BOOKSTORE PLAISANCE - 427

G 0 START 1 input 0->1 451 Plaisance: Variable["TASK.report_to_the_tribunal_done"] 1->451 2 You: "I'm looking for a book about cockatoos." 415 Plaisance: "A book about cockatoos? There should be one upstairs, right next to the shelf of biographies." 2->415 3 Suggestion: Take it easy. You've broken her resistance. Pushing her further will gain nothing. 389 doomedhub 3->389 4 Rhetoric: Technically, that's what Crime Bros would do, yes. Commit crimes. 186 You: "No, not like this, we're called crime bros because we like to *solve* crimes... as brothers in arms!" 4->186 518 You: "Uh... Sorry, this came out wrong again." 4->518 5 You: Just nod compassionately. 253 Empathy: Yes. Sometimes it's better to let people come to these conclusions themselves. 5->253 6 Plaisance: The woman looks aloof, her features much softer. Occasionally she glances at her daughter's silhouette. 59 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 6->59 7 Plaisance: "It's okay. You don't have to. I was wrong to trust another person. I will manage this psychic calamity as I always have -- alone. On my own..." 888 Volition: As she has to -- every day. 7->888 8 Kim Kitsuragi: "That's right. When not spying on the love affairs of the ultra-rich, we solve unusual mysteries by the lorry-load." 165 You: "What better way, than to ask us --" 8->165 9 You: Convince her to let you investigate the Doomed Commercial Area. 10 You: Variable["doomed.plais_whitecheck_drama_convince"] 9->10 11 Variable["doomed.plais_whitecheck_drama_convince"] 10->11 12 !(Variable["doomed.plais_whitecheck_drama_convince"]) 10->12 897 Plaisance: Variable["doomed.plais_whitecheck_drama_convince"] 11->897 12->897 13 Plaisance: "Sir! Don't be ridiculous. I certainly will not give you money." She gives you a disapproving look. "I would be doing you a grave psychic disfavour..." 638 Plaisance: "One has to earn one's success, even if one is a police officer. Handouts are nothing but manipulation, all they do is make you dependent." 13->638 14 You: "Ma'am, I am a renowned private investigator, a paragon of law and a specialist in all things criminal." 162 Kim Kitsuragi: The lieutenant shoots you a sideways glance. "And I am his private partner, John... Shao. Together we run the pre-eminent spousal surveillance firm in Revachol." 14->162 15 Plaisance: Variable["doomed.plais_whitecheck_succeeded"] 16 Variable["doomed.plais_whitecheck_succeeded"] 15->16 17 !(Variable["doomed.plais_whitecheck_succeeded"]) 15->17 860 Plaisance: "You're alive and well! Don't keep me waiting now. What's in there?" She's looking for the right expression. "In that dark sarcophagus?" 16->860 431 Plaisance: Variable["doomed.bookstore_backdoor_smash_failure"] 17->431 18 You: Wink at her. 573 Plaisance: "Oh for the love of... no!" She rolls her eyes, although a vague blush nearly cracks through her façade. "Go look at books instead of this nonsense." 18->573 19 You: "Is your pendant part of the wards as well?" (Point at her necklace.) 657 Plaisance: "Oh, this?" She holds the pendant in her palm. Its ochre heart glistens under the lights. "No. It's a special *Himean amulet* blessed by desert pygmy shamans with a *spell of compulsion*. It's to compel people to buy books..." 19->657 20 Plaisance: "Yes, yes? How was it?" 228 Drama: Tell her how *ghasssstly* it was! You know it's what she wantssss to hear... 20->228 21 You: "Yes." 271 Plaisance: "Great! On a scale of one to ten, how compelled were you to buy books after talking with her?" 21->271 22 You: "That *is* true -- and obviously the will of the market -- but maybe make an exception for your daughter?" 494 Plaisance: She stands stiff and severe, silently fuming. Ten or so seconds pass without change. 22->494 23 You: "I'm here to dismantle the free market and abolish child labour." 345 Plaisance: She rolls her eyes. "You must be kidding, there's nothing like that happening." 23->345 24 Shivers: Your head feels light and dizzy... a cold breeze caresses your flesh. 390 Plaisance: Variable["doomed.plais_shivers_grand_couron"] 24->390 25 Plaisance: "Sir, I really don't have time for your jokes. The situation is very serious." 446 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 25->446 26 Inland Empire: Perhaps you truly *are* the one to deliver this woman from the doom... 862 Plaisance: "But... I am not the only one at risk, I have to think of my daughter. You are certain you can help us, keep us safe? I can't allow any *collateral damage* to hit us." 26->862 27 Plaisance: "You're only making things worse! Stop it. Be compelled to look at the *books*." She fiddles with her pendant. "*Go to them*!" 136 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 27->136 28 Plaisance: Variable["doomed.plais_altgreet_smash_failure"] 29 Variable["doomed.plais_altgreet_smash_failure"] 28->29 30 !(Variable["doomed.plais_altgreet_smash_failure"]) 28->30 618 Plaisance: Variable["doomed.plais_greeting_done"] 29->618 773 Plaisance: "You've hurt yourself now! I told you not to mess around back there. What are you even trying to accomplish, you fool?!" 30->773 31 You: "It would forge ties between us working people -- good practice for fighting our common enemy." 825 Plaisance: "Now hey there." She raises her finger. "Sounds like someone isn't taking responsibility for the energy they bring into this space..." 31->825 32 Kim Kitsuragi: "Yes, what Martinaise really needs is more vigilantes roaming the streets." 135 Plaisance: "Exactly. It's a brilliant idea. Thank you, officer! I'm going to start drawing up business plans right away." 32->135 33 Plaisance: "Who, what? I don't understand what you're talking about. I can't, in good conscience, risk releasing the *bane of doom* upon all because you need something from the cellar." 746 You: "It's not just *something from the cellar*, I'm doing it for your previous neighbour -- Soona Luukanen-Kilde." 33->746 34 Plaisance: "In fact," she pauses to think, "It's odd how many of these troubles started with her departure. How do I know she's not behind the curse?! We definitely have to contain it now." 748 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 34->748 35 You: "Yes! The key! Can we have it?" 818 Plaisance: "Absolutely not!" 35->818 36 Drama: Attaboy. 36->14 37 Drama: Yessss, this is your chance! Only a *remote viewer* can solve this case. 598 Suggestion: This definitely softened her up. 37->598 38 You: "No, you misunderstood me -- I didn't 'look' with my 'eyes', I used my inner vision to 'get a read' on the Darkness... *metaphysically*." 512 Plaisance: Variable["doomed.plais_told_her_annette_mentioned_curse"] 38->512 39 You: "Why are you still talking about books? Are you trying to put a spell on me?" 738 Plaisance: "A spell! As if!" She snorts. "This place doesn't need any spells or hoo-doo mumbo-jumbo, this place has *wonderful* energy!" She wavers under your gaze, mouth pressed into a tight-lipped smile... then something breaks: 39->738 40 Plaisance: "Are you happy now, officer? Happy that you've *ruined* everything?" She closes her eyes and starts mumbling something to her pendant. 642 Perception (Hearing): "Host of Hosts," she prays, "guard me and my honest business venture from the curse that lurks behind the curtains..." 40->642 41 Plaisance: "No, this chimney is part of the building's central furnace and it's enormous. She has barricaded herself behind some metal security curtains... God knows what she's doing there." 519 Plaisance: "Some unnatural magic, I assume." She shivers. "You should go find *the Entity* and ask what happened to all the companies in the building. What is the source of this curse? Here's the key to the warded door behind the curtains, take it." 41->519 42 Plaisance: "Oh and... please, do return to me after you've looked around. I'm quite... *anxious* to know what she has to say about the curse. What you *discover* in there..." 376 Inland Empire: Unbelievable darkness and ruin. 42->376 43 You: "Okay. I'm a little confused. What does that mean?" 553 Plaisance: "Everyone knows that all the previous companies in this building have sooner or later declared bankruptcy. And their *malicious spirits* are still here, feeding off bad business practices and disappointing income statements!" 43->553 44 You: "Wait, that's it? I was hoping for something more... *paranatural*." 919 Plaisance: "But officer, there's nothing *natural* about entire companies declaring bankruptcy! I'm talking about *caco-daemons* feeding off bad business practices and disappointing income statements!" 44->919 45 Plaisance: Variable["doomed.plais_blackcheck_savoir_bookstore"] 46 Variable["doomed.plais_blackcheck_savoir_bookstore"] 45->46 47 !(Variable["doomed.plais_blackcheck_savoir_bookstore"]) 45->47 322 logic blackcheck 46->322 909 Jump to: [doomedhub] 47->909 48 You: "I'm not sure that a trinket shop is a better idea for business." 594 Plaisance: "Well, my husband would definitely agree with you." Her mouth has become a single tight line. "He's the one who suggested selling books. Less... *stupid*, he said. More *cultured*." 48->594 49 You: "No, ma'am. I have felt her aura. She is not the one to blame for this curse." 92 Plaisance: "I don't understand. If it's not her, then where *is* the source of the Doom? How did she explain the *curse*?" She looks perplexed. 49->92 50 You: "As I said, she's a novelty dicemaker. Her business has been up and running for a long time now." 557 Plaisance: "Yes, because her business consists of the *psychic leech* that's been feeding the curse!" Red blotches appear on her skin. 50->557 51 Plaisance: "Another revolution?" She looks down at the pendant in her trembling hands, she collects herself. 249 Plaisance: "I understand what's going on here. You went in there, rummaged around -- and accomplished nothing. And now you're telling me these *intellectual* things to cover up for it." 51->249 52 Plaisance: "Please, do tell! Did anything survive? Have you located the... Entity?" 298 Plaisance: Variable["TASK.report_back_to_plaisance_subtask"] == false 52->298 53 Plaisance: "Of course you didn't, you're nothing but a policeman." She shrugs, visibly dejected. 97 Plaisance: "Alright, you know what? I'm willing to let you investigate the Doomed Commercial Area. We are set on the path... there's little else to do." 53->97 54 entity hub 290 You: "The Entity? No, I don't think so." 54->290 917 You: "Of course, the Entity..." (Close your eyes.) "I didn't see her, but I sensed her presence." 54->917 55 Jump to: [entity hub] 55->54 56 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 163 MAINHUB 56->163 57 Plaisance: "Hello again, esteemed officer," she keeps reciting like a robot. "And welcome to Crime, Romance, and Biographies of Famous People." 378 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 57->378 58 Plaisance: All of a sudden she exhales sharply. Her shoulders slump down. "Oh no..." she mutters. "Hold on, I need to invite her inside and apologize. She must be freezing out there..." 851 Plaisance: "There," she returns with a nod. "I don't know what to say to you. My husband, he tries to teach me business lessons. I have... what my mother called a *dull mind*. All this stress..." She stops, but her mouth keeps moving. 58->851 59->163 60 Logic: You don't have anything of substance to tell her until you've found that *Entity* of hers. 736 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 60->736 61 Plaisance: "I don't understand. If you're not sure it's her, then where *is* the source of the Doom? How did she explain the *curse*?" She looks perplexed. 191 Endurance: Before you say anything, ask yourself. Is the woman really able to *withstand* the truth? 61->191 62 Shivers: Not for her, not for him, not for Revachol -- not for Elysium. 286 Plaisance: "But... but... *that's* not in any of the ancient texts! How am I supposed to protect my bookstore from *that*?!" 