Start of a transcript of
Bleach of Etiquette
Demonstrate competency in six arts and become Geisha? You've failed twice. The
third time must be the charm, Demetoria-san.
An Agenda Planner by J. D. Berry (jdberry@cox.net)
*****
Warning. This game contains implied sexual situations and strong language.
*****
*****
Warning. The help feature for this game was recently rated "Worst Help" based on
statistics compiled by Feedback Inc. It has been disabled until modifications
are made.
*****
Release 1 / Serial number 020927 / Inform v6.21 Library 6/10
Standard interpreter 1.0 (6F) / Library serial number 991113
>when all
"The bear is available in the morning."
"The goat is available at night and at midnight."
"The monkey is available at noon."
"The fox is available in the morning and at noon."
"The elephant is available in the evening and at night."
"The conservatory would be free any time except dawn and night and midnight."
"The theater would be free any time except dawn and night and midnight."
"The tea room would be free any time except midnight."
"The laboratory would be free any time except midnight."
"The studio would be free any time except dawn and night and midnight."
"The gardens would be free any time except dawn and midnight."
>b bear morning
"I will book the bear for that time slot," says Junna-chan.
>b monkey noon
"I will book the monkey for that time slot," says Junna-chan.
>b goat midnight
"I will book the goat for that time slot," says Junna-chan.
>research dawn
You note this on your personal calendar.
>r flowers night
"I will reserve the gardens for that time slot," says Junna-chan.
>r tea afternoon
"I will reserve the tea room for that time slot," says Junna-chan.
>cal
Your Monday schedule:
Dawn -- research
Morning -- Vidoru
Noon -- Zyun
Afternoon -- tea
Evening -- Empty
Night -- gardens
Midnight -- Gaho
>r theatre evening
"I will reserve the theater for that time slot," says Junna-chan.
>done
dawn
(Who needs all that white make-up that every other Geisha wears? For one, it
would only hide your raw beauty--gild the lily. For two, you are an albino--
bleach the swan. For--what number are you on?--oh, yes, three, you're allergic
to the stuff--pepper the sneezer.)
Library
Documents and books not referenced by Junna-chan in a routine day are stacked on
sagging shelves here. Dust, of which not a trace may be found elsewhere, is
noticeable here. A musty smell permeates.
Nearly all of your time is spent poring over irrelevant or unhelpful items.
A newspaper clipping reports that a foreign businessman convinced a local
authority to ban smoking on one of his holy days.
From a book on geisha test law, all events must conform with the rules and
regulations of the government ... If a test item conflicts, said item must not
be held and it must be considered passed.
[continue]
morning
Pearl's Casino
Cacophony.
People rush through an open quadruple entrance and plod through a closed single
exit. A hostess wearing a red dress offers obvious information. A dense mass of
players and spectators circles every gaming table, a sparser mass connects them
all. The waitresses dance to their destinations, present tacit acknowledgements
to each member of the chorus line, then engage in the featured encounter.
Elegant glass elevators disappear through the ceiling, heading to tacky rooms
and tackier suites.
The cacophony does not relent, but it settles into the background.
Ten minutes past your appointed time, Vidoru arrives. His walk does not betray
it, but you've never been with him when he wasn't under the influence of
alcohol.
"Shall we begin our time together, Demetoria-san?"
There's a pause, then the two of you bow.
Vidoru wastes no time getting to the craps table. "Demetoria-san, tell the
cocktail waitress how I like my martinis." He throws the dice, not expecting a
reply. You obey, but his instructions are a formality. This staff has served him
for years.
(You're owed favors by all of your clients. At an opportune moment during the
course of this encounter, what favor will you try to redeem?)
1) None
2) Test Assistance
(What level of pressure will you apply?)
1) Hint
2) Ask
3) Insist
4) Demand
5) Ultimatum
"Of course, my dear."
"I have an odd little electronic device to help you dance. I'll have one of my
boys deliver it to your house."
Fade to sack.
[continue]
noon
Autumn Leaves Bathhouse
A labyrinth of corridors connects the dressing areas to the rooms for bath. The
rooms are small and lockable. Each contains a porcelain tub capable of holding
four average-sized persons or ennobling two. A greenhouse ceiling obscures the
view of the bathhouse's waterfall, itself obscuring the wafting giggles.
