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Hello again. :) Sorry I haven't been more active checking in with you all. Life's just been hectic on my end. Whether its work, or people trying to make my life more difficult IRL. But I am getting by. I am hoping things will get quiet enough for me to make some edits to the story, from my first post. Its mostly the odd spelling mistake which makes me groan, maybe a little more consistent formatting. Sometimes I have a week to plot out the story, and sometimes like today I have half an hour free to get it how I like it. I'll also be separating the Stage Tricks from the Occult skill eventually. or 'Occult' was meant to be Oscar's knowledge and experience with 'real' magic, versus his art of deception. Which would fall more under Intrigue () or Wits (). It makes his talents feel vague, especially since he doesn't actually know any magic at this point. Each skill is meant to have a distinct meaning, and muddying it like that won't help the readers. You may also notice Oscar has a character sheet now! My plan is to post this at the bottom of every first entry in every page. Which should let the readers keep up with his abilities and growth more effectively.

Probably blue cheese, can't get enough of it.

Probably for like 5 or 6 years. Started with the music and how beautiful I thought the danmaku were, downloaded EoSD and got hooked instantly.

Greetings, fellow traveler and valued customer! If you are reading this, you have been unwittingly transported to another world. A realm of mystery and magic, alien to the life you knew. Fortunately, you need not face your new life alone. I, Oscar Diggs IVth (esq.) have compiled my experiences in the world of Gensokyo into the Gensokyo Survival Guide in your very hands. Within its pages you can find a step-by-step guide for how to not only survive, but prosper in this land. So you’ve just been thrown through the barrier from our world into theirs. Chances are, you are now on a road sprinkled with strange flowers. You’re all alone, and there are skeletons in the underbrush. It’s important now to remember the first rule of living as an Outsider in Gensokyo. Don’t. Panic. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The sound of a scream cut through the leaves of the foliage overhead. Birds, startled by the unexpected noise, took to flight. Their cries protesting the roar of fear and surprise that echoed from below. Not that he could be blamed for screaming. It had, after all, been a very peaceful evening the night before. A long week of magic and showmanship, finally broken by the promise of sleep. A few pills to help him sleep, a glass of water, and a warm bed were his last memories. Yet as his eyes fluttered open, the space where a pillow was meant to be had been replaced by a ribcage. With newfound terror, the young man scrambled backwards. His bare hands and dress shoes grasping at the loam. Bright green eyes wide in terror stared at the skeletal remains in the grass. The red petals of blossoming flowers peered through the gaps in the ribs, giving it an ephemeral quality. It might have been peaceful, were it not for the…skeletons. “What the—where am…what in the…” Questions rose in the man’s mind, each passing by faster than he could articulate to no one in particular. Things such as ‘Where am I’, ‘How did I get here’ and ‘am I in Hell’ passed through his mind like the breeze through the glade. He knew there would be no answer, only the sound of the wind and the distant mocking laughter of crows. Gingerly, he eased himself up to his feet. The familiar fanning of his stage magician cape at least giving him a sense of comfort. The rest of his costume was just as he remembered before he lay down in bed. Even if his dress shirt could stand an ironing. His hands rose, running through his thick curly hair. Only then did he realize his hat was missing. Eyes flitted to either side, before falling on the top hat where it rested, beside the same skeleton he had awakened beside. …Well, it wasn’t like it was going to go get itself… Slowly he advanced upon the corpse. Half-expecting the skeletal figure to turn and wave him off. The thick grass shifted under his feet. The strange red blossoms a strange contrast to the gnawed bones that hindered them. But all the young man could see were those black pits, leering back at him silent and judging. Had those belonged to another person in the same situation as he? Was this to be his fate in this unnatural place? The skull shifted, his body freezing, as a centipede crawled free from the black pit. Too many legs scrambling over the bleached white skull… Palpable relief pulsed through him as the young man felt the felt beneath his fingers. Snatching the top hat away, as though the skeleton would snap at him. He could even allow himself a small laugh of triumph as his old friend returned to its perch over his orange locks. It was only then he glanced around him. He was standing on a path of disturbed soil, which terminated at a copse of trees. Dark branches extended overhead, like bolts of black lightning across the blue sky. Vibrant green grass was broken by splotches of blood-red spider lilies. Now and again, the grass and blossoms were broken by a glimpse of white. First only one, then another. A skull here, bones wrapped in faded rags there. The number grew with every glimpse of white, until the number was beyond count. The sound of a fresh scream cut through the leaves of the foliage overhead again. Echoing against a mountain which reached for the sky. No birds took flight or animals stirred at the sound. Silence fell upon Muenzuka like an oppressive shroud, as his lungs gave way. