Amnesic Agriculture 102- Let's Play Rune Factory: Frontier

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Update 41: Over Jumbled Lines of Localization

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Good morning, Bush! Good morning, readers!

With the change of the season comes a brand new color for the clock up top, this time a brown. It honestly looks better than I thought it would.

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bush makes food what else is new

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Oh, what is new is me slapping a Gold ore, a Ruby, a Glittering Edge, and a Thick Stick into our lumber axe to make a Mountain Axe. Hopefully this will cut wood a lot faster.

It vaguely resembles a single edged Alldale with a pick end on the other side- I guess Bush has two Golden Axes now.

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Somewhere along the line I obtained a lot of Water Runeys, and I don't really remember where. I have been focusing on collecting them when I do my maintenance, but it feels like there's more than there should be.

I've been almost ignoring the Grass farm, so that's possibly why.

Speaking of ignoring Runeys, it's the free 7 days, so I can continue to do that risk-free for the next week.

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Welcome to Autumn! Everything is a lot more brown, yellow, and dark red, as to be expected. We'll get a nice view of most of the town in the coming days, but I gotta say, I really like how it looks.

I'm a sucker for Autumn ambience though, so that's probably just personal bias speaking.

ImageMusic: Autumn

This comes with a new seasonal theme, and it's quite good. It's an entirely different feel from the Spring and Summer tracks, but I'd say it matches given how different everything is now.

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~"It's autumn!" - Rosetta~

Autumn begins today!
Autumn is a season for beautiful flowers,
for which, of course, we carry seeds at Materia!

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Rosetta stopped by to drop off her monthly advertisement, despite the whole situation with her dad. Gotta respect the hustle.

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Nothing but some fodder planted, so watering shouldn't take us too long. It'll probably be some time before I plant real crops this season as past me was waiting on an event that I thought would happen sooner.

We've got plenty of cash regardless, and the extra time should help us to work on getting prepared for our inevitable clash with Gelwein.

Rune Factory games keep insisting on using main plot hooks that typically demand urgency, but the games themselves never supporting that urgency. We really shouldn't be calmly farming like it's nothing and having festivals while knowing that Mist has been kidnapped and that Whale Island could crush us all at any moment, but that's how it is.

We've been ignoring the whole "Whale Island is falling" thing for a pretty long time, really. :v:

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No Anette today?

much sadness


Daily chores took too long, so we won't be visiting the Irises early today.

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What's this? :eyepop:

Heading down to South District, a new house has appeared in the previously empty spot beneath Kross's house.

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[Brodik]

If you have no business, go away.
If you have business, go away.
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...How nice.

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Uh, Lute...?

Why are you awkwardly standing outside the Sainte-Coquille Manor?

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LUTE: What is it? I'm not doing anything suspicious.

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LUTE: S-see? N-nothing...


If you say so!

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LUTE: Oh yeah! Bush. I was born on the 13th of summer by the way!


Changing the conversation skill: Masterful

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It's really odd, I haven't seen anyone but him today. Going back to the normal schedules after a month of the Summer ones has got me confused.

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UZUKI: The autumnal leaves look splendid.


Well, some of the villagers' schedules never change anyways.

Oh, right, with a new season comes new season dialogue.

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UZUKI: Have you found any clues on Brother?

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BUSH: No, I haven't found anything significant... Have you gone inside the ruins, Uzuki?

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UZUKI: I-It is so dark and scary the-

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UZUKI: I mean, is that not your responsibility?


Maybe it'd help if you gave us a description, maybe a sketch?

Regardless, we haven't seen anyone in the dungeons aside from Gelwein. I doubt he's your brother though.

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EUNICE: I heard Uzuki and Tsubute having an argument yesterday.

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EUNICE: I guess you can say tha people who don't care about each can't have fights.


Even without the typo(s?) that doesn't make sense. Plenty of people who don't care about each other get in fights- not caring makes it easier, in fact!

I'm no relationship counselor, but something's up if you're fighting regularly.

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EUNICE: You know how Dad and I wake up in the morning and Mom wakes up at night?

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EUNICE: That's why we make sure we always at least eat breakfast together.


That's nice. Third-shift jobs can be a strain on the family.

...But Rita's always awake. In fact, I don't think she goes to sleep at all, now that I think about it. She'll be standing in the bedroom sometimes, but I've never seen her asleep.

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TURNER: Listen. Alcohol is said to be the cause of all sorts of illnesses. It's really bad for you.

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TURNER: Wine is especiall bad. That's why if you have any on you, give it to me. I'll dispose of it for you.

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TURNER: I'm not saying this because I want to drink it. Don't forget that.

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TURNER: *gulp*


Your reverse psychology won't work on me!

As mentioned before, Turner's favorite gift is apparently the Amazing Bathing Suit- Wine is actually his hated gift. This is because he'll go on a drunken bender if you give him any and get chewed out in the morning by Rita.

I guess I can show the event off at some later point, but I'd rather not make trouble for Eunice.

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I checked upstairs in Materia for Rosetta, but she's not here right now. I think she's on the Beach Road at this time of day, but I don't think past me remembered that.

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Inside the Archives, we find an unusual sight- Bianca!

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BUSH: Hey, I thought that you were only here during the summer, Bianca.

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BIANCA: That was my initial plan but Francoise can only live in these lands.

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BIANCA: I can't just leave it here so Tabatha and I decided to stay.

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BUSH: I see. Well, you're always welcome in the village.


Bianca's gotten rather attached to Francoise at this point, something that will keep showing up more and more. I'm glad they're getting along, when the purple elephant was with Bush it just sat in a corner idling forever.

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BIANCA: The other day, Francoise ate what I gae it instead of Tabatha's food.

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BIANCA: It feels kind of nice.


:3:

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While I'm here, I spend a little bit of cash picking up some of the last few cooking books we don't have, mostly for dishes we care about.

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LARA: It seems that Rosetta's father is sick. That worries me.


Lara would've known Jean personally in some capacity, so this is more than her usual but already great concern for anyone in ill health.

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KANNO: Gelwein wants revenge on the Kingdom of Norad!

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KANNO: We must stop him!


I'm working on it, but we're not done with Bush's training arc just yet. That and I have to explore around a bit more to find a back entrance.

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CANDY: The Spirits are sad. Please help the Spirits!


i said i'm workin' on it

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BUSH: Marco, you seem to be really good friends with Candy.

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MARCO: Y-yeah... Candy's really weak so I have to protect her.

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CANDY: I'm not that weak!


It was this moment that would later influence Candy to become a martial artist of legendary skill.

...Probably.

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KROSS: It's autumn. It is a melancholic season.


It is, but it's also pretty and consumed by blazing heat. I just ignore the fact that I'm surrounded by decaying plant matter.

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KROSS: This hoe is my partner.

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KROSS: Until I met this hoe, I had never done any sort of farm work.

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KROSS: This hammer even taught me that I can make things with this.

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KROSS: Heh...

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KROSS: I'll have to thank the sister that gave this to me.


I suppose it was probably Stella? I guess there's always that one unnamed girl who we haven't seen in a rather long time at this point.

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ERIK: Young man! How are your fields?

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ERIK: I'm glad to have another farming buddy. We should compete with each other to hone our skills!


Sure, you can have a head start this month. Bush is just gonna grow some grass for a while and that's it.

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CINNAMON: Fish is in season. Did you eat some?


Not yet, but we're gonna be eating a lot in the coming days, I'm thinking. Autumn really is a good time for fishing though.

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CINNAMON: You can see the "Hat Constellation" now.

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BUSH: A hat? That's an odd constellation.

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CINNAMON: The Hat Constellation can be seen when it's a bit late. Good luck.


This one is Melody's constellation, and I'm looking forward to the reward it gives.

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CINNAMON: The "Broom Constellation" can be seen during this season.

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BUSH: People back in the day really thought strange things. What were they thinking when they saw a broom among the stars?

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CINNAMON: ...Who knows? But the Broom Constellation can be seen way past midnight. Try to stay up for it...


bush casually throwing shade on his ancestors

It is a pretty late constellation though. I'll try to get both of these rather soon, but the broom is a bit of a challenge if I don't want to lose any time.

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STELLA: I like how there are more people in the village now, making it much more lively.


It does make for a lot of content. Just imagine if the town never grew past the people available on the first day- I guess you'd have to write everyone with much more complex dialogue.

I could get behind that idea though.

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Some Lava Ruins farming later, and we've got a crystal for Cinnamon. I think at this point that Tabatha has accidentally overtaken her just from the sheer difficulty of obtaining these things.

I also decide it's about time I try out our new lumber axe, as I'm looking to finally get that upgraded house sometime soon.

So I find a stump and-

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:eyepop:

...oh yes :aaa:

hell yes


I was not expecting it to change the axe swing into him chucking the axe a dozen feet into the air, jumping up to catch it, doing *two* unnecessary frontflips, and then striking the stump with a massive column of lightning.

Truly our magic skill has crossed into our axe skill. :getin:

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Much lumberwork ensues as unlike the rainbow can, this is pretty efficient on RP.

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I keep going and clear the whole Lava Ruins B2F, taking until 6:00 PM going at it with the axe.

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BUSH: Melody, it seems that Selphy forgot and left behind the "Scriptures" here...

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MELODY: So you came back for it?

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MELODY: ...Isn't it in the women's bath, then?

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BUSH: Yes...

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MELODY: I told her that you're not allowed to read in the bath! That girl is so...

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MELODY: Oh, fine... No one comes when it rains or on holidays so just come in then.

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BUSH: Rainy days or holidays, right? Thank you!


On our stop for the bath, we resume Stella's request to recover them scriptures and it continues to play out in a mirror of the similar event to RF1. These same conditions were there as well.

...My question is why Melody can't just walk in there and get it for us. She cleans in there almost every morning, I'm surprised it hasn't ended up in a lost and found of some kind.

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I think by "holiday" she means festivals, not the day of the week Holiday, as it wouldn't let me just go in now. Everyone's presently dressed and not inside, I don't see why I can't give a "gimme a sec, i just gotta grab somethin Selphy left"

Anyways, apparently everyone present has small lines if you try to do this, all of them pretty much variations of "what are you doing".

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MELODY: Um... That's the wrong way...


I don't know if it's just because we're bath family now, or it's always been this way, but Melody's response is not the "world of hurt" she promised long ago.

I just think it'd be funny if she personally threw Bush out the door.

Anyways, that's enough sidestepping how weird this weird situation is. Time to stop on by Whale Island.

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TABATHA: The season of autumn has all sorts of foods so I feel excited about what I can cook.


But first, a slight detour to Tabatha.

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TABATHA: Do I find anything dissatisfying with Trampoli?

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TABATHA: No... It's a very quiet and nice place. It has a mysterious power to make people kinder. I just have that feeling.


Way long ago, in one of the library books, there was some information that Runeys affect people's emotions- prosperity brings happiness and failing environments brings irritation, or something like that.

I guess all my hard-ish work is to thank for this mysterious power?


...Just imagine if they made that a mechanical effect of the Runeys, having townsfolk be less receptive to gifts and the like if you're not balancing the environment. That'd be truly awful with how bothersome it is. It might actually be neat if the system was any fun to work with.

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BIANCA: Francoise lets me pet it recently.

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BIANCA: I think it's finally used to me.


More of Bianca slowly becoming a friend to monsters like Bush.

Also her voice line for an afternoon greeting sounds like she didn't expect us to be here, which is fair. 7:00 PM's a pretty late visit.

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IRIS NOIRE: *giggle*

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BUSH: What's the matter?

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IRIS NOIRE: It's nothing. I was just happy that you came to visit me, Bush.


Noire's definitely come out of her depression now. :unsmith:

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RITA: People who have longstanding relationships need to test how close they are by fighting sometimes.

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BUSH: Are you talking about Uzuki and Tsubute?

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RITA: Who knows?


It probably helps if you have a friendly spar with your warrior buddies every once in a while, but I don't think that's the correct context for this relationship advice.

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either way, I'm just here for flour, not your relationship advice

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KANNO: Always be in love. That's the secret to staying young.

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RITA: So... how did it go?


Magic Grandpa is very drunk right now, as evidenced by the VA. He says "Always be in love: love is the key to youth" though, instead.

Rita's says merely "Oh, I see...!" instead.

The localization continues to be odd. This update is filled with localization oddities, in fact.

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Found Hat Constellation!


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BUSH: It looks like Melody's hat.


At 8:30, we can catch the Hat Constellation.

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With so much time left in the night and so much RP to spend, I continue Bush's war against the stumps, this time clearing out a lot of Green Ruins.

This should be at least about another 100 lumber or so.

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Sleepytime!

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Wakeytime!

...has that ever been a word?

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After our usual morning cooking, which is getting shorter, we begin our first sunny weekday of Autumn. Behold our field of immature grass that lags the game!

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BUSH: That's a strange necklace you have on, Anette.

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ANETTE: Jealous?

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ANETTE: I had a really good friend back in the day. When she moved away, she gave it to me and we swore that we'd always be friends.

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ANETTE: I haven't seen her since, but I hope she's doing all right.


I never had a parting gift, but I've got someone like that. Sometimes you just have to wonder what happened to people you used to know. Regardless, this won't be the last we hear of her little golden acorn necklace.

Also this took precedence over the usual mail dialogue for some reason.

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~"A Test Letter" - Bianca~

I heard that you take requests for items people want by mail.
I don't really want anything in particular, but.. hm...
Send me an iron.

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Word's gotten out that Bush is in the acquisition business, and Bianca is scoping out the quality of service I assume.

Honestly, if Bush ever decides to put down the hoe and can, this'd probably be what he does for a living. Going out of his way to obtain certain things people want is already something we do every day.

I don't have any Iron on hand as I turned it all into earrings for crafts skill. I wish she'd have asked for Bronze- that stuff is basically useless in this game.

...I kinda don't even remember where exactly to get it, I just end up with it when I'm looking for scrap or Silver. It'll be somewhere in one of the early dungeons though.

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~"Once again." - Tabatha~

We have officially become residents of this town.
Please allow us to first extend our greetings as new neighbors.

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Although Bianca confirmed it for us yesterday, here it is in paper. Bush has done a lot for this town's population growth.

I don't know what becoming an official resident entails, Bush never signed any paperwork, Mist just gave him the house with unquestioned authority.

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~"Sorry!" - Selphy~

I'm so sorry!
That last letter supposed to be for someone else.
Just forget what you read.
Okay?

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I had already forgotten about it, but thanks for reminding me.

Selphy must've been in a mad panic when she wrote this, because she forgot a "was"!

Perhaps we'll find out soon who that letter was meant for.

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~"Autumns are quite agreeable." - Uzuki~

Is autumn not wonderful?
The colors, the food...
I am quite fond of autumn.
Are you, Bush?

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While I like Autumn, I don't know when it comes to Bush. I may the being controlling most of his actions, but I only speak for him occasionally.

Regardless of what he thinks, we can't reply to this letter, so I guess we're leaving Uzuki read but not answered. Trampoli postal etiquette remains a mystery.

Also 4 letters today, wow! That's a new record.

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Yep, not a single piece of iron. Just a lot of Copper I've been handing over to Ganesha and Turner.

I guess we'll have to go-

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...Cutscene?

What's Anette walking past our house for? She's usually running past by this point.

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*She slowly stumbles forward and collapses.*


I know it's been a while since we had a collapse gif, but this isn't what I was expecting! :ohdear:

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BUSH: Anette!


What is it with the front yard of this house and people collapsing here?

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ImageMusic: St. Poli Church

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BUSH: Anette... Are you okay?

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ANETTE: Huh...? Hey... What am I doing here?

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LARA: You collapsed in front of Bush's house.

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LARA: I know your job is important to you, but please don't overwork yourself.

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ANETTE: Oh... I'm sorry.


Bush might work himself to the limit, but he knows where that limit is at now. Now you'll have to start your mail route at 10:00 AM tomorrow morning and maybe even have to buy Cold Medicine!

On the bright side, you're now a member of the illustrious "Passed Out On Bush's Front Lawn" club henceforth known as the POOFL.

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LARA: You must have been very tired.

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LARA: Anette, I'm going to have you rest for the rest of the day.


Given what happened with Selphy ages ago, you might be able to guess at least one thing that'll happen after this.

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ANETTE: Sorry...


This is all she has to say. Unfortunately, we don't get to help her deliver the rest of the mail or anything, this is all that'll happen today.

...In a twisted way, I guess this means I have more time to get that Iron, as she'll be right here all day.

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STELLA: Anette is always so full of energy. It makes me smile just looking at her.

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STELLA: I'm so glad that she's the mailman for Trampoli.


This random dialogue couldn't have been timed worse!

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And so, I spend the next while looking for Iron and being unsuccessful at it.

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What I do find is the first Chestnut of the season on the cornucopia trees, meaning I can start making Mont Blancs for Eunice if I can find the time.

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ImageMusic: Kross' Theme


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KROSS: Answer me, vegetables. Where has your vitality to grow even without the Greenifier gone?

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KROSS: Are the vegetables that make me want to place them on the wagon and run under the blue sky gone?

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KROSS: Where, oh where, have you gone...?

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BUSH: That's a sad song...

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KROSS: Heh...

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KROSS: ...Yes. These lands used to be very dry and growing crops was very difficult.


I wonder if this is why greenifiers cost so much. 9,000+ g a bag is kinda ridiculous, especially when you consider how long it'll take to actually make profit from it.

Still, compared to somewhere like Sharance, this soil is rubbish. Minimum 5 days growing time on anything.

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In the manor, we find Bianca brushing Francoise!

Nothing new to say, just a neat little interaction that'll happen as part of her daily routine from now on.

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TURNER: My birthday is on the 22th of spring.

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TURNER: Drinks taste wonderful during this season when you have them while admiring the cherry flowers.

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TURNER: N-no pressure.

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TURNER: *gulp*


Ah, the twenty-secoth of Spring, an auspicious day, but not as auspicious as the thirteend.

But aside from that...!

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ImageMusic: Confusion


*Bush looks around the upper floor of the Inn as an unfamiliar face approaches from behind...*

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*She bumps into Bush and he barely stays standing!*

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ELF GIRL: Oh, I'm sorry.

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ELF GIRL: But you're getting in the way by standing there...

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BUSH: I'm sorry!

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*He moves out of the way and she continues down the hall for a couple steps.*

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ELF GIRL: Are you from the village?

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BUSH: Yes.

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ELF GIRL: Hmm...


She's an odd one, but then again, most elves are.

...But why not just walk around...?

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ELF GIRL: Say, I know there's a maid called Tabatha in this village. Do you know where she is?

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BUSH: Yes, she lives in a large mansion nearby.

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ELF GIRL: Oh. Thanks.

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*And so she continues further down the hall...*

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MINERVA: I'm Minerva. I'll be staying in this village for a while.

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BUSH: I'm Bush.

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MINERVA: I see. Well, bye, Bush.


Well, that was strange. I guess there's another elf in town now?

I think this is the highest concentration of full elves in any RF game. RF2 is mostly half-elves.

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RITA: We better prepare for winter soon.


It's the second day of Autumn, no rush.

Anyways, if we head back to the manor now that we've met Minerva...

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MINERVA: Sure... I already checked in at the inn here so I'll be staying for a while.

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TABATHA: What am I supposed to do with you...


I think you've got the authority to throw her out or something if that's the direction this conversation is going.

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*Bush arrives on scene!*


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BUSH: Hello.

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TABATHA: Welcome, Bush. How are you doing, sir?

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MINERVA: "Sir"? "Sir!?" Why are you talking to him like that?!

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TABATHA: You must be more polite in front of a guest, Minerva.

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MINERVA: But I'm a guest, too...

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TABATHA: Stop splitting hairs!

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BUSH: Excuse me, but... Do you two know each other?

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TABATHA: Ah! I'm terribly sorry!


Bush, having been removed from the conversation, attempts to get himself involved again.

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TABATHA: This is Minerva and she is my little sister. Come and greet him!

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...For the first time ever, the game starts to decide using these emotion bubbles. I guess I'll try to transcribe them?

These have never showed up in Frontier until this point. What happened behind the scenes with this game's development :psyduck:


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MINERVA: ...

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MINERVA: ...Hi.

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BUSH: Haha... Hi.


Family introductions are often quite embarassing. Minerva doesn't seem that much younger than her sister outside of her higher voice, but it's rather hard to judge age with the RF artstyle. It's not like voice pitch is a good indicator either, but whatever.

I do like the look she's got going on though, it's a good color scheme.

Also, if anyone's wondering, no, Minerva's not a romance candidate, she's just here.

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Well, new arrivals aside, I dip down into Green Ruins and finally manage to get a piece of Iron. Back to Anette with it we go!

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CINNAMON: Did you find the Hat Constellation?

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BUSH: Yes, it looked very funny, like Melody's hat.

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CINNAMON: That hat is said to belong to a very powerful wizard who dropped it while fighting a giant scorpion.

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CINNAMON: If Melody wore that hat, maybe she could become a great wizard...

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BUSH: Haha. I guess so.


Along the way, we find Cinnamon and get our history lesson for last night's constellation. This mythological history is some wacky stuff.

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I'm not exactly sure how to get Kanno to tell us more about Cinnamon's past, him being outside is usually the trigger, but I'll see what I can do. I'm already gifting him magic powder every day, we've got like 30 bags of it, maybe I need to step it up to Strawberry Tarts.

A decent portion of her storyline is from him, so I need this to happen. His tests to collect materials are apparently just based on character level.

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Anette still prepares the iron for delivery tomorrow despite her current condition. One could consider this callous, but it could also be the sort of thing she wants. A sort of "you'll be back in top form tomorrow sort of thing".

It'd depend on the person really, but given Anette loves her job, I think she'd appreciate Bush not holding back this delivery request.

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~Constellation: Hat~

"The Hat, an autumn constellation, appears just after dusk.
They way it lies next to the moon makes it especially beautiful."
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While we're in the area, I go ahead and read the constellation entry for The Hat. More small typos to be found.

Following this, we head on up to Lake Poli. We'll find Minerva up there on some days of the week, otherwise she's loafing around the manor.

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MINERVA: Your name was Bush, right?

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MINERVA: What are you to Sister, Bush?

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BUSH: I don't know how to answer you...

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MINERVA: Oh...


It's true, we don't really know. She wasn't in the top 6, but I've accidentally progressed her LP rather fast as riceporridgemealoats are easy to make now since we mastered cooking all that time ago.

I only had to get her to LP 6 to get Minerva to arrive, but I think we recently hit 8?

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MINERVA: Fine, we'll set that aside. It'll only be for a little bit but I hope we'll get along.

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BUSH: I feel the same way.


I can't really tell if she's got a thing for Bush. She tends to use the little heart emotions frequently, although it's possible it's a side-effect of her only being a non-candidate and thus only having two expressions.

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MINERVA: Seems like we're in autumn now.

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MINERVA: I like to take walks.

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MINERVA: Even if something bad happens to me, looking at the scenery like this makes me forget about it.


Autumn scenery does that for me, yeah. Really nature walks in general do.

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Now, a while back I said I was saving Flops and Weeds for a reason more than just pointless collection. Here's the use for the former, as a gift for Minerva.

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MINERVA: Hey! Is this really edible?! Oh, whatever. *gulp*

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MINERVA: ...?!

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MINERVA: *gulp gulp gulp gulp gulp* ... *phew*

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MINERVA: Wow... This kind of dish doesn't exist in the nation of elves! Please tell me the next time you make it!


Evidently, nobody in the nation of elves has ever failed at cooking :v:

This is her favorite gift, although that's probably apparent.

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"Minerva - Tabatha's younger sister. Independent and unyielding, unlike Tabatha."


Here's her profile entry before I forget.

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On our way down the mountain, we see another new person.

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ImageMusic: Brodik's Theme

(This is the theme I've had to avoid linking by name since Summer 01. It probably wasn't worth going through that much effort, but whatever. No points for guessing who this guy is.)

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IRRITATING GUY: That hair... Those eyes... So this is where you were...

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IRRITATING GUY: And you're living here as if nothing ever happened!


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1. Um, who are you?
2. Long time no see.

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The second is just one extra line compared to the first, so we'll go with that.

We have no idea who this guy is by the way.

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IRRITATING GUY: ...What do you mean long time?! I have never met you before!

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LOUD GUY: Hey, Weber... Wait, you must be going by another name now...

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BRODIK: You! What is your name?

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BUSH: My name is Bush. Nice to meet you.

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BRODIK: I see. So that is what you call yourself here.


This guy's localization is incredibly confused. Yes, his displayed name changes this many times and he hasn't even told us his name yet.

The only excuse for the very odd path of dialogue is him acting like he's never met us before. All you really need to know is that he thinks we're somebody called Weber from his past.

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BRODIK: Very well. I, Brodik, will be the one to chase you out of this village!

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BRODIK: I'm gonna kick you out of this town, by doing whatever it takes! You got that?!

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BRODIK: Hahahaha!


"I, Brodik, will knock you all down!"

Our? past has caught up to us and it has materialized in the form of a complete dingus.

If you thought this game was missing a guy that was needlessly aggressive towards you like Jake, here you go. He's now here.

If anything, he does have a good evil laugh.

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BRODIK: Hey. Going to go torture monsters again?

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BRODIK: I hear that during a mission in the past, you said you wanted to hide out in the countryside and run a farm.

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BRODIK: And it's called the Shrub Farm? I never thought that you would really start one up...

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BRODIK: Heh heh heh...

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BRODIK: Are you sure you want to keep it as Shrub Farm?

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BRODIK: That name of your farm isn't witty at all! At least do something about it to make it harder for people to find out!

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BRODIK: Hahahaha!


I can't believe you just disrespected the name that was voted on at the start of this LP. It's witty and thematic! :colbert:

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BRODIK: Heh heh heh...

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BRODIK: Why are the villagers so nice to outsiders like you and me?! You better not be taking advantage of them!

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BRODIK: It's better for everyone if you just left before you become attached to them.

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BRODIK: But that's only if you can still act friendly to people! Hahaha!

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BRODIK: Hahahaha!


Psh, the Turnip Mafia was more threatening. If they were here, you wouldn't be laughing.

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BRODIK: The weather is so hatefully good!

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BRODIK: Hahahaha!


Like I said, this guy is a complete dink.

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Oh, and I guess this guy is the other use for weeds.

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BRODIK: What is this? Are you trying to piss me off?

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BRODIK: Heh heh heh...

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BRODIK: I'm not going to fall for that trap! Hahahaha!

*You were given 1 Gold!*

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BRODIK: There's a little something for our troubles! Can you see how generous I am?! Hahahahaha!


You can ship these for 10x that, so it's not worth it. I will keep my Weed collection safe from this cheapskate.

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"Brodik - Appeared out of nowhere only to harass Bush. Why?"


There's a plotline to explore here, but it'll be slow to progress.

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Enough of new characters, it's about time I wrap up this update. First up, I stop by Erik's and grab a random assortment of crops to grow, not even bothering to check their profitability. I went in mostly on yams since they're like the tomatoes of this season.

I'll plant them at a later date though, we've got enough money and Bush needs to get to training his combat skills.

Next, we drop on by the bathhouse for our daily routine.

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ImageMusic: Confusion


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MELODY: Hi Bush! You came just at the right time!

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BUSH: Did you need something?

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MELODY: I'm gonna try out the spell that Cinnamon taught me the other day. So help me out!

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BUSH: Huh? How am I supposed to help?

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MELODY: Just stand over there. Now relax.

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BUSH: Huh...?


*Deep magical bubbling*


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BUSH: Nothing seems to be happening...

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*out of tune -bwing- noise*


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MELODY: That's weird... I did just as I was told, too.

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BUSH: Um... Can I ask you something...?

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MELODY: What?

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BUSH: What magic were you trying to cast?

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MELODY: Eep!

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MELODY: U-um... Well... It's the magic to...

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BUSH: What? I couldn't hear you.

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MELODY: It's, uh... the magic to turn someone into a frog!

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BUSH: What?! What if the spell had actually worked?!

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MELODY: Well... Then I'd just... you know... Kiss... or something...

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MELODY: I-I said nothing! I said nothing about kissing!

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MELODY: It didn't work anyway!

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BUSH: Oh, come on...

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MELODY: See you later. I need to learn some more spells.


Oh, Melody, you wacky gal :allears:

I suppose it's worth knowing if only a princess can cure a frog, or if it just has to be any maiden. Otherwise she might've had to actually get adopted by Nolan to fix the issue.

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BUSH: (My mind seems to feel very clear...)

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BUSH: (Maybe Melody cast a spell with a different effect?)

Bush's Magic skill went up!


This is our reward for the Hat Constellation, a +3 Magic skill! Very much appreciated, especially as we were looking to start training it soon.

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speaking of training magic

sorry about the flooring

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And then most of the day goes to cutting more lumber.

A LOT of lumber.

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In other news, our roses finally finished growing! I took one as a precaution regarding the seeds and left the rest to mature into Blue Roses. White ones are only worth 810g a piece, but that's still quite a lot.

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IRIS NOIRE: I really like flowers. When you grow them with love, they become especially lovely.

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IRIS NOIRE: B-But, I guess that's a given for you as you work in the fields.


I guess we just grow some of the best level 1 flowers around.

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And with all that done, it's time to stare at the sky until dangerously late at night.

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Found Broom Constellation!


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BUSH: Now that you mention it, it does look like a broom.


Question not thy ancestors' interpretation of stars, Bush!

I guess it could've also been the Naginata Constellation or something, but a broom fits.

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Unfortunately, said constellation shows only at 0:59 AM which means you have to make some real fast teleport inputs to get inside your house before you're stuck waking up at a later hour the next day.

Bush was quick enough to escape that fate tonight though- onwards to tomorrow!

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ImageMusic: Goodnight


...Next time!

There was some more stuff with Minerva I didn't show, but I'll just slot it in next time with the power of *e d i t i n g*. It'll be so smooth you wouldn't have known if I didn't tell you!

oh wait
Last edited by Odd Wilson on Thu Apr 20, 2023 12:17 am, edited 4 times in total.

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For those wondering where the next update for this or Wonder Project J2 are still, I'm working on it but my hands remain in real bad shape right now. Not sure what caused it to flare up so hard, but I can't push it if I wanted to. Typing used to be the thing that didn't bother them most of the time, now I'm down to just some artwork.

Progress is real slow, but rest assured I'm not stopping. I'm just having to pace myself way slower than I'd like to be doing.

Maybe I can see if I can find the time to take some scans from the Memoirs artbook. That shouldn't strain much.

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It's been a while of radio silence from me so I did want to give an update on the state of things.

My hands aren't any better after this time away, unfortunately. While the pain isn't presently as debilitating as it was, I can already feel it flaring up after a short bit of typing so I know it's not far away from it. It's something I just have to live with now, I guess.

I've missed doing LP stuff between here and SA and I've wanted to get back to it, but I just haven't figured out the what and how of that matter just yet. If I do work something out, well, I guess you'll see.

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I don't mean to drive hopes up or anything, but it has been a while and I did make a recent discovery that's good for the future of this LP:

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I can't be sure this is every line of dialogue in the game (what you can see there is from the melon smashing contest), but there is at least what seems to be most of it there. I'll fix up an old Python script of mine from a translation project sometime to get this all ripped out and formatted. Luckily, I didn't have to do any decompression or anything to get this, but unfortunately this text is all I get at the moment. No references to what character is saying it or what portrait I need to use, there's just a pointer table and unreadable code.

It's possible one of the other files may inform that, but I have no guarantee it does and breaking all that down probably isn't worth the time and effort for this situation.

The I'll still have to do each portrait+speaker by tag and the rest of the formatting, as well as having to manually search the line, but at least I don't have to transcribe all the dialogue.


I'll look into Josette's ROM sometime when I get a chance to see if I can maybe do a similar thing there. It'd be nice to get in contact with the translator, but they've gone pretty far off the radar as far as I can find.

The colder weather has been somewhat better on my hands, oddly enough (although they're not being so nice at the moment, thanks to some recent work I had to do). Maybe that's a good sign for the future though. We'll see how it goes from here- I never like putting projects aside, even moreso when I'm forced to, and so I've really hated having to leave this and the Josette LP languishing in silence.

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Update 42: Bush, Reloaded

Suddenly, an update!

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ImageMusic: Autumn


We resume the adventures of Bush on a nice, sunny Autumn 3rd.

Our mail has already been delivered, so I suppose Anette is in better condition today?

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-----------------------------------------------------
~"A warning against overindulgence." - Lara~

The weather has become pleasantly cool throughout the day.
Food is especially delicious in autumn, so be careful not to overeat.
The best time to stop eating is when you feel about 80% full.

-----------------------------------------------------

But Bush has to put on the reserve energy for the coming Winter!

Also I do not remember ever seeing this letter.

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-----------------------------------------------------
~"Thank you." - Tabatha~

Thank you for joining Miss Bianca in her outing.
If it pleases you, I would like Master Bush to
join the Little Miss in the future as well.

-----------------------------------------------------

Which outing is this referring to? The one from the constellation event? The one with Uzuki in the square? :confused:

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Uneventful mail aside, we water our grass

grass is our only crop

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pet the animals for an indeterminate amount of time although their happiness isn't going to get better anyways

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I then make a mad dash up to Whale Island, hoping to meet the Irises at the end of their day, but I run out of time.

If you're wondering why the roses have produced a rune despite it not being a full 3x3 of them (once referred to as a "factory"), well...

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It's because it's the rune from the tomatoes we also have up here. Sometimes the runes travel to incomplete patches, possibly as something to do with how the game checks for 3x3s.

This happens in multiple games too, so I can only assume it's intentional at this point.

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sleepy vampires

(I was just a few minutes late. :( )

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LARA: My pen pal made a new friend recently.

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BUSH: Oh, the one that entered that school?

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LARA: Yes. I felt a bit competitive so I wrote about my own new friends and our conversation really took off.

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BUSH: Who is this new friend you're talking about?


Uh, when did this happen again? I somehow remember I didn't know what she was talking about even when I recorded this.

I'm sure she said something about it before.

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LARA: Unfortunately, it's not you, Bush.

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LARA: I wrote about Eunice and Cinnamon.


ouch, burn

and after all the chocolate cake we've given you too :cry:

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TABATHA: Don't you think medicinal herbal tea would be good for you?

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TABATHA: I would like to try it later!


gonna need some to heal up that sick nun burn

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The Anette fans in the thread are probably wondering where she is, so I'll go ahead and stop on by Mist's house.

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ANETTE: It's autumn already. All the leaves are red.


They're orange-ish-yellow still, but who am I to argue?

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BUSH: Are you doing better, Anette?

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ANETTE: Yeah. I was just a bit tired so I'll be fine after resting a little!

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ANETTE: I'll just take a break and stay at Mist's place.

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BUSH: Is that so? Then you'll be a member of our village now, Anette.

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ANETTE: Hey! You're right! I am!


Bush has once again increased the population of the town. Anette will be in here for the next few days before she resumes her mail duties as usual.

I don't know if she'd have any special dialogue with Mist if she was still present, but I guess we'll never know.

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ANETTE: You know, I realized something when I came here during my time off.

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ANETTE: Even though I was told to go on vacation, I couldn't think of anything to do. Ahahaha.

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ANETTE: I mean, you know. There's nothing here so... I had nothing to do.


Bush would invite you to do monster hunting and grinding stats, but you probably need a break from physical exertion.

Fishing, maybe?

Outside of that, there really isn't all that much to do here. Except maybe drink wine and stand around? It's what the entire population of 30 and up does.

I'm just happy she's getting actual vacation time off from her work and schoolwork.

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ANETTE: Don't you get excited on days where you can sleep in? I got so excited that I couldn't sleep last night.


I can't sleep some most nights, but that's just my insomnia, not being happy to sleep in.

Bush never sleeps in if he can help it. 6:00 AM on the dot- unless a dirt nap is involved of course.

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BUSH: What happened to your fishing contest with Cinnamon?

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UZUKI: It was a complete defeat on my end. I just cannot understand how she can stay motionless like that.


I thought she was teaching you to fish, not having a contest?

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EUNICE: Heehee! ♪

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BUSH: Eunice, you sound happy.

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EUNICE: Can you tell? I recieved some fresh carrots from Rosetta this morning.

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BUSH: Oh...? That's rare for this season.

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EUNICE: I'll make some stew with this today.


what do you mean, bush, carrots grow only in this season

Also, I've never seen someone so happy about carrots.

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EUNICE: Carrots taste great when they have their edges removed and are cut into bite-size pieces before being stewed.

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EUNICE: Try it the next time you cook.

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BUSH: So I have to remove the edges? All right.


Apparently bush has just been putting the entire carrot on the sandwiches he makes for Selphy. It must be some big brain culinary auteur thing- we could never understand.

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Bush's cooking skill went up!


Joke's on you, game, it can't go any higher. :smug:

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EUNICE: Work at the inn is hard, but it's fun and certainly worth doing.

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EUNICE: But, I don't like dealing with the drunk customers though.

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EUNICE: Do you like working in the fields, Bush?

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-------------------------
1. Yes, I do.
2. Not really.
-------------------------

I honestly couldn't tell you if Bush enjoys working on farms, I think it's just part of his existence that he engages in with many battle cries.

------------------------------------
"farming sim 2008 let's gooooo"

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BUSH: Yes, I do. Growing flowers and vegetables gives me pride that I'm actually growing something.

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EUNICE: I see. That's good. It'll be terrible if you don't like your own job.

------------------------------------
"i'm mostly here for the dialogue"

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BUSH: Not really.

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EUNICE: Oh, really? That's too bad.
------------------------------------


I would say the final answer is no, because Runeys.

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DANNY: I wonder what happened to Rosetta's dad's illness...

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DANNY: All I can do is stay here and keep the shop open.


Good on ya, Danny, although I guess this is just your job anyways.

It's worth noting that his greeting has changed to be more confident than it was before, kinda similar to how it was when he was in charge of his own store.

I might've glossed over it, but up until this point and since going out of business, it was changed to be sorta melancholy. Similarly related, Uzuki also sorta speaks a bit more naturally now compared to how she did when we first met (though this could just be a localization inconsistency).

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GANESHA: Hm... I think my arms got thicker again...

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BUSH: Really? You're very thin. You don't look fat to me at all.

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GANESHA: Ahaha... Thanks. But in my case, my arms get thicker because of muscle. It's inevitable in this job.


Despite the brutal daily physical workout Bush engages in, he will never ascend beyond pasty anime boy physique.

You'd think having nearly 50 logging skill would do something, but alas :negative:

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SELPHY: Autumn is really great. It's not hot and it's not cold either.


Best part about it, really.

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SELPHY: Hmmm hmm hmmm! ♪

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SELPHY: Hey, Bush! Look! I bought a new book! I can't wait to see what it's about!

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BUSH: Didn't you just read that book the other day?


Yeah, you've been going on about this book for a while, what's the deal?

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SELPHY: Of course not! I never forget about which books I read.

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SELPHY: There are plenty of books with similar titles so maybe you mistook it for that?

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BUSH: Oh...


That thing about similar titles will actually be relevant info in not too long.

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SELPHY: Being here and reading when I feel like it is good because I don't have to learn stupid things or meet weird people...

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SELPHY: This place is like paradise to me...


Selphy is only interested in intellectual conversation about the practical topics of fantasy romance and the occasional collection of adventures across the world, everything else threatens her subsistence on pure knowledge.

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Heya, Pony! It's great to see you again! :3:

I say this because this is the start of me picking this LP back up after a long health related hiatus time on the run from the Turnip Mafia. It's been 7 months and I had trouble remembering what I was thinking even a week ago with these updates back when I was doing them.

It's been long enough I have no idea what I'm doing, so I guess I'm on the same level as Bush for a few updates!

The LP commentary will likely be somewhat different than it was, but hopefully I can keep it similarly entertaining. Style changes over time, after all, and I was still trying to both find my own footing in LP and SA in general when I first started.

To go with this, I did also go back and update all the really early updates to use the newer portrait formatting (plus a bit of other formatting) to try and make it more consistent across the LP. I didn't touch my old commentary though, it's the same as it was, for better or worse.

Now then...

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Brodik will be spending a lot of time out of sight. He's not a very sociable person. The note on his house just tells us to go away.

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Off to the villa then. Bush has nothing better to do than to chat people up all day, right?

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ImageMusic: Brodik's Theme

(Brodik has nothing to do with this, this is just another case of a track getting used more elsewhere than it's namesake.)

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MINERVA: Why?! You only care about that mansion and Bianca!

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MINERVA: You don't care about me or the nation of elves!

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TABATHA: I never said that. I just said that I can't go back just yet.

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MINERVA: Then when are you coming back? We don't have a queen in the nation of elves right now!

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MINERVA: We can't leave everything to the elders forever! Come back home!


What's Tabatha supposed to do about that? Are the elves using some sort of electoral monarch-

Oh. Oh. I see.

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TABATHA: I said I can't go back yet.

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MINERVA: You're just trying to weasel out of it! Do you know how long it's been since I came to this village?

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TABATHA: Well...


uh two days

(I've accidentally pushed Tabatha's LP faster than intended, it seems.)

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Also Bush decides this is now a fine time to waltz on into the conversation.

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MINERVA: I haven't given up yet!

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Aaand so she leaves.

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BUSH: Tabatha, are you going to return to your country?

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TABATHA: I cannot return just yet. I am Miss Bianca's maid.

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BUSH: But...

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TABATHA: Bush... Please do not speak of this matter to Miss Bianca.

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TABATHA: Please...

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Ah, but it looks like she might have overheard already...

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BIANCA: Tabatha...


:smith:

Well then, it seems Tabatha has quite the hidden past! It's definitely an expansion on her motivations in RF1, where she's trying to find someone who appreciates monsters and who can "bridge the gap between humans and elves." She doesn't tell you much more than that, from what I remember.

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Anyways, have some inedible ash on a plate, Minerva.

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MINERVA: I'm going to take Sister back with me to the nation of the elves!


So it seems! Only time will tell how this resolves. I have a feeling it will most likely involve Bush's intervention.

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MINERVA: Don't you think Anette's necklace is unusual? It's not sold in stores.

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MINERVA: You know... It's actually made with a fruit that grows only in the forest of the elves.

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MINERVA: Maybe I should make one, too. I'll go request it after I finish my job with Sister.

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BUSH: You're not going to make it?

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MINERVA: Well...the only fruit or nuts you can get here are chestnuts...

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MINERVA: The chestnuts here taste really good so I always end up eating them when I'm trying to dry them...


Ann's necklace is an acorn. A golden acorn. I guess elf-land has acorn shaped fruit, unless that's just another translation mishap.

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MINERVA: I'm bored...

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MINERVA: Hey, Bush! Take me somewhere!


Alas poor Minerva, unaware that the gods once known as Neverland decreed her undateable. Perhaps in a later installment, if the new pantheon remembers that you exist.

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MINERVA: Oh, good day to you...

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BIANCA: What are you doing? You don't usually talk like that.

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MINERVA: Can't I even try something new?!

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MINERVA: I want to be like Sister!


Despite her reason for being here and the tension caused from it, Minerva really does like her sister. :unsmith:

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BIANCA: There is a food called "Bavarois." I'd like to try it once.

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BIANCA: Bring it to me if you find it, but I won't hold my breath.


I don't think this is an item in the game. Could be wrong though.

Also, I have no idea how Bianca heard Minerva from all the way in here. That's some excellent hearing. Or maybe poor architectural design?

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BUSH: Is there anything you don't like, Bianca?
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BIANCA: Let's see... I hate things that are unnecessarily frugal. Like...rice balls.


I believe this is the only gift that does affect her FP/LP. Negatively, too. What onigiri based traumatic event happened in her past? We shall never know.

It's also just as likely she's giving the first thing that comes to mind because she really just doesn't like any gifts.

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BUSH: There's monster-food inside.

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BIANCA: Francoise only gets the best food there is.


Only level 10 fodder will do for Franswah.

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ERIK: I heard that Anette moved in with Mist.

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ERIK: But, she doesn't look that happy. I hope it's just my imagination...


Mist is still in Gelwein's hyperspace or something. Neither are having a great time of it right about now.

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ImageMusic: Lava Ruins


After this, it's off to the Lava Ruins clearing some land. I forget what for.

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Ah, right, just clearing land for wood farming.

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And so Bush does that for a while. I think we were trying to get the house upgrade?

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And of course, Magic Crystal farming.

3 hours of farming gets us nothing. It seems we shall be workin' in the mage mines tomorrow as well.

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Ey, Melody! Perfect baths as usual!

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One thing that has changed in my absence is that I know more about onsen and bathhouses. It's surprisingly hard to find info on operational matters, but there's some fun cultural stuff.

It was one of those "look up one thing, fall down a rabbit hole of research" type deals.

So I guess I get to share that now?

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ImageMusic: Whale Island Outside

Nab a gift for Kross on the way up to the Irises...

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Had no Tomato Juice, so flower it is :negative:

(probably need to chill on their LP gain anyways sheesh)

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IRIS NOIRE: When I close my eyes while looking at the night sky, it feels like I'm fusing into the heavens.

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IRIS NOIRE: It feels as if I'm swimming with the stars. I really love that feeling.


For me it just triggers my fear of falling. Like I'm going to suddenly fly into the sky or something. But this is cool too.

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utterly destroyed by a giant mango or whatever it is

Pony as always, extremely MVP for letting us just zip up the tail tree.

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We of course, seek wood.

Not that kind, get your mind out of the dirt. We sleep on that dirt face-down, thank you very much.

