Conversation 516: BOOKSTORE / PLAISANCE

Inside the book shop. Speaking with the proprietor.

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This is a listing of every "entry" in a given game conversation as scraped from the game files. Entries often contain written dialogue, as well as conditional logic governing their appearance to the player. They also link to other entries, sometimes automatically and sometimes through player action. This page is best used to search for a specific word or phrase, as following the links in this format can be difficult. For an experience that better accommodates the branching structure of these conversations, see the corresponding interactive page.

Column definitions:
  • ID: a numerical index for the entry within this conversation.
  • Character: the character speaking or acting.
  • Dialogue: prose containing spoken dialogue and other description.
  • Conditions: logical checks governing this entry appearing or occurring.
  • Links: entries that might follow this one, depending on conditions and player choice. Most links are internal to this conversation, external links to other conversations are marked with the format (conversation ID, entry ID).
ID Character Dialogue Conditions Links
0 None
  • 1
1 None
  • 402
2 Plaisance "Be welcome -- and *please* take responsibility for the energy you bring into this space."
  • 409
3 You "The girl outside mentioned that this place is cursed." Variable["plaza.annette_heard_of_doomed"] == true and Variable["tc.doomed_commercial_area"] == false and Variable["TASK.doomed_investigation"] == false and Variable["doomed.plais_altgreet_post_tribunal"] == false and Variable["XP.help_annette"] == false
  • 4
4 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!"
  • 74
5 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."
  • 12
6 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."
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
7 You "You shouldn't be so trusting of your husband. Men are filthy, treacherous pigs." IsTHCPresent("radical_feminist_agenda")
  • 88
8 You "Mind your manners, John. This isn't the great Shao Empire, where you can talk about sex stuff so openly!" Variable["doomed.plais_shao_known"] == true
  • 88
9 You "Alright, enough nonsense. The point is that we sometimes take on *unusual* cases."
  • 116
10 Kim Kitsuragi "That's right. When not spying on the love affairs of the ultra-rich, we solve unusual mysteries by the lorry-load."
  • 118
11 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.
  • 272
12 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.
  • 114
  • 115
13 Rhetoric Some penetrating sarcasm from your colleague there.
  • 6
14 You "This so-called *curse* is nothing more than a simple case of collective delusion." IsTHCPresent("moralist")
  • 15
15 Plaisance "No, no, don't mock the spirits like that! They don't like it... it only makes them angrier. Leave it be."
  • 379
16 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."
  • 102
17 You Convince her to let you investigate the Doomed Commercial Area. Variable["doomed.plais_trigger_whitecheck"] == true and Variable["TASK.doomed_investigation"] == false
  • 91
18 Composure Her façade has dropped. Now you see the curiosity behind the fear.
  • 584
19 You "This is nothing but fear for the success of your business given a shape." IsTHCPresent("ultraliberal")
  • 20
20 Plaisance "Too many failures for it to be a coincidence... they were not careful. I will not take such risks. Leave it be!"
  • 380
21 You "Sometimes it's necessary to resort to extreme measures."
  • 390
22 You "Dealing with ghosts is simple. You have to show them who's boss."
  • 299
23 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..."
  • 238
24 Plaisance
  • 25
  • 26
25 Plaisance Variable["doomed.plais_altgreet_forced_door"]
  • 393
26 Plaisance (Variable["doomed.plais_altgreet_forced_door"]) == false
  • 98
27 Plaisance
  • 28
  • 29
28 Plaisance Variable["doomed.bookstore_curtains_opened"] == true and Variable["doomed.plais_curtain_intro_done"] == false
  • 81
29 Plaisance (Variable["doomed.bookstore_curtains_opened"] == true and Variable["doomed.plais_curtain_intro_done"] == false) == false
  • 47
30 You "Who's the little girl standing outside?" Variable["doomed.plais_altgreet_post_tribunal"] == false and Variable["XP.help_annette"] == false
  • 191
31 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?"
  • 157
  • 158
  • 728
32 You "Depends. How much do you pay the kid?"
  • 33
33 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."
  • 214
34 You "In some more developed countries this sort of thing is two felonies. Child labour and slavery." Variable["doomed.plais_blackcheck_rhet_developed_countries"] == true
  • 35
35 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?"
  • 234
36 You "Is she an only child?"
  • 37
37 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."
  • 67
38 None
  • 164
  • 167
  • 203
  • 40
  • 201
39 You "Ten. She's certainly very polite and helpful."
  • 156
40 You "All this pressure has made her really anxious. You know she's been chewing her nails?" Variable["plaza.annette_white_success_nervous"] == true
  • 222
41 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."
  • 800
42 Logic Denial is the way she copes with criticism.
  • 166
43 Plaisance "Welcome to Crime, Romance, and Biographies of Famous People. My name is Plaisance." The clerk extends a greeting.
  • 2
44 Suggestion She has fine-tuned her voice to find the most welcoming approach for attracting new customers. It doesn't work.
  • 46
45 Composure Her face looks powdery and painted from all the make-up.
  • 55
46 None
  • 135
  • 456
  • 287
  • 500
  • 724
  • 720
  • 470
  • 50
  • 3
  • 30
  • 249
  • 17
  • 634
  • 481
  • 723
47 Plaisance
  • 48
  • 49
48 Plaisance Variable["doomed.plais_greeting_done"]
  • 785
49 Plaisance (Variable["doomed.plais_greeting_done"]) == false
  • 43
50 You "What if I want to buy a book?"
  • 126
51 You "So what types of books do you have?"
  • 52
52 Plaisance "Everything is on the shelves, take a look yourself." She nudges her glasses. "The shelves compel you, don't they?"
  • 54
53 None
  • 46
54 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.
  • 149
55 None
  • 82
  • 410
  • 119
  • 56
56 You "No thanks." [Leave.]
57 You "Do you even know what books you have for sale?" Variable["doomed.plais_rhetoric_blackcheck_sale"]
  • 58
58 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*..."
  • 59
59 Plaisance "But you don't learn about the *important things* in life from fabricated stories."
  • 61
  • 60
60 You "Where do you learn about the *important* things then?"
  • 64
61 You "Wait, shouldn't a storekeeper know about her wares?"
  • 62
62 Plaisance "I provide a valuable service. As long as people buy books, I'm fine." She wiggles her bony fingers at you.
  • 60
63 None
  • 147
64 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.
  • 63
65 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."
  • 799
66 You "And your husband's also involved with the bookstore?"
  • 69
67 Composure A glimmer of sadness blinks through the well-crafted exterior.
  • 248
  • 809
68 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..."
  • 811
69 Plaisance "He made the initial investment. Since then he's been what you might call a *silent partner*."
  • 808
70 None
  • 183
71 None
  • 183
72 You "Alright, I'll take a look then." (Conclude.)
  • 73
73 Plaisance She smiles and nods, seemingly relieved.
  • 53
74 Rhetoric What in god's name is she talking about?
  • 752
75 Plaisance She nudges her spectacles. "Sir, I am well-educated in the commercial and esoteric arts. I know what to do and what to avoid."
  • 461
  • 619
  • 622
  • 623
76 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.
  • 743
  • 285
77 Plaisance
  • 78
  • 79
78 Plaisance Variable["doomed.plais_entered_through_doomed"]
79 Plaisance (Variable["doomed.plais_entered_through_doomed"]) == false
  • 24
80 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."
  • 66
81 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?"
  • 111
  • 113
  • 278
  • 112
82 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." Variable["TASK.pay_for_the_damages"] == true or Variable["TASK.pay_whirling_bill"] == true
  • 83
83 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..."
  • 412
84 None
  • 55
85 You "Ma'am, I am a renowned private investigator, a paragon of law and a specialist in all things criminal."
  • 5
86 You "Ma'am, do you know how me and my partner are known to our colleagues back at the station?"
  • 551
87 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..."
  • 13
88 Plaisance "This is preposterous, a waste of my time and of no help to anyone." She looks displeased.
  • 11
89 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!"
  • 103
90 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."
  • 300
91 Plaisance
  • 92
  • 93
92 Plaisance Variable["doomed.plais_whitecheck_drama_convince"]
  • 95
93 Plaisance (Variable["doomed.plais_whitecheck_drama_convince"]) == false
  • 372
94 None
  • 22
  • 14
  • 19
  • 104
  • 368
95 Drama Slither up to her, you silver-tongued fiend. Show her what world-class perfidy looks like!
  • 770
96 Drama Time to fire up the old lie machine!
  • 255
97 Plaisance She shrugs, apparently dejected. "Okay, I'm willing to listen. We are set on the path... there's little else to do."
  • 18
98 Plaisance
  • 99
  • 100
99 Plaisance Variable["doomed.plais_whitecheck_succeeded"]
  • 304
100 Plaisance (Variable["doomed.plais_whitecheck_succeeded"]) == false
  • 136
101 Plaisance "Do you take me for a complete fool?" She's getting irritated. "Leave it be and just go look at the books."
  • 110
102 Plaisance "And others have to suffer terrible consequences just so you can sleep at night? I think not!"
  • 376
103 Conceptualization Wow. *Void wraiths*. You have new words.
  • 754
104 You "You think Dick Mullen could solve this? No way, time for a real detective..." (Flex them biceps.) "...to shine." Variable["tc.mullen"] == true
  • 105
105 Plaisance She gives you a curious look -- you don't really understand what to make of it.
  • 106
106 Physical Instrument She's into your masculine posturing! Your lean -- uh... husky and chubby brawn -- is pure animal magnetism.
