Author Topic: Maribel Quest - A Z-Machine Adventure  (Read 94608 times)

Re: Maribel Quest - A Z-Machine Adventure
« Reply #60 on: July 30, 2010, 05:41:17 PM »
>"Well, I like to think I'm pretty polite in general. I'll try not to fawn all over them in my curiosity, though."

>"So... what is it you do around here, anyway?"

Serela

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Re: Maribel Quest - A Z-Machine Adventure
« Reply #61 on: July 30, 2010, 05:41:52 PM »
>Does our ability to detect "spheres of influence" have any kind of use that we know of?
<mauvecow> see this is how evil works in reality, it just wears you down with bureaucracy until you don't care anymore

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Re: Maribel Quest - A Z-Machine Adventure
« Reply #62 on: July 30, 2010, 05:59:15 PM »
>"Well, I like to think I'm pretty polite in general. I'll try not to fawn all over them in my curiosity, though."

>"So... what is it you do around here, anyway?"

>She nods, then says, "I take care of my little friends. I sew. I take care of meals and cleaning much of the time. I listen to Utsuho and Orin's stories. Sometimes, I'll sit on the balcony and enjoy the music."

>Does our ability to detect "spheres of influence" have any kind of use that we know of?

>Sort of. You know when you're moving between one region and another.

>_

Re: Maribel Quest - A Z-Machine Adventure
« Reply #63 on: July 30, 2010, 06:05:43 PM »
>"Balcony? Does it have a view of the city that would be safe for me to see?"

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Re: Maribel Quest - A Z-Machine Adventure
« Reply #64 on: July 30, 2010, 06:20:10 PM »
>"Balcony? Does it have a view of the city that would be safe for me to see?"

>"I think so. Take the stairs to the west, and follow them to the end."

>_

Re: Maribel Quest - A Z-Machine Adventure
« Reply #65 on: July 30, 2010, 06:21:29 PM »
>"I think I'll go have a look out there now, if you don't mind?"
>Head towards the balcony

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Re: Maribel Quest - A Z-Machine Adventure
« Reply #66 on: July 30, 2010, 06:39:25 PM »
>"I think I'll go have a look out there now, if you don't mind?"
>Head towards the balcony

>"Very well," says Satori.
>You follow her directions, finding yourself in a hall much like the one before, but much less dusty and more lived in. At the end of it lies a set of double doors. You walk through them, and step out onto a balcony.
>The first thing you notice is the music, a lively tune born from numerous instruments playing together and harmonizing to into a fast-paced song that is difficult not to want to dance to. You see the cavern roof, far above you. Stalactites hang down from it, and you think you can see the hint of clouds around them? That you can see it at comes from the light of the city before you. It fills the cavern, numerous single-story buildings with colorful tiled roofs. Lanterns are everywhere. You can see people milling about in the distance. And, you think you even seem a few of them floating about in the air.
>It takes you a little while to look away. It's so...wonderful. Yo're having a hard time believing Satori's warnings of danger now. Right now, you really want to explore that city and beyond. Especially if someone like Utsuho and Renko might be out there.

>_

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Re: Maribel Quest - A Z-Machine Adventure
« Reply #67 on: July 30, 2010, 06:41:11 PM »
> Enjoy the view a bit more

> Keep an eye out for Utsuho

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Re: Maribel Quest - A Z-Machine Adventure
« Reply #68 on: July 30, 2010, 07:28:54 PM »
> Enjoy the view a bit more

> Keep an eye out for Utsuho

>You enjoy the view a bit more. You find yourself tapping along with the music against the railing.
>You don't see Utsuho, but she would be really easy to miss at a distance. You do think you can see that bridge that Satori mentioned, though.

>_

Re: Maribel Quest - A Z-Machine Adventure
« Reply #69 on: July 30, 2010, 07:33:54 PM »
>Go back to Satori

>"Is there no way for me to safely have a look around the city? Is there anyone else that might be willing to guide me? I'm sorry... I'm just so excited to see what's out there, right now."

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Re: Maribel Quest - A Z-Machine Adventure
« Reply #70 on: July 30, 2010, 07:42:02 PM »
>Go back to Satori

>"Is there no way for me to safely have a look around the city? Is there anyone else that might be willing to guide me? I'm sorry... I'm just so excited to see what's out there, right now."

>You tear yourself away and return to the sitting room.
>"I'm afraid not," says Satori. "Neither Utsuho nor Orin will be back for hours."

>_

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Re: Maribel Quest - A Z-Machine Adventure
« Reply #71 on: July 30, 2010, 08:14:33 PM »
>"What are Utsuho and Orin doing, anyways?"

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Re: Maribel Quest - A Z-Machine Adventure
« Reply #72 on: July 30, 2010, 08:28:02 PM »
>"What are Utsuho and Orin doing, anyways?"

>"Orin is dealing with affairs in the Hell of Blazing Fires, which is just below us before you ask. I'd tell you more, but you'd find the details distasteful. Utsuho is out handling some personal matters right now."
>"And yes, Blazing Hell is exactly as dangerous as it sounds. You can't go there unescorted. It would be much worse for you than the city. An oni would just kidnap you.