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ImageMusic: Whale Island Tower


I do give the inside of the tower a shot. On our list of final goals to consider Bush's adventure done, clearing this place is one of them.

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These ghost enemies throw multi-hitting projectiles that hurt a decent bit given they can combo for 100. At least we're not staggered by it, but they do a number on Pony. :(

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The upper layer is a lot of staircases back down into other towers. There's a shortcut up here somewhere I'm trying to find.

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To the south are more ghost recolors, what I believe is the Hades, and even the High Orc monsters, both of which are recolors in blue.

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Further south we've got the buffamoo and weagle recolors and a collapsed entrance (no reaction to our hammer)...

The cow I believe is the Buffazoo, and the bird a Blackbird. Despite being blue.

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To the left from there brings us to the staircase that leads to the Tower of Plenty.

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There's Blood Panthers in here, so I bail in a heartbeat

those things did not need as much of a glow-up as they got

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North from there is a grown over staircase, with a path continuing north or a route to the east.

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We go north and meet a Minotaur King. Path continues north or goes up a staircase to our northeast.

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Staircase it is!

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I decide to grab the lumber from there and call it for the day. We shall get that shortcut another day.

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And that's all for Autumn 3rd.


*KNOCK KNOCK*


um what

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BUSH: ...Who could it be?


I guess we go outside and see who it is?

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ImageMusic: Brodik's Theme

*Bush stands around looking as a familiar light haired dude dashes silently away over the bridge.*


HMM, GEE WILIKERS I WONDER WHO IT WAS

Can't believe this dude tried to hit us with the ol' doorbell and bail prank. Not even mad, this is a really pretty angle. I forgot how good this game can look sometimes.

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Anyways, that IS all for this time. Only a single day, yeah, but we're just getting back into the swing of things. There's a lot of back end work I had to do here, merging content from my old workflow with my new one.

Can say though, working pretty well! Glad to be back with Bush and this strange little town.


=========================================

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BUSH: Huzza-wha? What's going on?

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MYSTERY: Oh thank St. Poli, he finally woke up.

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BUSH: Oh, hey.

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MYSTERY: That's all you've got to say after 7 months of non-stop sleep? "Oh, hey?" Really?

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MYSTERY: *sigh* I suppose it doesn't really matter. Ratings have never been higher, for some reason.

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BUSH: Hrm, where was I? Oh, yes, Summer 14th, three weeks into the International Runey Wars. Arch-Empress Tabatha was-

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MYSTERY: That's... nowhere close to being right.
Last edited by Odd Wilson on Thu Apr 20, 2023 12:18 am, edited 3 times in total.

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He lives! Bush is alive!

Apologies for the immense delay, but this LP has returned. I'm much better at managing my hands now, and my tools for LP creation are far, far better. I've even got a text dump for all dialogue + books, so I no longer have to transcribe stuff.

I meant to drop this once I had the backlog finished, but I can't leave my first LP in the dusty shelves forever. I'm sitting on 6 more updates, and there's only about 4 or 5 to go before I need the final bachelorette vote- I can take it easy at a weekly pace and be done fine, maybe even faster depending on how personal life goes. Recording-wise, we're in the postgame already, and there's only a bit of stuff I can record there before needing to get married.

I did go back and clean up the first 11 updates in regards to formatting, so it should be easy to read through again.

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Welcome back Bush and Bush Mind-Controlling Overlord, glad to hear about the hand health, I await eagerly further funny funky frenzied farming

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Cloudmonkey98 wrote:
Sun Feb 12, 2023 3:08 am
Welcome back Bush and Bush Mind-Controlling Overlord, glad to hear about the hand health, I await eagerly further funny funky frenzied farming
There will be much further funny funky frenzied farming to follow, I assure you :cool:

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Update 43: Moon Made of Cheese Confirmed, Researcher Says

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He's finally back, to till some land.

(also that 52 hour playtime, wow)

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It is Fall 4th 6:00 AM and we find Bush in his natural habitat- in the kitchen cooking food.

I did remember tomato juice this time.

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all these hostage runeys are really eating up box space

too bad, it wont save you

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ImageMusic: Autumn


Right, I'd left the fields to just be fodder grass for a while. Runey production is appreciated, and I'm also trying to avoid something that may happen in a couple days.

I think I remember just eventually growing some stuff anyways, but this does leave us with more time and HP/RP to get to work on our adventuring side of life anyways. We're rich, so that's probably more important.

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Being able to get inside people's bedrooms in the morning really helps the time schedule.

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CINNAMON: ...Fish is in season. Did you eat some?


Definitely will at some point- it remains decent food no matter the season.

Also we're now out of reserve Magic Crystals, back to the mines we goooooo

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CINNAMON: Did you find the Broom Constellation?

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BUSH: Yes. I found it funny how it really looked like a broom.

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CINNAMON: There is a legend that says it's the broom used by the servant of God to sweep the heavens. He'd probably need a broom that size then.


Who is God? Who is St. Poli, really?

These questions answered probably never. Bush only believes in the fine art of cooking and yelling loudly while swinging farming tools.

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BUSH: Can you see the Spirits, Candy?

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CANDY: Well... I can't see or hear them very clearly... but I can tell where they are and what they're thinking sometimes.


More Spirit lore. You ever think she's just hearing the voices of the thread?

...It's probably best if that's not the case. We don't want her to know how we rate her hat in competition to the others in town.

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I sacrifice 6 Tree Runeys to get more lumber spawns. Still got a ways to go on getting that bigger house and St. Poli knows we got enough tree runeys.

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ENVIRONMENTAL STATUS: Destabilizing rapidly outside of managed regions. Cursory maintenance advised.

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On our way to visit the vampires, we find a spectacular sight: Blue Roses!

So we've finally got that for making the wedding item. As it turns out, these only mill back down into White Rose seeds, so there's no reason to specifically keep them separate. The Blues do sell for more, but I need to calculate if waiting for them is actually a profit.

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IRIS NOIRE: How was your day today? When everyone else's day ends, mine begins. It feels a bit strange...


For us, your day ends when our day really begins ...But I guess it applies for everyone too anyways?

I know a good few folk in very different timezones and years later I still forget half the time. Still always weird to be chatting in the morning and them ready to go to sleep.

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Oh, hey, Selphy cleaned the library up again! Nice work! :golfclap:

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We've also got a new book to check out, even if it is fashionably late:

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~The Phantom Blue Rose~

"Moonlight has the power to create something that does not exist in nature."

"One of those creations is the 'Blue Rose.'"

"Grow a white rose, and once it has taken root, leave it out in the moonlight for a few days."

"The exposure to moonlight will turn the rose a lustrous blue."

-----------------------------------------------------


At least the game gives a lot of hints on how to do it.

Luckily for me, the text dump does contain all the book text.

In fact, it has almost all the text in the game, but the mail. So until I find those, I've still gotta transcribe those. I'm still always happy to get mail despite that.

We've also got more books than just that.

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~New Species Discovery!~

"I saw it with my own eyes! A Clucky as big as a mountain flying over me! That cannot be a normal Clucky! No way!"

"Please, believe me!! I'm not crazy!!"

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Um, alright. I wonder if this person ever discovered that the Chickogriff is the secret to alchemical duplication.

Still no idea why this is in the library.

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~Magic Users of the World~

"Vol. 12.
Yui: The Mysterious Magic User"

"Perhaps the most famous magic user is "Yui," a practitioner shrouded in mystery. History gives us little record of her life, but the effects of her magic can still be felt even to this day."

"The coast of a certain sea is completely devoid of life, and it is said that Yui was responsible. It is also believed to be Yui who turned the moon into cheese."

"There is a town in the north that never sees snow even during winter. Apparently Yui is also responsible for a town in the south, where Cherry Flowers bloom year-round."

"What's even more amazing about Yui, is that she was active for only 1 year, but according to the limited sources available, at that time she was only 5."

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That's one powerful preschooler. :magical:

Also, moon made of cheese confirmed, hell yeah. Maybe Bush will make it into this book series some day.

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~The Snow Ruins~

"The Adventures of John Arthur Section 1, Chapter 14, Part 12 'The Snow Ruins'"

"'The Snow Ruins' As the name suggests, these ruins are covered in snow, but the climate is rather mild like autumn."

"I'm sure the climate was much colder when they were carrying out low temperature research on Runes, but this is much nicer for me."

"At the entrance of these ruins are slopes and a frozen door. I destroyed nearby fridges (just cut the cord!) to melt the ice and move forward. My adventure was going well."

"However, due to an accident, I had no choice but to give up my exploration. I cannot disclose the details here, ...but it was definitely not because I got hungry."

-----------------------------------------------------


Snow Ruins was evidently where they were studying Runary Supercomputers.

Also apparently the ice mist generators are refrigerators?

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~The Elves~

"Elves, famous for their beauty, are a monarchical race in a forest in the Far North, ruled by a queen."

"Having a much longer lifespan than humans, they have preserved a culture that deeply respects nature, the vehicle of life itself."

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Nothing we didn't already know here. This book was probably opened up by that Tabatha event from last update.

Maybe the reason so many elves seem to be in the hospitality industry is because they are already nature's custodians?

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~The Beginning of Man~

"The Kingdom of Norad is small but houses the oldest royal family in the world. Because of their long history people from all around the world respect them as the wellspring of mankind."

"The successive kings of Norad worked to live in harmony with nature, and these philanthropic efforts are another reason for the respect Norad receives."

"However, even a kingdom like Norad has enemies. The Zzyzx Empire in the south is a militant nation burning with ambitions of world domination. It has invaded Norad countless times..."

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Man, Zzyzx. What a name. Still prefer Sechs.

Either way, Norad's real important in the grand scheme of things, you'd think we'd have some alliances or something to call in on these invasions.

I think that is enough reading for quite a while. Bush's brain is just packed with intelligence now.

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SELPHY: What's wrong? I already left that money issue to you, Bush.

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SELPHY: Just make up an excuse to Lara for me. Thanks.


For what does an ascetic who has mastered the art of subsistence entirely upon literature need with the concept of money?

We'll probably just spot her the money, Bush has more than enough.

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Haven't been able to bring up that matter to Lara yet though. Might have to be in the clinic for it to count.

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ANETTE: Morning, Bush.


Ann's still depressed, with new voice line and all. At least she's still having lunch with the forever friend-zoned Erik.


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ANETTE: *phew*

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BUSH: What's wrong?

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ANETTE: Hm? I was just thinking about how pitiful I am for collapsing so easily.

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BUSH: Well, you do run around every single day. It's not pathetic at all.
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BUSH: I really think you should rest more.

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ANETTE: Haha. Thanks, Bush. You're so nice...


:unsmith:

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ANETTE: *sigh*

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ANETTE: I-It's nothing! Don't worry about me.


Well, I suppose we ought to leave her to it. :smith:

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Meanwhile, Bush is off catching some backup fish for Uzuki and Cinnamon but keeps accidentally catching fish too good to gift.

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EUNICE: Everything just tastes so wonderful during this season so I always end up overeating.

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EUNICE: I don't know what to do...


Eunice has been captured by the Big Pumpkin Spice Industry. We will need to redouble our efforts to prevent them from taking over this town.

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I found Candy again and prepared a sacrifice of 12 Water Runeys for more rain in the next 7 days. Should hopefully spare me from watering for a few days.

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MARCO: Mom includes bell peppers in dinner sometimes.

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MARCO: She keeps telling me to stop being picky about food, but that's just child abuse!


Yeah, they're kinda strong unless they're well mixed into something. I'll be honest, I can only take so much of them alone. Quite bitter.

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A brief stop to get a few chestnuts...

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We drop by to gift our good buddy Kross and to get a refresher on how much more material we need for our house upgraded.

Cost: 900 Lumber and 75,000 gold.
Current: 773 Lumber and 134,377 gold.

So just a bit more wood to go!

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So I run out to hit up some more uncleaned fields in the Magic Crystal Mines.

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I work until bathtime, and we're just 70 lumber off our goal. Not bad.

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Melody quietly watches as Bush erupts blue thunder and does frontflips with an axe in her waiting room.

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I suppose our first onsen fact is one that isn't very new to anyone with a moderate understanding of Japanese culture. Nevertheless, we must begin with the basics.

Onsen are primarily a relaxation thing. You either come already washed or clean yourself off to the side via a shower or by bucketing water from the spring itself. There are private baths too, but this is still a rule.

They of course, are still rigorously cleaned given their nature as a public fixture. How often depends on the onsen itself, but there's a good deal of laws and health regulations that exist to try and keep them safe but operational.

This has been your bathhouse facts for the day.

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ImageMusic: Snow Ruins

Following that, we dip into the Snow Ruins. I believe it's to grind weapon skill and EXP.

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Shock and awe, it's actually just more woodcutting.

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But it has been done!

I guess this makes the wood day I wished for kind of irrelevant, but that can still go towards the pharmacy expansion and a bigger barn.

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We are able to get into Kross's house at night now, but I don't know if he'll schedule work now that it's like 8 at night.

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ImageMusic: Kross' Theme

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KROSS: When the moon is red, someone is plotting something terrible somewhere. You have to be careful.


Oh, um... thanks for the warning! :ohdear:

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Kross still won't let us look at his closet, but we're not far off from it.

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Well, with a hard day's work done, how else to spend our night by churning butter?

The Cooking Master sleeps only when the dishes are done :black101:

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His efforts demand more ingredients- MORE!

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Oh, and while I'm here, Eunice gets a cake just because we can. We must fight the encroachment of seasonal foods with... seasonal cake?

At least chestnut is an actual Fall crop in this world, pumpkins are Summer crops! :colbert:

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In case anyone wanted to know, Bianca is the manor's owner, and our like 3 LP with her isn't enough to get us in the manor at night.


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And to reaffirm an earlier point, Blue Roses do just make White Rose seeds. I've still got the previous white rose around, so we get seeds from that instead.

(i loaded a savestate to undo using the blue one :ssh: )

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Go ahead and plant those on the island with a new batch of carrots We don't need more carrots at this point (Selphy will hit 10 soon) but I didn't have anything else worth planting on hand.

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That and the sandwiches are just crazy good anyways. Gonna be good to have as combat healing.

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And that's all for Fall 4th!

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ImageMusic: Trampoli


And here's the next day! It's not raining.

Having done all our meal prep last night, we can just head out no fuss.

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Mail!

...But no Anette. :(

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~"Breakfast" - Eunice~

Bush, do you eat breakfast?
I heard that breakfast is always a problem
when a man lives alone.
If you are having a hard time cooking
for yourself, I would gladly help.

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Bush does have problems cooking for himself, but that's just because he's always giving away what he makes. He does only eat breakfast if he gets so tired from cooking that he needs it. Still, we'd never say no to hanging out with Eunice. (There is no reply available, alas.)

Personally what I consider breakfast is just leftovers from last night. Even pizza. Or chili.

...Sometimes I eat stuff that's kinda breakfasty. Sometimes.

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~"Fish Curry" - Cinnamon~

I made fish curry.
Even Candy thought it was good.
I wonder why she looked so surprised.

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It seems Bush's culinary advice turned out well.

I've still never had curry.

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MOW THAT LAWN

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Tomato juice delivered to the Irises, but no new dialogue.

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I spend some time getting more lumber off Whale Island before heading back down.

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LARA: My pen pal lives somewhere that's much colder than the Kingdom of Norad.

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LARA: I hope that she doesn't become ill...


I feel like Noradian medicine hasn't fully understood germ theory yet.

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STELLA: Ow...

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BUSH: What's wrong, Stella?

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STELLA: Oh, it's you, Bush... Looks like you caught me at a bad time.

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STELLA: It's nothing. I slipped while I was working and fell on my backside pretty hard. Thanks to that, I ruined one of the vases.

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BUSH: Oh no... That sounds terrible.


Bush, why are you smiling at that? :mad:

Hrm... didn't Lara dream about something similar to this a few days ago?

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STELLA: Rosetta is back in her hometown to look after her sick father.

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STELLA: Just give her some kind words when you get the chance to talk to her. I'm sure she's feeling very tired.


Man, the town really is in a slump all around isn't it?

Rosetta is still max priority on Holiday, so we'll be sure to find her. (least of all the fact that her being gone is what's delaying the main plot)

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SELPHY: The bathhouse here is really nice. I can feel Melody's love for baths.

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SELPHY: Compared to it, my bath back home was just huge, but I couldn't feel any love from it.

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BUSH: What kind of place is your home, Selphy?

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SELPHY: Don't worry about that! It's not manly to go snooping!

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BUSH: Wait, why am I getting yelled at?


Selphy, as always, hiding her past life with mixed results. Bush, as always, is completely oblivious.

Of course, Melody's bath is excellent. We know this to be irrefutably true.

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Anette likes to sit down here in main area Trampoli during this part of her storyline. We of course have Pumpkin Tarts on the ready.

Sugar won't solve depression, but hey, Bush does all he knows how to do.

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ANETTE: It's autumn already. All the leaves are red.


There's... not actually that many red trees around. The red and purple leaves are my favorite colors of autumn, personally.


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ANETTE: *sigh*

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BUSH: What's wrong?

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ANETTE: Maybe I'm not fit to do postal work...

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BUSH: Don't say that!

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BUSH: You're only feeling down because you had to take a little break. It's okay to rest!

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ANETTE: Haha... Thanks.


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ANETTE: But, to tell you the truth, I wanted to do a different job.

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ANETTE: Every single member of my family is a mailman. That's why I also became one. It's like a tradition.

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ANETTE: But, where did I go wrong?

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BUSH: Do you hate your job as a mailman, Anette?

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ANETTE: No, I love it. Letters are like sending emotions. I love bringing them from person to person.

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ANETTE: The ones who send out letters and the ones who receive them... I like seeing their smiles.

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BUSH: Then why...?

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ANETTE: I don't know... Like you said, I think I'm just feeling down right now.

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ANETTE: But don't misunderstand me. I love this village. Mist is really nice, too, even if she's a little weird...

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ANETTE: ... Thanks for hearing me out. I think I feel better now.

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BUSH: Anette...

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ANETTE: What? Bush, don't give me that face!

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ANETTE: I'm fine! I'm back to how I always am!


Things are getting better, slowly. :unsmith:

This is one of the longest dialogues we've had in a while, didn't want to interrupt it. Ann's storyline is almost done.

Although, maybe she's not doing so great if she's still seeing Mist around the house :ohdear:

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ANETTE: Working hard on your fields? I better work just as hard.


That's the spirit!

wait, we don't work on our fields really at all

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TABATHA: Please do not tell Miss Bianca that Minerva is here to bring me back.

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TABATHA: Please...


Your secret is safe with us, though I have a sinking feeling it might not stay that way.

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TABATHA: I made a mistake with the medicinal herbal tea... Miss Bianca hated it... Perhaps with more practice...


Well, if anyone can do it, it's probably you. Even Bush's cooking is nothing in the face of Bianca's tastes.

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TABATHA: It certainly feels like autumn now.

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TABATHA: When I first saw the fallen leaves, I was very surprised. I had thought that all the trees had died.

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BUSH: You've never seen fallen leaves, Tabatha?

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TABATHA: Not before I came to the human towns, I've never seen them. The trees in the nation of the elves stay green all year.


I wonder if this means that Elf Land is filled with evergreen trees? It's probably just in one of those weird seasonal locked regions this world has though.

We don't see it here, but basically every other RF game shows that Norad is a place permanently confused as to what season it is.

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ImageMusic: Brodik's Theme


Oh, hey, it's this dude! Finally he leaves his house for once.

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BUSH: Brodik, did you want something?

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BRODIK: Heh heh heh...

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BRODIK: What are you talking about? I have business with you!

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BUSH: But weren't you knocking on my door?

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BRODIK: I did no such thing! You won't be able to chase me out like that!

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BRODIK: Hah ha ha!


um alright sir

I imagine it's supposed to be "I have no business" as this man's localization ain't the best, but honestly... it kinda works? Him just talking confusingly just adds to how much he's trying to agitate Bush.

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BRODIK: I hear that during a mission in the past, you said that you wanted to hide out in the countryside and run a farm.

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BRODIK: I never thought that you would really start one up...

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BRODIK: And it's called the Shrub Farm?

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BRODIK: Are you sure you want to keep it as Shrub Farm?

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BRODIK: That name of your farm isn't witty at all! At least do something about it to make it harder for people to find out!

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BRODIK: Hah ha ha!


Oi, mate, put 'em up- that's where I draw the line! Nobody makes fun of Bush's Shrub Farm!

:argh:

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Here, have a pumpkin you twerp.

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BRODIK: Did you put something in this? I'm going to get your neighbor to test it first.

*You were given 1 Gold!*

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BRODIK: There's a little something for your troubles! Can you see how generous I am?! Hahahaha!


It's an... interesting design decision to make a character whose pure existence is just be a dink, but here he is.

He hates pumpkins by the way. Same goes for Pendants.

Apparently he loves Apple Pie? It'll be a long time before those are available again.

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Kross, my brother, get down from there please.

(he does not)

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A bit of nothing happens for a bit before I go home to craft some until the bath opens. The important craft here is the Average Pole. It takes our current Starter Pole + Silver + Thin Stick + Bamboo Shoot to make.

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Badabam, there it is. It'll hopefully let us make expert catches again, of which have been pretty much nonexistent since we first upgraded the pole.

...And hopefully it doesn't backfire on us like the Rainbow Can.

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Speaking of that fabulous water container, I start smashing scrap metal into it to grind Forging skill. Being a recipe we can barely perform, it's worth a lot of EXP even if I can't actually improve the level at the moment.

Doing this until we're nearly on the floor asleep gets... 3.5 skill points. And that was like 14 scrap. Yowza.

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MINERVA: It's good how this summer home is pretty...

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MINERVA: But it's so big that I feel uneasy being in there.

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MINERVA: Bianca said that this place is cramped so I keep wondering where she used to live.


This place is maybe twice as big? Not to say that the Kardia Coquille Manor isn't large on it's own.

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And before we get our bath, it's time for a big step: finally getting our bigger house!

Do it, Kross! You're the only man I'd trust with this job!

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KROSS: I'll start right away. So would you wait a little bit?

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*One short fade away later...*

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KROSS: Sorry to have kept you waiting. I just finished. You should go check out your house.


Fastest carpenter in the biz right here! Done just like that.

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ImageMusic: Trampoli Daily Life


From the outside, it's not that noticeable, but you might notice the bit of the tower peeking just to the left of the main roof. But...

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You can definitely see the change on the inside! A big L-shaped staircase.

I'll be mean and hold you in suspense until the end of the update to see how the bedroom looks.

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bath

(only 1 bath fact per update

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A while later, Bush finds himself back down in Snow Ruins, trying to fight some enemies for experience.

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The going is rough.

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But no matter how hard we look...

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BUSH: Man, this is shut tight. It'd be nice if I could find some other way in.


...There doesn't seem to be any way in further from this side.

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So in the meantime, Bush gets to pummeling demons to hone his skills....

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Levels keep us sustained into the long night as Bush axes demon after demon.

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We got some levels and skill out of this, but not a ton.

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And after that he get sleepy

so bed we go :)


The bedroom itself is a cozy little room. A window, a vase of flowers, a space for paintings from Lute, and even a chair and shelf on the left.

I suppose this means Kross hauled the bed up the staircase by himself. :magical:

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But with that, bye for now, folks. Next time, some important stuff goes down!


ImageMusic: Goodnight
Last edited by Odd Wilson on Thu Apr 20, 2023 12:18 am, edited 2 times in total.

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Update 44: The Legend of Mist - Grimoire of Time

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Look alive, people, Bush is on the move!

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There's no better way to start the day than to find a place to conceal worrying amounts of demon blood.

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We make more gifts for everyone, really. No reason not to when I've got all these extra ingredients lying around.

Cinnamon, of course, remains the hardest person to get a gift for at this point.

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ImageMusic: Autumn


There's no mail today, so we get about our farm chores. Most notably, the extra blue roses go in the shipping bin. We only need one for the marriage item, so the rest is good profit.

The Irises have nothing to say today, I pet the animals as usual...

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And fishing with our new rod proves trickier than I thought. The bar moves quite fast now.

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I eventually get the hang of it.

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DANNY: Because Rosetta's not here, I have to work hard.

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DANNY: The general store will be open as usual so you can come shop like you always do.


Operative word being "can". I don't have a lot of reason to at the moment unless Rosetta's there.

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UZUKI: In my country, we have a custom of eating dumplings while looking at the moon in autumn.

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BUSH: Why do you eat dumplings?

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TSUBUTE: I...don't know.

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BUSH: Oh...


This is apparently a reference to Tsukimi, a Japanese festival in which you do... exactly this. Cursory research reveals the origin to be just borrowing the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival which itself dates back to 1500 BCE originally as a religious ceremony.

You learn something new every update!

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ANETTE: Don't you get excited on days where you can sleep in? I got so excited that I couldn't sleep last night.


i wish my insomnia had a reason

Still good to see she's cheering up somewhat.

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BRODIK: Haha! Well aren't you up early?!


Brodink has little to say today- which seems to be a running theme for the day.

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CINNAMON: ...Is it fun talking with me?

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1. Yes, it's fun.
2. Okay, I guess.

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Of course, we all know what comes next regardless of choice:

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CINNAMON: ...Oh.

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BUSH: (What did she mean...?)

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MINERVA: The red autumn leaves are amazing. I never saw the tree leaves change color like that!


If Tabatha was once surprised by it, it's no shock that Minerva would be as well.

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ImageMusic: Snow Ruins


There's so little going on today, that we head into Snow Ruins by 11:30 AM to go grind more demons.

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We do this until the bathhouse opens at 3.

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We pay our entry fee, but we don't actually go in. We finished off our grind with another level, so Bush is currently fully restored.

We'll come back later.

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We ride back to the church to see if Lara's dialogue has updated now that she's inside the clinic, but something surprising happens...

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A cutscene starts!

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Over in the small graveyard to the side of the church, Bush finds Candy crying, and a large hole open in the ground! A rope tied around a gravestone leads in...

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BUSH: What's wrong?

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CANDY: Oh, Bush! Marco, he... He went in there!

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CANDY: I found a hole while I was chasing after Spirits, and I dropped the doll I got from my sister in it by accident.

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CANDY: So Marco said he'd get it for me and went inside...

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CANDY: He hasn't come out for a long time...

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CANDY: Could you please help Marco?

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BUSH: Okay. I'll bring Marco back, so you just sit tight, all right?

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BUSH: Don't worry. I'll bring him back safe and sound, so trust me. Trust Marco.

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CANDY: Okay... Thank you so much!


Marco, you're still level 1! We have to hurry! :ohdear:

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but first, here's some tomato juice

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Down we go! Bush to the rescue!

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The rope takes us down into Snow Ruins! If this place still kicks our tail, Marco is in real trouble.

We walk forward just a bit and...

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MARCO: Hey!

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MARCO: Hey, Bush!


We found him!

...That was easy. He seems to be trapped behind some of the usual ice crystals from down here.

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MARCO: Help me! The ceiling suddenly collapsed on me, and now I can't get out!
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MARCO: I would have been able to break through it if I had a hammer, but my mom said I'm too young and wouldn't let me take one...


Well, unless it was a fire hammer, it wouldn't have helped.

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bam

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MARCO: Thanks. I was getting kinda scared thinking maybe I'd never get out...

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MARCO: Oh, yeah. You can't tell my mom about this, okay...? It's a secret, okay?

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And so he runs off, but it did look like he dropped something...

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Ah, it's Candy's doll.

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Might as well chop this wood while I'm down here. Funny enough, the frontflip actually caught the fridge wires from behind.

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But with a new entrance into the Ruins, where might it lead? Well, this door seems extremely promising!

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We're on the other side of the room Mist was locked in! I don't know how you did it, kids, but you did!

Ready yourself, Gelwein! :black101:

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BUSH: It's...gotten bigger than before...

This is also true. The giant shadow rune is massive now, which does not bode well.

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Well, look who it is.

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GELWEIN: I guess I should say, "Welcome."

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GELWEIN: I don't particularly like you, but I must admit, it's a bit lonely welcoming the beginning of a new era without an audience.

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BUSH: Stop what you're doing! The island will fall and cause a terrible disaster!

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GELWEIN: And your point is?

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BUSH: What...did you say?

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GELWEIN: A town or two disappearing is none of my concern. In fact, it's like the cornerstone of my plan. You should be thanking me.


Wow, dude, you really haven't had anyone to talk to in forever have you. He really is just going to explain his evil plan even more.

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GELWEIN: Behold! This giant and ominous cluster of Runes!


I know this is supposed to be a serious moment, but who would even say this?


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BUSH: ...! That's...!!!

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*We cut away to see a familiar head popping out from beneath the ominous rune.*

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BUSH: Mist!

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GELWEIN: I have never before seen someone so in touch with the Spirits.

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GELWEIN: Even the powers of the vampire tribe pale in comparison to this one. Her inner voice is practically screaming for the help of the Spirits.

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GELWEIN: They respond in droves, making this Rune swell with Spirits.

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GELWEIN: Its power is enormous. It's enough to completely control the being that could end the world...

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BUSH: What have you done to Mist?!


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GELWEIN: Nothing, really. Just causing a little pain so she'll subconsciously call out for help.

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GELWEIN: A little...unbearable pain...


:stare:

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BUSH: Why you... I won't let you continue!


Kick his ass, Bush!

*Bush rushes forward!*

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*A flash of white light emits!*

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BUSH: Ugh...!

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GELWEIN: Too bad. You're a bit too late. My plan is progressing flawlessly.

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GELWEIN: With this girl, this giant Rune and magical creatures, I can destroy the world!

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GELWEIN: The world that rejected me!

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BUSH: Wa-wait...


(This last part was actually voice acted. Gelwein is a bit higher pitched and nasal than I thought.)

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Another cutscene!

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*We see Mist...*

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*Her eyes are dim and barely conscious as runes swell up around her...!*

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*The Dark Rune grows larger...!*

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*We see her sinking into the ground for a brief moment before she seemingly warps away!*


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*Gelwein readies himself with a flourish-*

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*He too is sucked into the spherical void, which lasts but for a moment until...!*

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*It dissolves with an eerie crackle, Bush left standing helpless to the side.*

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BUSH: Mist... I'm...sorry I...couldn't...do... anything...

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Well, damn. This really isn't good. :ohdear:

Maybe we should've been looking for this entrance instead of ignoring this situation for a week.

Oh, but what's this on the ground?

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BUSH: Is this... a book...? The letters... they're floating...!

-----------------------------------------------------
~Grimoire of Time~

"Pray to heaven with a song as the winds caress me."
"Send a prayer up to the light so that it might help me see."
"Searching through my memories, memories, my memories for you."

-----------------------------------------------------

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BUSH: I wonder what this means...

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BUSH: What's this on the back...? I can't read it. Maybe Kanno can.


Either Mist left this for us or Gelwein dropped it like a fool, but regardless, it's still something to work with.

The term "Grimoire" has always been important in the events Bush has been through, though it originally referred to a dragon. Maybe this is the real Grimoire?

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The description at least informs us that it contains poems, though we can't read it. Wizard Grandpa is probably the best lead we have here.

Although we were able to read some of it? I suppose it just happened to be the only readable one.

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There is one other door left in this chamber.

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Off to the left, it seems to be a depressing little bedroom. Either this was Gelwein's or Noire's. Knowing him, it was probably Noire's. :smith:

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Who'd have thought this was all just underneath the church? Or, um, maybe where the Whale Island being dragged down to the earth centers itself most days of the week?

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You would not believe what just happened, Anette.

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ImageMusic: Clock Tower


Magic Gramps! We need your aid!

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BUSH: Kanno, I...

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KANNO: You weren't able to stop Gelwein. I can tell. It's written on your face.

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BUSH: Yeah... He disappeared right in front of me.

(Bush must really be in shock because he says this line twice.)

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KANNO: Hm... This book is quite old...

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BUSH: Can you read it?

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KANNO: It's written in an ancient incantation language. This will take some time to decipher.

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KANNO: Bush, will you lend me this book for a while?

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BUSH: Sure. Of course. Take as much time as you need.


We are given an option not to, but we have no reason not to give it to him.

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Anette, why are you hanging around here anyways?

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ANETTE: Say... Do you, um...like m... *cough* I mean...


:aaa:

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ANETTE: Do you like m-me-melons? Do you like melons?


This is voiced and it's :3:

I suppose life in town goes on as it always does.


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danny

danny, we're not even at the store

this is my shipping bin

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ImageMusic: Whale Island Outside


But Bush is still ready for a fight, so we revisit Whale Island and head back to the towers.

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Pony gets KO'd on the trip as usual, but Bush is determined to make some sort of progress today.

A bit of woodcutting happens before we take the northern path from the Tower of Birth exit (that's the entrance tower, if you don't remember).

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ImageMusic: Whale Island Tower


This one is the Tower of Life.

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High Orcs and Gigantes (upgraded trolls) are plenty here.

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On a staircase at the bottom is a furled rope.

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We interact with it and that's the shortcut!


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whoops

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:doh:

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Let's reverse that timeline a bit and jump down the rope before we get pummeled into the wall by trolls.

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Surprise! We're back in the entrance cavern at the front of the isle! This is just a bit north of the first goblin spawner.

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We've got time to spare, so I go explore outside the bottom floor of the Tower of Life. It leads to a "Garden" area.

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a monster garden evidently :mad:

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There are two new types of Little Mage up here: Little Wizard and Little Emperor.

everything hurts

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ImageMusic: Snowstyle Tavern


So, we bail.

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What's up, Ganesha? We saved your kid.

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GANESHA: You shouldn't be talking to an old lady like me. Get out and go hit on some younger girls!

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GANESHA: You should take this opportunity since there are so many young girls in the village.


um, ok

Bush has only one person he wants to hit on, and that's Gelwein. With an axe.

Why would we do that to any of the bachelorettes? :confused:

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Bartender, I require 4 grand in eggs

that is all

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But if we stop by the forge, we can see a little event because we saved Marco.

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ImageMusic: Business District Buildings


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GANESHA: I told you not to play in the ruins, didn't I? Why won't you listen to your mother?!

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MARCO: It's 'cause Candy...

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GANESHA: I don't want to hear it! How could you blame a girl like that?

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MARCO: I'm not trying to blame Candy...

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GANESHA: Listen, Marco. You're still a child. Thank goodness Bush was around this time to help you...

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GANESHA: ...but please, think about how your mother would feel if anything were to happen to you.

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MARCO: ...I'm... I'm sorry, Mom...

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GANESHA: Don't do it again, okay? And don't forget to thank Bush for his help.

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MARCO: Okay.


Poor Marco, doesn't get to tell his side of the story. It was reckless, yes, but he had good intention. We at least have to recognize that.
(Although I won't deny things could've gone very bad given how close he was to Gelwein and the Dark Rune.)

You can't actually tell Ganesha about this, she just finds out anyways. Those long elf ears must hear a lot.

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MARCO: Bro! Thanks for what you did earlier!

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MARCO: I don't know what would have happened to me if you didn't come!

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MARCO: I'll get stronger so I can get through this ruins without any problems.


No problem, bro. :respek:

(Ganesha has no comment on us saving Marco.)

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I suppose while we're resolving the events of today, we should go ahead and give Candy's doll back to her.

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CANDY: Thank you! This is a precious doll I got from Sis.

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CANDY: Let me tell you a secret.

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CANDY: I...love...you! ♪


whatever you say, kid

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Following this, Bush goes to the town square and fishes for a long while.

I feel like I'm forgetting something...

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Oh, that's right! Our bath! We paid for it but never took it!

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Bush walks extremely slowly and only manages to enter at 0:03 AM!

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This is all to find out that Melody takes her bath this late in the day. She directly notes this is so she can have it all to herself- fair enough.


Bathhouse fact time, I suppose!

You may or may not have noticed the tradition of wearing your towel on your head (this game doesn't have it, but RF3 does). There's varying info I can find on this, but the most interesting one I can find is this.

Ancient baths used to have walls for closing in more of the steam around them, and you had to duck beneath one to enter. Since you needed to kinda crawl under with your hands, putting it on your head was the next best option. Even when the enclosing walls fell out of style, old folk kept doing it to keep their heads warm. Supposedly.

There is at least the more obvious factor in how you're just not supposed to put it in the water (more on that another time), but you don't want to lose it.

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Anyways, that's all for this update. Only 1 day, I know, but it was a big plot day. I'll probably start posting faster again here soon.

Next time, we see how we'll need to move forward on this, as well as make major developments in the bachelorettes' storylines.

Catch ya then!

ImageMusic: Goodnight
Last edited by Odd Wilson on Thu Apr 20, 2023 12:18 am, edited 3 times in total.

User avatar
Update 45: The Day of Bachelorettes

ImageMusic: Alliance Alive - Rainy Realm

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That's right, it's a rainy Holiday!

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I don't know exactly when we bought the seeds, but I decided to just go ahead and plant some stuff for this season even if there is an event later that may backfire on us.

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It leaves us with just 5 3x3's unfilled on our farm.

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Make some sashimi and other stuff to keep our energy up...

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And out on the town we go! It's not like Bush has much else to do.

It also happens to be the perfect day for us to go and continue that bit of Selphy/Lara's book borrowing event.

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MELODY: No one is here today so you can go in the women's bath.

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MELODY: But if you pull anything funny, you'll be banned from here!

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BUSH: What are you referring to?

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MELODY: Tha... Just hurry it up!


Bush would never do such a thing, whatever that thing you may ber referring to is! The bath must be respected. :hai:

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BUSH: (Excuse me...)


Bush, there's nobody in there.

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The women's bath doesn't really look any different, although I think the pink tulips are unique to this side?

There happens to be a sparkle on the ground not too far in.

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BUSH: Hey... There's a small crack here...

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BUSH: ... ...

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BUSH: There are so many books inside the crack! Let's see, where's the "Scriptures"...

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BUSH: There it is! Let me go take it to Stella right away.


Selphy's been in here storing books under the floorboards like some sort of literary rodent :confused:

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LARA: Though I am a servant of God, I am allowed to marry.

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LARA: But that's only if I have someone...


-------------------------------------------------------
1. I'm sure you can find someone very nice!
2. Oh...
-------------------------------------------------------


Huh, so the nuns are allowed to marry? How about that. I guess that's something to remember for the next vote.

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LARA: Um... I was just making chitchat. There's no need to look so serious.


She doesn't have to know she didn't make the 6, don't tell her, Bush.

(The first option gets a happy thanks :) )

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Stella lets us into her room early, so here's a last look at the Scriptures before they're gone for good.


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STELLA: This is the "Scriptures"! Thank you for finding it.

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STELLA: Let me give you this to thank you for your troubles.

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You got Fodder Seed


amazing reward, 10/10 quest

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Anyways, Selphy, we gotta talk about this book thing. It's not-

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...Cutscene?

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ImageMusic: Brodik's Theme/ Tensions


*Selphy is at the front desk, deep in reading a book as Bush enters.*

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*Suddenly a dark portal opens up, emitting a strange hiss!*

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*She's sucked inside!*


RIP, too invested in a good romance to notice she was getting pulled into the Shadow Realm :cry:

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BUSH: Selphy!

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And so we're left only with an option to examine the desk.

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As Bush touches it, the portal reappears and silently draws him in too, as all fades to black... :ohdear:

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ImageMusic: Pinch


We awaken in a bizarre world, with psychedelic sky, warped bookshelves, and a massive book beneath our feet.

A brown bull with a blue mane stands before Bush!

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BUSH: Where is Selphy?!


Bush is having none of this.

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It's a boss fight! We're immediately surrounded by Buffamoo on all sides and this mystery bull- the latter is our real target.

Pony proves herself the true MVP as she somehow found a way to dive in after us.

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The recommended level for this that I saw was 30, and we're about 50, but it doesn't stop this place from hurting! They're no ordinary cows and they all hit for nearly 200 damage.

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But, so do we :black101:

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Pony valiantly buys us enough time to get out, slam down two potions before the boss can catch us. Luckily, the Earth Wand is not only effective damage, but perfectly levels their charge and pushes it back easily.

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Just a bit of earth magic spam + 1 incoming cow dodge later and the boss is down.

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*We quickly fade to white...!*

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ImageMusic: Sinister

(Haven't heard this in a long while.)

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BUSH: Selphy! Snap out of it!

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SELPHY: Ugh...

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SELPHY: Where am I?!

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BUSH: I don't know. Maybe we're inside the book that you were reading.

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SELPHY: In the book? Awesome!

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SELPHY: It was my childhood dream to go inside a book!


Yep, she's just the same as always :allears:

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BUSH: Oh, really? So how do you feel about it now that it came true?

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SELPHY: Hmm... There's nothing here and it's not a lot of fun. I guess I prefer to just read books.

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SELPHY: Let's go home.

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BUSH: Yeah, we should.


Apparently, it's just that easy to leave :shrug:

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ImageMusic: Clock Tower


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KANNO: Hmm, this was caused by the monster "Tapir."

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BUSH: "Tapir"?

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KANNO: A monster that feeds on memories.

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KANNO: It transforms itself in order to capture prey, then consumes their memories when their guard is down.


I wonder why the designers chose a bull model for the Tapir. We have elephants with prehensile noses.

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SELPHY: So that's how I completely forgot about a book I read!

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SELPHY: What a waste of time! I could've read another book by then...


Are you kidding? This could let you read the best books like it's your first time again!

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KANNO: The monster isn't that dangerous, but who knows what kind of damage it could cause.

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KANNO: Let's burn it.

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BUSH: I agree. It would be for the best.

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SELPHY: W-wait!


I can't believe Bush would destroy literature, the source of KNOWLEDGE
(although I guess it is a book that could physically harm people)

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SELPHY: You can't burn such a rare book! The god of books will be mad at you!

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KANNO: But, we can't leave it as is.

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KANNO: Let's see...


There's a god of books?! :monocle:

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*We cut back to Selphy's place, to where she's straightening a large portrait now containing the Tapir book.*

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*She adjusts it a few times and scratches her head.*

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(We get a CG image!)

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SELPHY: How about that?

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SELPHY: Well? Is it crooked?

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BUSH: It's fine.

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BUSH: Your idea to put the monster to sleep by stopping time worked out really well.

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SELPHY: Yeah, and we ended up not having to burn it.

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SELPHY: Personally, I want to read that book a bit more.

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SELPHY: Now, what I should read next...


And that's it for Selphy's storyline! I guess it explains why she was getting so forgetful about what books she had read.

Just like Melody, she's at max LP now and we'll probably only have some incidental dialogue and small events with her from now on.

If you thought the game was going to reveal as part of this that she's a runaway princess or something, nope. (She absolutely is though.)

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BUSH: There's been some mystery novel that's very popular recently.

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SELPHY: Oh, that... I'm actually surprised that something I did is so popular.

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BUSH: So that means...

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SELPHY: Yup. I'm the one that wrote it.

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BUSH: That's amazing, Selphy!

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SELPHY: I'm not that good!


Final results:
- Got a cool book
- Became an accomplished author
- still bad at taking care of herself

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Lute, my dude!

...why are you still staring in the Coquille's window out in the rain

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LUTE: Are you making any milk, Bush?

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LUTE: Milk is so good! You can drink and process it, too. People who can make great milk are always very kind people.


i mean we have some cows, but he buys most of his supply tbh

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Now that we have an expanded house, we can finally buy some of Lute's paintings.

We also buy a Large Refrigerator while we're here because why not? Bush's wallet is down to about 35,000G, but we can still live on that.

Let's see how the Coquilles are doing.

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Another cutscene?!

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BUSH: Bianca, what are you doing here?

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BIANCA: Shh! Be quiet! She'll see us!

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BUSH: S-sure... Sorry...


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ImageMusic: Brodik's Theme


*Our view moves up the stairs to find the elf sisters arguing.*

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MINERVA: Why?! Didn't you come to the human world so that you could...

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MINERVA: ...bridge the gap between elves, humans, dwarves, and monsters?

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TABATHA: I did, but...

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MINERVA: Then why don't you come back to the nation of elves? Elves, monsters, and humans are all getting along just fine.

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TABATHA: I can't. I can't go back yet. There's Miss Bianca and...

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MINERVA: Him...? What about him? He's just a mere human...

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MINERVA: It's the same with Bianca. They're nothing but humans. What makes them think they're so great?

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*Bianca runs up the stairs!*

ImageMusic: Pinch

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BIANCA: Well, SORRY for living!

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TABATHA: Miss Bianca!

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BIANCA: You be quiet, Tabatha. I'm your master. I don't just think I'm great. I AM great!

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MINERVA: Do you even know what you're saying, human?

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BIANCA: Stop calling me that!


During the growing confrontation, Bush calmly walks up the stairs.

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TABATHA: Minerva! Apologize to Miss Bianca!

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MINERVA: Never!

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(Um, when did we start using little emotion bubbles? This hasnt happened anywhere else in the last 55 hours.)

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MINERVA: My big sister is so far out of your class you shouldn't even be able to talk to her!

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TABATHA: Minerva!

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MINERVA: My sister... My sister is really the queen of the nation of elves!

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*Bush and Bianca are both shocked to hear this. The music cuts out.*

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BIANCA: What? Tabatha is a queen? Is that some kind of sick joke?

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BIANCA: Don't you think so? Tabatha, you're my maid, right? There's no way you're a queen.

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BIANCA: Well, say something, Tabatha! Tell me that it's a joke!


She's not going to take this well, is she?

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TABATHA: It's as she said, Miss Bianca... I am the queen of elves.

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TABATHA: But, I am your maid before I am queen.


