Maidens of the Kaleidoscope
~Beyond the Border~ => Rumia's Party Games => Topic started by: Tom on May 28, 2023, 07:00:02 PM
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> Seija Quest Part 3
> You're Seija Kijin the rebellious Amanojaku.
> Tonight you were supposed to be accompanying Shinmyoumaru to the Full Moon Festival at the Hakurei Shrine, to help her feel a little more comfortable around these powerful and influential humans and Youkai. She's pretty much your only ally in Gensokyo who hasn't forgotten you after your exile so you accepted helping her, even though you're an Amanojaku.
> However while walking up the long stairway to the Hakurei Shrine you spotted one of Aya's newspapers under the shrine's gate and the headline caught your attention, it read:
A Competition among Gensokyans
To Fulfill all Ten Desires
Wealth? Knowledge? Prestige? Magic? Longevity? Any one of them can be yours~
Whoever can successfully cause an Incident without being caught will have their
greatest wish fulfilled~!
Everyone interested should gather at the Hakurei Shrine Grounds at Sunset.
Also in this Bunbunmaru issue:
>Another year of excellent crop yields thanks to Minoriko's blessings. (Page 2)
>The Kraken confirmed!? Eyewitness reports from fishermen about strange sightings
under Misty Lake's surface! (Page 3)
>Reading Tarot Cards 101! 5 cards link you to your past, present and future, according
to an expert. But which cards provide the highest accuracy of readings? We compare results
from 5 different sets of cards across 30 individuals. (Page 4)
>An exclusive interview with Village Physician Unshou about the health benefits of
smoked herring, a village delicacy. (Page 5)
> The details about this competition were revealed during the Full Moon Festival. A doll named Iris claimed that incidents have become mere nuisances and troublemakers are only dealt a simple slap on the wrist for causing them by a weak, misled by Youkai Hakurei Maiden. Iris has promised that whoever causes a successful unresolved incident will get their greatest wish fulfilled, thus sparking conflict among the major forces in Gensokyo.
> The first incident happened shortly after Iris' announcement when the Hakurei Shrine was thoroughly destroyed by Mima with the assistance of Marisa and Yuuka.
// Since this quest is "chapter-ized" into different incidents full summaries won't be included for each one, though they are linked below:
> First Incident - The Hakurei Shrine destroyed once more: Thread 1 Thread 2
> After the incident's conclusion Seija invited Reimu to spend the night at the Shining Needle Castle as Iris repaired the Hakurei Shrine.
> Following concerns from the librarian and princess, Mokou spent the next day investigating Alice for a possible connection to the doll Iris. This unfortunately was inconclusive though some potentially interesting communications were found.
> After having met the librarian Patchouli during the Full Moon Festival (and subsequent incident) she quickly took interest in you and invited you to visit her at the Scarlet Devil Mansion's library (this is where you are now!).
> After an excruciatingly long walk through endless identical looking aisles the bookshelves open up into a rectangular area. Several pieces or what looks like magical research equipment are set up along the edges of the "room" and in the center is a large round table with stacks of books taller than the Hakurei Shrine!
> The librarian approaches a dismantled Iris doll and gestures at it. "Koakuma only finished taking it apart before you arrived, not only is Iris tough to knock out but the dolls are very tricky to take apart without setting off the gunpowder. We can consider Mima very lucky to be an evil spirit..."
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> "Damn, wow."
> Have a curious look over the pieces.
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> "Damn, wow."
> Have a curious look over the pieces.
> There's a small pile of gunpowder in a glass box, various pieces of doll clothing among a few springs and screws.
> Patchouli points at the gunpowder "Unlike the puppeteer's dolls which are connected to her through magical strings, Iris dolls either have some degree of autonomy or are telepathically controlled... While autonomous dolls may sound far fetched, as research in that field was never pursued seriously it does seem more plausible than one individual being able to telepathically control tens of these with precision needed to give Koakuma and I trouble taking them down..."
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> "Hmm. Some of those pieces look pretty tiny"
> Pull the coin back out.
> "Do you think that trick I showed you yesterday would help you investigate them up close? Or do you think you've learned everything you can from them already?"
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> "Hmm. Some of those pieces look pretty tiny"
> Pull the coin back out.
> "Do you think that trick I showed you yesterday would help you investigate them up close? Or do you think you've learned everything you can from them already?"
> Her eyes sparkle "That ... is indeed an interesting ability. I assigned Koakuma last night to locate our literature on transformative magic and the Oni species" she points at the two-story tall pyramid of books on the table "We were sifting through it this morning before we got rudely interrupted by a certain foul mouthed doll..."
> The librarian retrieves a notepad from the table and scribbles something down before pointing at your hand and eagerly asking "Let's see what you can do with that coin!"
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> "You got it. Here, hold it in front of you like yesterday if you don't mind."
> Offer the coin to Patchouli.
> If she takes it and holds it in front of her, stand somewhere open, and swap properties with the coin.
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> "You got it. Here, hold it in front of you like yesterday if you don't mind."
> Offer the coin to Patchouli.
> If she takes it and holds it in front of her, stand somewhere open, and swap properties with the coin.
> You switch places with the coin and end up on Patchouli's palm. Her eyes practically glow with excitement! The librarian casts a few spells with her free hand to examine the large coin behind you as she whispers to herself "I could use a familiar with such an ability...".
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> ...Let's ignore that 'familiar' comment for the time being. If we're gong to be in that relationship with anyone, we're going to be the dominant entity.
> "Do you want me to switch with you again, or are you content how you are?"
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> ...Let's ignore that 'familiar' comment for the time being. If we're gong to be in that relationship with anyone, we're going to be the dominant entity.
> "Do you want me to switch with you again, or are you content how you are?"
> She notes a few things down and asks "Could you show me what the largest objects you can transform are?"
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> "That depends on what you've got available."
> Undo the swap with the coin.
> "What's the largest thing you have here that's one single solid object, rather than a combination of smaller objects? Like, I couldn't transform with that entire pile of books you have going there, I could only do one book in it at a time."
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> "That depends on what you've got available."
> Undo the swap with the coin.
> "What's the largest thing you have here that's one single solid object, rather than a combination of smaller objects? Like, I couldn't transform with that entire pile of books you have going there, I could only do one book in it at a time."
> The librarian asks "Oh, so individual objects only? I wonder what constitutes an object tough..." as she flips pages in her notebook and sketches various patterns the spells she cast on the coin form.
> After a few minutes she stands up and whispers something into a book "I've asked my assistant to bring in some larger 'individual' objects to test with. While we wait could you explain what happens when you focus on an object to transform? Do you see something appear, do you "reach out" towards the object?" she asks eagerly
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> What do we remember of how it works from our experimentation yesterday? (Don't say anything about this yet.)
> Grin just a little bit.
> "So you're saying we have a time limit on how long we're going to be alone..."
> Advance on Patchouli in (what is hopefully) a non-threatening manner.
> "..and you want to know about things like that? Has our cute little librarian truly not considered...other ideas for what could be done without the presence of others?"
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> What do we remember of how it works from our experimentation yesterday? (Don't say anything about this yet.)
> Grin just a little bit.
> "So you're saying we have a time limit on how long we're going to be alone..."
> Advance on Patchouli in (what is hopefully) a non-threatening manner.
> "..and you want to know about things like that? Has our cute little librarian truly not considered...other ideas for what could be done without the presence of others?"
> The librarian is unfazed by your advances (you're tiny anyways!) and continues taking notes while commenting "Anything that contributes the greater pool of knowledge and magical science..."
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> (you're tiny anyways!)
> Did our undoing of the swap with the coin (https://www.shrinemaiden.com/index.php?topic=452.msg28596#msg28596) not happen?
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// Oops missed that!
> The librarian takes a step back while continuing to take notes and comments "Anything that contributes the greater pool of knowledge and magical science..."
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> What do we remember of how it works from our experimentation yesterday? (Don't say anything about this yet.)
> "That's fair. Though there are still things that can be done while your questions are answered and you take your notes~"
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> What do we remember of how it works from our experimentation yesterday? (Don't say anything about this yet.)
> "That's fair. Though there are still things that can be done while your questions are answered and you take your notes~"
> Patchouli rolls her eyes at the change of your tone of voice and persistence.
> Returning to her notes she comments "My interests are purely academic... that ability intrigues me which is why I wish to learn more about you."
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> Look slightly disappointed, then shake it off.
> "Very well, as you wish."
> "Anyway, I'm not really a scholar, so I probably can't provide details as fine as you'd like. From my perspective, I simply decide to swap properties with the object I'm targeting, and my magic makes it happen. I'm not even entirely sure what it looks like to someone else."
> Swap with the coin again, since she'll probably want to see us in action again.
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> Look slightly disappointed, then shake it off.
> "Very well, as you wish."
> "Anyway, I'm not really a scholar, so I probably can't provide details as fine as you'd like. From my perspective, I simply decide to swap properties with the object I'm targeting, and my magic makes it happen. I'm not even entirely sure what it looks like to someone else."
> Swap with the coin again, since she'll probably want to see us in action again.
> Patchouli casts some type of magic-sense spell that makes the air shimmer as you focus on the coin and changes color the moment the inversion happens.
> "Excellent!" she praises
> After casting a bubble barrier over the coin she asks you undo the switch to see if it will bypass the spell.
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> Try undoing the swap.
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> Try undoing the inversion.
> The bubble barrier shatters like broken glass with a loud piercing sound! "I-Impressive... I could only imagine it's applications in a danmaku duel..."
> She retrieves a star shaped pendant with a glowing red crystal in it's center from the table and hands it to you. "It's an elemental crystal, it enriches red magic and provides magical energy. When Koakuma returns with the larger objects I'd like to see if it enables focusing on larger objects than you could without it. It'll let me narrow down the types of magic being used based on whether it's affected or not!"
> Obtained: "Red Crystal Pendant" - Apparently enriches red magic and provides magical energy
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> "Sweet, thanks! Actually, with what you've said in mind, let me try something..."
> Focus on the pendant, try swapping with one of the stacks of books on the table. Make sure to try to swap with the entire stack at once, rather than any of the books individually. (if we feel like the swap is going to go through, but with only one of the books, then stop it so it doesn't go through.)
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> "Sweet, thanks! Actually, with what you've said in mind, let me try something..."
> Focus on the pendant, try swapping with one of the stacks of books on the table. Make sure to try to swap with the entire stack at once, rather than any of the books individually. (if we feel like the swap is going to go through, but with only one of the books, then stop it so it doesn't go through.)
> Wearing the pendant you find it easier to magically locate the books. You try and imagine them as a group held by gravity and succeed! You're now standing atop the table, taller than you've ever been before.
> "Fascinating..." the librarian absentmindedly comments as she examines the now smaller stack of books laying where you just stood.
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> "Whoa! That's certainly new."
> How large is Patchouli compared to the new us (or some specific part of the new us)?
> "So, for your notes, that felt like I was able to treat the stack as a single group, instead of a slew of individual books."
> Look around at the other stacks.
> "That makes me wonder how that can be applied...would it be okay if I built a different shape using a stack or two?"
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> "Whoa! That's certainly new."
> How large is Patchouli compared to the new us (or some specific part of the new us)?
> "So, for your notes, that felt like I was able to treat the stack as a single group, instead of a slew of individual books."
> Look around at the other stacks.
> "That makes me wonder how that can be applied...would it be okay if I built a different shape using a stack or two?"
> She claps and complements "Fantastic!"
> The librarian tries to pick up one of the now small books "I-I can't move it, it's as if weighs more than the whole stack!" before gesturing for you to continue and try different shapes.
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> Huh, interesting. How heavy do we feel, if we can tell? Report this information to Patchouli.
> Then, using whatever stacks we need, form a 4x4 grid of books on the floor as a base, and then pile the books in vertical stacks all along the edge of of the base but not in the middle, until we have we have something like a square silo with no roof that is tall enough to fit, say, one-and-a-half vertically-stacked Patchoulis inside.
> "There, that should do. Now, for the kicker...do you have anything handy that can float on its own and isn't a book that we could put inside this tower? If you'd be willing to go in there yourself, that would work great, but you don't have to."
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> Huh, interesting. How heavy do we feel, if we can tell? Report this information to Patchouli.
> Then, using whatever stacks we need, form a 4x4 grid of books on the floor as a base, and then pile the books in vertical stacks all along the edge of of the base but not in the middle, until we have we have something like a square silo with no roof that is tall enough to fit, say, one-and-a-half vertically-stacked Patchoulis inside.
> "There, that should do. Now, for the kicker...do you have anything handy that can float on its own and isn't a book that we could put inside this tower? If you'd be willing to go in there yourself, that would work great, but you don't have to."
> While assembling the stack of books you occasionally gaze at their titles and notice most are on transformative magic, some are on sensing magic while a few are on Oni history. One particular book catches your eye because you've seen it before... no you actually own an identical one. It's a history book that contains several sections on Oni-Inchling historical conflicts, the origins of the Miracle Mallet and the lineage of the Inchling royal family. Last you remember it was in your bedroom closet, you hope Shinmyoumaru didn't come across it while "redecorating" the castle...
> She laughs nervously "Maybe if I knew how all this worked I'd volunteer..." and enchants a book to float in mid air, allowing you to move it to the center of the square "cylinder" you built.
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> Chuckle.
> "You could always volunteer your assistant when she arrives, I suppose."
> Return to our previous spot on the table, and undo the swap with the stack of books.
> Then, focusing on the pendant, try swapping with the "cylinder" of books, imagining them as a group held together by gravity like before. Make sure to also imagine that the floating book is not part of the "cylinder" and is not held to any of the other books by gravity, since it is floating independently of them.
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> Chuckle.
> "You could always volunteer your assistant when she arrives, I suppose."
> Return to our previous spot on the table, and undo the swap with the stack of books.
> Then, focusing on the pendant, try swapping with the "cylinder" of books, imagining them as a group held together by gravity like before. Make sure to also imagine that the floating book is not part of the "cylinder" and is not held to any of the other books by gravity, since it is floating independently of them.
> You undo the switch try to imagine the "cylinder" of books as a single object, excluding the floating book inside. Upon swapping you find yourself standing in front of Patchouli noticing her eyes widen in shock. You reflexively glance around but spot nothing amiss?
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> Look to where we were. Is the cylinder there?
> Give our body a quick look-over without moving very much.
> If we still can't find anything wrong, ask: "What's wrong?"
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> Look to where we were. Is the cylinder there?
> It's on top of the table, about the same size as it was before only slightly smaller.
> Give our body a quick look-over without moving very much.
> You glance at yourself best you can without a mirror and notice nothing different.
> If we still can't find anything wrong, ask: "What's wrong?"
> Patchouli appears to either be too shocked or too absorbed in her notes to respond to your question.
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> Bluh. Didn't want to move, but...
> Walk over to the table and have a look inside the cylinder.
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> Bluh. Didn't want to move, but...
> Walk over to the table and have a look inside the cylinder.
> There's n-nothing inside! A chill runs down your spine as something clicks in your mind.
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> ...Do we feel the missing book at all?
> Move back to where we were previously positioned, and undo the swap.
> Once the swap is undone, float up above the cylinder and check inside.
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> ...Do we feel the missing book at all?
> Move back to where we were previously positioned, and undo the swap.
> Once the swap is undone, float up above the cylinder and check inside.
> You search the book using your ability to try an target it but come up short.
> Undoing the swap you find yourself floating once more on top of the round table. Peering inside you see ... nothing! I-it's g-gone!?
> You subconsciously end up whispering "It c-can't be!"
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> "Uhhhhhh..."
> Look to Patchouli.
> "...Where did it go?"
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> "Uhhhhhh..."
> Look to Patchouli.
> "...Where did it go?"
> Ability discovered: O~Zone - Overwrites no- obliterates obstructions
> Something clicks in the librarian's mind the intrigue returns to her eyes along with a hint of something else you can't quite place your finger on...
> "Y-you couldn't have known..." she whispers a few words and enchants a paperweight with some spell causing it to float while glowing brightly. "Could you try that again? I cast a tracing spell which should point towards the paperweight's location". She retrieves a compass from her robe and demonstrates how it's needle always points toward the object in her other hand.
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> "Uh, sure."
> Wait for the paperweight to be floated inside the cylinder.
> Then swap with the cylinder again like before. Wait for results from Patchouli.
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> "Uh, sure."
> Wait for the paperweight to be floated inside the cylinder.
> Then swap with the cylinder again like before. Wait for results from Patchouli.
> She places the paperweight inside the "cylinder" and you invert your position with the books again, presumably causing the paperweight to disappear.
> Eyes wide once more she holds up the compass and instead of pointing towards the books it's needle now spins endlessly, switching directions occasionally... While the librarian records her observations you overhear her whisper "L-like the y-young mistress, only not so t-temperamental..."
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> Undo the swap, and watch the compass spin.
> "...That's...worrying."
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> Undo the swap, and watch the compass spin.
> "...That's...worrying."
> The compass continues spinning even after you undo the swap, which is promptly documented with a rough sketch of a compass encircled by two arrows pointing in opposite directions. You overhear her absentminded whispers "Remilia will certainly be pleased..."
> She nods "V-very much so... imagine wha-" before being interrupted by the arrival of what you imagine to be her assistant. A tall red haired demon pushing a cart with two large boxes, the smaller of the two being the size of your bedroom closet!
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> "I'm trying to not imagine what would have happened to you or your assistant, honestly..."
> "So what's in the boxes?"
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> "I'm trying to not imagine what would have happened to you or your assistant, honestly..."
> "So what's in the boxes?"
> Upon closer inspection they actually appear to be bookshelves no- they are just boxes with fake books painted on them!
> "Nothing! Patchy enchants them to spawn these annoying magical books that quickly fill up the place with orb damaku..." you hear an annoyed tongue click from the librarian
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> Is the demon assistant hot?
> "Hopefully that doesn't damage the real books."
> Look to Patchouli while floating over to the assistant.
> "So what do you need me to do?"
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> Is the demon assistant hot?
> Yes
> "Hopefully that doesn't damage the real books."
> Look to Patchouli while floating over to the assistant.
> "So what do you need me to do?"
> Using a spell she telekinetically picks up the smaller bookshelf and places it atop the larger one. She then quietly discusses something with her assistant you're unable to overhear before sending her off. Perhaps to fetch more objects?
> "Now that we know it works on multiple objects ... and what happens when they overlap I would like to know what the largest object you can transform is..." she points at the shelves
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> "..."
> Adopt a thinking expression.
> "...Well, if that's your goal...
> Grin a bit.
> "...Why start so small?"
> Swap with the tallest remaining pile of books, imagining them to be a single object held together by gravity.
> Fly up so we're standing on top of the smaller box, landing while putting as little weight on it as possible.
> Undo the swap with the pile of books, so it appears on top of the smaller box.
> Stand on the floor in preparation for what is hopefully to come.
> Then, focusing on the pendant, try swapping with the entire collective stack of card, boxes, and books, imagining them all together as a group held together by gravity.
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> "..."
> Adopt a thinking expression.
> "...Well, if that's your goal...
> Grin a bit.
> "...Why start so small?"
> Swap with the tallest remaining pile of books, imagining them to be a single object held together by gravity.
> Fly up so we're standing on top of the smaller box, landing while putting as little weight on it as possible.
> Undo the swap with the pile of books, so it appears on top of the smaller box.
> Stand on the floor in preparation for what is hopefully to come.
> Then, focusing on the pendant, try swapping with the entire collective stack of card, boxes, and books, imagining them all together as a group held together by gravity.
> You assemble a towering pile of "bookshelves" and books! Patchouli claps "I applaud you for giving it your all!" before whispering "If only the young mistress put in 1/96th the effort she does..."
> Channeling the pendant fills you with energy and you notice red sparks fly from your hands as you point towards the huge construction. That feeling of power the pendant grants can be quite ... intoxicating. The next moment you find yourself high above the library, allowing you to finally appreciate it's vastness and the maze-like arrangement of the shelves.
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> Cool! Maybe we could cause an incident by growing as big as the Shining Needle Castle and- oh, wait, no that might obliterate everyone inside.
> Can we see where that assistant went?
> Have a look over ourselves with a grin.
> "Wow. Gotta say, this isn't half bad."
> Reach down and pick up Patchouli (gently! Don't squish her), bringing her all the way up to our face. How does she compare in size to our hand/fingers?
> "Whatcha think?"
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> Cool! Maybe we could cause an incident by growing as big as the Shining Needle Castle and- oh, wait, no that might obliterate everyone inside.
> "Reach for the sky! Consequences be damned!"
> Can we see where that assistant went?
> A thick fog blankets the space above the shelves, come to think of it you can't see any walls (or even a ceiling) to this place...
> Have a look over ourselves with a grin.
> "Imposing, as you ought to be..."
> "Wow. Gotta say, this isn't half bad."
> Reach down and pick up Patchouli (gently! Don't squish her), bringing her all the way up to our face. How does she compare in size to our hand/fingers?
> "Whatcha think?"
> You carefully pick up Patchouli, she's about the size of an Iris doll to you now.
> The librarian praises "I didn't expect it to work with the added books!" while recording some patterns her sensing magic shows and commenting "You could give the Moriya Shrine's so called 'giant automaton' a run for it's money."
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> "...Hey, you got something else small you don't mind possibly obliterating? I just had an idea. Oh, you can cast that compass spell on it too."
> Set Patchouli down and let her do her thing.
> If she produces something for us to experiment with, pop it in our mouth (do NOT swallow), and then undo the swap with the giant stack.
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> "...Hey, you got something else small you don't mind possibly obliterating? I just had an idea. Oh, you can cast that compass spell on it too."
> Set Patchouli down and let her do her thing.
> If she produces something for us to experiment with, pop it in our mouth (do NOT swallow), and then undo the swap with the giant stack.
> The librarian comments "Well everything might be kind of too small for you to hold right now..."
> She floats down to retrieve a cauldron from one of the odd machines lining the edges of the "room" amongs the bookshelves. You then place it (awkwardly) in your mouth, confused by it's flavor.
> "Chicken soup..."
> Upon undoing the swap you notice the cauldron is now gone! The librarian holds up her compass and comments "This confirms my expectations..."
> Patchouli retrieves another paperweight and casts a bubble around it. "I'd like to know which barriers it's affected by..."
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> "Oh, yeah, I've been wondering about the bubble. Put it in the book cylinder and we'll see what happens."
> Once the bubbled paperweight is inside the cylinder, swap with the cylinder again as usual. This time, however, also try imagining the paperweight as something within the cylinder, that should then logically be inside our body once the swap takes place.
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> "Oh, yeah, I've been wondering about the bubble. Put it in the book cylinder and we'll see what happens."
> Once the bubbled paperweight is inside the cylinder, swap with the cylinder again as usual. This time, however, also try imagining the paperweight as something within the cylinder, that should then logically be inside our body once the swap takes place.
> You hear a piercing sound as the barrier shatters and you're now standing atop the table. It feels like the paperweight just ended up being grouped with the books, but you'd have to check to see.
> The librarian comments "It's still here! What changed?"
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> Have a look inside the cylinder.
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> Have a look inside the cylinder.
> The paperweight is there but the bubble is gone!
> "You could've just used your magic to sense inside..."
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> Move back to where we were.
> "I suppose, but sometimes it's nicer to simply clap eyes on something. Can you try to move the paperweight while it's in there?"
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> Move back to where we were.
> "I suppose, but sometimes it's nicer to simply clap eyes on something. Can you try to move the paperweight while it's in there?"
> She gives you an odd look for a moment "Yes, where should I move it to?"
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> "Anywhere. I want to see if it's stuck in place like those books."
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> "Anywhere. I want to see if it's stuck in place like those books."
> "I-I can't atleast not magically" she then climbs over the "cylinder" to reach for it before sighing and shaking her head.
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> "Oh...Could you go in there and get it? I promise I won't do any swaps with you in there."
> Smile a bit.
> "I definitely don't want to bring you harm, you know. If something bad happened, how would I keep flirting with you?"
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> "Oh...Could you go in there and get it? I promise I won't do any swaps with you in there."
> Smile a bit.
> "I definitely don't want to bring you harm, you know. If something bad happened, how would I keep flirting with you?"
> "I can't move it" she complains before climbing back out of the book "cylinder". Something about your comment has her taken aback.
> She asks "Let us see what the furthest you can reach..." before leading you to one side of the "room" and pointing at a cauldron on the opposite side. Patchouli then opens the large tome she's been carrying the entire time and recites a spell in some foreign, ancient sounding language. Suddenly the room becomes massive, but at the same time you feel like nothing is out of the ordinary... as if the scenery in a dream just changed!
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> Did we undo the most recent cylinder swap (the one where the paperweight also made the transfer) before traveling here?
> Is Patchouli within easy reach?
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> Did we undo the most recent cylinder swap (the one where the paperweight also made the transfer) before traveling here?
> "You most certainly did"
> Is Patchouli within easy reach?
> You're too disoriented to tell, everything feels distant right now
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> Take a moment to get our bearings. Close our eyes for a bit if need be.
> Once we feel better, look around to see if Patchouli is within easy reach.
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> Take a moment to get our bearings. Close our eyes for a bit if need be.
> Once we feel better, look around to see if Patchouli is within easy reach.
> You close your eyes to focus but are interrupted by Patchouli telling you to hurry up. "I can't maintain this spell all day!"
> Opening your eyes you see the librarian standing several steps away though you swear she was standing next to you only a moment ago.
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> Something about your comment has her taken aback.
> Did she seem flustered at all? Or more annoyed?
> "Sorry, sorry! This is really disorienting!"
> Locate the cauldron magically. Then try swapping with it.
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> Did she seem flustered at all? Or more annoyed?
> "Annoyed."
> "Sorry, sorry! This is really disorienting!"
> Locate the cauldron magically. Then try swapping with it.
> She gives a quick nod, visibly strained from maintaining the spell.
> "Through your mind's eye imagine it being right next to you!"
> Searching for it is a struggle, it's like the cauldron is there but also not there. Each time you reach is a swing and miss!
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> Try closing our eyes again and mentally picturing the cauldron being right next to us, then.
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> Try closing our eyes again and mentally picturing the cauldron being right next to us, then.
> "It's a trick! There's three of them in a row behind each other..."
> That's it! You picture the front cauldron next to you and feel a surge of magical energy, the next moment you're so far across the 'room' you can just barely make out the pink magician!
-
> Blink, then shake our head to clear the cobwebs and confusion.
> "Damn, that was something."
> Undo the swap. Then walk up next to Patchouli if she's not still strained by whatever spell she was holding.
-
> Blink, then shake our head to clear the cobwebs and confusion.
> "Damn, that was something."
> "Tsk tsk. Depth perception..."
> Undo the swap. Then walk up next to Patchouli if she's not still strained by whatever spell she was holding.
> Upon undoing the switch the librarian interrupts the space-bending spell by closing the tome in her hand with a loud thud. You walk up to as she returns to taking notes. Noticing your approach she glances up "For the last test I would like a duel...".
-
> "'Last' test? What if there are still some things I want to try that we haven't done yet?"
-
> "'Last' test? What if there are still some things I want to try that we haven't done yet?"
> "Unfortunately I have a busy schedule today with Iris and everything. Perhaps I can allow it if you do well?" she explains
-
> Sigh.
> "Very well. Anything in particular you want me to do over the course of this duel?"
-
> Sigh.
> "Very well. Anything in particular you want me to do over the course of this duel?"
> "Demonstrate the extents of your abilities. Oh and ... survive" just as she finishes a door materializes in the room and out walks the red headed assistant from earlier, holding hands with a short blonde girl. Patchouli gestures towards her "Flandre" and then towards you "Seija". She then hurries towards the door alongside her assistant and explains to the girl "You have permission to play, but keep it above the shelves..." before stepping through and shutting it. It dematerializes shortly after.
-
>
> Oh.
>
> Well, that's not very nice.
> Smile.
> "Hello, Miss Flandre. If I may call you that?"
-
>
> Oh.
>
> Well, that's not very nice.
> Smile.
> "Hello, Miss Flandre. If I may call you that?"
> She nods hesitantly at your question
> "Sei-ja can we play danmaku?" she asks, somewhat mispronouncing your name.
-
> What sense are we getting from her speech and body language? Does she seem nervous, excited, something else?
-
> What sense are we getting from her speech and body language? Does she seem nervous, excited, something else?
> "Nervous you might deny her request..."
-
> "Absolutely, my little friend. I hope I'll be a fun partner for you."
-
> "Absolutely, my little friend. I hope I'll be a fun partner for you."
> "Great!" she practically beams with your acceptance
> Flandre explains "I can be 'it' since you're new!"
> "Keep a watchful eye now... don't turn your back!"
-
> Grin a bit.
> "Well, if we're warning each other...make sure you keep your focus~"
> "So am I trying to keep away from you, then?"
-
> Grin a bit.
> "Well, if we're warning each other...make sure you keep your focus~"
> "So am I trying to keep away from you, then?"
> She stares oddly at your first comment
> "Yep! But you can use danmaku too! It's more fun that way!"
> Pausing for a moment to think she walks over to the round table and retrieves a sword before handing it to you. "I have my own but since you're new you can have this one of Remy's!"
> Obtained: Excalibur - The sword of legends!
-
> Have we ever done a danmaku duel with a sword before?
> "Thanks!"
> Get a feel for the sword in our hand.
-
> Have we ever done a danmaku duel with a sword before?
> "What's the saying? There's a first time for everything?"
> "Thanks!"
> Get a feel for the sword in our hand.
> It's well balanced to use in two hands ... for a human. You on the other hand can effortlessly twirl it around your fingers!
> Flandre pulls out an odd dull-looking sword and tries (with difficulty) to copy your twirls.
-
> Okay, quick mental recap.
> This girl's name is 'Flandre'. That's the same name Patchouli referenced earlier, when we first started, uh, obliterating objects by accident. Patchouli was comparing us doing that to her. So, she's probably very powerful, if not absurdly so.
> She also appears to be an impressionable, somewhat naive child, what with looking young, the nervousness upon meeting someone new, the name mispronunciation, the desire to play, and now trying to copy our cool-looking moves.
> Conclusion: We need to sink our metaphorical talons into this girl as deep as we can and hold on tight. Having an ally of her theoretical power embedded in a major household like this would be exceedingly useful. Especially if we can get and maintain a grip on Patchouli.
> Nod.
> "Feels good. Okay, little lady, I'm ready!"
-
> Okay, quick mental recap.
> This girl's name is 'Flandre'. That's the same name Patchouli referenced earlier, when we first started, uh, obliterating objects by accident. Patchouli was comparing us doing that to her. So, she's probably very powerful, if not absurdly so.
> She also appears to be an impressionable, somewhat naive child, what with looking young, the nervousness upon meeting someone new, the name mispronunciation, the desire to play, and now trying to copy our cool-looking moves.
> Conclusion: We need to sink our metaphorical talons into this girl as deep as we can and hold on tight. Having an ally of her theoretical power embedded in a major household like this would be exceedingly useful. Especially if we can get and maintain a grip on Patchouli.
