Author Topic: Minor Existence Quest  (Read 327181 times)

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Re: Minor Existence Quest
« Reply #450 on: December 27, 2021, 07:48:14 AM »
>"Let's check out the bookstore."

Re: Minor Existence Quest
« Reply #451 on: December 27, 2021, 06:37:20 PM »
>"Okay!"
>Hanako starts to walk away, before chuckling nervously. "Ah, I'm sorry but I can't join you for now. I have a Florist shop to run, and this box isn't going to empty itself!" She taps the box she brought into the forest. Filled with an eclectic collection of flora.
>"In that case I'll be joining my mo-"
>"Nah, I can handle the store myself this time. Sure there might be more people than usual, if this street crowd is any clue, but you don't need to worry. Join with The Escort for a while, it'll be fun!"
>Ame pauses in shock before acquiescing. "Yes, mother."

>And so your party (sans Hanako) walks through the streets looking for Suzunaan.
>While walking you note the looks you get from some members of the crowd. Some of them stare at you or squint as if they're trying to remember something. The attention doesn't feel crushing or negative but rather... Curious?
>"Huh, looks like I was wrong about people maybe having trouble telling that you're The Onmyouji. At least they aren't swarming you like crazed fans."
>_?

Re: Minor Existence Quest
« Reply #452 on: January 02, 2022, 12:49:21 AM »
>"The kimonos might help."

>Are the looks we're getting concentrated on our face or clothes?

>"How did you come to join the patrol?"

Re: Minor Existence Quest
« Reply #453 on: January 03, 2022, 01:12:34 AM »
#Happy New Year! Hope you have a good one.
>"The kimonos might help."

>Are the looks we're getting concentrated on our face or clothes?

>"The Kimonos and the Cloak are a giveaway for sure. Though the Cloak looks great, I wonder if Kawa's stepping up her game."
>The looks are mainly focused on your clothes and general silhouette, rather than your face.

>"How did you come to join the patrol?"

>At that question, Ame gives you a look similar to a glare or squint. However unlike the others, she looks directly at your face. After a moment she answers.
>"I can tell you. But this might take a moment."
>"What kind of dramatic backstory could a regular human have?"
>"Worm, remember Kawa?"
>"Fair point."


>Ame starts. "Back when I was young, or at least younger than I am now, it was common for me to be left at school while my mother went into the Forest to search for exotic plants in the morning. At school we're often told that The Forest is a dangerous place, filled with fairies that play deadly pranks on you, man-eating plants, poisonous nettle, and Youkai."
>"This was probably meant to dissuade the children from thinking of wandering into The Forest but it had the opposite effect on me. All I could think of was that my mother was walking into a death-trap regularly and I was doing nothing to help. I became very energetic about wanting to 'fight the evil fairies and youkai', to the point where even Keine had enough and said that if I was really willing then I'd join the Night Patrol."
>Ame chuckles then continues to smile as she reminisces. "As soon as I was a reasonable age I practically stormed the Hieda Household to ask for special permission to join. The Maiden of Miare at the time appreciated my... spirited nature, and instead of punishing me for just barging in, directed me to the proper place for tests and training in Night Patrolling. Honestly, I was probably such a handful back then!"
>"There aren't many willing volunteers at my age, but I sailed through the theory and investigation training then shoved myself into weapons-"
>"We're here!"

>You look towards Apple and see a sign above her. It says Suzunaan.
>"H-huh. I might've gone on for too long, sorry. I can continue later if you find it interesting enough." Ame laughs nervously.
>_?

Re: Minor Existence Quest
« Reply #454 on: January 07, 2022, 06:03:04 AM »
#Happy New Year

>"That was really interesting.  Inspirational actually, training to to protect your mother."

>Head inside

Re: Minor Existence Quest
« Reply #455 on: January 08, 2022, 10:19:20 PM »
#Happy New Year

>"That was really interesting.  Inspirational actually, training to to protect your mother."