So, she's not just in line for the crown, she's the actual ruling monarch? Even I didn't know that :aaaaa:

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TABATHA: Bush, this may be sudden, but would you please come to the summer house...

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TABATHA: ...at 9 in the morning tomorrow?

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BUSH: Huh...? Why?

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TABATHA: ...Please.

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BUSH: ...Tomorrow at 9, right? Sure, I'll be there.


Tabatha's not even one of the chosen 6, but Oatmeal is so cheap and easy to make at this point that her hitting 9 LP just kinda happened. Whoops.

I suppose we shall see what she wants tomorrow.

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We are then quietly forced out of the manor.

...We can head right back in though.

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TABATHA: The rumored mystery novel was in Miss Bianca's room.

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TABATHA: I am a bit interested in it so maybe I should borrow it later?


For now, life returns to normal. Selphy's book also continues to make the rounds.

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We cannot find the book to read ourselves, despite how popular it's getting. :negative:

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BIANCA: Some strange mystery novel has been very popular recently. How foolish.

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BUSH: What kind of books do you read, Bianca?

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BIANCA: All... All kinds of books!


Oh, Bianca. Forever hiding your true self. She'll open up someday.

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TURNER: Bush!

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BUSH: Yes, what is it?

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TURNER: What do you think of my Eunice?

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BUSH: Huh? Well, um...

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TURNER: You have to be more decisive! You won't be able to...

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TURNER: *mumble*...

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BUSH: ?


Bush doesn't have to be decisive- that's what the voices in his head are for.

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EUNICE: A certain mystery novel is popular among the girls in the village.

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EUNICE: It's so good that I end up going to bed really late.


Selphy's novel proves to be really popular.

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UZUKI: I am engrossed with this novel of crime right now...

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UZUKI: I have never read about these sorts of stories so it seems most interesting...


I like the phrase "novel of crime".

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UZUKI: There is a legend of a swordsman that caught a fly with his chopsticks. I tried to imitate him, but...

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UZUKI: Tsubute lectured me for hours about it.

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TSUBUTE: Of course I would!


Perhaps one day Uzuki will become the Chopstick Master, but it is not today :(

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UZUKI: In my country, there were many people who had a marriage that was arranged even before they were born. How sad for them...

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UZUKI: I-I do not have someone like that! You can rest assured.


You'll find 'em some day, Uzuki.

Anyways, we're off to the Magic Crystal mines, see you later.

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MINERVA: Staying here is no fun at all.

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MINERVA: Hey, Bush. Tell me something interesting.

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BUSH: Huh? I can't come up with something so suddenly...

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MINERVA: Jeez! Don't you even know how to entertain a girl with a story or two?

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BUSH: Sorry...


He kinda forgets most of what happens anyways, so unless you want to hear about how he killed the 100th demon of the night, you'll have to give him a second.

We can in the meantime peek at the letter on her desk.

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BUSH: Something's written on here. Let's see...

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BUSH: ...I can't read it.

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MINERVA: It's elvish. I'm so proud of myself!


I guess elvish must be hard to learn. Either that or she's happy she foiled our attempt to steal elven government secrets.

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As it's rainy holiday, we'll have to find Rosetta in her room upstairs.

How's Jean doing?

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BUSH: Rosetta, how was your father?

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ROSETTA: He just caught a cold, but it's taking longer than normal for him to recover.

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ROSETTA: He must have been overworked. That's why I decided to help out over there for a while.

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ROSETTA: I can't leave my store without tending to it for too long so I'm back for today...

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ROSETTA: But I the best I can do is to come back only once a week.

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BUSH: I see... Please don't overwork yourself, too.

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ROSETTA: Thanks... You're really kind.


This'll take a few weeks to resolve, so it'll probably be Winter before Rosetta returns for good.

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ROSETTA: I got that popular mystery novel, but I'm too busy to read it.

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ROSETTA: I want to read it soon!


Everyone gets to read it but us! :mad:

Since we're still going about town, let's drop by Lara again. See if anything has changed there.

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BUSH: Do you still remember your dream from the other day?

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LARA: Yes. You mean the one with Sister Stella falling?

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BUSH: Yeah. After you told me, I spoke with Stella and she really tripped and broke a vase.

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LARA: Looks like the dream came true.


Huh, what a coincidence.

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LARA: Last night, I dreamt that Turner came to get some medicine for his hangover.

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BUSH: Wouldn't that be interesting if that came true, too?

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LARA: Haha. I guess so.

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*And then they both stand here awkwardly in silence as Turner arrives offscreen.*

(This event was supposed to happen while she was sitting at her desk, not when she's cleaning the tables. Whoops!)

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BUSH: Oh? Turner!

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LARA: What's wrong, Turner?

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TURNER: I drank way too much and now I have a headache.

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TURNER: Can I have something for it?

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LARA: Oh?! ...Sure, just a moment.

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LARA: Here, take this. Please be careful not to drink so much in the future.

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TURNER: Yeah. Thank you.


*And so he leaves, offscreen entirely.*

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LARA: ... Looks like that dream came true, too.

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BUSH: Strange things sure keep happening.


I'm sure this is just still all coincidence. This couldn't be leading up to anything.

...Still, wow, this update is just all bachelorette stuff isn't it? It isn't even 10:00 AM yet!

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KANNO: That Selphy from the library keeps asking to borrow my books.

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KANNO: I keep telling her that my books aren't for amateurs but she won't listen. She is exactly like me long ago.


The crucial difference is you never figured out literary based subsistence- otherwise you wouldn't have needed to bring Cinnamon and Candy here.

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CINNAMON: Black Fish is good in autumn. You can make it into sashimi or just roast it with salt. I really like it.


Note: She doesn't like it any more than any other fish. It is good eating though.

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Let's go see Anette. She's the last on the list for today, and she'll probably appreciate the visit on a rainy day like this.

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MORE cutscenes?!

*We cut to a view of Marco and Candy standing near the little pond outside Mist's house.*

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CANDY: Hey, Marco! Read it!

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MARCO: ...is... ...at...

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MARCO: I can't. It's too hard.

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CANDY: Maybe I shouldn't have asked Selphy for recommendations on which books to read.


Knowing her, it's probably a 600 page romance novel, so probably not, no.

Also how old are these kids again?

...Also why are you reading out in the rain???

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*Anette walks by.*

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ANETTE: What are you two doing together?

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CANDY: Anette!

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MARCO: I borrowed a book from the library, but it's too hard!

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ANETTE: Oh really? Let me take a look.

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ANETTE: Let's see.

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ANETTE: Eternity was in our lips and eyes, Bliss in our brows' bent; none our parts so poor; but was a race of heaven...

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ANETTE: What is this? You borrowed this?

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CANDY: Yeah...

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CANDY: Selphy gave me this when I asked her to lend me an interesting book.

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ANETTE: She only gave you what she liked...


Called it. Something tells me she forgot what an age rating was too.

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ANETTE: Fine, I'll lend you one of mine.

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MARCO: Really? I want to become a hero that casts magic spells!

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CANDY: I want to be a magical scholar like my big sister!

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ANETTE: That's great! All right. I'll help you out!

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ANETTE: Come with me!


Yo, Marco's going battlemage too? Good taste, kid, good taste.

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*And so they all march off back towards the house.*

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Oh, hi there. Looks like the nameless girl was just standing out here watching this. We'll get back to her in a minute though. Inside the house we go!

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ImageMusic: Business District Buildings

(There's no music playing here- thanks, rain- so have this instead.)

*We cut to a CG of Anette in front of a chalkboard, hat off and books in front of her.*


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ANETTE: Not like that. You have to do it just like I tell you.

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MARCO: Oh, so you use that here! I never knew!

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CANDY: Teach me this, too, Anette!

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ANETTE: For that...

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BUSH: What are you doing, Anette? Marco and Candy, too...

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MARCO: Anette was teaching me stuff!

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CANDY: She explains everything so nicely!

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ANETTE: Haha, thanks.

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ANETTE: I actually wanted to become a teacher.

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ANETTE: That's why I'm not bad at teaching things.

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BUSH: Oh, really?

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ANETTE: Hey! You probably just thought that I don't look the part!

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BUSH: Of course not!

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ANETTE: Really? Whatever. I'll believe you this time.


...And that's her CG. Her storyline isn't completely over yet though. It isn't voiced like Selphy's, probably due to all the actors involved but it won't stop me from being mad Ann got cheated here.

She's getting past her depression by following her original dream, teaching kids. :3:

We'll now find her teaching Marco and Candy regularly in here. My only question is where did the whiteboard come from? Mist's house doesn't have one.

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ANETTE: I read that mystery novel, too. But I'm only reading it bit by bit so I can't make good progress.

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ANETTE: I can't wait to see what happens!


everyone but us :negative:

Speaking of mysteries, let's go talk to Mystery Girl.

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MYSTERY GIRL: It sure is pouring. I was doing some weeding earlier but now I'm drenched.

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MYSTERY GIRL: Bush, you have to be careful not to catch a cold.

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MYSTERY GIRL: You'll catch a cold if you wander out in the rain.


I'd think the hood and cloak is meant to stop that, but I suppose it'll only resist water for so long.

Anyways, goodbye?

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We finally take a break from all the dialogue to go do some various material collection. First up is the easy silver from Green Ruins.

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Restocking the Grass Runey farm at Mist's...

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BRODIK: Listen. I will definitely chase you out of here before the snow starts falling!

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BRODIK: Be prepared for that!

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BRODIK: Ha ha ha!


um ok

Gonna have to step on it, there's a tiny chance I finish the LP before then if the combat's not too hard.

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We take a bath, so it's time for more ♨ BATH TRIVIA TIME ♨

The unique qualities of hot springs are more from their mineral content than their heat, but it's still important. Each spring is different of course, and Japanese law requires that it is at least 75 degrees Fahrenheit (or about 25 degrees Celsius).

The most notable minerals seem to be sulfur, salt, hydrogen carbonate, iron, and magnesium. It has to have a certain amount of at least one of those to be considered a natural onsen.

That is your bath fact for the day!

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Workin' in the mage mines

woo, almost crit now

(nothing :geno: )

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IRIS NOIRE: Me and my other self were both born on the 23th of winter.


Don't worry, you'll be maxed before then!

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And so I follow up by spending time attempting to hunt Gigantes.

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It's a struggle- no other way to word it.

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We end up picking up 2 levels in the end, only needing 5 hours of constant, efficient grinding. It got better when I figured out the Earth Wand has a good chance of ruining these guys' days as well.

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We spend that RP gained from leveling on butter.

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And ruining the floorboards in our new bedroom. Of course.

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We're level 52 now, and our Weapon skill is still half our Magic skill (42). Lumber is all the way up to 60 now, becoming our second highest skill.

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We can also now look at that painting we bought from Lute. I don't know how he got this angle of Trampoli's beach, but he did.

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Alas, it is time for Bush to sleep. Another 1 day update, but this one was right jam packed, so can you really complain?

(Note: You are allowed to complain but all complaints will not be processed. Each complaint put in the complaint box will be personally consumed with a randomly selected condiment.)


ImageMusic: Goodnight

Catch ya next time!
Last edited by Odd Wilson on Thu Apr 20, 2023 12:18 am, edited 3 times in total.

User avatar
Update 46: It's Yours, My Friend
Slaan wrote: This is why it's a mystery novel people. The contents of the novel remain a mystery
by the book gods, you're absolutely right

how could we have missed this


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We return!

If it looks like the game's a bit... blurry, that's because it is. I had some settings wrong when recording this, but I fixed them a few in-game days later. (A mix of internal resolution not being doubled and a small innaccuracy in the OBS setup.)

I haven't recorded this game in 8 months, this was bound to happen.

Also yes, this is recent recording!

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Which is why I spend 15 minutes taking stock of the situation before hitting the kitchen as usual.


Music: Rune Factory 3 - Fall


We're in for another rainy day, so here's another rainy RF3 track.

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Mail!

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-----------------------------------------------------
~"Becoming Stronger" - Marco~

I think practicing diligently finally paid off.
I feel a little stronger.
I'm nothing compared to you, though, so
I better work even harder!

-----------------------------------------------------


Bush is stronk in arm and brain, but you can be the same one day too Marco. You got this :hai:

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A reminder that Bush does brush his animals every day even though he'll never see mechanical benefit from it. He cares for all of them, even Gobbie, who's never done any work at all.

Pony is forever MVP ofc

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Iris Noire hasn't had a lot of new dialogue recently, in part because she shares a large number of lines with Blanche. She'll have a few lines of her own, but we won't see most of them until the postgame.

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Whoa, Anette's out delivering letters again today!

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BUSH: Anette, are you still doing those group studies?

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ANETTE: Of course! I love kids and I love teaching them stuff, too!

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BUSH: You really do look happy when you're teaching them.

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ANETTE: Oh, stop. You're embarrassing me.

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ANETTE: They always give back such sweet smiles when I smile at them.

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ANETTE: That itself makes me so happy.

:3:

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ANETTE: But, I did notice one thing.

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ANETTE: Those smiles are really similar to the kind I see when people receive their mail from me.

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ANETTE: I love to see children smile so I wanted to become a teacher.

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ANETTE: But maybe I already attained my dream when I became a mailman.

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ANETTE: Say Bush, I think I can get out there and do the job again.


------------------------------------
1. Of course you can!
2. I don't know about that.
------------------------------------


We know the only answer here. This is Anette's calling.

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BUSH: Of course you can, Anette!

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BUSH: As long as you have your passion, you can always go back, and be better than before! I'm sure of it!

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ANETTE: Haha... Just because you're sure of it doesn't mean anything though...

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ANETTE: But, thanks.


Anette's not actually supposed to be delivering letters today, this conversation is what would trigger it. Still, Ann's very cool, she just likes seeing people smile.

Here's the other way the conversation could go:
Alternate Universe Bush has doubts wrote: Image
BUSH: I don't know about that.

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BUSH: But, you won't know unless you actually try.

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BUSH: It's better to give it your all and regret it, rather than regret it without even doing anything.

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BUSH: I know it sounds like I'm lecturing you, but...

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ANETTE: I understand... I'll do my best!

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ANETTE: Thanks, Bush!

It works out in the end either way.

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ANETTE: Kanno! You've got mail!

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ANETTE: That's a really old book. Is it a magical book that Kanno is researching? Now I'm getting kind of interested.

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ANETTE: No no no! It's one thing to see the back of a postcard, but it's totally another to open up the envelope!


We haven't listened to the mail dialogue in a while.

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Following this, we immediately head back into the magic mines again. Gotta get those crystals. All the powder just goes to Magic Grandpa who I think nearly already has max friendship with Bush.

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:aaa:

Two crystal drops in the same spawn! I didn't even cheat with savestates!

This is it, this is the day. Our luck's gotta be off the charts.

That's enough for me to leave for now, covering today and tomorrow.

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Come to think of it, Tabatha had something to tell us at 9:00 AM. We're an hour late, but we should see what she wants.

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*Tabatha stands in the center of the main hall. Bianca descends the stairs as Bush and Minerva walk in.*

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BIANCA: Bush... What do you want? Why did you call Minerva, too?

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BIANCA: If it's something silly, I'm going back to my room.

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TABATHA: I had everyone come together today for this.

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TABATHA: You all will bear witness to the ceremony of the crowning of the queen.

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MINERVA: W-what's going on?

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TABATHA: This tiara is the proof of the one who sits on the throne of the elves.

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MINERVA: I didn't come here for the tiara! I want you to come back home with me!

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TABATHA: I know... But, I want to stay as the maid of Miss Bianca rather than be queen.

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TABATHA: The queen of elves cannot stay absent forever.


The game never goes into why Tabatha is so attached to Bianca specifically, but it's evident that they're important to each other. You can draw your own conclusions there.

That and being the ruler of Elf-Land sounds like a hassle anyways, this job probably even pays better.

Minerva just wants her sister back. :(

(There is a model for the tiara, but the game waits to use it for some reason..)

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TABATHA: That is why I am entrusting the tiara to you, Minerva.

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TABATHA: Take this back to the nation of elves and hand it to the elder.

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TABATHA: Grandma will choose someone much more fit to be queen than me.

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MINERVA: But...

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TABATHA: This is the path that I have chosen, Minerva.

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MINERVA: ...

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ImageMusic: Festival- Hotpot

(Well, I suppose we know where we'll hear this track again.)


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TABATHA: We will now conduct the ceremony...

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TABATHA: The ceremony will follow the legend where the elven hero gathered all of the goddess' lost jewels.

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TABATHA: Bush ...

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BUSH: Y-yes!


He's been waiting here awkwardly to see exactly what he was needed for.

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TABATHA: Bush,, you'll play the role of the hero and find the 5 jewels of "Friendship, Harmony, Love, Nature and Life."

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TABATHA: I've hidden them in the village. Find them and bring them to me.

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BUSH: Right. So I just have to find those 5 stones that you've hidden somewhere...

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TABATHA: Thank you.

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*And so off she goes to hide those jewels.*


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MINERVA: Well aren't you happy? My sister is going to stay as your maid.

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BIANCA: Tabatha...


I'm sure happiness is in there somewhere, but Bianca seems like she's dealing with a big mix of emotions right now.

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*After a fade-out, Tabatha comes back.*

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TABATHA: Thank you. We will now begin the ceremony for the ascension to the elven throne.

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TABATHA: Bush, if you will please...


And so ends the cutscene.

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TABATHA: These are the 5 jewels which the goddess had lost and were rediscovered by the hero.

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TABATHA: When these jewels come together, they are presented to the new owner that will become the new queen.

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TABATHA: This is the ceremony of the ascension to the elven throne.


Tabatha explains what we need to do again. It seems like this ceremony is really prone to interference, I guess it's a good thing Elf-Land is chill.

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MINERVA: She chose this herself, so I'll support you.

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MINERVA: If this is what makes her happy, Bush, please find those jewels.


Minerva's calmed down a bit, it seems.

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BIANCA: Tabatha... You did this...for me...?


Bianca is still understandably in shock. The person she's always regarded as her personal servant but also her closest thing to a friend was in fact a queen. And she'd give up that position just to stay here.

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ImageMusic: Business District Buildings


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EUNICE: I like my work at the inn, but it's bad how we never have a day off.

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EUNICE: It's the same with the fields, isn't it? Let's both work hard.


Nobody tell Eunice that we just have monsters trained to do all the work for us now.

At least you get holidays off? :smith:

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LARA: Bush, I had another dream.

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BUSH: What kind of dream?

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LARA: There was something shining that falls down in front of the mail box at the church.

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LARA: Just thinking about how that will come true scares me...

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BUSH: It's just a coincidence. It's not possible for so many dreams to come true consecutively.

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LARA: I hope so...


Meanwhile, Lara is terrified of becoming a prophet/oracle. Does this have some precedent in the indistinct Noradian religion?

Being able to see the future is kind of a double-edged sword to begin with- you see all the good and the bad.

I'm sure it's all just coincidence though.

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Here, I'll prove it. Nothing at the mailb-

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BUSH: Hey... Something's on the ground... It's a wallet.


*cha-ching*


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BUSH: It's just like the dream.

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BUSH: I better keep this a secret from Lara...


...Okay, we are edging out of coincidence territory. Still, I don't know how much hiding it from Lara helps. Doesn't she deserve to know?

I guess she is a bit stressed out by it right now, but still.

Also:
Flashback to Update 7 wrote: Image

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ANETTE: Whoops. I almost dropped my wallet.


She never actually loses it as far as I know, so no returning it for those LP gains.
...Huh, how about that?

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LARA: Selphy is hopeless...

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LARA: She really needs to fix that irresponsible personality of hers.


It's fine, she's just moved beyond the material realm through literary asceticism.

....But I won't deny the book hoarding is a bit concerning.

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BUSH: What are you doing in a place like this, Selphy?

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SELPHY: You sound like this is a terrible place.

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SELPHY: But I guess I don't really fit here.

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SELPHY: Well, I couldn't pay back the money I borrowed from Lara...

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SELPHY: So, I ended up having to work here for it. I'm pathetic, aren't I?

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BUSH: I don't think so at all. Working to repay your debts is a wonderful thing.

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SELPHY: Really? Haha... Thanks.


As it turns out, she's not that far away. I'd say this is already a pretty responsible thing to be doing.

I forget exactly what it was she did. Lara just lent her a bit of cash, right?

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As I drop by Cinnamon to gift magic crystals, there's an odd sparkle on the ground next to her.

Hey, Cinnamon, did you drop some magic glitter or something?

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Oh, wow, it's a blue rupee!

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Or rather, it's the Harmony Gem for the tiara, but it looks a lot like a rupee.

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If we head to the back corner of the bar, we get the Charity Gem, which looks a lot like a red rupee.

I can't believe Elf-Land is just Hyrule.

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The Nature Gem is down in Erik's kitchen. For some reason.

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The Life Gem is in Mist's room. That makes 4, but the other... doesn't seem to be anywhere.

Hey, Anette, got any ideas?

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BUSH: What's wrong, Anette? You look down.

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ANETTE: Well, I lost my wallet...

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ANETTE: I've been looking, but no luck. I wonder if someone picked it up.

------------------------------
1. Is this what you lost?
2. That's too bad.
------------------------------



Ah, it would figure that Anette's wallet would be the one by the mailbox. Bush would never steal, of course.

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BUSH: Is this what you lost, Anette?

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ANETTE: That's it! Thanks, Bush!

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ANETTE: Hey, that's my wallet! I love you!


More localization oddities. Maybe she really just loves her wallet?

Still, life has really been mean to Anette recently. :smith:


Here's the other option, for those who want it:
Bush the filthy THIEF wrote: Image
BUSH: That's too bad.

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ANETTE: know! I'm low on money this month already and now I lost my wallet.

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ANETTE: When it rains, it pours.
It has been raining a lot recently, can't deny.

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As we search for the other gem, it's time to get on with the rest of our day. Hitting the silver vein in Green Ruins is going to become a staple of our routine for a few days, although we don't really need silver all that much.

I just thought we might need it at the time :shrug:

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And while those Magic Crystals earlier weren't manipulated, these sure are. Might as well take out the rest of the day to never have to do this again.


(...yes i know this is the third time i've made this joke, whoops :shobon: )

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ImageMusic: Lava Ruins Gift Mine

Well, I been working in a gift mine
Going down, down
Working in a gift mine
Whew, about to pass out

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Nine o'clock in the evenin'
I'm just getting powder
When my work day is over
I'm too tired for farmin' crops

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Well, I been tired but I been
Working in a gift mine
Going down, down
Working in a gift mine
Whew, about to pass out

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Axe, I am so tired-
How long can this go on?

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Well, I been working in a gift mine
Swingin' down, down
Working in a gift mine
Whew, I'm off to a bath now

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(*Brief psychedelic intermission of purchasing mass amounts of flour eggs and milk*)

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Working

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Going

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Working

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Whew, one's gotta drop now!


(As it so turns out, the higher tier anime super flying frontflip axe special attack can grind these Blazes really easily. Bush can stand in between them where they spawn and trigger it at the right moment to catch them both when they start casting- they seem to take more damage when that happens. This reliably one-shots both of them.)

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Working, going, working
Whew, about to drop down

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A- working,

Going,

A- working...

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Whew, that's the last now!

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That puts us at 10 Magic Crystals. We won't even need all of them, but it's also an agitatingly common crafting material at our skill level, so they won't go to waste.

Never did find Tabatha's other rupee. I hope she won't be too cross with us :ohdear:

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With a long day of work done, Bush is bushed and bushes down for the night.

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*KNOCK KNOCK*


We wake up in the morning to someone knocking on our door! It better not be that miscreant, Brodink!


ImageMusic: Rune Factory 2 - Fall

(It's also still raining :sweatdrop: )

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BUSH: Who is it?

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*So he asks, before just walking outside and opening the door himself.*

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ANETTE: Morning!

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BUSH: Oh, Anette... What are you doing up so early?

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ANETTE: Early? What are you talking about? I always deliver mail at this time!

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BUSH: Mail...? Hey!

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BUSH: Anette, you went back to being a mailman again?


(ignore yesterday)

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ANETTE: Yup. My vacation ended yesterday. Starting today, I do mail in the morning and teach during the day.

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ANETTE: I want to do everything I want to do.


That's all we can ask for in life, really. Good for you, Anette!

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ANETTE: Oh, I almost forgot.

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*She reaches in her bag and hands Bush a letter.*


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ANETTE: You have a letter. See you later.

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And off she goes.

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BUSH: Anette seems like she's back to her cheerful self.

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BUSH: Oh right. I got some mail. Let's see...

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"Thanks for cheering me up."

"I'll be staying at Mist's place from now on."

"I hope we'll get along, neighbor."


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BUSH: ...

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BUSH: Time to get back to work.


And so it ends and begins again, just how it first began. A knock on our door early in the morning and a letter from Anette. :3:

And so truly ends Anette's storyline. She'll now be chilling around town or teaching the kids every day from now on, living her best life.

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-----------------------------------------------------
~"Thing's I'm into lately." - Anette~

Recently, I've begun singing
while on my delivery route.
It just feels nice, you know?
I think it helps me deliver faster, too.

-----------------------------------------------------


A WORKIN' IN THE GIFT MINE, GOIN' DOWN-

*cough*

Seriously, it does help a lot for any kind of work- at least for me. Heck, a large portion of sea shanties and even folk songs exist for that reason.

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We also get a full letter form of the letter Anette gave us just before she left. :)

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That is Anette, maxed out completely. We never did learn why monsters like chasing her.

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chores

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KANNO: It's cool and comfortable. Yam mont blanc should be really good in this season.


I had to look up mont blanc because I assumed it was a cake. Outside expert Raitzeno tells us that it's actually a vermicelli pasta made of chestnut puree with cream on top, named thus after the white capped mountain Mont Blanc.

The name's pretty guessable at least.

Still, the thing Eunice likes looks far more like a cake, so I don't know anymore when it comes to this world.

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KANNO: The magic that sealed the Tapir works in increments of centuries.

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KANNO: You should be fine for now. After about 100 years, I'll come back to seal it again! Hahaha.


Magic Grandpa casually reveals he is immortal :aaaaa:

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RUNEYS

Pretty sure nobody cares, but I am still keeping this failing environment alive. I won't fuss you with the details, as I've been basically half ignoring it for now anyways. I've got enough to keep it alive until Winter starts.

At least until I never need to grow anything ever again.

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LARA: Bush ...

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BUSH: What is it? Is something bothering you?

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LARA: Yes. I dream a lot about sunny days recently.

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LARA: And all those dreams always come true so it is starting to get a little creepy...

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BUSH: Is that so...? I wish I could do something for you...

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LARA: It's all right. I feel much better just getting that off my chest.

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LARA: Sorry for getting you all worked up.

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BUSH: It's all right. Please tell me if there's anything I can do.


Don't worry, Lara, I think Candy overdid it with that Rainy Week request. We won't be seeing the sun for a long while it seems...

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LARA: Selphy ended up working at the church.

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LARA: I just hope this will straighten out her crooked personality a bit...


"Crooked" might be a bit far for Selphy.

...Then again, she does just kinda sell books she doesn't actually own, so er...

It's for the good of a healthy library?

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See, she even cleaned it today! It'll be in shambles tomorrow, but still!

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GANESHA: I never have enough ore. If...just IF you have any extra, do you mind giving some to me?

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GANESHA: If you also have any extra "Demon Blood," I'd appreciate it if you shared it with me.


Wait wait wait wait, you take Demon Blood?

Lady, do I have a worryingly large amount of that in my box at home for you, free of charge!

(it's only like 3 vials, but we're about to have more)

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TURNER: I heard Uzuki and Tsubute arguing for the first time in a while.

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TURNER: It feels like something is missing unless I hear that.

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TURNER: Wait, make sure you don't tell that to Uzuki!


Any two people will have a disagreement every once in a while, but I don't think it's a good thing their arguments are what you know them for...

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UZUKI: It seems that you have started smithery, Bush. I have high hopes for you.


We won't really need to improve it much further. Just the next tier of axes should be good enough for us.

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EUNICE: Bush, we're always enjoying the vegetables you grow.


If this is your subtle hint to get me to start farming again, don't worry, I have.

My job's just planting the seeds, mostly. I let the rain do the rest.

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With enough of the morning spent, it's off to go give those rupees to Tabatha.

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She always says there's only 1 left after every one. Ah, this translation...

Nothing will happen today with this, as we still have to find that last one. Where could it be?

Off to go ask more people, I suppose.

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KROSS: Working for myself or a loved one all day, then sleep like a log...

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KROSS: Don't you think that is wonderful?


Yeah, man.

I wish I could sleep like a log

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STELLA: Are you expressing thanks for your life and the people around you?

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STELLA: Act with humility and it will all come back to you.


Stella has good life advice, but no hint on where this darn last rupee is.

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It's around this point I start looking into some armor upgrades for Bush. The red hat and cap ensemble rocks already, yeah, but stat-wise it's falling behind a bit already.

If we're gonna punch Gelwein in the teeth, we're gonna need to be strapped to the nines, probably.

There's 3 upgrades I'm looking to get before we finally face him: a Fluffy Hat, the Critical 7, and a Wristwatch.

The first is the only one we can get right now.

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One trip to Lara later, and I've got 2 Toy Herbs. I use the first to make a Poison Ring. This is purely for skill- we'll never really need this. Seal Ring is so much better.

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Next is the Fluffy Hat. It's a 15 MAG increase, but also +50 DEF at the cost of some fire resistance negated by our cape.

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It's a hat that looks like a wooly head, ears and face too. It looks kinda goofy, but also really suits Bush for some reason.

It should also be quite warm, which is good as...

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ImageMusic: Snow Ruins


Into Snow Ruins we go! The things we need for the other two desired accessories will have to come from here. There is over half this dungeon we haven't seen yet, mostly due to how it's locked off until we hit this point the Gelwein plot.

Breaking the cable in the room we enter by the ladder de-ices a ramp that we need to progress forward with.

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Then take the warp back to the start as the minotaur is still annoyingly frozen in front of our way out...

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Then take the shortcut back down to floor 3. To the north in this hallway is right back to the Gelwein room. If we keep going right...

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There's a room with a ramp we can now access!

Also a treasure chest. It's always carrying gems or Para-cures.

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A long north-south hallway follows. To the north leads further down, but we should check the south first.

There's also the upgraded Elefun here, Mamoo.

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More Mamoo and Demons...

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And as we get into the southern room, a LOT more Mamoo!

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Smash the cable to open up the path past the frozen Minotaur King and off we go!

(There's a Unico dog spawn in the lower left too.)

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This takes us to a hidden farming room with two treasure chests. These have a very high chance of dropping Gold, a material we'll want a good amount of soon. We can even get Platinum here, if lucky.

These also respawn after each entry and exit of the dungeon, so you can grind these boxes and all the other ones in the lower floors instead of actually mining for ore.

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We finish grabbing the wood out of here and bail to get our bath.

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♨ BATH TRIVIA TIME ♨

(reminder: i am no expert on this)

Traditionally, the eastern hot spring has something you'd bathe entirely nude in. Publicly. That'd be a bit much for most games' ratings (and this LP), and in the modern age, it's something being shifted away from. Most cultures already left their public bathing practices in the past as is.

From what I can find, it mostly just stems from cleanliness. Your clothes are going to carry some amount of funk with them, and there's frequent statements that it makes it harder to clean the bath overall although I can find little information on how exactly. Lint buildup? Heck, I can find little info on the concept of bath additives- what I do find claims they're rare because they're also hard to clean up after.

Anyways, there's arguments of community building and self-confidence involved too as reasons for it sticking around traditionally. No idea if that's actually true or not, mostly up to you, I suppose.

Anyways, I suppose next time we talk more cleanliness stuff.

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We return to those ever cold ruins and enter the 4th floor. The dungeon was already confusing before, but now it just gets worse. So, so much worse.

I'll try to explain it, but I won't lie, I'm looking at a map.

There's a path left that inevitably curves around to the north. It'd be a shortcut if I had a higher level hammer. I don't end up getting that hammer until after finishing this so it's meaningless. We go south and down a ramp to the west.

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There's a path west and south. We go south.

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Pony is immediately comboed and defeated by Hunter Wolves, her recolor. :stare:

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The ramp right runs up to a t-section- we destroy the two cables and progress south.

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ow

ok then I warp time to be back in the same position with Pony still here.

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o7

she got us this far again at least

To the right is just the spawners for these evil cows, to the left is where we want to go.

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Those cables unfroze this Mini-Dragon from it's place blocking the door. It's the first time we see these guys, and they're pretty signature endgame enemies for early Rune Factory entries. Given how all the other plots revolve around true dragons, it's not surprising.

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That door leads us to a hallway with a cannon. There's some farmland off to the left, but we don't need to go there.

Notably, Pony can't slide past the cannon like we can, so she wasn't getting much farther anyways without finding the right cable to break. No idea where it is.

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Another t-section. Break a cable to the left...

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Break this one too and continue up this unnecessarily looping around walkway.

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Avoid bad ponies and go in door.

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Be presented with a long path for panthers to snipe you on.

Here are Blood Panthers. I hate the normal ones enough, thank you!

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Do this long up and down zig zag, ending with running up past the evil cow spawn gate.

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Take the hallway to find more farmland, and...

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The staircase, eventually. If we had the Golden Hammer, we could've skipped all that. :sigh:

I'm just trying to get a shortcut so I don't have to do it again.

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Floor 5!

It's also a nightmare.

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You can go left or up and north. Left just leads to a single chest, some mining rocks and a lot of enemies.

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At least I got more quality fur for my trouble. As it turns out, the Fire Rod also super destroys the Hunter Wolves just like it does the normal ones.

The chest just gave me a crummy second tier Energy Drink :mad:

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The correct path meanders a bunch and is plastered in more bad ponies, until you run past an iced door.

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We don't care about it (a single ore/gem chest is all that's there), go south and up and around a really long pathway. (There's another Para-cure/gem box here too.)

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This leads to a room with ice blocking the way, destroyed with fire, plus a Hunter Wolf + Minotaur King spawn.

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And that's as far as we get before I have to bail on time. 1 more hour and I could've made it to a shortcut.

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That's just how the ice crumbles, I suppose.

Bush is off to sleep. Now that our route is scouted, Snow Ruins stands no chance.

We will reach it's bottom floor.

Look forward to that... next time!

ImageMusic: Goodnight
Last edited by Odd Wilson on Thu Apr 20, 2023 12:19 am, edited 2 times in total.

User avatar
I have to assume that Tabatha actually says how many are left entirely based on how many are on the ground, not how many she's received

Also Brodik really is just EMIYA but more of a jerk ain't he? He's got the color scheme and everything

Huzaah for the Mighty Pony, her endeavors in your success are unrivaled, and also "Large and ominous Rune" was funny as hell, Gelwein really does just wanna cackle if he's calling his evil spirit bomb such silly things

User avatar
Cloudmonkey98 wrote:
Tue Mar 07, 2023 4:48 am
I have to assume that Tabatha actually says how many are left entirely based on how many are on the ground, not how many she's received

Also Brodik really is just EMIYA but more of a jerk ain't he? He's got the color scheme and everything

Huzaah for the Mighty Pony, her endeavors in your success are unrivaled, and also "Large and ominous Rune" was funny as hell, Gelwein really does just wanna cackle if he's calling his evil spirit bomb such silly things
You know, you're probably right about Tabatha's quest updates. I do still think it's a bit odd to say how many are left on the ground versus how many have been given thus far.

Looking it up, Brodik does have an EMIYA look going on, yeah. We've still got a number of more Brodik antics to see yet.

"Large and ominous rune" still got a laugh out of me when I was editing this update. He's very much the villain completely self-absorbed into his own master plan.

User avatar
Update 47: As Long As You Have Enough Rubies

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The adventures of Bush continue!

It's another rainy day, and I'm just remembering we have all this leftover tea! This'll be good for staying alive.

ImageMusic: Rune Factory 4 - Fall


Here's more autumn music! Will the rain ever stop? No idea.

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Our plants are coming along nicely. Watering them sure is hard work!

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Anette still can't see Kross for some reason. This will never be explained at this rate.

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No mail today, she's still on about the melons. I think the only melon we've seen was the super rare beach melon we smashed with a hammer.

Good times.

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IRIS NOIRE: It is said that the moonlight embodies magic.

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IRIS NOIRE: Now that I mention it, the moonlit night seems much more mystical.


There is something peculiarly fantastic about the stars. They've always seemingly had a large impression on humanity, but I don't know what it is exactly.

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GANESHA: "Demon Blood"! This is a rare one! Is that really for me? Thanks!


She's really hyped about the blood. There's more where that came from!

I do have a reason for raising her FP, but we won't see it in time for that reason to be useful at all. I've been throwing the occasional gift at all the other villagers to see if I can trigger some events we haven't seen yet.

Speaking of events...

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Hey, Tabatha, I can't find that last rupee. Can I get a hint?

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TABATHA: Have you found the 5th jewel?

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BUSH: Well... I can't seem to find it anywhere.

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TABATHA: That's odd... I don't remember hiding it in such a difficult to find place...

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TABATHA: Would you please wait a moment?

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*And so she goes to check where she hid it.*

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TABATHA: I knew it...

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BUSH: What is it?

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TABATHA: The jewel that I had hid is gone.

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BUSH: What?! Did someone take it?

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TABATHA: No.


Well, then what happened? Did we fail the test? :ohdear:

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TABATHA: Miss Bianca! I know it's you! Please come out here!


*Bianca starts walking down the stairs from off-screen.*


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TABATHA: I know you have the last jewel!


Oh, that'd make sense, yeah. I didn't foreshadow this at all by saying how open to interference this ceremony is.

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BIANCA: How did you know I took it?

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TABATHA: I am your maid. I know everything about you.

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BIANCA: Hmph... Fine. I knew I couldn't outsmart you.


:unsmith:

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Got the Kindness Gem!


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TABATHA: Bush, now bring the last jewel to me.

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The Kindness Gem happens to be a deep violet, but also represents love despite it's name? There's a certain symbolism in this being the one Bianca was able to find.

We just hand it over to Tabatha to get the last of the event.

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ImageMusic: Romance


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TABATHA: I will now begin the last part of the ceremony.

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TABATHA: This follows the legend where the goddess used those gathered jewels to create a tiara and gave it to the new elven queen.

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TABATHA: I will attach those 5 jewels that Bush found to the tiara and hand it over to Minerva.

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TABATHA: Minerva, are you ready?

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MINERVA: Yes, Sister.

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TABATHA: I, Tabatha, shall relinquish my throne as the elven queen, my powers as the guardian of the forest, and my knowledge...

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TABATHA: ...as the bridge to all races... And thus relinquished, I shall consign it all to Minerva.

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MINERVA: I, Minerva, shall gather all my strength, to fulfill my duty...

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MINERVA: ...and defend the knowledge and dignity of the elves until it is passed onto the next queen.


(Minerva sounds significantly younger here than she does in daily dialogue bits. I wonder if this was recorded earlier with a different voice direction?)

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*Tabatha pulls out the tiara, complete with it gemstones.*

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*She places it upon Minerva's head before we cut to a CG.*

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TABATHA: The throne now belongs to Minerva.

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MINERVA: It's just temporary. An official one should be chosen soon.

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TABATHA: I'm sorry for making you do this, Minerva.

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MINERVA: I don't mind.

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BIANCA: Are you sure about this, Tabatha?

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TABATHA: Yes. I am your maid, Miss Bianca. Nothing more, nothing less.

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BIANCA: All right...

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ImageMusic: To You


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MINERVA: Then I'll head back tomorrow.

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TABATHA: Already? You should stay a little longer.

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MINERVA: I already stayed long enough. Grandma will get annoyed if I don't get back soon.

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TABATHA: All right... Thank you, Minerva.

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MINERVA: How many times are you going to thank me?! I only did this because I wanted to!

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TABATHA: I suppose so. Thank you...


And so Minerva returned to the land of the elves, having enough rupees from the crown to afford cab fare :v:

All in all, that was nice. Though, I do have to wonder why Tabs waited so long to do this. I get that this is a job she kinda fell into when she first came to Norad and ended up enjoying it much more than she thought, so maybe she had still been entertaining the idea of returning at some point?

Ah, well. Selphy would have a field day with this if she knew about any of it.


Oh, and there also seems to be leftover dialogue that gets skipped over?

"This is the first time you actually decided for yourself."

How strange- I've no idea who's supposed to say it. Maybe it's alternate dialogue if you've already married Bianca?

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MINERVA: The other day, I talked to Selphy because I wanted to read something.

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MINERVA: What surprised me was how many books that came out. And her explanations lasted until the sun went down!

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BUSH: So what kind of book did you read, Minerva?

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MINERVA: Whoops!

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MINERVA: I got tired just from listening to the explanations so I didn't...


It's Selphy, we know exactly what kind of books they were.

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Well, here's one last plate of charred ash for the road, your Majesty.

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BIANCA: Francoise eats from my hand directly now.

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BIANCA: I'm the only one that can do it.


And so, it soon seems that all will be back to normal with the Coquilles.

Or I guess, Croquilles. I still haven't forgotten about that typo.

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BIANCA: My family is among the richest in all of Norad, but for some reason, our homes and getaways are always in the countryside.

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BIANCA: I wonder if it's just a personal preference...


Honestly, it's probably the food and the festivals. Jasper, Herman, and Sherman are all big contributors in either funding and/or participation.

Besides, I don't think Norad has much in the way of cities anyways, Selphia is probably the closest to one we see, and it's half a palace to the resident elder dragon.

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BIANCA: I heard that you went inside a book.

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BIANCA: That sounds interesting.


We could take you there sometime, but I don't know how many interdimensional cows are still waiting to destroy us inside that thing.

That's enough of this place, let's go check up on the rest of town.

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BUSH: Are you still having those strange dreams?

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LARA: Not recently.

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BUSH: That's great!

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LARA: Well... It's not that I don't dream. I just can't sleep.

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BUSH: Do you have any medicine for that?

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LARA: I tried a myriad of herbs and medicines, but none of them work...

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BUSH: I'm sure you'll find one that works. Please tell me if I can get you anything to help.

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LARA: Thank you.


You might've prayed for the dreams to go away too much. Still, I know this frustration all too well.

But if the town's resident medicine expert doesn't know how to fix it, who will? I suppose we ought to ask around everywhere we can.

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But first, we have unfinished business of our own. Snow Ruins, you're going down!

ImageMusic: Rune Factory 1 - Danaan Cave


A similarly frozen place, Danaan was also the penultimate dungeon. Did it ever happen? Still no answers on if this is actually a sequel or not.

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Cool, Platinum. For our sake, there's not a lot we'll end up making with it. The Wristwatch is the only thing we'll end up with that does need it.

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And so we resume from where we last left off.

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The following room is covered in Minotaur and Little Wizards. It's a giant rectangle, with the center having a raised platform with an easily disabled turret on it.

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The northern hallway on the left is where we want to go. The only other thing here is a tiny treasure room only openable after we release this boulder held by ice at the end of the hall.

You'll need the Fire Rod for this- you don't have enough time to run away with a fire weapon.

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This leads to a room with farm plots, a gate that spawns Souls (wind versions of Blazes) and to the south...

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Our shortcut! Now there's only one actual floor left to endure before we reach the true boss of Snow Ruins.

That's right, Gelwein/Iris isn't even the real fight here. This is actually optional content but we need to do it if I want to gear Bush up.

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We're also pretty close to a level up, so we've got that going for us.

Something I discovered in recording more footage for this is that I believe axes just use the Lumber skill and not Weapons. Maybe I already figured that out before, but I did again.

So Bush is way better at axes than I thought he was, although we still have some miss chances anyways.

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The Fire Rod continues to prove effective, being good at one-shotting gates off-screen to stop enemy spawns as well as doing good damage to minotaurs.

This weapon is the most broken one we have in some ways.

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collect wood

(I'm doing this for the expanded apothecary.)

then bath

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BUSH: Melody.

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MELODY: What's with that serious look on your face, Bush?

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BUSH: Lara hasn't been sleeping recently.

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MELODY: Really? That's awful.

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MELODY: Everyone needs their beauty sleep.


"You got Pleasant Sleep!"

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MELODY: Take this with you. Follow the recipe and get her to drink the "Sleepy Grass." With this, even the dead will fall asleep! ♪

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BUSH: Thank you, Melody!

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MELODY: What're friends for? ♪


Of course, the relaxation expert would know just the recipe we need. This is also one of the reasons why we need a bigger pharmacy.

also please hook me up with this recipe, i need it

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♨ BATH FACTS ♨

Hot spring cleanliness is important, as they are subsceptible to a number of water borne infections. Legionella (Legionnaire's Disease and Pontiac fever) and Naegleria (same type as the human brain eating amoeba although that specific one hasn't been found).

There's improving standards on it, and even some have moved towards using a small amount of chlorine, though that itself has caused a bit of a divide in patronage in regards to the baths still being traditional and completel natural.

I'm not much a fan of chlorine myself, but then again, I wouldn't say I'm eager to jump in a public bath anyways.


Enough facts, have at you, Snow Ruins!

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But first, the Sleepy Grass recipe. Black Grass, Mushroom, Magic Powder, Milk.

The grass is what hurts. Guess I'm off to hunt slimes at some point.

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The staircase down is just over here to the left, just past some mining rocks. The Souls can inflict exhaustion, which as usual is extremely damaging to further progress.

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The sixth floor is another labyrinth, but mostly without diverging paths. Don't worry, they made it into a warzone to make up for that.

Also up front, we find Tricky Mushes. They're the upgrade of the mushrooms we fought way back in Green Ruins.

