Maidens of the Kaleidoscope
~Beyond the Border~ => Rumia's Party Games => Topic started by: It's Purvis! on May 17, 2023, 01:39:32 AM
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>YOU NITORI KAWASHIRO, GENSOKYO’S FAVORITE TINKERER! You are well known as a leading voice in the field of technology in Gensokyo. Or at least you imagine that you are. You are also an entrepreneur, a necessary thing for funding your work and also keeping yourself fed. You are a respected member of Kappa society, as much as kappa respect other kappa; which isn’t very much at all. You are blessed to enjoy your work, and find your work enjoyable. When you are not actively inventing something, you’re generally restoring something, or maintaining something, or cleaning something. When things get too monotonous, you do enjoy a nice board or card game. You have a taste for music, and like most kappa you enjoy collecting the strange black music boxes that sometimes find their way in from the outside world. Sometimes you’d like to have one every one there is, but that seems to be a virtually impossible order. You’re half decent at sketching as well, if only out of necessity for some of your more intricate works.
>And, you have a project to return to. Perhaps your finest work to date, cruelly overshadowed by various events. Save for one exception that doesn’t really count, as far as you’re concerned, you were the first person to facilitate slipping the surly bonds of gravity and send a youkai into the realms of the heavens above. Not yourself, of course, you had to stay on the ground and do the launch; you sent up Patchouli. Patchouli will of course claim Scarlet Devil Mansion did this first, which is technically true but doesn’t really count when you think about it. …And apparently Yuuka got up there somehow, but that also doesn’t count!
>Regardless! You have finally gotten the baseline money, the time, and the drive to restart the project! Before you only managed to get as far as the Sun, but now, you’re going straight up there as far as anyone ever has! Not only as the inventor, but the explorer as well! …Once the Rocket’s engine is complete. And once you actually figure out a course. And maybe once you get a co-pilot of some kind in case things get nasty. There’s still some work that needs to be done, if you’re being honest. But it’s almost ready!
>You are currently in the main area of your home and warehouse. The floors are bare save for a few ratty old rugs and oil-stained sheets thrown about to make it more livable, or at least keep messes from spreading. All kinds of old junk and inventions occupy shelves, boxes, crates, workbenches, and large swaths of the floor. Currently your rocket stands in the middle of the warehouse, salvaged from the body of the original that fell back to earth and reforged anew, as well as its support scaffolding. Its engine is currently in a few pieces, but you can have that ready to go in a few tens of minutes, really. The workbenches have been pushed close to the walls, doubled up in some cases, and are crammed with things you had to rapidly clean up to make space. Which is a typical state of affairs. Noontime light comes in through the small windows set higher up on the walls. To the right is the door leading to the more personal spaces of the building, to the left are the smaller personal door and larger bay door leading outside. Obvious exits are South, North, and North 2
>_
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> Check chest for usual growths.
> Skills
> Inventory
> Notable Relationships
> Opinion of the tengu in general
> Opinions of Shameimaru, Inubashiri, and Himekaidou in particular
> ...Opinion of Takane Yamashiro, assuming we can stomach dwelling on her
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> Check chest for usual growths.
> Skills
> Inventory
> Notable Relationships
> Opinion of the tengu in general
> Opinions of Shameimaru, Inubashiri, and Himekaidou in particular
> ...Opinion of Takane Yamashiro, assuming we can stomach dwelling on her
>They're there and they're fantastic, thank you very much.
>Your skills are:
>Excellent Machinist
>You are a pro with mechanical devices! The more mechanical, the better. Newish things from the outside world are still beyond your understanding (they make no sense!!), but in general you think you have a good grasp on how things work. Or at least can figure out how they work with enough time and effort. You won't admit it, but the things you see are continually surprising.
>Skilled Business Sense
>By necessity, are are good at running businesses, at least short term ones. You like to eat as much as anyone does, and it takes money to get the parts you need to bring your next inspiration to life.
>Acceptable Draftmanship
>You can draw pretty decently! Not particularly realistically, your style is very stylized toward outlining machinery. But you can do it and make things recognizable!
>Queen Baronet of Games
>You are familiar with a wide variety of board and card games, and have a decent idea how to go about winning them.
>Not Too Shabby Brewing
>It's not uncommon for kappa to try their hands at brewing various liquors, and you're no exception. You know how the process works, and how to bring it from a pile of ingredients to a wholly acceptable drink.
>Your Inventory Contains:
>Kappa Cap
>A puffy green hat with a brim, favored by kappa everywhere.
>Utility Dress
>A dress with many pockets, handy for screws, nuts, bolts, washers, small tools, and more.
>Backpack
>Carries everything you need. Though you tend to keep it kind of light most times just to make it not be a burden
>Basic toolset
>A hammer, wrench, screwdriver, and small crowbar. Light, easy to carry.
>Bits and Bobs
>A small collection of nuts, bolts, screws, sprockets, springs, flanges, and so on. Handy bits to do handy things.
>You're in good standing with the kappa community, or at least you better be if they know what's good for them. You'd like to think the Hakurei Shrine and the Moriya Shrine both think well of you, after all the money you've brought in for them from various festivals. You are on shaky terms with the human village, as most youkai are. You assume the tengu as a whole do not hate you in particular. You want nothing to do with any oni. You've worked with Marisa Kirisame in the past, she's a good sort.
>Everyone knows the tengu are snobs that think they're better than everyone else and that Youkai is theirs and everyone else is just living on it. That said, your dealings with tengu in general have been pleasant enough, when you cross paths. Momiji is a friend, she comes over for lunch and a game of shoji sometimes. And always wins... The other two you know mostly by reputation, Aya is a troublemaker and a pain and she takes photos of things that she shouldn't (you included...). Hatate is just kind of a snoop, but usually from a distance.
>You think the Yamawaro are kind of silly, but you understand where they are coming from. They ran up the mountain to escape possible floods, but didn't want to seem like fools for it; you get that, it makes sense. Their emphasis on playing war rather than good proper tinkering is kind of vexing, in a general sense. You don't really know Takane, in general you haven't bothered with the Yamawaro. Thank heaven you got your rocket section back well before they took over the area, otherwise that would have surely been a point of contention.
>_
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> Does the kappa community have any sort of governing body, or is it more or less absolute fire trucking chaos (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfRRE1hg53E) that only manages to hold together by a general drive to not be jerks to each other more than is necessary?
> What's our take on the university?
> The heretical seven-letter S-word is still heretical, right?
> Are there any fairies worth a damn?
> How tall (or, uh, not-tall) are we?
> How fat or thin are we?
> Have we ever had any lovers?
> If no, have we ever desired any?
> Does our chest ever get in the way of our smaller tinkering handiwork?
> If not, would it if it were any larger?
> What do we think of the possibility of a larger chest? Do we actively want such a thing, actively not want such a thing, not particularly care either way, or something else?
> Of the people we know, who seems the most qualified candidate for our co-pilot? Consider both the technical know-how side of things and the "who am I willing to trap myself with in space for an indeterminate but possibly lengthy period of time" side of things.
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> Does the kappa community have any sort of governing body, or is it more or less absolute fire trucking chaos (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfRRE1hg53E) that only manages to hold together by a general drive to not be jerks to each other more than is necessary?
> What's our take on the university?
> The heretical seven-letter S-word is still heretical, right?
> Are there any fairies worth a damn?
> How tall (or, uh, not-tall) are we?
> How fat or thin are we?
> Have we ever had any lovers?
> If no, have we ever desired any?
> Does our chest ever get in the way of our smaller tinkering handiwork?
> If not, would it if it were any larger?
> What do we think of the possibility of a larger chest? Do we actively want such a thing, actively not want such a thing, not particularly care either way, or something else?
> Of the people we know, who seems the most qualified candidate for our co-pilot? Consider both the technical know-how side of things and the "who am I willing to trap myself with in space for an indeterminate but possibly lengthy period of time" side of things.
>There is not really any kind of government. When there's problems, the town gathers up and figures things out as best they can. Generally there are influential figures people listen to. You're one of them. Usually. You better still be.
>You don't bother with the University much. You took a few classes when it was new out of general curiosity, but by and large you don't want to teach and don't have the time to learn.
>Don't even think it.
>None of the faeries are worth a damn, but sometimes you can make use of them in the short to moderate term. They mean well.
>You're rather short, honestly. That's just how Kappa are.
>You're built for comfort, not for speed.
>You have not...
>Well...you're married to your work, of course! But maybe it'd be nice...You'd get so nervous, though...Uh!
>...Maybe it has.
>Almost certainly, it would get in the way if it were any larger.
>You haven't really thought about it, it doesn't seem necessary.
>That is a question you'll have to answer. In terms of technological knowhow, the list is pretty narrow.
