Sword Quest IV - A Z-Machine Adventure

[Kilgamayan]

> Investigate this cloth.

[Hello Purvis]

> Investigate this cloth.

>You go to have a closer look, and note it is wrapped around a familiar bucket dangling in an alcove between the stalactites. You can just make out Kisume among it, who is sleeping against the bucket rim.

>_

[Kilgamayan]

> Frown.
> Get closer to Kisume so we are within comfortable conversation distance.
> Remove our earmuffs and have a listen to Kisume.

[Hello Purvis]

> Frown.
> Get closer to Kisume so we are within comfortable conversation distance.
> Remove our earmuffs and have a listen to Kisume.

>You get a bit closer, and listen in on Kisume's desires.
>She is a fairly simple youkai, who seems to focus more on short term plans than long term. You quickly note a fierce independent streak and a desire to survive without any assistance. Curiously, she seems to have an odd and frankly blasphemous streak to her, and something of a twisted sense of fun. She seems to be a very typical youkai, really.

>_

[Kilgamayan]

> Well, that's not very indicative of anything.
> Put our earmuffs back on before the headache sets in.

[Hello Purvis]

> Well, that's not very indicative of anything.
> Put our earmuffs back on before the headache sets in.

>You suppose sleeping people don't have much on their mind.
>You replace your earmuffs, and the voices of her desires recede to a background din.

>_

[Kilgamayan]

> Is there anything of interest visible in the bucket (other than its tenant)?
> How is the bucket staying held up?
> How large is Kisume?

[Hello Purvis]

> Is there anything of interest visible in the bucket (other than its tenant)?
> How is the bucket staying held up?
> How large is Kisume?

>Not that you can see, but it is difficult to see into it when it is that high up.
>It seems she has looped the handle into a crack in one of the stalactites.
>She is fairly small, easy under five feet if you had to estimate.

>_

[Suwako Moriya]

> Head upward so we can see into the bucket. Be careful not to smack our head on the cave ceiling or any stalactites.

[Hello Purvis]

> Head upward so we can see into the bucket. Be careful not to smack our head on the cave ceiling or any stalactites.

>This may actually be a bit difficult to pull off, it seems she has picked a rather cramped space to rest. You also note the blanket will obscure much.

>_

[Kilgamayan]

> Eh, whatever, we'll just leave her there for now.
> Head back to the surface.

[Hello Purvis]

> Eh, whatever, we'll just leave her there for now.
> Head back to the surface.

>You decide to leave the sleeping youkai be, and make your way toward the surface instead.  It is a fairly quick trip, through the tunnel, though it takes your eyes a moment to adjust to the light as it grows brighter. Soon, you emerge back into the foothills at the edge of the forest.
>You quickly note that you are not alone; there is another person flying nearby, looking through the mountains for something. You can recognize her green dress and white hair, as well as the swords she carries, rather easily. That is certainly the swordswoman who you met the day you awoke.

>_

[Kilgamayan]

> So she still has her swords? Interesting. At least someone around here didn't get pilfered.
> Has she seen us yet?

[Hello Purvis]

> So she still has her swords? Interesting. At least someone around here didn't get pilfered.
> Has she seen us yet?

>Not yet.

>_

[Kilgamayan]

> Maybe she has some info, being a fellow swordswoman? Wait for her to look in our direction. When she does, flag her down.

[Hello Purvis]

> Maybe she has some info, being a fellow swordswoman? Wait for her to look in our direction. When she does, flag her down.

>It does not take long for the swordswoman to notice you at close in.
>You now possess control of both Youmu and Miko. Please preface all actions and sentences with the name of the relevant character. You may summarize interactions between them as briefly or thoroughly as you please. Keep in mind that they cannot read each others' minds (Youmu lacks a desire, which throws things up), so coordination will have to be arranged verbally or through gestures or the like. Also please keep in mind that both have their own goals and motivations, and may not perfectly align with every action. You may freely split them up when you please, upon which things shall continue as before.