>_

Re: Maribel Quest - A Z-Machine Adventure
« Reply #73 on: July 30, 2010, 09:01:23 PM »
> "I see...well, if you don't mind, could you give me a tour of the palace?"

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Re: Maribel Quest - A Z-Machine Adventure
« Reply #74 on: July 30, 2010, 09:05:42 PM »
> "I see...well, if you don't mind, could you give me a tour of the palace?"

>She shakes her head. "...I am not very comfortable with crowds of complex minds."

>_

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Re: Maribel Quest - A Z-Machine Adventure
« Reply #75 on: July 30, 2010, 10:28:44 PM »
> "Well, er, do you know anything to do to past the time?"

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Re: Maribel Quest - A Z-Machine Adventure
« Reply #76 on: July 30, 2010, 11:13:35 PM »
> "Well, er, do you know anything to do to past the time?"

>"I would be happy to have you assist with my sewing." says Satori.
>Ugh...

>_

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Re: Maribel Quest - A Z-Machine Adventure
« Reply #77 on: July 30, 2010, 11:27:14 PM »
>"Maybe you could explain some more about this... different Gensokyo? I know I sound like an overeager schoolgirl, but..."
>"For starters, I think you mentioned a... Hakumei maiden or something that might be able to help me? What should I know about her?"
>"... and since I'm probably being rude after all your hospitality, I could try and help with the sewing while we talk." Amend with admission of Mary's skill level at this.
There was something here once. Wonder what...

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Re: Maribel Quest - A Z-Machine Adventure
« Reply #78 on: July 30, 2010, 11:36:49 PM »
>"Maybe you could explain some more about this... different Gensokyo? I know I sound like an overeager schoolgirl, but..."
>"For starters, I think you mentioned a... Hakumei maiden or something that might be able to help me? What should I know about her?"
>"... and since I'm probably being rude after all your hospitality, I could try and help with the sewing while we talk." Amend with admission of Mary's skill level at this.

>"Well, the shrine maiden does much to keep the peace," says Satori. "She's the one who keep youkai from causing too much of a disturbance, and sometimes keeps humans and gods under control as well. Mind you, she has help, but her track record is impressive."
>You've never sewed in your life. It just seemed boring. You confess the former part, but you suspect she caught the latter part.
>She frowns. "Well...I suppose that a small walk wouldn't hurt..."

>_

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Re: Maribel Quest - A Z-Machine Adventure
« Reply #79 on: July 30, 2010, 11:59:31 PM »
> "I suppose mind reading is just like breathing for you? I've always thought being able to read minds would be very useful, how is it for you though?"
> Try to avoid getting too excited.

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Re: Maribel Quest - A Z-Machine Adventure
« Reply #80 on: July 31, 2010, 12:03:37 AM »
>"And a walk would be nice, if you're willing. We don't have to go anywhere with more than uh... I'm guessing these are your pets, but I'd like to see more of this place if it's safe."
>That and it's probably more interesting than sitting around sewing, even for her...
>... wait, she caught that, didn't she? Damnit.
There was something here once. Wonder what...

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Re: Maribel Quest - A Z-Machine Adventure
« Reply #81 on: July 31, 2010, 12:19:50 AM »
> "I suppose mind reading is just like breathing for you? I've always thought being able to read minds would be very useful, how is it for you though?"
> Try to avoid getting too excited.

>"It's...a little irksome, to be honest," says Satori. "You feel people's disappointment."
>You try to curb your excitement, but there's so much stuff to see!

>"And a walk would be nice, if you're willing. We don't have to go anywhere with more than uh... I'm guessing these are your pets, but I'd like to see more of this place if it's safe."
>That and it's probably more interesting than sitting around sewing, even for her...
>... wait, she caught that, didn't she? Damnit.

>"I think we'll be fine," she says.
>"Oh, you'd be surprised how interesting it can be," says Satori, and she shoos the cats from her lap and stands up, then starts for the door.

>_

E-Nazrin

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Re: Maribel Quest - A Z-Machine Adventure
« Reply #82 on: July 31, 2010, 12:26:04 AM »
>This mind-reading stuff IS jarring. Poor girl. At least people have to be honest with her, though.
>give your lapcat a pat before getting up to follow Satori.
>"How would that shrine maiden be able to help me, do you think? Or is she just the typical go-to when something strange happens?"
There was something here once. Wonder what...

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Re: Maribel Quest - A Z-Machine Adventure
« Reply #83 on: July 31, 2010, 12:32:31 AM »
>This mind-reading stuff IS jarring. Poor girl. At least people have to be honest with her, though.
>give your lapcat a pat before getting up to follow Satori.
>"How would that shrine maiden be able to help me, do you think? Or is she just the typical go-to when something strange happens?"