>_
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> Hmm...it may not be strictly necessary, but it could be an interesting pursuit as a side project. Particularly since, if it gets large enough to consistently get in the way of smaller tinkering handiwork, it would be large enough to use as a surface up-close for smaller tinkering handiwork. Uh, the less immediately dangerous sorts of smaller tinkering handiwork, of course.
> Add quest: Find a way to grow our chest larger.
> Opinion of Yamame Kurodani, assuming we know who that is
> South, into the residential area! We can take the opportunity to review any personal belongings we might want to take with us before finalizing our rocket.
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> Hmm...it may not be strictly necessary, but it could be an interesting pursuit as a side project. Particularly since, if it gets large enough to consistently get in the way of smaller tinkering handiwork, it would be large enough to use as a surface up-close for smaller tinkering handiwork. Uh, the less immediately dangerous sorts of smaller tinkering handiwork, of course.
> Add quest: Find a way to grow our chest larger.
> Opinion of Yamame Kurodani, assuming we know who that is
> South, into the residential area! We can take the opportunity to review any personal belongings we might want to take with us before finalizing our rocket.
>You can't imagine that would be...efficient.
>...Quest added. It's a curiosity, at least...
>You know of her, via Marisa meeting her back during that one incident. She seems...kinda weird? Sometimes she comes around with Utsuho and you wish she didn't, Earth Spiders are kind of bad for the water quality.
>You go south, into a simple space that is both your dining room and your living room. It is clean...well, clean enough. A large, low table dominates the room, with a few books stacked on one edge, a spot cleared for dining, and the remains of some some half-finished other projects atop it. In the corner is a music player you've restored, and your collection of music boxes that play on it occupying a shelf. The walls are bare, several windows on the western wall let in light, and are framed with heavy curtains, and outdoor shutters to hide them. One door on the far wall leads to the kitchen, while your bedroom is to the left.
>Obvious exits are South and East.
>_
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> Are we aware of any general tsuchigumo proclivity for construction?
> If we do, do we know how Yamame is at it?
> Left, into the bedroom
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> Are we aware of any general tsuchigumo proclivity for construction?
> If we do, do we know how Yamame is at it?
> Left, into the bedroom
>...Oh that is a thing, isn't it?
>You have no idea.
>You head Eastward into the bedroom. It's...liveable. You do kind of need to pick up some clothes. And straighten up your futon. And put it up. Close the up your clothing box... Get your shoes straightened out... Put up your books... But otherwise it's a perfectly nice bedroom. It is kind of small, but serviceable. You have a chest for your clothing, painted with a cucumber vine design. A plain shelf for your books. Your futon is nice and soft, but otherwise unremarkable. A nightstand low to the ground holds small important things like your spellcards and savings. To the north is the bathroom. Obvious exits are North and West.
>_
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> Mmm. Maybe we could bring some books for recreational reading during any downtime we may have. Money probably won't do us any good, though. Spellcards...maybe, if there are other races way out there? Impossible to say.
> Anyway! Good inventory-taking, that's something we can keep in the back of our mind for a bit.
> But now is the time for action! Get back into the main area and head over to the engine pieces.
> Before we begin, though, give the pieces a good look-over to make sure they're in proper condition. Safety first!
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> Mmm. Maybe we could bring some books for recreational reading during any downtime we may have. Money probably won't do us any good, though. Spellcards...maybe, if there are other races way out there? Impossible to say.
> Anyway! Good inventory-taking, that's something we can keep in the back of our mind for a bit.
> But now is the time for action! Get back into the main area and head over to the engine pieces.
> Before we begin, though, give the pieces a good look-over to make sure they're in proper condition. Safety first!
>It is known that there are Rabbits and Lunarians on the moon. Who knows what else might be up there? Probably deities, there's got to be a few around the River of Heaven, at least.
>You return to the workshop and look over the Engine. It is currently in a couple pieces, and it requires a few things. In particular, it needs a proper tube to funnel from the inner chamber to the nozzle at the end. You are sure you can get one at the marketplace here in town. And you're sure you don't want to, the price would be terrible. As well, it needs a reservoir of divine power to actually provide the propulsion it needs. Last time, you (or rather, Patchouli) cut a deal with Shizuha, but you don't think she'd be up for it again. And she's not in season right now, so she wouldn't be as capable.
>_
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> Do we have a usable tube already in our possession?
> If not, where else might we find one that's not the marketplace?
> Are we willing to do business with either of the Moriya deities for that divine power?
> Hmm...market prices, doing business... ...if we do find a way to make our chest larger, and the method is reasonably reproducible, we could probably use our business acumen to make a decent profit off of it as a service. With proper discretion applied as needed, of course, depending on which way the social winds blow; we obviously don't need to tank our reputation by running around and asking every person we meet about their bodies.
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>What is our opinion on cucumbers?
>Does the key we wear on our chest have any use?
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> Do we have a usable tube already in our possession?
> If not, where else might we find one that's not the marketplace?
> Are we willing to do business with either of the Moriya deities for that divine power?
> Hmm...market prices, doing business... ...if we do find a way to make our chest larger, and the method is reasonably reproducible, we could probably use our business acumen to make a decent profit off of it as a service. With proper discretion applied as needed, of course, depending on which way the social winds blow; we obviously don't need to tank our reputation by running around and asking every person we meet about their bodies.
>If you had a tube, you wouldn't need one.
>There's a lot of Gensokyo out there. But you could do worse than Kourindou.
>You've certainly willing, but they're a canny lot, and won't come cheap.
>You imagine you could?
>What is our opinion on cucumbers?
>Does the key we wear on our chest have any use?
>Food of the gods. Even if the local gods don't quite agree.
>It's symbolic. Also it's the key to your front door.
>_
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> Define the mental command 'Assess [name]'s co-pilot aptitude' as checking the following conditions: (a) if they're smart enough to know how to follow any instructions we may have for them; (b) if they do NOT think they're smarter than they actually are and are unlikely to accidentally muck everything up by doing bad and wrong things without our permission; (c) if we could tolerate their presence in a small space for an indeterminate amount of time; and (d) if we could pry them away from their own commitments (such as any full-time jobs they may have) long enough to take part in the flight.
> Double-check our current available supplies to make sure we actually have all the other pieces on-hand that we may need. We don't want none of that "I thought I had it but I can't find it so I guess I have to return to the hardware store for the eighth goddamned time" bullstrawberries. Time is of the essence here!
> While double-checking our resources, assess Momiji's co-pilot aptitude.
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> Define the mental command 'Assess [name]'s co-pilot aptitude' as checking the following conditions: (a) if they're smart enough to know how to follow any instructions we may have for them; (b) if they do NOT think they're smarter than they actually are and are unlikely to accidentally muck everything up by doing bad and wrong things without our permission; (c) if we could tolerate their presence in a small space for an indeterminate amount of time; and (d) if we could pry them away from their own commitments (such as any full-time jobs they may have) long enough to take part in the flight.
> Double-check our current available supplies to make sure we actually have all the other pieces on-hand that we may need. We don't want none of that "I thought I had it but I can't find it so I guess I have to return to the hardware store for the eighth goddamned time" bullstrawberries. Time is of the essence here!
> While double-checking our resources, assess Momiji's co-pilot aptitude.
>Don't you try that coding bullstrawberries with us, Mister. Purvis Hobotech has made this parser hackproof...from that vector, anyways.
>You should have everything else you need, unless you want to double up on spare parts for emergencies, which would mean more weight to get off the ground.
>Momiji can definitely follow instructions. She probably does think she's smarter than you, but likely acknowledges you have more specialized knowledge (she is not smarter than you). You could probably tolerate having her around, if she doesn't get in a mood. Whether or not she can get time off is questionable.
>_
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>This quest shouldn't be too hard, it's not like it's rocket surgery right? Oh wait...
>Do we stockpile any actual weaponry or just like to use it for danmaku?
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>This quest shouldn't be too hard, it's not like it's rocket surgery right? Oh wait...
>Do we stockpile any actual weaponry or just like to use it for danmaku?
>Quest Added: Save Mima's Brain
>You do have a watergun suite that you've used in the past; most notably back when all the religions were fighting and getting in the way. It is effective, but makes it hard to much danmaku or dodging, so you have to commit to it.
>_
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> Return to our bedroom and retrieve our spellcards and...let's say twice what we expect to pay for a hose, just to be safe.
> Come to think of it, given the joyous and accomplished nature of the task we're so close to completing, is there anyone in particular we actively want to share it with? Having a technically-savvy co-pilot has its benefits, but it would also be nice to have someone along for the ride who will appreciate what's being accomplished and that we enjoy them being happy.
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>What do we think of Patchouli, having worked with her before?
>Can we breathe underwater or just hold our breath for a really long time?
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> Return to our bedroom and retrieve our spellcards and...let's say twice what we expect to pay for a hose, just to be safe.