A boy, no, a man dressed in black sees you. He bears his teeth, then surrounds
them with a smile. Zyun.
"Doll-san, my day is complete--your face, it never ceases to delight me."
There's a pause, then the two of you bow.
"You wouldn't believe how many lives are influenced based on deals made in these
baths."
(What favor will you try to redeem?)
1) None
2) Test Assistance
(What level of pressure will you apply?)
1) Hint
2) Ask
3) Insist
4) Demand
5) Ultimatum
"You want it, you got it, Doll-san."
"Spring makes everyone happier. Even geisha judges are more agreeable this time
of year. Would you not agree, Doll-san?"
You perform your special "exotic lips" dance before you leave.
[continue]
afternoon
Tea Room
A tatami mat covers most of the floor. By the far wall, an iron brazier heats an
iron kettle. By the near, a shelf holds bowls, pitchers and utensils.
A scroll proclaiming spring's goodness hangs in an alcove.
The tea room air seems to whisper mocking words.
You set your mind to the task at hand, practicing like you've never practiced
before--in the negative sense.
You finish. Finally.
You felt you were possibly on the verge of learning a key element. Maybe.
The geisha assigned to this room today says, "Based on your performance, I would
give you a yellow flag (marginal).
It is my humble opinion that you have reached your potential in this art."
[continue]
evening
Theater
A circular platform rises from the room's center, several artificial trees
linger on top. On the floor, twenty or so mats surround the stage.
Well, let's get this over with...
You set your mind to the task at hand.
You finish. Finally.
Alas, you're quite sure you didn't learn a thing.
The geisha assigned to this room today says, "Based on your performance, I would
give you a green flag (failing).
I see talent within you and the potential for a red flag on Saturday."
[continue]
night
Gardens
Plum trees past bloom and cherries in full balance this atrium. Cultivated
shrubbery fill in the appropriate gaps. Near one of the plums stands a stone
table and two benches.
Well, let's get this over with...
You set your mind to the task at hand.
You finish. Finally.
Alas, you're quite sure you didn't learn a thing.
The geisha assigned to this room today says, "Based on your performance, I would
give you a green flag (failing).
I regret you will never achieve better than a green flag, Saturday."
[continue]
midnight
Pearl's Casino
A strong hand touches your shoulder. Gaho.
"Demetoria-san, you're here. Your face is as perfect as always."
There's a pause, then the two of you bow.
"I need something exciting to take my mind off things."
(What favor will you try to redeem?)
1) None
2) Test Assistance
(What level of pressure will you apply?)
1) Hint
2) Ask
3) Insist
4) Demand
5) Ultimatum
"Of course. How I can resist the most beautiful girl in the world?"
Gaho tutors you, trying various tricks to help you understand math. A shock to
both of you--you absorb some of the rules.
You end the encounter contributing to the popular opinion that Geisha do that
sort of thing.
[continue]
"My dear Demetoria-san," says the headmistress, again through the diaphanous
wall. "I am obligated to inform you that a priest of Benzaiten has honored our
humble town with his holy presence. Perhaps his counsel will reveal a path more
harmonious for you."
Agenda Room
[New instruction: COUNSEL
>cal
Your Tuesday schedule:
Dawn -- Zyun
Morning -- Chizumi
Noon -- conservatory
Afternoon -- theater
Evening -- Soh
Night -- counsel
Midnight -- Gaho
>done
dawn
Museum of Modern Art
This massive building invites its patrons to browse its art any time, day or
night. Some of the displays incorporate many different elements and require an
entire room to house them. Some insist that no more than one or two may
experience them at any one time. Intimate personal interaction is essential.
The clacking of boot heels where it isn't appropriate? Yes, there struts Zyun.
"Doll-san, my day is complete--your face, it never ceases to delight me."
There's a pause, then the two of you bow.
Zyun picks up a briefcase that you hadn't noticed. "Need to drop this off near
the Fuji wing, Doll-san. Then we can have some fun."
(What favor will you try to redeem?)
1) None
2) Test Assistance
(What level of pressure will you apply?)
1) Hint
2) Ask
3) Insist
4) Demand
5) Ultimatum
"You want it, you got it, Doll-san."
