm," Chimata says. "Just what are you planning to get from your expedition?"
>_
-
> "Hmm. I'd say a few things. Part of the fun of inventing and tinkering is the thrill of accomplishment, so I'd like to get as far as I can. While still returning safely, of course. There's also the thrill of adventure and exploration. ...Beyond that, if anyone does come with me, it'd be nice to get emotionally closer to them, in some capacity."
-
> "Hmm. I'd say a few things. Part of the fun of inventing and tinkering is the thrill of accomplishment, so I'd like to get as far as I can. While still returning safely, of course. There's also the thrill of adventure and exploration. ...Beyond that, if anyone does come with me, it'd be nice to get emotionally closer to them, in some capacity."
>"Materially, I mean," she says, rolling a hand as she crosses her arms casually.
>_
-
> ...Did we ever intend to get anything materially out of this rocket launch?
-
> ...Did we ever intend to get anything materially out of this rocket launch?
>It wasn't a primary goal, at the most.
>_
-
> "...I hadn't considered trying to benefit materially from this project, if I'm being honest. Hmm. I wonder how I could go about doing that..."
-
> "...I hadn't considered trying to benefit materially from this project, if I'm being honest. Hmm. I wonder how I could go about doing that..."
>"I'm disappointed," Chimata says, her voice chiding but gentle. "An enterprising soul such as yourself should have been contemplating no fewer than that many steps ahead!"
>_
-
> What might we do to capitalize materially on this rocket launch, or possibly future rocket launches?
-
> What might we do to capitalize materially on this rocket launch, or possibly future rocket launches?
>That's a good question. What can you potentially do to monetize space travel?
>_
-
> Well, what ideas does our past business experience as a kappa that has existed in Gensokyo for tens of years and conducted plenty of business transactions there lend itself to?
-
> Well, what ideas does our past business experience as a kappa that has existed in Gensokyo for tens of years and conducted plenty of business transactions there lend itself to?
>Is there anything up there? Presumably. Is it anything valuable? Maybe...
>Would anyone want to go up there enough to pay for it? Maybe. Could you count on that to continue? No idea...
>Is there anything here they would want up there? ...Who knows. You're not even sure what They would be.
>...What is Scarlet Devil Mansion expecting to do?
>_
-
> "Well, once we go past the moon, I'm not even sure there's anyone up there to trade with or otherwise benefit from. I suppose offering joyrides is technically possible, but the resources necessary to run them with any regularity may result in them being cost-prohibitive. ...That being said, some souvenirs would certainly be nice if I could find them. Obtaining the social recognition of Doing A Cool Thing would also be nice."
-
> "Well, once we go past the moon, I'm not even sure there's anyone up there to trade with or otherwise benefit from. I suppose offering joyrides is technically possible, but the resources necessary to run them with any regularity may result in them being cost-prohibitive. ...That being said, some souvenirs would certainly be nice if I could find them. Obtaining the social recognition of Doing A Cool Thing would also be nice."
>"I'm certain there is someone up there," she says. "Other Heavenly gods, at the vary least. Hmmm, I am not opposed to the idea, but it is a considerable investment, you must understand. I've only begun to turn around my shrine's fortunes recently, after Him." Her voice darkens slightly, before she continues. "It is not simply enough to soar toward the heavens, there must be opportunities if I am to give my full support."
>_
-
> Are we aware of who was responsible for that thing a couple of years ago where all our money turned into jewels?
> If so, are we aware of why they did it?
-
> Are we aware of who was responsible for that thing a couple of years ago where all our money turned into jewels?
> If so, are we aware of why they did it?
>No, that was weird. It's been blamed on Yukari, who has apparently done nothing to deny it. You haven't thought about that in awhile.
>_
-
> Raise an eyebrow.
> 'Him'? Dare I ask?"
-
> Raise an eyebrow.
> 'Him'? Dare I ask?"
>"Fret not about it," Chimata says. "We should be focused on this opportunity, wouldn't you agree?"
>_
-
> "As you say. Alright, I'll see what I can come up with. There are still other things that I need to do in preparation, so it's not like there isn't time to think."
> Frown.
> "As much as I still need to make sure I get up there before the vampire mansion does."
-
> "As you say. Alright, I'll see what I can come up with. There are still other things that I need to do in preparation, so it's not like there isn't time to think."
> Frown.
> "As much as I still need to make sure I get up there before the vampire mansion does."
>"Ah, you have competition!" Chimata says, her face brightening a little. "What are they up to?"
>_
-
> "Making a rocket, and grabbing supplies from Kourindou before I could do the same thing. That's all I know, I haven't looked into their progress, getting inside that mansion is more trouble than its worth."
-
> "Making a rocket, and grabbing supplies from Kourindou before I could do the same thing. That's all I know, I haven't looked into their progress, getting inside that mansion is more trouble than its worth."
>She chuckles. "Surely you cannot name much that is more valuable than knowledge of your competition!"
>_
-
> "Unfortunately, I would have to get in a fight to get in, and I have other time-sensitive things to take care of, which would be hard to do even if I won."
-
> "Unfortunately, I would have to get in a fight to get in, and I have other time-sensitive things to take care of, which would be hard to do even if I won."
>"Did you not ask around?" she says.
>_
-
> Shake our head.
> "I had multiple hats on while I was out shopping."
-
> Shake our head.
> "I had multiple hats on while I was out shopping."
>She nods. "Nevertheless, it is something to consider. When you have a business plan, and when you have an understanding of your competition, then I can help you."
>_
-
> "Hmm. What if we made a competition out of it, seeing who can last up there the longest? With betting taking place down on land."
-
> "Hmm. What if we made a competition out of it, seeing who can last up there the longest? With betting taking place down on land."
>"How brazen!" Chimata says, her face splitting into a broad smile. "What better way to distinguish yourself than a contest? What excitement it would generate! But if I am to offer you my full support, I can't have you losing."
>_
-
> Do we know anyone that would be good at organizing such a betting ring?
-
> Do we know anyone that would be good at organizing such a betting ring?
>There's a gambling house around here somewhere that's popular with the village. They'd probably be good at it.
>_
-
> "Well, obviously I don't intend to lose. Just because tinkering is a hobby doesn't mean my creations aren't Gensokyo's best. I have a reputation to maintain."
-
> "Well, obviously I don't intend to lose. Just because tinkering is a hobby doesn't mean my creations aren't Gensokyo's best. I have a reputation to maintain."
>"Get everything set up," Chimata says. "I'll have what you need when you need it."
>_
-
> Okay, traveling saleskappa problem redux: Do we think we would have enough time to travel to the Scarlet Devil Mansion this afternoon/evening and still return to the Human Village before our Hair Hare deadline?
-
> Okay, traveling saleskappa problem redux: Do we think we would have enough time to travel to the Scarlet Devil Mansion this afternoon/evening and still return to the Human Village before our Hair Hare deadline?
>You'd probably have time to spare, depending on how long you take.
>_
-
> "Alright, I suppose I should start by making sure the mansion folks are down for a competition, huh."
-
> "Alright, I suppose I should start by making sure the mansion folks are down for a competition, huh."
>"Hardly a challenge, I expect," Chimata the says. "Their matriarch's ego is known far and wide."
>_
-
> "True."
> Offer a handshake.
> "To the first of possibly many dealings, then."
-
> "True."
> Offer a handshake.
> "To the first of possibly many dealings, then."
>She delicately extends a hand and takes yours, giving a small, polite handshake.
>"To many exchanges!"
>_
-
> ...Does she feel physically weak? Or is her behavior more tentative, like she's uncertain about/distrusting of us?
> "Alright, I'll bounce and get going on this. I'll keep you posted as appropriate. Unless you have godly ways of keeping track or something. The inner workings of divinity were never my strong suit."
-
> ...Does she feel physically weak? Or is her behavior more tentative, like she's uncertain about/distrusting of us?
> "Alright, I'll bounce and get going on this. I'll keep you posted as appropriate. Unless you have godly ways of keeping track or something. The inner workings of divinity were never my strong suit."
>You think, if anything, she's just being kind of reserved and aloof. Deities...
>"I prefer to be informed," Chimata says. "Spying is such a bother."
>_
-
> "You got it. Back when I've got something."
> Take flight and head toward the Scarlet Devil Mansion (leaving the temple grounds on foot before taking flight if that's the direction we need to go).
-
> "You got it. Back when I've got something."
> Take flight and head toward the Scarlet Devil Mansion (leaving the temple grounds on foot before taking flight if that's the direction we need to go).
>You depart the shrine grounds and head back for the Forest of Magic. It takes a little bit, but it's not a hard location to find. Misty Lake is a hard landmark to miss, and the mansion sits close to its southern banks. You note a markedly smaller cottage near the eastern shores, you're pretty sure Alice lives there. A small cloud of faeries fly and play over the lake. Even from a distance, you can see the mansion is busy with some kind of construction project in the eastern grounds.
>_
-
> Head for the main gate to the mansion. Gotta do this right to minimize the headache of this entire process...
-
> Head for the main gate to the mansion. Gotta do this right to minimize the headache of this entire process...
>Coming closer to the mansion, you can get a decent look at the project over the walls. It's a big one, easily a couple of stories tall. Quite a bit bigger than yours. The design is similar to what've you've seen in the papers of the previous one, featuring a peaked roof and wooden design.
>You approach the main gate. The gate guard is there; currently eating a fairly large rice ball. She gives a wave as you approach.
>_
-
> Give her a wave in return.
> "Hey."
> Land at a respectful distance and approach.
> "Heard you all were getting a rocket off the ground."
-
> Give her a wave in return.
> "Hey."
> Land at a respectful distance and approach.
> "Heard you all were getting a rocket off the ground."
>"Yep," Meiling says, keeping an easy stance. "Been working on it for a little bit now."
>_
-
> "What are the plans for it, if you don't mind my asking?"
-
> "What are the plans for it, if you don't mind my asking?"
>"Well, I don't actually know," Meiling says with a shrug. "But I know that it started up after Reisen talked with Patchouli."
>_
-
> "Huh. When did that happen?"
-
> "Huh. When did that happen?"
>"About a week and a half ago," she says.
>_
-
> "Hmm, I see. Well, I'll cut to the chase, then. How would you all be interested in a little friendly competition between your rocket and mine?"
-
> "Hmm, I see. Well, I'll cut to the chase, then. How would you all be interested in a little friendly competition between your rocket and mine?"
>She her face is blank for a moment, followed by a brief widening of her eyes. "Ooooh, right! You did have the one, didn't you? I forgot all about that story!"
>_
-
> "I still do, and it's not long before it gets off the ground itself."
-
> "I still do, and it's not long before it gets off the ground itself."
>"Oh, neat," Meiling says. "Are you doing the Reisen thing too?"