> Come to think of it, given the joyous and accomplished nature of the task we're so close to completing, is there anyone in particular we actively want to share it with? Having a technically-savvy co-pilot has its benefits, but it would also be nice to have someone along for the ride who will appreciate what's being accomplished and that we enjoy them being happy.
>You obtain: Optics "Optical Camouflage"
>You obtain: Flood "Ooze Flooding"
>You obtain: Water Sign "Kappa's Pororoca"
>You obtain: Kappa "Monster Cucumber"
>You obtain: 300☼
>Only you can answer this.
>What do we think of Patchouli, having worked with her before?
>Can we breathe underwater or just hold our breath for a really long time?
>You have a pretty good opinion of Patchouli. She's kind of gloomy and negative, but you get it.
>You can do both.
>_
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> Head outside, making sure to lock up once we're there.
> Along the way, assess Yamame Kurodani's co-pilot aptitude.
> Also, assess Hina Kagiyama's co-pilot aptitude.
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> Head outside, making sure to lock up once we're there.
> Along the way, assess Yamame Kurodani's co-pilot aptitude.
> Also, assess Hina Kagiyama's co-pilot aptitude.
>You head outside. It is a lovely late spring day in Kappa Village. The marsh is good and marshy, the cattails and aquatic plants have fully greened up and have hit that point of proper concealing growth. The algae in the ponds is bright and vibrant. Your own warehouse... well it looks like a warehouse covered in mud and swamp plants. You've done what you could to make it blend into the environment, but there's only so much. Most of the other kappa homes are much more concealed.
>The village itself is bustling, kappa going to and fro, the market in full swing. Distantly, you can see the university across the river seems kind of empty, compared to the market which is just full of activity.
>You do not know Yamame well enough to really assess her. But you imagine she'd be a real pain to hang around with.
>Hina is a curious choice. You know her somewhat well, enough to know she is quite nice for a disaster magnet. Given her role is to pass misfortune on to the gods, you don't know what that means for your engine. You don't know how well she takes orders, but you can't imagine she's stubborn about them.
>_
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> Are there any other kappa we're on particularly good terms with?
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> Are there any other kappa we're on particularly good terms with?
>There's some neighbors you don't mind.
>_
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> Well, we already decided the market isn't worth it. Let's head to Kourindou.
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> Well, we already decided the market isn't worth it. Let's head to Kourindou.
>That is some distance from here.
>_
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>Is there anybody we know from Eientei reasonably well, stuff up there may have something in common with the moon?
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>Is there anybody we know from Eientei reasonably well, stuff up there may have something in common with the moon?
>You know Reisen, she helped you recover your rocket some time back.
>_
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> Where might we find a hose that is not the marketplace or 'some distance from here', then?
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>Add Reisen to our mental list of candidates.
>Have we worked with Utsuho before?
>Would we trust Utsuho as a source of divine power?
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> Where might we find a hose that is not the marketplace or 'some distance from here', then?
>It's more that you aren't just going to make that kind of trip on a lark. How do you plan to get there?
>Add Reisen to our mental list of candidates.
>Have we worked with Utsuho before?
>Would we trust Utsuho as a source of divine power?
>You might be able to use Reisen. Who can say if she'd be interested?
>You kind of have, when you putzed around the university. You have a weird kind of rapport with her.
>You don't think she counts. ...Does she? Surely not.
>_
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> Oh, hmm.
> How close can we get swimming down the Genbu?
> Are air travel and foot travel options?
> ...Have we ever run errands for other kappa for monetary compensation? Say, something like 'Hey folks, I'm headed to X faraway place, if you have business there but don't want to travel I'll handle it for you for a totally not exorbitant fee'?
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>How much do we know of the source of Utsuho's power?
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> Oh, hmm.
> How close can we get swimming down the Genbu?
> Are air travel and foot travel options?
> ...Have we ever run errands for other kappa for monetary compensation? Say, something like 'Hey folks, I'm headed to X faraway place, if you have business there but don't want to travel I'll handle it for you for a totally not exorbitant fee'?
>Going by water would get you past the foot of the mountain before you'd have to get out..
>They are.
>This is a service that can be provided. It's not glamourous or desirable work; you're an inventor, not a gopher; but it's work you can do.
>How much do we know of the source of Utsuho's power?
>Something something Moriyas something something Yatagarasu? You weren't worried about details when she was being a problem.
>_
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> Assess Kogasa Tatara's co-pilot aptitude.
> Do we have the materials necessary to make a written-word sign on a stick that we can hold above our head?
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> Assess Kogasa Tatara's co-pilot aptitude.
> Do we have the materials necessary to make a written-word sign on a stick that we can hold above our head?
>You don't know, really. You haven't interacted too much with her. Apparently she's popular in the Human Village, so she's probably not the worst?
>They're in the warehouse, but you do. You have an old stand or two if you wanted.
>_
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> Mosey back into the warehouse, then, and construct a sign (to be placed on a stand since that's easier than us holding it) that says:
> "Headed to Kourindou"
> "Will courier or similar for a reasonable fee"
> "Should be back later today"
> "(Can't promise urgency)"
> spruced up as we see fit to stand out.
> Then grab the sign, a stand, a notepad (pocketed), something to write with (pocketed), and something small to tinker with while we wait (pocketed), bring them outside, find a decently visible place, and set our message up.
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> Mosey back into the warehouse, then, and construct a sign (to be placed on a stand since that's easier than us holding it) that says:
> "Headed to Kourindou"
> "Will courier or similar for a reasonable fee"
> "Should be back later today"
> "(Can't promise urgency)"
> spruced up as we see fit to stand out.
> Then grab the sign, a stand, a notepad (pocketed), something to write with (pocketed), and something small to tinker with while we wait (pocketed), bring them outside, find a decently visible place, and set our message up.
>You head inside and whip up a quick sign. Do you want it to be a standalone sign, or a whole booth kind of stand where you can linger?
>You obtain: Some Lose Scraps of Paper
>You obtain: Pencil
>The best place to advertise this would probably be the market.
>_
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> If the "whole booth kind of sign" isn't too awkward to carry, set up, and take down, let's go with that. Otherwise, a standalone sign is fine.
> Head to the market once we're ready.
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> If the "whole booth kind of sign" isn't too awkward to carry, set up, and take down, let's go with that. Otherwise, a standalone sign is fine.
> Head to the market once we're ready.
>You require repurpose your old mask-selling booth. It helpfully has lockable wheels and a handle, so it's reasonably easy to tug down toward the market. Reasonable easily, the roads are dirt, rough, and swampy. But you put on good tires with treads to get through it.
>As you draw closer to the market, you are sure there's an unusual amount of activity. And music? ...Did they decide to hold a festival? Did they decide to hold a festival and not tell you!?
>_
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> Frown.
> Look around for the source of the music while we push forward with just a little more haste.
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> Frown.
> Look around for the source of the music while we push forward with just a little more haste.
>They are, they are absolutely having a festival! When was this decided?! And more importantly, why weren't you involved with that? Not that you would have the slightest interest, but it's the principal of the thing!
>Don't really have to look around to find out, you'd recognize the chaotic and distinctive rhythms of The Prismrivers. Though you don't remember that particular kind of drum in there usual sound...
>_
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> Who would have the authority to make this sort of decision? We're gonna give 'em so many pieces of our mind...!
> Urgh, whatever! Let's just get ourselves set up somewhere decent. We can be properly grouchy about this once that's done.
> Try to see where that drum's coming from while doing so.
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> Who would have the authority to make this sort of decision? We're gonna give 'em so many pieces of our mind...!
> Urgh, whatever! Let's just get ourselves set up somewhere decent. We can be properly grouchy about this once that's done.
> Try to see where that drum's coming from while doing so.
>It would have been done collectively, like all village decisions are.
>The easiest places to set up with be along the outskirts of the market, but that also means little traffic. You could try to set up further in, but that means it will be harder to find a space to squeeze in.
>As you approach the market, you see a stage has been set up along one edge of it. The Prismrivers are there, playing away. Behind them is a much taller woman with short red hair, wearing a white jacket and skirt, playing on a drumset that has at least some outside world instruments(?) built into it.
>_
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> Outside World music stuffs? Get closer so we can get a better look.
-
> Outside World music stuffs? Get closer so we can get a better look.
>The market is rather crowded, and towing booth behind you doesn't make it too easy to proceed. But you do manage to make your way closer. Whatever she has mounted on top of those drums aren't drums, they're flat disks that make otherwordly sounds when hit.
>_
-
> Now that we're closer - is she hot?
-
> Now that we're closer - is she hot?
>...Absolutely.
>_
-
> Oh no she's hot
> uh
>
> er
> Are we at a place we can reasonably drop anchor and set our booth up, or are we too in the way of everyone else?