> "That's the spirit!"
> Nod.
> "Feels good. Okay, little lady, I'm ready!"
> She turns around "I'll start counting to ten when I hear you fly off"
-
> "Got it!"
> Glance at the ground immediately below the two of us. Is there anything down there that's roughly our size?
-
> "Got it!"
> Glance at the ground immediately below the two of us. Is there anything down there that's roughly our size?
> "Already on the ground, dummy!" a voice whispers
-
> Oh, right. What about in our immediate vicinity but not in Flandre's current line of sight, then?
-
> Oh, right. What about in our immediate vicinity but not in Flandre's current line of sight, then?
> You recall there being a cauldron you practiced with earlier behind you.
-
> Fly over next to the cauldron, and then swap with it.
> Then take to the air properly, head above shelf level and away from Flandre to get a little bit of distance between us.
-
> Fly over next to the cauldron, and then swap with it.
> Then take to the air properly, head above shelf level and away from Flandre to get a little bit of distance between us.
> You switch with the cauldron and fly off above the shelves into the fog and hear her start counting.
-
> How thick is the fog up here?
-
> How thick is the fog up here?
> You can only see 5-10 rows of shelves over?
-
> From a perspective of facing where the counting is coming from, begin flying to the right.
-
> From a perspective of facing where the counting is coming from, begin flying to the right.
> You swiftly fly right, narrowly avoiding a red blur which races past you!
-
> Yikes! Was that her, or just bullets?
-
> Yikes! Was that her, or just bullets?
> "Too big to be a bullet, but you could say you just dodged a bullet!"
-
> Undo the swap with the cauldron.
> Then fly back upward so we're above the shelves, and try locating Flandre using the locator part of our swapping ability. (Do not swap with her.)
-
> Undo the swap with the cauldron.
> Then fly back upward so we're above the shelves, and try locating Flandre using the locator part of our swapping ability. (Do not swap with her.)
> You double back using your inversion ability!
> Time appears to slow as you try and locate Flandre through the fog. Considering theres literally nothingness above and around you she sticks out like a sore thumb! You could swap any moment now that you've got your minds eye in her direction.
> A voice hisses "Somethings reaching at us!"
-
> Is that our internal monologue, or something we heard said out loud?
-
> Is that our internal monologue, or something we heard said out loud?
> Neither, it sounds like your 'voice' but you don't remember saying it out loud or thinking it.
-
> Do that swap, then! Hopefully we'll lose it!
-
> Do that swap, then! Hopefully we'll lose it!
> You perform the switch and end up high above the shelves? So far up you can't see anything in any direction just darkness in the fog...
> You hear a distant banging sound, like someone (or something) just slammed into some shelves.
-
> Wow, she's damn good...all the more reason to get her on our side!
> Undo the swap.
> Then try swapping the fog from opaque to transparent.
-
> Wow, she's damn good...all the more reason to get her on our side!
> "Or maybe they're trying to get you on their side?"
> Undo the swap.
> Then try swapping the fog from opaque to transparent.
> You switch back and try to manipulate the fog which clears slightly. You still can't see the edges of the library though...
-
> Can we see Flandre anywhere?
-
> Can we see Flandre anywhere?
> Yes! Just beyond a 'crossroads' in the bookshelves.
-
> Experimentally fling a few horizontal lines of bullets at her.
-
> Experimentally fling a few horizontal lines of bullets at her.
> You proceed so, though they will take some time to reach her. Something shiny like a sword being swung sparkles in her direction.
-
> Head upward about six feet.
> Then fire a few more horizontal lines.
-
> Head upward about six feet.
> Then fire a few more horizontal lines.
> You throw a few more horizontal lines from above and notice a few crescent "slashes" coming your way, homing up towards your new location.
-
> Left, to see if they follow
-
> Left, to see if they follow
> They're still closing in!
-
> Are we capable of firing homing bullets?
-
> Are we capable of firing homing bullets?
> Lightly homing bullets but it takes more magical energy, equivalent to 3 or 4 regular ones.
-
> Up!
-
> Up!
> That manages to get away from it. Your two lines of bullets finally reach Flandre, who is too preoccupied watching you dodge the crescent slashes and nearly gets hit! She stumbles back for a moment to regain her bearings.
-
> Oh, right, victory condition. Is there a traditional "X Strikes And You're Out" point in danmaku battles?
-
> Oh, right, victory condition. Is there a traditional "X Strikes And You're Out" point in danmaku battles?
> Yes! It's first to three.
-
> Hmm.
> Fire a circle of danmaku at Flandre now, one that has a diameter equal to her height.
> Do Flandre's wings appear to be a proper part of her? Or can we sense them, or parts of them, separately from the rest of her?
-
> Hmm.
> Fire a circle of danmaku at Flandre now, one that has a diameter equal to her height.
> Do Flandre's wings appear to be a proper part of her? Or can we sense them, or parts of them, separately from the rest of her?
> You trace a circle with your hand, spawning a ring of danmaku that you estimate will grow to about her height when it reaches her.
> They are one and the same, though sensing Flandre with your ability it feels like she's both there and not there at the same time.
-
> Both there and not there? What might that mean?
> Follow the circle with a couple of vertical lines.
-
> Both there and not there? What might that mean?
> Follow the circle with a couple of vertical lines.
> It reminds you of the faraway cauldrons from earlier.
> You throw a few vertical lines as Flandre recovers her bearings and glances around for you.
-
> Begin circling her current position by traveling forward and to the left in a curve.
-
> Begin circling her current position by traveling forward and to the left in a curve.
> Flandre spots the danmaku ring and leaps through it, before slashing through the lines with her sword, splitting them in half! She clearly appears to enjoy the challenge.
> You start circling around and notice (if your eyes are not deceiving you) there's two Flandres!
-
> Where are the two Flandres positioned relative to us?
> Do we feel the presence of both of them, or just one?
> How much effort is it taking to keep the fog transparent?
-
> Where are the two Flandres positioned relative to us?
> Do we feel the presence of both of them, or just one?
> They were in a line, to fit through the danmaku ring.
> Now that you know there's two of them you can search for them separately. Previously when you were searching for one it felt as if she was both there and not there.
> How much effort is it taking to keep the fog transparent?
> Equivalent to throwing a bullet every second?
-
> Are they the only two Flandres we can sense?
-
> Are they the only two Flandres we can sense?
> "The left one's the real one" a voice whispers
-
> Hmm...well, this is as good a chance as any to test something else we were trying the other day.
> Using the pendant as a focus, sense both Flandres at once, try imagining them as a single group the entity 'Flandre', and try swapping with both at once.
-
> Hmm...well, this is as good a chance as any to test something else we were trying the other day.
> Using the pendant as a focus, sense both Flandres at once, try imagining them as a single group the entity 'Flandre', and try swapping with both at once.
> You focus your mind on the pendant which shines brightly, filling you with magical energy. That pleasant intoxicating feeling returns as you as red sparks once again arc around you. Picturing the two Flandres as once you snap your finger (for dramatic effect!) and perform the swap. The next moment you're flying low over the bookshelves, looking towards a disoriented Flandre in the distance.
> "Attack already! Now that she's disoriented! Go!" a whisper urges
-
> How many perspectives do we currently have?
> Zoom toward Flandre, firing off another circle of bullets just like the previous one right at her.
> Then try following it up with a single homing bullet focused on hitting her.
-
> How many perspectives do we currently have?
> One, you believe it to be the 'left' one your subconscious(?) claimed to be the 'real' Flandre.
> Zoom toward Flandre, firing off another circle of bullets just like the previous one right at her.
> Then try following it up with a single homing bullet focused on hitting her.
> Flandre reacts just in time to swing her sword, slashing through the circle with a sweeping motion but misses the lone homing bullet which scores a hit.
> Flustered she shouts "I-I can't believe it! Unfair! My illusion self! I'll get you back for this!" as she brandishes her sword.
> "Parry, now!"
-
> Well, we did warn her to keep her focus. We can't be blamed if she didn't listen!
> Bring our sword up perpendicular to hers to block her swing and prevent ourselves from getting cut in half. Bring our non-sword hand over to help our sword hand brace, in the event she's able to physically overpower us otherwise.
-
> Well, we did warn her to keep her focus. We can't be blamed if she didn't listen!
> "What else would be expected from a child?"
> Bring our sword up perpendicular to hers to block her swing and prevent ourselves from getting cut in half. Bring our non-sword hand over to help our sword hand brace, in the event she's able to physically overpower us otherwise.
> You bring your sword up just in time to block a diagonal slice, barely managing to stop it using both hands as a shower of rainbow colored sparks erupts from where the two blades met. She's strong!
> Flandre shouts "You're quick!", seemingly shocked.
> "She'll split again, now that your blades are locked and we'll be done for!"
-
> Sound equally shocked: "You're strong!"
> Keep our eyes peeled and our swapping senses searching for a second Flandre to suddenly appear. If we see the second one appear, as soon as she starts attacking, undo the swap we just did with Flandre so that she hopefully hits herself. If we sense her appearance but don't see it, undo the swap we just did with Flandre IMMEDIATELY and try to back off away from her.
-
> Sound equally shocked: "You're strong!"
> Keep our eyes peeled and our swapping senses searching for a second Flandre to suddenly appear. If we see the second one appear, as soon as she starts attacking, undo the swap we just did with Flandre so that she hopefully hits herself. If we sense her appearance but don't see it, undo the swap we just did with Flandre IMMEDIATELY and try to back off away from her.
> She's grins, pleased with your complement.
> That familiar sensation of her being both there and not there appears momentarily, hinting that she might've split into two again. Dreading she might attack from behind. you immediately dispel the swap which confirms you suspicions! Upon trading places you spot another Flandre swing from behind, knocking both of you into a bookshelf which almost topples over! You guess that counts as a hit? Flandre might disagree though...
-
> Which of us did the swing make contact with?
> Did we get knocked into each other, or did we hit separate sections of the bookshelf?
>> If we got knocked into each other, are we currently smushed up against each other?
-
> Which of us did the swing make contact with?
> With Flandre who was switched into your previous spot
> Did we get knocked into each other, or did we hit separate sections of the bookshelf?
>> If we got knocked into each other, are we currently smushed up against each other?
> She got knocked into you which sent you flying towards the shelves. Flandre likely landed nearby (perhaps on another shelf?)
-
> Sense about for the real Flandre.
> Once we locate her, shoot another homing bullet at her, and then back away from her along the edge of the bookshelf. (If the space between her and us is perpendicular to the length of the bookshelf, move away from any duplicate Flandres we see; if we don't see any, move to our right.) Continue pumping out homing bullets as quickly as we are able while retreating.
-
> Sense about for the real Flandre.
> Once we locate her, shoot another homing bullet at her, and then back away from her along the edge of the bookshelf. (If the space between her and us is perpendicular to the length of the bookshelf, move away from any duplicate Flandres we see; if we don't see any, move to our right.) Continue pumping out homing bullets as quickly as we are able while retreating.
> Make sure to also spray some strings homing bullets in the direction we are moving next in order to eventually try and intercept the Duplicate Flandre( in case she is aiming for a delayed attack or even if she is she is accidentally coming across while searching for us).
-
> Make sure to also spray some strings homing bullets in the direction we are moving next in order to eventually try and intercept the Duplicate Flandre( in case she is aiming for a delayed attack or even if she is she is accidentally coming across while searching for us).
> Sense about for the real Flandre.
> Once we locate her, shoot another homing bullet at her, and then back away from her along the edge of the bookshelf. (If the space between her and us is perpendicular to the length of the bookshelf, move away from any duplicate Flandres we see; if we don't see any, move to our right.) Continue pumping out homing bullets as quickly as we are able while retreating.
> You locate her using your ability; she is two aisles to the left of where you landed.
// No further actions performed since she's not in the same area.
> You hear her shout excitedly "I won! I tagged you!"
-
> Stop.
> Pause for a moment in silence, then chuckle.
> "So you did, little lady. So you did."
-
> Stop.
> Pause for a moment in silence, then chuckle.
> "So you did, little lady. So you did."
> You wait as she floats over from a neighboring aisle.
> Flandre happily responds "That was fun, let's play again sometime!"
> Making a sad face she tells you "I think Patchy is wondering where we are..." she perks up "though I'll ask her to let us play again next time you visit!"
-
> Can we see the tower of fake-bookshelf-boxes-with-stacks-of-books-on-top anywhere nearby?
> "I'm glad you enjoyed it. I was hoping to last a bit longer than that so you'd get to have more fun, but if you're happy, I'm happy."
> Put on a thinking expression.
> "Hmm...would you like me to show you a little something before I have to leave, as a reward for winning?"
-
> Can we see the tower of fake-bookshelf-boxes-with-stacks-of-books-on-top anywhere nearby?
> You bet you can from the top of the shelves aslong as you keep the fog reduced.
> "I'm glad you enjoyed it. I was hoping to last a bit longer than that so you'd get to have more fun, but if you're happy, I'm happy."
> Put on a thinking expression.
> "Hmm...would you like me to show you a little something before I have to leave, as a reward for winning?"
> "Yes yes! Please!!" she jumps up and down from excitement
-
> Nod.
> "Okay. Now, I can't do this for very long, alright? But I can at least let you experience it for a little bit. Follow me."
> Fly back to to the tower, landing at its base. Once we arrive, undo the making of the fog transparent so it goes back to its natural opaqueness.
> Assuming Flandre lands with us and no one else comes around and tries to stop us:
> "Okay, Miss Flandre, you see this big tower here? Watch this!"
> Focusing on the pendant, swap with the entire tower just like before.
-
> Nod.
> "Okay. Now, I can't do this for very long, alright? But I can at least let you experience it for a little bit. Follow me."
> Fly back to to the tower, landing at its base. Once we arrive, undo the making of the fog transparent so it goes back to its natural opaqueness.
> She happily follows you as you undo flipping the fog's opqueness.
> Assuming Flandre lands with us and no one else comes around and tries to stop us:
> "Okay, Miss Flandre, you see this big tower here? Watch this!"
> Focusing on the pendant, swap with the entire tower just like before.
> She watches the bookshelf tower eagerly as you perform the swap and end up huge looking down towards a small Flandre next to a small stack of shelves.
-
> Does she look reasonably interested/enthused?
> "Pretty neat so far, huh? But we're not done yet~"
> "Now, make sure you're extra careful for this next part, okay? We don't want to make trouble for Miss Patchouli."
> Swap with Flandre, so we're her size and she becomes huge.
-
> Does she look reasonably interested/enthused?
> "Pretty neat so far, huh? But we're not done yet~"
> "Oh my!! Can you make me big!?"
> Flandre is practically bouncing from excitement
> "Now, make sure you're extra careful for this next part, okay? We don't want to make trouble for Miss Patchouli."
> Swap with Flandre, so we're her size and she becomes huge.
> She nods repeatedly at your instructions
> You perform the switch and end up shorter than your normal height while Flandre became gigantic and shouts "You're tiny! Everything's tiny! Did everything else become smaller or did I become big?"
-
> Fly up to her shoulder.
> "You became big. You're now as big as that tower was."
> Gesture to her shoulder.
> "May I have a seat?"
> If she allows us, sit down.
-
> Fly up to her shoulder.
> "You became big. You're now as big as that tower was."
> Gesture to her shoulder.
> "May I have a seat?"
> If she allows us, sit down.
> You fly up to her shoulder and she let's you sit down before glancing around.
> With a sparkle in her eyes she says "I wish Marisa could see this!"
-
> Gently pat her shoulder.
> "Maybe someday she could. I could do it again with the right materials."
> "I'm glad you're enjoying this! Hopefully I can visit you more often in the future. Or you could visit me!"
-
> Gently pat her shoulder.
> "Maybe someday she could. I could do it again with the right materials."
> "I'm glad you're enjoying this! Hopefully I can visit you more often in the future. Or you could visit me!"
> "I'll ask Patchouli if we can visit sometime!"
> Flandre picks up a chair in her palm and inspects it closely "It's like a dollhouse!"
> The image of a door begins forming near the big table with all the books.
-
> "Oh, look, I think they're returning. If you put that chair down, I can bring us back to normal."
-
> "Oh, look, I think they're returning. If you put that chair down, I can bring us back to normal."
> A little sad "Oh, alright..." she returns the chair to the table.
> "Hurry!" a voice urges.
-
> "I'm sorry, friend. Maybe next time."
> Undo the swap with Flandre, so that we're huge and she's sitting on our shoulder.
> Set her down on the ground.
> Then undo the swap with the tower.
-
> "I'm sorry, friend. Maybe next time."
> Undo the swap with Flandre, so that we're huge and she's sitting on our shoulder.
> Set her down on the ground.
> Then undo the swap with the tower.
> You undo the two swaps, ending up small again and next to Flandre. As you finish the door opens and through it walks Patchouli.
> The librarian spots the two of you then looks around at the shelves before asking "I trust that not a single page has been misplaced?" sternly but without anger or distrust.
-
> "Pretty sure everything's okay. I got smacked into a shelf at one point, but it stayed upright."
> Look at Flandre.
> "Anything bad happen on your end? I didn't hear anything bad, but I couldn't always see where you were, so..."
-
> "Pretty sure everything's okay. I got smacked into a shelf at one point, but it stayed upright."
> Look at Flandre.
> "Anything bad happen on your end? I didn't hear anything bad, but I couldn't always see where you were, so..."
> She floats up to a look around and then beckons Flandre over. They discuss something for a moment but you can't discern what before Flandre leaves through the door Patchouli appeared from.
> The librarian clears her throat and speaks "I have to say I'm impressed... not only have you survived but you've made a little friend! The young mistress was in a bit of a mood earlier and it's all but gone now. You would be a great help around here..."
-
> "Thanks. That's good to hear, she's a cute kid."
> "And the sentiment is appreciated, but I already have a home I'm content with. Sorry. I could certainly visit from time to time, though."
-
> "Thanks. That's good to hear, she's a cute kid."
> The magician chuckles "She can be a lot to handle at times though..."
> "And the sentiment is appreciated, but I already have a home I'm content with. Sorry. I could certainly visit from time to time, though."
> With a look of disappointment "I see..." she then whispers "How disappointing..."
> She then comments "Imagine what you could do as my familiar though... You'd be far more powerful."
-
> Frown a bit.
> "I'll admit, I'm flattered. But no woman can serve two mistresses, as some human scholar said once upon a time."
> "I'll...think about it, okay? I would definitely at least some time to work things out. Particularly since it feels rather like you threw me into that situation expecting me to die."
-
> Frown a bit.
> "I'll admit, I'm flattered. But no woman can serve two mistresses, as some human scholar said once upon a time."
> She laughs "Something along those lines! Yet you've taken quite a liking to my little red gift... Where Koakuma comes from such offerings are equivalent to the outside world's courting gifts but for inviting one to become a familiar.
> "I'll...think about it, okay? I would definitely at least some time to work things out. Particularly since it feels rather like you threw me into that situation expecting me to die."
> She waves her hand and laughs "Perhaps die from the young mistress's insistent nagging and boundless energy! Oh the joys of youth... Marisa visits regularly who's still a human magician last I checked and they get along just fine. You should have no trouble whatsoever, aren't you an Oni?"
-
> "Well, of course I knew I wasn't going to die as a result of that encounter. Just the way you presented it at the beginning, and how you sounded surprised now, that comes across as thinking differently, y'know? But if you weren't seriously expecting it either, then I suppose I can't complain."
> Look down at the pendant.
> "...I had thought the pendant was some of a thanks for running the experiment gauntlet, honestly."
> Look back up at Patchouli.
> "If those were your intentions, then I can give it back until I've made a decision, if that's what you'd prefer."
> "Also, since you described it that way, I should probably say that none of what I've done has been with the intention of convincing you to become my familiar. Just to be clear."
-
> "Well, of course I knew I wasn't going to die as a result of that encounter. Just the way you presented it at the beginning, and how you sounded surprised now, that comes across as thinking differently, y'know? But if you weren't seriously expecting it either, then I suppose I can't complain."
> She chuckles behind her hand.
> Look down at the pendant.
> "...I had thought the pendant was some of a thanks for running the experiment gauntlet, honestly."
> Look back up at Patchouli.
> "If those were your intentions, then I can give it back until I've made a decision, if that's what you'd prefer."
> Patchouli explains "Luckily there's no expectation to return such gifts if you don't accept the proposal either in Makai or in the outside world! Keep it as a memento, perhaps it's pretty red gem or the powers it grants will change your mind one day...".
> She continues "As for the experiments the pendant did indeed assist in identifying the underlying type of magic your ability uses by amplifying it. My preliminary findings indicate that it's no type of magic used naturally by Oni, so it is indeed very special!".
> "Also, since you described it that way, I should probably say that none of what I've done has been with the intention of convincing you to become my familiar. Just to be clear."
> She responds "I see..." before reopening her notepad and writing down a few notes.
-
> "Sorry if I gave you that impression. I guess that explains why the flirting was annoying you that much, though."
-
> "Sorry if I gave you that impression. I guess that explains why the flirting was annoying you that much, though."
> She slowly nods...
> Then continues "I have to return to my investigations on Iris, it's a busy day after all! While I'm convinced you're uninvolved your red-white friend might not be so certain, but then again everyone's a suspect in her eyes. At least Remilia has provided her a new lead to chase..."
-
> "She did? What might that be?"
-
> "She did? What might that be?"
> A little anxious she explains "T-that's between the mistress and the shrine maiden..."
-
> "Ah. Well, if I just so happen to hear it from Reimu later, then you could hardly be blamed for that."
> "Hey, so, if you're going to be focusing on studying Iris, may I try one last experiment? I can leave as soon as it's done so you don't waste any more time."
-
> "Ah. Well, if I just so happen to hear it from Reimu later, then you could hardly be blamed for that."
> The librarian responds "If the red white is willing to share it with you, that is her decision to make."
> "Hey, so, if you're going to be focusing on studying Iris, may I try one last experiment? I can leave as soon as it's done so you don't waste any more time."
> She checks a lavender colored pocket watch "I believe there is time for one more, but please be brief."
-
> Nod.
> "Alright. You've already experienced me swapping with you in our entireties before. Let's see if a partial swap is possible..."
> Drawing on the pendant, try imagining our chest and Patchouli's chest as specific properties of our whole concepts, and then try swapping our chest with Patchouli's chest.
-
> Nod.
> "Alright. You've already experienced me swapping with you in our entireties before. Let's see if a partial swap is possible..."
> Drawing on the pendant, try imagining our chest and Patchouli's chest as specific properties of our whole concepts, and then try swapping our chest with Patchouli's chest.
> "I'm not sure how comfortable I'd feel about trying that but I'm too curious about the results myself... Remilia insists that one of these days it'll be my downfall!"
> You're unable to separate out different targets when searching 'physically' as if you were swapping locations. However when you try imagining it as an abstract concept a target begins to form and the pendant once again starts glowing.
-
> Fortune favors the bold! Aim for that target and do that swap!
-
> Fortune favors the bold! Aim for that target and do that swap!
> You manage to locate the abstract concept and through the power of the amulet manage to swap it! Miss Patchouli appears to realize at the last moment what is about to happen and instinctively surrounds herself in a bubble barrier but it's no use. A loud shattering sound echoes through the library and when you open your eyes you realize your numbers are looking up!
-
> Take a quick look at ourselves. How much larger are we?
> Are we otherwise unchanged?
> Take a quick look at Patchouli. Does she seem okay?
> Do we still have the pendant?
-
> Take a quick look at ourselves. How much larger are we?
> Are we otherwise unchanged?
> It's enough of a difference to be somewhat noticeable, especially if you point it out or hint at it. Otherwise you're the exact same.
> Take a quick look at Patchouli. Does she seem okay?
> She physically appears alright, albeit slightly less endowed. Her expression though... is either one of embarassment or slight anger.
> Do we still have the pendant?
> Indeed you do. // This is a quest key item, similar to your 'cheat items', it cannot be lost or taken outside of major story events.
-
> "So that works now. Neat!"
-
> "So that works now. Neat!"
> The librarian stares at you expectantly.
-
> "Hm?"
-
> "Hm?"
> Her eye twitches as she continues staring expectantly.
-
> "Aww."
> Undo the swap.
-
> "Aww."
> Undo the swap.
> The librarian sighs and whispers to herself "Remember to develop a barrier capable of repelling whatever magic this Oni's ability uses..." before opening her notebook to write a few things down.
> She glances up "I think you more than proved it's possible to perform 'partial' swaps with the help of my little gift..."
-
> Frown a bit.
> "Hey, sometimes those of us that aren't as fortunate want to know what it's like. And since you were just going to spend the rest of the day studying Iris anyway...it seemed as good a test as any."
-
> Frown a bit.
> "Hey, sometimes those of us that aren't as fortunate want to know what it's like. And since you were just going to spend the rest of the day studying Iris anyway...it seemed as good a test as any."
> The librarian comments "I see, I would've preferred something like hair color though..."
-
> "...I could try both."
-
> "...I could try both."
> "I'd rather not." she responds quickly
-
> "As you wish. In that case, I'll get out of your hair."
-
> "As you wish. In that case, I'll get out of your hair."
> "Literally or figuratively?" she chuckles.
-
> Chuckle ourselves.
> "Well, I would have liked to get into it literally, but you made pretty clear you weren't interested, so..."
-
> Chuckle ourselves.
> "Well, I would have liked to get into it literally, but you made pretty clear you weren't interested, so..."
> She clears her throat "I better get back to looking into Iris..."
-
> "Of course. See you again soon, hopefully. And feel free to come seek me out, too. You and the little lady."
-
> "Of course. See you again soon, hopefully. And feel free to come seek me out, too. You and the little lady."
> She nods and traces a rectangle with her finger, causing a door to slowly materialize.
-
> "That for you or me?"
-
> "That for you or me?"
> Pointing at it "It leads outside, past the gate so the gatekeeper doesn't give you any trouble on the way out."
-
> "Got it, thanks. Will the red-white be out there too, or is she still busy?"
-
> "Got it, thanks. Will the red-white be out there too, or is she still busy?"
> Patchouli explains "I believe she's off chasing the lead Remilia provided. Our red-white shrine maiden is however quite an open book, I have no doubt she'll be back home in time for afternoon tea."
-
> Frown.
> "Hrmph, so she ditched me, huh. Well, whatever. Have a good 'un."
> Step through the door.
-
> Frown.
> "Hrmph, so she ditched me, huh. Well, whatever. Have a good 'un."
> Before you leave she explains "Not necessarily, Lady Remilia can be... quite forceful"
> Step through the door.
> You step through the door onto a sandy beach, looking out towards Misty Lake. Small waves cascade along the shoreline.
-
> Quests
> Where do we stand with regards to meeting up with the Princess's spy?
> Do we know where Wakasagihime lives these days?
-
> Quests
> Reverse Hierarchy - Topple Gensokyo's power structure and liberate the weak from the tyranny of the strong.
> Greatest Wish - Iris has promised to fulfill the wishes of whoever wins her incident showdown. But then again who is this 'Iris' and is there merit to her promises?
> Where do we stand with regards to meeting up with the Princess's spy?
> Oh no! You forgot to agree on a location to meet! Perhaps there's some other way of reaching her?
> Do we know where Wakasagihime lives these days?
> You haven't been on the best of terms following the implosion of your revolutionary movement... You fled and disappeared off the face of Gensokyo while everyone else was left to face the consequences!
> Choose a scenario:
>> Searching for Mokou - Continue from here on the search to reconvene with Special Agent Mokou!
>> Shinmyoumaru's Shining Needle Palace - Why continue calling it a castle when you've worked so hard to make it well ... palatial!
>> Rinnosuke's Magical Artifact Shop - Browse the world-renowned store for tools and trinkets.
>> Timeskip to next Incident - Does what it says on the tin.
-
> Searching for Mokou: If we get somewhere public and can write a note, we can undo our swap with her and tell her where to go.
-
> Searching for Mokou: If we get somewhere public and can write a note, we can undo our swap with her and tell her where to go.
> Searching for Mokou it is!
-
> What's the closest notable location we're familiar enough with that we can just drop in on unannounced?
> If it's not the Hakurei Shrine, how far away is that?
-
> What's the closest notable location we're familiar enough with that we can just drop in on unannounced?
> If it's not the Hakurei Shrine, how far away is that?
> There's always the village? You guess both it and the Hakurei Shrine are about equal distance (in different directions) from where you are now.
-
> Eh, let's head to the Hakurei Shrine, then. That's what Reimu gets for ditching us!
-
> Eh, let's head to the Hakurei Shrine, then. That's what Reimu gets for ditching us!
> You float back towards the Hakurei Shrine, pondering what the Princess could be up to...
> On the route through the Youkai Forest you once again come across a short blonde haired girl in a black dress heading towards Misty Lake.
-
> Is is the same one as before?
-
> Is is the same one as before?
> "The very same..."
-
> Oh, hey, do we still have that sword?
-
> Oh, hey, do we still have that sword?
> It's hanging from your waist, opposite the replica Miracle Mallet.
-
> Cool!
> Give a smile and a wave to the young girl as we pass by.
-
> Cool!
> Give a smile and a wave to the young girl as we pass by.
> She takes notice and floats over to you.
> "Hi! Who are you?" the girl asks
-
> "Seija. Who're you?"
-
> "Seija. Who're you?"
> "I'm Rumia! Nice to meet you~" she introduces herself while eyeing you carefully, especially the sword on your waist.
-
> "You as well! Don't worry about that, I'm not intending to use it. I didn't even know I was getting it until an hour or two ago!"
-
> "You as well! Don't worry about that, I'm not intending to use it. I didn't even know I was getting it until an hour or two ago!"
> "Oh really!? How did you get it? I've always dreamed of having a real knight's sword! But you never see them in Gensokyo..." she asks.
-
> "It was a gift from that mansion back the way I came."
-
> "It was a gift from that mansion back the way I came."
> She asks "Could I have it please? Pretty please?" with a puppy eyes and a sugary smile.
-
> Sad frown.
> "I'm sorry, Rumia, but this was a gift from a precious new friend of mine. She'd be sad if I just gave it away to someone else."
-
> Sad frown.
> "I'm sorry, Rumia, but this was a gift from a precious new friend of mine. She'd be sad if I just gave it away to someone else."
> You fumble around with words but find yourself unable to voice the denial. Those puppy eyes and smile just break your heart to deny...
> Rumia spots your hesitation and gets all teary eyed.
-
> "...erm...sorry..."
-
> "...erm...sorry..."
> The little Youkai tugs at your skirt, all teary eyed. "I've had dreams in which I lift a sword just like that from a boulder in the village and defeat evil demons!"
-
> Take a moment, blink, and look slightly confused.
> "...That's...an oddly specific dream."
> "Look, how about this. If you go to the mansion and play a danmaku game with the little blonde missy, she might give you a sword, okay?"
-
> Take a moment, blink, and look slightly confused.
> "...That's...an oddly specific dream."
> The little Youkai nods "It's not always the same, but I've been seen it on occasions for as far back I can remember... Sometimes there's even an evil witch of incredible power conjuring up those demons!"
