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I haven't seen one of these in a while, so let's do this!
For those of you who haven't played a game like this before, you simply give an action and I will roll a dice (https://www.random.org/dice). The number you get corresponds to the outcome of that action, which can be...
1 - total failure: sometimes the opposite of what you want to happen, other times you fail so badly that you die and are removed from the game. However, you can be revived if the next roll allows that.
2 - failure: you fail to complete the action, and that's it.
3 - barely a success: you succeed in your action, but not without some sort of injury, loss, or disadvantage.
4 - success: you succeed in performing the action, nothing more, nothing less.
5 - perfect success: you complete the action, and your next roll gets 1 added to it.
6 - EPIC WIN: your success leads you to something beyond your expectations, which usually pushes the plot forward.
You are your own character, and you can interact with other characters, non-player characters, the environment, and any objects that may be present.
If you are attacked, I will roll for you without any action from your part, with the following outcomes...
1 - pichuuunn~: you get hit, and you die.
2 - close graze: you get hit, and you suffer a severe injury, which will usually result in death later on if not taken care of.
3 - graze: you get hit, and you suffer a minor injury.
4 - miss: the attack misses you.
5 - counter: the attack misses you, and you counterattack.
6 - bomb: the attack misses you and the attacker is put off-guard, leaving you in an advantageous position with the opportunity to perform any action you specify next. I will update for you as soon as possible after you give the command, and you may issue another command afterwards.
Almost any action is permissible, but keep in mind that you often must work as a group to advance the storyline and make progress.
I will roll for everyone and update once per day, usually between 9PM and 11PM EST/EDT. If school, work, travel, or other important events cut into my schedule in a drastic way, I may have to skip the update. In that case, I will notify you in this thread, usually with an estimated return date.
--- See next post for the story ---
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BGM (https://youtu.be/0NpyNUUJd_E)
You find yourself in Gensokyo's (http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2010/128/a/e/Gensokyo_Traditional_Map_by_CaptainOnimaru.jpg) Bamboo Forest of the Lost.
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>Look around.
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Aw yiss, it's been awhile.
> Meditate because why not.
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>Look around.
[5] The forest is packed with bamboo thickets in all directions, but your keen vision makes out an opening path to your right.
Aw yiss, it's been awhile.
> Meditate because why not.
[4] Although there are the sounds of wild youkai in the background, you sit down near a tree and close your eyes. In a short moment, the sounds you were hearing subside as you enter a state of enlightenment.
EDIT: I will stick to the once-a-day update schedule as stated in the first post.
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> Use newfound enlightenment to find way out of the forest.
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B-but the point is one update a s
day so everybody has a chance.
> Find Mystia
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> Use newfound enlightenment to find way out of the forest.
BGM (https://youtu.be/nmYnymCcKVw)
[3] You wake up from your meditation and try to find a way out of the forest. After hours and hours of walking, you finally find an exit. Not long after you make it out of the forest and find yourself on a mountain road, your vision begins to blur as a result of severe dehydration and fatigue.
B-but the point is one update a s
day so everybody has a chance.
> Find Mystia
[3] You find Mystia, but you probably startled her, because she fires a barrage of danmaku straight at you.
[4] Due to your quick thinking and reaction, you duck well in advance for the bullets to zoom past you and disappear into the distance.
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> Try to find water before passing out.
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>Forget walking! Fly by sheer force of will above the bamboo and out of the forest once I see the nearest edge of the forest!
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>find nearest playable character
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>equip nearest object as weapon
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>Become meguca
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> Try to find water before passing out.
[4] Although your head is spinning from fatigue, you notice a small spring off the path, with enough fresh water to rejuvenate you minutes before you completely black out.
>Forget walking! Fly by sheer force of will above the bamboo and out of the forest once I see the nearest edge of the forest!
[4] You close your eyes and concentrate with all your energy, and you begin to float. As you ascend above the tall bamboo stalks, you look into the distance and see a village to the northeast.
>find nearest playable character
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
Nearby players:
- PX
- LaserTurtle
- Dudu Zombolt
Nearby in-game characters:
- Mystia Lorelei
- Several bugs crawling around the bamboo thickets
>equip nearest object as weapon
[3] You attempt to break a branch of bamboo from the nearest stalk. As you snap it off, you cut your arm on another branch. There is a visible gash, and it begins to bleed. On the bright side, you now have a rigid bamboo stick with a sharp, chiseled tip.
>Become meguca
BGM (https://youtu.be/Y5LJpFFrVz4)
[5] You are now a magical girl, complete with an incredibly moe outfit and a staff that allows you to cast telekinetic spells.
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Glorious, glorious hydration.
> Claim the spring as my own.
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>STEM BLOOD FLOW WITH MANLINESS
>failing that, call for medic.
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>Ha-HA! That village looks important-like! I shall fly my way over there. Perhaps they have a store where one may purchase goods and material objects.
>Also, along the way, willpower up some delicious Yatagarasu. I shall fuse my way to unlimited power! But unlike the last RtD, I don't want to be the bad guy. Nuclear fusion is always cool, though!
>Nuclear fusion is pretty dang awesome, right?
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Aw yiss, it's that time!
> Retrieve arms Equip yourself with adequate weaponry without making a silly reference
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> lead mystia to px
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>Find something cute
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>check inventory plox
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Glorious, glorious hydration.
> Claim the spring as my own.
[6] After drinking copious amounts of water, you decide that it is in your best interest to claim the spring as you own. After looking around for any signs of prior ownership, you discover that there is none. In addition, you also find a bloody dagger under a tree, which you wash clean and take as a weapon.
>STEM BLOOD FLOW WITH MANLINESS
>failing that, call for medic.
[1] You focus and attempt to tighten the wound, but you fail miserably and the wound grows wider. Blood splurts out from the wound and you yell "HELP ME, EIRIN!!!!"
[6] To your complete surprise, Eirin Yagokoro lands gracefully in front of you, bandages up your arms, and gives you a first-aid kit, good for patching up any mild-to-medium wound.
>Ha-HA! That village looks important-like! I shall fly my way over there. Perhaps they have a store where one may purchase goods and material objects.
>Also, along the way, willpower up some delicious Yatagarasu. I shall fuse my way to unlimited power! But unlike the last RtD, I don't want to be the bad guy. Nuclear fusion is always cool, though!
>Nuclear fusion is pretty dang awesome, right?
[3] You fly towards the Human Village, but since you weren't trained in flying, you sprain both your ankles upon landing and collapse immediately.
[6] That doesn't stop you from conjuring a Yatagarasu, fusing with it, and gaining the powers of NUCLEAR FUSION!!! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsMNqUVv3mQ) You also receive a nuclear-powered railgun that fires concentrated gamma-ray streams.
[4] The RNG agrees with you, nuclear fusion is totally awesome.
Aw yiss, it's that time!
> Retrieve arms Equip yourself with adequate weaponry without making a silly reference
[5] You now have enough dakka (http://www.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/MoreDakka) to level a mountain or two. Or three, depending on how you use those newly-acquired guns of yours.
> lead mystia to px
[2] (+1) You run up to Mystia, but you also seem to startle her. She fires yet another volley of danmaku, this time aimed at you.
[5] PX, who just dodged a stream of non-spellcard bullets, yells "HEADS UP!" at you, causing you to instinctively slide to the side, grab the nearest piece of bamboo branch, and hurl it up towards the night-sparrow youkai. It smacks her right in the face, causing her to lose her balance and tumble to the ground.
>Find something cute
[4] You find a small family of three dango (http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii63/ShinisRandomCrap/CLANNAD/Dango_2_by_Suiseiseki.png) cuddled tightly between some bamboo thickets.
>check inventory plox
[2] You have nothing aside from a "Sun's Out Guns Out" (http://image10.spreadshirt.com/image-server/v1/compositions/1000119396/views/1,width=235,height=235,appearanceId=121/Suns-Out-Guns-Out-T-Shirts.jpg) bro-tank, a pair of athletic shorts, worn-out sneakers, and socks that don't match. You certainly weren't in your best-dressed self when grandma gappy Yukari gapped you in.
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>Did I say you could break, ankles? Mend yourselves and become good as new, now!
>>Failing that, call out "Citizens of the Human Village! Do not be alarmed, I mean no harm, but I must see someone important. Perhaps Kamashirasawa Keine. And...if someone could bring her here, that would be great. Walking isn't exactly my forte right now." How embarrassing.
>>If my ankles become repaired due to SHEER HOT-BLOODEDNESS, make my way towards the nearest plot point! Floating either due to fusion awesomeness, using my neat new wings, or just by willpower is optional, and recommended by the command-giver.
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> Offer up the dagger to whatever deity resides in the spring.
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>import inventory from previous RtD games, obtain STEAMROLLERBOT PRIME
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>Aw shit, that's adorable. Use the surrounding aura of cuteness to obtain the ability to shoot cuddle beams from my eyes.
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>Screw walking, running, flying, floating, driving, sailing or teleporting! Dance my way out of this forest.
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>Now is our chance, hug mystia while she's down
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> Awright! Adequately armed, attempt to find a path out of the forest.
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>Did I say you could break, ankles? Mend yourselves and become good as new, now!
>>Failing that, call out "Citizens of the Human Village! Do not be alarmed, I mean no harm, but I must see someone important. Perhaps Kamashirasawa Keine. And...if someone could bring her here, that would be great. Walking isn't exactly my forte right now." How embarrassing.
>>If my ankles become repaired due to SHEER HOT-BLOODEDNESS, make my way towards the nearest plot point! Floating either due to fusion awesomeness, using my neat new wings, or just by willpower is optional, and recommended by the command-giver.
[2] "Did I say you could break, ankles? Mend yourselves and become good as new, now!" you yell at your feet. Nothing happens, and passersby begin to stare at you with peculiar looks on their faces.
[4] As more and more people begin to gather around you, you explain to them, "Citizens of the Human Village! Do not be alarmed, I mean no harm, but I must see someone important. Perhaps Kamashirasawa Keine. And...if someone could bring her here, that would be great. Walking isn't exactly my forte right now." A group of young men leave and return with the were-hakutaku in question.
> Offer up the dagger to whatever deity resides in the spring.
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
After deciding that you'd rather not keep such a mysterious blade around, you toss it into the spring.
>import inventory from previous RtD games, obtain STEAMROLLERBOT PRIME
[2]
>import ~/games/RtD/archived/LaserTurtle.sav
I/O ERROR: The file "LaserTurtle.sav" is corrupt and cannot be imported.
>_
>Aw shit, that's adorable. Use the surrounding aura of cuteness to obtain the ability to shoot cuddle beams from my eyes.
[3] You now have the ability to shoot cuddle beams from your eyes. You become giddy and excited as you fire pink beams of hearts out your eyes just by concentrating your vision at something. As you do so, you run into a thick patch of bamboo, and knock yourself out. A few hours later, you wake up with an intense headache.
>Screw walking, running, flying, floating, driving, sailing or teleporting! Dance my way out of this forest.
[4] You waltz merrily 'round and 'round, and somehow you end up on a mountain path, not far away from Kasu's spring.
>Now is our chance, hug mystia while she's down
[1] You run towards Mystia and try to hug her. Just as you bend down to grab her, she turns around and claws you right in the face. Searing pain runs through your body, which begins to subside as you feel your soul leaving your body. As you float above the gruesome scene, you see her clawing away at your remains, while PX screams in fear.
> Awright! Adequately armed, attempt to find a path out of the forest.
[4] What do you do with big guns (http://www.warworld.net/Screenshots/minigun_ingamemodel1024.jpg)? Fire 'em, of course. You pull the trigger on both of your vulcan machine-guns, and within seconds, you tear a clean path through the forest. As the smoke clears, you see a red Shinto shrine gate in the distance, atop a mountain.
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>Am I in the console?
>...delete system32
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>uh, revive
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> Begin selling the water from the spring while claiming that it's better for one's health than normal water.
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> Take to the shrine at the mountaintop. Hopefully there are folks to peacefully introduce yourself to.
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>Confusedly stumble off somewhere new to find headache relief
>Failing that, try to find something to cure headache or shrug it off
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>"Ah, hello, Miss Kamashirasawa! You may not know me despite me knowing you, and it is a long story which you probably wouldn't care hearing. But that's beside the point. The point is I am sort of new to flying and sort of sprained my ankle here. Or both of them. If you have any painkillers or know of anyone who has them or who can just magic my ankles back to normal, that would be great. I would really appreciate it. Seriously, I really could use the help. Please." But try to remain dignified while on the ground asking for assistance.
>About that railgun...is it attached to me? Is it a familiar? Does it accept remote commands? This could be important and I need the information!
>"Also, Keine - Can I call you Keine? - Could you bring me anything to drink? Or know where I can get something to drink otherwise? I'm fairly thirsty."
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>Am I in the console?
>...delete system32
Nope. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvdf5n-zI14) You are lost in a bamboo forest (http://twistedsifter.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/sagano-bamboo-forest-grove-arashiyama-kyoto-japan.jpg) within the Land of Illusion (http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2010/128/a/e/Gensokyo_Traditional_Map_by_CaptainOnimaru.jpg).
[4] Somewhere (http://en.touhouwiki.net/images/6/6b/PMiSS_kourindou.jpg), somehow (http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/astro/cosmic.html), the "system32" folder and its contents were deleted from a computer.
>uh, revive
BGM (https://youtu.be/0NpyNUUJd_E)
You find yourself in Gensokyo's (http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2010/128/a/e/Gensokyo_Traditional_Map_by_CaptainOnimaru.jpg) Bamboo Forest of the Lost...
[5] ...Only this time, you find yourself armed with a baseball bat (http://img1.ak.crunchyroll.com/i/spire4/6a9eee74d9527b9de568ab021fff3cc31310889972_full.png).
> Begin selling the water from the spring while claiming that it's better for one's health than normal water.
[3] (+1) There are no signs of life nearby, but you come up with a plan for selling the water from your spring.
NEW QUEST - The Moneymaker: Find your way out of the forest and seek out potential customers.
> Take to the shrine at the mountaintop. Hopefully there are folks to peacefully introduce yourself to.
[3] You hike up the mountain path to the shrine. By the time you get there, you are tired and dehydrated from the climb. As you walk up to the gate, you notice a girl in red and white staring at you with a slight smirk. She is holding a rod with paper trails attached to one end in one hand and a bundle of long, sharp needles in the other.
BGM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-Cw_Q-SF50)
"Ara...", she says with an emotionless voice. "You must be from the outside world. If you're planning on attacking me or destroying my shrine, I suggest you leave. Now."
She begins to walk towards you.
It's kinda hard to make peace with anyone when you're armed with two gigantic machine-guns, right?
NEW QUEST - Smooth Talker: Convince the shrine maiden that you're not willing to do any harm before she tries to kill you.
>Confusedly stumble off somewhere new to find headache relief
>Failing that, try to find something to cure headache or shrug it off
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
You stumble across a medium-sized patch of grass. After deeming it safe, you lie down and relax. Within a few hours, you feel like your normal self again.
>"Ah, hello, Miss Kamashirasawa! You may not know me despite me knowing you, and it is a long story which you probably wouldn't care hearing. But that's beside the point. The point is I am sort of new to flying and sort of sprained my ankle here. Or both of them. If you have any painkillers or know of anyone who has them or who can just magic my ankles back to normal, that would be great. I would really appreciate it. Seriously, I really could use the help. Please." But try to remain dignified while on the ground asking for assistance.
>About that railgun...is it attached to me? Is it a familiar? Does it accept remote commands? This could be important and I need the information!
>"Also, Keine - Can I call you Keine? - Could you bring me anything to drink? Or know where I can get something to drink otherwise? I'm fairly thirsty."
[3] Keine looks at your ankles quizzically, then back at you. "I'm no specialist at curing pain, but I do know of a person who is able to do so. Her name is Eirin Yagokoro, and she lives in Eientei. Perhaps she may be of help to you."
Your railgun has the following features:
- An ambidextrous glove on its trigger assembly that clamps on your hand.
- A rotating plate that adjusts to fit across the shoulder for increased aiming accuracy and improved stability while firing.
- A built-in turret and detachable remote control allowing for directional and firing control.
- Did I mention it's nuclear-powered and fires gamma rays?
In other words, you didn't roll a 6 for nothing.
[4] "Yes, you may call me Keine. There is a well in the center of the village where you can get water to drink. If you need any help from me, you can find me at the schoolhouse." She points towards a large building, which you assume to be the schoolhouse she's talking about. "You also might want to visit Hieda no Akyuu. An outsider like you can learn many vital things from her."
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> Bottle some of the water for now then and look for an exit.
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>Alright, to-do list updated. Now... "Hmm...wait, Eientei is in the Bamboo Forest, and I just came from there...huh. Maybe I didn't think that through well enough. But if all who enter get lost, how can I find a mansion that doesn't want to be found? And could you get me something I could use to- wait, right, flying. Nevermind that. I learned my lesson about landing hard."
>"I'll remember to come back and talk to Akyuu, thank you. Now, awaaaay!" And try to levitate my way or use my wings to head back the way I came, but this time more responsibly. No hard landings. Find whoever or wherever Keine points me to!
>Make sure the railgun is on my left arm. Adjust until comfortable. (Player comment: I know, the 6 was sweet, but specifics are always nice. It sounds more complex than Utsuho's third leg, so I wanted to know specifically what it could do. Thanks for the info!)
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>Alright, now that I feel better, let's find someone to interact with.
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>what's the stats of my bamboo spear?
>Leave bamboo forest, head towards human village.
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> Start simple. Introduce yourself, name and title. Err... What were those again?
>> insert name {Derryck Varner}
>> insert title {farmhand}
> Just introduce yourself as a Mr. "Derryck Varner," and say you're some farmer's son. That'll probably excuse the firearms. Farmers use machine guns, right?
> Try and convince her you just got a bit lost on an errand to the village, wherever that may be from here. Make sure you exaggerate on youkai presence and trying to defend yourself.
> Check the weather and time of day. If it's looking like it's an overcast or nearly nighttime, request the night here.
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>get un-lost
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>Arrive late to a new Roll to Dodge game, muttering something about how the previous one kind of ended up going nowhere.
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It had to be that opening, was it.
>Spend the last three missed updates collecting gried seeds
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> Bottle some of the water for now then and look for an exit.
[3] You fill your one-liter canteen with some spring water and walk back out onto the mountain road. As the path gets more uneven, you trip and scrape your knees. It's not too bad, but there is visible bleeding. There is also the possiblity that the wound will get infected if left neglected.
WARNING: Mend the wound within four turns.
>Alright, to-do list updated. Now... "Hmm...wait, Eientei is in the Bamboo Forest, and I just came from there...huh. Maybe I didn't think that through well enough. But if all who enter get lost, how can I find a mansion that doesn't want to be found? And could you get me something I could use to- wait, right, flying. Nevermind that. I learned my lesson about landing hard."
>"I'll remember to come back and talk to Akyuu, thank you. Now, awaaaay!" And try to levitate my way or use my wings to head back the way I came, but this time more responsibly. No hard landings. Find whoever or wherever Keine points me to!
>Make sure the railgun is on my left arm. Adjust until comfortable. (Player comment: I know, the 6 was sweet, but specifics are always nice. It sounds more complex than Utsuho's third leg, so I wanted to know specifically what it could do. Thanks for the info!)
No actions were performed
[2] You attempt to fly, but since your ankles are hurt you find it very difficult to bring yourself up and take to the skies.
[6] Still sitting on the ground, you hoist the gun with your left hand and adjust the clamp to fit your shoulder. You then place your left hand in the glove and tighten it with your free hand. As you engage the nuclear power supply, the device glows and lets out a steady AC hum (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Mains_hum_60_Hz.ogg). If you could stand, you'd probably look somewhat like this (http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs50/f/2009/258/8/8/Doomguy_and_the_BFG_9000_by_AzakaChi_RD_17.jpg).
>Alright, now that I feel better, let's find someone to interact with.
Ambient sounds to set the tone (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l82LM2Fi2Vc)
[1](+1) As you wake up from your rest, you notice that the sun has set half-way behind the distant mountains. As night rolls over Gensokyo and eerie sounds begin to emanate from unknown sources, you begin to feel very insecure and vulnerable by being alone like this.
>what's the stats of my bamboo spear?
>Leave bamboo forest, head towards human village.
The bamboo spear is fairly light, but it appears to be very sturdy and structurally sound. It can be used as a stabbing or swinging weapon.
[6] As the sun sets behind the mountains and night falls, you feel more determined than ever to get somewhere safe. This determination somehow heigtens your awareness, and you quickly make it out of the forest. As the sky darkens further, you notice an expanse of flicking light in the distance. After a tiring run, you make it to the human village, where you find an unmatched sock sitting on the ground and a silver-haired woman wearing a peculiar piece of headgear.
"You must be an outsider as well..." she says. "You two should be grateful for having made it here at a time like this. Perhaps you can stay here and join us..."
> Start simple. Introduce yourself, name and title. Err... What were those again?
>> insert name {Derryck Varner}
>> insert title {farmhand}
> Just introduce yourself as a Mr. "Derryck Varner," and say you're some farmer's son. That'll probably excuse the firearms. Farmers use machine guns, right?
> Try and convince her you just got a bit lost on an errand to the village, wherever that may be from here. Make sure you exaggerate on youkai presence and trying to defend yourself.
> Check the weather and time of day. If it's looking like it's an overcast or nearly nighttime, request the night here.
[2] Hoping to avoid any violence, you quickly respond with, "I am Derryck Varner, a farmhand from [REDACTED]. I mean no harm whatsoever."
Unfortunately your attempt to convince her must not have been very successful, because she throws several needles right at you.
[4] You dodge them like a boss (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CryPQpYI8w&t=36s) and yell, "JUST GET ME TO THE VILLAGE!!!"
"There!" the shrine maiden points to the northwest with her rod. "You better not cause any trouble, or I'll go there and exterminate you personally!"
As the last sliver of the sun begins to disappear into the horizon, you wonder if you should stay at the shrine for the night. The sight of the girl holding more needles up at you quickly dissolves that thought.
>get un-lost
[2] You're still lost.
>Arrive late to a new Roll to Dodge game, muttering something about how the previous one kind of ended up going nowhere.
Ambient sounds to set the tone (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l82LM2Fi2Vc)
[5] The last thing you remember before being blacking out and waking up in a strange bamboo forest was that you were on your way back home after dumping garbage into the collection bin. However, the way back seemed to be longer than usual, and for some reason you still don't understand what happened next. All that matters right now is that you are standing in a creepy forest with ActionDan, Dudu Zombolt, and bigyihsuan in the dark...
...Oh, and you also have a switchblade (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/55/Magnano-switchblade.jpg).
It had to be that opening, was it.
>Spend the last three missed updates collecting gried seeds
Yes. That opening is a classic.
[4] You find several hidden among the bamboo stalks.
At this point in the game, several of you are at the same location, close together, or even face to face with each other. If you would like to cooperate with others, here's a suggested procedure to do so:
- Communicate your actions. Private messaging (provided by the forum) is the best way to do so, but if you somehow know the user you wish to communicate with outside of the forum, Facebook, text messaging, and other methods work just as well.
- Make an agreement with those who you wish to cooperate with and mention that in your command. For example, you can write, "While [user] is [their action], [your action]." Joint actions are also possible, just mention that you are doing so.
I will still roll for each player separately.
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> Hightail it to the human village and try to find a comfy place to sleep. Rooftop, dark alleyway, some crazy old lady's back yard... No wait, those are all places you DON'T want to be in the middle of the night! Just figure it out when you get there!
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>engage in social link with unmatched sock
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>Something must have gone wrong at the Misty Lake when trying to learn ice magic from Cirno, unless that's non-canon now. Ah well, might as well look around and see if I see Mystia or any other familiar faces.
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> Use some of the canteen water to wash the scrapes.
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>to LasterTurtle "Oh? Hail, new person! Would you mind helping me? I seem to not be quite skilled at flying yet, and I happened to have a slight ankle mishap. It also appears to be getting dark. A hand to get on my feet would be greatly appreciated."
>>If assistance is offered, "Right side, my boy. Don't want you to get accidentally irradiated." Heft the nuclear arm for emphasis.
>>EMPHASIS!
>to Keine "I appreciate the offer, and I may for at least tonight. To be frank, I'm not sure how I got here, but I'm also not sure I want to go back. Do you know of any place we, or maybe I, depending on whether or not he decides to tag along with me, could rest for the evening?"
>Complete social link with LaserTurtle
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>use baseball bat to get un-lost
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>I dunno, maybe dig into the ground and hide in a hole? Or something? From the flesh-eating Youkai?
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>Ascend the nearby mountain until summit is reached.
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> Hightail it to the human village and try to find a comfy place to sleep. Rooftop, dark alleyway, some crazy old lady's back yard... No wait, those are all places you DON'T want to be in the middle of the night! Just figure it out when you get there!
[4] As adrenaline surges through your body, you leap down the stone stairs and sprint away from the Hakurei Shrine, hauling ass your gear straight towards the Human Village as fast as possible. You reach its perimeter, where several guards open the gate once they identify you as human.
BGM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zA3liFZfWUI)
As you walk down the bustling torch-lit street, you see the following:
- Several small houses
- Several shops and bars
- A traditional Japanese mansion
- A schoolhouse
- What appears to be a hotel
- Several narrow alleyways
Among the passersby you also see a silver-haired woman wearing a strange object on her head, talking to LaserTurtle and an unmatched sock, whom you met for a short while in the expansive forest.
QUEST FAILED: Smooth Talker
>engage in social link with unmatched sock
You decide to follow and help an unmatched sock.
>Something must have gone wrong at the Misty Lake when trying to learn ice magic from Cirno, unless that's non-canon now. Ah well, might as well look around and see if I see Mystia or any other familiar faces.
[6] After coming upon a small grassy patch in the middle of the forest, you find Mystia feeding on an unidentifiable body. She looks up at you and flies in your direction.
"What brings you here? Are you lost?"
She seems to show no hostile intentions towards you. After all, it looks like she just had a grand meal. PX is standing at a far distance from her with a facial expression best described as one of disbelief and intense horror.
> Use some of the canteen water to wash the scrapes.
[3] You sit down by the side of the road and wash the scrape on your knee. You tilt the canteen, and more water than necessary spills out onto the wound. However, it now appears to be well-cleaned, and should fully heal in a day or two.
>to LasterTurtle "Oh? Hail, new person! Would you mind helping me? I seem to not be quite skilled at flying yet, and I happened to have a slight ankle mishap. It also appears to be getting dark. A hand to get on my feet would be greatly appreciated."
>>If assistance is offered, "Right side, my boy. Don't want you to get accidentally irradiated." Heft the nuclear arm for emphasis.
>>EMPHASIS!
>to Keine "I appreciate the offer, and I may for at least tonight. To be frank, I'm not sure how I got here, but I'm also not sure I want to go back. Do you know of any place we, or maybe I, depending on whether or not he decides to tag along with me, could rest for the evening?"
>Complete social link with LaserTurtle
[6] LaserTurtle lifts you up from your right, and as you stand up your ankles pop into place with a sharp crack.
"I appreciate the offer, and I may for at least tonight. To be frank, I'm not sure how I got here, but I'm also not sure I want to go back. Do you know of any place we, or maybe I, depending on whether or not he decides to tag along with me, could rest for the evening?"
"Follow me. There's a hotel you two can stay at for the night."
She leads the two of you to a primitive-looking hotel built out of wooden panels. Flickering candles light the doorway. An attendant is sitting behind a window, appearing to be half-asleep.
>use baseball bat to get un-lost
[4] You swing the bat at the tall stalks of bamboo, breaking them down until a path opens to the end of the forest. You notice what appears to be a village not too far away from where you are.
>I dunno, maybe dig into the ground and hide in a hole? Or something? From the flesh-eating Youkai?
[1] You dig a fairly deep hole and hide in it. As you ease yourself into the mud, the surrounding foundation collapses, burying you in several feet of slimy substance. As you desperately try to free yourself, oxygen loss sets in and you die of asphyxiation.
>Ascend the nearby mountain until summit is reached.
Ambient background sounds (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjjojjUn0bk)
[5] You climb to the top of the nearest mountain. Under the moonlight, you notice a glistening gold chest hidden among the shrubbery.
-
> Acquaint yourself with the apparently familiar LaserTurtle and an unmatched sock. Make sure to pull up the "farmhand" bit to excuse the firearms as quickly as possible.
-
>walk to the village
-
>Oh right, she does that, I sometimes forget!
>"I'm not very sure. I just woke up in the middle of the forest, and it's not like I've been drinking or anything, so..."
-
>Stay for the night. Recover HP/MP, view ongoing quests, allocate all skill points towards musical bard-ery.
-
>Respawn in a location with many players
-
>at LaserTurtle's assistance "Ah, thank you. Now we ca- GEH...Uh...Oh, my ankles! Thank you, dear boy! Turns out I don't need assistance after all." [Little less pain would be nice, though...] (Player note: "" is for speaking, () is for OOC comment, [] is for internal dialogue, and nothing is for an action or clarification for speaking. Just a heads-up.)
>at Patorikku's excuse of 'farmhand' "Um..." *hold up left hand to show off fusion arm* "Your excuse seems...lacking. And unnecessary. Although, we are staying for the night, so if you would like to accompany us we can chat in the morning after we have rested." [I wonder if I even still have to sleep, since fusion generates so much energy anyway...well, I'm sure I will find that out sooner or later.]
>Follow LaserTurtle's example, and stay for the night to recover, view quests, only allocate my skill points towards combat abilities, fusion abilities, and any possible upgrades for the arm. A few skill ranks into Perception won't hurt, either.
-
Can't be helped. At least there's still some left.
> Keep following the path.
-
>at Patorikku's excuse of 'farmhand' "Um..." *hold up left hand to show off fusion arm* "Your excuse seems...lacking. And unnecessary. Although, we are staying for the night, so if you would like to accompany us we can chat in the morning after we have rested."
> "Shure thing! Ah'm in need of a bit of shut-eye right about now."
> Take to the inn with the others. Deal with any necessary modifications to weapons and stats when you arrive.
-
>walk to the village
[2] Walking sure takes a lot of time, doesn't it?
>Oh right, she does that, I sometimes forget!
>"I'm not very sure. I just woke up in the middle of the forest, and it's not like I've been drinking or anything, so..."
"Are you hungry? Do you want something to eat? I've got grilled lamprey!"
She merrily flies off while motioning at you to follow her.
>Stay for the night. Recover HP/MP, view ongoing quests, allocate all skill points towards musical bard-ery.
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
"Thanks, Miss..."
"...Kamishirasawa. It's my pleasure to help those like you. I'll be on my way now, come visit me sometime tomorrow if you can."
A few minutes later, an attendant leads you to your room. After a long and eventful day, you feel glad that you've finally found a place to rest for the night.
BGM that fits the scene quite well (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpHCkuSC08w)
The hotel room is strikingly plain. Two torches placed beside the door light the walls, and a hard tatami mat lies in the center. Sitting in a corner of the room is a cabinet with a large mirror behind the door. Despite the fact that you haven't seen any technology newer than the wheel for the past day or two, you half-expected a television set instead. Even a monochromatic tube would have sufficed. In another corner of the room, across from the cabinet, there is a small table. On top of it there is a cup of green tea and today's issue of "The Daily News", a rather generic newspaper run by village publishers.
Seeing as how there are no other sources of information, you lie down on the mat and read the newspaper. The following headlines catch your attention:
- NEW MAHJONG PARLOR OPENS IN HUMAN VILLAGE
- BODIES OF MISSING VILLAGERS FOUND IN MYSTERIOUS SUNFLOWER FIELD
- FIGHT BREAKS OUT BETWEEN DRUNKARDS AT LOCAL BAR
- INCREASED YOUKAI PRESENCE PROMPTS VILLAGE LEADERS TO HEIGHTEN SECURITY
Too tired to read further, you toss the newspaper aside and quickly fall into a deep sleep.
All vital stats recovered; musician skill +5
>Respawn in a location with many players
[4] You find yourself in the Human Village.
>at LaserTurtle's assistance "Ah, thank you. Now we ca- GEH...Uh...Oh, my ankles! Thank you, dear boy! Turns out I don't need assistance after all." [Little less pain would be nice, though...] (Player note: "" is for speaking, () is for OOC comment, [] is for internal dialogue, and nothing is for an action or clarification for speaking. Just a heads-up.)
>at Patorikku's excuse of 'farmhand' "Um..." *hold up left hand to show off fusion arm* "Your excuse seems...lacking. And unnecessary. Although, we are staying for the night, so if you would like to accompany us we can chat in the morning after we have rested." [I wonder if I even still have to sleep, since fusion generates so much energy anyway...well, I'm sure I will find that out sooner or later.]
>Follow LaserTurtle's example, and stay for the night to recover, view quests, only allocate my skill points towards combat abilities, fusion abilities, and any possible upgrades for the arm. A few skill ranks into Perception won't hurt, either.
[2] "Thanks, Keine"
"You're welcome. It's my pleasure to help those like you. I'll be on my way now, come visit me sometime tomorrow if you can."
A few minutes later, an attendant leads you to your room. After a long and eventful day, you feel glad that you've finally found a place to rest for the night.
The hotel room is strikingly plain. Two torches placed beside the door light the walls, and a hard tatami mat lies in the center. Sitting in a corner of the room is a cabinet with a large mirror behind the door. In another corner of the room, across from the cabinet, there is a small table. On top of it there is a cup of green tea and today's issue of "The Daily News", a rather generic newspaper run by village publishers. The window is cracked, and the metal frame looks like it was bent out of shape. Because of this, the wind makes an unpleasant howling sound (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBUtBrk7yzo) as it blows through the cracks and gaps.
You lie down on the mat and read the newspaper. The following headlines catch your attention:
- NEW MAHJONG PARLOR OPENS IN HUMAN VILLAGE
- BODIES OF MISSING VILLAGERS FOUND IN MYSTERIOUS SUNFLOWER FIELD
- FIGHT BREAKS OUT BETWEEN DRUNKARDS AT LOCAL BAR
- INCREASED YOUKAI PRESENCE PROMPTS VILLAGE LEADERS TO HEIGHTEN SECURITY
Too tired to read further, you toss the newspaper aside and try your best to fall asleep. Every now and then, you're woken up by strange sounds that make you question whether it was made by something other than the wind. Without a good rest, you're unable to upgrade your skills or weapons.
All vital stats recovered
Can't be helped. At least there's still some left.
> Keep following the path.
[6] It's very quiet, save for crickets (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKmRkS1os7k) chirping in the distance.
The path leads to an old, rickety Shinto shrine. There is a placard on the torii, but from your viewing angle you are unable to make out the characters in the darkness. As you continue up the stone stairs, you notice several coins near the donation box. It seems that whoever tried to donate missed and spilled their offerings. You count at least 2000 yen.
> "Shure thing! Ah'm in need of a bit of shut-eye right about now."
> Take to the inn with the others. Deal with any necessary modifications to weapons and stats when you arrive.
[4]
BGM that fits the scene quite well (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpHCkuSC08w)
After a long and eventful day, you feel glad that you've finally found a safe place to rest for the night. The hotel room you were led to is strikingly plain. Two torches placed beside the door light the walls, and a hard tatami mat lies in the center. Sitting in a corner of the room is a cabinet with a large mirror behind the door. In another corner of the room, across from the cabinet, there is a small table. On top of it there is a cup of green tea and today's issue of "The Daily News", a rather generic newspaper run by village publishers.
-
> Gather up the coins and place them in the donation box.
-
>I'm lonely, I wish everyone were back lost in the Bamboo Forest with me!
-
>"Oh, uh... sure!"
>Follow that night sparrow!
-
>"Oh, uh... sure!"
>Follow that night sparrow!
[4] You follow her to a small wooden shack on the side of a grassy road.
Your previous post didn't contain an action, so this is your roll for the day.
-
Ahhh, okay. I figured there'd be a roll towards further reaction to what I said, but I'll roll with it. :V
>Enter the cabin! Nothing could go wrong here!
-
>Investigate mahjong parlor, inquire for jobs for a musician.
-
Why are there so many seeds abandoned. WHY
>Go chase after cabbit. You know who I mean.
-
> Allocate any spare points into dexterity and hit the sack.
-
>"Accursed gale..." After waking up, make sure to leave a complaint, although nicely worded, about the window and it should really be fixed.
>Increased youkai presence? Hmm...Off to Keine's to inquire about this event! Perhaps there's something I and my newfound abilities can do to help. Or something.
-
>walk faster
-
> Gather up the coins and place them in the donation box.
[1] After gathering all the coins in a pile, you count the grand total to be 3500 yen. Intense psychological dissonance begins to settle in as you stare at the gleaming currency lying on the wooden deck.
"Whoever spilled those coins must've meant to donate them..." you think to yourself.
"It's not a donation unless it's in the box!" you mentally reassure yourself.
"What if someone's watching? What if the gods of the shrine are looking down at me from above?"
"That's crazy! There's nobody nearby!"
After a few minutes of deep thought and back-and-forth consideration, you pocket all the coins in an attempt to rid yourself of the swirling thoughts in your head. There does not appear to be anyone nearby.
Money +3500
>I'm lonely, I wish everyone were back lost in the Bamboo Forest with me!
[2] You wait a moment after making your wish and open your eyes. Nothing seems to have happened. Creepy noises (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l82LM2Fi2Vc) continue to reverberate around you.
Ahhh, okay. I figured there'd be a roll towards further reaction to what I said, but I'll roll with it. :V
>Enter the cabin! Nothing could go wrong here!
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
The night-sparrow lights a torch and invites you inside.
"You look hungry."
She prepares the flame and places several skewered lamprey eels at the tip of the crackling fire.
After a while, she removes the cooked meat and serves them to you.
"Here... Say, most humans come here in groups. Isn't it odd that you're here alone?"
>Investigate mahjong parlor, inquire for jobs for a musician.
[6](+1, is this even possible?) You enter the mahjong parlor, where men and women of all ages are gathered. Some are deeply drawn into the game, while others are drinking and placing outrageous bets they'd certainly regret if they ever sober up.
"Are you in need of a musician"
"A musician, huh? We could certainly use a musician. How does 3000 an hour sound to you?"
You accept the offer without hesitation.
Why are there so many seeds abandoned. WHY
>Go chase after cabbit. You know who I mean.
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
You chase a rather large cabbit to a tree, where you find several other cabbits of various sizes and colors. Upon seeing you, they begin purring in an incredibly cute manner.
> Allocate any spare points into dexterity and hit the sack.
[6] Judging by the moon's location in the sky, you estimate the time to be somewhere around late midnight. Without wasting any more energy, you put out the torches and quickly drift off into a deep sleep.
All vital stats recovered, dexterity +10
You are woken up by chirping birds and bright, intense sunlight.
>"Accursed gale..." After waking up, make sure to leave a complaint, although nicely worded, about the window and it should really be fixed.
>Increased youkai presence? Hmm...Off to Keine's to inquire about this event! Perhaps there's something I and my newfound abilities can do to help. Or something.
[2] As you leave the inn you ask for the manager, a middle-aged man comes into the lobby.
"What seems to be the problem, young man?"
"The room I was in last night had a crack in the window frame, making it really noisy. Perhaps you should do something about that."
"Oh, I'm absolutely sorry for that. I'll get someone to check on that right away."
"Yes, please do."
The man walks away in the direction he came from.
You walk to the schoolhouse Keine pointed out to you yesterday, and as you open the door to step in, an unsettling silence surrounds you.
"Keine, are you there?!"
No response.
"Keine, are you there?!"
You ask again, yet there is still no response from anyone.
>walk faster
[1] You begin to pick up your pace in the direction of the Human Village. As the road gets uneven you take a nasty trip, instantly breaking your neck. You feel yourself detaching from your lifeless body as you float up into the air.
You are dead.
The RNG seems to be very temperamental today.
-
> Attempt to donate after being overcome by overwhelming guilt.
-
>Continue meandering the halls. Finding Keine is an important task! For right now, anyway.
>Bellow: "Keine, your previous summons has not gone unheard! I am here now!"
>...Check time.
-
>"Perfect! I'll start right away!"
>Begin performing music of +5 skill.
(rolling a 7, I break the boundary conditions of the universe! HAHAHAHAHA)
-
> Look around for the others that you came here with. Running around without companions isn't the wisest course of action to take, regardless of where you are.
-
>Inventory
>Anyone around?
-
>Frown and go investigate the noises, use my Cuddle Beam powers if need be.
-
>Take the lamprey eel. "Thank you very much!"
>"Normally, yeah, but I woke up alone. I don't know why I was there, I swore I was at the Misty Lake before..."
>Eat the eel. Hopefully this tastes good!
-
>Oh dear. Who left their golden chest up here? I'd better return it. Pick up the golden chest and head down the mountain towards the nearest settlement or building I can see from the peak.
-
Target acquired.
>Murderize all the cabbits. It's GENOCIDE SCROLL TIME
-
I've got two midterm exams tomorrow, so I'll have to delay updates to tomorrow night.
学生考试中。。。
Students do their best now and are testing. Please wait warmly until it is done.
-
> Attempt to donate after being overcome by overwhelming guilt.
[5] You are woken up by the sun shining right at your face. As you crawl out from underneath the bushes, the heavy coins jingle in your pockets. You are suddenly overwhelmed by intense guilt. Whoever tried to donate must have meant to do so, and there's no reason why you should be taking them. You walk up to the donation box and drop the coins in.
Thunk... The sound of metal hitting wood. Thunk... Thunk... Clink... Clink... Clink... Clink...
You look up as the last coin drops into the box. There is a girl standing in the shrine, behind an open door. She is looking at you with a surprised yet excited look on her face.
"Welcome to the Hakurei Shrine! Come on in, would you like some tea~?"
>Continue meandering the halls. Finding Keine is an important task! For right now, anyway.
>Bellow: "Keine, your previous summons has not gone unheard! I am here now!"
>...Check time.
[4] Your voice echoes in the building, but there is still no response.
Ding... Ding... Ding... Ding... Ding... Ding... Ding... Ding... Dinnngggggggg~~~
It is nine.
As you walk towards the door, ready to search for her yourself, it swings open to reveal a familiar person.
"Oh! It's you, from yesterday night! What brings you here?"
>"Perfect! I'll start right away!"
>Begin performing music of +5 skill.
(rolling a 7, I break the boundary conditions of the universe! HAHAHAHAHA)
[5] Standing in the front of the wooden room with a gasoline generator powering several speakers, a row of lights, and sound console. As you strum the strings of your electric guitar to the backing track, the walls echo with booming music a few centuries ahead of its time here. The audience seems to enjoy your performance.
You have broken the boundary between Eastern and Western music by bringing heavy metal to Gensokyo.
> Look around for the others that you came here with. Running around without companions isn't the wisest course of action to take, regardless of where you are.
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
You remember hearing something about a schoolhouse last night, so you head off in that direction.
As you enter the building, you see an unmatched sock talking with the woman you saw last night. As you enter the building, she notices you and motions at you to come inside.
>Inventory
>Anyone around?
[1] You have nothing except for a plain white shirt and baggy jeans you're wearing.
There are many passersby of all ages, walking to and from shops and bars. Some of them look very drunk, despite the fact that it's only early morning.
>Frown and go investigate the noises, use my Cuddle Beam powers if need be.
[2] You try to investigate, but weariness and sleeplessness overpowers the curiosity, forcing you to fall into a deep sleep. You wake up to the sound of birds chirping, and the sight of clear skies beyond the bundles of bamboo stalks.
>Take the lamprey eel. "Thank you very much!"
>"Normally, yeah, but I woke up alone. I don't know why I was there, I swore I was at the Misty Lake before..."
>Eat the eel. Hopefully this tastes good!
[6](+1) Mystia smiles at you. Upon hearing about the Misty Lake, she begins to look excited.
"Do you want me to take you there? I've got lots of friends there. Oohhhh, I bet they'd be completely astonished when they see you!"
As you bite into the eel and let the flavor sink into your mouth, a taste unlike anything you've experienced before courses through your tastebuds.
"This is delicious!!!" you exclaim.
"Ummm... thanks!"
After eating two more servings, you fall asleep on the wooden bench, waking up to the sound of birds chirping , and a certain night sparrow singing back at them.
All vital stats recovered; endurance +10, strength +10
>Oh dear. Who left their golden chest up here? I'd better return it. Pick up the golden chest and head down the mountain towards the nearest settlement or building I can see from the peak.
[5] You've got quite the view from up here. To the north is what appears to be a village surrounded by a wall of some sort. Obviously that looks like a place where you might find the owner of the chest. You make out the shortest path from where you are, and take off towards the village.
After a while, you find yourself standing in front of a heavily guarded gate. Two guards, armed with spears, stand on either side of the gate.
"What brings you here?"
After explaining your reasons to them, they open the gate and hurrily shut it after you've entered.
The Human Village is bustling with people of all ages. Some are talking to each other as they walk down the busy streets, while others are shopping at various stores. A schoolhouse and a mansion standing out from the rather repetitive shacks catch your attention.
Target acquired.
>Murderize all the cabbits. It's GENOCIDE SCROLL TIME
[2](+1) As the cabbits continue to purr at you, a burning desire for carnage begins to build. Within minutes, the group of nearly thirty cabbits are reduced to a pile of blood, mush, and fur. A horrible stench begins to settle in, attracting swarms of large flying insects best described as some sort of hybrid between bumblebees and houseflies. They're unlike anything you've seen before you found yourself in this forest, and they look absolutely disgusting.
-
>Join in on the conversation taking place.
-
>"Well, Miss Keine, I am here because you specifically asked me to come back. Right as we parted, you said something along the lines of 'If you can, come visit tomorrow'. As an aside, it's rather funny...I was never really early for school until I got to college. Yet here I am, early and not even attending. But I digress. I am here now, so I want to know what you wish to talk to me about."
>to Patorikku "Ah, good morning. Good to see no spirits or anything nabbed you while you slept..." [although you probably got better sleep than I did...]
>After Keine speaks, "Also, I have a few questions. First, Hieda no Akyuu...where does she live? You recommended I visit her, and I figure I should. But I need to know where she lives first."
>"Second, out of curiosity...do I still count as human due to...y'know...this?" Indicate the railgun. "And these?" Motion towards wings, give them a flap (if applicable, I don't recall it being stated I had them one way or another. Having them would be cool.)
>>Provided she didn't give me a quest objective already, "Lastly, I read in the paper about a job opening defending the village...well, due to my *ahem* circumstances, I believe I might be invaluable for being a guard of the village. Where would I go to apply for that?"
-
> Politely decline the girl's offer and explain how we found the money.
-
Oh dear, the masses are gathering.
>##Killing intent: Insect-tachi
-
>ROCKING OUT YEAAAAH
>Finish job, collect pay, treat unmatched sock to a meal to raise social link.
-
>Aww, her singing's adorable! I'll quietly go outside and stand nearby, but I won't interrupt (or at least, hopefully I don't make too much noise!).
-
>Approach mansion and hail its guard(s), requesting for entrance.
-
>head to the nearest village
-
> "Heh, well, them spirits would have to work mighty hard to take me in one piece!"
> Take note to the mention of "job opening." The guise of farmhand probably isn't fooling anyone at this point, so you'll need a legitimate job, and with the funds this job could conjure up, you could build up some real weaponry!
> "Ah wouldn't mind hearin' a bit more o' this guard post deal! Ah've got some spare arms ready for use!"
-
>"Well, Miss Keine, I am here because you specifically asked me to come back. Right as we parted, you said something along the lines of 'If you can, come visit tomorrow'. As an aside, it's rather funny...I was never really early for school until I got to college. Yet here I am, early and not even attending. But I digress. I am here now, so I want to know what you wish to talk to me about."
>to Patorikku "Ah, good morning. Good to see no spirits or anything nabbed you while you slept..." [although you probably got better sleep than I did...]
>After Keine speaks, "Also, I have a few questions. First, Hieda no Akyuu...where does she live? You recommended I visit her, and I figure I should. But I need to know where she lives first."
>"Second, out of curiosity...do I still count as human due to...y'know...this?" Indicate the railgun. "And these?" Motion towards wings, give them a flap (if applicable, I don't recall it being stated I had them one way or another. Having them would be cool.)
>>Provided she didn't give me a quest objective already, "Lastly, I read in the paper about a job opening defending the village...well, due to my *ahem* circumstances, I believe I might be invaluable for being a guard of the village. Where would I go to apply for that?"
[1] "It's hard to explain, but..."
She appears to be hesitant
"Don't you find it somewhat strange that you showed up shortly after the village was attacked? It's almost as if someone sent you to defend the villagers..."
"Well, I didn't really think of it that way. I was pretty tired yesterday. Although I did find something in the newspaper about the village under attack or something..."
"Yes, that's correct. You see, about a week ago, villagers went missing in the middle of the night, apparently taken from their homes as they slept. As a precaution, we set up a wall around the village, guarded all day long. We still don't know much about the motives of these random attacks, but from the evidence we have, it doesn't appear to have been done my anyone in this village, let alone any human."
"And what about this 'Akyuu' girl? Why did you mention visiting her yesterday?"
"Ahh... Hieda no Akyuu. She is of big concern to us right now, seeing as how she is one of the most important people in all of Gensokyo. As part of the village defense initiative, guards were also stationed at her residence in case whoever, or more likely, whatever, tries to attack her."
You stare out one of the windows as you try to piece all this information together.
Suddenly, the door to the schoolhouse is blasted open. The rubble settles, revealing a green-haired woman holding a rather large parasol. Most uncomfortable to you is the creepy and almost sadistic smile on her face as she fires a beam of light out of her parasol in your direction.
[5] You nimbly dodge the beam as it blasts a hole right through the roof, sending shards of wood flying in all directions. She laughs maniacally while preparing for another shot. Seizing this opportunity, you jump up, lunge forward with a flap of your wings, and tackle her into the ground.
From behind you, Keine mutters something with utmost horror in her voice.
"This is not good, not good at all..."
> Politely decline the girl's offer and explain how we found the money.
[1] "No thanks, I'm not really in the mood for tea now. And by the way, this money isn't mine. I found it lying around last night, and I decided to..."
Before you can finish your explanation the girl grabs your arm and forcefully drags you into the shrine.
Oh dear, the masses are gathering.
>##Killing intent: Insect-tachi
[2] Your efforts didn't seem to have much effect, because the swarm of insects are continuing towards you, now at a faster rate.
Who knows, they might not be poisonous?
>ROCKING OUT YEAAAAH
>Finish job, collect pay, treat unmatched sock to a meal to raise social link.
[4] The audience cheers as you walk away from the makeshift stage. You decide that you're done for the day and ask for your pay. The manager hands you a sack of coins and asks you if you would like to perform again later.
You remember seeing an unmatched sock going towards the schoolhouse, so you set off in that direction.
Money +9000
>Aww, her singing's adorable! I'll quietly go outside and stand nearby, but I won't interrupt (or at least, hopefully I don't make too much noise!).
[3] You weren't paying much attention as you stepped out of the shack and took a trip off the ledge. A loud, dull thud echoes as you fall face-first onto the grass, instantly scaring the birds away.
>Approach mansion and hail its guard(s), requesting for entrance.
[2] As you walk up to the mansion, a guard points a dagger at you.
"What business do you have here?"
You explain your reasons for visiting the mansion, but the guard does not appear to take it seriously.
"Visitation is only allowed upon invitation from the mistress. If you have not been summoned, you may not enter."
He takes out a card with strange symbols on it and braces himself as if you may attack.
>head to the nearest village
You are already in the Human Village.
> "Heh, well, them spirits would have to work mighty hard to take me in one piece!"
> Take note to the mention of "job opening." The guise of farmhand probably isn't fooling anyone at this point, so you'll need a legitimate job, and with the funds this job could conjure up, you could build up some real weaponry!
> "Ah wouldn't mind hearin' a bit more o' this guard post deal! Ah've got some spare arms ready for use!"
[3](+1) "So, um... About the village under attack... Do you think we can be of help? We're not quite ordinary, in the sense that we can't do anything. I've got plenty of weaponry, and my friend here, well, he's got the power to manipulate nuclear fusion."
Your inquiries are interrupted when the door to the schoolhouse is blasted open by a seemingly hostile woman. Judging by the damage caused, she doesn't appear to be human. You begin to wonder if she is related to the attacks Keine was talking about.
-
> "Oh... This looks like some fine mess o' trouble..."
> You remembered to bring your guns with you right? Get yourself set up to help fend off the assailant!
-
> Frown slightly, but accept the tea anyway.
-
>To pinned green-hair lady with lasers, "Now, madam, it appears we are in a compromising position. I don't want to risk collateral damage, let alone bodily damage on either of our ends, and you don't look like one who angers easily. Why don't we all just calm down, have a bit of tea, you can explain yourself, and this place of learning won't have to be destroyed? Hmm?"
>>If she refuses, "Then can we at least fight outside? I didn't exactly arrive here with an ATM, and I would rather not have you pay for any damages."
>>During this, make sure she is securely grappled. Take nothing for granted. On guard the entire time. I don't doubt the Yatagarasu powers would increase my own durability, but I'm not willing to let my guard down to test that.
>>>If she breaks out and/or attacks, make sure to dodge first, then create a black sun in my non-gun hand. "Are you sure you want to do this?"
>>If she accepts, let her up, but warily. "There. Now why don't we find a secluded place outside of the village?" To Patorikku: "Could you get us some tea? Actually," back to green-hair "What sort of tea would you like?"
>>"Sorry Keine, this is a bit higher priority. I hope you understand."
-
>"...Self, that wasn't "being silent." Sorry I scared them away..."
-
The enemy Stand might not be an actual enemy!?
>Ponder equip rating of the swarm
-
>Shoot Cuddle Beams into the Bamboo Forest until I hit something
-
>Investigate that huge explosion near the schoolhouse
-
>Notice mr. sock is in the middle of something
>"heyy! You want some lunch? I don't know how much I can buy with this money!"
>"You too green lady! I have enough money for everyone!"
-
> "Oh... This looks like some fine mess o' trouble..."
> You remembered to bring your guns with you right? Get yourself set up to help fend off the assailant!
[4] Of course you have your guns with you. Why woudldn't you? With all due respect you're in a place where you could be perfectly fine one second, only to have your head torn off the next. After arming yourself properly, you join an unmatched sock in pinning down the trespasser.
> Frown slightly, but accept the tea anyway.
[3] Once in the interior of the shrine, you realize that it must have little to no worshippers at all. You also remember the previously empty donation box, which further confirms your guess.
"Here you go~"
The girl places two cups of green tea on either end of a kotatsu in the center of the room.
"Ummm... thanks."
You place the glass up to your mouth and tilt it up. As the scalding hot tea touches your lips, you reel back from the unexpected pain and drop the cup, spilling its contents.
"Ehh... I thought you outside-world people know not to drink tea right away."
She looks a bit pissed off.
>To pinned green-hair lady with lasers, "Now, madam, it appears we are in a compromising position. I don't want to risk collateral damage, let alone bodily damage on either of our ends, and you don't look like one who angers easily. Why don't we all just calm down, have a bit of tea, you can explain yourself, and this place of learning won't have to be destroyed? Hmm?"
>>If she refuses, "Then can we at least fight outside? I didn't exactly arrive here with an ATM, and I would rather not have you pay for any damages."
>>During this, make sure she is securely grappled. Take nothing for granted. On guard the entire time. I don't doubt the Yatagarasu powers would increase my own durability, but I'm not willing to let my guard down to test that.
>>>If she breaks out and/or attacks, make sure to dodge first, then create a black sun in my non-gun hand. "Are you sure you want to do this?"
>>If she accepts, let her up, but warily. "There. Now why don't we find a secluded place outside of the village?" To Patorikku: "Could you get us some tea? Actually," back to green-hair "What sort of tea would you like?"
>>"Sorry Keine, this is a bit higher priority. I hope you understand."
[2] "And what? Just leave you all alone? NEVER!!!"
She pushes you away with strength that doesn't quite fit her profile, and cackles loudly.
"I'll make sure to kill everyone in this village!!!"
You fall backwards and slam down into a chair, shattering it and falling to the floor.
Despite the fact that most incidents in Gensokyo end with tea (and sake) drinking, it looks like tea is out of the equation today. Sake is probably out as well.
>"...Self, that wasn't "being silent." Sorry I scared them away..."
[4] Mystia looks at you with a playful smile
"That's okay, I was bored anyway. Do you want to go with me to the Misty Lake? It'll be lots of fun~!"
The enemy Stand might not be an actual enemy!?
>Ponder equip rating of the swarm
[1] You stop to observe the swarm of flying insects. They continue to fly towards you, and in a matter of seconds you're surrounded by them. You try to get out, which causes them to sting you multiple times. As the venom courses through your body, you immediately fall to the ground.
You are dead.
>Shoot Cuddle Beams into the Bamboo Forest until I hit something
[3] You shoot cuddle beams in all directions, causing a large patch of bamboo to fall and pin you to the ground.
>Investigate that huge explosion near the schoolhouse
[2] Well, look who arrived late to the party...
You run towards the schoolhouse. By the time you get there, several guards have surrounded the area.
"It's too dangerous for you to go further. Please stay in your house until further notice."
>Notice mr. sock is in the middle of something
>"heyy! You want some lunch? I don't know how much I can buy with this money!"
>"You too green lady! I have enough money for everyone!"
[1] After witnessing what just happened, you realize that the woman is likely not human. However, that doesn't stop you from inviting her to lunch with you.
"Don't... call... me... that!!!!!"
She charges at you and plunges her parasol [1] into your gut, making a sickening crunch as it passes out the other side of you. She pulls it back, spraying blood all over the walls.
"Who's next?!?!"
As the pain subsides, you look down at the carnage while thinking about what to do in your next reincarnation. You also see Keine yelling at her, but you are unable to hear anything.
You are dead.
-
>urk, what kind of cruel god makes bamboo this heavy? I want a new god!
-
>Hey, I think I earned enough money for an extra life! I haven't even spent it yet!
>If I don't get one, mourn my brief stint as a highly successful musician, respawn near the entrance of the Human Village
-
> Right, with diplomacy out of the picture and a clearly threatening enemy in front of you, there aren't a lot of options here. Flank her from the side she's not holding her parasol in and let loose a blaze of bullets! And try to pull off a badass line pre-gunshow.
> "Don't like the taste of tea? Fine! How 'bout lead!?"
-
>"Sure, why not?"
>Let her lead the way, I have absolutely no idea where the Misty Lake is in comparison to here.
-
> Apologize profusely.
-
>Watch the carnage from afar.
>Find someplace outside of the village that has no people
-
>Remember that it's Halloween and spook her into submission
>"Now madam, there are multiple combinations and variations of a colorful selection of vulgarities I could say directed at you, but it seems now is not the time to talk. Now, instead, is the time to test..."
>Let's go for a heavy hit. Cloak self in a sun, then tackle her. As impact occurs, grab hold of her and carry her away from the school, making sure to pin her arms in place. Maybe with luck the nuclear fire will consume her parasol. Let's try to take her to a more open area, such as outside of the village. (The grab will be somewhat like Uncontainable Dive from Hisoutensoku, for reference.
>>Failing the grab, just throw the sun around me as a projectile at greenie. I can apologize to Keine for any damages later.
-
What the hell why would you betray me like this ;;
>Haunt the world as a zombie goast
-
>urk, what kind of cruel god makes bamboo this heavy? I want a new god!
[5] Suddenly, you feel great strength rushing through your body. With a roar, you push the fallen bamboo away from you and stand up from the rubble. Now that you're free again, you notice that you've made a proper exit path.
>Hey, I think I earned enough money for an extra life! I haven't even spent it yet!
>If I don't get one, mourn my brief stint as a highly successful musician, respawn near the entrance of the Human Village
[2] You continue mourning your death, failing to realize that you're still an aimlessly floating spirit.
> Right, with diplomacy out of the picture and a clearly threatening enemy in front of you, there aren't a lot of options here. Flank her from the side she's not holding her parasol in and let loose a blaze of bullets! And try to pull off a badass line pre-gunshow.
> "Don't like the taste of tea? Fine! How 'bout lead!?"
[5] At your threat, the youkai girl snarls and charges towards you. This is your last word (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1IOvgXuW3U)! Now's the time!!!
You raise your guns, one on each side, and squeeze the trigger. Clink... Clink... CHING-CHING-CHING-CHING-CHING-CHING-CHING-CHING...
Forget spellcards! These are real bullets! As hundreds of shells hit the floor and heavy smoke rises from the spinning magazine, the enemy is instantly torn to shreds. However, you can't see that through the smoke, so you hold down those triggers for a good minute-and-a-half.
CHING-CHING-CHING-CLUNK-clunk-tssssssssssssss...
Since you were shooting in the direction of the already-destroyed door, no collateral damage was done. Covering the floor and walls are giblets and blood, most likely from your target. As the saying goes, there's no kill like overkill!
"Oh, great gods! You actually killed her! You killed Yuuka Kazami!"
Keine seems to be extremely surprised at your seemingly simple feat.
>"Sure, why not?"
>Let her lead the way, I have absolutely no idea where the Misty Lake is in comparison to here.
[1] After following her for a while, you notice the temperature has decreased quite a lot. Soon enough, a lake comes into view.
"We're here!!" Mystia exclaims.
The Misty Lake is exactly how you remember it to be. In the distance there is the silhouette of a Western-styled mansion, largely covered by fog and, wait for it... mist.
As you walk after Mystia, you trip on a log and fall right into the lake. You try to yell out, but instead gulp down copious amounts of freezing water. Your entire body cramps up from the coldness, and before you know it you've drowned to death.
You are dead.
> Apologize profusely.
[4] "Oh, I'm absolutely sorry. I didn't know the tea was going to be that hot..."
"Ah, whatever. That wasn't good tea anyway."
You sigh in relief at her acceptance of your apology.
"Sorry I got too excited. It's just that this is the first time anyone's donated to my shrine this year! Stay here, will you?"
The shrine maiden stands up and walks outside, presumably to count the money in the donation box.
>Watch the carnage from afar.
>Find someplace outside of the village that has no people
[1] As you watch from afar, you hear loud rapid-fire gunshots followed by echoes in the silence. You turn around to leave the village, but the gathering crowd pushes you back.
>Remember that it's Halloween and spook her into submission
>"Now madam, there are multiple combinations and variations of a colorful selection of vulgarities I could say directed at you, but it seems now is not the time to talk. Now, instead, is the time to test..."
>Let's go for a heavy hit. Cloak self in a sun, then tackle her. As impact occurs, grab hold of her and carry her away from the school, making sure to pin her arms in place. Maybe with luck the nuclear fire will consume her parasol. Let's try to take her to a more open area, such as outside of the village. (The grab will be somewhat like Uncontainable Dive from Hisoutensoku, for reference.
>>Failing the grab, just throw the sun around me as a projectile at greenie. I can apologize to Keine for any damages later.
Thanks to Patorikku and his smooth gunplay, the assailant is nothing more than blood and giblets splattered all over the floor and walls. It appears that you no longer have to act upon this incident.
What the hell why would you betray me like this ;;
>Haunt the world as a zombie goast
[2] The RNG laughs heartily at your failure and prevents you from doing anything this turn.
According to random.org, "The randomness comes from atmospheric noise, which for many purposes is better than the pseudo-random number algorithms typically used in computer programs." I wonder if that has to do with whether the sun is up or not, since at night it tends to produce tons of low numbers and during the day it produces higher numbers.
Happy Halloween! For those of you that went out to roam the streets in costumes, I hope you had fun (and candy)!
-
>Blink twice and un-summon the black sun. "Well. That's one way to do it...but something isn't entirely right..."
>To Keine: "Madam, I do apologize for the damage this...Yuuka caused. I do have another few questions, though. Someone like that would have a source of power, and I wouldn't doubt that she might try to reform there. Her arrogance would mean she doesn't fear death, and this fight seems way too easy. If her power source is destroyed, then she would truly vanish...so where might this be? Unless you can prove that she is permanently deceased. Also, about that guard job..."
>Repress feelings of jealousy and disappointment that I didn't get to try my abilities. Grumble grumble.
-
(http://i654.photobucket.com/albums/uu263/PatorikkuDoiru/th_DrinkYourGoddamnTea_zpsf11e149d.png) (http://s654.photobucket.com/user/PatorikkuDoiru/media/DrinkYourGoddamnTea_zpsf11e149d.png.html)
> Welp, now that the situation is under control, (by some astounding twist of fate) give your companion and Keine some time to discuss whatever matters they need to attend to. Find a nearby food stall or something, stepping carefully over the carnage.
-
> Wait for her and drink some of our tea if there's any left that wasn't spilled.
-
>grumble, grumble, should've upgraded to the new respawn system, these loading times are insane.
>Respawn above random occupant of Human Village
-
>I never was much of a swimmer, so... yeah.
>Beg nearest shinigami to let me live again, I died for a pretty stupid reason anyways. Maybe he'll/she'll listen!
-
>don't resist the crowd
-
>Realize I can fly and could have just left the forest any time, go find somewhere interesting and new!
>Failing that, just go find somewhere interesting and new!
-
>Rebel against the RNG.
-
>Blink twice and un-summon the black sun. "Well. That's one way to do it...but something isn't entirely right..."
>To Keine: "Madam, I do apologize for the damage this...Yuuka caused. I do have another few questions, though. Someone like that would have a source of power, and I wouldn't doubt that she might try to reform there. Her arrogance would mean she doesn't fear death, and this fight seems way too easy. If her power source is destroyed, then she would truly vanish...so where might this be? Unless you can prove that she is permanently deceased. Also, about that guard job..."
>Repress feelings of jealousy and disappointment that I didn't get to try my abilities. Grumble grumble.
[2] "She's probably going to be back. They always manage to revive. That is the power of youkai. As long as humans fear them, they will continue harness that fear and haunt their lives."
After a short pause...
"Although she's a lot more vulnerable in this state."
Keine looks at the ceiling, quite obviously thinking about something important.
You grumble loudly as the remains of what was once a glowing nuclear sun shrinks and vanishes with a fizz. It's quite obvious that you wanted to blast Yuuka into nothingness, and as a result you do a rather poor job of hiding those feelings.
> Welp, now that the situation is under control, (by some astounding twist of fate) give your companion and Keine some time to discuss whatever matters they need to attend to. Find a nearby food stall or something, stepping carefully over the carnage.
[5] Despite that Keine is explaining vital information that might save your life, you listen to your hunger and leave the schoolhouse. Residents of the village have resumed their daily routines after hearing news that the incident was over, so you walk to the nearest food stall.
"Hey! You're the guy that killed her, right?"
You respond accordingly.
"Here, take this!"
The owner of the stall hands you a steaming manjuu as a form of his gratification.
"You're from the outside world, right?"
He looks like he's interested in your background.
Nice drawing, by the way.
> Wait for her and drink some of our tea if there's any left that wasn't spilled.
[1] After making sure she has gone outside, you pick up the teacup. After all, you've gone without water for a while, and some tea would be nice. Unfortunately the tea was completely spilled, and there remains not a drop in the cup. This fuels your thirst more and you reach for your canteen, drinking nearly all the water contained within it.
>grumble, grumble, should've upgraded to the new respawn system, these loading times are insane.
>Respawn above random occupant of Human Village
[6] Suddenly, you materialize above an old man waiting in line at a food stall. He lets out a yelp as you fall onto him, causing everyone to form a circle around the silly yet creepy scene. You stand up and dust yourself off, noticing that the money you earned in your previous life is still where you left it. Furthermore, although you're in a different body, you feel as if you still have the skills your acquired before your gruesome death.
>I never was much of a swimmer, so... yeah.
>Beg nearest shinigami to let me live again, I died for a pretty stupid reason anyways. Maybe he'll/she'll listen!
[4] You notice a ferry in the distance as you drift above the Sanzu River. Realizing that it could be your chance, you fly towards it.
Upon noticing you, the shinigami (http://en.touhouwiki.net/images/3/37/Th105Komachi.png) aboard asks you "Would you like to get on?"