-
> Oh no she's hot
> uh
>
> er
> Are we at a place we can reasonably drop anchor and set our booth up, or are we too in the way of everyone else?
>Dangit...
>You recenter yourself. Looking around, you can try to squeeze in between a crepes stand and a brazed cucumber stand. Squeeze in being quite literal, there is just enough room and you would almost surely be in the way, and vice versa. There's a spot between two houses, further away, that might work if you don't mind blocking off the people who are using it as a way to pass through. And there's spots on the outskirts.
>_
-
> Pick whichever of the first two options gives us a better view of the redhead.
-
> Pick whichever of the first two options gives us a better view of the redhead.
>That would be the first.
>You squeeze your stand in between the two others, with barely enough space for a finger between either. The crepes seller, a tall turquoise-haired kappa you really don't know, gives you some dirty looks, but customers keep her occupied. The other is too busy to really notice, a shorter kappa with short dark hair and glasses that you think you kind of recognize as a friend of a neighbor's.
>_
-
> Set up the sign we made.
> Then get to watching the pretty redhead while waiting for folks to show up.
-
> Set up the sign we made.
> Then get to watching the pretty redhead while waiting for folks to show up.
>You set up the sign and wait. The crepes shop is doing quite well. Well enough the owner nearly elbows you accidentally a few times. The braised cucumbers don't seem to be doing as well, but you think it is competing with too many other stands.
>As for your service, there don't seem to be any immediate takers, So you watch the Prismrivers play. Lunasa is as subdued as always, only slightly swaying to the turn as she plays. Merlin dances all over the stage in contrast, trumpeting away. Lyrica is stuck to her keyboard, which she has mounted on the stage, but she makes up for it by adding seemingly random footwork as she plays. The redhaired youkai matches their intensity, moving her hands and arms intricately as she plays.
>"Hey," says the dark-haired kappa after a few minutes. "What're you selling, anyways?"
>_
-
> Answer while still looking at the drummer.
> "Courier service. Need anything in the Kourindou area?"
-
> Answer while still looking at the drummer.
> "Courier service. Need anything in the Kourindou area?"
>"Uh," she says, "Like what?"
>_
-
> "Carrying messages, buying or selling something, anything that's not urgent or labor-intensive. I should be back in this area later today."
-
> "Carrying messages, buying or selling something, anything that's not urgent or labor-intensive. I should be back in this area later today."
>"What if you can't get or do the thing?" she says.
>_
-
> Are we okay offering warranties/money-back guarantees?
-
> Are we okay offering warranties/money-back guarantees?
>You would really rather not...especially because it would lead to some cannier customers suggesting that shouldn't pay upfront.
>_
-
> "..."
> Purse our lips a bit.
> "...I have to admit, I hadn't really considered that possibility. I just kinda figured no one would ask for anything outlandish."
> Tear our eyes away from the drummer and settle them on the invariably-less-attractive(-not-that-that's-commentary-on-her-appearance-in-a-vacuum) dark-haired kappa.
> "Do you have a request you think has that level of risk?"
-
> "..."
> Purse our lips a bit.
> "...I have to admit, I hadn't really considered that possibility. I just kinda figured no one would ask for anything outlandish."
> Tear our eyes away from the drummer and settle them on the invariably-less-attractive(-not-that-that's-commentary-on-her-appearance-in-a-vacuum) dark-haired kappa.
> "Do you have a request you think has that level of risk?"
>"I think it'd be really easy to ask for something that you've got a low chance of finding, like some new music boxes or a serpentine belt," she says.
>_
-
> Shrug.
> "I suppose I could offer different rates for different levels of promise. I was preparing to negotiate with folks depending on their request anyway."
-
> Shrug.
> "I suppose I could offer different rates for different levels of promise. I was preparing to negotiate with folks depending on their request anyway."
>"I see," says the kappa.
>_
-
> "Yeah. Really, this entire thing was a why-not whim. I need to go shopping there myself, but it's a bit of a trek, so I figured I'd offer the service."
> Frown and go back to watching the hot drummer lady.
> "Then I found that everyone planned a festival day without me, and now here we are."
-
> "Yeah. Really, this entire thing was a why-not whim. I need to go shopping there myself, but it's a bit of a trek, so I figured I'd offer the service."
> Frown and go back to watching the hot drummer lady.
> "Then I found that everyone planned a festival day without me, and now here we are."
>"Weren't you too busy to attend the meeting?" says the dark-haired kappa.
>_
-
> Were we even told there was a meeting?
-
> Were we even told there was a meeting?
>You don't think so...
>_
-
> "It would depend on when it was. I wasn't even told one was happening."
-
> "It would depend on when it was. I wasn't even told one was happening."
> Also ask to whom we should have gone to be informed about that meetting, or who was involved in the info-spreading, AND what were the important points of that meeting.
-
> "It would depend on when it was. I wasn't even told one was happening."
> Also ask to whom we should have gone to be informed about that meetting, or who was involved in the info-spreading, AND what were the important points of that meeting.
>You know how this is supposed to work, word's supposed to be spread a day or two ahead of time, via word of mouth and knocking on doors. There's not really anyone particularly in charge of it, just whoever is there.
>"Really? Maybe you were too busy to bother?" says the dark-haired kappa.
>_
-
> We haven't been that visibly busy recently, have we?
-
> We haven't been that visibly busy recently, have we?
>You don't think so. You've been in the workshop a lot, lately, but that's hardly unusual for a kappa.
>_
-
> "I don't think I've been. Maybe everyone just assumed someone else would get to me."
> Frown a bit.
> "Or maybe no one wanted to tell me. I dunno."
-
> "I don't think I've been. Maybe everyone just assumed someone else would get to me."
> Frown a bit.
> "Or maybe no one wanted to tell me. I dunno."
>"I thought someone would have," she says. "Otherwise I would have told Miori to do it." Miori being the neighbor she is friends with.
>_
-
> Assess Miori's co-pilot aptitude.
> "Bad luck for me with the first one, then, I guess."
> Gesture to the drummer.
> "At least the view is nice."
-
> Assess Miori's co-pilot aptitude.
> "Bad luck for me with the first one, then, I guess."
> Gesture to the drummer.
> "At least the view is nice."
>Wouldn't trust her; too brash and proud without having earned it.
>"I guess," says the kappa, "Sorry?"
>You gesture toward the Prismrivers. "Well, yeah," She says.
>"Oh, you're a Prismriver fan too?" says the crepe-making kappa to your other side.
>_
-
> When was the last time we were given notice about a meeting?
> "They're quality enough, sure, but I could certainly become a big one if they're adding that drummer to their entourage full-time. Her sound with those discs is otherworldly. And not to objectify, but so is she."
-
> When was the last time we were given notice about a meeting?
> "They're quality enough, sure, but I could certainly become a big one if they're adding that drummer to their entourage full-time. Her sound with those discs is otherworldly. And not to objectify, but so is she."
>A few months ago? You don't even remember what it was about, some minor thing? Something about one of the old Moriya Projects no one cares about anymore.
>"Oh, you're a Raiko fan," says the crepe-making kappa, as she starts to make a new batch now that the crowd has died a little. "Those drums are so weird, though! I've heard stuff like them in some music box somewhere, though."
>_
-
> How many village happenings since that meeting have seemed like the result of another meeting that we didn't attend? Current festival day aside.
> "...Raiko..."
> Look to the crepe-maker.
> "You wouldn't happen to remember where, would you?"
-
> How many village happenings since that meeting have seemed like the result of another meeting that we didn't attend? Current festival day aside.
> "...Raiko..."
> Look to the crepe-maker.
> "You wouldn't happen to remember where, would you?"
>"Someone had one," says the Crepes maker. "I don't remember what it was. They're all foreign, you can't tell them apart easily."
>_
-
> "Hmm. I'll have to look into that, then. Thanks for the intel."
-
> "Hmm. I'll have to look into that, then. Thanks for the intel."
>"So," the dark-haired kappa says, "is there a weight limit on what we can get? Size limit?"
>_
-
> Do we have easy methods at home for transportation of large cargo?
-
>"So," the dark-haired kappa says, "is there a weight limit on what we can get? Size limit?"
> Ask her if the main issue is size or weight or the material or particular properties.
-
> Do we have easy methods at home for transportation of large cargo?
>Not onhand.
> Ask her if the main issue is size or weight or the material or particular properties.
>"Probably both," says the kappa. "I could use a bunch of tires."
>_
-
> How difficult would it be to transport tires?
-
> How difficult would it be to transport tires?
>One would leave your hands full. More would take a wagon or something, which involves pulling a wagon or something up the mountain.
>_
-
> "Ah, yeah that would be hard...I can keep an eye out, at least? And let you know if I see any deals that might be worth your time later, or if you're better off shopping here. But I wouldn't be able to grab more than one, and even that would be tough."