> "Look, how about this. If you go to the mansion and play a danmaku game with the little blonde missy, she might give you a sword, okay?"
> Still sad she asks "At the mansion? The lavender hair lady never lets me, she sends me away saying it's too dangerous..."
-
> "Oh, her? Well, she's not wrong, the little blonde missy packs quite a punch. But if you tell her you're on a quest for a sword of legend, and you need to overcome danger to prove yourself worthy, she might give you a chance."
-
> "Oh, her? Well, she's not wrong, the little blonde missy packs quite a punch. But if you tell her you're on a quest for a sword of legend, and you need to overcome danger to prove yourself worthy, she might give you a chance."
> That lifts her spirits "Oh really? Could you come with me please? Sometimes those meanie fairy maids won't even let me inside... something about I need to be this tall to enter? I once asked Mystia for bigger shoes so I'd be tall enough but they just raised the line that much higher and still sent me away!"
-
> How far along are we from the mansion to the Hakurei Shrine?
-
> How far along are we from the mansion to the Hakurei Shrine?
> A little less than halfway there
-
> "...Sure, I can go back with you. I can't promise you'll get in, but I can try."
-
> "...Sure, I can go back with you. I can't promise you'll get in, but I can try."
> "Oh my! Yes! Yes! Thanks!" she bounces and grabs your hand to lead you towards the Scarlet Mansion. She has a surprisingly strong grip for what you assume to be a young Youkai.
> Flying over misty lake curious Rumia asks "So what kind of Youkai are you Seija? I've never seen you before!"
-
> Do we usually just tell people we're an oni? Or do we let them think that on their own?
-
> Do we usually just tell people we're an oni? Or do we let them think that on their own?
> That's what you introduced yourself as back in the revolution... Oni radiate strength and honesty, values which inspire confidence in your movement! Also you just look the part, so everyone knows you as such.
-
> "Me? I'm an oni that's not from around this area of Gensokyo. How about you?"
-
> "Me? I'm an oni that's not from around this area of Gensokyo. How about you?"
> Happily "I'm a darkness Youkai and I live here in this forest!"
-
> "That would explain why I saw you earlier."
-
> "That would explain why I saw you earlier."
> She answers "I was going to Mystia's for lunch!"
-
> "Ah, I see."
> How tall are the trees here?
-
> "Ah, I see."
> How tall are the trees here?
> Remembering something she asks "Oni... aren't you one of those Youkai who drink that bitter water then get all silly afterward?"
> You're flying over Misty Lake, there are no trees! Infact you're almost to the Scarlet Mansion, you can just barely make it out through the fog.
-
> How do we hold our alcohol?
-
> How do we hold our alcohol?
> As well as an average human. You're not sure if real Oni have some kind of magical edge over you or are simply more muscular and built-up.
-
> "Yep."
> Try feeling for a swappable point with the lake. (Do NOT actually perform the swap.)
-
> "Yep."
> "We're almost there!" she shouts from excitement
> Try feeling for a swappable point with the lake. (Do NOT actually perform the swap.)
> You feel nothing, as if you were searching at the ground below your feet...
-
> What sort of abstract imagining did we do to swap chests with Patchouli?
-
> What sort of abstract imagining did we do to swap chests with Patchouli?
> You can't exactly describe it, you just kind of pondered what the two of you would look like with that aspect swapped and let the warm red magic of the pendant and your subconscious(?) figure the rest out.
-
> Hmm...
> ...Try imagining what Rumia and we would look like if the entirety of her body above her hips were swapped with our non-dominant hand above our wrist.
> Then try focusing on the pendant and preparing such a swap, to see if such preparations are actually possible.
-
> Hmm...
> ...Try imagining what Rumia and we would look like if the entirety of her body above her hips were swapped with our non-dominant hand above our wrist.
> Then try focusing on the pendant and preparing such a swap, to see if such preparations are actually possible.
> You can't quite sense Rumia, it's like she's both there and not there at the same time...
-
> Huh? That's weird...
> Try preparing a regular swap with ourselves and Rumia. (Do not actually perform it.)
-
> Huh? That's weird...
> Indeed!
> Try preparing a regular swap with ourselves and Rumia. (Do not actually perform it.)
> Again it's like she's both there and not there at the same time...
> The shape of the Scarlet Mansion is now easily visible through the clearing fog.
-
> Strange. Well, it doesn't matter. Hopefully we can pawn her off on the mansion and be done with her.
> "Ah, yeah, I see it."
-
> Strange. Well, it doesn't matter. Hopefully we can pawn her off on the mansion and be done with her.
> "Ah, yeah, I see it."
> Most peculiar...
> "Let's go!" she hurries forward.
-
> Follow!
-
> Follow!
> Once again you both make it past the gatekeeper withour her stirring from her sleep. Even one of them lake fairies would be more useful as a lookout!
> Both of you land at the front door, the short Youkai attempting to knock but hesitating at the last moment and glancing toward you instead with an expectant look.
-
> Nod at her and gesture to the door.
-
> Nod at her and gesture to the door.
> Anxious she asks "Could you?"
-
> "I could, but I won't always be with you, so you'll need to do it yourself eventually."
-
> "I could, but I won't always be with you, so you'll need to do it yourself eventually."
> "A-alright" she knocks on the door and shortly after a few fairy maids open it. It appears like they're about to say something but pause upon seeing you and gesture for the two of you to head inside.
-
> Smile at Rumia and gesture to her to enter.
> Then follow her in.
-
> Smile at Rumia and gesture to her to enter.
> Then follow her in.
> You follow her in and down the stairs to the library. A few of the fairy maids fly off into the depths of the library to let Patchouli know you're there.
> Rumia looks at you and asks "I-Is she really that tough?"
-
> Nod.
> "She's very strong, and very energetic. But she's also plenty nice. At least, she was nice to me, and I was nice to her."
-
> Nod.
> "She's very strong, and very energetic. But she's also plenty nice. At least, she was nice to me, and I was nice to her."
> "Is that so~?" she asks.
> Shortly after the librarian appears once more, eyeing both of you with a look that says "What brings you back here?"
-
> Give a slightly apologetic look.
> "Sorry about this, but Rumia here was wondering about a playdate with Miss Flandre, if she's available."
-
> Give a slightly apologetic look.
> "Sorry about this, but Rumia here was wondering about a playdate with Miss Flandre, if she's available."
> Shocked the librarian stumbles around with her words "W-what!? It's t- ... Well I guess she's already kind of worn out from playing with you earlier. I supposed I could allow it..."
> Upon hearing Patchouli Rumia jumps from excitement "Oh thank you so much! I'll prove I'm worthy I swear!" and runs over to the librarian to tug at her dress. Patchouli raises an eyebrow and ponders what the little girl could mean.
-
> Lean over to Patchouli's ear and whisper: "She's had dreams about wielding a sword and slaying enemies or something. You know how kids can be."
-
> Lean over to Patchouli's ear and whisper: "She's had dreams about wielding a sword and slaying enemies or something. You know how kids can be."
> "O-Oh I-I see..." she laughs
> Eyeing Rumia she asks "You ARE sure she is a Youkai right? As I'm sure you've seen Flandre can be quite rough, especially while playing tag..."
-
> "She claims to be. And I warned her that the little lady is very strong. But sometimes you need to overcome obstacles like that to prove yourself worthy, I suppose."
-
> "She claims to be. And I warned her that the little lady is very strong. But sometimes you need to overcome obstacles like that to prove yourself worthy, I suppose."
> She ponders something for a moment before nodding "I will allow it only with supervision..."
-
> Grimace slightly.
> "I don't suppose you have anyone available for that that isn't me, do you? I did kinda have an investigation into Iris going on the side that I had just left here to catch up on..."
-
> Grimace slightly.
> "I don't suppose you have anyone available for that that isn't me, do you? I did kinda have an investigation into Iris going on the side that I had just left here to catch up on..."
> She pulls out some kind of calendar from her robe and reads through it "Well I suppose the chief maid is free right now, so you don't have to stay if you're busy."
-
> That's probably the maid from yesterday. She didn't seem to have a problem with us, did she?
-
> That's probably the maid from yesterday. She didn't seem to have a problem with us, did she?
> She was polite and professional, you couldn't read into her emotions however.
-
> Well, she didn't try to murderlize us on-sight, so she probably either forgot she ran through us once or she simply doesn't care, which is good enough either way.
> "If she's willing and able, it would be appreciated. I'll make it up to her somehow if she wants. And, of course, I'll fill you in if I learn anything noteworthy."
-
> Well, she didn't try to murderlize us on-sight, so she probably either forgot she ran through us once or she simply doesn't care, which is good enough either way.
> "If she's willing and able, it would be appreciated. I'll make it up to her somehow if she wants. And, of course, I'll fill you in if I learn anything noteworthy."
> Patchouli smiles "Then it's settled!" she traces another rectangle with her finger, causing another door to appear and gestures towards it.
> Then she explains "It leads back to the shore, so the gatekeeper doesn't give you any trouble."
-
> "Thanks. And sorry again to bother you, uh, again."
> Head on through the door!
-
> "Thanks. And sorry again to bother you, uh, again."
> Head on through the door!
> You head on through the door and end up back at the beach. The pleasant sound of cascading waves fills your ears.
-
> Okay, off to the Hakurei Shrine! Again!
> Along the way, glance down at Excalibur.
> "Seems like you're a pretty popular sword. Thanks for the help during that fight."
-
> Okay, off to the Hakurei Shrine! Again!
> Along the way, glance down at Excalibur.
> "Seems like you're a pretty popular sword. Thanks for the help during that fight."
> You set off for the Hakurei Shrine once more.
> Is it just your imagination or does the sword momentarily glow with your praise?
-
> Chuckle a bit.
> "I feel like we definitely lucked into each other. I already have a bit of experience in working with tsukumogami. Though, I admit, the experience may not have been the best for them...but I hope to learn from my mistakes and do better in the future."
-
> Chuckle a bit.
> "I feel like we definitely lucked into each other. I already have a bit of experience in working with tsukumogami. Though, I admit, the experience may not have been the best for them...but I hope to learn from my mistakes and do better in the future."
> The sword remains quiet but somehow fills you with confidence...
> You fly over Misty Lake and enter the Youkai Forest once more.
-
> Onward to the shrine, keeping half an eye (and half an ear) out for anyone else we travel close to.
-
> Onward to the shrine, keeping half an eye (and half an ear) out for anyone else we travel close to.
> You don't run into anyone else on the way back
> Arrived at the Hakurei Shrine. There's no sign of the shrine maiden or the oni around the courtyard.
-
> Head to the front to see if there's anyone there.
-
> Head to the front to see if there's anyone there.
> It's empty!
-
> Call out: "Hey, anyone home?"
> If no one replies, head inside, searching for blank paper and a writing implement.
-
> Call out: "Hey, anyone home?"
> If no one replies, head inside, searching for blank paper and a writing implement.
> No one answers...
> You find no such paper but there is a chalkboard near the kitchen with chalk.
-
> Write:
> "To [REDACTED],
> I'm restoring us to normal. You're about to appear somewhere else; please return to this shrine from there ASAP so we can discuss.
> - A Partner From Yesterday"
> Stand facing the chalkboard.
> Then undo our swap with Mokou, so that she appears in the shrine facing the chalkboard and we appear...wherever she is. (Do NOT undo any swaps involving the Princess yet.)
-
> Write:
> "To [REDACTED],
> I'm restoring us to normal. You're about to appear somewhere else; please return to this shrine from there ASAP so we can discuss.
> - A Partner From Yesterday"
> You write the message using the chalk, remembering to use a towel to hold it and avoid getting nasty chalk dust all over your hands!
> Stand facing the chalkboard.
> Then undo our swap with Mokou, so that she appears in the shrine facing the chalkboard and we appear...wherever she is. (Do NOT undo any swaps involving the Princess yet.)
> You take a deep breath, close your eyes and undo the swap. The next thing you feel is cold ... a numbing cold slowly creep up your feet. Yet there's warmth radiating from somewhere in front of you.
-
> That's...weird...
> Open our eyes and examine our surroundings.
-
> That's...weird...
> Open our eyes and examine our surroundings.
> You see... yourself, no two of yourself, no actually hundreds of yourself staring back at you. A campfire dimly illuminates the area ... that must've been the source of warmth you felt.
-
> Look ourselves over, to make sure we're still us.
> Then look back at the other us-es.
> "Uh...hi?"
-
> Look ourselves over, to make sure we're still us.
> Then look back at the other us-es.
> "Uh...hi?"
> You look down and find you're still yourself ... you think at least?
> The other Seijas stare back at you, their lips moving in sync as you say "Uh...hi?"
-
> Look around at things that are not us, to get a sense of our own size and scale.
> Try getting up (if we're not already).
> Then try reaching out to the closest other Seija, with the intent of making physical contact.
-
> Look around at things that are not us, to get a sense of our own size and scale.
> Try getting up (if we're not already).
> Then try reaching out to the closest other Seija, with the intent of making physical contact.
> There's only the campfire, which is rather large for your size and scale.
> You reach out to shake hands with the nearest Seija but bonk you hand on something solid. Ouch!
-
> ???
> Pull our hand back and shake it off.
> Can we see what we hit?
-
> ???
> Pull our hand back and shake it off.
> Can we see what we hit?
> You shake it off, it's nothing more than expecting to reach for something and meeting an obstacle halfway. No different from walking up a dark flight of stairs and misjudging where the last step is!
> You observe carefully and see something shimmer. Reaching out for it carefully you find a cold smooth surface...
-
> Is it ice, perhaps?
> ...Are we trapped inside ice, or some sort of glass prison?
-
> Is it ice, perhaps?
> ...Are we trapped inside ice, or some sort of glass prison?
> You check your hand for water... It doesn't appear to melt, so ice is out of the question. Possibly glass? You trace your hand across and find small parts of it jetting out at certain angles, usually in a hexagonal or triangular shape. None of the edges are particularly sharp though, so it can't be glass?
-
> ...Whatever the material is, try flipping it from reflective to non-reflective, in the hopes that we can see more of where we are.
-
> ...Whatever the material is, try flipping it from reflective to non-reflective, in the hopes that we can see more of where we are.
> The material becomes somewhat cloudy, with a blue tint. Looking around you find that you're in a cave made out or triangular and hexagonal ... crystals? Glancing around you now spot a tunnel behind you leading off to somewhere.
-
> How very bizarre...
> Hurry down the tunnel. We don't want to leave the Princess here!
-
> How very bizarre...
> Hurry down the tunnel. We don't want to leave the Princess here!
> You can't afford to leave her here, wherever this is! Especially without being big! The thought alone fills you with fear.
> As you head through the tunnel you begin hearig howling winds and when you finally reach the opening you find it's dark and stormy outside... Strong gusts of wind batter you and you hesitate to step out into the freezing rain. Taking a careful look of your surroundings you notice an incline in the terrain, along some sharp cliffs, possibly indicating you're high up on a mountain cave...
-
> ??? It wasn't this stormy in Gensokyo a moment ago, was it?
> Have a look down onto the landscape without setting foot outside into the storm. Do we see any landmarks we recognize?
-
> ??? It wasn't this stormy in Gensokyo a moment ago, was it?
> Have a look down onto the landscape without setting foot outside into the storm. Do we see any landmarks we recognize?
> Most certainly not! What could this mean!?
> The landscape appears grassy, with sharp cliffs and jagged rocks protruding up occasionally. You try and look out into the distance but see nothing due to the storm. Looking around from the mouth of the cave you believe you can just barely spot a river to your right in the distance, overflowing with water from all the rain.
-
> Hrm.
> Head back to the campfire and the barrier.
> Search what we can access of the barrier to see if there are any passageways through it.
-
> Hrm.
> Head back to the campfire and the barrier.
> Search what we can access of the barrier to see if there are any passageways through it.
> You head back to the campfire to warm up.
> What barriers? You don't see any around you? The walls are made of presumably crystal rock.
-
> Oh, so the crystal was simply the end of the cave? Drat.
> Is the cave floor stone, crystal, dirt, or something else?
-
> Oh, so the crystal was simply the end of the cave? Drat.
> Is the cave floor stone, crystal, dirt, or something else?
> Unfortunately so...
> Everything appears to be made of crystal, that explains why there were one hundred Seija's staring back at you earlier!
-
> Head back toward the mouth of the cave, then, making note if the floor ever changes to dirt.
> Along the way, undo the property swap we did to the crystals' reflectiveness.
-
> Head back toward the mouth of the cave, then, making note if the floor ever changes to dirt.
> Along the way, undo the property swap we did to the crystals' reflectiveness.
> It changes into dirt and grass near the mouth of the cave.
> One hundred Seijas once again stare at you as the inverted property is restored.
-
> If we swapped the Princess here, is the Mallet capable of teleporting her back to the castle?
> Try to find a patch of dirt we can 'write' in with a finger.
-
> If we swapped the Princess here, is the Mallet capable of teleporting her back to the castle?
> Try to find a patch of dirt we can 'write' in with a finger.
> Perhaps? The mallet can be fickle at time with granting wishes, there might be some unexpected price it will 'extract'.
> With difficulty you find a place you could write something in, but it's quite dark and writing in soil with a finger isn't exactly legible even in the best of conditions...
-
> Inventory
-
> Inventory:
>> Nimble Fabric: A rare cloak you can charge with magical energy to make yourself invulnerable to magic attacks. It's not transparrent though so visibility and thus movement is quite restricted.
>> Tengu's Training Camera: A camera used by Tengu journalists in training, it can automatically focus, adjust exposure and also has a timer. These use a novel type of rewriteable magnetic film which can recall the last 4 pictures taken, making such cameras excellent for practicing photography. Nevertheless it can still clear bullets in frame like any other Tengu camera.
>> Miracle Mallet (Replica): Only you and Shinmyoumaru can tell the difference between the real Miracle Mallet and this perfect replica. While it looks small and lacks miracle granting abilities, it can *certainly* deal magically enhanced blunt force trauma.
>> Mysterious Spell Card: A spell card given to you by Shinmyoumaru. According to what you overheard earlier they contain questionably obtained information on everyone, among a snarky comment or two on one's personality.
>> Scarlet Pendant: A pendant containing a glowing red crystal. The feeling of drawing magical energy from it is intoxicating... Apparently a form of 'courting gift' for inviting familiars in some cultures.
>> Excalibur: King Arthur's legendary sword! You're not sure what's more impressive, the fact you managed to walk away with this or the fact the little Youkai Rumia immediately recognized it as a western knight's sword?
-
> ...
> Hold out an arm into the rain for a few seconds, and then pull it back in.
> Then try flipping our arm from wet to dry.
-
> ...
> Hold out an arm into the rain for a few seconds, and then pull it back in.
> Then try flipping our arm from wet to dry.
> You hold out your arm in the freezing rain then try to dry it using magic. It dries somewhat but remains cold.
-
> "Hey, Excalibur, I don't suppose you have any ideas?"
-
> "Hey, Excalibur, I don't suppose you have any ideas?"
> Nothing happens ... wait the sword has a very slight blueish glow!
-
> "Looks like you do. Whatcha thinkin'?"
-
> "Looks like you do. Whatcha thinkin'?"
> Nothing changes, it just faintly glows... Perhaps slowly getting brighter? You can barely tell.
-
> Pull the sword out of the scabbard and hold it like we're getting ready to fight using it. Check to see if anything about it changes.
> If nothing changes, point it towards the interior of the tunnel, and see if anything about it changes then.
-
> Pull the sword out of the scabbard and hold it like we're getting ready to fight using it. Check to see if anything about it changes.
> If nothing changes, point it towards the interior of the tunnel, and see if anything about it changes then.
> It appears to be slightly brighter when pointing outside!
-
> Grimace.
> "...Really...?"
-
> Grimace.
> "...Really...?"
> You watch the sword as it continues to get brighter... Until something catches your attention in the distance! You believe you can just barely make out through the storm something flying low near the ground over towards the river.
-
> How quickly do we think we could fly to its current location?
-
> How quickly do we think we could fly to its current location?
> You're certain you could catch up with it, it's flying quite slowly. However you'd certainly get soaked on the way...
-
> ...
> Ugh...
> ...Well, we can't go anywhere else, and the sword wants us to go this way...
> ...Brace ourselves, this is gonna suck horribly.
> Sheathe the sword, and...fly through the storm as quickly as possible, heading for the other flying thing.
-
> ...
> Ugh...
> ...Well, we can't go anywhere else, and the sword wants us to go this way...
> "I wouldn't be too sure of that" a voice warns
> ...Brace ourselves, this is gonna suck horribly.
> Sheathe the sword, and...fly through the storm as quickly as possible, heading for the other flying thing.
> It sure is!
> You give chase, flying through the storm as fast as you can. Lightning strikes a nearby tree, illuminating your surroundings and the object for a split second! The object no- figure appears to be heading upstream and appears slightly larger than a Youkai or Human...
-
> Did it at least look humanoid?
-
> Did it at least look humanoid?
> You can't tell from this angle! It appears like a white star, perhaps with a slight blue tint to it, the same shade your sword is glowing with.
-
> Huh.
> Maybe it's ball lightning?
> ...Maybe we can use Excalibur to domesticate ball lightning?
> Keep approaching.
-
> Huh.
> Maybe it's ball lightning?
> ...Maybe we can use Excalibur to domesticate ball lightning?
> Keep approaching.
> As you approach the figure becomes clearer as a six pointed star! Wait no- are those ... w-wings!?
> The sword is glowing bright enough to function as a light source now!
-
> Oh hell, what now?!?
> Pull the sword back out and get a better look at whatever this is.
-
> Oh hell, what now?!?
> Pull the sword back out and get a better look at whatever this is.
> You hear "No! Don't reveal our presence!" in a foreboding tone.
> Wielding the sword in your left hand you try to get a better look and notice the rain appears to be curving around the figure! You could say it's literally dodging rain...
-
> Sheathe the sword again!
> But as long as we're internally focused that way, if any tsukumogami swords that happen to be traveling with us have any other advice for things we should or shouldn't do, now would be the time to voice them!
-
> Sheathe the sword again!
> But as long as we're internally focused that way, if any tsukumogami swords that happen to be traveling with us have any other advice for things we should or shouldn't do, now would be the time to voice them!
> You sheathe the sword which makes a metal sliding sound ... which thankfully can't be heard over the pouring rain and overflowing river below!
> Perhaps it hasn't had enough time sitting to mature into a tsukumogami?
> The river branches in two and the figure takes the left path.
-
> Follow behind it, to see if we can see any more identifying features.
-
> Follow behind it, to see if we can see any more identifying features.
> You approach and notice it's ... humanoid? It has long silvery blue hair that reaches it's knees and is wielding a large staff with some kind of violet energy radiating out of it's top. What kind of Youkai could it be? You've never seen a six-winged Youkai before....
-
> Huh...
> Well, at least it's humanoid...so maybe it'll be able to help us, if we call out to it...?
-
> Huh...
> Well, at least it's humanoid...so maybe it'll be able to help us, if we call out to it...?
> "Perhaps, but what gave you the idea it's friendly?" the voice questions
-
> Well, that's admittedly wishful thinking...but it's not like there are better options available to us right now...
-
> Well, that's admittedly wishful thinking...but it's not like there are better options available to us right now...
> Until the storm clears at least there's not much else to do.
-
> Continue following, and...
> "Oi!"
-
> Continue following, and...
> "Oi!"
> Startled, the figure turns around! It appears to be a tall lady with six wings! Her light blue eyes immediately focus on you with an otherwise unreadable expression...
> Before you can get a good look she takes off flying! Just above the river's surface she races upstream. Give pursuit?
-
> Pursue!
> "Hey, wait! I need some help here!"
-
> Pursue!
> "Hey, wait! I need some help here!"
> You give chase! You're flying as fast as possible but can barely keep up! The river is leading up the mountain and soon you'll be inside the very clouds dropping this rain.
> She either cannot hear you (due to the storm) or doesn't want to hear you.
-
> Keep pursuing until she disappears into the clouds.
-
> Keep pursuing until she disappears into the clouds.
> You up the river until both she and it disappear into the clouds. Continue?
-
> Wait, the river ALSO disappears into the clouds?
> How does the sword look? (Do not pull it out.)
-
> Wait, the river ALSO disappears into the clouds?
> How does the sword look? (Do not pull it out.)
> It appears this mountain stretches into (and possibly above) the clouds!
> Glowing slightly dimmer than before.
-
> Urgh...
> Is there anywhere close by that looks like somewhere we can hide away from the storm?
-
> Urgh...
> Is there anywhere close by that looks like somewhere we can hide away from the storm?
> "Above it!" the voice suggests
-
> ...Well, who are we to doubt our new partner in slicing?
> Pursue, ascending into and above the clouds!
-
> ...Well, who are we to doubt our new partner in slicing?
> "New? We've always been one and the same..." it hisses
> Pursue, ascending into and above the clouds!
> You follow the river into the clouds, where visibility drops to less than an arm's length!
> "Better stay above the river and avoid getting surprised by a stray tree..." it suggests
-
> Oh, sorry, my mistake. ...Does that make you Kijin-douji, then?
> Is the winged woman visible anywhere?
> Follow our own advice and travel up the river, staying above it but not dipping into it.
-
> Oh, sorry, my mistake. ...Does that make you Kijin-douji, then?
> Silence...
> Is the winged woman visible anywhere?
> Follow our own advice and travel up the river, staying above it but not dipping into it.
> No but you assume she's further upstream?
> You follow the river closely through the thick fog and notice the fog is getting slightly brighter. Perhaps you've almost reached the skies beyond the clouds?
-
> Here's hoping! Keep going.
-
> Here's hoping! Keep going.
> The fog starts to clear and the heavy rain turns to mist before fading completely! Pausing to take in your surroundings you notice it's dusk, or just past sunset. With the peak of the mountain revealed you ponder if this could be Youkai Mountain? Yet it looks unfamiliar...
-
> Look around for the winged woman.
-
> Look around for the winged woman.
> Taking a moment to look around you manage to spot the lady from earlier just before flying over a small peak and disappearing behind it.
-
> Give chase!
> Keep half an eye out for notable landmarks along the way.
-
> Give chase!
> Keep half an eye out for notable landmarks along the way.
> You follow the winged figure over into a small valley. In the valley's center is a small pond and next to it is a building reminiscent of the Hakurei Shrine, albeit in worse condition. The roof has a few holes in it and it's wooden construction looks fairly weathered.
-
> Is the woman headed to that building or passing it by?
-
> Is the woman headed to that building or passing it by?
> You believe she went inside since you can't see her anymore.
-
> Head toward the building, then.
-
> Head toward the building, then.
> You head towards the building and land on the steps infront of it. The floorboards creak from old age and you can see quite a few cobwebs in various corners.
-
> Try sensing inside for that woman.
> Try sensing for anyone else that might be in the building.
-
> Try sensing inside for that woman.
> Try sensing for anyone else that might be in the building.
> You search for things to swap with and notice a few distinct targets inside. Only one appears to be moving around through, and it's to the left of the sliding entrance door.
-
> Enter and head in the direction of the moving target.
-
> Enter and head in the direction of the moving target.
> You slide the door open and notice the place is quite run down. Even your hideout is nicer than this!
> As you enter and look in the direction of the figure you spot a shadow moving like a blur to the far side of the room. From it emerges the lady from before, pointing her staff menacingly towards you...
-
> "Wait, please! I need help!"
-
> "Wait, please! I need help!"
> The lady eyes you carefully before lowering her staff slightly.
> She states "You... are not my target." in a commanding voice.
-
> Phew...
> "I should hope not...I don't even know who you are, or where I am."
-
> Phew...
> "I should hope not...I don't even know who you are, or where I am."
> "Why have you followed me of all people?" she continues in a commanding voice.
-
> "Because you were the first person I saw."
-
> "Because you were the first person I saw."
> "What brought you here? No one inhabits this mountain..." she questions.
-
> "...That's...complicated. Basically, I traded places with someone else without knowing where they were."
> "Though that person was from Gensokyo, just like me...but if this is part of Gensokyo, I sure don't recognize it."
-
> "...That's...complicated. Basically, I traded places with someone else without knowing where they were."
> "Though that person was from Gensokyo, utsu life me...but if this is part of Gensokyo, I sure don't recognize it."
> "Trade... places? Gensokyo?" the blue lady ponders. She appears to tense up at the mention of Gensokyo and raises her staff defensively for a second.
> She inquires "What is it you seek from the angel of death? My intuition tells me you still have much to do, a pivotal role to play in events yet to unfold..."
> You can't help but get a sense of foreboding by the way she worded her comment...
-
> ...Hopefully she's predicting we'll win the Iris contest?
> "I'm...just looking for a way to get back home. I don't want any trouble. Given who you've said you are, I don't even want to be bothering you with this, I just don't really have any other options."
-
> ...Hopefully she's predicting we'll win the Iris contest?
> "I'm...just looking for a way to get back home. I don't want any trouble. Given who you've said you are, I don't even want to be bothering you with this, I just don't really have any other options."
> "If your home is Gensokyo... There is a cave that connects the two worlds, I could lead you to it." she answers.
-
> "That would be appreciated. Or even just telling me where to go, if you're busy."
-
> "That would be appreciated. Or even just telling me where to go, if you're busy."
> She thinks for a moment "I was busy earlier, tracking down someone who wished to evade me. My intuition however suddenly disappeared... it's as if I was chasing a ghost and they vanished."
-
> "Huh, weird."
> "..."
> "...Uh..."
> "..."
> "...is it...possible that was the person I traded places with...?"
-
> "Huh, weird."
> "..."
> "...Uh..."
> "..."
> "...is it...possible that was the person I traded places with...?"
> Her eyes widen at the revelation...
> In a commanding voice she demands "Then I shall accompany you, as long as you lead me to the one who seeks to cheat death..."
-
> "Uh...I can try? We should have traded places, but that happened a number of minutes ago. I can bring you to where I was, but if she's smart, she'll have already moved on from there, and I can't exactly track her."
-
> "Uh...I can try? We should have traded places, but that happened a number of minutes ago. I can bring you to where I was, but if she's smart, she'll have already moved on from there, and I can't exactly track her."
> "You shall try ...if you are to receive my assistance." she commands
-
> "Like I said, I can try."
-
> "Like I said, I can try."
> The lady lowers her staff and approaches. She stands an imposing two heads taller than you, without even mentioning the six wings.
> "If I sense you're trying to conceal those who wish to evade me... you shall regret it." she warns.
-
> Ah, dammit. Why'd that spy have to be here?
> Nod.
> "Right, of course."
-
> Ah, dammit. Why'd that spy have to be here?
> What could have led her to come here of all places?
> Nod.
> "Right, of course."
> The lady leads you out of the ruined shrine in a hurry, accidentally bumping into the rather small (for her) doorframe on the way. You can't help but chuckle at the thought of how inconvenient six wings can be at times...
> "We will stay above the clouds and avoid the rain while looking for a smaller mountain whose peak just barely reaches above said clouds."