"Please... give... me... another... chance..."
Your desperation gets to her, and she seems to side with you.
"Hmmm... To die of drowning after tripping. That seems silly, doesn't it?"
Before you know it, you're given a new body and plopped near the river.
"Do me a favor and don't die so carelessly again, okay?"
In the opposite direction are tall mountains that seem like they would take a while to cross.
>don't resist the crowd
[3] You get in the crowd and follow it's push. As more and more people gather for a view of the scene, you're crushed tightly among the piling bodies.
WARNING: Free yourself within the next 2 turns.
>Realize I can fly and could have just left the forest any time, go find somewhere interesting and new!
>Failing that, just go find somewhere interesting and new!
[2] Although you're free now, your body continues to ache in pain. Looks like you won't be going anywhere for a while.
>Rebel against the RNG.
[5] The RNG hears your rebellious cries and respawns you near an exit from the bamboo forest.
-
>Push on my own! Get above the crowd!
>inventory
-
>"With people like me and my companion, there really should be nothing to fea- where'd he go?"
>"...Well? Something seems to be troubling you, and you never actually answered my question. Might these subjects be related?"
-
>Make the RNG my bitch by rolling 7 on a D6
-
Aw shucks. :3
> "Ah well, I guess these fine gadgets gave that much away!" *motions to the guns and chuckles lightly* "Yeah, the place is a bit of a bore, though. Only a few things there that really give it any edge over this place."
> Get a quick look at the owner as you chew away. If he's got interests in where you're from, you could try and pique his interests a bit further.
>> A young adult guy? Take a chance and flex that charisma stat on him.
>> Seems a bit out of his time? Just keep the conversation going politely. You might be able to get another free meal with just manners here.
-
>"That was rather rude. All I did was offer to treat her to lunch"
>Treat sock and Patorikku to lunch, now that I still have money and amazing musician skills.
-
> Frown harder, but kick back and relax for once.
-
Rebellion!
>Follow a path leading away from that cursed forest.
-
>"Thank you, I won't be so careless again!"
>As for where I am, hmm... let's go up into these mountains and see what I can find, eh?
-
>Push on my own! Get above the crowd!
>inventory
[2] You try to push through, but the crowd pushes even harder. You begin to feel dizzy.
In your left pocket is a short wooden stick.
In your right pocket is a wallet.
WARNING: Free yourself in the next turn.
>"With people like me and my companion, there really should be nothing to fea- where'd he go?"
>"...Well? Something seems to be troubling you, and you never actually answered my question. Might these subjects be related?"
[4] "...Well? Something seems to be troubling you, and you never actually answered my question. Might these subjects be related?"
Keine sighs and gives you a very serious look.
BGM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-dHGJSfpkw)
"You are correct. This fight certainly isn't over, but it's one step closer to being so. Although Yuuka is just a spirit now, she is very much alive, even without a physical body. Nobody really know how or where she will revive. The only thing we do know is that it will happen, sooner or later. Which brings me to the next point: As much as I don't want to get her involved, it appears that she is the only person capable of sealing her away for good."
Keine leads you outside and points towards a mountain to the east.
"In the foothills of those mountains is the Hakurei Shrine. I've heard that the resident shrine maiden has come close to exterminating Yuuka in the past, but for some reason she decided not to do so. Maybe you can convince her that now is the time to get rid of that monster once and for all."
NEW OBJECTIVE: Find the Hakurei shrine maiden.
>Make the RNG my bitch by rolling 7 on a D6
[1] Suddenly, the ground beneath you opens up and pulls you below. Before you know it, you're just another spirit floating over the Sanzu River.
You are dead.
At least it was relatively quick and painless.
Aw shucks. :3
> "Ah well, I guess these fine gadgets gave that much away!" *motions to the guns and chuckles lightly* "Yeah, the place is a bit of a bore, though. Only a few things there that really give it any edge over this place."
> Get a quick look at the owner as you chew away. If he's got interests in where you're from, you could try and pique his interests a bit further.
>> A young adult guy? Take a chance and flex that charisma stat on him.
>> Seems a bit out of his time? Just keep the conversation going politely. You might be able to get another free meal with just manners here.
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
The middle-aged man studies you intently.
"You know what? You're a hero. My daughters go to the school, and if it wasn't a weekend, only the gods would know what would happen to them..."
He rummages through a box and hands you a sack.
"Here. Take this. It's the least I can do for you, yet I certainly can't thank you enough for what you've done."
You peek inside the bag, teeming with coins.
Money +5000
>"That was rather rude. All I did was offer to treat her to lunch"
>Treat sock and Patorikku to lunch, now that I still have money and amazing musician skills.
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
You see an unmatched sock and Keine outside the schoolhouse. Patorikku is still conversing with the owner of the food stall, so you find another place to buy lunch. After buying enough for four, you treat Patorikku, an unmatched sock, and Keine to a much-needed lunch. You also take notice of Keine's plea to get a certain shrine maiden involved in this incident regarding the youkai girl that killed you in your previous life.
Money -500
> Frown harder, but kick back and relax for once.
[2] Finally, you have yourself some much needed peace and quiet. Just as you're about to fall into a nap, the shrine maiden comes back inside to see you sprawled out on the floor.
"Hey, are you dead? Hello~~~?"
She gently kicks you in the gut to make sure you're still alive. So much for relaxing...
Rebellion!
>Follow a path leading away from that cursed forest.
[6] You walk down the path, which leads to the Human Village. As you near its gate, two guards inspect you throughly before letting you in.
There is a large crowd gathered in front, which catches your attention. By the time you get to the front, you see Patorikku, an unmatched sock, and LaserTurtle talking to a silver-haired woman who looks pretty desperate.
"And you are?"
>"Thank you, I won't be so careless again!"
>As for where I am, hmm... let's go up into these mountains and see what I can find, eh?
[6] The shinigami nods at you politely as she ferries off into the distance.
The view from the summit of the mountains is quite expansive. From left to right, you see a forest of trees, the bamboo forest, a lake, a village and a garden. Further to the right, you see the torii of a shrine, and in the far distance there is a majestic waterfall coming down from a tall mountain among another mountain range.
-
> Thank the man and take off from the stall.
> Before you meet up with the others, use the money the old man handed off to you to arm yourself a little more. Perhaps some tools more suited for close-quarters combats would be in order.
-
>To Laser "Well, thank you for lunch. I appreciate it. Remind me to return the favor at some point."
>To Laser and Pat: "Well, I have business at the Hakurei Shrine. If you wish to accompany me, then feel free. Otherwise, I bid you good day, and may we meet again."
>With that, begin flying to the Hakurei Shrine in the foothills in the direction Keine indicated! Spying it from above should be relatively easy. Make sure weapons systems are powered down to minimal when it is in sight.
-
>Accompany sock to Hakurei Shrine, help convince Reimu. Fly with the power of ROCK!
-
>Well, crap. Find some ghost bros and go spook some people
-
>Fly to the village. Last time I ate was when Mystia gave me some grilled eel, so I'm hungry!
-
>poke the people around me with the stick
-
> "Ack." Wince in pain and hope it goes away quickly.
-
> Thank the man and take off from the stall.
> Before you meet up with the others, use the money the old man handed off to you to arm yourself a little more. Perhaps some tools more suited for close-quarters combats would be in order.
[1](+1) Because of the recent incidents involving the mysterious disappearance and death of several villagers, all weapon shops have been closed until further notice.
>To Laser "Well, thank you for lunch. I appreciate it. Remind me to return the favor at some point."
>To Laser and Pat: "Well, I have business at the Hakurei Shrine. If you wish to accompany me, then feel free. Otherwise, I bid you good day, and may we meet again."
>With that, begin flying to the Hakurei Shrine in the foothills in the direction Keine indicated! Spying it from above should be relatively easy. Make sure weapons systems are powered down to minimal when it is in sight.
[4] Keine was right! As you near the shrine, you power down your gun, disarm it, and sling it over your shoulder with the firing end pointed downwards. The door appears to be open, so you walk inside with LaserTurtle. The interior of the shrine looks incredibly plain, which makes you wonder if its had any worshippers visitors in the past decade or two. There are a few shelves and what appears to be a kitchen in a corner. In the center lies a kotatsu, with Kasu sitting down on one end. Standing next to him is a young woman dressed in red and white. Judging by the fact that there were only two people in the room, you figure that she is the shrine maiden in question.
"Would you like to join us?"
>Accompany sock to Hakurei Shrine, help convince Reimu. Fly with the power of ROCK!
[4](+1) ROCK ON, MOFO'!!! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nahnRPU3OwM)
As you soar across the sky, you feel rejuvenated and ready to take on anything. This includes a swarm of fairies that likely didn't value their lives enough to know not to pick a fight, which you blast into shimmering clouds of dust.
The shrine comes into view, and you land gracefully in front of it. The door appears to be open, so you walk inside with an unmatched sock. The interior of the shrine looks incredibly plain, which makes you wonder if its had any worshippers visitors in the past decade or two. There are a few shelves and what appears to be a kitchen in a corner. In the center lies a kotatsu, with Kasu sitting down on one end. Standing next to him is a young woman dressed in red and white. Judging by the fact that there were only two people in the room, you figure that she is the shrine maiden in question.
"Would you like to join us?"
>Well, crap. Find some ghost bros and go spook some people
[3] As you and your ghostly companions creep up on an unsuspecting human girl, no older than twelve, you let out a snicker. That definitely frightened your victim, because she wildly waves her arms into your group. The girl runs to her parents, screaming in fear as they hug her tightly.
"Damn ghosts..."
Slightly disoriented, you end up halfway between a tree trunk. Not that it matters, since ghosts have the innate ability to noclip pass through solid objects...
>Fly to the village. Last time I ate was when Mystia gave me some grilled eel, so I'm hungry!
[4] You make your way to the village. On the streets are several stalls of all sorts, so you pick the nearest one. The stall owner, a plainly-dressed woman, looks up from the food she's preparing.
"Hello there!"
She motions over to several manjuu designed to look like disfigured heads in a steamer, plopping up and down as if they were sentinent.
"Which one would you like?"
She picks one of them up, causing it to make a loud "yuuu~~~~~" sound as it shakes violently in her hands. Surprisingly, you're not disgusted in the slightest sense at the sight and sound of this.
>poke the people around me with the stick
[5] Well, seeing as how that stick is your only "weapon", you poke the crowd. This startles them greatly, and a few people scramble in the opposite direction to leave an opening within the still-gathering crowd. Taking this chance, you dart out of this opening right before others walk in to seal it up again.
> "Ack." Wince in pain and hope it goes away quickly.
[4] "Oh. I guess you're still alive..."
She stares at you intently as you sit back up.
"Well, I guess I should introduce myself now. I'm Reimu, shrine maiden of the Hakurei Shrine. Of all the places in Gensokyo, my shrine is undoubtedly the safest place for humans. All you have to do is make your prayers and offerings to the enshrined gods, and you..."
Before she tries to further convince you into becoming an adherent of Shinto, she is interrupted by an unmatched sock and LaserTurtle, both of whom have just entered.
-
> The others have taken off for Hakurei Shrine already. That's the shrine you were coming from when you first arrived at the village, right? Retrace your steps from last night and catch up with them. Hopefully, the shrine maiden's a little happier to see you this time around.
-
>"Hello, sorry to interrupt. I'm looking for the shrine maiden, and by the looks of it..." look to Kasu "...you don't quite fit the bill, but you..." back to Reimu " You, young lady, look like the woman in charge at this shrine. I am here to request you come with us" gesture to Laser "back to the Human Village. There was a slight...incident, and the next step involves you."
>>If she doesn't quite seem willing, "Well, Keine told us herself to come get you, since Yuuka is now out of commission and can be more easily sealed for good. Who knows how long she'll be down for, so she needs to be taken care of right away."
>>>If she still doesn't seem up for it, let's try a little trick. "Well, that's a shame...I heard there was a cash reward for finally disposing of such a strong youkai...not to mention sealing such a youkai will most likely draw more followers..." I can probably chat up Laser into giving up a bit of cash for this to work.
>Grumble about still not being able to test my nuclear abilities, while Laser got to use his music-related talents...
-
>If needed: "Hey, don't rope me into your shrine-maiden-convincing schemes! but yeah, I would pay to have her sealed away."
>"She killed me! I mean, yeah I got better, but still I just offer her lunch and she stabs me!"
>Snicker at sock for his powers of low utility.
>Request to have a rest at the shrine, allocate more points towards musical skill.
-
> Stand up, thank Reimu for the tea, and head on out.
-
>...Actually to be honest I am disturbed by this and seek alternative sources of food besides disfigured sentient heads.
-
>where I am now
-
Oops, it seems I have missed stuff.
>Ascertain surroundings.
-
> The others have taken off for Hakurei Shrine already. That's the shrine you were coming from when you first arrived at the village, right? Retrace your steps from last night and catch up with them. Hopefully, the shrine maiden's a little happier to see you this time around.
[1] You should have disarmed yourself, because by the time the shrine comes into view it's too late.
"Hold it right there! What did I tell you about coming here again?!"
The shrine maiden lunges at you and slashes right at your face.
[4] Thanks to your quick reflexes, you duck down to avoid the attack.
>"Hello, sorry to interrupt. I'm looking for the shrine maiden, and by the looks of it..." look to Kasu "...you don't quite fit the bill, but you..." back to Reimu " You, young lady, look like the woman in charge at this shrine. I am here to request you come with us" gesture to Laser "back to the Human Village. There was a slight...incident, and the next step involves you."
>>If she doesn't quite seem willing, "Well, Keine told us herself to come get you, since Yuuka is now out of commission and can be more easily sealed for good. Who knows how long she'll be down for, so she needs to be taken care of right away."
>>>If she still doesn't seem up for it, let's try a little trick. "Well, that's a shame...I heard there was a cash reward for finally disposing of such a strong youkai...not to mention sealing such a youkai will most likely draw more followers..." I can probably chat up Laser into giving up a bit of cash for this to work.
>Grumble about still not being able to test my nuclear abilities, while Laser got to use his music-related talents...
[5] "You, young lady, look like the woman in charge at this shrine. I am here to request you come with us back to the Human Village. There was a slight...incident, and the next step involves you."
"An incident, huh?"
"Well, Keine told us herself to come get you, since Yuuka is now out of commission and can be more easily sealed for good. Who knows how long she'll be down for, so she needs to be taken care of right away."
"Hmm... I was waiting for an excuse to exterminate her. Now that you mention it, now seems like a perfect chance."
She leaves and comes back, armed with a purification rod and several sealing needles. As the two of you walk outside, you spot Patorikku walking up the stone stairs. Apparantly he has been here before, and not on good terms either, because Reimu attacks him on sight.
Perhaps you should try to save him. He looks like an ally you'd like to have on your side.
>If needed: "Hey, don't rope me into your shrine-maiden-convincing schemes! but yeah, I would pay to have her sealed away."
>"She killed me! I mean, yeah I got better, but still I just offer her lunch and she stabs me!"
>Snicker at sock for his powers of low utility.
>Request to have a rest at the shrine, allocate more points towards musical skill.
[5] The shrine maiden snickers to herself.
"Well, they don't call her 'yoo-ess-cee' for nothing, you know?"
You request to rest at the shrine, to which Reimu agrees.
"Mess anything up, and you'll have to pay!"
Of course, you have no such intents. You walk to an empty corner of the shrine and lie down.
All vital stats recovered; musician skill +5 (total 10)
> Stand up, thank Reimu for the tea, and head on out.
[3] "Thanks, but I'm not interested."
You trip as you walk down the five-step stairs and catch the fall with your palms.
"Don't blame me if the gods curse you!"
The sun is over the sky, and there are several stone paths leading away from the shrine.
CAUTION: Your elbows are sprained.
>...Actually to be honest I am disturbed by this and seek alternative sources of food besides disfigured sentient heads.
[4] "Ummm... no, thanks. I think I'll have something else."
"That's what I thought. Few people eat yukkuri, although they're actually quite tasty."
Close to you is a fried dumpling stand and a sashimi shop. Further off in the distance are more shops.
>where I am now
You are in the Human Village. There are several food stalls lining the busy street. Behind them are stores and bars. Further off in the distance are houses, a guarded mansion, and a schoolhouse. There seems to be smoke rising from the schoolhouse, which looks like it was produced a while ago.
Oops, it seems I have missed stuff.
>Ascertain surroundings.
You are standing in front of a schoolhouse. The door is completely destroyed, and there is a pile of what appears to be bodily remains in its place. Standing in front of the schoolhouse is the silver-haired woman, referred to as Keine by the people that were there a few hours ago.
Commands such as "Where am I?" and "What do I have?" are dependent on previous actions, and are not actions themselves. Unless you want to get confirmations about your surroundings and/or equipment before making your next move, you should include a performable action with those commands.
-
>"Whoa whoa, there, shrine maiden - Hakurei, was it? - He's a friend. He's actually the one who removed Yuuka's blood and bits from her other blood and bits. Quite handily, too." Keep trying to calm Reimu down! Patorikku doesn't deserve to die/be sealed!
>Once that is over, allow Reimu to take point back to the Human Village. Perhaps stay between her and Pat if hard feelings still persist.
>Back to the village!
-
>"Eheh, I'm sure they are."
>Sashimi sounds good around now. Let's go and hopefully the owner of the stand is good at making it!
-
> DODGE. DODGE A LOT. Don't pull out your guns, don't try and restrain her, just DODGE!
> "Whoa, hey, watch it! I'm not here for any trouble!" [I wasn't here for any trouble last time, not that she listened then...] "Just calm down! I'm here to help out with the Yuuka deal!"
-
>Neat. Go haunt a player character
-
>"Will you QUIET DOWN out there? Some of us are trying to be professional musicians, thank you very much!"
>Leave donation of 1000 money units as thanks.
-
>any money on us?
>if so, look for a map store
-
> Shake elbows a bit to ward off the pain.
-
Uooh. Things have happened.
>"Hey there, miss. Something weird seems to have gone on in here, can I help you with that?"
-
>"Whoa whoa, there, shrine maiden - Hakurei, was it? - He's a friend. He's actually the one who removed Yuuka's blood and bits from her other blood and bits. Quite handily, too." Keep trying to calm Reimu down! Patorikku doesn't deserve to die/be sealed!
>Once that is over, allow Reimu to take point back to the Human Village. Perhaps stay between her and Pat if hard feelings still persist.
>Back to the village!
[6] You watch the confrontation between the two for a minute or so. It looks like Patorikku's about to be in serious trouble, so you step in to stop the senseless fighting.
"Is that so? I guess he does have some good in him... And if he weakened Yuuka, it probably means he's our side."
Now that the fight seems to be over, it looks like Reimu is teaching Patorikku how to fly on Genji. As you wait, you notice that a small gray box just appeared out of thin air near a bush on the shrine grounds. Before anyone else notices it, you pick it up and place it in the "Key Items" pocket of your backpack.
KEY ITEM ACQUIRED: Mysterious gray box
>"Eheh, I'm sure they are."
>Sashimi sounds good around now. Let's go and hopefully the owner of the stand is good at making it!
[1] You arrive at the sashimi shop.
"Welcome! Would you like a sample?"
You take a medium-sized piece of raw salmon and consume it. It tastes quite good, but as you prepare to make your order, a sharp pain runs through your entire body. As the pain grows, your heartbeat begins to slow down. The last thing you see before blacking out is a sign on the wall of the shop:
"CONSUMER ADVISORY: Consuming raw or undercooked meat products can expose you to harmful parasites that may cause serious illness or death."
You are dead.
> DODGE. DODGE A LOT. Don't pull out your guns, don't try and restrain her, just DODGE!
> "Whoa, hey, watch it! I'm not here for any trouble!" [I wasn't here for any trouble last time, not that she listened then...] "Just calm down! I'm here to help out with the Yuuka deal!"
[3] Reimu slashes at you again, this time at your throat. You duck to the side once again, but this time you weren't as quick as before. The purification rod cuts a gash in your arm, causing you to reel back from the pain.
"You aren't?"
She looks confused, but accepts your non-offensive manner as a sign of cooperation.
"Sorry about that. At least the wound's not too deep..."
Indeed, the wound is not very serious. As long as you don't get it infected, it should heal within the next 2 turns.
"Now, about getting to the Human Village, you'll probably need some help flying there."
The shrine maiden leaves and returns with a large flying tortoise, which she refers to as Genji.
"You're not too heavy, are you? I used to fly her back in the days when she was obsessed with this thing called 'hair dye', but now it appears that I haven't flown in a while..."
>Neat. Go haunt a player character
[1] Satisfied at what you've done, you float up higher in search of a player to haunt. Before you can, a scythe wraps around you, causing you to turn around immediately. A crimson-haired girl in a frilly dress appears to be holding the scythe at you.
"Begone, spirit of malice!"
You don't quite understand what happened next, but you find yourself in complete darkness. Ghosts can't die (in the way the living do), so what happened?
>"Will you QUIET DOWN out there? Some of us are trying to be professional musicians, thank you very much!"
>Leave donation of 1000 money units as thanks.
[4] The noise seems to subside shortly after your complaint. Content with that, you decide to leave an offering to he shrine for its restorative effects.
-?1000 (total ?7500)
>any money on us?
>if so, look for a map store
[2] You have a debit card tied to your savings account in your wallet. Not that it's actually usable in Gensokyo. You also have your driver's license, which contains your portrait, name, address, and a pretty neat hologram. There are also a few receipts, mostly from gas stations and convenience stores. One of them contains a 50-percent off coupon for a certain brand of toothpaste.
> Shake elbows a bit to ward off the pain.
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
You shake your elbows vigorously. A loud *CRACK* sounds as they snap back into place.
Uooh. Things have happened.
>"Hey there, miss. Something weird seems to have gone on in here, can I help you with that?"
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
"Ahh... how should I explain this to you? There was a rather serious incident that took place several hours ago, and as you might have already noticed, it involved this place. Thankfully it's been taken care of for now, but we still need help in truly ending it. If you'd like to join me, I can explain more. Although I should tell you now, that this incident won't be easy to solve. It might even cost you your life."
-
Well, considering I represented myself with a 90's action hero build a little while ago...
>> insert weight {175 lbs}
> "I'm... a reasonable weight, I guess..." [There's no way a shrine maiden as skinny as her is even half my weight... I hope this poor guy can take it...]
> Fly at a safe altitude from the ground if possible, and do what you can to get a feel of HOW the turtle is flying; you'll want to mimic it as soon as possible just to keep from killing him.
-
>While he is getting acquainted with flying, be subtle and observe this mysterious gray box. Any magic feel coming off from it? Telepathic object? Special markings? Anything?
>After everyone's set, follow back to Human Village. Already roped in, no reason to just stand around observing things.
-
WELL HELLOOOO THERE. RtD? I'M IN! Sorry I ditched the last game (https://www.shrinemaiden.org/forum/index.php/topic,16267), I just don't have the patience to be a good GM. But I can certainly play~!
Cy drops in, confused, dazed, annoyed, and grumbling at Yukari for sending him off to god knows where. Coins spilled everywhere.
> Pick up coins.
> Make E-102 style "Pick Up" noise.
> Throw penny
> Make E-102 style "Put Down" noise.
-
>Follow sock and Reimu and Pat when they fly off.
-
>Ah hell, figure out where I am and do something about it
-
The usual problem of mortality, huh? Too bad this is RtD.
>"Well, someone's gotta do it, no? I'll surely help you with your problem!"
-
>Look around for an ATM machine; surely the kappa have made something like that here.
-
Spawn into the world at an undetermined location. I want to be adventurous.
-
> Pick a path at random and follow it.
-
>Congratulations, self, blind as always. At this point I'd rather not ask the shinigami to be brought back, so this time, let's strike out on my own and try making my way back to the world of the living!
-
> "I'm... a reasonable weight, I guess..." [There's no way a shrine maiden as skinny as her is even half my weight... I hope this poor guy can take it...]
> Fly at a safe altitude from the ground if possible, and do what you can to get a feel of HOW the turtle is flying; you'll want to mimic it as soon as possible just to keep from killing him.
[5] You climb on to the tortoise.
"Ahhh... Seems I haven't lost that touch yet!"
Despite that fact that you are 175 pounds and carrying another 40 pounds worth of weaponry, Genji doesn't seem to break a sweat as he hovers several feet above the ground.
"Ready when you guys are! This guy seems pretty light..."
He manuevers in the air as you grab onto the bottom of his shell.
"Let's go already. Didn't you say something about the Human Village and Yuuka?"
Genji follows Reimu as she takes off in the direction of the village. You continue to hold on tightly.
>While he is getting acquainted with flying, be subtle and observe this mysterious gray box. Any magic feel coming off from it? Telepathic object? Special markings? Anything?
>After everyone's set, follow back to Human Village. Already roped in, no reason to just stand around observing things.
[5] Still facing away from the rest of the group, you examine the box. It feels solid in your hand, and on one side there are various labels. The other side contains 2 push-buttons and some sort of logo. If it isn't a late '90s mini-laptop (http://www.silverace.com/libretto/libretto100j.jpg), then you didn't roll a 6 for it.
After booting it up using nuclear-generated power, a document on the screen catches your attention:
=====[ FOURTH_WALL.TXT ]=====
If you are reading this, then it appears that this thing actually made it across the Hakurei Barrier in one piece. This also means you are not the shrine maiden, who'd probably destroy it on sight. Therefore, you are either an "outsider" or the owner of that one shop, Kourin-something. In the former case, here's hoping that the research I've done over the years pays off. On the desktop there is a folder containing all the things I have gathered while in this strange place known as Gensokyo. Among them is a map I made, which is quite detailed in the places I have been. There is also a guide to a few dangerous youkai you might find, along with pictures of them where possible. In the latter case, give this to Akyuu. It seems that this might help her in her endeavors.
As Reimu takes off with Patorikku and Genji following, you hide the device and take position between the two.
WELL HELLOOOO THERE. RtD? I'M IN! Sorry I ditched the last game (https://www.shrinemaiden.org/forum/index.php/topic,16267), I just don't have the patience to be a good GM. But I can certainly play~!
Cy drops in, confused, dazed, annoyed, and grumbling at Yukari for sending him off to god knows where. Coins spilled everywhere.
> Pick up coins.
> Make E-102 style "Pick Up" noise.
> Throw penny
> Make E-102 style "Put Down" noise.
[4] After crash-landing and somehow surviving completely intact, you scurry off to pick up the concentric rings of coins that were spilled. You also chuck a penny at a passing fairy, who quickly flies off upon getting hit.
You have no idea where you are, except that there are tall bamboo stalks in all directions.
>Follow sock and Reimu and Pat when they fly off.
[3] Right after you take to the skies you fly through a tree, resulting in several light scratches all over your arms. After reorienting yourself, you notice that there's quite a distance between you and the rest of the group.
>Ah hell, figure out where I am and do something about it
[1] You appear to be sealed, but you don't do anything about it.
The usual problem of mortality, huh? Too bad this is RtD.
>"Well, someone's gotta do it, no? I'll surely help you with your problem!"
[2](+1) "Very well, then. I appreciate your assistance. A few hours ago, a particularly troublesome youkai by the name of Yuuka Kazami decided to...how should I say it..."
A long pause.
"...satisfy her urges and wreak havoc in the village again. In addition, several outsiders have suddenly appeared. Most of them went off to the Hakurei Shrine to bring Reimu into this, and they should be back any minute now."
Yeah, any minute now...
>Look around for an ATM machine; surely the kappa have made something like that here.
[3] After looking around for several minutes, you find what appears to be an ATM in a traveler's shop. Unfortunately, since there's no connection to the outside world from within Gensokyo, the ATM is quite useless...
...unless you're able to crack open the money compartment.
Spawn into the world at an undetermined location. I want to be adventurous.
[3] You spawn in mid-air above the Bamboo Forest of the Lost and free-fall into the ground with a splat. After pulling your face away from the sticky mud with a bloody nose, it doesn't appear that you spawned yourself in the best place. At least you're alive, right?
> Pick a path at random and follow it.
[1](+1) It seems that the fall also sprained your ankles, because they begin to hurt shortly after you take your first steps down the stone stairs leading away from the shrine. There are several paths beyond, but they all seem to get steeper. You know better than to continue like this.
>Congratulations, self, blind as always. At this point I'd rather not ask the shinigami to be brought back, so this time, let's strike out on my own and try making my way back to the world of the living!
[4] You respawn in the Bamboo Forest of the Lost.
-
> Sigh and try to shake the pain out of my ankles as well.
-
>Catch up to them and ready my bamboo spear
>...I do still have it right?
-
>"And has this Yuuka person departed already? Or is she nearby? By how you make it sound you could be in danger too."
-
> Land in the Human Village back at the schoolhouse slaughter zone.
-
I think the best course of action is to examine further the area I am in. And attempt to get out of the mud. That's a good plan too.
-
>Along the way, mutter "'Fourth wall', eh? Well, at least someone's looking out for me..."
>Once we get back to the village, show Reimu the carnage. "And the youkai in question is...here, here, a little over there, aaaand...here," I say, pointing to the probably less-than-cleaned splatters. "This was once Yuuka. I guess now we'll just leave the rest up to you, unless you need help."
>>If she does not require help, find a shaded area, boot up the laptop, and browse through the folder of documents and images.
>>>If anyone asks, tell them "This is no mere strange contraption! This is a relic! A relic that houses information that could prove critical...at least to me. Not to mention I am probably one of the few people here who can power it, since Gensokyo doesn't exactly seem like the place to have outlets..." If it's another PC, "This information could help you as well. Would you care to browse these files with me? If you see one that catches your eye, let me know." And continue browsing.
-
>Oh come on, sealed? Shikigami can't even do her job right. Bust out of that seal and give that shikigami a good clobbering.
-
>I'm going to starve to death at this point, and I've already died twice. Gnaw bamboo to hopefully not be hungry.
-
>Poke the keyhole of the ATM with the wooden stick
>If the above fails, do some Percussive Maintenance.
-
> Sigh and try to shake the pain out of my ankles as well.
[4] *CRACK* *CRACK* Blood flows through your ankles, instantly warming them up and relieving the sprain.
>Catch up to them and ready my bamboo spear
>...I do still have it right?
[2] You fly after them at a faster rate. However, your distance from the group is still growing, although at a much slower rate than before. As you continue after them, you remember that you somehow revived with all your money and skills. So, do you still have that bamboo spear you got from the forest?
Yes
>"And has this Yuuka person departed already? Or is she nearby? By how you make it sound you could be in danger too."
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
"Departed? Yes, and no."
Keine points to the remains of what appears to you as a body.
"She came in here and attacked us, but was 'killed' shortly after. Although her physical body is gone, her spirit still lingers in this land. Right now, the biggest problem is that we don't know where that is. Anyhow, it doesn't appear that we're in danger now."
Patorikku and an unmatched sock land near the schoolhouse. Just when you thought this place couldn't get any weirder, it seems that they've brought a shrine maiden and a flying tortoise along.
> Land in the Human Village back at the schoolhouse slaughter zone.
[3] Excitement builds within as the schoolhouse comes into sight, and you jump off of Genji a bit too early. The reaction force from the landing sprains your knees, causing you to collapse onto the ground.
"Whoa, kid. You may be young, but I don't want you to get seriously injured. Are you okay?"
The tortoise hovers beside you with a worried look on his face.
I think the best course of action is to examine further the area I am in. And attempt to get out of the mud. That's a good plan too.
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
You get out of the mud. There are tall stalks of bamboo in all directions, forming maze-like paths.
>Along the way, mutter "'Fourth wall', eh? Well, at least someone's looking out for me..."
>Once we get back to the village, show Reimu the carnage. "And the youkai in question is...here, here, a little over there, aaaand...here," I say, pointing to the probably less-than-cleaned splatters. "This was once Yuuka. I guess now we'll just leave the rest up to you, unless you need help."
>>If she does not require help, find a shaded area, boot up the laptop, and browse through the folder of documents and images.
>>>If anyone asks, tell them "This is no mere strange contraption! This is a relic! A relic that houses information that could prove critical...at least to me. Not to mention I am probably one of the few people here who can power it, since Gensokyo doesn't exactly seem like the place to have outlets..." If it's another PC, "This information could help you as well. Would you care to browse these files with me? If you see one that catches your eye, let me know." And continue browsing.
[3] Despite the fact that Yuuka's soul has departed from the vicinity hours ago, Reimu begins to line the remains with amulets.
It looks like she's going to be going at it for a while. You take a seat in the schoolhouse and continue to look through the documents. After what seems like a few minutes of clicking, you find something that peaks your interest.
Directory of C:\WINDOWS\DESKTOP\YOUKAI\
. [DIR]
.. [DIR]
MINOR TXT
MYSTIA TXT
MYSTIA BMP
RUMIA TXT
RUMIA BMP
UNKNOWN TXT
YUKARI TXT
YUKARI BMP
YUUKA TXT
YUUKA BMP
10 file(s) 5.23 MB used
2 dir(s) 34.78 MB free
Focused on the screen, you fail to notice that Reimu has finished "sealing" Yuuka's remains. Before you have the chance to open Yuuka's entry, she grabs the laptop from the desk.
"What are you doing with this shikigami?! Can't you tell that it's possessed by evil spirits!"
Uh oh...
To your explanation, she replies, "Well, I can feel unholy energy coming off from it, unlike any youkai I've met so far."
>Oh come on, sealed? Shikigami can't even do her job right. Bust out of that seal and give that shikigami a good clobbering.
[4] Of course she can't do her job right! It seems that the seal wasn't done correctly, allowing you to fly right back out at her. Just when the poor shikigami thought everything was going to be fine, the ghost she sealed (rather poorly) jumps out and scares her.
>I'm going to starve to death at this point, and I've already died twice. Gnaw bamboo to hopefully not be hungry.
[6] Though you're not a panda of any kind, you find the bamboo to be quite tasty. Especially since you haven't had anything since your meeting with Mystia. As you dig through a bundle of bamboo, you find a pile of coins underneath the stalks.
Money +?2000
>Poke the keyhole of the ATM with the wooden stick
>If the above fails, do some Percussive Maintenance.
[2] Good luck with that, the stick is way too thick to fit through the hole. Knowing that, you give the lower half of the machine a good kick.
[5] *THUNK* A small crack appears in the aged plastic. As you continue kicking at the crack, a hole opens up to reveal columns after column of neatly stacked 1000-yen bills (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/ff/1000_yen_Natsume_Soseki.jpg). Cha-ching!
Money +?10,000,000
-
>Y'know what? Forget this. Go back to the Human village, see if the Mahjong Parlor's got an open spot for a musician again
-
>"Urk...alright, how about a compromise. Give me a bit of time to peruse the information on this lap- er, 'shikigami', and copy as much as I can down, and then you can purify or destroy it, whatever have you. In fact, if it makes you feel better, I will destroy it myself with you watching, but this information could mean life or death for me or my allies in the future. So please, just a short amount of time."
>>If she allows it, find a piece of paper and begin copying the information, opening each file in order from top to bottom. "Kinda expected a bit more info than this...lousy piece of junk..."
>>If she still insists there are evil spirits, check the bottom of the casing for the noise of the fan or excess heat. If there is that, "Oh, that's just the fan. You see, when these...shikigami...are busy, they heat up. Sometimes excessively. So, these shikigami have a special ability to try to cool themselves down. Unfortunately, especially with older shikigami like this one, they can not remember as much, heat up faster, and typically sound louder than newer models. Normally they run out of energy quickly too, but I kinda fix that myself, so..." Hopefully she buys it and leaves me alone for long enough to copy the information and view the images. I'm also curious to this "Unknown" entry...
-
> "Augh... Yeah, I'll be fine, given a bit of rest."
> Check the gash on your arm and make sure nothing got in it. It should be healed by now, with any luck, but better safe than sorry.
> Sit down and rest a while; give those sprained knees time to recover. So long as nothing pops in to trouble the village or you in particular, there'll be time to heal just fine.
-
Identify how many paths there are exactly, from my starting point. We'll decide what to do from there.
-
>Yay, not hungry anymore, and I have money now! Awesome! Let's return BACK to the human village, meanwhile, and search for ways to make more. Dying twice is exciting and all, but, well, I kind of need to do something a little more active!
-
>Look for a map shop of some sort or other players
-
> Go down the path with the most trees.
-
I DIDN'T EVEN MEAN DEA- uoooh, turtle.
>"Is there anyone who can detect spirits like that?"
-
>Y'know what? Forget this. Go back to the Human village, see if the Mahjong Parlor's got an open spot for a musician again
[4] As you reach the village you notice a large crowd of young men and women gathering near the schoolhouse. Part of you wants to go and see what that's all about, but hey, you've got money to make. You make your way to the mahjong parlor, which is still as lively as ever. Almost all the tables are occupied, and there are several new faces among the group. The manager notices you coming in through the door and walks straight to you.
"Welcome back! Are you here to perform again?"
>"Urk...alright, how about a compromise. Give me a bit of time to peruse the information on this lap- er, 'shikigami', and copy as much as I can down, and then you can purify or destroy it, whatever have you. In fact, if it makes you feel better, I will destroy it myself with you watching, but this information could mean life or death for me or my allies in the future. So please, just a short amount of time."
>>If she allows it, find a piece of paper and begin copying the information, opening each file in order from top to bottom. "Kinda expected a bit more info than this...lousy piece of junk..."
>>If she still insists there are evil spirits, check the bottom of the casing for the noise of the fan or excess heat. If there is that, "Oh, that's just the fan. You see, when these...shikigami...are busy, they heat up. Sometimes excessively. So, these shikigami have a special ability to try to cool themselves down. Unfortunately, especially with older shikigami like this one, they can not remember as much, heat up faster, and typically sound louder than newer models. Normally they run out of energy quickly too, but I kinda fix that myself, so..." Hopefully she buys it and leaves me alone for long enough to copy the information and view the images. I'm also curious to this "Unknown" entry...
[2] "And WHAT?! Let those spirits consume you? Hold on, this shouldn't take long."
Reimu walks out from the schoolhouse, onto the busy afternoon street. As she throws the device onto the ground and readies several sealing needles, the passersby begin to form a circle around the scene.
"Residents of the Human Village! What we have here is a vessel containing several youkai spirits. Now don't be alarmed, for they are relatively easy to get rid of!"
As she prepares to fire, a young girl bolts out from the crowd and makes her way between the shrine maiden and the still-functioning laptop. From the way she's dressed, it looks like she's from the outside world.
"NO! YOU CAN'T! MY FATHER WORKED ALL HIS LIFE FOR IT! NOOO!"
It seems like Reimu recognizes the girl, as she stares her right in her eyes before responding in a chilling voice.
"You... I'll give you one chance. Do you want to live? Because I can easily exterminate you along with that thing..."
"SOMEONE! ANYONE! DO SOMETHING! PLEASE!!!"
The girl looks to be trying hard to remain confident as she holds back her tears. Nobody in the crowd seems to be willing to step in.
> "Augh... Yeah, I'll be fine, given a bit of rest."
> Check the gash on your arm and make sure nothing got in it. It should be healed by now, with any luck, but better safe than sorry.
> Sit down and rest a while; give those sprained knees time to recover. So long as nothing pops in to trouble the village or you in particular, there'll be time to heal just fine.
[4] "Alright, young man. Rest is definitely what you need! Now, don't go around hurting yourself like that again, okay?"
You remember the wound on your arm. It appears to be completely healed, and it certainly doesn't look to be infected. Satisfied, you take a seat at a desk and place your legs on a chair across from you.
As you sit back and relax, you notice that there's something going on outside from the way it sounds. Suddenly, a girl's scream pierces through the noise.
"SOMEONE! ANYONE! DO SOMETHING! PLEASE!!!"
Identify how many paths there are exactly, from my starting point. We'll decide what to do from there.
[1](+1} There are so many paths leading away from you that it causes headaches just from trying to figure them out.
>Yay, not hungry anymore, and I have money now! Awesome! Let's return BACK to the human village, meanwhile, and search for ways to make more. Dying twice is exciting and all, but, well, I kind of need to do something a little more active!
[3] You arrive at the village, where a dense crowd completely blocks the road ahead. As you approach, you hear a screaming girl's voice among the roaring crowd:
"SOMEONE! ANYONE! DO SOMETHING! PLEASE!!!"
It looks like this could be your chance to get in on the action...
>Look for a map shop of some sort or other players
[3] As you walk out of the shop, armed with more cash than you'll ever need, you notice a tightly-packed crowd blocking the path ahead. From within the roar of the crowd comes a girl's screaming voice:
"SOMEONE! ANYONE! DO SOMETHING! PLEASE!!!"
Beyond the crowd are several shops, including a few guide posts.
> Go down the path with the most trees.
[1] All the paths seem to lead to the foot of the mountain, so you decide to go down the one with the most trees. The amount of trees seem to increase dramatically as you continue your descent, causing you to lose your sense of direction. There are trees in all directions, and you can't tell the path by looking at the ground anymore. As you walk through the trees, you slip and fall several thousand feet to your death.
You are dead.
I DIDN'T EVEN MEAN DEA- uoooh, turtle.
>"Is there anyone who can detect spirits like that?"
[4](+1) "Well, there are quite a few who can detect her spirit. For starters, any and all ghosts should be able to find her very easily. Problem is, you can't see ghosts, though you can feel their presence in the form of a cold aura. Komachi, the ferrywoman of the Sanzu River, can also see them, as she is responsible to determining the outcome of wandering spirits. Now, Reimu..."
Keine looks around for her, and frowns when she realizes that she's no longer in the room.
"...can also tell if such spirits are nearby, though not as easily as the aforemented beings. In addition, the sealing of Yuuka's remains makes it somewhat harder for her to become corporeal again. Hopefully, that will give us ample time to find her before it happens."
From the way it sounds outside, something must be going on. As Keine exchanges looks with you, a loud scream rises above the roaring noise.
"SOMEONE! ANYONE! DO SOMETHING! PLEASE!!!"
You walk outside to find a dense crowd. After making your way to the front, you see a young girl standing in the center. Behind her is a small laptop computer, and in front of her is the shrine maiden from before, holding several needles aimed in her direction.
THE PLOT THICKENS...
What does this strange girl from the outside world have to do with an equally strange computer? Why does red-white want to kill her? Only YOU (and the RNG) can reveal the truth!
-
> Reincarnate as myself.
-
>Charge between Reimu and the laptop. "Alright, alright! How about this. If what I know is correct, you have some sort of system for handling disputes like this. So how about you and I duel? Winner decides the fate of the shikigami. This way it's fair. Besides, I know how to manipulate the shikigami so these spirits you're so paranoid about don't affect me." Glance at girl, try to memorize her face/attire/other memorable features.
>>If she accepts, "Alright, I'll name my condition then: If I win, I get to keep the shikigami to do whatever I please with it." Main focus: defeat the shrine maiden in a fair danmaku duel!
>>If she denies, grab the laptop and bolt. If she gives chase and shoots, fire a decently sized sun-danmaku in her direction to dissuade her from following. "Sorry, Hakurei maiden, but this is for the best! Trust me! And don't worry, girl, I'll get this back to you eventuallyyyyyyy!" Main focus: escape the shrine maiden's wrath!
-
>"Of course I am!"
>Perform music, get cash! Anything else can wait until I get good money. I do get roll bonuses for being proficient in musicianing, right?
-
> "Goddamnit, what now!?"
> You're in no position to interfere on whatever matter is taking place right now. Just take a good position to watch the events, and give your knees more time to heal.
-
>push through the crowd with my wooden stick to see this girl
-
A laptop. Really now. That's falling really low.
>BLEND IN THE CROWD. Try to obtain a front row position to step in the very moment things go awry.
-
Good to know, I guess I'll cautiously take the leftmost path and see where it takes me.
-
>Someone calling for help? LET'S FIND OUT WHY!
-
>fly somewhere else to participate in a more interesting plot
-
> Reincarnate as myself.
[3] You reincarnate as yourself in a strange forest. It doesn't look like the one you died after getting lost in, and the absence of bamboo tells you it's not the Bamboo Forest of the Lost.
>Charge between Reimu and the laptop. "Alright, alright! How about this. If what I know is correct, you have some sort of system for handling disputes like this. So how about you and I duel? Winner decides the fate of the shikigami. This way it's fair. Besides, I know how to manipulate the shikigami so these spirits you're so paranoid about don't affect me." Glance at girl, try to memorize her face/attire/other memorable features.
>>If she accepts, "Alright, I'll name my condition then: If I win, I get to keep the shikigami to do whatever I please with it." Main focus: defeat the shrine maiden in a fair danmaku duel!
>>If she denies, grab the laptop and bolt. If she gives chase and shoots, fire a decently sized sun-danmaku in her direction to dissuade her from following. "Sorry, Hakurei maiden, but this is for the best! Trust me! And don't worry, girl, I'll get this back to you eventuallyyyyyyy!" Main focus: escape the shrine maiden's wrath!
[6] You charge between Reimu and the girl, who in turn is in front of the supposed culmination of her father's research. She looks to be in her mid-teens, two or three years younger than her attacker. Although she's dressed in contemporary clothing that would make her blend in to any crowd in the outside world, she sticks out like a sore thumb in Gensokyo.
"Go away. This is between her and me."
BGM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZmVVv75Tno)
The girl yelps as a sealing needle shoots past your neck and sails off into the sky, barely missing her. The crowd falls silent, save for some occasional murmers of disbelief. Your heart pounds as you spread your wings and bolt forward, PICKING UP THE GIRL and the laptop before taking off towards the sky. The shrine maiden flies after you and fires a volley of amulets in your direction, [4] to which you respond with a bright nuclear sun. You turn your attention to the girl in your arms, who sniffles and holds on to you tightly as you cruise through the early-evening sky in a totally-not-clich? (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/RidingIntoTheSunset) scene.
"Wha- Who are you? What's you name...? Why did you save me?"
OBJECTIVES:
- [NEW] Find out more about this girl.
- Read the documents.
>"Of course I am!"
>Perform music, get cash! Anything else can wait until I get good money. I do get roll bonuses for being proficient in musicianing, right?
[6] SPECTACULAR PERFORMANCE! The thirty-or-so occupants of the parlor cheer as you bow and wave back at them. A few people in the audience even throw coins up onto the stage, which you collect in addition to your salary of ?8000. Before you leave, a woman followed by another woman and a man walk up to you. She's got a stack of papers along with an inkwell and a brush.
"You, sir, what is your name? Would you like to be featured in the village newspaper?"
Looks like you're about to become a celebrity...
NEW QUEST - Rockstar: Make yourself famous!
Money +?8535
Note from GM: You're still bound by the roll of the dice, so don't get too confident in your decision-making.
> "Goddamnit, what now!?"
> You're in no position to interfere on whatever matter is taking place right now. Just take a good position to watch the events, and give your knees more time to heal.
[2] Your knees continue to hurt. Looks like you won't be going anywhere for a while...
>push through the crowd with my wooden stick to see this girl
[4] You poke your way to the front of the crowd, where you see the girl in question standing between a laptop computer and a shrine maiden aiming sealing needles at her. From the way she's dressed, it looks like she's from the same world of reality that you come from. Suddenly, an unmatched sock breaks through the crowd and places himself in front of the girl. Upon a threatening attack he takes to the skies with blinding speed, leaving behind the shrine maiden who gives chase shortly after. As the crowd begins to disperse, you remember that you still need to acquire a map.
A laptop. Really now. That's falling really low.
>BLEND IN THE CROWD. Try to obtain a front row position to step in the very moment things go awry.
[5] You place yourself among the front-row crowd to watch the peculiar scene. Just then, an unmatched sock darts out from the crowd to place himself in a dangerous position. As he takes off towards the sky with the girl and what appears to be her father's laptop, Reimu takes off after him. The crowd disperses after a while, leaving some dropped objects on the street. You manage to find some coins among them.
Money +?742
Good to know, I guess I'll cautiously take the leftmost path and see where it takes me.
[6] The leftmost path leads out onto a road, which then leads into a rather "normal" forest. "Normal", because other than the typical trees and shrubbery, colorful patches of mushrooms are scattered all over. As you continue down the path, you notice something that makes you wonder whether those mushrooms give off hallucinogenic spores.
Crouched in front of a patch of fluorescent violet mushrooms is a girl dressed in a witch's outfit, complete with a pointy black hat and raggedy-looking broomstick. Next to her is a bag glowing with the same colors as those mushrooms. It looks like she's collecting them. Upon seeing you, she stands up and waves at you.
"Yo! Whatc'ha doin' here? Haven't seen ya before, where'd ya come from?"
>Someone calling for help? LET'S FIND OUT WHY!
[6] You hurriedly make your way to the front of the crowd to see an unmatched sock taking off to the skies with a young teenage girl in his arms. Following him is a shrine maiden armed with a bundle of long, sharp needles and several amulets. As the crowd begins to disperse, you come upon an elderly couple engaged in a serious-sounding conversation.
"Is she going to be okay? Gods, that was scary!"
"That Hakurei girl really wants to destroy every last bit of that family, doesn't she?"
"Remember? It's not just her. That creepy gap lady's also involved."
"And what was that about her father? What does that thing contain? Were they actually youkai spirits?"
"Why don't you go and try finding out yourself, huh?"
After a pause, the woman speaks in a soft voice.
"I don't want her to die... She doesn't deserve that... Not after all she's gone through."
>fly somewhere else to participate in a more interesting plot
[2] After flying around for some time, you fail to find any plot points.
-
> Well, you're in a schoolhouse, so maybe you'll find a good book or two that'll teach you some useful skills. Hunt around for a book or two that'll help you out.
-
>First and foremost, look back to make sure we're still not being chased.
>>If Reimu is still after us, "I'll talk later. For now, we have to get to safety!" Look around for viable escape routes to get her off my back! Employ some nuclear-powered jets if need be, as well. Some danmaku to cover our trail would also be advisable and recommended.
>>If Reimu gave up (unlikely), "Well, uh...you can just call me Sock. And you?" After she says her name, "And...well, it was a sort of a spur-of-the-moment thing. You were in danger, I wanted to find out what was one the laptop, so I just sort of...grabbed you and it and took off." Find a good place to land, do so (being extra careful, I remember what happened last time I landed too hard. Learning and all that.), then conversation can continue. "So, you seem to have some sort of connection to this laptop. Doesn't really seem like the most useful thing out here, without electricity. Luckily I can power it myself. Would you mind explaining?" Pause. "Come to think of it, why does the Hakurei maiden want to destroy it so badly? She seemed to know you. And that didn't sound like a good thing, either." Also, take careful note of her appearance. Hair color, eye color, etc.
-
> Keep an eye out for ALL the mushrooms.
-
>Heck yeah! "Featured? Boy do I EVER!"
>Contribute to newspaper article! Become FAMOUS!
>wait, my name? uh, what was it?
this.self.name = "Suda Nim";>"...But you can just call me Turtle."
-
>Why would Reimu want someone dead, and literally at that rate? Chase after them, something's not right with this whole situation.
-
>"I...don't really know how I ended up here. Though I'm curious onto what you're collecting these mushrooms for." Don't move, she seems more curious at the moment. Hopefully the situation doesn't get worse.
-
>Look around for a map shop
-
bleh, i've managed to get nothing done this entire time except for dying
>Go find someody to possess so I can touch things again
-
Well! That was resolved quickly. Flying is a thing.
>Ponder the possibility of learning how to fly.
-
> Well, you're in a schoolhouse, so maybe you'll find a good book or two that'll teach you some useful skills. Hunt around for a book or two that'll help you out.
[2] Although there are many books on the shelves, none of them seem to contain any helpful information.
>First and foremost, look back to make sure we're still not being chased.
>>If Reimu is still after us, "I'll talk later. For now, we have to get to safety!" Look around for viable escape routes to get her off my back! Employ some nuclear-powered jets if need be, as well. Some danmaku to cover our trail would also be advisable and recommended.
>>If Reimu gave up (unlikely), "Well, uh...you can just call me Sock. And you?" After she says her name, "And...well, it was a sort of a spur-of-the-moment thing. You were in danger, I wanted to find out what was one the laptop, so I just sort of...grabbed you and it and took off." Find a good place to land, do so (being extra careful, I remember what happened last time I landed too hard. Learning and all that.), then conversation can continue. "So, you seem to have some sort of connection to this laptop. Doesn't really seem like the most useful thing out here, without electricity. Luckily I can power it myself. Would you mind explaining?" Pause. "Come to think of it, why does the Hakurei maiden want to destroy it so badly? She seemed to know you. And that didn't sound like a good thing, either." Also, take careful note of her appearance. Hair color, eye color, etc.
[4] You look behind you. It appears that Reimu is flying towards her shrine, which is in the opposite direction.
"Well [...] you?"
"Ummm, Sock, was it? I'm Haruko Watsuki. You can call me Haru."
"And [...] off."
You safely land in the forest below. After finding shelter in a thick patch of bushes, you turn to Haru.
"So [...] either."
"I... I never expected it to show up here, in Gensokyo... I thought they had it, in our world..."
She comes to your side and opens a photo album on the laptop. The device grinds and clicks before an image of a three-person family appears on the small display. From the looks of it, it appears that the photo was taken in some kind of house in the outside world.
CAUTION: BGM may cause moderate-to-severe emotional breakdown. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HgbOMci_Io)
Tears begin to fall from her eyes as she points to the man on the screen.
"It... it all started when he found this abandoned shrine near the city. He discovered this barrier... the 'Great' Hakurei Barrier, as they call it here. He wanted to prove to the his colleagues that it existed, but nobody believed him. So he made some kind of machine to pass between our world and Gensokyo to research the barrier. Eventually he found out a lot about it, and that's when... that's..."
Haru breaks into a loud sob.
"THAT'S WHEN SHE KILLED HIM!!! SHE DIDN'T EVEN GIVE HIM A CHANCE!!!!!"
The girl buries her head in her hands and cries loudly. Flocks of birds fly away from nearby trees. The owls stop hooting and the crickets stop chirping, as if saddened by her as well. Her black eyes trickle with tears as the wind blows through the bushes to toss her deep black hair.
"Mother, she went out to search for father... she crossed the barrier... AND SHE NEVER CAME BACK!!!"
You also notice Validon98 standing on the path near the bush sheltering the two of you.
> Keep an eye out for ALL the mushrooms.
[1] As you walk the forest, you step on a glowing orange mushroom. Poison spores shoot through your bloodstream, killing you in a matter of seconds.
You are dead (again).
>Heck yeah! "Featured? Boy do I EVER!"
>Contribute to newspaper article! Become FAMOUS!
>wait, my name? uh, what was it?
this.self.name = "Suda Nim";>"...But you can just call me Turtle."
[6]
"Turtle. What gave you the inspiration to create this new musical style?"
"Are you giving classes?"
"How many times have you performed before?"
"Does your music tell any stories, or preach any morals?"
"Where did you get your instruments? Did you make them yourself?"
The reporters throw question after question at you, to which you answer comprehensively.
"We appreciate your time and cooperation. Accept this as our thanks."
The three reporters gather their materials and bow to you before leaving the mahjong parlor.
Time sure passes fast when you're having fun, doesn't it. As you look outside, you realize that it's at least 8 o'clock, if not later.
Money +?1500 (total +?17535)
>Why would Reimu want someone dead, and literally at that rate? Chase after them, something's not right with this whole situation.
[4] You make it to the forest where an unmatched sock landed, just in time to catch the last seconds of his conversation with the girl.
"...Eventually he found out a lot about it, and that's when... that's..."
She breaks into a loud sob.
"THAT'S WHEN SHE KILLED HIM!!! SHE DIDN'T EVEN GIVE HIM A CHANCE!!!!! Mother, she went out to search for father... she crossed the barrier... AND SHE NEVER CAME BACK!!!"
>"I...don't really know how I ended up here. Though I'm curious onto what you're collecting these mushrooms for." Don't move, she seems more curious at the moment. Hopefully the situation doesn't get worse.
[6] "A'ha. I knew ya'd ask me. I'm collectin' these for a potion of mine. You wanna come watch me make it? It's totally awesome, ze~!"
You follow her to a patch of land, upon which her house is built. As you step inside, you take note of the environment:
- In one corner is a wood-burning stove, with a chimney leading straight up through the roof.
- A cauldron is connected to the stove via a metal pipe, patched together with plumber's tape.
- Scattered all over the floor are various books written in strange rune-like characters. Some of them are glowing with golden light.
- Shevles lined with all sorts of weird objects
- A wooden bed, not made, sheet and blanket pushed to one end.
"Name's Marisa. You must be from the outside world, right?"
She dumps the mushrooms into a cauldron of boiling liquid and closes the lid on it.
"Look out for the snakes. I hope they didn't break outta their containers..."
>Look around for a map shop
[5] You find the nearest shop and enter. There are several copies of maps sitting on the front counter. In addition, the walls are lined with all sorts of tools and weaponry, including:
- Torches
- Knives
- Spears
- Bows (although there are no arrows to be seen nearby)
- Various guidebooks on all sorts of places
KEY ITEM ACQUIRED: Map of Gensokyo (http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2010/128/a/e/Gensokyo_Traditional_Map_by_CaptainOnimaru.jpg)
Money -?500 (total ?9999500)
bleh, i've managed to get nothing done this entire time except for dying
>Go find someody to possess so I can touch things again
[1] You possess another ghost. Can that even happen? Are there such things as ghosts possessed by ghosts (http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2012/220/5/e/xzibit_yo_dawg_render_by_kernelpanicx-d5aa710.png)?
Well! That was resolved quickly. Flying is a thing.
>Ponder the possibility of learning how to fly.
[2] Flying looks hard. You might be able to learn it, but it doesn't look like that's happening soon...
-
> Stretch out a bit to get your legs in working order. The plot's moving without you and you need to catch up!
>> Upon success, start asking around to find out where an unmatched sock went.
>> In the event of your knees still being notably sprained, see if you can scrounge up some materials to make crutches or something.
-
>are you kidding me? seriously, make something happen, I'm bored. Since we're still dead let's go to the netherworld or something
-
>Oh. Oh dear. That wasn't what I expected at all. Hug the poor girl. Heat self up slightly so the hug is warmer and more reassuring. Employ wings for softness.
>Turn to Validon and hold up a finger, as if saying "We need a moment."
>Try not to cry.
>>Cry anyway.
>Softly, "It's okay, Haru. Let it all out. I'll make sure nothing happens to you. And we will find out about your mother. I promise."
>Once she's calmed down, "So. What did your mother look like? And her hobbies? I will need some information on her before I can do anything else to help you find her." Provide support if she breaks down again with remembering.
>"If it's alright with you, may I look at the youkai notes left on the shiki- laptop?"
-
>Take a stay at inn, allocate MORE points into musician. I can deal with any other shenanigans in the village in the morning.
-
>"The outside world...? Well, this place does appear to have different qualities than I'm used to, so I guess I am." Slowly step away from the shelves with snakes, while making certain not to bump into anything else. "Ah, my apologies, how could I be so rude as to not introduce myself as well? I am Mamoru. Please to make your acquaintance." Continue to look nervously at the shelves with snakes. "Uhm...are those snakes poisonous by any chance?"
-
>Look at the guide books and their prices.
>>Buy one of each for every location on the map.
>Let's go to Korindou!
-
> Reincarnate through the powerful poison running through my body.
-
>"M-my apologizes..."
>Back off a bit, give them some space. Still though, are they talking about Reimu? She wouldn't literally kill someone, would she? No... no that's not how it works in Gensokyo! What about the spellcard rules? Aren't things supposed to be non-lethal around here!? I'd like to confront Reimu about this, but to hell if I could stand up to her alone. This person here with the girl, given he's seemingly involved himself, might be a good ally. The first chance I get, I should ask him about this whole debacle. Until then, I'll just wait until I can talk to him.
-
Hard? Please. this is RTD.
>Develop flight.
-
> Stretch out a bit to get your legs in working order. The plot's moving without you and you need to catch up!
>> Upon success, start asking around to find out where an unmatched sock went.
>> In the event of your knees still being notably sprained, see if you can scrounge up some materials to make crutches or something.
[6] "Ahh! To hell with it..." you think to yourself as you stand up.
*CRACK*
Brief pain runs up from your knees as they pop back into their sockets. The closest "person" to you is Keine, so you ask her regarding the whereabouts of an unmatched sock. She replies, with a worried voice.
"I think they took off towards the west. There's quite a few places he might be, though it's highly likely he'd find shelter in the Forest of Magic."
As soon as she finishes her sentence, you smile and nod at her before taking off towards the forest.
The Forest of Magic is almost a normal forest, except for the patches of glowing mushrooms scattered about. You find Validon98 standing in front of some bushes, where an unmatched sock hiding in with a girl whom he calls "Haru". Suddenly, she screams out with intense emotional pain.
"No... No no no... NOOOOOOO!!!!!! ... SHE'S NOT DEAD. SHE'S NOT DEAD. SHE CAN'T DIE!!!"
>are you kidding me? seriously, make something happen, I'm bored. Since we're still dead let's go to the netherworld or something
[4] You find your way into the Netherworld, where surprisingly, you have a "body" again. It seems that ghosts in the Netherworld take on the form of their previous flesh and bones. Several "humans" notice you upon your arrival.
"Oooh... what brings you here?"
"How did you die?"
>Oh. Oh dear. That wasn't what I expected at all. Hug the poor girl. Heat self up slightly so the hug is warmer and more reassuring. Employ wings for softness.
>Turn to Validon and hold up a finger, as if saying "We need a moment."
>Try not to cry.
>>Cry anyway.
>Softly, "It's okay, Haru. Let it all out. I'll make sure nothing happens to you. And we will find out about your mother. I promise."
>Once she's calmed down, "So. What did your mother look like? And her hobbies? I will need some information on her before I can do anything else to help you find her." Provide support if she breaks down again with remembering.
>"If it's alright with you, may I look at the youkai notes left on the shiki- laptop?"
[2] "It's [...] promise."
"No... No no no... NOOOOOOO!!!!!!"
Haru screams upon your mention of her mother.
"SHE'S NOT DEAD. SHE'S NOT DEAD. SHE CAN'T DIE!!!"
Your efforts to calm her down don't seem to be working as well as you had hoped.
It sounds like someone else is approaching...
>Take a stay at inn, allocate MORE points into musician. I can deal with any other shenanigans in the village in the morning.
[3] After getting into your room, you can't help but read the newspaper sitting on the table in its usual position.
- HAKUREI SHRINE MAIDEN ATTACKS HUMAN GIRL
- SKILLED MUSICIAN PERFORMS AT NEWLY-OPENED MAHJONG PARLOR
- LOCAL SASHIMI SHOP QUESTIONED IN POISONING INCIDENT
- VILLAGE SCHOOLHOUSE DAMAGED BY YOUKAI
You can't help but smile at the second headline. You did it. The entire village now knows your talent, and that can only bring you more fame in the future. You lay back and try to fall asleep. Perhaps it's the excitement from your newly-gained fame, or the constant replay of today's events in your head, but you find it quite hard to fall asleep.
QUEST COMPLETE: Rockstar
>"The outside world...? Well, this place does appear to have different qualities than I'm used to, so I guess I am." Slowly step away from the shelves with snakes, while making certain not to bump into anything else. "Ah, my apologies, how could I be so rude as to not introduce myself as well? I am Mamoru. Please to make your acquaintance." Continue to look nervously at the shelves with snakes. "Uhm...are those snakes poisonous by any chance?"
[3] "The [...] am."
You step away from the shelves as the snakes hiss at you.
"Ah, [...] chance."
"Mamoru, eh? Nice meetin' ya, too. Nah. These ones don't bite at all. But watch out, they give a pretty hard squeeze at ya' if you startle them!"
As you continue backing away, you trip and shake the foundation upon your bottom making contact with the wooden floor-panels.
"Whoa! Watch out! Are you okay?"
You seem to have sprained your back from the fall.
>Look at the guide books and their prices.
>>Buy one of each for every location on the map.
>Let's go to Korindou!
[5] Since when did prices matter to you after you got all that money? You buy a copy of each of the books:
- A Complete Guide to Dining and Entertainment in the Human Village
- Gensokyo on 5 Yen a Day
- The Hieda Guidebook of Youkai and Spirits (Ninth Edition)
- Fairies: Avoiding Their Pranks and Pranking Them Back
- TRAVELER'S TIPS - Where to Visit and Where to Avoid
- The Youkai Mountain: Not as Harmful as It Sounds
Kourindou is a small shop to the west of the Human Village, serving as both a distinct marker on the path to the Forest of Magic and one of Gensokyo's few dealers of outside-world items. Though it's late, light from a gas-lit lantern shines brighly through the glass windows. As you open the door to step inside, a silver-haired man in glasses looks up from the counter he's sitting at as he tinkers with strange mechanical objects.
"Welcome to Kourindou. Feel free to ask me about any item you find here."
Money - ?2500 (total ?9997000)
> Reincarnate through the powerful poison running through my body.
[1] You reincarnate with poison blood and die almost immediately afterwards.
>"M-my apologizes..."
>Back off a bit, give them some space. Still though, are they talking about Reimu? She wouldn't literally kill someone, would she? No... no that's not how it works in Gensokyo! What about the spellcard rules? Aren't things supposed to be non-lethal around here!? I'd like to confront Reimu about this, but to hell if I could stand up to her alone. This person here with the girl, given he's seemingly involved himself, might be a good ally. The first chance I get, I should ask him about this whole debacle. Until then, I'll just wait until I can talk to him.
[4] As you wait for an opportunity to involve yourself, the girl cries words of deep psychological trauma.
"No... No no no... NOOOOOOO!!!!!! ... SHE'S NOT DEAD. SHE'S NOT DEAD. SHE CAN'T DIE!!!"
Patorikku walks up to the bush and stands behind you. He also seems to be listening to their conversation.
Hard? Please. this is RTD.
>Develop flight.
[4] You now have the ability to fly.
-
>"No, no, I didn't mean to imply that...I'm sorry...I'm sure she's alive and well. But please, we won't get much of anywhere in this state, and I want to help you. We need to- Who's there?"
>Point at newcomer(s) with nuclear arm. "Make one wrong move and I'll consume this entire forest. Identify yourselves, now." Make sure the arm is active and charging. I won't let possible threats go unanswered, not now.
-
>"H-hey, watch where you point that thing! I'm just someone who overheard what's going on and I'd like to find out why Reimu is being very un-Reimu like about... whatever this is all about. I'm with you, not against you, don't worry."
>Have hands raised above head, to show that I am not trying anything funny and that I'm completely listening and attentive!
-
> "Whoa, hey, watch where you point that thing! I know how eager you are to test that thing out, but I'm not keen on bein' your target practice!"
> You don't really know what he's capable of with that thing, so don't test your luck. Hands up nicely in the air.
> "Now uh, about your other, more noisy companion over there... And that there portable computer I've seen you towing around... Mind I get some more info on everything here?"
-
>Attempt to be friendly with fellow dead.
>>"I got bored of haunting the living, and the shikigami didn't seem to appreciate it."
>>"The whims of the gods of chance didn't appreciate my attempt to spite them, so I died in a freak accident."
>Hope that the Netherworld has more interesting things to do then the human world where nothing ever gets accomplished.
-
>Does the quest exp let me level up? I want to level up!
>read the other articles a little more in depth. What is that shrine maiden up to, and what's with the schoolhouse?
-
I feel like I'm missing most of the plot here.
>look at Kourindou's inventory
>> Buy any portable light source he has, along with whatever goes with it (ie flashlight with batteries, oil lamp with oil and matches, etc.)
>Use the light source and walk around the perimeter of the Forest of Magic
EDIT: this game is making me to have to think ahead from the RNG's results. Who knows, I might not find a light source this turn. Or get jumped by a Youkai.
-
>"I've...had better reflexes before..." Attempt to get up, even though I'll continue feeling some pain regardless. It'll probably be awhile before I recover fully.
-
> Draw the magic in the area towards me in order to reincarnate.
-
Ahaha, victory.
>Fly to the nearest relevant spot.
-
>Randomly start existing
-
>"...Alright. But wait a bit." Lower weapon. "Sorry Pat, didn't realize it was you. I'm a bit on-edge right now. Last thing I need is...her popping in out of nowhere to attack us."