>_
-
> "I didn't realize there was a Reisen thing, actually. This is just what I do for fun."
-
> "I didn't realize there was a Reisen thing, actually. This is just what I do for fun."
>"Right, right," Meiling says. "So, I'm not really part of the project. And I'm not supposed to let anyone inside right now."
>_
-
> "I don't need to go inside if I can talk to someone who is part of the project out here."
-
> "I don't need to go inside if I can talk to someone who is part of the project out here."
>"Huh, yeah, I guess, if someone wants to come out," Meiling says. She goes to some strings dangling by the edge of the gate and fiddles with them. After a moment, the front door opens, and a maid with oval-shaped wings flutters out. As she approaches, Meiling glances toward you and says, "Who were you wanting to talk to?"
>_
-
> "Anyone with the authority to agree to my proposal is fine."
-
> "Anyone with the authority to agree to my proposal is fine."
>"Go ask Patchy if she'll see Nitori," Meiling says to the faerie. The faerie bows and flutters off toward the side grounds.
>"Anything interesting going on?" says Meiling.
>_
-
> "Sort of. The rest of the kappa decided to hold a festival day without consulting me first, which I'm not thrilled about, but I think I've managed to salvage my mood at this point."
-
> "Sort of. The rest of the kappa decided to hold a festival day without consulting me first, which I'm not thrilled about, but I think I've managed to salvage my mood at this point."
>She nods. "Yeah, you guys do everything by huddling up and hashing it out, right?" Meiling says, essentially summing up the process in a inelegant way. "Anything else going on up there?"
>_
-
> "Uh...the yamawaro are playing some more pretend try-to-kill-each-other, without much regard for any civvies that might just be trekking along the mountain. The Prismrivers got a new bandmade, a redhead with unearthly sound."
-
> "Uh...the yamawaro are playing some more pretend try-to-kill-each-other, without much regard for any civvies that might just be trekking along the mountain. The Prismrivers got a new bandmade, a redhead with unearthly sound."
>"Oh, you guys got the Prismrivers? Lucky!" Meiling says. "I'd heard rumors about someone new, but I hadn't had time to actually go look into it, you know?"
>_
-
> "She's definitely worth checking out if you get the opportunity."
-
> "She's definitely worth checking out if you get the opportunity."
>"I'll keep it in mind," Meiling says.
>You notice Patchouli approaching from the eastern grounds, her familiar following behind her while holding a chair.
>_
-
> What sort of history do we have with Patchouli, anyway? Beyond our previous rocket escapades.
> Wave at them as they approach.
-
> What sort of history do we have with Patchouli, anyway? Beyond our previous rocket escapades.
> Wave at them as they approach.
>Not a whole lot. Aside from being friends with Marisa, the two of you tend not to overlap much.
>You wave, Patchouli gives you a nod as her familiar plops the chair down in front of the gate. The magician takes a seat, then says, "Unexpected pleasure. What do you need, Nitori?"
>_
-
> "Pleasure indeed. I was actually curious about the rocket you got goin' on over there."
-
> "Pleasure indeed. I was actually curious about the rocket you got goin' on over there."
>"Go on," Patchouli says.
>_
-
> "Mostly what you plan to do with it once you've launched it. And, depending on that, whether you'd be interested in some sort of friendly competition against mine."
-
> "Mostly what you plan to do with it once you've launched it. And, depending on that, whether you'd be interested in some sort of friendly competition against mine."
>Patchouli's face is impassive. "Competition?" she says.
>_
-
> "Yeah. I take pride in my work, and I'm sure you do as well. Why not put our respective craftswomanships to the test against each other, especially when the stakes would only be as high as we want them to be?"
-
> "Yeah. I take pride in my work, and I'm sure you do as well. Why not put our respective craftswomanships to the test against each other, especially when the stakes would only be as high as we want them to be?"
>"Interesting proposal," Patchouli says. "What did you have in mind?"
>_
-
> "That depends primarily on what your mission is. I don't want to propose something that's antithetical to your reasons for heading up to the stars. But just as a starter idea, my initial thought was seeing who could stay up there the longest."
-
> "That depends primarily on what your mission is. I don't want to propose something that's antithetical to your reasons for heading up to the stars. But just as a starter idea, my initial thought was seeing who could stay up there the longest."
>"Longest could become very long," she says. "Let's consider tonnage lifted, instead?"
>Just from what you've seen of their rocket from a distance, unless Chimata is able to give you a lot more than you expect, you'll be losing that battle.
>_
-
> Based on what we've seen, what might we be relatively evenly matched in?
-
> Based on what we've seen, what might we be relatively evenly matched in?
>That's hard to say. Your design hasn't been tested, and you suspect theirs hasn't either. It may be better to find gambles that don't depend on just ship capabilities.
>_
-
> Grimce a bit.
> "Oof. Even with the pride I have in my work, I'll admit right now you'd win that handily, if what little I've seen of your construction is any indication."
-
> Grimce a bit.
> "Oof. Even with the pride I have in my work, I'll admit right now you'd win that handily, if what little I've seen of your construction is any indication."
>Patchouli's impassive expression cracks a little bit with a proud smirk, just for a moment.
>"Well. What do you suggest, then?"
>_
-
> Adopt a thinking expression.
> "...In the interest of fairness, maybe it would be better to pick something that tests pilot capabilities rather than pure ship capabilities."
-
> Adopt a thinking expression.
> "...In the interest of fairness, maybe it would be better to pick something that tests pilot capabilities rather than pure ship capabilities."
>Patchouli nods. "I can see the merit in it."
>"Patchooooouli!" a voice cries from the eastern grounds, moments before form of the mistress of the house comes around the corner and heads directly toward the gate at a brisk walk. "What are you doing over here? We need you over at the construction site! Your familiar can't over the engine installation!"
>Patchouli's face is impassive, but you imagine a faint spark of irritation. "It can wait for the moment, Remilia," she says.
>The vampire reaches the gate and sees you. "Ah, how rude of us," she says. "We presumed Our Patchouli was off gossiping with the gatekeeper again."
>_
-
> "Ah, yeah, sorry, I'm hogging her time at the moment. We were discussing the possibility of some sort of space competition, given I'm also close to finishing re-work on a rocket of my own."
-
> "Ah, yeah, sorry, I'm hogging her time at the moment. We were discussing the possibility of some sort of space competition, given I'm also close to finishing re-work on a rocket of my own."
>"Ah, you wish to compete with Us?" the vampire says. "Well, let it not be said We shy from a challenge."
>"We were merely discussion terms, Remilia. Nothing is set in stone yet," Patchouli says.
>"Ah, that's simple," says Remilia. "Whomever brings back the most valuable object shall be the winner. Wouldn't you agree, Miss Kappa?"
>_
-
> Nod.
> "Works for me. That's roughly the direction we were going in after some discussion. Do you have a preference for an impartial appraiser? Maybe someone respected from the Human Village? Or maybe someone from Eientei, who may have unique insights about space objects?"
-
> Nod.
> "Works for me. That's roughly the direction we were going in after some discussion. Do you have a preference for an impartial appraiser? Maybe someone respected from the Human Village? Or maybe someone from Eientei, who may have unique insights about space objects?"
>"Eientei would not be unbiased," Patchouli says.
>Remilia gives Patchouli an understated look. "Hush, Patchouli, We can surely trust them if our competitor does."
>_
-
> Do we have any particular opinions of Eientei and/or its residents? Reisen's silly insistence that she's not herself aside.
-
> Do we have any particular opinions of Eientei and/or its residents? Reisen's silly insistence that she's not herself aside.
>It's hard to fully trust a bunch of aliens, but you really have no quarrel with them. That said, they do have an interest in this whole thing.
>_
-
> "Eh...if Patchouli objects to it, then I don't mind. Really, if there's someone you prefer, I'd probably be fine with most anyone that doesn't come from either of our homes. ...Probably."
-
> "Eh...if Patchouli objects to it, then I don't mind. Really, if there's someone you prefer, I'd probably be fine with most anyone that doesn't come from either of our homes. ...Probably."
> By the way...do we posses ,or is it available to us,either the natural knowledge and/or an artificial one through instruments and inventions to " measure the material's monetary and rarity build values"?
> For this purpose,also Consider asking for a blessing from Chimata about "temporary focused boost to our apprasail capacity and/or those of our instruments" .
-
> "Eh...if Patchouli objects to it, then I don't mind. Really, if there's someone you prefer, I'd probably be fine with most anyone that doesn't come from either of our homes. ...Probably."
> By the way...do we posses ,or is it available to us,either the natural knowledge and/or an artificial one through instruments and inventions to " measure the material's monetary and rarity build values"?
> For this purpose,also Consider asking for a blessing from Chimata about "temporary focused boost to our apprasail capacity and/or those of our instruments" .
>You aren't much of an appraiser. What you deal in tends to be day to day goods sold for their function, rather than things valued for their mineral or artistic composition. You'd know if something something was valuable because it was made of gold, but a work of art would probably elude you. A work of craft might fall within your wheelhouse.
>"Mmm, well," Remilia says. "We might recommend asking the Myouren Temple. Or perhaps Prince Miko?"
>_
-
> Do we have strong feelings about the Buddhist faction or the Taoist faction, given we've had a few run-ins with both while dealing things like that menreiki and those pestilence gods?
-
> Do we have strong feelings about the Buddhist faction or the Taoist faction, given we've had a few run-ins with both while dealing things like that menreiki and those pestilence gods?
>Religions are such a pain, really. Especially when they bother you to join up.
>_
-
> "As long as they don't proselytize in my general direction."
-
> "As long as they don't proselytize in my general direction."
>"I suppose We can appeal for restraint," Remilia says.
>_
-
> Did Patchouli seem to have any sort of reaction to our comment?
-
> Did Patchouli seem to have any sort of reaction to our comment?
>Not that you could see.
>_
-
> "That's fine by me, then."
-
> "That's fine by me, then."
>"Then it's decided!" Remilia says.
>"Now we're treasure hunting, fantastic," says Patchouli.
>"Don't you worry, Patchouli, We have a plan," says Remilia.
>"Of course you do," says the magician.
>Remilia ignores this and looks to you, folding her hands. "We wish Our opponent the best of luck." she says, with courtesy and little else.
>_
-
> Are we aware of Patchouli's familiar's promiscuity?
> Has she ever come on to us?
> Return the gesture.
> "And you as well. Before I head out, though, what kinds of stakes did you want, if any?"
-
> Are we aware of Patchouli's familiar's promiscuity?
> Has she ever come on to us?
> Return the gesture.
> "And you as well. Before I head out, though, what kinds of stakes did you want, if any?"
>It is known.
>Not as of yet. At least for now, she seems to be behaving herself?