62->286 63 Volition: Whatever you do, don't take away her hope -- the only weapon against *total absence*. 185 You: "You can't protect it -- not against *pale*. Close up the shop and try to get as far away from this thing as possible." 63->185 549 You: "You can protect it with hope, by refusing to give up. That's what people have done in the past -- by building a church, a place of worship around this thing." 63->549 788 You: "You'll have to find your own answer. I've spent too long on this quest as it is." 63->788 64 Plaisance: Variable["doomed.plais_altgreet_forced_door"] 65 Variable["doomed.plais_altgreet_forced_door"] 64->65 66 !(Variable["doomed.plais_altgreet_forced_door"]) 64->66 542 Plaisance: Variable["doomed.plais_whitecheck_succeeded"] 65->542 66->15 67 You: "No thanks." [Leave.] 68 You: "Wait, shouldn't a storekeeper know about her wares?" 164 Plaisance: "I provide a valuable service. As long as people buy books, I'm fine." She wiggles her bony fingers at you. 68->164 69 Plaisance: "He made the initial investment. Since then he's been what you might call a *silent partner*." 800 Rhetoric: Super silent. Almost inaudibly so. 69->800 70 You: "Ma'am, do you know how me and my partner are known to our colleagues back at the station?" 915 Plaisance: "No?" The storekeeper has crossed her arms. 70->915 71 You: "One. Not impressed." 764 Plaisance: "I knew it." She sighs and shakes her head. "Shameful behaviour. She's incorrigible." 71->764 72 You: "This is actually none of my business, let's talk about something else." 123 Jump to: [Plaisance: "The woman before you scans the stor..."] 72->123 73 You: Why? 725 Shivers: There is no life in Grand Couron. No one can afford to live there. 73->725 74 You: "Enough funny business. Will you just give us the key already?" 285 Plaisance: "Is *that* what you've been after this whole time? You want the key to the back door?" 74->285 75 You: "But I don't want to ask for it, asking is beneath me." 663 Plaisance: "Oh? Well good for you, because you're not going to get it anyway!" 75->663 76 Inland Empire: Yes, the venture continues. In other waters. Darker waters. 832 Jump to: [Shivers: "The shop around you feels ancient s..."] 76->832 77 Plaisance: "I should have realized... a pattern lies within the fabric. The hand of fate guides us, our meeting couldn't have been mere chance." 77->26 78 Jump to: [Plaisance: "The woman before you scans the stor..."] 624 Plaisance: The woman before you scans the store, her shoulders rigid and tense. Every now and then she nudges her glasses. 78->624 79 You: "Well, I've looked around... I can tell you what I saw." 115 Plaisance: "Okay, I'm willing to listen. We are set on the path... there's little else to do." She shrugs, apparently dejected. 79->115 80 Plaisance: "You... broke down the back door?" She looks sad and confused. "Why? I gave you the key." 233 You: "Real men don't need keys." 80->233 450 You: "The door was giving me shit." 80->450 781 You: "I'm not sure, I don't know what I was thinking." 80->781 81 Rhetoric: Certainly there are good things to be said about dependence. 281 Plaisance: Variable["doomed.plais_rhetoric_options"] 81->281 82 Plaisance: "Okay... fine! It's because this place is *cursed*, just like Annette said! They don't call it the Doomed Commercial Area for nothing!" 82->40 83 Plaisance: "No!" She wavers under your gaze, mouth pressed into a tight-lipped frown... then she breaks down: 367 Plaisance: Variable["doomed.plais_told_her_annette_mentioned_curse"] 83->367 84 You: "If it's just a storage room then it wouldn't hurt if I just peeked inside... It's not like it's *cursed*, right?" 84->83 85 Plaisance: "You *looked*, you let the spirits in!" Her face is getting red. "We are all doomed now, this place is cursed, just like everyone said. They don't call it the Doomed Commercial Area just for nothing!" 85->40 86 Plaisance: Variable["doomed.plais_told_her_annette_mentioned_curse"] 87 Variable["doomed.plais_told_her_annette_mentioned_curse"] 86->87 88 !(Variable["doomed.plais_told_her_annette_mentioned_curse"]) 86->88 515 Plaisance: "It's just like Annette said, this place is cursed. They don't call it the Doomed Commercial Area just for nothing." She closes her eyes, visibly defeated, and starts mumbling something to her pendant. 87->515 89 Plaisance: "It's just like everyone said, this place is cursed. They don't call it the Doomed Commercial Area just for nothing." She closes her eyes, visibly defeated, and starts mumbling something to her pendant. 88->89 89->642 90 You: "Chimneys aren't big enough for anyone to live there." 829 Plaisance: "No, this chimney is part of the building's central furnace and it's enormous. She has barricaded herself behind some metal security curtains... God knows what she's doing there." 90->829 91 Jump to: [doomedhub] 91->389 92->191 93 You: "Honestly, I don't have an answer yet. There are still leads to be followed, like that strange radiocomputer-thing..." 793 Plaisance: "You're telling me that you went in there and didn't find out *anything* about the curse?!" She looks disappointed. 93->793 94 Plaisance: "I understand that you can't divulge official secrets, officer. But know that I appreciate the efforts of your department." She looks at you with sudden admiration. 925 Plaisance: "All that matters is that the energies are retreating. I can already *feel* the curse lifting! It will be a long time until we're *fully* free of it, of course. But still..." 94->925 95 You: "Oh, sorry, I didn't know about the curse." 95->53 96 Plaisance: "But... before we go on, tell me... did you encounter *the malignant Entity?*" Her eyes narrow, as she whispers the name. 96->55 195 Composure: Her façade has dropped. Now you see the curiosity behind the fear. 97->195 98 Plaisance: Variable["doomed.plaisance_sugg_tell_dead_body"] 99 Variable["doomed.plaisance_sugg_tell_dead_body"] 98->99 100 !(Variable["doomed.plaisance_sugg_tell_dead_body"]) 98->100 326 Reaction Speed: Wait, mention the *dead body*! People hate those. 99->326 903 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 100->903 101 Inland Empire: Perfidy? Oh no, we're afraid the presence is VERY REAL. 229 You: "Ma'am, I came here to help. I've handled *paranatural* situations before." 101->229 385 You: "The presence is real in this building. I have felt it. It lurks. It hungers. But I can bring peace." 101->385 102 Plaisance: "I'm sorry.“ She catches herself. "I'm sure you do understand." 211 Jump to: [familyhub] 102->211 103 Plaisance: IsKimHere() 104 IsKimHere() 103->104 105 !(IsKimHere()) 103->105 380 Kim Kitsuragi: "Well, this has been absolutely *educational*. If we happen on the *Third Presence* in our travels we will certainly come back to tell you." 104->380 105->76 106 Inland Empire: Yes, the venture continues. In other waters. Darker waters. 886 Kim Kitsuragi: He turns to you. "Should we get out of here -- before the *vortex* collapses?" 106->886 107 Plaisance: "Hmpf!" She seems disappointed, like a kid who's been told no. "And what else can I do for you?" 889 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 107->889 108 You: "Yes, the Presence, the Entity, the malicious Energy -- however you may want to call it..." 751 Plaisance: "She Who Has Many Names..." she nods solemnly. "I imagine things must be rather bleak for you to return to me. Tell me, what have you found?" 108->751 109 Plaisance: Variable["doomed.plaisance_dca_investigation_no_curse_ending"] 110 Variable["doomed.plaisance_dca_investigation_no_curse_ending"] 109->110 111 !(Variable["doomed.plaisance_dca_investigation_no_curse_ending"]) 109->111 303 Plaisance: "What do you mean the *actual* source?" She clutches her pendant, clearly irritated. "Earlier you told me there was no curse!" 110->303 460 Plaisance: "What do you mean the *actual* source?" She clutches her pendant anxiously. "I thought this issue was resolved!" 111->460 112 Plaisance: "Be welcome -- and *please* take responsibility for the energy you bring into this space." 545 Inland Empire: A golden pendant hangs around the woman's neck, in the shape of what looks like a tiny fish head trapped in amber. 112->545 113 Composure: Her face looks powdery and painted from all the make-up. 622 greethub 113->622 114 Plaisance: "I wasn't kidding when I said we're para-psychologically done! You clearly don't care about the consequences. What gives you the right?" "I wasn't kidding when I said we're para-psychologically done!" The store proprietor is breathing heavily. "You clearly don't care about the consequences. What gives you the right?" 275 You: "I detected psychic emanations from within and was compelled to investigate." 114->275 574 You: "I am the law." 114->574 575 You: "I don't know. Nothing really. I don't have any right, I'm sorry." 114->575 810 You: "I'm a rebel -- I live by my own rules." 114->810 306 Composure: Her façade has dropped. Now you see the curiosity behind the fear. 115->306 116 Plaisance: "How can I believe you after all that foolishness?" She looks somewhat irritated. 207 Kim Kitsuragi: "Our sincere apologies, ma'am. No more nonsense. We're offering to assist you with your troubles, *pro bono*." Despite his apologies, there's a twinge of amusement in the lieutenant's eye. 116->207 117 You: "I don't know what I was thinking, barging in like that..." 586 Plaisance: "I suppose... it's all over now?" Her shoulders slump, as if a heavy burden lies on them. "I guess there's no escape." 117->586 118 Jump to: [bookshub] 342 bookshub 118->342 119 You: "The way you're handling her strikes me as wrong." 343 Plaisance: "Mind your own business, sir." Her posture becomes very rigid. "In *our society*, people don't get to tell each other how to raise their children. It's none of your or anyone's business." 119->343 120 Plaisance: "I guess it's better than nothing." She shrugs. "She'll have to try harder next time." 487 anettehub 120->487 121 You: "I don't think she can do anything about it." 124 Plaisance: "She can, if she has enough *willpower*. This is what's called *growing pains*. Life isn't easy, life doesn't give breaks." 121->124 122 Plaisance: "Yes? Oh, I hope I can make it up to her. She's my precious kid." 272 familyhub 122->272 123->624 905 Plaisance: IsKimHere() 124->905 125 Plaisance: "She's been too busy, helping me here, so she's studied at home this trimester. This is a temporary solution, of course." Plaisance nods. 474 Plaisance: "I assure you, I of all people understand the importance of *education*. She will be back in school the moment the store takes off." 125->474 126 Plaisance: "Absolutely not." She is mortified. "It's more dangerous than I ever imagined. I definitely can't let you in now, we have to contain it." 238 Plaisance: Variable["tc.rvd"] == true  or  IsTHCPresent("remote_viewer") 126->238 127 You: "Why didn't you just tell me right away it's the curse?" 216 Plaisance: "It's not good to talk about the curse, not in detail. The negativism..." She shivers. "It's dangerous. Talking about the void wraiths angers them!" 127->216 128 Plaisance: "There are numerous spells cast throughout the store. I had the books anointed with a different inducement spell, for example." She nods. "It's guaranteed to boost sales *fifteen percent*!" 374 Rhetoric: Desert pygmy shamans...? That sounds like a rather questionable way to describe a group of people. 128->374 129 Jump to: [Plaisance: "The woman before you scans the stor..."] 129->624 130 Plaisance: "I knew it!" A tremor runs through her. "Oh, such horrors that have been thrust upon us..." She shakes her head. 218 Plaisance: "But... what else did you find? Did anything survive? No. Of course not. Have you located the... Entity?" 130->218 131 Plaisance: "How do you... *know* all this?" 254 Drama: Here we go! 131->254 132 Jump to: [Plaisance: "The woman looks aloof, her features..."] 631 Plaisance: The woman looks aloof, her features much softer. Occasionally she glances at her daughter's silhouette. 