From here, we head north.

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Monsters, monsters everywhere!

These demons are Arch Daemons, although they don't do much more than normal demons. Really, the same as the Mushes. The latter are tanky as all get out though- almost not worth fighting them.

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If we take a ramp down, we can find a room with a lot of loot, but a lot of Mini Dragons barfing fire everywhere.

Some are mimics, of course. Gobble Boxes, specifically.

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Also, Garlic seems to be considered on the same tier as Gold and Platinum when it comes to box loot.

Peperoncino is good, don't get me wrong, but I can just buy this stuff by the dozen from Rita.

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The actual path forward isn't beyond the hallway to hell, but to the right in the opening room, past all the turrets.

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Continue right, dodging all the nonsense...

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Continue doing so around this little spiral to a staircase...

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And there it is! Floor 7!

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just mind the dragons on the way down :)

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Ah, here we are! Shortcut at last! I missed the shortcuts for floor 4 and 6, but 2,3,5, and 7 are good enough.

To the right is our boss door, but Bush is in no shape, nor do we have the time left in the day to think about it.

Chop some wood and off we go.

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To bed, that is. Nothing left in the day but a little bit of nightly butter churning for more baked goods in the morning.

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ImageMusic: Rune Factory 4 - Fall


Tomorrow is raining too! Who'd have guessed?

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Who's the bestest pony- that's right, yes you are!

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In other news, Yams. These are like the tomatoes of Autumn, but they're not so easily made into spammable juice. We'll only keep a bit for ourselves, we'll sell the rest.

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Spinach isn't particularly great either, but's useful for one recipe we'll end up maybe wanting to make.

I personally have never managed to like spinach. Tried for years to get used to the taste, but I just simply dislike the stuff. Even frying it won't save it.

Just give me cabbage instead, it's the better leafy vegetable. :colbert:

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We intercept Anette just before she puts the letters in our mailbox.

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-----------------------------------------------------
~"It's more fun than I thought." - Bianca~

I recieved your Strawberry.
I guess exchanging letter is not too boring.
It feels a bit different from talking in person.
Anyway, send me a Veg. Stir-fry next.

-----------------------------------------------------

And that's what we want spinach for. The recipe also wants cabbage, but we don't have any of that. We neglected to grow any in the face of the Turnip Mafia's strong hold on our farming roots.

We'll eventually make it, but it'll be a long while.

Also, didn't Bianca ask for the strawberry like weeks ago?

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The wild ecosystems are but days away from collapse...

Meh, I'll do it later.

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I do have to say, I like how Lara's skirt is modeled to properly lay out when she's praying. It's just some extra poly loops, (you can tell from the texture on the back when she's standing,) but it ends up looking okay.

Never mind the fact that Bush just keeps walking up to her while she's praying and hands her a plate with a slice of chocolate cake on it.

Where is the rest of the cake? :iiam:

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LARA: Birthdays are the day when you celebrate the life your parents gave you as well as express thanks to them for it.

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BUSH: Oh. When is your birthday, Lara?

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LARA: My birthday is on the 1st of winter.


Norad has a much less one-sided view of birthdays.

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To the inn!

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TURNER: Thank you.


Ah, right, Minerva is leaving today.

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MINERVA: Did you come to see me off?

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BUSH: Yes, but where is Tabatha?

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MINERVA: Well, I didn't tell her I was going.

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BUSH: Oh, really?

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MINERVA: Everything just gets so hectic when it's time to leave.

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MINERVA: I'm just not good at dealing with all that.

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BUSH: I know how you feel.


Bush, having walked away from Kardia silently to chase after Mist, is familiar with the idea of moving along without a fuss.

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MINERVA: But I'll come visit about once a year.

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MINERVA: I just need to be sure that she won't get tricked by bad people.

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BUSH: Oh...


She specifically comes only on festival days, I believe. So for the large part, this is the last we'll see of her.

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*Minerva starts to walk past Bush, but stops halfway.*


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MINERVA: You do know the other reason why my sister is staying, right?

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BUSH: Huh? Another...reason?

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MINERVA: Wow... Looks like she's got her work cut out for her...

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MINERVA: See you later!


Bush is too oblivious as always. The answer is obvious, she's staying for Bianca!

Of course that's it. What other reason could there be?

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And so leaves the new elven queen. She wasn't even here for 2 weeks!

There's a bit of dialogue she eventually says where she notes a foreign kingdom is currently in a bit of an uproar thanks to a missing princess. A certain, unruly princess. We didn't get to see it, but there you go.

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TABATHA: If I ever were to get married, Miss Bianca will... I am a bit worried.


I dunno, the answer seems pretty simple to me.

I might be wrong, but based on dialogue, I believe Tabatha keeps her job as a maid even if she does get married.

You know who hasn't left?

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BRODIK: Why are the villagers so nice to outsiders like you and me?! You better not be taking advantage of them!

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BRODIK: It's better for everyone if you just left before you become attached to them.

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BRODIK: But that's only if you can still act friendly to people! Hahaha!


This guy! He's even taken to hanging outside our farm. Real outstanding guy.

Out standing in the rain!

got em :ocelot:


On a more serious note, it's evident that Sechs has some sort of global issue with interpersonal relationships. Lynette is shown in disbelief at the kindness of Kardia and spends much of her time observing the town's daily life as generally unusual.

Edward proves it's not universal, at least.

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With all that out of the way, it's time we challenge this boss. Prepared is a 100 HP health drink, 2 Teas worthe 200RP each, and 1 Sandwich and 1 Pumpkin Tart.

The Sandwich is basically a full heal for us, and the Pumpkin Tart close to it. I told you there was a reason to focus food instead of meh medicine.

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In we go...

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ImageMusic: Ice Snake

(This music's quite good, do listen to it when you get a chance.)

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*We enter to find a large circular chamber, with a massive ivory snake thrashing about from a hole in the center!*


Meet Ice Snake, folks.

He's a right pain in the backside.

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We begin the fight at the end of a long hallway of which the snake immediately begins barfing ice breath down. He will keep doing this constantly.

The breath itself only hits for 1 a couple of times in quick succession, but has huge pushback on it.

You can take cover behind these broken walls to not get pushed, but only if you're right up against them.

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The breath is also just as strong as Pony's running speed, so we can't run against the wind to make this.

A lucky break gets us into the main circle pretty quickly. None of my other attempts are so fortunate.

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This triggers him to use his actual moveset. The first is the massive spinning ice barf. He'll do a full 360 at just barely enough speed to not overtake Bush running while hugging the inner circle.

This does tons of damage, easily one-shots pony and Bush has to get lucky to survive it. There are safe spots though, namely 2 on each of the left and right sides of the arena, as well as the entry hallway.

(You have to be careful with the latter, as he'll go back to pushback barf if you're too deep in the entrance.)

There's only a small window to strike his head after he does this. His body is generally too far to hit with most attacks, resists a lot of damage, and heavily resists projectile magic, so the head it is.

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Next is the back and forth head sweep. This does annoyingly high damage, a similarly annoying hitbox, and can combo for instant kill. It does always come in the same pattern, a curving forward sweep to it's right, then a close sweep back left.

You won't always be in the position to avoid it, but the solution is to run close on the first and then retreat outwards and to it's right on the second.

It leaves the head open for decent moment, but it also leans to the side a bit afterwards in a way that can make you miss a hit.

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Next is the 3 head pokes. It goes centerish-slightly right, far left, and ends to the far right. The range on this is surprisingly avoidable, and while it's kinda quick, is one of the easier attacks to manipulate and get damage in on.

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The last is the tiny ice breath. It does pretty heavy damage and can easily one-shot you if it pushes you into a corner. It's quite easy to avoid though, and comes with the boss's only weakness.

What is that? We'll see later, as it takes me a while to figure out exactly what.

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In the meantime, here's 20 minutes later with barely 1/6th of the boss's HP bar gone.

Our damage is not good here. Magic is heavily resisted by the boss for some reason, and even our axe charge attacks fail to break 100 damage on the regular.

So I rewind time a bit and bail on this attempt. We need more damage.

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The first thing on our list is to upgrade that Heat Axe we never use to a Flame Axe. Silver + Fire Crystal + Ruby, really should've made it sooner.

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Looks pretty good.

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I then take the Alldale we don't use and upgrade it with some more recent materials after a bunch of scrap metal skill grinding to Forging 40.

Alldale + Gold + Demon Blood + Magic Talon + Toxin makes the Demon Axe. Seal and Poison chance, plus it has the anime frontflip lightning strike charge attack.

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The Demon Axe has more of a metal, Frazetta look. This one just seems to have a bad hit chance for some reason, but it will prove to be exceptionally useful in time.

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A bit of crafting later, and I've made a Fire Ring, Ruby Brooch, and picked up our old Heart Pendant from the box.

Should fire damage prove to be the best against the snake, this'll give us the most boosts to fire damage as possible.

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We then pull out our grass supply and start preparing some tea. It's going to be a long fight, even with better weapons.

Alongside this, I make a good amount of Tomato Juice as the attack boost it gives seems to make a substantial enough difference to warrant it.

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Alright, NOW you go down, ya oversized worm

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A buffed Flame Axe charge hit on the head is a little over 300 damage- not a lot, but we can deal with that. It's about 200 more than we were getting.

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Pony has no chance of surviving this fight, unfortunately. She's too aggressive and gets wiped by the circling ice breath.

She did her job getting us into the boss arena though, forever MVP.

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At seemingly random intervals, the snake will crawl out of it's hole and into one of the others on the side. It'll either fight from there (easier as it won't spam the circle breath)

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Or it will decide to crawl from one of the darkened corridors across the room to the other. This is a prime time to hit the boss if you a can reach it as you can land tons of hits here.

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But the hitbox is annoying and you have a decent chance of clipping into it with your attacks.

Also icicles rain from the ceiling during all this, foreshadowed by circular shadows on the ground. These do the most damage here, nearly 400 (Bush barely has 300 Max HP), which is appropriate I suppose for taking a sharp ice spike right to the noggin.

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Here's where the other circle ice breath safe spots are. Right here at the edges of the weird dark hallways only the snake can go down.

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When his HP gets low, he gets all pinkish-red as part of his rage mode. Faster attacks and more damage.

Also this screenshot is moments before death.

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:rip:

didn't dodge right

respawn at bonfire, lose all souls

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The entire series of attempts was about an hour and a half of trying to beat this scaly ponce. I'd get him to rage pretty regularly, but it's just so easy to die at this phase.

Are we underleveled? Yes. Are we still undergeared? Yes. Am I going to brute force this? Absolutely.

Also he'll do a goofy motion where he swings his head back and forth and spawns 2 Glaces. This is his last new ability, only active around half health.

I hate it because I hate Glaces. It's always in pairs of north/south and east/west, and in rage mode, you'll probably die trying to get rid of the reinforcements.

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I hate Glaces so much because they just spam ice balls for 60 a pop at decently long distances, are just as slippery as Blazes, and can also paralyze, which is about a guaranteed death here.

Shoulda made a Para Ring, I guess.

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The last thing to note is that if you hit his body while he's doing the tiny ice breath, it'll stun him for a bit. I did this with the Fire Rod for a while, but pulling it out was too slow half the time.

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you're kidding

like 2 hits from ending this

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I eventually realize that the lesser axe charge attack can clip the boss's body at any point, meaning I can stun it out of the little ice breath without having to swap.

Axes remain an immensely good choice for a weapon in this LP.

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here lies peperony and chease

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BEGONE FIEND

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*doink*

(it warps back to the middle for it's death animation)

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Ugh, finally. Let's hope Gelwein isn't this bad.

Also this gigantic dingus didn't even give us a level. Seriously.

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The snake drops all the usual level 10 cooking materials, but also it's Ice Snake Tongue. This thing that's needed to make the cheaper Critical 7 recipe.

Yeah, this was all for the Critical 7. At least it was a DPS check wake-up call and worth a bit of EXP in the end.

Also the description notes the tongue is still moving, so eugh

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ImageMusic: Trampoli Daily Life


Back home, we get to crafting our goal items.

The normal Critical 7 needs Platinum, Four-leaf Clover, Magic Talon, Hard Horn, Sharp Fang, and Sharp Talon.

It's good not only for the critical up passive it does give, but also for the 77 DEF and 77 MAG- a huge jump for us defensively.

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The alternative is just using the tongue instead of all the horns and talons.

...Now that I think about it, we could've just made the other one. Oh well. The tongue's not useful for anything else, I don't think.

But before that, we still have to get 6 Crafts skill from somewhere.

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A short trip out for some materials...

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That turns into a longer trip of woodcutting followed by a bath...

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KROSS: Do you like the rain? I love it.

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KROSS: The rain can wash the dirty earth. As it flows, it creates a river and heads toward the sea...

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KROSS: Heh...

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KROSS: ...It is only on days like this that I can sleep well.


I don't like being in rain, but I don't usually mind it that much. For a period of time in my life, rain just made me anxious as I was afraid of my roof falling in, even after it was fixed.

in short: "only grumbles mildly at inclement weather"

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I also use our wood and cash to build the pharmacy extension. I know I let you vote on the other ones, but I think I've earned the right to pick this one.

Besides, we know out of these three (Apothecary, Alchemy, Magic) that Bush is a Magic kind of guy.

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Here's what it looks like. I think it's quite nice! (You can't really see it from the outside.)

We still have to buy the upgraded alchemy station to do anything with this.

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What follows is a mix of making Gold Rings, another Earth Pendant, a set of Rabbit Ears (decent magic headwear), another Fire Cape,

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And at last, our Critical 7 necklace is ours.

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We can barely see it, but the stat changes will be felt. There were a few other options to use that four-leaf clover on, but I felt like this was the best option.

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And with that, Bush can finally get some rest. The Wristwatch comes tomorrow.

See you then!


ImageMusic: Goodnight
Last edited by Odd Wilson on Thu Apr 20, 2023 1:49 pm, edited 3 times in total.

User avatar
Update 48: Magic Windfall

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Good morning! Bush has managed to rub most of the sleep out of his eyes today. That is to say, the screenshot quality should have returned to as it was.

(It can still get better, but that'll come in a couple of updates.)

ImageMusic: Rune Factory 2 - Fall

It's raining again, of course.

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Outside on the farm, we've got carrots, green peppers, and the usual yams on the ready for harvest. We've also got some Charm Blues almost ready too.

I just pick a small supply of each to keep for personal use, then leave the rest for Grant to harvest.

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Morning, Anette! Hit me with those hot off the press letters!

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-----------------------------------------------------
~"A favor" - Ganesha~

I'm making armor for a customer,
but I'm all out of ingredients!
Could you send me an Iron?
I have no one else to ask.
Please?

-----------------------------------------------------

We've got a pretty high FP with Ganesha now so I'm not surprised to see a letter from her.

Unfortunately, Iron is pretty much the one metal I just don't have on the regular. I don't even know where to find it outside of a few locations.

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-----------------------------------------------------
~"Minerva" - Eunice~

Minerva has returned home.
I loved her like my own sister,
so I am a bit saddened by this.
But she promised to come by
from time to time, so I am
looking forward to that.

-----------------------------------------------------

Even reading this letter now it takes me a bit to notice it's from Eunice. I keep thinking it's from Tabatha and going "but she IS your sister".

Also, :smith:

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-----------------------------------------------------
~"We're the same!" - Tart~

Really?
Actually... I like books very much,, too.
...I guess we're more alike than we
thought... I'll be going on a trip soon
with a friend... that is very much like
me... so I won't be able to write you
for a while. I'll write again, once I return.

Perhaps... one day... you and I could
go on a trip... together.

-----------------------------------------------------

Tart always takes so long to respond, but I suppose she has to get the ellipsis out of her system. It doesn't seem like she got all of it out this time.

I have no idea if this is her last letter or not, but at the end of the day, it's a cute callback to the first game. It would've been neat if she actually showed up, but between Cinnamon and Selphy + all the other Kardia girls here, she's not got much of a place.

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-----------------------------------------------------
~"Revised Menu" - Rita~

We have expanded our menu at
Snowstyle Tavern with extremely tasty items!
You'll love them all!
We guarantee it!

-----------------------------------------------------

I didn't notice any change in their stock following this, so maybe it's just like Melody's occasional advertisement letters.

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Maybe it's about time we check in with Magic Grandpa to see what's up with that book we gave him.

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KANNO: Ah! Bush! I've been looking for you!!

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BUSH: What's the matter? ...Don't tell me you...!

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KANNO: That's right! I have finished decoding the book. This is huge! Even more so than I had imagined!

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KANNO: Listen closely. This book is written about another world called the "Era of disconnect."

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BUSH: Another world...?

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KANNO: Yes. A world that exists together with ours but that could never cross over.

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KANNO: That's what they call the "Era of disconnect."

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KANNO: The fact that this book was found where you were means that Miss Mist has been taken to this other world.


I'm not exactly sure how that logic works, but who am I to question the guy who knows way more about the world than we do?

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BUSH: Is there a way to go to this other world?!

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KANNO: Now just hang on a sec.

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BUSH: What is this...?

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KANNO: You must first grow this Crystal Flower. This flower will be what guides you to the "Era of disconnect."

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KANNO: However! This flower can only be grown by maidens.

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KANNO: There are 12 seeds, so you should get help from 12 maidens.

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KANNO: Candy is probably a bit too young to be considered a maiden.

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BUSH: 12 young ladies, right? I'll give it a shot. Thank you!

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You got Crystal Flower!

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Or rather, Crystal Flower Seeds. 12 of them. Never explained where Kanno gets these, but luckily we do know 12 girls to hand these out to. The seeds are apparently the "essence of the soul"?

Crystal Flowers have been present in most RF games, though they're usually just normally grown, albeit with an extremely long growth timer. In the range of months to a whole year.

In Bush's timeline, girls can just grow these in 3 days. Rosetta being out of town will make this take longer, but luckily tomorrow is a Holiday.

I suppose we should get on handing them out.

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CINNAMON: ...Bush.

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BUSH: What is it?

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CINNAMON: ...On a night with clear skies, I go with Melody and Lara for some astronomical observation.

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BUSH: Oh, really? That sounds kind of romantic.

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CINNAMON: Bush ... You should...come...

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BUSH: Really?

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CINNAMON: ...Come.

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BUSH: So it's on the nights with clear skies, right? Okay!

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CINNAMON: I'll be waiting...on the veranda of the clock tower.


Bush remains so oblivious he doesn't realize he just got asked on a sort of date.

All our work in the gift mines has paid off though, we're finally getting somewhere with Cinnamon!

It's been raining constantly, but tomorrow is a festival so it's guaranteed to be sunny. Perfect timing!

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Hey, can you also grow this while you're at it?

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CINNAMON: ... ... ...Fine.


Okay then...!

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Up on Whale Island, we've got some more roses! Our wallet will appreciate this as Bush is as poor as he's ever been with just 4 gold in wallet the other day. Our pile of liquid assets have all been drained away on house upgrades and shopping lists of "milk, eggs, flour".

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IRIS NOIRE: I'm actually not very good at cooking. I know that I should get some practice, but...


...That's it, she doesn't follow up on that. To be fair, they don't have any cooking utensils up here. They either subsist on flowers or Wooly blood or something. Do they even need to eat?

Anyways, can you two grow these flowers?

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IRIS BLANCHE: My ancestors gathered in this land to bring back the Runes that were lost because of a magical creature.

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IRIS BLANCHE: What I'm about to do seems to contradict the reason I'm here for in the first place...

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IRIS BLANCHE: Even so... I will trust in your heart, Bush, and mine.

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IRIS BLANCHE: I'll take good care of the seed you gave me.

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IRIS NOIRE: A magical creature that endlessly absorbs Runes is sealed in the "Era of disconnect."

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IRIS NOIRE: If it were to ever cross over into this world, all the Runes would disappear into it, and this world would eventually die.

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IRIS NOIRE: Even so... I want to save Mist.

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IRIS NOIRE: I'll take good care of the seed you gave me.


The Irises give some lore about the Era of Disconnect. It wasn't relevant info until now, so it was probably a vampire secret up until this point when the book was deciphered.

We also just didn't ask. Don't forget they've been up here singing non-stop to prevent the island from nuking the town on impact.

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LARA: I just have to grow this, right?

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LARA: Okay. I'll tend to it carefully.

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LARA: Don't worry. Mist will return to us for sure. The heavens are watching over us.


Lara's not got a lot to say, but her hope is good to have. :)

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SELPHY: I see... So you want me to grow this...

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SELPHY: Sure! But in return, you gotta promise you'll let me read "Grimoire of Time," okay?

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SELPHY: A book about another world! That is so cool!!


Selphy, as usual, has her priorities in order :allears:

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SELPHY: This is the first time I've grown flowers, but I guess it can be fun.


Just remember, just like you, flowers don't do too well going days at a time without nourishment.

please don't let the plot important flower die

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GANESHA: I think I've seen that maid, Tabatha, from somewhere. I can't remember from where though...


At this point, we could probably tell her. It wouldn't make a big difference now that the deal is already done.

I get the idea Ganesha doesn't really pay attention to politics anyways.

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UZUKI: Sir Bush, you need not worry. I shall take full responsibility to grow it beautifully.


Interestingly, there seems to be some alternate dialogue that I assume happens if you haven't reunited her and Tsubute/ giving her more confidence in herself:
Alternate Dialogue wrote: Image
UZUKI: ? This? I have arranged flowers before but never tried growing them...

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UZUKI: Tsubute! Perhaps you could...

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TSUBUTE: Young miss, you cannot be serious! This is about Miss Mist! This is your mission!

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UZUKI: I know that! I was merely jesting.
Presumably it ends with the same line.

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UZUKI: The autumnal leaves of this village are quite spectacular. They are almost as beautiful as the foliage in my country.

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TSUBUTE: No, they far from the autumnal leaves of our country.

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UZUKI: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Do not force your opinions on others.


Hell yeah, take that, Cicada Samurai Dad!

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EUNICE: I was feeling lonesome ever since Mist disappeared. I'd be more than happy to help!

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EUNICE: I'm actually pretty good at growing flowers. Leave it to me!


Do us proud, Eunice!

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EUNICE: Minerva went home...

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EUNICE: It'll get a bit lonely, but she promised she'll visit again.

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EUNICE: We're pen pals now.


Must be a bit wild to be pen pals with a ruling queen.

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TABATHA: Thank you very much. Receiving the Oatmeal on my birthday can be very nice.


It also happens to be Tabatha's birthday today! This puts her at near max LP, which she wasn't at already despite having completed her story.

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TABATHA: Mist is a very important friend to me, so I'll do my best to grow it nicely.

o7

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TABATHA: I think it's wonderful to see the colors of the scenery change with the seasons.

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TABATHA: Moderate heat and moderate cold can make animals and nature stronger.

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TABATHA: Because we have summer and winter, we can appreciate spring and autumn.


Where I live, Summer just makes me glad any other season exists at all.

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BIANCA: So Mist will come back if I grow this flower...? Hm... How interesting.

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BIANCA: I've never grown flowers before, but I'll give it a shot. Of course, I won't ask Tabatha to do it for me.


Bianca may be spoiled and sheltered, but she's quite responsible when it comes to things that need to be done.

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BIANCA: I received a wooden horse for a birthday when I was small, but I ended up not even riding it once and threw it away.

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BIANCA: By the way, my birthday is on the 8th of summer. You better remember that.


Your birthday's already passed. I think I gave you some grass?

Off to deliver more plot seeds!

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ANETTE: Yeah, for sure. Piece of cake!

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ANETTE: ...Don't worry! I don't mean I'd actually eat it like a cake!


:allears:

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BRODIK: Even this rain can't wash away the blackness of your soul!

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BRODIK: Ha ha ha!


ok :geno:

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brief detour for Gold ore

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Looks like we've got a decent payday coming in!

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Another brief detour happens, this time for a monster hide that we need for our Wristwatch. Then it's off to the bath to deliver our last plot seed for the day.

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MELODY: It's kinda hard to believe that something like this can really save Mist.

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MELODY: But, I'll do it. Mist is a good friend, so I'll gladly help.♪

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♨ BATH FACTS ♨

For a significant period of time, Japanese bathhouses banned entry for those with tattoos as a way to try and keep out the yakuza.

In general, tattoos have had a stigma against them ever since they were used as criminal markings in the Edo period (1603 - 1867). That just carried forth throughout the years until the those with criminal tattoos just started decorating them on their own. Then they just had to ban tattoos altogether as it was losing it's intended purpose as punishment. That eventually got lifted, but the stigma remains.

These days, a number of onsen have no issue with tattoos (the claimed number is about a third of them), and foreigners are more likely to get a pass anyways in some places thanks to more recent pushes from Japan's tourism regulations.

Will this information ever be particularly useful? Probably not!

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Time for Bush to make his own brand of wristwatches. Platinum + Gold + Silver + Monster Hide + Solid Point.

Bush already knows the exact hour and minute of the day at all times, but it's a good gear upgrade.

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It's a pretty substantial jump on all stats, and trades out our Seal Immunity for Stun and Para Defense (improved resistance but not total) and a passive effect of less misses on our attacks.

The latter is the big part, as our new Demon Axe and even our old Crescent Axe seem to have generally poor accuracy.

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Almost 400 DEF now, looking good, Bush!

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I follow this up by skill grinding by using up all of our scrap metal lying around. We're on the verge of the final conflict, we don't really care about improving the level of our farm tools at this point.

This gets up to 47! From here, we can eventually look at making some new magic staves.

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And at last, Bush goes to sleep at 6:22 PM. That's earliest he's went to bed in over a month.

Aaand next-

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ImageMusic: Visions


...Oh, haven't had one of these in a long time.

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BLUE VOICE: Help. Help me. A great power is flowing into me.

BLUE VOICE: I don't know how much longer I can fight this power...

BLUE VOICE: If this power were to run rampant, nothing could stop it...

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BLUE VOICE: Help me, please...



I'm working on it! :(

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New day! Lara's worried about seeing the future, but Bush can't stop getting phoned up in his dreams.


ImageMusic: Festival


Also, it's time to go insane listening to this almost all day again. Festival day!

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Charm Blues are done! I'll stick 3 in the fridge so if I do need them later, I won't have to buy them from Lara.

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Nothing to really do today until 9:00 AM, so Whale Island + various chores it is!

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9:00 AM, it's Mystery Girl!

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MYSTERY GIRL: Oh, Bush.

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BUSH: What's wrong? Why do you look so down?

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MYSTERY GIRL: I have run into a bit of a problem...

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MYSTERY GIRL: Because of the rain, there was a landslide on a nearby mountain. And because of that, the carpenter couldn't come.

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MYSTERY GIRL: I really can't do anything alone. I've said that I would build a church, but I always end up relying on others.

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MYSTERY GIRL: It really makes me realize how powerless I am.

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BUSH: It's not like that at all! Everyone is helping because you said you wanted to build a church here.

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BUSH: Moving people to action is a talent that few people have. You really shouldn't blame yourself like this.

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MYSTERY GIRL: R-really? Thank you so much! I feel much better now!

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MYSTERY GIRL: So you'll come after the mountain pass is fixed... No, that'll take too long. How about another path...?


On she goes again about things that have never happened. Wonder what's up with her?

More importantly, when are you gonna give us your name?!

Even more importantly, Rosetta is here.

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ROSETTA: Bush! What's going on?!

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BUSH: W-what?

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ROSETTA: The other day, I looked inside your shipping box and it was filled with nothing but rocks!

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ROSETTA: You know how much trouble it was to get it all out?

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BUSH: What?! I don't know anything about that!

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ROSETTA: Don't ever do it again!


I only shipped roses and yams! Wait...

BRODIIIIINK :argh:

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BUSH: How is your father?

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ROSETTA: Not much progress. Maybe I should just let Danny run the store over here and focus on tending to my father...


It'll be some time yet before this all gets properly resolved. I think maybe next weekend we can start it towards being finished?

This all will delay the crystal seed part of the main quest by a few days though.

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ROSETTA: Isn't today the Harvest Festival?

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BUSH: Yes, it is.

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ROSETTA: Why is everyone acting like they always do?

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ROSETTA: The Harvest Festival is the day you express thanks to the earth. It's also the day where you pass out vegetables.

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ROSETTA: This isn't the Harvest Festival!

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BUSH: R-really? I thought this is how it's supposed to be...?

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ROSETTA: No! Fine. I'll teach you then! We'll pass out vegetables for the next Harvest Festival and we'll get everyone excited!


So yeah, this is mostly another nothing festival until year 2. This game wasn't really designed for my cramming of everything possible into every day gameplay approach- it wants you to play for years.

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ROSETTA: You want me to grow this...?

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ROSETTA: I've known Mist for a long time, and it kinda makes me mad that this is the only thing I can do for her...

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ROSETTA: But, okay. I'll take good care of it.


Last seed given! Now we just prepare for the big day.

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LUTE: Because you keep buying my paintings, I'm getting more and more inspiration to keep drawing, Bush.

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LUTE: I can't express my thanks enough, Bush.


Lute, my man!

It'll take some time before he shows up with another painting.

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Since we're here, I go ahead and buy up to the max level pharmacy. We don't even really care about any recipes that use 5-6 ingredients, it's just a flex. We do need the mid tier one at least.

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We can buy the double bed next week, we're not getting married just yet.

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LARA: It seems that Trampoli doesn't have the custom of giving out produce on Harvest Festival.


nope

This place needs to step up their festival game! :mad:

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LARA: Thank you. Today is the Harvest Festival after all. We must be thankful for the blessings of the earth.


Despite the half existence of this festival, some of the girls do react to us giving them vegetables.

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MELODY: Thanks for the vegetables! It might be really nice if I float them in the bath.♪


I don't know how well a yam floats, but you do you, master of hot springs.

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UZUKI: Does this country not have the practice of passing out vegetables on the Harvest Festival?

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UZUKI: Of course, that is a good thing because I do not like vegetables.


Well, guess what? You still get a gift of festival cheer (read: a yam)

You can cut it for practice, I don't really mind. I've got too many of the things anyways.

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UZUKI: I do not like vegetables... But, I will still thank you for it, Bush.

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DANNY: I ordered a ton of summer vegetable seeds by mistake...

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DANNY: She's going to get mad at me...


Sell them to me, I'll buy them all for 5000g, offer final by the end of the day.

I don't have a use for them, I'm just willing to bail you out on this.

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ANETTE: So today is the Harvest Festival. Bush, you're new to the village so you probably don't know about it.

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ANETTE: In Trampoli's Harvest Festival there's no custom of passing out vegetables. But, I always thought that was traditional.


Rosetta and Bush are gonna fix that- have a yam.

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ANETTE: Thanks! What should I make with this?! I can't wait!


I don't remember if yams are actually involved with anything on her list of foods she comments on after a mail run.

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TABATHA: I will have to express thanks to the sun, rain, and earth.

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TABATHA: I would like to have a very proper meal today. But I suppose that Miss Bianca would not like that.

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TABATHA: I would like to give this to you, Bush. I am merely sharing the blessings of the earth.


You got Spinach!


See, it's catching on already!

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TABATHA: Thank you very much. The Harvest Festival is such a nice festival.

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BIANCA: Today is the Harvest Festival. If you brought a vegetable, give it to me. I'll accept it specially just for today.


Even Bianca's here for it! :aaa:

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BIANCA: What is this? Even though it's the Harvest Festival, can't you bring me something better?

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BIANCA: But, I'll still accept this.


the level 1 yams are not good enough

who could've seen this coming

:negative:

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Just gonna go farm metal I don't need while we recover from this massive blow to our self-esteem as a farmer

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STELLA: A long time ago, we had heavy rain and a landslide ruined the mountain pass.

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STELLA: It took 5 years for that pass to be cleared.


Hrm, where have we heard that before?

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Following this, I go grind a Wet Scale from the flying fish on Whalse Island. This is needed to make our next hammer upgrade, even if it's kinda late and we don't need it anymore.

Just cleaning up some loose ends I guess, Bush deserves a bling hammer.

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Melody's not in the bathhouse...?

Oh! Right! The thing with Cinnamon! She never gave us a time, but we should check that! Can't afford to miss it, we may never see a sunny day again at this rate.

(The event opens up at exactly 7:00 PM :ssh: )

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Usually no reason to come out here, but the view's nice.

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We are struck with a fade to black as we go up the stairs!

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ImageMusic: Clock Tower


*We open to a shot from the top of the clock tower, looking all the way up to the bridge at Lake Poli.*

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*We then pan down to Cinnamon, Lara, and Melody waiting at the ladder up.*

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MELODY: Hey, it's Bush!!

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LARA: Bush, over here!

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*Bush runs up the stairs to meet them.*

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LARA: You're late, Bush.

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CINNAMON: We can see some shooting stars tonight. You have great timing.

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MELODY: I can't wait anymore. Let's go to the roof!♪

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MELODY: ...

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MELODY: Bush, climb up first.

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BUSH: Huh? Why?

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MELODY: Because I said so, dummy!

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BUSH: ???


Oh, Bush, ever oblivious. You're the only one here not wearing a skirt, my guy.

...Well, actually you do have that kinda skirt thing on, but the point stands.

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*Up Bush goes...*

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*Then Cinnamon...*

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*We then cut to Lara finishing her ascent.*

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LARA: Melody, everyone's up here now.

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MELODY: I'm coming!♪ The winds are strong today.

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*And so she climbs...*

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*But suddenly a large gust of wind comes by!*

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MELODY: ...!

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*She struggles to hold on!*

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*She falls!* :ohdear:

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BUSH: Melody!!

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LARA: Noooooo!!

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*A flash of white, as the sound of magic swirls!*

ImageMusic: Romance

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*We cut back to a CG of Melody surrounded in rainbow light, suspended from the ground- Cinnamon reaching out to her.*


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MELODY: Huh...? I...

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MELODY: What's happening to me?

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BUSH: Cinnamon, I thought you couldn't use magic anymore!

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CINNAMON: I don't know. I was...frantic...

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*Melody is lowered back down on the top of the tower.*

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CINNAMON: But I'm glad Melody is all right...

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LARA: I guess your wishes reached the heavens, Cinnamon.

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CINNAMON: Maybe...


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ImageMusic: To You


*Our view shifts to the sky above...*

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MELODY: Look! A shooting star! ♪

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LARA: I hear that if you say your wish 3 times before the shooting star disappears, it'll come true.

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MELODY: Really? Let's try it on the next one!♪

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MELODY: There! I wish there were more kinds of baths... Darn it! It's gone!


Even after a near death experience, her priorities never change :allears:

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BUSH: But still, I don't know what would have happened if Cinnamon hadn't used her magic there.

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MELODY: I thought I was finished for sure!

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MELODY: I still have lots of hot springs I haven't gone to yet!

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MELODY: And all the hot springs I visited before flashed before my eyes...

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BUSH: But how were you able to use magic all of a sudden?

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CINNAMON: Grandpa said that I became unable to use it because I lost the passion inside me.

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LARA: So you thought you had to do something when you saw Melody falling?

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CINNAMON: ...I think so.

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CINNAMON: But, it seems I'm fine now. I can use magic again.

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CINNAMON: I think...


This would make the second time in her life that Melody has been saved by a wizard.

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MELODY: I guess my clumsiness was able to help out. ♪

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MELODY: Thank you, Cinnamon.

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CINNAMON: ...It's okay. ...We are friends.

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MELODY: Cinnamon...


(not pictured in the portraits: both of them blushing quite a lot)

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CINNAMON: Look, another shooting star. There are so many today.

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*Many shooting stars follow until a fade to black...*

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MELODY: Thanks for today! I had a lot of fun!♪

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LARA: Please invite me again.


Melody got over nearly falling to her death quite quickly. Just truly carefree.

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*All but Cinnamon turn to leave...*

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CINNAMON: Thank you, Bush...

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BUSH: But, I didn't do anything...

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CINNAMON: You did... Thank you...

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*And so we fade to black...*

That's Cinnamon's storyline!

Yup, just a single event at LP 9. There was a lot more Kanno dialogue we just didn't get because Magic Grandpa is stubborn.

Here's perhaps the most relevant info we missed...
OLD MAN GIVES BACKSTORY wrote: Image
KANNO: Being pampered as a prodigy, Cinnamon lost her passion for magic little by little.

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BUSH: Why is that?

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KANNO: She might have started to doubt why the adults around her pampered her for what she thought was ordinary.

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KANNO: ...But only Cinnamon knows the real reason why.

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KANNO: One thing I can say is that Cinnamon has completely lost interest in magic.

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KANNO: And Cinnamon stopped using magic. Or rather, she could not use it anymore. This happened 10 years ago.

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KANNO: I had hoped she would regain her interest in magic again if she was in a different environment... So I called her here.
So there you have it. There's an implication that her quiet, nearly emotionlessness is a result of this, with the magic being born out of emotion in the first place. Over the course of the playthrough, we've seen her become both more talkative and overall more expressive as well.

What exactly sparked the return in magic? Well, Bush won't be able to figure it out, that's for sure.

I'm just surprised that each character had unique animations for climbing the ladder/getting off. This game doesn't usually go that far on that sort of thing and would usually do a fade to black instead.

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So we return to our typical habits for the night- the event moves the clock forward 3 hours.

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Bush is going to work out the last of his energy for the night with some magic practice...

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...And it's off to bed. Catch you next time!


ImageMusic: Goodnight

Oh, here's some dialogue I didn't catch. I believe this is Erik's, it's in with his lines in the file.
Bush gives crystal seeds to Erik wrote: Image
ERIK: Why are you giving this to me, young man?!

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ERIK: Listen carefully. Give this seed to 12 maidens. M-A-I-D-E-N-S.

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ERIK: Maidens refer to young women! Though I am quite attractive, don't even think about giving it to me!
Last edited by Odd Wilson on Thu Apr 20, 2023 1:52 pm, edited 3 times in total.

User avatar
Update 49: Tree Mom (and Crystal Flowers)

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ImageMusic: Autumn

We resume on a sunny Autumn 14th!

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-----------------------------------------------------
~"I knew it!" - $@%&~

Oh, stars in the the heavens.
I decided that what I really want to
be is a teacher after all.
If I become a teacher, I can stay
in school forever!

-----------------------------------------------------

But first, a letter we somehow never read. We'll get to the bottom of this eventually.

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waterin'

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new soap at the bathhouse :woop:

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brushin'

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Up on Whale, we've got some Toy Herbs ready. These are really just here for Stella.

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IRIS NOIRE: Mist has done so much to save me.

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IRIS NOIRE: If I can help out Mist by growing this flower...

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IRIS BLANCHE: I will grow the Crystal Flower with the same...no, with even more love than usual.

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IRIS BLANCHE: I hope that Mist can return as soon as possible.


The Irises are doing good work with the crystal flowers.

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More gold and platinum is farmed...

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Then I set out to farm that Black Grass we need for Lara's sleep medicine.

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...That was easy! :aaa:

I didn't even have to mess with the timeline that much. Only once because Pony smashed both gates immediately.

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Sleepy Grass made. No need to hesitate in delivering it!

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But first, a long, long overdue hammer upgrade.

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The Golden Hammer doesn't come with a frontflip or anything cool like that, but it does make this massive energy flare.

Too bad we don't need it for anything anymore! A little prep never hurt though, I suppose.

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CINNAMON: ...I'll care for the flowers well. No problem at all.


:hai:

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BUSH: Lara, here's the "Sleepy Grass" that I learned from Melody.

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BUSH: Try this out.

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LARA: Thank you so much. I'll try it out tonight.


Hopefully this does the trick, and not so well we end up with a Sleeping Beauty situation. Bush isn't a trained pharmacist after all.

I'd also rather not have to farm more 1% black grass.

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But to resolve that lack of being a trained pharmacist, Bush buys 99 of every available grass type. Aside from being more good stock for tea, we need to get our pharmacy skill up to 50 for something.

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Quick bit of demonslaying until the bath opens :black101:

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Oh, and because Anette has fully moved in, we can find her around town in all sorts of places. She's out sitting on the bridge in main Trampoli this afternoon.

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ANETTE: Working hard on your fields? I better work just as hard.


...Nobody tell her that the ant does most of the work when it comes to actual farming.

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And now it's off to grind some lab skill. The better way to raise it than all the potion nonsense is to grind Formula A until you hit 45 at which you can start spamming Formula B.

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must... make... grass based fertilizer

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We take a break for that bath and to stop the town square environment from dying, but it's back to work!

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ImageMusic: Rhythm Heaven Megamix - Pajamas


I think Bush might've been doing this too long because this started playing in his head.

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Formula B might be some strong stuff. Either that or that Sleepy Herb left something in our mixing pot. :ohdear:

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51 Lab skill! That'll do it.

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What we need to make here is an E. Drink X. It does heal 300, but all the work it takes to make it + the white grass makes it lesser to just having Pumpkin Tarts or Sandwiches in production.

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Done! In the box it goes and time for us to probably never use this facility again.

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Let's just get some fresh air. I don't think this is a very safe trade.

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I stop by Erik's to pick up cabbage seeds so we can make that stir fry that Bianca wants.

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BRODIK: Heh heh heh...

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BRODIK: You stuffed your shipping box full of rocks! What a jerk!

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BRODIK: The other day, I looked inside your shipping box and it was filled with nothing but rocks!

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BRODIK: Ha ha ha ha!


Jig's up, mate, you can't even ship rocks in this game! :smug:

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BIANCA: Growing flowers can feel quite nice.

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BIANCA: I wonder what else I will grow after this flower blooms.


It looks like we introduced Bianca to a new hobby. That's good.

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BIANCA: Last night, I had Flounder and Lover Snapper in a white wine sauce. Oh, that sauce coupled with the texture was wonderful.

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BUSH: Oh...


For reference, Flounder is pretty rare, and Lover Snapper is one of the rarest fish in Norad.

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BIANCA: Did you go all the way inside the Snow Ruins, too?

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BIANCA: You're...amazing.


Actual praise! :monocle:

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ImageMusic: By the Ocean


No idea if I've shown it off yet, but Danny does do the little shipping box event at 5:30.

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DANNY: Yuck... Tomatoes... I hate tomatoes.


He also hates Bell Peppers. There are a few lines worth mentioning...
RARE DANNY CONTENT wrote: Shipping Runeys:

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DANNY: Come on... I did say that we'll buy anything, but you can't be serious about shipping Runeys.

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DANNY: Are you that desperate? If you want, I can ask Rosetta to hire you at the general store.

----------------------------------------------------------
Wingman Danny:

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DANNY: Hey, strawberries. Rosetta likes these, doesn't she?

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DANNY: Why don't you give it to her directly instead of putting it in the shipping box?

-------

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DANNY: That Cherry Pie looks delicious. Bush, are you planning on giving it to Rosetta?

--------

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DANNY: This gleam, this finish... It's a perfect ?ItemName?...

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DANNY: All right! I'll make sure that Rosetta knows exactly how you feel about her!

Shipping runeys is the only way to get rid of the buggers!

No idea what the last item is supposed to be, A ring? The wedding bouquet maybe?

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DANNY: All right! That's it for today... All that's left is to clean up the store...

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DANNY: See you tomorrow!

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DANNY: My little brother and sister sent me a painting for my birthday the other day.

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DANNY: They're really annoying, but I feel kinda touched because I know they really tried.


Aw. :3:

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DANNY: By the way, my birthday is on the 6th of summer. If you're willing to give a present, I'm willing to accept.


danny, don't ruin the moment

your birthday was over a season ago

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Well, that's all for this day. Time to tuck in and see what tomorrow has in store.

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*Nighttime owl hooting*

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Um, what's going on?

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Bush, where in the world are you going?

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BUSH: Where am I?

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Is this out behind the church?

Oh, and Lara's here?

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BUSH: Lara?

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LARA: Bush... Where am I? What am I doing here?

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BUSH: I don't know... I was already here when I came to my senses.

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LARA: I wonder what it is. So eerie...

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*LEAVES RUSTLING*


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LARA: Oh...?

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BUSH: What's wrong?

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LARA: Do you... Do you hear that?

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BUSH: I don't hear anything.

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LARA: I do. It's over here.

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*And so Bush follows Lara up to the massive tree in the grove behind the church...*

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ImageMusic: Whale Island Entrance

(*CG time!*)

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BUSH: This is...

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LARA: Were you calling me?


BIG TREE: Yes, I called out to you for help.


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LARA: Were all of my strange dreams your doing?

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BIG TREE: Yes. I had you dream those things to adapt you to the dream world.

BIG TREE: I'm sorry for any trouble I have caused you.


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LARA: The dream world? This is the dream world?


BIG TREE: Yes. Ancient trees like myself can speak to humans... But only in your dreams...

BIG TREE: I had you come here to fulfill a wish of mine.


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LARA: A wish?

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BIG TREE: Yes. I want you to care for my child.


BIG TREE: I cannot move by my own will.


BIG TREE: As you can see, this forest is filled with trees, and there is no room for a seedling to grow. Please, plant it elsewhere.


BIG TREE: Please, raise my child and transplant it after it matures.


BIG TREE: Take it somewhere far away.


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LARA: ...All right. I will accept your wish.

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LARA: I will take responsibility for your child.


BIG TREE: Thank you...! I am so glad I have asked you...


BIG TREE: Thank you... Thank you...


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ImageMusic: Trampoli Daily Life


Well, that sure was a weird dream. I knew the pharmacy was a bad idea.

Off to our usual schedule!

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ANETTE: Um... Is this okay? Is this the flower that's supposed to grow from that seed?

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ANETTE: Um...by the way... Could you tell Mist I said that I'll write her a letter?