>"You get used to it," she says.
>The kitten purrs, then moves for you.
>"Well, she is kind of the go to person. But, in particular, she knows a fair amount about barriers. Her bloodline had a role in establishing the barrier between this world and the other.
>She leads you into the entry hall. It's rather barren, save for some large pictures. One of them shows frolicking faeries, and looks rather interesting. Walking between the pillars, you can see a pile of kittens involved in a brawl. There is a pigeon watching them from the door frame.

>_

>_

E-Nazrin

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Re: Maribel Quest - A Z-Machine Adventure
« Reply #84 on: July 31, 2010, 12:37:55 AM »
>Watch the kitten brawl for a bit and smile.
>"Barriers? What kind of barriers, and how do you think that would relate to me?"
>Wonder where your own border-noting ability might fit into all this...
>"And a more mundane question... what's the story behind the fairy picture? Are they... uh, real, too?"
There was something here once. Wonder what...

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Re: Maribel Quest - A Z-Machine Adventure
« Reply #85 on: July 31, 2010, 12:49:02 AM »
>Watch the kitten brawl for a bit and smile.
>"Barriers? What kind of barriers, and how do you think that would relate to me?"
>Wonder where your own border-noting ability might fit into all this...
>"And a more mundane question... what's the story behind the fairy picture? Are they... uh, real, too?"

>So cute~
>"It is a difficult concept to explain," she says. "Essentially, though, you slipped through when you shouldn't have. And if we're to get you back, we'll have to slip you through again.
>You wonder if this shrine maiden could do it, too? Or if you could see it if you've gotten close? You know you've sensed places where reality seemed thin, in the past.
>She leads you outside. You can see the Palace of the Earth Spirits is a rather blocky building, covered in vines and creepers. The area you are in is rather empty, the buildings nearby; which are not all that nearby for a cramped city like you say before, seem to be empty, or not at all in use. The streets lead south and west.
>"That picture? It's been in the family for some time," says Satori. "But yes, there are faeries. They are...a little unpredictable. But they shouldn't be too dangerous for you, as long as you do not anger them."

>_

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Re: Maribel Quest - A Z-Machine Adventure
« Reply #86 on: July 31, 2010, 01:14:36 AM »
> "I am assuming that due to being unpredicable, they can end up easily angered at times."
> "Despite what you have said, Youkai don't seem dangerous... so far. The first Youkai I meet, and it's a kind and caring Youkai who can read minds, you. I hope all the others I may end up meeting are as kind as you." Honest smile :)

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Re: Maribel Quest - A Z-Machine Adventure
« Reply #87 on: July 31, 2010, 01:25:50 AM »
> "I am assuming that due to being unpredicable, they can end up easily angered at times."
> "Despite what you have said, Youkai don't seem dangerous... so far. The first Youkai I meet, and it's a kind and caring Youkai who can read minds, you. I hope all the others I may end up meeting are as kind as you." Honest smile :)

>"They can be. But you can usually placate them when they're in an irritable mood."
>Satori leads you south, into the city itself. You can see a few oni milling about! They are...interesting, to say the least. They seem to many shapes and sizes, but most of them are large and rather muscular. They also seem to favor manacles and chains among their personal decor; you're going to have to get used to the jangling quickly. Most distinctive are their horns, which are really hard not to stare at. It's easy to act like Satori is just a normal person, despite her oddly short arms, but the otherworldliness of the oni is impossible to ignore. This is so exciting!
>"You're such a little sweetie when you want to be," Satori says.
>You come to a intersection of two streets. To the south, you can see a rundown section of town; many of the houses have collapsed or fallen apart. To the west, you can see a thriving area with many oni about. Judging from the signs, there are a lot of taverns in that direction. Certainly there are a lot of oni drinking and dancing.

>_

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Re: Maribel Quest - A Z-Machine Adventure
« Reply #88 on: July 31, 2010, 01:27:52 AM »
>blush a little at the complement, then nod
>"What about other... things, for lack of a better word, in Gensokyo? Which ones would be dangerous for me, and why?"
>"... did I see people flying when I was at the balcony?"
>Wonder how much you really WANT to go back...
There was something here once. Wonder what...

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Re: Maribel Quest - A Z-Machine Adventure
« Reply #89 on: July 31, 2010, 01:36:07 AM »
>blush a little at the complement, then nod
>"What about other... things, for lack of a better word, in Gensokyo? Which ones would be dangerous for me, and why?"
>"... did I see people flying when I was at the balcony?"
>Wonder how much you really WANT to go back...

>"Well, it gets a little tricky. There are so many things to be wary of. For instance, these things."
>She leads you further south, into the ruined area. There's not a lot left standing here you can see. Some of the buildings seem to have suffered from fire, others have just collapsed. You have the sense that the borders here are a little in question, but you can't tell how or what over. There is a lone two-story house to the east, not far from the wall off the cavern, that is just about ready to collapse under its own weight.
>Satori gestures upwards. Looking up, you can see...points of white light floating in the in sky. "Those are evil spirits," she says. "Orin collects them. But we leave this place alone. It's for them, by word of the oni."

>_