>"We haven't decided just yet," says Remilia. "Perhaps you have something in mind?"
>_
-
> What would we think if the familiar did come on to us?
-
> What would we think if the familiar did come on to us?
>What would you think?
>_
-
> Is the familiar immediately present?
> Chuckle a bit.
> "Oh, I can think of a variety of things at a variety of values. Not that I dislike who and where I am, but it's not remotely difficult to come up with ideas like that, given who and where you all are. But that's getting way ahead of everything. I really only asked to verify we were on the same wavelength about it before we launch."
-
> Is the familiar immediately present?
> Chuckle a bit.
> "Oh, I can think of a variety of things at a variety of values. Not that I dislike who and where I am, but it's not remotely difficult to come up with ideas like that, given who and where you all are. But that's getting way ahead of everything. I really only asked to verify we were on the same wavelength about it before we launch."
>She is, lingering behind Patchouli after having carried in the chair. She seems to be a million miles away at the moment.
>"Well of course," says Remilia, "But we wouldn't wish to gamble something that would be too difficult for you to match, of course."
>_
-
> "Right, I get it. For what it's worth, you're probably much better off asking me for services than for goods."
> Adopt a thinking expression.
> "That being said...we could spin the wheel of fortune and simply make it so that the winner keeps the loser's submission."
-
> "Right, I get it. For what it's worth, you're probably much better off asking me for services than for goods."
> Adopt a thinking expression.
> "That being said...we could spin the wheel of fortune and simply make it so that the winner keeps the loser's submission."
>"Favors do work," says Remilia. "But We think you'll agree that is...unsatisfying. Hmm. What services have you to offer, Miss Kappa?"
>_
-
> Who's taller, her or us?
> Grin and stand up a little bit straighter.
> "Buildin' and fixin'. You won't find a better tinkerer anywhere in Gensokyo. In fact, your very own Patchouli has traveled in my rocket before."
-
> Who's taller, her or us?
> Grin and stand up a little bit straighter.
> "Buildin' and fixin'. You won't find a better tinkerer anywhere in Gensokyo. In fact, your very own Patchouli has traveled in my rocket before."
> Also put forth the example, clarifying it is of " the occasional teamworking building commission" variant, of the Kappa-Built Automated Ropeway linking the Foot of the of Youkai Mountain all the way up to the Moriya Shrine.
-
> Also put forth the example, clarifying it is of " the occasional teamworking building commission" variant, of the Kappa-Built Automated Ropeway linking the Foot of the of Youkai Mountain all the way up to the Moriya Shrine.
>You...maybe don't want to talk up Kappa Teamwork so much. It's more accidental than by design. Like a cat herding cats.
> Who's taller, her or us?
> Grin and stand up a little bit straighter.
> "Buildin' and fixin'. You won't find a better tinkerer anywhere in Gensokyo. In fact, your very own Patchouli has traveled in my rocket before."
>You're a little taller than Remilia.
>"We really have no need of repairs at the moment," says Remilia.
>"There is the fountain on the western grounds," Patchouli says.
>"Patchouli, we do not need running water on the mansion grounds! What if Flandre ran afoul of it?"
>_
-
> Do we know who that is?
-
> Do we know who that is?
>You are aware of the younger sister, if only from newspaper articles.
>_
-
> Look slightly offended for a brief second, then adopt a look of sudden remembrance that kappa and vampires take to running water extremely differently.
> "Well, you could always have me build you something new instead."
-
> Look slightly offended for a brief second, then adopt a look of sudden remembrance that kappa and vampires take to running water extremely differently.
> "Well, you could always have me build you something new instead."
>"Hm, I don't think We need for much of anything," Remilia says. "It is not as though we are lacking in the means to procure what we need."
>_
-
> "That's when you start thinking about things you want that don't exist yet. ...Within reason, of course."
-
> "That's when you start thinking about things you want that don't exist yet. ...Within reason, of course."
>"Hm," says Remilia. "Perhaps, but that is rather vague, no?"
>"Do you have something more tangible to gamble, perhaps?" Patchouli says.
>_
-
> Adopt a thinking expression for a few moments.
> "...I guess I do have something being prepared for me right now...I wanted to use it for myself, but if nothing else I have is satisfactory, then I guess I don't have a choice..."
-
> Adopt a thinking expression for a few moments.
> "...I guess I do have something being prepared for me right now...I wanted to use it for myself, but if nothing else I have is satisfactory, then I guess I don't have a choice..."
>Remilia's lips draw out into a straight line. "Hm. Have you no artworks, no precious things?"
>_
-
> Shake our head.
> "Never really been my thing. Probably for the best, anything like that probably wouldn't survive in good condition in my workshop."
-
> Shake our head.
> "Never really been my thing. Probably for the best, anything like that probably wouldn't survive in good condition in my workshop."
>"Very well," Remilia says. "Then We propose your stakes shall be your service. An oath of fealty for the space, oh, let's say a year."
>_
-
> Hmm. What would that be worth to us in terms of a request back?
-
> Hmm. What would that be worth to us in terms of a request back?
>How much do you value being at a vampire's beck and call, doing what she tells you to do?
>_
-
> "Would you cover material expenses in that situation?"
-
> "Would you cover material expenses in that situation?"
>"We suppose, within reason," Remilia says.
>_
-
> "Alright, I'll agree to that."
> Casually gesture at the succubus familiar.
> "Let's say I wanted her as an assistant. How much time would I get for her services to be equal to what I've agreed to do?"
-
> "Alright, I'll agree to that."
> Casually gesture at the succubus familiar.
> "Let's say I wanted her as an assistant. How much time would I get for her services to be equal to what I've agreed to do?"
>"Hm, We're not sure-" Remilia says
>"Keep her," Patchouli says.
>"Hey!" says the familiar, no longer zoning out and giving Patchouli a sharp look.
>_
-
> Blink.
> "...Um, should I have not asked that?"
-
>"Hm, We're not sure-" Remilia says
>"Keep her," Patchouli says.
>"Hey!" says the familiar, no longer zoning out and giving Patchouli a sharp look.
>_
> Blink.
> "...Um, should I have not asked that?"
> Clarify that ours was only a professional-related and eventual-project question without any demand or jab meant.
-
> Clarify that ours was only a professional-related and eventual-project question without any demand or jab meant.
> Blink.
> "...Um, should I have not asked that?"
>"No!" says the familiar. "I'm not up for grabs in this!"
>"I don't see why not," says Patchouli. "She's up for grabs."
>"I'm not even part of this!"
>"That's not what the contract says," says Patchouli.
>Remilia crosses her arms. Her face is neutral, but you can feel an aura from her that is somewhere between confusion and irritation. "Well. We do not particularly have a problem with those terms."
>"Mistress!" says the familiar, turning toward the vampire with a look of shock.
>"Is there something wrong with Our noble competition?" Remilia says.
>_
-
> "I, uh...if she's that dedicated to you all that she doesn't want to leave, I can consider other things. Sorry, I didn't realize that would be a point of internal contention."
> "In that case, if you don't mind my asking again, what was the original purpose of your voyage, before I arrived?"
-
> "I, uh...if she's that dedicated to you all that she doesn't want to leave, I can consider other things. Sorry, I didn't realize that would be a point of internal contention."
> "In that case, if you don't mind my asking again, what was the original purpose of your voyage, before I arrived?"
>"There's no contention," Patchouli says. "I'm perfectly satisfied with these terms."
>"Patchy!" the Familiar says, balling her fists. "I'm not for gambling!"
>"I don't see why not," says Patchouli.
>Remilia looks away from the squabble and toward you. "You will have to forgive Us, but We would rather not disclose too much about that."
>_
-
> Nod.
> "That's fine. In that case, would you be more or less opposed to me asking for the object you submit to the contest? You don't need to go into any detail you don't want, a 'that's fine' or 'absolutely not' works."
-
> Nod.
> "That's fine. In that case, would you be more or less opposed to me asking for the object you submit to the contest? You don't need to go into any detail you don't want, a 'that's fine' or 'absolutely not' works."
>"Hm," says Remilia. "It is not directly possible. But, We can provide something related to it that may be of interest."
>_
-
> Nod a couple of times.
> "That sounds interesting. And, well, hmm. If space ends up being a repeat venture for you, and if the need for privacy drops, I may also be interested in chipping in on future ventures, if that's feasible."
-
> Nod a couple of times.
> "That sounds interesting. And, well, hmm. If space ends up being a repeat venture for you, and if the need for privacy drops, I may also be interested in chipping in on future ventures, if that's feasible."
>"Let's not be too hasty," Remilia says. "Once We've settled this matter, We shall consider what is to follow."
>_
-
> "Fair enough. Alright, I'll accept your offer of something related to your submission. Uh, as long as it isn't something whose value is primarily artistic. Not because I dislike art, but because it would very likely get damaged and lose value simply by being in the vicinity of my workshop, and I wouldn't want to do that to it."
-
> "Fair enough. Alright, I'll accept your offer of something related to your submission. Uh, as long as it isn't something whose value is primarily artistic. Not because I dislike art, but because it would very likely get damaged and lose value simply by being in the vicinity of my workshop, and I wouldn't want to do that to it."
>Remilia nods. "We shall keep this in mind. Well, no, that is not true. We don't intend to be in that situation at all."
>_
-
> "Of course. So, that all being determined, you wouldn't mind if I brought this contest to the attention of the kappa gambling den, would you?"
-
> "Of course. So, that all being determined, you wouldn't mind if I brought this contest to the attention of the kappa gambling den, would you?"
>"Hm," says Remilia. "What are you plotting?"
>_
-
> "The benefit of the market god."
-
> "The benefit of the market god."
>Remilia raises an eyebrow.
>"Nitori needs her help, just as we did," Patchouli says.
>"Ah, yes, now We understand," says Remilia. "Very good then, as you like."
>_
-
> Nod.
> "Great. Depending on how dedicated you are to her, I'd be fine if you wanted to get something similar going elsewhere, like the Human Village. Competition aside, the more eyes on what we're accomplishing, the better, I think."
-
> Nod.
> "Great. Depending on how dedicated you are to her, I'd be fine if you wanted to get something similar going elsewhere, like the Human Village. Competition aside, the more eyes on what we're accomplishing, the better, I think."
>"Hm," Remilia says. "We'll consider it. What do you think, Patchouli?"
>"Why are you asking me, don't hang around the human village," says Patchouli. "That's a question for your maid."
>"I was hoping you had your ear to the grapevine," the vampire says. "You can't tell Us that you're not the sort to start a gamble, then guarantee the results you want."
>"...I won't answer that statement."
>_
-
> We are aware of Patchouli's predilection for staying cooped up inside by herself, yes?
-
> We are aware of Patchouli's predilection for staying cooped up inside by herself, yes?