>Resume trying to comfort Haru.
-
>"H-hey, watch where you point that thing! I'm just someone who overheard what's going on and I'd like to find out why Reimu is being very un-Reimu like about... whatever this is all about. I'm with you, not against you, don't worry."
>Have hands raised above head, to show that I am not trying anything funny and that I'm completely listening and attentive!
[4] You continue to wait as an unmatched sock attempts to calm the girl down.
> "Whoa, hey, watch where you point that thing! I know how eager you are to test that thing out, but I'm not keen on bein' your target practice!"
> You don't really know what he's capable of with that thing, so don't test your luck. Hands up nicely in the air.
> "Now uh, about your other, more noisy companion over there... And that there portable computer I've seen you towing around... Mind I get some more info on everything here?"
[2] "Now [...] here?"
He doesn't seem to respond.
>Attempt to be friendly with fellow dead.
>>"I got bored of haunting the living, and the shikigami didn't seem to appreciate it."
>>"The whims of the gods of chance didn't appreciate my attempt to spite them, so I died in a freak accident."
>Hope that the Netherworld has more interesting things to do then the human world where nothing ever gets accomplished.
[1] "I [...] it."
"Yeah. Happens, doesn't it? Well, you're one of us now, so try to appreciate that!"
"The [...] accident."
"Ahh... How classic... 'Never betray the gods,' they say. Yet you never realize the importance of that until they curse you."
There's nothing to do in the Netherworld. Souls just wander aimlessly in a vast space of darkness, occasionally holding conversations about their experiences in the living world, that is, if they still remember enough.
>Does the quest exp let me level up? I want to level up!
>read the other articles a little more in depth. What is that shrine maiden up to, and what's with the schoolhouse?
[3] Completing the quest gives you fame, which is one of the many attributes you may enhance. Your musician skill level is currently 10, and all other skills are at their initial values of 0. You turn your attention to the newspaper:
HAKUREI SHRINE MAIDEN ATTACKS HUMAN GIRL
At mid-afternoon, Reimu Hakurei was in the process of performing a youkai exterimination ritual when a young girl interrupted her attempt. She responded with a death threat, nearly killing the girl and an unknown person who stepped out from the crowd to defend her. Anonymous reports point to the possibility that the girl was the daughter of the outside-world researcher slain as a result of his attempt to uncover information regarding the Great Hakurei Barrier. It is strongly advised that residents of the village do not approach the shrine maiden with questions regarding this incident.
VILLAGE SCHOOLHOUSE DAMAGED BY YOUKAI
Early in the morning, the village schoolhouse was attacked by a strong youkai. Reports provided seem to indicate that there was one casualty, thankfully due to the weekend and absence of schoolchildren. The remains of the youkai were found splattered over the walls and floor, and its killer was not found when reporters arrived on scene. A temporary schooling location has been set up while the main schoolhouse is under clean-up and repair. For more information on this alternate location, please consult Keine Kamishirasawa. In addition, strenuous training of village guards are under way to prevent further attacks.
Nausea settles in as a result of tiredness. You notice the cup of green tea sitting on the table, which could provide you with a much-needed caffeine boost.
CAUTION: Get to sleep or drink the cup of tea within the next turn.
I feel like I'm missing most of the plot here.
>look at Kourindou's inventory
>> Buy any portable light source he has, along with whatever goes with it (ie flashlight with batteries, oil lamp with oil and matches, etc.)
>Use the light source and walk around the perimeter of the Forest of Magic
EDIT: this game is making me to have to think ahead from the RNG's results. Who knows, I might not find a light source this turn. Or get jumped by a Youkai.
[2] You may have money, but money is only as useful as the things it can buy. Although Kourindou is home to a variety of bizzare items, there doesn't seem to be portable sources of light for sale.
Note from GM: Aaannnddd that's the point of RtD ;) Unlike traditional forum games where you can be almost certain that your actions will be completed, you're completely at the mercy of the RNG here.
>"I've...had better reflexes before..." Attempt to get up, even though I'll continue feeling some pain regardless. It'll probably be awhile before I recover fully.
[2] You try to get up, but the pain prevents you from doing so and you collapse back down onto the floor.
"Easy there, Mamoru..."
> Draw the magic in the area towards me in order to reincarnate.
[4] Before your spirit completely leaves your body, you harness the last bit of life-energy you have to concentrate the surrounding magic towards you. After a few minutes, the poison's effects diminish. Your vision is the first to come back, starting out as a blur to gradually become what you're used to seeing. Finally, you regain control of your body as the rest of your senses begin to function normally.
Ahaha, victory.
>Fly to the nearest relevant spot.
[4] You think about following an unmatched sock, but in the darkness you decide that it's best to find rest for the night, and fly to the village inn. A women behind the window greets you.
"Would you like to stay for the night?"
>Randomly start existing
[1] Try again.
>"...Alright. But wait a bit." Lower weapon. "Sorry Pat, didn't realize it was you. I'm a bit on-edge right now. Last thing I need is...her popping in out of nowhere to attack us."
>Resume trying to comfort Haru.
[4] Haru is still sniffling, but it seems that she's pretty much calmed down from the bout of emotions that hit her like a speeding bullet-train a few minutes ago. The wind continues to blow through the forest, making an eerie howling sound (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBUtBrk7yzo) similar to that of wild youkai.
-
> "Right, I suppose we shouldn't stick it out in the woods like this. I think we should find somewhere to rest."
> Do a quick scan of the surrounding area; see if there's any sort of shelter you can take.
-
>Is there anything portable that emits light in some way? Like the "Doomsday Device" GameBoy from CoLA?
-
>Berate the GM for stymieing me at every attempt to get anything interesting done
-
>To Haru: "You doing alright now? We probably shouldn't just be sitting here in the middle of the forest. Would you particularly mind if these two accompanied us? He is certainly a good ally to have," motion at Pat, "...as for the other, I cannot say, I've never seen him before," indicating Validon.
>To Pat: "I'll explain in a bit, but I do agree that we should find shelter first." Begin looking about, keeping close to Haru for support (if she wants it)
-
> Use a tree as I attempt to prop myself up into a sitting position.
-
>"All you need to know is that as long as you don't randomly try to kill me, I'll help you out."
>Assist Pat in scouting the area. Two sets of eyes are better than one, no?
-
Stare around at Bamboo, determine location.
If location is Bamboo Forest of Lost, create Bamboo Lost Woods and build house at end.
-
>STAY AWAKE THROUGH SHEER WILLPOWER! SLEEP IS FOR THE WEAK
>Yeah, nah. Drink tea. Rock star's gotta be in his best shape for the fans.
-
>"Thank you for the hospitality, but I shouldn't be troubling you this much. I apologize." Continue lying there, wondering when I'd be able to move around again. "Hey, what was that potion going to do anyways...?"
-
Oh shit, did I have money?
>If yes: "Oh, yes please. Would you be kind as to inform me what are the rates?"
>If not: "I'm afraid I'll have to decline your offer, unless I can pay my stay with any kind of service? Like cleaning or somesuch."
-
> "Right, I suppose we shouldn't stick it out in the woods like this. I think we should find somewhere to rest."
> Do a quick scan of the surrounding area; see if there's any sort of shelter you can take.
[6] an unmatched sock crawls out from the bush, followed by Haru. You notice that the bushes on either side of the forest road form tunnel-like structures underneath them. There are some coins scattered near the entrance.
Money +?624 (total ?5624)
>Is there anything portable that emits light in some way? Like the "Doomsday Device" GameBoy from CoLA?
[4] Hmm... It seems you've missed something as you were looking through the shelves. There appears to be a lantern sitting behind some strange items. A sloshing sound comes from its base as you pick it up.
>Berate the GM for stymieing me at every attempt to get anything interesting done
[3] You begin grumbling to yourself as you wander around.
"Hey, what's the matter?"
You try to respond, but your consciousness fades away. When it returns you find yourself lying in a forest with mild back pain, telling you that you are somehow alive again.
>To Haru: "You doing alright now? We probably shouldn't just be sitting here in the middle of the forest. Would you particularly mind if these two accompanied us? He is certainly a good ally to have," motion at Pat, "...as for the other, I cannot say, I've never seen him before," indicating Validon.
>To Pat: "I'll explain in a bit, but I do agree that we should find shelter first." Begin looking about, keeping close to Haru for support (if she wants it)
[3] "You [...] before"
"No, I don't mind. The more people with us, the safer we'll be."
You crawl out from the bush you were hiding in with Haru. She follows you out as you hold her hand. After searching for a while as a group, Patorikku finds an expanse of tunnels beneath the bushes to the side of the forest road.
"Are you okay? You're bleeding."
You didn't notice it at first, but now that she mentions it, it appears that you cut your elbow on something as you came out from your hiding place. The wound doesn't appear to be very deep. If you're careful with it, it should heal in 2 turns.
> Use a tree as I attempt to prop myself up into a sitting position.
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
You sit yourself up against a thick tree trunk.
>"All you need to know is that as long as you don't randomly try to kill me, I'll help you out."
>Assist Pat in scouting the area. Two sets of eyes are better than one, no?
[1] You join Patorikku and an unmatched sock in finding a suitable shelter. After a while, you seem to have wandered off and gotten lost. As you try to retrace your steps, a hand grabs your shoulder from behind.
"What are you doing here in the middle of the night?"
Stare around at Bamboo, determine location.
If location is Bamboo Forest of Lost, create Bamboo Lost Woods and build house at end.
[2] You think about doing that, but you don't even have the tools to cut down bamboo stalks, let alone build a house.
>STAY AWAKE THROUGH SHEER WILLPOWER! SLEEP IS FOR THE WEAK
>Yeah, nah. Drink tea. Rock star's gotta be in his best shape for the fans.
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
As your head begins to spin, you reach for the cup of green tea and consume it. Caffeine rushes through your blood, instantly energizing your body.
>"Thank you for the hospitality, but I shouldn't be troubling you this much. I apologize." Continue lying there, wondering when I'd be able to move around again. "Hey, what was that potion going to do anyways...?"
[3] "Thank [...] apologize."
"Ahh, it's nothin'. I often get bored here alone, so a companion's always good!"
"Hey [...] anyways...?"
"Oh, this?" Marisa points to the cauldron. "It's a potion that's supposed to enhance magic. Ya see, although these mushrooms are mostly poisonous, they say that mixing them together and boilin' them kinda reverses their effects."
It looks like you're still unable to get up.
Oh shit, did I have money?
>If yes: "Oh, yes please. Would you be kind as to inform me what are the rates?"
>If not: "I'm afraid I'll have to decline your offer, unless I can pay my stay with any kind of service? Like cleaning or somesuch."
[4] You have ?742.
"Oh [...] rates?"
"Absolutely! It's 700 for a one-person room and 1200 for a double room."
-
> Grow all powerful from eating a random mushroom nearby.
-
>TIME TO ROCK OUT! Report to the Mahjong Parlor, gain another day's wages.
-
>bring it up to the counter
>Ask Rinnosuke about it
-
>"Hm? Oh, don't worry, I'll be fine." To everyone: "Alright, I'll set a fire so we can keep warm tonight." Generate a small sun that gives off enough heat like a fire. Fusion supports its own fire! And once it's done, bring it into the sudden cave system and look about for anything: spiders, more tunnels, bats, etc. Make sure to keep damaged arm out of harm's way. Not even bumping into anything is allowed.
>"Good on you for finding this cave, Pat."
-
> "Aw shucks, it isn't anything new to me. I used to hunt all around the forest in the other world. But eh... Are we short a person all of a sudden?"
> You've found a good cave to keep safe in, and the general party isn't in the best of shape, so just stick it out near the cave. Take first watch, if necessary.
-
>"Oh, haha, nothing much, just wandering around and conversing with someone whose hand is currently on my shoulder. Speaking of which, uh... who're you?"
>Turn around and see who this mysterious person is! Doesn't this person know it's rude to put your hand on other people's shoulders in the middle of the night like that?
-
>"Magic, eh? What kind of magic are we talking about?" Just continue to stay there. We're in no rush to recover.
-
>Well this is a familiar and similarly irritating experience, being alone in a forest.
>Try to find something of interest nearby, or a way out.
-
Just about perfect, then!
>"I'll have a single room, then."
-
> Grow all powerful from eating a random mushroom nearby.
[2](+1) You find the nearest mushroom and shove it into your mouth. Nothing seems to happen, but after a while you feel a sensation of heightened awareness. Rather than increasing physical or magical strength as you had hoped, it seems that the fluorescent blue mushroom you ate gave you a boost of adrenaline.
ACHIVEMENT UNLOCKED - A Smack to Death's Face: Perform a risky action after a +1 bonus has been applied.
>TIME TO ROCK OUT! Report to the Mahjong Parlor, gain another day's wages.
[1](+1) You walk up to the mahjong parlor. The door is locked shut, and there's a "CLOSED" sign placed behind a window.
>bring it up to the counter
>Ask Rinnosuke about it
[4] "Oh, this? It's just an ordinary oil-burning lamp (http://fc04.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2012/214/5/1/oil_lamp_01_by_the_night_bird-d59j1rp.jpg). Hmmm... how does 700 sound?"
>"Hm? Oh, don't worry, I'll be fine." To everyone: "Alright, I'll set a fire so we can keep warm tonight." Generate a small sun that gives off enough heat like a fire. Fusion supports its own fire! And once it's done, bring it into the sudden cave system and look about for anything: spiders, more tunnels, bats, etc. Make sure to keep damaged arm out of harm's way. Not even bumping into anything is allowed.
>"Good on you for finding this cave, Pat."
[4] *FSSSS~*
Using your free hand, you reach for the glowing self-contained ball of nuclear fire that materializes from the tip of your gun. Using it to light the way ahead, you take extra caution not to agitate your wound as you crawl under the bushes to find a place to lie down. Aside from ant-like insects crawling on the ground and glowing violet worms wriggling beneath the soil that come close to the surface every now and then, there doesn't appear to be anything else.
"Umm, Sock, was it? About the youkai notes you wanted to see..."
It seems like Haru was following you this whole time. She crawls forward and lies between the branches of a thick bush which forms a roof above her.
> "Aw shucks, it isn't anything new to me. I used to hunt all around the forest in the other world. But eh... Are we short a person all of a sudden?"
> You've found a good cave to keep safe in, and the general party isn't in the best of shape, so just stick it out near the cave. Take first watch, if necessary.
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
You notice that Validon98 has gone missing, so you stay near the entrance of the tunnel to provide an indication of the group's location.
>"Oh, haha, nothing much, just wandering around and conversing with someone whose hand is currently on my shoulder. Speaking of which, uh... who're you?"
>Turn around and see who this mysterious person is! Doesn't this person know it's rude to put your hand on other people's shoulders in the middle of the night like that?
[4] "Oh [...] you?"
You turn around to see none other than the Hakurei shrine maiden.
"Where are they?"
>"Magic, eh? What kind of magic are we talking about?" Just continue to stay there. We're in no rush to recover.
[6] "All kinds of 'em. The great magicians of Gensokyo use these potions for just about every form o' magic. Flying, healing, and of course, spells!"
You don't notice it, but your back pain has subsided to the point that it's merely a minor sore.
>Well this is a familiar and similarly irritating experience, being alone in a forest.
>Try to find something of interest nearby, or a way out.
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
There are several patches of glowing mushrooms, especially under the trees. Off to the east, there are dim flicking lights in the distance.
Just about perfect, then!
>"I'll have a single room, then."
[2] The clerk looks at a piece of paper for a while before frowning.
"Oh... it looks like all the single rooms are occupied. Would you like a double room instead?"
-
Aw, crud.
>"I'm afraid that I can't afford such a room, unless I can pay the difference by doing menial labors?"
-
> Sprint in a random direction using the boost of adrenaline to see where it takes me.
-
>Slowly get up. My back is better for an unknown reason, but I'm going to decide to not argue. "Spell, huh...elemental I guess would be one type of spell, but would there be other kinds too? It appears I really don't know much about this world."
-
>"Yes, Haru, I would like to see those notes, if you would let me." Observe the notes. Might as well go in order. She can sit next to me if she wants while I read them, especially if they're not well written so she can explain them.
(As a note, I thought I was heading into the tunnel, are there bushes in the tunnel? I did say "sudden cave system" in my command.)
>Once the notes are read (or at least some of them), "It is rather late...perhaps we should rest for a while? Pat, feel free to wake me up to switch with you for guard duty."
-
>"I'm sorry, what are you talking about?"
>Yeah, no, not going to reveal anything to her.
-
>"Do you have anything to light it? Like matches or a fire-starter or something like that?
-
> Keep watch as intended. Not much to do right now but that, since you're oddly enough in the best shape.
> Actually, take a quick moment to check on your guns. You've used them once in an event that called for a lot of bullets, and there's a very good chance these guns don't run on infinite ammo.
-
>Ugh. Fine, street performance. Gather impromptu crowd.
-
Pick mushrooms as a light source and head towards the lights in the distance
-
Aw, crud.
>"I'm afraid that I can't afford such a room, unless I can pay the difference by doing menial labors?"
[4] "Well, I guess there are things you can do. Why don't you fill the lamps outside with more oil? After that, can you tidy up the lobby?"
> Sprint in a random direction using the boost of adrenaline to see where it takes me.
[6] You run along the forest road and find a patch of land with a small house built atop it. Light coming out the window tells you that there's soemone living there. As you approach, a girl in a witch outfit opens the door.
"Who's there? Are you lost?"
She motions at you to come in with her.
>Slowly get up. My back is better for an unknown reason, but I'm going to decide to not argue. "Spell, huh...elemental I guess would be one type of spell, but would there be other kinds too? It appears I really don't know much about this world."
[3] You stand up, which makes the sore more apparent.
"Spell [...] world."
"Hold on, I think there's someone outside!"
Marisa grabs a octagonal object inscribed with trigrams along with some cards, and slowly opens the door. There seems to be someone outside.
>"Yes, Haru, I would like to see those notes, if you would let me." Observe the notes. Might as well go in order. She can sit next to me if she wants while I read them, especially if they're not well written so she can explain them.
(As a note, I thought I was heading into the tunnel, are there bushes in the tunnel? I did say "sudden cave system" in my command.)
>Once the notes are read (or at least some of them), "It is rather late...perhaps we should rest for a while? Pat, feel free to wake me up to switch with you for guard duty."
[4]
You read the notes as Haru sits behind you.
=====[ MINOR.TXT ]=====
Gensokyo is home to many minor youkai, mostly spirits of the deceased. They are usually harmless unless provoked, although it's still recommended that you stay away from them since a few will hunt you down.
=====[ MYSTIA.TXT ]=====
A night-sparrow that runs a fried lamprey stand in the Bamboo Forest of the Lost. Depending on her mood, she can either be very friendly or extremely scary. I've seen her perched atop trees singing in a strange voice that seem to attract nearby birds.
=====[ RUMIA.TXT ]=====
Often seen as a ball of darkness that absorbs surrounding light. This is similar to a black hole, except that gravity doesn't seem to be affected by it. She usually minds her own business, unless she's hungry. In that case, try to lose her as soon as possible. Rumors say that she's much more malicious than she is, although I haven't personally confirmed that.
=====[ UNKNOWN.TXT ]=====
Sometimes at night, strange sounds may seem to emanate from unknown places. These are likely from nearby youkai, possibly those who can hide themselves from humans. It is advised that you do not travel alone at night, since it is not known as to whether they will attack. A young girl by the name of Akyuu has told me that most of them are largely unpredictable in their behavior.
=====[ YUKARI.TXT ]=====
She pops in out of nowhere, and leaves in the same way. I've seen her attacking lost humans a few times, usually appearing in front of them as they run, as well as dropping them into creepy-looking voids that appear and disappear at her whim. It's said that she has control over any and all borders. This is a terrifying power, which she doesn't hesitate to use against those who defy her.
=====[ YUUKA.TXT ]=====
A flower youkai that often tortures humans, both physically and mentally. From what I know, she lives in a hidden mansion and can often be found alone in a sunflower field to the northeast of Gensokyo. Needless to say, you will want to avoid her at all costs. Usually, this just means that you should stay away from that general location.
You also take note of the pictures accompanying the documents.
"He just wanted to help others. Why... Why did... she..."
Tears form in her eyes once again.
Note from GM: For clarification, you are hiding in the bushes a good distance away from the forest road. The tunnels are formed as a result of the uneven growth of branches.
>"I'm sorry, what are you talking about?"
>Yeah, no, not going to reveal anything to her.
[3] The tip of a cold, sharp needle presses against your back, sending chills down your spine.
"I'll ask you one more time... Where. Are. They?"
>"Do you have anything to light it? Like matches or a fire-starter or something like that?
[2] "Erm... I don't think I have anything like that here. You're not planning on going outside and walking around tonight, are you?"
> Keep watch as intended. Not much to do right now but that, since you're oddly enough in the best shape.
> Actually, take a quick moment to check on your guns. You've used them once in an event that called for a lot of bullets, and there's a very good chance these guns don't run on infinite ammo.
[2](+1) You stay where you are and inspect the magazines in your guns. There's enough bullets left to fill the auto-loader to a forth of its capacity. After a while, you hear an unmatched sock's voice from behind.
"It is rather late...perhaps we should rest for a while? Pat, feel free to wake me up to switch with you for guard duty."
>Ugh. Fine, street performance. Gather impromptu crowd.
[6] As you set up a makeshift stage in the center of the village, people begin to gather in anticipation of your performance. It seems that the news has already spread, because the cheering and shouting intensifies as the crowd grows larger. You remember the times you and your friends went to see outdoors concerts at night in the city you came from, with flashing neon lights and gigantic crowds. This time, it's somewhat different. For starters, you're the one performing. It's also quite hard to overlook the fact that you're in a village that looks like something from centuries ago, and that youkai could fly in to tear your head off when you'd least expect it. Of course, none of that matters to you as you close your eyes and let the music blast the audience into euphoria. By the time you're done, it seems that several people threw coins at you.
Money +?1463 (total ?18998)
Pick mushrooms as a light source and head towards the lights in the distance
[1](+1) As soon as you pick the mushrooms off the ground, they start to dim. After a short while, they completely lose their fluorescent qualities.
-
> Take a quick look around the very immediate area to see if you can find something decent to craft a makeshift weapon from. A thick stick, a few chuckable rocks, whatever you can.
>> insert class {scout}
> That said, try to keep to that rock idea. You're better set up to use ranged weapons and such.
-
>"Thank you! Thank you!"
>Buy lunch, start exploring the area around the village. Gotta fill up the minimap somehow!
-
> Shrug and head on in after the woman.
-
>Slowly and cautiously follow Marisa.
-
>"I honestly couldn't tell you. We'll find out why, though. Don't worry. You should probably rest, today seems to have been rather stressful for you. I'm getting some sleep now. Good night."
>Dim the sun a little bit, then get some rest until Pat wakes me up for guarding. Allocate skill points while sleeping.
(Ah, ok. It's not a stone-underground-tunnel, it's a forest-canopy-tunnel. Got it.)
-
Oh boy, time to get physical!
>"It'll be my pleasure!" Set out to do these tasks.
-
> Find Nitori
-
>"Again, I don't know what you're talking about. Even if I did know, why would I tell someone who is outright breaking the laws of Gensokyo for unjustified reasons, and the Hakurei Shrine Maiden no less?"
>Hopefully the others can get as far away as possible... damnit, this is so messed up!
-
>"Yep. All I have is a pointy stick, but that helped me in a few situations."
>"Anyway, do you have any weapons for sale, like knives or small weapons on a small stick?"
-
>go towards the lights anyway, feel ahead of self to keep from bumping into trees.
-
> Take a quick look around the very immediate area to see if you can find something decent to craft a makeshift weapon from. A thick stick, a few chuckable rocks, whatever you can.
>> insert class {scout}
> That said, try to keep to that rock idea. You're better set up to use ranged weapons and such.
[4] You break off several branches off of a nearby tree and sharpen them on the trunk. They're pretty thick, and it looks like they'll stand up to quite a bit of force.
>"Thank you! Thank you!"
>Buy lunch, start exploring the area around the village. Gotta fill up the minimap somehow!
[2] The whistling and cheering subsides as the crowd disperses and people begin to make their way home. Almost all of the buildings in the village are dark, and the empty streets do nothing to decrease the eerie atmosphere of the village at night.
> Shrug and head on in after the woman.
[6] You step inside and find FlamingRok in there as well.
"Nice to meet ya! Name's Marisa. Uh... you can have a seat here."
She points to a wooden chest lying against a wall.
The house is quite small, obviously meant for no more than one person to live in. There's a glowing hot cauldron connected to a wood-burning stove in one corner of the room, and there are several shelves lined with strange items standing against a wall. Scattered all over the floor are books written in strange characters, quite fitting for a magician's residence.
"Oh, and watch out for the snakes. They don't bite, but they sure give a helluva good squeeze if you aren't careful!"
>Slowly and cautiously follow Marisa.
[4] You follow behind Marisa, who leads Kasu inside before closing the door. A whiff of cold air from outside rushes in as it shuts, creating an unpleasant noise.
Not that it scared anybody...
>"I honestly couldn't tell you. We'll find out why, though. Don't worry. You should probably rest, today seems to have been rather stressful for you. I'm getting some sleep now. Good night."
>Dim the sun a little bit, then get some rest until Pat wakes me up for guarding. Allocate skill points while sleeping.
(Ah, ok. It's not a stone-underground-tunnel, it's a forest-canopy-tunnel. Got it.)
[3] As you dim the sun such that it's only bright enough to see a few lengths of your body away, Haru looks towards you and says worriedly, almost as if foreshadowing something.
"Rei- Reimu won't find us, will she?"
Oh boy, time to get physical!
>"It'll be my pleasure!" Set out to do these tasks.
[6] You grab the can of oil and make your way around the perimeter of the building, refilling the burning lamps. Afterwards you arrange the chairs in the lobby and sweep the dust outside.
And all that only took twenty-or-so minutes.
"Well, wasn't that fast! Like I said, I'll waive the difference of the cost in return for your help. Come with me, I'll take you to your room."
Just then, NekoNekoRex walks into the lobby.
"Is that person traveling with you?"
Money -?742
> Find Nitori
[3] Despite the fact that it's a few hours past midnight, you somehow make it out of the forest and to the foot of the Youkai Mountain, where Nitori is busy with something on the ground. As you approach, you trip on the uneven terrain and bruise your knees.
"Who's there?"
>"Again, I don't know what you're talking about. Even if I did know, why would I tell someone who is outright breaking the laws of Gensokyo for unjustified reasons, and the Hakurei Shrine Maiden no less?"
>Hopefully the others can get as far away as possible... damnit, this is so messed up!
[4] Without saying a word, Reimu proceeds to push the needle deep into your spine. You anticipate the impending torture and jump forward before she has the chance to do so.
"WHERE ARE THEY?! WHAT DID THEY TELL YOU?!"
>"Yep. All I have is a pointy stick, but that helped me in a few situations."
>"Anyway, do you have any weapons for sale, like knives or small weapons on a small stick?"
[4] "Well, I do have these..."
He leads you to a box filled with knives and daggers of all sizes. Some are rusty and old-looking, as if they would break upon hitting something. Others are clean and shiny, almost like they were just casted.
"Are you going out to hunt youkai at this time of night?"
>go towards the lights anyway, feel ahead of self to keep from bumping into trees.
[6] You don't know how you did it, but you've made it to the gate of the village with only the moon lighting your way. The guards let you in as you approach, and as you walk the path you notice a hotel-like building. Standing near the door is Dudu Zombolt, who appears to be renting a room. As you enter, she smiles and greets you.
"Welcome, are you with this person?"
-
>"How many times do I have to tell you that I don't know?"
>Okay, MAKE A DAMN RUN FOR IT. TO THE VILLAGE, GO GO GO.
-
> Take a seat on the chest and glance around for valuables.
-
>Smile reassuringly. "No, I don't believe she will. Even if she does, you won't have to worry about her. I'll make sure of that. Now get some rest."
>Proceed to follow own advice. Again, until either Pat wakes me up for guarding or something...else wakes me up.
-
> Observe the surroundings carefully, as one would do whilst on watch.
-
>Look at Kasu. "So, who would you be? I didn't think there'd be another person to be lost in the forest like myself."
-
>well, nothing interesting happened today then. Back to the inn, get a good night's rest.
-
>"Self-defense. Who knows what'll jump on me in that forest."
>Ask about the shiny knives
-
>"Uh, yes, totally I am crashing with this guy because it's better then sleeping in the woods."
-
Well, that sure was a thing.
>"It'd be a waste to have two beds and only use one, no?"
-
>"How many times do I have to tell you that I don't know?"
>Okay, MAKE A DAMN RUN FOR IT. TO THE VILLAGE, GO GO GO.
[4] You sprint forward through the forest, down the road, all the way to the Human Village, not looking back even once. Two guards stop you upon your approach, though they open the gate to let you in once they see that you have no malicious intentions. The streets are fairly empty, and the only light comes from the few houses that have lit lanterns behind their windows.
> Take a seat on the chest and glance around for valuables.
[3] You sit on the chest and look around. Although there are many things scattered around, it doesn't look like anything will be of use to you. Furthermore, you catch a glimpse of snakes slithering on the ground, disappearing and emerging under the few pieces of furniture.
>Smile reassuringly. "No, I don't believe she will. Even if she does, you won't have to worry about her. I'll make sure of that. Now get some rest."
>Proceed to follow own advice. Again, until either Pat wakes me up for guarding or something...else wakes me up.
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
At your reassurance, Haruko finally calms down enough to fall asleep. You follow suit and lie down to give yourself some much-needed rest.
> Observe the surroundings carefully, as one would do whilst on watch.
[3] A long time passes with nothing significant happening, and your senses begin to acclimate to the howling in the distance. Just as you begin to believe that everything will be fine, you hear the bushes near you rustle as a spray of amulets tear them apart. Before you have a chance to react, searing pain erupts on your elbow, suspiciously close to your neck.
"What are you doing here?"
As the girl in red and white walks closer, you wonder whether she knows what you're hiding behind you.
>Look at Kasu. "So, who would you be? I didn't think there'd be another person to be lost in the forest like myself."
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
Kasu sits on top of a chest and looks around as if trying to find something.
>well, nothing interesting happened today then. Back to the inn, get a good night's rest.
[3] You walk back into your room and fall asleep. Due to the caffeine's lingering effects and post-performance excitement, you never make it into the deepest stages of sleep.
Musician skill +2 (total 12)
>"Self-defense. Who knows what'll jump on me in that forest."
>Ask about the shiny knives
[3] You cut your fingers as you rummage through the knives. Seeing as how the cuts aren't that deep, you ignore them for now and ask about the newer-looking knives you've picked out.
"I'll give them to you for 1500."
You now turn your attention to the cuts and scratches. Although they weren't bad initially, they now look a lot worse, especially since the wounds have had time to bleed.
CAUTION: Mend your wounds before they get infected.
>"Uh, yes, totally I am crashing with this guy because it's better then sleeping in the woods."
[4] "Come with me, then."
The receptionist leads you and Dudu Zombolt up a flight of stairs to your room. As the three of you walk up, Dudu Zombolt trips, falls down the stairs, and lies on the bottom motionless. You assume she's dead.
Well, that sure was a thing.
>"It'd be a waste to have two beds and only use one, no?"
[1] "Come with me, then."
The receptionist leads you and NekoNekoRex up a flight of stairs to your room. As you walk up the dimly-lit staircase, you trip and break your neck as you fall down. The two of them look down at your body with horrified expressions as you look back up at them. Don't worry, they can't see you. You're a ghost now.
You are dead.
The pronouns I use for you are based on your avatars or what you've designated yourself as based upon previous commands. If you'd like me to refer to you with a specific gender, please mention that as a footnote in your next post. It's also worth mentioning that you can revive as anything if you die, be it a man, woman, animal, fairy, or youkai (of some kind). If you'd rather try to revive as who you were before you died, just don't mention anything beyond something like "revive".
-
>var gender = male>"Shit. Do you have bandages or something similar? And maybe witch hazel?"
-
> Look over at Rok. "Me? I'm just... a guy." Shrug and follow the paths of the snakes with my eyes.
-
>Find Keine, or Akyuu, or someone who might be able to help. I have to let someone know something's up with Reimu!
-
I wasn't warned about stairs, bro.
>Revive. Also, male.
-
> "Y'know, I feel I should ask you the same thing..." {Killing blow, killing blow! She's trying to kill me! Mayday!} "This is the third time you've gone and tried to kill me now. Well, third time's the charm and all that... This time, I'ma teach you to mind your manners 'round me!"
> Make that declaration loud and dramatic; try and wake an unmatched sock so you can get some assistance.
> One loaded gun in your left, stick in your right, assume she's a youkai and get ready to fight!
-
>Wake up and read the paper. Any news?
-
>"Oh shit!"
>Check his vitals and attempt CPR, if I can't figure out he can't be revived
>Blast him with Cuddle Beams if that fails, if I still have them. Maybe that will work?
-
>"Hmm. Okay, I won't really delve further into this question. I can see that it won't get me anywhere." Turn to face Marisa. "So what would be the fastest way out of the forest? As nice as it was staying, I feel that I'd be cramping up the space in this area if I stuck around."
-
>Mmm...sleepy time...eh? Am I being woken? Wonder what's up...should probably try to wake up...
>>Assuming I can focus in time to hear Pat's declaration, it should be pretty obvious...wake Haru up. "Stay hidden. Stay quiet. I'll deal with her." Put out the miniature sun to not draw attention to it.
>>March to the forefront. "Oh, it's you. Still following me? Not sure why you're bothering. Unless there's something you want to...confess to me, and that's why you're trying to chase me down~." She tried to be a jerk, I can be snarky to her.
>>In the event of attack, retaliate with a danmaku-destroying wall of fusion before peppering her with small star danmaku.
-
>var gender = male>"Shit. Do you have bandages or something similar? And maybe witch hazel?"
[4] "Bandages? Witch hazel? I think I have them somewhere in here..."
Rinnosuke rummages through a box and retrieves a roll of soft white tape, along with some Hamamelidaceae japonica (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witch-hazel) leaves.
"And I was thinking that nobody would ever be hurt, yet not dead, such that they'd have to ask me for something like that. I'm no doctor, but you look like you'd know how to properly apply these."
> Look over at Rok. "Me? I'm just... a guy." Shrug and follow the paths of the snakes with my eyes.
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
You follow the snakes as they slither on the ground. They seem to be moving randomly, occasionally bumping into each other and reeling back at the sudden encounter. You find it hard to believe that they're not poisonous due to their shiny, reflective coloration. On the other hand you have faith that this girl, Marisa, who works with these snakes, would know more about them than you do.
>Find Keine, or Akyuu, or someone who might be able to help. I have to let someone know something's up with Reimu!
[6] After asking the few people that you see walking around at this time of night, you get an idea of where Keine might be. Following these hints, you successfully find Keine to tell her about your encounter with Reimu, as well as the frightening scene you witnessed involving her and a young girl. Keine shudders at your explaination, and her facial expression becomes somewhat serious.
BGM: If it worked in Higurashi, it'll probably work here too. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPJIOjXSXPs)
"Some time ago there was a man from the outside world, by the name of Yukito Watsuki. Like most outsiders, he was very curious about Gensokyo, perhaps too curious. He would often visit Akyuu and me to ask us questions, and for a while he became a regular face around the village. Now, he always had all sorts of weird tools with him, among which were things like 'digital camera', 'tape recorder', and 'personal computer.' Naturally, the humans of the village were attracted to these them, so he taught them what they were and what they did. In fact, he did it so well that he almost started a revolution of sorts in Gensokyo. Many residents of the village who were once adherents of the Hakurei Shrine lost their faith and tried to explain everything with what Yukito called 'science' and 'technology' instead. It was somewhere at that time when Reimu threatened him and demanded that he stop spreading heresy throughout Gensokyo. She also became increasingly annoyed by his appearances near her shrine, where he'd often observe the Great Hakurei Barrier. Somehow, news of his research spread through the village, among which were detailed information on the composition and physical properties of the barrier. People thought that it was possible to bring things from the outside world into Gensokyo at their whims, and a few brave ones even tried to cross through to the outside world. All that must have angered her quite a lot because she killed almost all of those who strongly believed in his preachings. Those who lived past that horrific slaughter were likely traumatized, and there are even rumors that the Moriya Shrine lost some of their worshippers once the news got out. Shortly after that incident, Yukito told me that he no longer felt safe here in Gensokyo, and that he was going to leave for the outside world. We all thought he had actually went back home with his family, but some fairies who were near the shrine that day said that Reimu tried to destroy all his belongings, including his research documentation, before she would let him leave. Something must have happened, because general consensus was that he tossed a few of those through the border before she had a chance to destroy them. What followed afterwards was unimaginable, yet Akyuu and I both saw it coming..."
Keine's voice breaks off and she looks into the distance before continuing after a while.
"She... she quite literally exterminated him. To you outsiders, it's probably all the same and hard to understand, but when you 'die', your spirit merely becomes detached from your physical body. You may still have a chance at life, depending on various circumstances. But what she did to him was possibly the first, and hopefully last, time she ever performed on a human. His spirit was sealed away, and somehow she was able to erase it from existence."
The were-hakutaku looks back at you with the same stern look as before.
"I'm afraid to say that whatever Yukito had tossed through the border seems to have reappeared in Gensokyo, and that someone who happens to be from the outside world has it again. It also seems that his daughter, Haruko, broke her cover even though I tried so hard to keep her from doing so. Urrrgh, and I had thought that Reimu was just overreacting when she said she'd exterminate the entire Watsuki family..."
After a short pause, Keine looks up at the ceiling and whispers quietly:
"Wherever they are, may the gods save their poor souls..."
TL;DR: You rolled a [6], so I kind of had to dump the entire plot on you.
I wasn't warned about stairs, bro.
>Revive. Also, male.
[3] Suddenly, everything flashes pink and you somehow revive, though with intense pain all over your body, especially in your back and neck. It hurts so much that you can barely move.
> "Y'know, I feel I should ask you the same thing..." {Killing blow, killing blow! She's trying to kill me! Mayday!} "This is the third time you've gone and tried to kill me now. Well, third time's the charm and all that... This time, I'ma teach you to mind your manners 'round me!"
> Make that declaration loud and dramatic; try and wake an unmatched sock so you can get some assistance.
> One loaded gun in your left, stick in your right, assume she's a youkai and get ready to fight!
[2] Right after you make your call of help, several sealing needles fly straight into your left arm, stopping mid-way on their exit path through the other side. The gun you were holding falls to the ground with a dull thud.
"Yes. You're right. The third time is the charm. If you had kept yourself out of this, I wouldn't have had to hurt you... But I guess it's too late, isn't it?"
The pain from the barb-tipped needles through your arm is so intense that your body falls into shock. You can't even scream, but it seems that an unmatched sock heard your initial declaration of assistance.
WARNING: SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION!
>Wake up and read the paper. Any news?
[2] You're still sleeping... And you're also dreaming...
>"Oh shit!"
>Check his vitals and attempt CPR, if I can't figure out he can't be revived
>Blast him with Cuddle Beams if that fails, if I still have them. Maybe that will work?
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
You blast Dudu Zombolt with a bout of cuddly cuteness, which causes him to roll over and groan. Of all the things a cuddle beam could do, you certainly didn't expect that to happen. He twitches for a while before stopping, though the movement of his chest tells you that he is indeed alive.
>"Hmm. Okay, I won't really delve further into this question. I can see that it won't get me anywhere." Turn to face Marisa. "So what would be the fastest way out of the forest? As nice as it was staying, I feel that I'd be cramping up the space in this area if I stuck around."
[4](+1) "So [...] around."
"Ahh... It's simple. Just follow the dirt path towards the east and you'll be outta' this forest. After 'dat, you'll be able to see the village in front o' ya."
Marisa takes a lantern from the shelf and lights it.
"Oh, and take this. Don't want ya to get lost in the forest. And watch out for youkai... And the poisonous mushrooms!"
>Mmm...sleepy time...eh? Am I being woken? Wonder what's up...should probably try to wake up...
>>Assuming I can focus in time to hear Pat's declaration, it should be pretty obvious...wake Haru up. "Stay hidden. Stay quiet. I'll deal with her." Put out the miniature sun to not draw attention to it.
>>March to the forefront. "Oh, it's you. Still following me? Not sure why you're bothering. Unless there's something you want to...confess to me, and that's why you're trying to chase me down~." She tried to be a jerk, I can be snarky to her.
>>In the event of attack, retaliate with a danmaku-destroying wall of fusion before peppering her with small star danmaku.
[3](+1) "Stay hidden. Stay quiet. I'll deal with her."
Haru almost screams in fear, but holds it back and recedes further into the hideout after she realizes just how much trouble that could bring to everyone, especially herself.
You extinguish the dim nuclear sun and slowly crawl out through the tunnel entrance, where you see Patorikku shaking in pain with at least six barb-tipped arrows through his left arm.
"Oh [...] down~."
"The Watsuki girl. WHERE IS SHE?! WHERE IS THAT THING SHE'S KEEPING AROUND?! If you value your life, tell me, NOW!"
-
>Still dreaming? DRAMATIC FORESHADOWING DREAM SEQUENCE!
-
> Will yourself up and out of there! You're in no shape to fight anymore, so find your way to some medical attention, and fast! (Highly unrealistic, I know, but it's RtD; 6's can kick reason to the curb and make the impossible possible)
-
>"...I... no way... I understand Gensokyo's all about the belief in youkai, and magic, and mysticism, but... to KILL someone just because they believe in science... that'd be no different from genociding the kappa for what THEY do. Agh, something's wrong in Reimu's head right now, and I don't know what, but she's committing unwarranted murder!"
>What to do... we need help, and fast. If Reimu found Patorikku and sock, they're probably goners. We need backup from the higher-ups, someone who'd be able to reasonably match Reimu. Maybe Yukari will see that Reimu's messing up, or maybe Yukari's supporting her actions, I don't know. Hopefully her or Marisa or someone will be able to help out... there's a better solution to this than murder.
>"I'm going to look for someone who can help with all of this. There were two people with Haruko before, but there's a chance Reimu might have found them. She caught me, but I slipped away without telling her anything. If there's anyone you can send to go assist then, please, send them. They're probably in mortal danger right now. I'm really sorry about this, but... I CAN'T let this continue. Thank you for your time, Miss Kamishirasawa."
>Okay, after all of this, let's go looking for help. Someone's gotta be around who's strong enough to challenge Reimu!
Also I don't mind the plot dump, it lets me have a long response in return. I feel like an unmatched sock slightly now. :V
-
>"Thank you for the assistance. May we meet in the future again, hopefully I'll be able to repay the favor." Head out of the house and start following the dirt track, avoiding any mushrooms with clear vision thanks to the lantern.
-
>Apply bandages and witch hazel with Rinnosuke's help
-
> Check and see what Marisa's doing at the moment.
-
Oh wow, it worked. Thanks, I guess!
>Groan to reaffirm survival status.
-
>"First, I want answers. Why is this one human girl so special to you that you're trying to erase her life? I had gotten the impression at first that you protect humans, not destroy them whenever you feel like it for undiscernable reasons." Sounds rather youkai-like to me.
>>Assuming she hasn't outright tried to kill me yet, say "Well...okay, look, I know I'm no match for you. So whatever, I'll just tell you. After we lost you, I found this little red mansion near a lake. Luckily, the guard in front didn't see us as I flew us in over the wall. Luckily, there was a door in the ground that led to a surprisingly large wine cellar. Weird, red wine, I believe. I told her to lay low, I'd come and find her later. Advised her that going through the other door supposedly further into the mansion was most likely a bad idea. Unfortunately...it looks like you found me first. Just...just don't tell her I gave her away, yeah?"
>If she doesn't listen (or elects to ignore the above monologue), intercept her danmaku with a shield (like Nuclear Visor in Hisoutensoku) to disrupt her danmaku, and keep her moving with danmaku of my own. "You're really not going to give up, are you?" Striking her would also work, a little incentive to stop attacking me. Just not outright obliteration. Not yet.
-
>Ha ha! Victory! I guess that makes up for crashing with wherever he's staying tonight, right?
>Drag him (not literally, of course) up to where we're sleeping for the night so he can sleep his near-death experience off.
-
>Still dreaming? DRAMATIC FORESHADOWING DREAM SEQUENCE!
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
You find yourself on a strange path leading to darkness. The sky seems to swirl with unnatural colors, and you swear you heard voices behind you. Several fairies fly about, giggling as they pass you. Strangely, you're conscious (if that's the right word) enough to realize that you're in some kind of dream world.
> Will yourself up and out of there! You're in no shape to fight anymore, so find your way to some medical attention, and fast! (Highly unrealistic, I know, but it's RtD; 6's can kick reason to the curb and make the impossible possible)
[1] Many blood vessels are punctured and most of your left humerus is ruptured, causing excruciating pain that takes away all your senses. Unable to take the shock, you faint and collapse onto the floor. Everything begins to fade, and soon you find yourself looking down at the bloody mess that was once your body.
You are dead.
>"...I... no way... I understand Gensokyo's all about the belief in youkai, and magic, and mysticism, but... to KILL someone just because they believe in science... that'd be no different from genociding the kappa for what THEY do. Agh, something's wrong in Reimu's head right now, and I don't know what, but she's committing unwarranted murder!"
>What to do... we need help, and fast. If Reimu found Patorikku and sock, they're probably goners. We need backup from the higher-ups, someone who'd be able to reasonably match Reimu. Maybe Yukari will see that Reimu's messing up, or maybe Yukari's supporting her actions, I don't know. Hopefully her or Marisa or someone will be able to help out... there's a better solution to this than murder.
>"I'm going to look for someone who can help with all of this. There were two people with Haruko before, but there's a chance Reimu might have found them. She caught me, but I slipped away without telling her anything. If there's anyone you can send to go assist then, please, send them. They're probably in mortal danger right now. I'm really sorry about this, but... I CAN'T let this continue. Thank you for your time, Miss Kamishirasawa."
>Okay, after all of this, let's go looking for help. Someone's gotta be around who's strong enough to challenge Reimu!
Also I don't mind the plot dump, it lets me have a long response in return. I feel like an unmatched sock slightly now. :V
[3] Every second you spend preparing means that the clock ticks closer to the deaths of those you left behind in the forest, so you quickly conjure up a mental list of those that might be of help:
- Marisa: Longtime friend (and rival) of Reimu, could possibly convince (or fight) her and better the situation. Of course, her living in the Forest of Magic means you'll have to go back there and risk getting caught again.
- Yukari: You remember hearing a conversation where she was mentioned as "being involved" in the incident. Is she with her or against her?
- Sanae: She recently appeared in Gensokyo, bringing the Moriya Shrine and its two gods with her. People say she has the power to create miracles, but just how effective is that?
- The Dragon God: You've only heard about that, and it's an incredibly far-fetched idea to bring it him in to this.
You have an important decision to make, and you're lost in the swirling thoughts within your head. Who will you choose to find first?
>"Thank you for the assistance. May we meet in the future again, hopefully I'll be able to repay the favor." Head out of the house and start following the dirt track, avoiding any mushrooms with clear vision thanks to the lantern.
[2] Some distance into the forest, a strong wind blows the lantern out. Without a source of light, you find it very difficult to continue ahead.
>Apply bandages and witch hazel with Rinnosuke's help
[6] Rinnosuke grinds the leaves with the help of a mortar and pestle as you unwrap the bandages. After coating the sticky side with fine grains of witch hazel, you apply the bandages over the wounds.
"Oh, and you still want these knives, right?"
He points to the collection of weapons you picked out, which are still sitting on the counter.
> Check and see what Marisa's doing at the moment.
[3](+1) Marisa just gave FlamingRok a lantern and led her to the path to the Human Village. Now, she looks like she's preparing a potion of some sort, using the liquid in the cauldron.
Oh wow, it worked. Thanks, I guess!
>Groan to reaffirm survival status.
[4] You groan loudly enough that NekoNekoRex and the receptionist hear you clearly.
>"First, I want answers. Why is this one human girl so special to you that you're trying to erase her life? I had gotten the impression at first that you protect humans, not destroy them whenever you feel like it for undiscernable reasons." Sounds rather youkai-like to me.
>>Assuming she hasn't outright tried to kill me yet, say "Well...okay, look, I know I'm no match for you. So whatever, I'll just tell you. After we lost you, I found this little red mansion near a lake. Luckily, the guard in front didn't see us as I flew us in over the wall. Luckily, there was a door in the ground that led to a surprisingly large wine cellar. Weird, red wine, I believe. I told her to lay low, I'd come and find her later. Advised her that going through the other door supposedly further into the mansion was most likely a bad idea. Unfortunately...it looks like you found me first. Just...just don't tell her I gave her away, yeah?"
>If she doesn't listen (or elects to ignore the above monologue), intercept her danmaku with a shield (like Nuclear Visor in Hisoutensoku) to disrupt her danmaku, and keep her moving with danmaku of my own. "You're really not going to give up, are you?" Striking her would also work, a little incentive to stop attacking me. Just not outright obliteration. Not yet.
[3] "First [...] reasons."
"You want answers? I'll explain! Whatever that thing is, it holds information that cannot not be seen, and it must be destroyed. I've seen what it did to the people who got possessed by it. They tried to break down the barrier, I tried to stop them, but they attacked me and actually weakened it. Their minds got so twisted that I had to end their lives myself. It was a small price to pay for the continued existence of Gensokyo, and it wasn't even a complete decision on my part. I tried to exorcise the malicious spirits that had taken over their bodies, but it didn't work. There was a time when I didn't want to kill them either, but there was no other choice. If I had let them live, they would have broken down the barrier between Gensokyo and the outside world. And if that happens, Gensokyo will collapse into the degeneracy that is the outside world!"
Reimu pushes you aside and slashes through the bushes with a purification rod.
"I told you before to stay out of this. You don't look like you're possessed, so I'll let you live. Go to the village, get some sleep, it will be over when you wake up~"
"SOCK! PAT! WH- WHERE ARE YOU! YOU... YOU SAID YOU'D PR- PROTECT ME!!!"
"SHUT UP, WATSUKI!!! OR I'LL EXTERMINATE YOU RIGHT NOW!"
>Ha ha! Victory! I guess that makes up for crashing with wherever he's staying tonight, right?
>Drag him (not literally, of course) up to where we're sleeping for the night so he can sleep his near-death experience off.
[4]{+1) Dudu Zombolt groans loudly, as if trying to convey that he is in too much pain to get up. You figure that he'll eventually get better and follow you up, so you follow the receptionist to your room and tell her to keep an eye on him while he's recovering. While you're waiting, you take a look around the room. There's two tatami mats laid out in the center, and four lit lanterns hanging on opposite walls. A small table stands next to the door, and on top of it are two cups of green tea and what appears to be a stack of newspapers.
-
> Shrug and head on out of the house.
-
>"Yep."
>"Do you have anything to hold them in?"
-
>Sanae... right, they're from the outside world, they'd understand what's going on much better than Reimu does. The Moriya Shrine goddesses and shrine maiden might be our only shot! To the Youkai Mountain, as fast as possible!
-
> Goddamn shrine maiden... This isn't going unpunished!
> Revive as close as you can to the scene.
>> If Reimu's in sight right away, get a surprise attack in on her.
>> If there's still a distance to cover, start sprinting!
-
>"Pat, take care of her! I'm getting Reimu out of here!
>"GET AWAY FROM HER, BITCH!!" Flaming tackle that will incinerate any danmaku coming my way. Douse flame, grab Reimu, making sure to keep her arms pinned to her sides so she can't do anything. Fly out over the forest, and find a secluded location far, far away from the forest, or the Human Village, whichever I see first.
>>Failing that, use my forward movement to get between Reimu and Haru. Fuse the atoms in Reimu's gohei to cause it to explode in her hand. "Haru, get Pat up and get the hell out of here!" Generate spell card: "Solar Flare 'Nuclear Suppression'!" At this point I don't care about collateral damage, as long as Haru isn't stupid and runs in my line of fire. "With the power of the Yatagarasu, I shall devour you in a nuclear blaze! I WILL NOT FAIL MY PROMISE!!"
-
>"Rotten luck..." Continue onwards inside the darkness. We will use the sounds of the dirt track to keep myself from walking onto any grassy area.
-
>Heal up via... I dunno, deep concentration. I didn't pay for a room just to sleep under some stairs, damnit.
-
>Explore dream world for plot-relevant information
-
>Drink some tea and read the news after getting Zombolt on a mat, get him whatever he wants if he asks.
-
> Shrug and head on out of the house.
[6] Without saying anything, you leave quietly behind Marisa's back as she carefully pours steaming pink liquid into small glass containers. Not too long after you venture into the forest, you find a patch of glowing white mushrooms which you use as a source of light. It seems that they lose their glow after you pull them away from the ground, although they do so very slowly. You'll be able to light the way for the next 3 turns.
>"Yep."
>"Do you have anything to hold them in?"
[4] "Of course!"
Rinnosuke points to a collection of kinfe sheathes. Most of them are made of leather, and they feel quite durable as you run your fingers over them.
"How about 6000 for the knives and sheathes?"
>Sanae... right, they're from the outside world, they'd understand what's going on much better than Reimu does. The Moriya Shrine goddesses and shrine maiden might be our only shot! To the Youkai Mountain, as fast as possible!
[4] It's very dark outside, yet your desire to prevent further bloodshed gives you the determination to hurry yourself to the Moriya Shrine as fast as you possibly can.
As you approach, a voice calls out to you.
"Well, you look new... What are you here for?"
> Goddamn shrine maiden... This isn't going unpunished!
> Revive as close as you can to the scene.
>> If Reimu's in sight right away, get a surprise attack in on her.
>> If there's still a distance to cover, start sprinting!
[1] You revive in a familiar forest...
...of tall bamboo stalks that almost block out the night sky.
>"Pat, take care of her! I'm getting Reimu out of here!
>"GET AWAY FROM HER, BITCH!!" Flaming tackle that will incinerate any danmaku coming my way. Douse flame, grab Reimu, making sure to keep her arms pinned to her sides so she can't do anything. Fly out over the forest, and find a secluded location far, far away from the forest, or the Human Village, whichever I see first.
>>Failing that, use my forward movement to get between Reimu and Haru. Fuse the atoms in Reimu's gohei to cause it to explode in her hand. "Haru, get Pat up and get the hell out of here!" Generate spell card: "Solar Flare 'Nuclear Suppression'!" At this point I don't care about collateral damage, as long as Haru isn't stupid and runs in my line of fire. "With the power of the Yatagarasu, I shall devour you in a nuclear blaze! I WILL NOT FAIL MY PROMISE!!"
[1] "Pat [...] here!"
His body lies motionless on the ground.
You charge forward at the Shrine Maiden of Paradise as you prepare to summon an aura of nuclear flame around your body. It seems that you weren't concentrating hard enough because the fire never grows beyond a few sparks as she turns around to slash you right through your neck...
...In a flash of white light, you find yourself looking down at a nightmarish scene. Though you can't hear anything, Haru appears to be screaming as she lies on the ground. Reimu throws the laptop in front of her and gives it a swift kick, sending shards of glass and plastic in all directions.
You are dead.
>"Rotten luck..." Continue onwards inside the darkness. We will use the sounds of the dirt track to keep myself from walking onto any grassy area.
[1] Not long after you continue forward, you trip and fall right into a patch of fluorescent red mushrooms. Poison spores enter your bloodstream and knock you out within seconds.
You are dead.
>Heal up via... I dunno, deep concentration. I didn't pay for a room just to sleep under some stairs, damnit.
[3] The pain subsides to a mild sore as you channel your fresh life-energy through your back and neck. You stand up and ascend the stairs to your room, where NekoNekoRex is reading the news. You shouldn't have been too hasty, because the sore begins to intensify shortly after.
>Explore dream world for plot-relevant information
[2](+1) Pieces of burnt, torn paper rain down from the purple sky. You can make out letters and numbers on them, though they are largely unreadable as a result of whatever damage they've gone through.
- .he Mo.i.. Sh..n. ... l... .. m....le. ... .... a [6. c.. s... e......e
- Yu...i is a...... .......e .. .t i. ..t a.....ble .. s..k h... ....
- .u.k. ... ...n s...e.ced as g..... a.d w... ..e.e h.r s....nce of 60 ye...
- H.. m..he. is .l..e .n. h..in. i. .e..oy.o
>Drink some tea and read the news after getting Zombolt on a mat, get him whatever he wants if he asks.
[4] You drink the tea and glance at the headlines on the front page of the newspaper.
- HAKUREI SHRINE MAIDEN ATTACKS HUMAN GIRL
- SKILLED MUSICIAN PERFORMS AT NEWLY-OPENED MAHJONG PARLOR
- LOCAL SASHIMI SHOP QUESTIONED IN POISONING INCIDENT
- VILLAGE SCHOOLHOUSE DAMAGED BY YOUKAI
-
> "Wh... Well, this sucks... And I've got jack squat of my old stuff on me here... In the middle of the night... Yep..."
> Get out. Worry about your vendetta against the shrine maiden later; just try and remember which way led out of the bamboo forest and take to it.
-
>I...I do not accept this. I can not accept this.
>Rise again. A mere shrine maiden can't keep a god down. I don't care if the Yatagarasu completely takes over at this point. I would welcome its embrace.
>SAVE HER.
-
>What is this, ambiguity? I demand better dream information than that!
>failing that, wake up already. If nothing else, the news should have what's going on.
-
>"Ah, Miss Kochiya? Miss Yasaka? Miss Moriya? Whichever you are, please, I need your help..."
>Wait for the voice to reveal herself. If it's one of the three, explain the whole thing. If not, see who it is first. I'm not going to risk telling a potential enemy about what's going on.
-
>A Shrine Maiden attacking innocent humans??!? CLEARLY THIS SHRINE MAIDEN NEEDS TO GET CUDDLY!
>>Fly out the window and straight to the Hakurei Shrine. Jumping out of a second story expecting to fly is clearly a masterful idea and can in no way go wrong at all.
-
>Well that didn't last long. Attempt to respawn either near my dead body (away from the red mushrooms) or a person stuck in the forest.
-
>Buy 'em.
Wait, it took me longer to buy knives than unmatched sock to follow along the story?
-
> Pick mushrooms, acquire bio-luminescence.
-
>Gape at the window, before collapsing on the tatami.
-
> "Wh... Well, this sucks... And I've got jack squat of my old stuff on me here... In the middle of the night... Yep..."
> Get out. Worry about your vendetta against the shrine maiden later; just try and remember which way led out of the bamboo forest and take to it.
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
How long has it been since you shot that path through? Oh, right, it's only been a day, which means the bamboo hasn't grown back. Despite the fact that dark clouds have started to block out the moon, you run right back to the Forest of Magic. Shortly after you enter, FlamingRok materializes next to you. In the corner of your vision a silhouette of a bird takes to the sky, leaving behind a trail of lime-green vapor.
>I...I do not accept this. I can not accept this.
>Rise again. A mere shrine maiden can't keep a god down. I don't care if the Yatagarasu completely takes over at this point. I would welcome its embrace.
>SAVE HER.
[4] Anger, determination, and heroism combine to invoke the Yatagarasu contained within your spirit. Energy gathers as you assume its form, spread your wings and swoop down to snatch Haru up with incredible speed, leaving behind a trail of lime-green nuclear steam. There are deep cuts all over her body, and you can't help but notice the needle sticking into her stomach. She looks up at you and mumbles between coughs of blood.
"S- So- Sock... Is... th- that y- you? We ne- need to g- get to t- the M- Mor- iya Sh- Shrine..."
It appears that Reimu was too busy destroying the remains of the laptop to notice what you've done. And even if she did, the chances of her finding you, let alone catching up to you, would be very slim.
>What is this, ambiguity? I demand better dream information than that!
>failing that, wake up already. If nothing else, the news should have what's going on.
[5] As if the gods read your thoughts, a bolt of lightning from above strikes the pieces of paper, burning the rest of the letters in place.
- The Moriya Shrine may lead to miracles but only a [6] can save everyone
- Yukari is against everyone so it is not advisable to seek her help
- Yuuka had been sentenced as guilty and will serve her sentence of 60 years
- Her mother is alive and hiding in Gensokyo
Another piece of paper lands down in front of your foot. Scrawled in blood is the following:
SHE IS ALMOST DEAD
>"Ah, Miss Kochiya? Miss Yasaka? Miss Moriya? Whichever you are, please, I need your help..."
>Wait for the voice to reveal herself. If it's one of the three, explain the whole thing. If not, see who it is first. I'm not going to risk telling a potential enemy about what's going on.
[4] "It is I, Kanako Yasaka, Goddess of the Moriya Shrine. What is it that you need?"
You explain everything to her, starting with the incident at the village, followed by the forest confrontation. Before you mention your talk with Keine, she hurries into the shrine as lights come on. As you wait outside, you hear a screaming voice.
"SHE WHAT?!"
Sanae rushes outside with an expression of disbelief and urgency. Shortly after, Kanako and Suwako fly out to hover beside her.
"The girl. Haruko. We need to bring her here right now. She's probably in a life-threatening condition, and it might be too late already."
>A Shrine Maiden attacking innocent humans??!? CLEARLY THIS SHRINE MAIDEN NEEDS TO GET CUDDLY!
>>Fly out the window and straight to the Hakurei Shrine. Jumping out of a second story expecting to fly is clearly a masterful idea and can in no way go wrong at all.
[4] You jump out the window and take flight towards the Hakurei Shrine. There doesn't appear to be anyone there, so you hide in the bushes next to the torii.
>Well that didn't last long. Attempt to respawn either near my dead body (away from the red mushrooms) or a person stuck in the forest.
[6] You respawn in your previous body, right next to Patorikku. A silhouette of a bird takes to the sky, leaving behind a trail of lime-green vapor.
>Buy 'em.
Wait, it took me longer to buy knives than unmatched sock to follow along the story?
[3] As you count through the wad of bills, the bandages start to disintegrate into flakes. After all, they've been sitting there for decades, and they certainly can't stand too much flexing.
Money -?6000 (total ?9991000)
> Pick mushrooms, acquire bio-luminescence.
[3] You eat the mushrooms in hopes that the bioluminescent spores will be absorbed into your body...
...which seems to be the case, except that you don't glow as bright as you expected. Whereas the mushrooms give off 100% of their light, you only give off 20% or so.
>Gape at the window, before collapsing on the tatami.
[6] Your jaw drops to the floor as NekoNekoRex jumps out of the window, dips towards the ground, and floats up towards the sky. After she's no more than a speck in the night sky, you fall backwards onto the tatami. A surge of pain runs through your back as everything that was once out-of-place snaps back into place, extinguishing the aches that plagued you since your revival.
-
>Someone almost dying? NOT ON MY WATCH... is what I would say if I had any combat prowess. I don't though, so...
>For now, wake up and search for people more likely to put this foreshadowed information to good use. Fly and rely on the power of ROCK if I have to.
-
>Use Cuddle Beams on the donation box to bait this dastardly shrine maiden back to her shrine.
-
>"IT WILL BE...FINE..." To the Moriya Shrine! Quickly now! It's like on a mountain or something!
>>Upon arrival, find those in charge and deposit the girl there. "HARUKO...FIX HER...PLEASE...WHATEVER I CAN DO...TO HELP..."
>>"SAVE...HER..."
(Taking a liberty here, I figure nearly dying and letting myself be consumed by the Yatagarasu wouldn't exactly leave me able to speak in a cohesive, non-at-least-semi-threatening manner. Possibly even only telepathically, only capable of fearsome nuclear screeching. Depends on interpretation of what should happen.)
-
>"Ah, so I really have made it back again." Look beside me to Patorikku. "Oh, hello there. I guess I should've tried to plan my re-materialization elsewhere." Return to Marisa's house and attempt to figure out another way to make it to the Human Village.
-
>"R-right. Thank you..."
>Pat, Sock, Haruko, the four of us are coming, as fast as possible! Hang in there! Hopefully we're not too late!
-
>"I might need a little more bandages."
>Patch myself up, and leave for the Forest.
>Look for the other players, if any.
-
> Eat more of the mushrooms in an attempt to acquire more glow.
-
> Take a quick look at Rok, and scan the area real quick. You're a bit busy to deal with small talk.
>> If any of your stuff is in sight nearby, grab it.
>> In case of shrine maiden, acknowledge that you have legs and use them to hastily escape the area, as you are ill equipped to beat the crap out of her right now.
> In any case, do the thing and then take off following that lime green trail. Why? You don't actually have any clue what that trail is, but you also have no clue what sock's powers looked like in the first place, so for all you know, that's probably him.
-
> Spawn
-
Full heal? Sweet.
>Powernap to full stamina too.
-
>Someone almost dying? NOT ON MY WATCH... is what I would say if I had any combat prowess. I don't though, so...
>For now, wake up and search for people more likely to put this foreshadowed information to good use. Fly and rely on the power of ROCK if I have to.
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
You wake up with a vivid recollection of the dream and take to the skies towards the Moriya Shrine. The trip is relatively uneventful, save for the few blasts of lightning that fail to strike you as you keep yourself at a safe altitude.
Shortly after you land, an unmatched sock lands with a horribly injured girl in his arms, who is lifted up and taken into the shrine.
"Come with us. We'll need all the faith we can gather."
Faith +5
>Use Cuddle Beams on the donation box to bait this dastardly shrine maiden back to her shrine.
[3] A flash of pink lights the clouds above the shrine for a good amount of time.
Several minutes later, Reimu approaches from behind and kicks you down as she lands. Still on the ground, you dodge all but one of the amulets she fires at you. An explosion of pain erupts across your left arm as you graze it.
CAUTION: Mend the wound within 3 turns.
>"IT WILL BE...FINE..." To the Moriya Shrine! Quickly now! It's like on a mountain or something!
>>Upon arrival, find those in charge and deposit the girl there. "HARUKO...FIX HER...PLEASE...WHATEVER I CAN DO...TO HELP..."
>>"SAVE...HER..."
(Taking a liberty here, I figure nearly dying and letting myself be consumed by the Yatagarasu wouldn't exactly leave me able to speak in a cohesive, non-at-least-semi-threatening manner. Possibly even only telepathically, only capable of fearsome nuclear screeching. Depends on interpretation of what should happen.)
[6] By the time the Moriya Shrine comes into view, you notice its two goddesses and shrine maiden, along with LaserTurtle and Validon98. As you land, Sanae rushes over to you and cries out in response to your loud and clear plea of desperation.
"OH DEAR! Haruko? Can you hear me?"
"I... I feel c- cold. Can som- someone take me ins- inside?"
The three of them carefully lift the mangled body up and float into the shrine.
"Come with us. We'll need all the faith we can gather."
Faith +10
>"Ah, so I really have made it back again." Look beside me to Patorikku. "Oh, hello there. I guess I should've tried to plan my re-materialization elsewhere." Return to Marisa's house and attempt to figure out another way to make it to the Human Village.
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
"Ah [...] elsewhere."
He seems to be in a hurry and runs off into the forest. You do the same, except that your destination is completely different from his. As you approach the small house, Marisa sees you through the window and waves at you.
"Hey! It's you again! How's it goin'?"
>"R-right. Thank you..."
>Pat, Sock, Haruko, the four of us are coming, as fast as possible! Hang in there! Hopefully we're not too late!
[4] You look up at the sky and pray for eveyone's safety and survival. LaserTurtle arrives, followed by an unmatched sock, who brings with him a badly injured girl. She is lifted into the shrine, leaving the three of you together.
"Come with us. We'll need all the faith we can gather."
Faith +1
>"I might need a little more bandages."
>Patch myself up, and leave for the Forest.
>Look for the other players, if any.
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
You reapply bandages over the wound and rush to the Forest of Magic. As you walk along the grassy path, you notice Kasu lying near a patch of mushrooms. He's not breathing, and the lack of signs of physical attack indicates that he was poisoned.