>Ame raises a brow. "Inspirational? Huh, always thought I was acting like a spoiled kid back then. But I can see how the story might have that impression."

>Head inside

>You, Apple, Worm, and Ame all enter Suzunaan, walking through the curtain. Worm's eyes immediately widen, while Ame's start scanning the room.
>The bookstore feels larger on the inside than it looks on the outside. The tables and chairs, most likely for indoor reading and resting, are currently unoccupied. There are a surprisingly daunting number of bookshelves and cases, more than you would expect even for a generational library, and all areas are lit by overhead ceiling lights.

>At the front desk you see two individuals having an animated conversation.
>Sitting at the desk is most likely the shopkeeper of Suzunaan, Kosuzu Motoori. A short, young girl with red eyes, light red hair styled in short twin tails and wearing a white and red checkered kimono with an apron.
>Standing on the other side is a woman with brown eyes and hair styled in twin tails, though longer than Kosuzu's, wearing a purple jacket with a white shirt.

>They haven't noticed you come in yet, their conversation must be really interesting.
>_?

Re: Minor Existence Quest
« Reply #456 on: January 15, 2022, 11:38:33 AM »
>Walk up to the chatting ladies.
->Make sure you move into Kosuzu's field of view and wait a few seconds

>If we aren't noticed
->Wait for a pause
-->"Excuse me."

Re: Minor Existence Quest
« Reply #457 on: January 15, 2022, 06:16:36 PM »
>Walk up to the chatting ladies.
->Make sure you move into Kosuzu's field of view and wait a few seconds

>You walk up to the ladies. It seems Worm is more interested in the books and moves towards the shelves instead, while Ame sits down within earshot and eyesight. So only Apple joins you.
>As you move into Kosuzu's field of view, you overhear a snippet of the conversation between her and the woman in the purple jacket.
>"... But we already distribute one newspaper branch, I'm not sure I can have another one here."
>"Aww come on. At least read today's copy and consider it, Ms. Motoori." The Twin-tailed woman practically shoves a roll of paper into Kosuzu's hands. You recognize it as a copy of Kakashi Psychic News.
>"O-okay?" Kosuzu says with a worrisome smile.

>If we aren't noticed
->Wait for a pause
-->"Excuse me."

>Both Kosuzu and the Woman turn to you. The woman gives you and Apple a once over before glancing at the paper.
>"A-ah, Sorry! Welcome to Suzunaan! How can I help?"
>_?

Re: Minor Existence Quest
« Reply #458 on: January 15, 2022, 06:23:14 PM »
>"No need to apologize.  I was hoping that you might have books on magical swords.  We're researching a sword that uses misfortune."

Re: Minor Existence Quest
« Reply #459 on: January 15, 2022, 09:00:10 PM »
>"No need to apologize.  I was hoping that you might have books on magical swords.  We're researching a sword that uses misfortune."

>Kosuzu makes a pondering face before standing up and answering.
>"We've got nothing on misfortune specifically, but we do have books on well-known weapons believed to have been magical. And books on enchanting objects. Strangely, they're all History and Occult books that fell in from the Outside World. I keep them organised in different sections so they should be easy to find.
You can either look for these books yourself, or I can help you find them. Sorry for not being able to get you exactly what you needed."
>"Huh, weird for the Outside World to have this stuff." Apple notes.
>"They take a sceptical view on it in almost all the books and the arts are obscure there, so the information might be inaccurate, unfortunately."
>_?

Re: Minor Existence Quest
« Reply #460 on: January 20, 2022, 08:32:08 AM »
>It looks like Kosuzu could use an excuse to get away.

>"I would deeply appreciate your help in looking."

>"Enchanting, if it was recently made then it wouldn't be in any books. Was their another shrine with mikos in Gensokyo's history?"

Re: Minor Existence Quest
« Reply #461 on: January 22, 2022, 06:54:28 PM »
>It looks like Kosuzu could use an excuse to get away.