>You can't imagine anyone who knows about her wouldn't know about this.
>_
-
> Chuckle at Patchouli.
> "It's a shame we're both introverts, otherwise I'd say we should hang out more."
-
> Chuckle at Patchouli.
> "It's a shame we're both introverts, otherwise I'd say we should hang out more."
>"Hm. Perhaps," Patchouli says, frowning thoughtfully.
>_
-
> Can we think of anything else important to this contest that we haven't yet discussed?
-
> Can we think of anything else important to this contest that we haven't yet discussed?
>About the only think you can think of is a time limit. Or perhaps determining what constitutes a trip?
>_
-
> "Anyway, the only other things I can think of are agreeing on a time limit and what counts as a trip."
-
> "Anyway, the only other things I can think of are agreeing on a time limit and what counts as a trip."
>"Do we want to keep it to merely one trip?" Patchouli says. "It may be beneficial to be allowed to return home and go back."
>_
-
> Would multiple trips be possible for us?
-
> Would multiple trips be possible for us?
>As long as Chimata is up to it. It may be useful, if you forget something, or find yourself needing to return home for some reason. Then again, your original idea was how long you can stay up, so it may not be be useful to you to be able to return home. Really, it can go either way, and it depends on what you want to do.
>_
-
> "Oh, that's true. We can set just a time limit, then."
> "Also, it just occurred to be to ask if only one of you is going, or if a team of you will be going. I had originally planned on taking one, maybe two other people with me before I was aware you were preparing a launch of your own."
-
> "Oh, that's true. We can set just a time limit, then."
> "Also, it just occurred to be to ask if only one of you is going, or if a team of you will be going. I had originally planned on taking one, maybe two other people with me before I was aware you were preparing a launch of your own."
>"We will be taking a proper crew compliment, of course," Remilia says.
>_
-
> "Great, that won't be a problem, then."
-
> "Great, that won't be a problem, then."
>"Patchouli, how long do you think we'll need?" Remilia says. "And be sure to leave considerable room for error."
>"Three weeks from now," says Patchouli without missing a beat.
>"Excellent, that will be Our completion time," says Remilia. "I'm sure you'll agree?"
>_
-
> "Works for me."
-
> "Works for me."
>"Then it is settled!" Remilia says, grinning broadly. "May the best win~"
>_
-
> Smile as well.
> "May they win indeed."
> Offer a hand for a shake.
-
> Smile as well.
> "May they win indeed."
> Offer a hand for a shake.
>Remilia gives your hand a look, then daintily takes it and shakes.
>_
-
> What did the look suggest about what she thought of it?
> "Alright, I'll leave you all to your planning. I need to hit up the Human Village before evening sets in hard."
-
> What did the look suggest about what she thought of it?
> "Alright, I'll leave you all to your planning. I need to hit up the Human Village before evening sets in hard."
>You think she was mildly scandalized. Which is odd, you wouldn't think a westerner would shy from a handshake?
>"We wish you luck with that," Remilia says. "And if you'll excuse us...Come, Patchouli, We are behind schehdule now!"
>_
-
> "See you up there!"
> Take flight and head back to the Human Village.
-
> "See you up there!"
> Take flight and head back to the Human Village.
>"Perhaps We will," says Remilia, as she gives a small curtsey. Patchouli simply stands and leaves without prelude, leaving her familiar to gather her chair. The latter gives you a curious sort of look as you depart.
>You make your way toward the Human village once more as the sun rides low in the western sky. Faeries are getting more active, you can see a few little groups of them playing over the treetops. Are you continue further northward, you see human farmers leaving their fields and settling up for the day; others coming home from the village. A few crows are squawking as you approach the village; one wonders if they're affiliated with the tengu or just there being crows. Just looking from above from a distance from the outskirts of the village, you can see it is much emptier than before.
>_
-
> Did the succubus familiar look intrigued, disgusted, or something else?
> Land just outside the village and enter on foot, heading for where Reisen was.
-
>"Perhaps We will," says Remilia, as she gives a small curtsey. Patchouli simply stands and leaves without prelude, leaving her familiar to gather her chair. The latter gives you a curious sort of look as you depart.
>You make your way toward the Human village once more as the sun rides low in the western sky. Faeries are getting more active, you can see a few little groups of them playing over the treetops. Are you continue further northward, you see human farmers leaving their fields and settling up for the day; others coming home from the village. A few crows are squawking as you approach the village; one wonders if they're affiliated with the tengu or just there being crows. Just looking from above from a distance from the outskirts of the village, you can see it is much emptier than before.
>_
> Land just outside the village and enter on foot, heading for where Reisen was.
> What is the outlook and activies within the village t this point in time?
> Have we already made plans for the "Not-Reisen's Special; Hair Boosting Medicine" once we have retrieved it"?
-
> Have we already made plans for the "Not-Reisen's Special; Hair Boosting Medicine" once we have retrieved it"?
> Yes, we're gong to imbibe it and grow our hair out to make our cute self even cuter.
-
> What is the outlook and activies within the village t this point in time?
> Have we already made plans for the "Not-Reisen's Special; Hair Boosting Medicine" once we have retrieved it"?
> Land just outside the village and enter on foot, heading for where Reisen was.
> Yes, we're gong to imbibe it and grow our hair out to make our cute self even cuter.
>The taverns and eateries are busy this time of day. You imagine that the residential areas are also quite busy.
>You head into the village, making your way toward the marketplace. Reaching it, you find many of the stands and shops are closed for the evening, and some others are in the process of packing up. The people lingering here now are largely just duos and small groups that are hanging around and socializing, it is much easier to make your way toward the medicine seller, who is also in the process of closing up shop.
>_
-
> "Heyyy! Sorry I'm late!"
> Jog over the rest of the way to the medicine seller.
-
> "Heyyy! Sorry I'm late!"
> Jog over the rest of the way to the medicine seller.
>"You're not too late," the medicine seller calls out as you approach. "It's still steeping. But it's just about ready."
>_
-
> Thinking back on it, did the succubus familiar look intrigued, disgusted, or something else when we departed?
> "Phew, thank goodness. So, when it's ready, do I just drink it and it takes effect immediately, or what?"
-
> Thinking back on it, did the succubus familiar look intrigued, disgusted, or something else when we departed?
> "Phew, thank goodness. So, when it's ready, do I just drink it and it takes effect immediately, or what?"
>You aren't sure. More curious and/or puzzled, if anything.
>"That's right," the thinly disguised medicine seller says. "It'll need a minute or so to start, and probably another minute or two to finish. ...maybe keep away from moving machines and stuff, in your case?"
>_
-
> "Mmm, yeah, that's a good idea. I'll probably just have it on my way back home, then. Don't find too many moving machines in the airspace between here and there."
-
> "Mmm, yeah, that's a good idea. I'll probably just have it on my way back home, then. Don't find too many moving machines in the airspace between here and there."
>"That ought to be fine," she says. "If it's causing enough problems you can't fly normally, something went wrong."
>_
-
> Flash a thumbs-up.
> "Good to know."
-
> Flash a thumbs-up.
> "Good to know."
>She starts to break down her stand. "Do you have any other concerns about it? I think I've told you all the necessary contingencies."
>_
-
> "I can't think of anything at the moment."
-
> "I can't think of anything at the moment."
>"Alright," she says, as she finishes breaking down the stand. Then she fetches a tea pot sitting atop her medicine chest and pours the contents into a small vial, which she then places a stopper on top of, and hands it to you. "Good luck with it!"
>You obtain: Hair Tonic x1
>_
-
> Take it!
> "Thanks! Here's to hoping I actually like this as much as I expect to."
-
> Take it!
> "Thanks! Here's to hoping I actually like this as much as I expect to."
>"Worse comes to worst, it'll be easy to cut," says the medicine seller.
>_
-
> "True that. Anyway, give Reisen my regards next time you see her."
-
> "True that. Anyway, give Reisen my regards next time you see her."
>"I don't have any idea who that is," the medicine seller says.
>_
-
> ...How is she looking as she says that?
-
> ...How is she looking as she says that?
>Distracted, as packs things up.
>You can just about see the ears under her hat from this angle, as well.
>_
-
> "Oh, that's a shame. You really should meet her sometime if you can. She's probably the nicest, smartest, prettiest resident of Gensokyo. I can only assume she's not head of her household because she's magnanimous enough to let someone else take that position."
-
> "Oh, that's a shame. You really should meet her sometime if you can. She's probably the nicest, smartest, prettiest resident of Gensokyo. I can only assume she's not head of her household because she's magnanimous enough to let someone else take that position."
>The medicine seller pauses. Then sighs. "Get out of here before I throw something at you, you weirdo."
>_
-
> Chuckle.
> "Have a good night, merchant. And thanks again."
> Head back out of town on foot. If we get to the edge of town without being stopped, take flight and head back home, imbibing our incredibly expensive cute-ifying concoction along the way.
-
> Chuckle.
> "Have a good night, merchant. And thanks again."
> Head back out of town on foot. If we get to the edge of town without being stopped, take flight and head back home, imbibing our incredibly expensive cute-ifying concoction along the way.
>"You too, mysterious kappa," the poorly disguised medicine seller says, as you depart.
>You leave town without trouble, and take to the air. Drinking the concoction, you are sure it must be the real thing because it tastes horrible, you're kind of glad you have to drink it all at once so you don't have to have two drinks of this. Then you don't feel anything as you fly southeastward. For a good while, you wonder if it's actually working until, about the time you're flying over the forests at the base of Youkai Mountain, and home is just about within sight, you feel something soft brushing against your calves every so often.
>_
-
> !
> Do we have a mirror on-hand?
> Do we have a full-length (or at least a non-hand) mirror at home?
> Feel behind us with a hand.
-
> !
> Do we have a mirror on-hand?
> Do we have a full-length (or at least a non-hand) mirror at home?
> Feel behind us with a hand.
>You have a mirror at home, but none onhand.
>You feel behind you, and find your ponytails are long much longer than normal.
>_
-
> "Wow..."
> Aim our travel for heading home specifically. We'll have to check ourselves out!
-
> "Wow..."
> Aim our travel for heading home specifically. We'll have to check ourselves out!
>You settle down in front of your warehouse. Now that you're aware of it, you can feel your ponytails swaying behind you the rest of the trip.
>_
-
> Cool!
> Enter our home, find our mirror, and give our new self a good look-over.
-
> Cool!
> Enter our home, find our mirror, and give our new self a good look-over.
>You head inside and quickly find mirror in your bedroom.
>Your ponytails now extend down to your calves. You're going to have to be careful around moving machinery and the like. Now that you've no longer have the wind whipping past your face, you can feel them sway quite a bit more than you usually can when you move your head.