Continuing onwards, you notice that there's a section of bushes to your right that looks like it was cut down. Pieces of shattered glass and plastic along with dried puddles of blood leave telltale signs of a violent struggle that took place nearby.
> Eat more of the mushrooms in an attempt to acquire more glow.
[1] As you continue to ingest glowing white mushrooms, you happen to come across a pink one so similar in color to the white ones that you don't notice it until you swallow it and realize that it's probably an un-ripe form of the poisonous red ones. Of course, that doesn't really matter too much, because even the dilute poison paralyzes and kills you within a minute.
You are dead.
> Take a quick look at Rok, and scan the area real quick. You're a bit busy to deal with small talk.
>> If any of your stuff is in sight nearby, grab it.
>> In case of shrine maiden, acknowledge that you have legs and use them to hastily escape the area, as you are ill equipped to beat the crap out of her right now.
> In any case, do the thing and then take off following that lime green trail. Why? You don't actually have any clue what that trail is, but you also have no clue what sock's powers looked like in the first place, so for all you know, that's probably him.
[2](+1) The clouds above the Hakurei Shrine flashes pink as you look at FlamingRok with an "I've got things to do" expression and run off towards the remains of hideout you found last night. Pieces of shattered glass and plastic along with dried puddles of blood leave a disturbing reminder of what happened last night. Nothing appears to be salvageable, so you take off towards the Moriya Shrine.
There doesn't appear to be anyone outside, but quiet voices coming from inside tell you that something is going on.
> Spawn
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
You open your eyes to find yourself looking at the early morning sky. After becoming fully conscious, you stand up and notice dense, tall bamboo thickets in all directions. If you hadn't happened to be looking in the right place at the right time, you wouldn't have noticed a girl in red and white flying towards the east.
Full heal? Sweet.
>Powernap to full stamina too.
[6] Now that your pains and aches are gone, you can finally rest. Despite the fact that it's early morning, you close your eyes and instantly enter the deepest stages of sleep...
...You wake up feeling energized and ready to take on anything that comes your way.
Strength +10
-
>Dodge her attacks and attempt to use Cuddle Beams to pacify this clearly blood-crazed miko. She will attack humans no more!
-
>Attempt to shift back into humanoid form and follow, remaining close to Haruko, radiating heat to try to keep her warm.
>>If it doesn't work, just wait outside. I doubt a giant bird can effectively fit through a door.
>"If needed, I can stand guard. I don't think I need to be immediately present to offer faith. And you have as much as it takes to get her back and then some."/"I WILL GUARD...HEAL HER...FAITH...WHAT IT TAKES..." (depending on result of previous command)
>>Do so, unless told otherwise. In which case, keep guard up and aware in case of anything. Hopefully Reimu is far away...
-
Am I interrupting the riveting narrative transpiring here
# initialize player character
> Slowly and unnecessarily phase into existence over the course of multiple turns, arriving at a seemingly random location and unintentionally making a rather grand entrance
>> On completion (assuming the place of arrival was not occupied by solid mass): inspect inventory and surrounding area in confusion, and pick up nearest solid object and say "hello" to it - then break out of the confusion and realize that the experiment was a success
-
>Can't really mention that we died, now can we? I guess we have one option: make a partial lie.
"It's not going too badly, though partway through the forest, the lantern got blown out by a powerful gust of wind, and due to not knowing how the dirt path went, I had to attempt to backtrack here." Look at the stack of books. "So those magic tomes...are there any simpler ones to learn?"
-
>"All right guys fill me in here. What the heck is going on, who is almost dead, why is there a glowing green bird instead of the usual unmatched sock, what is going on with Reimu, and most importantly WHY DID THE GREEN WOMAN MURDER ME FOR OFFERING TO TREAT HER TO LUNCH?"
>Share dream information with everyone at the shrine, save game, allocate available points into musician skill.
-
>Follow the carnage. Tread carefully.
-
> Resurrect.
-
> The group in there seems to be busy, and you can't exactly offer any sort of help. Since you're now unarmed, you might as well try and fix that situation by making your own arms your arms! ... Hm wait a minute that sounds kinda dumb if you phrase it like that.
> In any case, start up a training montage and do unnecessary amounts of physical work-outs to make your body a suitable weapon!
-
STRONGKEST NAP
>Fly off to the nearest point of relevance, combat-wise.
-
>"Just let me know what needs to be done."
>>It seems most likely, they're going to try to pull off a miracle. All of the faith you can get, huh? Well, hopefully this can work...
-
>Dodge her attacks and attempt to use Cuddle Beams to pacify this clearly blood-crazed miko. She will attack humans no more!
[3] Right before you fire a beam of pink hearts at the clearly angered shrine maiden, she whacks you on your shoulder with her gohei, causing you to fire the beam towards the sky as you reel in pain.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?! YOU BETTER NOT BE STEALING ANYTHING!!!"
A hand reaches out from a gap in the air to grab Reimu's arm just before she plunges the gohei into your stomach. As you stare in bewilderment, a golden-haired woman in a fluffy dress steps through the gap.
"Oh, Reimu... Don't get too kill-happy, not all outsiders are going to break down the barrier, okay? Keep this up, and news will spread to the Gensokyoan humans."
"Sorry, Yukari... It's just that I almost caught the Watsuki girl before A GROUP OF OUTSIDERS took her away..."
"Then what are you doing here? Go! Chase after them!"
Yukari points at you and exclaims, "She's the least of your worries."
Your parasympathetic nervous system begins to take over, shifting bodily focus towards the cut across your left arm.
CAUTION: Mend the wound within 2 turns.
>Attempt to shift back into humanoid form and follow, remaining close to Haruko, radiating heat to try to keep her warm.
>>If it doesn't work, just wait outside. I doubt a giant bird can effectively fit through a door.
>"If needed, I can stand guard. I don't think I need to be immediately present to offer faith. And you have as much as it takes to get her back and then some."/"I WILL GUARD...HEAL HER...FAITH...WHAT IT TAKES..." (depending on result of previous command)
>>Do so, unless told otherwise. In which case, keep guard up and aware in case of anything. Hopefully Reimu is far away...
[6] You concentrate as hard as you can in an effort to shift back into a humanoid body. It was most likely successful, because those nearby look at you with wide-open eyes as you undergo the transformation.
The interior of the Moriya Shrine stands in stark contrast to that of a certain other shrine. Electric light bulbs hang down from the ceiling, and a comfy leather sofa sits against the long edge of the wall. Kanako places Haruko on a wooden table in the center of the room and places her hand over the needle protruding from her stomach. Sanae returns with a cart, carrying several appliances that probably came from an outside-world emergency room. Before you even try to imagine where that came from, she looks towards you.
"You have a Yatagarasu contained within you, right? Can you help power these?"
She hands you a three-pronged plug leading to a metal box on the bottom half of the cart.
Faith +10 (total 27)
Am I interrupting the riveting narrative transpiring here
# initialize player character
> Slowly and unnecessarily phase into existence over the course of multiple turns, arriving at a seemingly random location and unintentionally making a rather grand entrance
>> On completion (assuming the place of arrival was not occupied by solid mass): inspect inventory and surrounding area in confusion, and pick up nearest solid object and say "hello" to it - then break out of the confusion and realize that the experiment was a success
[3] You materialize in a bamboo forest that appears to be endless in all directions with a raging headache. Whatever you did to enter Gensokyo appears to have taken a toll on your stamina. In the confusion, you pick a sharp piece of bamboo off from the ground and attempt to hold a conversation with it before realizing that you cut your hand on it.
CAUTION: Mend the wound within 3 turns.
Note from GM: No, you're not. It's always fun to see a new player jump in, especially in violent and emotional scenes like the one currently taking place. It gives me a chance to be humorous and funny with one group of players while being serious and grave with the other group.
>Can't really mention that we died, now can we? I guess we have one option: make a partial lie.
"It's not going too badly, though partway through the forest, the lantern got blown out by a powerful gust of wind, and due to not knowing how the dirt path went, I had to attempt to backtrack here." Look at the stack of books. "So those magic tomes...are there any simpler ones to learn?"
[5](+1) "It's [...] here."
"Not knowing how the dirt path went? Didn't I tell you to just go east? Ahh, whatever. At least you came back alive."
About coming back alive...
"So [...] learn?"
"Well, I guess I can teach you some basic magic. After all, ya can't survive past three nights in Gensokyo without spellcards, ze~"
Perhaps you didn't try doing so earlier, but magic is surprisingly easy to learn. Or at least the magic Marisa's teaching you, because within a short amount of time, you've learned how to conjure light around you, turn poisonous mushrooms into wholesomely nutricious ones, and most importantly, shoot small star-like projectiles from your fingers.
>"All right guys fill me in here. What the heck is going on, who is almost dead, why is there a glowing green bird instead of the usual unmatched sock, what is going on with Reimu, and most importantly WHY DID THE GREEN WOMAN MURDER ME FOR OFFERING TO TREAT HER TO LUNCH?"
>Share dream information with everyone at the shrine, save game, allocate available points into musician skill.
[2](+1) "All [...] LUNCH?"
Nobody seems to respond. Those around you look just as clueless as you do, and those that went inside the shrine are likely too preoccupied with the sudden incident to notice you. With nothing else to do, you spend the time improving your musical skills.
Musician skill +3 (total 13)
>Follow the carnage. Tread carefully.
[3](+1) Now that Patorikku's gone, you observe the scene of the carnage in greater detail, all while making sure not to leave any confounding evidence. Bits and pieces of plastic and glass are strewn all over the general area, among which are two human bodies that lie in close proximity to each other. One of them is riddled with barb-tipped needles through the arm, exposing shattered bones. The other person appears to have died in a much cleaner fashion with a single, yet deep cut through the neck. Near the ruined bushes, deep footprints indicative of stomping are embedded in the dirt. Given all that, it's clear to you that whatever happened here was nothing less than a violent murder.
> Resurrect.
[2] Try again.
> The group in there seems to be busy, and you can't exactly offer any sort of help. Since you're now unarmed, you might as well try and fix that situation by making your own arms your arms! ... Hm wait a minute that sounds kinda dumb if you phrase it like that.
> In any case, start up a training montage and do unnecessary amounts of physical work-outs to make your body a suitable weapon!
[2] Your arms and legs ache with every beat of your heart as more-than-normal amounts of lactose coat the muscles. There's a lot less oxygen in the air when you're almost at the tip of the Youkai Mountain. As a result, intense cramps set in shortly after you begin your physical training session.
STRONGKEST NAP
>Fly off to the nearest point of relevance, combat-wise.
[4] Heads turn as you fly out through the window towards the Hakurei Shrine. Even though you're pretty far away, you notice NekoNekoRex holding her injured arm. In front of her, a golden-haired woman in a fluffy dress appears to be lecturing the shrine maiden.
>"Just let me know what needs to be done."
>>It seems most likely, they're going to try to pull off a miracle. All of the faith you can get, huh? Well, hopefully this can work...
[4] Kanako appears to be channeling spiritual energy at Haruko, and Sanae just asked an unmatched sock to help with powering a cart full of medical appliances. You're not the kind of person to just stand there in situations like this, so you declare your involvement.
"Just [...] done."
"Right now, all we can do is pray that she'll make it through this."
Faith +1 (total 27)
-
> "Aghh... Owowow..." Okay, new plan: there are folks in the shrine that can help you out in one way or another. Perhaps it's time you went in and checked on the situation.
-
>"Whatever is needed." Begin administering power to the machinery.
-
>"someone please acknowledge me! I have possibly important dream information!"
>Encouragement music! Provide background soundtrack to montage, if needed.
-
>Use one of the knife sheaths to hold a few needles, bits of plastic, and duller pieces of glass.
>Follow the footprints
>Call out: "Any one here? Hello?"
-
> Resurrect using the power of NATURE.
-
# what a fantastic start.
> Realize that the bamboo didn't mean to cut you, and meticulously peel apart its fibers to weave them into a makeshift bandage. Subsequently seek medical care that DOESN'T suck. Take care to look for landmarks through the bamboo and not make too much noise to avoid disturbing any dangerous wildlife. Briefly regret attempting to communicate with bamboo.
-
>Yay! The shrine maiden stop murdering! Let's run away before this new person, who can apparently boss around murderers, gets mad at us for causing trouble. Hey, maybe we can even go back to the inn...
>If what I've studied about cats is correct, I can just lick the wound until it starts to heal, right?
-
>I do kinda feel useless here, but, given faith does power their divine, well, power, I gotta give them all the faith I can give!
-
>Allocate any available points into Magic. "Thank you, though I still feel guilty because I can't pay you back yet. Is there anything you need to be done at the moment?"
-
Time to return the favor!
>Apply healing beams to NNR. Lurk about as well, try to ascertain what are the two girls talking about.
-
> "Aghh... Owowow..." Okay, new plan: there are folks in the shrine that can help you out in one way or another. Perhaps it's time you went in and checked on the situation.
[4] Haruko is lying on a wooden table in the center of the room with several probes attached to her forehead. Kanako and Suwako appear to be channeling some sort of energy towards her, Sanae is preparing pieces of paper dabbed in alcohol, and an unmatched sock is powering a cart of medical appliances. The silence as they go about their duties tells you does nothing to reduce the effects of the somber atmosphere lingering above everyone.
>"Whatever is needed." Begin administering power to the machinery.
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
You cup the plug in your hands and generate a ball of nuclear energy between them, carefully increasing its strength until the meter needle swings to the 100-volt mark. A quiet beep sounds as the brainwave monitor boots up, and the high-pitched squeal coming from the defibrillator increases until it's no longer audible. You might not be a doctor, but the slow and steady waves scrolling across the screen tells you that although Haruko is unconscious, she's at least alive.
>"someone please acknowledge me! I have possibly important dream information!"
>Encouragement music! Provide background soundtrack to montage, if needed.
[4] You walk into the shrine and declare your knowledge of important information regarding the past few incidents.
"someone [...] information!"
"Please share with us, just about anything might be of help right now."
It's quite obvious that the Moriya Shrine can offer assistance, so you quickly go over that. Of importance is the fact that Yukari is on Reimu's side. You also mention how Yuuka has been "banished" for the next sixty years, which causes sighs of relief from the Moriya Shrine residents. Finally, you end with possible the most important piece of information: Haruko's mother is hiding in Gensokyo. However, the person that would most likely benefit from that is lying unconscious in front of the others, and you have no idea if she'll even make it...
>Use one of the knife sheaths to hold a few needles, bits of plastic, and duller pieces of glass.
>Follow the footprints
>Call out: "Any one here? Hello?"
[2] The barb-tipped needles stick through several thick bones, making it nearly impossible to pull out without ripping apart the decaying body and risking infections. The pieces of plastic and glass look like they were almost ground to fine grains of dust, and the largest piece you can find is barely a centimeter in length. Footprints lead towards the north, but they end where the dirt path meets a stone path. Another set of footprints lead towards the east, but end abruptly not too far from where you are.
"Any one here? Hello?"
A high-pitched voice squeals, "Nope, nobody's here~"
> Resurrect using the power of NATURE.
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
Bright sunlight penetrates your eyelids as they open back up. It looks like your attempt to gain bioluminescence has not only failed horribly, but that it is also of no real use to you now. From the position of the sun in the sky, you estimate it to be late morning.
# what a fantastic start.
> Realize that the bamboo didn't mean to cut you, and meticulously peel apart its fibers to weave them into a makeshift bandage. Subsequently seek medical care that DOESN'T suck. Take care to look for landmarks through the bamboo and not make too much noise to avoid disturbing any dangerous wildlife. Briefly regret attempting to communicate with bamboo.
[3] You wind bamboo fibers over your hand to cover the wound and take off to find a way out of the forest. After hours of walking, you can't tell whether you're in the same place you were when you started your expedition or whether you've gone deeper into the maze.
>Yay! The shrine maiden stop murdering! Let's run away before this new person, who can apparently boss around murderers, gets mad at us for causing trouble. Hey, maybe we can even go back to the inn...
>If what I've studied about cats is correct, I can just lick the wound until it starts to heal, right?
[6] Saliva has the ability to act as a mild antibiotic, which works wonders when applied to shallow cuts like the one on your arm. Now that you're in optimal condition, you sprint past the torii and jump down the stairs, taking flight towards the Human Village...
...The streets are beginning to come alive as shop-owners set up their stalls and open their doors to potential customers. Children run around playfully, and adults go about their daily routines.
>I do kinda feel useless here, but, given faith does power their divine, well, power, I gotta give them all the faith I can give!
[4] You continue praying...
Faith +1 (total 28)
>Allocate any available points into Magic. "Thank you, though I still feel guilty because I can't pay you back yet. Is there anything you need to be done at the moment?"
[2] "Thank [...] moment?"
"Well, let's see... You probably have no idea what these potions are made of, and you certainly can't skin these snakes. Actually, I have no idea what you can do, so if you want to rest for a while, go ahead."
You only know basic magic, and it looks like Marisa's a bit busy to train you further.
Time to return the favor!
>Apply healing beams to NNR. Lurk about as well, try to ascertain what are the two girls talking about.
[2] What an awkward entrance...
Despite the fact that you had plenty of time to leave after seeing NekoNekoRex bolt down the stairs and take flight towards safety, you continue ahead and land right in front of the two girls. Without saying a word, the one in the fluffy dress points a finger across the ground beneath you, revealing a gap containing innumerable eyes that stare straight at you. Before you have a chance to do anything, you fall on your bottom in the middle of nowhere a bamboo forest.
-
>"Ah, okay...I apologize for being of no assistance." Sit onto a nearby stool, and keep notes to myself about the new magic I have recently learned.
-
> This doesn't look like something you can help fix. Not immediately, anyhow. Step outside again and leave them be.
> See if you can find a weapon of some kind in the immediate vicinity of the shrine. "Judging by all that went down earlier, Reimu probably wasn't finished with the girl, so she may come around for another shot at her. Good to know... I'll want another shot at her for what she did to me."
-
>"Yes someone's here. Come on out, I'm looking for the person who made someone a human pin cushion. I won't hurt you."
-
>"Yukari? Can't say I'm familiar with the name..." Express slight shock at the other important news, then smile at Haruko. "You hear that? She's alive. Just like you hoped. We can still find her. You have to pull through...Haru..."
>Provide faith and continue supplying the medical equipment with power.
-
> Photosynthesize.
-
>"Don't look at me, I'm just a musician."
>Provide background music to set the mood. Be faithful too, that couldn't hurt.
-
> Fed up with the current lack of any progress whatsoever, but not ready to give up hope, take a (syllable) stab in the dark and call out to anyone who may be around - and may or may not be helpful.
"Hello? Anyone? Anyone out there? Where am I? And what time period is this?"
> While doing this, prepare for a less-than-ideal outcome by constructing a super-makeshift bamboo shelter complete with hyper-makeshift bamboo combat implement. Name combat implement "Carl's Jr." out of a desire for comic relief. Briefly reconsider conversing with bamboo. Subsequently banish the thought. Bamboo bamboo.
> Wait around for a bit and hope that whoever - or whatever - answers the calls doesn't want to kill you or otherwise deprive you of life.
# Do I have anything in my inventory whatsoever, or am I doomed to live entirely off of bamboo for the rest of my life
-
>Looks like I was right not to go speak to Yukari about this. Still though, Haruko's mother is alive? That means she's in just as much danger, and we can't exactly go now to look for her. It might grab their attention, and at the same time Reimu could be banging on our doors any minute.
>Go out with Pat, keep an eye out for Reimu. I know I can be providing faith right now, but as soon as Reimu comes anywhere NEAR the Moriya Shrine, we need to let everyone inside know. There's seven of us here, we should be able to drive her off, right?
-
[Day: 3] [Time: Noon] [Weather: Cloudy]
>"Ah, okay...I apologize for being of no assistance." Sit onto a nearby stool, and keep notes to myself about the new magic I have recently learned.
[2] You try to memorize the procedures to cast the spells you've learned, but you forget the previous one as soon as you commit the next one to memory.
> This doesn't look like something you can help fix. Not immediately, anyhow. Step outside again and leave them be.
> See if you can find a weapon of some kind in the immediate vicinity of the shrine. "Judging by all that went down earlier, Reimu probably wasn't finished with the girl, so she may come around for another shot at her. Good to know... I'll want another shot at her for what she did to me."
[2] You leave just as quietly as when you entered to look for a suitable weapon. Unfortunately, you don't find anything like that.
>"Yes someone's here. Come on out, I'm looking for the person who made someone a human pin cushion. I won't hurt you."
[3] A petite fairy peeks out from behind a tree.
"IT WASN'T MEEEE! I didn't do anything!"
She looks at you and gasps before fluttering her wings to fly deep into the woods. What else can you expect from her when you're carrying a bunch of shiny knives?
>"Yukari? Can't say I'm familiar with the name..." Express slight shock at the other important news, then smile at Haruko. "You hear that? She's alive. Just like you hoped. We can still find her. You have to pull through...Haru..."
>Provide faith and continue supplying the medical equipment with power.
[3](+1) Your words of hope reach deep into Haruko's unconsciousness, causing the wave on the monitor to increase in complexity for a moment before returning to the same repetitive pattern as before.
Sanae notices the brief change and exclaims, "Did you see that? She's listening to us!"
Faith +1 (total 31)
> Photosynthesize.
[1](+1) You stand under the sun, but nothing happens. At least you didn't die of sunburn-induced skin cancer...
>"Don't look at me, I'm just a musician."
>Provide background music to set the mood. Be faithful too, that couldn't hurt.
[3] Before you prepare your instrument, Kanako looks up from the makeshift operation table and glances at you.
"Shh... Stay quiet. We need to concentrate."
Faith +1 (total 31)
> Fed up with the current lack of any progress whatsoever, but not ready to give up hope, take a (syllable) stab in the dark and call out to anyone who may be around - and may or may not be helpful.
"Hello? Anyone? Anyone out there? Where am I? And what time period is this?"
> While doing this, prepare for a less-than-ideal outcome by constructing a super-makeshift bamboo shelter complete with hyper-makeshift bamboo combat implement. Name combat implement "Carl's Jr." out of a desire for comic relief. Briefly reconsider conversing with bamboo. Subsequently banish the thought. Bamboo bamboo.
> Wait around for a bit and hope that whoever - or whatever - answers the calls doesn't want to kill you or otherwise deprive you of life.
# Do I have anything in my inventory whatsoever, or am I doomed to live entirely off of bamboo for the rest of my life
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
You manage to make a tent-like structure by stringing bamboo stalks together, as well as break off a long bamboo branch to use as a swinging weapon. By the time you finish all that, a group of fairies has gathered around the area...
...After a while, the largest fairy among the group (who is barely larger than bite-sized) squeaks.
"Hi~"
At her response, a smaller one continues the conversation.
"How did you do all that?"
Others also join in.
"You're in the Bamboo Forest of the Lost!"
"The Lost~"
"Ehh... I don't remember..."
"I don't either..."
"I think it's the ninth day."
"No, you've got it wrong! It's the fifteenth day!"
Though the fairies' sense of time is very limited, the lack of tall buildings, airplanes, and "no littering" signs tells you that you're in a rather primitive area. Also, there are TINY NATURE DEITIES hovering around you.
All you have with you is a bamboo stick.
>Looks like I was right not to go speak to Yukari about this. Still though, Haruko's mother is alive? That means she's in just as much danger, and we can't exactly go now to look for her. It might grab their attention, and at the same time Reimu could be banging on our doors any minute.
>Go out with Pat, keep an eye out for Reimu. I know I can be providing faith right now, but as soon as Reimu comes anywhere NEAR the Moriya Shrine, we need to let everyone inside know. There's seven of us here, we should be able to drive her off, right?
[4] You follow Patorikku out the shrine to stand guard while he searches for weapons. The sky is covered by a thick layer of dark clouds, but other than that it is as clear as it can be.
Faith +1 (total 31)
Stay faithful, everyone! We're just over three-fifths of the way there!
-
> You are the last person who should be without a weapon of some sort, especially if that shrine maiden is on her way here. Take a look at your stats and dump any available points into strength and agility; when she shows up, you're gonna rush her down.
-
> Look around for a weapon.
-
>"She did?" Lean a bit closer. "Come on, Haru...fight this! Be strong, recover as fast as possible! Your mother is out there, waiting!"
>Apply hope and faith directly to the gods. Keep powering the thing. She'll pull through.
-
"'Lost' is definitely right - I have no idea how to get out of here. Do any of you know where I can find a town or a city or... anything, really? Ninth day? Fifteenth day? Day of what?"
> Outwardly, ask for directions and context to the surrounding chatter. Inwardly, feel a surge of trepidation. Internally question if the surrounding small entities are some sort of hallucination, or if the entire surrounding world defies the proven logic of the known universe. Then again, science hasn't exactly disproven the existence of pixies, or whatever these may be - but the probability of their ability to exist should be close to none. Furthermore, internally question if this bamboo forest "of the lost" even has an exit, or if it loops inwards on itself through some 4th-dimensional twilight zone magic.
> Do not brandish Carl's Jr., as the small beings seem staggeringly benign. If they attack, though, hey - I gots a stick, and when shit gets real, I'm gonna be doing more than walking softly with it.
> Ponder if there is something considerably more interesting than your own predicament going on in some other part of this realm.
...
> Probably not. I mean, look at this. PIXIES. Totally pixies, right here, right now.
"Wait. Are you... pixies or something?"
-
Agh, I figured learning spells wouldn't be too easy.
>Look through a nearby magic tome, and attempt to learn the material inside.
-
>Continue following the path of carnage
-
Shite.
>Soar above the skies, figure out where to go next.
-
>Nothing to do, huh? Great.
>Stay idle, maybe I'll get a random drop.
-
>Continue keeping an eye out. Advance warning for the others is key.
-
[Day: 3] [Time: Noon] [Weather: Drizzle]
> You are the last person who should be without a weapon of some sort, especially if that shrine maiden is on her way here. Take a look at your stats and dump any available points into strength and agility; when she shows up, you're gonna rush her down.
[6] You realize that no matter what you have or how hard you train yourself, it all comes down to pure luck at the end of the day. Worry and paranoia build up as you find yourself lacking any kind of weapon, so you frantically search around the Moriya Shrine until you find a glowing green orb attached to a silver necklace. Attached to the chain is a small label:
Break glass to increase next roll by 2. One-time use only. Dispose after activation.
WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD - Small parts; Not for children under 3 yrs.
ITEM ACQUIRED: Pendant of Miracles (x1)
> Look around for a weapon.
[1] Your search for a weapon has failed, and you're also in an unfamiliar part of the forest.
>"She did?" Lean a bit closer. "Come on, Haru...fight this! Be strong, recover as fast as possible! Your mother is out there, waiting!"
>Apply hope and faith directly to the gods. Keep powering the thing. She'll pull through.
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
The two-and-a-half goddesses accept your faith as they continue weakening the seal Reimu has placed on Haruko. If it wasn't for the fact that her body was still somewhat intact, all hope would have been lost.
Faith +5 (total 36)
"'Lost' is definitely right - I have no idea how to get out of here. Do any of you know where I can find a town or a city or... anything, really? Ninth day? Fifteenth day? Day of what?"
> Outwardly, ask for directions and context to the surrounding chatter. Inwardly, feel a surge of trepidation. Internally question if the surrounding small entities are some sort of hallucination, or if the entire surrounding world defies the proven logic of the known universe. Then again, science hasn't exactly disproven the existence of pixies, or whatever these may be - but the probability of their ability to exist should be close to none. Furthermore, internally question if this bamboo forest "of the lost" even has an exit, or if it loops inwards on itself through some 4th-dimensional twilight zone magic.
> Do not brandish Carl's Jr., as the small beings seem staggeringly benign. If they attack, though, hey - I gots a stick, and when shit gets real, I'm gonna be doing more than walking softly with it.
> Ponder if there is something considerably more interesting than your own predicament going on in some other part of this realm.
...
> Probably not. I mean, look at this. PIXIES. Totally pixies, right here, right now.
"Wait. Are you... pixies or something?"
[1](+1) The fairies seem to be confused at your sudden barrage of questions and fly away into the distance. You still don't know where you are, and you still haven't found a way out of the forest.
Agh, I figured learning spells wouldn't be too easy.
>Look through a nearby magic tome, and attempt to learn the material inside.
[6] You reach for a glowing magic tome and pick it up. As soon as your finger comes into contact with it, everything becomes white. You begin hearing chants in languages that you've never heard, but you somehow understand it all. You start to feel as if you are spinning and that the world around you is fading, and you faint from the sudden sensual overflow...
..."Hey, Mamoru? You okay?"
You wake up at the sight of the magician girl standing over you. She picks up the book, which is no longer glowing, and murmers quietly.
"How? How did you unlock it? She told me the seal was unbreakable..."
Magic energy rushes through your body as you sit back up, and you feel as if you could fly on a broomstick or concentrate energy in the palm of your hands.
>Continue following the path of carnage
[2] The path ends a short distance away from the bushes.
Shite.
>Soar above the skies, figure out where to go next.
[2] Your back and buttocks ache from the drop such that you can't propel yourself off the ground.
>Nothing to do, huh? Great.
>Stay idle, maybe I'll get a random drop.
[3] Raindrops fall onto you from above.
>Continue keeping an eye out. Advance warning for the others is key.
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
The falling rain does nothing to limit your visibility as you alternately look up towards the sky and down from the mountain slope. Tengu reporters can be seen flying in the distance, but there is no sign of the red-white shrine maiden.
-
> Pocket that. NOW.
> Shrine maiden's taking forever, but just keep waiting on her.
-
> Search for a way out of the forest.
-
>Faith-on; apply directly to the gods
>Continual power flow is good, too.
-
>"So, what's the progress on the whole 'saving everyone' thing? Anything I can do to help?"
>Be faithful
-
>"I...feel fine, and power is flowing through me...what was that tome supposed to teach anyways?"
-
>Then walk out, damnit. I should be able to do this.
-
> Continue onward. Be careful of pointy things, and listen for any unnatural noises.
-
[Day: 3] [Time: Mid-noon] [Weather: Drizzle]
> Pocket that. NOW.
> Shrine maiden's taking forever, but just keep waiting on her.
[4] You place the pendant in your pocket and continue waiting outside. Haruko's voice can be heard coming from inside the shrine. Even though it sounds like she's not in physical pain, there's no denying the intense psychological pain behind every word she says.
> Search for a way out of the forest.
[6] There's a tree with a patch of mushrooms beneath it. Near the patch is a lantern lying on its side, seemingly pointing towards a straight grassy path. Obviously this must have some sort of deep symbolism behind it, so you pick up the lantern and run along the path...
...A while later, you find yourself on a solid dirt road that leads to the Human Village.
ITEM ACQUIRED: Lantern
>Faith-on; apply directly to the gods
>Continual power flow is good, too.
[6](+1) As you stand, watching the comatose girl lying on front of you, a deep desire to undo as much damage as possible causes your heart to open up to the goddesses surrounding you. Suwako and Kanako hold their hands against Haruko's wound as Sanae grips the needle and slowly pulls it away from her body. As this goes on, the low-complexity waves on the monitor decrease in amplitude and increase in complexity, all the way up until the needle is completely pulled free. The two-and-a-half goddesses all place a hand over the wound and close their eyes. In unison, they make their final prayer out loud:
"Please grant this body back to the innocent soul who once inhabited it, for she has done nothing wrong to receive this fate..."
...Haruko opens her eyes for the first time since you brought her to the Moriya Shrine.
"W- Where am I? Where is everyone? Where is it?"
As she regains consciousness, the last seconds before the attack replays in her mind, causing the brain-wave readout to spike up and down. Tears stream down her eyes as she remembers it all: Patorikku's gruesome death. Your painful near-death experience. The destruction of the laptop, and with it, the remaining proof that her father ever existed.
Tears roll down her eyes as she whimpers...
>"So, what's the progress on the whole 'saving everyone' thing? Anything I can do to help?"
>Be faithful
[3] You do not carry the trauma shared by those who risked (and lost) their lives saving Haruko last night, and as a result you can't find much faith in you. That doesn't matter though, since an unmatched sock nearly gave his life to save the girl. His faith has caused a miracle, leaving Haruko without a trace of the physical harm inflicted upon her. As she regains consciousness for the first time since you first saw her today, you can't help but notice the trauma behind every word she speaks.
The half-goddess half-shrine-maiden answers your question:
"She's incredibly vulnerable right now, and her mind is very fragile. The last thing we need is Reimu paying us a visit. Don't worry, I've notified all of Youkai Mountain regarding this incident, so we will receive warning well in advance of her arrival. That, and there's two guys waiting outside. You said her mother is alive, right?"
>"I...feel fine, and power is flowing through me...what was that tome supposed to teach anyways?"
[4] "Well, um, it contained teleporation spells an' all that, though I haven't seen any human teleport."
Marisa looks at you for a while before a wide smile appears on her face.
"I want you to try this: See the corner of the walls over there?" She points to the corner farthest away from where the two of you are. "Try teleportin' there."
>Then walk out, damnit. I should be able to do this.
[3] Confused, angry, and in pain, you walk out of the bamboo forest...
...By the time you reach the familiar dirt path that forks in the direction of the Forest of Magic and the Human Village, your lower back begins to pulse with pain.
> Continue onward. Be careful of pointy things, and listen for any unnatural noises.
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
The grassy path turns into a dirt path, and later on the dirt path turns into a rocky path. What was once a drizzle turns into light snow as you come upon a thin blanket of mist covering a medium-sized lake.
-
> "Doesn't... Doesn't something feel off?" Turn to Validon. "The shrine maiden had been hunting this girl mercilessly once she found her earlier. It's hard enough to believe she didn't immediately follow us here, but it's been nearly half a day since we last saw her... Keep out front here; I'm trailing around to the back of the shrine."
> Do just that: head to the back of the shrine. There's not a lot of reason for Reimu to take so long in coming here, so assume she's going to execute a sneak attack.
-
This ia a reocurring feeling/sight.
>snap back into place. Or whatever is needed for the pain to go away.
-
>"Haruko! Oh thank god...uh, er, gods...goddesses? Regardless, you're okay!" Embrace in comfort.
>"And look, I'm okay, too. And so is Pat, somehow." Relay what happened since she fell unconscious.
>"And the best part of it is...we have more evidence your mother is indeed alive, and hiding somewhere." Allow her to let the information sink in.
-
>"Yeah, she's alive and hidden. Or so I dreamed. But hey, in a land like this, all dreams are omens."
>"And, uh, I don't know if there's anything else I can do to help so I guess I'll just head back to the Village."
>Fly back to village, conduct another street performance.
-
>"Mist. Why does it have to be mist. I probably know who's making it."
>Unsheathe knife for defense
>"Oy, I'm sure this is the Misty Lake! Anyone here, come on out!"
>Raise guard
-
>Even though I probably haven't perfected this yet, attempt to teleport to the corner that Marisa wanted me to do. After all, this may bring her somewhere in her studies, and it'd be fun to assist her.
-
> Find out how old lantern is.
-
[Day: 3] [Time: Mid-noon] [Weather: Drizzle]
> "Doesn't... Doesn't something feel off?" Turn to Validon. "The shrine maiden had been hunting this girl mercilessly once she found her earlier. It's hard enough to believe she didn't immediately follow us here, but it's been nearly half a day since we last saw her... Keep out front here; I'm trailing around to the back of the shrine."
> Do just that: head to the back of the shrine. There's not a lot of reason for Reimu to take so long in coming here, so assume she's going to execute a sneak attack.
[3] A deep masculine voice that's definitely not yours echoes in your head shortly after you lean against the back of the Moriya Shrine and look forward into the distance.
"Hello, mortal... I'm afraid you've just jinxed yourself. And possibly the rest of your allies."
An amulet grazes your neck as it flies from the right. You wait a solid two seconds before turning your head towards that direction. In the not-so-distant sky, the Hakurei shrine maiden flies towards you with four ying-yang orbs circling her.
The voice speaks again.
"I hope you carefully plan your next course of action..."
As she continues her approach, you make out her expression to be one of complete mercilessness.
CAUTION: Mend the wound within 3 turns.
This ia a reocurring feeling/sight.
>snap back into place. Or whatever is needed for the pain to go away.
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
An audible crack sounds as you raise your arms up toward the sky and bend backwards. Just to be sure, you bend forward and touch the ground with your fingertips. Isn't it neat that simple aerobics can relieve back pain?
>"Haruko! Oh thank god...uh, er, gods...goddesses? Regardless, you're okay!" Embrace in comfort.
>"And look, I'm okay, too. And so is Pat, somehow." Relay what happened since she fell unconscious.
>"And the best part of it is...we have more evidence your mother is indeed alive, and hiding somewhere." Allow her to let the information sink in.
[4] You fill her in on what she missed after the attack, leaving her to make sense of it all. The residents of the Moriya Shrine look towards each other as if they sensed something unimaginable about to happen. Sanae breaks the silence with in an extremely urgent tone.
"She's here... We've got to hide, now!"
Haru begins to whisper to herself.
"No... No... No... No..."
>"Yeah, she's alive and hidden. Or so I dreamed. But hey, in a land like this, all dreams are omens."
>"And, uh, I don't know if there's anything else I can do to help so I guess I'll just head back to the Village."
>Fly back to village, conduct another street performance.
[1] Perhaps you were looking forward to your performance so much that you lost your sense of altitude. As you continue to ascend, lightning strikes your body. It takes you a while before you realize that and look back to see a small cloud of ashes falling down with the raindrops.
>"Mist. Why does it have to be mist. I probably know who's making it."
>Unsheathe knife for defense
>"Oy, I'm sure this is the Misty Lake! Anyone here, come on out!"
>Raise guard
[4](+1) A rather large green-haired fairy flies by and stops to look at you. "Ummmmm~ Are you from the Human Village?"
Her golden wings flutter as she hovers in-place at arm's length from your face.
>Even though I probably haven't perfected this yet, attempt to teleport to the corner that Marisa wanted me to do. After all, this may bring her somewhere in her studies, and it'd be fun to assist her.
[1] You teleport into the wall and fuse with it. Several awkward seconds of silence pass before Marisa guffaws uncontrollably at your failure of astronomical proportions.
> Find out how old lantern is.
[2] It's hard to tell. The military-green paint is barely scratched, though the simple metalwork reminds you of late 1800s design.
-
>Grimace and sigh. "You guys...get Haru out of here. I can at least distract her for a time, if not end this. Haru...be safe." Walk out door. With any luck, they won't try to restrain me from doing so.
>As I leave the building and the shrine maiden comes into view, reach out with my fusion abilities. Cause a catastrophic fusion reaction in the Hakurei maiden with the snap of my fingers. "I've had enough of you dogging us."
-
>"Ugh, going to have to practice that one." Attempt to teleport back out of the wall (unfuse myself, if I will).
-
> Get that sucker lit.
-
>"I came from the Outside World. Apparently there's this alcoholic Japanese guy in the Outside that makes games and books about Gensokyo."
>"I think I recognize you. Is your name Daiyosei, or something like that? ZUN didn't give your name when you were introduced."
>"Oh, yeah, did you see a red-white shrine maiden pass through, possibly in an angry state?"
-
>...
>WHY? WHAT CRUEL GOD WOULD DO SUCH A THING?
>Heyy, isn't there some sort of rain god over at Moriya Shrine? Ghost-fly myself back there and explain my grievances to her.
-
> "Ah, good. You showed up after all. I was a bit worried you actually cooled your head and let bygones be bygones... Because I sure as hell didn't." Whatever voice decided to invade your head can wait; this is what you were waiting for.
> Pull out the pendant of miracles and focus its energy onto sock. Ensure that the shrine maiden dies here.
> Once she's dealt with, head back into the shrine and find a first aid kit to take care of your wound.
-
"Well, shit."
> Return to incredibly ramshackle shelter with very little in the realm of plans.
> Pray for an explanation to what is going on and seek guidance out of the current predicament, because... well, what the hell else is left to do?
> Off-handedly ask for the ability to manipulate magnetic fields, more for shits and giggles than anything. You've always dabbled in trying to control magnetism, it's in part how you got here, and it couldn't possibly hurt, could it?
-
Power's been out the last couple days, but it's back, so so am I. :V
>Ah shit, she's finally here. Right... Pat's hurt, and she's just going to gun us all down if we give her the chance. Maybe if I focus, I can summon an anti-exorcism barrier with what little magical power I have!
-
OH KAY, TIEM TO FINALLY BE RELEVANT
>Fly off to closest combat location.
-
[Day: 3] [Time: Late noon] [Weather: Heavy rain]
>Grimace and sigh. "You guys...get Haru out of here. I can at least distract her for a time, if not end this. Haru...be safe." Walk out door. With any luck, they won't try to restrain me from doing so.
>As I leave the building and the shrine maiden comes into view, reach out with my fusion abilities. Cause a catastrophic fusion reaction in the Hakurei maiden with the snap of my fingers. "I've had enough of you dogging us."
[2] Before you leave the shrine, Kanako grabs your shoulder.
"No! That'll destroy nearly ALL of Gensokyo!"
Sanae chimes in as well.
"Haven't you heard of the after-effects of the Second World War? There's gotta be a better way than literally detonating a nuclear bomb RIGHT OUTSIDE THE SHRINE!"
Patorikku walks in and hands you a pendant. Attached to the silver chain is a small glowing orb and a piece of paper.
Break glass to increase next roll by 2. One-time use only. Dispose after activation.
WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD - Small parts; not for children under 3 yrs.
>"Ugh, going to have to practice that one." Attempt to teleport back out of the wall (unfuse myself, if I will).
[3] You teleport out of the wall with your right leg partially fused with the small stool next to Marisa. You can walk, though very clumsily, causing the girl to chuckle again.
> Get that sucker lit.
[5] 420BLAZEiT BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
You hold the lantern upright and focus the sunlight through a small glass pane on its top, giving rise to a bright orange flame within seconds.
>"I came from the Outside World. Apparently there's this alcoholic Japanese guy in the Outside that makes games and books about Gensokyo."
>"I think I recognize you. Is your name Daiyosei, or something like that? ZUN didn't give your name when you were introduced."
>"Oh, yeah, did you see a red-white shrine maiden pass through, possibly in an angry state?"
[4] "I [...] Gensokyo."
"Really? There's people on the other side of the Barrier that still know about Gensokyo after all these years? Wait 'till I tell Cirno about that!"
"I [...] introduced."
"Yeah, how did you know? Did this 'ZUN' guy tell you about me? What do the people in the Outside think of me?"
"Oh [...] state?"
"Reimu? Nope, haven't seen her. Why?"
PROTIP: Most fairies are very curious, but they're also scared of humans. Larger ones like Daiyousei are exceptions to the latter generalization.
>...
>WHY? WHAT CRUEL GOD WOULD DO SUCH A THING?
>Heyy, isn't there some sort of rain god over at Moriya Shrine? Ghost-fly myself back there and explain my grievances to her.
[4] You arrive just in time to see Dudu Zombolt dive head-first through the shrine's roof. Still in ghost form, you fly inside and see him lying on a leather sofa. As soon as Kanako sees you, you hear a voice in your head.
"I recognize you. Were you that musician here earlier? Why are you a ghost?"
After explaining your misfortune to her, the goddess revives you without too much effort.
"You're safe here. I don't know what that Hakurei girl is up to, but if she exterminates you I won't be able to bring you back. Whatever it is you're planning to go to the Human Village for, I'd suggest that you wait it out."
> "Ah, good. You showed up after all. I was a bit worried you actually cooled your head and let bygones be bygones... Because I sure as hell didn't." Whatever voice decided to invade your head can wait; this is what you were waiting for.
> Pull out the pendant of miracles and focus its energy onto sock. Ensure that the shrine maiden dies here.
> Once she's dealt with, head back into the shrine and find a first aid kit to take care of your wound.
[4] You pull the pendant out of your pocket and throw it at an unmatched sock. As for the first aid kit, you don't need one. Two goddesses and a half-goddess are more than enough to help you. Suwako hovers over to you and places her hand over your neck, instantly sealing the wound.
"Well, shit."
> Return to incredibly ramshackle shelter with very little in the realm of plans.
> Pray for an explanation to what is going on and seek guidance out of the current predicament, because... well, what the hell else is left to do?
> Off-handedly ask for the ability to manipulate magnetic fields, more for shits and giggles than anything. You've always dabbled in trying to control magnetism, it's in part how you got here, and it couldn't possibly hurt, could it?
[6] A voice speaks to you after you finish your prayer:
"Walk forward past two intersections, then turn around and walk past two more intersections. Then, turn left to walk past two intersections and turn around. Walk forward two intersections and you'll be at the exit."
You follow the godly voice, and soon enough the grassy path turns into a rocky one. Some more steps forward, and you find yourself completely out of the bamboo forest. It seems that the Random Number God was very generous, because he also gives you powers that would make Magneto (http://marvel.com/universe/Magneto_%28Max_Eisenhardt%29) cringe in jealousy.
Power's been out the last couple days, but it's back, so so am I. :V
>Ah shit, she's finally here. Right... Pat's hurt, and she's just going to gun us all down if we give her the chance. Maybe if I focus, I can summon an anti-exorcism barrier with what little magical power I have!
[4](+1) You create an dome-like barrier that surrounds the Moriya Shrine grounds as Reimu mutters a spell that sends innumerable needles flying forward. To both her and your surprise, the exorcising needles disappear into the barrier as if they passed into another dimension.
Dudu Zombolt dives right through the invisible semi-impermeable barrier and crashes through the roof of the Moriya Shrine. Still in the sky, Reimu kicks the barrier, but nothing happens as expected.
"WHY?! WHY IS THAT WORTHLESS GIRL SO IMPORTANT TO YOU?!"
CAUTION: The barrier will time out in 3 turns.
OH KAY, TIEM TO FINALLY BE RELEVANT
>Fly off to closest combat location.
[2](+1) As you near the Moriya Shrine, the Hakurei shrine maiden fires enough exorcising needles to tear everything and everyone to shreds. Convinced that intense, inevitable pain will follow, you close your eyes and dive towards the ground at full speed in an attempt to end it as quickly and painlessly as possible...
...Instead, you crash through the roof of the shrine and land onto a leather sofa with a raging headache. Surprisingly, nothing's riddled with needles and your head didn't crack open from the impact.
-
Assuming "[...]" means things are cut out for clarity, and not that they weren't heard:
>"Yes, he had you in his game twice, but both times he didn't say your actual name. Plenty of fans, myself included, call you Daiyosei anyway."
>"And the Outside really likes pairing you with Cirno, along with Rumia, Wriggle Nightbug, and Mystia Lorlei."
>"About Reimu, I found a human pincushion covered in her Persuasion Needles. I couldn't get them out of the corpse. Are you familiar with them?"
>"Also, where is the Hakurei Shrine from here? Reimu must have returned by now."
>Follow Daiyousei's directions
-
>"Take a seat?" Chuckle, then attempt to defuse myself out of the stool via teleportation again.
-
> Alright, wound taken care of, so now it's time to properly eliminate Reimu. Unfortunately, she can fly, whereas you cannot.
> "Right, so how do we take her down? Are there any ranged weapons somewhere in the shrine I can use? Or perhaps someone would be so kind as to knock her out of the air?"
-
>Growl and hit the wall in frustration. "She isn't willing to end this peacefully, and just won't stop! Besides eliminating her, I don't...wait...actually, I do have an idea. But just in case, we should probably get moving. There must be a back exit to get out without her noticing."
>As we move, turn to Sanae. "You specialize in miracles, correct? I'm going to request one. A big one, in this scenario. I need you to make the Hakurei maiden forget all about wanting to kill Haruko. And I need it to be irreversible. Pat gave me this trinket that should assist us. Can you do this?" I want to know first, before I use the orb, so no using it yet.
-
> Head in the opposite direction of the village.
-
>Wave hello to the angry shrine maiden outside
>"I don't know what's going on! Wanna go have lunch? I can cover the bill!"
-
Hey, free weapons!
>Chuck Sofa at the evil miko.
-
>Chuck Sofa at the evil miko.
inb4 you break your arms
-
> Stare dumbly at nothing in particular while trying to actualize what just happened. Briefly but fervently thank whichever deity is responsible for the divine intervention.
> Test supposedly-existent magnetic manipulation powers. Attempt to pick up small nearby rock from a distance by enveloping the trace metal contents within with magnetic fields*.
>> If successful: try to propel rock through similar logic.
> Try something bigger. Try throwing entire magnetic fields themselves*. Get creative. Start smashin' atoms and doin' science with these new powers. Ponder the applications of such an ability. Consider that bending space-time via magnetism* got you here, and that this ability might be able to get you out. MIGHT. MAYBE.
> Actually try to make more progress. You're out of that stupid bamboo forest, so look for any landmarks or anything that resembles civilization or people - basically anything that isn't fucking bamboo.
* 100% psuedo-science, inb4 actual physicist debunks the shit out of this
-
[Day: 3] [Time: Late noon] [Weather: Cloudy]
Assuming "[...]" means things are cut out for clarity, and not that they weren't heard:
>"Yes, he had you in his game twice, but both times he didn't say your actual name. Plenty of fans, myself included, call you Daiyosei anyway."
>"And the Outside really likes pairing you with Cirno, along with Rumia, Wriggle Nightbug, and Mystia Lorlei."
>"About Reimu, I found a human pincushion covered in her Persuasion Needles. I couldn't get them out of the corpse. Are you familiar with them?"
>"Also, where is the Hakurei Shrine from here? Reimu must have returned by now."
>Follow Daiyousei's directions
[4] "Yes [...] Lorlei."
"Wooow~ That's cool! I didn't know we were in a game? What kind of game is it?"
"About [...] them?"
She shrieks as an image of what you're describing enters her mind, causing her to fly very close to you and turn around to face forward again.
"She's not nearby, is she? Those things hurt like crazy! Just ask Cirno! We were just minding our own business, and if it wasn't for that STUPID VAMPIRE in that STUPID MANSION making all that STUPID MIST, Reimu wouldn't have showed up shooting everyone in front of her!"
She points towards the distance, presumably towards the mansion she just mentioned.
"Also [...] now."
"If you're trying to commit suicide, it would be much more painless to jump into the lake! Sunny told me that she was performing some weird prayer to invoke the Goddess of Death... Izanami, I think. I wouldn't be surprised if she killed you on sight..."
You notice Kasu approaching from the right.
[...] is used to condense dialogue from players, while ... is used to denote pauses in speech or passage of time.
>"Take a seat?" Chuckle, then attempt to defuse myself out of the stool via teleportation again.
[1] You teleport into the red-hot cauldron and melt into the boiling liquid contained within. All Marisa noticed was a puff of smoke and brief hiss coming from the cauldron. To be honest, she probably thought some air had seeped into it.
You are dead.
> Alright, wound taken care of, so now it's time to properly eliminate Reimu. Unfortunately, she can fly, whereas you cannot.
> "Right, so how do we take her down? Are there any ranged weapons somewhere in the shrine I can use? Or perhaps someone would be so kind as to knock her out of the air?"
[3] "Right [...] air?"
Sanae leads you out through the back of the shrine, along with an unmatched sock and Haruko. The shrine is slightly elevated from the ground, and you step down in a way such that you give your right foot a massive sprain.
"Shhh... Don't say anything. If she finds us here, we're going to be cornered. The barrier will disappear soon, and who knows what will happen if she finds us then?"
>Growl and hit the wall in frustration. "She isn't willing to end this peacefully, and just won't stop! Besides eliminating her, I don't...wait...actually, I do have an idea. But just in case, we should probably get moving. There must be a back exit to get out without her noticing."
>As we move, turn to Sanae. "You specialize in miracles, correct? I'm going to request one. A big one, in this scenario. I need you to make the Hakurei maiden forget all about wanting to kill Haruko. And I need it to be irreversible. Pat gave me this trinket that should assist us. Can you do this?" I want to know first, before I use the orb, so no using it yet.
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
"She [...] noticing."
"Yes, there's an exit through the side at the back of the shrine. Sanae, I need you hold Haruko's hand and make sure she's no more than two steps away from you. Suwako and I will deal with Reimu."
"Yes, maam."
She does as the goddess commands and leads you out the back exit. Once you step out and hide behind the back of the shrine, you hear Suwako's voice from the other side.
"Oh no... Kanako, you're feeling her presence as well, right?"
Sanae whispers into your ear.
"Don't make a sound. Don't even move. Have you heard of Izanami no Mikoto? The Shinto Goddess of Death?"
Despite the mention of a "Goddess of Death", you ignore her question for now and whisper very quietly back to her.
"You [...] this?"
She takes the pendant and examines it.
"Wh- Where'd you get this? If what it says on that label is true, it might be able to 'cure' Reimu of her madness! And then I'll tell the village about her worship of Izanami no Mikoto! And then I'll get even more visitors!"
Sanae's building excitement doesn't seem to fit the current situation.
> Head in the opposite direction of the village.
[3](+1) The opposite leads to the shore of a lake. The temperature seems to have dropped significantly, though you continue walking forward to see bigyihsuan talking to a large green-haired fairy.
"...painless to jump into the lake! Sunny told me that she was performing some weird prayer to invoke the Goddess of Death... Izanami, I think. I wouldn't be surprised if she killed you on sight..."
>Wave hello to the angry shrine maiden outside
>"I don't know what's going on! Wanna go have lunch? I can cover the bill!"
[6] "I [...] bill!"
Contrary to everyone's (especially your) expectation, Reimu rolls her eyes and sighs.
"Some fried takoyaki would be nice, I guess. Mind if we have lunch after this is over? At least you still have faith in you."
She motions at you to step outside the anti-exorcism border surrounding the Moriya Shrine.
"I'll take you to a wonderful takoyaki shop in the village~"
She's not going to harm you. After all, you donated to her shrine...
...although donations don't always mean faith.
Hey, free weapons!
>Chuck Sofa at the evil miko.
[4] Despite the fact that LaserTurtle, of all the people here, seems to have calmed Reimu down to the point that she might show some mercy, you pick up the sofa and hurl it towards her. She lazily points forward, sending forth a yang-yang orb that reduces the fine piece of furniture to splinters before disappearing into the anti-exorcism barrier.
"You, on the other hand, are not leaving here alive. And don't worry, I will make it hurt."
> Stare dumbly at nothing in particular while trying to actualize what just happened. Briefly but fervently thank whichever deity is responsible for the divine intervention.
> Test supposedly-existent magnetic manipulation powers. Attempt to pick up small nearby rock from a distance by enveloping the trace metal contents within with magnetic fields*.
>> If successful: try to propel rock through similar logic.
> Try something bigger. Try throwing entire magnetic fields themselves*. Get creative. Start smashin' atoms and doin' science with these new powers. Ponder the applications of such an ability. Consider that bending space-time via magnetism* got you here, and that this ability might be able to get you out. MIGHT. MAYBE.
> Actually try to make more progress. You're out of that stupid bamboo forest, so look for any landmarks or anything that resembles civilization or people - basically anything that isn't fucking bamboo.
* 100% psuedo-science, inb4 actual physicist debunks the shit out of this
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
A small rock floats up into the air. "Hmmm..." A even larger rock floats up into the air, although you feel its weight as you lift it WITH YOUR MIND. "Why the hell not?" Your body flies at the speed of light towards a manually-rung alarm bell in the center of the Human Village and decelerates right before your atoms fuse with it. To those who just happened to be looking towards the direction of the bell, it appeared as if you abruptly appeared next to it.
* Since when did science apply in Gensokyo?
-
[...] is used to condense dialogue from players, while ... is used to denote pauses in speech or passage of time.
Alright then.
>"Oh, what it's like? It pretty much simulates danmaku."
>Greet Kasu.
-
Man, I am just the king of getting sprains. :V
> Damn... You WAITED for that red-white to show up, and now you're being chased out of range from her... In any case, you're still not adequately armed to fight her, so just follow along with Sanae's orders. Just this once.
-
> Damn... You WAITED for that red-white to show up
INVOKING DEATH GOD IS SRS BSNS
-
>"Shh, shh! Keep calm...now, first off, she seems to have few visitors to begin with, so maybe revealing her praying to this...death god isn't the best idea, or she might relapse. To answer your question, no, I've not heard of this god. The most I've heard of are the very well-known ones and the Yatagarasu. Although, I do have a question regarding this...is there some sort of god of life or peace or something, the antithesis to a god of death?"
>"Yes, though, my idea was to use this to cure her, whether or not she survived it would be up to fate. But I would, if I can help it, not harm her if I can help it, and you seem more...indirect. And you never answered me if you could perform a miracle to cure Reimu."
>Follow the green-haired miko to wherever she leads. Or just stay still, if she does. But I keep the pendant until she needs it.
-
> Greet bigyihsuan and keep an eye out for any Goddesses of Death
-
She was supposed to be too riled up for this whyyyy.
>"Ahaha. I'll show you, what it means to chillax." MYSTIC EYES OF CHILL THE FUCK UP PERCEPTION, GO.
-
>Right, right, this barrier won't hold for long, but... hrrm... it seems she might be calm for now. Just stay quiet and observe, not much I can do. As soon as the barrier looks like it is about to falter, I need to make sure it stays active.
>As for responding to her, well, to be honest I don't think words are going to mean anything to Reimu at this point. I'm just mixed up in this too, anyways, not much more I can do.
-
# OH FUCK YES.
"Heard some alarms going on over here, what seems to be the problem?"
> While remembering that you still probably have your limitations, whatever is going on here is either no match for you, or completely inapplicable to your abilities. Either way, it's worth seeing what's going on. After all, this is the first of anyone you've seen here other than those less-than-useful PIXIES back in bamboo Disney Land, so it's probably worth gaining some street cred amongst them. They may be of help, then!
< Is there anyone significant-looking (read: canon character or player character) in the vicinity?
* Yeah, screw conventional science. Time, space, gravity? Physics? Piss off!
-
Well, if there was any way to die, that's probably the most convenient, as Marisa could've thought that I teleported quite a distance that I didn't intend on doing due to me not knowing the spell.
>Respawn nearby Marisa's house if possible (otherwise, Bamboo forest).
-
>"Ahaha. I'll show you, what it means to chillax." MYSTIC EYES OF CHILL THE FUCK UP PERCEPTION, GO.
I sincerely hope you roll a 6, just for that reference.
-
>Exit barrier
>"So, I can pay for a meal now if you're hungry. Let's go! I haven't had anything to eat since I got killed horribly the second time."
-
[Day: 3] [Time: Early afternoon] [Weather: Cloudy]
Alright then.
>"Oh, what it's like? It pretty much simulates danmaku."
>Greet Kasu.
[4] "Danmaku? Like this?"
She sloppily fires an arc of kunai-shaped projectiles that make a loud splash as they shoot into the water.
Kasu greets you back.
Man, I am just the king of getting sprains. :V
> Damn... You WAITED for that red-white to show up, and now you're being chased out of range from her... In any case, you're still not adequately armed to fight her, so just follow along with Sanae's orders. Just this once.
[3] "...Stay here. There's gotta be some way to take her down before she kills us all."
Your ankle gives and you collapse onto the ground. The resulting noise sends the Hakurei shrine maiden over, eliciting an earsplitting shriek fron Haruko.
"Give up already~ This barrier isn't going to last forever, you know? Come out now and I'll let everyone else live. I'm sure you don't want them to die..."
She taps her gohei against the invisible barrier with an unnerving smile. To your surprise, LaserTurtle flies outside the barrier and asks her if she wants lunch.
>"Shh, shh! Keep calm...now, first off, she seems to have few visitors to begin with, so maybe revealing her praying to this...death god isn't the best idea, or she might relapse. To answer your question, no, I've not heard of this god. The most I've heard of are the very well-known ones and the Yatagarasu. Although, I do have a question regarding this...is there some sort of god of life or peace or something, the antithesis to a god of death?"
>"Yes, though, my idea was to use this to cure her, whether or not she survived it would be up to fate. But I would, if I can help it, not harm her if I can help it, and you seem more...indirect. And you never answered me if you could perform a miracle to cure Reimu."
>Follow the green-haired miko to wherever she leads. Or just stay still, if she does. But I keep the pendant until she needs it.
[1](+1) "Shh [...] relapse."
"Oh, sorry. At least I wasn't too loud, right? Or else she'd come by?"
"To [...] death?"
"Yes. Izanagi no Okami. He's the husband of Izanami, and this is where it gets interesting, the God of Creation... Though I don't know where to even begin in summoning him. And even if I did, it would probably take days to perform the ritual."
"Yes [...] Reimu."
"You're kidding, right? You're asking me to come near her when she literally has the Goddess of Death within her? Hate to tell you, but approaching her now would be like committing suicide beyond suicide. Stay here. There's gotta be some way to take her down before she kills us all."
Patorikku collapses onto the ground, making a loud noise that sends the avatar of Izanami to the back of the shrine. This elicits an earsplitting shriek fron Haruko.
"Give up already~ This barrier isn't going to last forever, you know? Come out now and I'll let everyone else live. I'm sure you don't want them to die..."
To your surprise, LaserTurtle flies outside the barrier to ask her if she wants lunch.
> Greet bigyihsuan and keep an eye out for any Goddesses of Death
[6] The Goddess of Death is nowhere nearby. However, the Random Number God is nearby, and he gives you a blank spellcard.
> Describe an original spellcard attack in as much detail as possible. Extra credit if you give it a fitting name.
She was supposed to be too riled up for this whyyyy.
>"Ahaha. I'll show you, what it means to chillax." MYSTIC EYES OF CHILL THE FUCK UP PERCEPTION, GO.
[3] As Reimu stares at you with a cold, unforgiving expression, thin lines connecting her to various locations in Gensokyo appear in your vision. Before you have a chance to make sense of that, the sound of someone slipping behind the shrine causes her to fly off in that direction, pulling the lines along with her. Still under the anti-exorcism barrier, you run after her to see what's going on, taking a fall that bruises your knees.
CAUTION: Clean the wounds before they get infected.
>Right, right, this barrier won't hold for long, but... hrrm... it seems she might be calm for now. Just stay quiet and observe, not much I can do. As soon as the barrier looks like it is about to falter, I need to make sure it stays active.
>As for responding to her, well, to be honest I don't think words are going to mean anything to Reimu at this point. I'm just mixed up in this too, anyways, not much more I can do.
[2] The barrier won't stay up much longer, and your attempt to replenish its protective power seems to have no effect.
WARNING: The anti-exorcism barrier is about to break down!
# OH FUCK YES.
"Heard some alarms going on over here, what seems to be the problem?"
> While remembering that you still probably have your limitations, whatever is going on here is either no match for you, or completely inapplicable to your abilities. Either way, it's worth seeing what's going on. After all, this is the first of anyone you've seen here other than those less-than-useful PIXIES back in bamboo Disney Land, so it's probably worth gaining some street cred amongst them. They may be of help, then!
< Is there anyone significant-looking (read: canon character or player character) in the vicinity?
* Yeah, screw conventional science. Time, space, gravity? Physics? Piss off!
[4](+1) "Heard [...] problem?"
A strong-looking man next to the bell speaks up:
"Alarm? This bell hasn't rung since yesterday morning! There's no emergency in the village, at least not one we can think of."
A frail-looking girl in a kimono among the crowd catches your attention. If you're not mistaken, it's Akyuu. Why would she, of all the occasions she could, be out of her mansion?
* This is still conventional science. It's just that you can manipulate its effects to your pleasing.
Well, if there was any way to die, that's probably the most convenient, as Marisa could've thought that I teleported quite a distance that I didn't intend on doing due to me not knowing the spell.
>Respawn nearby Marisa's house if possible (otherwise, Bamboo forest).
[6] You respawn in Marisa's house. You still have the powers the book gave you, and you're still in your original body. Just to be sure, you move your arms and legs to make sure you didn't teleport into anything.
"Oh! There you are! Where'd you end up this time?"
>Exit barrier
>"So, I can pay for a meal now if you're hungry. Let's go! I haven't had anything to eat since I got killed horribly the second time."
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
The sound of someone falling comes from behind the shrine, sending the shrine maiden off to check. Despite that the two Moriya Shrine goddesses just confirmed the incredibly unpleasant fact that she's the embodiment of the Goddess of Death, you leave the barrier and fly off after her...
...It looks like the sound was made when Patorikku slipped and fell. Haruko, who is holding Sanae's hand, shrieks in terror as Reimu makes her way over to them.
"Give up already~ This barrier isn't going to last forever, you know? Come out now and I'll let everyone else live. I'm sure you don't want them to die..."
You interrupt her threat with a completely out-of-place request:
"So [...] time."
She turns to you with a scowl on her face.
"Can't you wait for a few minutes? You know what, why don't you go in there and bring that girl over."
She points to Haruko, who is trembling with fear.
"She can join us for lunch."
As you ponder the possibility and consequences of doing so, Izanami no Mikoto Reimu brings an amulet in front of your neck.
"You'll do as I say, right?"
-
I get the feeling I'm jumping in a little on the late side, but that can't hurt... right?
>Spawn in someplace with food, and eat something good! Or at least whatever looks most edible nearby. No better way to start off an existence than a healthy meal, right?
-
>Out of time..."Why won't you just leave us alone?!" Create a shield around us with a sun to incinerate anything trying to come at us. "What good will it do to kill an innocent girl? You know what this is going to do? Make people fear you. They won't want to go to your shrine anymore! You'd lose donations! You'd lose faith! All for a petty grudge?! What would other gods think of you? What would your family think of you? Dammit girl, open your eyes and use your brain!!"
>>If that fails, be a shield for Haruko. I can at least slow Reimu down, if not somehow incapacitate her. Preferably utilizing some sort of strong bear hug-type hold to keep her arms in place. "Sanae, take her and run!"
-
>"Why are you hostile? What is going on? What's up with the girl anyway? Does exposition just pass me by or do I just not pay attention? also, does it look like I have the physical strength to carry that girl? Because I don't."
>Begin heartfelt musical solo, weaving in enchantments with the music to weaken the whatever's-possessing-the-shrine-maiden like a support bard should. That +13 skill in musician's gotta be worth something.
somehow I think I'm messing with the mood of the situation.
-
"Strange... I could have sworn I heard a bell coming from here. Well, sorry to bother you."
> Approach the kimono-clad girl. Internally question why you swear that her name must certainly be Akyuu. Decide to not make assumptions outwardly, but do try speaking to her. In general, try to get bearings of where, what, who, etc.
"Excuse me... hey, hello. ...is everything alright around here?
"...where am I, anyway? I was conducting some experiments, and they certainly seemed to be successful, but I have no clue where they've taken me.
"Additionally... well, call me crazy, but I swear it to be true. I prayed for an escape from this bamboo forest back there, and ended up somehow able to control magnetism. No joke.
"I definitely suspect that I'm not in my own world anymore. Are such powers common in this one?"
> Feel awkward for being so ranty to this random person. I mean, they stood out amongst the crowd and looked knowledgeable. You just wanted a goddamn straight explanation for everything that has transpired so far.
>> Should conversation with this "Akyuu" character fall through, try presenting some of these questions to the more common folk around you.
> Ascertain very faint yet very erratic fluctuations in the magnetic fields. Whatever it is, it must definitely be rather far away. Still, feel that your suspicions of more interesting happenings elsewhere may not be entirely false. Consider investigating later, but not now. One step at a time.
* Oh, it's still magnetism proper - I'm sure. Just that the typical rules have been thrown out the window. For instance, how people can't pick up rocks with their mind.
-
[6] The Goddess of Death is nowhere nearby. However, the Random Number God is nearby, and he gives you a blank spellcard.
> Describe an original spellcard attack in as much detail as possible. Extra credit if you give it a fitting name.
>(To Daiyousei) "Yep, but maybe thousands more bullets than what you shot just now. All fairies in the game seem to be able to shout hundreds of bullets at once."
>(To Kasu) "Damn, the RNG is really siding with you this time. Share?"
>PRAISE THE RNG (hope for a blank spellcard)
-
> The spell card attack starts by shooting out regular red bullets at a medium speed in a straight line, followed by large red bubble shots that shoot out at the enemy's position (the bubbles can't change course though, therefore they don't home) at varying speeds. Near the end of the spell card's life, small flames begin to slowly shoot out, interspersed with shots from the previous two portions of the spellcard until the spellcard ends. The name of this card will be Tsukumogami's Elegy 「 Lantern's Requiem」.