"There's a flu bug going around. I've heard even geisha judges are getting it."
The encounter concludes with your extrapersonal services and the client's
extraordinary gratuity. Sayonara.
[continue]
morning
Museum of Modern Art
A tall, thin woman poses near a wall. She carries herself with a practiced
poise, each of her moves a study in grace. Her face holds an odd mix of charm
and challenge, of femininity and austerity. She's no you--who is?--nor your
headmistress--few are--but she's prettier than average.
That Chizumi pays for your services, you'll never quite understand. But she's a
generous client in many ways. And business is business.
"My heart has not ceased its jumping since last we met, Demetoria-chan," says
Chizumi.
There's a pause, then the two of you bow.
"Let's go to the Fuji wing. Everyone's talking about the new exhibits there."
(What favor will you try to redeem?)
1) None
2) Test Assistance
(What level of pressure will you apply?)
1) Hint
2) Ask
3) Insist
4) Demand
5) Ultimatum
"Do not push, dear Demetoria-chan. I will help you."
Chizumi has witnessed your dancing skills in the past. She teaches you some
showmanship, like baring your leg accidentally, and varying your facial
expressions. She reveals many of the little tricks of audience manipulation that
don't demand actual skill.
You remember struggles with your kimono and how the client always smiled. An
epiphany! You add the dance move to your repertoire.
The encounter concludes with your extrapersonal services and the client's
extraordinary gratuity. Sayonara.
[continue]
noon
Conservatory
On a platform near the door, an elegant harp eclipses a wooden stool. On the
floor, mats are arranged in columns of three.
A breeze flows from the open windows.
Oh, conservatory, be kind, be kind.
You set your mind to the task at hand.
You finish. Finally.
Alas, you're quite sure you didn't learn a thing.
The geisha assigned to this room today says, "Based on your performance, I would
give you a green flag (failing).
It is my humble opinion that you have reached your potential in this art."
[continue]
afternoon
Theater
Oh, theater, be kind, be kind.
You set your mind to the task at hand.
You finish. Finally.
Alas, you're quite sure you didn't learn a thing.
The geisha assigned to this room today says, "Based on your performance, I would
give you a green flag (failing).
I see talent within you and the potential for a red flag on Saturday."
[continue]
evening
Pearl's Casino
A large man wearing black glasses and carrying a cane stands here. Soh. "Ah, the
perfume of the sweet Demetoria-san."
"I have awaited our time together."
There's a pause, then the two of you bow.
"Show me to the sports book, Demetoria-san. I want some action on tomorrow's
baseball game. The Swallows have that American on the mound. Early Winn. He's
going to learn early how we hit over here. What? Oh, that's the English word
for... ah, never mind."
(What favor will you try to redeem?)
1) None
2) Choice cuts
(What level of pressure will you apply?)
1) Hint
2) Ask
3) Insist
4) Demand
5) Ultimatum
"Such feistiness, my dear Demetoria-san. But I'll arrange the usual delivery to
the orphanage."
You perform your special "exotic lips" dance before you leave.
[continue]
night
Reception Room in the Temple of Benzaiten
The door resists, then opens. This simple room stands adjacent to the temple's
main foyer, but is used only when a priest is present.
In another room, someone is playing a harp.
A gray-haired but vigorous-looking priest smiles. "My child, you have the gift
within you." You look at your stomach. He places his hands over your eyes. "The
gift of love-sight. After I remove my hands, you will be able to see the aura of
love people have for you."
He removes his hands. The priest hasn't changed, but you can see an intense
white glow surrounding him.
"You have experienced enough for today, my child. Go, now."
[continue]
midnight
Pearl's Casino
You spot Gaho's Fu Manchu mustache.
"Demetoria-san, you're here. Your face is as perfect as always."
There's a pause, then the two of you bow.
"I'm looking forward to testing my new blackjack formula."
(What favor will you try to redeem?)
1) None
2) Test Assistance
(What level of pressure will you apply?)
1) Hint
2) Ask
3) Insist
4) Demand
5) Ultimatum
"Of course. How I can resist the most beautiful girl in the world?"
Gaho tutors you, trying various tricks to help you understand math. A shock to
both of you--you absorb some of the rules.
You end the encounter the same way you always do.