Sure, although you'll be living in the same house when she comes back. Still a nice sentiment. :)

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ImageSound: Spirit Chime of Scorpio

You got Scorpio Flower!


That little chime plays as soon as we start the conversation. Each of the bachelorettes has one for this exact moment. Hers is specifically a yellow topaz flower.

Picking up all of these will be the theme for today, but we still have to wait until the weekend to pick up Rosetta's.

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-----------------------------------------------------
~"Thank you for your help!" - Ganesha~

Thanks for the Iron!
It really helped!!
I'm so glad I have a friend
that does forge work nearby.

-----------------------------------------------------


Ganesha is really happy about that piece of iron. One can only wonder why she apparently needed it so badly.

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ImageSound: Spirit Chime of Cancer


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CINNAMON: ... ... ...Here you go.

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CINNAMON: ...I'll be counting on you to bring back Mist...

You got Cancer Flower!


Cancer just means crab, the disease just picked that name up thanks to how the growths spread, apparently. It's a ruby flower.

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ImageSound: Spirit Chime of Gemini


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IRIS BLANCHE: Here is the Crystal Flower you requested.

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IRIS BLANCHE: The magical creature in the "Era of disconnect" will definitely be quite strong.

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IRIS BLANCHE: I only pray that you don't overexert yourself, and return together with Mist safely...

You got Gemini Flower!


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ImageSound: Spirit Chime of Gemini


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IRIS NOIRE: Here is the Crystal Flower you requested.

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IRIS NOIRE: All this began because I was under Gelwein's control...

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IRIS NOIRE: I'm sorry this is all that I can do... Please be safe and bring back Mist.

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You got Gemini Flower!


...I guess they're kinda twins, so it makes sense they're Gemini. Still, we got two of the same flower. I guess as long as it's a flower from a maiden, it'll work?

These flowers are pearl, which is considered a gemstone despite it's organic creation.

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ImageSound: Spirit Chime of Sagittarius


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LARA: Is this flower...a lapis lazuli...?

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LARA: I don't know what it is exactly, but it feels so strange. It's gentle...and warm...

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LARA: I'll be praying for the heavens to watch over both you and Mist.

You got Sagittarius Flower!


Lara's original marriage item was a lapis lazuli, and her name in Japanese was even Lapis. She's got a bit of a history with it and it makes sense that's what her flower is.

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ImageSound: Spirit Chime of Virgo


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SELPHY: This grew from the seed you gave me. Take it

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SELPHY: Bush, come back after you save Mist, okay?

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SELPHY: You better not pull one of those "save someone in exchange for one's own life" tragedies!

You got Virgo Flower!


Not in this game at least. Though, given it's kinda darker edge it wouldn't be out of the question...

It's blue sapphire, by the way.

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ImageSound: Spirit Chime of Aquarius


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MELODY: My flower bloomed. It glitters so brightly... What an odd flower.

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MELODY: To be honest, I want to make a bewitching herb out of this...

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MELODY: But a promise is a promise, so here. It's your turn to keep your promise to bring Mist back. ♪


You got Aquarius Flower!

Aquarius is the water carrier, what else do I have to say? The flower is amethyst.

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ImageSound: Spirit Chime of Pisces


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UZUKI: About that flower you requested of me...is this favorable?

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UZUKI: I must say it was rather hard, it being my first time growing flowers; and a foreign one at that!

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UZUKI: Well, 'tis nothing if it will help save Mist.

You got Pisces Flower!


Uzuki likes fish, and this is the colder weather sea creature sign. As her favorite season is Winter, I'm at least guessing this is why? The flower is aquamarine, if you were wondering.

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ImageSound: Spirit Chime of Capricorn


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EUNICE: Is this...okay?

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EUNICE: I've never seen this flower before but it glitters. It's so pretty.

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EUNICE: I'll trust you with Mist. I'll be praying for both of your safety.

You got Capricorn Flower!


It's just random speculation, but Eunice's is the first spirit chime in the order of the game's files and the final result. It makes me wonder if she was the first bachelorette designed for this game. That is assuming that the star signs weren't just assigned randomly- they don't end up in astrological order.

Eunice's flower is garnet.

That's almost all the flowers for now, so back to normal Bush things.

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UZUKI: Look! My naginata has been reborn!

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UZUKI: It has been much easier to use after Ganesha reforged it.

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BUSH: I'm sorry... I can't tell what's different about it...

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UZUKI: What? Look at the edge! Can you not you tell that its curve is slightly different?!


Bush isn't really a sword or spear kind of guy.

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ImageMusic: Kross' Theme


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KROSS: What do I hate about this village? Nothing. Nothing at all...

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KROSS: But if I had to choose one, it is that "Seeds" can only be obtained in stores.

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KROSS: Before I came to this village, I told myself that I would live on my own and to never depend on other people.

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KROSS: But I couldn't do that unless I bought seeds.

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KROSS: People and fields... Fields and seeds... Seeds and people... They are all connected.


Kross would be happy to know that the series started allowing you to get seeds in different ways after this game. Technically even in RF2 if you go in deep on the Discovery Waltz or whatever it was called again. But that's also 2nd gen only so...

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I suppose the song about blue roses and monsters hits a bit differently when you know it's the marriage item.

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ImageSound: Spirit Chime of Leo


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BIANCA: I was so surprised when I saw a precious stone blooming.

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BIANCA: But, I have plenty of pretty rocks like this already, so I'll give this one to you.

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BIANCA: I personally took care of this flower, so hurry up and go save Mist with it, okay?!

You got Leo Flower!


Bianca's flower is peridot, which isn't a gem you hear a lot about. It is just a lighter shade of green than Tabatha's, so that's something.

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ImageSound: Spirit Chime of Taurus


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TABATHA: As promised, here is the flower that you asked me to grow.

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TABATHA: How strange that a flower like this could grow from such a seed... I've seen nothing like it even in Elf Country.

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TABATHA: With this strange flower you'll be able to save Mist. I'm sure of it.

You got Taurus Flower!


Aha! So it's called Elf Country. I just assumed it was Elf Land. You heard it here first, folks. Oh, and her flower is emerald.

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That is the last of the flowers for now, and annoyingly they're not allowed to be put in the fridge I have tons of space in. The normal boxes are full to the brim, and I want to put all these in at the same time, so I guess I'm just out 11 inventory slots.

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Off farming some medals for our buddy Kross...

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And a quick look at our skills to follow. Lumber is second highest at 67 and our Fishing skill is just barely not our worst skill (that'd be Weapons).

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Hey Lara, want to talk about this weird dream Bush had last night?

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BUSH: Lara, I had a strange dream.

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BUSH: When I came to my senses, I was in the middle of the forest and a huge tree told you...

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LARA: ...to take care of its child.

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BUSH: Yes! Huh...?

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LARA: Come over here.

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*And so she brings Bush to her room...*


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*She has a potted plant in the corner, upon a little stool.*

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LARA: I will care for its child the best I can.

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LARA: Until the day it has grown enough so that I can transplant it.


Lara has reached her final form: Tree Mom.

That's all for her storyline! It's different than I expected it to be, I'll be honest. I guess she isn't a prophet, just attuned to dreamland. I guess we are too as we were there.

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Yeah, she's only at 8.5 LP, but that's it for Lara's story. Earliest resolution out of all of the gals.

Well, what else is there to do today?

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Yo, it's the unnamed girl!

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MYSTERY GIRL: Oh, Bush!

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MYSTERY GIRL: I spoke with a carpenter from another town that is willing to come.

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MYSTERY GIRL: I have finally taken the first step to building the church!

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BUSH: I see. Congratulations.

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MYSTERY GIRL: Thank you. This is all thanks to your advice, Bush.

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MYSTERY GIRL: Thank you so much.


Good for you! You know, we could've just recommended Kross to you, but this ought to work.

...Can we have your name now?

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MYSTERY GIRL: That carpenter is scheduled to come tomorrow. I feel very excited!


Rats. She is truly the most powerful person here, being able to withhold such information from the external force that drives the narrative of their life...

I will have to think on this.

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...While I do Runey work. Curse you, smiley goobers!

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So have some bath trivia instead.

♨ BATH TRIVIA TIME ♨

...I'm running out of bath facts. I suppose there is the onsen tamago, a method of slow-poaching eggs in hot spring water. It apparently makes it kinda creamy? It's served in a variety of traditional sauces.

Never had it, couldn't tell you how it tastes.

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What I do know is more demon farming! yeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaa-

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-aaah!

There goes the day! Yep, just a lot of demon blood and EXP grinding off demons to prepare for the big confrontation.

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One more bachelorette story down, all but one crystal flower in pocket...

It's a bit shorter than usual, but I think it was a pretty eventful day. Next time, we continue Bush's final training arc!

Join us then!


ImageMusic: Goodnight
Last edited by Odd Wilson on Thu Apr 20, 2023 1:54 pm, edited 3 times in total.

User avatar
I feel like I somehow forgot to ever mention it(I think you went on hiatus when I was thinking of it?) but the whole Mysterious Girl Who Is Totally Not A Time-Ghost of an obvious character plot is weird, and I wonder how it intersects with Kross's own weirdness

Also the Blue Rose thing and Monsters gets cute and funny for RF3 to me

ONWARD, WITH AN INCOMPLETE SET OF ZODIAC SIGNS!

User avatar
Cloudmonkey98 wrote:
Fri Mar 17, 2023 6:37 pm
I feel like I somehow forgot to ever mention it(I think you went on hiatus when I was thinking of it?) but the whole Mysterious Girl Who Is Totally Not A Time-Ghost of an obvious character plot is weird, and I wonder how it intersects with Kross's own weirdness

Also the Blue Rose thing and Monsters gets cute and funny for RF3 to me

ONWARD, WITH AN INCOMPLETE SET OF ZODIAC SIGNS!
We will be seeing the end of both Mystery Girl and Kross's plotlines before the end of the LP, so we'll find out how your theory plays out!

I feel like Kross would really be at peace if he could just live in the Univir settlement. Although, it's probably still cut off from the rest of the world at this time given where Bush's adventures stand in the Norad timeline.

One neat little thing about the zodiac signs is that the chimes that play are the same tunes each bachelorette will hum from time to time. I probably should've mentioned it this update, but I will in a later update (when we finally do the thing with the flowers).

User avatar
Update 50: Blooper Reel

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ImageMusic: Autumn


We rejoin Bush on the 16th of Autumn, already on the run!

I'll be honest, I don't remember if anything big happens today. I know some stuff goes down tomorrow, but I think today is just more prep work for the finale.

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ANETTE: I feel really good recently. What about you, Bush?


I'm doing good!

Bush is already completely exhausted from cooking piles of tea. That stuff is still fantastic RP recovery for what it is.

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Might as well make some more rose seeds. Will probably plant them on Whale when the pumpkins I've got up there finish.

I'm looking to have a bunch of Pumpkin Tarts for the finale, they're a huge HP and RP heal.

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STELLA: Do you remember about that landslide in the mountains I told you about?

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BUSH: Yes.

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STELLA: Because of that, all ties were cut off to the town that I had connections with.

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STELLA: I really panicked then and moved around from town to town.

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STELLA: It was then that I got to know Kanno, Ganesha's teacher, and Lara's father.

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STELLA: If it weren't for that heavy rain, the Trampoli as we know it wouldn't have existed.


Funny how sometimes bad things can turn around in ways better than you'd have thought. Doesn't always happen, but it's one of those nice little oddities of life.

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GANESHA: There was a person that was called the "God of the Forge." We were both born on the 8th of winter. I'm proud of that.


I suppose that could be seen as auspicious, yeah. The real bad one is having your birthday on a major holiday.

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Following this, I make some room in my various boxes just eating scrap metal for Forging skill. Might as well, it's just takinig up space.

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This day is immensely empty, so take this handy advice section from Bush.

Annoying enemies like Souls getting you down with their high damage output? Just snipe the gate from a distance with the Fire Rod.

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The Fire Rod solves a lot of problems, really.

(We're just grinding levels and skills.)

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Following this, we go deep on continuing to stock up on only our best foods for the finale.

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Tonight's preparations are Sandwiches, crafted to perfection after gifting them to Selphy for so long.

At just item level 2, these things are a near full heal on both bars and comes with a huge max HP boost. 280 HP, 450 RP, +85 Max HP, and Paralysis Defense. Who needs potions anyways?

All of our finale meals go into the bottom shelf of the fridge. It'll become quite sizable soon- Bush's mastery of the culinary arts will prove it's merit in the decisive conflict.

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Now, one might ask why Bush has separated a stack of grass in his inventory until it's full.

The answer is quite simple.

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You can use this to selectively grab runeys without having to worry about tossing the other ones back out. Wish I'd known this months ago!

It's even better when you realize the sort button in the inventory will automatically stack items, saving you the trouble of putting them all back together yourself.

Bush, you genius. :eng101:

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Bath time!

♨ BATH FACTS ♨

Bath Facts(tm) has been temporarily suspended due to lack of new bath facts.

We are deeply sorry for the inconvenience. Please forgive the Bath Facts(tm) staff, if you can find it in your heart.

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We resume making cups and cups of tea individually, one at a time- that's just The Bush Way.

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Added to our collection of food prep is 6 Peperoncino, 16 Relax Tea, a level 10 Salmon Sashimi, 4 Sandwiches, and 4 Cherry Pies.

This isn't including all the tea on our hotbar- this is just what we're saving for later. We're not even done yet!

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After a dip back down into Snow Ruins for a Quality Fur, Bush sets to work on a Cat's Tail. This is just more magician wear to pair with our Bunny Ears if that proves to be a better weapon against what Gelwein has us go up against.

Those surplus Magic Crystals really coming in clutch here.

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It also happens to be Kross's favorite gift, so it'll probably go to him eventually.

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Bush is now a strange catboy/bunny hybrid.

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But I like the style we were rockin' before, so it's back to that. This is strictly way better on a physical defense front.

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Wow, Bush in bed at 6:58. Our boy's finally getting more than 6 hours of sleep on the regular.

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New day!

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Water some plants...

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And get some mail!. That's the Bush daily routine.

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-----------------------------------------------------
~"Actually..." - $@%&~

Oh, stars in the heavens,
what I reall want to be is a mailman.
I just love how everyone smiles
when they get their mail.

-----------------------------------------------------

Hrm, where have we heard that before?

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IRIS NOIRE: One day, I would like to grow a lot of flowers with my own fields.


We can clear some land up here if you want. I'm sure you don't have much of a problem dealing with monsters.

I suppose that'll need to wait until after we solve the whole Gelwein thing. You two need to keep singing.

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LARA: That was a strange dream.

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LARA: Thinking back, those strange dreams were all due to it seeking help.

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LARA: But, why were you called to the dream with me, Bush?


Bush has been receiving dream communications on the ol' brainphone for nearly 3 months now, it's not really new.

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I then take a stop out to plant some stuff underneath the Church in the Snow Ruins back entrance. It's some backup carrots for sandwiches and some fodder for RP runes.

This is a decently convenient spot for it, but I think I also forget about these plants entirely. :v:

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ImageMusic: Whale Island Tower


Following this, Bush continues his training arc. I start farming the Gigantes right at the tower shortcut. If you can land a fireball in quick enough, you can just stunlock them.,

Fire Rod, it's just too good.

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Bush is now level 61.

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Meanwhile, Pony is only 54. She used to stay much higher level than us, but her EXP being based off the increasingly impossible friendship system for monster let Bush overtake her.

We all know that visual is a lie, there's actually 11 smiley faces there. Don't gaslight us, game!

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I eventually take the fight all across the towers. We're going to get to the bottom of these things quite soon.

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Pictured it Bush sniping some gates before they spawn anything in the Tower of Glory. The thing is that all these towers have identical layouts...

Square platform at top down to a wide upper area...

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Descending staircase to the right...

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And wide bottom floor.

They all are structured like this, some minor visual details aside.

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Also, big :doh: on my part here, this lever next to the lower level staircase is actually what I'm looking for, I just don't even see it.

This opens the path to the center tower, but I don't find it until tomorrow.

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Oh, and they all have these "gardens" at the bottom. These of course being plastered in monsters, not fields.

The black and blue unicorn dog there is a Cone. This is the only place in the game to find them, even.

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We take a break from that for the time being to clear up some box space by making something we should have a long time back.

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And that's a Wedding Bouquet made (with expertise, of course). It's actually worth over 3000 gold which makes me wonder if it's a profitable market.

You can always get more Tide Clusters at the beach, so Baleen isn't an issue.

Still, mass strawberries/tomatoes or the like will still always pay better.

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Make a bunch of tea, nab a bath...

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BUSH: Anette, this was sent to me by mistake...

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ANETTE: Really?! It can't be...

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ANETTE: Let me see that...

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ANETTE: What the...? Huh?! What is this doing at your place, Bush?!

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ANETTE: This is... This is really embarrassing.

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BUSH: What's wrong? Is this your...

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ANETTE: I guess I can't avoid it any further.

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ANETTE: This is, well, a letter I wrote to the stars when I was small.

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ANETTE: How on earth did it show up now?

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BUSH: Oh, really... Then I guess I should give it back to you.

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ANETTE: Hmm...

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ANETTE: Wait. You already saw it anyway. Besides...

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ANETTE: I became the way I am because I wanted someone to see it.

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ANETTE: It all rests on your shoulders now!


If I recall, this all started from seeing her Constellation, I think. Regardless, I think we all know those wishes came true in the end :3:

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At this point, I decide to hit up Candy to get some Rune Stones. We've mostly not needed them as a mechanic until now, but there's some good stuff to get out of the towers.

...Of course, my thinking at the time is that there was levers behind each I'd need to hit to open the tower in the center.

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Bush still has some mostly full bars left, so he criticals his floorboards for a while until he's tired.

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New day!

Yeah, we're going into a 3rd day for this update. There's... not a lot going on now. Our farming is mostly automated, the runeys are fine for a while, most storylines are completed, most dialogue exhausted...

I'm really just cutting out a lot of "Bush fights monsters for 2 hours" as we're really running out of things to do.

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We can always count on Anette to keep delivering content though!

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-----------------------------------------------------
~"Another favor" - Ganesha~

Thank you for sharing ingredients
with me last time.
Can I ask you for one more favor?
I'm in need of a Wind Crystal.
Thanks.

-----------------------------------------------------


We've got a few in the box from slime hunting, so this is easily fulfilled.

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These pumpkins are determined to finish growing at the 13th hour.

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Following that, we make our way back to the tower with Rune Stones in tow.

The only other Rune Stone door I know of is at the end of Whale Island cave. Talk about an underused mechanic. I suppose I should be thankful, I'd rather not need more Runey-based stuff in my life.

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The stones here have to correspond to the door's color and engraving. Birth has grass aligned doors.

Upon putting the stone in the finicky to target slot, a big spotlight shines down upon it and the door opens.

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It opens into a cute little kitchen with two item boxes.

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Oh, come on, game

These boxes both drop E Drink X on this run, which is that thing I had to go out of my way to get Lab skill 50 for last update.

Could've saved myself the trouble if I knew I could just get one from here.

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Tower of Rebirth is covered in Little Mages and their recolors.

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It uses Tree Rune stones.

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This one's a kinda drab but also charming little bedroom. We get another E. Drink X and also a high level Fire Crystal.

I just like the little chessboard in here.

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The next room is also a bedroom, but less cozy. We get Gold from these chests. That plus our other finds is mostly the whole loot table from these boxes: Drink X, element crystals, high tier metal.

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One of the rooms in the tower of Glory (Hunter Wolves and Fairies) has an elegant little tea room.

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The other is an elegant bedroom.

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Lever hit!

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And so, in we go...

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...Oh. It's just a small antechamber before the boss room. I was expecting a few dungeon rooms or something, but I guess not.

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We got energy and expendable supplies, why not go ahead and knock this off the checklist? Let Gelwein and his nonsense be our real final boss.

It's been a long time since Mr. Whale asked us to deal with this thing.

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ImageMusic: Electrosquid

(This one's an interesting track. It's a shame it gets old rather fast.)

*We open to a view of a darkened chamber, and in it is a rampaging bioluminescent octopus!*

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I do like the colors this guy has going on, although the lightning part is really understated (really only present with the design on his face) compared to the more poisonous aura the rest of it has.

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Electrosquid is a tough fight, but mostly for the fact it has so much HP. It only rotates in a circle to face you the entire fight.

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His main attack is to just slap with both tentacles in front of him. It's decent damage, but rarely hits anyways.

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His side tentacles can clip you for small amounts of damage, really only so it can knock you back to try and keep you in front.

This serves to stun you so the boss can better pull off...

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Spraying water across the floor...

(This will hurt and knockback a bit, but it's usually not a big deal.)

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Then electrocuting it with one of his two fron tentacles.

I have never been hit by this attack. In fact, it's so easy to avoid, it's a good attack to bait him into for free hits.

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This is the attack that actually hurts. If you're too far around his sides and close enough to his body, he'll do a quick electric discharge all around him that's hard to avoid. It does about 100 damage, which is a 3rd of our health.

Better than the snek and the near lethal on most hits.

Still, he can spam the everliving bojangles out of this move, so you will die trying to tank it. That is, of course, unless you don't still have post-knockback invincibility frames active. Say, from those weak high knockback tentacles on his side?

If you time it right, you can absolutely keep eating 3 damage from a side tentacle and getting hits in as the electric AOE just moves through you harmlessly.

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The problem in that little plan is that you can hurt the tentacles on the sides. Enough damage will make them curl up and be harmless for a while. You can even knock out the two front tentacles, but these stay down longer.

Taking these out is the intended way to fight the boss anyways.

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My strategy for this fight is mostly to strategically spam the Demon Axe's higher level charge attack. It's the only thing we have that does good damage to Conductive Calamari here in regards to that massive HP bar, and even if the main hits miss, the shockwave tends to clip the boss for at least a little extra.

The tentacles do not count for the boss's HP.

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That's because they count as individual monsters that reward EXP on kill.

This is simultaneously :getin: and :psyduck:.

Level cannoning is, as result, a good thing to do during this boss fight.

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This healthbar at about half is the result of extremely frequent 350 damage hits (averaged from the full connections and small shockwave clips) over the course of two and half minutes straight.

This boss has a ton of HP.

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When it gets to roughly a quarter or fifth of the bar, it's time for the usual rage mode. We do get to see the much cooler neon look that it had going on when the cutscene introduced it.

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A higher turning speed combined with higher damage makes this part of the fight actually deadly. Even the side tentacles hit for 35 now, which is substantial enough to not be sustainable constantly.

The water spray + electrify is potentially more of a threat now as the boss moves faster and sprays longer. Despite that, it's still pretty easy to avoid even when the boss's own tentacles aren't knocking you out of the way instead of into it.

The discharge hurts real bad now, and is the main reason you'll probably die.

I get more than a few runs this far just to die. When it means I have to run around in circles around a boss for 3 minutes each time, I have to say, it starts getting a bit annoying.

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If you do manage to KO all the tentacles at once, it will put the boss into a stunned state similar to the Ice Snake. The problem here is that it's a rather short window by comparison, and it takes so much effort of running in circles trying to hit these things to get to this point.

The trusty old Earth Wand does an okay job at hitting them, but it's rough. It's still useful to prompt at times if you can, particularly during the rage phase.

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I didn't get that annoyed at this boss as it only took me 16 minutes to get a winning run once I figured out all the mechanics.

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*It flails about for a short moment...*

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*...and then collapses.*

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yeah, rip in sushi, pal

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It actually just shrinks back down and hides in a little pool in the center of the chamber.

Also I've got like one or two Runeys in my inventory, eating up space and I can't get rid of them to pick up our loot. I do what I can to make space, but those little buggers do make me have to give up some items I didn't want to have to.

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Electrosquid specifically drops the Bright Tentacle, used for a max level head accessory and that's about it, I think.

We never make anything from this thing.

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begone from my bag, you nuisance

Keep biting the hand that keeps your ecosystem alive, see what it gets you- go on!

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go away, curse you :argh:

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Ah, at last, inventory space. Let's go tell the Whale we solved that thing it asked us to do months ago.

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WHALE: It seems that you have punished the monster in the water tower.

WHALE: Thank you. It will now act somewhat more tame.

WHALE: Well, this is a little something for your troubles...

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And so we get a Little Crystal! Despite how it might sound, these are required materials for the strongest items in the game, including the permanent stat boosters.

Grinding Whale Island towers to max out your stats is a thing you can do in the postgame. We, uh, won't be doing that.

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Well, what now? We can't do anything more until we get our crystal flower from Rosetta tomorrow.

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Since we now have the forging skill to pull it off, I say, why not upgrade our magical arsenal? We make the Meteor Cane, the highest level Earth staff.

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this is fine

It summons in meteors that fall near where Bush is currently standing for a period of time.

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After a bit more gathering, we can now also make a Crimson Stick.

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It doesn't look like much, but while we're casting it, any enemy that would be around us gets hit with some fire damage and knocked back.

Like most high level staves, it's really underwhelming.

If you are playing this game, Fire Rod, Earth Wand, and Gaea Staff are all you need, really.

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In the meantime, I also used one of our level 10 flours to prepare some special Toast for the big day. 325 RP gain isn't something to laugh at.

Tomorrow we'll have the pumpkins we need to make a pile of Pumpkin Tarts to go with our Sandwiches in the big healing pile.

Our meal prep is serious business.

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Bush is now flexing level 64 and a hot 70 Lumber skill. Magic's almost to 50, and we've got some impressive stats all around.

He's powerful, he's strong, he's smart, and he's ready to take on the world.

BUT!

I should make it clear that the Era of Disconnect plotline is reaching a critical point for Bush very soon- tomorrow in fact. Autumn 19th will be a important day for Bush.

Autumn 19th also so happens to be the date day for the season.

So, before Bush steps up to save the day, not knowing if he'll ever return, who shall he spend the afternoon with?

The list of available options is as follows:

1. Melody
2. Anette
3. Cinnamon
4. Selphy

5. Lara
6. Tabatha


Rosetta still won't be available for a date for quite some time, and the Irises are still busy keeping the island afloat.

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Until then, goodnight!


ImageMusic: Goodnight
Last edited by Odd Wilson on Thu Apr 20, 2023 12:26 am, edited 2 times in total.

User avatar
Update 51: A Date With...

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ImageMusic: Autumn


The most important day of the LP has arrived.

AUTUMN 19TH

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We'll have ourselves a morning of calm before we go face destiny.

By our side will be Pony, our loyalest bestest friend.

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We start our morning with no hesitation on visiting Rosetta.

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ImageSound: Spirit Chime of Libra


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ROSETTA: This is what you wanted, right?

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ROSETTA: Listen, Bush. You better bring Mist back!

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ROSETTA: She...she's my childhood... um...friend, so I'm kinda...um...worried... you know?


You got Libra Flower!


That makes the last of the crystal flowers!

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BUSH: How is your father? Is he getting better?

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ROSETTA: Not much change. I got Lara to take a look at him.

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ROSETTA: I hope she can find out something.

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BUSH: I see...

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ROSETTA: I can only come back here once a week until my father is all better.

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ROSETTA: Danny is doing really well. I guess that's the only thing I'm happy for.


We're still not at the end of this, we'll need to talk to Lara next week to finally get to a point where we can take action.

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ROSETTA: When we were small, Mist and I were picking up fallen leaves and somehow ended up racing to make the biggest pile.

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ROSETTA: I wonder why it always turns into a race when it comes to Mist...


Just born rivals, I suppose. At least you two are on good terms and it's a friendly rivalry.

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Also Rosetta puts a lot of work into washing just the edges of her plates. Infinitely looping gif provided for your convenience.

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A row across Lake Poli to meet the vampire girls...

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And also to collect our Pumpkins. These things are JUST in time.

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This also so happens to be the day we can get our Full-sized Bed. With this, Bush is finally ready to get married!

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With morning chores done, Bush awaits his date...
The night before... wrote: ImageMusic: Romance

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SELPHY: Oh, that's nice... ...Wait, what? Ask me out?

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BUSH: Yeah. The autumn colors look absolutely amazing.

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SELPHY: Oh! The leaves in autumn are so pretty! Sure, let's go!

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BUSH: Then let's meet up on the 19th of autumn, at noon by the lake.

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SELPHY: Okay. I'm kinda excited.
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*And now the day of, Selphy is already there...*

ImageMusic: To You

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SELPHY: Hey, you're late! Well, no. I guess I was just early.

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SELPHY: To be honest, I just couldn't sleep last night, so I just decided not to and came here.

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BUSH: What? Selphy, you didn't sleep at all?

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SELPHY: *chuckle* Don't worry. I pull all-nighters all the time, so I'm used to it.


So yes, Selphy has been standing out here all night.

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*Bush and Selphy approach the bridge of Lake Poli.*

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SELPHY: Well, the leaves have all changed colors. Do you know of a place with a nice view...?

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*We then get a few different angles as they cross the bridge, stopping in the center to look out upon the lake and the forest beyond.*

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SELPHY: Wow... So much more spectacular in real life... I'm...impressed...

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BUSH: Yeah... It sure is something...

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*And some more angles of the view follow...but!*

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SELPHY: Hey, don't laugh, but um...I made some snacks for us.

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BUSH: Really?! This looks great.

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Today's box lunch is Sandwich!


*Bush proceeds to eat his share...*

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*The taste makes him react in shock!*

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SELPHY: How is it...? If it tastes awful, tell me, okay?

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BUSH: It's delicious!

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*Selphy lightly tips her hat.*

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SELPHY: What, really?! Oh, man. I didn't expect that one. Hahaha...

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*And some more angles of the view follow...*

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SELPHY: I was so surprised at how pretty the leaves were in real life! I had a lot of fun.

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BUSH: The colors sure were beautiful. I'm glad I got to see it.

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SELPHY: I guess taking my eyes off books once in a while can be fun.


*But the time has arrived, Bush can delay it no longer. He begins to depart.*

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SELPHY: Thanks for inviting me out.

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*In a brief moment of overwhelming emotion, she scratches her head and averts her eyes..*

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SELPHY: If possible... I'd like to do this again.

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BUSH: Of course!

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*And so she waves as the scene ends...*

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EXTRA:

There is an option to not like the box lunch made for you. You can even still get married after this.
Bush doesn't like it wrote:
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*Selphy looks away and puts a hand on the back of her neck.*

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SELPHY: Aw...I knew it. I don't usually cook, so... Well, there's always next time!

There's a chance this is just one of Bush's sandwiches, but a Sandwich is a Sandwich. And Bush loves sandwiches.


Anyways, you can find the rest of the available dates in links
below- one last hurrah for the timeline distortions.

Oh, and Selphy got over half the votes for the date, if you wanted to know.


Anette's Autumn Date

Cinnamon's Autumn Date

Melody's Autumn Date

Tabatha's Autumn Date

Lara's Autumn Date


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Our date completed and his spirit steeled, Bush now has nothing to hold him back from braving the Era of Disconnect.

We make our final preparations in the form of Pumpkin Tarts. These are a fantastic 240 HP, 300 RP, +45 Attack, and +40 Earth Res.

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And also some classic Tomato Juice. The attack buff will be potentially useful- a technique learned from challenging the Ice Snake.

(also a few cookies with the last of our butter and flour)

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23 Relax Tea, 5 Pumpkin Tarts, 4 Cherry Pies, 4 Sandwiches, 6 Peperoncino, 2 Cookies, 10 Tomato Juice, 1 level 10 Salmon Sashimi, and a level 10 Toast.

We will survive.

It' s almost poetic that all the favorite foods we've been gifting to the chosen bachelorettes will be what supports us in the final battle. And when you think about it, much of our gear is even made with Magic Crystals. Curious how that all worked out.

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And so Bush enters the Clock Tower. Will he ever step foot beyond this door again?

The climax of his story awaits... :ohdear:


----------------------------
*The next update drops tomorrow!*
Last edited by Odd Wilson on Thu Apr 20, 2023 12:26 am, edited 1 time in total.

User avatar
Update 52: Destiny

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In we go.

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Bush approaches the huge stone and metal dais inside the clocktower. Up the red staircase is a pedestal. It is here we place all the crystal flowers we have obtained thus far.

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The astrological signs aren't in astrological order, but this is the order of the flowers if they were.

??? (Aries) ♈︎
Tabatha (Taurus) ♉︎
Iris (Gemini) ♊︎
Cinnamon (Cancer) ♋︎
Bianca (Leo) ♌︎
Selphy (Virgo) ♍︎
Rosetta (Libra) ♎︎
Anette (Scorpio) ♏︎
Lara (Sagittarius) ♏︎
Eunice (Capricorn) ♑︎
Melody (Aquarius) ♒︎
Uzuki (Pisces) ♓︎

We're missing an Aries. Hopefully that's not a problem.

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Bush puts them in the order the game has listed. Which is almost correct, but Aries and Taurus are swapped, and it starts from Capricorn.

ImageSound: Spirit Chime of Capricorn
ImageSound: Spirit Chime of Aquarius
ImageSound: Spirit Chime of Pisces
ImageSound: Spirit Chime of Taurus
ImageSound: Spirit Chime of Aries
ImageSound: Spirit Chime of Gemini
ImageSound: Spirit Chime of Cancer
ImageSound: Spirit Chime of Leo
ImageSound: Spirit Chime of Virgo
ImageSound: Spirit Chime of Libra
ImageSound: Spirit Chime of Scorpio
ImageSound: Spirit Chime of Sagittarius

(You don't need to listen to all of these.)

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We're left with a single Gemini flower as extra. I suppose we'll have to put it on.

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BUSH: This is all of them...

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*The music goes silent after the Gemini chime finishes playing...*


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BUSH: ...Nothing's happening...

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KANNO: What?!

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KANNO: There are only 11 Crystals presented to the pedestal.

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KANNO: Look. There's one hole with no crystal in it.

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KANNO: Bush, are you sure you received the Crystals from 12 maidens?

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BUSH: Yes. Positive.

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KANNO: Hm... That would mean, of the 12 maidens, you were only able to get 11 varieties of Crystals.

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KANNO: Does this mean two of the maidens grew the same Crystals...? How is that possible...?

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BUSH: What do you mean?

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KANNO: A Crystal Flower is in the shape of the caretaker's soul. Meaning, no two people can grow the same type of Crystal.

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KANNO: The fact that you got 11 varieties from 12 people would mean... either one person grew two, or something else I can't explain...

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BUSH: Oh!

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KANNO: What is it, Bush?!

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BUSH: So you're saying that if the same person grows more than one, they'll all be the same, right?

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KANNO: Right.

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BUSH: It's Iris!

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BUSH: The two Irises were originally one and the same!

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KANNO: Ah! Of course!

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BUSH: Well, then the solution is simple. I'll just have one more person grow one...like Candy.


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*Kanno starts to turn away.*


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KANNO: That...is not possible...

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BUSH: What? Why not?!

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KANNO: There aren't any seeds left. Even if we were to look for more, I don't know how long that would take...

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BUSH: That can't be...

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BUSH: Man...!

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*Bush starts to run off at full sprint.*

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KANNO: Where are you going, Bush?!

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BUSH: I can't just give up like this! There has to be something, some way to figure this out!

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KANNO: Bush ...

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But what can we possibly do?

We don't have years to wait for another flower, and there's no other girls with enough relation to Bush or Trampoli to count!

And besides, we have no more seeds. We can't get any more grown...

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Bush, searching through all the knowledge he has absorbed, makes his way past Mist's house. On the way there, we meet an ever familiar, but still unknown figure.

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MYSTERY GIRL: Once the church is finished being built, I will hold a ceremony. I hope you will also participate, Bush.

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BUSH: When will it be finished?

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MYSTERY GIRL: ...It will be a while... A long while...

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BUSH: ...?


...That's right! We have to think back farther.

Flowers. Who else here grows flowers? Who here knows strange seeds?

Wait, didn't Mist say she found a strange seed a long time ago?

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...Unbelievable! :aaa:

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ImageSound: Spirit Chime of Aries


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BUSH: Hey, it's the flower Mist was growing...

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BUSH: Huh...? Th-this is...

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You got Aries Flower!


Her foresight is impeccable.

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Quickly! We must make haste! Who knows how much time is left!

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The Aries Flower is made of diamond. I suppose it goes with her hair.

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Bush places it upon the pedestal, but this time something different happens...!

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ImageSound: Completed Spirit Melody

(You might want to listen to this, just as reference for the upcoming songs. It's also worth noting that each of the separate pieces are the same as the little tunes each bachelorette would occasionally hum.)

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*As Bush and Kanno stand listening to the chimes, Candy walks in.*

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CANDY: Grandpa! The Spirits are restless! Did something happen?

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KANNO: Oh, Candy... We tried placing Crystal Flowers on this pedestal, but nothing is happening except this melody.

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CANDY: This kinda sounds like the Spirit Melody... Hold on a sec! The Spirits are trying to say something!

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CANDY: Uh-huh... Oh...

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CANDY: Grandpa! Let me see that book Bush found!

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*Candy starts to search through the Grimoire.*

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CANDY: This is it!

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ImageMusic: Grimoire Song - Candy

*She begins to sing out lyrics alongside the chimes!*

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*A strange, multicolored light suddenly appears upon the top of the platform!*

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*It begins to spark with energy!*

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KANNO: Ah...! So this was the poem the book was talking about!
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KANNO: But I've never heard of any poem that was sung with the Spirit Melody...

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CANDY: I guess the Spirits originally had words they sang to the Spirit Melody.

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CANDY: They were just forgotten over time until no one remembered...

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BUSH: I wonder why it suddenly resurfaced now.

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CANDY: It's to help Mist...I think... The Spirits want to help save Mist!

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KANNO: Well then, we must not keep the Spirits waiting.

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KANNO: Touch the pedestal. You should be able to travel to the other world where Mist is.

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KANNO: Be sure to remember there is a fearful magical creature that awaits you there.

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KANNO: It's not too late even after you've made preparations.


Oh, Magic Grandpa, Bush is prepared. He's as prepared as he'll ever be.

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Well after a bath and picking Pony back up (the cutscene despawned her).

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BUSH: I may not be able to return for a while once I cross over...

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I'm ready. Let's do this!


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BUSH: I should be fine. Let's do this!

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*And so we fade to white...*

Click *here* if you want to see the video of me playing through this instead.


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ImageMusic: Era of Disconnect

And fade back in to find ourselves outside the Clock Tower... but it's a bit different.

Some strange, dark gold void seems to have encased the tower in a sphere. It's marbled with streaks of white, cloudy energy.

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From some angles, it looks a bit red. :ohdear:

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There's the clock, so we're headed to the ladder...

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We ready the trusty Fire Rod.

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No choice but to climb. The void is getting noticeably more red now.

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*We fade back in to find Bush approaching a strange monster...*

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BLUE VOICE: Don't come near me...


That blue voice in our dreams... is this creature? It's some sort of black hound, accented with white and red fur...

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SPIRIT HOUND: I can't do this anymore... I can't hold myself back...

SPIRIT HOUND: Please... Run away...


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BUSH: You're...from my dream...

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GELWEIN: Welcome, Bush. I knew you'd be able to make it here.

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*Bush turns around to see...!*


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BUSH: ...!!

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*Gelwein's standing in the air above us!*

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GELWEIN: Behold, this hideous monster!

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GELWEIN: This here is a magical creature created by amateurish researchers with the power of Spirits.

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GELWEIN: On top of their incompetence, it had an uncontrollable trait of endlessly absorbing Runes, so it was abandoned here.

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GELWEIN: For such inept fools, this was the only thing they could do.

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GELWEIN: That's where I come in.

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GELWEIN: At first, I used Iris, then Mist, to continuously feed him with Runes filled with negative emotions over the years.

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GELWEIN: It was so exciting watching this creature turn into a hideous monster while so loyally waiting for his masters!

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GELWEIN: He's at his limits now though. He will soon lose control of his mind.

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GELWEIN: Once that happens, he'll absorb all the Runes around him and become a complete embodiment of destruction!

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GELWEIN: This is how I will destroy the world, the very fools that dared reject my genius!


Wow, man, you're really just gonna explain your entire evil plot to us aren't you?

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BUSH: I won't let that happen!

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GELWEIN: Why don't you speak such nonsense after you've defeated that!

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BUSH: ...!! Incoming!

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*We fade to white...!*

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ImageMusic: Final Confrontation

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*The view pans from a far view to show Bush on the tower, and the beast, empowered with red energy charging him!*


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*It stops and lets out a howl!*

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Pony immediately lunges to Bush's aid!

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She's knocked back and takes... 1 damage.

Um.

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Well, the howl it does hurts her some at least. It still only hits Bush for 1.

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BUSH: Take that!


And so Bush begins stunlocking it with constant fireball spam!

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The mad beast leaps away sending out pink energy spheres in the process! Bush dodges and switches to the Demon Axe!

The energy projectiles do track, but they do little damage to Bush.

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It also seems capable of emitting large, magical melee spikes of some kind. These hurt a bit, but Bush powers through into a charge attack!

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This combined with a frontal attack from Pony wipes a full quarter of it's HP!

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It narrowly dodges away!

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We've got it now!

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*With a grim howl, it falls to it's side...*


I'm sorry, demon dog, but it had to be done...

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BUSH: ...Your maniacal plots...END HERE!

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GELWEIN: Haha... Muahahaha!

*A magical whirr begins as Gelwein begins to glow with the power of the Dark Rune!*

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*He flourishes his cape, in... triumph?*

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ImageMusic: Brodik's Theme/ Tension

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GELWEIN: This is it... This is what I've been waiting for!

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*Now beside the fallen beast, he raises his hand to the dark energy!*

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*We fade out and back in to see Mist, suspended within the center of the Dark Rune!*


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BUSH: Mist!

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BUSH: Release Mist!

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GELWEIN: Why don't you make me!

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BUSH: No need to tell me twice...!!

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*Dark energy begins to spark around Gelwein!*

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*A blinding flash of light!*

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ImageMusic: Pinch


*Our view comes back to see the monster alive again...*

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*But with Gelwein now attached to it in some amalgamation of the two, transformed by dark magic!*

:stonk:

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TRANSFORMED GELWEIN: Such magnificence... I never imagined it would amount to this much...

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BUSH: What...is this? This monstrosity...?

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TRANSFORMED GELWEIN: It's a combination of a giant Rune and the awareness-control I used to manipulate Iris...

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TRANSFORMED GELWEIN: In order to place this rebellious magical creature completely under my sway,

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TRANSFORMED GELWEIN: I had to first get rid of his own will, but thanks to you, that became much easier.

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TRANSFORMED GELWEIN: If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be able to destroy the world!


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BUSH: What...

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TRANSFORMED GELWEIN: For your great service to my dream... You'll have the honor of dying first!

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BUSH: Gelwein!! You've caused enough suffering with your selfish games...

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BUSH: You, I will never...EVER forgive!

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ImageMusic: Final Confrontation


*And so we return to battle, Gelwein glowing intensely with dark energy, Mist suspended in the Dark Rune behind him!*

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The void surrounding us has gotten much smaller, now it eats away at the edges of a runed circle of light, detailed with the star signs,

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Pony gets a good starting blow in as Bush downs a Peperoncino for lifesteal.

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A good hit on his front as he taunts us!

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We continue to smash him and he summons monsters! Some strange variant of the Mantict!

But his health... it's...!

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It's just going back up!

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Pony, NOOOO!

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YOU WON'T GET AWAY WITH THIS! :black101:

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...But, all the damage we do just gets healed back!

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What... what can we do?!

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BUSH: *huff*huff*

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BUSH: He's...too strong...

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MONSTROUS GELWEIN: With this Rune...I...AM A GOD!

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MONSTROUS GELWEIN: You will never win!!


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*He begins charging a dark spell above his head- consuming the light around it...!*


Is this it for Bush? Were we destined to fail?

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BUSH: I...hear something...

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BUSH: A song...?

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ImageMusic: Grimoire Song - 12 Maidens

(This has all the girls singing their parts alongside Candy.)

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CANDY: Bush!


*It's Candy, high in the air!*

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BUSH: Candy?! What are you... Why are you here?!

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CANDY: We asked the Spirits to bring our forms and song voice here!

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CINNAMON: You can't win without first releasing the Dark Rune from under Gelwein's control.

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IRIS NOIRE: If we all sing together, our thoughts should be able to reach the Dark Rune Gelwein took by force.

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EUNICE: That's why we're all going to sing the Spirit Melody together!


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BUSH: You guys...

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SELPHY: Hey! I'm here to help, too! Although, to be honest, singing isn't my forte!

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MELODY: I'll be helping too, so we should be able to take care of a guy like him. No sweat!

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UZUKI: Well, this is the one time I can't ask for Tsubute's aid... Because he's...tone-deaf.

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BIANCA: I came all the way here to sing for you. You'd better make it worth my while and take care of that lowlife!

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TABATHA: If at all possible, please save that monster along with the Spirits.

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ANETTE: I'll deliver a song instead of mail, today. It's a mailman's job to deliver anything if necessary!

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LARA: I'll take care of your injuries, but please, be safe...!

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ROSETTA: Hey Mist! It's not like you to be captured like this! Everyone's...um...worried!

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IRIS BLANCHE: May our songs be carried. Oh, Spirits! Awaken from your sorrows!

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*We cut to a view of Bush looking up at Mist...*

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*She floats at the heart of the Dark Rune...*

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*As her eyes open, the darkness turns to light!*

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*The rune shines a bright blue!*

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*And she looks our way!*

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ImageSound: Reunion

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MIST: Oh... Hello, everyone... Is there a festival today?

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BUSH: What are you talking about?! Everyone's here because of you!