  • 107
  • 108
107 You Wink at her.
  • 109
108 You Do not wink at her.
  • 109
109 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."
  • 371
110 None
  • 46
111 You "I am the law."
  • 152
112 You "I don't know. Nothing really. I don't have any right, I'm sorry."
  • 152
113 You "I'm a rebel -- I live by my own rules."
  • 152
114 You "We are truly private in our partnership."
  • 87
115 You "But wait, there's more!"
  • 87
116 Plaisance "How can I believe you after all that foolishness?" She looks somewhat irritated.
  • 11
117 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!"
  • 10
118 You "What better way, than to ask us --"
  • 268
119 You "So, are you the owner of this store?"
  • 120
120 Plaisance "I am. The proudest owner of our little shop of culture." Her voice is high-pitched, as if to give it more penetration.
  • 44
121 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..."
  • 122
  • 21
  • 388
122 You "I don't know what I was thinking, barging in like that..."
  • 390
123 None
  • 46
124 Plaisance The woman before you scans the store, her shoulders rigid and tense. Every now and then she nudges her glasses.
  • 46
125 You "I sensed the psychic emanations from afar. The Sleeper Beyond calls out." Variable["plaza.annette_inland_janus_window"] == true
  • 328
126 Plaisance
  • 127
  • 128
127 Plaisance Variable["doomed.bookstore_browsed_items"]
  • 145
128 Plaisance (Variable["doomed.bookstore_browsed_items"]) == false
  • 146
129 You "How does this curse manifest itself?"
  • 590
130 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..."
  • 292
131 You "Is your pendant part of the wards as well?" (Point at her necklace.) Variable["doomed.plais_asked_has_she_sought_help_for_the_curse"] == true
  • 130
132 None
  • 129
  • 289
  • 599
  • 131
  • 603
  • 608
  • 133
  • 134
  • 401
  • 712
133 You "Would you like me to take the case? I could investigate, see if the curse is real." (Conclude.) Variable["doomed.plais_asked_doomed_question"] == true and Variable["doomed.plais_trigger_whitecheck"] == false and Variable["TASK.doomed_investigation"] == false
  • 90
134 You "I don't think the curse is real, I just want you to let me in there." (Conclude.) Variable["doomed.plais_asked_doomed_question"] == true and Variable["doomed.plais_trigger_whitecheck"] == false and Variable["TASK.doomed_investigation"] == false
  • 611
135 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." (Variable["doomed.plais_angered"] or Variable["doomed.plais_curtains_fiddled_not_opened"]) and Variable["doomed.plais_mentioned_fridge_in_main"] and IsTaskActive("TASK.go_see_the_fridge") and Variable["XP.got_into_doomed_commercial_area"] == false and Variable["TASK.doomed_investigation"] == false and Variable["tc.doomed_commercial_area"] == true and Variable["doomed.plais_doomed_hub_reached"]
  • 76
136 Plaisance
  • 137
  • 138
137 Plaisance Variable["doomed.bookstore_backdoor_smash_failure"]
  • 385
138 Plaisance (Variable["doomed.bookstore_backdoor_smash_failure"]) == false
  • 27
139 You "The dark sarcophagus..." (Pause dramatically.)
  • 140
140 Plaisance "Yes, yes? How was it?"
  • 306
141 You "Hold on, I actually haven't done anything yet. I just wanted to ask a few questions."
  • 305
142 You "It was a charnel house of failed business enterprises, leeching life energy from this bookstore."
  • 307
143 You "Honestly -- a dump. Nothing to see there, just heaps of garbage. Someone should let the sunshine in."
  • 144
144 Plaisance "But... what else did you find? Did anything survive? No. Of course not. Have you located the... Entity?"
  • 819
145 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."
  • 148
146 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."
  • 148
147 None
  • 150
  • 51
  • 57
  • 72
148 Perception (Hearing) Quietly, she mutters to herself: "He isn't doing what he's designed to do... isn't the spell working..."
  • 147
149 None
  • 147
150 You "What spell?" Variable["doomed.plais_hear_about_spell"] == true
  • 151
151 Plaisance "Huh?" She flinches at your remark. "Nothing. No one's cast any spells of compulsion to draw in customers. What a silly idea!"
  • 149
152 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.
  • 153
153 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!"
  • 154
154 None
  • 46
155 Plaisance "Wonderful! Did you talk to her?"
  • 159
  • 160
156 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."
  • 38
157 You "Yes, of course."
  • 155
158 You "No, she was definitely slacking off."
  • 197
159 You "Yes."
  • 162
160 You "Not really."
  • 161
161 Plaisance "Why not? Was she not friendly enough? Were you not compelled to talk to her?"
  • 204
  • 205
  • 206
162 Plaisance "Great! On a scale of one to ten, how compelled were you to buy books after talking with her?"
  • 163
163 Empathy Her opinion of her daughter depends on how well she lured you into the store.
  • 39
  • 168
  • 169
  • 170
164 You "The way you're handling her strikes me as wrong." Variable["doomed.plaisance_said_liberal_option"] == false
  • 165
165 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."
  • 42
166 None
  • 38
167 You "Annette is quite the trooper. She's a great value-add." Variable["doomed.plais_raising_annette_wrong"] == false and Variable["doomed.plaisance_said_commie_option"] == false
  • 218
168 You "Five. I felt some interest."
  • 171
169 You "One. Not impressed."
  • 172
170 You "I'm not going to grade a human being. I don't do that."
  • 173
171 Plaisance "I guess it's better than nothing." She shrugs. "She'll have to try harder next time."
  • 38
172 Plaisance "I knew it." She sighs and shakes her head. "Shameful behaviour. She's incorrigible."
  • 38
173 Plaisance "Come now, it's not personal, it's about proper sales practices and market research." She crosses her arms. "I expect an answer."
  • 39
  • 168
  • 169
174 Plaisance "Oh, yes? How's my precious doing? She's a good girl."
  • 38
175 You "That *is* true -- and obviously the will of the market -- but maybe make an exception for your daughter?"
  • 225
176 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.
  • 226
177 You "I don't think she can do anything about it."
  • 220
178 You "Okay. Forget it." (None of your business.)
  • 188
179 Plaisance
  • 180
  • 181
180 Plaisance IsKimHere()
  • 182
181 Plaisance (IsKimHere()) == false
  • 221
182 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."
  • 221
183 None
  • 184
  • 36
  • 187
  • 232
184 You "Is this husband Annette's father?"
  • 185
185 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!"
  • 186
  • 66
186 You "Wait. Grand Couron? What's that?"
  • 23
187 You "She told me she doesn't go to school anymore." Variable["plaza.annette_home_schooled"] == true
  • 250
188 None
  • 124
189 Plaisance "Yes? Oh, I hope I can make it up to her. She's my precious kid."
  • 183
190 You "What you're doing is wrong. Even I know that, and I usually don't know anything."
  • 225
191 Plaisance
  • 192
  • 193
192 Plaisance Variable["doomed.plais_familyhub_reached"]
  • 189
193 Plaisance (Variable["doomed.plais_familyhub_reached"]) == false
  • 194
194 Plaisance
  • 195
  • 196
195 Plaisance Variable["doomed.plais_annettehub_reached"]
  • 174
196 Plaisance (Variable["doomed.plais_annettehub_reached"]) == false
  • 31
197 Plaisance "Oh," she exclaims with some irritation. "Shameful girl, what is she up to this time?!"
  • 198
  • 199
198 You "No, I must've been mistaken. She's right outside, very attentive, yes."
  • 155
199 You "This is actually none of my business, let's talk about something else."
  • 200
200 None
  • 124
201 You "Okay.... Let's change the subject."
  • 202
202 None
  • 124
203 You "I'm here to dismantle the free market and abolish child labour." Variable["doomed.plaisance_said_liberal_option"] == false
  • 210
204 You "I don't know, I just walked right in here instead."
  • 208
205 You "I'm not interested in talking to a kid."
  • 209
206 You "I was afraid she'd call me a f****t like all the kids around here." Variable["yard.cuno_greeting_done"]
  • 207
207 Plaisance "Sir! Watch the language." She crosses her arms. "My child would never do such a thing."
  • 38
208 Plaisance She lightens up. "Oh yes, okay, that makes sense. It's working then... yes. Do browse our books, sir!"
  • 38
209 Plaisance "What's wrong with her?" She shakes her head. "Can't she do anything right?"
  • 38
210 Plaisance She rolls her eyes. "You must be kidding, there's nothing like that happening."
  • 32
211 None
  • 38
212 You "Oh. I guess I was mistaken."
  • 213
213 Plaisance "Indeed." Her voice is decisive and sharp as a knife. "Are we done with the jokes now?"
  • 234
214 Authority Slap the cuffs on her!
  • 215
215 Rhetoric Such criminal behaviour would not happen in more developed countries.
  • 216
  • 34
  • 212
216 You "I formally reprimand you for your corrupt activities." Variable["doomed.plais_blackcheck_halflight_cuffs"] == true
  • 217
217 Plaisance She raises an eyebrow. "Oh, of course, officer. Good work. Are we done with the jokes now?"
  • 234
218 Plaisance "As a young girl should be. With the proper attitude she'll have a bright financial future."
  • 219
219 None
  • 38
220 Plaisance "She can, if she has enough *willpower*. This is what's called *growing pains*. Life isn't easy, life doesn't give breaks."