>_
-
> Gently move and tilt our head around in random ways, to see how the hair movement feels.
-
> Gently move and tilt our head around in random ways, to see how the hair movement feels.
>It's a curious feeling. Not exactly weighty, but kind of. You'll have to get used to it.
>_
-
> Do we at least look cuter, as hoped?
> Leave our house and head back to where we set up shop earlier, in the hopes that Aoi is still there.
-
> Do we at least look cuter, as hoped?
> Leave our house and head back to where we set up shop earlier, in the hopes that Aoi is still there.
>You think so, at least!
>You make your way back toward the festival, and to the Prismrivers stage. You find that while things are winding down in the human village, they're still in full swing here. The Prismrivers are playing at full force, their new percussionist moving like a woman possessed to keep up with the keyboardist. The two stands you were sandwiched between are still there, both with a healthy line.
>Along the way, you've definitely gotten a few surprised looks from various kappa.
>_
-
> Do they look surprised in a positive, neutral, or negative manner?
> Give the various kappa we pass by a sizeable smile.
> Could we leave a note with Aoi without disrupting her business?
-
> Do they look surprised in a positive, neutral, or negative manner?
> Give the various kappa we pass by a sizeable smile.
> Could we leave a note with Aoi without disrupting her business?
>Some positive, some neutral.
>You probably can give her a note.
>_
-
> From a respectful distance, write a note:
> "When you're done for the day, if you have the time, please swing by my place. I have a request/proposition/opportunity I want to chat with you about."
> Then leave the note somewhere out-of-the-way-but-still-noticeable on Aoi's cart.
-
> From a respectful distance, write a note:
> "When you're done for the day, if you have the time, please swing by my place. I have a request/proposition/opportunity I want to chat with you about."
> Then leave the note somewhere out-of-the-way-but-still-noticeable on Aoi's cart.
>You keep your distance, then scribble out a quick note and leave it on her cart's countertop. Without bothering her as she prepares a few cucumbers for her customers.
>_
-
> ...Did she see us place it?
> If not, blink, then pull it back, sign our name to it, and re-place it.
> Then head to the gambling den.
-
> ...Did she see us place it?
> If not, blink, then pull it back, sign our name to it, and re-place it.
> Then head to the gambling den.
>You quickly append your name to the note, then depart.
>You leave the festival behind, and start to make your way around to the northern side of the mountain. The place isn't terribly far away, a little ways further up the mountain. The pathway there is well worn, making it easy to find the place though you haven't been there. The building itself is just a small place, not even as large as your warehouse, with a simple and unassuming paper doors. A few windows are propped open, and you can hear a babble of voices inside. The only think noteworthy is a silver smoking pipe hung by the door, shaped like a dragon's head.
>_
-
> Have we been in here before?
-
> Have we been in here before?
>You have not.
>_
-
> Enter!
-
> Enter!
>You open the door and step inside.
>The interior is more spacious than you expected, as there is no furniture, just a a few scattered low tables and a few candelabras to provide light. There's a few yamawaro scattered about, as well as some tengu of the crow and white wolf varieties. A few other youkai are peppered among the crowd, you notice a couple of tanuki in particular, but you get the feeling there the clientele is on the lighter side today. In particular, you only see a couple of kappa here; most of them are probably at the festival.
>A tall woman with long purple hair tied in a ponytail with a yellow bow, approaches you. Dressed in a red jacket with a darker red top, and a layer purple skirt and carrying a long smoking pipe, she is easy to distinguish from the rest of the clientele. "Welcome," she says. "What amusement would you like me to direct you toward this evening?"
>_
-
>Anyone here that we recognize?
> Look up at her.
> "Uh...I was hoping to offer an event for people to gamble on."
-
>Anyone here that we recognize?
> Look up at her.
> "Uh...I was hoping to offer an event for people to gamble on."
>There might be. You think you recognize your neighbor Miori among the kappa here.
>"Oh?" she says, raising an eyebrow. "I did not expect that. What do you have in mind, I wonder?"
>_
-
> "Well, so, I'm going to be in a rocket launching contest with the Scarlet Devil Mansion within the next day or two. We're competing to see who can bring back the most valuable object in our respective explorations of space, with value judged by a neutral third party."
-
> "Well, so, I'm going to be in a rocket launching contest with the Scarlet Devil Mansion within the next day or two. We're competing to see who can bring back the most valuable object in our respective explorations of space, with value judged by a neutral third party."
>She purses her lips, then takes a slow puff from her pipe. Blowing the smoke off to the side, she eventually says, "I may have understood about half of those words. Could you perhaps say it one more time, a little more simply? As I understand, you are in some kind of competition with Scarlet Devil Mansion? A treasure hunt?"
>_
-
> "More or less, yeah. It's taking place in space."
-
> "More or less, yeah. It's taking place in space."
>She takes another puff from her pipe, less slow and deliberate this time. "Intiguing. And you would like me to run odds on it?"
>_
-
> Nod.
> "I can give you whatever details I have that you might want."
-
> Nod.
> "I can give you whatever details I have that you might want."
>"The best I can give is an even 50/50 odds," she says. "I doubt anyone could divine the likelihood of either of your plans working to perfection, before we can start to speak about what treasures you may find. I am not sure how my clientele will take to it."
>_
-
> "That's fine by me. If you're looking to spruce things up a bit, you could always have different things to bet on aside from the winner, like who comes back first."
-
> "That's fine by me. If you're looking to spruce things up a bit, you could always have different things to bet on aside from the winner, like who comes back first."
>She gives a nod. "I was about to suggest just the same. There a small difficulty in that I do not know what would be valid to open stakes upon. And how long should we expect this to last?"
>_
-
> "Patchouli requested three weeks, so you'd have that much time from first launch. We did agree on allowing for returns to Earth, so you could open bets on how many returns we each make, or who makes more. Flight crew are also allowed, so you could open bets on who specifically finds the winning object. Though I don't know who will be in their crew, and I haven't even finalized mine, so you'd probably need to make that one a 'known person versus the field' bet."
-
> "Patchouli requested three weeks, so you'd have that much time from first launch. We did agree on allowing for returns to Earth, so you could open bets on how many returns we each make, or who makes more. Flight crew are also allowed, so you could open bets on who specifically finds the winning object. Though I don't know who will be in their crew, and I haven't even finalized mine, so you'd probably need to make that one a 'known person versus the field' bet."
>She gives small nods as you talk, taking another puff on her pipe. "I fear it's still over my head," she says, letting smoke trail from her mouth in a thin wisp, "but I understand within three weeks, it will be done one way or the other. The crew part, perhaps we can open that once you've set off? Whether or not you return in the interim, hm. What do you think the of that likelihood would be?"
>_
-
> "Right, that. I can't say for sure what I'll do, because the possibility of returning before I'd finished hadn't even occurred to me. On the other hand, Patchouli proposed it in a way that implied they had already planned return trips as part of whatever they're doing."
-
> "Right, that. I can't say for sure what I'll do, because the possibility of returning before I'd finished hadn't even occurred to me. On the other hand, Patchouli proposed it in a way that implied they had already planned return trips as part of whatever they're doing."
>She nods. "I think I can work with this. Is there, perhaps, a public announcement I could reference for this?"
>_
-
> Which reporter tengu do we dislike the least?
> "Not yet, but we did only just agree to doing this a little bit ago. I can probably look into having something done up. It's not like this mountain is lacking in tengu, after all."
-
> Which reporter tengu do we dislike the least?
> "Not yet, but we did only just agree to doing this a little bit ago. I can probably look into having something done up. It's not like this mountain is lacking in tengu, after all."
>It's a toss-up, really. You suppose the Kakashi woman is less likely to directly interfere with your business? But she might not be as good...
>She nods. "If you can get me that, and I should have no problem. Without some kind of announcement, it will be hard to create much interest in the event."
>_
-
> "You got it, Madame. Thanks for being willing to set this up on such short notice."
-
> "You got it, Madame. Thanks for being willing to set this up on such short notice."
>"It's an interesting opportunity," she says. "Thank you for considering my establishment."
>_
-
> Nod.
> "Of course. Have a prosperous evening."
> Exit the gambling hall.
> Then make our way toward tengu territory. Travel on foot if it's not a long walk; travel by air if it is.
-
> Nod.
> "Of course. Have a prosperous evening."
> Exit the gambling hall.
> Then make our way toward tengu territory. Travel on foot if it's not a long walk; travel by air if it is.
>In theory it's not much of a distance, but it is quite a bit of elevation. You elect to fly, moving upward, it doesn't take terribly long for the expected to happen, when a patrol of tengu start to approach you. As if their custom with a lone non-belligerent, they send out a single person to warn you away, ah, it's Momiji.
>"You've been zipping around all afternoon," she says. "What's going on?"
>_
-
> "The usual. Prepping a space rocket launch, challenging the Scarlet Devil Mansion to a contest, getting my hair done. You like?"
> Wiggle our head a little bit to show off our new look.
-
>It's a toss-up, really. You suppose the Kakashi woman is less likely to directly interfere with your business? But she might not be as good...
>She nods. "If you can get me that, and I should have no problem. Without some kind of announcement, it will be hard to create much interest in the event."
>_
> So are we more familiar with Aya, then?
> What about her""level of direct nterference"?
> Her latest involvements and current status?
-
> "The usual. Prepping a space rocket launch, challenging the Scarlet Devil Mansion to a contest, getting my hair done. You like?"
> Wiggle our head a little bit to show off our new look.
>"That was going to be the next question," Momiji says. "Is that real?"
> So are we more familiar with Aya, then?
> What about her""level of direct nterference"?
> Her latest involvements and current status?
>You've encountered her more, at least. What she's up to now, you have no idea.
>_
-
> "Feel for yourself."
> Turn our head so one of our ponytails is 'facing' Momiji.
-
> "Feel for yourself."
> Turn our head so one of our ponytails is 'facing' Momiji.
>"...Not now," Momiji says. "It's not professional. I really want to interrogate you about that hair, but right now I'm supposed to ask what you're doing coming up this way."
>_
-
> "Oh, that's easy."
> Whip out our notebook.
> Speak: "Gotta get the word spread that I'm having a rocket launch contest with the Scarlet Devil Mansion, and that people will have the opportunity to bet on it in that gambling den on the north side of the mountain. Y'all got reporters out the wazoo, I'm sure you can spare some."
> Write while speaking: "Medicine seller in Human Village. Ingredients expensive. Hair temporary. Cute enough to be worth it."
-
> "Oh, that's easy."
> Whip out our notebook.
> Speak: "Gotta get the word spread that I'm having a rocket launch contest with the Scarlet Devil Mansion, and that people will have the opportunity to bet on it in that gambling den on the north side of the mountain. Y'all got reporters out the wazoo, I'm sure you can spare some."