132->631 133 You: "Look, I've got this decomposing body I *really* need to put in a fridge down there." 780 Plaisance: "You fool! You've gone and unleashed unimaginable evil, all for the sake of a refrigerator!" 133->780 134 You: "A 'psychic studio'? This is even worse than a bookstore in Martinaise..." 590 Plaisance: "No need to be modest, good officer. You've convinced me -- it is a great idea! Thank you for the inspiration." 134->590 178 Plaisance: "In the meantime, do buy the books. As many as you can. They won't be here for much longer." Determination shines in her eyes. "Is there anything else I can help you with?" 135->178 136->163 137 You: "Uh, this Dick Mullen book fell apart before I got to the end. Do you have another copy?" (Show her the item.) 237 Plaisance: "Oh, I'm very sorry, sir. Some of these old paperbacks just don't have the durability. I would be happy to sell you another one, but unfortunately it's the last copy we had in stock." 137->237 138 Savoir Faire: Why are you bothering with this tiresome woman -- just open the curtains while she's distracted! 867 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 138->867 139 Plaisance: "Okay... fine! It's because this place is *cursed*, just like everyone said! They don't call it the Doomed Commercial Area for nothing!" 139->40 140 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 140->163 141 Plaisance: "The curse... is so much worse than you could imagine. It's a *disease*, eating at the very foundation." A shiver runs through the woman, as she looks around the dimly lit store. 406 Plaisance: "It's the curse of *financial distress*." Her voice drops to a whisper. "Of *ruin* -- and bankruptcy." She peers at the curtains again... 141->406 142 You: "And what's behind that door if I may ask?" 245 Plaisance: "Failure... so much more failure!" She turns away from you, shaking her head. 142->245 143 You: "Maybe you should try to *reconceptualize* your business... Martinaise doesn't look like the best place for a bookshop." 463 Plaisance: She stands silent for a second, before exhaling sharply. "You're right. A bookstore wasn't even my original plan, I actually wanted to sell esoteric paraphernalia to help to balance out this neighbourhood's dark energies." 143->463 144 Plaisance: "Too much money, even..." She looks around the dusty store. "Perhaps I should have bought some wards instead." 875 Jump to: [doomedhub] 144->875 145 You: "I talked to the *Entity* you told me about. Her name is Neha and she's a novelty dicemaker." 324 Plaisance: "A novelty *dicemaker*?" Her eyes widen. "Well, spit it out! Why does she need the dice -- for some kind of *sorcery*? Sometimes they use the ankle bones of sheep..." 145->324 146 You: "She may be involved, but I don't have a way to question the malignant Entity further." 146->61 147 You: "Yes. I utilized the secret methods of the Remote Viewers Division." 147->94 148 You: "Yes. I called upon the spirit of *Guillaume le Million* to banish the curse in a flash of disco brilliance." 689 Plaisance: "Guillaume le Million? The singer who made that awful face? Well... I *do* see the resemblance..." She looks at you with sudden admiration. 148->689 149 Plaisance: "What does that mean? Are you certain... Oh, but who am I to question your methods?" She looks at you with sudden admiration. 149->925 150 Plaisance: "The investigation's over. I don't want you going in there anymore, you're only angering the psychic weather in here. Now, if you're not going to *buy* anything..." She turns to face the door, waiting for potential customers. 477 Inland Empire: Wow. Total psychic collapse between you two right now. 150->477 151 Plaisance: "You found a way to fix our entire economic system...?" She peers at you suspiciously. "Or are you talking about the building?" 645 Jump to: [break the curse hub] 151->645 152 Plaisance: "I'm sure that I'll find someone who can help me get rid of the doom that still remains in this house... Things are *improving*, I can feel it." She nods. 526 Plaisance: "Thank you, officer. Truly. You've brought a better psychoemanation to this humble bookstore and that's no small achievement." 152->526 153 know about dca 153->79 398 You: "It was the only way to get this investigation going." 153->398 154 Perception (Hearing): "Host Almighty," she prays, "guard me and my honest business venture from the curse that lurks behind the door, blessed be your name..." 154->95 155 You: "Cursed? But curses aren't real, ma'am." 154->155 194 You: "Cursed? But I thought the curse wasn't real." 154->194 795 Plaisance: "Of course you would think that, you're nothing but a policeman." She shrugs, visibly dejected. 155->795 156 Suggestion: Tell her there's a *dead body* involved. That will make it easier. 156->98 157 Plaisance: "I understand everything, sir. Thank you for descending into the maelström. I will keep fort up here -- strengthen the wards, do my best. And if you happen upon the Third Entity in your travels..." 158 Plaisance: "May the Lord be with you." She performs an x-shaped cross on her chest. 157->158 158->103 159 Suggestion: It will only last a day or two, a week tops. Then her mood will sour and she will feel *the curse* again. 255 Plaisance: IsKimHere() 159->255 160 Jump to: [Inland Empire: "Wow. Total psychic collapse between..."] 160->477 161 Reaction Speed: She wasn't expecting this -- at least not the word *entroponetic*. 591 You: "A tiny hole... in reality. It may be connected with pale, an origin point of sorts. It would explain why historically so many things have ended in failure here in Martinaise." 161->591 569 Encyclopedia: Shao is what the Seolite Empire was called in the Occident, back when far less was known about the people. It was a barbarian Other, ever so mystical, on whom you could project any kind of exotic fantasy. The legend of it persists and a lot of people still think the 'Shao' is a thing. 162->569 163->2 163->9 163->137 163->145 314 You: "You *have to* let me to the cellar. There's something I desperately need from there." 163->314 366 You: "Why are you so uptight about those curtains? I just want to know what's on the other side." 163->366 496 You: "All the pressure has made Annette really anxious. You know she's been chewing her nails?" "I get Annette's a trooper... she looks like she can take it, but it's actually wearing her down. You know she's been biting her nails?" 163->496 516 You: "Plaisance, I have something to tell you... I've found the actual source of doom." 163->516 539 You: "I had a few more questions about the curse..." 163->539 647 You: "I was told that there's a huge fridge in the building's cellar. Can you lead me there?" 163->647 714 You: "The girl outside mentioned that this place is cursed." "The girl who used to stand outside said that this place is cursed." 163->714 762 You: "Seriously, I need to get to the fridge in the cellar -- it's a police matter. I have a *dead body* to take care of." 163->762 847 You: "Who's the little girl standing outside?" "I had more questions about your family." "About your daughter..." "Your daughter is the one standing outside the store, right?" 163->847 880 You: "Farewell for now, book peddler!" [Leave.] "That's all I can say for now, book peddler." [Leave.] 163->880 890 You: "What if I want to buy a book?" 163->890 892 You: "Where do you learn about the *important* things then?" 164->892 772 Plaisance: "Oh my god, will you stop with the  incessant yammering? It's too much." Her palm goes to her face. "If you wanted the key to the back door you could have just asked for it." 165->772 166 You: "What spell?" 270 Plaisance: "Huh?" She flinches at your remark. "Nothing. No one's cast any spells of compulsion to draw in customers. What a silly idea!" 166->270 167 Plaisance: "Wonderful! Did you talk to her?" 167->21 580 You: "Not really." 167->580 168 You: "Okay. Forget it." (None of your business.) 852 Jump to: [Plaisance: "The woman before you scans the stor..."] 168->852 169 Plaisance: IsKimHere()  and  Variable["reputation.kim"] >=4 170 IsKimHere()  and  Variable["reputation.kim"] >=4 169->170 171 !(IsKimHere()  and  Variable["reputation.kim"] >=4) 169->171 172 shaofail 170->172 362 Plaisance: IsKimHere() 171->362 172->14 224 You: I don't want to say all that. 172->224 173 Plaisance: Variable["doomed.plais_familyhub_reached"] 174 Variable["doomed.plais_familyhub_reached"] 173->174 175 !(Variable["doomed.plais_familyhub_reached"]) 173->175 727 Jump to: [Plaisance: "The woman looks aloof, her features..."] 174->727 662 Jump to: [Plaisance: "The woman before you scans the stor..."] 175->662 176 finalehub 176->74 675 You: "That's right, and all you have to do is give us the key to the back door." 176->675 761 You: "It's a good offer, ma'am. I urge you to accept our help, it may be the only chance to save your business!" 176->761 177 Drama: Thy sweet tongue drips not with honey today... yet, try thou must! 779 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 177->779 280 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 178->280 179 Plaisance: "Exactly. In this kind of a business relationship I could come and critique your work any time. I could demand things from you, limiting your creative freedom." 670 Plaisance: IsKimHere() 179->670 180 Plaisance: "Tribute, power... these are not the traditions we're used to in this part of the world." 455 Jump to: [greethub] 180->455 181 Plaisance: Variable["reputation.kim"] > 1 182 Variable["reputation.kim"] > 1 181->182 183 !(Variable["reputation.kim"] > 1) 181->183 396 Kim Kitsuragi: "Certainly so, ma'am. I can assure you my partner is eminent in this *particular* field." 182->396 676 Kim Kitsuragi: "I can assure you, he is... a police officer. Very... knowledgeable." 183->676 184 Plaisance: "Just let it go, officer! Go buy some god damn books, you're supposed to be... *drawn* to the books!" 870 Drama: She recites it like it's a poem, or like she's playing a role she's grown tired of. 184->870 739 Plaisance: "Close... the shop? But it's all I have! No, there *must* be a way..." 185->739 498 Plaisance: Variable["doomed.plais_said_shao_lie"] 186->498 187 Plaisance: "Thank you, sir." A timid sigh of relief, followed by a cautious smile. "There's one more thing I haven't told you about yet... *the Entity*." 296 Drama: Do not act surprised. You know of these things, sire. 187->296 188 You: "Chimney... the passage between heaven and hell, of course..." 552 Plaisance: "Yes, that chimney is part of the building's central furnace and it's enormous. She has barricaded herself behind some metal security curtains... God knows what she's doing there." 188->552 189 Plaisance: "There's something *wrong* with this building, I can tell you. Ever since I arrived, I've sensed an eerie lingering presence -- as if I was *unwanted* here." 804 Empathy: Sounds familiar. 189->804 190 Plaisance: "It's not just that, officer, we're dealing with something *supra-natural* here. It's the *caco-daemons* feeding off bad business practices and disappointing income statements!" 190->189 602 Logic: The narrative she's built herself -- it does need tearing down. 191->602 192 what neha said hub 192->93 410 You: "She said it's just capitalism. Bankruptcy is a quirk of our economic system." 192->410 554 You: "She says there is no curse, because there are too many inconsistencies." 192->554 838 You: "There is another Entity, more malignant, pulling the strings in Martinaise. Perhaps in my travels I will cross paths with it." 192->838 923 You: (Lie.) "The source is in the taxidermist's shop. He became involved in arts darker than taxidermy and brought the void spirits down upon this place." 192->923 193 Plaisance: "I hope you're happy now, happy that you've *ruined* everything... Now that you've broken the door the curse is coming to get *me* as well." She closes her eyes and starts mumbling something to her pendant. 