Sword Quest IV - A Z-Machine Adventure

[Hello Purvis]

> Chuckle.
> "Hardly! I am merely here to inform you that I will be meeting with my companions here later. If they arrive before I do, they have been told to be on their best behavior and not hassle anyone for any reason unless you permit it. And that does mean anyone."

>"So yes," says Reimu. "So, why am I babysitting your minions again?"

>_

[Kilgamayan]

> How far away is the donation box?
> "Yours is both a convenient and safe meeting place. My poor dears have run themselves ragged searching for my stolen sword, so the easier a time they have of it, the better. Particularly in this fairy weather."

[Hello Purvis]

> How far away is the donation box?
> "Yours is both a convenient and safe meeting place. My poor dears have run themselves ragged searching for my stolen sword, so the easier a time they have of it, the better. Particularly in this fairy weather."

>Some yards away.
>"Why not have 'em hang around the public house?" says Reimu. "It's kind of made for that."

>_

[Kilgamayan]

> Is she talking about a location in the Human Village?

[Hello Purvis]

> Is she talking about a location in the Human Village?

>Yes. You were there earlier this morning searching for your companions.

>_

[Suwako Moriya]

> Begin making our way over to the donation box.
> "I would rather they not be in the village right now, at least whilst they are separated from myself. Besides, while they are here, perhaps they can be of use to you, particularly as it comes to preparations for tomorrow."

[Hello Purvis]

> Begin making our way over to the donation box.
> "I would rather they not be in the village right now, at least whilst they are separated from myself. Besides, while they are here, perhaps they can be of use to you, particularly as it comes to preparations for tomorrow."

>You head toward the donation box.
>"Who'd they irritate this time?" says Reimu.

>_

[Kilgamayan]

> Inventory
> "Their search brought them underground, and unfortunately, they ran afoul of some ruffians with no appreciation for quality faces. Naturally, my friends were victorious, but the encounter did not leave them in the greatest physical condition."

[Hello Purvis]

> Inventory
> "Their search brought them underground, and unfortunately, they ran afoul of some ruffians with no appreciation for quality faces. Naturally, my friends were victorious, but the encounter did not leave them in the greatest physical condition."

>You inventory contains:
>Regal Clothing
>Strong enough for a monarch, simple enough for a hermit.
>Shaku
>A ritual baton that is part of any ruler?s regalia. You keep it as a symbol of your old office.
>Harmony Earmuffs
>This does much to cut down the babble of voices you can hear from other people. Particularly strong desires can still get through.
>Travel Bag
>A sack for keeping your things in.
>Used Clothing
>Regal, but in need of a wash
>Bag of Konpeito
>Apparently it is regarded as good manners these days for a royal to give these guests and such, they didn't have such things in your day!
>Bag of Curry Powder
>A donation from a potential follower. Quite fresh!
>Iron Key
>A simple ring-handled key made of iron.
>Steel Trap
>This trap features steel jaws and a powerful spring mechanism with a plate trigger. A bit of chain extends from it, ending in a long metal stake.
>Regal Cloak
>A high-collared cloak gifted to you by Tojiko and Futo.
>80☼
>This is 80☼
>"And what does that have to do with why they can't be in town?" Reimu says.

>_

[Suwako Moriya]

> Toss 10☼ into the donation box.
> "Given their present state, I am not completely sure I trust them to not be harassed."

[Hello Purvis]

> Toss 10☼ into the donation box.
> "Given their present state, I am not completely sure I trust them to not be harassed."

>"As long as they behave," says Reimu, glancing over as the coins slide down into the box. "And aren't too annoying, I suppose."

>_

[Kilgamayan]

> Return to the table area.
> "Of course. Ah, unrelated to that, it is my understanding that we may be in a theater troupe together very soon, you and I."

[Hello Purvis]

> Return to the table area.
> "Of course. Ah, unrelated to that, it is my understanding that we may be in a theater troupe together very soon, you and I."

>"Wait, what?" says Reimu.

>_

[Kilgamayan]

> "You are considering participation in the ghostly swordswoman's performance, yes?"

[Hello Purvis]

> "You are considering participation in the ghostly swordswoman's performance, yes?"

>She frowns for a moment. "Oh, you're talking about that? You know that Hijiri's likely to be involved too, right?"

>_

[Kilgamayan]

> Smile.
> "I am. I actually see this as an opportunity, to hopefully buy at least a small respite for my friends."

[Hello Purvis]

> Smile.
> "I am. I actually see this as an opportunity, to hopefully buy at least a small respite for my friends."

>"What?" she says.

>_

[Kilgamayan]

> What exactly did Hijiri do to us, anyway, that kicked all of this off? Was it something specific, or was it just her being a race traitor and associating with the likes of Nue?
> "I believe that our working together so closely on such an event will encourage certain individuals to behave themselves."

[Hello Purvis]

> What exactly did Hijiri do to us, anyway, that kicked all of this off? Was it something specific, or was it just her being a race traitor and associating with the likes of Nue?
> "I believe that our working together so closely on such an event will encourage certain individuals to behave themselves."

>A bit of both, but in particular trying to interfere with your resurrection and taking Buddhism outside its role as a social control.
>"Oh. I see," says Reimu.

>_

[Kilgamayan]

> Nod.
> "At the very least, if there is any trouble, I can promise you it will not be our doing."

[Hello Purvis]

> Nod.
> "At the very least, if there is any trouble, I can promise you it will not be our doing."

>"You'll forgive me if I don't put money on that," Reimu says.

>_

[Kilgamayan]

> Wave a hand dismissively.
> "Of course, of course. I am fully aware of where we stand in this land."

[Hello Purvis]

> Wave a hand dismissively.
> "Of course, of course. I am fully aware of where we stand in this land."

>"Anyways, yeah," says Reimu, "I guess your goons can stay for a little while, as long as they don't cause trouble."

>_

[Kilgamayan]

> Nod.
> "Your hospitality is much appreciated. They have been instructed to assist you as needed if you desire, so if a need for an extra pair of hands arises, do not be afraid to ask."

[Hello Purvis]

> Nod.
> "Your hospitality is much appreciated. They have been instructed to assist you as needed if you desire, so if a need for an extra pair of hands arises, do not be afraid to ask."

>"I won't," she says.

>_

[Kilgamayan]

> "Just...please do not push them too hard."

[Hello Purvis]

> "Just...please do not push them too hard."

>"We'll see," says Reimu.

>_

[Kilgamayan]

> "Ah, one last thing before I depart."
> Take out the Iron Key.
> "I acquired this curiosity at the mouse's shop in the forest. Have you any idea from where it came or to what it goes?"

[Hello Purvis]

> "Ah, one last thing before I depart."
> Take out the Iron Key.
> "I acquired this curiosity at the mouse's shop in the forest. Have you any idea from where it came or to what it goes?"

>"Oh, someone finally bought that thing," says Reimu. "Rinnosuke had it on his shelf for ages. I figured it was just an early sign of his mind going, you know?"

>_

[Kilgamayan]

> "Ah, I see. Intriguing. May I ask who has associated with the former shopkeeper for some time? Perhaps such a person would know more about this."