[continue]
Subtle words do not arrive. A womanly shadow does not appear.
A small rectangle leans against the bottom of the wall.
A schedule penned by the headmistress.
No one would dare touch the page, but a mental snapshot could be taken of its
intimate names: Eiji, Ujifuji, Katsu, Haseo, Gregory.
Agenda Room
>when all
"The bear is available at night."
"The goat is available at night and at midnight."
"The monkey is available in the evening."
"The fox is available in the morning and at noon."
"The elephant is available in the evening and at night."
"The conservatory would be free any time except dawn and night and midnight."
"The theater would be free any time except dawn and night and midnight."
"The tea room would be free any time except midnight."
"The laboratory would be free any time except midnight."
"The studio would be free any time except dawn and night and midnight."
"The gardens would be free any time except dawn and midnight."
>cal
Your Wednesday schedule:
Dawn -- counsel
Morning -- Chizumi
Noon -- theater
Afternoon -- research
Evening -- Soh
Night -- Vidoru
Midnight -- Gaho
>done
dawn
Reception Room in the Temple of Benzaiten
"You do not belong here, my child," says the priest. "Your world awaits its high
priestess." He points to you.
"If you desire true fulfillment, return here tomorrow. The choice is easy to
make but difficult to consider."
[continue]
morning
East New England Inn
A four-story log lodge nestles against the base of a small wooded hill. Cross-
country skis rest against a sweeping porch, completing the illusion of ski
resort in the city. A tavern hall on the ground floor offers its guests stone
fireplaces, blue-and-white tablecloths and all the hot cocoa they can drink.
Each of the bedrooms upstairs boasts its own name and theme, but all contain
similar furnishings: a canopied bed, a fireplace, an antique chest of drawers.
An appropriate oil painting, some room-unique linen and different window views
attempt to overcome that realization.
Chizumi strides over wearing a scarlet kimono. She normally dresses in neutral
tones and in casual style. The kimono doesn't hide her fluidity of motion, it
almost seems to enhance it.
"A meeting with you and I am alive again, Demetoria-chan," says Chizumi. [You
note her mild red glow.]
There's a pause, then the two of you bow.
"Shall we warm ourselves by the fire, Demetoria-chan?"
(What favor will you try to redeem?)
1) None
2) Test Assistance
3) Contact Information and Referrals
I've been in several ballets with Katsu as the orchestra conductor. He'd
probably be interested in you."
[code name: angel]
The encounter concludes with your extrapersonal services and the client's
extraordinary gratuity. Sayonara.
[continue]
noon
Theater
Oh, theater, be kind, be kind.
You set your mind to the task at hand.
You finish. Finally.
Alas, you're quite sure you didn't learn a thing.
The geisha assigned to this room today says, "Based on your performance, I would
give you a green flag (failing).
I see talent within you and the potential for a red flag on Saturday."
[continue]
afternoon
Library
Nearly all of your time is spent poring over irrelevant or unhelpful items.
A section on judges states that the headmistress of the prospective geisha must
be on the panel. An esoteric subclause states that the headmistress must judge
at least half of the events, but may, for the remainder, appoint an alternate as
the needs of her house dictate.
[continue]
evening
Autumn Leaves Bathhouse
Soh is standing near the door when a young woman trips over his big feet. He
cushions her descent and corrects her course. Normal returns, realization hits.
"Miss, I am terribly sorry."
The woman bows repeatedly. "Sir, I do humbly apologize. I did not realize you
were... I assumed you would... I am so"
Soh interrupts her with a smile and some friendly words. "Miss, miss. You're
fine, I'm fine. Please, enjoy your day. I know my friend Demetoria-san and I
surely will." Soh smiles at you.
"I have awaited our time together." [You note his mild red glow.]
There's a pause, then the two of you bow.
"Maybe you will describe autumn leaves as I lose myself in the hot water?" asks
Soh. He knows you can't, but he also knows that in a few hours he won't care
that you couldn't.
(What favor will you try to redeem?)
1) None
2) Choice cuts
3) Contact Information and Referrals
"I know Gregory. He's a diplomat from Canada. Says my chops are the best he's
tasted here.
I know he entertains and likes the ladies. I'll see if he's interested.