  • 179
221 None
  • 190
  • 175
  • 801
222 Plaisance
  • 223
  • 224
223 Plaisance Variable["doomed.plais_raising_annette_wrong"]
  • 65
224 Plaisance (Variable["doomed.plais_raising_annette_wrong"]) == false
  • 41
225 Plaisance She stands stiff and severe, silently fuming. Ten or so seconds pass without change.
  • 803
226 Empathy It sounds like both the husband and the mother treat her the way she treats Annette.
  • 228
227 You "You're like Annette to your husband. And your mother."
  • 231
228 Plaisance
  • 229
  • 230
229 Plaisance Variable["doomed.plais_blackcheck_empathy_annette"]
  • 227
  • 805
230 Plaisance (Variable["doomed.plais_blackcheck_empathy_annette"]) == false
  • 183
231 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.
  • 807
232 You "Alright. I had something else in mind." (Conclude.)
  • 814
233 Plaisance The woman looks aloof, her features much softer. Occasionally she glances at her daughter's silhouette.
  • 46
234 Plaisance
  • 235
  • 236
235 Plaisance IsKimHere()
  • 237
236 Plaisance (IsKimHere()) == false
  • 211
237 Kim Kitsuragi "Yes, we've had quite enough fun here, right." The lieutenant taps his foot.
  • 211
238 Shivers Your head feels light and dizzy... a cold breeze caresses your flesh.
  • 242
239 You Shudder, let it pass.
  • 80
240 You What's going on?
  • 241
241 Shivers Monstrous buildings loom over Grand Couron. A cold wind howls in the empty halls of homes built upon delusions.
  • 246
242 Plaisance
  • 243
  • 244
243 Plaisance Variable["doomed.plais_shivers_grand_couron"]
  • 245
244 Plaisance (Variable["doomed.plais_shivers_grand_couron"]) == false
  • 80
245 None
  • 240
  • 239
246 You Why?
  • 247
247 Shivers There is no life in Grand Couron. No one can afford to live there.
  • 80
248 You "Why not?"
  • 68
249 You "All the pressure has made Annette really anxious. You know she's been chewing her nails?" Variable["plaza.annette_white_success_nervous"] == true and Variable["doomed.plais_annettehub_reached"] == true and Variable["XP.help_annette"] == false
  • 222
250 Plaisance Plaisance nods. "She's been too busy, helping me here, so she's studied at home this trimester. This is a temporary solution, of course."
  • 812
251 None
  • 183
252 Plaisance
  • 253
  • 254
253 Plaisance IsKimHere() and Variable["reputation.kim"] >=4
  • 258
254 Plaisance (IsKimHere() and Variable["reputation.kim"] >=4) == false
  • 347
255 Plaisance
  • 256
  • 257
256 Plaisance Variable["doomed.plais_drama_failure_once"]
  • 347
257 Plaisance (Variable["doomed.plais_drama_failure_once"]) == false
  • 252
258 None
  • 85
  • 259
259 You I don't want to say all that.
  • 260
260 Drama Yes, you do.
  • 261
  • 262
261 You You're right. What could go wrong?
  • 466
262 You No. It's really stupid.
  • 263
263 Plaisance
  • 264
  • 265
264 Plaisance Variable["doomed.plais_familyhub_reached"]
  • 266
265 Plaisance (Variable["doomed.plais_familyhub_reached"]) == false
  • 267
266 None
  • 233
267 None
  • 124
268 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."
  • 271
  • 273
269 You "Enough funny business. Will you just give us the key already?"
  • 464
270 Plaisance "Absolutely not!"
  • 276
271 You "Fine, I'll ask for it. Can we have the key?"
  • 270
272 None
  • 463
  • 269
  • 117
273 You "But I don't want to ask for it, asking is beneath me."
  • 274
274 Plaisance "Oh? Well good for you, because you're not going to get it anyway!"
  • 275
275 None
  • 46
276 None
  • 46
277 Plaisance "Not this nonsense again. I already said *no*!"
  • 351
278 You "I detected psychic emanations from within and was compelled to investigate."
  • 152
279 Plaisance "What have you found?" She seems anxious. "And also, do buy the books. There may be *teachings* in them."
  • 690
280 Plaisance
  • 281
  • 282
281 Plaisance Variable["doomed.plais_investigate_doomed_altgreet"]
  • 279
282 Plaisance (Variable["doomed.plais_investigate_doomed_altgreet"]) == false
  • 77
283 Plaisance "You've hurt yourself now! I told you not to mess around back there. What are you even trying to accomplish, you fool?!"
  • 381
  • 382
  • 550
  • 383
284 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."
  • 477
285 You "Enough of this mumbo-jumbo, I have a decomposing body rotting away as we speak. Just let me in!"
  • 284
286 You "The presence is real in this building. I have felt it. It lurks. It hungers. But I can bring peace." Variable["doomed.plais_you_are_the_ghostbuster"] == true
  • 310
287 You "I had a few more questions about the curse..." Variable["doomed.plais_doomed_hub_reached"] == true
  • 288
288 Plaisance "Okay, but please, only a few questions." She peers at the curtains. "You wouldn't want to disturb the spirits..."
  • 132
289 You "Why didn't you just tell me right away it's the curse?"
  • 89
290 None
  • 132
291 None
  • 132
292 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*!"
  • 559
293 Plaisance
  • 294
  • 295
294 Plaisance Variable["doomed.plais_familyhub_reached"]
  • 296
295 Plaisance (Variable["doomed.plais_familyhub_reached"]) == false
  • 297
296 None
  • 233
297 None
  • 124
298 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."
  • 101
299 Plaisance "What does that even mean?"
  • 298
300 Drama My liege! You know what this case calls for? A para-detective!
  • 756
301 Plaisance "You're right..." She is mortified. "It's worse than I imagined. We definitely have to contain it now!"
  • 477
302 Drama Yessss, this is your chance! This is your chance! Only a *para-detective* can solve this case.
  • 759
303 None
  • 46
304 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?"
  • 731
305 Plaisance "Oh." Her disappointment is obvious. "What about?"
  • 459
306 Drama Tell her how *ghasssstly* it was! You know it's what she wantssss to hear...
  • 142
  • 143
  • 691
307 Plaisance "I knew it!" A tremor runs through her. "Oh, such horrors that have been thrust upon us..." She shakes her head.
  • 144
308 You "I have returned from the void. A para-detective from a long line of para-detectives."
  • 311
309 You "Ma'am, I came here to help. I've handled *paranatural* situations before."
  • 310
310 Plaisance "Are you sure?" She looks sceptical. "Don't think I haven't seen *charlatans* before..."
  • 125
  • 318
  • 308
311 Plaisance "You're no para-detective. You look nothing like one -- and you're clearly a drinker. Pardon me for being so blunt, but..."
  • 816
312 You "You see, it's necessary to drink the *spirits* in order to contact the *void*."
  • 331
313 You "I used to live on the shadowy isles... the wild wisemen taught me their rituals." Variable["doomed.bookstore_curtains_inland_darkisles"] == true
  • 333
314 You "I admit, I've had my share of drinks, but only because *mediation* is so draining."
  • 331
315 You "Al Gul hails from beyond the veil, ma'am. Al Gul guides the way." IsTHCPresent("apocalypse_cop")
  • 331
316 You Wait, what if I don't want to lie...
  • 317
317 Drama You're not *lying* -- you're giving her peace of mind. The meanssss are thus jusssstified.
  • 309
  • 286
318 You "I know the Remote Viewers Division, they have taught me perception beyond this world." Variable["tc.rvd"] == true and IsKimHere() == false
  • 329
319 Plaisance
  • 320
  • 321
320 Plaisance IsKimHere()
  • 322
321 Plaisance (IsKimHere()) == false
  • 330
322 Kim Kitsuragi The lieutenant keeps his usual stony calm. He silently picks out his notebook.
  • 817
323 You "Just ask my partner, Kim. He'll vouch for me." IsKimHere()
  • 324
324 Kim Kitsuragi "Oh, uh..." the lieutenant mumbles in minor confusion. He has not been listening closely enough. You've put him on the spot.
  • 473
325 Kim Kitsuragi "Certainly so, ma'am. I can assure you my partner is eminent in this *particular* field."
  • 335
326 You "I am the Void-Revenant. I have the powers to de-bad all the bad energies."
  • 327
327 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."
  • 364
328 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..."
  • 363
329 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..."
  • 363
330 None
  • 314
  • 312
  • 315
331 Plaisance "How do you... *know* all this?"
  • 818
332 You "Your wards brought me here in the first place. The Semenese blood also runs through me." Variable["tc.wards_plais"] == true
  • 334
333 Plaisance "Oh my, I should have known! You do have that *wild-man* look. Our meeting couldn't have been mere chance!"
  • 336
334 Plaisance "You're part Semenese?! Oh, it means our meeting couldn't have been mere chance... the hand of fate guides us."