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= What next, dear reader? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= From afar, the distant Kami of Gensokyo watch their new arrival with passive interest. Though human arrivals are not uncommon, the amusements of Kami are few in the Land the Gods Loved. Your hands cannot control the movements of fate, though its strings can be pulled in your favor. Which will you pull, to help or hinder our hero, in his quest to master Gensokyo? Welcome to my first piece of fan fiction work in over fifteen years. I've had little chance to practice my writing over the past ten years, and felt that muscle was in need of scratching. But it seemed dull to introduce a character you should all just care about. So instead I have made it a CYOA, or Choose Your Own Adventure. After each entry, you will have the chance to influence the events of the story, and what I write next. At the bottom of each post will be a legend with indications showing what might happen next. Just click the Like button at the bottom of the post and choose the one which most interests you. means he uses his wits and intelligence to solve a situation. Whether that is fooling a hungry Yokai with his parlor tricks, or deciphering a code. means attempting to solve a problem through diplomacy or bartering. Cajoling the merchant with a joke, or greeting the genocidal shrine maiden with a friendly wave. By far Oscar's best skill. means Oscar uses his occult knowledge, spells or stage performance to solve a problem. While good for impressing humans, fairies or low level Yokai, he will be stomped in a Danmaku fight. means attempting to solve a problem through intrigue, stealth or subterfuge. Our hero creeps up to a window and peers inside, or slips a message into the pocket of a friend. means facing a problem using strength, violence or intimidation. Threatening the hungry Yokai with a curse, or climbing the surface of a rock wall. means good luck. Oscar's miserable life is suddenly met with an unexpected boon. A monster pursuing him upsets a group of faeries, or the night guard sneezes loudly, letting him sneak by unseen. means a complication. A challenge facing Oscar suddenly has a spike in difficulty, be that from a monster appearing, or something happening in the environment to make his life more difficult. means taking a break. Relax to recuperate, restore your magic or dress an injury. These choices may have specific consequences, or be left ambiguous to intrigue you. There may also be a random check after the choice, showing the likelihood of a specific outcome. For instance, after the 'Someone overheard his scream' option, there is a chance he will be found by different characters. He might be found by Rinnosuke, Nazrin, Komachi or Chen. The chance of each character will be listed after the option in parenthesis. If there is a tie between two options, then we will have both at the same time. But beware. The winning option will have a cooldown after each post, where it is not available for the next post. No worries though, it will be back the week after! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= With that explanation out of the way, what happens next? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= = While looking for supplies, our hero tries to examine the bodies. Maybe something about them can tell him what happened or why they are here. = Looking through the fallen's bags, our hero collects any money he can find. Bills may be burned or buy transportation, and coins could be used to distract or even as a weapon. = While scouring through the bodies here, our hero finds a grimoire! This strange book won't help now, but maybe it will come in handy later. And there's no harm in reading through it. = Anything could be watching from the trees. Maybe by pulling up a bush, our hero can use it to avoid being spotted by predators. = It would be easier to find a way out of here from a vantage point. Maybe climbing a tree will help our hero find a way back home. = Someone wandering Muenzuka overheard his scream, and comes to investigate the sound. (Rinnosuke: 2/6 chance, Nazrin 2/6, Komachi 1/6, Chen 1/6) = Something heard our hero, and recognizes the sound as very tasty... = Lie back and take a rest. This is surely just a dream, maybe sleeping will end it...