>You do notice that Kosuzu seems to be overwhelmed with this customer.
>Just as you think that, Ame also steps in. Probably done with just watching, she walks towards the Woman in the purple jacket.
>"Excuse me, Ma'am. Could I have a talk with you outside?" Ame's face is stern and her tone is dark, and you would say that her attitude is a bit too serious for the situation.
>The Woman seems intimidated by Ame's overall mood, and shrinks back. You can't blame her. She gets practically dragged out the door by the Nightwatch member. Strangely aggressive behaviour from Ame.

>"I would deeply appreciate your help in looking."

>"Enchanting, if it was recently made then it wouldn't be in any books. Was their another shrine with mikos in Gensokyo's history?"

>"Good, I'll make sure you can get the most out of this store!" So spirited with her tone, it's like this is her life's work!
>"Hmm, this sword you're researching could be using an antiquated process. Or an altered form of an existing one. But those are just guesses from me."
>"As for the Shrine question... I don't know enough about Gensokyo's history to properly answer that, sorry. But we do have an old copy of the Gensokyo Chronicle, that was written by one of the Children of Miare, if you're looking for any important information on Gensokyo's old history then that's a good starting place."
>"If you don't get enough information from those... then there's a more dangerous option. I'd rather not make it the primary one, but the Youma books could have something on this in them. Something tells me you have a good amount of experience with the supernatural." Despite describing the books as 'dangerous', the bookkeeper's face smiles when giving the option. Also, you feel like that last part is telling of how much she already knows.
>_?

Re: Minor Existence Quest
« Reply #462 on: January 27, 2022, 03:36:17 PM »
>"I've dabbled in the the supernatural."

>"Could we start with the chronicle? I'd like to see if it could narrow the search."

Re: Minor Existence Quest
« Reply #463 on: January 31, 2022, 05:10:54 PM »
>"I've dabbled in the the supernatural."

>"Could we start with the chronicle? I'd like to see if it could narrow the search."

>"Okay, just wait here, I'll grab it." Kosuzu walks into the labyrinth of cases and shelves.
Shortly afterwards you hear a yelp proceeded by a distant "Sorry". A while later, Kosuzu returns with two thick books.
>"Good news: I have the Seventh and Eighth Volume of the Gensokyo Chronicle, copies of course."
>Her face shifts to a more awkward look "Also your... Daughter, I believe? She's going through the books faster than anyone I've seen visit this place. And considering that list includes Marisa, that says something!"
>"Aww, don't worry. Sis always gets this way about books, and newspapers... pretty much anything containing large amounts of information."
>"A-alright?" She doesn't sound calmed by the reassurance Apple is giving.
>_?

Re: Minor Existence Quest
« Reply #464 on: February 02, 2022, 07:21:06 AM »
>"Maybe you can help her find a couple of books.  She should still have some spending money."

>Skim the books for any swords or shrines

Re: Minor Existence Quest
« Reply #465 on: February 16, 2022, 08:40:10 PM »
#I apologise for the extremely late post. University Work is kicking my arse.[/spoiler]
>"Maybe you can help her find a couple of books.  She should still have some spending money."

>"I doubt she needs my help, despite her age she seems pretty knowledgeable on books. But I will try to find something that she'll want to keep."
>With that, Kosuzu leaves towards where Worm is probably making a ruckus of the literary variety.

>Skim the books for any swords or shrines

>The books, being a recounting and collection of a literal lifetime, take a bit of time to go over. Even just skimming for specific topics takes a while.
>You do find some information on various historical swords, most of which you somehow already know of (strange), and unexpected inclusions such as the Hisou no Tsurugi. But unfortunately nothing on cursed swords. And none that specifically use impurity that a human could use.
>Shrines bring a slightly more interesting return.