  • 359
335 Plaisance She shuffles nervously. "If you promise, good officer... then." She pauses. "You might be our last hope. Do you swear it?"
  • 365
  • 366
336 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."
  • 337
  • 323
337 You "No problem whatsoever, your family is safe, the phantoms are no match for me."
  • 335
338 You Wait... That's it? I don't want to say that!
  • 339
339 Drama Stop being such a fussy prude! You can't convince her without liessssss.
  • 340
  • 341
340 You Okay, I guess I'll give it a try: "Crime Bros." (Nod at Kim.) "We're called *crime bros*, my partner and I."
  • 553
341 You No, it's really stupid.
  • 342
342 Plaisance
  • 343
  • 344
343 Plaisance Variable["doomed.plais_familyhub_reached"]
  • 345
344 Plaisance (Variable["doomed.plais_familyhub_reached"]) == false
  • 346
345 None
  • 233
346 None
  • 124
347 Plaisance
  • 348
  • 349
348 Plaisance IsKimHere()
  • 350
349 Plaisance (IsKimHere()) == false
  • 94
350 None
  • 86
351 None
  • 46
352 Plaisance
  • 353
  • 354
353 Plaisance Variable["doomed.plais_said_shao_lie"]
  • 277
354 Plaisance (Variable["doomed.plais_said_shao_lie"]) == false
  • 355
355 Plaisance "Sir, I really don't have time for your jokes. The situation is very serious."
  • 351
356 Plaisance
  • 357
  • 358
357 Plaisance Variable["doomed.plais_drama_failed_twice"]
  • 467
358 Plaisance (Variable["doomed.plais_drama_failed_twice"]) == false
  • 96
359 Plaisance
  • 360
  • 361
360 Plaisance IsTHCPresent("revacholian_nationhood")
  • 362
361 Plaisance (IsTHCPresent("revacholian_nationhood")) == false
  • 336
362 Half Light Blech! You deny your own Revacholian blood for the sake of a lie!
  • 336
363 Electrochemistry Hey now, hey. Hey! Hey. You need the booze to focus, alright?
  • 319
364 Inland Empire Perhaps you truly *are* the one to deliver this woman from the doom...
  • 336
365 You (A hand on your heart.) "On my honour."
  • 564
366 You "Actually, I'm not really feeling the vibe anymore... The psychic force has left me."
  • 367
367 Plaisance "Come now!" Her eyes light up. "Enough with your jokes, no backing down anymore. Do I have your word?"
  • 365
368 You These ideas are all worthless.
  • 369
369 Drama Thy sweet tongue drips not with honey today... yet, try thou must!
  • 370
370 None
  • 46
371 None
  • 46
372 Plaisance
  • 373
  • 374
373 Plaisance Variable["doomed.plais_drama_failed_thrice"] or Variable["doomed.plais_drama_failure_counter"] >=2
  • 468
374 Plaisance (Variable["doomed.plais_drama_failed_thrice"] or Variable["doomed.plais_drama_failure_counter"] >=2) == false
  • 356
375 None
  • 16
  • 376
376 You Goddamnit, you're completely unhelpful.
  • 377
377 Drama 'Tis a poor craftsman who blames his tools!
  • 469
378 None
  • 46
379 None
  • 46
380 None
  • 46
381 You "Nothing... I'm just terribly clumsy sometimes, sorry." (Rub your aching forehead.)
  • 384
382 You "I thought it was obvious: I tried to smash through the door by using pure physical force."
  • 384
383 You "I'm trying to find a way to the fridge downstairs -- it's an urgent police matter." Variable["doomed.plais_mentioned_fridge_in_main"] == true
  • 384
384 Plaisance "You're only making things worse! Stop it. Be compelled to look at the *books*." She fiddles with her pendant. "*Go to them*!"
  • 460
385 Plaisance
  • 386
  • 387
386 Plaisance Variable["doomed.plais_altgreet_smash_failure"]
  • 47
387 Plaisance (Variable["doomed.plais_altgreet_smash_failure"]) == false
  • 283
388 You "Look, I've got this decomposing body I *really* need to put in a fridge down there." Variable["doomed.plais_mentioned_fridge_in_main"] == true and Variable["doomed.fridge_corpse_in_fridge"] == false
  • 389
389 Plaisance "You fool! You've gone and unleashed unimaginable evil, all for the sake of a refrigerator!"
  • 694
390 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."
  • 694
391 You "It was the only way to get this investigation going."
  • 97
392 You "Well, I've looked around... I can tell you what I saw."
  • 97
393 Plaisance
  • 394
  • 395
394 Plaisance Variable["doomed.plais_whitecheck_succeeded"]
  • 396
395 Plaisance (Variable["doomed.plais_whitecheck_succeeded"]) == false
  • 121
396 Plaisance "You... broke down the back door?" She looks sad and confused. "Why? I gave you the key."
  • 398
  • 399
  • 400
397 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?"
  • 688
398 You "Real men don't need keys."
  • 397
399 You "I'm not sure, I don't know what I was thinking."
  • 397
400 You "The door was giving me shit."
  • 397
401 You "Never mind, I had other questions." Variable["doomed.plais_asked_doomed_question"] == true and Variable["doomed.plais_trigger_whitecheck"] == true
  • 293
402 Plaisance
  • 403
  • 404
403 Plaisance Variable["TASK.report_to_the_tribunal_done"]
  • 434
404 Plaisance (Variable["TASK.report_to_the_tribunal_done"]) == false
  • 546
405 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*."
  • 437
  • 438
  • 439
406 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?"
  • 407
407 None
  • 46
408 None
409 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.
  • 45
410 You "A curious pendant you're wearing." (Narrow your eyes mysteriously.) Variable["doomed.plais_inland_sees_pendant"] == true
  • 411
411 Plaisance "Oh yes, helps to have an anchor in these times." She clutches the pendant and narrows her eyes as well.
  • 84
412 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."
  • 413
413 Rhetoric Certainly there are good things to be said about dependence.
  • 418
414 You "It would forge ties between us working people -- good practice for fighting our common enemy."
  • 421
415 You "You misunderstand me. I'm a powerful feudal lord. I demand tribute. This is about traditions."
  • 422
416 You "Damn, you're right. What kind of a business relationship would that kick-start?"
  • 424
417 You "Excuse me, I don't even know why I said that. A lapse of professionalism that does not represent my values."
  • 431
418 Plaisance
  • 419
  • 420
419 Plaisance Variable["doomed.plais_rhetoric_options"]
  • 414
  • 415
  • 416
  • 417
420 Plaisance (Variable["doomed.plais_rhetoric_options"]) == false
  • 744
421 Plaisance "Now hey there." She raises her finger. "Sounds like someone isn't taking responsibility for the energy they bring into this space..."
  • 425
422 Plaisance "Now hey there." She raises her finger. "Sounds like someone isn't taking responsibility for the energy they bring into this space..."
  • 426
423 None
  • 55
424 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."
  • 427
425 Plaisance "Fighting, enemy... my philosophy is everyone just getting along."
  • 423
426 Plaisance "Tribute, power... these are not the traditions we're used to in this part of the world."
  • 423
427 Plaisance
  • 428
  • 429
428 Plaisance IsKimHere()
  • 430
429 Plaisance (IsKimHere()) == false
  • 423
430 Kim Kitsuragi "We wouldn't want that."
  • 423
431 Plaisance "Oh my. Of course." She looks at you and adds, "What a man."
  • 432
432 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.
  • 423
433 Plaisance "It's always nice to see you here. You bring good energy."
  • 441
434 Plaisance
  • 435
  • 436
435 Plaisance Variable["doomed.plais_altgreet_post_tribunal"]
  • 433
436 Plaisance (Variable["doomed.plais_altgreet_post_tribunal"]) == false
  • 405
437 You "Hey, I'm the one who got shot here. In the leg... *and* in the shoulder!" Variable["plaza.tribunal_shoulder_wound_suffered"] == true
  • 442
438 You "Uh... I'm the one who got shot here, ma'am."
  • 443
439 You Say nothing, stare at her.
  • 440
440 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.
  • 444
441 None
  • 46
442 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.
  • 444
443 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.
  • 444
444 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."
  • 445
445 Plaisance "I could teach people to protect themselves against bad energies and to fight crime."
  • 446
  • 447
  • 448
446 You (Nod.) "Sounds like a plan. Life must go on, after all."
  • 452
447 You "Honestly, I'm not sure what to think of it."
  • 450
448 You "A 'psychic studio'? This is even worse than a bookstore in Martinaise..."
  • 449
449 Plaisance "No need to be modest, good officer. You've convinced me -- it is a great idea! Thank you for the inspiration."
  • 406
450 Plaisance "No, no... you're right, officer! You've convinced me -- it is a great idea! Thank you for the inspiration."
  • 406
451 Plaisance "Exactly. It's a brilliant idea. Thank you, officer! I'm going to start drawing up business plans right away."