-
> How well-endowed is this woman?
-
> How well-endowed is this woman?
> That aspect doesn't stand out, compared to her height and wings.
-
> Nod.
> "Got it."
> "Out of curiosity, would you like me to give you a ride there, and presumably beyond into Gensokyo?"
-
> Nod.
> "Got it."
> "Out of curiosity, would you like me to give you a ride there, and presumably beyond into Gensokyo?"
> "If you knew the way... you wouldn't require my aid." she comments.
-
> "Well, you'd still need to guide me. You'd just ride along as I traveled."
-
> "Well, you'd still need to guide me. You'd just ride along as I traveled."
> "Tell me more on the way" she comments before taking off in a new direction.
-
> We're currently Princess-sized, correct?
> How do we compare in size to this woman, again?
> Given our relative sizes, how would we estimate this woman compares to our normal size?
-
> We're currently Princess-sized, correct?
> How do we compare in size to this woman, again?
> Given our relative sizes, how would we estimate this woman compares to our normal size?
> Yes you're small currently.
> You estimate she's a whole two heads taller than a average sized person! (Like your normal height)
-
> Follow!
> "Sure. So, the thing is, I'm not normally this size. That other person was, but since we traded places, now I am. If we traded places, you and I, then you'd be this size, and I'd be your size."
-
> Follow!
> "Sure. So, the thing is, I'm not normally this size. That other person was, but since we traded places, now I am. If we traded places, you and I, then you'd be this size, and I'd be your size."
> "I am weary of magic I do not understand..." she comments.
-
> "It's as simple as swapping the two of us. That's just kinda what I do. If you don't want to, that's fine, but that's all it is, so I figured I'd offer. Particularly since it wound mean you don't need to worry about bonking into doorways."
-
> She thinks for a moment "I was busy earlier, tracking down someone who wished to evade me. My intuition however suddenly disappeared... it's as if I was chasing a ghost and they vanished."
> Mention with "interest, but without pushing, descriptions or even hints lr inklins or what she would provide from her, 'the Lady Angel of Death...' "
> "It's as simple as swapping the two of us. That's just kinda what I do. If you don't want to, that's fine, but that's all it is, so I figured I'd offer. Particularly since it wound mean you don't need to worry about bonking into doorways."
> Continue and add to such explanation that" ours are not any through-means magic or mystic or such arts or techniques who are not our own... but indeed our own abilities we can and have to rely upon and settle back to our original natural self, like those number of occasions early on ". ..
>... as we were explaining before, comparing our difference in heighg by this power. we " do need anything or anyone reasonally in agreement, "unless a priority bind or else is happening", to "swap-exchange back from our swapped-excahanged smallness from our Inchiling best friend & ally & host "
-
> "It's as simple as swapping the two of us. That's just kinda what I do. If you don't want to, that's fine, but that's all it is, so I figured I'd offer. Particularly since it wound mean you don't need to worry about bonking into doorways."
> "I am not the problem... Not constructing double doors is the issue!" you appear to have struck a nerve with your comment, as is apparent from her defensive tone.
> Mention with "interest, but without pushing, descriptions or even hints lr inklins or what she would provide from her, 'the Lady Angel of Death...' "
> Continue and add to such explanation that" ours are not any through-means magic or mystic or such arts or techniques who are not our own... but indeed our own abilities we can and have to rely upon and settle back to our original natural self, like those number of occasions early on ". ..
>... as we were explaining before, comparing our difference in heighg by this power. we " do need anything or anyone reasonally in agreement, "unless a priority bind or else is happening", to "swap-exchange back from our swapped-excahanged smallness from our Inchiling best friend & ally & host "
> You try and explain that this ability is something innate to you and not some spell and she appears mildly intrigued. "So are you like an angel or guardian of trade and exchang?" she inquires.
> You're flying above stormy skies with the blue lady leading the way. It's impressive how she can find her way whem everything looks like a sea of clouds.
-
> "Er, I don't think I would describe myself so benevolently. I mean, I try my best, but nobody's perfect. I also can't just change or swap anything I want, there are some restrictions."
-
> "Er, I don't think I would describe myself so benevolently. I mean, I try my best, but nobody's perfect. I also can't just change or swap anything I want, there are some restrictions."
> She nods "Indeed no one is flawless... However one is not defined by what they cannot do, but instead by what they can accomplish."
-
> "That makes sense."
> "So...does being my size sound like something you'd be willing to try?"
-
> "That makes sense."
> "So...does being my size sound like something you'd be willing to try?"
> She hesitates "I insist on seeing it performed before volunteering myself..."
> The skies below light up purple and a few seconds later you hear a thunderous bang! This reminds you why the Shining Needle Castle is such a blessing; you get to live above the weather! Even the strongest Youkai have to deal with stormy nights...
-
> "Sure. What would you like me to demonstrate it with?"
-
> "Sure. What would you like me to demonstrate it with?"
> "Well it would've been nice if it wasn't just two of us... unless you can use objects too?" she asks
-
> Nod.
> "I can."
-
> Nod.
> "I can."
> She looks down at her dress "I have nothing, nor any sleeve to keep anything..."
-
> "How about your staff? I can sit in your hands, or hop on top of your head, or even dangle myself in your collar, and then swap with your staff, and it and I will switch places and sizes while we're still both in your possession."
-
> "How about your staff? I can sit in your hands, or hop on top of your head, or even dangle myself in your collar, and then swap with your staff, and it and I will switch places and sizes while we're still both in your possession."
> A little hesitant "I'll allow you to try..."
> Looking at something in the distance she lets you know "Halfway there"
-
> Is the woman wearing anything on her feet?
> Look in the direction she's looking. Anything of note that we can tell?
> Nod.
> "Sure thing. Thank you."
> If we think we could fit, fly over to the collar of the woman's top and drape ourselves over it so our lower half dangles inside it and our upper half dangles outside of it. If we don't think we could fit draped over her collar like that (or if she refuses to let us get that intimately close to her), fly up and land on the top of her head, laying belly-down.
> Then swap ourselves with her staff, preparing ourselves to be held by her.
-
> Is the woman wearing anything on her feet?
> She doesn't appear to be.
> Look in the direction she's looking. Anything of note that we can tell?
> Nothing as far as you can tell, just stormy clouds.
> Nod.
> "Sure thing. Thank you."
> If we think we could fit, fly over to the collar of the woman's top and drape ourselves over it so our lower half dangles inside it and our upper half dangles outside of it. If we don't think we could fit draped over her collar like that (or if she refuses to let us get that intimately close to her), fly up and land on the top of her head, laying belly-down.
> Then swap ourselves with her staff, preparing ourselves to be held by her.
> You try and sit on her collar but don't fit and instead land on her head. Upon swapping with the staff you open your eyes and find she's holding you by the waist and 'wearing' the staff as a head ornament, looking surprised!
> "I ... was not expecting it to work so suddenly!" she explains.
-
> Grin back up at her.
> "Easy-peasy. And it would be that fast with you, too. Though, let me give you your staff back first."
> Undo the swap with the staff.
> Then get off of the woman's head and fly in front of her so she can see us to converse properly.
-
> Grin back up at her.
> "Easy-peasy. And it would be that fast with you, too. Though, let me give you your staff back first."
> Undo the swap with the staff.
> Then get off of the woman's head and fly in front of her so she can see us to converse properly.
> You undo the swap with the staff and return to her head before flying ahead to converse.
> The lady comments "I see... how unique! I have wonderred what it's like to be that small..."
-
> "Well, with your permission, I'll help you experience it."
> If the woman agrees, swap with her.
-
> "Well, with your permission, I'll help you experience it."
> If the woman agrees, swap with her.
> She nods and you swap with her! You are now very tall and she's about the size of an Iris doll.
> The lady circles around you, investigating the scale from her perspective.
-
> Could we secure her down the front of our dress, so that her head and some portion of the rest of her upper body are visible outside while the rest of her body is tucked away inside? Or is our collar too tight for that?
> Does she still have her staff? Or are we holding it now?
> "Neat, huh? You can see how easy it is for me to transport you now."
-
> Could we secure her down the front of our dress, so that her head and some portion of the rest of her upper body are visible outside while the rest of her body is tucked away inside? Or is our collar too tight for that?
> "You didn't fit in her collar, what makes you think she'll fit in yours" a voice questions
> Does she still have her staff? Or are we holding it now?
> You're holding it!
> "Neat, huh? You can see how easy it is for me to transport you now."
> "I see... though I'm not sure how comfortable that'd be? It's not like flying is hard for those with wings ...and I've been blessed with six." she comments.
-
> Can we loosen our collar at all?
-
> Can we loosen our collar at all?
> You doubt it.
-
>"Well, it makes it easier to do things like this."
> Try to gently wrap-grab her and hug her gently to our chest, pressing her lightly into our body. If this is successful, continue flying onward.
-
>"Well, it makes it easier to do things like this."
> Try to gently wrap-grab her and hug her gently to our chest, pressing her lightly into our body. If this is successful, continue flying onward.
> It's a little awkward with her huge wings but you manage to hug her.
> "However now you cannot simply follow my lead..." she explains before pointing a direction for you to fly towards.
-
> "Perhaps. But isn't this nicer?"
> Fly in the indicated direction.
> While traveling, recall our experiences with swapping Patchouli's chest with ours, focus on the pendant, and try swapping the woman's wings with our lack of wings.
-
> "Perhaps. But isn't this nicer?"
> Fly in the indicated direction.
> While traveling, recall our experiences with swapping Patchouli's chest with ours, focus on the pendant, and try swapping the woman's wings with our lack of wings.
> She nods as you fly in the requested direction.
> You search for a concept to swap with but find nothing... Perhaps it's due to not having anything to exchange with?
-
> Can we tell what part of her that her wings are attached to, if any?
-
> Can we tell what part of her that her wings are attached to, if any?
> You can't tell.
-
> Hmm...
> ...Let's try assuming her wings are attached to her back.
> Try imagining the woman's wings as a fundamental part of her back, and then, focusing on the pendant, swap her back with our back like how we swapped chests with Patchouli.
-
> Hmm...
> ...Let's try assuming her wings are attached to her back.
> Try imagining the woman's wings as a fundamental part of her back, and then, focusing on the pendant, swap her back with our back like how we swapped chests with Patchouli.
> Can't locate it!
> "How can you call it a 'swap' when there's nothing for you to give!" a voice reminds you...
-
> Let's consider this for a moment, then. We were able to swap Patchouli's chest for ours, which was a swap conceptually, but from an outsider's perspective, we just took from her and added to ourselves. Consider how we might be able to do the same thing with this woman and her wings, where we swap something of ours for something of hers that includes her wings, so that it's a swap conceptually, but from an outsider's perspective, we just take her wings and affix them to ourselves.
-
> Let's consider this for a moment, then. We were able to swap Patchouli's chest for ours, which was a swap conceptually, but from an outsider's perspective, we just took from her and added to ourselves. Consider how we might be able to do the same thing with this woman and her wings, where we swap something of ours for something of hers that includes her wings, so that it's a swap conceptually, but from an outsider's perspective, we just take her wings and affix them to ourselves.
> The voice snickers "This isn't a physics homework exercise where the trick to solving it is to move the observer around!"
> "The only observer, the only perspective that ever mattered is us!" it reminds in a stern tone.
> You shake your head as you try and remember if your subconscious was always this vocal and demanding...
-
> Well, yes, that's true, but because that's true, we should just be able to take from other people!
> ...Are we capable of using our abilities to simply take from other people?
-
> Well, yes, that's true, but because that's true, we should just be able to take from other people!
> "That's the spirit!"
> ...Are we capable of using our abilities to simply take from other people?
> After a long pause "That pendant grants us strength to accomplish things we couldn't ever before, perhaps that too will be within reach some day..."
-
> ...Maybe we've been going about this the wrong way...?
> Trying to swap the woman's wings for our lack of wings didn't work. Instead, try changing the wings from being part of the woman to being part of us, using the pendant as a focus as needed.
> If that doesn't work (and only if that doesn't work), try swapping the woman's wings and our horns.
-
> ...Maybe we've been going about this the wrong way...?
> Trying to swap the woman's wings for our lack of wings didn't work. Instead, try changing the wings from being part of the woman to being part of us, using the pendant as a focus as needed.
> You try an alternative approach and something happens! You're now small and sitting in the woman's arms though upon checking your back you find yet again a lack of wings.
> The lady suggests trying a certain energy drink, which claims to give you wings!
-
> "Whoops, sorry about that!"
> Undo whatever swap we just did, making sure to keep moving forward after it happens.
> If we did not previously attempt to swap the woman's wings and our horns, do so now.
-
> "Whoops, sorry about that!"
> Undo whatever swap we just did, making sure to keep moving forward after it happens.
> If we did not previously attempt to swap the woman's wings and our horns, do so now.
> She looks at you confused for a moment but disregards it.
> It appears those traits don't match! You can locate them individually but when focusing on the second object to swap with you find nothing...
-
> Did we at least swap back so large us is carrying tiny her?
> If we did: "Anyway, I hope you enjoy being cuddle-sized. I certainly enjoy our current arrangement, even if I need to be careful with your wings."
-
> Did we at least swap back so large us is carrying tiny her?
> If we did: "Anyway, I hope you enjoy being cuddle-sized. I certainly enjoy our current arrangement, even if I need to be careful with your wings."
> You certainly did!
> "It's a unique perspective... I will admit that." she comments
> "Almost there, this way!" she points somewhat to your left and down towards the clouds. You can just barely discern some snowy mountaintops peeking above the clouds.
-
> "Got it!"
> Follow where we've been told to go!
> As we descend, use the hug hold to squish her body into ours slightly, as though securing our hold on her. Don't be too rough, of course, it would be disadvantageous if we were to hurt her!
-
> "Got it!"
> Follow where we've been told to go!
> As we descend, use the hug hold to squish her body into ours slightly, as though securing our hold on her. Don't be too rough, of course, it would be disadvantageous if we were to hurt her!
> You follow in the direction pointed and descend onto the snowy peak.
> "I can clear the rain, however I'm afraid the effect would be too small at the current size..." she warns.
-
> "It's fine, I can wait until we're where we need to be."
-
> "It's fine, I can wait until we're where we need to be."
> You begin to descend through the clouds, floating just above the cold, snow covered ground. Visibility quickly drops to the point where you'd be unable to count your fingers if you stretched your arms out!
> The small lady points at a dark patch in the fog.
-
> Hug her even closer to us so that we're basically pressing her body into our chest.
> Head toward the dark patch, silently hoping it's not the entrance to the cave in which we first appeared here.
-
> Hug her even closer to us so that we're basically pressing her body into our chest.
> Head toward the dark patch, silently hoping it's not the entrance to the cave in which we first appeared here.
> You hug her closely, which is a little uncomfortable for you due to her large wings. As you approach the dark spot you quickly realize it's a cave. The fog clears slightly inside and you find yourseves in a wide passageway.
> "You need not fear anything, this region is largely uninhabited..." she comments, likely in response to being held tightly.
-
> We previously established that we could not stick this woman down our collar from above. Do we think she'd have enough room to pop her head out of our collar if she came up inside our dress from below?
> Is our dress loose enough below our neck for us to even attempt such a thing? Or is it tightly tied off somewhere that she wouldn't be able to move through?
-
> We previously established that we could not stick this woman down our collar from above. Do we think she'd have enough room to pop her head out of our collar if she came up inside our dress from below?
> Is our dress loose enough below our neck for us to even attempt such a thing? Or is it tightly tied off somewhere that she wouldn't be able to move through?
// Judging from official spritework
> Your collar and shirt isn't that loose! Loose clothes make it quite more exhausting to fly, especially against the wind!
-
> "That was less out of fear and more trying to keep a solid grip on you. Also I wasn't kidding when I called you cuddle-sized~"
> Stop squishing the woman into our body so hard (though keep a decent hug grip on her).
> "So does this tunnel take us to Gensokyo?"
-
> "That was less out of fear and more trying to keep a solid grip on you. Also I wasn't kidding when I called you cuddle-sized~"
> Stop squishing the woman into our body so hard (though keep a decent hug grip on her).
> "So does this tunnel take us to Gensokyo?"
> She gives you a funny look upon hearing your comment before pointing out "It leads to the three world crossroads."
-
> Did she look confused, irritated, embarrassed, or something else?
> Are we familiar with 'the three world crossroads'?
-
> Did she look confused, irritated, embarrassed, or something else?
> Are we familiar with 'the three world crossroads'?
> Possibly irritated and confused?
> You're not familiar with any place named such.
-
> "...I have to admit that name isn't familiar to me."
> Flip ourselves from wet to dry.
> Then flip the woman from wet to dry.
-
> "...I have to admit that name isn't familiar to me."
> Flip ourselves from wet to dry.
> Then flip the woman from wet to dry.
> "It is known by many names, each world calls it their own..." she explains
> The cave ended up being inside the clouds, which thankfully meant you avoided the storm!
-
> "I guess I'll just see what happens once we get somewhere I recognize."
> Begin walking further into the cave.
-
> "I guess I'll just see what happens once we get somewhere I recognize."
> Begin walking further into the cave.
> You continue into the cave, as it opens up into a cavern so big you can't see the walls or ceiling! Instead what look like stars twinkle in the distance around you. After some time you come across a large opening in the ground, from which hot air rises upward. Ledges along the sides lead across towards what is presumably another entrance, judging from the faint light shining in.
-
> "Wow..."
> Go up to the hole and have a look down.
-
> "Wow..."
> Go up to the hole and have a look down.
> It's too deep to see anything at the bottom! Warm air slowly rises from within...
> "There is rumored to be an ancient city in the depths..." the blue lady claims.
-
> "...Do you want to check it out?"
-
> "...Do you want to check it out?"
> "I sense no reason not to, there may very well be some demons in hiding down there..." she comments while eyeing the opening and feeling the warm air.
-
> "Alright, let's have a look."
> Take flight and head down the hole.
> "So tell me about yourself, miss."
-
> It's too deep to see anything at the bottom! Warm air slowly rises from within...
> "There is rumored to be an ancient city in the depths..." the blue lady claims.
> "Alright, let's have a look."
> Take flight and head down the hole.
> "So tell me about yourself, miss."
> After her,Also present ourselves ....if we did not already(// :cirnotan: //).
> Ask if by her experience it could be doable , or there is at least no harm if we both try and descend down this very wide and deep cave hole by utilizing that current of hot-warm air as a trail...or as a warning sign.
-
> Only introduce ourselves if she specifically asks for it. No need to give others more information about ourselves than is necessary.
-
> "Alright, let's have a look."
> Take flight and head down the hole.
> "So tell me about yourself, miss."
> In a cold tone she states "I am Sariel... the archangel. Our..." she trails off "My job is to hunt demons who've evaded their fates for far too long." upon finishing she immediately asks "And you miss...?"
> After her,Also present ourselves ....if we did not already(// :cirnotan: //).
> Ask if by her experience it could be doable , or there is at least no harm if we both try and descend down this very wide and deep cave hole by utilizing that current of hot-warm air as a trail...or as a warning sign.
> She's descending alongside you into the cavern below.
> Only introduce ourselves if she specifically asks for it. No need to give others more information about ourselves than is necessary.
> She asked almost immediately, as if trying to change the subject or avoid talking about something...
-
> Are we not still hugging her? We didn't let go...
> "Seija. I'm no one particularly important. Just your run-of-the-mill youkai."
> "Sorry if I poked at something I shouldn't have, by the way."
-
> Are we not still hugging her? We didn't let go...
> You are! // Perhaps describing it 'alongside' wasn't specific enough in the last turn.
> "Seija. I'm no one particularly important. Just your run-of-the-mill youkai."
> "Sorry if I poked at something I shouldn't have, by the way."
> "Youkai...? Is that what they call demons in Gensokyo?" she asks.
> "You did no such thing." she reassures.
-
> "That might be us in your parlance. I don't think I've particularly tried to evade whatever fate may be in store for me, for what that's worth. Change it, sure, but not avoid it."
> "Is there anyone else you associate with on the regular? Or are you more a lone hunter kind of woman?"
-
> "That might be us in your parlance. I don't think I've particularly tried to evade whatever fate may be in store for me, for what that's worth. Change it, sure, but not avoid it."
> "I foresee your actions altering the fates of many... for better or worse, I cannot determine." she warns.
> "Is there anyone else you associate with on the regular? Or are you more a lone hunter kind of woman?"
> She takes a moment to consider her answer "I- well... There used to be someone... Not an associate or even an angel, yet with a similar purpose to mine. We worked together on occasion, as our skills complemented each others. Especially when up against the strongest and most stubborn of demons."
-
> "A friend, then? Or maybe even a lover?"
-
> "A friend, then? Or maybe even a lover?"
> She crosses her arms upon hearing the second option "No jumping to conclusions! My kind tends to work alone due to both the rather unpleasant nature of our duties and there not being that many of us. Which occasionally leads to our demise if we bite off more than we can chew... You could never understand what it feels like to have an ally in a world that vilifies your kind and work."
-
> Hm, we're actually probably one of the very few beings that can understand that. But we don't need to tell her that.
> "Ah, sorry, I didn't mean to be insensitive."
> "It does make me wonder, though. Why do you what you do, then? Is it something you enjoy, or strictly a sense of duty? Or maybe even it's because you feel like you have to, whether or not you want to?"
-
> Hm, we're actually probably one of the very few beings that can understand that. But we don't need to tell her that.
> "Indeed, we're very much alike in that regard" the voice agrees.
> "Ah, sorry, I didn't mean to be insensitive."
> "It does make me wonder, though. Why do you what you do, then? Is it something you enjoy, or strictly a sense of duty? Or maybe even it's because you feel like you have to, whether or not you want to?"
> "Beings that cease fulfilling their purpose ... cease to exist." she answers coldly, before adding "and unlike those we hunt, there's no afterlife waiting for us..."
-
> Frown a bit.
> "...If you don't mind my saying so, that feels kinda bullstrawberries. And I mean that on your behalf."
> Hug her a bit closer to us, in an attempt to be something around comforting and/or protective.
> "You shouldn't be stuck in a situation where your options are 'do this job that makes people hate you' and 'stop existing entirely'."
-
> Frown a bit.
> "...If you don't mind my saying so, that feels kinda bullstrawberries. And I mean that on your behalf."
> Hug her a bit closer to us, in an attempt to be something around comforting and/or protective.
> "You shouldn't be stuck in a situation where your options are 'do this job that makes people hate you' and 'stop existing entirely'."
> She responds with a question "Is it that different from what many demons face? Do vampires choose to drink blood?"
-
> "Maybe in other lands. But Gensokyo is actually pretty decent about that sort of thing. Hell, before I came here, I had just traveled with a human companion to a mansion owned by a vampire, and that human and vampire discussed a bunch of stuff about the state of Gensokyo while I did some magical experiments with a magician and another vampire. All like it was the most natural thing in the world."
-
> "Maybe in other lands. But Gensokyo is actually pretty decent about that sort of thing. Hell, before I came here, I had just traveled with a human companion to a mansion owned by a vampire, and that human and vampire discussed a bunch of stuff about the state of Gensokyo while I did some magical experiments with a magician and another vampire. All like it was the most natural thing in the world."
> "Gensokyo sure sounds carefree... Yet if I were to abandon my duty another would be sent to claim me." she explains.
> "She on the other hand... had no master, no peers. She took pride in every aspect of her work, demanding nothing short of perfection." she reminisces.
-
> "I see..."
> "..."
> "...If you did abandon your duty, and someone was sent after you, what if you had allies to defend you and your right to exist the way you want to?"
-
> "I see..."
> "..."
> "...If you did abandon your duty, and someone was sent after you, what if you had allies to defend you and your right to exist the way you want to?"
> "We consider those aiding wanted demons to be just as guilty themselves. They'll show no mercy if you get in the way." she warns.
-
> "Well, of course. Presumably those allies of yours would understand that and accept it when they committed to defending you."
-
> "Well, of course. Presumably those allies of yours would understand that and accept it when they committed to defending you."
> "I-I don't know if I could accept that responsibility." she explains before asking "Mind if I show you something. Since you're from another realm I'm curious to see if you can understand some writing..."
> She shifts for a moment before slipping out of your hands and opening a small portal between you. From within it she raises a large double-edged knife and presents it to you.
> You've obtained: Oversized double-edged knife (?) - The blade has a dark red, almost purple sheen to it. Along the side there appears to be writing in an odd language, where each symbol consists entirely of a handful of straight lines.
-
> Do we recognize which language is it, at least?
> Try conceptually flipping the writing from unfamiliar to familiar.
> If the previous doesn't work, try flipping the writing from illegible to legible instead.
-
> Do we recognize which language is it, at least?
> Try conceptually flipping the writing from unfamiliar to familiar.
> If the previous doesn't work, try flipping the writing from illegible to legible instead.
> No, it could be numbers for all you know!
> You feel like you've seen this writing before... what's the term? Deja vu? Or could it be your ability falsely leading you to believe it's familiar when it's really not? Undoing the flip returns that feeling of unfamiliarity.
> Flipping the legibility turns it into what can only be described as scribbles... Perhaps it's already legible as is?
-
> Undo the legibility flip.
> Frown a bit.
> "I'm afraid I can't, sorry. I've even tried a couple things from my bag of tricks to try to help myself, and they're not working well enough to help out."
-
> Undo the legibility flip.
> Frown a bit.
> "I'm afraid I can't, sorry. I've even tried a couple things from my bag of tricks to try to help myself, and they're not working well enough to help out."
> The writing returns to it's original style.
> Sariel retrieves the blade and stores it away in the portal before returning to your arms. "Well, thank you for trying..."
> As the cave begins widening she comments "Could we be almost there?"
-
> Re-wrap her in that hug, lightly pressing her into us.
> "Certainly seems possible."
> "Is there anything you're willing to tell me about that blade? It's fine if not, but I'm curious all the same."
-
> Re-wrap her in that hug, lightly pressing her into us.
> "Certainly seems possible."
> "Is there anything you're willing to tell me about that blade? It's fine if not, but I'm curious all the same."
> You wrap your arms around her once more.
> "It was the blade she sealed demons with... One strike and they'd become... light and energy, to put it mildly." she explains.
> In a cold tone "The day she disappeared I found an enormous crater beyond the shrine we first met at, which has since filled with dark red water and turned into a lake." she continues "I found this blade at the very bottom of the crater, amongst still-burning ashes."
-
> "Wow. That's...quite a lot to handle, huh."
> "How long ago did this all happen?"
-
> "Wow. That's...quite a lot to handle, huh."
> "How long ago did this all happen?"
> She explains "Around two hundred years ago. There was a master demon she was after, I don't know the specifics but their powers were rumored to be immeasurable. We had also come across information regarding their location on a certain date. Using the element of surprise we would set up an ambush to take them down, however early that morning a long overdue vampire decided to present themselves and I was obliged to give chase. They ended up escaping into the mountains but by the time I got back there was a giant crater at the location we were going to ambush with nothing save for her dagger in sight."
-
> Were we kicking around at that time? If so, where were we?
-
> Were we kicking around at that time? If so, where were we?
> Wanted for espionage, sabotage and treason of the highest kind in three hundred and sixty five different countries!
-
> Oh yeah. Damn, we're good.
> "I see. I've done a fair bit of traveling in my time...I wonder if I ever met them in passing."
-
> Oh yeah. Damn, we're good.
> "I see. I've done a fair bit of traveling in my time...I wonder if I ever met them in passing."
> "Damn straight we're good." the voice complements.
> She laughs "I doubt you'd be here to tell the tale..."
-
> "Well, maybe we met when she didn't have a reason to pursue me. Like how you and I are right now."
-
> "Well, maybe we met when she didn't have a reason to pursue me. Like how you and I are right now."
> "I'll entertain the thought, however unlikely it sounds..." she answers.
> You hear water flowing below.
-
> "Well, how about this, then: what did she look like?"
-
> "Well, how about this, then: what did she look like?"
> Sariel explains "She always wore a cloak... Unlike those of us who stick out like a sore thumb in a crowd, she could blend just about anywhere to get closer to her targets."
-
> "Mmm. There's a lot of people that wear cloaks out there..."
> "Oh, do you hear that running water too, by the way?"
-
> "Mmm. There's a lot of people that wear cloaks out there..."
> "Oh, do you hear that running water too, by the way?"
> She nods "Indeed there are... and yes I do hear it."
> An entire underground river comes into view below you! A well kept bridge appears to be the only way across.
-
> "Huh. This look familiar to you at all?"
> Float down to land on the bridge, keeping hold of Sariel as we land.
-
> "Huh. This look familiar to you at all?"
> Float down to land on the bridge, keeping hold of Sariel as we land.
> You land at the start of the bridge and take a look around. The water below is flowing very fast and appears to be quite deep.
> She shakes her head "It's been a long while since I was last here... I certainly don't remember a bridge this well kept."
-
> Look in either direction along the bridge to see if there is civilization anywhere.
-
> Look in either direction along the bridge to see if there is civilization anywhere.
> You see a green light some distance away and darkness in the other direction.
> "There's something that way!" Sariel whispers
-
> Whisper as well: "That green light?"
-
> Whisper as well: "That green light?"
> She nods!
-
> "Should we approach or retreat?"
-
> "Should we approach or retreat?"
> "We could investigate..." she answers
-
> Nod.
> "If you need to, for safety, you can pretend to be a doll. Up to you."
> Head in the direction of the green light.
-
> Nod.
> "If you need to, for safety, you can pretend to be a doll. Up to you."
> Head in the direction of the green light.
> She agrees and takes on a doll-like pose.
> You traverse the bridge in the direction of the light until you spot a figure some distance away sitting on the bridge railing.
-
> What do they look like?
-
> What do they look like?
> The figure summons a small flame and twirls it around their fingers, momentarily illuminating the area and revealing her blonde hair and green eyes.
-
> Hail that person and,unless there is an impedement of some kind,approach her.
> After she responds,ask her what location is this,what does this bridge connect to.
-
> Hail that person and,unless there is an impedement of some kind,approach her.
> After she responds,ask her what location is this,what does this bridge connect to.
> You approach the green eyed lady who jumps to the center of the bridge "A new face here today... What brings you to the ancient city?".
> Eyeing you carefully she comments "Those who cross this bridge must pay a fee. Public works such as this don't just build and maintain themselves..."
-
> Do we know what 'the ancient city' is?
> "'The ancient city'? Is that where I am? I only barely know how I got here..."
> "What's this fee, then?"
-
> Do we know what 'the ancient city' is?
> "'The ancient city'? Is that where I am? I only barely know how I got here..."
> "What's this fee, then?"
> She smiles "Indeed it is..."
> At the mention of fee her eyes focus on the sword on your waist and then at Sariel "Mmm, I'll take the angel doll! I've never seen one with such pretty wings!"
-
> Do we know what 'the ancient city' is?
> Do we have any money on us?
> Smile and hug Sariel tight to us.
> "I know, right! Isn't she just the most precious?"
> "Mmm, though...just giving her away would be hard...she means a lot to me, you know?"