I have no idea what I'm doing.
-
> The spell card attack starts by shooting out regular red bullets at a medium speed in a straight line, followed by large red bubble shots that shoot out at the enemy's position (the bubbles can't change course though, therefore they don't home) at varying speeds. Near the end of the spell card's life, small flames begin to slowly shoot out, interspersed with shots from the previous two portions of the spellcard until the spellcard ends. The name of this card will be Tsukumogami's Elegy 「 Lantern's Requiem」.
I have no idea what I'm doing.
A flash of light comes from the card as the spell imprints onto it.
Creativity: 8/10
Flashiness: 7/10
Practicality: 8/10
Threat: 6/10
Final verdict: 7/10, would declare again.
-
> "Huh. Well then." Pocket the spell card and check the lamp's fuel.
-
> Snap your ankle back in place. This is the part where you get ready to make a break for it.
> Wait for sock's move.
>> If sock takes the offensive on Reimu, snatch up Haruko and make a break for it, using sock as a cover.
>> If such ends up a failure, try and grab Reimu's attention quickly. "Hey, how about a deal, then, if it's just the girl you want?"
-
>"Well, this time, I somehow teleported outside. I teleported back inside, but it may've taken a few tries. To be honest, I'm surprised I got in this time." Look around more, and re-assure myself that this is the same place. "I guess the fastest way to master a spell is to keep practicing it though."
-
Yay, lines!
Not yay, bruises.
>Get cleaned, then pursuit the miko.
-
[Day: 3] [Time: Early Afternoon] [Weather: Light rain]
I get the feeling I'm jumping in a little on the late side, but that can't hurt... right?
>Spawn in someplace with food, and eat something good! Or at least whatever looks most edible nearby. No better way to start off an existence than a healthy meal, right?
[6] You spawn in a sashimi shop filled with customers.
"Hello. What can I get for you?"
You order some salmon sushi and wolf them down immediately after the waitress serves it to you. As you look down to flick pieces of rice from your shirt, you notice some coins underneath the table and pick them up.
Money +?538
>Out of time..."Why won't you just leave us alone?!" Create a shield around us with a sun to incinerate anything trying to come at us. "What good will it do to kill an innocent girl? You know what this is going to do? Make people fear you. They won't want to go to your shrine anymore! You'd lose donations! You'd lose faith! All for a petty grudge?! What would other gods think of you? What would your family think of you? Dammit girl, open your eyes and use your brain!!"
>>If that fails, be a shield for Haruko. I can at least slow Reimu down, if not somehow incapacitate her. Preferably utilizing some sort of strong bear hug-type hold to keep her arms in place. "Sanae, take her and run!"
[1] "My shrine has plenty of faithful adherents, and if I wanted donations, they will donate..."
Validon98's anti-exorcism barrier breaks down.
"Now, DIE!!!"
Reimu closes her eyes and mutters a spell. Thousands of amulets appear around her and converge towards you, instantly cutting you to shreds. Among your remains is the Pendant of Miracles, unharmed and ready for use by anyone who is still alive.
You are dead.
>"Why are you hostile? What is going on? What's up with the girl anyway? Does exposition just pass me by or do I just not pay attention? also, does it look like I have the physical strength to carry that girl? Because I don't."
>Begin heartfelt musical solo, weaving in enchantments with the music to weaken the whatever's-possessing-the-shrine-maiden like a support bard should. That +13 skill in musician's gotta be worth something.
somehow I think I'm messing with the mood of the situation.
[1](+1) Your words and performance are drowned out by screams and yells.
"Strange... I could have sworn I heard a bell coming from here. Well, sorry to bother you."
> Approach the kimono-clad girl. Internally question why you swear that her name must certainly be Akyuu. Decide to not make assumptions outwardly, but do try speaking to her. In general, try to get bearings of where, what, who, etc.
"Excuse me... hey, hello. ...is everything alright around here?
"...where am I, anyway? I was conducting some experiments, and they certainly seemed to be successful, but I have no clue where they've taken me.
"Additionally... well, call me crazy, but I swear it to be true. I prayed for an escape from this bamboo forest back there, and ended up somehow able to control magnetism. No joke.
"I definitely suspect that I'm not in my own world anymore. Are such powers common in this one?"
> Feel awkward for being so ranty to this random person. I mean, they stood out amongst the crowd and looked knowledgeable. You just wanted a goddamn straight explanation for everything that has transpired so far.
>> Should conversation with this "Akyuu" character fall through, try presenting some of these questions to the more common folk around you.
> Ascertain very faint yet very erratic fluctuations in the magnetic fields. Whatever it is, it must definitely be rather far away. Still, feel that your suspicions of more interesting happenings elsewhere may not be entirely false. Consider investigating later, but not now. One step at a time.
* Oh, it's still magnetism proper - I'm sure. Just that the typical rules have been thrown out the window. For instance, how people can't pick up rocks with their mind.
[6] "Excuse [...] here?"
"Umm, yes. There's nothing wrong, to the best of my knowledge."
"...where [...] me.
"This is the Human Village. And what kind of experiments were you conducting?"
"Additionally [...] joke."
"Magnetism, huh? I haven't heard about a God of Magnetism before. Can you explain more?"
"I definitely suspect that I'm not in my own world anymore. Are such powers common in this one?"
"Are you going to answer my question? And to tell you, powers like yours aren't that uncommon, although the method by which they work do differ from what you've described."
You notice a disturbance towards a mountain in the distance.
"What? What is it? Is something wrong?"
>(To Daiyousei) "Yep, but maybe thousands more bullets than what you shot just now. All fairies in the game seem to be able to shout hundreds of bullets at once."
>(To Kasu) "Damn, the RNG is really siding with you this time. Share?"
>PRAISE THE RNG (hope for a blank spellcard)
[3] "Yep [...] once."
"I was just demonstrating... I don't want to hurt anyone."
The Random Number God gives you a spell card (http://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20140724161308/yugioh/images/0/02/BrokenBambooSword-TAEV-EN-C-1E.png).
I have no idea what the guys over at Konami were thinking when they made this card. The only real use I see for it is that it can be used as padding for unwanted discard or spell-removal effects.
> "Huh. Well then." Pocket the spell card and check the lamp's fuel.
[1] You drop the lantern, spilling high-octane nightmare fuel onto your shirt and the ground. The glass around the flame shatters, igniting an explosive fire that quickly consumes you.
You are dead, and it was painful.
> Snap your ankle back in place. This is the part where you get ready to make a break for it.
> Wait for sock's move.
>> If sock takes the offensive on Reimu, snatch up Haruko and make a break for it, using sock as a cover.
>> If such ends up a failure, try and grab Reimu's attention quickly. "Hey, how about a deal, then, if it's just the girl you want?"
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
Validon98's anti-exorcism barrier times out, and an unmatched sock is brutally shredded by innumerable amulets. The Pendant of Miracles lands on top of his remains.
"Hey, how about a deal, then, if it's just the girl you want?"
"What? Have you decided that you want to live? I want you all to step away as far as possible. Sanae, why don't you lead them into your shrine and stay in there until the screaming stops?"
Reimu smacks Sanae's arm as she lands, releasing her hold on Haruko. She takes this chance to violently kick Haruko to the ground, lowering her heel against the trembling girl's neck. Coughing and wheezing, Haruko mutters what she believes to be her last words:
"Pat... Sanae... Leave me alone... I'm sorry I... caused you... the... trouble..."
As she coughs up blood, the shrine maiden raises her foot.
"Haruko... What a pitiful name... Was it your father who gave that to you?"
You close your eyes and cover your ears, bracing yourself for the sickening crack...
...It never comes.
>"Well, this time, I somehow teleported outside. I teleported back inside, but it may've taken a few tries. To be honest, I'm surprised I got in this time." Look around more, and re-assure myself that this is the same place. "I guess the fastest way to master a spell is to keep practicing it though."
[1] "Yeah! That's the true spirit of a magician! Follow me, let's get some practicin' done!"
Marisa steps out from her house, beckoning at you to follow. You forget that it's slightly elevated and break your neck from the resulting trip.
"Ooh... This is NOT good. NOT good at all..."
You are dead.
Yay, lines!
Not yay, bruises.
>Get cleaned, then pursuit the miko.
[6] You run into the Moriya Shrine and find a bottle of Sake to pour onto your wound, gently spreading it over the bruises and cuts. After the tingling sensation subsides, you peek out from the back door to see a young girl lying on the ground. She's trembling and coughing up blood, and Reimu has her foot held high above her neck, ready to stomp down. Taking this only chance, you rush out and tackle the shrine maiden, pinning her arms to the side. A booming voice echoes in your head:
"Izanagi! Izanagi no Okami! The Creator that opposes the Destroyer!"
-
>Flinch away from Kasu's untimely and flashy death.
>Drag his corpse to the lake to wash it off
>Check his corpse for the spellcard.
>(to Daiyousei) "I- I'm sure he's fine. He might come back when he respawns. We Outsiders seem to respawn when we're here in Gensokyo."
>"Remember your comment about going to the Hakurei Shrine would be suicide? I died a few times here, and I respawned eventually."
>"And, I have some odd feeling that something's going on at the Moriya Shrine. Could you point me there?"
>Inventory
-
"Ay, sorry. Just a lot going on in my mind s'all. I'm not from this world, I'm pretty certain. I was experimenting with magnetic fields to try to bend space-time. The outcome was unpredictable, but it worked, and here I am. The fact that I...
> Glance over at an object on the ground.
"...can do this...
> Lift the object nonchalantly.
"...would be considered impossible in the land I am from. Yet you say it's not unusual here. And by the way you refer to the "Human" Village, I can only assume that humanity isn't alone here either."
> Ignore the happenings at the mountain for now. After all, hastiness is an anti-virtue. You don't know what's over there, you don't even fully understand your own power yet, and chances are that taking action will likely somehow end in you breaking no less than 4 laws of the land. Or dying.
> Instead, query@Akyuu: the rules of the land, how you should use powers, "how powers usually work", if escape from Gensokyo is possible. Try to mention that you sense trouble on the mountain.
> Take a handful of seconds to focus intently on the mountain. Try to discern what might be going on, via... uh, magnetolocation?
> As a thought experiment, pray intently for a bowl of petunias to materialize approx. 0.68 miles above ground level, at X,Y coordinates nearby your own. Know exactly what they're thinking, should they in fact manifest.
< Are there any (canon/player) chars in a wider area around me? [Amplify search with Magnetolocation, which is totally what I'm calling this now. Look for abnormal magnetic signatures.]
< Additionally, did the bell actually ring?
-
> The setup right now couldn't BE any better! Snatch up the pendant of miracles and focus its power onto yourself!
> Get Dudu clear and take the shrine maiden down for good!
> You... Nearly sacrificed a young girl's life for this revenge of yours... No, no, we're not setting up for a Bad End here. Make things right.
> Get Sanae or one of the other goddesses to Haruko's wounds.
> Use the pendant's power to revive sock.
> Leave the scene, and swiftly. After that little stunt you nearly pulled, there's fair room to assume the others won't want to see you around for the aftermath.
-
>Deeelicious. Leave that new money on the table, since it's all I have to pay with (whoops.)
>Leave the sashimi shop, and look for anything nearby with information on where I am and what's going on.
-
>Great. Uh.
>Provide epic confrontation battle music to pump up allies
Wait that succeeds unconditionally?
uhhh
>enchant music to buff allies' stats
-
>Provide epic confrontation battle music to pump up allies
That will succeed unconditionally. You might want to add another action.
Time to go through my epic music playlist :V
-
The hell did I do.
>Commune with the voice while subduing the miko, non-lethally.
-
Well, I had a post written up, but due to my wireless adapter being a general [insert expletive of choice], I've been unable to upload it. Seeing pat's command, there are two ways this could happen, and I shall list for both scenarios.
If pat's revival is a success:
>Upon revival, create that sun barrier I talked about last time, for protection.
>Gather bearings of what's going on now. If the shrine maiden is still hostile, cause her to internally melt down. I personally have had enough of her crap.
If pat's revival fails (copied from what I initially typed):
>...I failed her...That does it. Reform in full Yatagarasu splendor over the Hakurei shrine. If I reform elsewhere, head to the shrine immediately.
>"So, you boast about adherents to your shrine? Then let us see if they will still visit a charred landscape to pay tribute. You may be a vessel for gods, but now you have ANGERED one with your self-centered demeanor. AND I DEMAND RETRIBUTION IN HOLY FLAME. Nothing personal...no wait...this is very personal now.
>Will that miracle orb to shatter, and bring forth the full fury of the sun to melt the place down. The shrine, torii gate, surrounding area, and even the area around that. She brought this on herself. Let us see if her selfish mannerisms will continue to flourish. "Will they still trust and follow a girl who acted in spite, and was punished by one of the gods themselves? Will they continue to provide donations to a murderer? I would think not."
>>If in bird-Yatagarasu form, a loud avian screech would compliment this effect nicely. Otherwise (or telepathically), "IF I CANNOT PROTECT, I CAN AVENGE! BURN!"
>On the off-chance I reform near Reimu, fuse her atoms enough to kill her without detonating (or tear apart her DNA with gamma rays), again willing the pendant to shatter or move and break it myself.
Kill me once, defensive reaction to flee to fight another day. I might even forgive. Kill me twice, and I'm mad.
Although, if I fail to reform, then I just wrote an awful lot of stuff for nothing and I will feel foolish. Crossing fingers...
-
Damnit I missed an update session.
>Ack, it broke! Urgh... gotta reform it before she sets her sights on me, that's for certain!
-
Man, my luck is being shoddy.
>Attempt to revive on the spot. If not, try and respawn nearby.
-
[Day: 3] [Time: Afternoon] [Weather: Rain]
>Flinch away from Kasu's untimely and flashy death.
>Drag his corpse to the lake to wash it off
>Check his corpse for the spellcard.
>(to Daiyousei) "I- I'm sure he's fine. He might come back when he respawns. We Outsiders seem to respawn when we're here in Gensokyo."
>"Remember your comment about going to the Hakurei Shrine would be suicide? I died a few times here, and I respawned eventually."
>"And, I have some odd feeling that something's going on at the Moriya Shrine. Could you point me there?"
>Inventory
[4] Although Kasu's corpse is charred to the bone, the spellcard seems to have remained intact. There's not even a singe on it.
"I- [...] Gensokyo."
"I see... So if you died right now, you'd be able to revive?"
"Remember [...] eventually."
"But it'll still hurt a lot when she... skewers you with all those needles."
"And [...] there?"
The fairy points to the mountain across the lake.
"It's right on top of that mountain. Is there a party there?"
Your inventory:
- Several knives
- A short wooden stick
- Kasu's spellcard
- Map
- Wallet
"Ay, sorry. Just a lot going on in my mind s'all. I'm not from this world, I'm pretty certain. I was experimenting with magnetic fields to try to bend space-time. The outcome was unpredictable, but it worked, and here I am. The fact that I...
> Glance over at an object on the ground.
"...can do this...
> Lift the object nonchalantly.
"...would be considered impossible in the land I am from. Yet you say it's not unusual here. And by the way you refer to the "Human" Village, I can only assume that humanity isn't alone here either."
> Ignore the happenings at the mountain for now. After all, hastiness is an anti-virtue. You don't know what's over there, you don't even fully understand your own power yet, and chances are that taking action will likely somehow end in you breaking no less than 4 laws of the land. Or dying.
> Instead, query@Akyuu: the rules of the land, how you should use powers, "how powers usually work", if escape from Gensokyo is possible. Try to mention that you sense trouble on the mountain.
> Take a handful of seconds to focus intently on the mountain. Try to discern what might be going on, via... uh, magnetolocation?
> As a thought experiment, pray intently for a bowl of petunias to materialize approx. 0.68 miles above ground level, at X,Y coordinates nearby your own. Know exactly what they're thinking, should they in fact manifest.
< Are there any (canon/player) chars in a wider area around me? [Amplify search with Magnetolocation, which is totally what I'm calling this now. Look for abnormal magnetic signatures.]
< Additionally, did the bell actually ring?
[4] "Ay [...] either."
You manage to lift a pebble up as you speak to Akyuu.
"Yes. That's true. While the village is usually safe, all sorts of youkai roam this land. Many of them won't hesitate to kill you for food."
In response to "rules of the land":
"As long as you don't provoke them, they shouldn't attack you. If they do, you're free to do whatever you please in self-defense."
In response to "how you should use powers":
"Don't hold senseless competitions that compare powers against powers. You'll end up causing nothing but harm to those around you, as well as yourself."
In response to "how powers usually work":
"Depends. Most humans don't have any special powers like you do, and thus they live in fear of the youkai that do. Those like you serve to protect those who don't."
In response to "if escape from Gensokyo is possible":
"In short, no. The only place you can return to your world is the Hakurei Shrine, but a series of recent incidents involving an outsider who started a revolution caused the shrine maiden to snap. She ended up killing everyone who wanted to leave, and expects that nobody else ask her to open the barrier separating Gensokyo from the Outside."
In response to "trouble on the mountain":
"There might be something happening up there. I can't tell, but if you sense something awry with your powers, my best guess is that you should follow that sense."
You focus your sense of magnetolocation towards the mountain. Abnormal energy signatures tell you that your intuition was spot-on correct.
A bowl of petunias materialize at the location you specified. They're considering whether hummingbirds will come to pollinate them.
Nearby characters, in order of increasing distance from your current location:
- Hieda no Akyuu (NPC)
- Cheez8
- Keine Kamishirasawa (NPC)
- Rinnosuke Morichika (NPC)
- FlamingRok, Marisa Kirisame (NPC)
- bigyihsuan, Daiyousei (NPC)
- Cirno (NPC)
- Patorikku
- an unmatched sock, LaserTurtle, Validon98, Dudu Zombolt, Reimu Hakurei (NPC), Sanae Kochiya (NPC), Kanako Yasaka (NPC), Suwako Moriya (NPC)
> The setup right now couldn't BE any better! Snatch up the pendant of miracles and focus its power onto yourself!
> Get Dudu clear and take the shrine maiden down for good!
> You... Nearly sacrificed a young girl's life for this revenge of yours... No, no, we're not setting up for a Bad End here. Make things right.
> Get Sanae or one of the other goddesses to Haruko's wounds.
> Use the pendant's power to revive sock.
> Leave the scene, and swiftly. After that little stunt you nearly pulled, there's fair room to assume the others won't want to see you around for the aftermath.
[4](+1)(+2)(OH SHIT 7!!!!) BGM: Timestamps are in parethesis. Follow along for maximum epicness. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXyeW_1bkKg)
(0:00) While Dudu Zombolt restrains Reimu, you dig through an unmatched sock's remains and pick up the Pendant of Miracles, placing the orb in the palm of your left hand.
(0:12) You smack your right hand against your left palm, shattering the orb. Bright light flashes from the glass shards, instantly adding 2 to your roll.
THE ORB OVERRIDES ALL!!!
(0:23) Screw Sanae. Screw Kanako. Screw Suwako. Screw gravity. You bend gravity to levitate Haruko towards you. She's coughing up copious amounts of blood. Her ribs are shattered. Her neck is broken.
(0:35) As she falls into your left arm, you raise your right hand above her body, fingers spread out. A glowing green ball of light materializes, and you let it grow to the size of her body.
(0:47) Once it's expanded enough, you cast it down upon her. The ball absorbs into Haruko's body, undoing her life-threatening injuries seconds before she slips away.
(0:57) "I'M NOT DONE YET!" You point towards the splattered remains of an unmatched sock and flick your hand upwards. The torn remains form a swirling cyclone.
(1:10) The vortex continues spinning, piecing his body together bit by bit before it subsides.
(1:20) You sprint off the ledge of the Youkai Mountain and take towards the skies in the direction of the Human Village. A blazing blue ball of fire in front of you ensures that anything coming in your direction will be instantly vaporized.
>Deeelicious. Leave that new money on the table, since it's all I have to pay with (whoops.)
>Leave the sashimi shop, and look for anything nearby with information on where I am and what's going on.
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
You leave the money you found on the table and leave. As you walk out onto the streets, you see Kappa talking to a purple-haired girl in a kimono. Naturally, you'd want to eavesdrop on their conversation, so you stand beside him to have a listen.
Money -?538
>Great. Uh.
>Provide epic confrontation battle music to pump up allies
Wait that succeeds unconditionally?
uhhh
>enchant music to buff allies' stats
[3] It doesn't look like your allies need any buffing. The Pendant of Miracles is more than enough to ensure that nobody dies this time.
The hell did I do.
>Commune with the voice while subduing the miko, non-lethally.
[6](That's twice in a row!) "HOLD ON! HOLD ON TO HER AND DON'T LET GO UNTIL IT'S TIME!"
You continue to pin her to the ground as the God of Creation uses you as an entrypoint to Reimu's soul. A repulsive force breaks your hold against her, sending you rolling backwards until you lean against the wall of the Moriya Shrine...
...By the time your reorient yourself, you notice that the shrine maiden is lying of the ground in an unconscious state.
Well, I had a post written up, but due to my wireless adapter being a general [insert expletive of choice], I've been unable to upload it. Seeing pat's command, there are two ways this could happen, and I shall list for both scenarios.
If pat's revival is a success:
>Upon revival, create that sun barrier I talked about last time, for protection.
>Gather bearings of what's going on now. If the shrine maiden is still hostile, cause her to internally melt down. I personally have had enough of her crap.
If pat's revival fails (copied from what I initially typed):
>...I failed her...That does it. Reform in full Yatagarasu splendor over the Hakurei shrine. If I reform elsewhere, head to the shrine immediately.
>"So, you boast about adherents to your shrine? Then let us see if they will still visit a charred landscape to pay tribute. You may be a vessel for gods, but now you have ANGERED one with your self-centered demeanor. AND I DEMAND RETRIBUTION IN HOLY FLAME. Nothing personal...no wait...this is very personal now.
>Will that miracle orb to shatter, and bring forth the full fury of the sun to melt the place down. The shrine, torii gate, surrounding area, and even the area around that. She brought this on herself. Let us see if her selfish mannerisms will continue to flourish. "Will they still trust and follow a girl who acted in spite, and was punished by one of the gods themselves? Will they continue to provide donations to a murderer? I would think not."
>>If in bird-Yatagarasu form, a loud avian screech would compliment this effect nicely. Otherwise (or telepathically), "IF I CANNOT PROTECT, I CAN AVENGE! BURN!"
>On the off-chance I reform near Reimu, fuse her atoms enough to kill her without detonating (or tear apart her DNA with gamma rays), again willing the pendant to shatter or move and break it myself.
Kill me once, defensive reaction to flee to fight another day. I might even forgive. Kill me twice, and I'm mad.
Although, if I fail to reform, then I just wrote an awful lot of stuff for nothing and I will feel foolish. Crossing fingers...
[2] Patorikku conjures a vortex that pieces you back together from your remains. You're unable to create the barrier. It doesn't matter though, since Dudu Zombolt seems to have forced Izanami no Mikoto out of Reimu, leaving her unconscious.
Damnit I missed an update session.
>Ack, it broke! Urgh... gotta reform it before she sets her sights on me, that's for certain!
[2] You shouldn't create an anti-exorcism barrier when the exorcist's unconscious. That would be a waste of MP energy.
Man, my luck is being shoddy.
>Attempt to revive on the spot. If not, try and respawn nearby.
[6] An exact copy of your body splits from your corpse, breaking the law of Conservation of Mass.
"Whoa! How'd you do that? Are you a ghost?
Marisa runs forward and grabs your hand.
"At least you're alive again!"
-
> Okay, that was awesome and all, but there's still some guilt over nearly having the girl killed in the first place. Time to start hiding your identity.
> Land in the Human Village, find the nearest scarf and steal it, regardless of if it's currently on a person's neck. Wear appropriately.
> Now go about finding some small arms to steal and wield all thief-like.
-
>Inventory
>"I think something big is happening there."
>"How far is the Youkai Mountain from here?"
>Thank Daiyousei, and GTFO in a run. Keep a knife out, and keep it pointing down to the ground.
-
>"I want to kill her. After all she's put me...us...through, I just want to stomp out her life. But at this point...it's not worth it." Sigh in resignation.
>"Haruko, if you would still like...we can go and look for your mother now. Not sure how much you still want to travel with me, I've died twice in pretty pathetic, instantaneous fashions, and you've almost died each time. I'll leave it up to you."
>Mutter "For her sake, I hope she stops hunting us."
-
>Stare blankly
>"So, what? Did I do anything useful at all?"
>When/if Reimu wakes, "Still up for that offer of lunch? You said you had a place in mind..."
-
> Well, shit. You can't leave... at least until you figure out how to science hard enough to recreate your experiment USING YOUR OWN BODY. Briefly consider if you would be able to keep your magneto-badassery upon re-entering your own world.
> Immediately after, realize how bored you are. (and that this has to be by far the LEAST interesting or eventful story arc going on currently) You'll never be able to conjure enough magnetic force to dabble in space-time if you don't flex these new muscles!
"I see... thanks a million for your guidance. Akyuu, was it?"
> Give her time to return the salutation, then Blink to the mountain in the distance; at least to investigate. You'll have time to chat and bond later, but now it's time to be moderately useful. Being potentially OP and all.
< query@GM: maximum Blink distance, any restrictions on use of powers like cooldowns, resource cost, etc.
/* Youkai... no, I have heard that word before. Saw it on some show or something. What did it mean? Agh, what did it mean? */
> Get somewhat flustered at yourself for being unable to recall that definition. For now, settle on it meaning "pixie".
> Deduce from your ability to somehow hone in on the thoughts of a bowl of petunias you essentially willed into existence that you are able to conjure things by praying for them. At least sometimes. Apologize to this mystery deity for asking so much of it, in the event that it particularly cares, then pray for an armament befitting of a magnet lord. Something practical, but maybe a little flashy -- and hope like hell that if you do get it, it's not going to get you arrested.
> (You're really disappointed that the flowers did NOT in fact think "Oh no, not again". Then again, they weren't Douglas' flowers.)
-
>...Wait, wasn't a kappa just...? Oh, whatever. At least I know where I am and who to avoid now.
>In the interest of not being snapped myself, hang around town and find a newspaper to read. That should at least get me an idea of what life is like for these people, should I choose to stay in the village.
>Just to be extra safe, find some non-outsider clothes to wear, and, um... purchase them for free. Secretly.
-
>"I don't feel like a ghost in any way. Anyways, we should probably get my dead body out of your house before it reeks of death." Start to drag my body outside.
-
Ahaha, git trombe'd. Not bad.
>Check the miko's hearbeat.
>If the voice is still around: "Glad to be of service, Izanabro!"
-
[Day: 3] [Time: Late afternoon] [Weather: Partly cloudy]
> Okay, that was awesome and all, but there's still some guilt over nearly having the girl killed in the first place. Time to start hiding your identity.
> Land in the Human Village, find the nearest scarf and steal it, regardless of if it's currently on a person's neck. Wear appropriately.
> Now go about finding some small arms to steal and wield all thief-like.
[3] You land in front of a clothing shop and wait for someone to step up to the owner. While he's distracted by the customer, you sneak in and leave with a scarf...
...There are no places that sell weapons in the village, and there's nobody that looks like they're carrying weapons either.
>Inventory
>"I think something big is happening there."
>"How far is the Youkai Mountain from here?"
>Thank Daiyousei, and GTFO in a run. Keep a knife out, and keep it pointing down to the ground.
[2] "I [...] there."
"You do?"
"How [...] here?"
"Ummm..."
The fairy looks up towards the sky.
"You'll get there before the sun sets. Can you fly?"
At her question, you realize that there's no other way to get there except by flying across the lake.
Your inventory:
- Several knives
- A short wooden stick
- Kasu's spellcard
- Map
- Wallet
>"I want to kill her. After all she's put me...us...through, I just want to stomp out her life. But at this point...it's not worth it." Sigh in resignation.
>"Haruko, if you would still like...we can go and look for your mother now. Not sure how much you still want to travel with me, I've died twice in pretty pathetic, instantaneous fashions, and you've almost died each time. I'll leave it up to you."
>Mutter "For her sake, I hope she stops hunting us."
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
"Haruko [...] you."
"Right. We still need to find her. But where would she be?"
The girl holds your hand as she considers the possible places her mother might be hiding in.
"Let's ask around in the Village. I'm sure there's at least one person who knows her."
>Stare blankly
>"So, what? Did I do anything useful at all?"
>When/if Reimu wakes, "Still up for that offer of lunch? You said you had a place in mind..."
[6] "So, what? Did I do anything useful at all?"
At least the music was fitting for the scene, right?
You walk over to Reimu and turn her over. She blinks her eyes and groans.
"Where am I?"
An angry Kanako replies:
"You're at the Moriya Shrine, and you almost murdered an innocent girl before these brave humans knocked you out. Now, go away! Your presence will drive away the faith we've accrued!"
"Still [...] mind..."
"Oh, right. I still need to get some lunch."
You follow her as she flies towards the Human Village...
...The shrine maiden brandishes several barb-tipped needles as she lands near a line in front of a food stall, causing it to dissipate quickly. A few people drop their coins as they sprint away.
"Hello, Miss Hakurei. What would you like?"
"Two servings of fried takoyaki."
The shop owner hands her two sticks of fried, skewered octopus. She hands one of them to you as the two of you walk down the street.
"Try these. They're very tasty~"
> Well, shit. You can't leave... at least until you figure out how to science hard enough to recreate your experiment USING YOUR OWN BODY. Briefly consider if you would be able to keep your magneto-badassery upon re-entering your own world.
> Immediately after, realize how bored you are. (and that this has to be by far the LEAST interesting or eventful story arc going on currently) You'll never be able to conjure enough magnetic force to dabble in space-time if you don't flex these new muscles!
"I see... thanks a million for your guidance. Akyuu, was it?"
> Give her time to return the salutation, then Blink to the mountain in the distance; at least to investigate. You'll have time to chat and bond later, but now it's time to be moderately useful. Being potentially OP and all.
< query@GM: maximum Blink distance, any restrictions on use of powers like cooldowns, resource cost, etc.
/* Youkai... no, I have heard that word before. Saw it on some show or something. What did it mean? Agh, what did it mean? */
> Get somewhat flustered at yourself for being unable to recall that definition. For now, settle on it meaning "pixie".
> Deduce from your ability to somehow hone in on the thoughts of a bowl of petunias you essentially willed into existence that you are able to conjure things by praying for them. At least sometimes. Apologize to this mystery deity for asking so much of it, in the event that it particularly cares, then pray for an armament befitting of a magnet lord. Something practical, but maybe a little flashy -- and hope like hell that if you do get it, it's not going to get you arrested.
> (You're really disappointed that the flowers did NOT in fact think "Oh no, not again". Then again, they weren't Douglas' flowers.)
[3] "I [...] it?"
Akyuu bows at you as a sign of her acceptance of your gratitude before you disappear and reappear at the bottom of the distant mountain.
In response to "maximum Blink distance"
Whatever distance you want. Just be creative and practical about it.
In response to "any restrictions on use of powers like cooldowns, resource cost, etc."
You can use them as much as you want, when you want, however you want, as long as you roll a sufficiently high number. A [4] and above guarantees success, and a [3] means your action will succeed with some kind of drawback. A [2] will prevent your action from completing, and a [1] might end up in you dying.
Your prayer for a weapon goes unanswered, at least for now.
>...Wait, wasn't a kappa just...? Oh, whatever. At least I know where I am and who to avoid now.
>In the interest of not being snapped myself, hang around town and find a newspaper to read. That should at least get me an idea of what life is like for these people, should I choose to stay in the village.
>Just to be extra safe, find some non-outsider clothes to wear, and, um... purchase them for free. Secretly.
[2](+1) Kappa disappears right in front of your eyes.
You grab the newspaper lying in front of someone's house and read the headlines:
- UPDATES ON THE WATSUKI MURDER INCIDENTS
- TALENTED MUSICIAN BRINGS REVOLUTIONARY MUSIC TO GENSOKYO
- VILLAGE-ATTACKING YOUKAI IDENTIFIED
The only place that seems to sell clothes resembling what everyone else wears are the stands lining the street. The merchandise are behind the shopkeeper, making them impossible to steal without being noticed. Even if you manage to slip by their eyes, the passersby will surely catch you in the act.
>"I don't feel like a ghost in any way. Anyways, we should probably get my dead body out of your house before it reeks of death." Start to drag my body outside.
[6] You drag your corpse away and bury it under a tree.
"Now, let's get started with the training!"
After a few hours of training, you seem to have mastered the magic you acquired from the mysterious grimoire.
ITEM ACQUIRED: Magic Boost (x3): All rolls involving magic will be increased by 2.
Ahaha, git trombe'd. Not bad.
>Check the miko's hearbeat.
>If the voice is still around: "Glad to be of service, Izanabro!"
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
She's alive, that's for sure. It also seems that she's not hell-bent on murdering everyone because she leaves with LaserTurtle following her.
The voice responds once more:
"Uh, sure. Though you probably shouldn't refer to gods in such a causal manner, especially I, the God of Creation. They might stop listening to your prayers, or worse, place nasty curses on you. May we meet again, brave one!"
-
>Thank Marisa for even more assistance. "Well, I guess now I should only attempt the teleport spell once more, as it seems as if it'll help your research somewhat." Teleport a few feet away from my current position.
-
>Try to fly
-
>Smile weakly. "Sure thing. Let's head back to the village. Keine might know at least someone. She seems knowledgeable."
>Take flight, Haruko in arm, back to the village. Now that we're not being chased, take a good look at the scenery from the air.
-
> Well, knives are optional anyway. You know one place you could pick up some free artillery anyway; there were still barb-tipped needles in your arm when you died in the Forest of Magic. That said, the need for one's own safety outweighs the desire to go back there too quickly.
> Basic parkour training, go! Find some good housing and buildings to jump along to get more agile.
-
>"So, what was all that murderous intent about? I mean, all I gathered was something about a death god."
-
> Being at the bottom of the mountain gives you time to reflect on the following things:
>> Now that you are in, as far as you can tell, the wilderness, you might need a way to protect yourself. You don't happen to have a weapon verbatim (yet), but it occurs to you that weaponizing the power of magnetism should be a piece of cake. Be the Railgun!
>>> Imagine Ability: Throw. Picks up surrounding objects and hurls them at the enemy to deal damage.*
>>> Imagine Ability: Solid Block. Picks up surrounding objects and forms a solid wall to defend against attacks. Better for physical attacks.
>>> Imagine Ability: Mag Block. Stops incoming projectiles in their tracks and either drops them harmlessly or redirects them.* Better for projectiles.
>>> Imagine Ability: Rip. Tears an object towards you into physical range, jarring and possibly injuring the target.
>>> Imagine Ability: Field Wave. Fling a wad of big magnetic disturbance at the target, causing disorientation, knockdown, or stun.
>>> Imagine Ability: Creativity. Allows the user to spam line after line of made-up powers with no end in sight. Deals extra damage to GMs.**
* If any objects interacted with are chiefly metallic in nature, they can be directly manipulated instead of indirectly via surrounding magnetic fields, and may deal extra damage at Username's discretion.
** Not a real ability.
>>> You'd test these, but for now they're just concepts that should work in theory. Eh, good enough.
>> Blinking is great and all, but quite frankly you're still subject to gravity and that sucks. But wait! Because your body contains metals, you can Blink - so try to apply that same logic to lift yourself upwards and fly (or more accurately, throw yourself).
>>> If successful: Gain Ability: Mag Fly. Uses magnetic fields to throw yourself through the air, or modulates fields so that they may be essentially stood upon.
> Now that you're a lot closer, the WHATEVER'S-OVER-HERE should light up like a Christmas tree on magnetolocation. Search for the abnormal signature and try to pinpoint it, or at least find it again.
> Try flying to the location, or, sans flight, just Blink there. Take a moment to appreciate that Blinking is just near-instantaneous motion and not teleportation, so it won't literally embed you in walls and stuff.
> While en route, recall seeing another person in that village who seemed unordinary. Time to test the boundaries of your powers again! Maglocate that guy again, seal this message into a magnetic bubble:
"Hey, guy. If this reaches who I want it to reach, then hello! I'm the guy who just vanished in front of you. Call it teleportation if you will. I'm at the mountain in the distance. Something's up over here, and I was bored. Meet me here if you can help and you aren't busy elsewhere."
...and throw it his way.
Best case scenario, that will reach him intact. Worst case, if it even reaches him: he gets hit with a sonic wave of nonsense, gets spooked, and you get to have a good laugh if you ever find out about it.
-
B-but muh bros ;;
>Now that the situation is diffused... Some money wouldn't be bad. Fly off to the human village, find a part-time job!
-
>Murders and youkai attacks... Lovely. This village is no safer than anywhere else, apparently. At least read about the youkai since that one could actually matter once I leave.
>Speaking of which, get out of that village posthaste. Heck, jump the walls if I have to. When trouble comes, I want to be ready, not loafing about!
>Assuming I happen to catch a message out of the blue... To the mountain! If not, head off into the forest in search of neat things lying around.
-
[Day: 3] [Time: Late afternoon] [Weather: Partly cloudy]
>Thank Marisa for even more assistance. "Well, I guess now I should only attempt the teleport spell once more, as it seems as if it'll help your research somewhat." Teleport a few feet away from my current position.
[1](+2) You teleport a distance equivalent to ten-or-so steps away from where you are and end up with a slight headache from the sudden movement.
ITEM LOST: Magic Boost (2 remaining)
>Try to fly
[6] You retrieve two knives from their sheathes and hold one in each arm before jumping upwards. Surprisingly, you're somehow afloat, and you're able to direct the movement of your body by simply thinking about that...
...A shrine comes into view as you reach the three-forths point between the ground and the mountaintop. Something must've happened here, because there are splatters of blood and what seems to be the remains of a sofa on the ground.
"Hi! Who are you? I'm Sanae, this is Suwako, and this is Kanako!"
She points to two floating figures behind her.
"You look like you're from the Outside World. Well, so am I, at least when compared to everyone else here... So, what's it like out there? It hasn't been that long since I left, hasn't it?"
>Smile weakly. "Sure thing. Let's head back to the village. Keine might know at least someone. She seems knowledgeable."
>Take flight, Haruko in arm, back to the village. Now that we're not being chased, take a good look at the scenery from the air.
[3](+1) "Sure [...] knowledgeable."
"I sure hope so."
For the first time, you admire the simple yet gorgeous scenery of Gensokyo, a land isolated from the modern metropoli too commonly seen elsewhere. There's a lake topped with white mist, though you make out a mansion in the distance. Further along the way is the forest you unsuccessfully tried to find shelter in last night. There's something that looks like a storehouse near the eastern edge of the forest, and the remaining path to the Human Village is nothing but plain dirt road. All in all, the trip back was as uneventful as can be...
...You land near the schoolhouse, where people can be seen repairing the front entrance. Keine is among them, talking to a frail, ordinary-looking girl.
> Well, knives are optional anyway. You know one place you could pick up some free artillery anyway; there were still barb-tipped needles in your arm when you died in the Forest of Magic. That said, the need for one's own safety outweighs the desire to go back there too quickly.
> Basic parkour training, go! Find some good housing and buildings to jump along to get more agile.
[4] Of all the places to parkour in Gensokyo, the Human Village seems to be the best place. The buildings are far-apart enough that you can jump from one to another with relative challenge, yet low enough that it would be nearly impossible to seriously injure yourself if you find yourself losing your balance. Passersby notice and begin to gather and watch the action. This only intensifies your adrenaline as you bolt from one roof to the next with precision speed and judgment.
ITEM ACQUIRED: Agility Boost (x1): The next roll involving speed or agility will be increased by 2.
>"So, what was all that murderous intent about? I mean, all I gathered was something about a death god."
[1] You follow behind Reimu, who doesn't seem to respond until the two of you are on the path to her shrine at a sufficient distance from the Human Village. At a time when you least expect it, she turns around and punches you in the stomach, knocking the air out of you.
"Do not talk about that or tell that to anyone, or I will hunt you down and make the last seconds of your life a living hell. DO YOU UNDERSTAND?!"
> Being at the bottom of the mountain gives you time to reflect on the following things:
>> Now that you are in, as far as you can tell, the wilderness, you might need a way to protect yourself. You don't happen to have a weapon verbatim (yet), but it occurs to you that weaponizing the power of magnetism should be a piece of cake. Be the Railgun!
>>> Imagine Ability: Throw. Picks up surrounding objects and hurls them at the enemy to deal damage.*
>>> Imagine Ability: Solid Block. Picks up surrounding objects and forms a solid wall to defend against attacks. Better for physical attacks.
>>> Imagine Ability: Mag Block. Stops incoming projectiles in their tracks and either drops them harmlessly or redirects them.* Better for projectiles.
>>> Imagine Ability: Rip. Tears an object towards you into physical range, jarring and possibly injuring the target.
>>> Imagine Ability: Field Wave. Fling a wad of big magnetic disturbance at the target, causing disorientation, knockdown, or stun.
>>> Imagine Ability: Creativity. Allows the user to spam line after line of made-up powers with no end in sight. Deals extra damage to GMs.**
* If any objects interacted with are chiefly metallic in nature, they can be directly manipulated instead of indirectly via surrounding magnetic fields, and may deal extra damage at Username's discretion.
** Not a real ability.
>>> You'd test these, but for now they're just concepts that should work in theory. Eh, good enough.
>> Blinking is great and all, but quite frankly you're still subject to gravity and that sucks. But wait! Because your body contains metals, you can Blink - so try to apply that same logic to lift yourself upwards and fly (or more accurately, throw yourself).
>>> If successful: Gain Ability: Mag Fly. Uses magnetic fields to throw yourself through the air, or modulates fields so that they may be essentially stood upon.
> Now that you're a lot closer, the WHATEVER'S-OVER-HERE should light up like a Christmas tree on magnetolocation. Search for the abnormal signature and try to pinpoint it, or at least find it again.
> Try flying to the location, or, sans flight, just Blink there. Take a moment to appreciate that Blinking is just near-instantaneous motion and not teleportation, so it won't literally embed you in walls and stuff.
> While en route, recall seeing another person in that village who seemed unordinary. Time to test the boundaries of your powers again! Maglocate that guy again, seal this message into a magnetic bubble:
"Hey, guy. If this reaches who I want it to reach, then hello! I'm the guy who just vanished in front of you. Call it teleportation if you will. I'm at the mountain in the distance. Something's up over here, and I was bored. Meet me here if you can help and you aren't busy elsewhere."
...and throw it his way.
Best case scenario, that will reach him intact. Worst case, if it even reaches him: he gets hit with a sonic wave of nonsense, gets spooked, and you get to have a good laugh if you ever find out about it.
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
If you had time to test those abilities, you probably would. However, now's not the time, so you make a mental note to do so when such an occasion comes. Right now, the most important thing is that you get yourself to wherever the signals from earlier were coming from. It seems that the highly-concentrated energy signatures you detected earlier are spread out all over the place, though a large amount still remains where they were. In a split-second, you find yourself in front of a well-built shrine.
You won't end up fused with other objects, but you can still kill yourself if you crash into things at incredibly high speeds...
The person you met in the village seems to have not moved far, so you send a message in her direction.
B-but muh bros ;;
>Now that the situation is diffused... Some money wouldn't be bad. Fly off to the human village, find a part-time job!
[5](+1) You land in the village, right in front of a restaurant. The following events happen afterwards:
- You ask the manager if there are any opportunities to work here, part-time.
- "Well, it certainly would be nice if we had some extra waiters and waitresses. The increased performance would surely attract more customers."
- Without much thought, you accept his offer.
- Some time passes, where you get handed orders to serve to customers.
- "That wasn't so boring, wasn't it? Here's some money for your hard work. If you ever feel like helping again, stop by any time we're open!"
Money +?2500
>Murders and youkai attacks... Lovely. This village is no safer than anywhere else, apparently. At least read about the youkai since that one could actually matter once I leave.
>Speaking of which, get out of that village posthaste. Heck, jump the walls if I have to. When trouble comes, I want to be ready, not loafing about!
>Assuming I happen to catch a message out of the blue... To the mountain! If not, head off into the forest in search of neat things lying around.
[6] You open the newspaper to read that last article:
VILLAGE-ATTACKING YOUKAI IDENTIFIED
A youkai woman by the name of Yuuka Kazami has been identified as the perpetrator of several abduction incidents spanning over the past few months. She most recently attacked the village yesterday morning, but was eliminated by an unknown human. According to local schoolteacher and historian Keine Kamishirasawa, this human was from the Outside World.
Suddenly, you feel as if you've received a message from someone regarding things happening atop a distant mountain. Strangely, this "voice" sounds familiar, causing you to follow its orders to head towards the aforementioned mountain. But how? How are you going to get there? Do you think you can get there by merely thinking about the action? Yes you can, and you suddenly appear in front of Kappa at a rather well-maintained shrine.
-
>Hmm, might want to prevent myself from moving that quickly in the future. "Hey, I've been wondering this for some time, but are there any other magicians inside of this forest? It seems as if it'd be a popular area for magicians with the wide variety of ingredients for various witchery."
-
>Tell Sanae the current Outside World date (2014), and about the Touhou series, specifically Mountain of Faith (2006)
>"Huh, your shrine seems much smaller than I thought."
>"I also found a girl's corpse in the middle of the Forest of Magic covered in red barbed needles. Since you've fought Reimu multiple times, I guess those are her Persuasion Needles?"
>Donate 1,000 yen to the shrine
>Fly off to the Hakurei Shrine
-
>"Hello again, Keine! I see repairs are coming along, good, good. Who might this be?" Indicating the frail girl.
>If she asks, "Well...it's been...interesting, since we had to quickly take off like that yesterday." If it wasn't yesterday, change that to whatever day is correct. "But, long story short, we were chased and narrowly escaped death a few times. Now, though, things should be fine, and we learned that her mother" indicate Haruko "is still alive, somewhere. We wanted to know if you had any clues, or knew someone who might."
>Let Keine respond.
-
what's with all the extreme rolls? Where're my mediocre 3s and 4s?
>"Yes yes ow ow I won't bring it up again"
>"Well it's been fun. You can ask me to treat you to lunch any time!"
>Leave and see if the Mahjong Parlor needs another round of music
-
> Try to get a bearing on your surroundings. A shrine... begin looking around for the irregularity in the area and investigating oh hello a person just appeared right the hell in front of you.
"You too? And I was beginning to think this Blinking was something special- wait... you, you're that other irregular signature I picked up back in the village, aren't you? I take it you got my message, then.
"You know, I was either going to stay and chat with you or come here. Guess fate wanted me to have the best of both worlds.
"Anyway, call me Kappa. Long story short, I somehow fell into this world and can now control magnetism. There's something going on around here that I was able to pick up; would you know anything about that? Or are you here on that case too?"
> Either this one is another person in a similar situation as you, a long-time resident of this world, or an assassin sent to snuff you. Or maybe this is what a "youkai" is? Any way you cut it, this person is still radiating an irregular aura, so something's up with them. Hope they're friendly.
> Refocus and Maglocate. Hopefully the nearby signature will get clearer and clearer the closer you get.
> Wonder if you're in way over your head yet.
-
> Concern slightly about having many eyes on you, but remember your scarf is pretty much hiding your identity.
> Dashing through the town~ On a pair of spraining legs-- Just keep practicing your parkour until the plot demands your presence again.
-
YEN FOR THE YEN GOD
COINS FOR THE COIN THRONE
>Find something cheap to eat!
-
>Sweet! See, I knew training was a good idea. I just started and I can already climb a mountain so quickly~
>Hey, it's that guy. Blink at him in confusion for a moment before responding.
>"...Oh! Right, so you sent that message after leaving the village. That's pretty cool- I still don't even know how I got that message, but I guess I did."
>Let him finish talking, then: "Kappa, huh? Well, I'm Cheez. Nice to meet you. I'm here for... uh, the food, I guess? Not too sure, I just kind of... came here, and now I'm here. I mean, in Gensokyo. Sounds like you're pretty much in the same boat, huh?
"As for what's going on... I don't really know any more about things than what I overheard from Akyuu back in the village, sadly. A youkai named Yuuka attacked the village earlier, I guess, but that's about it. You probably know more than I do about whatever's happening."
>Take this pause in the conversation to admire the surroundings- mountains are always so cool! Enjoy the view from up high, take a deep breath of fresh mountain air, and generally begin to feel a profound connection with nature.
-
[Day: 3] [Time: Early evening] [Weather: Scattered clouds]
>Hmm, might want to prevent myself from moving that quickly in the future. "Hey, I've been wondering this for some time, but are there any other magicians inside of this forest? It seems as if it'd be a popular area for magicians with the wide variety of ingredients for various witchery."
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
"Of course there are!"
Marisa throws her broom in front of her and hops on before adjusting her hat.
"Wanna visit Alice?"
She motions at you to come and sit behind her.
>Tell Sanae the current Outside World date (2014), and about the Touhou series, specifically Mountain of Faith (2006)
>"Huh, your shrine seems much smaller than I thought."
>"I also found a girl's corpse in the middle of the Forest of Magic covered in red barbed needles. Since you've fought Reimu multiple times, I guess those are her Persuasion Needles?"
>Donate 1,000 yen to the shrine
>Fly off to the Hakurei Shrine
[4] "Someone made a video game about me?? That's awesome! And it's got quite the name, too! I'll make sure to ask Rinnosuke if he has a copy of that..."
"Huh [...] thought."
"Well, how big did you think it would be?"
"I [...] Needles?"
"Yeah, they are. It's a long story, but earlier a couple of guys came here, mentioning that they were being chased by her. They brought with them this girl Reimu wants to kill. She was nearly dead, we saved her, she found us, she almost killed everyone, and to top it all off she wrecked my sofa and almost tore the back wall of the shrine down..."
She stops to catch her breath.
"...Oh, and she borrowed the powers of Izanami no Mikoto, this one guy had a weird green orb, he shattered it, it gave everyone god-like powers, and we chased her away."
As a incentive to cheer Sanae up, you hand her an appreciable sum of money.
"Thanks!"
Despite what you just heard, you take out your map and fly towards the Hakurei Shrine, where Reimu is busy lighting rows of torches on the sides of the stone path in front of the shrine.
Money -?1000 (total ?9990000)
>"Hello again, Keine! I see repairs are coming along, good, good. Who might this be?" Indicating the frail girl.
>If she asks, "Well...it's been...interesting, since we had to quickly take off like that yesterday." If it wasn't yesterday, change that to whatever day is correct. "But, long story short, we were chased and narrowly escaped death a few times. Now, though, things should be fine, and we learned that her mother" indicate Haruko "is still alive, somewhere. We wanted to know if you had any clues, or knew someone who might."
>Let Keine respond.
[3] "Hello [...] be?"
"This is Akyuu. Remember, the one I told you to visit earlier, before you grabbed Haruko and darted off?"
Akyuu speaks in a quiet voice befitting of her stature:
"So what happened after you flew off? Both of you are still alive, so I guess Reimu didn't get to you, right?"
You explain that you were miraculously brought back from death twice and that Haruko survived two near-death experiences.
"But [...] might."
Keine is the first to respond:
"Ahh... yes, that's right. All I know is that she's alive, though she's in just as much danger as Haruko is."
Akyuu follows up with a hint of questionable usefulness:
"She was last seen near the Hakurei Shrine, though that was a while ago. There aren't many places to hide in Gensokyo, especially outside the village."
>"Yes yes ow ow I won't bring it up again"
>"Well it's been fun. You can ask me to treat you to lunch any time!"
>Leave and see if the Mahjong Parlor needs another round of music
[2] "Yes [...] again"
"Good. It's nice to have Outsiders like you that I can trust..."
"Well [...] time!"
"And you can stop by my shrine if you've got any prayers or wishes."
You fly towards the Human Village and make your way to the mahjong parlor. For whatever reason, there's nobody there.
> Try to get a bearing on your surroundings. A shrine... begin looking around for the irregularity in the area and investigating oh hello a person just appeared right the hell in front of you.
"You too? And I was beginning to think this Blinking was something special- wait... you, you're that other irregular signature I picked up back in the village, aren't you? I take it you got my message, then.
"You know, I was either going to stay and chat with you or come here. Guess fate wanted me to have the best of both worlds.
"Anyway, call me Kappa. Long story short, I somehow fell into this world and can now control magnetism. There's something going on around here that I was able to pick up; would you know anything about that? Or are you here on that case too?"
> Either this one is another person in a similar situation as you, a long-time resident of this world, or an assassin sent to snuff you. Or maybe this is what a "youkai" is? Any way you cut it, this person is still radiating an irregular aura, so something's up with them. Hope they're friendly.
> Refocus and Maglocate. Hopefully the nearby signature will get clearer and clearer the closer you get.
> Wonder if you're in way over your head yet.
[2](+1) As you introduce yourself to Cheez8, a green-haired girl in white and blue waves at you while pointing to two floating figures behind her.
"Welcome to the Moriya Shrine! I'm Sanae, this is Kanako, and this is Suwako. I'm sorry this place looks like a mess, something happened here earlier and we're just beginning to tidy everything up."
The majority of the energy signatures you picked up earlier players are at the Human Village, though a few continue to move around at a distance farther from those coming from the village.
Nope, not yet. However, it should be pretty easy to figure out which direction the story's heading towards.
> Concern slightly about having many eyes on you, but remember your scarf is pretty much hiding your identity.
> Dashing through the town~ On a pair of spraining legs-- Just keep practicing your parkour until the plot demands your presence again.
[4] You notice an unmatched sock talking to Keine and a girl they refer to as Akyuu. The topic of discussion seems to be the whereabouts of Haruko's mother.
ITEM ACQUIRED: Agility Boost (total 2)
YEN FOR THE YEN GOD
COINS FOR THE COIN THRONE
>Find something cheap to eat!
[3] It's been a while since you had something to eat, and you begin to feel hungry. Many food stands are closing for the day. You're almost about to give up before you find yourself in front of a general store. The food they sell there are relatively expensive, but they look so tasty...
Money -?1200 (total ?1300)
ITEM ACQUIRED: Sweet-and-crispy rice crackers (1 serving): Provides a mild boost of energy. Eat these when you'd otherwise fall asleep or faint from fatigue.
>Sweet! See, I knew training was a good idea. I just started and I can already climb a mountain so quickly~
>Hey, it's that guy. Blink at him in confusion for a moment before responding.
>"...Oh! Right, so you sent that message after leaving the village. That's pretty cool- I still don't even know how I got that message, but I guess I did."
>Let him finish talking, then: "Kappa, huh? Well, I'm Cheez. Nice to meet you. I'm here for... uh, the food, I guess? Not too sure, I just kind of... came here, and now I'm here. I mean, in Gensokyo. Sounds like you're pretty much in the same boat, huh?
"As for what's going on... I don't really know any more about things than what I overheard from Akyuu back in the village, sadly. A youkai named Yuuka attacked the village earlier, I guess, but that's about it. You probably know more than I do about whatever's happening."
>Take this pause in the conversation to admire the surroundings- mountains are always so cool! Enjoy the view from up high, take a deep breath of fresh mountain air, and generally begin to feel a profound connection with nature.
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
While you talk to Kappa, a green-haired girl waves at you while pointing to two floating figures behind her.
"Welcome to the Moriya Shrine! I'm Sanae, this is Kanako, and this is Suwako. I'm sorry this place looks like a mess, something happened here earlier and we're just beginning to tidy everything up. As for the food, I guess I can make something for you after I finish cleaning up the place."
The view from the shrine atop the mountain is like nothing you've seen before. Immediately below is a lake covered by a thin blanket of mist. There's a forest a bit forward and to the right. To the left of all that is the Human Village, which is starting to light up as the sky darkens. In the far-left distance there's a speck of light atop another range of mountains.
-
>"Alice, huh? Sure, I'm game." Aboard the magical broom.
-
> Mind your distance and listen in on the conversation out of eyesight. There was a word on the Hakurei shrine somewhere in there, wasn't there?
> You'll want to move first, so once you get the information you need out of the conversation, take off over the nearest village wall and head toward your destination. That which would be... Determined once you get that information out of the conversation.
-
Nope, not yet. However, it should be pretty easy to figure out which direction the story's heading towards.
I don't know where it's going right now.
....And goddammit I missed an entire battle, and two others just from fooling around at the Misty Lake and being in a hurry?
>Greet Reimu
>Ask about the Persuasion Needle pin cushion corpse I found near Kourindou
>"Those barbed needles are yours, right? I also found tons of plastic and glass all over the place."
>Ask about the destroyed couch and various splatters of blood around the Moriya Shrine.
>Donate 1,000 yen
>Fly off down the Youkai Mountain. Take a look see
inb4 i roll a 1 and die
-
>Slight eye twitch at the mention of her being near that shrine. "W-well, how long ago is 'a while', would you say? Days? Weeks?"
>"Come to think of it, Haruko, what does she look like? Although maybe keep it down a bit, we don't know if anyone's listening in. It's possible Reimu isn't the only one looking for her with ill intent..."
>"Did it look like she was heading anywhere specific or dressed in a manner that would indicate such?"
>Just try to glean as much information as possible from these two.
-
>Flip metaphorical table
>"Fine, another street performance it is!"
>Street performance
-
Hmm, time to pass the time until something deadly happens?
>Do the funky chicken.
-
>Gotta love mountaintops.
>Make a mental note of that speck of light over on the other mountain range. That looks like it might be one of those signatures or something Kappa was talking about.
>Actually, inform Kappa of that. If whatever's going on is urgent, they would probably want to know about this.
>Offer to help Sanae clean up the mess. It wouldn't do to accept such generosity without doing something for her in return, now would it?
-
> Speck of light? It seems to coincide with your readings. But this Cheez8 fellow (and potentially this girl and her levitating consorts) might be your only backup. As tempting as it may be to chase the one interesting thing you've seen around here all day, to go in alone may as well be a deathwish for all you know. Which is not a lot. Keep an eye on that light, though, glancing back at it every now and then.
"I'll be damned. Thanks for pointing that out, Cheez. It does line up with what I'm picking up. But I'm not going after whatever it is alone. Let's get to work here for now, since I don't foresee myself dying here.
"I guess, however things go, we're partners for now. Deal?"
> Offer to join in the restoration effort. Inquire what happened to mess up the shrine, and if it had anything to do with any... abnormal beings in the area. Nay, youkai in the area. For now, your definition of "youkai" is going to be "abnormal being", because it sounds about as correct as anything. Sure.
> While carrying out your Act of Random Shrineness, explain the whole "signatures" thing as the use of magnetic pulses in a manner similar to echolocation to detect any abnormal fluctuations in an area's magnetic field, which allows semi-precise location of natural and unnatural phenomena, including beings with notably greater power than an average human. Hopefully the technobabble will be either understood or assumed to be correct, because you're not even entirely sure if that's how it works.
-
[Day: 3] [Time: Sunset] [Weather: Mostly clear]
>"Alice, huh? Sure, I'm game." Aboard the magical broom.
[4](+1) You hop onto the broom.
"Hold on tight!"
Marisa lifts the tip of the broom towards the sky as stars shoot out the end, propelling the two of you up into the sky. The view from such an altitude is quite beautiful. You look in the direction of the setting sun as Marisa guides the flying broomstick.
"Isn't the sunset lovely to look at? Kourin and Sanae tell me that it's gettin' harder to see these in the Outside World."
> Mind your distance and listen in on the conversation out of eyesight. There was a word on the Hakurei shrine somewhere in there, wasn't there?
> You'll want to move first, so once you get the information you need out of the conversation, take off over the nearest village wall and head toward your destination. That which would be... Determined once you get that information out of the conversation.
[6] You hear something about some fairies near the Hakurei Shrine who might have seen Haruko's mother. This time, you want to be the hero, so you hop over the wall surrounding the village. The sun might be setting, but there's still enough light to make your way to the forest surrounding the shrine. Perhaps it was just luck, because you spot a group of three fairies hanging out in a crude treehouse no less than two minutes from an eerily-lit Hakurei Shrine. The black-haired one in a blue dress embroidered with star-like shapes sees you first.
"Hey, Sunny. It's a human!"
"Where? Move over, Star!" exclaims a golden-haired fairy who's wearing a maid's headband.
"Shhh, guys! He can hear us right now!" another fairy with crescent-moon-shaped wings warns.
I don't know where it's going right now.
....And goddammit I missed an entire battle, and two others just from fooling around at the Misty Lake and being in a hurry?
>Greet Reimu
>Ask about the Persuasion Needle pin cushion corpse I found near Kourindou
>"Those barbed needles are yours, right? I also found tons of plastic and glass all over the place."
>Ask about the destroyed couch and various splatters of blood around the Moriya Shrine.
>Donate 1,000 yen
>Fly off down the Youkai Mountain. Take a look see
inb4 i roll a 1 and die
[4] "Those [...] place."
"Their bodies are still there? The youkai will probably eat the remains tonight, and it's Sanae's fault for inviting them to her place. She should be glad I didn't tear down her shrine..."
The fact that Reimu didn't turn you into a mangled corpse leaves you with enough gratitude to make a donation. The offertory box is quite full, and it takes you a while to shove the bill through the opening. You turn around to see the shrine maiden standing behind you with a smile on her face.
"Thanks~"
You fly back to the Youkai Mountain, where two newcomers are helping the residents of the Moriya Shrine to clean up the mess left there as a result of today's battle.
Money -?1000 (total ?9989000)
Rolling a [1] will get you dead no matter where you are. Rolling a [4] here reveals important plot details.
>Slight eye twitch at the mention of her being near that shrine. "W-well, how long ago is 'a while', would you say? Days? Weeks?"
>"Come to think of it, Haruko, what does she look like? Although maybe keep it down a bit, we don't know if anyone's listening in. It's possible Reimu isn't the only one looking for her with ill intent..."
>"Did it look like she was heading anywhere specific or dressed in a manner that would indicate such?"
>Just try to glean as much information as possible from these two.
[3] "W-well [...] Weeks?"
Keine responds rather quickly:
"Four weeks. It's been four weeks since the reporters last saw her. And to be honest, I don't even know if that's who you're looking for. They just told me she might be her mother."
"Come [...] intent..."
Haruko seems to have lost a significant amount of confidence at what Keine just said. Holding back tears, as if she was prepared for the worst, she quietly mutters:
"I... I don't remember. It's been a while since I last saw her, and that was when we were still at home."
"Did [...] such?"
Your question seems to have confirmed Haruko's fears. Keine's facial expression and reply only makes the situation worse:
"Oh... DEAR GODS! You say she was near the Hakurei Shrine, right? She better not have gone up to Reimu, asking about Yukito's whereabouts..."
Akyuu foresees Haruko's emotional explosion and runs over to hug her.
"Don't give up, Haru. We all know it's hard for you, but there's a group of fairies near the shrine who probably saw what happened that day. It's not over, and we can't jump to conclusions until we have proof that she got..."
It takes the girl a tremendous amount of courage to finish her sentence:
"...exterminated."
>Flip metaphorical table
>"Fine, another street performance it is!"
>Street performance
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
You seem to like performing at night, don't you? Since the mahjong parlor is closed, there seem to be more people wandering the streets, which results in more audience. Ultimately, this leads to a bit more money thrown at you.
Money +?1854 (total ?20852)
Hmm, time to pass the time until something deadly happens?
>Do the funky chicken.
[2] Everyone's watching LaserTurtle's musical gig, so your wonderful dance goes unnoticed. At least you didn't, say, trip and break your neck :V
>Gotta love mountaintops.
>Make a mental note of that speck of light over on the other mountain range. That looks like it might be one of those signatures or something Kappa was talking about.
>Actually, inform Kappa of that. If whatever's going on is urgent, they would probably want to know about this.
>Offer to help Sanae clean up the mess. It wouldn't do to accept such generosity without doing something for her in return, now would it?
[2](+1) You overwork yourself and sprain your back as you stand up after wiping a large puddle of bloodstains off the ground. Suwako notices you collapse and frowns.
"You've done plenty. Go get yourself some rest now."
> Speck of light? It seems to coincide with your readings. But this Cheez8 fellow (and potentially this girl and her levitating consorts) might be your only backup. As tempting as it may be to chase the one interesting thing you've seen around here all day, to go in alone may as well be a deathwish for all you know. Which is not a lot. Keep an eye on that light, though, glancing back at it every now and then.
"I'll be damned. Thanks for pointing that out, Cheez. It does line up with what I'm picking up. But I'm not going after whatever it is alone. Let's get to work here for now, since I don't foresee myself dying here.
"I guess, however things go, we're partners for now. Deal?"
> Offer to join in the restoration effort. Inquire what happened to mess up the shrine, and if it had anything to do with any... abnormal beings in the area. Nay, youkai in the area. For now, your definition of "youkai" is going to be "abnormal being", because it sounds about as correct as anything. Sure.
> While carrying out your Act of Random Shrineness, explain the whole "signatures" thing as the use of magnetic pulses in a manner similar to echolocation to detect any abnormal fluctuations in an area's magnetic field, which allows semi-precise location of natural and unnatural phenomena, including beings with notably greater power than an average human. Hopefully the technobabble will be either understood or assumed to be correct, because you're not even entirely sure if that's how it works.
[4] Kanako explains to you the origin of the mess:
"Before sunrise today, a group of men and women hurriedly brought with them a young girl. She was seriously injured, no, almost dead, and they asked us to heal her. It's a long and sad story short, but the shrine maiden of our rival shrine wants her dead."
The goddess points to the speck of light amoung the distant mountains.
"We brought her back to life, and right when we thought everything was going as planned, she shows up and attacks us mercilessly, coming within seconds of ending that poor girl's life."
Sanae chimes in:
"Someone threw our sofa at her in defense, and she freakin' smashes it right in front of the shrine! At least everything appears to be fine now. And by the way, you seem to have some sort of special power. Care to explain?"
You tell her about your powers of magnetism. To your surprise, she understands every word of your explanation.
"So it's like a radar, huh? Something like that could be very useful here..."
-
> It's not very clear if there's anyone else around, so just make your way up to the treehouse.
> "You three. I've heard word of a human woman being spotted around here. Age could be anywhere between 20 to 40 human years, so you know, she might've actually looked like an adult. Any clue where she is?"
>Don't waste time with idle banter. Keep the conversation on track with what info you need so you can get moving the moment you need to.
-
>"Haruko, don't worry. They say four weeks ago, but that dream information was yesterday. She is out there, in hiding. If I had to guess, assuming the worst, Reimu probably saw her and attacked her, but she
rolled a 5 or 6 ran off before things got too bad. She could be injured, but the important thing is she's alive. Take assurance in that, and be strong."
>"Unfortunately, not knowing what she looks like will be very...detrimental to finding her." Turn to the other two. "Have either of you seen her and know or remember what she looks like? I won't want to dismiss a random passersby as not her, since sometimes the best place to hide is in plain sight."
>"Maybe we could go back to the Moriya shrine? They seem to know enough about you, Haru. Maybe they can provide a bit of further assistance."
>Idly check money. If the Moriyas can do something, that may warrant a donation.
-
>There was something about someone's mom in hiding, right? Yeah, I could start searching and hope blind luck strikes.
>Grab some dinner to go along the way, too.
-
"I guess, however things go, we're partners for now. Deal?"
>"D-Deal!" Give Kappa a thumbs-up from the floor.
>Goodness, that smarts. Um... Sanae said a sofa got smashed here, right? See if I can picture what it originally looked like, and then see if that puts it back together nearby.
>If that works, it's time for an upgrade! Casually climb onto the resurrected sofa, and visualize an automated massage roller thingy within the cushion. That back pain will be gone in no time~
-
> Welp, there's no turning back now. This is some shit, and you have stumbled into ground zero.
"That's... awful. Wow. I'm sure there's some context, but I just can't fathom why anyone would want to just up and kill some little girl like that. I take it that, between the two of these shrines, this is the good one?"
> Upon closer inspection... wow, that is a LOT of blood. What the f#ck happened here?