  • 406
452 Plaisance
  • 453
  • 454
453 Plaisance IsKimHere()
  • 455
454 Plaisance (IsKimHere()) == false
  • 451
455 Kim Kitsuragi "Yes, what Martinaise really needs is more vigilantes roaming the streets."
  • 451
456 You "You *have to* let me to the cellar. There's something I desperately need from there." (Variable["doomed.plais_angered"] or Variable["doomed.plais_curtains_fiddled_not_opened"]) and Variable["doomed.plais_mentioned_fridge_in_main"] and IsTaskActive("TASK.get_filament_from_fridge") and Variable["XP.got_into_doomed_commercial_area"] == false and Variable["TASK.doomed_investigation"] == false and Variable["tc.doomed_commercial_area"] == true and Variable["doomed.plais_doomed_hub_reached"] == true
  • 457
457 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."
  • 713
458 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."
  • 760
459 None
  • 46
460 None
  • 46
461 You "Have you ever thought about a sale? Maybe this could lure in some customers."
  • 462
462 Plaisance "Discount my wares?! I can see, sir, that you don't value books very highly."
  • 626
463 You "That's right, and all you have to do is give us the key to the back door."
  • 464
464 Plaisance "Is *that* what you've been after this whole time? You want the key to the back door?"
  • 465
465 You "Yes! The key! Can we have it?"
  • 270
466 Drama Attaboy.
  • 85
467 Drama Alright -- Take two!
  • 94
468 Drama You know, maybe this time you should just be upfront with her?
  • 375
469 Savoir Faire Why are you bothering with this tiresome woman -- just open the curtains while she's distracted!
  • 378
470 You "Uh, this Dick Mullen book fell apart before I got to the end. Do you have another copy?" (Show her the item.) Variable["inventory.mullen_ripped"] and Variable["inventory.mullen_orb_afterthought_no_avail_done"] == false
  • 471
471 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."
  • 866
472 None
  • 46
473 Plaisance
  • 474
  • 475
474 Plaisance Variable["reputation.kim"] > 1
  • 325
475 Plaisance (Variable["reputation.kim"] > 1) == false
  • 476
476 Kim Kitsuragi "I can assure you, he is... a police officer. Very... knowledgeable."
  • 335
477 Plaisance
  • 478
  • 479
478 Plaisance Variable["tc.rvd"] == true or IsTHCPresent("remote_viewer")
  • 480
479 Plaisance (Variable["tc.rvd"] == true or IsTHCPresent("remote_viewer")) == false
  • 302
480 Drama Yessss, this is your chance! Only a *remote viewer* can solve this case.
  • 759
481 You "Plaisance, I have something to tell you... I've found the actual source of doom." IsTaskActive("TASK.tell_plaisance_of_actual_source")--[[ Variable[ ]]
  • 483
482 Plaisance "What do you mean the *actual* source?" She clutches her pendant anxiously. "I thought this issue was resolved!"
  • 921
483 Plaisance
  • 484
  • 485
484 Plaisance Variable["TASK.doomed_investigation_done"]
  • 897
485 Plaisance (Variable["TASK.doomed_investigation_done"]) == false
  • 486
486 Plaisance "Yes? What news do you bring?" Her fingers grasp tightly at her pendant.
  • 921
487 You "I'm afraid all I can tell you is this -- you must leave Martinaise immediately. It's too dangerous to stay."
  • 488
488 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..."
  • 882
489 Plaisance "A... a what?"
  • 916
490 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."
  • 878
491 Plaisance "But... but... *that's* not in any of the ancient texts! How am I supposed to protect my bookstore from *that*?!"
  • 918
492 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."
  • 889
493 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."
  • 495
494 You "You'll have to find your own answer. I've spent too long on this quest as it is."
  • 497
495 Plaisance "Close... the shop? But it's all I have! No, there *must* be a way..."
  • 883
496 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."
  • 892
497 Plaisance "Yes, you've certainly done your part. I've come so far... I can't give up now..."
  • 883
498 Plaisance "Thank you for your help, in any case. You're welcome back here anytime."
  • 499
499 None
  • 46
500 You "Why are you so uptight about those curtains? I just want to know what's on the other side." Variable["doomed.plais_curtains_fiddled_not_opened"] == true and Variable["doomed.bookstore_curtains_opened"] == false and Variable["doomed.plais_doomed_hub_reached"] == false
  • 501
501 Plaisance "I already told you, it's just a storage room for employees! I don't understand why it's so important to you..."
  • 524
502 You "If it's just a storage room then why does it have a Semenese ward protecting it?" Variable["tc.wards_plais"] == true
  • 505
503 You "If it's just a storage room then why do you have that strange trinket on the curtains?" Variable["doomed.bookstore_curtains_looked_at_details"] == true and Variable["tc.wards_plais"] == false
  • 505
504 You "It's not just a storage room, I already looked... There's another door behind the curtains." Variable["doomed.bookstore_backdoor_seen"] == true and Variable["doomed.plais_altgreet_fiddle"] == false
  • 510
505 Plaisance "It's just for decoration!" She wavers under your gaze, mouth pressed into a tight-lipped smile... then something breaks:
  • 514
506 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!"
  • 536
507 Composure She's so tense it's a miracle she hasn't snapped in half yet.
  • 520
  • 523
  • 502
  • 503
  • 504
  • 539
  • 522
  • 518
508 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!"
  • 536
509 Drama She recites it like it's a poem, or like she's playing a role she's grown tired of.
  • 507
510 Plaisance "*What-did-you-do?!*" she demands in a single breath, hand clasped around the pendant. "You *looked?*"
  • 511
  • 512
  • 513
511 You "Yes, when you weren't paying attention."
  • 527
512 You "It's not like I ripped the curtains open or anything, it was just a little peek..."
  • 527
513 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*."
  • 531
514 Plaisance
  • 515
  • 516
515 Plaisance Variable["doomed.plais_told_her_annette_mentioned_curse"]
  • 508
516 Plaisance (Variable["doomed.plais_told_her_annette_mentioned_curse"]) == false
  • 506
517 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!"
  • 535
518 You "If it's just a storage room then it wouldn't hurt if I just peeked inside..." Variable["plaza.annette_heard_of_doomed"] == false
  • 519
519 Plaisance "No!" She wavers under your gaze, mouth pressed into a tight-lipped frown... then she breaks down:
  • 514
520 You "Why are you still talking about books? Are you trying to put a spell on me?" Variable["doomed.plais_drama_books_spell"] == true
  • 521
521 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:
  • 514
522 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?" Variable["plaza.annette_heard_of_doomed"] == true
  • 519
523 You "If it's just a storage room then why are you so tense?" Variable["doomed.plais_blackcheck_composure_tense"] == true
  • 525
524 Plaisance "Just let it go, officer! Go buy some god damn books, you're supposed to be... *drawn* to the books!"
  • 509
525 Plaisance "I'm not tense, I'm just..." She wavers under your gaze, mouth pressed into a tight-lipped frown... then something breaks:
  • 514
526 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!"
  • 536
527 Plaisance
  • 528
  • 529
528 Plaisance Variable["doomed.plais_told_her_annette_mentioned_curse"]
  • 526
529 Plaisance (Variable["doomed.plais_told_her_annette_mentioned_curse"]) == false
  • 530
530 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!"
  • 536
531 Plaisance
  • 532
  • 533
532 Plaisance Variable["doomed.plais_told_her_annette_mentioned_curse"]
  • 517
533 Plaisance (Variable["doomed.plais_told_her_annette_mentioned_curse"]) == false
  • 534
534 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!"
  • 535
535 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.
  • 537
536 Plaisance "Are you happy now, officer? Happy that you've *ruined* everything?" She closes her eyes and starts mumbling something to her pendant.
  • 537
537 Perception (Hearing) "Host of Hosts," she prays, "guard me and my honest business venture from the curse that lurks behind the curtains..."
  • 753
538 None
  • 46
539 You "It's not just a storage room, I already saw that... There's another door behind the curtains." Variable["doomed.plais_altgreet_fiddle"] == true
  • 543
540 Plaisance
  • 541
  • 542
541 Plaisance Variable["doomed.plais_told_her_annette_mentioned_curse"]
  • 545
542 Plaisance (Variable["doomed.plais_told_her_annette_mentioned_curse"]) == false
  • 544
543 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."
  • 540
544 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.
  • 537
545 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.
  • 537
546 Plaisance
  • 547
  • 548
547 Plaisance Variable["TASK.doomed_investigation_done"]
  • 549
548 Plaisance (Variable["TASK.doomed_investigation_done"]) == false
  • 280
549 None
  • 785
550 You "I need to know what *secrets* lie behind the door... It's part of a *spiritual quest*."
  • 384
551 Plaisance "No?" The storekeeper has crossed her arms.
  • 554
552 You "Crime bros." (Nod at Kim.) "We're called *crime bros*, my partner and I."
  • 553
553 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?"
  • 556
554 Kim Kitsuragi The lieutenant looks at you, waiting to see where this is going.
  • 555
555 Drama You've got this. Just go with it, this is *elegant*.
  • 552
  • 338
556 Kim Kitsuragi He turns away, but not before you can see a small hint of a smile -- he's struggling to not crack up.
  • 769
557 You "Uh... Sorry, this came out wrong again."
  • 352
558 You "No, not like this, we're called crime bros because we like to *solve* crimes... as brothers in arms!"
  • 352
559 Rhetoric Desert pygmy shamans...? That sounds like a rather questionable way to describe a group of people.
  • 612
560 Inland Empire Didn't... didn't that curtain just *move*?!
  • 592
  • 593
  • 594
561 You "Strange... I feel unwanted too. What does it mean?"
  • 562
562 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."