-
> Do we know what 'the ancient city' is?
> Do we have any money on us?
> You've heard stories of a city inhabited by Oni that serves some of the best sake known to exist!
> You have a coin of an unknown currency.
> Smile and hug Sariel tight to us.
> "I know, right! Isn't she just the most precious?"
> "Mmm, though...just giving her away would be hard...she means a lot to me, you know?"
> You hug Sariel tightly, who stiffens and twitches upon hearing your words...
> The green eyed lady grins "How so? A gift from someone important? A friend, a lover perhaps?"
-
> "A gift from someone important, yeah."
-
> "A gift from someone important, yeah."
> Still smirking "What about the sword then?"
-
> Do we still have our tengu toy camera?
> If so, does it store pictures it takes for future viewing?
> Sweatdrop.
> "Sorry, also a gift from someone important. Look, I'll level with you, I didn't know that this whole thing was a thing, so I'm not exactly prepared with offerings..."
-
> Do we still have our tengu toy camera?
> If so, does it store pictures it takes for future viewing?
> Indeed you do! It's a training camera which stores it's picures on a special magnetic film reel. // This is a key item
> Sweatdrop.
> "Sorry, also a gift from someone important. Look, I'll level with you, I didn't know that this whole thing was a thing, so I'm not exactly prepared with offerings..."
> She answers "I see... Perhaps you can have more time to think about it and pay when you come back. It's not like there's any other way out of the Ancient City."
-
> Indeed you do! It's a training camera which stores it's picures on a special magnetic film reel. // This is a key item
> She answers "I see... Perhaps you can have more time to think about it and pay when you come back. It's not like there's any other way out of the Ancient City."
> Thank her for her's trust and repay it by sincerely asking her what else it is preferred ,or at least acceptable, around here for "a fee ".
> Get going to "the Ancient City".
> When we are distant from "the Bridge" and we can make out the silouhette ,or other signs,of "the Ancient City",quietly tell Sariel what rumours you heard about these places...and also...
> ...(quietly) ask Sariel if she ever heard about these places on her end.
-
> Thank her for her's trust and repay it by sincerely asking her what else it is preferred ,or at least acceptable, around here for "a fee ".
> Get going to "the Ancient City".
> When we are distant from "the Bridge" and we can make out the silouhette ,or other signs,of "the Ancient City",quietly tell Sariel what rumours you heard about these places...and also...
> ...(quietly) ask Sariel if she ever heard about these places on her end.
> You thank her and proceed! She let's you know for payment she appreciates gemstones, specifically emeralds or large pieces of jade.
> As you continue the outline of the ancient city slowly appears on the horizon.
> Sariel answers "I've heard that it's a city inhabited solely by Oni... These Oni are also famous across the land for the sake they produce!"
-
> "That sounds like what I've heard too...you much of a drinker?"
> "Also, I had an idea, one that might help us find information about your friend. Can you pull that knife back out, while no one's around?"
-
> "That sounds like what I've heard too...you much of a drinker?"
> "Also, I had an idea, one that might help us find information about your friend. Can you pull that knife back out, while no one's around?"
> "I try and avoid overindulging..." she replies.
> Once out of sight she retrieves the sword from a portal and shows it to you once more.
-
> Pull out our camera and take a picture of the script on the blade.
-
> Pull out our camera and take a picture of the script on the blade.
> You take a picture of the blade with a bright flash. Any danmaku in the camera's viewfinder would've certainly been annihilated...
> "What was that!? It was so bright!" Sariel exclaims.
-
> "A handy form of record-keeping."
> Pull up the picture on the camera and show it to Sariel.
-
> "A handy form of record-keeping."
> Pull up the picture on the camera and show it to Sariel.
> You turn the film position knob backwards one step and the screen is illuminated with the image of the sword!
> "Fascinating!" she exclaims.
-
> "Isn't it, though? You can put the blade away safe now, too."
> Return the camera to its previous ready state and put it away.
> "Now I can ask around about that language. The scholar friend I was visiting before we met might know she seems to know a lot."
> Pick Sariel back up in the hug we had her in previously and continue on our way.
-
> "Isn't it, though? You can put the blade away safe now, too."
> Return the camera to its previous ready state and put it away.
> "Now I can ask around about that language. The scholar friend I was visiting before we met might know she seems to know a lot."
> Pick Sariel back up in the hug we had her in previously and continue on our way.
> "Is this that 'technology' many talk about?" she asks
> "I pray she can lead us to answers..." in a hopeful voice.
> She stiffens and pretends to be a doll once more. "How cute... the little Youkai and her beloved doll" a voice laughs...
-
> Look around for the source of the new voice.
-
> Look around for the source of the new voice.
> You look around and find no one... perhaps it was all in your head?
-
> Did it sound like our inner voice has sounded recently?
-
> Did it sound like our inner voice has sounded recently?
> Indeed, albeit more lively.
-
> Where exactly is that voice coming from, anyway? Do we hear it in our mind, or is it actually noise in one or both ears?
-
> Where exactly is that voice coming from, anyway? Do we hear it in our mind, or is it actually noise in one or both ears?
> You're not sure... it's as if it's right by you but you're sure that if you covered your ears you'd still hear it! So in your mind ... you'd say?
-
> Try thinking "out loud" in our head: "Whatever works as a cover story, right?"
-
> Try thinking "out loud" in our head: "Whatever works as a cover story, right?"
> "Right..." the voice responds.
> The outline of the city is slowly becoming clearer as you reach the end of the bridge. A narrow winding path leads up a small hill and towards a lit up gate.
-
> Try thinking "out loud" in our head: "You've been pretty talkative lately, you know. Any particular reason why?"
-
> Try thinking "out loud" in our head: "You've been pretty talkative lately, you know. Any particular reason why?"
> In an ominous tone "Maybe I've just had more reasons to talk..."
-
> Try thinking "out loud" in our head: "That impressed by my recent accomplishments, huh?"
-
> Try thinking "out loud" in our head: "That impressed by my recent accomplishments, huh?"
> "I suppose you can use the word 'impressed' to describe my opinion" she answers.
-
> Mentally: "Darn right. Though, thank you for the extra help while battling the kid earlier."
-
> Mentally: "Darn right. Though, thank you for the extra help while battling the kid earlier."
> Your fingers tingle as a few sparks fly out and she explains "There was a threat..."
> You just notice something warm near your neck.
-
> Whip our head around to look at whatever it is!
-
> Whip our head around to look at whatever it is!
> You look down and notice the pendant has become very warm.
-
> Raise an eyebrow.
> Quietly, out loud: "What the...?"
> Take hold of the pendant in our hand.
-
> Raise an eyebrow.
> Quietly, out loud: "What the...?"
> Take hold of the pendant in our hand.
> Sariel looks at you curiously as you take hold of the pendant. It's warm but slowly cooling down.
-
> ...
> While it's still warm, try drawing on its power to swap Sariel's wings with our lack of wings again.
-
> ...
> While it's still warm, try drawing on its power to swap Sariel's wings with our lack of wings again.
> You try to channel it's power only to notice that it's weak but slowly recovering.
-
> Mentally, in a confused 'tone': "...What did you just do?"
-
> Mentally, in a confused 'tone': "...What did you just do?"
> No reply, just silence...
-
> Do we feel any different?
-
> Do we feel any different?
> Not really, other than your fingers still tingle slightly.
-
> Out loud: "Sorry about that. You can go back to normal."
> Continue heading onward.
-
> Out loud: "Sorry about that. You can go back to normal."
> Continue heading onward.
> Sariel stops pretending to be a doll and relaxes as you continue onward to the ancient city. Two Oni keeping watch at the gate wave you through and before you know it you're walking down a lively street filled with several taverns, bars and local businesses! A large mansion towards the end of the road catches your eye with its foreign style.
-
> "Wow...where do you think we should check out first?'
-
> Sariel stops pretending to be a doll and relaxes as you continue onward to the ancient city. Two Oni keeping watch at the gate wave you through and before you know it you're walking down a lively street filled with several taverns, bars and local businesses! A large mansion towards the end of the road catches your eye with its foreign style.
> What kind of local businesses can we make out from here,what do they look like?
> What noises and voices are standing out or are most numerous?
-
> "Wow...where do you think we should check out first?'
> "I-I'm not sure..." Sariel answers.
> What kind of local businesses can we make out from here,what do they look like?
> What noises and voices are standing out or are most numerous?
> There's a cafe, several pubs, an inn, several liquor stores, a magical trinket shop, a blacksmith and a distillery.
> The loudest customers tend to hang around the bars and pubs...
-
> What's our stance on theft (with us being the thief)?
-
> What's our stance on theft (with us being the thief)?
> "Steal from the strong give to the weak!" a voice encourages...
-
> Have we previously flipped ourselves or anything else from visible to invisible?
-
> Have we previously flipped ourselves or anything else from visible to invisible?
> You previously tried to make fog transparent and somewhat succeeded in reducing it's opacity.
-
> Try flipping ourselves from visible to invisible.
-
> Try flipping ourselves from visible to invisible.
> You become somewhat transparent, like a ghost!
> "You're looking rather pale..." Sariel comments.
-
> Frown.
> "But you can still see me, huh?"
-
> Frown.
> "But you can still see me, huh?"
> "Indeed I can, what is the matter?" she asks
-
> Undo that swap.
> "I was hoping you wouldn't be able to. Not that I want to hide from you or anything, I was hoping no one would be able to."
-
> Undo that swap.
> "I was hoping you wouldn't be able to. Not that I want to hide from you or anything, I was hoping no one would be able to."
> "Feeling shy all of a sudden?" Sariel jokes
-
> "Try'na think of a way to get payment for that bridge guard. Or just sneak back past her without her noticing."
-
> "Try'na think of a way to get payment for that bridge guard. Or just sneak back past her without her noticing."
> Sariel takes a look around "I see... I pray there's a more honorable path foward."
-
> "That'd be great, but I'm taking whatever I can get."
> Look around for someone we can get some amount of privacy.
-
> "That'd be great, but I'm taking whatever I can get."
> Look around for someone we can get some amount of privacy.
> There's an alleyway between a pub and a bar you could hide in.
-
> Head into that, then.
-
> Head into that, then.
> You slide into the alleyway and spot a few oni!
> "I-I-It's a g-ghost!" you hear one shout.
> "Y-ou've just had a few too many drinks!" another tries to explain
> "I see it too, run!" another shouts before all three start running out the other side of the alley and disappearing into the darkness. You spot a few bottles they must've dropped in their hurry.
-
> "...Okay, maybe this appearance isn't so bad. Here, we should both play the part."
> Try swapping Sariel (who we should still be holding to ourselves) from visible to invisible as well, so that she matches us.
> Then head over to and investigate the dropped bottles.
-
> "...Okay, maybe this appearance isn't so bad. Here, we should both play the part."
> Try swapping Sariel (who we should still be holding to ourselves) from visible to invisible as well, so that she matches us.
> Then head over to and investigate the dropped bottles.
> Using your ability you transform Sariel to as 'invisible' as can be. "Now I can pretend to be a ghostly doll!" she laughs.
> You've obtained 3 sealed bottles:
>> Oni Slayer - The world famous sake! You're not sure if it's supposed to be watered down, because you're already feeling buzzed just holding it!
>> Ancient Grade - The sake which all Ancient City producers compare their blends against. It's in no way bad... but it's not great either!
>> Mind Reader - It's rumored that even the strongest Oni will sing their secrets to the world after only a cup or two!
> You've obtained 1 near empty bottle:
>> Solar Steam - Distilled through the power of the sun supposedly? You imagine it'd just evaporate into thin air if that were true...
>> Miracle Worker - Has the outline of a shrine engraved on the bottle which looks strangely familiar?
-
> Do we have the storage space on our person to carry all of these bottles without risking the near-empty ones spilling?
> Take a closer look at that Miracle Worker shrine to see if we can remember seeing it anywhere.
-
> Do we have the storage space on our person to carry all of these bottles without risking the near-empty ones spilling?
> Take a closer look at that Miracle Worker shrine to see if we can remember seeing it anywhere.
> They're nearly empty, there's only enough to taste left. Regardless, you can easily carry them.
> It looks like the Hakurei Shrine albeit fancier and better kept. Perhaps it's the mountain shrine?
-
> Hmm, maybe. Maybe we can check it out some other time.
> Collect as many of the bottles as we can keep on our person while still being able to carry Sariel around after we're done. If we can't take all of them prioritize them as follows: Mind Reader > Oni Slayer > Ancient Grade > Miracle Worker > Solar Stream.
> Whenever we're done collecting bottles, scoop Sariel back up like before.
> "Well. I think this worked out fairly neatly, don't you? Now we have something to give that bridge guard on our way out."
> "Do you want to keep exploring here, or do you think we should return to our original path?"
-
> Hmm, maybe. Maybe we can check it out some other time.
> Collect as many of the bottles as we can keep on our person while still being able to carry Sariel around after we're done. If we can't take all of them prioritize them as follows: Mind Reader > Oni Slayer > Ancient Grade > Miracle Worker > Solar Stream.
> Whenever we're done collecting bottles, scoop Sariel back up like before.
> "Well. I think this worked out fairly neatly, don't you? Now we have something to give that bridge guard on our way out."
> "Do you want to keep exploring here, or do you think we should return to our original path?"
> Sariel offers to help with the bottles and opens a small portal before placing them inside. She nods "Yes we were quite lucky they ran off! Perhaps we can exchange these somewhere for something the bridge lady would appreciate more?".
> Sariel looks around the alleyway "I don't see anything else interesting here..."
-
> "Oh, that's not a bad idea. I was just thinking of giving her the Ancient Grade and being on our merry way."
> "Also, I meant exploring the city more versus returning to our upper cave travels."
-
> "Oh, that's not a bad idea. I was just thinking of giving her the Ancient Grade and being on our merry way."
> "Also, I meant exploring the city more versus returning to our upper cave travels."
> "l doubt it's that special... Can't she just take a walk down to the city and get that?" Sariel comments.
> "I don't mind, there could be demons hiding both here and in your world..." she replies.
-
> "Well, I mean, presumably it would cost her money. Unless you think that doesn't matter to her?"
-
> "Well, I mean, presumably it would cost her money. Unless you think that doesn't matter to her?"
> Sariel explains her thoughts "I imagine every Oni that passes through there has tried to give her a bottle of whatever they enjoy..."
-
> Are we still transparent?
> Are our clothes any more or less transparent than we are?
> Is there anyone that can see into this alleyway, that we can see?
> "Oh, that's true. Hmm. Maybe we can sell these, or trade them for other stuff, then."
-
> Are we still transparent?
> Are our clothes any more or less transparent than we are?
> Is there anyone that can see into this alleyway, that we can see?
> "Oh, that's true. Hmm. Maybe we can sell these, or trade them for other stuff, then."
> Yes you're still transparent and that includes your clothes.
> No one else is in the alleyway currently
> "Let's ask around the bars and pubs then" she suggests
-
> Is there anything large in the alley we could hide behind, just for extra safety?
-
> Is there anything large in the alley we could hide behind, just for extra safety?
> It's quite empty...
-
> How quickly do we think we could take our dress off?
> How quickly do we think we could get it back on?
-
> Yes you're still transparent and that includes your clothes.
> No one else is in the alleyway currently
> "Let's ask around the bars and pubs then" she suggests
> It's quite empty...
// In the footsteps of... :S: :N: :A: :K: :E:... ? //
> Try getting as close,"flat", non-moving as possible to a wall in the alley in order to...
>...take a look at us if we,and Sariel in tow,could blend in a camouflaging way.
-
> How quickly do we think we could take our dress off?
> How quickly do we think we could get it back on?
> In two or three minutes.
> In another two or three minutes so five in total?
> Try getting as close,"flat", non-moving as possible to a wall in the alley in order to...
>...take a look at us if we,and Sariel in tow,could blend in a camouflaging way.
> You lay flat against the wall ...unfortunately you're not transparent enough to pull it off convincingly!
-
> "That's a good idea. Do you think we should keep being ghosts, or just our normal selves?"
> "Also, there's one more thing I want to try, but I need to be somewhere I can actually hide...I don't suppose you can send me to whatever space you're using to store our stuff?"
-
> "That's a good idea. Do you think we should keep being ghosts, or just our normal selves?"
> "Also, there's one more thing I want to try, but I need to be somewhere I can actually hide...I don't suppose you can send me to whatever space you're using to store our stuff?"
> Sariel explains her thoughts on the matter "I don't think we'll run into trouble but we will certainly attract attention...".
> She shakes her head "I don't think so".
-
> "I-I'm not sure..." Sariel answers.
> There's a cafe, several pubs, an inn, several liquor stores, a magical trinket shop, a blacksmith and a distillery.
> The loudest customers tend to hang around the bars and pubs...
> Sariel explains her thoughts on the matter "I don't think we'll run into trouble but we will certainly attract attention...".
> She shakes her head "I don't think so".
> Consult with Sariel about which,among the establishment we have seen before,would be the most "interesting" to explore 1st... our "current transparency".
-
Surprise resurrection!
> Quick reminder: How small is Sariel compared to us at present?
> "Mmm. And probably not the kind of attention we want."
> Undo the 'invisibility' we've applied to ourselves and Sariel.
-
> Consult with Sariel about which,among the establishment we have seen before,would be the most "interesting" to explore 1st... our "current transparency".
> Sariel points towards some lights in the distance suggesting there might be a town square or market.
Surprise resurrection!
> Quick reminder: How small is Sariel compared to us at present?
> "Mmm. And probably not the kind of attention we want."
> Undo the 'invisibility' we've applied to ourselves and Sariel.
// Surprise surprise!
> She is "doll size"
> Sariel nods...
> Undoing the 'discount invisibility' you return to normal see-through-ness which is to say ... none.
-
> And we are Tall Size or something similar?
> Consider things in an alternate manner - is our size difference such that we could conceivably hide Sariel somewhere on, or possibly even in, our person? Disregard the potential for our embarrassment in these considerations.
> "I guess the question then is, how noticeable do you want to be? Do you want to still continue the doll charade, or should I keep you hidden somewhere?"
-
> And we are Tall Size or something similar?
> You're Sariel's size so quite tall! In a town filled with Oni who value physical strength above all, being big and imposing might just get you the respect you need to stay out of trouble...
> Consider things in an alternate manner - is our size difference such that we could conceivably hide Sariel somewhere on, or possibly even in, our person? Disregard the potential for our embarrassment in these considerations.
> "I guess the question then is, how noticeable do you want to be? Do you want to still continue the doll charade, or should I keep you hidden somewhere?"
> You can probably get away with hiding her under your dress?
> The angel responds "I do not mind pretending... Hidden I will not be able to see my surroundings, and those who wish to evade me."
-
> "I see. I had assumed you just kinda sensed them metaphysically or something."
-
> "I see. I had assumed you just kinda sensed them metaphysically or something."
> Sariel shifts awkwardly in your hands and responds "I can sense their proximity and strength... but not direction."
-
> If we were to hide Sariel under our dress, would that be down the top or up from below?
> "So you could be hidden as long as you didn't sense anyone in your proximity, and come back out once you did. Just as a possibility, I mean, if it's needed for some reason."
-
> If we were to hide Sariel under our dress, would that be down the top or up from below?
> "So you could be hidden as long as you didn't sense anyone in your proximity, and come back out once you did. Just as a possibility, I mean, if it's needed for some reason."
> She'd have to fly up from below.
> "I suppose so..." she comments
-
> If we haven't already, put away our newfound liquor and scoop Sariel back up.
> "You don't sound too thrilled by the idea, admittedly."
> Begin heading toward the market we spotted in the distance.
-
> If we haven't already, put away our newfound liquor and scoop Sariel back up.
> "You don't sound too thrilled by the idea, admittedly."
> Begin heading toward the market we spotted in the distance.
> You put away the liquor and return to holding Sariel like a doll.
> She responds "If I can sense them, perhaps they can sense me, leading to an ambush or attack. I can hide if you believe I am frightening the locals..."
> You start walking towards the market, passing a few Oni on the way, who look at you funny occasionally. It's probably just being tall that makes you stand out, right?
-
> When we're not near anyone else, quietly say: "I don't think that, nah. Mostly I'm just weighing my options for freeing up my hands if I need to, without sacrificing your disguise."
-
> When we're not near anyone else, quietly say: "I don't think that, nah. Mostly I'm just weighing my options for freeing up my hands if I need to, without sacrificing your disguise."
> Near the entrance to the market you step away to the side to talk with Sariel.
> She whispers "I see... Do you wish to enter the market that way?"
-
> Quietly: "Only if you're okay with it. It would be nice to have my hands free for bartering and such, but I also don't want to stick you somewhere you don't want to go."
-
> Quietly: "Only if you're okay with it. It would be nice to have my hands free for bartering and such, but I also don't want to stick you somewhere you don't want to go."
> She hesitantly nods and flies below your dress' layers to hide, while continuing to float as you don't feel any weight or encumbrance from her hiding.
-
> Quietly: "Don't be afraid to grab on if you need to."
> Resume heading to the market.
-
> Quietly: "Don't be afraid to grab on if you need to."
> Resume heading to the market.
> She tugs at your dress to respond
> Walking into the market you observe it's built in a rough circle around a fountain. The path from which you came leads back away from the ancient city, whereas the road on the other end of the circle leads to a large mansion on a small hill. Several shops make up the market, with a few bars, food stalls and restaurants. A handful appear to be under construction. You notice a few liquor stores spread around the circle, one with quite a crowd around it likely due to it having a going out of business sale.
-
> Is any place selling things that aren't comestibles?
-
> Is any place selling things that aren't comestibles?
> You spot a mineral and gem shop which also claims to sell magical artifacts. Perhaps there's other kinds of shops along the road on the opposite end leading towards the mansion?
-
> That sounds opportune! Head down the road toward the mansion, looking for non-comestible shops.
-
> That sounds opportune! Head down the road toward the mansion, looking for non-comestible shops.
> You come across a a blacksmith, a construction supply shop, a glaringly bright shop that spells "Electrical Light" on the billboard, a gambling supply store, an antiques 'n trinkets shop, and a rather generic looking shop aptly named "The General Store".
-
> Are these outdoor stalls or stand-alone buildings with doors in and out?
> Was the mineral/gem/artifact shop an outdoor stall or a stand-alone building?
-
> Are these outdoor stalls or stand-alone buildings with doors in and out?
> Was the mineral/gem/artifact shop an outdoor stall or a stand-alone building?
> They're "stand-alone" buildings built so close together they're actually connected on their sides, with a continuous front porch walkway. Even their design and architecture is roughly matching, as if they were all constructed by the same builder.
> The gem shop is one of these buildings.
-
> Hmm. Are we capable of detecting magic?
-
> Hmm. Are we capable of detecting magic?
> If it's strong enough?
-
> Let's check out that mineral/gem/artifact shop first, then.
-
> Let's check out that mineral/gem/artifact shop first, then.
> You return to the market and step into the mineral store with the oversize crystal on it's billboard. The inside is filled with shelves full of different minerals, ores, and rock formations. With the entire city being underground you imagine they'd know a thing or two about caves and minerals... A few things catch your eye, a glowing red crystal prominently on display, a sparkly golden pickaxe, and a pair of small dolls on the shopkeeper's counter.
-
> Do the red crystal, pickaxe, or dolls come with any sort of description?
> How does the shopkeeper seem to have taken our arrival?
> How does the shopkeeper look?
-
> Do the red crystal, pickaxe, or dolls come with any sort of description?
> How does the shopkeeper seem to have taken our arrival?
> How does the shopkeeper look?
> The red crystal has a rubber mallet sitting next to it, the pickaxe is sitting above a cracked boulder and the dolls are close enough to the shopkeeper you could probably just ask.
> The shopkeeper gave you a quick glance before returning to inspecting gems under a magnifying glass
> She's wearing dark clothes with many green ring decorations and doesn't appear to be an Oni?
-
> "Hey, what's up with the red crystal and the dolls?"
-
> "Hey, what's up with the red crystal and the dolls?"
> She sets her magnifying glass aside and passes you one of the dolls before pointing at the crystal and explaining "Tap it with the rubber mallet and see!"
> You've temporarily obtained: Mysterious Doll
-
> Look mildly confused at the doll for a moment.
> Then take the rubber mallet and gently tap the crystal.
-
> Look mildly confused at the doll for a moment.
> Then take the rubber mallet and gently tap the crystal.
> The doll looks back at you, mildly confused as well.
> A bright fireball is shot out in the direction you tapped, which gets absorbed by a barrier surrounding the table it's displayed on. Impressive!
> The doll suddenly talks! "Fascinating isn't it? And entirely real too, this ain't no danmaku... If only I knew a way to harness it's power in a controlled fashion, it'd cost a fortune!"
-
> ???
> Is the doll speaking with the shopkeeper's voice or its own voice?
-
> ???
> Is the doll speaking with the shopkeeper's voice or its own voice?
> It's own voice but now that you think about it, you also heard the shopkeeper speaking!
> Seeing you stare at it puzzled the doll speaks "Why yes this is a communication doll! Anything it hears gets relayed magically!"
-
> "Huh. Nifty. On both counts."
-
> "Huh. Nifty. On both counts."
> The doll continues "So what catches your fancy?"
-
> "...Honestly, I'm not sure yet. I have a general interest in magical artifacts, but I didn't have anything specific in mind when coming in."
> "Oh, I should probably also ask about this before we get too far into anything: is this a currency-only establishment, or is trade acceptable?"
-
> "...Honestly, I'm not sure yet. I have a general interest in magical artifacts, but I didn't have anything specific in mind when coming in."
> "Oh, I should probably also ask about this before we get too far into anything: is this a currency-only establishment, or is trade acceptable?"
> "I- see.. Let me know if you find anything interesting" the doll continues
> "Ancient currency is accepted, vintage bottles of alcohol, exotic minerals, and gemstones.
-
> Are the alcohols we got still in Sariel's void?
> "Dunno how vintage it is, but I got a sealed bottle of Mind Reader I wouldn't mind trading."
-
> Are the alcohols we got still in Sariel's void?
> "Dunno how vintage it is, but I got a sealed bottle of Mind Reader I wouldn't mind trading."
> Wait.Hold on before revealing "our funds" since...
>...it is better we browse and gaugearound for a while first and...
> ...get to it.
-
> Are the alcohols we got still in Sariel's void?
> "Dunno how vintage it is, but I got a sealed bottle of Mind Reader I wouldn't mind trading."
> Wait.Hold on before revealing "our funds" since...
>...it is better we browse and gaugearound for a while first and...
> ...get to it.
> You browse around the store a bit more, taking a look at the various minerals and bars of metals on display. You're not sure what all of them do but nearly every color under the sun exists both in metal and crystal form.
> Yes Sariel still has the bottles.
> Upon hearing about the Mind Reader bottle she comments "That'll work, I know someone who's been looking for a bottle of that..."
-
> Are the dolls, the fire-shooting crystal, and the pickaxe seemingly the only magical artifacts on display?
> Nod.
> "Good to know. What does the pickaxe do?"
-
> Are the dolls, the fire-shooting crystal, and the pickaxe seemingly the only magical artifacts on display?
> Nod.
> "Good to know. What does the pickaxe do?"
> There are more trinkets on display, these are just the most prominently featured. You'll probably have to ask the shopkeeper if you're looking for something specific.
> In an excited tone she explains "Dig through just about anything! Rocks, granite, solid brick walls, even magical barriers are no match for Midas' Pickaxe."
-
> "Wow. That sounds quite handy."
> Contemplate the possibility of punching a hole in the barrier with that thing.
> "Hmm. It's a bit boring of an ask given what you've shown me so far, but would you happen to have anything that can enhance the user's supernatural power or abilities?"
> "Or perhaps something that allows the user to change size or shape?"
-
> "Wow. That sounds quite handy."
> Contemplate the possibility of punching a hole in the barrier with that thing.
> "Hmm. It's a bit boring of an ask given what you've shown me so far, but would you happen to have anything that can enhance the user's supernatural power or abilities?"
> "Or perhaps something that allows the user to change size or shape?"
> "Indeed it is! Oni strength not required, even a fairy can dig through solid bedrock with it!" she continues.
> She gazes around the store for a moment "Something that amplifies magical power? There was this golden ring that sat in the store forever, which I was dreading would never sell but someone bought it a week ago!"
> Looking back towards the red crystal she explains "That fiery crystal is the closest thing I have to a purely magical item... I'll even give you a discount on it since *tapping* into it's power is so unwieldy... no pun intended!"
-
> Nod slowly a couple of times.
> "Yeah, I'm definitely interested in that...I would like to pick up multiple things if possible, so I hope you don't mind my continuing to browse."
> "But yeah, anything that allows its user to change size or shape? Or possibly their elasticity?"
-
> Nod slowly a couple of times.
> "Yeah, I'm definitely interested in that...I would like to pick up multiple things if possible, so I hope you don't mind my continuing to browse."
> "But yeah, anything that allows its user to change size or shape? Or possibly their elasticity?"
> She ponders something for a moment "Changing size? I've heard stories of a metallic figure that was able to become huge on the mountain above many years ago. Not sure what became of the figure but a certain hell raven told me that story while trying to sell me that shiny metallic cylinder over there, claiming she knows the secret to producing the invisible magic it needs to become so huge." She points at a tall bronze cylinder behind her with a wheel on it's top.
-
> Do we know who this hell raven might be?
> "Interesting, interesting..."
> "What does the cylinder do, then?"
-
> Do we know who this hell raven might be?
> "Interesting, interesting..."
> "What does the cylinder do, then?"
> Nothing comes to mind.
> "I imagine it has something to do with the wheel on it's top!" She stands up and attempts to turn the wheel, which doesn't budge.
> She continues "Perhaps it's missing a part?" while pointing at a small hole below the wheel.
-
> When we try to magically flip something not in our physically possession, are we aware of whether we succeed or fail?
-
> When we try to magically flip something not in our physically possession, are we aware of whether we succeed or fail?
> Certainly, although it might be difficult to focus on something you cannot see or that is very near you.
-
> "Hmm..."
> Try flipping the wheel from locked to unlocked.
-
> "Hmm..."
> Try flipping the wheel from locked to unlocked.
> The wheel gives and the shopkeeper almost falls from the sudden change to the wheel spinning freely. You hear a metallic clang and a needle within a glass circle rotates a certain amount before stopping.
> "I-I finally freed it!" She exclaims.
-
> "Thought that might be the case. I unlocked it for you. Guess we'll find out now what it does?"
-
> "Thought that might be the case. I unlocked it for you. Guess we'll find out now what it does?"
> Is that a hint of disappointment you spot upon hearing you were the one who got it unstuck?
> She inspects the glass circle and needle that moved before turning her attention to the small hole next to it. "I noticed the small needle moved, though I'm not sure where that gets us?"
-
> Does it look like the needle would come out of the glass circle and fit in the hole?
> "Did the seller tell you anything about it?"
-
> Does it look like the needle would come out of the glass circle and fit in the hole?
> "Did the seller tell you anything about it?"