193->154 833 Plaisance: "Of course you did, you're nothing but a policeman." She shrugs, visibly dejected. 194->833 195->96 196 Empathy: A part of hers too, clearly. 196->121 196->168 197 You: "It doesn't matter. Now, tell me something else..." 197->107 198 Plaisance: Variable["XP.help_annette"] 199 Variable["XP.help_annette"] 198->199 200 !(Variable["XP.help_annette"]) 198->200 611 Plaisance: "Especially now that Annette is settling in at school again. She's finally making friends in this place!" She looks at her daughter, quietly studying in the corner of the shop. "No, we can't leave Martinaise. We can't." 199->611 696 Plaisance: IsTaskActive("TASK.doomed_investigation")--[[ Variable[ ]] 200->696 201 Plaisance: Variable["XP.help_annette"] 202 Variable["XP.help_annette"] 201->202 203 !(Variable["XP.help_annette"]) 201->203 483 Plaisance: "You're *right*, officer. I mustn't lose faith -- especially now that Annette is finally settling in at school and making friends." She looks at her daughter, quietly studying in the corner of the shop. "No, we can't just leave!" 202->483 287 Plaisance: "You're *right*, officer. I can't just leave everything -- after all this work! This little bookstore has become the *cornerstore* of our neighbourhood -- I can't just jump the ship and leave." 203->287 204 Plaisance: Variable["XP.help_annette"] 205 Variable["XP.help_annette"] 204->205 206 !(Variable["XP.help_annette"]) 204->206 329 Plaisance: "I've heard of these *tri-actors*. In certain occult literature that's too dark to dwell on for too long -- and definitely not in the presence of my daughter." She gestures for you to be silent. 205->329 484 Plaisance: "I've heard of these *tri-actors*. In certain occult literature that's too dark to dwell on for too long -- and definitely not in public." She gestures for you to be silent. 206->484 207->176 208 Rhetoric: Some penetrating sarcasm from your colleague there. 426 Plaisance: "What nonsense are you two going on about? This is not relevant at all. And besides," her lip curls in disgust, "*my* husband would never do such a thing. We are proper people." 208->426 209 Logic: Denial is the way she copes with criticism. 720 Jump to: [anettehub] 209->720 210 Plaisance: "God, I've told her not to do that. It's disgusting. And I told *you* to mind your own business." Her voice is firm. "Clearly you have no idea how hard it is to raise a girl in this economy." 565 Inland Empire: *This economy* is a mysterious force, like cosmic weather. Mysterious and harsh. 210->565 211->272 212 Plaisance: Variable["doomed.plais_entered_through_doomed"] 213 Variable["doomed.plais_entered_through_doomed"] 212->213 214 !(Variable["doomed.plais_entered_through_doomed"]) 212->214 214->64 215 Plaisance: "This is preposterous, a waste of my time and of no help to anyone." She looks displeased. 215->207 623 Conceptualization: Wow. *Void wraiths*. You have new words. 216->623 217 Drama: Slither up to her, you silver-tongued fiend. Show her what world-class perfidy looks like! 882 Plaisance: IsTHCPresent("remote_viewer") 217->882 218->298 219 Plaisance: "My precious! Her dedication brings joy to my heart." She's immensely satisfied with the answer. "If you have children, I hope they turn out as great as my Annette." 219->487 220 Empathy: Her opinion of her daughter depends on how well she lured you into the store. 220->71 221 You: "Five. I felt some interest." 220->221 753 You: "Ten. She's certainly very polite and helpful." 220->753 850 You: "I'm not going to grade a human being. I don't do that." 220->850 221->120 222 You: "I don't know, I just walked right in here instead." 584 Plaisance: She lightens up. "Oh yes, okay, that makes sense. It's working then... yes. Do browse our books, sir!" 222->584 223 You: "Oh. I guess I was mistaken." 274 Plaisance: "Indeed." Her voice is decisive and sharp as a knife. "Are we done with the jokes now?" 223->274 726 Drama: Yes, you do. 224->726 225 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 225->163 226 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 226->163 227 Drama: Yessss, this is your chance! This is your chance! Only a *para-detective* can solve this case. 227->598 341 You: "Honestly -- a dump. Nothing to see there, just heaps of garbage. Someone should let the sunshine in." 228->341 646 You: "I am in no position to give out personal opinions." 228->646 904 You: "It was a charnel house of failed business enterprises, leeching life energy from this bookstore." 228->904 775 Plaisance: "Are you sure?" She looks sceptical. "Don't think I haven't seen *charlatans* before..." 229->775 230 You: "I am the Void-Revenant. I have the powers to de-bad all the bad energies." 230->77 231 Plaisance: She shudders. "I'm not sure I can trust your claims -- honestly, you look like a bit of a drinker. I'm sorry for being so blunt, but..." 637 Electrochemistry: Hey now, hey. Hey! Hey. You need the booze to focus, alright? 231->637 232 Plaisance: "If you promise, good officer... then." She shuffles nervously. "You might be our last hope. Do you swear it?" 540 You: (A hand on your heart.) "On my honour." 232->540 541 You: "Actually, I'm not really feeling the vibe anymore... The psychic force has left me." "Actually, I'm not feeling the vibe anymore. I just wanted to get to the fridge..." 232->541 279 Plaisance: "I hope you can find the solution quickly. The wards are broken, the passage has been opened..." She shudders. "Now tell me, what's back there?" 233->279 234 You: "Damn, you're right. What kind of a business relationship would that kick-start?" 234->179 235 Kim Kitsuragi: "We wouldn't want that." 235->455 236 Plaisance: "Oh my god, even the *police* can't take care of all this. Just look at you! You're a wreck. Someone should do something about this." She rubs her pendant between two fingers, thinking. 509 Plaisance: "Maybe... I should close the bookstore and open a *psychic studio*! Yes!" She nods to herself. "It makes sense. Crime is the sixth element, you see. The darkest element." 236->509 262 Half Light: She calls that customer service?! 237->262 239 Variable["tc.rvd"] == true  or  IsTHCPresent("remote_viewer") 238->239 240 !(Variable["tc.rvd"] == true  or  IsTHCPresent("remote_viewer")) 238->240 239->37 240->227 241 Plaisance: "You *looked*, you let the spirits in!" she shouts, her face getting red. "We are all doomed now, this place is cursed, just like Annette said. They don't call it the Doomed Commercial Area just for nothing!" 241->40 242 You: "Strange... I feel unwanted too. What does it mean?" 916 Plaisance: "Truly so?" Her eyes narrow, as she tries to get a read on your energy. "Perhaps the dark energies are leeching off you? You shouldn't stay in the store too long, it may be dangerous." 242->916 243 Untitled hub 243->188 873 You: "Chimneys aren't big enough for that." 243->873 244 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 244->163 246 Jump to: [doomedhub] 245->246 246->389 247 Plaisance: "Most certainly not! I'm not letting you open the gates of hell. In fact, I don't want *anyone* who isn't familiar with the psychic arts involved in this mess. Stay away. Leave the spirits be, so they can return to their slumber." 664 Drama: My liege! You know what this case calls for? A para-detective! 247->664 248 Plaisance: "But being *cultured* doesn't offer any protection against the curse, does it?" She looks around the dusty store. "Maybe I shouldn't have listened to him after all..." 792 Jump to: [doomedhub] 248->792 249->7 250 Rhetoric: Good luck persuading her. Some people can rationalize *anything*. 250->50 465 You: "First, *you're* one of those inconsistencies." 250->465 251 Logic: Her *filament* memory. 251->34 252 Plaisance: "A fridge?" She fidgets with her pendant. "No, I don't know anything about a fridge. Aren't you interested in books?" She nods at the bookshelves. 295 Drama: For whatever reason she's lying to you about the fridge. Seems like you have to find your own way to the cellar. 252->295 253->272 254->230 445 You: "Your wards brought me here in the first place. The Semenese blood also runs through me." 254->445 821 You: "I used to live on the shadowy isles... the wild wisemen taught me their rituals." 254->821 256 IsKimHere() 255->256 257 !(IsKimHere()) 255->257 708 Kim Kitsuragi: "All right then -- all's well that ends well." The lieutenant turns to you. "Should we return to our *ordinary* lives?" 256->708 381 Shivers: The shop around you feels ancient suddenly, damp and saturated by the coastal air. The books are rotting, a great cold lives here. And there, too -- 1200 metres away, on the urban coast. The dark shape of a church is reflected on the water, calling. 257->381 258 Endurance: Maybe you were wrong. She's endured for at least four decades in this world. 610 Plaisance: "Thank you for nothing. Please, do buy some books -- or be on your way,“ she concludes, tucking the pendant away in her blouse. 258->610 259 Plaisance: Variable["XP.got_into_doomed_commercial_area"] 260 Variable["XP.got_into_doomed_commercial_area"] 259->260 261 !(Variable["XP.got_into_doomed_commercial_area"]) 259->261 260->246 261->142 510 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 262->510 263 Plaisance: "What do you mean the *actual* source?" She clutches her pendant, clearly irritated. "Are you here to lecture me about *economics* again?!" 304 discovery channel 263->304 264 You: "This so-called *curse* is nothing more than a simple case of collective delusion." 305 Plaisance: "No, no, don't mock the spirits like that! They don't like it... it only makes them angrier. Leave it be." 264->305 265 You: "Is she an only child?" 386 Plaisance: "Yes, I'm afraid so. A real treat she is. It would be nice if she had..." She pauses for a second. "No, we couldn't have afforded more children really. Not in this economy." 265->386 266 You: "I sensed the psychic emanations from afar. The Sleeper Beyond calls out." 266->231 267 You: "Would you like me to take the case? I could investigate, see if the curse is real." (Conclude.) 758 Plaisance: "Most certainly not! I don't want anyone who's not familiar with the psychic arts to get involved in this mess. Stay away. Leave the spirits be, so they can return to their slumber." 267->758 268 You: "I don't think the curse is real, I just want you to let me in there." (Conclude.) "I don't care about the curse, I just need to get to the fridge." (Conclude.) 268->247 269 Plaisance: "Goodness, you were already doing good browsing the shelves. Why'd you stop?" She fiddles her pendant, then waves her bony fingers directly at you: "Don't you feel compelled? Go, go -- get back there. The books await you." 812 Perception (Hearing): Quietly, she mutters to herself: "He isn't doing what he's designed to do... isn't the spell working..." 269->812 270->118 271->220 272->265 493 You: "Is this husband Annette's father?" 272->493 813 You: "She told me she doesn't go to school anymore." 272->813 857 You: "Alright. I had something else in mind." (Conclude.) 272->857 273 Plaisance: "Yes. My husband is a successful entrepreneur East of the river. If only he were more *involved* in the business we're running up *here*." She says gloomily. "No matter, soon we'll both be off for Grand Couron!" 387 You: "And your husband's also involved with the bookstore?" 273->387 535 You: "Wait. Grand Couron? What's that?" 273->535 346 Plaisance: IsKimHere() 274->346 579 Plaisance: "Don't expect my help from now on. The back door is locked and I threw away the key. I won't trifle with such forces." She fiddles with her pendant. 275->579 276 Jump to: [doomedhub] 276->389 277 Plaisance: "Oh." Her disappointment is obvious. "What about?" 277->736 278 You: No, it's really stupid. No! It's just as stupid. 359 Plaisance: Variable["doomed.plais_familyhub_reached"] 278->359 926 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 279->926 280->163 282 Variable["doomed.plais_rhetoric_options"] 281->282 283 !