  • 563
563 None
  • 132
564 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*."
  • 776
565 You "The Entity?"
  • 568
566 You "Of course, the Entity..." (Close your eyes.) "For I have sensed its presence."
  • 567
567 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*?"
  • 569
568 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."
  • 569
569 None
  • 570
  • 571
570 You "Chimneys aren't big enough for that."
  • 572
571 You "Chimney... the passage between heaven and hell, of course..."
  • 574
572 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."
  • 573
573 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."
  • 575
574 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."
  • 573
575 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..."
  • 774
576 None
  • 46
577 You "The Entity? No, I don't think so."
  • 581
578 You "Of course, the Entity..." (Close your eyes.) "I didn't see her, but I sensed her presence."
  • 579
579 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*?"
  • 582
580 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."
  • 587
581 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."
  • 582
582 None
  • 589
  • 876
  • 585
  • 586
583 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."
  • 587
584 Plaisance "But... before we go on... did you encounter *the malignant Entity?*" Her eyes narrow, as she whispers the name.
  • 710
585 You "Chimneys aren't big enough for anyone to live there."
  • 580
586 You "Chimney... the passage between heaven and hell, of course. It all makes sense now!"
  • 583
587 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."
  • 867
588 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."
  • 587
589 You "You mean the chimney that's part of the central furnace?" Variable["doomed.seen_furnace"] == true
  • 588
590 Plaisance A shiver runs through the woman, as she looks around the dimly lit store. "The curse... is so much worse than you could imagine. It's a *disease*, eating at the very foundation."
  • 591
591 Plaisance Her voice drops to a whisper: "It's the curse of *financial distress*. Of *ruin* -- and bankruptcy." She peers at the curtains again...
  • 560
592 You "Okay. I'm a little confused. What does that mean?"
  • 598
593 You "Ah! Annette mentioned that the previous tenants have experienced some financial troubles." Variable["plaza.annette_heard_of_doomed"] == true
  • 597
594 You "Wait, that's it? I was hoping for something more... *paranatural*."
  • 595
595 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!"
  • 596
596 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."
  • 734
597 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!"
  • 596
598 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!"
  • 596
599 You "Have you sought help from anyone?"
  • 600
600 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.
  • 601
601 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."
  • 602
602 None
  • 132
603 You "What about the wards on the back door? Are these Semenese as well?" Variable["doomed.plais_asked_has_she_sought_help_for_the_curse"] == true and (Variable["doomed.bookstore_backdoor_seen"] == true or Variable["doomed.bookstore_backdoor_greeting_done"] == true)
  • 604
604 Plaisance "Yes, the Semenese are very crafty and their wards are extremely powerful. Lesser wards simply won't do here."
  • 740
605 You "And what's behind that door if I may ask?"
  • 606
606 Plaisance "Failure... so much more failure!" She turns away from you, shaking her head.
  • 607
607 None
  • 132
608 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?" Variable["tc.union_bankruptcy"] == true and Variable["doomed.plais_asked_doomed_question"] == true
  • 609
609 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."
  • 610
610 None
  • 132
611 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."
  • 300
612 Logic Doesn't seem like the spell is working... There are no customers around except you.
  • 615
613 None
  • 618
  • 614
614 You "Honestly, it seems like this pendant thing is a scam. You could be doing so much more."
  • 75
615 Plaisance
  • 616
  • 617
616 Plaisance Variable["doomed.plais_blackcheck_savoir_bookstore"]
  • 613
617 Plaisance (Variable["doomed.plais_blackcheck_savoir_bookstore"]) == false
  • 291
618 You "There are hardly any customers in the store. Do you think it's really working?"
  • 75
619 You "I'm only trying to help... What about some neon signs and blinking lights?"
  • 621
620 None
  • 132
621 Plaisance "Sir, this is a bookstore, not a stripclub. No one would take us seriously if we put up some horrendous neon lights."
  • 626
622 You "You could try to be friendlier with the customers."
  • 627
623 You "Maybe you should try to *reconceptualize* your business... Martinaise doesn't look like the best place for a bookshop."
  • 624
624 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."
  • 628
  • 629
625 Plaisance "My husband suggested otherwise. He said it's less... stupid. More appropriate. Cultured and all that."
  • 631
626 Plaisance "Besides, this would only tempt the phantoms of doom... They can sense the desperation, you know."
  • 620
627 Plaisance "My voice is trained to perfection by true sales professionals, good sir! I paid good money for those courses."
  • 633
628 You "Great idea. What happened?"
  • 625
629 You "I'm not sure that a trinket shop is a better idea for business."
  • 630
630 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*."
  • 631
631 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..."
  • 632
632 None
  • 132
633 Plaisance "Too much money, even..." She looks around the dusty store. "Perhaps I should have bought some wards instead."
  • 620
634 You "I talked to the *Entity* you told me about. Her name is Neha and she's a novelty dicemaker." IsTaskActive("TASK.report_back_to_plaisance_subtask")--[[ Variable[ ]]
  • 635
635 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..."
  • 636
  • 637
  • 638
636 You "She's not a sorceress -- or some 'malicious Entity'. She's a businesswoman, like you."
  • 639
637 You "No, ma'am. I have felt her aura. She is not the one to blame for this curse."
  • 639
638 You "She may be involved, but I don't have a way to question the malignant Entity further."
  • 830
639 Plaisance She looks perplexed. "I don't understand. If it's not her, then where *is* the source of the Doom? How did she explain the *curse*?"
  • 640
640 Endurance Before you say anything, ask yourself. Is the woman really able to *withstand* the truth?
  • 823
641 You "She says there is no curse, because there are too many inconsistencies."
  • 645
642 None
  • 641
  • 643
  • 656
  • 655
  • 832
643 You "She said it's just capitalism. Bankruptcy is a quirk of our economic system." Variable["doomed.dicemaker_told_all_about_the_source"] == true
  • 644
644 Plaisance "Wait, *WHAT*?" Her entire face goes white as a skull. "The entire economic system is cursed?!"
  • 647
645 Plaisance The woman scoffs at you with an audible snort. "Too many *inconsistencies*? What kind of talk is that?"
  • 678
646 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."
  • 859
647 Plaisance
  • 648
  • 649
648 Plaisance Variable["doomed.plais_suggestion_truth"]
  • 651
649 Plaisance (Variable["doomed.plais_suggestion_truth"]) == false
  • 831
650 You "It's true. We live in a precarious world, nothing ever turns out right. You need to get used to chaos." (Proceed.)
  • 653
651 Endurance This woman's not healthy enough to withstand this level of stress.
  • 654
652 You "What I meant was... I found the source of the doom. Forget about the economy thing." (Back off.)
  • 679
653 Plaisance "Precarious world? Economy?" She looks down at the pendant in her trembling hands...
  • 646
654 None
  • 683
  • 857
  • 650
  • 652
655 You "Honestly, I don't have an answer yet. There are still leads to be followed, like that strange radiocomputer-thing..." Variable["doomed.seen_radiocomputer"]
  • 672
656 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." Variable["doomed.seen_taxidermy"]
  • 657
657 Plaisance "Oh! How horrid. I *knew* something wasn't right about that place..."
  • 667
658 You "Yes. I performed the ancient Semenese dispelling rites. This commercial area is doomed no more." Variable["doomed.bookstore_curtains_inland_darkisles"] == true or Variable["doomed.bookstore_curtains_ency_darkisles"] == true
  • 669
659 You "Yeah, I de-spooked it. The curse is definitely gone."
  • 666
660 You "Yes. I utilized the secret methods of the Remote Viewers Division." Variable["tc.rvd"] == true or IsTHCPresent("remote_viewer")
  • 664
661 You "Yes. I called upon the spirit of *Guillaume le Million* to banish the curse in a flash of disco brilliance." Variable["tc.guillaume"] or IsTHCPresent("guillaume_le_million")
  • 662
662 Plaisance "Guillaume le Million? The singer who made that awful face? Well... I *do* see the resemblance..." She looks at you with sudden admiration.
  • 663
663 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..."
  • 668
664 Plaisance The woman nods. "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.
  • 663
665 None
  • 46
666 Plaisance "What does that mean? Are you certain... Oh, but who am I to question your methods?" She looks at you with sudden admiration.
  • 663
667 Plaisance "Tell me: Did you find a way to *break* the curse?"
  • 680
668 Plaisance "Thank you, officer. Truly. You've brought a better psychoemanation to this humble bookstore and that's no small achievement."
  • 850
669 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.
  • 663
670 You "As I said, she's a novelty dicemaker. Her business has been up and running for a long time now."
  • 677
671 You "First, *you're* one of those inconsistencies."
  • 676
672 Plaisance "You're telling me that you went in there and didn't find out *anything* about the curse?!" She looks disappointed.
  • 673
673 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!"
  • 675
674 None
  • 865
675 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.
  • 844
676 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."
  • 670
677 Plaisance "Yes, because her business consists of the *psychic leech* that's been feeding the curse!" Red blotches appear on her skin.
  • 681
678 Rhetoric Good luck persuading her. Some people can rationalize *anything*.
  • 671
  • 670
679 Plaisance "You found a way to fix our entire economic system...?" She peers at you suspiciously. "Or are you talking about the building?"
