Yukari Quest - A Z-machine Adventure

[Hello Purvis]

>"Isn't it obvious? When I heard rumors of the mahjong tournament on the horizon, I felt it necessary to make sure that any gambling done over who would win would be arranged and handled by people that can be trusted. After all, it seems to be something that was overlooked by whoever is behind it, so I'm playing the Good Samaritan in doing them a little favor by handling this missed detail."

>Marisa laughs. "Like anyone would believe that!"

>_

[Shadoweh]

damnit Purvis cut me
> After telling that completely obvious lie, give a moment for reactions, then ask casually, "Don't you trust me to be doing this out of the kindness of my heart as a favor to a long-standing friend, Marisa?"

[Hello Purvis]

> After telling that completely obvious lie, give a moment for reactions, then ask casually, "Don't you trust me to be doing this out of the kindness of my heart as a favor to a long-standing friend, Marisa?"

>"Not really," says Marisa. "But I guess I'm gonna do it anyways."

>_

[Shadoweh]

> "Of course. With that settled, if I find any more about who to expect to attend, you'll be the first to know."
> "But now I'm curious on another matter, what has you too busy to attend?" Make more general small talk with Patchouli and Marisa to find out general Gensokyo happenings while we were asleep, as well as to increase affection points get to know Patchouli better. Having a contact in the SDM has it's advantages.

[Hello Purvis]

> "Of course. With that settled, if I find any more about who to expect to attend, you'll be the first to know."
> "But now I'm curious on another matter, what has you too busy to attend?" Make more general small talk with Patchouli and Marisa to find out general Gensokyo happenings while we were asleep, as well as to increase affection points get to know Patchouli better. Having a contact in the SDM has it's advantages.

>"That'd help," says Marisa. "I'd need to keep things organized, if we're going to do this right."
>"The same thing that always keeps me busy," says Patchouli, "There is much too much research that needs to be done for such distractions."
>"Oh, don't be such a stick in the mud, Patchy!" says Marisa. She gives you a wink. "Don't you worry, I'll get her over there."
>"Like hell," says Patchouli.
>You continue to make general conversation with Patchouli and Marisa. You learn that events in the mansion have been rather quiet lately. Remilia seems to have recently begun painting, and has taken to opening the mansion every so often to allow people to view the galleries she has opened up. Apparently they have had a problem with a strange red-haired woman who just won't leave on the open house days until Sakuya physically escorts her out. As well, Patchouli complains about there being too many faerie maids these days; apparently they come to the mansion in droves during winter. Marisa expects them to leave shortly, now that it has warmed up again. Flandre has been getting restless as well; it's getting difficult to keep her out of the sun, meaning Sakuya has to follow her around with an umbrella half the time. As for Patchouli, it seems she has done little but the usual all winter, though Marisa comes to keep her company frequently; you get the idea that Marisa often isn't home much these days, between here and the Hakurei Shrine. While you converse, you periodically note Patchouli's familiar peering around the bookcases and giving you little smiles. Ugh...


>_

[Shadoweh]

> I assume we have zero interest in romantic relations with the succubus familiar. Ignore cute smiles.
> Do we know any new red-haired women who arrived recently to Gensokyo? "That's quite odd. Why doesn't she leave on her own? Is she spellbound by Remilia's talent?"
> Suggest that maybe Patchouli should try to befriend the fairy maids instead of hating their presence. Also give condolences on Flandre problem. Be secretly glad she's not our problem.
> Ask Marisa when she plans to move in.

[Hello Purvis]

> I assume we have zero interest in romantic relations with the succubus familiar. Ignore cute smiles.
> Do we know any new red-haired women who arrived recently to Gensokyo? "That's quite odd. Why doesn't she leave on her own? Is she spellbound by Remilia's talent?"
> Suggest that maybe Patchouli should try to befriend the fairy maids instead of hating their presence. Also give condolences on Flandre problem. Be secretly glad she's not our problem.
> Ask Marisa when she plans to move in.