(Variable["doomed.plais_rhetoric_options"]) 281->283 282->31 282->234 454 You: "Excuse me, I don't even know why I said that. A lapse of professionalism that does not represent my values." 282->454 587 You: "You misunderstand me. I'm a powerful feudal lord. I demand tribute. This is about traditions." 282->587 699 Authority: What is this insolence? She misunderstood. 283->699 284 You: "Hey, I'm the one who got shot here. In the leg... *and* in the shoulder!" 284->236 285->35 612 Half Light: She's too afraid to even say the word. 286->612 333 Plaisance: "Besides, didn't I have some Seolite hope catchers around here somewhere...? I must find them; everything will be alright if I can just find them." 287->333 288 Jump to: [doomed.plais_doomed_hub_reached] 797 Plaisance: Variable["doomed.plais_doomed_hub_reached"] 288->797 289 You: "The Entity?" 551 Plaisance: "Yes, a malignant *Entity* that lives inside the chimney... it takes the form of a woman. A witch, most likely. She or *it* must be connected to the curse somehow." 289->551 741 Plaisance: "Yes, the malignant *Entity* that lives inside the chimney... It takes the shape of a woman, a witch probably. I've suspected that she knows more about the curse than she lets on ever since I first saw her." 290->741 291 Plaisance: "Some unnatural magic, I assume." She shivers. "You should go find the *Entity* and ask what happened to all the companies in the building. And do return to me after you've talked to it. I'm quite *anxious* to know what she has to say about the curse." 418 Plaisance: Variable["doomed.furnace_heard_voices"] 291->418 292 Plaisance: "Yes, I've contacted numerous parapsychologists and even a pair of Semenese mediators -- they provided me with the wards." She nods at the strange cage-like trinket on the curtains. 921 Plaisance: "The wards help to keep the doom at bay and protect us against the darkness that lies further in the building. Even though now I fear... it's not enough." 292->921 293 Logic: Doesn't seem like the spell is working... There are no customers around except you. 293->45 294 You: "You could try to be friendlier with the customers." 791 Plaisance: "My voice is trained to perfection by true sales professionals, good sir! I paid good money for those courses." 294->791 416 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 295->416 296->289 684 You: "Of course, the Entity..." (Close your eyes.) "For I have sensed its presence." 296->684 297 Logic: What you *discover*? Probably just office space -- and the damn fridge. Don't be scared. 834 Plaisance: Variable["doomed.plaisance_fridge_passive_shown"] 297->834 299 Variable["TASK.report_back_to_plaisance_subtask"] == false 298->299 300 !(Variable["TASK.report_back_to_plaisance_subtask"] == false) 298->300 299->60 300->736 301 Kim Kitsuragi: "I am sorry we had to disappoint you, ma'am." He turns to you. "Can we go now?" 301->832 302 Kim Kitsuragi: "If you're really interested in cracking this mystery, then we should go back to the furnace. Maybe you could yell into it or something, make some noise? You'll think of something, you always do." 481 Esprit de Corps: Despite his cool the lieutenant's interested in solving this mystery, too. 302->481 303->304 425 You: "My investigation has led me to discover a two-millimetre entroponetic hole in reality. That's the source of doom -- both in the commercial area *and* in Martinaise." 304->425 787 You: "I'm afraid all I can tell you is this -- you must leave Martinaise immediately. It's too dangerous to stay." 304->787 729 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 305->729 520 Plaisance: "But... before we go on... did you encounter *the malignant Entity?*" Her eyes narrow, as she whispers the name. 306->520 307 You: "Dealing with ghosts is simple. You have to show them who's boss." 585 Plaisance: "What does that even mean?" 307->585 308 Plaisance: "Do you take me for a complete fool?" She's getting irritated. "Leave it be and just go look at the books." 759 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 308->759 309 You: "No, I must've been mistaken. She's right outside, very attentive, yes." 309->167 310 Plaisance: Variable["doomed.plais_blackcheck_empathy_annette"] 311 Variable["doomed.plais_blackcheck_empathy_annette"] 310->311 312 !(Variable["doomed.plais_blackcheck_empathy_annette"]) 310->312 311->5 770 You: "You're like Annette to your husband. And your mother." 311->770 312->272 313 You: "Just ask my partner, Kim. He'll vouch for me." 442 Kim Kitsuragi: "Oh, uh..." the lieutenant mumbles in minor confusion. He has not been listening closely enough. You've put him on the spot. 313->442 314->33 315 Plaisance: Variable["TASK.doomed_investigation_done"] 316 Variable["TASK.doomed_investigation_done"] 315->316 317 !(Variable["TASK.doomed_investigation_done"]) 315->317 316->288 350 Plaisance: Variable["doomed.plais_investigate_doomed_altgreet"] 317->350 318 You: "I need to know what *secrets* lie behind the door... It's part of a *spiritual quest*." 318->27 319 Inland Empire: Didn't... didn't that curtain just *move*?! 319->43 319->44 874 You: "Ah! Annette mentioned that the previous tenants have experienced some financial troubles." 319->874 320 Jump to: [doomedhub] 320->389 321 You: "I heard that the Union has squeezed out all the local business to fund their strike... How is your store still up and running?" 408 Plaisance: She fingers the pendant around her neck, thinking. "It must be these very spells and wards of protection that keep me safe from all the ill and wicked deeds." 321->408 522 You: "Honestly, it seems like this pendant thing is a scam. You could be doing so much more." 322->522 686 You: "There are hardly any customers in the store. Do you think it's really working?" 322->686 323 You: "I'm only trying to help... What about some neon signs and blinking lights?" 742 Plaisance: "Sir, this is a bookstore, not a stripclub. No one would take us seriously if we put up some horrendous neon lights." 323->742 324->49 324->146 409 You: "She's not a sorceress -- or some 'malicious Entity'. She's a businesswoman, like you." 324->409 325 You: "It's true. We live in a precarious world, nothing ever turns out right. You need to get used to chaos." (Proceed.) 922 Plaisance: "Precarious world? Economy?" She looks down at the pendant in her trembling hands... 325->922 326->903 327 Logic: What you *discover*? Probably just some office space. Don't be scared. 327->244 328 Rhetoric: She's looking for one -- but there simply aren't any good arguments for being an asshole. 328->58 329->157 330 Half Light: Anger and loneliness keep this woman moving through the waking hours. Your little words are no match for it. 607 Plaisance: IsKimHere() 330->607 331 Kim Kitsuragi: "Ma'am -- what he's saying is true. We found an entroponetic anomaly in the Small Pinewood Church down the coast. I don't mean to be an alarmist -- and more research *is* needed -- but... it's not looking good." 331->62 332 Suggestion: Maybe it's best to tell her the truth after all. Here we go... 332->425 333->696 334 Plaisance: "*Absence...!*" she gasps. Then, after collecting herself: "I imagine things must be rather bleak for you to return to me. Tell me, what have you found?" 334->425 335 Plaisance: Variable["doomed.plaisance_dca_investigation_capitalism_is_cursed_ending"] 336 Variable["doomed.plaisance_dca_investigation_capitalism_is_cursed_ending"] 335->336 337 !(Variable["doomed.plaisance_dca_investigation_capitalism_is_cursed_ending"]) 335->337 336->263 337->109 338 Jump to: [familyhub] 338->272 339 You: "Alright, I'll take a look then." (Conclude.) "Okay, I'll take another look then." (Conclude.) 652 Plaisance: She smiles and nods, seemingly relieved. 339->652 340 You: "So, are you the owner of this store?" 490 Plaisance: "I am. The proudest owner of our little shop of culture." Her voice is high-pitched, as if to give it more penetration. "I am. The proudest owner of our little shop of culture." Her voice, high-pitched, sounds familiar -- you've talked to her before, through the doorbell. 340->490 341->218 342->166 342->339 755 You: "So what types of books do you have?" 342->755 891 You: "Do you even know what books you have for sale?" 342->891 343->209 344 Plaisance: "Oh," she exclaims with some irritation. "Shameful girl, what is she up to this time?!" 344->72 344->309 651 You: "Depends. How much do you pay the kid?" 345->651 347 IsKimHere() 346->347 348 !(IsKimHere()) 346->348 495 Kim Kitsuragi: "Yes, we've had quite enough fun here, right." The lieutenant taps his foot. 347->495 814 Jump to: [anettehub] 348->814 349 Plaisance: "Not this nonsense again. I already said *no*!" 349->446 351 Variable["doomed.plais_investigate_doomed_altgreet"] 350->351 352 !(Variable["doomed.plais_investigate_doomed_altgreet"]) 350->352 497 Plaisance: "What have you found?" She seems anxious. "And also, do buy the books. There may be *teachings* in them." 351->497 352->212 353 Plaisance: Variable["doomed.plais_familyhub_reached"] 354 Variable["doomed.plais_familyhub_reached"] 353->354 355 !(Variable["doomed.plais_familyhub_reached"]) 353->355 819 Jump to: [Plaisance: "The woman looks aloof, her features..."] 354->819 355->129 356 Plaisance: "Oh my, I should have known! You do have that *wild-man* look. Our meeting couldn't have been mere chance!" 356->862 357 Drama: Stop being such a fussy prude! You can't convince her without liessssss. 357->278 358 You: Okay, I guess I'll give it a try: "Crime Bros." (Nod at Kim.) "We're called *crime bros*, my partner and I." 357->358 550 Plaisance: "You're called... *what*?" She peers at you over her glasses. "What is this, a joke, mister policeman? Do you commit *crimes* together or what?" 358->550 360 Variable["doomed.plais_familyhub_reached"] 359->360 361 !(Variable["doomed.plais_familyhub_reached"]) 359->361 360->132 361->78 363 IsKimHere() 362->363 364 !(IsKimHere()) 362->364 912 failfail 363->912 571 whitefailhub 364->571 365 Plaisance: "Discount my wares?! I can see, sir, that you don't value books very highly." 876 Plaisance: "Besides, this would only tempt the phantoms of doom... They can sense the desperation, you know." 365->876 913 Plaisance: "I already told you, it's just a storage room for employees! I don't understand why it's so important to you..." 366->913 368 Variable["doomed.plais_told_her_annette_mentioned_curse"] 367->368 369 !(Variable["doomed.plais_told_her_annette_mentioned_curse"]) 367->369 368->82 369->139 370 Plaisance: Variable["doomed.plais_told_her_annette_mentioned_curse"] 371 Variable["doomed.plais_told_her_annette_mentioned_curse"] 370->371 372 !(Variable["doomed.plais_told_her_annette_mentioned_curse"]) 370->372 371->241 372->85 373 Kim Kitsuragi: He turns away, but not before you can see a small hint of a smile -- he's struggling to not crack up. 373->4 374->293 375 You: "Chimney... the passage between heaven and hell, of course. It all makes sense now!" 593 Plaisance: "Yes, that chimney is part of the building's central furnace and it's enormous. She has barricaded herself behind some metal security curtains... God knows what she's doing there." 375->593 561 Plaisance: IsTaskActive("TASK.go_see_the_fridge")--[[ Variable[ ]] 376->561 377 Plaisance: "Hello again, esteemed officer. And welcome to Crime, Romance, and Biographies of Famous People." 377->378 378->163 379 You: "Of course. Yes. This economy." 885 Plaisance: "Exactly." She agrees wholeheartedly. 379->885 380->106 595 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 381->595 382 You: Don't mention it. 383 Plaisance: She nudges her glasses, anxious and tense. 382->383 383->320 384 Plaisance: "*Cursed*? Who said that, Annette?" She blinks. "I will have a word with her... This place is not cursed, it has a robustly *magnetic* energy. Good for commercial activity. My business is *thriving*, sir!" 895 Rhetoric: What in god's name is she talking about? 