Leaderboard

I’ve recently started a fun little CYOA here on the site. While I was tinkering with the wonky formatting from my cloud, it struck me despite Oscar being the fic’s main character I have never brought him up. So, time to bore you all with my latest creation (and bump the thread for future generations). Tried a new art style below. If you don't care for the art, I'd like to see you do better in MS Paint over a lunch break. Oscar Diggs the Fourth is a stage performer, excelling at the art of trickery magic. While he has some talent at the art, poor Oscar has been having some hard times lately. He lost his job, and is now consigned to performing at children’s parties part-time. At least, until he awakens in the land of the Youkai. Oscar himself was an OC I devised for a roleplaying game on the site here. The head of a pretend corporation dedicated to helping Outsiders prosper, and acquire magical relics. He was meant to be a dealer in unorthodox antiques, and a connection for any Outsider characters. Sadly, several people who joined the games I set up vanished from the site, which discouraged me from continuing. Otherworldly Ventures, his company, is mostly made of smaller businesses. Fisheries, farms, market stalls, even a clinic. If you're an Outsider who has arrived in Gensokyo, its a good place to work to meet your basic needs. The downside is to join, you have to agree to work for them for five to ten years, and give up most of the money you earn. But its protected by humans and friendly Youkai, gives you food and shelter, and you learn life skills about living in Gensokyo. Since Gensokyo is technically an isekai, I decided to make Oscar a reference to one of the first Isekai series. The Wizard of Oz. Like the original Wizard, he’s a cowardly charlatan. Getting by on a mix of cunning, intelligence and basic occult knowledge. This he uses to traverse the land, defeat Youkai, and eventually start up Otherworldly Ventures. I like to think that is part of his appeal. That the story involves him facing Gensokyo with its miracles and monsters without a heroic destiny, but with a high school education and basic life skills.

how to be a good musician step 1: do weird stuff step 2: make random music step 3: ??? step 4: profit

im a helicopter.

you cant have too many yuukas floating around your laptop screen so i opted to let them take over

and z is for... ZUN ! (again!)

Knowing your way in the wilderness can be tricky, but you can use the position of the sun to work out where you are. Rising in the east, setting in the west. Its position in regard to Youkai Mountain can allow even a novice explorer to know his exact location. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= “I…see…” Oscar managed, feeling a little better as he did. Her explanation only made so much sense to him, and he was still confused on what this all meant. But now the world all made sense at least. This was all just a dream. A nightmare about the kids he entertained. That was why Rumia tried to eat him, how Cirno could create and throw a twenty-pound block of ice, how everyone besides him could fly. He just had to wait for the sleeping pills to run their course, and he’d wake up back in his bed, safe and sound. The thought was less comforting than he thought it would be. Best to distract himself with small-talk. May as well make the best of the situation. “So that would make you a fairy, right? How are they different?” Beside him, Wriggle gave a small scoff, clearly irritated with the simple question. Daiyousei’s kindly face drifted to Wriggle in reprimand. The kindness was still there, but behind a pointed glare. Wriggle said nothing, her antennae drooping. Before Dai’s familiar expression returned. “Fairies are kind of like Youkai. Some even call us Youkai, but we’re very different. We come from the power of nature. We’re physically weaker than humans, but we’re born with magic, and are sustained by nature. I’m a Flower Fairy, while Cirno is an Ice Fairy. So long as there are cold mornings or spring blossoms, we will be reborn.” “That’s…actually pretty charming,” Oscar mused, making a mental note to remember this lore for his next story time or puppet show at a children’s party. “So, why haven’t I ever seen a Fairy or Youkai before?” “They say Fairies and Youkai are much more secretive in the Outside World.” Daiyousei replied with a shrug. “I've never met someone who knows about the Outside World, but Youkai only exist because of human faith and emotions. If the wrong kinds of human emotions are made, maybe less Youkai exist? Maybe if there’s less nature, there are less fairies? I’m not sure.” Outside World? Was that what they called Earth? That would explain why they kept calling him ‘Outsider’. Still, her answer—while lacking context—clearly made sense… “I can see why the others respect you, Daiyousei. You must have been friends for a very long time.” “Oh, stop,” The green-haired girl giggled. Even as her cheeks flushed, her eyes twinkled with a modest kind of pride. At her side, Rumia’s small arms wrapped around Daiyousei’s waist in an embrace. “Dai-chan’s great…” It was the first time Rumia had spoken since he’d met the rest of the group. The first time he heard her when she wasn’t hunting him down or screaming in pain. The sound was so different, it took Oscar a moment to realize it was Rumia who said it. The taller girl’s hand patted along her shoulder, as though in thanks. “Cirno and I met over the Misty Lake, about twenty years ago. We were very different people. I’ve always been thoughtful and cheery, even for a Flower Fairy, but I struggle standing up for myself. Cirno can be a showoff, a little dense and very brave, but deep down she has a kind heart. I think we have that in common, but…our differences also fit together, I think. It’s like I’m her brain, and she’s my courage. We met Rumia. She had been on her own for so long, Cirno decided she needed a friend. Then we met Mystia, and then Wriggle.” “So…where does the ‘Team 9’ thing come from?” “It’s an inside joke.” Wriggle replied. Letting out a huff which seemed more good-natured than he was used to. Made all the weirder by the presence of a small smile. “Cirno likes to change the name of our group every few months. I think she wants it to fit us all. They were the ‘Lake Fairy Crew’ before I joined. Then she called us the ‘Bakette’, 'CDMRW' ‘Five-under-Five’ and then—” Wriggle’s pleasant expression froze while she gazed ahead. Shifting his eyes, Oscar could see the others had stopped too. The road’s fringes were still lined with red flowers, but the spider lilies were less common now than before. Ahead, bathed in the light of the late afternoon, there was a small figure, dressed in a bright yellow raincoat despite the clear sky. Her hands pawed over one of the skeletons now sprinkled sporadically along the road. She ducked low, seemingly not noticing the group as she eased the body to the side to rifle through its bag. “Oh great…” Cirno murmured, the first to break the silence. Her face shifting into a forced smile. Not afraid, just very uncomfortable. “It’s Agappa.” The reactions of the others were no less tense. Mystia's hands rose to massage her face. Wriggle started to rub the back of her neck. Daiyousei closed her eyes, and took a long deep breath. Rumia simply hiccupped. Wriggle was the first to turn to Oscar. Rumia followed. Within seconds, the rest of the group was silently staring back at him. Each of them silently pleading for the Outsider to defuse an awkward meeting for them... =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= = …Maybe a magic trick will make a good first impression? = …Maybe you can sneak past her while she is distracted? = ...Maybe take a deep breath, and just run as fast as you can. = ...Maybe you should lie down and get some sleep. They can’t wait longer than you can nap!

damn why does the nearby chinese cuisine closing in two weeks due to high rent (as a californian) hits harder bc my family knows them well for three years(?) as like friends