>You don't know where she's been, to say the least.
>As far as you know, you don't know of anyone new... "Sometimes, it seems," says Patchouli. "But we have items from all over the world in the galleries, and she seems quite intrigued by many of them. Other times...she is a bit stranger in her tastes. Sakuya once caught her admiring a mop bucket for almost ten minutes."
>"One tries," says Patchouli as you suggest trying to get along with the faeries. "But there is a saying about too many cooks spoiling the meal. I think that applies when there are too many faeries trying to clean the mansion."
>You offer your condolences with regards to Flandre. "She's not so bad," says Patchouli. "But she can get restless, you know."
>You are quite happy that Flandre is not your problem. She has the potential to be very dangerous.
>You ask Marisa about moving in. "Ha! Maybe when I can afford the rent and get someone to move my stuff," says Marisa. "And get used to Sakuya poking through my things."

>_

[Shadoweh]

> Consider pointing out that Patchouli obviously doesn't pay rent, then decide this would be quite improper to say. "Perhaps it would be easier to ask a title from the Scarlet Lady and live here as a noble subject? And it sounds like there's an overabundance of hands here to help you move anything you need until spring."
> "When is Remilia next holding an open house? I'm sure the art is high-class, but this stranger might be more interesting overall."

[Hello Purvis]

> Consider pointing out that Patchouli obviously doesn't pay rent, then decide this would be quite improper to say. "Perhaps it would be easier to ask a title from the Scarlet Lady and live here as a noble subject? And it sounds like there's an overabundance of hands here to help you move anything you need until spring."
> "When is Remilia next holding an open house? I'm sure the art is high-class, but this stranger might be more interesting overall."

>Marisa laughs. "I'd be a terrible samurai! And I doubt she'd go for it, anyways."
>"The next one should be in a couple days," says Patchouli.
>"Hey, do you know where that stranger lives?" says Marisa. "I think she's somewhere north of the village, but not sure where."

>_

[Shadoweh]

> "Ah, no. I supose you wouldn't. I was thinking something more like a page."
> What's north of the village? "I'll keep that in mind. Someone so strange shouldn't be hard to ask about, if I were to take an interest."
> Finish tea. "Speaking of interests, I should be going. It's been delightful, you two."

[Hello Purvis]

> "Ah, no. I supose you wouldn't. I was thinking something more like a page."
> What's north of the village? "I'll keep that in mind. Someone so strange shouldn't be hard to ask about, if I were to take an interest."
> Finish tea. "Speaking of interests, I should be going. It's been delightful, you two."

>"What, do those go on to become bookkeepers?" says Marisa.
>"They go on to become knights," says Patchouli.
>"Oh," says Marisa. "I think I'd be an even worse knight."
>"Well, it's not a pressing issue that you look into it," says Patchouli.
>North of the village grows increasingly barren. You know that Yuka's garden is there, as is the Nameless Mound where a doll youkai lives. There is an old abandoned facility the Lunarians managed to slip under your nose, which has been thoroughly looted. North and then east leads to Hakugyokurou and the Prismrivers' home. Far north are the shores of the Sanzu River, and Higan beyond it.
>"Well, it's been reasonably pleasant," says Patchouli.

>_

[Shadoweh]

> Give a polite nod to Patchouli. "Even in the middle of research you should take the time for tea and company. If you'd the interest you would make a good hostess. As for the girl.." Wave a hand. "It may not be pressing, but I can hardly let myself be surprised by someone unnoticed. She does sound harmless, at least." Look to Marisa. "I shall be in touch. Enjoy your time together~"
> Oh yeah give Marisa money for starting betting before we leave.
> Gap to outside the kappa village. Before entering village, use gaps to check around human village and the northern areas for a vacant red-haired girl.
> I guess we can add investigating her to quests too.

[O4rfish]

Red haired, lives north of the village, admiring a bucket, will spend all the time slacking off ...

[Shadoweh]

If it's Komachi it would be really weird for her to be visiting art galas to stare wistfully at paintings and janitors.

[Hello Purvis]

> Give a polite nod to Patchouli. "Even in the middle of research you should take the time for tea and company. If you'd the interest you would make a good hostess. As for the girl.." Wave a hand. "It may not be pressing, but I can hardly let myself be surprised by someone unnoticed. She does sound harmless, at least." Look to Marisa. "I shall be in touch. Enjoy your time together~"
> Oh yeah give Marisa money for starting betting before we leave.
> Gap to outside the kappa village. Before entering village, use gaps to check around human village and the northern areas for a vacant red-haired girl.
> I guess we can add investigating her to quests too.