Hello im new

had a dream where there was a dating app for homestuck fans

Magician A Magician, not to be confused with the various magic users of Gensokyo, can refer to either an item imbibed with magic which animates it, or a human who has ascended to a higher state through magic. Using a series of rituals, Magicians purge themselves of human limitations, such as the need for food or aging. Instead, they feed on raw magical potential, often taking up residence in mystic towers, forgotten ruins or arcane libraries. Their extensive lifespans and need for magical knowledge insures even a young Magician is a formidable magic-wielder, though the level of study needed to become one insures they are few in number. Magicians may be classified as Devils or Youkai depending on their origin, and physically they have few derivations from a normal human. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The handle of the broom was aimed squarely at his face. Almost as if she were some ancient heroine challenging a rival to a duel. Oscar, however, managed to stay calm under the glare of her smile. Her confidence was almost overwhelming, but his instincts told him there was an opportunity here… “So, you dare challenge a master of the Arcane?” He replied with a sniff. Reaching with one hand for his fallen cups as he righted the ‘table’ they were set on. “Very well. With what do you barter to contend with my might?” The question seemed to stun her. The blonde witch blinked, staring down at him. Before her hands went to her pockets, thinking to herself. Either hand turning over their contents. Beside her, the four girls glanced to him. Wriggle, Mystia and Daiyousei especially looked nervous, which was surely a sign something bad was going to happen. Cirno on the other hand gave him a thumbs up and an encouraging wink. “Idunno, how’s this?” Oscar’s eyes went back to the woman as her hands pulled at a bag to her side. Pulling out a book, and slamming it on the table. It was an old thing, that much was obvious. Its surface worn from countless nights of reading. The cover clearly depicted some kind of Chinese design, complete with a dragon in its center. Whatever it was though, it was sure to be valuable. “This will suffice, child.” “...Child? I own my own store, ze.” “I am willing to wager a tome of my own against this. If you win, I pass it to you. If I win, I keep this as my prize.” Oscar gestured to the side. Agappa’s eyes dully rose, the visible black book emerging from the handbag around her neck. Its surface traced with Occidental designs. “...Okay, that’s more like it.” The young woman’s smile flaring under her thick blond hair and wide-brimmed hat. “Ready for some flashy dan...” Her words died on her lips as Oscar silently rolled a ball under a cup, and began to shift them in place. His hands moving with a building speed, until they were a blur. Team 9 stared in slowly building awe at the display. Until Oscar eased the cups to their final position. “Choose your cup, and claim your prize.” Silence descended upon the crowd. None of the children, whether human or Team 9, dared to even breathe. Scarcely standing over them, and only just meeting Oscar’s gaze sitting down, the witch flashed a frown of discontent. Before her eyes fell to the cups. Holding aloft her broom, she deliberately set it against the cup on the right. When her eyes went to him, they seemed entirely robbed of their earlier energy. Before the handle of the broom flicked aside the cup. There was nothing inside. The crowd seemed to slowly take a breath. Marisa on the other hand bent her knees, eyeing the other two cups. Carefully peeling back the remaining two to reveal… Nothing. “Wow, that’s not bad.” She said, a hand extending to run over where the ball would be. The fake ceilings in the cups staring back as she peered inside. Brightness returning to her face as she held out a hand. “I thought you were pullin’ my leg, but a spell like that takes real skill. I didn’t even sense you castin’ it.” “Such paltry things are only a fraction of the power of Oscar Diggs, master of the arcane.” “Cool. So...wanna danmaku fight?” There it was again. That word. Narumi had said it earlier, and he still had no idea what it was. His ignorance was not helped by Marisa wriggling her eyebrows at him. “Alas, I have not the time. Please, your wager.” “Ehh?! C’mon, a magician like you would have no problem. Unless you’re scarced~” “The book, pl--” “Bawk.” “The b--” “Bawk.” “Th—” “Bawk.” This time the barb came from Cirno. The witch turned, her eyes flicking to Cirno in her disguised state. The expression on her face was...weird. It wasn’t fear, he didn’t think. But very much a kind of nervousness. Cirno had been almost fearless of Kimiko, but something in the lines of her face said she knew what the stranger was capable of. The other three looked just as nervous. But somehow, Cirno managed to speak. “Osu-san is...n-new, to Gensokyo. He doesn’t even have his spellcards yet.” “Oh. OH.” Comprehension and surprise dawned on the blond’s face as she turned back to him. Extending her hand. “That explains everything. I’m Marisa. You kin think of me as a big deal ‘round here. You kin consider this yer welcoming present from me.” With only a moment’s hesitation, she pushed the book towards Oscar. The man completely unaware she already had half a plan to get it back by the next day. Idly, he took it, stowing it in Agappa’s bag as Marisa smiled to him. “So, yer Oscar Diggs? Weird name.” “I’ve been told.” “I’m sure yer full of questions. What wouldja like to know?” =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= What do you ask? = Ask about her. Maybe you can be friends! = Ask about what Danmaku and Spellcards are. They keep coming up and its weirding you out. = Ask if she's ever heard of Cirno, Narumi or Agappa. = Ask about her business. Maybe you can find a way to earn money from it. = Ask about places to stay. Keine might let you stay at the Temple for now, but do you really want to sleep on that futon more than you have to? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Oscar Diggs, the Great and Powerful Species: Human (Outsider) Health: Good Magical Potential: Nil Reputation: Outsider Wits = 3/5 Charisma = 4/5 Occult = 0/5 Intrigue = 2/5 Physical = 2/5 Inventory: Old Rabbit Rocket Volley (x1) Simple Stage Props Cell Phone (18% Power) Grimoire (x2) Paperclip (x2) Bic Pen Lighter Bullets (x8) Quests: Stay in the Human Village. Discover spells and abilities you can use for Danmaku. Move out of the Heida Temple School spare room. Earn enough money to eat.