-
> "Ah, yeah that would be hard...I can keep an eye out, at least? And let you know if I see any deals that might be worth your time later, or if you're better off shopping here. But I wouldn't be able to grab more than one, and even that would be tough."
>"Oh, that's a shame," says the dark-haired kappa.
>_
-
> "Sorry. I have a major project I'm working on right now, so..."
-
> "Sorry. I have a major project I'm working on right now, so..."
>"Ah," says the dark-haired kappa, her voice full of understanding.
>"Excuse me?" come another voice, as a kappa with long hair and a long dress approaches your stand. "I understand you are taking orders outside of the village?"
>_
-
> Do we recognize this kappa?
> Is she hot?
> Immediately put on our customer-facing face and voice.
> "Hello! Yes, I am planning on heading to Kourindou today, and am willing to courier most things that are physically reasonable for me to courier. What can I do for you?"
-
> Do we recognize this kappa?
> Is she hot?
> Immediately put on our customer-facing face and voice.
> "Hello! Yes, I am planning on heading to Kourindou today, and am willing to courier most things that are physically reasonable for me to courier. What can I do for you?"
>Oh, that's Yua, she specializes in watches and tends to keep to herself. Weirdly popular in a quiet way.
>Kind of. She has a polite noblewoman sort of aura.
>"Do you have a list of things you might have to share?" she says.
>_
-
> Do we know where Yua lives?
> Assess Yua's co-pilot aptitude.
> "For my own stuff, I'm not bringing anything I can't pocket, and I'm only picking up a hose, which shouldn't take up a lot of space. In terms of other folks, I have nothing else lined up yet for transportation. So whatever you're looking for, I probably currently have the space for it."
-
> Do we know where Yua lives?
> Assess Yua's co-pilot aptitude.
> "For my own stuff, I'm not bringing anything I can't pocket, and I'm only picking up a hose, which shouldn't take up a lot of space. In terms of other folks, I have nothing else lined up yet for transportation. So whatever you're looking for, I probably currently have the space for it."
>Not really. Somewhere near the middle of the village?
>You know her to be pretty meek, so she wouldn't likely try something stupid on her own. Her watches are good, she might be trustworthy to repair things.
>"I was hoping to get a decent chain, for a new watch," she says. "If that isn't too much trouble?"
>_
-
> How much do we trust our own judgment regarding watch chain quality?
-
> How much do we trust our own judgment regarding watch chain quality?
>Reasonably? She almost certainly wants something of jewelry chain quality. She hasn't specified a type of metal, so that isn't important.
>_
-
> How much to those sorts of chains usually go for?
> "That should be doable. Any specific details you're looking for?"
> While speaking, pull out a notepad and write "Yua - Chain for watch".
-
> How much to those sorts of chains usually go for?
> "That should be doable. Any specific details you're looking for?"
> While speaking, pull out a notepad and write "Yua - Chain for watch".
>That's a good question. You are certain the very cheapest would be like 10☼. The upper limits, who knows?
>"Not in particular," she says. "I haven't decided on a bod yet, you understand."
>Quest Update: Dashing for Cash
>_
-
> In our business experience, what would be a fair courier fee, be it a flat fee or a percentage of the cost of what we get?
> "You got it. Where should I deliver it when I return here?"
-
> In our business experience, what would be a fair courier fee, be it a flat fee or a percentage of the cost of what we get?
> "You got it. Where should I deliver it when I return here?"
>Fair is what you can get away with, really. But probably no worse than 10% if it is a simple job.
>"My home workshop, please," she says.
>_
-
> How is Yua's figure? (Obviously, don't make a show of ogling her.)
> "Sure, though I admit I'm not 100% sure where that is."
-
> How is Yua's figure? (Obviously, don't make a show of ogling her.)
> "Sure, though I admit I'm not 100% sure where that is."
>Fairly modest. Her dress may play it down a little?
>"It shouldn't be too hard to find," Yua says, as she gives you a series of directions that essentially lead to one of the ponds in the middle of town; a popular place for a kappa home.
>_
-
> Jot those directions and destination down.
> "Got it. Anything else you'd like me to keep in mind?"
-
> Jot those directions and destination down.
> "Got it. Anything else you'd like me to keep in mind?"
>"I believe that should be it," says Yua.
>_
-
> "Alright. I'll do my best to have something for you tonight, Yua."
-
> "Alright. I'll do my best to have something for you tonight, Yua."
>She bows. "Thank you. What will it cost?"
>_
-
> "Hmm..."
> Tap our chin thoughtfully with our pen(cil?).
> "...For you? Cost of the chain, plus 5%, plus a willingness to hear me out on a work matter of my own upon delivery. Or first thing next day if I return late at night and you want to go to sleep. Is that agreeable?"
-
> "Hmm..."
> Tap our chin thoughtfully with our pen(cil?).
> "...For you? Cost of the chain, plus 5%, plus a willingness to hear me out on a work matter of my own upon delivery. Or first thing next day if I return late at night and you want to go to sleep. Is that agreeable?"
>"I suppose it will be fine to hear you out," Yua says. "Yes, that will be agreeable."
>_
-
> Is there anything customary to be done at this point to finalize the agreement?
-
> Is there anything customary to be done at this point to finalize the agreement?
>There is nothing particularly special. Some people like to get it in writing for larger or more important deals, but that carries a distinct air of human legalism.
>_
-
> "Splendid! Pleasure doing business. I'll keep you posted if anything unexpected happens."
-
> "Splendid! Pleasure doing business. I'll keep you posted if anything unexpected happens."
>"Thank you," Yua says with another bow as she departs.
>_
-
> Well, that's a mood-saver. A little extra money and the chance to bring a beloved competent cutie into the co-pilot fold!
> Nod to ourselves.
> "Excellent, excellent."
> Have a quick glance at our neighbors to see how they're doing.
> If they're both busy, go back to watching the hot redhead.
-
> Well, that's a mood-saver. A little extra money and the chance to bring a beloved competent cutie into the co-pilot fold!
> Nod to ourselves.
> "Excellent, excellent."
> Have a quick glance at our neighbors to see how they're doing.
> If they're both busy, go back to watching the hot redhead.
>The crepes seller has a line again, and the dark-haired kappa is currently cutting up more cucumbers for her next batch.
>You settle in to watch the Prismrivers, or at least one of their associates. A few minutes drift past before another person approaches your booth. A shorter, older human gentleman, dressed in simple clothing. You know him well, everyone in the village does. No one knows where he came from or why, he simply moved in one day and no one had to heart to stop him. Now he does courier work around town, and everyone thinks of him as a grandpa.
>"Pardon me," he says. "I understand you're doing deliveries out of town now?"
>_
-
> Do we know his name?
> Immediately put on our customer-facing face and voice.
> "Hello! For today, yes, I am planning on heading to Kourindou, and am willing to courier most things that are physically reasonable for me to courier. What can I do for you?"
-
> Do we know his name?
> Immediately put on our customer-facing face and voice.
> "Hello! For today, yes, I am planning on heading to Kourindou, and am willing to courier most things that are physically reasonable for me to courier. What can I do for you?"
>You do not. You're not sure if anyone has ever mentioned it around you.
>"Oh, that sounds lovely," he says. "I was hoping you could get me some black tea. I've run out, you see."
>_
-
> "Sure thing. Any particular preferences, like volume?"
> While speaking, write 'Human Friend - Black tea' in our notebook.
-
> "Sure thing. Any particular preferences, like volume?"
> While speaking, write 'Human Friend - Black tea' in our notebook.
>"A few pounds, please," he says. "It would be nice for it to last awhile."
>_
-
> Add ", a few pounds" to the end of the old man's note.
> "You got it, friend. Any other details?"
-
> Add ", a few pounds" to the end of the old man's note.
> "You got it, friend. Any other details?"
>"That should be fine," he says. "It isn't good to be too picky."
>_
-
> Nod.
> "Understood. Where would you like it delivered?"
-
> Nod.
> "Understood. Where would you like it delivered?"
>"It shouldn't be any trouble for me to pick it up, I think," he says. "How's the big project coming along?" You know you haven't told him about it that, so he must have heard it through the cucumber vine.
>_
-
> Add ', will find me to pick up' to the old man's note.
> "Really close to ready. Just need a couple final things, one of which is why I'm headed to Kourindou in the first place. Once I have 'em, it shouldn't take me more than an hour or two to finish off."
-
> Add ', will find me to pick up' to the old man's note.
> "Really close to ready. Just need a couple final things, one of which is why I'm headed to Kourindou in the first place. Once I have 'em, it shouldn't take me more than an hour or two to finish off."
>"It sounds exciting," he says. "Best of luck! How much do I owe you, young lady?"
>_
-
> "Thanks! Cost of materials plus 5% sound fair?"