> Explain (or demonstrate) to Sanae that these powers are good for more than just radar. If there's any heavy lifting to do around the shrine, offer to handle some of that burden.
> query@Sanae: how her two friends are floating; how you can help; what the strange mountain light is (you followed it here).
recv~Cheez8 > "D-Deal!" Give Kappa a thumbs-up from the floor.
> Return thumbs up. "Hey, sprains suck. Just rest for a bit and I'll take care of the crap goin' on here. Oh, actually - maybe you could orient yourself towards that light on the mountain and keep a lookout on that?"
> query@Cheez8: if their Blink ability is magnetically-powered, like yours.
-
>"I...think I know why. Everything's getting industrialized. Buildings being constructed that tower over cities." Remember how it looked, and frown slightly. "It makes me a little melancholy to know that not everyone can enjoy this kind of view, and that even fewer will be able to eventually." Look ahead into the sun again. "But yet at the same time, it makes me appreciate these sights even more. And here in Gensokyo, I feel these scenes are painted out daily."
-
>"Oh hello there, I'm back from the Hakurei Shrine."
>"She doesn't seem to like that an, Outsider that came here."
>Another ?1000 donation
>Head down the Mountain
-
Uh, well, I didn't say I was in it for the money!
>Learn how to craft some cheapo charms to sell.
-
[Day: 3] [Time: Dusk] [Weather: Cold / Mostly clear]
> It's not very clear if there's anyone else around, so just make your way up to the treehouse.
> "You three. I've heard word of a human woman being spotted around here. Age could be anywhere between 20 to 40 human years, so you know, she might've actually looked like an adult. Any clue where she is?"
>Don't waste time with idle banter. Keep the conversation on track with what info you need so you can get moving the moment you need to.
[6] "A woman, huh?"
The three fairies exchange nervous glances at each other.
"Sunny? Should we tell this guy? We don't even know who he is..."
"It's okay, Star. He doesn't look like he's gonna harm her. If anything, he looks like he's trying to help!"
"Alright, then. Luna! Do that thing you do to muffle out our voices!"
Sunny and Star turn towards you while Luna stands behind them, facing towards the shrine.
"I think she ran off towards the west. Reimu smacked her really hard. Probably broke her arm or something."
"And she was wearing really weird clothes, too. Whatever you do, don't bring her back here. I don't wanna see her get sealed up like the guy she was looking for."
That last bit of detail confirms that they're referring to Haruko's mother. There are two places towards the west she would likely be hiding in, though the fact she has a broken arm narrows it down to just one:
The Human Village
>"Haruko, don't worry. They say four weeks ago, but that dream information was yesterday. She is out there, in hiding. If I had to guess, assuming the worst, Reimu probably saw her and attacked her, but she rolled a 5 or 6 ran off before things got too bad. She could be injured, but the important thing is she's alive. Take assurance in that, and be strong."
>"Unfortunately, not knowing what she looks like will be very...detrimental to finding her." Turn to the other two. "Have either of you seen her and know or remember what she looks like? I won't want to dismiss a random passersby as not her, since sometimes the best place to hide is in plain sight."
>"Maybe we could go back to the Moriya shrine? They seem to know enough about you, Haru. Maybe they can provide a bit of further assistance."
>Idly check money. If the Moriyas can do something, that may warrant a donation.
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
"Haruko [...] strong."
"Yeah, you're right. We need to find her before it's... too late."
"Unfortunately [...] sight."
"As I've said before, we assumed she was her mother based solely on her looks. Oh, and they said she wasn't dressed like a Gensokyoan human. I guess that confirms what you're hoping for, right?"
"Maybe [...] assistance."
Akyuu suddenly exclaims:
"Ahh, Keine-san! Now that you remind me of it, a bit more than a week ago a group of boys told me they saw an Outsider around the village, with a severely injured arm!"
Haruko shudders at that, but manages to keep herself together after realizing that she's at least alive.
You don't have any money, though the residents of the Moriya Shrine don't look like they'd care too much about your lack of reciprocation.
>There was something about someone's mom in hiding, right? Yeah, I could start searching and hope blind luck strikes.
>Grab some dinner to go along the way, too.
[1](+1) You catch the last bits of the conversation, enough to realize that whoever you're searching for is among the village. It's just hours before the sky completely turns dark. Instead of searching the village, you just stand there and look at the last sliver of orange light disappearing off the western horizon.
>"D-Deal!" Give Kappa a thumbs-up from the floor.
>Goodness, that smarts. Um... Sanae said a sofa got smashed here, right? See if I can picture what it originally looked like, and then see if that puts it back together nearby.
>If that works, it's time for an upgrade! Casually climb onto the resurrected sofa, and visualize an automated massage roller thingy within the cushion. That back pain will be gone in no time~
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
The splinters and shreds spontaneously rearrange themselves to form a leather sofa. You hop on and crank a lever coming out the side, which actuates a mechanical massager. Sanae looks in your direction with her mouth gaping wide open:
"Wh- That's impossible! How did you do that?! That totally goes against the second law of thermodynamics*!"
Kappa redirects her attention towards a speck of light in the east, to which she reacts with urgency:
"GET TO THE VILLAGE! WE HAVE TO WARN THEM!"
*As if real-world physics laws mattered anymore...
> Welp, there's no turning back now. This is some shit, and you have stumbled into ground zero.
"That's... awful. Wow. I'm sure there's some context, but I just can't fathom why anyone would want to just up and kill some little girl like that. I take it that, between the two of these shrines, this is the good one?"
> Upon closer inspection... wow, that is a LOT of blood. What the f#ck happened here?
> Explain (or demonstrate) to Sanae that these powers are good for more than just radar. If there's any heavy lifting to do around the shrine, offer to handle some of that burden.
> query@Sanae: how her two friends are floating; how you can help; what the strange mountain light is (you followed it here).
recv~Cheez8 > "D-Deal!" Give Kappa a thumbs-up from the floor.
> Return thumbs up. "Hey, sprains suck. Just rest for a bit and I'll take care of the crap goin' on here. Oh, actually - maybe you could orient yourself towards that light on the mountain and keep a lookout on that?"
> query@Cheez8: if their Blink ability is magnetically-powered, like yours.
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
"That's [...] one?"
"I guess you can put it that way. However, the residents of Gensokyo are powerless when it comes to ignoring the Hakurei Shrine's influence. After all, it's the reason this place continues to exist in isolation from the rest of the world outside. As for why the shrine maiden wants the girl dead, it's a rather complicated story. What really matters is that her family has crossed paths not meant to be crossed, which has placed them near death ever since. I can tell you more if you'd like, though I fear that it would undermine the safety of your own life as a result of knowing too much about this whole situation. Most of those who sided with the girl and her family were killed, and only a select few know the gritty details."
Sanae is still looking at Cheez8 in utter surprise when you walk up to her.
In response to "how her two friends are floating":
"They're goddesses. Floating is the probably the least impressive of their abilities."
In response to "how you can help":
"Well, everyone seems to be looking for the girl's mother. She's in just as much danger, and the worst part is that we don't know where she's hiding."
In response to "strange mountain light":
"Oh, that light over there? That's the Hakurei Shrine."
She suddenly gets tense, as if something terrible is happening.
"Wait... she better not be performing another prayer to... GET TO THE VILLAGE! WE HAVE TO WARN THEM!"
The wind priestess runs into the shrine and comes back with several spellcards in her hand.
"I'll bring these, just in case. I'm not getting caught off-guard this time!"
>"I...think I know why. Everything's getting industrialized. Buildings being constructed that tower over cities." Remember how it looked, and frown slightly. "It makes me a little melancholy to know that not everyone can enjoy this kind of view, and that even fewer will be able to eventually." Look ahead into the sun again. "But yet at the same time, it makes me appreciate these sights even more. And here in Gensokyo, I feel these scenes are painted out daily."
[4] "Yep, that's right! Is the place you're from like that? I wonder what it's like in the outside, beyond the Barrier..."
The two of you cruise through the starry sky for a while before Marisa spots a patch of light below.
"Hold on tight!"
>"Oh hello there, I'm back from the Hakurei Shrine."
>"She doesn't seem to like that an, Outsider that came here."
>Another ?1000 donation
>Head down the Mountain
[1] It's hard to see in the darkness. You slip, fall down the mountain, and crash head-first into a thick tree trunk.
You are dead.
Uh, well, I didn't say I was in it for the money!
>Learn how to craft some cheapo charms to sell.
[4] You manage to sell them to a group of teenagers for ?500 apiece.
Money +?2500 (total ?3800)
-
>Keep a good grip/balance onto the broom. "I'm no artist, so I cannot illustrate how the Outside World looks. However, not all is bad out there. Information is spread much more widely, and for the most part, everyday activities are made easier through technology." Grin a little, and continue on. "Of course, I was never much of a user of technology. It can be faulty sometimes, which makes it somewhat unreliable. Books on the other hand, are ready whenever, and valuable information can be held inside one sometimes, just like this world."
-
> Ah okay, so right at the same place you left. Joyous.
> "Right, thanks for the info. Appreciate the help!"
> Hightail it back to the village, preferably on the side of an open path leading from the shrine, for two reasons. One, because it's dark as hell out, and two, in case the shrine maiden decides to make her way to the village. One way or another, you're probably gonna run across her again, and it's best to keep any fight with her out of range of the village.
-
>"Well, looking at the time...I'd say it's a bit too late to be looking tonight. We should rest up. I'd offer a meal, but unfortunately I seem to have very little by the means of currency...sorry."
>"You know...call me paranoid, but...if I were Reimu, and if I had failed something I had set out to do and still wanted to do it...night would be the perfect time to hunt. And the Human Village would be too obvious a hiding place. Yet, leaving the village seems dangerous at this hour..." to Keine and Akyuu: "Do either of you know a good place we can hide, here or outside of the village, for the night?"
-
[1] It's hard to see in the darkness. You slip, fall down the mountain, and crash head-first into a thick tree trunk.
You are dead.
God dammit.
>Respawn as close to the Moriya Shrine as possible
-
>Well, time to call it a night. Back to an inn for sleep!
-
>Raise above the clouds. Is this light from the shrine identifiable?
-
>Briefly address the questions from Kappa and Sanae with an honest response: "Beats me. Sure is convenient, though!"
>Oh boy. That sounds urgent. Ask Sanae if she minds me borrowing the sofa for a moment, then visualize some major upgrades to the thing. For starters, jet thrusters within the armrests that point forwards and backwards, downward-facing thrusters on each side to get it in the air, hyper-extending sofa legs to lift it off the ground and keep the thrusters from scorching anything during takeoff, a missile launcher hidden beneath the leg rest, and some stylish seatbelts. That should do for now.
>Strap in and extend the legs to make sure it works.
>Assuming it works: "Anybody want a lift?"
>Once all takers have strapped in, take to the skies and catch up to whoever already left! There's no time to waste!
-
"You guys try to keep up, okay? One of you needs to explain this all when we get there."
> Mag Throw Cheez's... uh, Sofabot, towards the village, then Blink straight to the village. Try to communicate what's going on as best as you can, with as much as you know, but leave the real instructions to the Moriya folks.
> Prepare for the worst, not knowing what that actually is.
-
[Day: 3] [Time: Night] [Weather: Clear]
>Keep a good grip/balance onto the broom. "I'm no artist, so I cannot illustrate how the Outside World looks. However, not all is bad out there. Information is spread much more widely, and for the most part, everyday activities are made easier through technology." Grin a little, and continue on. "Of course, I was never much of a user of technology. It can be faulty sometimes, which makes it somewhat unreliable. Books on the other hand, are ready whenever, and valuable information can be held inside one sometimes, just like this world."
[3] You land in front of a house not much bigger than Marisa's.
"Alice!!! I know you're in there!!!"
A blonde-haired girl in a blue skirt slowly opens the door and greets Marisa in a unimpressed voice, as if she was expecting her to show up.
"Hey, Marisa. What's going on? And who's that girl following you?"
"Alice, this is Mamoru."
Marisa turns to you.
"Mamoru, this is Alice. She's a magician, just like me!"
Alice bows slightly.
"Pleased to meet you, Mamoru..."
Your stomach replies with a loud and obnoxious grumble. Alice walks back a few steps.
CAUTION: Find some food within the next 3 turns.
> Ah okay, so right at the same place you left. Joyous.
> "Right, thanks for the info. Appreciate the help!"
> Hightail it back to the village, preferably on the side of an open path leading from the shrine, for two reasons. One, because it's dark as hell out, and two, in case the shrine maiden decides to make her way to the village. One way or another, you're probably gonna run across her again, and it's best to keep any fight with her out of range of the village.
[1](+2) You quietly and carefully make your way down the mountain path leading away from the shrine, sprinting as fast as possible once you reach suitable terrain. In the village, a dense crowd blocks the way to the schoolhouse. From the way they sound, it doesn't look like anything worth worrying about. In fact, it sounds like they're awestruck.
ITEM LOST: Agility Boost (1 remaining) (Yes, these will be used automatically. It's for your own good.)
>"Well, looking at the time...I'd say it's a bit too late to be looking tonight. We should rest up. I'd offer a meal, but unfortunately I seem to have very little by the means of currency...sorry."
>"You know...call me paranoid, but...if I were Reimu, and if I had failed something I had set out to do and still wanted to do it...night would be the perfect time to hunt. And the Human Village would be too obvious a hiding place. Yet, leaving the village seems dangerous at this hour..." to Keine and Akyuu: "Do either of you know a good place we can hide, here or outside of the village, for the night?"
[5](+1) Keine frowns at you.
"Did you just say 'outside of the village'? That's the worst place you can be at a time like this! Reimu might be determined to get rid of Haruko and her mother, but we all know that she'd never do that in the village. There's too many people that would stop her, and I don't think she'd kill them all in plain sight, let alone injure them."
"And you two can stay at my house for the night. Why? I'll tell you once we're there. See you tomorrow, Keine-san~"
Keine returns the salutation as Akyuu takes the two of you to a guarded mansion, not too far from the schoolhouse. The three gatekeepers let you in after she explains the situation.
"Don't tell anyone about this, but there's a basement below this mansion, where my ancestors keep all the village records. Only a few people know about it, and Reimu definitely isn't one of them. As long as you and Haruko stay down there, you're invisible to all of Gensokyo! Well, except me, and the mansion's residents, of course! But don't worry, we won't even tell her we saw you."
God dammit.
>Respawn as close to the Moriya Shrine as possible
[3] You respawn at the Moriya Shrine, just in time to see everyone take off toward the Human Village.
>Well, time to call it a night. Back to an inn for sleep!
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
You walk into the familiar inn and leave your payment of ?700. After a brief rest, you find yourself fully energized and awake. It looks like only a few hours have passed since you dozed off...
Money -?700 (total ?20152)
>Raise above the clouds. Is this light from the shrine identifiable?
[2] No. It's just a faint flickering dot, and it even blends in with the stars if you're on the ground.
>Briefly address the questions from Kappa and Sanae with an honest response: "Beats me. Sure is convenient, though!"
>Oh boy. That sounds urgent. Ask Sanae if she minds me borrowing the sofa for a moment, then visualize some major upgrades to the thing. For starters, jet thrusters within the armrests that point forwards and backwards, downward-facing thrusters on each side to get it in the air, hyper-extending sofa legs to lift it off the ground and keep the thrusters from scorching anything during takeoff, a missile launcher hidden beneath the leg rest, and some stylish seatbelts. That should do for now.
>Strap in and extend the legs to make sure it works.
>Assuming it works: "Anybody want a lift?"
>Once all takers have strapped in, take to the skies and catch up to whoever already left! There's no time to waste!
[3](+1) Sanae's eyes glow with excitement as you transform an ordinary piece of furniture into a battle-ready flying machine. She hops on, along with the two Moriya Shrine goddesses. You concentrate your mind and ignite the thruster fuel, sending the four of you up into the air toward the Human Village...
...You land right in the center, surprising everyone nearby (as expected). A large crowd begins to form around the scene.
"You guys try to keep up, okay? One of you needs to explain this all when we get there."
> Mag Throw Cheez's... uh, Sofabot, towards the village, then Blink straight to the village. Try to communicate what's going on as best as you can, with as much as you know, but leave the real instructions to the Moriya folks.
> Prepare for the worst, not knowing what that actually is.
[2](+1) Cheez8 doesn't look like she needs any help bringing the flying sofa to the village, so you save some energy and Blink to the village shortly after it takes off. The landing of the sofa seems to have caught quite some attention, and the gathering crowd nearly crushes you as they push and shove to get a look at whatever's causing the commotion.
-
>"Well, I'd say a magician in training, but nevertheless." Bow to Alice slightly. "I apologize. It appears I haven't eaten for some time. Are any of the mushrooms in this forest healthy to eat, or is there some other way of snagging food?" Stop bowing to notice the unamused look onto Alice. "Going to guess you two haven't been on the best of terms here and there."
-
>...Oh, that's right. This is the sort of thing you don't see every day. Forgot about that.
>Well, we've got a crowd now, at any rate. Turn towards Sanae and smile. "The stage is yours~"
>Scan the area in search of Kappa, but be sure to listen to Sanae too. Important stuff is going on, and I hardly know a lick of it.
-
>Before we leave, to Keine: "Well, I'm not so sure about that. She didn't have much of a problem trying in front of the Moriyas. But I digress."
>Back to the present: "Thank you very much, Akyuu. And don't worry, I won't tell a soul. Although, a bit of food would be nice, if it's not asking too much already..."
>To Haruko: "Finally, we can have some peace and quiet, with no shrine maiden following us like a rabid dog. I'm sure you're just as glad about it as I am, if not more."
>Browse some of the records. Let's find a little history in this place while we wait for food or to get tired and sleep, whichever comes first.
-
God dammit.
>Look around for any light sources
>Go down the mountain to look for the corpse
-
>Allocate skill points towards Search skill. Branch out!
>Search for that one girl's mother. I'm not going to leave this plot thread hanging if I can help it!
-
Oh well, the dice said it so.
>Return to the ground. Meditate, power up!
-
> Large concentration of people paying attention to something else? Fine, keeps their eyes off me.
> Start a quick search through the crowd; find a nice high point above the crowd to glance over all the people and see if there's anyone in the crowd with a broken arm.
-
[Day: 3] [Time: Night] [Weather: Clear / Windy]
>"Well, I'd say a magician in training, but nevertheless." Bow to Alice slightly. "I apologize. It appears I haven't eaten for some time. Are any of the mushrooms in this forest healthy to eat, or is there some other way of snagging food?" Stop bowing to notice the unamused look onto Alice. "Going to guess you two haven't been on the best of terms here and there."
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
"Well [...] food?"
"You're hungry? Why don't you come inside? I'll try to find something you can have."
"Going [...] there."
"Well, Marisa and I are rivals after all. But don't take it seriously, it's more of a love-hate thing, right?"
"Uh, sure, Alice..."
>...Oh, that's right. This is the sort of thing you don't see every day. Forgot about that.
>Well, we've got a crowd now, at any rate. Turn towards Sanae and smile. "The stage is yours~"
>Scan the area in search of Kappa, but be sure to listen to Sanae too. Important stuff is going on, and I hardly know a lick of it.
[3] "Ummm... I can explain..."
Before she can do that, someone in the crowd throws a question at her:
"Hey! You're Sanae Kochiya, right? Is it true that you can perform miracles like they say you do?"
"Yes! They're right! I can make miracles happen, though that takes time to prepare!"
Another voice yells out:
"Which is the better shrine? Your's or Reimu's?"
"Of course it's mine! For starters, it has two goddesses, right here!"
The crowd cheers upon hearing that. In the excitement, you try to find Kappa. You can't see him, so you figure that he's not in the front of the crowd.
>Before we leave, to Keine: "Well, I'm not so sure about that. She didn't have much of a problem trying in front of the Moriyas. But I digress."
>Back to the present: "Thank you very much, Akyuu. And don't worry, I won't tell a soul. Although, a bit of food would be nice, if it's not asking too much already..."
>To Haruko: "Finally, we can have some peace and quiet, with no shrine maiden following us like a rabid dog. I'm sure you're just as glad about it as I am, if not more."
>Browse some of the records. Let's find a little history in this place while we wait for food or to get tired and sleep, whichever comes first.
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
---Schoolhouse---
"Well [...] digress."
Keine's expression suddenly becomes one of worry unlike anything you've seen before.
"So they're right... She's really intent on finishing this her way... Thank you. I'll warn the villagers right away. In the meantime, do as best as you can to stay out of her sight."
---Akyuu's Mansion---
"Thank [...] already..."
"No problem. I'm here to help you as much as I can. I'll make something good. In the meantime, why don't you take a look down there and get yourself situated."
You take Haruko down to the basement as Akyuu tells you.
"Finally [...] more."
"First thing tomorrow, we go and find my mother. I'm not gonna let her worry anymore. She's all I have..."
You spend the next few minutes looking through the records. Some important facts catch your attention:
- There used to be a time when the land now known as Gensokyo was accessible to the outside world.
- The Great Hakurei Barrier was formed in 1885, cutting off all access to the outside.
- Since then, youkai have increased in numbers dramatically. So have forgotten gods.
- Every now and then, objects forgotten by the Outside World end up in Gensokyo.
- The primary founders of Gensokyo are the Hakurei clan and the Yakumo clan. Their words are to be taken as law.
- Violators of these laws have been severely punished, usually with painful and permanent death.
God dammit.
>Look around for any light sources
>Go down the mountain to look for the corpse
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
You get a lantern from the shrine and light it before flying down to look for your corpse. After some time, you find it lying near a tree. It's still fresh, and surprisingly no youkai have gotten to it yet. Because of this, you're easily able to salvage your items.
ITEM ACQUIRED: Short wooden stick
ITEM ACQUIRED: Wallet
Money +?9989000
ITEM ACQUIRED: Map of Gensokyo (http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2010/128/a/e/Gensokyo_Traditional_Map_by_CaptainOnimaru.jpg)
ITEM ACQUIRED: Spell Card - Tsukumogami's Elegy 「Lantern's Requiem」
ITEM ACQUIRED: Spell Card - Broken Bamboo Sword
>Allocate skill points towards Search skill. Branch out!
>Search for that one girl's mother. I'm not going to leave this plot thread hanging if I can help it!
[3](+1) Your intuition tells you that her mother is in the village, and that she's probably hiding in someone's house.
Oh well, the dice said it so.
>Return to the ground. Meditate, power up!
[1] You tumble to the ground and break your neck.
You are dead.
> Large concentration of people paying attention to something else? Fine, keeps their eyes off me.
> Start a quick search through the crowd; find a nice high point above the crowd to glance over all the people and see if there's anyone in the crowd with a broken arm.
[4] You make your way to the top of a tall building to scan the crowd below. After a while, you quickly realize that someone with a broken arm would most likely avoid a crowd as dense as the one you're looking through right now. If anything, she's probably hiding in someone's house.
The semester's finally over, and tomorrow I'll be flying home for winter break. The next update will be on Friday at the usual time.
In case anyone's curious: Final exams went fine, and I can't wait to spend holiday time with my family and friends back home!
-
Hurray for the end of exams!
> Certainly, the most likely choice of house for a plot-relevant character to hide in is within a highly influential but generally benevolent force's house. There's a buddhist temple nearby, and a temple counts as a house. Make your way to the temple!
-
Huh, I don't have my knives.
>Climb back up to the Moriya Shrine where it's safe.
>Try to fly
-
>Grimly show Haruko the last two. "This isn't a good sign. We'll need to work fast tomorrow. Maybe it would be better if I simply looked on my own, while you hide out here. I'll leave it up to you in that regard."
>Well, nothing left to do besides wait. "So, tell me about yourself. Sounds like you weren't born in Gensokyo. And, well...nothing much else to do until food arrives or we get tired and fall asleep."
>What is the temperature in this basement? If it's chilly, warm self up and sit next to Haru. If not...well, hopefully it isn't stifling heat.
-
>hmm. Late dinner or unresolved plot thread?
>Late dinner it is! I'll probably think better on a full stomach. Find a food stand if possible.
-
>"Ah, yeah I get that vibe. And also thank you for the offer for food." Head inside the house and find a nearby seat to wait on.
-
OH COME ON NECK
>Become mech
-
> Try to work through the crowd in an effort to reconvene with your comrades. Make it a point to ask Sanae what's actually going on that's such a big deal, since it doesn't seem to be here yet.
-
[Day: 3] [Time: Late night] [Weather: Clear]
Hurray for the end of exams!
> Certainly, the most likely choice of house for a plot-relevant character to hide in is within a highly influential but generally benevolent force's house. There's a buddhist temple nearby, and a temple counts as a house. Make your way to the temple!
[6] By the time you make it to the Myouren Temple, several of its residents have already gathered in front. It almost feels as if they had expected you to show up. A purple-haired girl greets you:
"You must be an Outsider, right? I hear people like you are looking all over the place for her. Come inside, we'll discuss this in more detail."
You follow her in, and a blue-haired girl closes the doors behind you. Sitting in the center of the room is a woman who you unmistakably take to be Haruko's mother. She looks like what the girl would probably look like in twenty-or-so years, and she has several blackened bruises on her right arm. She stares straight into your eyes with intense sorrow and grief. Before you say anything, the girl who greeted you upon your arrival speaks up:
"Yes. That's her. Akina Watsuki, wife of Yukito Watsuki and mother of Haruko Watsuki. She's heavily wounded, and we need to get her to a hospital as soon as possible."
Huh, I don't have my knives.
>Climb back up to the Moriya Shrine where it's safe.
>Try to fly
[5](+1) You fly back to the Moriya Shrine. There are shiny objects lying on the ground. Upon closer inspeciton, you realize that those were the blades you dropped when you slipped and fell eariler. As you collect them, you notice something wrong. There were clearly five others at the shrine earlier, yet there's not a soul nearby. Furthermore, nobody bothered to take the dropped weapons, or even gather them elsewhere so they wouldn't pose a hazard. This probably means that something very urgent took place between the time you tumbled down the mountain and the present.
ITEM ACQUIRED: Dagger (x3)
ITEM ACQUIRED: Knife (x4)
>Grimly show Haruko the last two. "This isn't a good sign. We'll need to work fast tomorrow. Maybe it would be better if I simply looked on my own, while you hide out here. I'll leave it up to you in that regard."
>Well, nothing left to do besides wait. "So, tell me about yourself. Sounds like you weren't born in Gensokyo. And, well...nothing much else to do until food arrives or we get tired and fall asleep."
>What is the temperature in this basement? If it's chilly, warm self up and sit next to Haru. If not...well, hopefully it isn't stifling heat.
[2](+1) "This [...] regard."
She thinks to herself for a while and responds:
"Yeah, sure. I'll stay here. It'll be safer for me, and you'll have one less worry when you're looking for her, right?"
"So [...] asleep."
"I guess there's nothing better to do... I'm from [REDACTED]*... and... WAAHHHHHHH~~~"
Haruko bursts into tears. Making her remember about the Outside World, and by extension, her family, seems to have made her traumatic memories vivid once more. The somber atmosphere seems to make the temperature colder than it is, though it wasn't exactly comfortable to begin with. You try to generate heat, but it seems that the Yatagarasu part of you was severly weakened as a result of Reimu's last attack. It's nothing short of a miracle than any of it was left in you.
* A large city in Japan. Think Tokyo, Yokohama, or Osaka.
>hmm. Late dinner or unresolved plot thread?
>Late dinner it is! I'll probably think better on a full stomach. Find a food stand if possible.
[6] You walk up to the nearest food stand.
"Late dinner, huh?"
You quickly make your order and walk out with a large bag of food.
ITEM ACQUIRED: Food stand take-out (3 servings): Eat when you'd otherwise fall asleep or faint from fatigue. Eat all three servings, and you won't have to worry about food for six days. That's SIX WHOLE DAYS!
Money -?1000 (total ?19152)
>"Ah, yeah I get that vibe. And also thank you for the offer for food." Head inside the house and find a nearby seat to wait on.
[2](+1) You go inside and sit at the table. Alice sure takes her time to make good food...
OH COME ON NECK
>Become mech
[4] You wake up just in time to see lines of text scroll by in the top-left corner of your vision:
Human-Machine Interface [Version 6.22]
Loading COMMAND.COM...
Calibrating gyrometer... done!
Calibrating envirograph... done!
Initializing motors... done!
Initializing Auto-Target System... done!
>A.T.S. loaded into working memory, 13.2 TB remaining.
As that disappears, a crosshair superimposes itself in the center of your view. You curl your robotic arms and propel yourself into a standing position. The whirring sound seems to have surprised a nearby person. As she walks up to you to ask you if you're okay, the crosshair over her face turns green. Below it, the words "HUMAN: FRIENDLY / INQUSITIVE" light up. A few seconds later, another line of text appears below the first line: "THREAT LEVEL: LOW"
Bonus if you know where the "Loading COMMAND.COM..." is from. (inb4 MS-DOS)
> Try to work through the crowd in an effort to reconvene with your comrades. Make it a point to ask Sanae what's actually going on that's such a big deal, since it doesn't seem to be here yet.
[1] You make a fatal mistake as you walk deeper into the converging crowd. Before you know it, your body is crushed by the multitude of people gathering to have their look at what rumors say to be a mysterious flying object carrying the Moriya Shrine's residents.
EDIT: You are dead.
Sorry, forgot to paste that here. [1]'s usually result in death. Other times, really weird sh*t happens instead.
-
Do I have a Magnum on my leg? DO I HAVE A MAGNUM ON MY LEG :D :D :D
>Weaponry check! Do it with style.
-
>Sigh in resignation. Let her cry it out.
Out of character: Holy crap does she cry at the drop of a hat. Either I keep getting low rolls to comfort her or whatever, but still.
>"Strange...well, maybe that will come back with rest. We'll feel much better in the morning." Find bed or some other at least remotely comfortable spot and offer it to her. "I can find my own bed, but this looks to be the most comfortable spot." Take position at nearest, second-most-comfortable spot and get some sleep myself.
>Use rest to recharge Yatagarasu power. Or communicate with it and find out what's up with that.
-
>WITH STOMACH FULL I RISE TO THE CHALLENGE
>Provide background music as I conduct search montage.
-
>Continue to wait patiently. Acting rash is not a very lady-like thing to do.
-
EDIT: I don't see "You are dead", does the use of "fatal" imply that? Am I alive or dead? Hm... I'll just make turns for both cases then.
IF ALIVE:
"Cheez! Sanae! Floaty god guys! I'm drowning in assholes, help!!"
> A miracle would be really appreciated right about now. Until then, try to repulse anyone surrounding/on top of you and if anything's broken, try to get it back into place.
> Wonder where you went so wrong.
> Wait, there's LITERAL GODDESSES before you. Pray to them to... uh, un-f#ck you up. And for a back-mounted Gaussian chain-missile launcher. It's almost Christmas where you come from, an early present couldn't hurt!
> Yeah, that's all probably going to backfire somehow.
> Backfire... engage self-deprecation modus re: that awful unintended pun
IF SLIGHTLY DEAD:
> Don't resurrect, because that's not what humans do when they die. Survey the world around you as you perceive it while dead. Are you a ghost?
> If you can see the people who were around you, try to telepath/ghostmunicate/etc. @ Sanae and Cheez and tell them what happened. Can you interact with the living while dead? This world is pretty screwy so far, so maybe.
"Hey, guys. Uh... I think I died. Can you hear me? Some assclods ran me over, so what do I do now? I think I'm a ghost or a spirit or some garbage now. Can I haunt people? Dude, that would be rad."
> Debate if that's actually entertaining enough to be worth it. Also debate if it's possible to get away with being a ghost in this realm, or if there's some entity that wants to stop you in your tracks.
-
>Look around
>Actually go into the shrine
-
> Man... This would be a good time to have been a healer class.
> to <purple-haired woman> "So what can we do to help her out? The shrine maiden's after her and her daughter, and she's gotten particularly violent about it." That broken arm speaks for itself on that one. "It's not really a safe choice to bring Akina to any nearby hospital without drawing Reimu's attention, and I don't know any of the outsiders who are proficient healers."
> to <Akina> "Listen, your daughter's safe right now. She's in the village as well, and under the protection of another outsider. A particularly strong one, at that. I don't know if you'll get to see her right away, considering the shrine maiden's breathing down all our backs, but I assure you, you two will see each other again soon." Don't mention what you nearly did to get at Reimu. Don't EVEN mention that. She may have a broken arm, but if you go saying you nearly had her kid killed to take down Reimu, that broken arm ain't mean shit.
-
[Day: 4] [Time: Midnight] [Weather: Partly cloudy]
Do I have a Magnum on my leg? DO I HAVE A MAGNUM ON MY LEG :D :D :D
>Weaponry check! Do it with style.
[2] No, you don't.
>Sigh in resignation. Let her cry it out.
Out of character: Holy crap does she cry at the drop of a hat. Either I keep getting low rolls to comfort her or whatever, but still.
>"Strange...well, maybe that will come back with rest. We'll feel much better in the morning." Find bed or some other at least remotely comfortable spot and offer it to her. "I can find my own bed, but this looks to be the most comfortable spot." Take position at nearest, second-most-comfortable spot and get some sleep myself.
>Use rest to recharge Yatagarasu power. Or communicate with it and find out what's up with that.
[3] There's soft carpeting over the wooden floor, so you lie down in-place and close your eyes. Haruko's crying catches Akyuu's attention, who comes down to check on the situation.
"Oh my... What's wrong? Worried about your mother? I'm sure she's safe. Here, I brought you some food. Eat it up, and you might feel better."
You try to focus yourself and reinvigorate your Yatagarasu spirit, but it doesn't even seem to be able to respond. Looks like you're going to have to ask Sanae to work another miracle...
...You smell fried fish and steamed rice.
>WITH STOMACH FULL I RISE TO THE CHALLENGE
>Provide background music as I conduct search montage.
[4]
BGM: Follow along as you read. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzX7MY2U41k)
(0:00) You gobble down all three servings of the food you just bought.
(0:21) Filled with energy, you fly up towards the sky, ascending slowly until the entire village is within your view. A temple catches your attention
(0:43) You aim yourself towards it and begin your descent. The wind licks your face as you rocket towards it, and you feel a general sense of "This better be it..."
(1:04) The temple comes into view. A blue-haired girl notices you and quickly opens the main door to let you in.
(1:15) You run into the main room to see Patorikku, a purple-haired woman, and someone who looks like what Haruko would look like if she was in her late 30s. She has several bruises on her right arm, which she gently rubs every now and then.
(read Patorikku's scenario for what happens next)
>Continue to wait patiently. Acting rash is not a very lady-like thing to do.
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
Alice brings three plates of chopped mushrooms to the table. She sets one of them in front of you.
"Go ahead. These are edible, you know?"
You grab the chopsticks and pick up a mushroom to put in your mouth. Instead of something salty like you'd expect from any restaurant, these mushrooms taste like what they'd naturally taste like.
"Is this too tasteless for you? I hear food in the Outside World is a lot saltier than this..."
Marisa starts eating as well, making loud sounds as she gobbles up her serving.
"Marisa... Did you notice something strange take place in the forest last night? There was a bright green streak of light coming from the trees, and what sounded like screaming."
"Nope. Didn't hear nothin'"
EDIT: I don't see "You are dead", does the use of "fatal" imply that? Am I alive or dead? Hm... I'll just make turns for both cases then.
IF ALIVE:
"Cheez! Sanae! Floaty god guys! I'm drowning in assholes, help!!"
> A miracle would be really appreciated right about now. Until then, try to repulse anyone surrounding/on top of you and if anything's broken, try to get it back into place.
> Wonder where you went so wrong.
> Wait, there's LITERAL GODDESSES before you. Pray to them to... uh, un-f#ck you up. And for a back-mounted Gaussian chain-missile launcher. It's almost Christmas where you come from, an early present couldn't hurt!
> Yeah, that's all probably going to backfire somehow.
> Backfire... engage self-deprecation modus re: that awful unintended pun
IF SLIGHTLY DEAD:
> Don't resurrect, because that's not what humans do when they die. Survey the world around you as you perceive it while dead. Are you a ghost?
> If you can see the people who were around you, try to telepath/ghostmunicate/etc. @ Sanae and Cheez and tell them what happened. Can you interact with the living while dead? This world is pretty screwy so far, so maybe.
"Hey, guys. Uh... I think I died. Can you hear me? Some assclods ran me over, so what do I do now? I think I'm a ghost or a spirit or some garbage now. Can I haunt people? Dude, that would be rad."
> Debate if that's actually entertaining enough to be worth it. Also debate if it's possible to get away with being a ghost in this realm, or if there's some entity that wants to stop you in your tracks.
[3] "Hey [...] rad."
You hear Kanako's voice first:
"Already? You died in the village? For someone like you who didn't turn yourself into food for youkai, dying in the human village of all places is totally uncalled for."
After a pause, you hear Sanae's voice:
"Where's your body? If you tell us we can try to revive you."
Suwako speaks immediately afterwards:
"Do it quickly. It'll be a lot easier if your body is still in one piece. There's tons of people gathered here!"
>Look around
>Actually go into the shrine
[4] You sit on a chair in the shrine and look around. The Moriya Shrine was once part of the Outside World until eight years ago, and its contents completely agree with that. Even in the torch-lit room, you can tell that there's a modern-looking kitchen with a sink and gas-burning stove. Above you is an electric light bulb. A string coming down from the base serves as the switch. In a corner of the room are several cans of fuel and an electric generator. It's off, and you wonder whether you should start it.
> Man... This would be a good time to have been a healer class.
> to <purple-haired woman> "So what can we do to help her out? The shrine maiden's after her and her daughter, and she's gotten particularly violent about it." That broken arm speaks for itself on that one. "It's not really a safe choice to bring Akina to any nearby hospital without drawing Reimu's attention, and I don't know any of the outsiders who are proficient healers."
> to <Akina> "Listen, your daughter's safe right now. She's in the village as well, and under the protection of another outsider. A particularly strong one, at that. I don't know if you'll get to see her right away, considering the shrine maiden's breathing down all our backs, but I assure you, you two will see each other again soon." Don't mention what you nearly did to get at Reimu. Don't EVEN mention that. She may have a broken arm, but if you go saying you nearly had her kid killed to take down Reimu, that broken arm ain't mean shit.
[4] "So [...] it."
"Well, you got that right. I heard that she's been performing rituals to channel the powers of Izanami no Mikoto. Because you're alive, I'm going to guess you haven't seen her lately. Speaking of a hopsital, there's one in the Bamboo Forest. It's much safer for the doctor, Eirin Yagokoro, to come here, than for us to bring Akina there. Her arm's broken, and I'm afraid she might not make it in the event of an attack."
"Listen [...] soon."
Akina gasps at the good news.
"She is? Oh god... Is my Haruko okay? Did Reimu hurt her? She's in the village, but where?"
You can tell that she's crying tears of joy.
"If you don't mind, can you please tell her that I'm safe before you leave? I bet she's worried sick."
The woman turns her head to look at someone running towards her from behind you. You quickly turn around to see LaserTurtle approaching.
-
>"Outside World food is usually saltier, but it's a nice change. Thank you for the food." Finish eating, and press on about the issue. "A green streak of light, followed by screaming? Where in the forest did this take place?"
-
> "The Bamboo Forest, huh...? Now may not be the best time to make toward that forest, but I'll make sure to take off toward it when dawn comes around." Direct yourself to the purple-haired woman. "If you don't mind my presence much, I'd like to rest for the remainder of the night here."
> to <Akina> "Your daughter's fine, don't worry. I'm sure there's more than enough people at her side right now. I'll make sure the message gets around to her."
> In regards to that message, take LaserTurtle around a nearby corner, and make sure the two of you are isolated.
> "I'll be able to get in and out of that forest just fine on my own, so leave getting Eirin to me. Deliver the message to Haruko and the others that she's doing fine. With any luck, I'd bet they're near the schoolhouse; Keine seems like she's on our side on these matters." Authoritative finger-pointing. "And DON'T bring up that I was here. Just say you found Akina at the temple on your own."
-
Oh well, close enough!
>Thrusters go go go. Time to dash back to the village. There's PEACE TO PROTECT
-
>...
>Get up and have a bit to eat. Maybe the yatagarasu needs some fuel to begin ignition, like real nuclear fusion.
>"Well...it's sort of my fault. She has a tendency to...become upset when thinking of her past. I can easily foresee a very long, emotional moment when they reunite. I seem to forget about that..."
>Keep trying to jumpstart the Yatagarasu powers. Hopefully it doesn't go cold...cold fusion was disproven...unless it somehow evolves into ice manipulation...as long as I still have wings and can fly. And not be dead.
>"Thank you for the food, Akyuu."
-
Must be dark in there.
>Look for an instruction manual of the generator
>Follow the instructions
(Might get +1 b/c light)
-
> Holy shit, they can hear me. That's wicked. But being alive and having that missile railgun would be wickeder. Convey your location to the goddesses and Sanae with every relevant coordinate system possible. Send out spiritual beacons, do a ghost dance, do whatever the hell it takes to get noticed by them.
-
>"Yeah, yeah. Get the message to the almost-dead girl. Gotcha!"
>No time to waste! Rocket to Haruko's location! Allocate skill points into Locate (People) if needed.
-
shoot shoot shoot I'm totally late
>Ouch. Trampled, huh? I knew this village was a death trap. I just knew it.
>Catch the goddesses' attention. "Hey, uh, didn't we come here to warn people about something kinda sorta urgent? Not to ruin the moment or ignore Kappa or anything, but... one of you should probably stick around and do your warning before the crowd disperses too much, right?"
>NOW listen to find out what's going on. Make a note of which direction the revival squad goes on too. Getting separated here is just asking for trouble, apparently.
-
[Day: 4] [Time: A few hours past midnight] [Weather: Mostly clear]
>"Outside World food is usually saltier, but it's a nice change. Thank you for the food." Finish eating, and press on about the issue. "A green streak of light, followed by screaming? Where in the forest did this take place?"
[4](+1) BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
"Outside [...] food."
"Glad you liked it."
"A [...] place?"
"I don't know the exact location. All I know is that it had something to do with that one family... what were they called..."
"That Outside-World family? I saw somethin' like that in the village newspaper last time I went there. Said somethin' about Reimu and Yukari trying to kill 'em. Although I didn't give that too much attention..."
"Oh, that's right. The husband was brutally killed, and in broad daylight, too."
Marisa seems to frown.
"Well, those fairies were the only ones who saw the killing, so I guess you might as well say it was during the darkest hour of the night!"
Alice notices that you're still here.
"You can stay here for the night if you wish. Marisa, you can stay if you want, too."
You notice that several dolls are starting to clean up the table and wash the dishes. Alice must be very proficient in magic if she was the one who made them sentinent...
"Don't worry about them. They're just here to tidy the place up. You're welcome to watch them go about their business, though."
> "The Bamboo Forest, huh...? Now may not be the best time to make toward that forest, but I'll make sure to take off toward it when dawn comes around." Direct yourself to the purple-haired woman. "If you don't mind my presence much, I'd like to rest for the remainder of the night here."
> to <Akina> "Your daughter's fine, don't worry. I'm sure there's more than enough people at her side right now. I'll make sure the message gets around to her."
> In regards to that message, take LaserTurtle around a nearby corner, and make sure the two of you are isolated.
> "I'll be able to get in and out of that forest just fine on my own, so leave getting Eirin to me. Deliver the message to Haruko and the others that she's doing fine. With any luck, I'd bet they're near the schoolhouse; Keine seems like she's on our side on these matters." Authoritative finger-pointing. "And DON'T bring up that I was here. Just say you found Akina at the temple on your own."
[3] "If [...] here."
"Sure, you can stay here for the night if you wish. After all, this temple is a sanctuary for humans and youkai alike."
"Your [...] her."
"Thank you... Thank you so much. I can't tell you how grateful I am. My family's been torn apart, and it's people like you that keep me from losing all hope."
Akina looks like she's about to cry, but she ends up holding it in. You find it hard to rest, especially due to the hard wood floor.
Oh well, close enough!
>Thrusters go go go. Time to dash back to the village. There's PEACE TO PROTECT
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
You rocket towards the sky and hover above the crowd gathered in the center of the village. Green dots appear on everyone in the crowd. Even from that height, your sensors easily read the existential signatures of Sanae, Kanako, Suwako and Cheez8, projecting a blue outline around them.
Population: 374 (370 friendly, 4 allies)
Threat level: Minimal
(read Cheez8's scenario for what happens next)
>...
>Get up and have a bit to eat. Maybe the yatagarasu needs some fuel to begin ignition, like real nuclear fusion.
>"Well...it's sort of my fault. She has a tendency to...become upset when thinking of her past. I can easily foresee a very long, emotional moment when they reunite. I seem to forget about that..."
>Keep trying to jumpstart the Yatagarasu powers. Hopefully it doesn't go cold...cold fusion was disproven...unless it somehow evolves into ice manipulation...as long as I still have wings and can fly. And not be dead.
>"Thank you for the food, Akyuu."
[3] "Well [...] that..."
Akyuu brings you closer to her and whispers quietly:
"What did you expect? I'm surprised she hasn't committed suicide yet... Keep her motivated. Something tells me she and her mother will be reunited very soon."
The food tastes good, but it doesn't seem to have any effect on reviving the Yatagarasu. You sigh to yourself before thanking Akyuu for at least rejuvenating the human part of you.
"No problem. You deserve that for all you've done."
(read LaserTurtle's scenario for what happens next)
Must be dark in there.
>Look for an instruction manual of the generator
>Follow the instructions
(Might get +1 b/c light)
[4] The instructions are right on the generator. All you had to do was press the starter button, and leave the rest to the automatic ignition system. A loud chugging sound comes from the generator as electric light bulbs glow warmly. They're the incandescent kind, so they also give off considerable heat.
> Holy shit, they can hear me. That's wicked. But being alive and having that missile railgun would be wickeder. Convey your location to the goddesses and Sanae with every relevant coordinate system possible. Send out spiritual beacons, do a ghost dance, do whatever the hell it takes to get noticed by them.
[1] You watch as your body gets trampled and mauled beyond recognition. It feels like Black Friday, only this takes place in the streets instead of a shopping center.
>"Yeah, yeah. Get the message to the almost-dead girl. Gotcha!"
>No time to waste! Rocket to Haruko's location! Allocate skill points into Locate (People) if needed.
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
Your gut feeling tells you that there's one other place Haruko would be at. If it's not the Myouren Temple, then it's the other guarded place in the village...
...You arrive at Aykuu's mansion and tell the guards your intent. One of them opens the gate, and another one leads you to the basement, where an unmatched sock is talking to Akyuu. Haruko is quietly weeping to herself near them. After the two of them are done talking, you spill the news in a quiet but confident voice:
"Haruko's mother is at the Myouren Temple."
All three of them look at you. Haruko walks up to you with teary eyes of hope.
"How badly is she hurt? Will she make it?"
After a few seconds, she makes a request that causes Akyuu to gasp:
"Can you take me to her?"
shoot shoot shoot I'm totally late
>Ouch. Trampled, huh? I knew this village was a death trap. I just knew it.
>Catch the goddesses' attention. "Hey, uh, didn't we come here to warn people about something kinda sorta urgent? Not to ruin the moment or ignore Kappa or anything, but... one of you should probably stick around and do your warning before the crowd disperses too much, right?"
>NOW listen to find out what's going on. Make a note of which direction the revival squad goes on too. Getting separated here is just asking for trouble, apparently.
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
"ARRRGH! It's too late! His body's no longer able to hold his spirit!"
"Hey [...] right?"
Sanae's eyes grow wide.
"Right... We came to warn them."
She flies up above the crowd and cups her hands in front of her mouth:
"Everyone! Please quiet down! I'm here to tell you things that might save your lives!"
The roaring crowd silences itself within a few seconds.
"You all remember the Watsuki murder incident, right? The merciless slaughter of all those men and women at the Hakurei Shrine?"
Murmers of disbelief come from the crowd.
"Now, I know many of you saw the Watsuki girl narrowly escape her own death just two days ago. I also know that many of you are adherents of the shrine, whether it's due to your own will or by force."
Again, murmers run through the crowd.
"Don't take what I'm about to tell you next as propaganda. This is only meant to save your lives, but if you want to seek protection from us, you are welcome to do so."
Sanae clears her throat:
"As we speak, Reimu is channeling the powers of Izanami no Mikoto. For those of you who may have forgotten, that's the Goddess of Death."
Gasps of surprise come from all around you.
"I'll leave it at that. What you all do next is completely up to you. Just keep in mind that she won't hesitate to kill you if she feels like it's necessary, so don't do anything senseless if she ever comes by to visit."
Kanako and Suwako join in:
"As the goddesses of the Moriya Shrine, we give all our blessings to you. However, we can't control your actions, so all we can tell you is that you should not provoke her. At times, you may even have to listen to her against you will. Just be smart about it, and there won't be too many victims. In the meantime, we will do whatever we can to convince her to stop what she's doing. The man's gone, and this incident should have been over long ago."
-
> Welp... Not getting much rest, woman with a broken arm in need of medical care, and there's a good chance that if the message got to the others successfully, they'll make their way here. Might as well hightail it into the Bamboo Forest and toward the location of Eirin. Assume a large mansion-like building will be her home.
-
# Um... am I just f%cking OVER? Like, Game Over (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09s-c2JVI40)?
>_
< query@GM: can I even ghost anymore
<< if "yes" : list(ghostAbilities)
-
>Look around the shrine. Be careful of traps
-
>"Haruko...remember, you're also in danger. We know this house is a safe zone. And besides, it is very late...we should get some rest. That is what my plan is: rest, and go look in the morning. We know where she is, at least. However, she could be in more danger than you, since, as Akyuu said, not many people know about this chamber. From what we know, she's hurt, and a predator will sooner hunt the weak, hurt prey than the fit, younger one. For what it's worth, I will give my word not to let anything happen to her. But you have to remain safe as well. Please reconsider. I won't stop you if you do decide you want to see her yourself, but that doesn't mean I will let you go off on your own."
>"Regardless, it is late, and I am going to rest. Thank you again for the meal, Akyuu." Bed down again. If she so desires, let Haruko accompany me. I apparently cannot generate warmth anymore.
>Try to attain lucid dreaming and bring forth the Yatagarasu. "Sun god, I beseech thee...why have you forsaken me? I am finding it harder and harder to feel the connection between us...and this could be our most dire hour. Will you retire, or will you stay and provide guidance and strength?" Let the three-legged raven respond in kind. "I must know why our connection is weakening and what can be done, if anything, to strengthen it once more." Hopefully the god understands why I am summoning it in this fashion and asking so many questions...
-
>Raise eyebrow skeptically
>"Are you sure you should be asking me to do that? Are you sure you should be doing that at all?"
>Ask her a few more times to be sure
>No seriously, make sure she's dead set on it
>Is she dead set on it? I don't think she is.
>Get her to explain to me what she thinks of all this no matter what her answer is.
>Fine. If she really needs this to happen, I'll take her. Back to the temple!
>if she changes her mind, fly off to Hakurei Shrine and get Reimu's side of what's going on in Gensokyo.
-
# Um... am I just f%cking OVER? Like, Game Over (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09s-c2JVI40)?
>_
< query@GM: can I even ghost anymore
<< if "yes" : list(ghostAbilities)
You've been a ghost ever since you died. Your body has nothing to do with your spirit, and if you so desire, you can roll for a new body. Or you can explore Gensokyo as a ghost. It's all up to you...
-
>Study the motion of the dolls. Makes you wonder how long it must've taken to pull off something like this. "How long did it take you to learn how to make these dolls sentient?"
-
> Roll a new body. On a perfect roll, it'd be a duplicate of the original, but with that damn elusive missile launcher... and some IMPACT-RESISTANT body armor. Not just to buffer the side effects of using and abusing magnets, but also for... y'know.
> Spawn location: near your allies - the Moriya Brigade and Cheez8. Or at least somewhere in the village. Or, bare minimum, anywhere BUT that shit-ass bamboo forest.
-
Oh, so that's what the situation is.
>Try to ascertain where the red/white may be using extended sensors. Maybe some measure of localization would improve things.
-
[Day: 4] [Time: A few hours past midnight] [Weather: Clear / Cold]
> Welp... Not getting much rest, woman with a broken arm in need of medical care, and there's a good chance that if the message got to the others successfully, they'll make their way here. Might as well hightail it into the Bamboo Forest and toward the location of Eirin. Assume a large mansion-like building will be her home.
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
After making it to the forest and walking around for a while, you see several rabbit youkai guarding a old-looking mansion. You wonder why you haven't uncovered this place earlier when it was a lot brighter. On the other hand, this darkness might make it easy to sneak past those guards...
>Look around the shrine. Be careful of traps
[1] The floor panels creak as you take careful steps. Just when you're about to let your guard down, your leg gets tangled by a thin plastic string. You give it a tug, and a net suddenly forms around you. Unable to move, you can only scream for help. Don't worry, nobody will hear you...
>"Haruko...remember, you're also in danger. We know this house is a safe zone. And besides, it is very late...we should get some rest. That is what my plan is: rest, and go look in the morning. We know where she is, at least. However, she could be in more danger than you, since, as Akyuu said, not many people know about this chamber. From what we know, she's hurt, and a predator will sooner hunt the weak, hurt prey than the fit, younger one. For what it's worth, I will give my word not to let anything happen to her. But you have to remain safe as well. Please reconsider. I won't stop you if you do decide you want to see her yourself, but that doesn't mean I will let you go off on your own."
>"Regardless, it is late, and I am going to rest. Thank you again for the meal, Akyuu." Bed down again. If she so desires, let Haruko accompany me. I apparently cannot generate warmth anymore.
>Try to attain lucid dreaming and bring forth the Yatagarasu. "Sun god, I beseech thee...why have you forsaken me? I am finding it harder and harder to feel the connection between us...and this could be our most dire hour. Will you retire, or will you stay and provide guidance and strength?" Let the three-legged raven respond in kind. "I must know why our connection is weakening and what can be done, if anything, to strengthen it once more." Hopefully the god understands why I am summoning it in this fashion and asking so many questions...
[3] "Haruko [...] own."
"It's okay..." she points to LaserTurtle. "She'll protect me on the way there."
"Regardless [...] Akyuu."
"I'll be going back up, then. Stay down here for the night. It'll be safer for you."
Akyuu leaves, followed by LaserTurtle and Haruko. The basement becomes very quiet, and you can't hear anything except for crickets and occasional yells from the nearby crowd. You take this chance to communicate with the Yatagarasu:
"Sun [...] strength?"
A very weak voice replies:
"Our last battle with the shrine maiden has weakened us both. Those amulets she fired were infused with the essence of death. I may be a god, but I certainly can't take a blow from the Goddess of Death very well. I can't even say we're equal in terms of power. Your friend may have revived you, but we are still weak."
"I [...] more."
"Right now, the best thing you can do is rest and put all your faith in what you want the most. It's what gods depend on. You must be faithful and believe in your ability to save what's left of the Watsuki family... Until then, I'll be in a state of dormancy..."
>Raise eyebrow skeptically
>"Are you sure you should be asking me to do that? Are you sure you should be doing that at all?"
>Ask her a few more times to be sure
>No seriously, make sure she's dead set on it
>Is she dead set on it? I don't think she is.
>Get her to explain to me what she thinks of all this no matter what her answer is.
>Fine. If she really needs this to happen, I'll take her. Back to the temple!
>if she changes her mind, fly off to Hakurei Shrine and get Reimu's side of what's going on in Gensokyo.
[2](+1)
"Are [...] all?"
"Yes. I want to see her now. I night not be able to see her tomorrow, or maybe even in an hour."
She says those last words with an incredibly serious tone, as if she was certain about it.
"If I die... or she dies... I want to die together with her... I can't leave her alone... I can't let her die alone..."
As soon as the two of you walk out from the mansion, you hear distressed screams from among the crowd. Haruko pulls you back into the mansion, and you can tell she's just as frightened as you are.
"Never mind. Back to the basement. Now!"
>Study the motion of the dolls. Makes you wonder how long it must've taken to pull off something like this. "How long did it take you to learn how to make these dolls sentient?"
[1] Despite that your parent's have always told you to not talk with a mouth full of food, you disregard that and open your mouth to speak. Suddenly, you gasp and wheeze as a large piece of mushroom lodges itself in your throat. You're choking, and everything's starting to fade.
WARNING: CLEAR YOUR THROAT OF THE MUSHROOM!
> Roll a new body. On a perfect roll, it'd be a duplicate of the original, but with that damn elusive missile launcher... and some IMPACT-RESISTANT body armor. Not just to buffer the side effects of using and abusing magnets, but also for... y'know.
> Spawn location: near your allies - the Moriya Brigade and Cheez8. Or at least somewhere in the village. Or, bare minimum, anywhere BUT that shit-ass bamboo forest.
[4] You spawn in a new body and land on the sofa, right next to Cheez8. Sanae and her goddesses are floating in the air, talking down to the villagers.
Oh, so that's what the situation is.
>Try to ascertain where the red/white may be using extended sensors. Maybe some measure of localization would improve things.
[2](+1) A translucent red overlay flashes over your entire vision. In the top and center are the words WARNING! PROJECTILE WEAPONS DETECTED!. On the bottom-right, a radar map blinks into view. Approaching the green dot in center are several small red dots. Following them is a larger red dot with a line of text above it:
[249m E] Identifying...
You turn your head towards the east to see at least thirty amulets flying towards you. As you dodge all but one of them, the red overlay continues flashing, and the text in the radar display changes:
[174m E] HUMAN: HOSTILE
A red outline appears around the approaching miko.
[123m E] HUMAN: HOSTILE
You realize you have no ranged weapons.
[73m E] HUMAN: HOSTILE
You can make out the merciless glare she has on you.
[20m E] HUMAN: HOSTILE
You raise your hands in front of your face.
[7m E] HUMAN: HOSTILE
"GET... OUT... OF... MY... WAY!!!!"
You feel a heavy kick in the chest, sending you flying towards the crowd. You brace yourself and hit the ground rolling.
Damage received to upper body!
Assessing damage... done!
Chest plate weakened. Remaining hits before fatality (estimated): 2
"SANAE!!! YOU'RE SO DEAD NOW!!!"
Threat level: Very high
-
> Is it wise to sneak in and find the doctor rather than politely request her help at her front door? Eh, whatever, sneaking in's more fun.
> Work that remaining agility boost and hop gracefully into the mansion presented. Find the doctor and request her immediate help in healing Akina.
-
>Get out knife, cut through the net
-
>"Back to the basement? Forget that!"
>"You stay here, Haruko. I'm gonna get some answers and probably die trying."
>Fly out, demand explanation from all sides. Play discordant music if needed to attract everyone's attention.
>"NOW I WANT TO KNOW EXACTLY WHAT'S HAPPENING AND WHY"
>"EVERYONE SPEAK ONE AT A TIME AND LET ME GET SOME FREAKIN ANSWERS HERE"
>If I die: "I'm not suicidal, I just make bad decisions..."
-
>"Hmm...can't say I'm terribly happy with that, but I will manage. I just...I really hate to have her go out on her own like this...I made a promise to keep her safe. And fulfilling that is all I can wish for at this point. But right now it looks like you're not up for it...thank you for responding, Yatagarasu." Well, nothing to do now but re-
>Wait, why are they returning? Inquire about what happened. (implied response) "Oh no...alright, I have an idea. I can't do much, but...I'm going to see if I can distract her. She knows that I ran off with Haruko once, and I would do it again if needed. If she doesn't follow me, I will go find your mother, Haruko, and safeguard her. Laser, you need to protect Haruko at all costs. If she does follow me...well, wish me luck. My abilities are in a dormant state, and one more time will probably split us for good unless I can reactivate them somehow. If I can draw Reimu far enough away, get Haruko out of here and get her to that temple. Otherwise, do your best not to grab her attention."
>Begin to leave the basement. "Haruko...be strong. Please. We'll meet up again. I promise." Take flight, making sure to make a slight spectacle of it, similar to the first time I grabbed Haruko and ran off, and make for the Forest of Magic again. I will either draw off Reimu, she won't follow me, or she might just somehow kill me. "If I don't make it...I just hope my sacrifice will not be in vain."
Feel free to suggest alternatives, if you think you have a better plan, Laser.
Dangit Laser, you completely ruined my whole wall of text I just typed.
>"Hmm...can't say I'm terribly happy with that, but I will manage. I just...I really hate to have her go out on her own like this...I made a promise to keep her safe. And fulfilling that is all I can wish for at this point. But right now it looks like you're not up for it...thank you for responding, Yatagarasu." Well, nothing to do now but re-
>Wait, why is Haruko returning? "What's going on? And where's Laser?"
>Upon being told, "This isn't good..." Find a good hiding place in the basement, and usher Haruko over there. "What's worse is the Yatagarasu told me it is dormant due to Reimu's previous attack...being hit again will probably separate us...we just need to stay quiet and out of sight, alright?"
>Mutter "I won't let anything happen to you this time."
-
> Whoa, you're back - less slightly dead and feeling pretty alright! The goddesses must really be on your side. Or Cheez must really be on your side. No, Cheez is TO your side. Whatever, close enough.
> Diagnose powers for functionality. Try Maglifting some stones on the ground, Transmag a message to yourself, Blink a few inches upward, and Maglocate - just rack through the powers to make sure they still work fine and dandy.
"Wow, uh... huh... what JUST happened? And, uh, what did I mess? Hey, Cheez."
> If possible over the din of the surrounding mass of plebs and the boomings of the Moriya Triad, ask Sanae for the deets on whatever in the hell is the threat right now - OTHER than herd mentality and behaviour.
> Acknowledge that a badass missile launcher really just isn't in the cards for you; even fate itself seems to disagree with the notion. Besides, what the hell do you need missiles for? The world is your missile if you have magnetopowers.
-
Oh wow, this is embarrassing...
>Excuse myself from the house for a minute. When out of the house, cough back up the mushroom.
-
>"Oh! Uh, welcome back, Kappa. You're... looking healthier than expected. Glad to see it.
"So... it seems Reimu went psycho a couple days back, and she's intent on staying psycho. That light we saw was her calling for help from a death goddess. Sounds pretty bad."
>Assuming I noticed any death threats or plummeting robots just then, get this sofa airborne and scope out the area, because it's probably something deadly.
-
A-At least it's a success?
>Time for melee shenanigans. BREAK FIELD ENGAGE, TIME TO POWERTACKLE
-
[Day: 4] [Time: Several hours before dawn] [Weather: Chance of snow]
> Is it wise to sneak in and find the doctor rather than politely request her help at her front door? Eh, whatever, sneaking in's more fun.
> Work that remaining agility boost and hop gracefully into the mansion presented. Find the doctor and request her immediate help in healing Akina.
[3](+1)(+2) You sneak into the mansion to find a white-haired woman in a blue-and-red dress. If those colors didn't remind you of an ambulance's lights, the hat adorned with a red cross on her head serves as a dead giveaway that she's the doctor you're looking for. At your request, she hurries out to the gate of the mansion and flies off towards the Myouren Temple...
...You run as fast as you can, arriving a few minutes after she started operating on Akina's broken arm. Those anesthetics must be very effective, because she doesn't even twitch as Eirin removes fragments of shattered bones from the wound.
ITEM LOST: Agility Boost
>Get out knife, cut through the net
[3] You cut through the net, but you also cut yourself in the process. You're bleeding all over, and you should probably patch yourself up before the wounds get worse.
>"Back to the basement? Forget that!"
>"You stay here, Haruko. I'm gonna get some answers and probably die trying."
>Fly out, demand explanation from all sides. Play discordant music if needed to attract everyone's attention.
>"NOW I WANT TO KNOW EXACTLY WHAT'S HAPPENING AND WHY"
>"EVERYONE SPEAK ONE AT A TIME AND LET ME GET SOME FREAKIN ANSWERS HERE"
>If I die: "I'm not suicidal, I just make bad decisions..."
[3] "NOW [...] HERE"
"Ah~ It's you again. Didn't I tell you to keep your mouth shut? I guess you outsiders never learn anything..."
A glowing cube appears around you. Inscribed on the walls are strange markings that resemble Kanji characters.
"Make one wrong move, and I'll make you regret it."
Someone from the crowd yells at you:
"LISTEN TO HER! SHE WON'T KILL YOU IF YOU STAY QUI- EYAHHH!"
Kanako winces as the woman collapses into the crowd, with a needle sticking out of her shoulder. After she looks back up, you hear her voice in your head:
"What are you doing out here? You're an outsider! You're worthless here! Arrghhh... I should've warned you when I had the chance. Reimu won't kill any of the villagers, but she won't hesitate to exterminate you, even if it's just to scare them."
Suwako's speaks to you in the same way Kanako did:
"If you want to live, listen to every word I say: At her command, millions of amulets will pour out those walls you see around you. They may look impossible to dodge, but stay sharp. As they converge on you, look for the openings near the edges. They're your only way out, and they'll only last for a split-second. Don't pay attention to anything else, and you'll survive."
A purple gap tied together by red ribbons on its ends appears behind the shrine maiden. From the eye-filled void, a golden-haired woman in a poofy white-and-violet dress emerges to place her hand on Reimu's shoulder:
"Yukari! You surprised me!"
"Now, now... Don't get carried away. You came here for one thing, and you shouldn't make too much of a mess. These remaining humans trust you, remember? You'll want to keep their trust, or we'll have to replace them with more 'immigrants'..."
Are you still going to make bad decisions? Or will you heed Suwako's advice and... ROLL to DODGE?
>"Hmm...can't say I'm terribly happy with that, but I will manage. I just...I really hate to have her go out on her own like this...I made a promise to keep her safe. And fulfilling that is all I can wish for at this point. But right now it looks like you're not up for it...thank you for responding, Yatagarasu." Well, nothing to do now but re-
>Wait, why are they returning? Inquire about what happened. (implied response) "Oh no...alright, I have an idea. I can't do much, but...I'm going to see if I can distract her. She knows that I ran off with Haruko once, and I would do it again if needed. If she doesn't follow me, I will go find your mother, Haruko, and safeguard her. Laser, you need to protect Haruko at all costs. If she does follow me...well, wish me luck. My abilities are in a dormant state, and one more time will probably split us for good unless I can reactivate them somehow. If I can draw Reimu far enough away, get Haruko out of here and get her to that temple. Otherwise, do your best not to grab her attention."
>Begin to leave the basement. "Haruko...be strong. Please. We'll meet up again. I promise." Take flight, making sure to make a slight spectacle of it, similar to the first time I grabbed Haruko and ran off, and make for the Forest of Magic again. I will either draw off Reimu, she won't follow me, or she might just somehow kill me. "If I don't make it...I just hope my sacrifice will not be in vain."
Feel free to suggest alternatives, if you think you have a better plan, Laser.
Dangit Laser, you completely ruined my whole wall of text I just typed.
>"Hmm...can't say I'm terribly happy with that, but I will manage. I just...I really hate to have her go out on her own like this...I made a promise to keep her safe. And fulfilling that is all I can wish for at this point. But right now it looks like you're not up for it...thank you for responding, Yatagarasu." Well, nothing to do now but re-
>Wait, why is Haruko returning? "What's going on? And where's Laser?"
>Upon being told, "This isn't good..." Find a good hiding place in the basement, and usher Haruko over there. "What's worse is the Yatagarasu told me it is dormant due to Reimu's previous attack...being hit again will probably separate us...we just need to stay quiet and out of sight, alright?"
>Mutter "I won't let anything happen to you this time."
[3] "What's [...] Laser?"
Haruko's response is infused with terror:
"The villagers... They're all gonna die... she's gonna get killed first..."
The two of you hide in the corner of the basement fartest away from the entrance, behind several dusty shelves. Large spiders crawl here and there, but neither of you pay any attention to them. They might look nasty, but they aren't deadly in the slightest sense.
"What's [...] alright?"
"I won't leave you until this is all over. We'll stay down here, Pat and the rest of the temple will stay with mother, and it'll be a happy ending, just like in the stories she used to tell me."