> The glass circle doesn't look like it can be opened, it's made of a very thick glass or crystal with a metal guard ring around it.
> The shopkeeper explains "The hell raven mentioned something about invisible magic that the mountain Kappa can use to make things huge and even fly!"
-
> "Huh. But nothing about how this thing works, eh?"
-
> "Huh. But nothing about how this thing works, eh?"
> She answers "No, she was kind of in a hurry to sell it! Something about needing the money to replace a thing that broke before miss Komeiji found out..."
-
> Do we know a Komeiji?
> Are we familiar with any kappa?
> Is there anything in this store that's larger than us?
> Can we tell how our Patchouli-given brooch feels?
-
> She answers "No, she was kind of in a hurry to sell it! Something about needing the money to replace a thing that broke before miss Komeiji found out..."
> Do we know a Komeiji?
> Are we familiar with any kappa?
> Is there anything in this store that's larger than us?
> Can we tell how our Patchouli-given brooch feels?
> Ask:"Well now,do you know how to contact her to ask about how it works or who to refer to?If it is bothersome, do you prefer me to do it for you ?
> If she accepts or at least it is thinking it over,add:" Although I would need some sort of sketch or drawing of it to carry with me to properly describe it and eventually wrote observations,instructions on it".
-
> Do we know a Komeiji?
> Are we familiar with any kappa?
> Never heard of someone named Komeiji!
> You met a lot of Youkai back when you were on the run, all failing spectacularly at apprehending you! So willing to throw the very rules they claim 'protect the weak' when someone decided to stand up to their iron grip on Gensokyo's world order... such hypocrisy! Now that you think about it, you did meet a kappa. Unlike the rest she didn't seem particularly keen in apprehending you, more like she saw the whole ordeal as the perfect excuse to experiment with gadgets that clearly violated any definition of the term "Fair & Balanced".
> Is there anything in this store that's larger than us?
> Can we tell how our Patchouli-given brooch feels?
> Not really, minerals and gems tend to be rather small and precious.
> It feels cold or ambient right now.
> Ask:"Well now,do you know how to contact her to ask about how it works or who to refer to?If it is bothersome, do you prefer me to do it for you ?
> If she accepts or at least it is thinking it over,add:" Although I would need some sort of sketch or drawing of it to carry with me to properly describe it and eventually wrote observations,instructions on it".
> She points towards the door and explains "She lives in the large mansion in the distance."
> The shopkeeper thinks for a moment "I don't have any blueprints showing how the cylinder is built."
-
> Do we know where we might find kappa that could help us unlock this cylinder's secrets, should we acquire it?
-
> Do we know where we might find kappa that could help us unlock this cylinder's secrets, should we acquire it?
> You have heard that the kappa reside somewhere on Youkai mountain but wouldn't know where the specific kappa you met lived.
-
> Can we still feel Sariel grabbing on to our dress?
> Adopt a look of thought.
> "Hmm. How about the red crystal and the cylinder thingy for the bottle of Mind Reader?"
-
> Can we still feel Sariel grabbing on to our dress?
> Adopt a look of thought.
> "Hmm. How about the red crystal and the cylinder thingy for the bottle of Mind Reader?"
> Of course! She's certainly being careful about it though.
> She considers it for a moment "Two artifacts for one bottle? Doesn't sound very ... balanced!"
-
> Shrug.
> "I thought the discount on the red crystal might be enough. I can throw in a bottle of Ancient Grade as well, though."
-
> Shrug.
> "I thought the discount on the red crystal might be enough. I can throw in a bottle of Ancient Grade as well, though."
> She happily accepts and picks up the cylinder from behind her before setting it infront of you with a thud and walking off to retrieve the crystal.
> "I'd offer a bag but I doubt that thing will fit in any size bag I've got here!" She laughs.
> The shopkeeper places the red crystal in a small cushioned box, just slightly larger than the gem itself before handing it to you.
> You've obtained: Mysterious magic-filled cylinder, Fiery Crystal in a box
> "Just leave the bottles on the counter!" She explains.
-
> "You got it."
> "Now, lessee here, the Mind Reader and the Ancient Grade..."
> Reach down under our dress with both arms (making sure to NOT lift it), give Sariel a light tap, and hold our hands open, in preparation to grab the bottles.
-
> "You got it."
> "Now, lessee here, the Mind Reader and the Ancient Grade..."
> Reach down under our dress with both arms (making sure to NOT lift it), give Sariel a light tap, and hold our hands open, in preparation to grab the bottles.
> Right on cue, Sariel passes you the bottles flawlessly! If life were a certain outside-world board game, you could say you rolled a natural 20!
> "That's quite a pocket you have there!" the shopkeeper laughs.
-
> Grin and wink at the shopkeeper while placing the bottles on the counter as instructed.
> "Ladies do keep secrets under their dresses, after all~ Now, let me take those items off your hands..."
> Take the box in both hands and shove it under our dress for Sariel to place in her mysterious inventory space. (Obviously try not to smash Sariel in the face with it.)
> If the transfer of the box is successful, do the same with the magic cylinder.
-
> Grin and wink at the shopkeeper while placing the bottles on the counter as instructed.
> "Ladies do keep secrets under their dresses, after all~ Now, let me take those items off your hands..."
> Take the box in both hands and shove it under our dress for Sariel to place in her mysterious inventory space. (Obviously try not to smash Sariel in the face with it.)
> If the transfer of the box is successful, do the same with the magic cylinder.
> She inspects the bottles before nodding and placing them on a shelf behind her.
> On cue Sariel picks up the box and hides it away.
> The shopkeeper lifts the metal cylinder and tips it towards you so you can help lift it over the counter. It's much too large to hide similar to the box.
-
> Do we actually know that Sariel can't poof this away to whatever void space she has access to?
> Give the cylinder a contemplative look.
> "Mmm...this one might just a bit too big to fit in what I've got going on under there."
> Adopt a look of sudden realization.
> "Oh! Completely unrelated to that. You've probably seen your fair share of unusual things from unusual lands in this business."
> Gently put the cylinder down on the ground in the hopes that it will stand up on its own. If it needs assistance staying upright, lean it against the counter.
> Pull out the camera and show the shopkeeper the picture of the knife.
> "Have you seen writing like this before?"
-
> Do we actually know that Sariel can't poof this away to whatever void space she has access to?
> Give the cylinder a contemplative look.
> "Mmm...this one might just a bit too big to fit in what I've got going on under there."
> She hasn't outright denied it but you're certain she'd have to come out of hiding to try.
> The shopkeeper lets out a laugh and almost drops the cylinder on the counter!
> Adopt a look of sudden realization.
> "Oh! Completely unrelated to that. You've probably seen your fair share of unusual things from unusual lands in this business."
> Gently put the cylinder down on the ground in the hopes that it will stand up on its own. If it needs assistance staying upright, lean it against the counter.
> Pull out the camera and show the shopkeeper the picture of the knife.
> "Have you seen writing like this before?"
> You recall the picture on the Tengu Training Camera and show it to the shopkeeper, who takes a good long look at the writing.
> "I have seen symbols like those before somewhere... It was on an old tome with illustrations of mythical vampires and demons. A lady claiming to represent the Suzunaan book store bought it a month or two ago! She said they were expanding their 'Western literature' collection, so perhaps it's some form of ancient Western script?" she explains.
-
> What, if anything, do we know of the Suzunaan bookstore?
> What, if any, knowledge have we gained of Western script in our travels?
> Put the camera away.
> "I see. Good to know, thanks."
-
> What, if anything, do we know of the Suzunaan bookstore?
> What, if any, knowledge have we gained of Western script in our travels?
> Let's just say you've just learned that a bookstore named Suzunaan exists!
> You're familiar with a language known as "Latin", which is used in some ancient spells. Few magicians wield such magic and even fewer actually understand the words behind the incantations, instead memorizing the sounds like a foreign karaoke song!
> Put the camera away.
> "I see. Good to know, thanks."
> "Glad to have helped!" she answers.
-
> Look at the cylinder and try undoing the previous flip so that it locks again.
> Then look back at the shopkeeper.
> "Alright then, I gotta head out. Thanks for your business, Miss...?"
-
> Look at the cylinder and try undoing the previous flip so that it locks again.
> Then look back at the shopkeeper.
> "Alright then, I gotta head out. Thanks for your business, Miss...?"
> You give the wheel a tug, verifying that it's stuck once more.
> "Momoyo Himemushi" she introduces herself "Pleasure doing business."
-
> Flash Momoyo a thumbs-up.
> "Seija Kijin. I'm not from this area, but I'll do my best to visit here again some time. Have a good one."
> Pick up the cylinder and head out of the shop.
-
> Flash Momoyo a thumbs-up.
> "Seija Kijin. I'm not from this area, but I'll do my best to visit here again some time. Have a good one."
> Pick up the cylinder and head out of the shop.
> "Nice meeting you!" Momoyo answers.
> The cylinder is quite bulky but no match for you Oni-level strength!
-
> Begin heading back the way we ultimately came.
> Quietly, when no one is around: "Hope the view is enjoyable, Sariel~"
> "Sounds like we might have a lead on your friend's knife. If we can find this Suzunaan bookstore, we might be able to get it read."
-
> Begin heading back the way we ultimately came.
> Quietly, when no one is around: "Hope the view is enjoyable, Sariel~"
> "Sounds like we might have a lead on your friend's knife. If we can find this Suzunaan bookstore, we might be able to get it read."
> You start heading back towards the main plaza
> Sariel complains "I cannot see much from here..."
> The angel agrees "Then I shall accompany you until we locate this 'Suzunaan'!"
-
> "Works for me. Unfortunately, this thing is pretty big, so you might need to stay under there for a little while longer."
> "But even if you can't see much outside of there, what's in there with you should be nice to look at~"
-
> "Works for me. Unfortunately, this thing is pretty big, so you might need to stay under there for a little while longer."
> "But even if you can't see much outside of there, what's in there with you should be nice to look at~"
> "Perhaps I may be able to store it at my normal size" the angel suggests.
> She immediately answers "I see that you could stand to lose a few pounds...".
-
> Frown.
> Then adopt a look of uncertainty.
> Then adopt a thinking expression.
> "...I don't know if I should take that as an insult or a compliment, given where you could be looking."
-
> Frown.
> Then adopt a look of uncertainty.
> Then adopt a thinking expression.
> "...I don't know if I should take that as an insult or a compliment, given where you could be looking."
> There's no response, but you could say silence speaks volumes!
-
> "...Anyway, once we get to a more deserted area out of town and I don't need to worry about dignity nearly as much, I'll try to send it your way as we are. I'm not concerned about relative sizes as much as I am about the prospect of being seen shoving a large cylinder up the underside of my dress."
-
> "...Anyway, once we get to a more deserted area out of town and I don't need to worry about dignity nearly as much, I'll try to send it your way as we are. I'm not concerned about relative sizes as much as I am about the prospect of being seen shoving a large cylinder up the underside of my dress."
> "I.. see." she agrees.
> You arrive at the large plaza once more. The local Oni are as busy as ever, visiting different stores and contributing to the construction of a new venue on one side of the circle.
-
> ...Where do we have extra poundage that Sariel can see right now? Somewhere where being bigger is good, right??
> Continue on out of the city, making a note when we're probably safe from prying city eyes and also prying bridge princess eyes somewhere up ahead.
-
> ...Where do we have extra poundage that Sariel can see right now? Somewhere where being bigger is good, right??
> Continue on out of the city, making a note when we're probably safe from prying city eyes and also prying bridge princess eyes somewhere up ahead.
> What extra poundage? She must be imagining things! It must be the change of perspective, being tiny must be messing with her head!
> You continue through and out of the city, before deciding to take a break from the beaten path to explore the lesser seen parts of this huge cavern. You notice an old overgrown path branching off the main one, leading to an old abandoned structure in the distance, built to look like some kind of temple.
-
> "Alright, this should be good. Incoming magic cylinder for you to store, Sariel. Hold on to me so you don't get left behind as I move."
> Attempt to set the cylinder down so it is standing upright on its own.
> If this is successful, float above it, then directly over it, then float directly down onto it for Sariel to take.
-
> "Alright, this should be good. Incoming magic cylinder for you to store, Sariel. Hold on to me so you don't get left behind as I move."
> Attempt to set the cylinder down so it is standing upright on its own.
> If this is successful, float above it, then directly over it, then float directly down onto it for Sariel to take.
> You set the cylinder on the ground and float above it, after which Sariel materializes a portal to store it away.
> "What's next!? A pocket-horse? A pocket-palm-tree?" Sariel laughs.
-
> Chuckle.
> "Indeed, who knows what we might find in our travels? Oh, just as a heads-up, my plan is to give the bridge princess that red crystal as an offering. Seems like it'll probably be good enough."
> Land and continue onward toward said bridge princess.
-
> Chuckle.
> "Indeed, who knows what we might find in our travels? Oh, just as a heads-up, my plan is to give the bridge princess that red crystal as an offering. Seems like it'll probably be good enough."
> Land and continue onward toward said bridge princess.
> Start going through The Bridge...
>... is she at the same place or at least in range?
> If that is the case, hail and approach her.
-
> Chuckle.
> "Indeed, who knows what we might find in our travels? Oh, just as a heads-up, my plan is to give the bridge princess that red crystal as an offering. Seems like it'll probably be good enough."
> Land and continue onward toward said bridge princess.
> "Perhaps..." Sariel agrees.
> Start going through The Bridge...
>... is she at the same place or at least in range?
> If that is the case, hail and approach her.
> You return to the bridge you first arrived from and the bridge princess materializes in front of you, blocking the path.
> "A-are you seeking passage?" she asks, her green eyes staring into your soul and making you feel slightly uncomfortable.
-
> Does she seem nervous at all, given the slight stutter?
> "I am, and I came with something this time, like we discussed."
-
> Does she seem nervous at all, given the slight stutter?
> "I am, and I came with something this time, like we discussed."
> More like, distracted or thinking of something else.
> "Oh my! What would you be so kind to offer to a humble bridge princess?" she asks, her eyes glowing a pale green while speaking.
-
> "Ah ah ah, let's not ruin the surprise~ It comes in a box, after all."
> Reach under our dress (trying not to expose Sariel) and hold a hand out for the box.
> If Sariel gives it to us, present it to Sariel.
-
> "Ah ah ah, let's not ruin the surprise~ It comes in a box, after all."
> Reach under our dress (trying not to expose Sariel) and hold a hand out for the box.
> If Sariel gives it to us, present it to Sariel.
> On cue Sariel passes you the box and you present it to the bridge princess, who looks at it wide eyed!
> "For me!? She asks. I-im afraid I don't have e-enough change to a-accept that!" she comments, taking a step back.
-
> Raise an eyebrow.
> "You sure? I thought I needed to do this to pass..."
-
> Raise an eyebrow.
> "You sure? I thought I needed to do this to pass..."
> "Would there be something else you could offer? That's what we in the industry call a Key Item." she explains.
> Key Item!? What in Gensokyo could she mean!?
-
> "...A 'Key Item'?"
-
> "...A 'Key Item'?"
> The bridge princess looks at you confused and repeats "A... Key Item?" as you hear a familiar yet annoying laugh behind you.
> With a somersault Iris lands between the two of you and explains "Pardon the puppeteering but I hoped you'd just pick another trinket to give her! Why do y'all have to make my life so difficult!?"
-
> Blink a few times.
> "I still don't..."
> Shake our head.
> "Never mind. I do have something else I can give her. Is that really her, though? Like, is she at all aware of what's going on?"
-
> Blink a few times.
> "I still don't..."
> Shake our head.
> "Never mind. I do have something else I can give her. Is that really her, though? Like, is she at all aware of what's going on?"
> Iris tilts her head playfully and asks "Is that really her you ask... But are you really yourself Seija?" before disappearing with a flash.
> Something is tugging at your dress, wait that's Sariel trying to get your attention!
> The bridge princess snaps out of a trance, and her green eyes focus on you expectantly.
-
> "Uh, hi again. I got a bottle of Oni Slayer for you as an offering."
> Gently shove the box back under our dress so Sariel can put it away. Give Sariel a light pat while we're down there to acknowledge her tugging.
-
> "Uh, hi again. I got a bottle of Oni Slayer for you as an offering."
> Gently shove the box back under our dress so Sariel can put it away. Give Sariel a light pat while we're down there to acknowledge her tugging.
> "I'll accept that! Make it a case and you can come and go as you please from now on though!" she offers, her green eyes tempting you to accept.
> You pass the box back to Sariel discreetly and pat her to acknowledge whatever she was trying to get your attention for.
-
> Hold out an open hand to Sariel in the hopes that she gets us the bottle of Oni Slayer.
> If she does, pull it out and offer it to the bridge princess.
-
> Hold out an open hand to Sariel in the hopes that she gets us the bottle of Oni Slayer.
> If she does, pull it out and offer it to the bridge princess.
> Sariel passes you the bottle of Oni Slayer, which you present to the bridge princess.
> "I-I see... I was hoping you'd accept my most generous offer for free passage..." she discretely complains.
-
> "Oh, trust me, I'd love to, but I don't have an entire case, and I doubt I have the means to acquire one in the limited time I have. Unless you know of a way I can get one in town relatively quickly?"
-
> "Oh, trust me, I'd love to, but I don't have an entire case, and I doubt I have the means to acquire one in the limited time I have. Unless you know of a way I can get one in town relatively quickly?"
> "I'm afraid I wouldn't know as I can't leave my post unguarded for long... or that red white intruder and her band of troublemakers might strike back." she explains.
-
> ! Red-white? That must be Reimu! So we can get home from here, if she can get here from home...
> Give the bridge princess a curious look.
> "...Come to think of it, just how did you wind up in this role, that you can't leave it without risking getting beat up?"
-
> ! Red-white? That must be Reimu! So we can get home from here, if she can get here from home...
> Give the bridge princess a curious look.
> "...Come to think of it, just how did you wind up in this role, that you can't leave it without risking getting beat up?"
> Who knew hearing about the red-white could be helpful for once!?
> She waves her hands in denial and explains: "The Oni place their faith in me to turn away any would-be intruders and warn them of whoever manages to get past by force! A position anyone would be envious of."
-
> "...Alright, as long as you're here by your own choice."
-
> "...Alright, as long as you're here by your own choice."
> "Faith can be a source of great strength..." she explains and waves her hand pointing across the bridge for you to pass.
-
> Nod.
> "Thanks. Next time I'm around, I'll see about getting you a full case of that stuff. Best of luck to ya."
> Cross the bridge and continue on our way.
-
> Nod.
> "Thanks. Next time I'm around, I'll see about getting you a full case of that stuff. Best of luck to ya."
> Cross the bridge and continue on our way.
> Once we are far away enough from the Bridge,review with Sariel what we have learned so far and,now that we now an inkling this Underground place is connected to Gensokyo,our next-to destination.
-
> Nod.
> "Thanks. Next time I'm around, I'll see about getting you a full case of that stuff. Best of luck to ya."
> Cross the bridge and continue on our way.
> She nods and waves after you cross.
> You continue across the long bridge and return to the vertical section of cave you came down from.
> Once we are far away enough from the Bridge,review with Sariel what we have learned so far and,now that we now an inkling this Underground place is connected to Gensokyo,our next-to destination.
> Sariel pops out from under your dress and waves frantically! "While you were speaking to the bridge princess I sensed something incredibly powerful for a moment... whatever it was it must've been mere feet away!"
-
> "..."
> Adopt a dawning look of realization.
> "...I think I might know exactly what you're talking about. Did you hear the girl's voice that asked me if I'm really myself?"
-
> "..."
> Adopt a dawning look of realization.
> "...I think I might know exactly what you're talking about. Did you hear the girl's voice that asked me if I'm really myself?"
> She tilts her head and asks "The one you gave the bottle to?"
-
> Shake head.
> "No, I gave the bottle to the bridge princess. There was another person that appeared out of nowhere, one that I only recently became aware exists. Based just on my limited time knowing her, though, I'd absolutely believe she'd set off your power detection."
-
> Shake head.
> "No, I gave the bottle to the bridge princess. There was another person that appeared out of nowhere, one that I only recently became aware exists. Based just on my limited time knowing her, though, I'd absolutely believe she'd set off your power detection."
> Her interest is piqued "Another person?"
-
> "Yeah. She was controlling the bridge princess for a bit there, it seems. Depending on how long you stick with me, you'll probably get to see her again. Or for the first time, I suppose."
> Describe Iris's appearance to Sariel.
-
> "Yeah. She was controlling the bridge princess for a bit there, it seems. Depending on how long you stick with me, you'll probably get to see her again. Or for the first time, I suppose."
> Describe Iris's appearance to Sariel.
> "I've never sensed such type of power before... in all who I've had to chase down." She explains.
> "A doll you say? How can such a small being be so impactful?" making you let out a laugh instinctively as Sariel gazes around, realizing she too is the size of a doll.
> "I suspect some power is puppeteering her from afar or possessing her..."
-
> "Oh, definitely. She's admitted to be working on someone's behalf."
-
> "Oh, definitely. She's admitted to be working on someone's behalf."
> "Perhaps that someone is the source of magical power, if we entertain the thought the doll could even be a mere inanimate object without them."
-
> "It's quite possible. Iris seems pretty self-willed, but that could very well be a direct extension of her master's will."
> Describe the contest that Iris kicked off the other day to Sariel.
-
> "It's quite possible. Iris seems pretty self-willed, but that could very well be a direct extension of her master's will."
> Describe the contest that Iris kicked off the other day to Sariel.
> Sariel twirls around and summons a staff before pointing it towards you "She and her master shall be vanquished!"
> She dispels the staff and listens to your explanation of the contest with utmost curiosity, especially the part where you explain Mima's first incident. "That ghostly evil spirit, her appearance reminds me of a mercenary I once comissioned to help with a particularly powerful demon. She summoned a purple sun with glowing rings that grew and turned red before exploding in a most spectacular supernova that annihilated the demon!"
-
> Did Mima have any attacks like that?
-
> Did Mima have any attacks like that?
> If she did you never saw them. They do sound incredibly impressive though, a supernova? You wish you had that kind of firepower.
-
> "Hmm. Well, you might see her again if you travel with me enough."
> "I like the enthusiasm you've got going on with regards to whoever is in control of Iris, though. Would you like to come back home with me? Maybe we could team up for an extended period of time."
-
> "Hmm. Well, you might see her again if you travel with me enough."
> "I like the enthusiasm you've got going on with regards to whoever is in control of Iris, though. Would you like to come back home with me? Maybe we could team up for an extended period of time."
> Sariel ponders your offer and nods "That sounds mutually beneficial. My intuition tells me that there may be more leads on the knife symbols there too..."
-
> "Great. I'll be glad to have you with us, and I'm sure the Princess will too."
-
> "Great. I'll be glad to have you with us, and I'm sure the Princess will too."
> She raises an eyebrow "The Princess?"
-
> "Oh, right. Princess Shinmyoumaru Sukuna, a kobito. Her home is where I live these days. She's actually the one whose size you are right now."
> Adopt a thinking expression.
> "I'll admit she's a bit...particular on people not knowing how to get to her home, but I'm sure we can work something out."
> Grin and wink at Sariel.
> "If nothing else, you can just hide up my dress again."
-
> "Oh, right. Princess Shinmyoumaru Sukuna, a kobito. Her home is where I live these days. She's actually the one whose size you are right now."
> "I see, and how did an AmanojakuOni such as yourself come to know a kobito?" Sariel asks.
> Adopt a thinking expression.
> "I'll admit she's a bit...particular on people not knowing how to get to her home, but I'm sure we can work something out."
> Grin and wink at Sariel.
> "If nothing else, you can just hide up my dress again."
> "Shall we get going then?" she asks, pointing upward in the tunnel.
-
> ...Wait, how did she know we're an amanojaku instead of just a plain-ol' oni?
-
// That is a case of GM oversight, my bad! It has been
stricken from the record!
-
> "Yeah, let's."
> Scoop Sariel back into the gentle front hug to keep her secure against our chest without crushing her, and begin flying back up the way we came.
> "Anyway, she and I met and allied over common goals. She wanted the respect that doesn't come when one lives much smaller than everyone else, and I can pretty much always get on board with defying convention. Remember that I asked you before about having allies on your side in the event you wanted a different life for yourself and resigned from your job."
-
> "Yeah, let's."
> Scoop Sariel back into the gentle front hug to keep her secure against our chest without crushing her, and begin flying back up the way we came.
> "Anyway, she and I met and allied over common goals. She wanted the respect that doesn't come when one lives much smaller than everyone else, and I can pretty much always get on board with defying convention. Remember that I asked you before about having allies on your side in the event you wanted a different life for yourself and resigned from your job."
> You ascend through the cave and only now notice there's a spiral path along it's edge carved into the rock.
> Sariel nods stoically "I've just seen how everything appears insurmountable when one is so small. I imagine it makes it hard to have a voice or opinion in matters when everyone is so intimidating. I trust that you've used your abilities to help her gain the respect she deserves."
-
> Does the spiral path appear traversable on foot, so that someone who couldn't fly could walk up and down the hole?
> "I've done what I can, yeah. I do think she's in a better place socially now, at least, but maybe I'm not the most unbiased judge."
-
> Does the spiral path appear traversable on foot, so that someone who couldn't fly could walk up and down the hole?
> "I've done what I can, yeah. I do think she's in a better place socially now, at least, but maybe I'm not the most unbiased judge."
> You yet to meet someone in Gensokyo who cannot fly (except perhaps the young who haven't learned yet), you imagine it's for carts and transporting goods! Surely such a bustling city must export and import many wares.
> "I see, you sure live in a very peculiar land..." she comments
-
> You yet to meet someone in Gensokyo who cannot fly (except perhaps the young who haven't learned yet), you imagine it's for carts and transporting goods! Surely such a bustling city must export and import many wares.
> "I see, you sure live in a very peculiar land..." she comments
> "It surely has its peculiarities and charms"
> Before taking off and fly, hover and observe a bit The City you are leaving behind to see if the "coast is clear or not", then...
>... proceed flying following that spiraling path.
-
> Chuckle.
> "I hope you find it interesting and enjoyable while you're there."
-
> Chuckle.
> "I hope you find it interesting and enjoyable while you're there."
> She shuffles around and asks "I'm sure I will. However, what might it's residents think of outsiders? The demon realm we met in doesn't take kindly to outsiders... thinking back fate was likely on your side as you did not happen to run into any of the local residents."
> You reach the top of the cave and notice there are two pathways, one from which you came and another leading slughtly upwards. In the distance you belive to see light! Perhaps it was dark outside last time you were here and didn't notice it?
-
> Head along the pathway leading slightly upwards, since presumably that's the direction Gensokyo is in.
> "Uh. I don't think they mind too much? I think a new shrine just up and appeared one day a handful of years back, with a new shrine maiden and a couple of gods from the Outside World. Or something. I admittedly haven't paid them much attention."
> "That being said, if folks give you strawberries for being a foreigner, that'll be all the more reason for me to stick with you."
-
> Head along the pathway leading slightly upwards, since presumably that's the direction Gensokyo is in.
> "Uh. I don't think they mind too much? I think a new shrine just up and appeared one day a handful of years back, with a new shrine maiden and a couple of gods from the Outside World. Or something. I admittedly haven't paid them much attention."
> "That being said, if folks give you strawberries for being a foreigner, that'll be all the more reason for me to stick with you."
> "They may however perceive my kind as a threat if they identify what I am." she explains
-
> "Then just don't tell 'em. And even if they do figure it out on their own eventually, you'll have coexisted peacefully for long enough to be able to argue that your presence isn't a problem."
-
> "Then just don't tell 'em. And even if they do figure it out on their own eventually, you'll have coexisted peacefully for long enough to be able to argue that your presence isn't a problem."
> "What should I say if someone asks? I'm not exactly well versed in what does and does not exist in this land." she asks.
> Continuing through the cave you reach it's end where a small path leads out to a forest. Looking back at the mouth of the cave you spot a sign that reads "Cave to Ancient City".
> "Wait, look at the sign more carefully." Sariel suggests. Upon closer inspection you notice it's made up of two boards, the older one reading "Cave to" and the newer one nailed ontop of it reading "Ancient City". How odd... Was the city renamed recently or was the sign shoddily repaired?
-
> Is the newer board covering part of the older board, or does whatever used to be behind where "Ancient City" is now appear to be gone?
> If the newer board is covering the older board, try flipping the newer board from opaque to transparent, to see if we can see what's written behind it.
-
> Is the newer board covering part of the older board, or does whatever used to be behind where "Ancient City" is now appear to be gone?
> If the newer board is covering the older board, try flipping the newer board from opaque to transparent, to see if we can see what's written behind it.
> It's been nailed over to cover it.
> You flip it's opacity, turning it semi-transparent and revealing the word "Hell & Makai" below. Was it perhaps two cities that merged into one, which got named the "Ancient City"? Thinking back you seem to recall some Oni mentioning the name "Former Hell" in the town square during their discussions. You didn't give it much attention though as it didn't sound relevant at the time.
-
> "Huh. Guess that explains the 'Former Hell' stuff down in the underground city. I'm guessing 'Makai' is where we ran into each other, then?"
-
> "Huh. Guess that explains the 'Former Hell' stuff down in the underground city. I'm guessing 'Makai' is where we ran into each other, then?"
> "I've heard it being called that before... by the few and powerful demons who know of other worlds. It's hard to justify calling your land by a name when even the concept of other realms existing is foreign."
> Sariel then looks up at the sky "Just as many before you never knew of the skies beyond the skies."
-
> What time of day does it appear to be, anyway?
> Do we know what 'the skies beyond the skies' might be?
-
> What time of day does it appear to be, anyway?
> Do we know what 'the skies beyond the skies' might be?
> It appears to be sometime before noon.
> Space! Shinmyoumaru is totally fascinated with 'skies beyond the skies' and has invested in a rather large telescope in her part of the Shining Needle Castle! Apparently rabbits inhabit a part of the moon and humans have been there too on several occasions! She's thinks there's countless other worlds out there in the vast expanses of space. Perhaps she'd like to visit the moon too one day?
-
> Undo the flip of the sign's opacity so it goes back to being opaque.
> "I suppose that makes sense. Anyway, it's good to know this is here, if for no other reason than if you might need to return. Let's see what Gensokyo has to offer right now, though - if we can find Reimu's pad, we could ask her about that Suzunaan place."
> Resume traveling along the path, keeping an eye out for anything or anyone we recognize.
> "So let me ask you straight - considering all aspects of the situation, did it bother you to hide under my dress?"
-
> Undo the flip of the sign's opacity so it goes back to being opaque.
> "I suppose that makes sense. Anyway, it's good to know this is here, if for no other reason than if you might need to return. Let's see what Gensokyo has to offer right now, though - if we can find Reimu's pad, we could ask her about that Suzunaan place."
> Resume traveling along the path, keeping an eye out for anything or anyone we recognize.
> "So let me ask you straight - considering all aspects of the situation, did it bother you to hide under my dress?"
> You undo the magic on the sign and explain the plan forward to Sariel who nods.