>According to the Seventh Volume, there was a Shrine Maiden who visited the Human Village occasionally. She was from an area outside of Gensokyo, so you can only guess that the visits to and from the Human Village were like pilgrimages to her. The Eighth Volume contains a bit more information about her descendants personally. Apparently after a personal meeting, Hieda no Aya finally got a name out of one of them: Chen Satsujinki.
>That's a... disconcerting name, almost makes you think it's fake.
>It seems that despite the extremely concerning family name, the Satsujinkis were generally respectable at most times but considered Youkai extermination an utmost importance to the point where most Maidens had weapon training of some kind. Sounds like the kind of Shrine Maidens who would use a sword on a Youkai.
>You attempt to look further into the books but don't find much other than notes on Gensokyo's politics, hints on how to avoid Youkai, and musical sheet music of all things.
>But what about the sword...

>Just as you ruminate on the weapon, Kosuzu returns with Worm in tow. Kosuzu looks like she had the life sucked out of her while Worm is carrying half her body size in books with an excited expression.
>"Mother, I may have figured out the secrets to the sword!" Worm yells.
>"Yeah, and all it took was barging into where the Youma books are kept and forcing me to read them to her." Kosuzu rubs her eyes to ease the feeling in them "She's somehow more excited about these books than I am. Almost gave me a heart attack when she went there."

>"So to summarise multiple books worth of enchanting, crafting and alchemy techniques short: It's possible to infuse qualities to an object by enacting a ritual involving surrounding the object in an environment rich in that quality for long periods of time. So you can, say, create an Impurity-infused sword by surrounding the sword in Impurity while enacting the ritual."
>"This is a centuries old technique and quite outdated in my opinion, however." Worm continues as if in a lecture.
>"Look at Sis here, acting like an expert in the fields of magic." Apple snidely remarks.
>"Hey, don't you remember that we're-" Apple remembers her cover. "The Daughters of The Omnyoji! Of course I'd be interested in some sorcery!" Interesting use of your new title there.

>So you've got a name and a weapon (or at least a process of how the weapon was made). Now you just need a method of tracking down The Satsujinki.
>_?

Re: Minor Existence Quest
« Reply #466 on: February 20, 2022, 10:09:13 PM »
//Don't worry.  I hope things are going alright.

>Rub our chin in thought
->"Is it a permanent enchantment or does the item need to be recharged?"

Re: Minor Existence Quest
« Reply #467 on: February 22, 2022, 04:48:34 PM »
//Don't worry.  I hope things are going alright.

>Rub our chin in thought
->"Is it a permanent enchantment or does the item need to be recharged?"

>"Well, according to the books, the quality that the object was infused with naturally leaks out of the item. With more of it leaking out faster in cases where there's a lack of the quality outside the object than inside of it." Kosuzu says with a tired voice.
>"Oh, you mean like the process of osmosis? The diffusion of water through membranes?" Apple notes.
>Kosuzu raises a brow at that. "...Yes, impressive that you know about that at your age. Honestly, I only know that because of the books that occasionally fall in from the outside world." You would guess the Kappa would have books on that as well. And knowing Worm's habits along with Apple's friendship with her...
>"Ahem. Our mother made sure we had a good education." Worm interjects with a plausible explanation. That, with an innocent smile, should assuage any suspicions.

"Anyway, the item would most likely need to be recharged often if it was enchanted with Impurity or Misfortune. I doubt there are many Misfortune-rich environments around the village, so there's only so many places this Shrine Maiden could've went for a Misfortune-involved ritual."
>_?
« Last Edit: February 22, 2022, 04:51:08 PM by WitheringFlowerCrown »

Re: Minor Existence Quest
« Reply #468 on: February 24, 2022, 07:30:03 AM »
>"Excellent.  We know where to watch and wait.  The familiars might be able to catch the scent of misfortune if we're lucky."

>"I did find out who our mystery guest could be.  There was a miko along with her descendents who specialized in youkai extermination.  All of the maidens were taught how to use weapons."

>Were the chronicles that detailed the latest sighting of a Satsujinki written after great barrier was erected?