384->895 385->775 429 Composure: A glimmer of sadness blinks through the well-crafted exterior. 386->429 387->69 388 Plaisance: "We're quite busy people, you know, my husband and I. Quite busy." Her voice wavers a bit. "Children are a lot of work. You don't look like a father, so I don't expect you to understand..." 388->102 389->19 389->127 389->267 389->268 389->321 414 You: "Never mind, I had other questions." 389->414 625 You: "How does this curse manifest itself?" 389->625 824 You: "Never mind, I had other questions." 389->824 830 You: "What about the wards on the back door? Are these Semenese as well?" 389->830 920 You: "Have you sought help from anyone?" 389->920 391 Variable["doomed.plais_shivers_grand_couron"] 390->391 392 !(Variable["doomed.plais_shivers_grand_couron"]) 390->392 393 shiveria 391->393 718 Plaisance: "Most of the buildings are empty at the moment!" Her smile is wide. "It's a great opportunity to get ahead of the crowds. Better times ahead, for sure." 392->718 816 You: What's going on? 393->816 858 You: Shudder, let it pass. 393->858 394 Jump to: [familyhub] 394->272 395 Plaisance: "You're no para-detective. You look nothing like one -- and you're clearly a drinker. Pardon me for being so blunt, but..." 750 Rhetoric: ...you look like one. 395->750 396->232 397 Half Light: Blech! You deny your own Revacholian blood for the sake of a lie! 397->862 398->115 399 You: "A curious pendant you're wearing." (Narrow your eyes mysteriously.) 669 Plaisance: "Oh yes, helps to have an anchor in these times." She clutches the pendant and narrows her eyes as well. 399->669 400 Plaisance: "Fighting, enemy... my philosophy is everyone just getting along." 400->455 401 Plaisance: "And you... oh my god, just look at you! It looks like even the *police* can't take care of all this. Someone should do something about this." She rubs her pendant between two fingers, thinking. 401->509 402 You: "Honestly, I'm not sure what to think of it." 546 Plaisance: "No, no... you're right, officer! You've convinced me -- it is a great idea! Thank you for the inspiration." 402->546 403 You: "If it's just a storage room then why does it have a Semenese ward protecting it?" 737 Plaisance: "It's just for decoration!" She wavers under your gaze, mouth pressed into a tight-lipped smile... then something breaks: 403->737 404 Plaisance: "The Darkness..." She closes her eyes and nods. "It must be real then... This place is cursed, just like Annette said. They don't call it the Doomed Commercial Area just for nothing!" 785 Plaisance: "I'm not sure whether I want to know what else the spirits have told you in your *visions*..." She shudders and starts mumbling something to her pendant. 404->785 405 You: "You mean the chimney that's part of the central furnace?" "You mean the chimney that's part of the central furnace? I heard *voices* coming from there..." 521 Plaisance: "Yes, I've heard that it's enormous. She has barricaded herself behind some metal security curtains upstairs... God knows what she's doing there." 405->521 406->319 407 Jump to: [doomedhub] 407->389 408->91 409->92 411 Plaisance: "Wait, *WHAT*?" Her entire face goes white as a skull. "The entire economic system is cursed?!" 410->411 523 Plaisance: Variable["doomed.plais_suggestion_truth"] 411->523 412 Plaisance: "Oh, I see..." She looks at her pendant, then back to you. "I guess it's time to visit Boogie Street again." 412->152 413 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 413->163 414->353 415->56 416->163 417 Suggestion: Just don't say you don't have *any* answer yet. The uncertainty is killing her. 530 Drama: To hell with it -- perchance you ought to just lie, sire? 417->530 419 Variable["doomed.furnace_heard_voices"] 418->419 420 !(Variable["doomed.furnace_heard_voices"]) 418->420 421 Plaisance: IsKimHere() 419->421 420->413 422 IsKimHere() 421->422 423 !(IsKimHere()) 421->423 422->302 709 Drama: You ssshould get back to the furnace, make some nnnoise. 423->709 424 third presence 424->108 424->425 713 You: "No, not the Presence..." (Close your eyes.) "The Third *Absence*." 424->713 517 Plaisance: "A... a what?" 425->517 485 You: "Alright, enough nonsense. The point is that we sometimes take on *unusual* cases." 426->485 613 You: "Mind your manners, John. This isn't the great Shao Empire, where you can talk about sex stuff so openly!" 426->613 715 You: "You shouldn't be so trusting of your husband. Men are filthy, treacherous pigs." 426->715 427 Plaisance: "Annette, yes. My daughter. I hope she wasn't slacking off again with her nose in science fiction! Tell me, was she at her post, doing her job like a proper girl?" 427->197 534 You: "Yes, of course." 427->534 658 You: "No, she was definitely slacking off." 427->658 428 Plaisance: "Good sir, what does a young child do with money anyway? No, I save it for her, as a fund. She's securing her financial future out there." 660 Authority: Slap the cuffs on her! 428->660 429->379 817 You: "Why not?" 429->817 430 Jump to: [greethub] 430->622 432 Variable["doomed.bookstore_backdoor_smash_failure"] 431->432 433 !(Variable["doomed.bookstore_backdoor_smash_failure"]) 431->433 432->28 844 Plaisance: Variable["doomed.bookstore_curtains_opened"] == true  and  Variable["doomed.plais_curtain_intro_done"] == false 433->844 434 You: "The dark sarcophagus..." (Pause dramatically.) 434->20 435 Plaisance: Variable["doomed.plais_drama_failure_once"] 436 Variable["doomed.plais_drama_failure_once"] 435->436 437 !(Variable["doomed.plais_drama_failure_once"]) 435->437 436->362 437->169 438 Plaisance: "Okay, but please, only a few questions." She peers at the curtains. "You wouldn't want to disturb the spirits..." 438->389 439 You: "*Extreme violence*. The wards only make them invite their ghost-families. And the Semenese want that because they're in league with the ghosts." 439->308 440 Plaisance: "You're right..." She is mortified. "It's worse than I imagined. We definitely have to contain it now!" 440->238 441 Drama: You're not *lying* -- you're giving her peace of mind. The meanssss are thus jusssstified. 441->229 441->385 442->181 443 Plaisance: "No, it simply can't be!" She looks at you with some puzzlement. "How can I trust you? You're clearly a heavy drinker, don't get me wrong..." 443->637 444 parahub 776 You: "I admit, I've had my share of drinks, but only because *mediation* is so draining." "I admit, I've had my share of drinks, but only because the spectral realm is para-psychologically taxing." 444->776 820 You: "You see, it's necessary to drink the *spirits* in order to contact the *void*." 444->820 910 You: "Al Gul hails from beyond the veil, ma'am. Al Gul guides the way." 444->910 822 Plaisance: "You're part Semenese?! Oh, it means our meeting couldn't have been mere chance... the hand of fate guides us." 445->822 446->163 447 You: Goddamnit, you're completely unhelpful. 866 Drama: 'Tis a poor craftsman who blames his tools! 447->866 448 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 448->163 449 You: "Nothing... I'm just terribly clumsy sometimes, sorry." (Rub your aching forehead.) 449->27 450->279 452 Variable["TASK.report_to_the_tribunal_done"] 451->452 453 !(Variable["TASK.report_to_the_tribunal_done"]) 451->453 456 Plaisance: Variable["doomed.plais_altgreet_post_tribunal"] 452->456 453->315 588 Plaisance: "Oh my. Of course." She looks at you and adds, "What a man." 454->588 455->622 457 Variable["doomed.plais_altgreet_post_tribunal"] 456->457 458 !(Variable["doomed.plais_altgreet_post_tribunal"]) 456->458 782 Plaisance: "It's always nice to see you here. You bring good energy." 457->782 668 Plaisance: "Oh my god, things have gotten out of hand!" She unloads immediately: "I thought the psychic stuff was bad, but the crime... it's even worse. I haven't been able to come to work for *three days*, the shop has been locked. No sales, gang-bangers running around, shooting everyone. I know I shouldn't have bought a shop in this *ghetto*." 458->668 459 Plaisance: "I'm not tense, I'm just..." She wavers under your gaze, mouth pressed into a tight-lipped frown... then something breaks: 459->367 460->304 461 Plaisance: "Leave?" She blinks twice, mulling over your words. Then: "Officer, I must *insist* that you tell me what you've uncovered! I can't just leave everything on a whim..." 461->332 462 Kim Kitsuragi: The lieutenant looks at you, waiting to see where this is going. 683 Drama: You've got this. Just go with it, this is *elegant*. 462->683 463->48 687 You: "Great idea. What happened?" 463->687 464 Plaisance: "Too many *inconsistencies*? What kind of talk is that?" The woman scoffs at you with an audible snort. 464->250 527 Plaisance: "I am not doing as well as it looks like I am..." She grasps her pendant. "I only have my Semenese wards to thank for the protection they provide." 465->527 466 Plaisance: "Just a door?! This place is cursed, detective! They don't call it the Doomed Commercial Area for nothing -- just look at the sheer amount of companies that have failed in this house!" 466->193 467 Plaisance: Variable["doomed.plais_rhetoric_options"] 468 Variable["doomed.plais_rhetoric_options"] 467->468 469 !(Variable["doomed.plais_rhetoric_options"]) 467->469 468->587 648 You: No, that's not *me*. 468->648 597 Physical Instrument: Son, you got destroyed there. What an idiot you are... 469->597 470 Empathy: Doesn't feel like it's thriving. Feels ghostly. 470->140 471 Plaisance: IsTaskActive("TASK.go_see_the_fridge")--[[ Variable[ ]] 472 IsTaskActive("TASK.go_see_the_fridge")--[[ Variable[ ]] 471->472 473 !(IsTaskActive("TASK.go_see_the_fridge")--[[ Variable[ ]]) 471->473 472->156 473->903 749 Logic: And hell freezes over? Never mind, it's not a good topic to get into. 474->749 475 Esprit de Corps: Go ahead then. Rock her world, he thinks. I'll compose some notes. 475->444 476 Empathy: This is *a lot* for her to parse. 688 turn around hub 476->688 839 Rhetoric: There was never any other way this could have gone. She's just too far gone -- into her own mind. 477->839 478 Plaisance: Variable["doomed.plais_inland_unwanted"] 479 Variable["doomed.plais_inland_unwanted"] 478->479 480 !(Variable["doomed.plais_inland_unwanted"]) 478->480 479->242 479->382 480->320 481->413 482 Inland Empire: She remembers. Good. 841 Conceptualization: No, not presence -- *Absence*. 482->841 483->333 484->157 485->116 486 You: "Sometimes it's necessary to resort to extreme measures." 486->586 487->23 487->119 616 You: "All this pressure has made her really anxious. You know she's been chewing her nails?" "I get she's a trooper, alright. She looks like she can take it, but it's actually wearing her down. You know she's been biting her nails?" 487->616 628 You: "Okay.... Let's change the subject." 487->628 763 You: "Annette is quite the trooper. She's a great value-add." 487->763 488 You: "You're right, the curse is worse than ever -- that's why you need to let me in there to investigate." 488->440 489 Plaisance: "But you don't learn about the *important things* in life from fabricated stories." 489->68 489->892 717 Suggestion: She has fine-tuned her voice to find the most welcoming approach for attracting new customers. It doesn't work. 490->717 491 Plaisance: "Then why are you talking to me? Everything is on the shelves to browse. Don't you feel *compelled* to buy anything?" She fiddles with her pendant, then waves her bony fingers directly at you: "See those shelves there, go, be drawn." 491->812 492 Plaisance: "Come now, it's not personal, it's about proper sales practices and market research." She crosses her arms. "I expect an answer." 492->71 492->221 492->753 493->273 837 Volition: This is a person coming to terms with a new reality. One where they are *wrong*. It's not easy. 494->837 495->814 767 Plaisance: Variable["doomed.plais_raising_annette_wrong"] 496->767 878 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 497->878 499 Variable["doomed.plais_said_shao_lie"] 498->499 500 !