[code name: boot]
The encounter concludes with your extrapersonal services and the client's
extraordinary gratuity. Sayonara.
[continue]
night
East New England Inn
You wait fifteen minutes for the old man. He's chronologically 57, but add a
career of fourteen-hour days, booze and loose women, and you get 75.
85 when you remember to carry the one.
"Shall we begin our time together, Demetoria-san?"
There's a pause, then the two of you bow.
"Demetoria-san, see if they have Irish cream," says Vidoru. He sits at a table
near a window, opens his briefcase and pulls out a notepad. He scribbles some
figures, shakes his head, then scribbles some more.
(What favor will you try to redeem?)
1) None
2) Test Assistance
3) Contact Information and Referrals
"I've done some business with Uji-Fuji. I'll make the arrangements after we're
through here, Demetoria-san."
[code name: heart]
The encounter concludes with your extrapersonal services and the client's
extraordinary gratuity. Sayonara.
[continue]
midnight
Pearl's Casino
For the third time this week, Gaho looks sad.
"Demetoria-san, you're here. Your face is as perfect as always."
There's a pause, then the two of you bow.
"We've been here a lot this week, haven't we?"
(What favor will you try to redeem?)
1) None
2) Test Assistance
3) Contact Information and Referrals
"I used to coach Eiji when he was in school. I'll set you up."
[code name: thunder]
Fade to sack.
[continue]
"I am sorry I was not here yesterday, Demetoria-san," says the headmistress from
behind the diaphanous wall. "My duty is to my clients, first and foremost." Akko
clears her throat. If she was waiting for a reply, she did not wait long. For
now she is gone.
Agenda Room
>when all
"The bear is available at dawn."
"The goat is available at night and at midnight."
"The monkey is available in the evening."
"The fox is available in the morning and at noon."
"The elephant is available in the evening and at night."
"The thunder is available in the evening."
"The heart is available at dawn."
"The angel is available at noon and at midnight."
"The boot is available at dawn and in the evening."
"The conservatory would be free any time except dawn and night and midnight."
"The theater would be free any time except dawn and night and midnight."
"The tea room would be free any time except midnight."
"The laboratory would be free any time except midnight."
"The studio would be free any time except dawn and night and midnight."
"The gardens would be free any time except dawn and midnight."
>cal
Your Thursday schedule:
Dawn -- Ujifuji
Morning -- counsel
Noon -- Chizumi
Afternoon -- theater
Evening -- Gregory
Night -- Gaho
Midnight -- Katsu
>done
dawn
Museum of Modern Art
"So, you're the girl Akko-san keeps mentioning," says a tall man in a black,
Western-style suit. "Her jealousy told me much, but even so did not do your
beauty justice. Amazing.
You offer extra services, correct?"
Uji-fuji stares at you with a haughty air.
"You are a pretty one," says Uji-fuji.
There's a pause, then the two of you bow.
"I've supplied some of the artists who exhibit here," says Uji-fuji. "Do you
know how difficult it is obtaining twenty genuine Mayan monkey masks?
(What favor will you try to redeem?)
1) None
2) Test Assistance
(What level of pressure will you apply?)
1) Hint
2) Ask
3) Insist
4) Bribery
5) Blackmail
"You amuse me, girl. I shall grant your request."
"I have a most interesting import I picked up on my last visit to Morocco. I'm
not exactly sure how it imputes its powers, but the locals swear it will help
you focus on exacting rituals. You wear it around your neck. No one will notice
it, but you will feel it working.
You end the encounter contributing to the popular opinion that Geisha do that
sort of thing.
[continue]
morning
Reception Room in the Temple of Benzaiten
The priest, still with the intense white glow, smiles. "Prophecy states, 'A
Geisha will lead them.' When you achieve this status, you will transcend to your
reality."
[continue]
noon
Museum of Modern Art
Chizumi is back to white casual. Such is often the case before an early
practice.
"A meeting with you and I am alive again, Demetoria-chan," says Chizumi. [You
note her mild red glow.]
There's a pause, then the two of you bow.
"I remembered the name of that artist we were talking about last time,
Demetoria-chan."
(What favor will you try to redeem?)
1) None
2) Test Assistance
3) Contact Information and Referrals
(What level of pressure will you apply?)