> In response to your question Sariel explains "I'm never the one hiding, that's for those who wish to evade me to do! Therefore it was somewhat embarassing and belittling."
> Continuing along the path the trees get denser until you enter a forest. The rest of the way is uneventful until you reach a red wood fence with a gate on the path. Shortly before the gate appear to be scattered doll parts.
-
> "So the actual location didn't bother you?"
> Do the doll parts look like they came from an Iris, from one of Alice's dolls, or something unfamiliar?
-
> "So the actual location didn't bother you?"
> Do the doll parts look like they came from an Iris, from one of Alice's dolls, or something unfamiliar?
> "Perhaps it did, but I suppose there wasn't an alternative we were aware of. That shopkeeper would've raised questions and you wouldn't have been able to hide away the traded items."
> It appears to be a blonde doll, likely one of Alice's judging by the outfit.
-
> "Mmm. Well, just to warn you, you may need to be there again for a little bit later on, because the Princess gets very particular about people knowing how to get where she lives. I suspect that comes with the territory of being a kobito in a world of relative giants. If it's worth anything, it didn't bother me for you to be there."
> "Those doll parts on the ground...we must be near somewhere that Alice has been recently. That's a good sign for coming across a location I know. Maybe that's where those two got the gunpowder for their explosion the other day?"
> Continue along the path, hopping/floating over the gate as needed since our hands are full.
-
> "Mmm. Well, just to warn you, you may need to be there again for a little bit later on, because the Princess gets very particular about people knowing how to get where she lives. I suspect that comes with the territory of being a kobito in a world of relative giants. If it's worth anything, it didn't bother me for you to be there."
> "Those doll parts on the ground...we must be near somewhere that Alice has been recently. That's a good sign for coming across a location I know. Maybe that's where those two got the gunpowder for their explosion the other day?"
> Continue along the path, hopping/floating over the gate as needed since our hands are full.
> "I see... my normal height may be intimidating too then." Sariel suggests.
> "It's all foreign to me, I'm afraid I can't suggest anything..." she comments in response to the comment about Alice.
> You float over the gate and continue along the path until arriving at a small pond and... the Hakurei Shrine!
-
> Quietly: "Oh, excellent. I know where we are. With any luck, the shrine maiden will be here. Do you want to hide again, or act like you've always been this size?"
-
> Quietly: "Oh, excellent. I know where we are. With any luck, the shrine maiden will be here. Do you want to hide again, or act like you've always been this size?"
> "I'd rather not hide, I've yet to meet anyone from this word." She explains.
-
> Quietly: "You got it. I assume you also don't sense any particularly powerful entities, or targets of yours, since you haven't said anything."
> Head around to the front of the shrine.
> "Oi, Reimu, you home?"
-
> Quietly: "You got it. I assume you also don't sense any particularly powerful entities, or targets of yours, since you haven't said anything."
> Head around to the front of the shrine.
> "Oi, Reimu, you home?"
> "I can summon my staff and command it to glow if I sense something? That might be more discrete way of getting your attention?" Sariel suggests.
> You head over to the front and call Reimu, who answers "Just a moment!"
-
> "Sure!"
> Quietly, to Sariel: "Nah, just telling me is fine. Or yanking on my dress from inside like last time, if we're in that position again."
-
> "Sure!"
> Quietly, to Sariel: "Nah, just telling me is fine. Or yanking on my dress from inside like last time, if we're in that position again."
> She whispers "So I'll just pretend to be a magical puppet once more."
> The door slides open and the shrine maiden states in a monotonous voice "Contributions go in the box; credit, debit, personal cheques, traveler's cheques, foreign currency and local currency are not acceptable!"
-
> Do we have any money on us?
> Blink.
> "I'm glad you already have your box back, but if you're not taking local currency, how is anyone supposed to donate?"
-
> Do we have any money on us?
> Blink.
> "I'm glad you already have your box back, but if you're not taking local currency, how is anyone supposed to donate?"
> Enough people think of you as an Oni to consider alcahol as money! But other than that you doubt it.
> With a sparkle in her eye she says "I like gold! But other than that, I prefer things more... material in nature like precious metal coins, a good book or two on magic or sealing, even furniture! All because a certain Youkai started a trend of donating really high face value currency that just so happens to also be defunct and therefore... useless! I think one time she left a bill that had a value of one trillion!"
-
> How much gold do we/Shinny have back at the castle?
> "Wow. That's rough, buddy."
> "Anyway, uh, I kinda sorta came here by accident, sorry. Long story that I don't really want to tell and you don't really want to hear. Do you know where a place called 'Suzunaan' is?"
-
> How much gold do we/Shinny have back at the castle?
> "Wow. That's rough, buddy."
> "Anyway, uh, I kinda sorta came here by accident, sorry. Long story that I don't really want to tell and you don't really want to hear. Do you know where a place called 'Suzunaan' is?"
> Being a princess Shinny is quite wealthy!
> "You're right, I really don't want to hear! Suzunaan is a book shop in the village. Go prepared, they're quite expensive." Reimu explains.
-
> Do we know where 'the village' is?
> "Good to know. Thanks."
> "Oh! How'd the meeting with the vampire go?"
-
> Do we know where 'the village' is?
> "Good to know. Thanks."
> "Oh! How'd the meeting with the vampire go?"
> There can only be one village she's referring to.
> "It was alright... I do wonder if they are planning some kind of incident for the doll's challenge." she comments, before retreating back into her home and sliding the door shut.
-
> "Pleasure talking to you too, friend!"
> Exit the shrine grounds on foot and begin traveling toward the village.
> "So, Sariel, for what it's worth, I think at this point you could drop the doll act when we run into people if you wanted. You don't have to, but you could."
-
> "Pleasure talking to you too, friend!"
> Exit the shrine grounds on foot and begin traveling toward the village.
> "So, Sariel, for what it's worth, I think at this point you could drop the doll act when we run into people if you wanted. You don't have to, but you could."
> You step around the round table in front of the shrine, noticing there's slightly less unclaimed mysterious spell cards on it. From there you continue down the path to the steps leading down from the hill the shrine is on.
> "Perhaps a magic, moving, and talking doll? Do those exist in this land?" she suggests.
-
> "Possibly, but given kobito exist, you could also just claim to be someone small."
-
> "Possibly, but given kobito exist, you could also just claim to be someone small."
> "Do Kobito have wings such as mine?" she asks.
-
> "I don't think I've ever seen one, but I meant claiming to be someone small without necessarily claiming to be a kobito. There are all sorts of youkai and stuff out there, I doubt anyone would press you on the matter."
-
> "I don't think I've ever seen one, but I meant claiming to be someone small without necessarily claiming to be a kobito. There are all sorts of youkai and stuff out there, I doubt anyone would press you on the matter."
> She ponders something for a moment "Does your world perhaps have small beings known as 'fairies'?"
-
> "Oh, most definitely."
-
> "Oh, most definitely."
> You reach the Youkai forest just past the end of the shrine's steps.
> "Excellent! Do they have wings in your world?"
-
> Given our past experience with fairies, what is our opinion of them?
> Are there any notable ones we've met?
> "They most certainly do."
-
> Given our past experience with fairies, what is our opinion of them?
> Are there any notable ones we've met?
> "They most certainly do."
> Unintelligent and childish.
> You've run into that snow or winter (you forget) fairy who decided to block your path. Her patterns were the only thing memorable, because they were full of blindspots where you could sit, take a break, even finish your tea without the slightest risk of getting hit!
> "I shall pretend to be one then!" she happily comments.
-
> Did we ever meet a large one with green hair and a long blue dress?
> Nod.
> "That works, if you're willing to do it. Should I call you by a different name when we're in front of other people, then?"
-
> Did we ever meet a large one with green hair and a long blue dress?
> Nod.
> "That works, if you're willing to do it. Should I call you by a different name when we're in front of other people, then?"
> Perhaps that description rings a bell?
> "I doubt anyone would recognize my name in this land, I've never been here before!" she explains.
-
> "Well, I was thinking more the risk of attaching your name to fairy behavior. But if it doesn't bother you, it doesn't bother me."
-
> "Well, I was thinking more the risk of attaching your name to fairy behavior. But if it doesn't bother you, it doesn't bother me."
> "Oh, then you can call me Astraea the Star Fairy!" she hops out of your hands, twirls around and summons her glowing staff and points it towards the sky!
-
> "You got it, Astraea."
-
> "You got it, Astraea."
> She nods as you approach a figure wearing green ahead of you on the path.
-
> In our time in the Outside World, how familiar did we become with Greek mythology, if we even know what that is?
> As we approach, what other notable features can we discern?
-
> In our time in the Outside World, how familiar did we become with Greek mythology, if we even know what that is?
> As we approach, what other notable features can we discern?
> You've heard of old and ancient dieties, but imagine they've long since disappeared along with the civilizations that had faith in them. You're not sure if Greek mythology falls into this category however or are simply dieties from a faraway land. It's been so long ago perhaps you've just forgotten, maybe some story, artifact or painting would jog your memories?
> She's wearing a hat and green robes. Her hair appears to be a bright orange color.
-
> Did we meet the gate guard at the vampire mansion?
> If so, is this her?
> Continue on as normal. If we make eye contact with this person, give her a casual 'hello' wave.
-
> Did we meet the gate guard at the vampire mansion?
> If so, is this her?
> Continue on as normal. If we make eye contact with this person, give her a casual 'hello' wave.
> Yes this appears to be her, she was at the gate but you didn't stop and chat.
> You continue and exchange waves before she asks "Heading to the village?"
-
> "Yeah. Doing some research on Western script for a friend."
-
> "Yeah. Doing some research on Western script for a friend."
> "Western you say? Miss Remilia might know a thing or two about such scripts!" she happily explains.
-
> Does she have a larger chest than Patchouli? (Don't make a show of looking.)
> Nod.
> "I do already have one recommendation, but if that falls through, I can check with her next."
> Show Meiling the picture of the knife.
> "This look like something she might know?"
-
> Does she have a larger chest than Patchouli? (Don't make a show of looking.)
> Nod.
> "I do already have one recommendation, but if that falls through, I can check with her next."
> Show Meiling the picture of the knife.
> "This look like something she might know?"
> Close but not quite!
> "I'll let her know you might drop by then!"
> She looks at the picture of the knife and she ponders something for a moment before explaining "The mistress's head maid is quite the knife collector! She's acquired quite a variety of exotic and foreign knives over the years, she might be able to tell you where the blade is from and if it's been enchanted with any magical spells."
-
> At present, which of her and us is taller?
> "Oh, that's good to know. I'll check with my friend to see if they're interested in that."
-
> At present, which of her and us is taller?
> "Oh, that's good to know. I'll check with my friend to see if they're interested in that."
> You're probably taller than everyone in Gensokyo right now with Sariel's height.
> Sariel nods at her suggestion
> The gatekeeper eyes sparkle "Oh is that your friend!? What a cute doll! Or is she a fairy?"
> Sariel hesitantly responds "A-Astraea"
> "She can speak too!? Is that your name?" she asks, to which Sariel nods once more.
-
> Grin.
> "Yep! She's pretty great."
> Look over to Sariel.
> "Astraea, this is a coworker of a friend of mine. You wanna show her your staff?"
-
> Grin.
> "Yep! She's pretty great."
> Look over to Sariel.
> "Astraea, this is a coworker of a friend of mine. You wanna show her your staff?"
> On cue Sariel hops out of your hands with a spin and summons her staff before twirling it around and pointing it at the sky with a sparkle, which earns a clap and cheer from the gatekeeper!
> "Amazing! Miss Remilia would be thrilled to meet the little Astraea!" she continues.
-
> Look to Sariel.
> "What do you think, little buddy? That sound interesting?"
-
> Look to Sariel.
> "What do you think, little buddy? That sound interesting?"
> Sariel nods with excitement while her staff sparkles! "Astraea want to meet miss Remilia!"
-
> Look back to the gate guard.
> "Guess we'll be making another visit sooner rather than later. Oh, come to think of it, did you ever get yourself one of those self-identification cards from the other day? The ones from Iris?"
-
> Look back to the gate guard.
> "Guess we'll be making another visit sooner rather than later. Oh, come to think of it, did you ever get yourself one of those self-identification cards from the other day? The ones from Iris?"
> She pulls out a spell card from her pocket, earning a momentary flinch from your outlaw-level reflexes. "You mean these? I do wonder how she found out my history, considering most of it has been outside of Gensokyo..."
-
> Can we read any part of her card, or is she keeping the information side pointed away from us?
> Pull out our own card (so that only we can read it) and nod.
> "That's the one yeah. Impressive what she knows, huh?"
> Take a brief moment to double-check what our card says about us.
-
> Can we read any part of her card, or is she keeping the information side pointed away from us?
> Pull out our own card (so that only we can read it) and nod.
> "That's the one yeah. Impressive what she knows, huh?"
> Take a brief moment to double-check what our card says about us.
> She spins it around on her finger but it's too fast to read unfortunately!
> Sariel tugs on your dress discretely for some reason.
> You awkwardly pull out your card with one hand while holding Sariel and making sure to only show the backside to the gatekeeper.
> Seija Kijin - ???
> Species: ???
> Height: Fairly Short
> Weight: Fairly Light
> Physical
>> Strength: ???
>> Vitality: ???
>> Dexterity: ???
> Spiritual
>> Perception: ???
>> Charisma: ???
>> Loyalty: ???
>> Ego: ???
>> Extra: ???> Meiling nods at your comment and whispers "Desires, likes, dislikes, fears, that Iris knows too much!"
-
> Hmm, so, the height and weight haven't changed despite our new size? Pity.
> Put the card away and give Sariel a questioning look.
-
> Hmm, so, the height and weight haven't changed despite our new size? Pity.
> Put the card away and give Sariel a questioning look.
> Out of nowhere Iris drops in!
> "Pardon the intermission but this is what we in the industry call 'behind the scenes' works! Trust me it's very importantthat this work gets carried out here and now!"
> She hops up to your hands and plucks the card right out of your hands before casting some magic that makes it glow and handing it back to you.
> "See you around!" the doll exclaims before disappearing into the forest.
> Sariel tugs on your dress once more.
-
> Give Sariel a questioning look.
> "What's up?"
> Frown a bit.
> "...Was it that feeling again?"
-
> Give Sariel a questioning look.
> "What's up?"
> Frown a bit.
> "...Was it that feeling again?"
> Sariel nods then also does a 'no' gesture.
> The gatekeeper asks "Is your little friend not feeling well? The moon rabbits in the village have remedies for all kinds of ailments!"
-
> "Ah, that's good to know. I'll let her talk about it if she wants to, though, I wouldn't want to get too personal talking about someone else."
> While Sariel decides what it is she's going to do, go through the awkward motion of looking at our new card (without letting anyone else see the contents).
-
> "Ah, that's good to know. I'll let her talk about it if she wants to, though, I wouldn't want to get too personal talking about someone else."
> While Sariel decides what it is she's going to do, go through the awkward motion of looking at our new card (without letting anyone else see the contents).
> Sariel hesitantly answers "I need a moment to think..."
> The gatekeeper nods and answers "I'll leave you two to it then! I need to hurry up to restock our tea supplies before miss Remilia finds out we're all out!"
> You discretely look at your card and see:
> Seija Kijin - ???
> Species: ???
> Height: Exceptionally Tall (Fairly Short)
> Weight: Above Average (Fairly Light)
> Physical
>> Strength: ???
>> Vitality: ???
>> Dexterity: ???
> Spiritual
>> Perception: ???
>> Charisma: ???
>> Loyalty: ???
>> Ego: ???
>> Extra: Mysteriously changed apperance! (???)
-
> Put the card away.
> "Thanks, and good luck to you."
-
> Put the card away.
> "Thanks, and good luck to you."
> You hide away the card.
> She nods and heads off at a fast pace.
-
> Continue on our way.
> Quietly, to Sariel: "So what's up? You notice something else?"
-
> Continue on our way.
> Quietly, to Sariel: "So what's up? You notice something else?"
> Sariel exclaims "I memorized the writing on her card when she spun it around!" then confirms "Then shortly after I felt an overwhelming magical presence..."
-
> Raise our eyebrows.
> "You did? Wow, that's really impressive. Anything worth noting?"
-
> Raise our eyebrows.
> "You did? Wow, that's really impressive. Anything worth noting?"
> Sariel explains "I'm not sure what's worth noting? Find something to write on and I can record it for you to see!"
-
> Inventory
> If we have something handy to write on, retrieve it and offer it.
> If we don't, say: "Damn. Hopefully they'll have something at Suzunaan you can write on."
-
> Inventory
> If we have something handy to write on, retrieve it and offer it.
> If we don't, say: "Damn. Hopefully they'll have something at Suzunaan you can write on."
> Nothing comes to mind!
> Sariel nods "A bookstore should have writing materials..."
-
> "We'd better hurry along, then."
> Pick up the pace a little bit.
> "Looks like you've made a new friend already, by the way! Or at least a new friendly acquaintance."
-
> "We'd better hurry along, then."
> Pick up the pace a little bit.
> "Looks like you've made a new friend already, by the way! Or at least a new friendly acquaintance."
> Sariel nods as you pick up the pace and continue to the village, where the landscape changes from forest to farms as you reach it's outskirts.
-
> Give we are able to reverse attributes, like how we've changed objects from opaque to transparent and inverted Tenshi's taste so that the egg rolls tasted bad to her, might it be possible to 'reverse' someone (such as ourselves) from flat to well-endowed, or scrawny to curvaceous, or other such things?
> "I bet she won't be the last, either. I imagine that Astraea the Star Fairy has a pretty bright future in Gensokyo if she wants it."
-
> How far is the Human Village? Is it within sight?
> How is our "standing" or "reception"there? Will there be hinderances if we openly ask around directions to the Suzuunan?
-
> Give we are able to reverse attributes, like how we've changed objects from opaque to transparent and inverted Tenshi's taste so that the egg rolls tasted bad to her, might it be possible to 'reverse' someone (such as ourselves) from flat to well-endowed, or scrawny to curvaceous, or other such things?
> "I bet she won't be the last, either. I imagine that Astraea the Star Fairy has a pretty bright future in Gensokyo if she wants it."
> Flipping physical things upside down comes naturally, however it's somewhat hit or miss when it comes to more 'abstract' concepts such as opacity or taste. Generally you find that the more well defined the two opposites are like opaque/transparent, sweet/bitter the better you do. You have a hunch it also helps for the target to be at one of the two extremes?
> Sariel nods "She was quite nice to us and offered to help with the writing. The demons and mages I usually work with see everything as a transaction where knowledge is currency and magic is prestige."
> How far is the Human Village? Is it within sight?
> How is our "standing" or "reception"there? Will there be hinderances if we openly ask around directions to the Suzuunan?
> It's almost within sight!
> Youkai used to not be welcome in the village but that's changed to a degree since the spell card system. While none of the village regulations explicitly prohibit Youkai from visiting or conducting business in the village there's some that clearly target them indirectly. For example only those who maintain a residence within the village may be present from sunset to sunrise. Which automatically excludes nearly all Youkai!
-
> Well, some degree of human population that believes itself to have a safe space is probably necessary for the continued existence of youkai...
> Would we qualify as 'flat' for the purposes of considering an extreme?
> Given what we have seen (which is admittedly not a lot), do we think Sariel might qualify as 'flat' for the purposes of considering an extreme?
> "Oh, we probably have those too, admittedly. In fact, another new friendly acquaintance of mine is a magician that your description fits to a reasonable degree. She lives at the same place at the gatekeeper we just met, actually."
-
> Well, some degree of human population that believes itself to have a safe space is probably necessary for the continued existence of youkai...
> Would we qualify as 'flat' for the purposes of considering an extreme?
> Given what we have seen (which is admittedly not a lot), do we think Sariel might qualify as 'flat' for the purposes of considering an extreme?
> "Oh, we probably have those too, admittedly. In fact, another new friendly acquaintance of mine is a magician that your description fits to a reasonable degree. She lives at the same place at the gatekeeper we just met, actually."
> Perhaps? You're not sure how all that works.
> Unfortunately (or fortunately!) neither you or Sariel can be considered such!
> Sariel laughs "Maybe it's just part of the occupation!"
> The road changes from gravel to stone pavement as you arrive at a river with a gated bridge that marks the perimeter of the village. On the other side the street is lined with two and three floor buildings that contain stores, eateries and local businesses at ground level.
-
> Are we still holding onto Sariel?
> "That's certainly possible. Not that I want to speak ill of her, of course."
> Head to the gated bridge. If we're permitted to let ourselves in, do so, and continue on into town. If we're not, wait for someone to acknowledge our presence.
-
> Are we still holding onto Sariel?
> "That's certainly possible. Not that I want to speak ill of her, of course."
> Head to the gated bridge. If we're permitted to let ourselves in, do so, and continue on into town. If we're not, wait for someone to acknowledge our presence.
> Indeed you are.
> The angel asks "Isn't this village is quite ... large to still be called a village?"
> You unlatch the gate and attempt to proceed but find yourself awkwardly pushed back by a mysterious force a few feet past the gate!
> "There's something there!" Sariel exclaims.
-
> Has that repelling force always been present protecting the village?
-
> Has that repelling force always been present protecting the village?
> You've never noticed anything similar before!
-
> Click our tongue in irritation.
> Quietly: "What does it feel like, Astraea?"
-
> Click our tongue in irritation.
> Quietly: "What does it feel like, Astraea?"
> She ponders something for a moment "There's a barrier in the way..."
> Sariel is beginning to feel unnaturally heavy to hold.
-
> Grunt from the sudden weight increase (of possibly strength decrease).
> Back away from the barrier.
-
> Grunt from the sudden weight increase (of possibly strength decrease).
> Back away from the barrier.
> Sariel asks what's wrong as you retreat back to the fence gate.
-
> Do the two of us appear to still have our heights switched?
> "Either you're getting heavier or I'm getting weaker..."
-
> Do the two of us appear to still have our heights switched?
> "Either you're getting heavier or I'm getting weaker..."
> Yes
> Sariel no longer feels heavy.
> She looks at you curiously and suggests "I think the barrier is pushing us back?"
-
> "Probably. But now that we're away from it, you feel fine to me again."
> "Does the barrier feel like Iris, now that you've met her a couple of times?"
> Look around to see if anyone is in the vicinity.
-
> "Probably. But now that we're away from it, you feel fine to me again."
> "Does the barrier feel like Iris, now that you've met her a couple of times?"
> Look around to see if anyone is in the vicinity.
> "Wait, you're not also getting pushed back?" she asks.
> Sariel hops out of your arms and takes a few steps forward and pauses to focus before summoning her staff and chanting something in an unfamiliar language. "I-I'm not sure? I-it feels like the same source of magic but something doesn't make sense... Did you not mention that this Iris appeared a few days ago? This force field has been around for years, tens of years even?"
-
> "Huh..."
> Walk back up to where we were stopped by the barrier, and physically feel for it to see if we're affected.
-
> "Huh..."
> Walk back up to where we were stopped by the barrier, and physically feel for it to see if we're affected.
> You make it past where you gave up last time, without any ill effects!
-
> Look back at Sariel.
> "...I think it's only blocking you, for some reason."
-
> Look back at Sariel.
> "...I think it's only blocking you, for some reason."
> Sariel offers "Perhaps I can dispel it!" while pointing her staff in your direction.
-
> "Wait!"
> Hold up our hands to stop her.
> "If it's been up for years, it's probably really important to the humans."
-
> "Wait!"
> Hold up our hands to stop her.
> "If it's been up for years, it's probably really important to the humans."
> Visibly disappointed she dispels her staff and asks "Well can you think of another way past this?"
-
> Adopt a thinking expression.
> "...I'm guessing hiding you like I did before won't work...trying to hide you in me probably won't work..."
> "...Can you tell how thick it is?"
-
> Adopt a thinking expression.
> "...I'm guessing hiding you like I did before won't work...trying to hide you in me probably won't work..."
> "...Can you tell how thick it is?"
> Sariel nods at your comments before summoning her staff and pointing it towards the force field. A fountain of white pellets showers the area, which turn red while traveling towards you before they fizzle out.
> Sariel explains "I've enchanted them to become red if their energy is sapped unnaturally! So it's atleast that thick, I'm putting a generous amount of effort into materializing them."
> None of the pellets manage to reach you, yet sparks shoot out as if grazing and and intense heat permeates the atmosphere.
-
> Nod.
> "Great. Okay, stay there."
> Take five steps away from the barrier toward the village.
> Then look back at Sariel, and switch with her using our ability.
-
> Nod.
> "Great. Okay, stay there."
> Take five steps away from the barrier toward the village.
> Then look back at Sariel, and switch with her using our ability.
> You use your ability to undo the swap with Sariel and end up outside of the barrier while Sariel ends up inside, her pellets almost immediately turning red upon appearing.
-
> "How are you feeling?"
-
> "How are you feeling?"
> "A little disoriented..." she confirms just as a pellet almost makes it through the barrier while emiting a large graze spark. You sure hope these things can't cause sunburn!
-
> Float over next to Sariel.
> If nothing happens, swap with Sariel again.
> Then scoop her into our arms again and continue on into the village on foot.
-
> Float over next to Sariel.
> If nothing happens, swap with Sariel again.
> Then scoop her into our arms again and continue on into the village on foot.
> You float over to Sariel and swap once more to return to her 'Exceptionally Tall' height as Iris puts it.
> "Clever..." she complements before hopping into your arms once more.
-
> "I can brain when I need to. Now let's search for this Suzunaan."
> Enter the village, looking for a book store.
-
> "I can brain when I need to. Now let's search for this Suzunaan."
> Enter the village, looking for a book store.
> You enter the village and begin walking towards the large fountain in the central plaza. On the way you pass a convenience store, a farmer's market, a coachbuilder's workshop, a blacksmith, an antiques store, a magic shop, a barbecue buffet restaurant, a self-serve foreign restaurant, a shrine of a foreign faith, and a 'Moriya branch shrine' before arriving at the central plaza.
> On the plaza are the high-end businesses (who presumably can afford the rent here). You spot the town school, the local administration offices, a outside-world delicacies fine-dining restaurant, the precious metals and gems exchange, a grand theater, an inn and ... a casino lit up brighter than the most unfair spell card you faced as an outlaw.
-
> "Wow...this is a lot of options..."
> Do we seem to be getting any sort of special attention, given how clearly inhuman we are?
> Could we see who the blacksmith is? If we could, is it anyone we recognize?
> Blacksmith aside, can we see anyone we recognize?
-
> "Wow...this is a lot of options..."
> Do we seem to be getting any sort of special attention, given how clearly inhuman we are?
> Could we see who the blacksmith is? If we could, is it anyone we recognize?
> Blacksmith aside, can we see anyone we recognize?
> The only thing that might be giving you away is your height... oh and the six-winged angel in your arms!
> A blue haired lady appears to be working at the blacksmithing workshop.
> You spot Tenshi outside the casino talking to some older village folk.
-
> Do we recognize the blue haired lady?
> Ehh...guess Tenshi's good enough...
> Walk over to her and her crowd.
-
> Do we recognize the blue haired lady?
> Ehh...guess Tenshi's good enough...
> Walk over to her and her crowd.
> You believe that is Kogasa. The farming and mining tools she forges are considered to be of the highest quality, although her real passion lies in designing things of more mechanical nature. Shinmyoumaru is actually quite the scholar when it comes to technology (perhaps due to her small nature?), and was interested in recruiting Kogasa to fabricate various blueprints that she designed to further the movement's interests.
> You cross the main plaza, and approach Tenshi. She appears to be handing out cards she calls 'complementary bonuses' to some older townsfolk on the steps outside the casino front entrance.
> "Thanks for playing, hope to see you back soon!" she wishes the townsfolk before taking notice of you. "Ahh miss... Seija! We met at the Full Moon Festival right? Step right up, one spin is all it takes to change your fortune forever!"
-
> Nod.
> "That we did. Afraid we're on a bit of urgent business, unfortunately. Where can we find Suzunaan?"
-
> Nod.
> "That we did. Afraid we're on a bit of urgent business, unfortunately. Where can we find Suzunaan?"
> The celestial points somewhere behind you "That ol' book place? It's on the back side of the building the Kirisame magic shop is in, you can go around the long way or take the shortcut through the shop!"
> Smirking she continues "But if I remember their books are quite rare, which makes them quite ...expensive! So perhaps you do want to take a step inside!" pointing at the brightly lit doors behind her.
-
> "Oh, we're not going there for books. ...As weird as that might sound."
-
> "Oh, we're not going there for books. ...As weird as that might sound."
> A little disappointed she asks "Then what might you be going there for? I'm sure it's nowhere near as fun as what lies inside!"
-
> "Foreign script translation, or at least a start on it."
-
> "Foreign script translation, or at least a start on it."
> With a smirk she suggests "Or you could go for a spin on our King Midas' Treasures slot machine! Uncover all 5 sigils to crack the code for the jackpot!"
-
> Sigh.
> "I don't actually have any money with me right now."
-
> Sigh.
> "I don't actually have any money with me right now."
> Still with a smirk "Oh you see we offer free play opportunities and a credit extension service! We also partner with the precious gems and metals pawn shop so any player can establish a bankroll!"
-
> "...I'll think about it, okay? I'm on a bit of a time crunch here."
-
> "...I'll think about it, okay? I'm on a bit of a time crunch here."
> Still not giving up "You could visit tonight, that's when all the action is after all! Since it's connected to the Inn that pesky nighttime rule won't matter for any non-residents!"
-
> "That might be better. I'll see what I can do."
-
> "That might be better. I'll see what I can do."
> In a professional tone "Like we say at cashier's cage: Good luck miss!"
-
> "Thanks."
> Give Tenshi a slight wave, and then head in the direction Suzunaan was indicated to be.
-
> "Thanks."
> Give Tenshi a slight wave, and then head in the direction Suzunaan was indicated to be.
> You wave and head over to the Kirisame magic shop to cut through to the other side of the building. As you step inside you see various magic trinkets and spell card creation materials on sale. At the back of the store is a curtain with a sign above that reads "Suzunaan".
-
> Enter!
-
> Enter!
> You slide past the curtain and enter Suzunaan! Inside it's arranged like a library, with many tall shelves holding various books, magazines and newspapers (with the occasional magical trinket or two scattered around). In the center is a large round reading table for checking out books before buying them. Near the door is the cashier's counter where a lady in a red and white checkered dress appears to be working.
> The cashier waves "Welcome welcome! If you need help finding something just ask!"
-
> Can we tell if this lady qualifies as any sort of physical extreme for reversal purposes, such as 'short' or 'thin' or 'flat' or other such aspects?
> Nod.
> "Hey there, thanks for having. I was actually wondering about the meaning of some Western script I came into, and a trusted source pointed me in the direction of this shop."
-
> Can we tell if this lady qualifies as any sort of physical extreme for reversal purposes, such as 'short' or 'thin' or 'flat' or other such aspects?
> Nod.