You can tell that she's saying that with utmost fear.
"I [...] time."
"I know. I know you won't. You've endured the pain for me. Twice..."
She hugs you and mutters:
"I won't let her hurt you anymore..."
> Whoa, you're back - less slightly dead and feeling pretty alright! The goddesses must really be on your side. Or Cheez must really be on your side. No, Cheez is TO your side. Whatever, close enough.
> Diagnose powers for functionality. Try Maglifting some stones on the ground, Transmag a message to yourself, Blink a few inches upward, and Maglocate - just rack through the powers to make sure they still work fine and dandy.
"Wow, uh... huh... what JUST happened? And, uh, what did I mess? Hey, Cheez."
> If possible over the din of the surrounding mass of plebs and the boomings of the Moriya Triad, ask Sanae for the deets on whatever in the hell is the threat right now - OTHER than herd mentality and behaviour.
> Acknowledge that a badass missile launcher really just isn't in the cards for you; even fate itself seems to disagree with the notion. Besides, what the hell do you need missiles for? The world is your missile if you have magnetopowers.
[3] Your powers seem to be there, although they're slightly weakened. Don't worry, they'll be back to optimal levels in an hour or two after this turn. Sanae looks like she's too busy anticipating a possible attack, and the two goddesses behind her look like they're concentrating on something.
(read Cheez8's scenario for what happens next)
Oh wow, this is embarrassing...
>Excuse myself from the house for a minute. When out of the house, cough back up the mushroom.
[2] You never make it past the table before you collapse.
You are dead.
>"Oh! Uh, welcome back, Kappa. You're... looking healthier than expected. Glad to see it.
"So... it seems Reimu went psycho a couple days back, and she's intent on staying psycho. That light we saw was her calling for help from a death goddess. Sounds pretty bad."
>Assuming I noticed any death threats or plummeting robots just then, get this sofa airborne and scope out the area, because it's probably something deadly.
[3](+1) You fly the sofa up to the confrontation between Sanae and Reimu. Behind the Moriya Shrine half-goddess half-miko are the two goddesses of her shrine. Behind the red-white embodiment of Izanami no Mikoto is a golden-haired woman holding a parasol over her head. It's got to be somewhere between 2 and 3 in the morning, so you settle with the fact that the parasol is some kind of weapon. Just then, Dudu Zombolt, still in cyborg form, flies at the maiden of the Hakurei Shrine. Two ying-yang orbs smash into him to shred most of his body.
"So much for outside-world technology... In the end, they're all just pathetic scraps of junk..."
While most of the villagers seem to agree with Reimu, Sanae charges at her and yells out:
"YOU'RE WRONG, HAKUREI! YOU AND THAT GAP HAG MAY HOLD GENSOKYO IN YOUR HANDS, BUT DO NOT DISRESPECT THE OUTSIDE WORLD!!!"
A barrier similar to the one trapping LaserTurtle appears around her.
"Well said, outsider."
As walls of amulets rain down on her, she easily dodges them through openings in the corners. If the barrier didn't reflect her shots back at her, she would be pouring colorful star-shaped projectiles towards her opponents.
A-At least it's a success?
>Time for melee shenanigans. BREAK FIELD ENGAGE, TIME TO POWERTACKLE
[1] You come within arm's reach of Reimu before a large, spinning ying-yang orb crashes into your left side. A second one crashes into your right side, grinding everything below your upper chest into scrap metal. Amid the spewing sparks and billowing smoke, the last thing you see before your visual field converges towards the center and blinks out are the words "FATAL DAMAGE OCCURRED!!! INITIATING RECOVERY SEQUENCE..."
...
Human-Machine Interface (Safe Mode) [Version 6.22]
Loading COMMAND.COM...
Calibrating gyrometer... done!
Calibrating envirograph... failed!
Initializing motors... failed!
Initializing Auto-Target System... done!
>A.T.S. loaded into working memory, 15.7 TB remaining.
>WARNING! Peripheral connection not present. Movement limited to facial section.
>WARNING! Using back-up power supply.
You see a boy's face covering most of your vision, with a familiar green crosshair over it. He looks no older than twelve.
HUMAN: FRIENDLY
"Whoah!" He looks straight into your infrared-enhanced eyes. "You're still alive! Mom, look! It's still alive!"
Threat level: Medium
-
>Attempt to get back up on the spot. It may freak them out a little, but hopefully I can explain my way out of it. If getting back up on the spot isn't an option, respawn somewhere within the Bamboo Forest, now that I have some new information.
-
>Look around for some cloth
-
> Right, with the issue of Akina's arm being taken care of, it's time to discuss matters of taking care of the shrine maiden.
> Find the purple-haired woman and try to get her help in stopping Reimu. "Listen, I don't know what your connections to Reimu may be, but if you're housing Akina here, then certainly you can't be approving of what she's been doing to her and her family. I say we should take the fight to her and find a way to either calm her down for good, or... the other 'for good' solution. Do you think you can help somehow, or even just lend me some arms so I can help in taking her down?"
-
>Return the hug.
>Nothing to really do except wait...I'm sure Akyuu will give us an "all-clear" when things let up. Otherwise...just sit with Haruko in my arms, hope Reimu leaves, and have the Yatagarasu recharge.
-
>"Things never go my way when I want them to."
>Dodge. Dodge. DODGE EVERYTHING GET OUT OF THERE
>Yell nondirectionally "I JUST WANT AN EXPLANATION! IS THAT TOO MUCH TO ASK?"
-
> Okay. So, you can hardly bring yourself to affirm the notion, but this crimson-clad female might just be the scariest goddamn thing you've ever seen. Probably because you're fearing for your own life right now. As such, you decide to take on a stealth-support role here.
> Try to generate severe magnetic interference to disrupt and break down the odd spherical barrier around Sanae. You have absolutely no goddamn idea how this barrier is being generated or what exactly it does or if trying to tamper with it will zap you or whatever, but it seems bad, so you might as well try SOMETHING to dispel it. This seems to be the best course of action since magnetic waves are invisible, so you are NOT prime suspect number one... hopefully.
if (not (barrierActive & detected)) {
>> While you're at it, try something else to invoke more seemingly random chaos on the battlefield...
[Invent Ability] - "Transmit": An adaptation of Blink. Instantaneously move an object into the space occupied by the target, dealing a critical strike.
>> Look around for any sufficiently massive but non-essential objects, and upon finding one, Transmit it to the space occupied by this red dead redeemer.
}
-
>blink.
>"Uh... Where am I?"
-
>Oh geez. No idea what I'm getting myself into, but whatever it is, it sure isn't right. At least Sanae seems to be more or less safe right now, so...
>Fly the Sofabot ever so slightly closer to Reimu- just enough to not really have to shout too hard.
>"Hey. You're Reimu, aren't you? The shrine maiden who invented the spellcard rules to prevent death and promote peace and all that? With all due respect, um... what the heck happened to that spirit?"
super-sorry if I'm chipping in too late in the day here
-
[Day: 4] [Time: A few hours before dawn] [Weather: Light snow]
>Attempt to get back up on the spot. It may freak them out a little, but hopefully I can explain my way out of it. If getting back up on the spot isn't an option, respawn somewhere within the Bamboo Forest, now that I have some new information.
[3] You revive on the spot and bump your head against the wall as you sit up. Alice looks at you like she's just seen the most frightening thing in the world, while Marisa smiles a bit.
"Yeah, I forgot to tell you, she can sorta just revive like that..."
>Look around for some cloth
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
There's a roll of cloth sitting among other things in a drawer.
> Right, with the issue of Akina's arm being taken care of, it's time to discuss matters of taking care of the shrine maiden.
> Find the purple-haired woman and try to get her help in stopping Reimu. "Listen, I don't know what your connections to Reimu may be, but if you're housing Akina here, then certainly you can't be approving of what she's been doing to her and her family. I say we should take the fight to her and find a way to either calm her down for good, or... the other 'for good' solution. Do you think you can help somehow, or even just lend me some arms so I can help in taking her down?"
[6] "There's one thing I can do to help, but you'll have to stay here and protect Watsuki-san at all costs. If she wakes up, tell her that I left to end this peacefully."
The woman checks herself for her weapons and quickly leaves towards the human village...
(read footnote for what happens next)
>Return the hug.
>Nothing to really do except wait...I'm sure Akyuu will give us an "all-clear" when things let up. Otherwise...just sit with Haruko in my arms, hope Reimu leaves, and have the Yatagarasu recharge.
[2] The silence is broken by Akyuu's yell:
"QUICK! TO THE TEMPLE! WHILE THEY'RE FIGHTING!"
The Yatagarasu doesn't seem to have recharged much, yet this may be one of the few chances to reunite mother and daughter...
>"Things never go my way when I want them to."
>Dodge. Dodge. DODGE EVERYTHING GET OUT OF THERE
>Yell nondirectionally "I JUST WANT AN EXPLANATION! IS THAT TOO MUCH TO ASK?"
[3] As the walls of the cage collapse towards you layer-by-layer, you heed the goddess' advice and look for the opening in the corners.
SeGraze.wav
A few amulets manage to scratch you, giving you a mild paper cut.
After what seems like an eternity, the attack finally times out, leaving you floating in the sky.
"I [...] ASK?"
Yukari replies in a condescending voice:
"What if the very existence of the world you live in is under threat? Would you not get rid of that threat? From the very beginning, only three deaths were needed to end it all. Now, we're down to two, and I want to keep it at that."
(read footnote for what happens next)
> Okay. So, you can hardly bring yourself to affirm the notion, but this crimson-clad female might just be the scariest goddamn thing you've ever seen. Probably because you're fearing for your own life right now. As such, you decide to take on a stealth-support role here.
> Try to generate severe magnetic interference to disrupt and break down the odd spherical barrier around Sanae. You have absolutely no goddamn idea how this barrier is being generated or what exactly it does or if trying to tamper with it will zap you or whatever, but it seems bad, so you might as well try SOMETHING to dispel it. This seems to be the best course of action since magnetic waves are invisible, so you are NOT prime suspect number one... hopefully.
if (not (barrierActive & detected)) {
>> While you're at it, try something else to invoke more seemingly random chaos on the battlefield...
[Invent Ability] - "Transmit": An adaptation of Blink. Instantaneously move an object into the space occupied by the target, dealing a critical strike.
>> Look around for any sufficiently massive but non-essential objects, and upon finding one, Transmit it to the space occupied by this red dead redeemer.
}
[2] The barrier is made up of spiritual energy and amulets, which don't contain any metallic substances. As a result, you're unable to affect it using magnetic fields.
(read footnote for what happens next)
>blink.
>"Uh... Where am I?"
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
HUMAN: FRIENDLY
"You're still in the village..."
The boy looks very surprised.
"I know someone who can fix you up and give you some weapons. She's right here, in the village!"
Threat level: Medium
>Oh geez. No idea what I'm getting myself into, but whatever it is, it sure isn't right. At least Sanae seems to be more or less safe right now, so...
>Fly the Sofabot ever so slightly closer to Reimu- just enough to not really have to shout too hard.
>"Hey. You're Reimu, aren't you? The shrine maiden who invented the spellcard rules to prevent death and promote peace and all that? With all due respect, um... what the heck happened to that spirit?"
super-sorry if I'm chipping in too late in the day here
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
"Spellcards? Gensokyo's very existence is in danger, and you're talking about spellcards? If you want to challenge me to a spellcard duel, come to my shrine after this is over, and I'll be glad to defeat you. Oh, and about this whole 'prevent death and promote peace', it's exactly what I'm doing. Would you rather have this end in the death of two outsiders, or would you rather have this paradise destroyed along with everything it holds?"
(read footnote for what happens next)
---Human Village---
A purple-haired woman surrounded by a protective barrier flies in front of Reimu and Yukari.
"Calm down... The man's already dead, and there's no more reason to kill..."
"Don't give me any of your Buddhist peace crap, Hijiri. You know I'd much rather have you sealed than see Gensokyo's destruction."
"YOU'RE WRONG!!! THEY'RE INNOCENT! THE MAN MAY HAVE DONE WRONG, BUT HIS WIFE AND DAUGHTER ARE INNOCENT! I SAW HER WOUNDS! I SAW HER TEARS!!!"
"AND WHAT?! Gods, if you were in charge of Gensokyo, we'd all be dead in less than a DAY!"
"You... two... are... MONSTERS!!! They may be outsiders, but THEY WERE A FAMILY! A family you RIPPED APART!!!"
The shrine maiden and gap youkai exchange looks with each other before looking forward:
"Spirit Sign 「Fantasy Seal」!"
"Sinister Spirits 「Double Black Death Butterfly」!"
As colorful balls of light intertwined with glowing butterflies and daggers shoot towards the monk, she declares a spell of her own, accelerating past the flying projectiles:
"Superhuman 「Byakuren Hijiri」!!"
The night sky is lit with danmaku...
-
>Rub head slightly. "I was planning on explaining that part..." Turn to Alice. "What Marisa said there is correct, though I'm not certain why this is the case. Don't worry, Marisa seemed a bit freaked as well when she saw it the first time." Grin, then return to watching the dolls go about their tasks.
-
>Look to Haruko. "This sounds like a good opportunity. If she's busy fighting, and the one she's fighting is strong...we should be able to stand a chance of escaping if we stay low! I'll leave it up to you, but I think I know what your answer will be."
>>If she wants to go, get out of the basement and ask Akyuu which way the temple is, then head that direction with Haru in tow, being sure not to draw attention to us.
>>If she doesn't for some reason, simply nod and acknowledge her decision, even if I may not agree with it entirely.
>Either way, she needs to have some sort of shield, so I will be needed near her. And also continue to try to recharge the Yatagarasu. I could need that power now more than ever if things go awry...
-
>Wrap the cut up
-
"Cheez, you sure you know what you're doing? I'm getting the slightest vibe that this Reimu person can kill us both in an instant, and wouldn't you know it, magnetic interference ain't got shit on that shield. Oh yeah, and how is this sofa flying? What ARE you exactly, anyway - if you don't mind me asking?"
> Welp, you are WAAAY out of your own league! Cover's blown to all hell though, so you might as well try your Transmit move to hopefully at least stagger this Reimu chick when/if she stops looking right at you. That barrier may be made of some voodoo mumbo-jumbo, but I doubt that she is herself. The other one just seems... like a bad person to target altogether, and the purple monk-looking one seems to be on your side.
> Wish that you had more options and abilities at your disposal to actually be useful, since it turns out that magnets DON'T solve everything.
> Try to ask anyone relevant nearby what "spell cards" are over all the havoc. Was this on a page of the textbook you didn't get to? Would this be on the test? Is this the test it's on right now unfolding before you?
> Awe at the colorful spectacle unfolding before you. Ponder how these colorful lights are being generated. It might be some sort of manipulation of waves in the air to create and project condensed globs of waves within the visible spectrum... but then they'd be lasers. And this all looks to be dangerous - are these plasma cannons? Have they figured out man-portable rapid fire plasma cannon technology in this realm? If they have, then HOLY SH!T. Either we are way behind, or they are way farther ahead than you originally thought. Halo predicted this technology existing several centuries from this one, as did just about every other sci-fi series ever, but here we are, and here it is: real-life plasma weaponry. Wow. Make a note to figure out where you can get your hands on this stuff. Stealing should be totally okay in this case, because come on; most people would kill for this.
-
>Give as much of a smile as possible. "Heh, some repairs sound nice... Try to keep yourself safe, tho. Technology seems to be a trigger for red/white disasters nowadays."
-
> "Peacefully"... Right... In any case, you're kind of stuck here until this all blows over. Converse with a few of the other temple's residents to pass the time, but keep near Akina.
-
>"Well gee, thanks for being cryptic."
>"Is it too much for a straight answer? What the heck did the dad do?"
>Get out of there. You've died twice and nearly died too many times to count.
>Take refuge in the mahjong parlor
-
>"Er... well, Kappa... What I'm doing is trying to figure out what I'm doing. And talk things out, but that part was a dead end.
"And... the sofa here is jet-powered, obviously, and I'm just a guy who doesn't know how he made that happen yet. I've only been around about half a day or so, but from what I can gather it's pretty easy for people to do some really special things here. I mean, look at you. Warping, telepathy... Heck, you even died or something a little while ago, right? And here you are. There's something special going on here.
"...But speaking of dying... you're right, this might not be the best time to chat with Reimu. Let's, um..."
>Mmm. That's real pretty, but... Yeah, even if Sofabot can survive that night sky, I can hardly tell what's what in there, so there's not a point. And with that last bit about Gensokyo's destruction... Better try not to act too rash with something like that at stake. Just back off for now.
>In fact, lower Sofabot and hover closer to the village streets to see if I can glean any information on what exactly is putting Gensokyo at risk here. Pay special attention to villagers with interesting hair, because those ones are always important.
-
[Day: 4] [Time: A few hours before dawn] [Weather: Light snow]
>Rub head slightly. "I was planning on explaining that part..." Turn to Alice. "What Marisa said there is correct, though I'm not certain why this is the case. Don't worry, Marisa seemed a bit freaked as well when she saw it the first time." Grin, then return to watching the dolls go about their tasks.
[2] The dolls look like they're done with what they were doing.
>Look to Haruko. "This sounds like a good opportunity. If she's busy fighting, and the one she's fighting is strong...we should be able to stand a chance of escaping if we stay low! I'll leave it up to you, but I think I know what your answer will be."
>>If she wants to go, get out of the basement and ask Akyuu which way the temple is, then head that direction with Haru in tow, being sure not to draw attention to us.
>>If she doesn't for some reason, simply nod and acknowledge her decision, even if I may not agree with it entirely.
>Either way, she needs to have some sort of shield, so I will be needed near her. And also continue to try to recharge the Yatagarasu. I could need that power now more than ever if things go awry...
[6] "This [...] be."
"Of course it is! We deserve this chance, especially after all that has happened!"
You feel a surge of power within you, running through your blood and veins.
"The temple is to the northwest of the village. It's very close, so don't go out too far. Whatever you do, stay away from the fight, and use your best judgment."
You grab Haruko in your arms and leap into the sky, heading straight for the nearby temple. You take a quick glance behind you, and it seems like Reimu and Yukari are being pushed towards the opposite direction...
...You arrive at the temple, where the guard lets you in immediately after you show her the girl in your hands. Patorikku is in the main room, along with a woman in a white doctor's apron. She appears have just finished bandaging up the wounds on the arm of a woman in her late 30s. Haruko leaps towards her and kneels down, tears dropping from her eyes like rain...
BGM: It's not longer when they cry. It's when YOU cry!!! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuY_v9k9W0E)
(0:00)
"Mom... Mooom~ Are you okay? ARE YOU OKAY?!"
"Don't be too loud, she's just gone through a complicated surgery."
"Will she be okay?"
"She should be... She still has a pulse, after all."
"Please... Please tell me she'll make it... Oh god..."
"She will, child. I've never failed on a human before..."
(0:40)
The woman's eyelids slowly open, revealing a comforting gaze at the crying girl.
"Ha... Haruko... Is that you?"
The girl drops to her mother's lap and hugs her tightly. For a good half-minute or so, the entire temple is dead silent, save for occasional sniffling. All its residents stop whatever they were doing to pay their condolences to the emotional reunion of a broken family.
(1:21)
"Mom... It's okay. I'm here. I'm safe... We're safe."
"I'm sorry, honey. I'm sorry I let your father continue his trips to the shrine. I'm sorry I didn't tell the police when he left... I'm sorry I encouraged him in the beginning..."
"It's gone... It's all gone... She got rid of it, and he's gone... Forever..."
(1:40)
"Haruko, honey... You still have me... We're still a family, and we'll be a family forever. These brave men took the pain so you'd make it, and if anything, it's an act of goodwill from the heavens above."
"Yeah. You're right. We're together, and nothing will ever tear us apart again."
(1:59)
The woman stands up, still hugging her daughter.
"I'm sorry I almost got myself killed. I just wanted to save the only thing he left behind. Was that too much to ask of her? Was that too much to ask?"
(2:19)
"No... Nothing's ever too much... You did your best, and that's what matters in the end. What's gone is gone, the past can never be changed. But from now on, we'll stay together, no matter what."
Haruko and her mother turn to you and look you straight in the eyes:
(2:40)
"Thank... you..."
>Wrap the cut up
[2](+1) The cloth fits loosely around the cuts, but at least they provide the protection you need.
"Cheez, you sure you know what you're doing? I'm getting the slightest vibe that this Reimu person can kill us both in an instant, and wouldn't you know it, magnetic interference ain't got shit on that shield. Oh yeah, and how is this sofa flying? What ARE you exactly, anyway - if you don't mind me asking?"
> Welp, you are WAAAY out of your own league! Cover's blown to all hell though, so you might as well try your Transmit move to hopefully at least stagger this Reimu chick when/if she stops looking right at you. That barrier may be made of some voodoo mumbo-jumbo, but I doubt that she is herself. The other one just seems... like a bad person to target altogether, and the purple monk-looking one seems to be on your side.
> Wish that you had more options and abilities at your disposal to actually be useful, since it turns out that magnets DON'T solve everything.
> Try to ask anyone relevant nearby what "spell cards" are over all the havoc. Was this on a page of the textbook you didn't get to? Would this be on the test? Is this the test it's on right now unfolding before you?
> Awe at the colorful spectacle unfolding before you. Ponder how these colorful lights are being generated. It might be some sort of manipulation of waves in the air to create and project condensed globs of waves within the visible spectrum... but then they'd be lasers. And this all looks to be dangerous - are these plasma cannons? Have they figured out man-portable rapid fire plasma cannon technology in this realm? If they have, then HOLY SH!T. Either we are way behind, or they are way farther ahead than you originally thought. Halo predicted this technology existing several centuries from this one, as did just about every other sci-fi series ever, but here we are, and here it is: real-life plasma weaponry. Wow. Make a note to figure out where you can get your hands on this stuff. Stealing should be totally okay in this case, because come on; most people would kill for this.
[6] As soon as Reimu takes off after Byakuren, you find the nearest metallic object, a gas-burning street lamp, and send it flying towards the shrine maiden at speeds approaching that of light. To the untrained eye, it's as if she suddenly changed course and crashed straight into the roof of someone's house. Yukari flies off after her, shooting daggers behind her to keep Byakuren away. It seems that the tide of battle has turned in your favor, so you land gracefully and approach the crowd. An elderly woman replies to your question:
"Spell cards, huh? You mean those things they're fighting with up there? They're a way to memorize and organize one's best danmaku attacks. Most of us can't even summon a tiny ball of light to brighten our surroundings in the dark, but if you're one of those people who have weird powers or something, feel free to make some cards for your moves. All you have to do is name them, determine the steps to reproduce it, and write it down on any ol' piece of paper!"
Just for fun, you reach into your pockets and notice that there are a few index cards there. Before you ask yourself (or anyone nearby) any questions, you deem that some sort of god has acted upon your wishes.
>Think of five attacks, each with a name, description, and pattern.
>Give as much of a smile as possible. "Heh, some repairs sound nice... Try to keep yourself safe, tho. Technology seems to be a trigger for red/white disasters nowadays."
[3](+1) "Hey! Come back here!"
The boy ignores his mother's plead and runs through the crowd...
...Once he's free, he continues down the path until the two of you reach a shabby-looking warehouse. He knocks on the metal door, and a girl quickly pulls him inside. Even in the dim room, you're able to make out her features despite the black-and-white infrared view you see. She appears to be wearing a light-colored vest and a bow above the collar, and her dark hair is split into two braids.
HUMAN: FRIENDLY
The boy hands what's left of you to her, who studies the bundle of charred wiring and melted connectors dangling from your "neck". She mumbles to herself as she tries to make out the faded lettering on the wires:
"R-S-2-3-2... S-E-R-I-A-L... C-O-N-N-E..."
She suddenly turns to the boy and asks in an excited voice:
"Where did you find this thing?! Do you have any idea what this is?! This is the head of a robot!!! It's probably something from a few years ago, but IT'S A ROBOT!!! I bet it even has an automatically-adapting A.I.!"
She looks back into your eyes and speaks in a quiet voice:
"Can you hear me? Do you want me to fix you? Wait, no, not just fix... Do you want to become Gensokyo's STRONGEST WEAPON?!"
HUMAN: FRIENDLY / EXCITED
Threat level: Low
> "Peacefully"... Right... In any case, you're kind of stuck here until this all blows over. Converse with a few of the other temple's residents to pass the time, but keep near Akina.
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
As you wait, you manage to gather the following information about the overall situation:
- The Myouren Temple serves as a sanctuary for humans and youkai (you were already told that earlier)
- The woman you talked to is known as Byakuren Hijiri (and you probably knew that as well)
- She's one of the few people in Gensokyo that can stand a fair chance against Reimu
- The Watsuki family is being hunted due to the husband's efforts in moving Gensokyoan society towards that of the Outside World
- The temple had a say in what would happen to the family and those that supported it, but whether its decision was truly theirs is questionable
(read an unmatched sock's scenario for what happens next)
>"Well gee, thanks for being cryptic."
>"Is it too much for a straight answer? What the heck did the dad do?"
>Get out of there. You've died twice and nearly died too many times to count.
>Take refuge in the mahjong parlor
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
Yukari doesn't seem to be one to ask in hopes of getting a straight, non-convoluted answer. She just looks at you with an extremely creepy smile before flying off after the monk. You take that as a threat, so you quickly make way to the crowded mahjong parlor. The only light comes from the torches lining the street, and if the people hiding here were actually trying to hide, they'd be doing that in a very poor way. Every now and then, you can hear yelling and scuffling around you.
>"Er... well, Kappa... What I'm doing is trying to figure out what I'm doing. And talk things out, but that part was a dead end.
"And... the sofa here is jet-powered, obviously, and I'm just a guy who doesn't know how he made that happen yet. I've only been around about half a day or so, but from what I can gather it's pretty easy for people to do some really special things here. I mean, look at you. Warping, telepathy... Heck, you even died or something a little while ago, right? And here you are. There's something special going on here.
"...But speaking of dying... you're right, this might not be the best time to chat with Reimu. Let's, um..."
>Mmm. That's real pretty, but... Yeah, even if Sofabot can survive that night sky, I can hardly tell what's what in there, so there's not a point. And with that last bit about Gensokyo's destruction... Better try not to act too rash with something like that at stake. Just back off for now.
>In fact, lower Sofabot and hover closer to the village streets to see if I can glean any information on what exactly is putting Gensokyo at risk here. Pay special attention to villagers with interesting hair, because those ones are always important.
[1](+1) The villagers are either too scared or too mesmerized by the battle unfolding above you to care about your questions.
-
>"Huh. These dolls are very efficient and quick at their work. I haven't personally seen something like this." Look around the room more, then face Alice again. "So how long did it take to learn this kind of puppetry?"
-
>Mutter in a extremely annoyed manner
>grumble grumble how are you supposed to convince people by being cryptic grumble grumble
>"Right, this place is too crowded. Anyone HERE know what's going on? What's with the crazy shrine maiden, why are people marked for execution, all that?"
>In event of an answer, play background music for resulting exposition
-
>Smile at them. "You're welcome." Smile fade. "But we're not done yet. Your reunion is step one, and I hate to cut it short. I really do. But we need to get you two back to the Outside World. Only there can you truly be safe. Right now, you're two birds, and Reimu has a s***ton of stones - excuse my language - ready to throw. We need to get you two back now, while she's distracted. And I...don't quite know how to do that."
>Look around at the assembled congregation. "Does ANYONE know of a manner of which to return to the Outside World for these two that does not involve Reimu or her odd, space-slipping companion I've barely seen?"
>After hearing suggestions, quick ping to the Yatagarasu: "That energy I felt before we took off to here...was that what I think it is, or am I being too hopeful?" (Referring to possible revival of its powers with me)
-
> Well, the family's reunited, but so long as Byakuren's out, it's safe to assume the fight's still going on. In any case, you're not adequately prepared to fight if someone invades the temple. Find a weapon somewhere within the boundaries of the temple, preferably outside of the boundaries of the particular room Akina and Haruko are in.
> And put your scarf up. It's a little late to hide your identity and all, but... Just do it to seem cool and distant.
-
>Walk outside tot he front of the shrine. We've might've snooped a little too much here.
>Attempt to fly.
-
Oh boy, please roll well.
>Give a wide smirk. "But I'm a new-type model! There's nothing old about this one." Then make the smirk wider. Gotta go wider. "Alas, that's not here not there... I'm in your hands, lass. My lack of body is yours to remedy as you see fit."
-
> Oh man, oh muffins. This might be just what you need to get on a competitive level in this realm. In spite of the Diamond-division battle unfolding before you, you think up some of these "Spell Cards" with which to kick asses:
- "Instantaneous Storm Surge"
Rapidly Blink around a target, firing spread shots at every stop. To the enemy, you are surrounding them from a million places at once, and it becomes rather hard to hit you.
"You're surrounded on all angles, but in reality there's only one of him, moving VERY fast. The only thing likely to faze him is exhaustion." - Compression "Magnetic Prison"
Surround the target in a Magnetic Field, and fire towards the field while continually shrinking said field. The bullets will be continually attracted to the middle of the field, and the smaller it gets, the tricker and more claustrophobic it becomes to avoid being hit.
"The walls are closing in around you, and the number of bullets in there with you continues to increase! Trying to escape is futile, so survive until another hellish prison replaces the old one." - Force "Herculean Might"
Magnetically Throw massive bullets towards the target, with their impacts kicking up clouds of smaller bullets.
"It's not really brute force if it's magnets, right?" - Superheated "Plasma Pump"
Hypercondense the air around you, creating localized superhot balls of plasma, and fire them in rings at the target. The plasma will arc to nearby matter and to itself, forming walls, hitting targets from afar, changing trajectories, and performing all sorts of other unique behaviours.
"The pinnacle of science - maybe. Plasma is so often overlooked as a state of matter, it's no wonder these plasma bullets seem to behave erratically." - Magnetic "High-Speed Field"
Fire bullet patterns while forming small Magnetic Fields and tossing them at high speeds at and around the target. The fields will knock the target around on contact, potentially into bullets or even walls.
"The bullet pattern may be simple, but the threat of flying into it against your own will complicates things significantly."
> Oh yes, your magnetic abilities have made way to the discovery of a means to produce weaponized plasma ON THE SPOT. You really really want to test out Superheated "Plasma Pump" to see if it's true this this will really work, but realize that knocking around Reimu seems to be a disgustingly effective strategy. And hey! Look who's lying on top of a house, dazed, confused, and fresh for the target practice!
"So uh, do I just- okay, I'm going to try to call it. Force 'Herculean Might'!"
> Either you're about to successfully kick ass, or you're f#cked. Can one simply synthesize projectiles through means that, for lack of any real explanation, are magic? Only one way to find out, and that's to live up to your family name and face full-life consequences.
-
[Day: 4] [Time: Dawn] [Weather: Light snow]
>"Huh. These dolls are very efficient and quick at their work. I haven't personally seen something like this." Look around the room more, then face Alice again. "So how long did it take to learn this kind of puppetry?"
[3] "Oh... about 75 seasons... maybe more. To be honest, I've lost count."
>Mutter in a extremely annoyed manner
>grumble grumble how are you supposed to convince people by being cryptic grumble grumble
>"Right, this place is too crowded. Anyone HERE know what's going on? What's with the crazy shrine maiden, why are people marked for execution, all that?"
>In event of an answer, play background music for resulting exposition
[2](+1) Its too crowded to set up a stage, but that doesn't matter now, since it seems that most people aren't here to enjoy whatever performance you may have had in mind. Regardless, you manage to glean the following information from the people around you:
- Reimu (the shrine maiden; you already knew that) and Yukari (the gap youkai) are after three Outsiders.
- It is believed that these Outsiders know of a way to permanently open Gensokyo to the Outside World.
- Such an action would result in its destruction.
- One of them has already been executed in cold blood.
- Some people believe that the remaining two are innocent.
- However, they are afraid to voice their opinion about that due to what happened to those who did.
- As such, the village has no other choice but to comply with their demands.
>Smile at them. "You're welcome." Smile fade. "But we're not done yet. Your reunion is step one, and I hate to cut it short. I really do. But we need to get you two back to the Outside World. Only there can you truly be safe. Right now, you're two birds, and Reimu has a s***ton of stones - excuse my language - ready to throw. We need to get you two back now, while she's distracted. And I...don't quite know how to do that."
>Look around at the assembled congregation. "Does ANYONE know of a manner of which to return to the Outside World for these two that does not involve Reimu or her odd, space-slipping companion I've barely seen?"
>After hearing suggestions, quick ping to the Yatagarasu: "That energy I felt before we took off to here...was that what I think it is, or am I being too hopeful?" (Referring to possible revival of its powers with me)
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
"Does [...] seen?"
A youkai girl sporting a large striped tail replies after a short while:
"There might be... Despite what you may have heard, especially from the humans, the Great Hakurei Barrier isn't the only way in and out of Gensokyo. As a case in point: I came here by crossing the Sea of Sado. On the other end, there should be an island, which is part of the Outside World."
Just as you begin to heave a sigh of relief, she follows up with some less-hopeful words:
"That was a long time ago, so I don't know if the Barrier has extended to block that path off. Judging from all that's happened, I wouldn't be surprised if it did. If that's what you really want for them, you'll never know unless you give that a try. Oh, and if anyone asks, say that you just felt curious as to what might be on the other side, and don't mention me."
As her words sink in, you carry out a internal conversation with your Yatagarasu half:
"That [...] hopeful?"
"Yes, it is indeed what you believe. Your strength and determination has partially restored my powers, and I forsee a full recovery if you roll a [6] again continue believing in what is good for those that deserve it."
> Well, the family's reunited, but so long as Byakuren's out, it's safe to assume the fight's still going on. In any case, you're not adequately prepared to fight if someone invades the temple. Find a weapon somewhere within the boundaries of the temple, preferably outside of the boundaries of the particular room Akina and Haruko are in.
> And put your scarf up. It's a little late to hide your identity and all, but... Just do it to seem cool and distant.
[2](+1) If you expect to find weapons of any sort in a temple that promotes peace and understanding, you'd be terribly wrong, as your failed search proves. At least nobody seems to recognize you with your scarf on.
>Walk outside tot he front of the shrine. We've might've snooped a little too much here.
>Attempt to fly.
[3] The eastern sky glows a faint orange behind the torii of the Hakurei Shrine, reminding you of the ongoing incident you've heard about (and seen). As you fly towards the Human Village, a danmaku battle in the distance blocks your way. Colorful yet deadly-looking projectiles fly back-and-forth between shadowy figures, and you figure that it's in your best interest to slow down and evaulate the situation before you.
Oh boy, please roll well.
>Give a wide smirk. "But I'm a new-type model! There's nothing old about this one." Then make the smirk wider. Gotta go wider. "Alas, that's not here not there... I'm in your hands, lass. My lack of body is yours to remedy as you see fit."
[3] She holds your head in her hands and walks further into the warehouse. There are mechanical parts lying around in all directions, and a small table adorned with various tools in a corner. You are set upside-down on the table as the girl looks down into you.
"Ahh... There it is!" she exclaims as she finds your backup power supply. "It's probably in your best interest that I turn you off before doing this. You should probably transfer everything in your working memory* to nonvolatile storage* before I do that, unless you want to forget what happened in the last few hours."
Threat level: High
*short-term and long-term memory, for those who are composed only of organic matter.
> Oh man, oh muffins. This might be just what you need to get on a competitive level in this realm. In spite of the Diamond-division battle unfolding before you, you think up some of these "Spell Cards" with which to kick asses:
- "Instantaneous Storm Surge"
Rapidly Blink around a target, firing spread shots at every stop. To the enemy, you are surrounding them from a million places at once, and it becomes rather hard to hit you.
"You're surrounded on all angles, but in reality there's only one of him, moving VERY fast. The only thing likely to faze him is exhaustion." - Compression "Magnetic Prison"
Surround the target in a Magnetic Field, and fire towards the field while continually shrinking said field. The bullets will be continually attracted to the middle of the field, and the smaller it gets, the tricker and more claustrophobic it becomes to avoid being hit.
"The walls are closing in around you, and the number of bullets in there with you continues to increase! Trying to escape is futile, so survive until another hellish prison replaces the old one." - Force "Herculean Might"
Magnetically Throw massive bullets towards the target, with their impacts kicking up clouds of smaller bullets.
"It's not really brute force if it's magnets, right?" - Superheated "Plasma Pump"
Hypercondense the air around you, creating localized superhot balls of plasma, and fire them in rings at the target. The plasma will arc to nearby matter and to itself, forming walls, hitting targets from afar, changing trajectories, and performing all sorts of other unique behaviours.
"The pinnacle of science - maybe. Plasma is so often overlooked as a state of matter, it's no wonder these plasma bullets seem to behave erratically." - Magnetic "High-Speed Field"
Fire bullet patterns while forming small Magnetic Fields and tossing them at high speeds at and around the target. The fields will knock the target around on contact, potentially into bullets or even walls.
"The bullet pattern may be simple, but the threat of flying into it against your own will complicates things significantly."
> Oh yes, your magnetic abilities have made way to the discovery of a means to produce weaponized plasma ON THE SPOT. You really really want to test out Superheated "Plasma Pump" to see if it's true this this will really work, but realize that knocking around Reimu seems to be a disgustingly effective strategy. And hey! Look who's lying on top of a house, dazed, confused, and fresh for the target practice!
"So uh, do I just- okay, I'm going to try to call it. Force 'Herculean Might'!"
> Either you're about to successfully kick ass, or you're f#cked. Can one simply synthesize projectiles through means that, for lack of any real explanation, are magic? Only one way to find out, and that's to live up to your family name and face full-life consequences.
[4] ACHIVEMENT UNLOCKED - Tools of the Trade: Obtain an arsenal of Spell Cards.
The five cards glow with power as your attacks are inscribed onto them, causing nearby people to gasp in awe. If you could, you'd stand there and let all those villagers marvel at your spectacular powers...
...You reach the house just in time to see Reimu flying out through a large hole in its roof. She spots you in the sky and ascends to your height.
"I have to say, for an Outsider like you to hit me, you've got some skills. Too bad they'll all go to waste as you burn in a sea of holy flames~"
Before she has a chance to do anything, you raise your hand above you, revealing a single Spell Card:
"Force 「Herculean Might」!"
A swirling vortex of large metallic balls materialize behind you and accelerate towards the shrine maiden. She flies forward and dodges most of them with unhuman precision, though a significant portion manage to graze her. The impact isn't enough to cause them to expand as you had hoped, and they continue forward into the sky. Sharp fingernails against your shoulder cause you to cock your head in the direction behind you, where you see the golden-haired woman from before, with a ominous smile on her face that reveal equally sharp fangs:
"What are you?"
It's about time I mention what happens when players attack NPCs: It's just the opposite of what happens when you're attacked. Take a look at the list in the very first post and invert the rolls. For example, rolling a [6] would be a [1] to NPCs, rolling a [4] would be a [3], and rolling a [1] would be like a [6].
-
>"Well, like you said, we'd never know unless we try. Where is this possible back door to this place?" Please don't say in the direction of the village...
>>If she doesn't remember for some reason, glean the information from someone else.
>"Want to try it?" @ Akina and Haruko.
>>Assuming yes, "Would anyone like to accompany us? More would be safer, but too many is suspicious. So we need a small, strong force." Player characters take priority.
>"And which one of you would like me to take, since you cannot fly?" Whoever answers, take her and lead the team to where the raccoon-girl specified.
>Acknowledge the Yatagarasu's words and keep trying to charge it. Almost there!
-
>"Seventy-five seasons...so about 18.5 years..." Look out into the forest. "Do you know the general direction of where the incident took place last night?"
-
> Well, there's another
player in the temple right now, so you don't need to stick around to defend those two. Take off from the temple and make your way through the streets to find some adequate weaponry. And get yourself a 100%-off bargain on the arms in question.
-
>
WHOA FUKK Good thing you've got 5 of these dynamos, because without them you're basically boned here!
> Turn to the creepy-ass figure trying to claw you in half and answer her with:
"I guess you could call me an「Instantaneous Storm Surge」!"
> Blink rapidly around the unknown one...
>> ...and if doing so is excessively effective, reserve a few Blinks for the renegade shrine maiden. Surprise attacks seem to work best on that one.
"Cheez! Monk person! Moriya dudes! I can't keep this up forever, so lay down some suppressive fire!"
>> If the targets do in fact survive the attack, give each of them 7,500,000 points as a Spell Card Bonus. It's only fair. METAHUMOR WOOOO
# This is basically a survival card, how long is it allowed to last? I suppose I'll leave that specific detail to your judgement (and my roll)
-
>"THANK you. Now I know. Yeah. That makes sense why they're after them."
>"Extremist methods but still logical within the self-contained mental environment."
>Attempt to develop spell cards or other such tool for self-defense.
-
>Get
the stolen Kasu's spell card at the ready.
>Same with a knife.
>Slow down
-
>It is in my best interest to not become amnesiac, so do that! "Hmm... Done, and.... Done. I could use a good nap right now!"
-
[Day: 4] [Time: Sunrise] [Weather: Light snow]
>"Well, like you said, we'd never know unless we try. Where is this possible back door to this place?" Please don't say in the direction of the village...
>>If she doesn't remember for some reason, glean the information from someone else.
>"Want to try it?" @ Akina and Haruko.
>>Assuming yes, "Would anyone like to accompany us? More would be safer, but too many is suspicious. So we need a small, strong force." Player characters take priority.
>"And which one of you would like me to take, since you cannot fly?" Whoever answers, take her and lead the team to where the raccoon-girl specified.
>Acknowledge the Yatagarasu's words and keep trying to charge it. Almost there!
[2](+1) "Well [...] place?"
"It should be beyond the Youkai Mountain. That is, to the north of here."
"Want [...] it?"
"Mom... Should we make a run for it?"
"No, not now, Haru. When this man brought you here, did you see Byakuren?"
"Who's that?"
"A purple-haired woman in a black-and-white dress?"
"Uhhh, yeah. I think she was fighting Reimu."
"She hasn't returned, right? Until she returns, it's not safe to leave this temple."
"Bu- but we're going towards the north..."
"No means no... She broke my arm... and almost killed me the last time we met. We're NOT going out there until we hear of her defeat. They'll protect us here."
Haruko seems to comply with her mother's request. At the same time, you feel the Yatagarasu's power increasing very slowly.
>"Seventy-five seasons...so about 18.5 years..." Look out into the forest. "Do you know the general direction of where the incident took place last night?"
[3] "I don't know too much about the exact location. Besides, I only noticed something wrong when I saw a streak of green light with one end in this forest. The sun's coming out, so I guess it shouldn't be too hard to find."
> Well, there's another player in the temple right now, so you don't need to stick around to defend those two. Take off from the temple and make your way through the streets to find some adequate weaponry. And get yourself a 100%-off bargain on the arms in question.
[4] You make it to the Human Village to see a aerial battle taking place. It looks like everyone's out in the streets watching that, so nobody sees you when you enter a store and pocket several throwing knives.
ITEM ACQUIRED: Throwing knives (x20)
> WHOA FUKK Good thing you've got 5 of these dynamos, because without them you're basically boned here!
> Turn to the creepy-ass figure trying to claw you in half and answer her with:
"I guess you could call me an「Instantaneous Storm Surge」!"
> Blink rapidly around the unknown one...
>> ...and if doing so is excessively effective, reserve a few Blinks for the renegade shrine maiden. Surprise attacks seem to work best on that one.
"Cheez! Monk person! Moriya dudes! I can't keep this up forever, so lay down some suppressive fire!"
>> If the targets do in fact survive the attack, give each of them 7,500,000 points as a Spell Card Bonus. It's only fair. METAHUMOR WOOOO
# This is basically a survival card, how long is it allowed to last? I suppose I'll leave that specific detail to your judgement (and my roll)
[2] Despite the fact that you're literally approaching Yukari from all directions and firing as you do so, she dodges the sphere of projectiles quite easily. Four others surround the collection of bullets and fire into the center. Suddenly, gaps revealing blinking eyes from within form a larger sphere around the sphere of bullets you've created. As millions of balls of light converge upon the figure in the center, similar gaps around her absorb them, which come back out from the gaps behind you and the others. Before you even try to understand what just happened, you're hit by your own attack and sent free-falling towards the ground...
...You're seconds away from becoming part of the ground before you regain altitude. It doesn't look like your assistants did well, because they're nowhere to be found. The red-white shrine maiden flies up to the gap youkai, who speaks to her in an annoyed voice:
"Should we kill her now? She's weakened, and she shouldn't be able to survive if we both attack her at once."
Someone's approaching from behind them, and you can't help but smile once you see who that is. Reimu waves a bundle of needles in front of Yukari as she implies a "yes":
"Look at that smile... Do you think she'll still be smiling when these go through her face?"
(read bigyihsuan's scenario for what happens next)
>"THANK you. Now I know. Yeah. That makes sense why they're after them."
>"Extremist methods but still logical within the self-contained mental environment."
>Attempt to develop spell cards or other such tool for self-defense.
[3] After searching for a while, you find a blank piece of paper that looks like it can be made into a Spell Card.
> Think of a fitting Spell Card Attack.
>Get the stolen Kasu's spell card at the ready.
>Same with a knife.
>Slow down
[6] By the time you and Kappa can make out each other's faces, you're literally within point-blank range of Yukari and Reimu...
..."Tsukumogami's Elegy 「Lantern's Requiem」!"
By the time the two of them turn around to see you holding a glowing spell card, it's already far too late to do anything. Kappa darts out of the way as red bullets fly forward. The first wave strikes them right in the chest, knocking them backwards. Just as they regain their balance, large red bubbles appear around you and shoot forward, exploding on impact. Finally, small red dots ablaze with golden flames that leave a spectacular trail in their path pepper your targets, causing them to disappear in a flash of bright, white light.
pichuun.wav
pichuun.wav
>It is in my best interest to not become amnesiac, so do that! "Hmm... Done, and.... Done. I could use a good nap right now!"
[4] "Okay, then... 3... 2... 1..."
Everything goes dark...
...do robots dream?
-
>Yeah, keep crying, Haruko almost got killed and I actually died twi- wait..."...Wait a second, you said Byakuren wasn't here, she was fighting? As in, the owner of this temple is currently fighting the two who have it in for you?!" Widen eyes. This is serious. "No, no no no, we need to leave. Now. Whether those two win or lose, fighting Byakuren puts a red flag over the temple. They'll come here to check it out. We need to leave immediately before they get that chance. If anything, Reimu and...whatever her accomplice's name is fighting Byakuren couldn't be a better distraction."
>Please comply...
>Continue mentally charging Yatagarasu. If only there was a little battery or percentile of charge to know just how close I am to finishing...
-
>"That's a good point, very well." Head out of the house, and head north, looking for anything interesting.
-
>Electric sheep count start!
-
>"huh. didn't expect that much damage to happen."
>Greet Kappa.
>Inspect the remnants of Reimu and Yukari.
Hey Kappa, do you mind me following you? I've been pretty much out of the story since the beginning.
-
> Take a good look around and see if you can spot where the fight is taking place. Have a throwing knife hidden in your supposedly long sleeve, despite the only clothing you can safely be confirmed to be wearing throughout any given point of this adventure would be a slightly ripped short-sleeve shirt and your scarf.
-
> Retroactively grant your two aggressors 7.5M points, in spite of their heads being pwned. On second thought, fuck them. They SO cheated. Subtract the points.
> Return the greeting: "Well, so much for my first fight going smoothly. Thanks for the assist... big-yee-soo-on? Am I getting that right? That was an impressive display of firepower back there."
> Agree to investigate the two defeated, but not without advising plenty of caution be exercised. These two almost murdered your face, so even if they're deader than dead, I mean... they could explode for all you know.
>> IF the aggressors don't retaliate: Find Cheez, Ms. Monastery, and the Mighty Moriya Power Rangers. Shuffle through the strange deck of cards you wrought only two turns a short while ago. What makes them tick? you wonder. It seems like magic, but any sufficiently advanced technology... so on, so forth. There has to be some sort of mechanism, even if it's universal in nature and relates to this specific realm (which is most definitely not the Earth you know)... yet you can't shake the feeling that there is in fact some Magic of the Gathering variety going down here.
# mfw the canon of this story dictates that I am female
# I guess my profile info doesn't really help any, does it
# If you deem me the best candidate to follow, feel free.
-
>Whimsical Melody "No Foresight"
>Music-themed! Let's do this! Bullets that bounce off everything with reckless abandon! Also applies "distracted by irritating music" debuff to everyone within radius.
>Go to where Haruko and her mother are hiding currently.
-
[Day: 4] [Time: Early morning] [Weather: Light snow]
>Yeah, keep crying, Haruko almost got killed and I actually died twi- wait..."...Wait a second, you said Byakuren wasn't here, she was fighting? As in, the owner of this temple is currently fighting the two who have it in for you?!" Widen eyes. This is serious. "No, no no no, we need to leave. Now. Whether those two win or lose, fighting Byakuren puts a red flag over the temple. They'll come here to check it out. We need to leave immediately before they get that chance. If anything, Reimu and...whatever her accomplice's name is fighting Byakuren couldn't be a better distraction."
>Please comply...
>Continue mentally charging Yatagarasu. If only there was a little battery or percentile of charge to know just how close I am to finishing...
[6] You feel an intense surge of power run through your entire body, so strong that you have absolutely no doubt as to where it came from. Filled with confidence, you explain to the worried woman that now is the best time to attempt the escape...
"You're right... Haru, you're right. We should leave now while it's still easier and safer."
The three of you slowly step out of the temple. You fly up and survey the skies above, where no sign of any battle is going on. Just then, Byakuren arrives, slightly beat-up and mildly injured.
"They got them. Both. They're both down..."
Her eyes spot Akina and Haruko standing behind you.
"Ahh... Watsuki-san, looks like your daughter made it!"
"If you don't mind, can you help us get to the Sea of Sado? It should be to the north of the Youkai Mountain." She points to you. "He may be strong, but I don't know whether he'll be able to carry both of us."
"Of course I can. Here. I'll fly your daughter across, and he can fly you across."
Byakuren walks up to Haruko and kneels down in front of her.
"You're Haruko-chan, right? Here, I'll fly you to your home. Ichirin, you're in charge of making sure nobody enters the temple with malice."
As she climbs onto the monk's back, Akina requests that you give her a "ride" across the mountain...
...It's easy to carry others when you've got the power of a Yatagarasu, right?...
...The Sea of Sado is a vast body of water that stretches towards the horizon beyond the Youkai Mountain. As the four of you soar across the endless blue expanse, a dazzling city skyline materializes beyond the fog. For some reason, you can't help but compare the mostily-19th-century landscape of Gensokyo to that of the modern world you see before you. You didn't notice until now, but it seems that LaserTurtle had been following the two of you this whole time. It doesn't hurt to have someone watching your back in case something happens, right?
---Sado-shi, Japan---
As the sun rises above the eastern horizon, three shadowy figures fly in the southern skies.
"We're there. This should be the island on the other side of the sea. We're in the Outside World now, and I think you two should be safe."
"Thank you. Thank you so much. I don't even know your name, and you didn't know me or my daughter... Why did you put your life at risk to save us?"
>"That's a good point, very well." Head out of the house, and head north, looking for anything interesting.
[4] As you walk along the forest path, you notice that there are bushes to either side. Further along the path, there's a patch of bushes to the right that look like they were violently chopped down. On the side opposite that of the bushes are the skeletal remains of two humans. Assorted scraps of torn meat lying near them tell you that something literally ate their remains. You turn your attention to the bushes once more, where you find at least fifty steel needles stuck into the ground.
>Electric sheep count start!
[6] Several minutes and several sheep later, a bright spark lights up the interior of the workshop...
Human-Machine Interface [Version 6.22]
Loading COMMAND.COM...
Synchronizing real-time clock... done!
>Current time is 07:14:34
Calibrating gyrometer... done!
Calibrating envirograph... done!
Initializing motors... done!
Initializing Auto-Target System... done!
>A.T.S. loaded into working memory, 13.2 TB remaining.
Enumerating weapons......... done!
>2 machine guns installed
>1 rocket launcher installed
>1 beam cannon installed
Initializing Weapon Monitoring and Analysis Program... done!
>W-MAP loaded into working memory, 13.1 TB remaining.
HUMAN: FRIENDLY
"Did it work? Are you okay?"
You can't help but notice the glowing green text in the bottom left...
LEFT GUN: 2000/2000
ROCKETS: 25/25
...and right...
RIGHT GUN: 2000/2000
BEAM CANNON: 40?C (NORMAL)
...corners of your visual field.
You raise your hands notice that there is a side-mounted port that opens up to reveal a machine gun in each of your forearms. Furthermore, the gun in your left arm can swap out for a rocket launcher, and the gun in your right arm can swap out for a plasma-beam cannon. After you've cycled through your weapons, you let them go back into their slots and close up the ports. Despite the fact that you're perfectly capable of normal human-like speech, you respond to her in a monotone mock-robot tone as you give a two-thumbs-up:
"WEAPONS CHECK COMPLETE... ALL SYSTEMS GO..."
>"huh. didn't expect that much damage to happen."
>Greet Kappa.
>Inspect the remnants of Reimu and Yukari.
Hey Kappa, do you mind me following you? I've been pretty much out of the story since the beginning.
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
Reimu and Yukari are nowhere to be found. It's as if they disappeared in that flash of light from before.
> Take a good look around and see if you can spot where the fight is taking place. Have a throwing knife hidden in your supposedly long sleeve, despite the only clothing you can safely be confirmed to be wearing throughout any given point of this adventure would be a slightly ripped short-sleeve shirt and your scarf.
[6] Wait... when did you have a jacket? You must've picked that up somewhere along the way and put it on, yet it feels so comfy you didn't notice it until now. Regardless, you stick a throwing knife in each sleeve, ready to pull out when the situation demands so. You place the rest in your pocket and walk up to the place where the fight that had just ended took place.
> Retroactively grant your two aggressors 7.5M points, in spite of their heads being pwned. On second thought, fuck them. They SO cheated. Subtract the points.
> Return the greeting: "Well, so much for my first fight going smoothly. Thanks for the assist... big-yee-soo-on? Am I getting that right? That was an impressive display of firepower back there."
> Agree to investigate the two defeated, but not without advising plenty of caution be exercised. These two almost murdered your face, so even if they're deader than dead, I mean... they could explode for all you know.
>> IF the aggressors don't retaliate: Find Cheez, Ms. Monastery, and the Mighty Moriya Power Rangers. Shuffle through the strange deck of cards you wrought only two turns a short while ago. What makes them tick? you wonder. It seems like magic, but any sufficiently advanced technology... so on, so forth. There has to be some sort of mechanism, even if it's universal in nature and relates to this specific realm (which is most definitely not the Earth you know)... yet you can't shake the feeling that there is in fact some Magic of the Gathering variety going down here.
# mfw the canon of this story dictates that I am female
# I guess my profile info doesn't really help any, does it
[3] The shrine maiden and gap youkai are nowhere to be found. Whatever bigyihsuan did seems to have expelled them from the Human Village and the skies above it.
Kanako speaks to you telepathically once again:
"We barely made it, but I guess it's over now, isn't it? Feel free to come by when you've got time."
You can tell that they're at the Moriya Shrine. On the other hand, you find it hard to locate the other two.
Your gender is determined by two things: either the "gender" field in your profile or what I can gather from your avatar at the time of your first post. Keep in mind that you can always resurrect with a different gender (or species) if you die.
>Whimsical Melody "No Foresight"
>Music-themed! Let's do this! Bullets that bounce off everything with reckless abandon! Also applies "distracted by irritating music" debuff to everyone within radius.
>Go to where Haruko and her mother are hiding currently.
[4] The card glows as you enchant it with your powers of ROCK before dimming to reveal the finished product. You slip it into your pocket and fly off to the Myouren Temple, just in time to see an unmatched sock flying towards the north with a woman who he referred to as "Byakuren". The former is carrying the mother on his back, whose daughter clings on to the back of the latter. Whatever they're doing seems to be risky, so you follow behind them to serve as defense.
(read an unmatched sock's scenario for what happens next)
-
> The hell? Where are they? The fight's over already? Well, in that case, there's no point in sticking around here... Do a quick scan over the area for other
players outsiders. You'll need information off of them to see what you need to do next.
> (no nearby players) Or uh, should you head back to the temple? If the fight's not taking place here, you should check on Akina and Haruko.
-
>"Oh, well, I apologize for not introducing myself sooner. You may call me Sock. As for why I helped...well, the shrine maiden seemed slightly off, and Haruko and her were about to butt heads, but Reimu was obviously going to win that. I tried to calm her down, but when that didn't work, I just...grabbed Haruko and flew off to safety. From there, I made a promise to help her find you and get back home. And, well...this may not exactly be where your home was, but you're at least safe here. I may have died twice and Haruko may have been seriously injured twice, but in the end...we made it." Smile. "I didn't let you down."
>Turn to the younger of the Watsukis. "Haru...please be safe, and keep your mother safe as well. I don't think I can really coexist here in the Outside World anymore...rather obviously." Flap wings and heft gamma-ray gun arm. Huh, never actually got to use that. A shame. "I don't want to be corralled as some freak with weird explosion powers, kept in some creepy secret facility where I will be tested upon to find out my powers. So I will be returning to Gensokyo. Besides, someone has to rub it in the shrine maiden's face that you got away. That being said, it probably wouldn't be advised to come back to Gensokyo, at least in your lifetimes, or as long as Reimu lives...I doubt she'll forget this, unfortunately."
>Allow them to say what they want to.
>Turn to Byakuren. "We probably shouldn't hang around for too long. People might start to miss us." Back to the mother and daughter. "...I guess this is goodbye. I won't forget you, don't worry."
>*At this point, go with Byakuren back across the sea, back to Gensokyo.
*Note: I might have some retroactive comments, depending on what Haruko and Akina say.
-
>Monotone some more. "All systems nominal. This unit sees fit to praise you for your work..."
>Then break out in laughter. "Pffthahaha, I always wanted to do that! Say, what kind of person is so interested in science within Gensokyo like that? It is a bit dangerous, y'know."
-
> Turn to bigyihsuan:
"Hey, do you have any place to be? Basically the only other people I know are MIA or at the "Moriya shrine", so I'm probably headed back there. Would you care to join me?"
> If bigyihsuan joins your party: Blink with him to the shrine.
> Else: Blink alone.
> query@("bigyihsuan" OR "Moriya party"): the mysterious woman accompanying Reimu, nature of spell cards
> Commence Rocky-esque training at the shrine. Cue copyright-friendly, royalty-free MIDI (http://www.midiworld.com/download/3847).
> Search shrine grounds for questgivers and other players.
-
>"Well, that's one problem solved without much of my own input! Glad to know."
>Turn back, search for Yukari or Reimu to see what they're up to. Be prepare to meet bullets with vague attempts at negotiation and half-truths.
-
> Turn to bigyihsuan:
"Hey, do you have any place to be? Basically the only other people I know are MIA or at the "Moriya shrine", so I'm probably headed back there. Would you care to join me?"
> If bigyihsuan joins your party: Blink with him to the shrine.
> Else: Blink alone.
> query@("bigyihsuan" OR "Moriya party"): the mysterious woman accompanying Reimu, nature of spell cards
> Commence Rocky-esque training at the shrine. Cue copyright-friendly, royalty-free MIDI (http://www.midiworld.com/download/3847).
> Search shrine grounds for questgivers and other players.
>Yes, blink with Kappa.
>>Is the spell card "used up at all?
-
>Grab the needles and retreat back to Alice's house. We'll see if either Alice or Marisa know about the origin of these needles.
-
[Day: 4] [Time: Morning] [Weather: Snow]
> The hell? Where are they? The fight's over already? Well, in that case, there's no point in sticking around here... Do a quick scan over the area for other players outsiders. You'll need information off of them to see what you need to do next.
> (no nearby players) Or uh, should you head back to the temple? If the fight's not taking place here, you should check on Akina and Haruko.
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
You head back to the temple, but the people you're trying to find aren't there.
"You're too late. They left for the Outside World a bit over an hour ago... Don't worry, the mother and her daughter will make it home. They're under the care of two very capable people. If you stay around for one more turn a few more minutes, they should be back."
>"Oh, well, I apologize for not introducing myself sooner. You may call me Sock. As for why I helped...well, the shrine maiden seemed slightly off, and Haruko and her were about to butt heads, but Reimu was obviously going to win that. I tried to calm her down, but when that didn't work, I just...grabbed Haruko and flew off to safety. From there, I made a promise to help her find you and get back home. And, well...this may not exactly be where your home was, but you're at least safe here. I may have died twice and Haruko may have been seriously injured twice, but in the end...we made it." Smile. "I didn't let you down."
>Turn to the younger of the Watsukis. "Haru...please be safe, and keep your mother safe as well. I don't think I can really coexist here in the Outside World anymore...rather obviously." Flap wings and heft gamma-ray gun arm. Huh, never actually got to use that. A shame. "I don't want to be corralled as some freak with weird explosion powers, kept in some creepy secret facility where I will be tested upon to find out my powers. So I will be returning to Gensokyo. Besides, someone has to rub it in the shrine maiden's face that you got away. That being said, it probably wouldn't be advised to come back to Gensokyo, at least in your lifetimes, or as long as Reimu lives...I doubt she'll forget this, unfortunately."
>Allow them to say what they want to.
>Turn to Byakuren. "We probably shouldn't hang around for too long. People might start to miss us." Back to the mother and daughter. "...I guess this is goodbye. I won't forget you, don't worry."
>*At this point, go with Byakuren back across the sea, back to Gensokyo.
*Note: I might have some retroactive comments, depending on what Haruko and Akina say.
[4] "Oh [...] down."
"Thank you, Sock... I don't know what kind of miracles it may have took for this to happen, but we've made it past the worst. You may have revived, but I can't imagine the pain that you must've endured to see this day happen... You're a hero, and we'll always remember you as one."
BGM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URZ9ECuFXrc)
"Haru [...] obviously."
"Don't worry. We'll be able to get home safely."
"I [...] unfortunately."
"If you're able to, please do! And tell her I said 'hi'!"
"Haru... don't get this guy killed again..."
"No, mom. It's just a joke!"
"If I were you, I'd hold off on that. The way I see it, it's not in Reimu's best interest that Haruko and I left Gensokyo. I don't want her to take her anger out on you. Besides, who knows what that crazy girl will do to you once she finds out? I'm only wishing the best for you and your friends, so please consider my advice." (She is a mother, after all...)
"We [...] us."
"I'm surprised that we haven't caught anyone's attention yet. Still, you're right. We should probably leave this place before that happens."
"...I [...] worry."
"And we'll never forget you, either. From now on, every waking moment will be proof of what you've done for us."
Akina and Haruko bow at you and say their final words of gratitude before disappearing into the city streets:
"Arigatou... gozaimashita..."
...Not a single word was spoken on the way back to Gensokyo. As the two of you fly over the Youkai Mountain, you notice Kappa and bigyihsuan standing in front of the Moriya Shrine. Sanae notices you and greets you from below:
"Hey! Over here!"
Byakuren speaks in a voice loud enough that you can hear, but soft enough that those at the shrine below can't:
"Looks like you've got some getting-together! I'd love to come with you, but I have to rest up and check in with the rest of those at the temple. Come visit us the next time you're around!"
As she flies off towards the Myouren Temple, she says one more thing:
"If they ask, tell them what I just told you."
>Monotone some more. "All systems nominal. This unit sees fit to praise you for your work..."
>Then break out in laughter. "Pffthahaha, I always wanted to do that! Say, what kind of person is so interested in science within Gensokyo like that? It is a bit dangerous, y'know."
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
"Well, I guess it's time to introduce myself... I'm Rika, Gensokyo's finest engineer beyond the Kappa Valley! Most of the people left in the village are hardline adherents of the Hakurei Shrine, but that doesn't mean everyone is!"
Rika quiets down:
"In fact, most of the believers of science are hiding in this village. To answer your question, think of it this way: what would you do if you were born into an average human family in a place like this? The gods and youkai have their supernatural powers, the magicians have a whole arsenal of spells at their disposal, and that red-white inherits her powers without any effort on her part. Without harnessing the power of science and technology, normal humans would never stand a chance against threats."
> Turn to bigyihsuan:
"Hey, do you have any place to be? Basically the only other people I know are MIA or at the "Moriya shrine", so I'm probably headed back there. Would you care to join me?"
> If bigyihsuan joins your party: Blink with him to the shrine.
> Else: Blink alone.
> query@("bigyihsuan" OR "Moriya party"): the mysterious woman accompanying Reimu, nature of spell cards
> Commence Rocky-esque training at the shrine. Cue copyright-friendly, royalty-free MIDI (http://www.midiworld.com/download/3847).
> Search shrine grounds for questgivers and other players.
[4] You arrive at the Moriya Shrine and grab the attention of its residents.
In response to "the mysterious woman accompanying Reimu":
"That would be Yukari Yakumo, the youkai of boundaries. Quite fearsome, and definitely someone you'd want to avoid as much as you can. If she doesn't flat-out eat you, she'll drive you to mental insanity. Oh, and she's one of only two in Gensokyo who can freely cross the Great Hakurei Barrier without any opposition."
In response to "nature of spell cards":
"Spell cards are nothing more than a easy way to recall spells, whether they're offensive, defensive, or utilitarian. Most people use them to recall lesser-used or complicated ones, and only select a few out of their entire collection when engaging in battle. Once you've selected your 'deck', you must pick the right spell to use at the right time, because it's generally accepted that you'll only use a card once in a battle. Once you're out of cards, you can either surrender or resort to your most basic attacks. Most people just surrender at that point, especially if their opponent has undeclared spells."
Your training enhances your abilities, allowing you to make four more spell cards.
> Make your spells!
>"Well, that's one problem solved without much of my own input! Glad to know."
>Turn back, search for Yukari or Reimu to see what they're up to. Be prepare to meet bullets with vague attempts at negotiation and half-truths.
[1] Your gut feeling tells you that they're probably at the Hakurei Shrine, so you fly off towards it...
...Voices can be clearly heard coming from inside by the time you land, and you confidently slide open the door. Reimu charges towards you and pins you against the wall, pressing her gohei against your neck:
"I trusted you. If those two escaped... I'LL KILL YOU RIGHT NOW!!!"
Yukari responds from behind:
"Then do it, and I'll explain the rest."
A dull crack sounds as she pushes the hard wooden rod forward, leaving your body to fall to the ground.
"They escaped. Right under our eyes, they ESCAPED!"
You are dead.
>Yes, blink with Kappa.
>>Is the spell card "used up at all?
[2](+1) You successfully Blink to the Moriya Shrine with Kappa, though you're not used to traveling at such extreme speeds. Furthermore, you didn't brace yourself, so you end up with an intense headache that causes you to collapse shortly after your arrival.
(read Kappa's scenario for what happens next)
>Grab the needles and retreat back to Alice's house. We'll see if either Alice or Marisa know about the origin of these needles.
[4] You collect as many needles as you can, holding around half of the total amount in each hand on your way to Alice's house. Marisa doesn't look too surprised to see them.
"These are exorcism needles, Reimu's weapon of choice against humans. Just one can cause terrible pain, but with the amount you've got here, I'd say she was probably trying to kill someone instantly."
Alice takes one and carefully inspects it:
"These are designed to inflict as much pain as possible. See the barbed tips they have? Once these are stuck in your flesh, the only way to remove them is to push them out the other side or pull them back out. Either that, or you hope that she fired them right through you. Even then, you'd probably black out."
ITEM ACQUIRED: Exorcism needles (x66)
-
>"Ah, the homecoming party. Well, mission successful. Akina and Haruko have been delivered back to the Outside World, and Byakuren and I have returned here." If they ask, "She wanted to rest and get back to her disciples back at her temple."
>"Well...now that that is over, I...really don't have much else to do. I think I might go sight-seeing around Gensokyo, seeing as I haven't had much of an opportunity yet. Although...I've had a rather restless time recently. Do you mind if I stay here at the shrine for a day? The Yatagarasu may be recharged, but there's only so much my human body can take in a short time."