1) Hint
2) Ask
3) Insist
4) Demand
5) Ultimatum
"Do not push, dear Demetoria-chan. I will help you."
Chizumi sighs. "If you could trade a tenth of your beauty for dance, you'd be
the best in my troupe and still be Miss Japan, Demetoria-chan.
Let's work on some breathing exercises. We'll take your instincts out of the
equation."
The breathing doesn't help your timing or concentration, but it relaxes your
muscles.
Chizumi stares away. "The forbidden dance..."
Based on the client's satisfaction at the end of the session, you'll make
double.
[continue]
afternoon
Theater
The theater air seems to whisper mocking words.
You set your mind to the task at hand.
You finish. Finally.
Alas, you're quite sure you didn't learn a thing.
The geisha assigned to this room today says, "Based on your performance, I would
give you a green flag (failing).
I see talent within you and the potential for a red flag on Saturday."
[continue]
evening
Pearl's Casino
"I think I will request another geisha, my dear Demetoria-san," says a brown-
haired European man. "If Akko-san was beautiful, and you are perfection, imagine
what my third will be."
Surely this is Gregory. He wears a Western-style suit with leather boots. His
face, though certainly not Japanese, blends with the surroundings. He carries
himself with confidence.
There's a pause, then the two of you bow.
"We'll have to avoid the blackjack tables, Demetoria-san. They don't let me play
anymore. Card counting? What's that? And what's a few hundred thousand yen to a
big casino?" Gregory smiles.
"Shall we see the city from upstairs, my dear?"
(What favor will you try to redeem?)
1) None
2) Test Assistance
(What level of pressure will you apply?)
1) Hint
2) Ask
3) Insist
4) Bribery
5) Blackmail
"An insistent tart, aren't you love?"
"I'll arrange a deal with the consulate. What do you need banned, my dear? Oh,
I'm afraid you'd need to sleep with Winston Churchill to get them to ban tea,
math or flower arranging." He smiles.
1) Harp
2) Theater
3) Dance
Based on the client's satisfaction at the end of the session, you'll make
double.
[continue]
night
East New England Inn
Gaho catches your eye from a distance. You recognize his deliberate walk.
"Demetoria-san, you're here. Your face is as perfect as always."
There's a pause, then the two of you bow.
"I've always wanted to see this place. I wonder if America really looks like
this."
(What favor will you try to redeem?)
1) None
2) Test Assistance
3) Contact Information and Referrals
(What level of pressure will you apply?)
1) Hint
2) Ask
3) Insist
4) Demand
5) Ultimatum
"I've had it with all of your demands. I'm calling your house and removing my
name."
[continue]
midnight
Museum of Modern Art
A resonating baritone sings to your ears, "Demetoria-san, I am Katsu. I am most
honored to make your acquaintance." You turn to face the soothing voice and see
a man of average height and bland face. "Such an intelligent face," Katsu says.
"The gifts within are greater than the beautiful wrapping."
"Your face inspires melodies worthy of the gods." [You note his intense white
glow.]
There's a pause, then the two of you bow.
"I've seen all of the exhibits here, believe it or not, Demetoria-san. So I
leave the choice to you. What would you like to see?"
(What favor will you try to redeem?)
1) None
2) Test Assistance
(What level of pressure will you apply?)
1) Hint
2) Ask
3) Insist
4) Bribery
5) Blackmail
Katsu smiles at your attempts to curry favor. He holds your arms in front of you
and gazes into your eyes. "My dear, Demetoria-san, the serenity you seek already
flows within you."
A sense of instinctual control washes over you, the pictures in your mind will
be translated by your body with more accuracy. New vistas are painted in your
mind, each a new awareness.
Katsu kisses your lips--beginning with tenderness, tumbling into passion and
boiling with raw intensity. An eternity passes. When you open your eyes, he is
gone.
[continue]
"I trust you have your affairs in order, Demetoria-san. Tomorrow will be your
last day here." With that, Akko's shadow fades into the house.
Agenda Room
>when all
"The bear is available at noon."
"The monkey is available at noon."
"The fox is available in the morning and at noon."
"The elephant is available in the evening and at night."
"The thunder is available in the evening."
"The heart is available at dawn."
"The angel is available at noon and at midnight."
"The boot is available at dawn and in the evening."