>_

[Kilgamayan]

Achievement Unlocked: Talking to Myself :V

> General: Have we been given control just as Youmu has pulled up to casual conversation distance, before any words have been exchanged?
> General: If dialogue is exchanged between the two characters in a setting where nothing else immediately notable is happening and no one else is present, will there be parser prompts acknowledging that said dialgoue has taken place, with or without environmental updates?

> Miko: Examine Youmu.
> Youmu: Examine Miko.

[Hello Purvis]

Achievement Unlocked: Talking to Myself :V

> General: Have we been given control just as Youmu has pulled up to casual conversation distance, before any words have been exchanged?
> General: If dialogue is exchanged between the two characters in a setting where nothing else immediately notable is happening and no one else is present, will there be parser prompts acknowledging that said dialgoue has taken place, with or without environmental updates?

> Miko: Examine Youmu.
> Youmu: Examine Miko.

>Youmu has just entered causal conversation distance, no words have been exchanged yet.
>As far as dialogue goes, you will be told if something interrupts a conversation. If you feel there is a likelyhood, feel free to summarize rather than type things out.
>Miko: Youmu is just as you recall her. Nothing seems particularly awry about her.
>Youmu: That is definitely Miko, you're recognize that hair anywhere. Though the cape is a new addition. You also note she seems to be unarmed today, and carrying a travel bag.

>_

[Kilgamayan]

> Miko: What do we remember of the woman that answered the door at the Underground Palace?

[Hello Purvis]

> Miko: What do we remember of the woman that answered the door at the Underground Palace?

>You recall that she was a youkai with red hair. Not an unhelpful sort.

>_

[Kilgamayan]

> General: If conversations are summarized, will reactions be provided by the parser, or will those need to be supplied by the player?

[Hello Purvis]

> General: If conversations are summarized, will reactions be provided by the parser, or will those need to be supplied by the player?

>You may handle the characters' reactions. Do keep in mind they are their own characters with their own goals, so they won't perfectly agree on everything, particularly on things that are essentially "You drop everything you are doing and do what I tell you". If something is awry, it will be noted.

>_

[Kilgamayan]

Okay, so I have an idea for how I want this conversation to go, and will talk to myself for several posts if need be, but I won't really be able to write up what I consider 'proper' dialogue until I'm able to sit at an actual computer with an actual keyboard (most of my posts here are phone posts). Odds are Purvis will be in bed by the time I get home, if he isn't already, so I figured I'd open this up. Does anybody want to chat? I'll be glad to outline my ideas and you can see if you agree or not.

[Kilgamayan]

Actually, I have a better idea. As cute and entertaining as I think a conversation between these two would be (particularly given the circumstances), I'm honestly going to feel really stupid writing dialogue to myself to help myself progress in someone else's game story. If there was someone else around, or if there was an immediate danger, then that would be another story. But if we're just floating here talking, it's a waste of time to do fully fleshed-out dialogue. I'm just going to do a summarization.

But first! (Since I think I might've asked this before but I can't remember for sure and I can't find it if I did)

> Miko: Do we have any idea where Seiga is kicking around these days? If we don't, do Futojiko know anything?

[Hello Purvis]

> Miko: Do we have any idea where Seiga is kicking around these days? If we don't, do Futojiko know anything?

>No. you've paid her little mind. You doubt your followers would know, either, or they would have likely informed you.

>_

[Kilgamayan]