Re: Minor Existence Quest
« Reply #469 on: February 25, 2022, 11:19:10 PM »
>"Excellent.  We know where to watch and wait.  The familiars might be able to catch the scent of misfortune if we're lucky."

>Kosuzu perks up. "Familiars? So you really are The Omnyoji in that newspaper! I thought your daughter was just playing around or joking."
>Worm pouts. "Ma'am, do I look like the type who would lie to someone like that?" A funny question given you're all in disguise.
>"Well, children do have active imaginations. And I don't know why, but you just have the natural look of a prankster on you."
>Apple chuckles nervously. It seems even in disguise, Fairies can't avoid their reputation for mischief.

>"I did find out who our mystery guest could be.  There was a miko along with her descendents who specialized in youkai extermination.  All of the maidens were taught how to use weapons."

>"That's a near perfect fit!"
>Worm puts a hand to her chin and ponders. "I wonder where their Shrine was located that required specialised training. Considering that a Miko's main jobs are maintaining the Shrine, and purification and sealing rituals, the latter of which are usually symbolic and spiritual rather than physical combat-reliant."
>"Doesn't stop Reimu from throwing those balls around and hitting people with her Gohei." Apple remarks
>"...A fair point. Our Shrine Maidens are rarely normal in their methods either."

>Were the chronicles that detailed the latest sighting of a Satsujinki written after great barrier was erected?

>The Seventh and Eighth Chronicles' writers, Hieda no Anana and Hieda no Aya respectively, both perished before the Barrier was erected. So the latest sighting written was likely before the Great Hakurei Barrier.
>You do remember aspects of that period. Aya's time was around the period where Humans could seriously challenge Youkai in power.
>How old are you? You decide to file that question for later.
>_?

Re: Minor Existence Quest
« Reply #470 on: February 28, 2022, 04:15:15 PM »
>Smile proudly at being recognized
->"Yes."

>"What bothers me is the maidens haven't been seen since before the barrier until now.  They don't seem like the type to lay low."

Re: Minor Existence Quest
« Reply #471 on: March 01, 2022, 06:33:44 PM »
>Smile proudly at being recognized
->"Yes."

>Kosuzu picks up the copy of Kakashi Psychic News and rapidly looks between your party and the article.
>"Wow, this picture is really unflattering. It barely looks like you three unless you focus real hard. I'm not a photographer but they really could've done a better job."
Apple nudges Worm's shoulder "See, even she agrees!"

>"What bothers me is the maidens haven't been seen since before the barrier until now.  They don't seem like the type to lay low."

>"...That is true." Worm starts pondering.
>"If I were a Shrine Maiden specialising in Youkai Extermination, I would want to go actively hunting or purifying. In a place like Gensokyo with Youkai all over the place it wouldn't be hard to find trouble." Apple says absent-mindedly.
>Worm begins pacing around the room, trying to deduce the behaviour of the Miko.
>"But a human who actively hunts Youkai would undoubtedly be more well-known. And where was she during every incident where a Youkai was the culprit? I can only guess that the maiden's family either recently snuck back into Gensokyo after the barrier was made, which is very unlikely, or they were forced into hiding before the barrier and have just now resurfaced, which mother said is out-of-character for them."
>"Maybe they had a reason for hiding?" Kosuzu suggests.
>_?

Re: Minor Existence Quest
« Reply #472 on: March 03, 2022, 06:24:31 AM »
>Hmm, if their numbers were decimated by youkai then they could have been building up their strength.

>Nod
->"They must have, but now they are confident enough to resume their work.  Do you have any books on common shrine rituals?"

Re: Minor Existence Quest
« Reply #473 on: March 05, 2022, 10:28:03 PM »
>Hmm, if their numbers were decimated by youkai then they could have been building up their strength.

>Nod
->"They must have, but now they are confident enough to resume their work.  Do you have any books on common shrine rituals?"