-
> "Thanks! Cost of materials plus 5% sound fair?"
>"That sounds just fine," he says, smiling. "I'll leave you to it, then."
>_
-
> "Splendid! Pleasure doing business. I'll keep you posted if anything unexpected happens."
-
> "Splendid! Pleasure doing business. I'll keep you posted if anything unexpected happens."
>"Thank you," he says with a bow, before trundling off elsewhere.
>With that exchange done, you notice things have gotten a bit quieter. Ah, the Prismrivers seem to have finished their set, and are taking a break by the looks of it.
>_
-
> How are we feeling about two extra errands for people we reasonably enjoy as enough extra justification for the long trip to Kourindou?
-
> How are we feeling about two extra errands for people we reasonably enjoy as enough extra justification for the long trip to Kourindou?
>Depends on the scale of the requests.
>_
-
> Well, specifically using the two requests we've received so far. Do we feel we need to take on more to justify the trip, or is this enough?
-
> Well, specifically using the two requests we've received so far. Do we feel we need to take on more to justify the trip, or is this enough?
>Do you?
>_
-
> ...Yeah, this is probably enough. Especially if we tack on that tire hunt.
> "Mmm, I think that'll do. Sorry for the encroachment, ladies. I'll get out of your hair."
> Break down shop and bring our cart back home.
-
> ...Yeah, this is probably enough. Especially if we tack on that tire hunt.
> "Mmm, I think that'll do. Sorry for the encroachment, ladies. I'll get out of your hair."
> Break down shop and bring our cart back home.
>"It was a little cramped, but it's okay," says the dark-haired kappa.
>"I suppose I can accept it if you're a Raiko fan," says the crepes seller.
>_
-
> "Oh, absolutely."
> Bring the cart back home.
-
> "Oh, absolutely."
> Bring the cart back home.
>You depart, returning your stand back home. It's somewhat slower going, due to going uphill, but you get it there in good time and without any problem. It seems like things are fine around the warehouse, as well. Fairly quiet, given most people are at the market.
>_
-
> How much does black tea typically go for?
> Put the stand away wherever it goes and head back inside proper.
-
> How much does black tea typically go for?
> Put the stand away wherever it goes and head back inside proper.
>You put the stand away outside for now; you doubt anyone is going to take it, and head back inside. Things are as you left them.
>You don't know off the top of your head. But it shouldn't be terribly expensive? Maybe a little difficult to find, but you don't expect it to be actually be hard.
>_
-
> Grab an extra 50☼, then, just to be safe.
> Then return to the market on foot, checking to see if the musicians (well, the hot redhead specifically) are still on break.
-
> Grab an extra 50☼, then, just to be safe.
> Then return to the market on foot, checking to see if the musicians (well, the hot redhead specifically) are still on break.
>You grab some extra money, and return back to the Market. The crowds are a bit worse now, and the Prismrivers are not playing at the moment. They seem to be fiddling around on stage. Save for Lyrica, who is currently enjoying a crepe.
>_
-
> So what is our general backpack situation? Do we only have the one, or do we have different ones of different sizes?
> How large is the largest backpack we own? Consider the general size, as well as whether or not we could fit a tire in it.
> Would our backpack keep contents safe and dry if we swam in the river with it?
> Is our Exteeeeeending Aaaaaarm purely a spell card gimmick? Or do we have a device that can extend and grab? Or would our arms really change sizes if someone pulled on one, like some legends say about kappa biology?
> Is the stage work the band is currently doing instrumental, or is it wiring work or something else up our alley?
> What is Raiko specifically doing?
-
> So what is our general backpack situation? Do we only have the one, or do we have different ones of different sizes?
> How large is the largest backpack we own? Consider the general size, as well as whether or not we could fit a tire in it.
> Would our backpack keep contents safe and dry if we swam in the river with it?
> Is our Exteeeeeending Aaaaaarm purely a spell card gimmick? Or do we have a device that can extend and grab? Or would our arms really change sizes if someone pulled on one, like some legends say about kappa biology?
> Is the stage work the band is currently doing instrumental, or is it wiring work or something else up our alley?
> What is Raiko specifically doing?
>You have a few different backpacks. The one you have now is your general one, large but not too large. Your largest is currently housing some experimental technology, the helicopter hover and your water gun system and such. It's also kind of a pain to carry around, and doesn't work well with your spell cards.
>Your backpack is waterproof! Provided it is properly closed.
>You do have an extending arm as part of the aforementioned system your largest backpack houses. It is not something you can do personally.
>It seems like they're just getting the stage ready.
>Raiko seems to be looking over her drums, perhaps to see if they need any maintenance?
>_
-
> What was the most recent major incident that we got dragged into?
-
> What was the most recent major incident that we got dragged into?
>The whole thing with the Yorigami Sisters. You tried to stay on the periphery of that, with only some success.
>_
-
> What is the crowd around them like? Are they being socially engaged by anyone, or are they being left alone to their work?
-
> What is the crowd around them like? Are they being socially engaged by anyone, or are they being left alone to their work?
>It seems that Lunasa is chatting with a kappa who has dyed her hair red. Otherwise they are being left alone.
>_
-
> Well. She who hesitates is lost!
> Head toward the redhead (without getting up on the stage, obviously). Give her a smile and a wave if she happens to look in our direction.
-
> Well. She who hesitates is lost!
> Head toward the redhead (without getting up on the stage, obviously). Give her a smile and a wave if she happens to look in our direction.
>You walk around the side of the stage, having to dodge around a few kappa.
>You wave to her when she glances toward you for a moment. She gives you a little wave in return.
>_
-
> "Hey there! You've got a real otherworldly sound going!"
-
> "Hey there! You've got a real otherworldly sound going!"
>"Hey!" she says. "Glad you like it!"
>_
-
> "Absolutely! What in the world is it?"
-
> "Absolutely! What in the world is it?"
>"It's just good percussion at the end of the day," she says with a wink. "Very modern~"
>_
-
> oh gods the hot lady winked at us oh gods
> "N-no kiddin'...are, are you new around Gensokyo? I've never heard anything like this before..."
-
> oh gods the hot lady winked at us oh gods
> "N-no kiddin'...are, are you new around Gensokyo? I've never heard anything like this before..."
>Oh heck, oh dang!
>"Not that new, but kind of," she says. "Only been working with the Prismrivers for a bit, though."
>_
-
> Nod.
> "Right, right. I've never heard them with someone else before. You work really well together! Uh, not to imply any of you were bad before or anything, of course."
-
> Nod.
> "Right, right. I've never heard them with someone else before. You work really well together! Uh, not to imply any of you were bad before or anything, of course."
>"Ah, they just needed a little percussive backup," Raiko says. "You're a fan, huh?"
>_
-
> Huh...First those kappa we sandwiched ourselves between, and now Raiko...Has there always been such a cultural social emphasis on musician fandom?
-
> Huh...First those kappa we sandwiched ourselves between, and now Raiko...Has there always been such a cultural social emphasis on musician fandom?
>Not really, but when you're talking to and about well known musicians, it's bound to come up.
>_
-
> "I'd say so, yeah. Music is pretty great in general, and I definitely enjoy when they're here more than when they're not. I'm most definitely not the most dedicated fan, but when you live on the mountain and have a full-time job as an inventor, it's kind of hard to follow tours and stuff."
-
> "I'd say so, yeah. Music is pretty great in general, and I definitely enjoy when they're here more than when they're not. I'm most definitely not the most dedicated fan, but when you live on the mountain and have a full-time job as an inventor, it's kind of hard to follow tours and stuff."
>"Makes sense," she says, "Kappa don't travel a whole lot, do they?"
>_
-
> Shake our head.
> "Nah. Where we are is just right for us."
> "Though, it's funny you say that. I actually do plan on heading down to take a day trip to the Kourindou area to get something I need for my current project. I'm doing courier work for a couple of other kappa while I'm down there. Depending on how long you'll be here, is there anything you'd like me to pick up for you?"
-
> Shake our head.
> "Nah. Where we are is just right for us."
> "Though, it's funny you say that. I actually do plan on heading down to take a day trip to the Kourindou area to get something I need for my current project. I'm doing courier work for a couple of other kappa while I'm down there. Depending on how long you'll be here, is there anything you'd like me to pick up for you?"
>"I don't think so?" she says. "Unless you're suggesting something?"
>_
-
> "Nothing in particular, just wanted to offer in case you had something you wanted."
-
> "Nothing in particular, just wanted to offer in case you had something you wanted."
>"Naw, we'll be heading out after the festival is done," Raiko says, "So I can get anything I need."
>_
-
> Nod.
> "Alright. That's probably for the best if you're leaving so soon, yeah. With how long the trip is, I doubt I'll be returning before it's over."
-
> Nod.