> Write while speaking: "Medicine seller in Human Village. Ingredients expensive. Hair temporary. Cute enough to be worth it."
>You scribble down a note for Momiji as you speak. "I guess we could bother someone about it. Though if it were actually newsworthy, they'd already be sniffing around."
>_
-
> "Well, it did only just happen, so word might not have spread far enough yet for them to know it's happening at all. Plus the market god and gambling hall madame both have a stake in this getting notoriety, so it'd be poor form if I didn't at least try to expedite the process."
> Rip the note out of the pad, fold it in half once, and offer it to Momiji.
-
> "Well, it did only just happen, so word might not have spread far enough yet for them to know it's happening at all. Plus the market god and gambling hall madame both have a stake in this getting notoriety, so it'd be poor form if I didn't at least try to expedite the process."
> Rip the note out of the pad, fold it in half once, and offer it to Momiji.
>"Okay, sure," Momiji says. "I guess you have been making a lot of progress with that thing, lately. So, I'll be honest with you, it's late enough in my shift that I don't want to have to bother with the reports for letting you in. So how about I just pass a message to whoever you want, and we'll see if they care enough to peek in?"
>You accepts the note, glances at it, and raises and eyebrow, then shrugs.
>_
-
> "That's fine by me. I'll take whoever you're willing to tell. Kakashi, Bunbunmaru, anyone else you think might be worth telling. You can just point 'em in the direction of the village, I have no plans to wander very far from it for the rest of the night. And if you yourself want to drop by in your free time, you know you're always welcome to."
-
> "That's fine by me. I'll take whoever you're willing to tell. Kakashi, Bunbunmaru, anyone else you think might be worth telling. You can just point 'em in the direction of the village, I have no plans to wander very far from it for the rest of the night. And if you yourself want to drop by in your free time, you know you're always welcome to."
>"Maybe I will," Momiji says today. "What's for dinner?"
>_
-
> Blink.
> "...I should probably figure out something to eat, huh. Well, I guess I did just have some of Aoi's braised cucumbers, so it would make sense I wasn't thinking about it. Right, yeah, today's a festival day, so you'll have a wide selection to choose from."
-
> Blink.
> "...I should probably figure out something to eat, huh. Well, I guess I did just have some of Aoi's braised cucumbers, so it would make sense I wasn't thinking about it. Right, yeah, today's a festival day, so you'll have a wide selection to choose from."
>"Well, if you're treating..." Momiji says.
>_
-
> Eugh...
> "...Yeah, I can handle that."
-
> Eugh...
> "...Yeah, I can handle that."
>"Sure, I'll be down after I'm done here!" she says.
>_
-
> "Great. Looking forward to good news."
-
> "Great. Looking forward to good news."
>"We'll see about that," says Momiji, "But I'm sure someone will be down there."
>_
-
> Nod.
> "I'll leave you to finish your shift, then."
-
> Nod.
> "I'll leave you to finish your shift, then."
>"Leave the bay door open for me," she says.
>_
-
> "You got it. See you later."
> Head back toward our home.
> How much would we trust leaving the bay door unlocked?
-
> "You got it. See you later."
> Head back toward our home.
> How much would we trust leaving the bay door unlocked?
>You make your way back home.
>You'd trust it just fine, as long as you're home to make sure no one gets in. While theft and sabotage are pretty rare in kappa village, it's not unheard of.
>You make your way back home, passing over the festival, which is still in full swing; the prismrivers' music easily reaches you from the air along the way.
>_
-
> Head back inside and grab 10☼ in order to brace for one final expense for the evening.
-
> Head back inside and grab 10☼ in order to brace for one final expense for the evening.
>You head inside to grab some extra money. It's not that the amount hurts, it is the thousand cuts of the day.
>Getting the money from your savings, you return to the workshop part of your warehouse in time to catch a distinctive camera flash through one of the windows.
>_
-
> Given the angle, could it have possibly been a shot of our unmentionables?
> Give a light wave to the window.
> "Coming!"
> Head back outside in anticipation of getting a face full of crow.
-
> Given the angle, could it have possibly been a shot of our unmentionables?
> Give a light wave to the window.
> "Coming!"
> Head back outside in anticipation of getting a face full of crow.
>Naw, unless she's got some new technique that lets her take pictures at angles the lenses isn't pointed.
>You head back outside and find Aya waiting there, arms crossed, camera in one hand, smiling down at you. "So word has it you also have a top secret project in the works?" she says. "Care to comment?"
>_
-
> Do we have anything going right now other than the rocket?
> Is she in reach, or is she floating too high above us?
> If she's floating above us, is her underwear visible?
-
> Do we have anything going right now other than the rocket?
> Is she in reach, or is she floating too high above us?
> If she's floating above us, is her underwear visible?
>Nothing really in the showing other people stages, at least.
>She's within reach; she's on the ground. Just she is taller than you, and has those geta tengu favor.
>_
-
> How attractive is Aya?
> "I assume you mean the rocket? It isn't going to be any kind of secret for much longer, that's for sure."
-
> How attractive is Aya?
> "I assume you mean the rocket? It isn't going to be any kind of secret for much longer, that's for sure."
>She's not bad, really.
>"Go on, go on," she says, as she puts the camera away and pulls a notepad.
>_
-
> "Sure, sure. C'mon in. You can leave the door open, I'm expecting other company."
> Head back inside our warehouse.
> Assuming Aya followed us in, gesture at the (incomplete) rocket.
> "Here she is, the vehicle for my greatest venture into space!"
-
> "Sure, sure. C'mon in. You can leave the door open, I'm expecting other company."
> Head back inside our warehouse.
> Assuming Aya followed us in, gesture at the (incomplete) rocket.
> "Here she is, the vehicle for my greatest venture into space!"
>You show her the Rocket.
>Largely, it is finished. The main engine is out right now, due to needing that part and a power source, but otherwise it is about ready to wheel out. The main bulk of it rests on a support scaffold, which can lower the rocket sideways, so as to get it through the bay door easily. While parts for your previous model have been worked into it, it is quite a bit larger, to attest to its much greater range and carrying capacity. The outside of made of a combination of wood and salvaged scrap metal, to balance weight with resilience. Like your prior model, the ship itself has been fitted with retractable sails to catch the updrafts and solar winds once you get far enough from Gensokyo.
>Aya paces around it, pulling out her camera again and snapping a few pictures. "Ooh, snazzy," she says. "Can you walk me through the details on this?"
>_
-
> Aya was in jail for the previous launch, right?
> "You want the technical details or the voyage plans?"
-
> Aya was in jail for the previous launch, right?
> "You want the technical details or the voyage plans?"
>Yep. And you're pretty sure Hatate was probably occupied by that whole severe drought thing,
>"Both, if you would?" Aya says.
>_
-
> "Sure."
> Launch into a spiel on the engineering workings of the rocket, including what the incomplete parts will do once they're complete. Make sure to upsell the marvels of our genius engineering at a few contextually-appropriate times, but also don't give away any trade secrets we don't feel comfortable sharing, given we know this'll appear in Gensokyo's widest-ranging newspaper.
-
> "Sure."
> Launch into a spiel on the engineering workings of the rocket, including what the incomplete parts will do once they're complete. Make sure to upsell the marvels of our genius engineering at a few contextually-appropriate times, but also don't give away any trade secrets we don't feel comfortable sharing, given we know this'll appear in Gensokyo's widest-ranging newspaper.
>The good news is that Aya is clearly over her head with this; you don't think she'll be giving away any trade secrets. And least not intentionally. She does ask the occasional question, usually pretty good ones. Some are just groanworthy, everyone knows those things. She does take notes, so you assume she'll get the basics right.
>"Now, what are you planning to do in the heavens, exactly?" she says.
>_
-
> "Well, originally, my goal was to go as far as I could. But things have changed a little bit. The Scarlet Devil Mansion is launching their own rocket soon, so we agreed on a bit of a friendly competition, where the winner is whoever brings back the most valuable object. So while I still want to see how far I can go, I'll be doing some treasure hunting while I'm up there."
-
> "Well, originally, my goal was to go as far as I could. But things have changed a little bit. The Scarlet Devil Mansion is launching their own rocket soon, so we agreed on a bit of a friendly competition, where the winner is whoever brings back the most valuable object. So while I still want to see how far I can go, I'll be doing some treasure hunting while I'm up there."
>Aya nods. "Any idea what you expect to find?"
>_
-
> "No clue."
> Grin.
> "And that's the fun and wonder of it all! There's so much unknown out there that just cries out to be discovered and known, and what kind of genius would I be if I didn't oblige it? I'm sure you, of all people in Gensokyo, understand the thrill of the intellectual hunt."
-
> "No clue."
> Grin.
> "And that's the fun and wonder of it all! There's so much unknown out there that just cries out to be discovered and known, and what kind of genius would I be if I didn't oblige it? I'm sure you, of all people in Gensokyo, understand the thrill of the intellectual hunt."
>"You don't need to explain it to me," Aya says, writing a few more notes. "But surely you have some kind of plan?"
>_
-
> "Well, of course. But I'm not going to describe it somewhere that my opponents may read it tomorrow morning. Nothing against you, of course, I trust you understand."
-
> "Well, of course. But I'm not going to describe it somewhere that my opponents may read it tomorrow morning. Nothing against you, of course, I trust you understand."
>"Of course, of course," she says. "But surely there's something you can hint?"
>_
-
> What were our plans once we got up there, again? Before this whole contest thing.
-
> What were our plans once we got up there, again? Before this whole contest thing.
>You haven't mapped a route out yet. You ought to do it that once it's properly dark. Past that, once you got up there, you were largely just going to putter around a bit? You haven't wholly decided; you figured that would come once you charted a course and saw what was really up there.
>_
-
> Frown a bit.
> "Okay, honestly, I don't have it down yet. That was tonight's plan once it gets dark."
-
> Frown a bit.
> "Okay, honestly, I don't have it down yet. That was tonight's plan once it gets dark."
>She gives a nod and a smile, every inch of her nonjudgmental. Whether than is genuine or not is difficult to determine.
>"What challenges do you anticipate having to face," she says. "Aside from possible mechanical issues?"
>_
-
> "Hmm. Well, the unknown is always its own challenge. There could be just about anything up there. For all I know, there's an evil space version of myself out there somewhere. Beyond that, it seems like the Scarlet Devil Mansion has been planning their own launch for quite some time, so I have to consider what their side's negotiations regarding this competition imply about their strengths. I think everyone knows Patchouli in particular would never fly blind into something like this. I'm also still working on enlisting a co-pilot or two; so far I have one request being considered by the person I asked, and one, uh...idea shot down by an acquaintance of the person I intended to ask, let's say. So the longer that takes, the less time I have to organize with whoever is coming with me."