>Think fondly on Haruko and our little adventure. It only took about two, maybe three days, but it felt...much longer.
-
> "Huh... Well in that case, I have some other matters to attend to." Whatever those may be. Fighting Reimu is kind of a death wish, as you've figured out before. Revenge be damned, unless you're willing to risk permadeath to deliver the same onto her.
> Take off in some random direction away from the village, particularly away from the areas you've already explored. Avoid the bamboo forest, the mountain, the forest of magic, and of course the Hakurei Shrine. No, you wanna find some new environment to start up a new subplot encounter some new faces.
-
>Flip metaphorical table in response to the ineffable nature of the universe
>"WHY DOES NOBODY LISTEN TO ME"
>Respawn in place and start complaining
>"I'M JUST AS CLUELESS AS YOU NOW WILL SOMEONE PLEASE GIVE ME STRAIGHT ANSWERS!"
-
>Get up, I can brace myself next time.
>Can I make some spell cards, too?
if (canMakeSpellCards === true) {
makeSpellCards();
} else {
doTrainingForSpellCards();
}
-
>
At this rate, you're going to be Gensokyo's next EX boss Wow - with as many Spell Cards as you've accumulated, how can you lose? Then again, it seems like these terroristas aren't playing by the rules. Still, more firepower is better.
> Create Spell Cards (on the GOOD paper this time):
- Resonance "Infinite Harmonic Field" - Time: ∞ - Type: STANDARD
Begin firing aimed barrages of 3+2n bullets in 4+n directions - every wave is a new iteration, and each wave has higher speed. (i.e.: 5th wave of bullets would be faster than the 4th, and would be [n=5, 4+5 = 9] 9-directional, shooting [n=5, 3+2(5) = 13] 13 bullets in each direction.)
"A channeled attack which starts slow but builds up over time. If not stopped quickly, the attack can grow infinitely fast and essentially undodgeable." - Guidance "Dead-Eye Plasma Barrage" - Time: 60.00 - Type: STANDARD
Fire streams of bullets that sinusoidally oscillate between omnidirectional and a tight spread around the target, and fire superhot balls of plasma which are directed manually by magnetic pulses. To the untrained eye, they are simply homing in on the enemy. (Think "Cheeto" lasers.)
"Finding room to avoid arcing plasma that aims right for you is difficult when the walls are closing in around you tightly. Either make room, or die trying." - Disruption "Offensive Magnetolocation" - Time: 80.00 - Type: SURVIVAL
Encase the target in a magnetic field, and materialize a grid of bullets inside said field. Then shoot magnetic pulses that will send the bullets flying across the field and bouncing off the walls. If a pulse collides with the target, fire a high-speed stream of bullets their way.
"He's trapping you in his own personal magnetic radar system. Don't get caught by the sonar, or there'll be hell to pay." - "Bipolar Earth" - Time: 99.99+ - Type: FINAL
Encase the battlefield in a field with very strong positive and negative charges at each end. These charges are strong enough to attract even people (think final attack of SA, but on either side of you). Fire patterns of positive and negative bullets that will be drawn towards their opposite charge. Rampup as time/damage progresses.
"The world is split in two and, much like the real world, sticking to one side exclusively may not be the best option for you. If only you could change colors from white to black and back again... (http://ryuzie.sakura.ne.jp/ikaruga/text/chap1/warning.jpg)"
> Actively neglect to drink raw eggs. You don't even have eggs.
> query@(GM, Sanae): ability to shoot [magic?] bullets outside of Spell Cards; next mission for the Moriya Offensive.
"Hey, bigyihsuan - can I call you Big?... sorry for the whole - uh, yeah. You okay?
"What brings YOU to this crazy world, dare I ask?"
> Since nothing particularly eventful happens at this shrine (thankfully), now might be a good time to run a wide-range Maglocate. Look for trouble, relevant faces, so on, so forth. Report anything suspicious to your friendly neighborhood floating goddesses.
# If you're wondering why those cards are so specific... well, hell. These are totally legit Danmakufu fuel. Get on it, me.
-
>Nod sagely. "Mhhm, I feel you. Anyone would cling to the tiniest chance to achieve power in a land like this... It seems like that, on the tiny bit that I caught on the village. But then, standing up to that to that tyrant miko... It is a bold decision from you, to silently show defiance with such pride."
>Speaking of silently, safety measures GO. Engage long-distance radar.
-
"Hey, bigyihsuan - can I call you Big?... sorry for the whole - uh, yeah. You okay?
"What brings YOU to this crazy world, dare I ask?"
Add to my previous post:
"I'm fine. I just need to brace myself next time."
"I just mysteriously appeared here the night after I posted in a forum thread. Must have something to do with that."
-
((That's quite a few needles.))
>"Ah, I see. Then that lingers the question of who was Reimu after, and for what reason..." Examine the needles further to try and get information onto whom was attacked with these needles. Afterwards, proceed to head further north, past the location of the needles, to see what else this forest holds.
-
"I'm fine. I just need to brace myself next time."
"I just mysteriously appeared here the night after I posted in a forum thread. Must have something to do with that."
> __lastpost__.append:
"Really, now! I'm a physicist who was experimenting with magnetic forces to bend space-time, so I guess my being here is entirely my fault... but there's no physical phenomena I can think of that would account for your presence here. Tell me more, this is fascinating! Where did you post - what forum?"
-
> __lastpost__.append:
"Really, now! I'm a physicist who was experimenting with magnetic forces to bend space-time, so I guess my being here is entirely my fault... but there's no physical phenomena I can think of that would account for your presence here. Tell me more, this is fascinating! Where did you post - what forum?"
Repeat: Add to last post:
"A forum about where we are right now. The thread is a text-based roleplaying game, and the OP is using a die to pick what we're doing."
((OOC: You probably know what I'm talking about))
-
[Day: 4] [Time: Morning] [Weather: Snow]
>"Ah, the homecoming party. Well, mission successful. Akina and Haruko have been delivered back to the Outside World, and Byakuren and I have returned here." If they ask, "She wanted to rest and get back to her disciples back at her temple."
>"Well...now that that is over, I...really don't have much else to do. I think I might go sight-seeing around Gensokyo, seeing as I haven't had much of an opportunity yet. Although...I've had a rather restless time recently. Do you mind if I stay here at the shrine for a day? The Yatagarasu may be recharged, but there's only so much my human body can take in a short time."
>Think fondly on Haruko and our little adventure. It only took about two, maybe three days, but it felt...much longer.
[6] "Sure. Come on in."
You sit on the floor and lean against the wall, reminiscing about the past three days:
It all started when you found an antiquated laptop computer at a shrine on the eastern border of Gensokyo. Although this device seemed strange from the very moment you picked it up, you would have never expected it to be an important part of a grim and horrible incident that occured many weeks before your arrival. As you stood between the girl and the shrine maiden, you made a decision without much thought on your part. The young girl whom you saved from certain death introduced herself as Haruko Watsuki, whose father was slain as a result of crossing paths with the red-white miko. Just when you thought you found the perfect hiding place to spend the night, an accomplice of yours who stayed in front of the entrance to the hideout led the enemy right to you. You were ticked off, and as a result you executed a poorly-planned attack that led to your death and the destruction of the relic. As a ghostly spirit, you watched the helpless girl handing on to the last limb of life. At that moment, your perseverance allowed you to use a continue harness the power of the Yatagarasu and take on its form, saving Haruko seconds before hundreds of needles skewer her broken body. As she fell into unconsciousness, you heed her advice and head to the Moriya Shrine, where its miracle-maker of a miko and two goddesses make use of everyone's faith in bringing her back to life. While that is happening, it is revealed that the other Watsuki is also in Gensokyo through the recollections of a comrade's dream. Things take a turn for the worse when Reimu returns, carrying the Goddess of Death within her, killing you once more and quite literally leaving Haruko gasping for air. If it wasn't for Patorikku's activation of the Pendant of Miracles, all hope would have been lost. With the maiden of the Hakurei Shrine knocked out and a once-again healthy Haruko, you leave for the Human Village, where Akyuu offers to shelter the two of you in the basement under her mansion. As you hide with the girl, Sanae's "advertisement" to the people of the village attracts not only the shrine maiden, but also a fearsome youkai that you understand is working with her in enforcing Gensokyo's oldest and most important rules with no exceptions. As a flashy exhibition of spell cards takes place in the skies above the village, you hurry to the Myouren Temple, where a long and emotional reunion between mother and daughter takes place. After hearing of a way to leave Gensokyo out of everyone's sight and convincing the older of the Watsukis that it's in their best interest to leave Gensokyo, you team up with the monk of the temple and send the family to their homeland. All in all, you died twice and experienced pain you'd never want to feel again just to save a girl and her mother. Was it worth it? If anything, you've proven to the world that you help doesn't need to have any prequisites except for a caring heart and a burning passion. No, really. Was it really worth it? The Random Number God thanks you for your efforts and offers you the following achievement:
ACHIVEMENT UNLOCKED - Protector of the Innocent: Congratulations for reaching the first chapter's Good Ending! By sending Haruko and Akina to safety in the Outside World, you have been granted a Treasure!
KEY ITEM ACQUIRED: Trump Card: The ultimate form of "f*ck it, let's get this done". Your next action will succeed unconditionally, as if you rolled a [4].
> "Huh... Well in that case, I have some other matters to attend to." Whatever those may be. Fighting Reimu is kind of a death wish, as you've figured out before. Revenge be damned, unless you're willing to risk permadeath to deliver the same onto her.
> Take off in some random direction away from the village, particularly away from the areas you've already explored. Avoid the bamboo forest, the mountain, the forest of magic, and of course the Hakurei Shrine. No, you wanna find some new environment to start up a new subplot encounter some new faces.
[2](+1) You don't have much options... In the far north is the Youkai Mountain, and to the immediate south is the Bamboo Forest of the Lost. To the east is the Hakurei Shrine, leaving the west as the only path worth taking. Along the way, the road splits into two paths. You remember that the left path leads to the Forest of Magic, so you take the right path in hopes of finding something new...
...There's a lake covered by a blanket of mist, and it seems the temperature has dropped even further by the time you're at the shore. Even the falling snow seems to increase in density. As you marvel at the scenery, a fairy flies towards you from behind and bunps into you. Normally, this wouldn't scare you too much, but the general paranoia that comes with being in an unknown place causes your legs to give. A thud echoes as you catch your fall with your hands, sending the fairy flying off into the distance.
>Flip metaphorical table in response to the ineffable nature of the universe
>"WHY DOES NOBODY LISTEN TO ME"
>Respawn in place and start complaining
>"I'M JUST AS CLUELESS AS YOU NOW WILL SOMEONE PLEASE GIVE ME STRAIGHT ANSWERS!"
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
Reimu walks back to you and prepares to mercilessly stab you multiple times before Yukari grabs her hand.
"Don't kill her this time. With a bit of convincing, she might join us. Stay back, and let me handle it this time."
The shrine maiden growls as she steps back.
"Fine. But what if she doesn't listen?"
"Then I'll leave her fate for you to decide."
The gap youkai looks you right in the eyes and speaks in the way a mother would to her misbehaving child:
"Two humans that know of Gensokyo were just sent to the Outside World... DO YOU KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS?! Aarrrrrgh... this is why Outsiders like you are so annoying."
She places her left hand over your face and prepares to claw it beyond recognition before she realizes that you might be able to understand her reasoning.
"Do you think the death of two insignificant humans would mean anything to anyone here besides you? You're in a paradise, sealed away from the corrupted world beyond its borders, where there exist things beyond your very limited knowledge: Gods, Youkai, Fairies, Ghosts, and extraordinary humans that are only spoken of in legends where you come from. If proof of Gensokyo's existence spreads to the outside, people will begin to find its entrance. Once they enter, they will wage war on us. When that happens, there will be enough bloodshed to paint every last bit of the ground crimson. Millions upon millions will die, and this land, that I've created and treasure, will disappear along with everything that depends on it... Now, I ask of you one favor: Will you bring them back to me, or will you face horrors beyond your worst nightmares?"
>Get up, I can brace myself next time.
>Can I make some spell cards, too?
if (canMakeSpellCards === true) {
makeSpellCards();
} else {
doTrainingForSpellCards();
}
[1] After creating a seemingly functional spell card, it misfires and instantly kills you.
You are dead.
> At this rate, you're going to be Gensokyo's next EX boss Wow - with as many Spell Cards as you've accumulated, how can you lose? Then again, it seems like these terroristas aren't playing by the rules. Still, more firepower is better.
> Create Spell Cards (on the GOOD paper this time):
- Resonance "Infinite Harmonic Field" - Time: ∞ - Type: STANDARD
Begin firing aimed barrages of 3+2n bullets in 4+n directions - every wave is a new iteration, and each wave has higher speed. (i.e.: 5th wave of bullets would be faster than the 4th, and would be [n=5, 4+5 = 9] 9-directional, shooting [n=5, 3+2(5) = 13] 13 bullets in each direction.)
"A channeled attack which starts slow but builds up over time. If not stopped quickly, the attack can grow infinitely fast and essentially undodgeable." - Guidance "Dead-Eye Plasma Barrage" - Time: 60.00 - Type: STANDARD
Fire streams of bullets that sinusoidally oscillate between omnidirectional and a tight spread around the target, and fire superhot balls of plasma which are directed manually by magnetic pulses. To the untrained eye, they are simply homing in on the enemy. (Think "Cheeto" lasers.)
"Finding room to avoid arcing plasma that aims right for you is difficult when the walls are closing in around you tightly. Either make room, or die trying." - Disruption "Offensive Magnetolocation" - Time: 80.00 - Type: SURVIVAL
Encase the target in a magnetic field, and materialize a grid of bullets inside said field. Then shoot magnetic pulses that will send the bullets flying across the field and bouncing off the walls. If a pulse collides with the target, fire a high-speed stream of bullets their way.
"He's trapping you in his own personal magnetic radar system. Don't get caught by the sonar, or there'll be hell to pay." - "Bipolar Earth" - Time: 99.99+ - Type: FINAL
Encase the battlefield in a field with very strong positive and negative charges at each end. These charges are strong enough to attract even people (think final attack of SA, but on either side of you). Fire patterns of positive and negative bullets that will be drawn towards their opposite charge. Rampup as time/damage progresses.
"The world is split in two and, much like the real world, sticking to one side exclusively may not be the best option for you. If only you could change colors from white to black and back again... (http://ryuzie.sakura.ne.jp/ikaruga/text/chap1/warning.jpg)"
> Actively neglect to drink raw eggs. You don't even have eggs.
> query@(GM, Sanae): ability to shoot [magic?] bullets outside of Spell Cards; next mission for the Moriya Offensive.
"Hey, bigyihsuan - can I call you Big?... sorry for the whole - uh, yeah. You okay?
"What brings YOU to this crazy world, dare I ask?"
> Since nothing particularly eventful happens at this shrine (thankfully), now might be a good time to run a wide-range Maglocate. Look for trouble, relevant faces, so on, so forth. Report anything suspicious to your friendly neighborhood floating goddesses.
# If you're wondering why those cards are so specific... well, hell. These are totally legit Danmakufu fuel. Get on it, me.
[3] You can shoot magic bullets without resorting to spell cards. As mentioned earlier, they're used for recalling complicated or lesser-used spells.
There doesn't appear to be any quests or missions as of now. For some reason unknown to you, you can't sense those very far from where you are. In your immediate vicinity are the regulars of the Moriya Shrine. Along with them are an unmatched sock and bigyihsuan. That doesn't help much, because you can literally see them. The former seems to be reminiscing about the events that unfolded during the past few days, and the latter just killed himself playing with magic (https://youtu.be/0KSOMA3QBU0?t=49s). The farthest signs of life you can register seem to be nothing more than that of fairies.
I thought so... These would makeepic danmakufu attacks. Now, if only someone would code them...
>Nod sagely. "Mhhm, I feel you. Anyone would cling to the tiniest chance to achieve power in a land like this... It seems like that, on the tiny bit that I caught on the village. But then, standing up to that to that tyrant miko... It is a bold decision from you, to silently show defiance with such pride."
>Speaking of silently, safety measures GO. Engage long-distance radar.
[3](+1) "Like I said, it's the only way for most humans to gain some degree of power in this land. I mean, most fairies and a few weaker youkai wouldn't stand a chance against me. If anything, it's proof that any regular human can pose a threat to those that wish to cause harm. That being said, anything beyond those are still something I'd be cautious of."
There doesn't seem to be anything that would pose a threat and is capable of reaching your current location within more than a few turns hours.
Threat level: Very low
((That's quite a few needles.))
>"Ah, I see. Then that lingers the question of who was Reimu after, and for what reason..." Examine the needles further to try and get information onto whom was attacked with these needles. Afterwards, proceed to head further north, past the location of the needles, to see what else this forest holds.
[2] The needles look like they hit the ground without passing through human flesh, as they're still shiny. After taking your leave and heading further north, you fail to find anything out of the ordinary beyond a mist-covered lake. These exist elsewhere, right?
-
> Get up and get a knife out. Keep it in sight of the fairy as you turn. "Watch yourself! What do you think you're pulling, running into me like that?"
> There's probably no need for violence here, but keep on guard anyhow. Fairies around here are... Well, from what you gathered from the last bunch, they aren't insanely bright.
-
>Get a bit of sleep. Allocate a skill point or two. Or all of them. Overall, it's been a long day.
>>Failing that, mull about a bit, then finally ask Sanae or someone if there's any tasks I can do so I don't completely freeload for the day.
-
> Recoil in horror at the fate of bigyihsuan! Oh god, his head- no, wait, is that... nope, it's just gone. GONE. Oh god... uh...
< Eh, he'll probably just come back like you did... somehow.
> Ponder own relative power level. I mean, you scored some definitive hits on what appears to be this realm's very own Billy The Kid, so that's gotta be worth something, right?
>> Later, after Sock regains consciousness, pitch him on how he could own his very own Edge of Glory for only 3 easy payments of $19.99 joining forces with you and bigyihsuan - if bigyihsuan is even alive, that is. Big seems to have (had?) his own fair share of unadulterated power, and Sock looks like he's seen some sh!t of his own. You wonder about the circumstances of how he found himself here. Were they as impromptu as Big's... or yours?
To nobody in particular: "Well, this Sock guy is here, but... I guess nothing just needs doing right now. Hm."
> Offer to maintain the shrine a bit, should it need any work done. You intend to hold true to your promise of heavy lifting when it's needed. And I'm sure a new story arc will start up soon enough
# When I'm on a computer that doesn't totally suck, I want to make these cards a DNH reality.
-
>"So all they have to do is keep absolutely silent about it."
>"Personally I don't like killing. It's worse, being on the receiving end of it."
>"Now persuasion or threats however, seem just as effective. Howzabout I convince them to keep quiet?"
>"That SHOULD quench your bloodthirst, right? Good."
>Fly out, follow from where Haruko + mom were seen last
-
>Smile and nod. "As long as you keep yourself safe, I guess anything's fair game. Now then, I do believe that I am indebted to you for this great favor! Is there anything you might need from me? If there's anything I can be helpful with, then don't hesitate to ask."
-
>"A misty lake huh..." Sigh in disappointment, and find nearby rocks to start skipping across the lake with to pass the time.
-
[1] After creating a seemingly functional spell card, it misfires and instantly kills you.
You are dead.
Dammit. Again. Is this the third time I've died?
>Respawn where I died.
-
[Day: 4] [Time: Noon] [Weather: Snow]
> Get up and get a knife out. Keep it in sight of the fairy as you turn. "Watch yourself! What do you think you're pulling, running into me like that?"
> There's probably no need for violence here, but keep on guard anyhow. Fairies around here are... Well, from what you gathered from the last bunch, they aren't insanely bright.
[6] The fairy turns around and flies back to land in front of you. She appears to be one of the larger variety, with the stature of a twelve-year-old human child. Her happy-go-lucky expression makes you wonder why you even bothered to pull out the knife you're holding in your hand.
"Oh... You're not hurt? Sorry, I was looking for a friend of mine. Care to help me find her?"
It seems that you've finally found something to do that doesn't involve senseless killing... right?
>Get a bit of sleep. Allocate a skill point or two. Or all of them. Overall, it's been a long day.
>>Failing that, mull about a bit, then finally ask Sanae or someone if there's any tasks I can do so I don't completely freeload for the day.
[3] After a short rest, you decide that there's better things to do. As the last remnants of yesterday's standoff melt away along with the fallen snow, you approach the wind priestess in search of something to do...
"Well, it would be nice if you could find a way to harness the power of the Yatagarasu in generating heat and warmth."
> Recoil in horror at the fate of bigyihsuan! Oh god, his head- no, wait, is that... nope, it's just gone. GONE. Oh god... uh...
< Eh, he'll probably just come back like you did... somehow.
> Ponder own relative power level. I mean, you scored some definitive hits on what appears to be this realm's very own Billy The Kid, so that's gotta be worth something, right?
>> Later, after Sock regains consciousness, pitch him on how he could own his very own Edge of Glory for only 3 easy payments of $19.99 joining forces with you and bigyihsuan - if bigyihsuan is even alive, that is. Big seems to have (had?) his own fair share of unadulterated power, and Sock looks like he's seen some sh!t of his own. You wonder about the circumstances of how he found himself here. Were they as impromptu as Big's... or yours?
To nobody in particular: "Well, this Sock guy is here, but... I guess nothing just needs doing right now. Hm."
> Offer to maintain the shrine a bit, should it need any work done. You intend to hold true to your promise of heavy lifting when it's needed. And I'm sure a new story arc will start up soon enough
# When I'm on a computer that doesn't totally suck, I want to make these cards a DNH reality.
[6] The shrine is in decent shape, and it doesn't look like it needs any renovations or maintenance. If you hadn't been looking in the direction of the Human Village, you wouldn't have seen smoke rising from its location. Something seems to be happening there, and you can't help but Blink there, where a man is ringing the bell you almost ended up fusing with upon your first arrival. Next to it, you see what was causing all the smoke: A collection of logs has been set on fire, presumably to act as a warning signal. Between each strike of the bell, the man yells to the gathering crowd:
"TAKE SHELTER IN YOUR HOME AND DO NOT LEAVE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE! THERE'S BEEN REPORTS OF YOUKAI SIGHTED NEAR THE VILLAGE!"
Indeed, there are several figures flying about not too far from the walls surrounding the village. You take a moment to think to yourself: "If flying is such an ubiquitous ability throughout Gensokyo, what's the point of surrounding the village with walls that seem useless in a situation such as this?"
>"So all they have to do is keep absolutely silent about it."
>"Personally I don't like killing. It's worse, being on the receiving end of it."
>"Now persuasion or threats however, seem just as effective. Howzabout I convince them to keep quiet?"
>"That SHOULD quench your bloodthirst, right? Good."
>Fly out, follow from where Haruko + mom were seen last
[2](+1) Before anyone can say or do anything, you duck down and roll out through the opened door to take flight to the sky. You half-expected a volley of whatever Reimu and/or Yukari felt like firing at you to turn you into a shower of blood, but nothing of the sort happens. In fact, they didn't even leave the shrine...
...As you fly over the Myouren Temple, past the Youkai Mountain, and across the sea leading to the island-city of Sado, you realize that you'd never find the girl and her mother among the bustling streets and towering skyscrapers. What were you thinking? It was already quite difficult to find them in Gensokyo, but now you're looking at the entirety of Japan. At least you wouldn't attract anyone's attention as long as you keep in mind that humans don't normally fly on their own.
>Smile and nod. "As long as you keep yourself safe, I guess anything's fair game. Now then, I do believe that I am indebted to you for this great favor! Is there anything you might need from me? If there's anything I can be helpful with, then don't hesitate to ask."
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
"There's something I've always wanted to do, but was never able to because I felt that I wouldn't be able to. Thanks to the recent incident and the mass killing that took place as part of it, everyone believes that science can't stand a chance against the supernatural. But when the few of us join hands and strike fear among the youkai, we'll finally gain the respect we've been kept away from for so long. The dawn of a new era will fall upon Gensokyo... One that explains the unknown with logic and proven processes rather than the words of those that hold power they can and will abuse. For the first time, the village shall be freed from the restraints placed upon them by year after year of oppression."
Rika looks at you, her eyes gleaming with hope:
"So, what do you think? Does that sound like a plan?"
The moment of silence she gives you to make your calculations considerations is broken by the sound of a bell. It seems to be coming from the village, and a man's voice can be heard between each ring.
Threat level: Medium
>"A misty lake huh..." Sigh in disappointment, and find nearby rocks to start skipping across the lake with to pass the time.
[4] After sitting around and doing nothing but skipping rocks across the lake, you realize that quite some time has passed. The falling snow doesn't seem to subside, and chilly gusts of wind blow at you in regular intervals.
Dammit. Again. Is this the third time I've died?
>Respawn where I died.
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
Your body twitches as you come back to life. Nothing significant seemed to have happened between the time you died and now, so you stand up and carefully stretch your arms and legs out. While you do that, you think to yourself that there's got to be a moment when you end up dying again, only to revive in a different body with no way of finding your current one. It reminds you of a certain genre of video game, where the death of the player results in the loss of all acquired inventory and skills. Furthermore, you realize that you're completely under the mercy of a very unpredictable god, who seems to both satisfy and enrage helpless players souls on a whim.
I'm not keeping track of how many times you've died. It doesn't matter that much, since dying is nothing more than a minor inconvenience with regards to this game.
-
>"Was it really this cold before...? Or...I wonder..." Fire stars all around me, just in case of there being a threat nearby.
-
> Pocket that knife with an embarrassed look on your face.
> "Sure. What does she look like?"
> Once you get the specifics on who you're looking for, start searching about.
> Acknowledge how the environment around you reminds you of the holidays back in the outside world.
-
>Now that I'm revived, check myself for anything lost.
>Fly to the Human Village. I gotta check this out.
-
>"Sure, I could give it a try. Can't say I didn't expect such a request... Do you have a heater, electronic or otherwise, or am I to provide the warmth myself?"
>>If an already existing heater, go to it (or have Sanae lead) and try to heat that up to a cozy temperature.
>>If I have to provide the heat myself, uh...make a small, but very heat-generating sun and set it somewhere it won't be in the way or set anything aflame. Again, cozy temperature.
>Don a Santa hat for festivities
-
# You know as well as I do: the only reason they built that wall - with OUR tax dollars, mind you - is so they could have an excuse to say "On this day, humankind received a grim reminder: we lived in fear of the youkai." I'm hardly amused.
> Pinpoint the location of the invading youkai. You still don't know exactly what a "youkai" is, but it's never too soon to find out. All you greenhorns wantin' to see youkai up close... this is gonna be your lucky day!
"You! Flying invaders! State your business here!"
> Have your Spell Cards at the ready. You're not entirely ready to assume the worst of these guys, but you're not quite willing to write them off as harmless passers-by either. Perhaps you might get a chance to show off your fancy new magic.
>> If the targets do not respond, or express ill intent, trap them with one of your latest creations. Declare Disruption "Offensive Magnetolocation" and, in the 80 seconds it runs for, simultaneously Maglocate the signature of Big and send him a little message asking for some help. Worst case scenario, they actually outlast it, and you end up needing the backup... or not, since you have 8 other weapons of mass destruction at the ready. Best case scena
>> If they claim to be passing through, or don't act dumb, follow them through to ensure they don't cause trouble. Keep those Cards at the ready.
< query@GM: own relative power level?
> You're feeling festive, oddly enough. You've lost some track of time - what day is it on the outside?
-
>"Now, if I were a recent escapee from a land of fantasy, where would I go?"
>"Forget this, I've never been good at anticipating others."
>Ask around for people of Haruko and mom's description.
-
>Look thoughtful for a while. "I'm all up for proving that the sciences can hold as much power as magic and all, but... Well, let's say that engaging in terrorism is no better than what's going on right now. After all you'd go from being the oppressed to being the oppressor, you know."
>Then, smirk at the bell alarm going off. "However, a demonstration of power to defend the village from attackers is A-OK! And it seems the prime opportunity is at hand~"
-
[Day: 4] [Time: Late noon] [Weather: Snow]
>"Was it really this cold before...? Or...I wonder..." Fire stars all around me, just in case of there being a threat nearby.
[2] You find it hard to do that in the cold. There are fairies flying about in the distance, though they don't seem like they're a threat.
> Pocket that knife with an embarrassed look on your face.
> "Sure. What does she look like?"
> Once you get the specifics on who you're looking for, start searching about.
> Acknowledge how the environment around you reminds you of the holidays back in the outside world.
[4] "Blue hair, blue-and-white shirt, icy crystal wings, about the same size as me."
As you and the fairy search nearby, you mention to her a holiday known as "Christmas". To your surprise, she seems to know what that is. To prove it, she leads you to a nearby tree with all sorts of things lying around it.
"This is our Christmas tree! Every year, everyone brings something and sends it to their best friend by writing their name on it and putting it here."
>Now that I'm revived, check myself for anything lost.
>Fly to the Human Village. I gotta check this out.
[2](+1) You asked to be revived in the same body, and as such you still have everything you had before you died...
...As you near the village, a large flock of crow-like birds block the way forward.
>"Sure, I could give it a try. Can't say I didn't expect such a request... Do you have a heater, electronic or otherwise, or am I to provide the warmth myself?"
>>If an already existing heater, go to it (or have Sanae lead) and try to heat that up to a cozy temperature.
>>If I have to provide the heat myself, uh...make a small, but very heat-generating sun and set it somewhere it won't be in the way or set anything aflame. Again, cozy temperature.
>Don a Santa hat for festivities
[3] "Sure [...] myself?"
"Well, we do have this..."
She points to an old electric heater in a corner of the shrine. You focus a narrow beam of nuclear-energy-derived electricity at the plug...
...The heating coil begins to glow red, signifying that the thing still works. However, powering this heater seems to be quite strenuous, because you start feeling weakened. Perhaps a self-sustaining nuclear sun would do better.
# You know as well as I do: the only reason they built that wall - with OUR tax dollars, mind you - is so they could have an excuse to say "On this day, humankind received a grim reminder: we lived in fear of the youkai." I'm hardly amused.
> Pinpoint the location of the invading youkai. You still don't know exactly what a "youkai" is, but it's never too soon to find out. All you greenhorns wantin' to see youkai up close... this is gonna be your lucky day!
"You! Flying invaders! State your business here!"
> Have your Spell Cards at the ready. You're not entirely ready to assume the worst of these guys, but you're not quite willing to write them off as harmless passers-by either. Perhaps you might get a chance to show off your fancy new magic.
>> If the targets do not respond, or express ill intent, trap them with one of your latest creations. Declare Disruption "Offensive Magnetolocation" and, in the 80 seconds it runs for, simultaneously Maglocate the signature of Big and send him a little message asking for some help. Worst case scenario, they actually outlast it, and you end up needing the backup... or not, since you have 8 other weapons of mass destruction at the ready. Best case scena
>> If they claim to be passing through, or don't act dumb, follow them through to ensure they don't cause trouble. Keep those Cards at the ready.
< query@GM: own relative power level?
> You're feeling festive, oddly enough. You've lost some track of time - what day is it on the outside?
[4] Surely enough, a sizeable flock of large black birds seems to be closing in on the village. They don't look like they're leaving, and if anything, they look like they're here to cause trouble.
"Disruption 「Offensive Magnetolocation」!"
Almost instantly, a grid of bouncing bullets materialize around the flock. As the birds continue flying about, some of them collide with the balls of energy, sending the rest flying towards the site of collision. You smile as you figure that you'd be above average, at least when compared with the villagers. On the other hand, your failed attempt at taking down the gap youkai was not only embarassed you as you almost died as a result of your own attack, but also reminded you that you're far from being Gensokyo's top dog. If that wasn't disconcerting enough, there's also the shrine maiden whose attacks don't seem to be affected by your manipulation of magnetism. Even though she probably took advantage of whatever god's powers she was channeling at the time, the fact that she took a street lamp flying at near-instantaneous speeds to her back and survived without a bruise leaves you quite unnerved.
The snowy weather reminds you of a certain holiday that's taking place in the world beyond the Barrier. You'd try and leave, but you figure that by the time you make it out, several days will have passed since now. More importantly, you'd have to find a way to slip by the two assailants you came face-to-face with as they planned out how they'd kill you.
>"Now, if I were a recent escapee from a land of fantasy, where would I go?"
>"Forget this, I've never been good at anticipating others."
>Ask around for people of Haruko and mom's description.
[2] After describing the two to several random people that care to listen, you either get different answers or no answer at all.
>Look thoughtful for a while. "I'm all up for proving that the sciences can hold as much power as magic and all, but... Well, let's say that engaging in terrorism is no better than what's going on right now. After all you'd go from being the oppressed to being the oppressor, you know."
>Then, smirk at the bell alarm going off. "However, a demonstration of power to defend the village from attackers is A-OK! And it seems the prime opportunity is at hand~"
[2](+1) "What we're doing to the youkai is nothing like what you'd think! All we want to do is show them that we aren't as weak as everyone wants us to be, and that we can defend ourselves if need be. With that said, don't cause them too much pain. Our goal is to demonstrate our powers without being abusive!"
As Rika puts on jet-propelled rocket boots, you engage the thrusters located on your shoulders and feet. The two of you step outside and take to the skies to see a swarm of birds trapped in a danmaku field.
"Don't engage them yet. It's always better to plan an attack out before charging in without any preparations."
LEFT GUN: 2000/2000 RIGHT GUN: 2000/2000
ROCKETS: 25/25 BEAM CANNON: 40?C (NORMAL)
Threat level: Medium
-
>Try and communicate with the fairies, and see if they know of the recent events that have been happening inside of the forest.
-
>Stop and arm myself with a spell card.
>Watch the cloud of birds.
-
>"Hmm...Sanae, wouldn't it be a bit easier for me to make a small, self-sustaining sun? Would warm up faster...and tire me less."
>>If yes, make a small sun. Self-sustaining. Neat.
-
>So doing a reasonable thing doesn't work either, huh?
>Pick a direction, any direction! Have faith in blind luck, because it sure as heck ain't having faith in me!
-
>"Heh, I guess it's just an outsider's flawed perception acting up. I guess I owe you an apology, mistress!"
>Gauge her reaction to that last word. Fufufu.
>Also, map out how the battlefield's looking. Enemy location and number, ally location, spell card range.
-
> Welp. Christmas acknowledged, but you should celebrate upon finding the blue fairy. Keep up your search for her.
-
[Day: 4] [Time: Early afternoon] [Weather: Light snow]
>Try and communicate with the fairies, and see if they know of the recent events that have been happening inside of the forest.
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
You approach the fairies in the distance, who seem to be playing a game of tag. One of them notices you and yells at everyone to stop...
..."A few days ago I saw red-white threatening to kill this guy. He looked like he was lost, and she almost stuck a needle into his back."
Another fairy suddenly gets excited:
"Wait, you did!!! Tell me, where was it?"
Yet another fairy joins the conversation:
"How come you always find interesting things?"
A fourth fairy flies up out of the bunch:
"Wait... did this have something to do with the green light-thing in the sky?"
>Stop and arm myself with a spell card.
>Watch the cloud of birds.
[6] The youkai birds continue flying around in the field of bullets. There seems to be an opening where you can fire into. Perhaps it might be in your advantage to do so in case any of them get loose...
>"Hmm...Sanae, wouldn't it be a bit easier for me to make a small, self-sustaining sun? Would warm up faster...and tire me less."
>>If yes, make a small sun. Self-sustaining. Neat.
[1] "Oh, yeah. I totally forgot that you can just do that!"
As you concentrate the atoms in the air to create a self-sustaining ball of fusion-generated heat, you somehow pull your own atoms into the sun.
You are dead.
>So doing a reasonable thing doesn't work either, huh?
>Pick a direction, any direction! Have faith in blind luck, because it sure as heck ain't having faith in me!
[6] Disappointed and hopeless, you turn around to see Haruko and Akina walking out from a bank. The girl notices you and points in your direction:
"Mom, look! It's her! She came back, too!"
The two quickly make their way to you as soon as there's an opening among the pedestrians:
"So you've decided to escape as well, huh? That's a good choice, staying in there will only put you in danger."
The woman looks at you intently for a while before speaking to you quietly:
"You didn't have any weird abilities back in Gensokyo, did you? Are you here for something?"
>"Heh, I guess it's just an outsider's flawed perception acting up. I guess I owe you an apology, mistress!"
>Gauge her reaction to that last word. Fufufu.
>Also, map out how the battlefield's looking. Enemy location and number, ally location, spell card range.
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
"Heh [...] mistress!"
Rika blushes and smiles at you. For years, boys and girls alike have dreamt of having a robot companion at their side. Therefore, it's natural for someone like her to respond in such a way. You smile back at her and turn your attention to the scene in front of you as you survey the situation:
- Caught in a danmaku field are several youkai birds. They show up as red dots on the radar overlay, and are outlined in the same color when they're within your view.
- Allies are outlined in blue, and they also show up on the radar. These include Rika, Kappa, and bigyihsuan. Arrows near the four sides of your view also provide a quick indication of where they are in relation to your current position.
- You don't have spell cards. That doesn't matter, though, since you are armed with several fully-loaded weapons.
LEFT GUN: 2000/2000 RIGHT GUN: 2000/2000
ROCKETS: 25/25 BEAM CANNON: 38?C (NORMAL)
Threat level: Medium
> Welp. Christmas acknowledged, but you should celebrate upon finding the blue fairy. Keep up your search for her.
[4] As you and the green-haired fairy look around, you notice what looks like your target flying in your direction a good distance from where you're standing.
-
>"Did this red-white lady manage to hit the guy with any needles...?" Respond to the fairy that asked about the green light. "I'm not certain, but something leads me to believe so. Tell me, does red-white usually hunt down humans?"
-
>I...but...ugh. Reform exactly like how I disintegrated, except on the opposite side of the sun, then lean around to show Sanae that I'm fine. "Meant to do that. Yeah."
>To Yatagarasu: "Hey, uh...what just happened? You doing OK there, buddy?"
There's...there's no backup commands I can make for this. Either I revive, or I don't and have to try again. Or worse, die the death while dead. I don't wanna be a ghoooost!
-
>Use the spellcard, and ATTACK FIRE MAIM KILL
-
> Point out the fairy's location to her friend. Follow her lead on this one. You're still not sure how to act around most fairies.
-
>"Yo. I'm here to tell you that Yukari is trying to get me to take you two back in for her to deal with."
>"Buuuut I'm not going to take you guys."
>"Point is, she's in a bit of a panic."
>"She thinks you two will start telling everyone about Gensokyo. And that's not good."
>"She's a paranoid woman, so she thinks everyone from Outside will start invading, and then it would be war."
>"Personally I think too many people coming in will either die or make the place a bit of a mess. I mean, you've SEEN the outside world, right?"
>"So, she's probably going to silence you two permanently if she gets her hands on you."
>"My solution? Make sure you two don't tell anyone. Nonlethally, hear me out."
>"Seriously. She's got me under threat of death, and I'm not willing to come back unless I'm successful."
>"Okay, you two don't tell ANYONE about Gensokyo. We clear?"
>"And I don't mean 'I'll only tell my closest friends who wouldn't ever spill a secret' nobody. I mean NOBODY. Last thing I want to happen is the rumor mill gets ahold of this and Reimu kills me. Again."
>"Make sure your excuses for when people start asking questions are half plausible, or they at least stop people from digging deeper."
>"I wish I had special powers just to magic the memories out of your head, but evidently I'm just really good at music."
>"It's really best for all of us if you two just don't talk about it. It's not like the experience was worth bragging about, right?"
>"Also, please please PLEASE don't be spiteful and start spreading information. I'm first on the chopping block if word does get out, and I will find a way to haunt you."
>"You think I'm joking, but remember I've come back from the dead three times. I'm sure I can do something for a fourth."
>"We clear on this?"
>shrug
>"I mean, I'm going back because if nothing else I need to prove that I didn't flake out. Also, besides this whole 'getting killed' business, I like it in there. I have a job!"
>"Anyway, no hard feelings on my part. Don't take it personally, but I hope to never see you two again after this, because if I do something has gone horribly wrong and I may be dead permanently."
>Draw up a list of convenient excuses for them to use.
-
>The spellcard has a cage-like effect, no? If so observe any openings that might open, and be ready to spray bullets on any enemies that might want to get through.
-
> Confirm that the attackers are, in fact, hopelessly contained in a bubble of their own personal hell. Keep the pressure on for as long as it'll last, and call out to the reinforcements around you:
"Hey guys! Every bullet you care to pump into this thing is one more for the war effort! Open fire at will!"
> If this attack is drawing to a close, get Resonance "Infinite Harmonic Field" ready. Not that you'll actually need it... probably, but if any of these youkai - is that what they are? - puts up a fight after this, they'll surely be too exhausted to quickly return fire. Your attack should be allowed to snowball to a ridiculous extent, and that'll be that.
> For some odd reason, the genesis of your master plan evokes a name to your mind: Gengetsu. You don't know who that is or why your idea made you think of that name, but you decide to call this power combo (should it work) "Operation Gengetsu".
-
[Day: 4] [Time: Afternoon] [Weather: Snow]
>"Did this red-white lady manage to hit the guy with any needles...?" Respond to the fairy that asked about the green light. "I'm not certain, but something leads me to believe so. Tell me, does red-white usually hunt down humans?"
[3](+1) "Did [...] needles...?"
"Not at all! He ran away in a hurry right before she could do that. It was still scary, though."
"I'm [...] so."
The fairy looks like she expected your answer.
"Tell [...] humans?"
"No, she doesn't. Or at least I don't think so... There was a witch that told me that she's after some humans that are trying to destroy Gensokyo. She lives in the forest. Maybe she can tell you more about that if you find her."
>I...but...ugh. Reform exactly like how I disintegrated, except on the opposite side of the sun, then lean around to show Sanae that I'm fine. "Meant to do that. Yeah."
>To Yatagarasu: "Hey, uh...what just happened? You doing OK there, buddy?"
There's...there's no backup commands I can make for this. Either I revive, or I don't and have to try again. Or worse, die the death while dead. I don't wanna be a ghoooost!
[4] You may no longer have a physical body, but that doesn't mean you've lost control of the nuclear sun. As if someone hit the "rewind" button, your body reforms next to the nuclear sun in the exact opposite way as when it got sucked in.
"Wow... I never knew you could do that!"
"Hey [...] buddy?"
"Shouldn't I be the one to ask you that question? As the sun grows larger, you need to step away from it or else you'll get sucked in like that. Be careful next time! If you had waited any longer, you wouldn't have been able to recreate your body. Nuclear fusion is serious stuff, yo!"
>Use the spellcard, and ATTACK FIRE MAIM KILL
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
Just as Kappa's spellcard times out, you follow up with another barrage of bullets that close on the youkai birds from all sides. Most of them get hit by the red balls and light drop to the ground, and the remaining birds fly away as soon as they realize how powerful your attack is.
> Point out the fairy's location to her friend. Follow her lead on this one. You're still not sure how to act around most fairies.
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
The green-haired fairy standing next to you flies up and fires a few bullets in the direction of the oncoming fairy, who doesn't change her direction as those weren't meant to hit anyone.
"Cirno! Over here!"
...
The fairy in blue, apparently called Cirno, flies right into her friend.
"There you are, Dai! I told you I'd be back!"
"You said you'd be back in a few minutes! It's been more than that!"
What exactly does a "few" minutes mean to these fairies?
>"Yo. I'm here to tell you that Yukari is trying to get me to take you two back in for her to deal with."
>"Buuuut I'm not going to take you guys."
>"Point is, she's in a bit of a panic."
>"She thinks you two will start telling everyone about Gensokyo. And that's not good."
>"She's a paranoid woman, so she thinks everyone from Outside will start invading, and then it would be war."
>"Personally I think too many people coming in will either die or make the place a bit of a mess. I mean, you've SEEN the outside world, right?"
>"So, she's probably going to silence you two permanently if she gets her hands on you."
>"My solution? Make sure you two don't tell anyone. Nonlethally, hear me out."
>"Seriously. She's got me under threat of death, and I'm not willing to come back unless I'm successful."
>"Okay, you two don't tell ANYONE about Gensokyo. We clear?"
>"And I don't mean 'I'll only tell my closest friends who wouldn't ever spill a secret' nobody. I mean NOBODY. Last thing I want to happen is the rumor mill gets ahold of this and Reimu kills me. Again."
>"Make sure your excuses for when people start asking questions are half plausible, or they at least stop people from digging deeper."
>"I wish I had special powers just to magic the memories out of your head, but evidently I'm just really good at music."
>"It's really best for all of us if you two just don't talk about it. It's not like the experience was worth bragging about, right?"
>"Also, please please PLEASE don't be spiteful and start spreading information. I'm first on the chopping block if word does get out, and I will find a way to haunt you."
>"You think I'm joking, but remember I've come back from the dead three times. I'm sure I can do something for a fourth."
>"We clear on this?"
>shrug
>"I mean, I'm going back because if nothing else I need to prove that I didn't flake out. Also, besides this whole 'getting killed' business, I like it in there. I have a job!"
>"Anyway, no hard feelings on my part. Don't take it personally, but I hope to never see you two again after this, because if I do something has gone horribly wrong and I may be dead permanently."
>Draw up a list of convenient excuses for them to use.
[3] "Yo [...] with."
The two look at each other with a "no way" expression.
"Buuuut [...] guys."
"Good. There's no way we're ever going back there. After all, my husband's dead and there doesn't look like any of his belongings were left behind intact..."
"Point [...] war."
Akina chuckles at the thought of Japan's S.D.F. invading Gensokyo.
"Personally [...] right?"
"Right. Nobody wants war, especially in a time such as this."
"So [...] you."
"She wouldn't leave Gensokyo just to find us, would she?"
"My [...] out."
The two look at you attentively.
"Seriously [...] successful."
"Okay, okay. We'll do as you say if it means we all get to live what remains of our lives."
"Okay [...] music."
At this point, they'd ask you just how much of a musician you are, but the serious topic of the conversation keeps them from doing so.
"So we just keep quiet about it, and everything will be fine?"
"It's [...] right?"
"No. Not at all..."
"Also [...] you."
Haruko speaks for the first time since the two of you saw each other again:
"You mean, as a ghost?"
"You [...] this?"
The two understand your concern for your own safety, as well as theirs, and replies in the exact manner you had expected them to:
"Yes. We won't say anything about our "trip", and you can just tell them about this conversation we had."
The woman sighs and continues:
"If I had known this was the situation, I would have stopped my husband before things got out of hand... But as they say, leave the past behind, for there's nothing one can do to change it. With that said, you should probably stay here where they can't harm you. For some reason, I still fear that they'll do things to you beyond a simple killing if they feel like it."
"I [...] job!"
"But you can do what you do out here just as well!"
You'd pay attention to Haruko's response if your attention wasn't taken by what's on the many television screens behind the glass windows of a nearby electronics store. Although it's hard to make out the captioning from where you're standing, you can easily make out the bold "BREAKING NEWS" text below what's probably the same in Japanese at the top of the screens. What's most jarring is the live video feed of what appears to be a reporter in front of the Hakurei Shrine. Akina and Haruko walk forward to where you're standing and turn around to look in the same direction as you are once they notice that you're looking at whatever was once behind them. Just then, portraits of the mother and daughter appear on the screen, complete with names underneath the images.
"OH GOD... THEY PROBABLY THINK WE'RE MISSING... AND THEY'VE FOUND THE SHRINE..."
"Mom, something tells me we're in deep trouble..."
According to canon (http://en.touhouwiki.net/wiki/Hakurei_Shrine#General_information), the Hakurei Shrine exists in our world as well. Don't expect what happens next to be anything remotely close to canon, though...
>The spellcard has a cage-like effect, no? If so observe any openings that might open, and be ready to spray bullets on any enemies that might want to get through.
[2](+1) Kappa's spellcard times out, and bigyihsuan follows up with his own attack right as that happens. Several youkai birds drop to the ground, likely due to the attack. For whatever reason, you fire a few rounds of ammunition at them. All but one evade the bullets, which is quite a waste if you think about it. At least you now know that your weapons work.
LEFT GUN: 1934/2000 RIGHT GUN: 2000/2000
ROCKETS: 25/25 BEAM CANNON: 39?C (NORMAL)
Threat level: Low
> Confirm that the attackers are, in fact, hopelessly contained in a bubble of their own personal hell. Keep the pressure on for as long as it'll last, and call out to the reinforcements around you:
"Hey guys! Every bullet you care to pump into this thing is one more for the war effort! Open fire at will!"
> If this attack is drawing to a close, get Resonance "Infinite Harmonic Field" ready. Not that you'll actually need it... probably, but if any of these youkai - is that what they are? - puts up a fight after this, they'll surely be too exhausted to quickly return fire. Your attack should be allowed to snowball to a ridiculous extent, and that'll be that.
> For some odd reason, the genesis of your master plan evokes a name to your mind: Gengetsu. You don't know who that is or why your idea made you think of that name, but you decide to call this power combo (should it work) "Operation Gengetsu".
[3] As your spellcard times out, bigyihsuan and Dudu Zombolt pick up right where you left off and attack the flock of birds. Their attack looks quite effective, and your call of reinforcement seems to boost their morale. Still, you prepare another card in case it's needed...
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>"Heh, yeah...that was a...uh...a 'one-time demonstration'. Don't go bragging to people that I did that, I probably couldn't do it again. So, changing the subject, what else can I do around here?"
>@Yatagarasu: "But I did that before and nothing like this happe- oh, nevermind. Pointless to argue with a god. Just pick up and carry on."
>Wonder what sort of odd jobs Sanae might have me do next. Or if something else will happen.
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>Look Rika-ways. "Well, I don't think I'll need to save ammo as I can get a quick refill in a bit, no?"
>Afterwards, shoot a couple of missiles. Do they have any guidance?
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> Sneeze.
> Well, you did that thing, so uh... Introduce yourself politely, I guess? I mean, your reasons for being out here aren't really founded any longer, so you could just walk off and go do other things instead, but hey, everywhere else is full of death, misfortune, people who may or may not hold grudges toward you, or bamboo. And you're kind of sick of seeing bamboo at this point.
> Yeah, do that introduction thing, I guess.
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>"Yukari, if you are somehow listening in, please realize that I did my job and everything else that has happened is out of our hands."
>"Okay, we can still salvage this. Let's get to that news station. If the story is resolved, hopefully nobody will poke any further into this mess."
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>"I didn't realize that I had so much power."
>Meet up with Kappa and Dudu Zombolt
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>"Humans trying to destroy Gensokyo..." Think about that, and conclude that there's no way measly humans like myself and others in a world filled with fictional youkai and fairies would be able to destroy Gensokyo anyways. "I...don't think humans could destroy this land...and also, does the witch wear mostly black clothes? If that's the case, I believe I've already met with her."
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[Day: 4] [Time: Afternoon] [Weather: Snow]
>"Heh, yeah...that was a...uh...a 'one-time demonstration'. Don't go bragging to people that I did that, I probably couldn't do it again. So, changing the subject, what else can I do around here?"
>@Yatagarasu: "But I did that before and nothing like this happe- oh, nevermind. Pointless to argue with a god. Just pick up and carry on."
>Wonder what sort of odd jobs Sanae might have me do next. Or if something else will happen.
[3] "Heh [...] here?"
"That sun looks like it'll stay around for a while, and you deserve some rest after all you've done. There really isn't anything to do here at the moment, though I bet you can find lots of quests worthwhile things to do all over Gensokyo."
You're beginning to feel hungry.
>Look Rika-ways. "Well, I don't think I'll need to save ammo as I can get a quick refill in a bit, no?"
>Afterwards, shoot a couple of missiles. Do they have any guidance?
[3] "Well [...] no?"
"I can, but you might want to save up for the final stage when things get worse than this. I just got some artillery from the kappa, and they might get suspicious if I keep asking them for more."
You shoot two laser-guided missiles in the direction of the remaining birds, carefully training the ultraviolet light-beam emanating from an emittor attached to the launcher on your right arm. The two missiles collide with each other and explode in a burst of bright orange flames accompanied by a loud "BOOM".
Rika looks disappointed:
"You can't activate the guidance beam if there are two or more missiles, or else that'll happen."
By the time the smoke clears, the youkai birds have already flown far beyond your reach.
LEFT GUN: 1934/2000 RIGHT GUN: 2000/2000
ROCKETS: 23/25 BEAM CANNON: 41?C (NORMAL)
Threat level: Low
> Sneeze.
> Well, you did that thing, so uh... Introduce yourself politely, I guess? I mean, your reasons for being out here aren't really founded any longer, so you could just walk off and go do other things instead, but hey, everywhere else is full of death, misfortune, people who may or may not hold grudges toward you, or bamboo. And you're kind of sick of seeing bamboo at this point.
> Yeah, do that introduction thing, I guess.
[4](+1) BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
The fairy in blue introduces herself first:
"Nice to meet you, Derryck. I'm Cirno, the strongest fairy!"
Her green-haired friend follows up:
"And I'm Daiyousei!"
>"Yukari, if you are somehow listening in, please realize that I did my job and everything else that has happened is out of our hands."
>"Okay, we can still salvage this. Let's get to that news station. If the story is resolved, hopefully nobody will poke any further into this mess."
[3] "Okay [...] mess."
"Right. I'll call them and let them know we're fine."
Thankfully, there's a payphone not too far away from where the three of you are at. However, Akina seems to be having a hard time trying to convince whoever's one the other end that she's in fact herself, and that her daughter is with her:
"Yes, yes. I am Watsuki Akina, the woman that just appeared on your broadcast a few minutes ago... My daughter is with me... Yes... Yes... No... Yes... Sado-shi... We just went on a vacation, that's all... No, I don't... Please stop asking that, I really don't know..."
>"I didn't realize that I had so much power."
>Meet up with Kappa and Dudu Zombolt
[4](+1) BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
You're in plain sight of the two, and they can see you just as well as you see them.
>"Humans trying to destroy Gensokyo..." Think about that, and conclude that there's no way measly humans like myself and others in a world filled with fictional youkai and fairies would be able to destroy Gensokyo anyways. "I...don't think humans could destroy this land...and also, does the witch wear mostly black clothes? If that's the case, I believe I've already met with her."
[5] BONUS: Your next roll gets 1 added to it.
"I [...] her."
"Yeah! And she rides on a broom, too!"
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> Are the invaders dead yet? Or defeated yet? Or gone yet? Or whatever constitutes a condition for victory? If they are, then your work here is essentially done. If not, best to finish them off with that Spell Card you drew earlier. You're really curious to see if the manifestation proper of this attack is as awesome as you imagined it to be.
> If they're gone, keep that Card handy. You never know if they'll regroup for Loop Round 2.
>> Inquire with the townspeople as to who you just shot up, and what their beef with humanity was.
> Greet your co-conspirators allies: "Big! Good to see you're ALIVE and well, as ALWAYS. Thanks for the help."
> Turn to the robo-person and their accomplice: "And you two... I have no idea who either of you are, but YOU appear to be a cyborg, and that means you're awesome. I can't actually tell if those missiles of yours disintegrated them or just scared them off!"
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>"Ah, I suppose a bit of sight-seeing might be in order. But first, would you care if I stayed for dinner?"
>While eating (hopefully before anything bad happens if a low roll), inquire about other places in Gensokyo I might like to go and have a look at.
Places I've been:
-Bamboo Forest
-Human Village
-Moriya Shrine
-Myouren Temple
-Sea of Sado (technically only partway in Gensokyo, but it connects to here, so yeah)
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> Right, so that introduction thing is done with. Do a quick perception check and see what's in the vicinity.
>> Ooh, something cool in the distance? Well, not to be a jerk to these fairies, but you do seem to have a short attention span. Take off toward that direction!
>> Nothing around, huh? Alright, chill out with these two. Make snowmen or something. Make sure to make a joke of that last bit by making your snowmen particularly brawny looking snow sculptures of actual male humanoid figures.
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>Follow Kappa and Dudu around, I've been out of the plot for too long.
>Maybe we should get to the ground first, and investigate these crow bodies.
>On the ground, try to tinker with the spellcard to make it better.
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>"Convince them! Say something only you would know! Something about dear old dad!"
>Hope that faith travels through boundaries and reaches whatever god in Gensokyo this falls under, because if this doesn't work the next option is to storm the station, with the two in tow.
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>"Okay that was a poor first show. But then I didn't spontaneously combust, so there's that!"
>Land on the ground. Does flight have a noticeable toll on my energy reserves?
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>"Ah yes, I owe quite a bit to her, as she's taught me basic danmaku. If I were to guess, it wouldn't compare to any of your danmaku though." Grin a little, and continue talking. "So am I just unlucky for all of these gusts of cold wind to be hitting me, or is there something else doing this? Either one, I'd believe!"
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[Day: 4] [Time: Late afternoon] [Weather: Light snow]
> Are the invaders dead yet? Or defeated yet? Or gone yet? Or whatever constitutes a condition for victory? If they are, then your work here is essentially done. If not, best to finish them off with that Spell Card you drew earlier. You're really curious to see if the manifestation proper of this attack is as awesome as you imagined it to be.
> If they're gone, keep that Card handy. You never know if they'll regroup for Loop Round 2.
>> Inquire with the townspeople as to who you just shot up, and what their beef with humanity was.
> Greet your co-conspirators allies: "Big! Good to see you're ALIVE and well, as ALWAYS. Thanks for the help."
> Turn to the robo-person and their accomplice: "And you two... I have no idea who either of you are, but YOU appear to be a cyborg, and that means you're awesome. I can't actually tell if those missiles of yours disintegrated them or just scared them off!"
[6] The flock of birds are nowhere to be seen, and it's quite obvious that they're not coming back as long as people like you are defending the village. The people in charge of ringing the bell and setting the smoke-signal answer your question:
"Flocks of youkai birds like the one you just drove off prey on the village several times each season. Despite their size, they can easily pick up a human and tear them to shreds. What's worse is that they usually go for the children first, since they're easier to carry and weaker than an adult."
"How would you like to serve in the village defense force? You look like someone who can put up a good fight, especially with those spellcards of yours. Consider this a request to join us!"
>"Ah, I suppose a bit of sight-seeing might be in order. But first, would you care if I stayed for dinner?"
>While eating (hopefully before anything bad happens if a low roll), inquire about other places in Gensokyo I might like to go and have a look at.
Places I've been:
-Bamboo Forest
-Human Village
-Moriya Shrine
-Myouren Temple
-Sea of Sado (technically only partway in Gensokyo, but it connects to here, so yeah)
[3] "Sure. I'll have something for you if you roll a [4] or higher in a few minutes."
As you wait, you ask about other places that might be of interest to you. Suwako tells you that you should visit the Human Village again:
"Someone like you would benefit from a job, especially one that involves youkai-hunting. I hear the Human Village is looking for people like you, who are strong, brave, and gifted."
Sanae yells from the kitchen:
"If you want to work with us, you're welcome here as well!"
> Right, so that introduction thing is done with. Do a quick perception check and see what's in the vicinity.
>> Ooh, something cool in the distance? Well, not to be a jerk to these fairies, but you do seem to have a short attention span. Take off toward that direction!
>> Nothing around, huh? Alright, chill out with these two. Make snowmen or something. Make sure to make a joke of that last bit by making your snowmen particularly brawny looking snow sculptures of actual male humanoid figures.
[1](+1) In front of you is a lake topped with a thin layer of mist, and behind you is the Forest of Magic, both of which don't look interesting at all to you. Especially the forest...
...You find the snow extremely cold to the touch, almost as if it would give you frostbite if you held on to it for extended periods of time. As such, you refrain from making snowmen. Cirno, being an ice fairy, seems to have no trouble making a rather generic-looking snowman. Daiyousei also seems to be enjoying herself by making small snowballs.
>Follow Kappa and Dudu around, I've been out of the plot for too long.
>Maybe we should get to the ground first, and investigate these crow bodies.
>On the ground, try to tinker with the spellcard to make it better.
[1](+1) The bodies seem to have disappeared without a trace...
...You're unable to enhance the spellcard's power. Makes sense, especially since you weren't the one who created it in the first place.
(read Kappa's scenario for what happens next)
>"Convince them! Say something only you would know! Something about dear old dad!"
>Hope that faith travels through boundaries and reaches whatever god in Gensokyo this falls under, because if this doesn't work the next option is to storm the station, with the two in tow.
[4] "...Then tell your reporters to stay away from that shrine! My husband DIED there!!!... The gods probably cursed him!... Yes, I do believe in that... Now!......... Thank you."
Akina hangs up the phone and mutters to herself:
"Heavens... These guys will do anything for a scoop, won't they?"
Surely enough, the anchor on the news channel seems to go to a different topic.
"Well, that's that. Thanks for coming over and warning us. I still think you should stay here, but if you really want to go back, I guess there's nothing we can do."
>"Okay that was a poor first show. But then I didn't spontaneously combust, so there's that!"
>Land on the ground. Does flight have a noticeable toll on my energy reserves?
[3] "I guess so. But be careful next time. We've yet to find out whether the control interface I built between you and your body is fully field-tested."
The two of you land on the ground in the center of the village, where the bell and now-extinguished flare are.
Exiting battle mode... weapons set to standby.
======= Power Source Status =======
BATT [||||||||||||||||| ]
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 x10%
FUEL [||||||||||| ]
Rika seems to notice something in the distance, which turns her expression into one of slight fear.
"Urrrgh... Why is she here now?"
The girl turns back to you and urges you to follow her:
"Let's go back to the workshop. If my guesses are correct, you could probably use a refueling..."
>"Ah yes, I owe quite a bit to her, as she's taught me basic danmaku. If I were to guess, it wouldn't compare to any of your danmaku though." Grin a little, and continue talking. "So am I just unlucky for all of these gusts of cold wind to be hitting me, or is there something else doing this? Either one, I'd believe!"
[2](+1) "It's okay. The wind usually gets really chilly at this time."
"There's nothing to be worried about~"
The fairies fly away into the distance as the wind continues to blow.
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>Review the currently known information with myself.
>Then attempt to go around the lake, while continuing to go north.
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>"I appreciate your compliment on my abilities to fight youkai for the village, but I would rather sight-see first. I'll check it out once I have a look around Gensokyo. Do you have any recommendations for what, who, or where I visit first?"
>Make idle chitchat about life, what happened with Haruko, and other stuff while waiting on dinner.
-
>Oh shit, quick. Do a large-scale scan, and ascertain if *her* is the person approaching.
>"Yeah, being ready for anything is a fine idea."
-
> Consider the offer. Inquire about the thickness of any contracts involved in the process, if any. You know of the bad omens that thick contracts pose. But while you're here - and miraculously powerful amongst the people, you may as well make the most of your power for the sake of good. Or whatever makes itself pertinent to your interest. Which, for now, is the prolonged life of the people around you. Sure. If there isn't too many strings attached, you'd be willing to make that fat salary in exchange for the right to blow sh!t up. Who wouldn't?
> Glance back at Dudu and Big. Inform them that it seems like the villagefolk particularly like you, and that you can try to squeeze them into this deal if they want in.
> Is that someone in the distance? Well, what can I say? Keep that card at the ready.
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>"That's great. I guess I gotta report to Yukari, to show off I didn't flake out."
>"Thanks for the offer, but street performer and other musicians aren't really prestigious in modern society."
>Report to Yukari at the Hakurei Shrine
-
> Well, y'know what, they're having fun doing that thing, and you're not doing anything of importance with them, so just take off back to the village or something.
> On your way there, recall that danmaku and spellcards are commonplace in this world, and attempt through sheer willpower to make a spellcard of your own, despite the fact that not once have you shown any talent with magic of any kind.
-
>Let's try defending the village.
>Remind the others of the RNG
-
At this point, I'd like to declare this game complete.
>"That's great. I guess I gotta report to Yukari, to show off I didn't flake out."
>"Thanks for the offer, but street performer and other musicians aren't really prestigious in modern society."
>Report to Yukari at the Hakurei Shrine
By making sure that Akina and Haruko would keep what happened a secret, the incident has finally been resolved!
Thanks to the players who stayed all the way through. This was my first attempt at running a tRPG like this, and I'll start by telling you that it was fun! I might start another game sometime later, perhaps a "___ Quest" or another multiplayer adventure similar to this one. If someone wants to take over as GM and continue from here, please start a new thread and link to this one. If not, this game can be treated as finished and archived as such.
It was fun having you all with me through the 74 days this game went for. You are what kept the game alive and running, and to be honest I never would've thought that it would stay active for so long.
For reference, here's the list I used to keep track of where everyone's at and what they have:
[attach=1]
I'll probably lock this tomorrow, so say what you've got to say before then.
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Well then, ggwp to all involved. It's been fun, but the main story arc did kinda end.
Wonder who will pick up the sequel! Until then, thanks for the good time, Username!
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My only regret was not joining this kinda thread earlier, this was a blast (although obviously infuriating at times, because lol luck). I will be around for the next game, for whoever picks it up.
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(note to self, don't browse the forum on a 3ds ever again)
It's been fun. I really liked the random part of it.
Come to think of it, has anyone done a mass text boss fight using the RNG?
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I never really planned to be such an instrumental part in wrapping up loose ends, but I got stubbornly committed to it. Hooray?
Anyway, great game, would die repeatedly again. I'm rather surprised at how my luck fluctuated in some of the most inopportune times, but hey I can always brag that I talked down a murderous Reimu with offers of lunch.
EDIT: I feel bad that I sorta cut off everyone else's last actions. Will we be expecting some sort of grand conclusion wrap-up?
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(note to self, don't browse the forum on a 3ds ever again)
It's been fun. I really liked the random part of it.
Come to think of it, has anyone done a mass text boss fight using the RNG?
And I thought posting replies from a cell phone was bad enough...
There were many points when such a fight could've happened, but you guys the RNG ended up ruining the plot progression :(
I might do a Touhou final boss rush in the style of this game sometime later. Less plot, more pew-pew.
I never really planned to be such an instrumental part in wrapping up loose ends, but I got stubbornly committed to it. Hooray?
Anyway, great game, would die repeatedly again. I'm rather surprised at how my luck fluctuated in some of the most inopportune times, but hey I can always brag that I talked down a murderous Reimu with offers of lunch.
EDIT: I feel bad that I sorta cut off everyone else's last actions. Will we be expecting some sort of grand conclusion wrap-up?
Let's go for some "what if?":
- If you hadn't hurried off to the Hakurei Shrine after the Watsukis were escorted across the Sea of Sado, the current story might have lingered on a bit longer.
- Your success in convincing Akina to mention her husband pretty much ended the incident. If you failed, a full-on invasion of Gensokyo would take place.
- You know you'd like to see that happen, r- right?
You seem to love testing your luck, but keep in mind that I'll find a way to make your character die no matter what your [1] is in response to.
As for the conclusion/epilogue, whether it's a good end or bad end depends on who's perspective you look at it from. To everyone in Gensokyo, it's as if another incident was averted. Everyone who supported Yukito's plan for a revolution died along with him "weeks" before you came into the story. As such, the villagers will go forward like they do after any other big incident. Haruko and Akina will grieve over the loss of a loved one soon after they arrive home and find comfort among the world they (and YOU) know and love. Of course, their friends will be there for them, and they will keep their promise to you by keeping silent about the whole thing. Whether it's a good or bad ending to you depends on who you sympathize with. Yukari and Reimu did all this because they feared that Yukito would threaten the very existence of Gensokyo. To them, the mass murdering of a hundred-or-so people means very little if it can prevent the spread of information about Gensokyo beyond its borders. On the other hand, Akina came to find her husband as any caring wife would do. After she disappeared in the same way Yukito did, Haruko ended up crossing the barrier herself, only to be caught up in the same situation as her mother. In the end, all they wanted to do was find each other and leave. You, the players, were the ones that helped them achieve their goal. There were several occasions when one (or both) of them would die a permadeath, but the RNG seemed to be nice enough to not let that happen.
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Thanks for playing!
Thread locked and ready for archival.