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MIST: Oh, is that so. Then I guess that makes today "Mist Festival."

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BUSH: ...Mist...

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MIST: Haha, I'm kidding.

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BUSH: ...

*insert canned laugh track*

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MIST: The Spirits told me about what's going on.

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MIST: Don't worry about me. Give 'em all you got!

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MIST: I'll support you.


I hope the Spirits also told you your lines for the song!

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MONSTROUS GELWEIN: Fools...

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MONSTROUS GELWEIN: Even without the Rune, you're no match for this body of mine!


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BUSH: Everyone, help me out!

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CANDY & THE MAIDENS: No problem!

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ImageMusic: Grimoire Song - Finale

(If there's one track from this update to listen to, it's this one!)

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Gelwein, get ready to lose to the power of anime friendship!


We'll have to do this without Pony backing us up...

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---------------------------------------

"Pray to Heaven with a song,"
"As the winds caress me~"

---------------------------------------



He has an aresenal of spells, this one being a wave of 5 fireballs, but we dodge this one cleanly.

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"Send a prayer up to the light,"
So that it might help me see~

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Throughout the fight, spirits fly forth from the cleansed runes giving us a full restore on RP. This lets us go full aggro combined with our lifesteal, although I was doing that anyways.

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Searching through my memories-
Memories, my memories for you-

For you~
----------------------------------------


Another of his attacks, a tracking wave of flame eruptions...

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I have come this far having lost every hope,
Hope of finding you~

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A dual shot of green energy...

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But I swear no matter what I've had to face,
You've never left my heart~

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...But he has unique attacks of his own in the form of violet beams wielded like a sword.

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There are sweet memories-
They live all around us~

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He stops to summon his mantis creations, but eats 2000 damage for it as Bush relentlessly goes all in on charge attacks.

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How can you not believe in our love-
My whole heart belongs to you-
My life your love leads~

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Having been swiftly dropped beneath half HP, Gelwein retreats to the back of the arena to prepare his strongest move.

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I've always stood next to you-
In your time of need~

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Descending from the sky, a ridiculously massive violet greatsword falls into his hands!

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Embraced by the warmth of your gentle gaze-
I've given you my love~

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The swing from it engulfs nearly the entire arena in violent energy, also friendly-firing his summons.

Bush has easily retreated to safety at the other end of the arena.

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I look for you now in my memories-
Heart never mending~

Love never ending~
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And then he goes for it again...

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Pray to Heaven with our song~!

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Bush ends up taking this hit, and it deals some real damage. But it's not enough to knock him down. One Pumpkin Tart later and we're back to max with an attack boost.

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"Pray to Heaven with a song,"
"As the winds caress me~"

---------------------------------------


Utterly desperate at this point, Gelwein then begins casting incantations on fractions of the runed circle beneath us. These rain down columns of water lasers, but all elements can show.

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"Send a prayer up to the light,"
So that it might help me see~

----------------------------------------


You think that's enough to stop Bush? You're going to need more than just that.

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Searching through my memories-
Memories, my memories for you-

----------------------------------------


The next is a wind incantation, but Bush has already downed more food and it's as if he was never hit to begin with.

Gelwein has left himself open- his fatal mistake.

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For you~

----------------------------------------


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The final blow is struck.

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*With an anger filled roar...*

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*He falls.*

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ImageMusic: Era of Disconnect

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*We fade in to see Bush and Mist facing a defeated Gelwein.*

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GELWEIN: No... Impossible! My plan... My plan...!!!


(Hey, the dog is alive again!)

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BUSH: I couldn't have beaten you alone...

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BUSH: You despised everyone around you and wanted revenge.

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BUSH: I, on the other hand, fought together with everyone around me...

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GELWEIN: You're telling me...that's why I lost...? A miscalculation...on my part...?

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GELWEIN: Not...possibl...

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GELWEIN: Ugh...!!


Man, when are villians going to stop underestimating the power of friendship?

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ImageMusic: Visions


SPIRIT HOUND: I've caused all of you such trouble. I'm sorry.


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BUSH: You weren't yourself. You don't need to apologize.


SPIRIT HOUND: ...Thank you.


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BUSH: ...Mist. We should get going. Everyone's waiting.

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MIST: Right.

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MIST: Oh, yeah!

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MIST: Mr. Dog, why don't you come with us? It'll be fun.


SPIRIT HOUND: Thank you, but I'd be more trouble than fun if I were to cross over.


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MIST: You're talking about the power that absorbs all Runes, right?

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MIST: I'll just tell the Spirits to be careful next time in my dream, so don't worry.


Mist, I don't know if that's enough.

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SPIRIT HOUND: Um... Is such a thing really possible?


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MIST: I'm pretty sure it'll be okay.


SPIRIT HOUND: Th-thank you! But... I'll stay here.

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SPIRIT HOUND: Because I... Even I have a family...!


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BUSH: Oh, yeah. The people in this world see you as...


...as what? I don't know. Bush, stop withholding information from me!

It is nice Mr. Dog can go back to his family now, though, whoever they are. :shobon:

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*A distant bell of a clock tower tolls...*

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*Spirits begin to gather around Mist and Bush.*

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MIST: Let's get going. I'm sure everyone's waiting.

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BUSH: Ah, right.

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BUSH: Well, we're gonna get going now. Take care...

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SPIRIT HOUND: You, too...


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*And so we fade to black as the camera rises...*

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By the way, Gelwein is still there. I think we just abandoned him in the Era of Disconnect, never to return.

Fair enough, serves him right.

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ImageMusic: The End


It's the credits!

They're actually pretty short, really. I don't really have a good way of showing them in screenshots or anything, but you can see them in the video.

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So that's the end of Rune Factory Frontier, although it's not the end of the LP just yet.

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We've got just a few updates left, primarily to show off the end of a few character storylines. We won't be seeing everyone's, but we still have some unsolved mysteries worth uncovering.

To be more specific, Kross, Mystery Girl, and Brodik. Also maybe Ganesha's thing if it ever decides to happen.

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Of course, Rosetta and Iris's story ends are still on the way before we can have that final vote on who to marry.

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After that, it's mostly just showing off festivals. The days per update is going to increase dramatically as the amount of stuff left to show per day is going to get increasingly minimal.

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Also, the credits have shifted from green to yellow to blue text by this point.

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How will Bush's life continue from here? There's no dangerous monsters left to fight, money is losing it's meaning...

Let's be honest, he's approaching retirement at the ripe age of indistinctly young man.

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I suppose there's only one answer for that.

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*Bush walks up to the door of his house and yawns.*

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pff

our fields are still messed up :v:

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Stay tuned, folks.

--------------------------------------

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MYSTERY: ...Wow, Gelwein was a chump.

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BUSH: That's just the power of friendship!

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MYSTERY: No, I mean you barely used any of that food you made.

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BUSH: I suppose you're right. I've still got some leftover even now! Want some?

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MYSTERY: ...I question the safety of eating a sandwich that old.

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BUSH: *snarf munch crunch*

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MYSTERY: I'm just going to call Lara right now because I know what's coming next.
Last edited by Odd Wilson on Thu Apr 20, 2023 12:26 am, edited 2 times in total.

User avatar
Update 53: The Great Turnip Heist

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ImageMusic: Autumn


We resume to find Mist continuing life as if nothing happened.

Yep, that's Mist.

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MIST: Autumn is the season for giving thanks. I can't wait.

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MIST: What am I looking forward to? You should know by now.


It's the upcoming festival. It's turnip-based.

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MIST: I took Torte and his friend to the bath the other day.

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MIST: But Melody got mad and said monsters aren't allowed inside.

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BUSH: Of course they aren't...


That's her two exploding disco ducks, if you've forgotten. She has those.

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MIST: Oh...? You seem to be wearing normal clothes today.

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BUSH: Huh? I wear this every day...

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MIST: Oh, I'm sorry... That was in a dream.

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MIST: Yesterday, I had a dream where you were working in your field while dressed strangely.

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BUSH: How strangely?

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MIST: You had rabbit ears, a long scarf...

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BUSH: You can stop right there...

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MIST: Really? That's too bad.


We've seen this conversation before, but...

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she doesn't need to know the truth :ssh:

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Speaking of outfit changes, I decided to have Bush go back to his classic red hat + cape look. The wooly hat wasn't bad, but this is just peak Bush in my mind.

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KANNO: I'm glad that the abnormalities with the Runes have subsided.

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KANNO: Now I can concentrate fully on my research.


All has returned to normal. (The existence of Runeys is not an abnormality.)

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RITA: Only regulars come to our bar and it's never that busy.

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RITA: But working at it alone can be really hard. I wonder if someone could help me out...

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BUSH: What about Eunice?

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RITA: I have Eunice clean the bar in the morning. I can't have her work at night, too.

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BUSH: I see...

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RITA: Sorry for complaining in front of you.

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RITA: Don't mind me.


Hrm. Who do we know that would be good at a nighttime job?

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IRIS BLANCHE: ...We can get to know the villagers better, too.

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IRIS NOIRE: Yes, but there will be problems...

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IRIS BLANCHE: Where to live...

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BUSH: What's wrong?

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IRIS NOIRE: Oh, Bush...

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IRIS NOIRE: The Runes of Whale Island are much more stable now,

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IRIS BLANCHE: ...so we were talking about moving to Trampoli.

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IRIS BLANCHE: Staying here by ourselves would be meaningless and we want to get to know the villagers better.

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BUSH: That sounds great! Everyone will welcome you!

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IRIS NOIRE: But there is a problem...

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BUSH: What is it? I'll be glad to help out any way I can.

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IRIS BLANCHE: We don't have a place to stay so we can't move.

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IRIS NOIRE: And, we can only come out at night so we can't stay at someone's house either.

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IRIS BLANCHE: But building a new house would be too much trouble.

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IRIS NOIRE: That is why we were at a loss.

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BUSH: Rita, over at Snowstyle, was looking for someone to help out at the bar.

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BUSH: If you ask her, maybe she'll let you live there, too. The bar is in business only at night, after all.

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IRIS BLANCHE: Really?!

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IRIS NOIRE: Would you please ask her about it?

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BUSH: I'll try.


If you were wondering why there was still an unused room in the inn, well, here's your answer.

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BUSH: Rita, I'd like to ask you for a favor.

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RITA: What is it? Just come right out and say it.

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BUSH: Well, Iris is looking for a place to move to...

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RITA: Then they can use our inn.

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BUSH: Really?!

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RITA: We've got plenty of open rooms anyway.

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RITA: If they'll work at the bar, they won't need to pay for the rooms. As for my husband... He probably won't object to it.

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BUSH: Really?! Thank you very much! I'll bring Iris right away!


So we're gonna set the vampire girls up with a place working room and board.

I don't see why we couldn't have just hit up Kross and get him to build a house somewhere. If Brodik is allowed to unquestioningly just set up a house, why can't we?

Anyway, back on up to the island we go...

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BUSH: Iris, Rita said that you can stay at the inn!

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IRIS BLANCHE: Really?! Thank you so much!

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IRIS NOIRE: We really can't thank you enough, Bush.

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BUSH: I haven't done anything. Now let's go!


At least this time we get instantly transported to the inn.

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RITA: Welcome, girls! This will be your room!

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RITA: But are you sure you only want one room? Isn't it a bit cramped? You needn't worry about money if you're working at the bar.

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IRIS NOIRE: We want to be together.

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IRIS BLANCHE: We've been separated for so long and finally, after so much time, we were able to come together again...

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RITA: Fine. I won't say another word about it.

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RITA: All right. I'm going to have you two working starting tonight.

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IRIS NOIRE: Yes, ma'am!


And so, that's how the vampires came to work at the bar. Honestly, I wish we could get them a better job.

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IRIS NOIRE: I've been learning how to do household chores from Rita. Is this what they call domestic training?


I suppose the lessons really did start immediately!

Either way, this means we really don't have a reason to go to Whale Island anymore outside of monster hunting. This also means we no longer have to do the run there every morning- we just drop by the bar every morning.

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And here they are at work.

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IRIS BLANCHE: The changing colors of the tree leaves look so beautiful.

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IRIS BLANCHE: I was on Whale Island the entire time so I never got see such beautiful scenery.


I'd imagine you'd be able to just look down on clear days, but then again, I've only seen you outside the tower once.

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IRIS NOIRE: Pom-pom Grass can bloom beautifully in this season.

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IRIS NOIRE: The fluffy cotton looks like a Wooly.


Noire will also start giving seasonal flower tips now that she has more than just the wildflowers from the island.

Pom-pom grass takes too long to grow, so we'll just take your word for it.

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...And that's really all that's left for today. The number of days per update is going to grow a lot starting now.

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I was gonna go and duplicate a bunch of money now that we're done with the game, but the bosses seem to have been upgraded again into higher stats and permanent rage mode.

....So let's just not. Hang up the ol' axe and magic rods.

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Mail time!

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-----------------------------------------------------
~"Maid" - Mist~

Aren't Tabatha's clothes so cute?
Maybe I could wear them if I became a maid...

-----------------------------------------------------


I don't think you'll rope the Coquilles into your underground schemes. They have too much money to care.

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~"Iris" - Eunice~

Iris moved in today. I am so
excited because I feel like
I got two sisters at once.
Which reminds me, how old is
Iris anyway? Maybe she is younger
than me? No, maybe older?

-----------------------------------------------------


If Minerva and Iris are your honorary sisters, why not Uzuki? :colbert:

It's hard to know how old Iris, but I think it's a safe bet vampires live longer than humans.

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-----------------------------------------------------
~"Once again..." - Iris~

I have finished moving in and
begun to settle in, so I thought
perhaps I should send out a greeting.
Rita, Turner, and Eunice are all
very nice, and I am very excited to
begin a new chapter in my life.
I'll be working the tavern at night,
so come visit anytime.

-----------------------------------------------------


And so we lifted them from overwhelming isolation into a life of paying rent via room and board.

I still think we should've gotten Kross to build them a house in the empty spot behind ours or something. Can't believe we just threw them into the hands of the 9-to-5.

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-----------------------------------------------------
~"Sorry." - Wind Crystal~

I got the Wind Crystal.
I'm sorry to have troubled you again,
but you really were a huge help.
I may require your service again,
so I'll talk to you again soon.

-----------------------------------------------------


I think the later requests take quite a while to show. Ganesha's at nearly max FP thanks to handing over our Demon Blood stash, but as far as my recordings has gone, she hasn't sent anything in some weeks.

We probably won't see the end of it. It's not like the reward is something Bush wants: a sword

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And we end with an advertisement from Rosetta. Must've sent it out before she left town this morning.

We spend our morning barging into people's houses, looking for interesting conversation.



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BIANCA: Francoise is getting really big.

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BIANCA: I think I shall be able to ride it soon. I can't wait.

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That's good news, I guess!

You know, maybe we should go talk to the whale. We were just going up and down the tail yesterday as it was a holiday, so we didn't get a chance to talk to him.

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ImageMusic: Whale Island Entrance - Ambient


WHALE: Bush...


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BUSH: Whale...!


WHALE: My body feels much lighter now... I can feel the Spirits returning to me...


WHALE: I don't know what is happening but I suppose the problem has been solved.


WHALE: Now I can swim in the skies without any more worries...


WHALE: I would like to thank you from the bottom of my being...


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...And that's it! We don't get a reward except the feeling of a job well done. :)

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Outside of the few plants we have up here, we don't have much of a reason to be here. We'll be collecting these tomatoes up until those cabbages finally grow in, and after that we probably won't come back up here.


Nothing else happens, so on to the next day!

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ANETTE: You defeated that huge monster on Whale Island?

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ANETTE: You're so strong, Bush. I always thought you were a pretty timid guy.

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ANETTE: Haha! Sorry.


Instead of mail, we just get burned by Ann of all people

how could you do this to us

:negative:

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ANETTE: Hey, this stamp is rare... Is this foreign? I guess Brodik has lovers all over the world.


I'm sure it's just some dating scam spam mail.

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BUSH: Iris must have been drawing something. Let's see...

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BUSH: ...

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BUSH: ...I have no idea what she's trying to draw.


Iris is still practicing her extreme impressionistic avant garde artstyle.

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Next day!

There's no new mail.

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We do find Brodik up on the mountainside at least. He's just over here staring at the fruit trees sometimes.


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BRODIK: What is this? You can't even take care of your own fields?

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BRODIK: You don't deserve to be in this village! Get out of here! Get out of here now!

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BRODIK: Hahahahahahaha!


no u :mad:

That reminds me...

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We never used it anyways, let's give the Cat's Tail to Kross.

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KROSS: W-won't it be weird if I wear this...?

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KROSS: ...I was joking. Don't mind what I just said.


Kross just wants to be a monster at this point, let's be honest.

But that's cool, we don't judge. :)

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KROSS: What do you think of your home?

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BUSH: It's so spacious now!

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KROSS: Heh... I see... Thank you.


Our man did a real fix-up job on it, cannot lie.

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Meanwhile, those cabbages are ready, so I suppose this'll be the last we see of the island out of some rare circumstances.

You were cool, Mr. Whale, you were cool. :unsmith:

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We can use that to make the Veg. Stir Fry that Bianca was asking for. Cabbage, Bell Pepper, and Cooking Oil.

Seems like it needs some onion if you ask me, but this is what the recipe calls for. I go ahead and get that to Anette so she can deliver it.

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-----------------------------------------------------
~"Coming of Age Day" - Stella~

Tomorrow is the Coming of Age Day.
We'll be having a big treasure hunt
to celebrate the day, so if you're
interested, come by the Public Square.

-----------------------------------------------------


Tomorrow we get more letters. This festival is mostly the point of this update.

-----------------------------------------------------------

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MYSTERY: ...Then why didn't we just start with that?

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BUSH: This was all extremely relevant info up to this point.

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MYSTERY: It... really hasn't been.

------------------------------------------------------------

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-----------------------------------------------------
~"Next..." - Bianca~

I recieved your Veg. Stir-fry.
Did you make this?
Well, not that I care or anything.
Hm... as for the next item...
Something harder to make...
Perhaps a Steam Pumpkin.
Yes, send me a Steam Pumpkin.

-----------------------------------------------------

Luckily for us, I just happened to have one leftover. I didn't plan it or anything, it just worked out that way.

If you read through the Tabatha date last update, the timelines crossed and got a bit confused. I thought I had already done this letter request then.

Bush picking up this side gig as Bianca's food delivery service will go on for a while, although we're going to hit a dead end soon.

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Pumpkin delivered. Off to go bother people for the day.

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LARA: I went to go see Rosetta's father just now.

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BUSH: How was he? Will he get better?

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LARA: Yes. He'll be good as new.

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LARA: Just follow the recipe I'll be giving you and hand the finished product to Rosetta.

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BUSH: I-I'm making it...?!

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LARA: I won't be able to. You have to care deeply for Rosetta while you make it or it won't be effective.

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BUSH: Oh...

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LARA: Let me teach you the recipe now.

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LARA: Take 2 of "Healing Drink S" and a "White Grass" and mix them.

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LARA: You'll be able to make a "Healing Drink X" with it.

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LARA: You may fail a couple of times, but keep trying.

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BUSH: All right.


We've already done this, of course. This means we can hand it in to Rosetta tomorrow.

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And tomorrow it shall be!

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ImageMusic: Festival

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IRIS NOIRE: So there will be a treasure hunt during the Coming of Age Day. Is there a reason for that?


We will never find out. I guess they just wanted a parallel to RF1's Adventure Contest.

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Most importantly, it's a day that Rosetta is here!

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ROSETTA: Oh, what's this?

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BUSH: Please give it to your father. Lara told me about it.

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ROSETTA: Really?! I'll get him to drink it right away! Thanks, Bush!


Rosetta is understandably quite happy to get this. We'll get to hear the results soon!

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KROSS: I just can't learn to like the Adventure Contest...

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KROSS: You should never let children carry weapons. You will ruin them if you do.

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BUSH: The Adventure Contest is where they go treasure hunting.

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KROSS: ...


Kross isn't much a fan of the Adventure Contest. Luckily this is Coming of Age Day, which is entirely different, I assure you.

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Lute, my main man! How you doin'?

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I buy some curtains for the house and buy the Lab Storage for not particular reason aside from the fact I can.

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CINNAMON: The Whale Constellation is a strange one. You can only see it during nights with a full moon.

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BUSH: That is strange.

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CINNAMON: The full moon comes out every month on the 15th and 16th. Look for it around midnight.


Just before we reach the square, Cinnamon has a new constellation to mention.

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Enough delay, festival time!

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GANESHA: Today, on Coming of Age Day, children and adults are all treated alike.

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GANESHA: Marco's getting carried away, saying that he'll win the treasure hunt so that he won't be treated like a kid anymore.

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GANESHA: But I'll be joining, too, so he's not going to win that easily.

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RITA: A old lady like me shouldn't be here at the Adventure Festival.


I actually have no idea why you're here. She's not a judge, a competitor, or even a spectator.

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STELLA: We have a customary event on the Coming of Age Day, where we go treasure hunting. Wanna join?

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STELLA: The rules are simple. Find the item Golden Turnip from somewhere in town, and bring it to me.

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STELLA: I've also placed some wrong items so be sure not to bring those to me.

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STELLA: The first person to bring it to the Public Square wins.

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STELLA: Also...listen. Today is the Coming of Age Day.

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STELLA: Which means I won't allow any childish behavior such as cheating, all right?

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STELLA: If you've found Golden Turnip , bring it here to me before the sun sets. Don't be late.


And those are our rules. We won't get to try and cheat ourselves until next year.

Festival start!

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*We get a dramatic, sky-high zoom in.*


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STELLA: Everyone ready?

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STELLA: Then begin your search for the treasure of the Coming of Age Day!

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*And so everyone but bush takes off at a sprint!*

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RITA: Oh, no! Bush is off to a slow start!

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STELLA: Bush, you must hurry!


All part of the plan, I assure you. :cool:

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Of course, we have Pony so we can cover ground much faster than anyone else.

The turnips will be hidden in more out of the way places, so that's where we go.

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BUSH: Um...maybe it's a Golden Turnip?


That's just a normal turnip, although the item glow does make it look kinda golden.

Let's keep looking.

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BUSH: All right! I found a Golden Turnip!


...bush

that's a carrot

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Bush will stop and note if there's an item nearby, although most are pretty visible to begin with.

What happens if we pick up an incorrect item?

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BUSH: Woohoo! I found it! A "Golden Turnip"!

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BUSH: ...

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BUSH: Huh? This is just a plain old "Turnip"!


:v:

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UZUKI: Ah! This is the Golden Turnip! Bush, I shall have this victory!


And then someone else immediately wins just after.

:negative:

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But we don't plan on losing this, so let's rewind time a bit.

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The golden turnip is really noticeable when you do find the real one. In our case, it was at Lake Poli's dock.

The position is randomized each time, the seed set from the moment you start the contest.

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BUSH: I found it! A "Golden Turnip"!


*SUCCESS CHIME*

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BUSH: Okay, I better take this to the "Public Square" before I forget.


But were it only so simple!

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GANESHA: So the Golden Turnip was hidden over here. Well, bye, Bush. Victory is mine!

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BUSH: (Oh, no! I got beaten to the punch!)


There's not just one turnip to find! I've heard this is based off how long it takes you to find the item in question, and can be pretty unforgivingly random as well.

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We must make haste! Ride, Pony! Fly like the wind!

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STELLA: Oh-ho! Bush comes back right in the middle!


Someone beat us here? We have teleport magic and a super fast horse!

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ImageMusic: Festival- Bad Luck


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GANESHA: Bush, victory is mine! Goal!!

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STELLA: !!


No... how could we lose at a festival...

it can't be...

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STELLA: Um...this is an ornamental turnip made with brass! Did you make this yourself?!

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GANESHA: You can tell? Darn...

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STELLA: Now, get going!


She cheated! :argh:

...Or at least attempted to. In fact, a lot of characters will try to cheat. Marco can bring one made out of gold paper (Ganesha told him to do it), Melody will bring one aged in bathwater, and Danny will buy a real one and have it prepared.

Uzuki and Tsubute are the only one who don't cheat, they just show up with the wrong item because Cicada Dad flubbed it.


I don't think there's actually more than one golden turnip by the way, I was just setting you up for this.

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ImageMusic: Let the Games Begin!


The music strikes up as she begins to leave!

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BUSH: (This... just might be my chance!)


Indeed it is, Bush!

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STELLA: Ah, yes. This is the Golden Turnip I was waiting for!


*The sound of a celebratory cannon blank firing is heard*

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ImageMusic: Festival- Results (de-Sainte Coquille Remix)

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STELLA: All right, then. I will now announce the results of the Treasure Hunt!

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STELLA: In 4th place... Ganesha!

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GANESHA: You're kidding...

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STELLA: In 3rd place... Danny!

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DANNY: Eh, oh well.

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STELLA: In 2nd place... Uzuki!

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UZUKI: Hm... I thought victory was mine for sure...

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*drumroll*

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STELLA: And in 1st place... Bush! A new champion!

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He just yawns. Or rather, it's his yawning animation being used for a cheer? This screenshot does look like he's basking in the spotlight though.


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BUSH: All right! I won!


What do we win?

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STELLA: The 1st prize is... Straw Hat!

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...

really

is this a joke


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STELLA: There's a consolation prize for those of you that didn't win, as well.

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STELLA: This concludes this year's Adventure Festival. I hope you all had fun!


Even then, you people can't even get the name right. What kind of festival is this?!

That's it, time to hit the rewind on our watch.

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Right back to when we first found the turnip.

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We go back home with it. It happens to be worth 500g, and even restores 70 RP raw.

This thing's an endangered miracle food! And we're just going to play hide and seek with it for a straw hat?

We're going to do the right thing.

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*pop* *grinding* *cha-chink*

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You got a Golden Turnip S.


There.

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Aaaand there. Planted! It'll only take 8 days normally to grow, less with our runey environments.

I guess we ought to show up to the festival with something. I pull an ancient turnip back from Spring from the fridge and take it to Stella.

(Ganesha still tries to cheat by the way)

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STELLA: Ah, yes. This is the Golden Turnip I was waiting for...

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STELLA: ...is what I want to say, but Bush... This isn't Golden Turnip.

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STELLA: Did you forget the rules of the Treasure Hunt?

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STELLA: You have to find a Golden Turnip hidden somewhere in the village and bring it back to me.

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STELLA: Now, Bush, you better hurry!


i dunno it's pretty golden to me

don't force your narrow worldview onto how i perceive this turnip

Anyways, I guess we ruined the festival so let's just go talk to people instead. :v:

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MIST: Today is the Coming of Age Day. We'll all go out and hunt for treasure.

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BUSH: This is the Coming of Age Day, isn't it? What does it have to do with treasure hunting?

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MIST: Beats me.


For some reason, Mist is unaware this whole thing revolves around turnips.

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ROSETTA: This is the Coming of Age Day. So why do you go treasure hunting for it?


It's pretty unclear, yeah.

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CANDY: Today's the Coming of Age Day, where all kids get treated like grownups.

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CANDY: But nothing seems different. I wonder why...

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BUSH: Candy, you act really mature so maybe nobody really considered you to be a kid.

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CANDY: Really? I act mature? Heehee. ♪


Yeah, even years after you're old enough to drink, people will still treat you like you have no idea what you're doing. That's just life, I think.

Hey, Mystery Girl! You know anything about this?

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MYSTERY GIRL: Hello...

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BUSH: What's wrong? You seem down.

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MYSTERY GIRL: I am not! The church is almost complete.

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MYSTERY GIRL: There's no way that I'm feeling down when I'm this close to achieving my dream...

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MYSTERY GIRL: I'm sorry... Would you please leave me alone for a while?


I guess not. She's still on about that invisible church.

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Well, that sure was a festival. The game actually keeps track of victories and has comments for stuff like retaking your crown, but we probably won't see a lot of that until the very end.

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Gotta love a nice 1 PM to 6 AM nap.

Oh and that's our new bed, I forgot to mention it. It's huge! Finally, Bush can sleep fully clothed, boots on, in the maximum comfort.

Until next time!


ImageMusic: Goodnight

--------------------------------------------

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MYSTERY: ...Wow, I can see why it got replaced with Mist Festival now. All the adults just cheat.

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BUSH: I'm just proud I saved an endangered crop from extinction. I can only imagine the culinary developments it contributed to.

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MYSTERY: What do they taste like, anyways?

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BUSH: Absolutely horrible. They also lack any nutritional value whatesoever and cause food poisoning in most people.

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BUSH: Even my cooking skills can't save them.

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MYSTERY: Then why do people pay so much for them?!

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BUSH: Beats me.
Last edited by Odd Wilson on Thu Apr 20, 2023 1:53 pm, edited 3 times in total.

User avatar
Okay so we have Stella's time-displaced echo being weird and mysterious(and continuing to make me wonder if Kross is a time-displaced parallel Bush, and the real man our lunatic who loves rocks is angy about), we have the stars giving us long lost mail from Annette, and we still have a minor apocalypse or two in the wings I'm sure, its Rune Factory after all

Lovely

Okay now that I've caught up, update the Kross suspicions to "Weird projection from the Disconnected Monster", same color scheme, a yearning to be a monster, invisible to much of the population....

User avatar
Syrelian wrote:
Sat Mar 25, 2023 11:06 pm
Okay so we have Stella's time-displaced echo being weird and mysterious(and continuing to make me wonder if Kross is a time-displaced parallel Bush, and the real man our lunatic who loves rocks is angy about), we have the stars giving us long lost mail from Annette, and we still have a minor apocalypse or two in the wings I'm sure, its Rune Factory after all

Lovely

Okay now that I've caught up, update the Kross suspicions to "Weird projection from the Disconnected Monster", same color scheme, a yearning to be a monster, invisible to much of the population....
Yeah, the Era of Disconnect may be behind us, but there's no lack of strangeness still going on. There's still the coming ecological collapse of the Runey Situation, but hey, at least the Whale isn't going to fall on us now.

That is a good observation regarding Kross and the Spirit Hound/Mr. Dog, I hadn't even made the color scheme connection myself. I will say that while I don't know the outcome of all the mysteries on hand, we do have one potentially very interesting discovery in our near future. :ssh:

User avatar
Update 54: Snow Jean

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Ah, yet another rainy Autumn day.

ImageMusic: Alliance Alive - Rainy Realm


Some guest music to hit the mood!

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A whole lot of nothing happens, so I set about managing the fields for once.

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no wait bush

what are you doing

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It was around this point I just decided to clear all the grass. We're already somewhere around max fodder and I didn't want this to wither during winter. We have nothing else to use the RP on at least. I'll leave the other crops until the final day.

Although in hindsight, it may have been better if it withered. We'll get to why soon.

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BRODIK: What is this? Are you trying to piss me off?


Oi mate, we do take care of this farm

Yer not gonna run me out of town, twerp

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And since we have an oh-so welcome audience, I set to truly cleaning the field.

This also won't have mattered in a few days, but it's the effort that matters :colbert:

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It takes us all the way until bath time almost to get everything but a few stumps. We had to eat some of that backup food to get this far even.

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BRODIK: Heh heh heh...

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BRODIK: If you can't even keep your fields clean, there's no point in you staying in the village!

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BRODIK: Get out! Get out now!


Tch, you try and pick up a watering can. Ain't as easy as it looks, bucko!

You know what?

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Bam. Fields fixed completely. No bath required.

Whatcha got to say about that?! Huh?!

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Yeah that's right! Run away!

Mess with a culinary expert and see what you get! :argh:

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Bush's rivalry seems to have taken the day all the way until opening time for the bar.

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The Irises are about, Noire's just kinda standing over here for no apparent reason, but is worth noting we can invite them to dates now. I think Rosetta is the only one who has to have her storyline complete to do it.

At least, it seems like it.

Their dates take place at 8:30 to 9:00 PM instead of the usual time.

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GANESHA: Please don't leave.

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RITA: Oh, really? Yes, I'll keep you company today...

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GANESHA: *phew* To drink is to live! And to live is to...

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GANESHA: No...

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GANESHA: Always be in love. That's the secret to staying young.

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RITA: You're quite the drinker, ain't ya?


Ganesha's just floored over here.

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IRIS BLANCHE: The Spirits have stabilized recently and they are cycling to and from Whale Island and underground.

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IRIS BLANCHE: That's such a relief...


All is fixed with the world. Sort of. Okay, maybe that's a stretch, but at least the town is saved.

The spirits being fixed doesn't solve the Runey Situation though. They're just broken by design.

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And that's all for this day, really.

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Bright and early on the 27th, I remember to admire our new curtains. I like the look! The blue's a nice spice to the mostly reddish brown wood and stone.

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ImageMusic: Kross' Theme


As soon as we leave the house, there's a massive boulder in front of our door!


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BUSH: Whoa!

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*And then Kross begins to approach!*

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KROSS: I'm sorry, Bush...

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BUSH: Why are you apologizing, Kross?

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KROSS: ...I'm sorry.

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*And then he begins pushing it out of the way, the boulder grinding against the ground loudly.*


...How very strange! Of course, Kross continues to be both super strong and a good friend.

Why would a boulder end up in front of our house? Well, I can think of one reason...

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But we've got other stuff to do, like mail!

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-----------------------------------------------------
~"The Bathhouse" - Anette~

I sweat so much, when I'm
making deliveries, so I've always
wanted visit Melody's bathhouse,
but it's not open in the morning!
Maybe I should ask Melody to
Change her business hours.

-----------------------------------------------------

She's awake by 9:00 easily, I'm sure Bush can get you some sort of arrangement. We are the bathhouse's biggest patron and Melody's good friend, I'm sure Bush has some sway.

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EUNICE: Ever since Iris came to live with us, the bar has become much cleaner.


Glad to hear the workload lightened up a bit.

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BUSH: Do you drink, Eunice?

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EUNICE: Huh? I don't. I don't know anything about alcohol either.

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EUNICE: Is it weird even though my family runs a bar?


Nah, I'd say it's pretty normal.

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MARCO: I actually wanted to go save Mist with you.

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MARCO: But I'll just get in the way...

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MARCO: That's why I'm going to train to become stronger so I can help you if anything were to happen again!


Marco remains a good kid.

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STELLA: Now that Mist is back, the drinks will taste much better.


That's it! she's controlling this town through turnip infusions in the alcohol! The Turnip Mafia's scheme has been uncovered!

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And suddenly, it's a new day. What a shocking thought that was- just blanked out an entire afternoon!

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And, um another?

Bush, you okay?

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Yeah, maybe you should just take a nap at 6:06. Might be all those weeks of 6 hour sleep nights catching up to you.

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Hm? What's that music?

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ImageMusic: Snowy Day


It's snow! :aaa:

This music track is rather nice. I just wish I knew why rain gets silence while this gets it's own music.

I guess it's just because the snow wouldn't make any noise falling and you'd have real dead silence?

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But with the snow falling, so does our last few plants in the field. These were just kinda here, not nearly as pivotal as the tomato fields of last month.

o7 all the same, yams and peppers

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ANETTE: Did it surprise you? Every year during this time, the sun doesn't come out.

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ANETTE: It doesn't get bright even when it's morning, so it makes delivering mail much harder.

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ANETTE: Of course, if you go outside the village, you can see the sun. But this day is still really mysterious.


So apparently, Trampoli gets a localized, whale-based eclipse on this day every single year.

Seriously, this town seems like it'd be a huge tourist spot. It just... isn't.

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-----------------------------------------------------
~"All prepared for winter?" - Erik~

Did you know that it'll be winter
starting tomorrow?
You won't be able to grow anything
during the harsh season, so you
better start stocking up on monster
feeds and such now.

-----------------------------------------------------


Erik, this letter is pretty late. Should've sent this a week or two back, when we still had time to grow fodder.

But we're also pretty much maxed on fodder so whatevs :cool:

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BIANCA: I don't mind the snow. I just hate the cold.

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BIANCA: It's quite an interesting day to see how it's still dark even after sunup.

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BIANCA: Why don't you do festivals on this day?


This town does not have good festival planning, it's true. Noted festival connoisseur Bush is frequently disappointed.

Well, since this seems to be a Whale Island thing, perhaps we should ask the Irises.

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BUSH: Iris, Whale Island always covers the sun on this day. Do you know anything about it?

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IRIS NOIRE: I didn't know that even happened.

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IRIS NOIRE: I was underground the entire time so I didn't notice that the island covered the sun.


...Well, asking Blanche is probably the better idea.

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BUSH: Iris, Whale Island always covers the sun on this day. Do you know anything about it?

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IRIS BLANCHE: I didn't know that even happened.

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IRIS BLANCHE: I lived on top of Whale Island so I didn't notice that it hid the sun.


...Also true.

Welp, I guess we'll try asking the whale itself.

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EUNICE: For some reason, the sun doesn't come out on this day every year. Plus, it snows, too.

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EUNICE: It'll be sunny again tomorrow, but I don't like how I can't dry the laundry.


Seriously, how do we not have a festival for a guaranteed snow day?

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MELODY: This is it! It stays dark even during the day!

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MELODY: Maybe someone forgot to open the curtains?


Wasn't us, Bush keeps those open!

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SELPHY: It's dark even during the day because Whale Island hides the sun.

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SELPHY: Whale Island of this village is something so strange that I've never even read it in a book.

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SELPHY: I won't be surprised no matter what happens now. Anything can happen.


You got sucked into a brain eating book and were also present to grant Bush anime friendship powers in an alternate reality time void less than two weeks ago.

I think Whale Island is the least surprising thing at this point :v:

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-----------------------------------------------------
~Constellation: Whale~

"The Whale is a constellation that appears in any season just before midnight. However, it can only be seen during a full moon. (15th and 16th of every month)"

---------------------------------------

Got a number of new books to read.

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~Yui's Diary~

"Summer, Day O
I went to the beach today. There were many jellyfish in the water, and they hurt me, so I punished them."

"Autumn, Day △
I watched the moon today. My mother once told me that the moon is made of cheese, so I brought some cheese from home to compare it to the moon."

"Winter, Day X
We had a snowball fight today. The snow made my hands cold so I tried to warm them, but the snow melted. I was sad."

"Spring, Day *
I went flower viewing today, but there were no flowers, so I warmed everything up, and many pretty flowers bloomed."

---------------------------------------


Yo, it's more stories of the magical preschooler! :aaa:

More questionably, how is her diary just here in the library? Continuing to be a really eclectic collection you've got here, Selphy.

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ERIK: The sun won't come out. What should I do...?

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ERIK: I better start preparing for winter.


Again, you're kinda late for that, pal.

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LARA: What happened...? Whale Island is hiding the sun... And it's snowing... ...in autumn...


Lara's just very confused.

It's also the last day of Autumn, so is it really that strange it's snowing? Just an early start, really.

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STELLA: Are you surprised? For some reason, Whale Island hides the sun on this day.

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STELLA: It's inconvenient how we can't dry our laundry, but it's only for a day.


One would think you could adapt your laundry schedule to work around this extremely predictable day.

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KANNO: I see... So it's dark during the day because Whale Island hides the sun! And there's snow during autumn!

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KANNO: I am very interested as to why this happens.

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KANNO: I wonder if we can find out if we ask the whale itself...


I'm getting to it, gramps!

...at least I think I am. I've forgotten if I did go and check.

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CINNAMON: The Scorpion Constellation can only be seen on nights with the new moon.

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BUSH: The new moon?

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CINNAMON: The new moon refers to days when there is no moon showing.

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CINNAMON: The new moon comes every month on the 1st and 30th. Look up at the sky when it's near midnight.


This one will be easy to catch. The Whale one will still be a while off.

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Alright, I did go and check Whale Island today.

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Oh, um. Nothing happens, I guess.

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MIST: It has been dark the whole day today. Plus it started snowing, too... I wonder what happened.


Mist hasn't gotten up to speed with the situation.

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The legendary golden turnips are almost done...

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Oh, look who it is. The dink himself.

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ImageMusic: Brodik's Theme


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BRODIK: How did you move that rock?

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BRODIK: Uh, I mean...

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BRODIK: What kind of weirdo puts rocks In front of their house? Well, It's not like you have friends anyway so it's perfect!

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BRODIK: Ha ha ha ha!


Our buddy Kross has our back in this rivalry.

...But it does beg the question, why was he apologizing?

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BRODIK: Why does it snow today? It's still autumn. What's with this village?!


It's a strange place overall, yeah. Still, I don't think it snowing a day early is THAT big a deal.

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Anyways have fun being outstanding in the snow, gonna go sleep.

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And so it becomes Winter!

It's also Lara's birthday.

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ImageMusic: Winter


And truly, Winter has arrived. Everything is already blanketed in snow and icicles. The seasonal theme is very solemn, melancholy almost.

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-----------------------------------------------------
~"It's never too early!" - Rosetta~

Winter begins today!
Have you finished preparations
for this harsh, cold season?
Unfortunately, no crops grow
in winter, but you can use the
spare time to buy accessories
to present to that special someone.

-----------------------------------------------------


Rosetta still on point to make a buck. Only the RF games with Bush in them lack Winter crops, so this is the last game where it is a really nothing season.

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~"Winter!!" - Uzuki~

It is finally winter!
I have been waiting for this
wonderful season.
When will the first snow fall?
How exciting...

-----------------------------------------------------


Uzuki really loves winter. She has somehow failed to notice it has already snowed though.

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And so the possible reason for letting my field get filled with withered grass presents itself. The snow automatically counts as untilled land, and sticks and rocks will relentlessly spawn again.

The withered grass might've blocked that.

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White and Black Grass can spawn naturally now though.

Too bad we don't need it anymore.

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UZUKI: It is the same with all things, but the foundation, or the lower half, that is the most important.

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UZUKI: That is why I run everyday to train myself.


Uzuki does not skip leg day. And leg day is every day.

Bush has her beat though, he runs everywhere, constantly. It is possible for him to walk, but he has no reason to.

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BUSH: You used to live in a large town, right, Eunice?

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EUNICE: Yes. Dad used to work at an inn there.

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EUNICE: He had a dream of owning his own inn and that's when he heard about this village from Stella.

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EUNICE: It was really hectic after that. He told the owner of the other inn, made preparations, then we moved here...

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EUNICE: At first, we didn't have a lot of customers and I cried to Dad about wanting to go back.

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EUNICE: But looking back, it's just another memory now.


I think we've heard a bit of this story a long time ago, but here's the full little tale.

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We head on into Rosetta's store today...

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ROSETTA: Hey, Bush!

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ImageMusic: To You

*We get a CG! Rosetta stands in the doorway of the shop, illuminated by the morning light.*


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ROSETTA: After getting my father to drink that medicine you gave me...

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ROSETTA: ...he's been recovering fast!

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ROSETTA: It's like a miracle.

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BUSH: Really? That's great to hear!

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ROSETTA: This is all thanks to you!

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BUSH: What are you going to do now?

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ROSETTA: My father is going to hire some people so this won't happen again.

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ROSETTA: But I'm still worried so I'll check in on him from time to time.

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ROSETTA: 'm going to continue running the store here. It is mine, after all.

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ROSETTA: Besides...

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*She starts to say something, but stops herself and looks away nervously.*


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ROSETTA: No, never mind.

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ROSETTA: Be sure to come to "Materia" often, Bush.


And so her questline is finally complete! Good to hear Jean got better.

For anyone wondering, the exact requirements is visit the store on a weekday during regular hours at least 4 days after you give her the potion. Visiting early before hours on weekends seems to mess with this and delay a bit though.

(Ignore that the image names gives away this happened two weeks later, and I kept messing this up for a really long time)

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And so we can finally ask her out on a date if we wanted to, and leaves only one( two?) bachelorette with a story left to complete.

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ROSETTA: There's some traveling poet that often came to my father's store when I was there. He'd harass me all the time.

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ROSETTA: I haven't seen him since I came here, but I wonder what happened to him.

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ROSETTA: Th-that doesn't mean I'm worried about him or anything!


Lukas was a big dork who seemingly did nothing in life but hang out in the store trying to hit on Rosetta. He probably left to go annoy some other girl.

You actually had the option to sell him Rosetta's specific marriage item. If you were a bad person that is

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ROSETTA: ...Hey, Bush...

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BUSH: Yes?

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ROSETTA: I... N-nothing...

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ROSETTA: I just don't think a girl should be the one who says it first.

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BUSH: Oh...


Come on, go for it! Be assertive!

...Don't beat around the Bush! :v:

(Disclaimer: resulting response will be determined by the unpredictable voices in his head)

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In other news, the forbidden turnips have finished growing. We have successfully saved an endangered species! Maybe!

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Mist, what in the world are you doing

she's just over here tapping a duster against the top of the wardrobe

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i have no idea

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MIST: I didn't feel scared even when I was captured.

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MIST: I believed that you would rescue me, Bush.

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MIST: Thank you, Bush.


Eh, Bush uprooted his whole life in a previous town to come find you one time, what's the difference in that and the forgotten parallel world of the Spirits?

Anyways, I use a timeline manipulation to give her a golden turnip.

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MIST: Thank you. I don't know why you're giving me this, but I'll accept it anyway.


At first this response may seem strangely lacking in acknowledgement, yeah. After all, it's the perfect merging of the Turnip and the Emery Flower! Why wouldn't she be all over it?

But no, having this means she knows what we've done. The sabotage of the last festival.

in other words... mission complete...

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Woah, why'd that timeline suddenly shut off? Anyways-

Lute! My main man!

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LUTE: Is it true that Tabatha will go back with Minerva?

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BUSH: It's not true. Tabatha will stay as Bianca's maid.

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LUTE: I see. I'm glad it was just a misunderstanding...