> "Alright. That's probably for the best if you're leaving so soon, yeah. With how long the trip is, I doubt I'll be returning before it's over."
>"I dunno, it'll be going well into the night," Raiko says. "Or at least it will be if we have anything to say about it!"
>_
-
> "Oh. Well, maybe, then! But if there's nothing you think you might need, then don't worry about it."
-
> "Oh. Well, maybe, then! But if there's nothing you think you might need, then don't worry about it."
>"You'll have to try harder than that if you want to bribe me with a gift," Raiko says, snickering and tapping a drumstick against one of those odd hexagon disks, producing a sound she regards with pursed lips.
>_
-
> "What?! N-no, this was part of a business run!"
-
> "What?! N-no, this was part of a business run!"
>"Hahah, sure, whatever," says Raiko.
>_
-
> Frown.
> "Alright. This trip isn't going to go on itself, so if none of you need anything, I'm outta here."
> Turn around and head back home without waiting for a response.
-
> Frown.
> "Alright. This trip isn't going to go on itself, so if none of you need anything, I'm outta here."
> Turn around and head back home without waiting for a response.
>"Good luck!" Raiko says. "Be sure to get back in time to catch our next set! Maybe we'll do a request!"
>_
-
> Keep on going.
-
> Keep on going.
>You leave the festival and head home once more. It is as you left it last time.
>_
-
> Okay.
> Do we have proper travel wear on?
> Do we have proper travel equipment, uh, equipped? Bear in mind we will be returning with tea, a small chain, and a tube.
-
> Okay.
> Do we have proper travel wear on?
> Do we have proper travel equipment, uh, equipped? Bear in mind we will be returning with tea, a small chain, and a tube.
>Your Inventory Contains:
>Kappa Cap
>A puffy green hat with a brim, favored by kappa everywhere.
>Utility Dress
>A dress with many pockets, handy for screws, nuts, bolts, washers, small tools, and more.
>Backpack
>Carries everything you need. Though you tend to keep it kind of light most times just to make it not be a burden
>Basic toolset
>A hammer, wrench, screwdriver, and small crowbar. Light, easy to carry.
>Bits and Bobs
>A small collection of nuts, bolts, screws, sprockets, springs, flanges, and so on. Handy bits to do handy things.
> Optics "Optical Camouflage"
> Flood "Ooze Flooding"
> Water Sign "Kappa's Pororoca"
> Kappa "Monster Cucumber"
>350☼
>This is 350☼
>Some Lose Scraps of Paper
>A handful of loose, cheap, reasonably clean and uncreased paper
>Pencil
>A cheap pencil. It does not work underwater.
>_
-
> We'll be able to fit the tube and several pounds of black tea in our backpack, yes?
> How physically strong are we, anyway?
-
> We'll be able to fit the tube and several pounds of black tea in our backpack, yes?
> How physically strong are we, anyway?
>You should be.
>You're about average strength, you think?
>_
-
> All right. Let's do this. We have a rocket to launch, a festival to get far away from, and maybe an opportunity to get to know Yua better to take advantage of. ...And maybe some breasts to grow. More.
> Lock up shop, and then head to and swim down to river to begin our shopping trip.
-
> All right. Let's do this. We have a rocket to launch, a festival to get far away from, and maybe an opportunity to get to know Yua better to take advantage of. ...And maybe some breasts to grow. More.
> Lock up shop, and then head to and swim down to river to begin our shopping trip.
>You decide to give the festival some berth this time, and head right to the river. Today it is flowing reasonably slowly, the rain having been scarce lately. Downstream will take you through the ravine, where it gets faster, then past the mountain and toward the north, taking you east of the Hakurei shrine and then meandering westward around the the nameless hill covered with lilies, then on toward the Sanzu river. If you are aiming for Kourindou, you would want to leave just outside of the ravine. If you want the human village, it is best to leave just before the Hakurei Shrine.
>_
>_
-
> Have we ever gone all the way to the Sanzu?
> Let's pop out just outside the ravine, and then aim for Kourindou on foot.
-
> Have we ever gone all the way to the Sanzu?
> Let's pop out just outside the ravine, and then aim for Kourindou on foot.
>You have not. It's well known that if you swim in there, you're not coming back. Something will get you.
>You follow the river as it follows down the mountainside and throw the ravine. The water is particularly clear today, which means there's little chance of a surprise crag or piece of junk in the water coming your way, allowing you let the flow carry you without worry, and makes dodging around the failed dam project all the easier. Soon the water slows and you step out a decide distance from the foot of Youkai Mountain.
>You find yourself at the south-eastern edge of the fields outside and around the human town and the forest where the Hakurei Shrine lies, not far from the edge of the Forest of Magic. You make your way quickly toward the Forest of Magic, seeking out the road that leads through it. Things are rather peaceful today, you can see distant farmers to the north tending to their fields. In the forest, you can hear faeries at play amidst the hum of insects and the chirping of birds.
>Soon you find your way onto the main road, the old dirt path that it is. Following it southward, you head into the forest. While a bit drier than you'd like, the cool shadows cast by the foliage is comforting. Soon, Kourindou is in sight, an old and kind of run down building, shaded by the forest, its front yard full of old furniture no one ever wants.
>_
-
> Anything or anyone interesting outside?
> Enter!
-
> Anything or anyone interesting outside?
> Enter!
>Not particularly, unless you're in the market for old, rain damaged furniture that needs restoration work.
>You head inside. The shelves are all tidy and full of various goods, as you would expect. A barrel full of paper rests by the back counter, covered with various writings and in varying conditions. A sign says that it is free; you presume people take it for kindling. A youkai in a buddhist nun's habit sits behind the counter, she waves as you enter. There is another person in the store, a familiar sight around the kappa village, one Utsuho Reiuji. She seems to have doffed her more flamboyant Yatagarasu garb, and is currently tinkering with a gray box set into a side window. That gray box has vexed you for a long time, it produces cold air somehow, but neither the old owner or the new ones would ever let you have a look at it. But it seems like that hell crow has the thing in several pieces now!
>_
-
> "Oh hey, finally going to town on that thing, huh?"
-
> "Oh hey, finally going to town on that thing, huh?"
>"Huh?" Utsuho says, looking up then over toward you. "Oh! Uh, yeah. It's been running kind of lousy, you know, so...I thought I'd have a look?"
>_
-
> Internally eye twitch that they didn't let us do this.
> "Right, of course."
> Distract ourselves by browsing the contents of the store.
-
> Internally eye twitch that they didn't let us do this.
> "Right, of course."
> Distract ourselves by browsing the contents of the store.
>It really is kind of annoying. Not even another kappa, just her. What does she know about those things, anyways?
>The store contains
>Black-feathered arrow
>Glass Shield
>Goose Feather
>Small Ruby
>Black Music Box
>Thick Length of Chain
>Crystal Orb
>The selection seems unusually slim today...
>_
-
> That thick length of chain wouldn't work as a jeweler's/watch chain, would it?
> "Huh. Slow supply day or busy sales day?"
-
> That thick length of chain wouldn't work as a jeweler's/watch chain, would it?
> "Huh. Slow supply day or busy sales day?"
>Not for anything other than an avant garde piece.
>"Busy day," says the shopkeep, Ichirin. "Sakuya came through this morning and cleaned us out."
>_
-
>Examine the chain more closely.
>Examine the music box.
>Ponder the orb.
-
> "Well, shoot. In that case, not to ask one merchant for help with finding other merchants, but would you happen to know where I could get black tea, jeweler's chains, tires, and engine-compatible tubes? Presumably not all in one place, though I sure wouldn't complain if somewhere did have them all."
> Provide a rough size estimate for the tube as needed.
> Examine the small ruby while we're here, because why not.
-
>Examine the chain more closely.
>Examine the music box.
>Ponder the orb.
>It is a thick length of chain, suitable for lifting or restraining very heavy objects.
>Ah, you have this one! It is a small black box with an opening one of the ends, wherein you can see some strange dark brown tape. No one knows how these work, but with the right machine you can make them play music. They are all foreign in origin, no one really can read there. Or at least no one who cares to. This one depicts 5 dark-skinned men with dark hair in spotless white suits (...not unlike Raiko, now that you think of it) standing on what you assumed is a darkened stage, surrounded by a kind of red starburst. The letters are bright and colorful, common for m (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temptations_Live!#/media/File:Temptations-live.jpg)usic boxes.
>Looking closer, you think this "crystal" is glass, colored pale blue. There are curious shapes and distortions inside, which you presume are artifacts of making the orb. It is about palm sized.
> "Well, shoot. In that case, not to ask one merchant for help with finding other merchants, but would you happen to know where I could get black tea, jeweler's chains, tires, and engine-compatible tubes? Presumably not all in one place, though I sure wouldn't complain if somewhere did have them all."