-
> "Hmm. Well, the unknown is always its own challenge. There could be just about anything up there. For all I know, there's an evil space version of myself out there somewhere. Beyond that, it seems like the Scarlet Devil Mansion has been planning their own launch for quite some time, so I have to consider what their side's negotiations regarding this competition imply about their strengths. I think everyone knows Patchouli in particular would never fly blind into something like this. I'm also still working on enlisting a co-pilot or two; so far I have one request being considered by the person I asked, and one, uh...idea shot down by an acquaintance of the person I intended to ask, let's say. So the longer that takes, the less time I have to organize with whoever is coming with me."
>"Ah, how fascinating," she says. "Who is being considered?"
>_
-
> "The outstanding consideration is someone here in this village. The declination is someone outside this village that, from what I understand, has been to space before. I don't really want to say much more than that, partially because I don't want to risk pressuring them by putting their names out in public, and partially because I would rather not get hounded by requests to join me. Like, one of the co-pilot considerations I need to make is whether or not we can tolerate each other's presence in closed quarters for days at a time, and a bad combination of personalities could easily lead to disaster."
-
> "The outstanding consideration is someone here in this village. The declination is someone outside this village that, from what I understand, has been to space before. I don't really want to say much more than that, partially because I don't want to risk pressuring them by putting their names out in public, and partially because I would rather not get hounded by requests to join me. Like, one of the co-pilot considerations I need to make is whether or not we can tolerate each other's presence in closed quarters for days at a time, and a bad combination of personalities could easily lead to disaster."
>"Ah, that makes sense," says Aya. "I'd love to know who they are, but your concerns do make sense. Hm, what can you tell me about your competition?"
>_
-
> "They clearly have a lot of confidence in themselves, and given who seemed to be specifically involved with the project, I'm sure they know what they're doing and have their own well-thought-out plans. That being said, I might have accidentally triggered a little bit of unrest while we negotiated contest details, which could give me a little bit of an extra edge. Not that I actively wish in-fighting on them, of course, or that I'm counting on inner turmoil as a bonus, but still. Their construction seemed to be happening outside when I visited; you might be able to see their work from the air."
-
> "They clearly have a lot of confidence in themselves, and given who seemed to be specifically involved with the project, I'm sure they know what they're doing and have their own well-thought-out plans. That being said, I might have accidentally triggered a little bit of unrest while we negotiated contest details, which could give me a little bit of an extra edge. Not that I actively wish in-fighting on them, of course, or that I'm counting on inner turmoil as a bonus, but still. Their construction seemed to be happening outside when I visited; you might be able to see their work from the air."
>Aya chuckles. "Oh, they would hate if I did that. We'll see~ And you can't say something like that and not expect a follow up question."
>_
-
> "Well...again, without naming names, I asked about the possibility of bringing one of their more notable residents on as an assistant for some time if I were to win. The individual in question objected to the idea, but others were fine with it."
> Frown a bit.
> "Things...got a little tense, and not in a fun way."
-
> "Well...again, without naming names, I asked about the possibility of bringing one of their more notable residents on as an assistant for some time if I were to win. The individual in question objected to the idea, but others were fine with it."
> Frown a bit.
> "Things...got a little tense, and not in a fun way."
>"Oh ho ho!" Aya smirks and writes down something. "Say no more. Didn't know you were interested in that one. A clever strategy, I must say."
>_
-
> Frown further.
> "Hey, it was really awkward! I'm already not that great in social situations, you know!"
-
> Frown further.
> "Hey, it was really awkward! I'm already not that great in social situations, you know!"
>She chuckles. "Alright, alright, we'll leave it at that. Do you have any closing comments?"
>_
-
> "A couple. One is that people should hit up the gambling house up here on the mountain if they can, the madame is organizing opportunities for betting on various outcomes to this contest. You'll want to make sure she gets a copy of this quickly if you can, by the way."
> "The other is that I hope people that take interest in this get their creative juices stirred. You don't have to be a genius inventor like to do amazing things! Everyone that feels the drive should reach for the stars, both metaphorical and literal."
-
> "A couple. One is that people should hit up the gambling house up here on the mountain if they can, the madame is organizing opportunities for betting on various outcomes to this contest. You'll want to make sure she gets a copy of this quickly if you can, by the way."
> "The other is that I hope people that take interest in this get their creative juices stirred. You don't have to be a genius inventor like to do amazing things! Everyone that feels the drive should reach for the stars, both metaphorical and literal."
>"Ah, inspiring, and profiteering" Aya says, as she writes quickly. "I think that should just about do for the article, if you don't have anything else to add?"
>_
-
> "Nothing I'd want in print, no."
-
> "Nothing I'd want in print, no."
>"And what would you want to add if I were not to print it?" she says.
>_
-
> Do Shameimaru and/or Himekaidou enlist us for repairs to their repsective cameras? If not, do we know who they go to?
> Give Aya a suspicious look.
-
> Do Shameimaru and/or Himekaidou enlist us for repairs to their repsective cameras? If not, do we know who they go to?
> Give Aya a suspicious look.
>You've fixed Aya's one before, some years back. She kind of shops around for whoever it is free when she needs it, as you understand.
>"What?" she says. "You say it like that, of course people are going to inquire."
>_
-
> Look uncertain for a moment, then look away a bit.
> "...Just co-pilot candidate musings. I'm not even sure I want to talk much about them off the record."
-
> Look uncertain for a moment, then look away a bit.
> "...Just co-pilot candidate musings. I'm not even sure I want to talk much about them off the record."
>"Having doubts, huh?" she says, as she turns to leave. "Well, I'll leave you to it. Wrestling information out of the Scarlets is going to be so much more difficult, anyways."
>_
-
> Inhale.
> Exhale.
> "...Would you want to go?"
-
> Inhale.
> Exhale.
> "...Would you want to go?"
>"Huh?" Aya says, stopping.
>_
-
> "Into space, I mean. Would you want to go?"
-
> "Into space, I mean. Would you want to go?"
>She blinks, then purses her lips. "Maybe. I might."
>_
-
> We probably don't have the rocket space for a total of four people including ourselves, do we?
-
> We probably don't have the rocket space for a total of four people including ourselves, do we?
>You do not. Three people would be pushing it, and that's if everyone gets along well.
>_
-
> "Alright. If you're still interested tomorrow, stop by in the morning. I should know by then if there's room."
-
> "Alright. If you're still interested tomorrow, stop by in the morning. I should know by then if there's room."
>"I'll keep that in mind," she says, as she takes to the air. "Later!"
>_
-
> "Later!"
> Watch her leave, keeping half an eye and half an ear out for anyone else that might approach.
-
> "Later!"
> Watch her leave, keeping half an eye and half an ear out for anyone else that might approach.
>You watch Aya depart, and notice someone coming up the way. Ah, it seems to be Aoi.
>_
-
> Give her a wave and a smile.
> "Hey there!"
-
> Give her a wave and a smile.
> "Hey there!"
>She waves back, hurrying toward the door. "You needed something?"
>_
-
> "Yeah! Come on in, and thanks for taking the time."
> Go back inside the warehouse, leaving the entrance open for Aoi to come inside as well.
-
> "Yeah! Come on in, and thanks for taking the time."
> Go back inside the warehouse, leaving the entrance open for Aoi to come inside as well.
>The kappa follows you inside, glancing around the main area of your workshop.
>_
-
> "So I wanted to ask you about this."
> Gesture to the rocket.
> "Specifically, I'm planning on a launch soon. This has been a hobby project that just recently turned into a friendly competition with the Scarlet Devil Mansion, where we're going to venture into space and bring something valuable back."
-
> "So I wanted to ask you about this."
> Gesture to the rocket.
> "Specifically, I'm planning on a launch soon. This has been a hobby project that just recently turned into a friendly competition with the Scarlet Devil Mansion, where we're going to venture into space and bring something valuable back."
>She looks at the rocket and nods. "Right."
>_
-
> "Now, I theoretically could do this by myself. But even before the competition agreement, I had thought it would be more fun with a co-pilot or two, and now that there's a competition aspect, the extra eyes would be beneficial there as well. Is that something that would interest you?"
-
> "Now, I theoretically could do this by myself. But even before the competition agreement, I had thought it would be more fun with a co-pilot or two, and now that there's a competition aspect, the extra eyes would be beneficial there as well. Is that something that would interest you?"
>"What's the catch?" she says. "You don't just make that kind of offer at random."
>_
-
> "There isn't really one, aside from the time commitment. And willingness to follow my instructions in case anything serious happens, I suppose."
-
> "There isn't really one, aside from the time commitment. And willingness to follow my instructions in case anything serious happens, I suppose."
>"Okay, but why?" she says.
>_
-
> "Well, because any theoretical co-pilot and I are going to be spending multiple days in pretty close quarters, so I'd much rather they be someone where we can both tolerate that."
-
> "Well, because any theoretical co-pilot and I are going to be spending multiple days in pretty close quarters, so I'd much rather they be someone where we can both tolerate that."
>"Well, that's one way to look at it," she says. "Hm. I guess it could be interesting."
>_
-
> "If it makes a difference, I've also asked Yua, as well as the Bunbunmaru reporter. Neither of them have committed either way yet."
-
> "If it makes a difference, I've also asked Yua, as well as the Bunbunmaru reporter. Neither of them have committed either way yet."
>"What do you plan to do if they say yes?" Aoi says. "I can just glance at that thing and tell you can't have four people in there."
>_
-
> "Aya's aware there may not be a spot for her. She was the third one I initiated contact with about this, so it's only fair she be third in line. It's also not impossible that I'll be making multiple trips, so we might shuffle people in and out if more than two people want to participate."
-
> "Aya's aware there may not be a spot for her. She was the third one I initiated contact with about this, so it's only fair she be third in line. It's also not impossible that I'll be making multiple trips, so we might shuffle people in and out if more than two people want to participate."
>"Okay, well, I'm kinda interested," she says. "Do I need to bring anything. Or, uh, grow out my hair?"
>_
-
> Chuckle.
> "You can grow your hair out if you want, but it's not necessary. This was pretty expensive, honestly."
> Wiggle our head a little bit.
> "As for what to bring, whatever you think you'd want is probably fine, as long as you keep the limited room in mind."
> What did we plan to do for sustenance while in space?
-
> Chuckle.
> "You can grow your hair out if you want, but it's not necessary. This was pretty expensive, honestly."
> Wiggle our head a little bit.
> "As for what to bring, whatever you think you'd want is probably fine, as long as you keep the limited room in mind."
> What did we plan to do for sustenance while in space?
>She watches your tails sway. "I bet. Impressive results, though! Glad you didn't have that earlier, someone might have stepped on them."
>"Alright, I'll try to keep it light."