>"Hmm, I might have books on really basic, common shrine rituals. I can still grab it for you if you want."
>"Better to have and not need and such." Apple hums.
>"Alright, just wait here for a moment." Kosuzu moves to a nearby bookshelf, this book seems to be closer than the others. "This day's been really quiet and eventful at the same time. Only two groups of visitors but both of them have been really eccentric."
>She glances at you for a moment. "Uh, no offence Ms. Omnyoji, ma'am."
>_?

Re: Minor Existence Quest
« Reply #474 on: March 07, 2022, 10:56:17 AM »
>"None taken.  What was the other group like?"

Re: Minor Existence Quest
« Reply #475 on: March 09, 2022, 09:59:16 PM »
>"None taken.  What was the other group like?"

>"The first group was a real shock: Reimu and Marisa along with a woman I've never seen before came in earlier. They were similar to you in that they were looking for information relating to Shrine Maidens and Enchantments. At first I thought it was natural: Reimu is a Miko, so of course she would want information on Shrine rituals; Marisa is always interested in Magic of all sorts; And I think you saw how pushy that woman was with her newspaper before that girl-"
>"Ame." Apple corrects her.
"Yes, Ame pulled her away. But now that the second group, a family with an Omnyoji Matriarch who was recently in the news, is here looking for similar information, I can't help but think there's something more going on." Her face is enthusiastically beaming with curiosity while riffling through the books.

>Eventually Kosuzu puts down a book and a scroll of some sort on the table in front of you.
>The book has the title "Rites of the Yaoyorozu no Kami: A primer". The scroll is a mystery though, you don't even see any scrolls in the area Kosuzu was searching.
>_?

Re: Minor Existence Quest
« Reply #476 on: March 12, 2022, 01:19:18 AM »
>Raise an eyebrow
->"What did Reimu and Marisa say about what they are doing?"

>"From what we know, at least one shrine maiden from an unknown shrine has attacked youkai with a sword that prevented healing."

Re: Minor Existence Quest
« Reply #477 on: March 14, 2022, 03:49:50 PM »
>Raise an eyebrow
->"What did Reimu and Marisa say about what they are doing?"

>Kosuzu sighs and sits down, her eyes downcast.
>"Nothing much. When I asked them because I was curious they just said they were 'nipping problems in the bud', but never elaborated to me what they meant. I'm guessing they wanted to protect me by hiding the more dangerous aspects of why they came. But I did overhear where they were planning on going next. Never anything on why they brought that woman with them though."

>"From what we know, at least one shrine maiden from an unknown shrine has attacked youkai with a sword that prevented healing."

>Kosuzu bolts up and out of her seat at this. Most likely out of shock.
>"I can see why they might be concerned about that! Uh, since you two groups seem to be searching for the same shrine maiden, shouldn't you cross paths soon? Also, why are you so interested in this? Isn't Shrine maidens exterminating youkai par for the course? The sword is unusual, but we already have a probable answer to that." She asks all this in a rapid-fire sequence, barely leaving time for an answer in-between.
>Apple leans to you. "I think she's asking too many questions, but we could answer some before she explodes."
>_?

Re: Minor Existence Quest
« Reply #478 on: March 17, 2022, 06:56:00 AM »
>"We might run into them."

>"The shrine maiden attacked a youkai that wasn't harming anyone. I can't just let her hurt innocent people."

Re: Minor Existence Quest
« Reply #479 on: March 17, 2022, 09:49:25 PM »
>"We might run into them."

>"The shrine maiden attacked a youkai that wasn't harming anyone. I can't just let her hurt innocent people."

>Kosuzu thinks for a moment before responding with a smile.
>"That sounds surprisingly noble. This situation sounds interesting, A mysterious Onmyouji family confronting a Miko potentially going too far... Sounds like something straight out of a fantasy story!" She almost sounds like she's daydreaming.
>"Well, I shouldn't keep you away from that reading material for too long."
>_?