(Variable["doomed.plais_said_shao_lie"]) 498->500 499->349 500->25 501 Plaisance: Variable["doomed.plais_drama_failed_twice"] 502 Variable["doomed.plais_drama_failed_twice"] 501->502 503 !(Variable["doomed.plais_drama_failed_twice"]) 501->503 640 Drama: Alright -- Take two! 502->640 572 Drama: Time to fire up the old lie machine! 503->572 504 Plaisance: "Come now!" Her eyes light up. "Enough with your jokes, no backing down anymore. Do I have your word?" 504->540 505 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 505->163 506 Plaisance: Variable["doomed.plais_drama_failed_thrice"]  or  Variable["doomed.plais_drama_failure_counter"] >=2 507 Variable["doomed.plais_drama_failed_thrice"]  or  Variable["doomed.plais_drama_failure_counter"] >=2 506->507 508 !(Variable["doomed.plais_drama_failed_thrice"]  or  Variable["doomed.plais_drama_failure_counter"] >=2) 506->508 547 Drama: You know, maybe this time you should just be upfront with her? 507->547 508->501 639 Plaisance: "I could teach people to protect themselves against bad energies and to fight crime." 509->639 510->163 511 You: "Have you ever thought about a sale? Maybe this could lure in some customers." 511->365 513 Variable["doomed.plais_told_her_annette_mentioned_curse"] 512->513 514 !(Variable["doomed.plais_told_her_annette_mentioned_curse"]) 512->514 513->404 914 Plaisance: "And you saw a *door*?" She closes her eyes. "It must be real then... This place is cursed, just like everyone said. They don't call it the Doomed Commercial Area just for nothing!" 514->914 515->642 678 Plaisance: Variable["TASK.doomed_investigation_done"] 516->678 517->161 518->498 519->42 520->54 521->291 896 Plaisance: "Sir, I am well-educated in the commercial and esoteric arts. I know what to do and what to avoid." She nudges her spectacles. 522->896 524 Variable["doomed.plais_suggestion_truth"] 523->524 525 !(Variable["doomed.plais_suggestion_truth"]) 523->525 877 Endurance: This woman's not healthy enough to withstand this level of stress. 524->877 525->476 707 Drama: She so badly wants this to be over, she would have believed anything. 526->707 527->50 528 Plaisance: "Oh, you mean that girl with those *bizarre* machines? Hmpf! I recall her now... her energetic presence was off, *very* off. She kept rambling something about her memory being lost..." 528->251 529 Empathy: ...my husband is completely different. Of course. 529->272 567 Inland Empire: You've come this far -- you know how to end it. There is an entity *behind* the entity. 530->567 531 Plaisance: "What do you mean the *actual* source?" She clutches her pendant anxiously. "Are you talking about the... *Third Presence*?" 531->482 532 Plaisance: "Everything is on the shelves, take a look yourself." She nudges her glasses. "The shelves compel you, don't they?" 809 Volition: She's attempting to mentally direct you towards the shelves. She only wants you to buy the goods, she doesn't care about books. 532->809 534->167 843 Plaisance: "It's a *proper* place to live -- one of the most peaceful neighbourhoods east of Jamrock. You may know it for its massive housing projects..." 535->843 536 Plaisance: Variable["doomed.plais_familyhub_reached"] 537 Variable["doomed.plais_familyhub_reached"] 536->537 538 !(Variable["doomed.plais_familyhub_reached"]) 536->538 537->122 853 Plaisance: Variable["doomed.plais_annettehub_reached"] 538->853 539->438 540->187 541->504 543 Variable["doomed.plais_whitecheck_succeeded"] 542->543 544 !(Variable["doomed.plais_whitecheck_succeeded"]) 542->544 543->80 656 Plaisance: "You... broke down... the back door?" She looks very sad, resigned even. "The wards... the door... it's all gone now. Dark psychic energy, leeching onto my shop..." 544->656 545->113 546->178 728 lastone 547->728 548 You: "If it's just a storage room then why do you have that strange trinket on the curtains?" 548->737 549->201 550->373 551->243 552->519 553->189 554->464 555 You: "Yeah, I de-spooked it. The curse is definitely gone." 555->149 556 Plaisance: "Of course. I trust my Semenese wards and charms kept you safe while you performed the ancient rites..." She looks at you with sudden admiration. 556->925 596 Plaisance: "I see that you've fallen for her *manipulation*, detective. The investigation is over. I just hope that you haven't made anything *worse* by going in there." 557->596 558 Plaisance: Variable["doomed.plaisance_drama_lie_arts"] 559 Variable["doomed.plaisance_drama_lie_arts"] 558->559 560 !(Variable["doomed.plaisance_drama_lie_arts"]) 558->560 559->471 881 Inland Empire: Psychic arts? Sounds right down our alley. 560->881 562 IsTaskActive("TASK.go_see_the_fridge")--[[ Variable[ ]] 561->562 563 !(IsTaskActive("TASK.go_see_the_fridge")--[[ Variable[ ]]) 561->563 562->297 563->327 564 Plaisance: She's breathing heavily, trying to calm herself. Slowly, she regains composure -- but she still can't get a word out. 564->378 565->121 565->168 566 You: "Yeah, actually it's super all right for kids to chew their hands off. Forget I said anything." 566->494 567->192 568 Plaisance: "Cleansed? What do you..." She looks down at the pendant in her trembling hands, she collects herself. 568->249 760 You: "But wait, there's more!" 569->760 811 You: "We are truly private in our partnership." 569->811 570 Plaisance: She scoffs. "Truth be told, not really. My sister brings in most of the goods. I'm sure it's all very literary stuff, with *well-written prose*..." 570->489 571->264 571->307 614 You: "This is nothing but fear for the success of your business given a shape." 571->614 778 You: These ideas are all worthless. 571->778 900 You: "You think Dick Mullen could solve this? No way, time for a real detective..." (Flex them biceps.) "...to shine." 571->900 572->435 573->505 574->579 575->579 576 Plaisance: Variable["doomed.bookstore_browsed_items"] 577 Variable["doomed.bookstore_browsed_items"] 576->577 578 !(Variable["doomed.bookstore_browsed_items"]) 576->578 577->269 578->491 719 Plaisance: "Do look at the books, though. The books compel you. You *may* be able to make up for this by buying a lot of books. I hope you're a voracious reader!" 579->719 581 Plaisance: "Why not? Was she not friendly enough? Were you not compelled to talk to her?" 580->581 581->222 659 You: "I was afraid she'd call me a f****t like all the kids around here." 581->659 765 You: "I'm not interested in talking to a kid." 581->765 582 Jump to: [Plaisance: "The woman before you scans the stor..."] 582->624 583 Plaisance: "Sir! Watch the language." She crosses her arms. "My child would never do such a thing." 583->487 584->487 585->439 693 Plaisance: Variable["tc.doomed_commercial_area"] 586->693 869 Plaisance: "Now hey there." She raises her finger. "Sounds like someone isn't taking responsibility for the energy they bring into this space..." 587->869 731 Electrochemistry: She's energetically impressed with you and your values. This is sincere. She's the kind of person who believes in telling a man that he's *quite the man* while he's being very manly. 588->731 589 You: "Uh... I'm the one who got shot here, ma'am." 673 Plaisance: "Oh my god, even the *police* can't take care of all this... just look at that limp! Someone should do something about this." She rubs her pendant between two fingers, thinking. 589->673 590->178 710 Plaisance: IsKimHere() 591->710 592 You: "Crime bros." (Nod at Kim.) "We're called *crime bros*, my partner and I." 592->550 593->291 594->248 595->163 596->610 700 Jump to: [greethub] 597->700 665 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 598->665 599 Plaisance: Variable["doomed.plais_altgreet_fiddle"] 600 Variable["doomed.plais_altgreet_fiddle"] 599->600 601 !(Variable["doomed.plais_altgreet_fiddle"]) 599->601 600->564 601->377 603 Composure: She's squeezing on the pendant too tight. A drop of blood in her palm... 602->603 604 Plaisance: Variable["doomed.seen_radiocomputer"] 603->604 605 Variable["doomed.seen_radiocomputer"] 604->605 606 !(Variable["doomed.seen_radiocomputer"]) 604->606 605->417 606->192 608 IsKimHere() 607->608 609 !(IsKimHere()) 607->609 608->301 609->832 610->160 611->696 842 Rhetoric: Tell her the truth -- it's out of her hands. 612->842 613->215 808 Plaisance: "Too many failures for it to be a coincidence... they were not careful. I will not take such risks. Leave it be!" 614->808 615 Plaisance: "Those countries will realise they've raised a lazy and spoiled generation." Her tone is decisive, not at all angry at the insinuation. "Are we done with the jokes now?" 615->346 616->767 617 Plaisance: "Welcome to Crime, Romance, and Biographies of Famous People. My name is Plaisance." The clerk extends a greeting. The store clerk is still breathing heavily, trying to calm herself. "Welcome to Crime, Romance, and Biographies of Famous People." She is regaining her composure. "My name is Plaisance." 617->112 619 Variable["doomed.plais_greeting_done"] 618->619 620 !(Variable["doomed.plais_greeting_done"]) 618->620 619->797 620->617 621 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 621->163 622->67 622->340 622->399 756 You: "Before we go on... you seem to be well off enough, can you give me some money? I feel there won't be an opportune moment to ask later." 622->756 747 Physical Instrument: Such wraiths may prove a formidable enemy. Suit up. 623->747 624->163 625->141 626 Plaisance: "Oh, yes? How's my precious doing? She's a good girl." "Yes, what about? Hrm, I sure hope she has increased her productivity by now." "Yes? What now?" She frowns. "That lazy girl up to no good again? I must have a serious talk with her." 626->487 627 You: "What you're doing is wrong. Even I know that, and I usually don't know anything." 627->494 628->582 629 Plaisance: "What's wrong with her?" She shakes her head. "Can't she do anything right?" 629->487 630 Plaisance: "As a young girl should be. With the proper attitude she'll have a bright financial future." "I know you're trying to be nice, but she really needs to try a bit harder. No one gets anywhere by being average. I'm not raising a financially negligent woman." "I understand... you're now feeling guilty about the harsh judgement, but there's no need. Annette needs to get her act together and stop being a lazy slouch, or she'll end up in financial oblivion." 723 Jump to: [anettehub] 630->723 631->163 632 You: No. It's really stupid. 632->173 633 Plaisance: IsKimHere() 634 IsKimHere() 633->634 635 !(IsKimHere()) 633->635 777 Kim Kitsuragi: The lieutenant keeps his usual stony calm. He silently picks out his notebook. 634->777 635->444 636 You: "No problem whatsoever, your family is safe, the phantoms are no match for me." 636->232 637->633 638->81 639->134 639->402 674 You: (Nod.) "Sounds like a plan. Life must go on, after all." 639->674 640->571 641 You: "If it's just a storage room then why are you so tense?" 641->459 642->3 643 You: "It's not just a storage room, I already saw that... There's another door behind the curtains." 786 Plaisance: "Of course it's not just a storage room!" she suddenly shouts, her face getting red. "But what does it matter now, you already let the spirits in... We are all doomed now." 643->786 644 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 644->163 690 break the curse hub 645->690 646->52 647->252 796 Authority: Of course. No one puts words in *your* mouth. 648->796 649 Plaisance: "Hello again, esteemed officer. And welcome to Crime, Romance, and Biographies of Famous People." Her stare is cold and harsh but the line remains the same. 649->378 650 You: "You mean the chimney that's hidden behind the metal safety curtains?" "You mean the chimney that's hidden behind the metal safety curtains? I knocked, but couldn't get in..." 840 Plaisance: "Yes, I've heard that she's barricaded herself inside... It's connected to the central furnace in the basement, you should go and find it. God knows what she's doing there!" 