  • 682
680 None
  • 660
  • 658
  • 661
  • 659
  • 685
681 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."
  • 862
682 None
  • 680
683 You "I'm afraid that only world revolution can help you." (Proceed.)
  • 684
684 Plaisance "Another revolution?" She looks down at the pendant in her trembling hands, she collects herself.
  • 646
685 You "I'm afraid that I can only identify the *source*, but you have to call some other experts to lift the curse."
  • 686
686 Plaisance "Oh, I see..." She looks at her pendant, then back to you. "I guess it's time to visit Boogie Street again."
  • 687
687 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.
  • 668
688 None
  • 46
689 None
  • 46
690 None
  • 46
691 You "I am in no position to give out personal opinions."
  • 692
692 Plaisance "Please, do tell! Did anything survive? Have you located the... Entity?"
  • 819
693 You "What are you talking about? It's just a door."
  • 697
694 Plaisance
  • 695
  • 696
695 Plaisance Variable["tc.doomed_commercial_area"]
  • 698
696 Plaisance (Variable["tc.doomed_commercial_area"]) == false
  • 693
697 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!"
  • 700
698 None
  • 392
  • 391
699 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..."
  • 702
  • 701
  • 703
700 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.
  • 699
701 You "Cursed? But I thought the curse wasn't real." Variable["plaza.annette_heard_of_doomed"] == true
  • 708
702 You "Oh, sorry, I didn't know about the curse."
  • 704
703 You "Cursed? But curses aren't real, ma'am." Variable["plaza.annette_heard_of_doomed"] == false
  • 705
704 Plaisance "Of course you didn't, you're nothing but a policeman." She shrugs, visibly dejected.
  • 709
705 Plaisance "Of course you would think that, you're nothing but a policeman." She shrugs, visibly dejected.
  • 709
706 Composure Her façade has dropped. Now you see the curiosity behind the fear.
  • 707
707 Plaisance "But... before we go on, tell me... did you encounter *the malignant Entity?*" Her eyes narrow, as she whispers the name.
  • 711
708 Plaisance "Of course you did, you're nothing but a policeman." She shrugs, visibly dejected.
  • 709
709 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."
  • 706
710 None
  • 577
  • 578
711 None
  • 710
712 You "Never mind, I had other questions." Variable["doomed.plais_asked_doomed_question"] == true and Variable["TASK.doomed_investigation"] == true and Variable["doomed.plais_trigger_whitecheck"] == false
  • 293
713 You "It's not just *something from the cellar*, I'm doing it for your previous neighbour -- Soona Luukanen-Kilde."
  • 714
714 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..."
  • 715
715 Logic Her *filament* memory.
  • 458
716 Plaisance
  • 717
  • 718
717 Plaisance IsTaskActive("TASK.doomed_investigation")--[[ Variable[ ]]
  • 498
718 Plaisance (IsTaskActive("TASK.doomed_investigation")--[[ Variable[ ]]) == false
  • 719
719 Plaisance "Thank you for your help, in any case. You're welcome back here anytime."
  • 499
720 You "I'm looking for a book about cockatoos." IsTaskActive("TASK.find_your_heraldic_bird") and CheckItem("book_cockatoo") == false--[[ Variable[ ]]
  • 721
721 Plaisance "A book about cockatoos? There should be one upstairs, right next to the shelf of biographies."
  • 722
722 None
  • 46
723 You "Farewell for now, book peddler!" [Leave.]
724 You "I was told that there's a huge fridge in the building's cellar. Can you lead me there?" (IsTaskActive("TASK.go_see_the_fridge") or IsTaskActive("TASK.get_filament_from_fridge")) and Variable["XP.got_into_doomed_commercial_area"] == false and Variable["TASK.doomed_investigation"] == false and Variable["doomed.plais_mentioned_fridge_in_main"] == false
  • 725
725 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.
  • 726
726 Drama For whatever reason she's lying to you about the fridge. Seems like you have to find your own way to the cellar.
  • 727
727 None
  • 46
728 You "It doesn't matter. Now, tell me something else..."
  • 729
729 Plaisance "Hmpf!" She seems disappointed, like a kid who's been told no. "And what else can I do for you?"
  • 730
730 None
  • 46
731 Plaisance
  • 732
  • 733
732 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"]
  • 139
733 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"]) == false
  • 141
734 Empathy Sounds familiar.
  • 735
735 Plaisance
  • 736
  • 737
736 Plaisance Variable["doomed.plais_inland_unwanted"]
  • 561
  • 738
737 Plaisance (Variable["doomed.plais_inland_unwanted"]) == false
  • 563
738 You Don't mention it.
  • 739
739 Plaisance She nudges her glasses, anxious and tense.
  • 563
740 Plaisance
  • 741
  • 742
741 Plaisance Variable["XP.got_into_doomed_commercial_area"]
  • 607
742 Plaisance (Variable["XP.got_into_doomed_commercial_area"]) == false
  • 605
743 You "You're right, the curse is worse than ever -- that's why you need to let me in there to investigate."
  • 301
744 Authority What is this insolence? She misunderstood.
  • 745
745 Plaisance
  • 746
  • 747
746 Plaisance Variable["doomed.plais_rhetoric_options"]
  • 415
  • 749
747 Plaisance (Variable["doomed.plais_rhetoric_options"]) == false
  • 748
748 Physical Instrument Son, you got destroyed there. What an idiot you are...
  • 751
749 You No, that's not *me*.
  • 750
750 Authority Of course. No one puts words in *your* mouth.
  • 423
751 None
  • 55
752 Empathy Doesn't feel like it's thriving. Feels ghostly.
  • 538
753 Suggestion Take it easy. You've broken her resistance. Pushing her further will gain nothing.
  • 132
754 Physical Instrument Such wraiths may prove a formidable enemy. Suit up.
  • 290
755 Inland Empire Psychic arts? Sounds right down our alley.
  • 761
756 Plaisance
  • 757
  • 758
757 Plaisance Variable["doomed.plaisance_drama_lie_arts"]
  • 761
758 Plaisance (Variable["doomed.plaisance_drama_lie_arts"]) == false
  • 755
759 Suggestion This definitely softened her up.
  • 303
760 None
  • 46
761 Plaisance
  • 762
  • 763
762 Plaisance IsTaskActive("TASK.go_see_the_fridge")--[[ Variable[ ]]
  • 764
763 Plaisance (IsTaskActive("TASK.go_see_the_fridge")--[[ Variable[ ]]) == false
  • 123
764 Suggestion Tell her there's a *dead body* involved. That will make it easier.
  • 766
765 Reaction Speed Wait, mention the *dead body*! People hate those.
  • 123
766 Plaisance
  • 767
  • 768
767 Plaisance Variable["doomed.plaisance_sugg_tell_dead_body"]
  • 765
768 Plaisance (Variable["doomed.plaisance_sugg_tell_dead_body"]) == false
  • 123
769 Rhetoric Technically, that's what Crime Bros would do, yes. Commit crimes.
  • 557
  • 558
770 Plaisance
  • 771
  • 772
771 Plaisance IsTHCPresent("remote_viewer")
  • 773
772 Plaisance (IsTHCPresent("remote_viewer")) == false
  • 316
  • 309
  • 286
773 Inland Empire Perfidy? Oh no, we're afraid the presence is VERY REAL.
  • 309
  • 286
774 Inland Empire Unbelievable darkness and ruin.
  • 777
775 Logic What you *discover*? Probably just some office space. Don't be scared.
  • 576
776 Drama Do not act surprised. You know of these things, sire.
  • 565
  • 566
777 Plaisance
  • 778
  • 779
778 Plaisance IsTaskActive("TASK.go_see_the_fridge")--[[ Variable[ ]]
  • 780
779 Plaisance (IsTaskActive("TASK.go_see_the_fridge")--[[ Variable[ ]]) == false
  • 775
780 Logic What you *discover*? Probably just office space -- and the damn fridge. Don't be scared.
  • 781
781 Plaisance
  • 782
  • 783
782 Plaisance Variable["doomed.plaisance_fridge_passive_shown"]
  • 576
783 Plaisance (Variable["doomed.plaisance_fridge_passive_shown"]) == false
  • 784
784 Half Light What you *discover*? A demonic refrigerator! Perhaps the fridge will be the source of the curse...
  • 576
785 Plaisance
  • 786
  • 787
786 Plaisance Variable["doomed.plais_doomed_hub_reached"]
  • 795
787 Plaisance (Variable["doomed.plais_doomed_hub_reached"]) == false
  • 788
788 Plaisance
  • 789
  • 790
789 Plaisance Variable["doomed.plais_angered"]
  • 796
790 Plaisance (Variable["doomed.plais_angered"]) == false
  • 791
791 Plaisance
  • 792
  • 793
792 Plaisance Variable["doomed.plais_altgreet_fiddle"]
  • 797
793 Plaisance (Variable["doomed.plais_altgreet_fiddle"]) == false
  • 794
794 Plaisance "Hello again, esteemed officer. And welcome to Crime, Romance, and Biographies of Famous People."
  • 798
795 Plaisance "Hello again, esteemed officer," she keeps reciting like a robot. "And welcome to Crime, Romance, and Biographies of Famous People."
  • 798
796 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.
  • 798
797 Plaisance She's breathing heavily, trying to calm herself. Slowly, she regains composure -- but she still can't get a word out.