>You've planned to bring provisions. Mostly cucumbers and rice, since they travel well.
>_
-
> "Thanks! There's a medicine seller in the Human Village that whipped up a concoction for me that did this. It's unfortunately not permanent, but I should be able to get at least a couple of weeks out of it."
-
> "Thanks! There's a medicine seller in the Human Village that whipped up a concoction for me that did this. It's unfortunately not permanent, but I should be able to get at least a couple of weeks out of it."
>"Oh, neat," she says. "I think I could do this, if you really wanted me to."
>_
-
> "I wouldn't have asked otherwise. Thanks for the consideration. Hmm, this all means I should probably give Yua an update on the situation, too..."
-
> "I wouldn't have asked otherwise. Thanks for the consideration. Hmm, this all means I should probably give Yua an update on the situation, too..."
>"Yua's...uh...the other longhaired girl who cam to your stand today, right?" Aoi says.
>_
-
> Does Aoi look confused (like she's trying to remember who Yua is), nervous, or something else?
> "Yeah, the watchmaker. You met her before today?"
-
> Does Aoi look confused (like she's trying to remember who Yua is), nervous, or something else?
> "Yeah, the watchmaker. You met her before today?"
>Definitely trying to put a face to the name.
>"Not really, but I kinda sorta know the name a little?" she says.
>_
-
> "Wanna go with me to see her tonight? I need to update her on the situation anyway, so it'd be an opportunity to meet her properly."
-
> "Wanna go with me to see her tonight? I need to update her on the situation anyway, so it'd be an opportunity to meet her properly."
>"I need to get back to the stand," she says.
>_
-
> "Oh, sorry, I thought you closed down for the night. Go ahead and get back to that, yeah."
-
> "Oh, sorry, I thought you closed down for the night. Go ahead and get back to that, yeah."
>She nods. "Okay, I'll see you, uh...when was it?"
>_
-
> "Hoping tomorrow. I still have some final work to do on it before it's fully ready."
-
> "Hoping tomorrow. I still have some final work to do on it before it's fully ready."
>"I'll be here," she says. "Anything I should bring?"
>You should have all the basics covered, you think. So it is a question of whether you want to request something.
>_
-
> "Hmm...I think I have all of the basics covered. I certainly wouldn't say no if you wanted to bring some of your cooking, but I get that that's literally how you make money, so I'm not going to demand you do that or anything."
-
> "Hmm...I think I have all of the basics covered. I certainly wouldn't say no if you wanted to bring some of your cooking, but I get that that's literally how you make money, so I'm not going to demand you do that or anything."
>"I guess someone has to cook, huh?" she says.
>As Aoi speaks, a songbird of some kind flies in through your bay door. Ugh, there's a reason you don't leave it open for too long. At least it's not a bat, though are a pain to chase out...
>_
-
> Do we know if Aya uses birds for investigative reasons?
> Is the way to the living section of our home blocked off so the bird can't get in there?
-
> Do we know if Aya uses birds for investigative reasons?
> Is the way to the living section of our home blocked off so the bird can't get in there?
>You've heard rumors to the effect, at least.
>Not really, there's open doors.
>_
-
> Frown while watching the bird.
> "Ah, crud..."
> Start going around closing the doors to the living area.
> "If you're willing to cook, that'd be great."
-
> Frown while watching the bird.
> "Ah, crud..."
> Start going around closing the doors to the living area.
> "If you're willing to cook, that'd be great."
>The bird lands on your main workbench. It is carrying a card in its beak, which its sets onto the bench.
>"Yeah, that's no problem," Aoi says, idly watching your intruder.
>The bird drops the card on your workbench, hops around a few times, then takes to the air once more, flying back outside.
>_
-
> Look mildly concern-confused. Is this Shameimaru's doing? Are those rumors true...?
> Walk over to the card and have a look at it.
-
> Look mildly concern-confused. Is this Shameimaru's doing? Are those rumors true...?
> Walk over to the card and have a look at it.
>The card seems to be styled like a playing card. A rainbow is lovingly depicted on it, stretching over a stylized mountain landscape. It seems that Chimata has considered the bargain put into motion enough to contribute her end of it.
>_
-
> So this is our fuel, so to speak?
-
> So this is our fuel, so to speak?
>It is, you are pretty sure. Probably more convenient than having Lady Tenkyuu come and pour in the necessarily power herself.
>_
-
> "Oh. Ohhhh."
> Show Aoi the card with a grin.
> "Our fuel just arrived."
-
> "Oh. Ohhhh."
> Show Aoi the card with a grin.
> "Our fuel just arrived."
>"Huh?" she says, looking at the card, adjusting her glasses, then frowning.
>_
-
> "A delivery of goods from a divine benefactor."
-
> "A delivery of goods from a divine benefactor."
>"Huh, okay," she says, clearly not getting it but seemingly willing to go along with it.
>_
-
> "She's actually right here on this mountain, though you have to dodge around the war games to get to her. You might get to meet her yourself some time, being a business owner yourself. But yeah, speaking of, get back to your stall if you need to. We can talk more tomorrow."
-
> "She's actually right here on this mountain, though you have to dodge around the war games to get to her. You might get to meet her yourself some time, being a business owner yourself. But yeah, speaking of, get back to your stall if you need to. We can talk more tomorrow."
>"Right, okay," says Aoi, as she steps out. "Until then!"
>_
-
> How was/is Aoi's figure, anyway?
> "Have a good one!"
-
> How was/is Aoi's figure, anyway?
> "Have a good one!"
>Nothing to write home about, really.
>You are left alone. For all of a minute, before you hear more footsteps, and Momiji appears around the bend. "Hey!" she calls.
>_
-
> "Hey! I swear, it's like everyone organized beforehand so you'd all get your own separate turns with me. Not that I mind not having to entertain different guests here for different reasons, of course."
-
> "Hey! I swear, it's like everyone organized beforehand so you'd all get your own separate turns with me. Not that I mind not having to entertain different guests here for different reasons, of course."
>"You invited me, you know," Momiji says, as she walks into your workshop. "Oh, so that's the thing, right?"
>_
-
> "It is! And I just got my fuel source and one co-pilot agreement, so all that's left is some final tune-ups and plotting a travel path tonight."
-
> "It is! And I just got my fuel source and one co-pilot agreement, so all that's left is some final tune-ups and plotting a travel path tonight."
>"It's all coming together so quickly," Momiji says as she examines the rocket. "So you'll be lifting off tomorrow?"
>_
-
> "That's the hope."
-
> "That's the hope."
>She nods. "I'll see about coming around every so often and making sure faeries haven't broken in or anything."
>_
-
> "That'd be greatly appreciated. I'd invite you along, but I imagine getting the time off on such short notice would be really difficult."
-
> "That'd be greatly appreciated. I'd invite you along, but I imagine getting the time off on such short notice would be really difficult."
>"Completely impossible," she says. "I wouldn't want to be stuck in there, anyways. So, we going to get dinner?"
>_
-
> "Sure. Aoi left shortly before you arrived, so hopefully she's got her stand up and running again."
-
> "Sure. Aoi left shortly before you arrived, so hopefully she's got her stand up and running again."
>"What's she selling?" says Momiji.
>_
-
> "Braised cucumbers, and they're great. Already had some earlier today, have no problem having more."
-
> "Braised cucumbers, and they're great. Already had some earlier today, have no problem having more."
>"Sounds alright, but maybe we ought to look around a bit more?" Momiji says.
>_
-
> How on- or off-limits are Momiji's wolf features, e.g. scratching behind her ears or stroking her tail?
> "Sure, if you want. There's a crepe maker right next to her, just for one thing."
-
> How on- or off-limits are Momiji's wolf features, e.g. scratching behind her ears or stroking her tail?
> "Sure, if you want. There's a crepe maker right next to her, just for one thing."
>It's about like someone scratching behind your ears.
>"Oh, that sounds nice."
>_
-
> Have we ever done either of those things to her?
> Do we know how she feels about the ideas in general?
-
> Have we ever done either of those things to her?
> Do we know how she feels about the ideas in general?
>No.
>You know she doesn't like being regarded as a dog rather than a tengu. You expect she wouldn't want anyone she wasn't extremely close doing that.
>_
-
> "There's probably even more than that, I just haven't really investigated all that much. So no time for that like the present! Let's get out of here."
> Head outside, closing up our house once we're both out. Then guide Momiji to roughly where we set up shop earlier!
-
> "There's probably even more than that, I just haven't really investigated all that much. So no time for that like the present! Let's get out of here."
> Head outside, closing up our house once we're both out. Then guide Momiji to roughly where we set up shop earlier!
>"I figure there's got to be something," she says.
>You close up and head back toward the festival. The crepes start is going strong; Aoi's stand is opened with a decent line, but it seems like she is in the process of getting a batch of cucumbers braised up to serve. The Prismrivers are currently taking a break.
>_
-
> "Here we are! You can take the lead from here, you're taller and better at seeing things than me, so find something you like."
-
> "Here we are! You can take the lead from here, you're taller and better at seeing things than me, so find something you like."
>"Anything you're interested in?" Momiji says, as she glances around.
>_
-
> "Nah, I trust ya."
-
> "Nah, I trust ya."
>"Let's see, uh. there's a stand doing rice balls, another doing grilled chicken, I think there might be an octopus ball place down the way? There's gotta be some grilled fish, too."
>_
-
> Do we have any established preferences toward or away from any of those options (including the grilled fish option)?
> Do we know if Momiji has any established preferences toward or away from any of those options (including the grilled fish option)?
-
> Do we have any established preferences toward or away from any of those options (including the grilled fish option)?
> Do we know if Momiji has any established preferences toward or away from any of those options (including the grilled fish option)?
>Only you can answer this.
>You aren't sure, but you think she's probably naming things she'd be interested in.
>_
-
> What would we estimate are the costs of these options relative to each other? We don't need currency amounts, just 'this is probably more expensive than that' comparisons.
-
> What would we estimate are the costs of these options relative to each other? We don't need currency amounts, just 'this is probably more expensive than that' comparisons.
>Octopus will be the pricy one, that has to be brought in from the Sanzu River. Rice balls will be the cheap option unless they are doing something highly fancy.
>_
-
> "I could go for some chicken or fish if you're interested in those."
-
> "I could go for some chicken or fish if you're interested in those."
>"Fish it is," Momiji says, as she heads deeper into the festival.
>_
-
> ...Wait, did we keep any money on ourselves?
-
> ...Wait, did we keep any money on ourselves?
>You grabbed a little previously.
>_
-
> Follow that tengu!
-
> Follow that tengu!
>You follow, only for Momiji to stop suddenly, dead.
>A moment later, you are find out why, as a kobito grabs into your sleeve, straight razor in hand.