"The conservatory would be free any time except dawn and night and midnight."
"The theater would be free any time except dawn and night and midnight."
"The tea room would be free any time except midnight."
"The laboratory would be free any time except midnight."
"The studio would be free any time except dawn and night and midnight."
"The gardens would be free any time except dawn and midnight."
>cal
Your Friday schedule:
Dawn -- Ujifuji
Morning -- Chizumi
Noon -- Zyun
Afternoon -- theater
Evening -- Eiji
Night -- gardens
Midnight -- Empty
>done
dawn
East New England Inn
"Even if you fail the geisha test, I'd still like you to be on my staff," says
Uji-fuji with a grin. "What would you say to being my upstairs maid?"
"You are a pretty one," says Uji-fuji.
There's a pause, then the two of you bow.
"Akko-san would never have agreed to meet me here," says Uji-fuji. "Let's skip
the cocoa, shall we?"
(What favor will you try to redeem?)
1) None
2) Test Assistance
(What level of pressure will you apply?)
1) Hint
2) Ask
3) Insist
4) Bribery
5) Blackmail
"You amuse me, girl. I shall grant your request."
"I have a most interesting import I picked up on my last visit to Indonesia. I'm
not exactly sure how it imputes its powers, but the locals swear it will help
you gain stage presence. You wear it around your waist. No one will notice it,
but you will feel it working.
You end the encounter contributing to the popular opinion that Geisha do that
sort of thing.
[continue]
morning
Autumn Leaves Bathhouse
Where is Chizumi today? Ah, over there in the blue, Western-style dress. And her
pinned hair has been set free.
"Your beauty astounds, Demetoria-chan," says Chizumi.
There's a pause, then the two of you bow.
"These baths are so much more roomy with just women in them."
(What favor will you try to redeem?)
1) None
2) Test Assistance
3) Contact Information and Referrals
(What level of pressure will you apply?)
1) Hint
2) Ask
3) Insist
4) Demand
5) Ultimatum
"You are the most beautiful woman, Demetoria-san. But your price has become too
high. You have forgotten too often that I am your client. If I wanted demands
placed on me, I could be with almost anyone else for free. As of today, our
contract has ended."
[continue]
noon
East New England Inn
That knife juggling could only mean Zyun. He waves at you with his right hand,
then throws a knife with his le--SHIELD THE FACE! ... Ah, his arm followed
through, but the knife ended in his waving hand.
"Doll-san, my day is complete [You note his intense red glow.]--your face, it
never ceases to delight me."
There's a pause, then the two of you bow.
"Perfect idea, Babe-san. This place has possibilities." Since he doesn't leer at
you when he says this, he means business possibilities.
(What favor will you try to redeem?)
1) None
2) Test Assistance
3) Contact Information and Referrals
(What level of pressure will you apply?)
1) Hint
2) Ask
3) Insist
4) Demand
5) Ultimatum
"You want it, you got it, Doll-san."
"Doll-san, there was an article in the paper recently. Were you aware of the
downtrend in the quality of geishas? I wasn't--hey, just look at you! Anyway,
the guy blamed the judging--that sometimes judging panels are made up of geisha
with questionable qualifications and dubious ethics. That in exceptional
situations--it mentioned one where 2/3 of the panel were sent to jail--a judge
can even be a non-geisha. Probably just 'life was tougher in the old days'
whining."
You end the encounter the same way you always do.
[continue]
afternoon
Theater
The theater air seems to whisper mocking words.
You set your mind to the task at hand.
You finish. Finally.
Alas, you're quite sure you didn't learn a thing.
The geisha assigned to this room today says, "Based on your performance, I would
give you a red flag (passing).
I see talent within you and the potential for a red flag on Saturday."
[continue]
evening
East New England Inn
Three teenaged girls surround a young man who is not much taller than they. He
autographs their posters, and the girls giggle. He reenacts one of his recent
runs--more giggling. He says, 'I painted the last quarter, man it was so out
there'--still more giggling.
When he brushes them aside, you see Eiji in his trademark black ski jacket. He
spots you and says, "whoa! I see why Akko-san always talks about you. You are
really something."
"How's it going, Demetoria-san," says Eiji in Californian English.
There's a pause, then the two of you bow.