>You say your goodbyes to Patchouli, and give Marisa some money to work with.  500☼ ought to be enough to start her off.
>"I find company is a neutral option, at best," says Patchouli.
>"Oh come on," says Marisa, elbowing Patchouli in the ribs, looking away from the money with she had been watching.
>You leave and travel to the Kappa Village, stepping out just past the woods at the western edge of the town, where Hina dwells. The village itself stretches before you, a number of small, roundish dwellings sunk into the ground and covered with dirt and marshland grasses. Small footpaths wind between them, while many have pools against a side, some with streams opening to the nearby river to the north. Cattails are ubiquitous, as are small gardens near the houses, many of them freshly tilled and planted. The kappa are active, some strolling around or gathered in groups, talking with friends. Others are tending to their gardens, or their homes All the noises come together to make a soft babble in the early dusk; the sky allowing you a nice view of the first stars of the night. To the north, past the river, you can see the curious hulk of the Kappa university, looking rather like a number of barns thrown together and half-covered with sod. One of its barn-like wings is missing, with only blackened remains of wood to mark its place, and some debris. To the south, you can see a warehouse-like structure, which stands out against much of the humble kappa architecture. Efforts have been made to bury it and cover it in sod, but one can only do so much for it.
>Opening a few gaps, you don't catch any real signs of a vacant red-haired girl. But, you do think that you pick out Aya's voice among the crowd in the tavern.

>_

[Kilgamayan]

She appeared in Kisume Quest when we entered the SDM to get Patchouli's help with the throwing star. From what I remember of her description then, I'm about 98% sure it's Kotohime.

[O4rfish]

Koto Hime, is that a musical tsukumogami?
For Aya: if we talk to her now, she'll have a head start on Hatatate.

[Shadoweh]

Reading Kisume Quest = Do Not Want ;_;
I read who Kotohime is and I still have no idea who Kotohime is.

And yes, Aya will. But we like Aya better anyways.
> Let's head into that tavern!

[Hello Purvis]

> Let's head into that tavern!

>Will you be appearing in the middle of the tavern, or outside, or something else entirely?

>_

[Shadoweh]

> Oh right. We're just walking in the front door this time.

[Hello Purvis]

> Oh right. We're just walking in the front door this time.

>You open a gap, and step out near the front door of the tavern. Paying little mind to the reasonably quiet town, you open the door and walk inside.
>The tavern is fairly crowded. You can see farmers and townsmen gathered at the tables, talking and drinking, and a few enjoying a meal here and there. Booths line the walls, many of them full. The main room is brightly lit, and you see Mokou moving between the tables with a tray of drinks in hand, swiftly serving them while looking bored out of her skull. You quickly note Aya sitting at one of the tables, sharing drinks with a green-haired insect youkai, Wriggle if you recall properly, and a more recently familiar tanuki with a large bushy tail.
>While the assorted townspeople don't seem to take much notice of the three youkai drinking together, they do take notice of you as you walk inside. The crowd quiets considerably; what conversation that remains is certainly hushed. A couple people stare openly, most just glance your way, then carefully elsewhere. Mokou looks over toward you, and you think you note her frown just a little. Aya's table, you certainly have the attention of Aya and Wriggle, though Mamizou seems like she's trying to be nonchalant.

>_

[O4rfish]

>Aha, we are recognized.
>Try not to smirk as we saunter over to Aya's table.
>Wave politely to Mokotan.

[Shadoweh]

> "Mind if I have a seat?" Tone implying we expect the answer already.

[Hello Purvis]

>Aha, we are recognized.
>Try not to smirk as we saunter over to Aya's table.
>Wave politely to Mokotan.

>Indeed you are. The only thing worse than being recognized is not being recognized.
>You do your best not to smirk. This is easy, you are an expert at not smirking. You're also an expert at smirking, if you should so choose. The tone of conversation picks up a little, but not to the prior levels. People are definitely interested in what you're going to do.
>You give Mokou a polite wave. She gives a nod in return, and goes about her business, keeping half an eye on you.