Bush is polite enough to not ask what country and what reason Lute seems to be spying on the Former Queen of Elf Country for. It's some top secret business, I'm sure. She's even just standing over there.

We instead buy his latest painting, "House in a Forest".

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LUTE: I'd appreciate it if you'd give me your opinion on it again.

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BUSH: Lute, why do you paint?

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LUTE: That's a difficult question... Well...

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LUTE: This probably sounds weird, but one day, I want to paint the ultimate sky that can engulf everything onto canvas.

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LUTE: That's why I picked up the paintbrush.

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LUTE: I have to keep a grand goal so I always remember at least this


The man's got an image in his head, and he's trying to make it real. I know the feeling. Although "engulf everything" does sound mildly worrying.

I'm sure it's nothing though!

We have cash, so I go ahead and buy some Elegant Curtains too. I liked the old one, but hey, anything for our merchant friend.

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CINNAMON: In this season, you can see the "Hairpin Constellation."

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CINNAMON: A hairpin?

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BUSH: It's the ornamental kind from foreign countries.

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BUSH: Uzuki showed me one of hers the other day.

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CINNAMON: ...That's interesting.

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CINNAMON: Then let me tell you when you can see the Hairpin Constellation.

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CINNAMON: You can see it right after it gets dark. Be sure not to forget.


Included an extra screenshot to prove that's how that conversation goes. It does feel like Bush and Cinnamon had their roles swapped midway through, but maybe that's just all of his KNOWLEDGE shining through now.

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Speaking of constellations, Bush then proceeeds to stand at the observatory spot for 14 hours staring at the sky.

He's got a lot to think about.

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BUSH: That's...

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Found Hairpin Constellation!

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BUSH: That's...a hairpin? I guess...


Not actually the one we were here for, but we'll take it! This showed at about 6:00 PM. It's very early.

This is for Uzuki.

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Also just wanted to take a second out to note again that the game properly angles character shadows based on the time of day. It's an incredibly small detail, but I can't help finding it to be pretty cool.

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Found Scorpion Constellation!

(This showed at 00:13 AM.)

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BUSH: It really does look like a scorpion. That's really strange.


This corresponds to Noire. Whale corresponds to Blanche.

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ANETTE: You know Tabatha? Isn't she's so mature, slender, and beautiful? I wish I were like that...


Bush gets some sleep and begins tomorrow talking with Anette. She's been saying this a lot recently, really.

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UZUKI: You sure are up early, Bush.

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BUSH: You seem to be working hard every day.

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UZUKI: It is what we maidens do. Despite how I look, I like to get some exercise.

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UZUKI: But after coming to Trampoli, I could not find a good sparring partner so my skill in battle may have waned.

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BUSH: I know! Bush, would you please have a match with me?

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BUSH: What?! But...

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UZUKI: Do not cower, Bush! En garde!


Um, Bush doesn't currently have a weapon out...! :ohdear:

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*clink clank clink CLASH*

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UZUKI: That was a good match. Daily training makes all the difference, Bush.


Bush's sword skill went up!


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BUSH: Haha...


Nevermind, Bush can just fight back barehanded :smug:

Besides, we already retired from fighting things. Bush is even more of a pacifist than he already was- what need have we for sword skill?

But thanks anyways :)

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24 Weapon skill. Compared to 71 Lumber/Axe.

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EUNICE: Uzuki has been going outside at night recently.

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EUNICE: I get worried because she returns so late...


She's got a naginata and Cicada Dad. She'll be fine. Someone has to go look for her brother after all.

That is what she's here for. I suppose.

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IRIS NOIRE: Bush, you're still fighting monsters on Whale Island...?

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BUSH: Yes.


bush, you don't have to lie

there's no shame in retiring the axe

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IRIS NOIRE: Please run away whenever it gets too dangerous.

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BUSH: Thank you. I will.

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BUSH: Just hearing you say that makes me feel like I can run away even faster now.


...W-wait, you have an angry portrait? Why have you never used it before?! Now I have to make a new portrait image!!! :aaaaa:

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IRIS NOIRE: Oh, you...


Bush's strength went up!


Not bad, can't ever complain about free stat ups. I think this one's pretty substantial too, although I'd need to check again.

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IRIS NOIRE: We used to exchange clothes and act like we were each other. No one ever noticed.

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BUSH: What?! Really?

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IRIS BLANCHE: Yes. We used to change our hair and eye colors, too, so no one ever noticed.

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BUSH: Really...


I'm sorry, vampire girls, but Bush is going to have to press X to doubt here. :raise:

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Hey, I wonder how the runeys are doing? I've only gotten a little lazy on managing them.

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oh okay

well, i guess that's what happens when I don't touch it for 2 weeks

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Time for bed!




...What? Bush is done with the Runey Situation. What more do we need to grow? Bush is just an eccentric culinary artist now.

(That and I just wanted to see how fast it'd collapse if I didn't touch it so I havent since we beat Gelwein. The answer is "pretty quickly"!)

Anyways, next time, we get a real festival, one where Bush gets to use all that acquired KNOWLEDGE of his.

Catch ya then!


ImageMusic: Goodnight
Last edited by Odd Wilson on Thu Apr 20, 2023 12:24 am, edited 2 times in total.

User avatar
Just to note, I'll be dropping the last two updates of my backlog this week (Wednesday, Friday) as I kinda can't do any more until something gets voted on. And the update following that one will be for the final marriage vote, so I won't be able to get a backlog again until after that.

I think there's around 9 more updates left at most, and I'll probably still be on a Monday, Wednesday, Friday schedule after I give the marriage vote some days to happen.

User avatar
My guess on Kross's apology is that Brodik tricked him and then like three hours later he went "Wait why did I believe that fucking asshole when he said Bush wanted a giant boulder" and ran out to deal with it

Or more legitimately, that my previous thought that Brodik is trying to pester Kross and think's we're him is correct but he also can't see Kross either

User avatar
Syrelian wrote:
Tue Mar 28, 2023 9:18 am
My guess on Kross's apology is that Brodik tricked him and then like three hours later he went "Wait why did I believe that fucking asshole when he said Bush wanted a giant boulder" and ran out to deal with it

Or more legitimately, that my previous thought that Brodik is trying to pester Kross and think's we're him is correct but he also can't see Kross either
What we do know for sure, is that Brodik really likes rocks. :coal:

User avatar
Update 55: QUIZ DAY

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We rejoin Bush on Winter 7th to a cozy fire in the morning. Ever since winter properly started, we've had the fireplace going- presumably with magic because it's not costing us lumber.

(It was also making its crackling sound on the last day of Autumn, but with no fire graphic present.)

Our music today is....

ImageMusic: Festival

It's a festival day! Possibly the best festival.

ImageMusic: Rune Factory 3 - Festival

So you have this to listen to as well.

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BIANCA: Are you going to join the Quiz Contest, Bush?


That's right, today is the QUIZ CONTEST, ultimate challenge of our KNOWLEDGE.

Even though Bush always participates in festivals, there's no way we can't do this one.


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BUSH: I will.

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BIANCA: Oh... I suppose you have a lot of free time.


If Bush had replied "no" (as if there's a timeline where that happens), she remarks with this:

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BIANCA: Oh, really? I thought you would like it, Bush.


She knows us well, I guess.

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UZUKI: I will not be participating in the Quiz Contest. There are too many things I do not know of this country.


Tsk, tsk, Uzuki hasn't studied enough. One must seek to gain knowledge every day for moments like these!

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BUSH: Eunice, I haven't seen Iris recently. Do you know what happened?

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EUNICE: It seems that she isn't feeling well so she's taking some time off her work at the bar.

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BUSH: Really?! Did you get Lara to take a look at her?

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EUNICE: My mother wanted to take her but Iris said that she didn't want to go inside a church.

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BUSH: Is that so... All right. I'll try to get Lara to go to the inn.

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EUNICE: Please do so.


:ohdear:

It seems festivities are not the only thing in store for us today.

Let's go check on the vampires and see how they're holding up.

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IRIS NOIRE: I'm so sorry for making you worry about me like this.

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IRIS NOIRE: I'll be better in no time...

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BUSH: You should just relax for now.


Could just be some altitude sickness, although Noire wasn't that far underground. It's possible it's the chill getting to them- it's always mildly warm on Whale Island and even Snow Ruins isn't as cold as it seems. You can grow fall crops there after all.

They both say the same thing, by the way.

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SELPHY: Today is the Quiz Contest? Hm, what should I do? I'm trying to decide whether to go or not.

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SELPHY: I know I don't have much common sense, so I probably won't do well in the quiz.


Nonsense! This is the day we must duel with our wits! We cannot let this opportunity pass!

We'll see if she makes up her mind when the contest itself starts.

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Lute, my man! Howsit goin'?

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We're not that rich at the moment, and there's not a lot to buy outside of a bigger table. I don't really want the bigger table because I like the floorspace we have.

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LARA: It is easy to get sick during the winter so please be careful.


That's why we're here!

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BUSH: Lara, Iris is bedridden because she's ill.

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LARA: That's terrible! I'll go see her right now!

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BUSH: But she refuses to move because she doesn't want to step inside a church...

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LARA: Oh...

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LARA: All right, then I will visit Iris at her room tomorrow.

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BUSH: Thank you very much!


They are vampires, it's pretty understandable they want nothing to do with being near a church.

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CINNAMON: Did you find the Hairpin Constellation?

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BUSH: Yes, but I think it's stretching it a bit to say that's a hairpin.

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CINNAMON: There's a legend that says that hairpin was lost while a princess was swimming in the celestial river.

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BUSH: Swimming at this time of year must be really cold.

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CINNAMON: The legend says that she swam during summer, but the hairpin was moved to winter so she can't recover it.

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BUSH: That's sounds a little cruel...

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CINNAMON: ...I guess.


Bush is critical of the constellation and discovers its terrible history. You shouldn't judge the stars, Bush.

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CINNAMON: In this season, it's all about the Cross. Out of all the constellations, it's thought to be the most mystical.

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BUSH: Oh? There must be a lot of stories behind it, then.

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CINNAMON: I'll tell you about it when you find it. You can see the Cross a bit late at night. Go find it.


Cinnamon is excited for the next one. This one corresponds to Lara of course.

There's only one more constellation she could possibly be more excited for:

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CINNAMON: The "Fish Constellation" is one my favorites.

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BUSH: You like fish, don't you, Cinnamon?

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CINNAMON: ...Yes. But...you can't see the Fish Constellation until it's the dead of night.

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CINNAMON: I rarely see it. How unfortunate.


We have two top-tier star formations in our future, vouched for by the expert.

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everything is fine

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"Fishing is not allowed on the day of the festival. "


You can't tell me what to do, sign! You're a piece of wood! You're not even animate!

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blast it all, the sign is too powerful

perhaps its best we lie low after last festival anyways

(This is probably because they use a different map model on this day, one without water zones.)

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We wait until 9:00 AM...

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FESTIVAL TIME, YEEEAAAAH

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CINNAMON: Are you going to join the Quiz Contest, Bush?

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BUSH: Yes.

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CINNAMON: Oh. ...I'm up for a challenge.


A tense duel of rapier wit! Have at you!

(She doesn't end up participating :( )

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ERIK: I won't lose to you, Bush.

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ERIK: But that's only if I can participate...


I don't see why not. Bush accepts all challengers! En garde!

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TABATHA: Bush, are you going to join in the Quiz Contest today?

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BUSH: Well, I will if I find the time to.

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TABATHA: I see. I'm still wondering if I should as well. If we were to join together, I hope it will be a good match.


Tabs would be a good challenger, I imagine she's got a lot of worldly knowledge as the ex-Elf Country queen.

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LARA: I am still wondering if I should join. Kanno had asked me to.

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LARA: Bush, will you be joining? I'm still thinking about what to do.


I suppose it's not worth keeping the Irises up past their bedtime while they're sick, gotta find something to do until 6 PM.

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MIST: Today is the Quiz Contest. I was planning on joining.

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MIST: I'll put up a good fight, Bush!


She's got her game face on, Bush is gonna have to challenge the might of her entire cadre of informants.

No holding back. :hai:

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KANNO: Welcome. You have come to participate in the quiz contest, right?

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BUSH: Of course.

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KANNO: I knew it. Would you like me to explain the rules to you?


So yeah, Kanno runs this one, not Stella. Time to prove to Magic Grandpa that we've learned well. The rules aren't very deep so we'll skip 'em.

I can say this festival has a ton of alternate dialogue though.

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KANNO: With Bush joining us, we now have enough members for the contest!

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KANNO: Let's get the contest started!

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ImageMusic: By the Ocean

---------------------------------------
Event Site: Public Square
---------------------------------------

*We get a sky-high zoom down on our contestants...*

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KANNO: It is now time to begin the Quiz Contest sponsored by me!

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CANDY: Let us all peacefully settle all our consultations of everyday life, today.


*The crowd gasps in excitement!*


(In the files, it suggests a vacation to either Kardia or Alvarna is usually on offer for this, but not this year.)

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*We get a view from behind of our contestants.*

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KANNO: Allow me to introduce the 4 smartest people of this town!


(He has alternate lines calling us "brave warriors", "self-proclaimed know-it-alls", and the best one "most bored people of this town".)

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[Bush (Farmer)]

*EXCITING MUSICAL FANFARE*

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KANNO: The light and hope of Trampoli, Bush!

(Alternate titles being "Everyone's favorite" and "life of the party".)

------------------------
1. I'm ready.
2. I can do this!
3. I won't disappoint.
-------------------------


We opt for the last one.

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GANESHA: ...Okay.

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KANNO: I have high hopes for you.


I can't tell if she's underwhelmed, speechless, or just drunk in regards to our confidence.

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KANNO: And this person here got really serious about it!

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KANNO: She is good with numbers, especially when multiplying by 7.

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[Lara (Nurse)]

*EXCITING MUSICAL FANFARE*

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KANNO: The town's healing touch! Engaging in a different trade today, Nurse Lara!

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LARA: I'll do my best to win today.

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KANNO: Next is the person you've all been waiting for!

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KANNO: A man who befriends monsters, Erik!


But he's frightened of monsters? :confused:

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[Erik (Bachelor)]

*EXCITING MUSICAL FANFARE*

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ANETTE: Erik, you're so hot! ...There, I said it. Just like you asked. Dinner's on you.


...Oh, Erik.

At least she's getting dinner out of it.

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KANNO: And last but not least...

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[Mist (Helper)]

*EXCITING MUSICAL FANFARE*

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KANNO: 24/7 turnip-colored, colorful speaker, little miss Mist!

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MIST: Thank you for that... wonderful introduction.


(The alternate line for announcing her second is this: "Nothing about her is clearly known: her job, income and thoughts! Our living legend, Mist!")

:tinfoil:

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KANNO: And your hosts are your personal, walking encyclopedia, Kanno...

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CANDY: ...and the lovely assistant Candy!

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KANNO: Let's get the contest started!

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CANDY: Question 1!

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KANNO: This question was sent in by Lucas, the wandering poet. The topic is farming.

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CANDY: Out of the following, which is a spring vegetable?

-------------------------
1. Cabbage
2. Pumpkin
3. Carrot
-------------------------


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KANNO: What will your answer be?♪

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*A techno drum beat starts up over the music.*


And so it begins! We just walk to the spot on the ground with the corresponding number to the answer.

Erik's already made his move, but the two girls stay in place looking at one another.

We run for the 1 square.

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...And also push Erik out of place. Because we can push the other characters around.

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ImageMusic: Confusion

Just before the timer ends...

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MIST: What a coincidence. It seems you and I were thinking the same thing, Bush.


Wait, get your own answers, lady

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And so she comes to us and the timer ends.

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CANDY: Could you tell me the answer, Gramps? ♪

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KANNO: The answer is...

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KANNO: Let's see it! *boom*

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KANNO: 1! Cabbage! Ah, I see it now.

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Bush and Mist get an O above their head, an X for Lara who was in box 2, and Erik only gets a sweatdrop. Because we pushed him out.

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BUSH: Oh, nice!


[Bush got 1 correct!]


Our score is tallied in fruit. We have cherries.

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LARA: Oh, how terrible! I refuse to get any more wrong!

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ERIK: Come now, my little kittens... Pranks are bad.


got ya :haw:

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MIST: I got it right! I guess even guessing works sometimes.


[Miss Mist got 1 correct!]


That wasn't a guess and you know it.

She has apples for her fruit.

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CANDY: Question 2!

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KANNO: This question was sent in by Jean, who runs the general store in Kardia. The topic is fish.

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CANDY: Which is the smallest fish?

-----------------------
1. Red Salmon
2. Carp
3. Yellowtail
-----------------------


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Well, we've only seen one of these fish. Carp are pretty small, but...

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If Mist is gonna steal our answer, we'll steal hers next.

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There's that emotion bubble they never use for anything else again.


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MIST: Hm...I'm pretty sure this answer is wrong.

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...Did we just get played for a fool?

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KANNO: 1! Red Salmon! Oh!

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KANNO: Bush is the only one correct! A clear lead!


:smug:

Also Lara got pushed out of the box by Mist and she was wrong to begin with. :(

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LARA: Oh, dear... This isn't right...

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ERIK: What in the world?! How could I be wrong?!

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MIST: I got it wrong? That's odd...


I thought Erik would know something about fish, given he said he smoked fish this time of year or something way back, but I guess not.

I'll be honest, I didn't know the answer either, but I was leaning on Red Salmon being a trick answer given how big normal salmon are.

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CANDY: Question 3!

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KANNO: This question was sent in by Father Wesley. The topic is fish.

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CANDY: Which of the following does not affect what fish you can catch?

-----------------------
1. Fishing Pole
2. Time
3. Season
-----------------------


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Wow, everyone seems to think it's time.

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But even though we're not that dedicated an angler, I know that the season obviously matters and I usually catch the same fish no matter the time of day.

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MIST: My intuition tells me that the right answer is this one.

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She moves to Bush, displacing everyone else in the process.

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KANNO: 1! Fishing Pole! All right!

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KANNO: Impressive!

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Because Mist can't move Bush, she got bodyblocked and didn't even make it onto the square. Although funny enough, she pushed Erik onto the very edge, so now he gets a point.

Also this is three in a row for option 1.

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ERIK: I figured. You there. You shouldn't fall in love with me so easily. Haha!

[Mr. Erik got 1 correct!]


Erik, it was a complete fluke you even got credit for this. Also he has Chestnuts has his... fruit?

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CANDY: Question 4!

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KANNO: This question was sent in by Cecilia from Kardia. The topic is the world.

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CANDY: What day does the New Year's Festival start on?

-----------------------
1. 1st of winter
2. 30th of winter
3. 1st of spring
-----------------------


This is pretty tricky question for a 10 year old to send in. I guess she does live in a library.

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This time everyone is watching for Bush's answer.

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It can only be option 2 or 3, and I'm inclined to say it starts after the new year has begun. These games usually start you on Spring 2nd for a reason.

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Mist, of course, borrows our answer, abandoning Erik in box 2.

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KANNO: 3! 1st of Spring. Ah, I see it now.

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With this, the current standings are:
Bush: 4
Lara: 0
Erik: 1 (by accident)
Mist: 2


Poor Lara. I'm gonna have to push her into the right answer before this is over.

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CANDY: Question 5!

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KANNO: This question was sent in by Father Wesley. The topic is the world.

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CANDY: What month and what day is it today?

-----------------------
1. 5th of winter
2. 7th of winter
3. 30th of autumn
-----------------------


The clock doesn't show up during this, so there's a chance you forget, I guess.

Even then, this answer is pretty easy. It's 2.

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Oh, and Mist follows us, of course. Get yer own answer! :argh:

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KANNO: 2! 7th of Winter. Ah, I see it now.

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We've not missed a one, Mist is up to 3.

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*COOL MUSIC STINGER*

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KANNO: It's time for a commercial break.

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CANDY: We'll be back in 30 seconds!


Hey, I pay for premium service! What is this?! How come I still get commercials?!

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ImageMusic: Festival- Title Theme Remix


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GANESHA: Today, we are reporting from Trampoli!!

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GANESHA: Hey, is something wrong? Why the long face?

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MARCO: Oh, it's just that the "Broad Sword" I bought from you the other day just isn't enough anymore.

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GANESHA: I see... Marco, it seems like you've grown a bit.

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GANESHA: Many people graduate from the Broad Sword as their sword-fighting skills improve.

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GANESHA: What you need now is this! The "Spear"!


*~Level up fanfare~*

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User Review

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DANNY: Using the Spear helped save my business.

*Results may vary.


:v:

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STELLA: It's so useful when reaching for things up high. It may even be useful for trimming trees in the garden.


A limb cutter's not far off from a naginata, I guess.

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GANESHA: Order now, and Marco's allowance will pay your interest!

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MARCO: What? Wait! Why my allowance?!


:negative:

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*Please refrain from swinging away too much.

*~Item creation jingle~*

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ImageMusic: Goodnight

Location: Public Square

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CANDY: Rune Factory: Frontier

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CANDY: Don't turn that dial. We'll be back after these messages!♪


what why

candy

it's winter

who put you out here in a swimsuit

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ImageMusic: By the Ocean


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KANNO: It is now time for the second half!


Well, that brief fever dream is over. Back to the quiz.

Hopefully Bush isn't quizzing so hard he's hallucinating.

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CANDY: Question 6!

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KANNO: This question was sent in by Ms. Lynette all the way from the Zzyzx Empire. The topic is cooking.


I think it's kinda unlikely Lynette went back to Sechs, given she deserted the military and directly defied the Emperor, so maybe she just wrote the letter that way to keep them off her trail.

...Unless they got her :ohdear:

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CANDY: Which is used to cook?

-----------------------
1. Steamer
2. Seed Maker
3. Lab
-----------------------


Well, option 3 can be used to cook in a sense of the word, but yeah it's 1.

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KANNO: 1! Steamer! Oh!


You know, if it wasn't for the first question, I'd be inclined to say Erik has unique AI to just pick a girl and follow. Maybe it's just an exception for farming questions?

Anyways, another point for Bush and Mist.

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CANDY: Question 7!

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KANNO: The topic is magic.

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CANDY: Which magic won't use up RP?

-----------------------
1.Life Absorber
2.Fireball
3.Return
-----------------------


Must be a question from Kanno himself. 3 is the answer. Life Absorber (Bubble Staff) uses a ton, by the way.

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KANNO: 3! Return! Oh!


Mist, as usual, banks off our answer.

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CANDY: Question 8!

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KANNO: The topic is villagers.

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CANDY: What's the name of the innkeeper?

-----------------------
1 .Ganesha
2. Turner
3. Danny
-----------------------


this question is ridiculously easy

it's turner

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...Erik, what

erik

even Lara's getting this one

erik please

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MIST: The same as Bush...? That's depressing.

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Erik: picks the only answer corresponding to a woman
Mist: ignores what she knows just to not stand next to us
Lara: finally gets one right, although it'd be concerning if she didn't get this one

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KANNO: We have everyone's answer, correct?

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*heartbeat*

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*heartbeat*

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*the tension is palpable*

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And so it cycles perspectives a few more times...

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ERIK: I won't be able to win at this rate...


10 minutes left!!


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ERIK: Someone, please... Give me a hint!


Outside of the fact it's statistically impossible for you to win at this point, what about Lara?

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CANDY: Then let us ask the audience.

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MELODY: The answer is 5, Return ...or it should be, I think?


Melody's not even paying attention. :allears:

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ERIK: Thank you! I...oh, no! I don't have enough time to answer!

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KANNO: 2! Turner! I see!

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KANNO: Great job. A round of applause for everyone!


Out of all the villager questions, we had to do this dramatic bit on this one. Possibly the easiest question of all the possibilities.

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LARA: Oh, goodness... I'm glad I got it right.


Well, at least the stage fright didn't make it to where I had to push her to a correct answer. She has oranges as her fruit.

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CANDY: Question 9!

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KANNO: This question was sent in by Lucas, the wandering poet. The topic is farming.

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CANDY: Which of the following tools can cut down fodder?

-----------------------
1. One-handed Sword
2. Axe
3. Sickle
-----------------------


You can actually cut plants with swords in some of the DS games, although I forget if it goes all the way back to RF1. The answer is 3, of course.

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Lara can't seem to remember if sword cutting was a thing back in Kardia either. Mist is being contrary again.

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KANNO: 3! Sickle is the answer!


Erik's now at an astounding 2 points.

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CANDY: Question 10!


Well, this is the last-

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ImageMusic: Let the Games Begin!


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KANNO: Hold your horses! It's Super Gramp's Time! Here's a special question!

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CANDY: Oh, hooray! It's grandpa's Super Gramp's Time!


SUPER GRAMPS TIME?!? :magical:

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"Super Gramp's Time is simply..."

"...an explosion of Kanno's favoritism expressed in the form of a special question."

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KANNO: The person in last place currently has 1 points...

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KANNO: ...and the leader currently has 9 points.

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KANNO: You must not give up until the end. This is your chance to win!

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KANNO: If you get this next question right you'll get 7 points! A big chance to win for anyone!!

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LARA: Nice! That's the way to do it!

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CANDY: (Grandpa... If last place gets 7 added to the current 1, there still isn't enough for an upset...)

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CANDY: Question 10!


...This day gets even more bonkers. I didn't think it was possible.

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KANNO: Whose voice is it?!

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KANNO: Candy will mimic someone's voice.

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KANNO: Try to guess who it is. Better listen closely!

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CANDY: Hello... M-my name is Mi... What? I can't say it?

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KANNO: And now the person's name is...!!

-----------------------
1. Melody
2. Cinnamon
3. Mist
-----------------------


This is even voiced. :allears:

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Mist, I was going to be concerned if you didn't recognize yourself after that.

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KANNO: Everyone except Lara is correct!

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Our final score is 16, and they ran out of cherries to display it seems.

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This also puts Erik up to 9 and Mist up to 12.

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KANNO: Stop! That was the last question!

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KANNO: Now, for the results.

*drumroll*

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*DRUMROLL*

(Bush is stuck staring at Lara the whole time instead of looking straight ahead.)

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ImageMusic: Festival- Celebration


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KANNO: A clear-cut victory! With 16, Bush is the winner!

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BUSH: Thank you. I feel greatly honored.

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KANNO: Congratulations! The winner gets the number of items all the players' points add up to!

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KANNO: You get 16 Cherry, 1 Orange, 9 Chestnut, 12 Apple!


(Corresponding to Bush, Lara, Erik, and Mist respectively.)

To clarify, we get all the fruit used to count points. This means the actual challenge is to make everyone get the right answer and win just 1 point higher than all of them.

We'll try that next year. Maybe next time Cinnamon or Selphy will be here.

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KANNO: For all other participants, we have "Int. Vitamins" for your efforts!


WHAT

I'VE BEEN CHEATED

I WANT THOSE

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KANNO: This concludes this year's Annual Quiz Contest. See you again next year!

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Our sponsors were... Snowstyle Tavern and Sunshine Inn.


to truly win, we had to lose....

even our big brain could not have foreseen this...

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LARA: Congratulations on winning the Quiz Contest.

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LARA: You're too good, Bush.


I feel like Lara got hit with a ton of stage fright. I know she doesn't get out a lot, but still.

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MIST: You're pretty knowledgeable despite how you look, Bush.


Yeowch, talk about a backhanded compliment. No respect for the guy who pulled you out of hyperspace?

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Well, time to pick up all of this lesser reward. Some of these are stacks of two to accomodate the surplus.

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BIANCA: I saw you at the Quiz Contest. You were pretty good.


She even gives a little cheer. :3:


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Can't get it any better form than this, unfortunately, but here it is.

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KANNO: You're quite the man for winning my Quiz Contest, Bush.


Magic Grandpa (or is it Super Gramps?) at last acknowledges our smarts.

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SELPHY: Oh, so you won the Quiz Contest...

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SELPHY: But what prize did you win? If it's one of Kanno's books, give it to me!

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BUSH: It's not...


All we got was a bunch of fruit. I guess the apples will be useful-ish, but that's all.

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KROSS: Heh...

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KROSS: Today is supposed to be the Quiz Contest. But it has nothing to do with me...


Kross isn't particularly fussed about it.

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Oh, hey, Mystery Girl! We're the smartest person in town!

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MYSTERY GIRL: Bush, I may have to give up on my dream...

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BUSH: Your dream of building the church?

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MYSTERY GIRL: Yes...

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BUSH: Why?! You worked so hard for it!

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MYSTERY GIRL: There's no point in building a church where no one lives...

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MYSTERY GIRL: They said it was a waste of money and had the carpenters all go home...

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MYSTERY GIRL: I was even told to return to the abbey...

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BUSH: And you're all right with this?

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MYSTERY GIRL: I have no choice. I can't do anything alone. And this time, there is no one I can rely on...

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BUSH: But it will all be over the moment you give up!

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BUSH: You were so happy when you talked about how you wanted to build the church!

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MYSTERY GIRL: Then what am I supposed to do?!

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BUSH: I...

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MYSTERY GIRL: ... I'm sorry I raised my voice.

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MYSTERY GIRL: People can't live on their dreams alone.

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MYSTERY GIRL: But I...


Well, I suppose there's some seriousness to cap off this goofy update. :(

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STELLA: I have a meeting with other sisters that are old acquaintances.

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STELLA: I'll be out of the church for awhile, but I left Lara in charge.

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BUSH: Old acquaintances?

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STELLA: When I lived at the abbey, we had training together. We meet once in a while to exchange information.


Hey... you don't think...

Stella might be from the same abbey as the Mystery Girl?

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...nah, that's ridiculous

i think all this quizzing has our brain worn out, lets get some rest

Catch you next time!


ImageMusic: Goodnight
Last edited by Odd Wilson on Thu Apr 20, 2023 12:24 am, edited 3 times in total.

User avatar
Update 56: Lady of the Rings- Two Vampires

ImageMusic: Winter

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We return with Bush's status page. These stats probably won't change much from here, so consider this like a final look at him.

He's level 65, max HP 333, base ATK of 101, base DEF of 351, and MAG of 310. (Keeping in mind our armor modifies these.)

STR: 59
VIT: 58
INT: 58
AGL: 64

Weapons: 24
Magic: 50
Farming: 53
Lumber: 71
Hammer: 38
Fish: 26
Cooking: 99
Lab: 54
Forging: 51
Crafts: 53


Honestly, pretty well rounded. More than I thought we'd be by the end. Special mention of fishing, which was very useful early on but just fell out of something we had to do when the farming to cooking pipelines combined well.

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It's Winter 8th by the way.

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-----------------------------------------------------
~"You're a harder worker than I thought." - Bianca~

I recieved the Steam Pumpkin.
Actually, I'm quite surprised you
would keep sending items that
I request. You're unexpectedly
diligent. Anyway, take this token
of thanks. I don't need it anymore.
Next, I would like a Roasted Carp.

-----------------------------------------------------

I don't think we actually get a reward. If we do, I don't know what it is. This is is maybe a remnant of an earlier RF2/RF3 request implementation.

Carp will have to wait until Spring. I did not have the foresight to keep a fish in the fridge for a year.

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-----------------------------------------------------
~"You dummy!" - Eunice~

If you are upset about something,
try going to the beach and yelling
at the top of your lungs.
It will make you feel better.

-----------------------------------------------------

Curiously enough, this comes up in the next game I'll be doing.

No wonder the Elder Dragon of Water doesn't like humans in this world if this is commonplace.

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Our important matter for today is to help the Irises. Let's see what Lara has to say.

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LARA: Oh, Bush, I was just about to do the examination. Please wait right here.

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BUSH: Sure thing.

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*And so Lara heads in...*

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LARA: It seems that both of them were sick.

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BUSH: So...how was it?

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LARA: There are still some things I don't understand so can you come back tomorrow?

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BUSH: All right.


...So, yeah. One more day. We just confirmed they're sick.

I mean, we already told you that.

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They're now in bed during this.

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We skip ahead through another uneventful Winter day to meet up with Lara at the church next morning.

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LARA: Bush, about Iris...

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BUSH: Did you find out anything?

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LARA: Both of them are sick.

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LARA: And, it seems the reason for that is because Iris is separated into two people.

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LARA: I also asked Kanno, Rita and Sister Stella about it. It seems the two of them had separated to avoid being lonely.

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BUSH: That's what I heard, too.

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LARA: But now that they are surrounded by many people, their lives have become much happier.

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BUSH: I guess so. She even said that her work at the bar was really fun.

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LARA: Yes. But that's the problem.

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BUSH: Why is that?

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LARA: Because, in their happiness, they are trying to return to one body, but yet remain separated.

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LARA: That puts stress upon their existence, causing the illness. Separating into two must have put a lot of strain on Iris.

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BUSH: So for Iris to get better...

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LARA: ...she has to return to being one person.

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LARA: But I don't know how to do it. Even Kanno and Sister Stella said they didn't know how.

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BUSH: All right. I'll try to find out how.

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LARA: Please do so. I'll try to search for the method from my end as well.

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So now we need to gather all the knowledge on this we can. Our goal is to make Iris a single person, because she's no longer alone.

Lara's already talked to Kanno, but Super Gramps is the most knowledgeable guy in town. We still ought to see what he has to say.

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KANNO: About how to return Iris to normal...

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BUSH: Did you find something on it?

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KANNO: Well... This will be difficult.

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KANNO: It's already amazing enough that one person can split into two. But now we need to return them to one. It makes it all the more difficult...

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BUSH: Oh...

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KANNO: Of course, I haven't given up. If you find any clues, come to me.


Well, who else knowledgeable do we talk to?

You know, Lara didn't say anything to Selphy. Let's go do that!

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...In a few days. She's busy with a new book right now.

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STELLA: Is Selphy the same as always?

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BUSH: Yes. She's still reading her books.

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STELLA: Even though she was kidnapped by a book-shaped monster, she still loves her books. I think that's a good thing.


If anything, a book shaped monster just makes her more interested.

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We do have a letter the next day!

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-----------------------------------------------------
~"I'm back." - Tart~

Hello... It has been a while.
I have returned from my trip.
I haven't traveled in... a while...
so it was quite fun.
Do you like... traveling?

-----------------------------------------------------

Our reply options are "I visit the dungeons everyday.", "I have never traveled.", and "The beach, sometimes..."

Upon thinking of a reply, Bush distantly hears the call of the gift mines and automatically replies the first option.

Good to see Tart's still sending us letters. We still have a pen pal. :)

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Another day passes, and Bush heads to the library...

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SELPHY: You looked so awesome when you saved Mist, ÿ 0é0°0Êÿ .

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SELPHY: You looked the hero of a story going to save a princess.

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SELPHY: Thinking back, being a princess isn't half bad.


She's not even hiding it now! She did basically blurt it out a few weeks back, but here it is.

Also:
Minerva's Inside Information wrote: Image
MINERVA: Did you know? Some nation in the north had a princess that was first in line for the throne but suddenly vanished.

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MINERVA: Because of that, the royal family had a huge scuffle.
So yeah, Selphius Josephine is true crown princess to a northern kingdom, if that wasn't obvious already.

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That's all for this day. Bush is too concerned about his vampire friends to think about anything else, so it's time to sleep.

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And another day...

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And another day...

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Let's take our mind off this. How's the runeys doing?

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oops

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Let's just go to tomorrow then, shall we? It's snowing!


ImageMusic: Snowy Day

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SELPHY: Oh, right...

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SELPHY: Iris is supposed to be one of the race of "those closest to the Spirits," right?

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BUSH: Yes.

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SELPHY: Well, I found a book about them so I put it on the bookshelf.

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BUSH: Really?! Thank you!

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SELPHY: Don't mention it. Thank Lara since she's the one who asked me to look for it.

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-----------------------------------------------------
~The Vampire Tribe~

"Those closest to the Spirits once inhabited the Trampoli area. They were able to converse with the Spirits through their Spirit Song."

"Even with special traits such as an inability to enter holy places, the ability to share minds with the person they drank blood from and being nocturnal, they still could have a child with a normal person. "

"Most of their descendants are of mixed blood now, and only a few special ones have inherited the Spirit Song. The next volume will cover rituals."

-----------------------------------------------------


We've also got another book to look at...

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-----------------------------------------------------
~The Vampire Tribe~

"Among the rituals is one called "The Blessings from Around" that is particularly interesting."

"In it, the leader of the ritual brings a personal item, and those around bless it. In the case of two or more leaders, each leader brings an item of equal value and then trades after the blessings finish."

"It is said that the purpose of this ritual was to demonstrate the leaders' connection to the Spirits to the people around."

"After trading the blessed items, they offer up a prayer to the Spirits. If the Spirits respond, their wish will come true. At least, that is the belief."

"Without any known pure-blood descendants of those closest to the Spirits, there is no way of telling if this ritual was merely symbolic, or indeed granted one a wish come true."

-----------------------------------------------------


So we now know the story of who the vampires are, and how we can ask the Spirits for help one last time.

But first, we have a few other texts.

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-----------------------------------------------------
~Constellation: Cross~

"The Cross is the most famous constellation in the winter skies. A bit after the sun has set, look up at the sky to spot this magnificent formation."

-----------------------------------------------------

Image
-----------------------------------------------------
~Constellation: Fish~

"The Fish is a winter constellation seen in the sky past midnight. Its brilliance is worth waiting for in the cold weather."

-----------------------------------------------------

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-----------------------------------------------------
~Constellation: Hairpin~

"The Hairpin is a winter constellation that appears soon after sunset, making it very easy to spot in the sky."

-----------------------------------------------------


...Here's nearly the last few texts in the library. Bush is now a very well-read man. We'll catch these last constellations soon.

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BUSH: Kanno, about how we can get Iris back to normal...

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KANNO: Did you find out something?!

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BUSH: Yes.


*And so we fade out as Bush explains what he's learned...*

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KANNO: All right.

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KANNO: Bush! Do exactly what I tell you.

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KANNO: First, take a certain object from each Iris.

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BUSH: Sure.

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KANNO: Then take those things around to each villager and have them bless it .

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BUSH: Bless...?

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KANNO: Yes. Simply put, they just need to pray for it.

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KANNO: Come back to me when you're done. I'll take care of the rest.

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BUSH: All right. Then let me go get something from each of them.


We have our mission. Bush Hero Mode, engage!

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BUSH: Iris, do you have a pair of something?

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BUSH: If I take that and get everyone in the village to bless it, you might go back to normal.

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IRIS BLANCHE: Really?

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IRIS BLANCHE: But, I'm worried about how much of a blessing we can receive since we haven't been here long...

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BUSH: It's all right. Everyone is worried about you.

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IRIS BLANCHE: Thank you... Then take this.

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You got Gold Ring!

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IRIS NOIRE: Take this with you. This is the first item that we exchanged when we separated.

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IRIS NOIRE: I believe these will be the most fitting.

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You got Silver Ring!

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I don't think it matters which ring we hand over, but I'll keep it even regardless. After showing one, handing the other over just gets a "wrong quest item" prompt.

Off to every single villager in town!

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RITA: We'll have one less person to work at the bar, but I have to respect what Iris wants.

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RITA: I put all of my heart into it.

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TURNER: I have to pray for it?

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TURNER: Is that good enough? I hope Iris will get better soon.

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UZUKI: In my country, tools that are used wholeheartedly can embody souls.

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UZUKI: It seems that the emotions in this ring are so powerful that it has gained a soul as well.

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UZUKI: There, I put my prayers into it.

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EUNICE: It's for Iris? I'll gladly help.

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EUNICE: Iris is part of our family now.

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GANESHA: That's a pretty ring. I can feel the emotions of the owner just by looking at it.

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GANESHA: I'll hammer in a lot of emotion so I can work even harder from now on. Here you go.

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MARCO: So Iris will get better if I pray for it?

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MARCO: ...Iris, get well soon so you can yell at my mom for drinking too much...


:smith:

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DANNY: You know how I'm closed on holidays every week? That's when I go back to my hometown.

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DANNY: It's really far so I only get to stay for a little while.

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DANNY: But my little brother and sister get really happy when they see me. It makes me feel really warm inside.


:unsmith:

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DANNY: I just have to pray for it? Fine, I'll do it...

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DANNY: Here you go. I'm just not good when it comes to these things.

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MELODY: Oh, so Iris is going back to being one person?

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MELODY: I really liked it when they would come to my bathhouse together.

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SELPHY: I'll be glad to join, too!

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SELPHY: I've never even read about how two people can become one before!

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SELPHY: "Fact is stranger than fiction" can be so true sometimes.

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ERIK: You need my help? Man, I'm just too popular!

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ERIK: ... Done! Now take it away!

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LARA: I may be inexperienced as a sister, but I will bless it with all my heart.

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LARA: ...There you go.

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STELLA: I have to bless this? Sure thing. Iris is part of our village after all.

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STELLA: Now take it with you. I've finished blessing it.

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ANETTE: You sure you want me to do it? I'm not exactly part of the village, you know...

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ANETTE: But I'm glad that you came to me. Here you go. I put my heart and soul into it.


You are a part of the village now though!

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CINNAMON: Emotions can amplify the effects of magic. If people cast their emotions into the spell, then its power is more potent.

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CINNAMON: ...Good luck.

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CANDY: I hope Iris will get better soon.

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CANDY: Here. Now the ring is full of my emotions.

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KANNO: It seems that you're making good progress. Now it's my turn...

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KANNO: Here. Take this with you.

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MIST: So I just have to pray for it?

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MIST: I wish for a good harvest of turnips this year.

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BUSH: No, not like that...

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MIST: I know, I know. Here you go.


And now for a brief intermission:

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-----------------------------------------------------
~"The Archives" - Anette~

You know how the library is so
messy in Trampoli? It's so weird
that Selphy still seems to know
where every book is. It's like...
Magic!

-----------------------------------------------------

It's the Selphy Decimal System in action! :eng101:

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BIANCA: Is it true that Iris will become one person now?

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BIANCA: That sounds interesting. I'll be glad to cooperate.

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BIANCA: There, I put all of my heart into it. If you want a more expensive ring, I'll prepare one for you.

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TABATHA: So I just have to put my prayers in this ring? All right.

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TABATHA: May the forest and trees and the blessings of the elves be heard...

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TABATHA: Here you go. I hope Iris will get better soon.

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KROSS: If there is anything I can do, I would do it gladly.

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KROSS: ... I hope Iris gets better.

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BRODIK: Heh heh heh...

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BRODIK: Why should I have to do what you tell me?! Forget it!

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BRODIK: Hah hah hah...

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BUSH: (I guess Brodik is out of the question. I'll go ask others.)


:argh:

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BRODIK: Hey, Bush! Let me tell you something!

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BRODIK: The reason why I dress this way even during winter...

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BRODIK: ...is not because I'm well-trained or very good at enduring the cold.

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BRODIK: Heh heh heh...

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BRODIK: It's because I thought this job would be easy and I didn't prepare for winter!

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BRODIK: That's right! I'm friggin' cold right now! What do you think of that?! Hahahaha!

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BRODIK: How do you like that, Bush?! Now come back with me already! Come on man, let's go back!


nah mate

you can stay out here and freeze your ass off, that's cool

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ROSETTA: So I just have to pray for it? That sounds simple enough.

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ROSETTA: ...It's not like I would refuse even if it cost money. Really!

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ROSETTA: Is that it? I don't know if I did it right but I put a lot of my heart into it.


...And that should be everyone!

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At 6:00 PM, we can finally get back into the Irises' room.

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(The text has been falling out of the boxes pretty frequently of late.)


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BUSH: Iris! We have finished the preparations for you to get back to normal! Everyone helped out!

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IRIS NOIRE: Thank you very much... Bush and everyone else, too.

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BUSH: Kanno is getting ready at the public square! Let's go!

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IRIS BLANCHE: Yes, let's!


(A brief timewarp happened and we lost the brief conversation where Kanno tells us to take them to the square.)

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*A fade to black...*

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KANNO: We will now begin the ceremony which will bring the two Irises back to one again!

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KANNO: Iris, are you ready?

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IRIS BLANCHE: Yes!

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IRIS NOIRE: I have long awaited this day.


And so the moment has arrived. Mist, Lara, and Stella are all also here. Why Mist?

Who knows. :shrug:

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KANNO: Let's finish this off by having you exchange the rings that have been blessed by the villagers.

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KANNO: Bush. Exchange the rings that you have kept for Iris.

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KANNO: In other words, the "Silver Ring" goes to the white Iris, and the "Gold Ring" to the black Iris.

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KANNO: Now hand over the rings to the two of them.

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MIST: I'm getting nervous.


You're not the one about to unify into a single persona.

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LARA: Iris looks so happy.


I imagine so!

Let's stop delaying the ceremony, let's give the rings over.

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IRIS NOIRE: Thank you.

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IRIS NOIRE: We were originally the same person. With everyone's blessings, we can finally be whole again.

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IRIS NOIRE: This is the most joyous day of my life.

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IRIS BLANCHE: Thank you.

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IRIS BLANCHE: I can feel it... I can feel everyone's warm feelings.


*And so we fade to black...*

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ImageMusic: Iris' Spirit Song


This'll be the last time we hear this song! It's a really nice moment to finally hear it again here.

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*The two turn to face one another...*

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*They approach and hold hands...*

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IRISES: The happy memories on Whale Island...

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IRISES: The memory of being released from loneliness in the dungeon...

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IRISES: Which of those memories reflect stronger for you...?


As their first friends and the one that brought them into the outside world, it's Bush's responsibility to make this decision.

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Well, thread?

Whale Island corresponds to Blanche, and Snow Ruins corresponds to Noire. Whichever one we pick will remain the new Iris.