650->840 651->428 652->621 653 Plaisance: "A dead what?" Her eyes widen with shock at the mention. "Oh my god, a victim of the curse? The curse has started killing people? It's *killing* now?!" She grabs her head with both hands. 653->488 774 You: "Enough of this mumbo-jumbo, I have a decomposing body rotting away as we speak. Just let me in!" 653->774 654 Plaisance: "And others have to suffer terrible consequences just so you can sleep at night? I think not!" 654->447 655 Physical Instrument: She's into your masculine posturing! Your lean -- uh... husky and chubby brawn -- is pure animal magnetism. 655->18 902 You: Do not wink at her. 655->902 656->117 656->133 656->486 657->128 658->344 659->583 908 Rhetoric: Such criminal behaviour would not happen in more developed countries. 660->908 661 You: You're right. What could go wrong? 661->36 662->624 663->225 664->558 665->163 666 You: "I have returned from the void. A para-detective from a long line of para-detectives." 666->395 667 You: Wait... That's it? I don't want to say that! I don't want to say that either. 667->357 668->284 668->589 732 You: Say nothing, stare at her. 668->732 669->430 671 IsKimHere() 670->671 672 !(IsKimHere()) 670->672 671->235 672->455 673->509 733 Plaisance: IsKimHere() 674->733 675->285 676->232 677 Plaisance: "*What-did-you-do?!*" she demands in a single breath, hand clasped around the pendant. "You *looked?*" 677->38 827 You: "Yes, when you weren't paying attention." 677->827 871 You: "It's not like I ripped the curtains open or anything, it was just a little peek..." 677->871 679 Variable["TASK.doomed_investigation_done"] 678->679 680 !(Variable["TASK.doomed_investigation_done"]) 678->680 805 Plaisance: Variable["doomed.plaisance_dca_investigation_third_entity_ending"] 679->805 681 Plaisance: "Yes? What news do you bring?" Her fingers grasp tightly at her pendant. 680->681 681->304 682 Plaisance: "Thank you for your help, in any case. You're welcome back here anytime." 682->644 683->592 683->667 872 Plaisance: "You have?" She gasps. "The Entity takes the form of a woman, a witch probably. I've suspected that she must be connected to the curse ever since I first saw her. Did you know that she lives inside the *chimney*?" 684->872 685 Plaisance: "Yes, the Semenese are very crafty and their wards are extremely powerful. Lesser wards simply won't do here." 685->259 686->896 790 Plaisance: "My husband suggested otherwise. He said it's less... stupid. More appropriate. Cultured and all that." 687->790 688->325 691 You: "I'm afraid that only world revolution can help you." (Proceed.) 688->691 743 You: "What I meant was... I found the source of the doom. Forget about the economy thing." (Back off.) 688->743 887 You: "Yes. The system must be *cleansed* of immigrant labour." (Proceed.) 688->887 689->925 690->147 690->148 690->555 744 You: "Yes. I performed the ancient Semenese dispelling rites. This commercial area is doomed no more." 690->744 794 You: "I'm afraid that I can only identify the *source*, but you have to call some other experts to lift the curse." 690->794 691->51 692 You: "What are you talking about? It's just a door." 692->466 694 Variable["tc.doomed_commercial_area"] 693->694 695 !(Variable["tc.doomed_commercial_area"]) 693->695 694->153 695->692 697 IsTaskActive("TASK.doomed_investigation")--[[ Variable[ ]] 696->697 698 !(IsTaskActive("TASK.doomed_investigation")--[[ Variable[ ]]) 696->698 697->682 879 Plaisance: "Thank you for your help, in any case. You're welcome back here anytime." 698->879 699->467 700->622 701 Half Light: What you *discover*? A demonic refrigerator! Perhaps the fridge will be the source of the curse... 701->244 702 Plaisance: Variable["doomed.plais_angered"] 703 Variable["doomed.plais_angered"] 702->703 704 !(Variable["doomed.plais_angered"]) 702->704 703->649 704->599 705 Plaisance: "A *third order* presence, yes..." She lets go of the pendant. 706 Empathy: A great, dark relief washes over her. 705->706 706->204 707->159 708->381 709->413 711 IsKimHere() 710->711 712 !(IsKimHere()) 710->712 711->331 712->286 713->334 714->384 715->215 716 You: "Look, ma'am, I really need to get in there. I'm a compulsive detective. I can't sleep until I've solved the mystery." 716->654 717->163 718->387 849 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 719->849 720->487 721 Kim Kitsuragi: "Come on, ma'am. It's obvious she can't do anything about it. You're placing an unnecessary burden on a young child." 724 parentinghub 721->724 722 You: "I formally reprimand you for your corrupt activities." 766 Plaisance: She raises an eyebrow. "Oh, of course, officer. Good work. Are we done with the jokes now?" 722->766 723->487 724->22 724->566 724->627 725->718 726->632 726->661 727->631 728->447 728->716 729->163 730 You: "I'm trying to find a way to the fridge downstairs -- it's an urgent police matter." 730->27 731->455 732->401 734 IsKimHere() 733->734 735 !(IsKimHere()) 733->735 734->32 735->135 736->163 737->367 738->367 739->198 740 Plaisance: "Yes, you've certainly done your part. I've come so far... I can't give up now..." 740->198 918 chimney hub 741->918 742->876 743->151 744->556 745 Plaisance: "Of course, I should have known better than to put my hopes on a man like you... You're no Semenese ghostwhisperer, you're an alcoholic!" 745->150 746->528 747->276 748->163 749->394 750->637 751->425 752 You: "In some more developed countries this sort of thing is two felonies. Child labour and slavery." 752->615 753->219 754 Plaisance: "God, ugh, I've told her not to do that. It's such a disgusting habit." Her voice is firm. "She'll get over it. Anxiety is a part of life." 754->196 755->532 756->13 757 Kim Kitsuragi: "Once we've caught our client's spouse *in flagrante delicto*, we blackmail them and pocket the money ourselves, because that's what private investigators do. Now, I see that *you* are a married woman..." 757->208 758->664 759->163 760->757 761->8 762->653 763->630 764->487 765->629 766->346 768 Variable["doomed.plais_raising_annette_wrong"] 767->768 769 !(Variable["doomed.plais_raising_annette_wrong"]) 767->769 768->210 769->754 856 Plaisance: "Oh..." She nudges her glasses nervously. "Well. My mother was horrible, of course, absolutely *perverse* energies around that person, but my husband..." She shakes her head. 770->856 771 Shivers: Monstrous buildings loom over Grand Couron. A cold wind howls in the empty halls of homes built upon delusions. 771->73 772->75 859 You: "Fine, I'll ask for it. Can we have the key?" 772->859 773->318 773->449 773->730 823 You: "I thought it was obvious: I tried to smash through the door by using pure physical force." 773->823 774->126 775->266 775->666 911 You: "I know the Remote Viewers Division, they have taught me perception beyond this world." 775->911 776->131 777->475 778->177 779->163 780->693 781->279 783 Jump to: [MAINHUB] 782->783 783->163 784 Composure: She's so tense it's a miracle she hasn't snapped in half yet. 784->39 784->84 784->403 784->548 784->641 784->643 826 You: "It's not just a storage room, I already looked... There's another door behind the curtains." 784->826 828 You: "If it's just a storage room then it wouldn't hurt if I just peeked inside..." 784->828 785->642 786->86 787->461 788->740 789 Plaisance: "You did?" She gasps. "Then it has be true... I've suspected that this woman-shaped energy must be connected to the curse ever since I first saw her. Did you see that she lives inside the *chimney*?" 789->918 790->248 791->144 792->389 793->745 794->412 795->97 796->455 798 Variable["doomed.plais_doomed_hub_reached"] 797->798 799 !(Variable["doomed.plais_doomed_hub_reached"]) 797->799 798->57 799->702 800->338 801 Plaisance: Variable["doomed.seen_gym"]  or  Variable["doomed.seen_safety_curtains"]  or Variable["doomed.seen_radiocomputer"]  or  Variable["doomed.seen_revachol_ice_city"]  or  Variable["doomed.seen_taxidermy"]  or  Variable["doomed.seen_windows"]  or  Variable["doomed.seen_orlandos"]  or  Variable["doomed.seen_skis"]  or  Variable["doomed.seen_mannequin_atelier"]  or  Variable["doomed.seen_blades"] 802 Variable["doomed.seen_gym"]  or  Variable["doomed.seen_safety_curtains"]  or Variable["doomed.seen_radiocomputer"]  or  Variable["doomed.seen_revachol_ice_city"]  or  Variable["doomed.seen_taxidermy"]  or  Variable["doomed.seen_windows"]  or  Variable["doomed.seen_orlandos"]  or  Variable["doomed.seen_skis"]  or  Variable["doomed.seen_mannequin_atelier"]  or  Variable["doomed.seen_blades"] 801->802 803 !(Variable["doomed.seen_gym"]  or  Variable["doomed.seen_safety_curtains"]  or Variable["doomed.seen_radiocomputer"]  or  Variable["doomed.seen_revachol_ice_city"]  or  Variable["doomed.seen_taxidermy"]  or  Variable["doomed.seen_windows"]  or  Variable["doomed.seen_orlandos"]  or  Variable["doomed.seen_skis"]  or  Variable["doomed.seen_mannequin_atelier"]  or  Variable["doomed.seen_blades"]) 801->803 802->434 848 You: "Hold on, I actually haven't done anything yet. I just wanted to ask a few questions." 803->848 804->478 806 Variable["doomed.plaisance_dca_investigation_third_entity_ending"] 805->806 807 !(Variable["doomed.plaisance_dca_investigation_third_entity_ending"]) 805->807 806->531 807->335 808->448 809->118 810->579 811->757 812->342 813->125 814->487 815 Empathy: It sounds like both the husband and the mother treat her the way she treats Annette. 815->310 816->771 817->388 818->226 819->631 820->131 821->356 863 Plaisance: IsTHCPresent("revacholian_nationhood") 822->863 823->27 824->353 825->400 826->677 827->370 828->83 829->291 830->685 831 Plaisance: "Tell me: Did you find a way to *break* the curse?" 831->690 832->381 833->97 835 Variable["doomed.plaisance_fridge_passive_shown"] 834->835 836 !(Variable["doomed.plaisance_fridge_passive_shown"]) 834->836 835->244 836->701 837->328 838->705 839->330 840->291 841->424 842->63 843->24 845 Variable["doomed.bookstore_curtains_opened"] == true  and  Variable["doomed.plais_curtain_intro_done"] == false 844->845 846 !(Variable["doomed.bookstore_curtains_opened"] == true  and  Variable["doomed.plais_curtain_intro_done"] == false) 844->846 845->114 846->618 847->536 848->277 849->163 850->492 851->815 852->624 854 Variable["doomed.plais_annettehub_reached"] 853->854 855 !(Variable["doomed.plais_annettehub_reached"]) 853->855 854->626 855->427 856->529 857->6 858->718 859->818 860->801 861 You: Wait, what if I don't want to lie... 861->441 862->313 862->636 864 IsTHCPresent("revacholian_nationhood") 863->864 865 !(IsTHCPresent("revacholian_nationhood")) 863->865 864->397 865->862 866->138 867->163 868 FINITOPLAISANCE 869->180 870->784 871->370 872->243 873->41 874->190 875->389 876->875 877->688 878->163 879->644 881->471 883 IsTHCPresent("remote_viewer") 882->883 884 !(IsTHCPresent("remote_viewer")) 882->884 883->101 884->229 884->385 884->861 885->211 886->832 887->568 888->258 889->163 890->576 891->570 894 Plaisance: "The truth is available if you just know where to look. And you have to open and free your mind to *understand*." She nods at you, cryptically. 892->894 893 Jump to: [bookshub] 893->342 894->893 895->470 896->143 896->294 896->323 896->511 898 Variable["doomed.plais_whitecheck_drama_convince"] 897->898 899 !(Variable["doomed.plais_whitecheck_drama_convince"]) 897->899 898->217 899->506 901 Plaisance: She gives you a curious look -- you don't really understand what to make of it. 900->901 901->655 902->573 903->163 904->130 906 IsKimHere() 905->906 907 !(IsKimHere()) 905->907 906->721 907->724 908->223 908->722 908->752 909->389 910->131 911->443 912->70 913->184 914->785 915->462 916->320 917->789 918->90 918->375 918->405 918->650 919->189 920->292 921->407 922->249 924 Plaisance: "Oh! How horrid. I *knew* something wasn't right about that place..." 923->924 924->831 925->526 926->163