> "Mind if I have a seat?" Tone implying we expect the answer already.

>"Uh, if you want," says Aya.
>"Yeah, go ahead," Wriggle says, gesturing to an empty spot.
>I never thought one such as yourself would choose to visit a place like this," says Mamizou.

>_

[Gappy]

I go to sleep and suddenly we're somewhere else. XD

Also, Patchy is so cute~

> Consider a quest to make Patchy one of ours. How do we feel about adding people to our entourage? Especially one as capable as Patchy?
> That said, do we have something like the Great Library of Alexandria tucked away in a gap or at Mayohiga somewhere?
> "'One such as myself'? Kami forbid if I've ever given off any sort of impression that I am not one for alcohol-fueled revelry with good company." Grin. "But I will agree that it has been a while since I've had the luxury of visiting this place and I plan on making the most of it. I hope you will join me in doing so. That said, I want to sample anything new they might have. May I have the pleasure of getting you ladies a round while I'm at it?"
> "Speaking of the unexpected, you three together is more deserving of attention, no?"
> How is our alcohol tolerance?

Oh, and Kotohime's Gensokyo's self-proclaimed policewoman and touhou's original collectomaniac, and, not unlike Marisa, she only collects random things that only she considers interesting. Despite being a policewoman she actually has little sense of justice and does whatever fetches her fancy, a real touhou role model. She can prove useful given some appropriate nudging.

[Hello Purvis]

> Consider a quest to make Patchy one of ours. How do we feel about adding people to our entourage? Especially one as capable as Patchy?
> That said, do we have something like the Great Library of Alexandria tucked away in a gap or at Mayohiga somewhere?
> "'One such as myself'? Kami forbid if I've ever given off any sort of impression that I am not one for alcohol-fueled revelry with good company." Grin. "But I will agree that it has been a while since I've had the luxury of visiting this place and I plan on making the most of it. I hope you will join me in doing so. That said, I want to sample anything new they might have. May I have the pleasure of getting you ladies a round while I'm at it?"
> "Speaking of the unexpected, you three together is more deserving of attention, no?"
> How is our alcohol tolerance?

>You're not opposed to adding people to your list of interests, but it is odd to do it just out of the blue with someone you already know, unless they've done something particularly noteworthy. But sometimes one can be odd.
>You don't have any complete libraries. You don't actually keep too many books; they tend not to last over a couple centuries, and most of them are written about either things you've personally experienced or things you don't care about. You certainly have a good collection onhand, and rather esoteric, but nothing to the scale of, say, the libraries at Scarlet Devil Mansion or Eientei.
>"I am reasonably sure it was forbidden," says Mamizou. "Not as though it matters."
>"I wouldn't mind if you joined us," says Aya, whom you are certain is lying through her teeth.
>"Sure thing," says Wriggle, equally dishonest. Mamizou simply gives a nod.
>You make yourself comfortable, and comment on the oddity of the meeting.  "I was just speaking with Miss Nightbug about a few things," says Aya. "Then Miss Futatsuwiya joined us, and we've just been talking since."
>In youkai terms, your alcohol tolerance is about average. You expect in a serious and fair match, Aya or any tengu would likely drink you under the table.  Then again, you have several options for being unfair if you so choose.

>_

[Gappy]

> Be unfair. Order the ladies round(s) of whatever alcoholic beverage they want. Enjoy your own, but sparingly. We want to be most sober person at this table by the time we leave. Listen to the conversation. Supply some of our own if necessary. Let's wait until the atmosphere and people's sobriety's lightened up a bit before we discuss business with Mamizou and Aya.

[Shadoweh]

We aren't going to ask Mamizou to be a bookie becausr Ran dislikes her. >_>

[Gappy]

Mamizou's just a business relation, nothing more. I doubt Ran disliking our business partners is hardly a good reason to pass up a potential business deal.

[Shadoweh]

We can be picky, we can literally ask anyone. Marisa is the only one on the list I would trust further then Wriggle could throw them. And I don't think we need more then one bookie? We'd be creating our own competition at this point.