> "Hey there, thanks for having. I was actually wondering about the meaning of some Western script I came into, and a trusted source pointed me in the direction of this shop."
> It's too hard to tell through her dress and shopkeeper attire!
> The lady nods "Certainly! It is well known in the village that I've been blessed with the magic of deciphering books through touch! In exchange all I ask is that you consider any offer I make to purchase said book!"
-
> "Oh, uh, it's kinda...not a book."
> Walk up to get closer to the redhead lady.
> Pull out the picture of Sariel's keepsake knife, but don't hand it over yet.
> "It's more of a...well, it's a knife."
-
> "Oh, uh, it's kinda...not a book."
> Walk up to get closer to the redhead lady.
> Pull out the picture of Sariel's keepsake knife, but don't hand it over yet.
> "It's more of a...well, it's a knife."
> "How interesting! Is there some kind of writing on it?" she asks
-
> Nod and offer her the picture.
> Now that we're closer, if she takes the picture, give her a closer look-over while she's occupied with the picture.
-
> Nod and offer her the picture.
> Now that we're closer, if she takes the picture, give her a closer look-over while she's occupied with the picture.
> She looks at the picture and thinks for a moment before explaining "The symbols are glyphs from a ancient syllabic type of writing system used in the West, specifically in Europe. They spell out 'Darkness'."
> Sariel nods "Darkness..."
> The shopkeeper then picks it up to look closer "However there is one symbol near the base of the blade I can't figure out... perhaps it's some kind of magic sigil or even a maker's mark and therefore not part of any historical language I understand?"
> You still can't tell through her attire.
-
> Drat.
> Presumably this lady is human, if she has a renowned shop in this village - can we tell how old she might be?
> "Hmm, I see. Which symbol is that, if you don't mind my asking?"
-
> Drat.
> Presumably this lady is human, if she has a renowned shop in this village - can we tell how old she might be?
> "Hmm, I see. Which symbol is that, if you don't mind my asking?"
> The age of a young adult you guess? Ever since the lunarians set up shop it's become hard to tell with the space-age healthcare available!
> She points it out right above the handle at the very base of the blade.
-
> Look at Sariel.
> "Does that symbol mean anything to you, Astraea?"
-
> Look at Sariel.
> "Does that symbol mean anything to you, Astraea?"
> Sariel shrugs "To me it looks like a raised circle with with two crescent shapes intersecting it, which is surrounded by indented lines pointing outward. That's all I can tell..."
-
> Nod.
> "So no personal significance? Okay."
> Look back to the shopkeep.
> "Thanks for the help, miss...?"
-
> Nod.
> "So no personal significance? Okay."
> Look back to the shopkeep.
> "Thanks for the help, miss...?"
> "Kosuzu!" she adds before asking "Are you not from around here?"
-
> Is she cute?
> Shake our head.
> "Nah. I'm kinda-sorta new-ish to the general area."
> Give her a cheeky grin and a wink.
> "If I were from around here, I'd imagine you'd have heard about someone like me standing out as much as I'm sure I do."
> "Anyway, Kosuzu, you can call me Seija."
-
> Is she cute?
> Shake our head.
> "Nah. I'm kinda-sorta new-ish to the general area."
> Give her a cheeky grin and a wink.
> "If I were from around here, I'd imagine you'd have heard about someone like me standing out as much as I'm sure I do."
> "Anyway, Kosuzu, you can call me Seija."
> It's Gensokyo, who isn't?
> Surprised "I see, Seija. Well since we're a bookstore and not a weaponsmith I'm afraid I won't be able to put an offer in to buy that from you but feel free to browse!"
-
> "Thanks. Oh! I just remembered something else."
> Pull out or apparent ID Card (without showing its contents to anyone present).
> "Did you hear about these cards? Someone out there apparently knows a lot of things about some of us, and dropped off a whole slew of them at the Hakurei Shrine the other day."
-
> "Thanks. Oh! I just remembered something else."
> Pull out or apparent ID Card (without showing its contents to anyone present).
> "Did you hear about these cards? Someone out there apparently knows a lot of things about some of us, and dropped off a whole slew of them at the Hakurei Shrine the other day."
> You pull out the card and she takes a look at it before answering "Never heard about them! They look like blank spell cards though!"
-
> "There's info on 'em that only appears if the person they belong to is holding onto them."
> Put our card away.
> "Do you happen to have something we could write with and on? Astraea can show you an example."
-
> "There's info on 'em that only appears if the person they belong to is holding onto them."
> Put our card away.
> "Do you happen to have something we could write with and on? Astraea can show you an example."
> "Sure" she answers and fetches a sheet of paper.
-
> "Thanks!"
> Set Astraea down near where she can write.
> "Would you mind writing what you saw earlier, Astraea? It's okay if you don't remember everything."
-
> "Thanks!"
> Set Astraea down near where she can write.
> "Would you mind writing what you saw earlier, Astraea? It's okay if you don't remember everything."
> Sariel grabs the oversized pencil and starts tracing something out on the table:
> Meiling - Ever Faithful Rainbow Gatekeeper
> Species: Youkai
> Height: Tall
> Weight: Above Average
> Physical
>> Strength: Martial Arts Master.
>> Vitality: Martial Arts Master.
>> Dexterity: Highly coordinated.
> Spiritual
>> Perception: Sharp intuition but also fairly deductive
>> Charisma: Very charismatic, essentially the head of operations at the Scarlet Mansion
>> Loyalty: Highly loyal to Remilia, is suspicious of anyone who doesn't live at the Scarlet Mansion
>> Ego: Very calm and collected but highly determined
>> Extra: Prefers fighting over resolving issues diplomatically
> "Oh my! That's quite detailed..." Kosuzu comments.
-
> "Yeah. There's a pile of unclaimed cards at Reimu's place. I wonder if one of them belongs to you?"
-
> "Yeah. There's a pile of unclaimed cards at Reimu's place. I wonder if one of them belongs to you?"
> "I could visit after closing time to check..." she answers before asking "Is there something else you're looking for?".
-
> "That depends. I don't actually have any cash on me at the moment, but if you have something that needs doing, I could do it for you as payment for something. Or I could come back later."
-
> "That depends. I don't actually have any cash on me at the moment, but if you have something that needs doing, I could do it for you as payment for something. Or I could come back later."
> She looks around the counter before answering "Can't think of anything at the moment! Perhaps you can come back later to shop?"
-
> Give her a thumbs-up.
> "Sounds good to me. Thanks again for the help."
-
> Give her a thumbs-up.
> "Sounds good to me. Thanks again for the help."
> She nods in response.
> Where to now?
-
> If we did not already, take Sariel's write-up of Meiling's ID card.
> Hmm...
> ...Let's swing by the blacksmith real quick, actually.
-
> If we did not already, take Sariel's write-up of Meiling's ID card.
> Hmm...
> ...Let's swing by the blacksmith real quick, actually.
> You hop out of the store and walk past the plaza back to the blacksmith's workshop.
> "Ah customers! How can I help?" a surprised blue haired lady asks.
-
> "Hey, Kogasa. Just wanted to check how late you'd be open today."
-
> "Hey, Kogasa. Just wanted to check how late you'd be open today."
> She happily answers "Till sunset!"
-
> "Excellent. Oh, also, have you been to Reimu's recently? Someone out there apparently knows a lot of things about some of us, and dropped off a whole slew of identifying cards at the Hakurei Shrine the other day."
-
> "Excellent. Oh, also, have you been to Reimu's recently? Someone out there apparently knows a lot of things about some of us, and dropped off a whole slew of identifying cards at the Hakurei Shrine the other day."
> "I'll stop by after sunset then and sur- ..ask the shrine maiden about it!" she answers with a mischievous smile.
-
> "Well, I mean, the cards are just kinda scattered out on a table out in front of the shrine. But you do what you gotta do. Just make sure you don't try to take someone else's, it won't end well for you."
-
> "Well, I mean, the cards are just kinda scattered out on a table out in front of the shrine. But you do what you gotta do. Just make sure you don't try to take someone else's, it won't end well for you."
> She nods with a mischievous smile.
-
> Do we still have Excalibur with us?
> If so, does Kogasa seem to have noticed it at all?
-
> Do we still have Excalibur with us?
> If so, does Kogasa seem to have noticed it at all?
> Yes of course!
> Not yet, though perhaps this is because she is behind the shop counter?
-
> "Mmm...one last thing."
> Show Kogasa Excalibur.
> "What's your professional opinion of this sword?"
-
> "Mmm...one last thing."
> Show Kogasa Excalibur.
> "What's your professional opinion of this sword?"
> Kogasa sets the sword on the counter and examines it using a magnifying glass. "Oh my! Old world materials and technique!"
> She then recites a short spell that causes it to glow a pale blue. "With old world magic too..."
> With excitement she asks "Could this be the fabled Sword of Light!?"
-
> "Uh. Could be? Given where I got it from, and how it seems to have a will of its own."
-
> "Uh. Could be? Given where I got it from, and how it seems to have a will of its own."
> She pauses to think about something for a moment before explaining "I believe it is known by other names in various cultures..."
-
> "Would 'Excalibur' happen to be one of those?"
-
> "Would 'Excalibur' happen to be one of those?"
> With excitement she confirms "Yes yes! I believe that's one of the most popular interpretations!"
-
> "Wow. Cool, cool."
> "..."
> "...Would you like the opportunity to study this sword some? A friend of mine wants to meet you, but she isn't here right now. I'm going to try to convince her to stop by the village later today - depending on how that goes, I could be convinced to part with it temporarily."
-
> "Wow. Cool, cool."
> "..."
> "...Would you like the opportunity to study this sword some? A friend of mine wants to meet you, but she isn't here right now. I'm going to try to convince her to stop by the village later today - depending on how that goes, I could be convinced to part with it temporarily."
> "I'd love to! It's not everyday you come across artifacts like this!" she happily accepts before pulling out various lenses and crystals from a drawer behind the counter.
-
> "Ah, wait, I meant-"
> Pause, with a blink.
> "...No, never mind. I'll make sure to come back, with or without my friend in tow. Though, if I may before I leave."
> Place a hand on Excalibur's hilt while looking at it.
> "I'll be back soon, buddy, okay? You can trust the lady whose hands you'll be in."
-
> "Ah, wait, I meant-"
> Pause, with a blink.
> "...No, never mind. I'll make sure to come back, with or without my friend in tow. Though, if I may before I leave."
> Place a hand on Excalibur's hilt while looking at it.
> "I'll be back soon, buddy, okay? You can trust the lady whose hands you'll be in."
> Kogasa gives you a funny look as you say the last bit before smiling and continuing setting up her lenses.
-
> Do we feel anything from the sword has we hold it and talk to it?
-
> Do we feel anything from the sword has we hold it and talk to it?
> It feels slightly warm to the touch.
-
> Nod and pull our hand away.
> To Kogasa: "Treat it well, please."
-
> Nod and pull our hand away.
> To Kogasa: "Treat it well, please."
> She agrees with a nod.
-
> "Back later tonight. Looking forward to hearing what you have to say, on multiple fronts."
> Picking 'Astraea' back up to carry her, head all the way back out of the village the way we originally came.
-
> "Back later tonight. Looking forward to hearing what you have to say, on multiple fronts."
> Picking 'Astraea' back up to carry her, head all the way back out of the village the way we originally came.
> "I'm certain I'll be making some discoveries!" she comments while otherwise entirely focused on examining something through a type of glass.
> You stroll out of the store and continue through the village all the way to the bridge on it's perimeter.
-
> "Okay, Astraea, like last time..."
> Undo our current size swap with Sariel.
> Head out beyond the bridge to a point we can recall is outside the anti-Sariel barrier.
> Swap sizes with Sariel again, so she is outside the barrier and we're back inside, and head back over the bridge to reunite with her.
-
> "Okay, Astraea, like last time..."
> Undo our current size swap with Sariel.
> Head out beyond the bridge to a point we can recall is outside the anti-Sariel barrier.
> Swap sizes with Sariel again, so she is outside the barrier and we're back inside, and head back over the bridge to reunite with her.
> You perform the swap trick with Sariel to leave the village and are once again outside.
-
> "Alright, Astraea. Like I mentioned before, the Princess doesn't like people knowing how to find her. So, while I'm sorry to ask this of you, I need you to hide again, either on me or in me."
-
> "Alright, Astraea. Like I mentioned before, the Princess doesn't like people knowing how to find her. So, while I'm sorry to ask this of you, I need you to hide again, either on me or in me."
> "I-I see..." she comments before hiding once more like in the Ancient City.
-
> Do we have any material on-hand that could be used as a rope or strap or something similar to tightly tie/affix the bottom of our dress around our legs/ankles so that Sariel is fully contained inside and can't see out the bottom? (Presumably this would make it impossible for us to walk; this is acceptable, given we'll be flying for a while.)
> Give the part of our dress Sariel is hiding behind a gentle reassuring pat.
> "Sorry. But hey, with any luck, you'll only have to do this once before the Princess likes you enough to let you come and go without it."
-
> Do we have any material on-hand that could be used as a rope or strap or something similar to tightly tie/affix the bottom of our dress around our legs/ankles so that Sariel is fully contained inside and can't see out the bottom? (Presumably this would make it impossible for us to walk; this is acceptable, given we'll be flying for a while.)
> Give the part of our dress Sariel is hiding behind a gentle reassuring pat.
> "Sorry. But hey, with any luck, you'll only have to do this once before the Princess likes you enough to let you come and go without it."
> Unfortunately you don't!
> Sariel suggests "What about the trick you just used to get past that pesky blockade?"
-
> Hmm...if we untied the ribbon around our waist, would it be long enough to re-tie around the bottom of our dress?
> If we did that, how would the structure of the rest of our dress be affected?
> "Ah, that? Well, I don't want to get too into my personal details, but unfortunately, that would only work if I went there by myself first, which would mean leaving you here by yourself for a while. And then I'd have to make the same trip again after I switch our positions. I admit I had hoped to only make the trip once, and with you along for company so we can chat for a while."
-
> Hmm...if we untied the ribbon around our waist, would it be long enough to re-tie around the bottom of our dress?
> If we did that, how would the structure of the rest of our dress be affected?
> "Ah, that? Well, I don't want to get too into my personal details, but unfortunately, that would only work if I went there by myself first, which would mean leaving you here by yourself for a while. And then I'd have to make the same trip again after I switch our positions. I admit I had hoped to only make the trip once, and with you along for company so we can chat for a while."
> The ribbon is holding up your dress, meaning it can't be removed!
> Sariel suggests "I could save you the second trip by opening a portal..." before chanting a spell that causes a perfect blue circle to appear from her fingertip which reflects like a mirror inside.
> "I haven't used this spell in ages since you have to go to the destination to conjure the other end, which kind of defeats the purpose. Unless you know someone that can get you there instantly..."
-
> "Oh, that'd be plenty appreciated if you could. Unfortunately, I can't think of a way to get there instantly..."
-
> "Oh, that'd be plenty appreciated if you could. Unfortunately, I can't think of a way to get there instantly..."
> She clarifies "You could get me there instantly, then step through the portal."
-
> "Oh, I see what you mean. Alright, sure."
> Look slightly disappointed.
> "...I'll admit I enjoyed our other arrangement. But if you dislike it that much, I won't make you do it."
-
> "Oh, I see what you mean. Alright, sure."
> Look slightly disappointed.
> "...I'll admit I enjoyed our other arrangement. But if you dislike it that much, I won't make you do it."
> A little disappointment evident in her tone "I expected you eager to experience the portal spell..."
-
> "Oh, don't get me wrong, it'll definitely make things easier! I'm totally fine with that plan."
-
> "Oh, don't get me wrong, it'll definitely make things easier! I'm totally fine with that plan."
> "We shall not delay then!" she answers.
> Sariel hops out and hovers over to the bridge before looking away covering her eyes in an overdramatic way as if playing hide and seek!
> "One... Two... Three..." she starts counting in a sing song voice.
-
> "Should be about an hour!"
> Take flight and head back to the Shining Needle Castle.
-
> "Should be about an hour!"
> Take flight and head back to the Shining Needle Castle.
> With a hop you start flying up towards the clouds!
// Fast forwarding until something interesting happens...
> Meanwhile back at the village perimeter...
> "One thousand one hundred and thirty seven... One thousand onne hundred and thirty eight..."
> You're now Sariel - ???
// Limited controls: Memories prior to meeting Seija, relationships and full inventory inaccessible! (Quest incomplete!)
-
> An hour? That's gonna be a while...
> Do we sense any malevolent forces or other similar things in the immediate vicinity?
-
> An hour? That's gonna be a while...
> Do we sense any malevolent forces or other similar things in the immediate vicinity?
> Well you've been counting for a while now perhaps it's less than an hour now, what was it 'one thousand onne hundred and thirty eight'? Rats! You've lost count!
> You sense an energy similar to the one you felt on the underground bridge, and when talking to that tall lady on the way to the village.
-
> Can we tell where the energy we're sensing is?
-
> Can we tell where the energy we're sensing is?
> You've have to move around for that and see if it decreases or increases?
-
> Was Seija wearing bloomers, panties, or something else?
> The discomfort of being small and hidden in a pretty undignified manner aside, how did we feel about being that close to Seija's...private area? She didn't seem remotely bothered by it.
> Wander a bit to get a bead on where the energy sensation is coming from.
-
> Was Seija wearing bloomers, panties, or something else?
> The discomfort of being small and hidden in a pretty undignified manner aside, how did we feel about being that close to Seija's...private area? She didn't seem remotely bothered by it.
> Wander a bit to get a bead on where the energy sensation is coming from.
> Bloomers from what you could tell.
> You cannot fathom why she thought that was a good hiding place! Any demon worth being a target could've easily sensed your presence or mistaken Seija as a threat, which you doubt she'd be prepared to handle!
> You wander around in a rough circle and feel the energy fade as you float away from the bridge and come back when you return.
-
> So we have no opinion specifically on being very close to a very sensitive location on Seija's body?
> Might the energy we feel be that barrier blocking us from getting into the village on our own?
-
> So we have no opinion specifically on being very close to a very sensitive location on Seija's body?
> Might the energy we feel be that barrier blocking us from getting into the village on our own?
> No opinions to be had here.
> You do perceive the barrier, which has an faintly similar energy yet this feels like something more localized? You'd expect the energy from the barrier would fade much more gradually due to it's size and shape.
> Wait there's something else, a new presence! Approaching from behind, away from the village.
-
> What did we think Seija meant when she suggested we hide 'in her', anyway?
> Turn around and head toward that new presence.
-
> What did we think Seija meant when she suggested we hide 'in her', anyway?
> Turn around and head toward that new presence.
> In her clothes you assumed! While stories of demons eating humans did momentarily come to mind, you doubt she'd be foolish enough to try!
> You turn around and float towards the new presence only to meet a blonde lady with two small figures (about your size) floating near her.
> "Oh what a cute fairy!" she exclaims upon seeing you, before gazing towards the village "Are you maybe up to no good, so near the village at this time of day?"
-
> She did also say 'on me', though, which could also have meant within her clothes. ...Maybe she was thinking about asking to eat us?
> Well, whatever. We can ask her about it later.
> Shake our head.
> "I'm waiting for a friend to come get me."
-
> She did also say 'on me', though, which could also have meant within her clothes. ...Maybe she was thinking about asking to eat us?
> Well, whatever. We can ask her about it later.
> Shake our head.
> "I'm waiting for a friend to come get me."
> Yikes!
> "A friend? So perhaps they're the ones up to no good, while you watch their back!" she jokes before looking around and being reminded of something "Fairies will be fairies... Nice meeting you!". As she continues past you the two smaller figures floating next to her give you a good look before continuing on.
-
> Wave back.
> "You too! All three of you!"
-
> Wave back.
> "You too! All three of you!"
> She smiles and waves back before continuing towards the bridge and pausing about halfway across to gaze at the river flowing below.
-
> Well, Astraea the Star Fairy doesn't want to cause problems by being too close to the river! It would be poor form to be a troublemaker, especially in a foreign land.
> ...Though, how far away is far enough away?
> ...Maybe we should ask.
> "Actually, miss nice lady, please wait a moment!"
-
> Well, Astraea the Star Fairy doesn't want to cause problems by being too close to the river! It would be poor form to be a troublemaker, especially in a foreign land.
> ...Though, how far away is far enough away?
> ...Maybe we should ask.
> "Actually, miss nice lady, please wait a moment!"
> Indeed she doesn't!
> You get her attention and she quickly turns around "A-Ah you're back... I-Is there something you want me tell your friend if I s-see them?"
> That energy is back once more...
-
> Oh that's not good. What's the protocol for such a situation?
-
> Oh that's not good. What's the protocol for such a situation?
> It's really hard to perceive any details with the force field's magical energy, the mysterious field and this lady's magical energy all present at the same time!
-
> "Oh, um, no, that's okay. But thank you for offering! No, I just wanted to ask how far away from the village I hafta be to not be bad."
-
> "Oh, um, no, that's okay. But thank you for offering! No, I just wanted to ask how far away from the village I hafta be to not be bad."
> Your question raises an eyebrow "I'm not particularly fond of the way the village treats outsiders either, so I saw nothing, heard nothing and met no one!"
> She then gazes off into the distance towards the village.
-
> "...Oh..."
> Blink.
> "...Hey, who are you little friends, by the way?"
-
> "...Oh..."
> Blink.
> "...Hey, who are you little friends, by the way?"
> "That's Shanghai and Hourai! They're magical puppets." she explains while pointing at them. To you they look nearly identical, the only difference being 'Shanghai' having a slightly lighter colored bow.
> The puppets back at you in sync.
-
> "Wow! That's quite an impressive talent of yours."
-
> "Wow! That's quite an impressive talent of yours."
> "T-Thank you! I run puppet shows in the village every weekend at sunset if you would like to see Shanghai and Hourai perform." she explains.
-
> "Ooh, that does sound fun...I'll tell my friend about it when she returns to get me!"
-
> "Ooh, that does sound fun...I'll tell my friend about it when she returns to get me!"
> She nods happily.
-
> "Anyway, I won't stop you again. Go do your thing!"
-
> "Anyway, I won't stop you again. Go do your thing!"
> The puppeteer returns to gazing at the river below.
-
> Let's move in the opposite direction of the bridge, say, 20 meters.
-
> Let's move in the opposite direction of the bridge, say, 20 meters.
> Unfamiliar with what a meter is you decide to float some distance away from the bridge.
-
> Might as well get back to waiting and passively sensing for bad energy sources.
> Ponder what we learned in that bookstore while we wait. Does 'Darkness' mean anything to us/make sense in the context of our compatriot? (Obviously do not dive into backstory we cannot currently access.)
-
> Might as well get back to waiting and passively sensing for bad energy sources.
> Ponder what we learned in that bookstore while we wait. Does 'Darkness' mean anything to us/make sense in the context of our compatriot? (Obviously do not dive into backstory we cannot currently access.)
> The energy source is there somewhere?
> You think back to the bookstore and what you learned, only to be interrupted by a surge of powerful magical energy! In the distance you see the puppeteer speaking to one of the small figures, only now there's three of them.
-
> Ooh, interesting! Creep a little closer to get a better idea of what's going on (making sure to not let the portal we made out of our sight, since we need to stick close to it).
-
> Ooh, interesting! Creep a little closer to get a better idea of what's going on (making sure to not let the portal we made out of our sight, since we need to stick close to it).
> You slowly float closer and observe that there is yet another blonde figure there.
> "Delivered the materials?" the small figure asks.
> The puppeteer lady nods.
> "Powder too?" the small one asks.
> The lady nods once more.
> "Excellent, here's your prize... May it serve you well on your quest." the small figure explains before handing a disc-shaped object to the puppeteer, which she clutches tightly.
> "Ta ta then!" the small one says before speeding off towards the village and disappearing behind the buildings.
-
> !!! An illicit exchange of some kind?!?
> ...Oh, but we aren't really in a position to do anything about it, are we? We still have a fairy persona to maintain. Not to mention we don't actually know how well-suited we are for fighting at this size.
> Hmm. We'll have to tell Seija about this as soon as we can restore communication. In the meantime, turn away and pretend like we didn't see anything because something else was much more interesting for us to look at. If we can look away by looking at the portal, stare at that for a bit; otherwise, pick a random branch high in a tree and stare at that for a bit instead.
> For reporting-to-Seija purposes, what distinguishing features did the small blonde have?
-
> !!! An illicit exchange of some kind?!?
> ...Oh, but we aren't really in a position to do anything about it, are we? We still have a fairy persona to maintain. Not to mention we don't actually know how well-suited we are for fighting at this size.
> Hmm. We'll have to tell Seija about this as soon as we can restore communication. In the meantime, turn away and pretend like we didn't see anything because something else was much more interesting for us to look at. If we can look away by looking at the portal, stare at that for a bit; otherwise, pick a random branch high in a tree and stare at that for a bit instead.
> For reporting-to-Seija purposes, what distinguishing features did the small blonde have?
> The magical field appears to have dissipated.
> Indeed there *is* the issue of maintaining your fairy persona, and being small. On the bright side smaller targets are harder to hit! It's not uncommon for demons you're fighting to cast a minifying spell on themselves to become very annoying to track amid all the projectiles. Anythings on the table really, and you've seen just about everything.
> You turn around to gaze at the portal, pretending to be intrigued and prodding at it with a stick.
> Footsteps approach from behind.
> She looked similar to the puppets Alice introduced to you?
-
> Turn and have a look.
-
> Turn and have a look.
> It's the puppeteer lady from before!
> "Huh? What this you've found?" she asks while hesitantly approaching the portal.
-
> Oh shoot.
> "Uh...magic!"
-
> Oh shoot.
> "Uh...magic!"
> One of Alice's puppets prods it with a lance.
> "Magic indeed..." she comments while inspecting it closely before taking a step back and clutching the grimoire in her arms tightly.
> She chants a spell which reveals a purple mist eminating from the portal.
> "Ancient magic..." she clarifies in a surprised tone before looking behind her back and around the area for anyone nearby.
-
> Oh shoot.
> Do we know what the purple mist means?
> Can we dissipate the portal without calling attention to ourselves?
> If we dissipated the portal, could we re-open it?
-
> Oh shoot.
> Do we know what the purple mist means?
> Can we dissipate the portal without calling attention to ourselves?
> If we dissipated the portal, could we re-open it?
> No, you've never seen a demon or mage use such a spell before!
> Of course! You could dispel it and pretend to not know what happened! After all what would a fairy know about powerful ancient magic!
> You could reopen it without issue.
-
> "Whoa...how ancient?"
> Dispel the portal.
-
> "Whoa...how ancient?"
> Dispel the portal.
> "Long before this world was created..."
> You dispel the portal, causing a huge plume of purple mist to burst outwards from it!
> "What in.." you hear the puppeteer exclaim.
> You lose sight of eachother in the thick purple mist!
-
> Squeak in fright.
> Fly up to a branch in a nearby tree to hide.
-
> Squeak in fright.
> Fly up to a branch in a nearby tree to hide.
> You try your best to squeak in fight like the demons you hunt down do.
> ... and speed towards a nearby tree and get lost in the thick canopy.
> You are now Seija Kijin the rebellious Amanojaku.
> Who have just arrived in the Shining Needle Castle's Foyer.
-
> Let's track down the Princess to (show off our new size, and) let her know a guest is incoming.
-
> Let's track down the Princess to (show off our new size, and) let her know a guest is incoming.
> After a good half an hour of searching you find Shinmyoumaru in the observatory, studying a device that shows various spheres rotating around a glowing orb and taking measurements.
-
> "Hey, Princess. Wanted to let you know I'm swapping another probably ally in."
-
> "Hey, Princess. Wanted to let you know I'm swapping another probably ally in."
> Your comment raises an eyebrow "And who would that be?"
-
> "Some sort of angel of death. Goes by Sariel. We hit it off surprisingly well. ...At least, I think so."
> "You might also like to know that she's not from Gensokyo, and is going 'undercover' while she's here as Astraea the Star Fairy, because she's convinced no one in Gensokyo would accept her if they knew what she was."
-
> "Some sort of angel of death. Goes by Sariel. We hit it off surprisingly well. ...At least, I think so."
> "You might also like to know that she's not from Gensokyo, and is going 'undercover' while she's here as Astraea the Star Fairy, because she's convinced no one in Gensokyo would accept her if they knew what she was."
> Shinmyoumaru runs over to a shelf and pulls out a large book before flipping through the pages under the "A" section. In each page you see illustrations of various magical creatures though you suppose it's not that great of a reference since "Amanojaku" are missing.
> "There's only one page on angels?" she complains.
> "Though I suppose there wouldn't be much if they aren't found in Gensokyo..." she continues.
> "I'll allow it. Though will be get in trouble if someone else finds out we've been helping Gensokyo's outsiders? Miss red white gets all weird and hostile if outsiders come up in a conversation. Apparently they're a taboo of sorts?"
-
> "Oh, Reimu won't care as long as we don't tell her. If she were capable of figuring it out on her own, she would've done it already."
> "Oh, on that note, Sariel is currently your usual size, which is why I look like this. Seems decently possible you'll get to be like that for a while."
-
> "Oh, Reimu won't care as long as we don't tell her. If she were capable of figuring it out on her own, she would've done it already."
> "Oh, on that note, Sariel is currently your usual size, which is why I look like this. Seems decently possible you'll get to be like that for a while."
> Shinmyoumaru raises her eyes from the book "Whoa you're- you're huge!"
> Hopping up and down "Can I!? Can I!? Can I!? Can I!?"
-
> Would Shinmyoumaru qualify as 'flat' for the purposes of flipping extremes to their opposites?
> "If she's fine being small full-time, then I don't see why not."
-
> Would Shinmyoumaru qualify as 'flat' for the purposes of flipping extremes to their opposites?
> "If she's fine being small full-time, then I don't see why not."
> You'd never dare call the princess flat! You clutch your head to purge such thoughts from your mind!
> "Can I try it please!" she stares at you with puppy eyes.
-
> Raise an eyebrow.
> "Uh, like I said, that depends on if she's fine being small full-time."
> Blink.
> "...Wait. Do you mean being this size?"
> Gesture up and down at ourselves.
-
> Raise an eyebrow.
> "Uh, like I said, that depends on if she's fine being small full-time."
> Blink.
> "...Wait. Do you mean being this size?"
> Gesture up and down at ourselves.
> "Yes! Yes! I want to try being that big!"
-
> "Ah. Alright, that can be arranged. But let's get Sariel swapped in here first, okay? I don't want to leave her hanging more than I already have."
-
> "Ah. Alright, that can be arranged. But let's get Sariel swapped in here first, okay? I don't want to leave her hanging more than I already have."
> Shinmyoumaru whacks you with a giant miracle mallet in protest!
> "Sariel shall wait, your Princess can not!" she proclaims!
> "Whoa whoa! Let's rewind a second!" a new voice exclaims before time appears to freeze and roll back several seconds.
> "We can't have friendly fire!" she shouts at Shinmyoumaru "Why are you looking at me like that!? I don't make the rules! In the industry we call it 'game balance'..."