"You'd think they'd take better care of their skis--especially if they're going
to display them in front of their hotel. And the Nakata line? What were they
thinking?"
The skis look nice enough to you.
(What favor will you try to redeem?)
1) None
2) Test Assistance
(What level of pressure will you apply?)
1) Hint
2) Ask
3) Insist
4) Bribery
5) Blackmail
"I'll arrange a dawn date with Akko, if you're extra-accommodating later."
You perform your special "exotic lips" dance before you leave.
[continue]
night
Gardens
The gardens air seems to whisper mocking words.
You set your mind to the task at hand.
You finish. Finally.
You learned a key element.
The geisha assigned to this room today says, "Based on your performance, I would
give you a yellow flag (marginal).
I see talent within you and the potential for a red flag on Saturday."
[continue]
midnight
Apprentice's Quarters
A sliding door opens to a tiny room. Cots tuck into each corner, each footing a
simple trunk.
Ohan, one of your roommates, changes clothes. Her tight, curvaceous body
compensates for a homely face. [You note her mild white glow.] In a state of
undress, she whispers to you. "Rumor has it that our headmistress has never
slept with anyone. Not even with her Patron." She giggles. "Can you believe that
Demetoria-chan? She's a virgin!"
[continue]
Agenda Room
Saturday. Test day. At midnight your fate will be officially announced.
To take each portion of the test, reserve the associated room. (Studio for
dance, Conservatory for harp, etc...) The test will run from dawn until night.
>cal
Your Saturday schedule:
Dawn -- gardens
Morning -- laboratory
Noon -- tea
Afternoon -- theater
Evening -- studio
Night -- conservatory
Midnight -- Empty
>done
dawn
Gardens
You perform your heart out.
You think you deserve a green flag. Fortunately, only the ones from the judges
count.
Judge One (Mimi (substitute for Akko)): yellow
Judge Two (Sakamas (non-Geisha)): yellow
Judge Three (Ri-ba): yellow
You have passed this test.
[continue]
morning
Laboratory
Rows of tray-sized desks face a wall-sized blackboard. Ceiling lamps provide
concentrated lighting, a striking contrast to the vague filterings illuminating
the other rooms of the house.
You perform your heart out.
You think you deserve a yellow flag. Fortunately, only the ones from the judges
count.
Judge One (Akko): green
Judge Two (Sakamas (non-Geisha)): red
Judge Three (Ri-ba): red
You have passed this test.
[continue]
noon
Tea Room
You perform your heart out.
You think you deserve a red flag. Alas, only the ones from the judges count.
Judge One (Akko): red
Judge Two (Sakamas (non-Geisha)): red
Judge Three (Ri-ba): red
You have passed this test.
[continue]
afternoon
Theater
You perform your heart out.
You think you deserve a red flag. Alas, only the ones from the judges count.
Judge One (Akko): green
Judge Two (Sakamas (non-Geisha)): red
Judge Three (Ri-ba): red
You have passed this test.
[continue]
evening
Studio
Hardwood strips, inlaid with precision but showing signs of age, cover the
entire floor. Mirrors line a side wall. A geisha-foot from the glass, a wooden
pole extends from corner to corner. Near the door sits a manual phonograph.
You perform your heart out.
You think you deserve a red flag. Alas, only the ones from the judges count.
Judge One (Akko): green
Judge Two (Sakamas (non-Geisha)): red
Judge Three (Ri-ba): red
You have passed this test.
[continue]
night
Conservatory
Akko speaks. "Attention, everyone. I've been informed of a local ordinance. We
are not allowed to play the harp on this particular day. I'm afraid this test
must be considered 'passed.'"
[continue]
"You have passed every portion of the test, Demetoria-san," says Akko. "I did
not consider you Geisha material, but I have no choice but to confer upon you
full status. Congratulations."
Your body shakes violently for several minutes. Consciousness fades. You awake
wearing a white robe, holding a gold sceptre and sitting on an ornate chair. You
feel at home for the first time ever.
A man clad in chain mail and a red tunic kneels before you. "Your holiness.
Please answer me, I beg of you. Have you a way to rid ourselves of these
vampires? We must take action now ere all is lost!"
*** Or, at least that's one way the week might play out, Demetoria-san. ***