> Both: Exchange pleasantries, with Youmu expressing relief for finding her target so quickly.
> Both: Share present calamities, with Miko inwardly disappointed that Youmu has no idea about where the weapons might be and Youmu outwardly disappointed that Miko has no idea where Seiga might be. During this exchange, on top of Youmu learning the details of the stolen weapons (Miko's and Kisume's) and Miko learning the details of Seiga's actions in Hakugyokurou, Youmu should learn that Seiga has been dismissed from Miko's entourage, and Miko should learn of the existence of Meira, somewhere in the Forest of Magic, and that she did not mention any stolen swords.
> Miko: Propose a deal whereby Miko is willing to join Youmu back at her home and investigate the tree herself to give an idea of exactly what Seiga has done, in exchange for Youmu investigating Nue on Kisume's behalf (without mentioning Miko's involvement, of course).
> Youmu: Be interested, but a bit reluctant to put herself in the middle of that feud. Describe Yuyuko's play, both the (limited) details of the play itself and Youmu's casting task, and request Miko join as the person that does not have black hair.
> Miko: Agree to this, expressing the idea that it would be good for both her followers and the Buddhist disciples to see the two leaders interacting in such a close and positive manner (which Miko does believe), while also inwardly thinking that such a commitment is necessary to avoid the risk of only Byakuren gaining further popularity in the event of a wildly successful performance. Also mention the redheaded woman at the underground palace as another possible performer.
> Both: Agree to split up and meet a bit later at the Gensokyo entrance to Hakugyokurou (Youmu should provide Miko proper directions), so Youmu has the chance to conduct her underground business, and Miko has the chance to head back to the vampire manor, both to return the huntress' trap and revisit the manor itself and ask if anyone has come by with weapons to sell to their exhibits. Miko should provide Youmu with directions for how to get through the caves to the city proper, as well as mention Kisume's current slumber near the top of the web chamber.

> If all this is acceptable and in-character, then:
> Miko: Head lakeward.
> Youmu: Head underground.

[Hello Purvis]

> Both: Exchange pleasantries, with Youmu expressing relief for finding her target so quickly.
> Both: Share present calamities, with Miko inwardly disappointed that Youmu has no idea about where the weapons might be and Youmu outwardly disappointed that Miko has no idea where Seiga might be. During this exchange, on top of Youmu learning the details of the stolen weapons (Miko's and Kisume's) and Miko learning the details of Seiga's actions in Hakugyokurou, Youmu should learn that Seiga has been dismissed from Miko's entourage, and Miko should learn of the existence of Meira, somewhere in the Forest of Magic, and that she did not mention any stolen swords.
> Miko: Propose a deal whereby Miko is willing to join Youmu back at her home and investigate the tree herself to give an idea of exactly what Seiga has done, in exchange for Youmu investigating Nue on Kisume's behalf (without mentioning Miko's involvement, of course).
> Youmu: Be interested, but a bit reluctant to put herself in the middle of that feud. Describe Yuyuko's play, both the (limited) details of the play itself and Youmu's casting task, and request Miko join as the person that does not have black hair.
> Miko: Agree to this, expressing the idea that it would be good for both her followers and the Buddhist disciples to see the two leaders interacting in such a close and positive manner (which Miko does believe), while also inwardly thinking that such a commitment is necessary to avoid the risk of only Byakuren gaining further popularity in the event of a wildly successful performance. Also mention the redheaded woman at the underground palace as another possible performer.
> Both: Agree to split up and meet a bit later at the Gensokyo entrance to Hakugyokurou (Youmu should provide Miko proper directions), so Youmu has the chance to conduct her underground business, and Miko has the chance to head back to the vampire manor, both to return the huntress' trap and revisit the manor itself and ask if anyone has come by with weapons to sell to their exhibits. Miko should provide Youmu with directions for how to get through the caves to the city proper, as well as mention Kisume's current slumber near the top of the web chamber.

> If all this is acceptable and in-character, then:
> Miko: Head lakeward.
> Youmu: Head underground.

>Miko
>You have an amicable and fruitful exchange, and part ways with some new thoughts and purposes in mind. You head toward the lake once more, while the swordswoman heads down into the cavern.
>Passing over the forest, you note there is quite bit of faerie activity below; particularly from the danmaku that sometimes flies up from the trees in random directions; thankfully none of it seeming to be aimed at you. There are also a few groups of faeries skimming over the treetops in the distance. That is probably for the best, when you see two groups meet up and quickly start firing on each other. Coming to the lake, you notice there is a fair amount of faerie activity around it as well.

>_

[Kilgamayan]

> Investigate, keeping an eye out for the huntress.

[Hello Purvis]

> Investigate, keeping an eye out for the huntress.

>How do you intend to approach and investigate?

>_

[Kilgamayan]

> Is the fairy activity centralized anywhere, or is it spread all around the lake?