Unique abstract sketches or Tarot? Fun or goth? Short hair, or slightly longer hair?

Make thy choice.
Last edited by Odd Wilson on Thu Apr 20, 2023 12:23 am, edited 2 times in total.

User avatar
Looks like Noire has taken the popular vote by quite a lead at this point. And so, Blanche shall be assimilated into the goth.

Hoping to have the next update up sometime on Monday alongside the marriage vote!, but we'll see how it goes.

User avatar
Update 57: The Hotpot Faux Pas


ImageMusic: Iris' Spirit Song


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The voices decide... the dungeon.


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BUSH: The dungeon.

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*And with that, Iris Blanche begins to shine with magical light...!*

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*Everything goes white...*

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*And Noire is left standing by herself.*

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IRIS NOIRE: My self of the dungeon... The happy memories linger...

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BUSH: Iris! Did the other Iris disappear?

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ImageMusic: Romance


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IRIS NOIRE: No... Our bodies and minds have become one, but our memories remain separate.

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IRIS NOIRE: Those joyous days when we spoke on Whale Island and the memories of when you saved me in the dungeon...

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IRIS NOIRE: They are all inside me.

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IRIS NOIRE: I am Iris. The last of the vampire tribe. The last of "those closest to the Spirits."

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IRIS NOIRE: I am now but another citizen of Trampoli.


And so Noire is permanent now. Did she just marry herself? Who knows!

At least Bush isn't the only person in town with a strange memory situation now.

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IRIS NOIRE: Even if we became one, I am still myself. Nothing has changed at all.


The only thing that has changed is now she's available for marriage. That's the end of her questline!

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Nobody else has anything to say about this.

Out of things to say himself, Bush decides to just go stare at the stars.

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Well, he would if it wasn't cloudy.

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Joy, the next day is a snowstorm so we can't even go out to see the Whale constellation. I don't even know how that'll work out given it corresponds to Blanche.

It takes me until Friday to get a clear day.

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Oh, hey, Mystery Girl again!

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ImageMusic: Festival- Celebration


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MYSTERY GIRL: Oh, Bush!

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MYSTERY GIRL: I've made up my mind! I won't be returning to the abbey. I will build the church by myself!

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MYSTERY GIRL: This is a wonderful place. Once the church is built, I just know that people will gather here.

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MYSTERY GIRL: Building a church and village is my dream after all!

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BUSH: People WILL gather here. I'm sure of it.

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MYSTERY GIRL: Thank you very much. I feel like it can really happen when you say that.

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BUSH: But how are you going to build the church?

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MYSTERY GIRL: Most of the church is already finished.

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MYSTERY GIRL: The only things left are the stained glass windows, pipe organ, and pews.

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MYSTERY GIRL: I can ask a blacksmith I know to make the windows and I will build the pews myself. For the organ, I can save money and just buy it in the future.

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MYSTERY GIRL: Now I am getting even more excited!

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BUSH: I'm glad you're feeling much better.

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MYSTERY GIRL: This is all thanks to you, Bush.

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MYSTERY GIRL: The church will take longer to finish than expected, but please come to the ceremony!


And so a church was built upon Bush's motivational words. Where is this church? No idea.

Speaking of things we don't know, when is this ceremony?

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MYSTERY GIRL: It'll be all over the moment you give up.

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MYSTERY GIRL: But it will never end as long as you don't give up.


Hey, that's pretty good. We'll have to use that in our next motivational speech.

Anyways, off on our day we go.

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STELLA: Our church is getting a bit run down.

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STELLA: I think it's a good time to rebuild it.

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BUSH: It's fine. We should just take good care of it.

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BUSH: This is the only church in the world that you built yourself, Stella.

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STELLA: Oh... Did I ever tell you how I built the church?

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BUSH: You did. A long time ago...


Somewhere in the first few weeks I think, which for me has been quite a long time ago.

Oh, by the way, did you hear that a second church is getting built? No idea where it is or what we'll do with two, but how about that, huh?

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Let's go visit Mr. Whale. It's been a while.

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BUSH: Whale...


WHALE: "Bush. What is it?"


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BUSH: I would like ask a favor from you.


WHALE: "I will try to help you the best I can. What is it?"


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BUSH: Well, there is a day when Whale Island gets hidden from the sun at the end of autumn.

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BUSH: People are very troubled with how they don't get any sun for that one day.

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BUSH: If you don't have any special reason for it, would you please stop blocking out the sun?


WHALE: "I see... That does sound troubling."

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WHALE: "But on that day, I am preparing the Spirits that have gathered on me to get through the winter."


WHALE: "Most of the Spirits live a harsh life on my back during winter."


WHALE: "In order to get through that lifeless season, they need to bask in strong sunlight at the end of autumn."


WHALE: "Unless they absorb the sunlight at the end of autumn, they will not have the power to bear new fruit in spring."


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BUSH: I see... So the Spirits need the sun to get through winter and to return in spring...


WHALE: "Correct... Please understand, Bush."

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BUSH: If that's the case, then it can't be helped. I'm sure the villagers will understand.


WHALE: "Thank you! I am grateful for your understanding..."


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BUSH: I should be apologizing for not understanding your circumstances.


WHALE: "This is not enough to change our friendship."



Yeah, that's more than understandable. We don't need more impending ecological disasters.

Nice to know our friendship is strong though. :)

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KROSS: Tomorrow is the Hotpot Convention. You should take your vegetables to the square.


Kross lets us know what we're in for tomorrow!

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But before that, we have constellations to see!

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ImageMusic: Whale Island Cave


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BUSH: Uzuki?

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BUSH: What are you doing out so late at night? It's dangerous out here.


Oh, what's this?

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UZUKI: Hm? Oh, it is you, Bush.

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UZUKI: In my country, we have a legend that says the moon can grant your wish...

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BUSH: A wish... Oh, to find your brother?

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UZUKI: Yes. My brother was a master swordsman... My skill cannot even compare to his.

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UZUKI: That is why Father had such high expectations of him.

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UZUKI: One day, Brother spoke to Father about wanting to go into training.

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UZUKI:Father tried to stop him, but Brother's mind was resolute.

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UZUKI: Brother was very kind to me. Even after he embarked on his journey he sent letters only to me.

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UZUKI: But one day, those letters stopped coming.

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BUSH: So that's why you're looking.

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UZUKI: Yes. The last letter he sent was about a village with a flying island above it.

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BUSH: A village with a flying island...!

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UZUKI: That is correct. I believe that Trampoli holds the clues as to where Brother has gone.

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UZUKI: I am tired from speaking so much. I will return to the inn now. Bush, be sure to take care.

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*She gives a polite bow then walks away.*


Well, good luck with that! We're retired.

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Now, about those stars.

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At 7:58 we see the Cross Constellation. I suppose it's a sort of rosary?


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BUSH: So it's not just a cross. That's pretty interesting.

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And at an ungodly 1:58 AM, we see the Fish Constellation. It's the latest one in the game. Looks a bit like a salmon.


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BUSH: I guess it does look like a fish.

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ImageMusic: Festival


And thanks to that, we wake up at 8:00 AM.

And that's not a sarcastic thanks, we don't mind waking up late anymore.

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Lute, howsit goin'?!

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LUTE: I brought some hotpot ingredients, too.

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BUSH: What did you bring?

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LUTE: It's a rare ingredient from another town. If you make soup stock from this, it'll taste great.


Sounds good, man! I've got golden turnips to put in. It's gonna be great!

--------------------------------------------------------

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MYSTERY: Oh no.

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BUSH: In hindsight, maybe I should've tasted one before that day.

------------------------------------------------------

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LARA: Do you know about this thing called "kanpumasatsu"?

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BUSH: What's that?

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LARA: You use a dry cloth to rub your bare skin to boost your health.

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LARA: Uzuki told me the other day that it's supposed to bolster the nervous system and warms you up to prevent illness.

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LARA: Well? Would you like to try?

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BUSH: W-wait... We have to rub our bare skin? So...you have to take your clothes off?

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BUSH: Won't that be really cold?

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LARA: It's supposed to be effective because it's cold.

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BUSH: I'll pass.

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BUSH: Just hearing about that made me feel healthier already.


Bush's constitution went up!


You know, maybe not when there's snow on the ground. His clothes would get wet!

...What do you mean that's not the concern here?

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CINNAMON: Did you find the Cross?

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BUSH: Yes. It looked very mysterious.

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CINNAMON: The travelers in the past used the Cross to guide their way. They must have felt like God was guiding them.

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CINNAMON: Do you go traveling with only the stars to guide you sometimes, Bush?

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BUSH: No, that's...


Of course, that thing with Lara was the result of seeing the Cross. Bush has traveled like this once, it's the way I assume he got here. One can really only track Mist based on pure intuition.

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CINNAMON: Did you find the Fish Constellation?

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BUSH: Yes. It was hard staying up so late, but I got to see it.

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CINNAMON: That's good...

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CINNAMON: Then let me tell you something since you found the Fish Constellation.

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BUSH: What is it?

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CINNAMON: When fishing, thinking about what the fish are doing will help you catch them better.

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BUSH: Oh... But does that have something to do with the Fish Constellation?

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CINNAMON: ...Yes.

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CINNAMON: There is a legend that says that your fishing skill will get better when you find the Fish Constellation.

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BUSH: Really...? That sounds a bit too convenient...


Bush's fishing skill went up!

A nice little bonus, I guess. This would normally shoot Cinnamon's LP up by a lot, but she was already maxed.

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CINNAMON: Did you find the Scorpion Constellation?

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BUSH: Yes. I was surprised at how much it looked like a scorpion.

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CINNAMON: That scorpion played tricks on others and was punished by a wizard.

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CINNAMON: It guards the moon so you can only see it when there is no moon.

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BUSH: I see... Now that you mention it, it does seem like that.


And this one was Noire's, we saw it a while back but never picked up the final dialogue for it.

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SELPHY: Did you already go to the Hotpot Convention, Bush?

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SELPHY: I tried to put in some rice balls and they yelled at me. I don't understand why... Rice balls are good...


I'm on the same page here, what's wrong with rice in soup? Must be some sort of hotpot faux pas.

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ANETTE: Say, Bush, what are you going to put in the pot at today's Hotpot Convention?

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ANETTE: I brought lots of vegetables. Hotpots all have to have lots of vegetables.

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BIANCA: Tabatha put something in the pot.

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BIANCA: I confess I'm a bit curious about Tabatha's hotpot. Maybe I should try it out...


Notably, she regards this festival as boorish the day before. Her opinions change so quickly when Tabatha is involved.

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EUNICE: Welcome, Bush. The Hotpot Convention is right this way.

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EUNICE: Please give the ingredient to Tabatha. Once the hotpot is done cooking, we can start eating right away.


We could, but there's another familiar face here instead...

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MINERVA: Hand me or Tabatha the ingredients you want to use, okay?


She's back! I'm not sure how she gets time off from being queen to just show up and do this, but here she is.

She was around at Quiz day too, but I missed her then.

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Here, an ingredient fit for a queen! Show us what you can do.

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ImageMusic: de-Sainte Coquille


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MINERVA: Hm... I had no idea you put Golden Turnip in hotpots... Humans are so weird...

--------------------------------------------------

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BUSH: It was at that moment, I realized I farmed up.

--------------------------------------------------

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ImageMusic: By the Ocean


[Hotpot Song Part 2: Lyrics by Minerva]

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MINERVA: Super exciting cooking time!

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MINERVA: Let get to cooking! ♪

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MINERVA: I want a hot spark, a kick in the flavor!

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*10 second interlude*


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MINERVA: Whoa whoa yay!

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MINERVA: Everyone's excited now! Ba-bump ba-bump!

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MINERVA: I'm about to blow!

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MINERVA: Gotcha gotcha, yeah!

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MINERVA: I scream, you scream, we all scream for hotpot!


Well, that sure was... something?

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*Immediately following that, the pot erupts into yellowish smoke.*


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MINERVA: Done!

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MINERVA: Minerva's Golden Turnip - flavored hotpot is complete!

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MINERVA: Amazing! There's a strange smoke coming out of the pot, how marvelous!!!


what have we done

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MINERVA: Well, Bush. Go ahead. Try it!

-----------------------------------------------

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BUSH: Luckily, only one person suffered that day...

-----------------------------------------------

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BUSH: *chew* *gulp*


*Bush starts eating...*

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BUSH: !!!

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[Whoa, so bright!


*The entire square is consumed in a golden flare.*

------------------------------------------

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BUSH: So, um. Whoops.

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MYSTERY: Alright, alright, enough tall tales. If that had happened there'd still be evidence of it, or at least someone else would have mentioned it.

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BUSH: I'm not making it up!

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BUSH: At the very least, take this as a reminder to only consume Golden Turnips raw.

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MYSTERY: And probably only if you have no tastebuds.

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BUSH: That too.

-------------------------------------------------


Before we move on, let's look at another few forgotten timelines.

=====================================
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[Eeew! It's so sour!]


On a different forgotten timeline we try Tomato Juice. Apparently that's sour? So sour that Bush is paralyzed? :ohdear:

It's still regarded as tasting OK though.

=======================================

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On the most ill-fated timeline, Bush decides to pull the most avant garde culinary experiment yet- the Cute Bathing Suit.


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MINERVA: Hm... I had no idea you put Cute Bathing Suit in hotpots... Looks fun!

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MINERVA: Then let's put it in. Hip-hip, hooray!

-----------------------------------

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MYSTERY: why

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BUSH: It's like the prize at the bottom of a cereal box!

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MYSTERY: whyyy

----------------------------------

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*As it cooks, the pot begins to boil violently, practically on the verge of exploding.*

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MINERVA: Minerva's Cute Bathing Suit-flavored hotpot is complete!

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MINERVA: Wow, this hotpot is bubbling with foam I have never seen before! I'm a genius!


*It continues to mildly explode.*


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MINERVA: Well, Bush, go ahead and try it!

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BUSH: Um, Minerva. Is a Cute Bathing Suit hotpot even edible?

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MINERVA: Huh? What are you talking about? You gave it to me, remember?

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BUSH: But...


*Bush tears up, fearing the impending disaster...*

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MINERVA: To be honest, I really want to try it, but I'll be nice and let you instead.

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BUSH: But...

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MINERVA: Come on. Be a man!

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*And so he digs in, and his reaction is...*

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[Too chewy!]


...Ew.

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*He almost falls to his knees, sick, before...*

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*He violently explodes!* :ohdear:

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*And again!*

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*And... again...*

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*In the dim echoes of existence being annihilated, he hears but two things....*

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MINERVA: You're kidding...right?

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MINERVA: I fail... No, maybe it's better to call this modern art!!


[*Do not try this at home.]

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============================================================

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TABATHA: What a wonderful Spinach. I wonder what kind of hotpot it will be.


In another alternate timeline, Bush gives a Spinach to Tabatha instead.

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Let's begin cooking.

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ImageMusic: Festival- Hotpot


[Hotpot Song: Lyrics by Tabatha]

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TABATHA: Hotpot hotpot bubble bubble pop!

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TABATHA: The boiling won't stop! ♪

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TABATHA: Yeah yeah yeah... ♪

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TABATHA: Everyone, cooking together... ♪

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TABATHA: Sister and brother... ♪

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TABATHA: La la la doo doo doo... ♪

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TABATHA: Yeah, we are Trampoli... ♪

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TABATHA: Hotpot jubilee! ♪

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TABATHA: La dee da da doo wop... ♪

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[10 second interlude]


Oh, come on, the smoke again?! Wikipedia lists spinach as a common ingredient in hotpot!

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It's regarded as a failure, but Bush's opinon is "nice and tender" as grass runeys gather around him.

I guess he was consumed by them in this timeline. Whoops. :doh:

I redo it again with an Apple instead. I don't even like spinach anyways.

============================================

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[I wonder what we'll make! ♪]


*This time, the soup sparkles instead of foaming up.*


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TABATHA: Done!

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TABATHA: Tabatha's Apple-flavored hotpot is complete!


*The crowd gasps in amazement.*


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TABATHA: Oh, my! It looks delicious!

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TABATHA: Go ahead. Try it.

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BUSH: Don't mind if I do!

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BUSH: *slurp* *munch*

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[Crispy]


*A refreshing, powerful energy surrounds Bush.*

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*Hearts appear over his head!*


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TABATHA: It turned out well!

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TABATHA: This concludes this year's Hotpot Convention. See you again next year!


At last, we make it out alive.

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EUNICE: I feel relieved that today's hotpot came out all right.


You have no idea.

A failed hotpot doesn't do anything from what I know, but you only get one chance to get it right per year.

You can just keep handing stuff to Minerva to make even more strange concoctions though.

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UZUKI: Today's hotpot was delicious. But, it feels like something was missing.

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UZUKI: The soup stock...I suppose? No, it is not that...


Lute's soup stock is impeccable, of course it isn't that.

This kind of response I believe is caused by a valid hotpot, but not one with their favorite food. The items that do work in the hotpot are largely favorite foods.

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SELPHY: Today's hotpot was good! I wish every day was the Hotpot Convention.


For the free food, of course.

Well, now that we've safely escaped the loop of Hotpot Day, perhaps we should talk to Stella about Mr. Whale.

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BUSH: Stella, about how Whale Island hides the sun at the end of autumn...

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STELLA: Did you find out something?

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BUSH: Yes. On that day, the Spirits need to store the sun's energy so that they can survive winter.

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STELLA: I guess the Spirits have it hard, too. I never knew that.

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STELLA: I know! Then why don't we make that a day where we express gratitude for the Spirits.

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STELLA: We'll call it "Sea Surf Day." From now on, every 30th of autumn will be "Sea Surf Day." We'll have to express gratitude to the sun and Spirits on that day!


And so a new festival was born. We'll be able to catch it next year, of course.

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MIST: The Hotpot Convention was so fun today.


"Fun" certainly is a word one could use, but I'm not sure how much Bush agrees.

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MYSTERY GIRL: Bush!

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BUSH: Yes!

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MYSTERY GIRL: I was looking for you! Where were you?!

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BUSH: What happened?

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MYSTERY GIRL: You said you would come to the completion ceremony for the church.

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BUSH: Oh...


It's been one day! How did we miss it already?

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BUSH: So...the church is finished?!

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MYSTERY GIRL: Yes, and it's all thanks to you. But, the ceremony ended yesterday...

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MYSTERY GIRL: A couple of people said that they wanted to move here, too...

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MYSTERY GIRL: I think this place will become a good village.

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MYSTERY GIRL: I know! Can I ask you for a favor, Bush?

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BUSH: What is it?

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MYSTERY GIRL: I would like you to name this village.

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BUSH: Are you sure you want me to do it?

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MYSTERY GIRL: Of course. You also had a hand in the creation of this village.

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BUSH: All right...

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BUSH: Then how about "Trampoli"?


Bush, there's already a town here called that. You can't just use it's name.

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MYSTERY GIRL: Trampoli... That's a nice name.

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MYSTERY GIRL: Trampoli! This is the village of Trampoli! And this is the church of Trampoli!

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MYSTERY GIRL: Thank you very much. I think I can work even harder at the church now!

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BUSH: Oh... That's good.

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MYSTERY GIRL: I will see you tomorrow...

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BUSH: Um...

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MYSTERY GIRL: Yes...?

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BUSH: Nothing. See you tomorrow.

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MYSTERY GIRL: ...? You're strange. Heehee.


Well, I guess that's that.

How very odd.

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Time for bed. Today was way too much.

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ImageMusic: Winter


We catch up with Anette in the morning for once in a long while.

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ANETTE: I made up my mind! I won't care about my height anymore!

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BUSH: Oh? I think you're great just the way you are.

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ANETTE: Really? Thanks. But don't call me a midget!

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BUSH: Huh?! I didn't say anything!

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ANETTE: It's written all over your face!

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BUSH: You can't be serious...


...Congrats? I think?

(something tells me she isn't over it yet)

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ANETTE: So is this cute letter from Candy? That's rare...

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ANETTE: "To Brodik, Thank you for pulling out the weeds all the time. I will work on the weeding the best I can, too."

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ANETTE: Ugh... I hate weeding. Candy sure is a hard worker.


Anette, I don't think you're supposed to be reading the mail. That's kinda against postal restrictions, right?

Eh, anyways, this is in reference to our messed up field back in Autumn. We were supposed to see this much earlier :v:

Marco can also send him a letter thanking him for cleaning up the rocks, so I guess we know where his supply comes from now.

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SELPHY: I recently learned how to restore tattered books. Now I can fix any book to make it readable!


Hey, good for you! I've always wanted to learn book restoration. It sounds like the Archives is in good hands these days.

Maybe working her debt off at the church has helped a bit? At least this time she'll be able to restore the steam damaged scriptures the next time it happens.

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Oh, hey Gramps! Did you hear about the second town?

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KANNO: There are times that the wishes of people can transcend time.

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KANNO: There is research about how the Spirits grant the wishes of people. But in truth, no one really understands it.

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KANNO: Spirits and Runes are very mysterious, but the true mystery lies within the hearts and minds of people.

================================

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MYSTERY: ...Listen, I know you used to be pretty strong and all, but you don't really expect me to believe this, do you?

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MYSTERY: You distorted time and were responsible for Trampoli's creation, and knew it's founder when she was young?

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MYSTERY: Even aging gracefully only goes so far. Besides, nobody's that powerful.

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BUSH: Hey, believe what you want, it's my story.

=================================


And such is the end of Stella's storyline- nothing more is said about the matter.

What, you thought I was just making meta jokes with the alternate timelines? How silly of you, ye of little faith.

Apparently Bush both met Stella when she was younger and was instrumental in getting the town made. Seemingly, she's forgotten him, or just doesn't recognize him. ...Or something along those lines- it's not completely clear.

Posters in the thread picked up on Mystery Girl, (otherwise known as the Frontier Ghost,) being Stella pretty early on, but I appreciate the lasting mystery of the matter.

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Hey, Kross! Isn't it a bit cold for the tanktop and shorts?

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ImageMusic: Kross' Theme


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KROSS: I feel like I have to apologize for charging you money for the extensions.

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BUSH: Why would you say that?

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KROSS: Because I don't need much money to live on. I donate it to all sorts of places through the sister.


Kross remains a good guy. :unsmith:

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KROSS: I'm sorry. My neighbor seems to be bothering you.

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KROSS: He looks very much like me when I was young.

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BUSH: So you were a lively child. You really don't look it now. Haha.

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KROSS: Heh... I wasn't lively at all...


Aw, you don't have to apologize for the brodinkus. You're cool, man.

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And another day passes by without a lot happening. We do have Kross to almost 10 FP by this point though.

through a lot of offscreen goblin farming- don't tell the authorities or they'll cancel our retirement

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Time to spy on Brodik's mail again.

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ANETTE: Hm? Is this a letter from Brodik? There's no send address...

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["That hair, those eyes, they belong to me! No one else can have them!"]


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ANETTE: Huh?

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ANETTE: Is this...a love letter?! Who could he be sending such a passionate letter to?!


:stare:

...No clue. Kinda almost sounds like a threat, but I think that's just Brodik.

I'm sure it's nothing.

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brief aside, the first two spawners on Whale Island have spots you can stand at to easily farm Goblins. The first one is right here, where the goblin spawns, the second is about 3 Bushes to the left of the gate.

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And there. That should be FP 10.

I found out after all this time that you can multi-gift non-bachelorettes and if there's a penalty to it, it's not much.

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KROSS: This coldness feels comfortable. Or do people normally see it as painful?

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KROSS: Before, I wished that I would be reborn as a monster instead of a human.

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KROSS: But now, I would want to do farm work even if I were to be reborn. I started to think that way after talking to you.


You can be a monster and do farmwork, as it turns out! Seek your dream, mate!

But also, :unsmith:

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Worth noting both Stella and Kross are at 10 FP now.

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...But as Bush passes through the church again on this day, he is reminded of what this weekend is: The Night of Holies. The Winter Date.

Kross's mentions of blue roses come back to him...

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ImageMusic: To You


Taking that bouquet he made for fun in days now long past... he cannot help but look at it differently.

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BUSH: Oh? A letter? I thought Anette would have given it to me earlier...

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-----------------------------------------------------
~"That's amazing!" - Tart~

R...ruins?
That is amazing...
That is something... I would never be able to do...
I'm really into knitting right now.
Do you... have any hobbies...?

-----------------------------------------------------

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BUSH: Do I have any hobbies?

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BUSH: The answer is cooking, right?

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BUSH: ...But is that all it will ever be?

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BUSH: I only explored the ruins because I had to.

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BUSH: I learned everything I could because I needed to.

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BUSH: I only started cooking because I needed to support my mission. To prevent what could have been...

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BUSH: Whale Island, the Ruins, Gelwein, the Spirits-- even Mist. That's all in my past now.


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*He holds the delicate bouquet before him- the blue flowers pierce the fog of the snowy day.*


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BUSH: And with that gone, what have I become? My farm's a wreck, and I sleep through most days unless there's a festival.

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BUSH: ...Maybe it's time I stop thinking so much about the immediate future.

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BUSH: Where do I want to be in a year from now? Where does my timeline end?

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BUSH: ...

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BUSH: Haha... Thank you, Tart. I don't know how much longer it would've taken me to realize this.

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BUSH: ...But... how can I choose?

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BUSH: ...

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BUSH: "A blue rose in their fluffy fur..."

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BUSH: Pony, I feel like you know me better than myself sometimes.

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BUSH: I think I would've been long lost without you by my side.

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BUSH: So, please...

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BUSH: Find who this wedding bouquet belongs to!



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Last edited by Odd Wilson on Thu Apr 20, 2023 1:55 pm, edited 3 times in total.

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Update 58: The Future of Bush Shrub


Please vote => HERE <=
(I won't count votes in the thread, but you can say what you voted for! The votes are fully anonymous, no email required, so honor system, please.)


After his time in the spotlight, Bush has decided he needs to stop lounging around and look to his future instead of alternate presents.

That's right, it's time for Bush to get married. It's the vote I've been hyping up the whole time!

You get two votes. Choose wisely!

Alongside this, Bush will end up having a child, so we have some decisions to make on that front as well.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


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-Rosetta, the Golden Heart of Determination-

Birthday: Autumn 21

Constellation: Serpent

Favorite Gift: Cherry Pie

Family: Jean (lives in Kardia)

VA: Julie Ann Taylor


First on the list is Rosetta, the girl from our past who arrived again to be our business partner. She ran away from home to try and make her father stand up for himself more, and established her own business in Trampoli. After outdoing her competition and taking them over, she continued to do well until she heard her father had grown ill. She was then mostly absent for a month until Bush's healing potion helped him get better.

She's long had something for Bush, but she's never stood up to say it herself, and is friendly rivals with Mist in the meantime.

Even if their relationship goes no further, Bush and Rosetta will likely remain business partners.



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-Anette, the Carrier of Dreams and Futures-

Birthday: Winter 04

Constellation: Buffamoo

Favorite Gift: Pumpkin Tart

Family: None?

VA: Shelby Lindley


Bush first met her after she playfully scolded him for not filling in the proper paperwork to the Noradian Postal Service in regards to moving to a new address. She's since been part of his day nearly every single day of the week, a highlight of the mornings even. Mysteriously chased by monsters and unable to see Kross, she cheerfully has gone about her mail route every day.

When the stress of post-secondary education and her work finally caught up to her, she collapsed on our front lawn like a good few people. Bush helped her through the brief following depression, of which she finally broke free of once she realized her dream of teaching kids. She's since moved into the town herself.

For some reason, the stars thought it prudent to send letters from her childhood to us, and Bush is privy to her secret something (of which he'll never tell.)

Even the two just stay friends, Anette's got goals in life and tall girls to look up to. Now that she's really going, it'd take a lot to stop her in her tracks.



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-Selphius Josephine, the Princess of Otherworldly Knowledge-

Birthday: Fall 3

Constellation: Crown

Favorite Gift: Sandwich

Family: Unnamed, ruling monarchs of a distant kingdom

Voice Actor: Wendee Lee


Selphy literally passed out into Bush's life, falling face first on his lawn like he already tends to. Holing up in the library and absorbing all of it's knowledge relentlessly, Selphy's made ends barely meet by selling books she probably doesn't have right to, (nobody's said anything yet,) and likely halfway lives off of Bush's gifts. Bush has still been a constant visitor to the Rune Archives nevertheless, and has even passed on some writing ideas onto her.

Eventually convinced to clean up the library, Selphy got around to writing a mystery novel and made a good name for herself in the literary world. This still didn't stop her from storing books in the bathhouse like some sort of book chipmunk, and also ending up in debt to the church. In the meantime, she kept reading the same book constantly until we discovered it was a memory eating monster. Said monster is still on her wall, locked in a glass painting frame.

Despite all this, she has shaped up quite a bit in regards to her personal life from when we first met her, even quietly admitting her past as a princess. Bush still leads his own irregular lifestyle, so is the similarly eccentric Bush the person she needs in her life? She'll always march to the beat of her own drum, and Lara seems to be there to keep her from completely ruining herself, at least.



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-Bathhouse Melody, the Water Witch of Soul Cleansing-

Birthday: Spring 11

Constellation: Hat

Favorite Gift: Relax Tea

VA: G.K. Bowes


A longtime friend from Kardia, Melody came in search of more hot springs. Establishing the Laga Springs in town gave Bush a permanent fixture in his routine that has done wonders for his career. Not to mention she charges a pittance for it.

A girl who aspires to be like the wizard who once saved her in her past, Bush got her tutelage under Cinnamon and she even finally learned a bit of magic on her own. There was even that time she tried to turn him into a frog so she could probably kiss him like a fairytale. Privy to her reason for dressing like a witch, and being the one to come to her aid whenever the hot spring flow has problems, they're undeniably close. She was even his first date and the person to help him win the Ganesha Cup Boat Race.

A practicioner of magic himself, Bush almost looked the image of that savior wizard when Nolan's attempt to adopt her went wrong. She's stated before that she imagines her married life being one of traveling the world in search of more springs, but even if Bush isn't the one for that, they'll always be "bath family".


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-Cinnamon, the Reawakened Great Sorceress-

Birthday: Spring 26

Constellation: Fish

Favorite Gift: Magic Crystal (a 5% drop that seems more like a 1%)

Family: Super Gramps Kanno and Candy

VA: Cristina Valenzuela


She literally fell into Bush's life via way of landing on him while flying in, and has remained a more stable, background presence in his life. Be it introducing him to the varieties of magic, instructing him on the local fishing seasons, or complex lessons on astronomy and constellations, she's taught him much. Although he's spent a lot of time searching for the Magic Crystals she uses, she's never asked anything of him in return.

Regarded as a child prodigy in the past, she overused her emotions in her magic and eventually lost her ability to cast altogether. Capable of only minor emotion for a long time she eventually regained what she lost through teaching him and the magic study club he helped set up.

After her now very close friend Melody nearly took a fatal fall on a windy stargazing night, she was able to tap into her new emotions and save her life. She credits Bush with helping but has never specified how, but regardless of what happens they'll always be fellow scholars and peers in the magic world.


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-Iris Noire, the Last Warden of Spirits-

Birthday: Winter 23

Constellation: Whale

Favorite Gift: Tomato Juice

VA: Michelle Ruff


The now singular Iris is the last of the ancient Vampire tribe, stewards of the land's Spirits. Once split into two from overwhelming loneliness, everything Bush has worked to achieve has finally united the two.

One half once idly spent nights high on Whale Island admiring flowers and trying her hand at art while the other was being used by Gelwein to create the Dark Rune. Through their accidental blood bond from that time she licked his hand after he nearly got exploded, conflict was eventually avoided.

Since Gelwein's plan was ended, the two have lived a quiet nocturnal life in Trampoli, working at the bar and apparently, keeping Ganesha out of trouble.

Bush will always be her first friend and the one that reunited her with her other self, but does that blood bond go deeper? It's hard to say what the future has in store for her.




And of course, our surprise two alternate possibilities! Even though they weren't part of the first 6, these two gals still managed to find a way into Bush's attention (aka show off their storylines).


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-Lara, the Preserver of All Life-

Birthday: Winter 1

Constellation: Cross

Favorite Gift: Chocolate Cake

Family: Father Wesley (in Kardia)

VA: Karen Strassman


A figure from Bush's past, she found him passed out in front of his house yet again, and Selphy soon after. Lara has a long history of saving Bush when he overworks himself or falls in battle, and has retained her constant worry for his life even here in a new town. Even when he refuses to rest or insists on powering through the situation, she still provides support through her medical herb supply.

Dedicated to her life as a nun/nurse, she took up permanent residence in Trampoli to keep an eye on Selphy. This aside, she even helped with curing Rosetta's father and Iris. Things were all pretty normal in her life until she started having dreams that continued to prove prophetic premonitions. Premonitions so eerily accurate she stopped being able to sleep until Bush made her a sleeping aid. That night they both found themselves in the Dream World where the tree behind the church requested she take care of its sapling.

Even if Bush has retired he'll inevitably find himself in some sort of trouble, but will she be the one who's there to help him? Her vows do allow her to get married after all, but should Bush be that person?



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-Tabatha, the Unflinching Royal Handmaiden-

Birthday: Fall 12

Constellation: Wooly

Favorite Gift: Oatmeal

Family: Queen Minerva, the elven royal family

VA: Julie Ann Taylor


A final fixture from his past, Tabatha is the ever polite personal handmaid to Miss Bianca Viviash de Sainte Coquille. An outspoken friend of monsters and specialist chef, she's a kindred soul with Bush in more than a few ways. Her days are that of a quiet life, tending to the whims of the oft-friendless Bianca as one of the few people she gets along with (one of the others being Bush himself).

Her normal life as a maid was shaken up when her younger sister Minerva re-entered her life and eventually revealed her status as absent queen of Elf Country. It was through Bush's actions she was able to re-enact the overdue ceremony of passing down the crown, letting her continue to live the life that she enjoys best.

Minerva once hinted Bush was a reason Tabatha wouldn't leave this life behind outside of Bianca herself. Tabatha has once stated that marriage for her might be a bit odd given her current job and reluctance to leave Bianca's side, but with Bush already an established name to the Coquilles could there be a chance a balance could be found?



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-Nobody, the Late Jester's Option-

Birthday: April 1st

Constellation: They guide us

Favorite Gift: Everything

Family: Pony and our Axe/Staff collection (maybe Lute if he'll come with idk)

VA: ???


In his early mid-life crisis (or perhaps timely, who knows how long he's been trapped in the timelines,) Bush just... does something else. He's made good friends, and while maybe he'll drop by again someday or send a letter or three in the following years, his path is his own and Pony's alone. To take all he's learned, and strike out on his own into the future, free of regrets.

Does another crisis call his name? Or is it merely time to flee the Runeys? Perhaps his true love lies elsewhere, or maybe it's time to take his cooking on the road? Perhaps it's just a simple yearning for the world he's never gotten to see in his agrarian/warrior lifestyle?

...Does someone out there know who he is, truly?

(it's only half of what Brodink wants at least, we're not going with him of course)


===============================================================


Provided Bush does get married, he'll eventually end up with a kid! You'll need to choose between a Boy, a Girl, or Random. Votes for names are also open in the poll form.

THE LAD
Default Name: Leona

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he got that cloak style


THE LASS
Default Name: Lucia

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she be munchin'

=============================


And there you have it thread collective of voices in Bush's head, what shall the decision be? Pony's ears are listening- where shall she direct him?

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Update 58.5: The Bonus Commentary Round

ImageMusic: By the Ocean


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MYSTERY: Welcome back, all! It's time to take a brief look at the standings and the comments.

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MYSTERY: I'm your host, Mystery Girl 2, and this is Amnesic Agriculture 102!

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MYSTERY: Joining me today, as always, is the man of the show, Bush Shrub!

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BUSH: Hey, wait, why am I still blanked out? The viewers know who-

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MYSTERY: Moving on!


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=========================================

-----------PRE-SHOW COMMENTARY-----------

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MYSTERY: Now then, before we start I just have to ask something: did you really let your dog decide who to marry?

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BUSH: She's a horse, and yes, I did. Pony has a good nose for these sorts of things.

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MYSTERY: ...Does your wife know?

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BUSH: Moving on!

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MYSTERY: Hey, that's my-


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===========================================

-----------THE CURRENT STANDINGS-----------

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MYSTERY: The votes have just been flying in. Let's see what they say!

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BUSH: ...I don't see anything.

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MYSTERY: (are you seriously telling me the agency is pulling this-)

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MYSTERY: Ooh, apologies folks! We've had so many votes it's broken the display and it'll take a while to fix.

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BUSH: Man...! How could this happen?

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MYSTERY: But I can (within contract) say that two names in particular are fighting back and forth for the lead! And two more aren't far behind!

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BUSH: How exciting!

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MYSTERY: While we get our top engineers on the situation, let's move into the next section!


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======================================================

-----------COMMENTS FROM THE TURNIP GALLERY-----------

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MYSTERY: First up, we have...


["it is a mystery"]


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BOTH: :iiam:




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BUSH: Next up is...

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BUSH: ["the best hat shall win"]

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MYSTERY: The Hat Wars are eternal. :stare:




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MYSTERY: The next one is...


["Bush, please grow turnips."]


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BUSH: YOU'LL NEVER GET-

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*The screen loses signal. A dull tone is heard until it returns.*


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MYSTERY: The next one asks....


[Does Bush have stairs in his house?"]


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MYSTERY: Yes. Yes he does.




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MYSTERY: Next up is...


[Bush is very much a master cook. I don't know anyone who can make food explode.]


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BUSH: As it turns out, combining magic and the culinary world would reveal the once hidden art of Incooktations.

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BUSH: A challenging field for sure. Minerva and I are two of it's few practictioners.




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MYSTERY: ...Hold on, I'm hearing from the crowd today a concern about the name of your child. Specifically, they want to know...


["Is the current winning name following the theming?"]


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BUSH: It is! And there's a lot of good themed names on the list, too.

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BUSH: Berry, Fern, Forrest, Flora-

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FLORA: You called-

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MYSTERY: wrong thread

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FLORA Evidently. My apologies.

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BUSH: Hedge, Juniper, Leaf, Lily, Shrub, Sprig, Stem, Twig, Yucca, and Pony II.

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MYSTERY: ...You put that last one in there didn't you?

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BUSH: Oh, and there's also "Default (not the default name, Default)"

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MYSTERY: ...Well, the least I can say is these all sound like names you'd come up with.


*buzzer*


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MYSTERY: Oh, we've got a question hot off the presses!

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BUSH: Oh, let me read this one!

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MYSTERY: Wait-


["why can't we marry kross"]


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BUSH: ... *a single tear runs down his cheek*

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MYSTERY: ...We'll he's taking it better than usual.

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MYSTERY: Rest assured, we wish it was a choice as well. :(


*awkward silence*


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MYSTERY: Neeext commeeent!


["Don't have an SA account, but really been enjoying the LP..."]


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MYSTERY: And that's why Trampoli TV is a publicly available channel! You can get it on all of... two stations! SA and the LP Beach!

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MYSTERY: (wait do i get paid extra for saying that)

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BUSH: And on that note, let's not forget all the thanks from entertained readers!

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MYSTERY: That's right! We enjoy it when you enjoy it! And also thank you for reading along, no matter if you're a lurker or an active audience member!


*polite clapping*


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MYSTERY: ...

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FLORA: :golfclap:

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MYSTERY: why are you still here. go away

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FLORA: no

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MYSTERY: somebody call security, get this person out

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*The screen loses signal. A dull tone is heard until it returns.*

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MYSTERY: Our final question is...

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KANNO: Hold on! It's Super Gramps Time!

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KANNO: The... next person to answer correctly gets... 13 points! *hic*

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MYSTERY: stooooooop

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*The screen loses signal. A dull tone is heard until it returns.*

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MYSTERY: Ahem.


["How long will the vote be active?"]


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MYSTERY: I... wish I could tell you! (legal contracts are a pain)

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MYSTERY: That's all for this brief results update, folks! We'll try and have the bachelorette display fixed for next time.

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BUSH: Until next time!
Last edited by Odd Wilson on Thu Apr 20, 2023 12:22 am, edited 1 time in total.

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A proper status update will come in the morning, but the current winners have shifted dramatically over time. The majority of votes are on the chosen 6, and it's a fierce battle between two hats for first. One has a noted lead, though not insurmountable.

The child vote is mostly in favor of random, and we have a large selection of themed names, though no clear winner on that side.

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Update 58.75: Trampoli TV Presents the Midway Results

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MYSTERY: Welcome back all to another flash episode of Trampoli TV!

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MYSTERY: I'm your host Mystery Girl 2!

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BUSH: And I'm Bush Shrub!

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=========================================

-----------PRE-SHOW COMMENTARY-----------


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BUSH: I've got a question this time.

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MYSTERY: Shoot!

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BUSH: If I'm telling the history of what happened to me, why are we voting again?

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MYSTERY: It's... a prediction! Yeah, that.

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MYSTERY: Anyways, no time for delays, let's see how those votes have landed!

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===========================================

-----------THE CURRENT STANDINGS-----------

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MYSTERY: Currently in first place is Anette! And just a few votes behind, Selphy!

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MYSTERY: At first, it was a three-way battle between Selphy, Cinnamon, and Noire- how the battle has changed!

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BUSH: Haha, well, when you're as fast as Anette, you can't fall behind!

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MYSTERY: And for your kid, just over half our audience thinks you didn't have a special preference!

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BUSH: Enough time in the gift mines will make anyone believe in randomness.

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MYSTERY: Followed not far behind by a girl.

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BUSH: And what about those names?

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MYSTERY: It's currently a 4-way tie between, Hedge, Leaf, Shrub, and Twig!

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BUSH: Hm, all up by 1 vote each. I don't think Super Gramps can do anything with that.

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KANNO: *in the back of the crowd* Zero point grand prize to the one who can answer... hic... where am I?

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MYSTERY: how are you still drunk

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MYSTERY: AHEM, for those interested, the full list is:

Berry, Default, Fern, Flora, Forrest, Hedge, Juniper, Leaf, Lily, Pony II, Shrub, Sprig, Stem, Twig, Yucca

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BUSH: Those are some great names. But it's so hard to choose...

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MYSTERY: Turnip gallery lightning round, go!

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MYSTERY: The hottest question on the minds of our readers is this:

[We should be able to marry the single parents]

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MYSTERY: ...So, um, Ganesha? Rita and Turner are still married, right?

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BUSH: Yeah.

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MIST: ...

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BUSH: unless you count being godmother of the turnip mafia

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MYSTERY: Time for a dramatic recreation!
Questionable Speedrun Strat wrote:
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BUSH: Um, Ganesha...

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GANESHA: For me? Thanks. You're not going to get something back, though!

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GANESHA: ...Wait.

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BUSH: Yes. I love you. Will you marry me?

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GANESHA: Oh, stop it.

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*PUNCH*

[You got slapped.]


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GANESHA: No...

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BUSH: But...

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And so Bush gets smacked so hard he loses all RP and goes down to 1 HP.

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The same thing happens if you propose to Stella.

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ERIK: I'm not your trashcan!


Notably, you can only attempt proposing to non-bachelorettes if they're at 10 FP. Thus why Erik thinks we're treating him as a trashcan. Although it is funny to think he's so hopelessly single he doesn't even know what a wedding bouquet looks like.

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Kanno says his line about staying in love to stay young and complains he can still be young.

We don't actually have enough for Lute, surprisingly, but there is one entertaining response we can get...

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ImageMusic: Brodik's Theme

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BRODIK: Are you trying to spite me?

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BRODIK: I-I have a girlfriend or three that I can give presents to...

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BRODIK: Hahaha... Haha...ha... ...


:rip:

It's even voiced, if you wanted to hear what Brodik sounds like.
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MYSTERY: Aaand that's all for now!

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MYSTERY: The vote closes sometime tomorrow! So step to it, voters!

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BUSH: Whoa! That early?!

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MYSTERY: I don't make the rules, the agency does.

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MYSTERY: Until then!
Last edited by Odd Wilson on Thu Apr 20, 2023 12:22 am, edited 2 times in total.

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The vote has been called and results will be posted soon! We've got a tiebreaker to resolve regarding the kid's name too, so we'll have another flash round of voting on that.

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Update 58.99: Trampoli TV Presents the Final-ish Results

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MYSTERY: I'm your host Mystery Girl 2!

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BUSH: And I'm Bush Shrub!

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BOTH: And this is Trampoli TV!

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MYSTERY: No time for commentary, off to the results!


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===========================================

-----------THE CURRENT STANDINGS-----------

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MYSTERY: (this is so blatantly on purpose, come on)

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MYSTERY: (no, i'm not telling them it's a glitch)

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BUSH: It seems we have a dramatic final battle between Selphy and Anette!

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MYSTERY: We'll just have to wait and see for the next episode to see what the result is!

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MYSTERY: Votes for boy/girl/random have stayed firmly on the side of random! I suppose this'll be another wait and see situation.

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BUSH: And we have an amazing 6-way tie for the name! Fantastic!

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MYSTERY: (are we really doing another vote)

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MYSTERY: ...That's right! And we'll be holding another vote all the way through the next episode!

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MYSTERY: Just call in at the link below! Until next time!


-> The name tiebreaker can be found here <-

(All these will intermissions will be merged into 57.5 later.)
Last edited by Odd Wilson on Thu Apr 20, 2023 12:22 am, edited 2 times in total.

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Apologies for the delay, I meant to have the update out today but a heavy storm dropped by and I lost power until about half an hour ago.

It'll be out tomorrow, probably.

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