  • 798
798 None
  • 46
799 Inland Empire *This economy* is a mysterious force, like cosmic weather. Mysterious and harsh.
  • 177
  • 178
800 Empathy A part of hers too, clearly.
  • 177
  • 178
801 You "Yeah, actually it's super all right for kids to chew their hands off. Forget I said anything."
  • 225
802 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..."
  • 176
803 Volition This is a person coming to terms with a new reality. One where they are *wrong*. It's not easy.
  • 804
804 Rhetoric She's looking for one -- but there simply aren't any good arguments for being an asshole.
  • 802
805 You Just nod compassionately.
  • 806
806 Empathy Yes. Sometimes it's better to let people come to these conclusions themselves.
  • 183
807 Empathy ...my husband is completely different. Of course.
  • 183
808 Rhetoric Super silent. Almost inaudibly so.
  • 71
809 You "Of course. Yes. This economy."
  • 810
810 Plaisance "Exactly." She agrees wholeheartedly.
  • 70
811 Plaisance She catches herself at an impoliteness. "I'm sorry. I'm sure you do understand."
  • 70
812 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."
  • 813
813 Logic And hell freezes over? Never mind, it's not a good topic to get into.
  • 251
814 Plaisance The woman looks aloof, her features much softer. Occasionally she glances at her daughter's silhouette.
  • 815
815 None
  • 46
816 Rhetoric ...you look like one.
  • 363
817 Esprit de Corps Go ahead then. Rock her world, he thinks. I'll compose some notes.
  • 330
818 Drama Here we go!
  • 332
  • 313
  • 326
819 Plaisance
  • 820
  • 821
820 Plaisance Variable["TASK.report_back_to_plaisance_subtask"] == false
  • 822
821 Plaisance (Variable["TASK.report_back_to_plaisance_subtask"] == false) == false
  • 459
822 Logic You don't have anything of substance to tell her until you've found that *Entity* of hers.
  • 459
823 Logic The narrative she's built herself -- it does need tearing down.
  • 824
824 Composure She's squeezing on the pendant too tight. A drop of blood in her palm...
  • 825
825 Plaisance
  • 826
  • 827
826 Plaisance Variable["doomed.seen_radiocomputer"]
  • 828
827 Plaisance (Variable["doomed.seen_radiocomputer"]) == false
  • 642
828 Suggestion Just don't say you don't have *any* answer yet. The uncertainty is killing her.
  • 829
829 Drama To hell with it -- perchance you ought to just lie, sire?
  • 856
830 Plaisance She looks perplexed. "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*?"
  • 640
831 Empathy This is *a lot* for her to parse.
  • 654
832 You "There is another Entity, more malignant, pulling the strings in Martinaise. Perhaps in my travels I will cross paths with it."
  • 833
833 Plaisance "A *third order* presence, yes..." She lets go of the pendant.
  • 834
834 Empathy A great, dark relief washes over her.
  • 893
835 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.
  • 836
836 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..."
  • 837
837 Plaisance She performs an x-shaped cross on her chest. "May the Lord be with you."
  • 838
838 Plaisance
  • 839
  • 840
839 Plaisance IsKimHere()
  • 841
840 Plaisance (IsKimHere()) == false
  • 922
841 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."
  • 843
842 Kim Kitsuragi He turns to you. "Should we get out of here -- before the *vortex* collapses?"
  • 674
843 Inland Empire Yes, the venture continues. In other waters. Darker waters.
  • 842
844 Inland Empire Wow. Total psychic collapse between you two right now.
  • 845
845 Rhetoric There was never any other way this could have gone. She's just too far gone -- into her own mind.
  • 864
846 Plaisance
  • 847
  • 848
847 Plaisance IsKimHere()
  • 849
848 Plaisance (IsKimHere()) == false
  • 674
849 Kim Kitsuragi "I am sorry we had to disappoint you, ma'am." He turns to you. "Can we go now?"
  • 674
850 Drama She so badly wants this to be over, she would have believed anything.
  • 851
851 Suggestion It will only last a day or two, a week tops. Then her mood will sour and she will feel *the curse* again.
  • 852
852 Plaisance
  • 853
  • 854
853 Plaisance IsKimHere()
  • 855
854 Plaisance (IsKimHere()) == false
  • 865
855 Kim Kitsuragi "All right then -- all's well that ends well." The lieutenant turns to you. "Should we return to our *ordinary* lives?"
  • 865
856 Inland Empire You've come this far -- you know how to end it. There is an entity *behind* the entity.
  • 642
857 You "Yes. The system must be *cleansed* of immigrant labour." (Proceed.)
  • 858
858 Plaisance "Cleansed? What do you..." She looks down at the pendant in her trembling hands, she collects herself.
  • 646
859 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..."
  • 860
860 Volition As she has to -- every day.
  • 861
861 Endurance Maybe you were wrong. She's endured for at least four decades in this world.
  • 862
862 Plaisance She tucks the pendant away in her blouse and concludes: "Thank you for nothing. Please, do buy some books -- or be on your way."
  • 863
863 None
  • 844
864 Half Light Anger and loneliness keep this woman moving through the waking hours. Your little words are no match for it.
  • 846
865 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.
  • 665
866 Half Light She calls that customer service?!
  • 472
867 Plaisance
  • 868
  • 869
868 Plaisance Variable["doomed.furnace_heard_voices"]
  • 870
869 Plaisance (Variable["doomed.furnace_heard_voices"]) == false
  • 689
870 Plaisance
  • 871
  • 872
871 Plaisance IsKimHere()
  • 873
872 Plaisance (IsKimHere()) == false
  • 875
873 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."
  • 874
874 Esprit de Corps Despite his cool the lieutenant's interested in solving this mystery, too.
  • 689
875 Drama You ssshould get back to the furnace, make some nnnoise.
  • 689
876 You "You mean the chimney that's hidden behind the metal safety curtains?" Variable["doomed.seen_safety_curtains"] and Variable["doomed.seen_furnace"] == false
  • 877
877 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!"
  • 587
878 Plaisance
  • 879
  • 880
879 Plaisance IsKimHere()
  • 881
880 Plaisance (IsKimHere()) == false
  • 491
881 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."
  • 917
882 Suggestion Maybe it's best to tell her the truth after all. Here we go...
  • 907
883 Plaisance
  • 884
  • 885
884 Plaisance Variable["XP.help_annette"]
  • 887
885 Plaisance (Variable["XP.help_annette"]) == false
  • 716
886 Inland Empire She remembers. Good.
  • 902
887 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."
  • 716
888 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!"
  • 892
889 Plaisance
  • 890
  • 891
890 Plaisance Variable["XP.help_annette"]
  • 888
891 Plaisance (Variable["XP.help_annette"]) == false
  • 496
892 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."
  • 716
893 Plaisance
  • 894
  • 895
894 Plaisance Variable["XP.help_annette"]
  • 835
895 Plaisance (Variable["XP.help_annette"]) == false
  • 896
896 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.
  • 836
897 Plaisance
  • 898
  • 899
898 Plaisance Variable["doomed.plaisance_dca_investigation_third_entity_ending"]
  • 900
899 Plaisance (Variable["doomed.plaisance_dca_investigation_third_entity_ending"]) == false
  • 908
900 Plaisance "What do you mean the *actual* source?" She clutches her pendant anxiously. "Are you talking about the... *Third Presence*?"
  • 886
901 You "Yes, the Presence, the Entity, the malicious Energy -- however you may want to call it..."
  • 905
902 Conceptualization No, not presence -- *Absence*.
  • 906
903 You "No, not the Presence..." (Close your eyes.) "The Third *Absence*." Variable["doomed.plaisance_concept_not_presence_absence"]
  • 904
904 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?"
  • 907
905 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?"
  • 907
906 None
  • 903
  • 901
  • 907
907 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."
  • 489
908 Plaisance
  • 909
  • 910
909 Plaisance Variable["doomed.plaisance_dca_investigation_capitalism_is_cursed_ending"]
  • 911
910 Plaisance (Variable["doomed.plaisance_dca_investigation_capitalism_is_cursed_ending"]) == false
  • 912
911 Plaisance "What do you mean the *actual* source?" She clutches her pendant, clearly irritated. "Are you here to lecture me about *economics* again?!"
  • 921
912 Plaisance
  • 913
  • 914
913 Plaisance Variable["doomed.plaisance_dca_investigation_no_curse_ending"]
  • 915
914 Plaisance (Variable["doomed.plaisance_dca_investigation_no_curse_ending"]) == false
  • 482
915 Plaisance "What do you mean the *actual* source?" She clutches her pendant, clearly irritated. "Earlier you told me there was no curse!"
  • 921
916 Reaction Speed She wasn't expecting this -- at least not the word *entroponetic*.
  • 490
917 Shivers Not for her, not for him, not for Revachol -- not for Elysium.
  • 491
918 Half Light She's too afraid to even say the word.
  • 919
919 Rhetoric Tell her the truth -- it's out of her hands.
  • 920
920 Volition Whatever you do, don't take away her hope -- the only weapon against *total absence*.
  • 493
  • 492
  • 494
921 None
  • 907
  • 487
922 Inland Empire Yes, the venture continues. In other waters. Darker waters.
  • 674