> Provide a rough size estimate for the tube as needed.
> Examine the small ruby while we're here, because why not.
>Glancing at the ruby, it seems very nice. You don't know much about gems, but it is about the size of a sunflower seed, and has as sort of trapezoid-looking cut.
>"Well, there's a jeweler in town," says Ichirin. "They might be able to help you with the chain. And maybe the tube? Or there's the blacksmith. As for tires...oh! You mean the weird bouncy outside world ones? There's a a few of them out back, I think.
>_
-
> Nod.
> "Great, thanks. You don't mind if I take a look at them, do you?'
> "Anything notable about this gem?"
-
> Nod.
> "Great, thanks. You don't mind if I take a look at them, do you?'
> "Anything notable about this gem?"
>"Go right ahead. Oh, actually...thinking on it, I am pretty sure there was a tube kind of like what you wanted among the stuff Sakuya bought. Maybe you can convince them to part with it?
>"Nope, it's just a pretty ruby," she says.
>_
-
Intentionally not leaving just yet in case Yaersulf wants to follow up on the cassette tape and/or the oooooooooooooooooooorb. (This follow-up could even take place before Nitori heads back outside!)
> Snap our fingers once in acknowledgment (rather than frustration).
> "Good to know, thanks. I'll probably swing by there, then. Okay, be right back."
> Head back outside and have a look at the tires
-
I actually wanna talk to Utsuho and see if we can get ourselves some divine power that way. If it's not gonna blow up our ship of course >w<
-
That also works! I suspect she is in sufficient control at this point in the story that it will not explode us, but I suppose the possibility is there.
-
> Snap our fingers once in acknowledgment (rather than frustration).
> "Good to know, thanks. I'll probably swing by there, then. Okay, be right back."
> Head back outside and have a look at the tires
>Good thing she doesn't seem to try to hide who bought what like the previous management did!
>"Sure thing," Ichirin says.
>You step out and head around the back. Here is where the real junk lives. busted up pieces of metal, weird outside world things that are in advanced states of disrepair, outright scrap, and a few rubber tires in various states of wear; most with stagnant water trapped inside them.
>_
-
> Anything usable in the scrap?
> Take handwritten notes on the tires that are present, specifically noting size and wear. If we have measuring tape with us, use it to record diameters specifically.
-
> Anything usable in the scrap?
> Take handwritten notes on the tires that are present, specifically noting size and wear. If we have measuring tape with us, use it to record diameters specifically.
>You glance at the scrap. There might be some good things in this, actually? Are you looking for anything in particular?
>You take some notes and measurements on the tires. Most of them are pretty worn; you don't really know how tires from Outside get this worn, but they always seem to. It shouldn't be a real problem.
>_
-
> Add a general "Various States Of Wear" note to our tire data. (That is, literally write that phrase down as-is. We don't need to spend time classifying each tire's state of wear.)
> Do we have any projects currently going other than the rocket?
> If so, are we missing parts for any of those projects?
> If so, check around for those things.
-
> Add a general "Various States Of Wear" note to our tire data. (That is, literally write that phrase down as-is. We don't need to spend time classifying each tire's state of wear.)
> Do we have any projects currently going other than the rocket?
> If so, are we missing parts for any of those projects?
> If so, check around for those things.
>Nothing on the front burner. There's any number of projects on the back burner. None of them are really to the point where parts would be missing yet.
>_
-
> ...Well, we're probably not going to find anything as delicate as watchmaker materials or as comestible as tea here...
> ...Sift through the scrap a bit, looking for anything that could serve as an engine tube.
-
> ...Well, we're probably not going to find anything as delicate as watchmaker materials or as comestible as tea here...
> ...Sift through the scrap a bit, looking for anything that could serve as an engine tube.
>Your suspicions are correct, you don't find either.
>Nor do you find an engine tube. By and large, this scrap has stuff that is either too weak or too low a melting point to make a decant part. However, you do find some scrap melt that would work as a the base for such a tube.
>_
-
> Take it! (But don't pocket it yet, we haven't paid for it.)
> Would this scrap melt be part of building out own tube, or do we still need to get a full-fledged tube and this scrap melt will just enhance it once we do?
-
> Take it! (But don't pocket it yet, we haven't paid for it.)
> Would this scrap melt be part of building out own tube, or do we still need to get a full-fledged tube and this scrap melt will just enhance it once we do?
>You obtain: Useful Scrap
>This should be useful for making a tube.
>_
-
> Is the scrap enough on its own, or do we need more material?
> If we need more material, what other material might we need?
-
> Is the scrap enough on its own, or do we need more material?
> If we need more material, what other material might we need?
>This should do it.
>_
-
> Oh wow, how fortuitous! About damn time something went right today.
> Head back inside the shop.
-
> Oh wow, how fortuitous! About damn time something went right today.
> Head back inside the shop.
>You head back inside. Ichirin is still behind the counter. you think she is pouring over some buddhist text or other. Well, you assume it's buddhist, being a monk and all. Utsuho is fiddling with what looks like some kind of filter, though a lot more complicated than anything you'd usually see.
>_
-
> "Hey, how much for this?"
> Hold up the scrap.
-
> "Hey, how much for this?"
> Hold up the scrap.
>Ichirin shrugs. "It's all yours."
>_
-
> Blink.
> "...Really? Well, uh, thanks. This'll help a lot. I owe you one."
> Look back at the hell raven.
> "Hey, Utsuho, not to distract you from the box with personal questions, but I've been wondering about the divinity of your skill set, so to speak."
-
> Blink.
> "...Really? Well, uh, thanks. This'll help a lot. I owe you one."
> Look back at the hell raven.
> "Hey, Utsuho, not to distract you from the box with personal questions, but I've been wondering about the divinity of your skill set, so to speak."
>"I mean, I'm not gonna charge you for trash," Ichirin says.
>"Unyu?" Utsuho says, glancing back at you, clearly absorbed in her work. "Uh. It's complicated, I guess? I don't really worry too much about it myself."
>_
-
> "Well, okay. I need a reservoir of divine power for my current project. Is that something you could provide, assuming appropriate compensation?"
-
> "Well, okay. I need a reservoir of divine power for my current project. Is that something you could provide, assuming appropriate compensation?"
>"I..um, I don't think that's something I can do?" Utsuho says. "I don't have my stuff today, too."
>_
-
> "Oh. Er, sorry for the misunderstanding, then."
-
> "Oh. Er, sorry for the misunderstanding, then."
"
>"It's fine," she says, "It's an honest question, isn't it?"
>_
-
> "Yeah, but I still interrupted your work on the cold box."
-
> "Yeah, but I still interrupted your work on the cold box."
>"I suppose," she says. "It's not really a thing, though."
>_
-
> "Well, alright, if you say so."
> What non-mountain markets are we aware of that aren't in the Human Village?
> Is there a faster way to get to the Human Village from here than ducking back into the river and popping up later downstream?
-
> "Well, alright, if you say so."
> What non-mountain markets are we aware of that aren't in the Human Village?
> Is there a faster way to get to the Human Village from here than ducking back into the river and popping up later downstream?
>"So what're you up to?" Utsuho says, as she gets back to work.
>There is one in the tengu village, but getting to it can be tricky depending on their mood. Sometimes places like Scarlet Devil Mansion and Eientei are willing to deal in things, but that's not really a market. Supposedly there's a black market out there, but heck if you know where it would be found or what they even have.
>From here, it is faster to follow along the road or take to the air.
>_
-
> "Updating my rocket. Gonna get further than anyone ever has!"
-
> "Updating my rocket. Gonna get further than anyone ever has!"
>"You're doing that too? Neat!" Utsuho says.
>_
-
> "Yep! ...Wait, what do you mean 'too'?"
-
> "Yep! ...Wait, what do you mean 'too'?"
>"Yeah, Scarlet Devil Mansion apparently decided to restart their space program," says Utsuho. "Never knew they had one to start with. I think that's why Sakuya was buying up all the stuff earlier."
>_
-
> "..."
> Go gradually pale, then gradually red with anger.
> "...Oh, hell no. They are not outracing me on this."
> Given rushed nods to the two youkai present.
> "ThankyouforyourtimeImustbegoingbye!"
> Dash out of Kourindou and begin high-tailing it to the Human Village.
-
> "..."
> Go gradually pale, then gradually red with anger.
> "...Oh, hell no. They are not outracing me on this."
> Given rushed nods to the two youkai present.
> "ThankyouforyourtimeImustbegoingbye!"
> Dash out of Kourindou and begin high-tailing it to the Human Village.
>"Uh, bye!" Utsuho says as you dash out.
>And out you go! You start running northward. Running, however, is not one of your many talents, and you soon find yourself short on breath.
>_
-
> Godsdamnit!!
> Take a moment to catch our breath, then.
> Can we fly without winding ourselves?