How is everyone doing? I've been lurking for a while now, but I think it's time I officially introduce myself. So here it goes: I've been playing touhou for about 5 years now. Absolutely love danmaku, music and the characters, and I currently own quite a few merch (plushies, fumos, figurines, etc.) Happy to be here!

Hii! Im doing great! Always good to meet a fellow fan!

I first discovered Touhou through the music as well! I haven't even played any of the games, I just listen to the music and learn about the characters through their themes. Something about it is so addicting.

I agree! This seems to be a very welcoming fandom, maybe because its relatively small? Definitely one of the oldest yet most consistently active fandoms I've ever been involved in! Based on what I've seen, as long as you enjoy Touhou in any form, you're welcome in the fandom, and that's really refreshing to see in today's culture.

Welcome! I'm doing fine.

hi i'm reifan or rrreisen if you're a gd player what's your fav type of cheese? mine's the really creamy ones :3 (pls don't take this ooc)

hi! i'm doing ok. Welcome to the shrine !

chillin!!

And here we are again! another great weekend and this time I returned with a profile pic! it's Mokou-tan being her usual cute self, amazing right? Also, I'd like to thank my understanding senpais for the warm welcome and thoughtful advice, considering that so far I have only logged in the Sundays due to a particularly tight schedule and my admittedly short attention span meaning that I didn't pay attention to the special features this shrine allows us dear users, I hope that this time I can live up to your expectations. Now moving on to the story, it finally happened huh? I feared that it would happen too soon and that little Ozzy wouldn't be ready for it but an actual magic person is challenging him... even if Marisa is still human it would be unwise to use tricks directly to her face so I ended up choosing the safe big brain option of trying to fool her. On the other hand, I was just as surprised as Osu seeing how Cirno and the gang were actually disguising themselves, most authors just don't care and mix the children with Youkais in the classes, which in hindsight might not be actually a smart choice, as always your take on Gensokyo keeps surprising me. Keep it up, boss!

GUYS F-777 LIKED ONE OF MY TWEETS!!!!!!!!!

road to 1k faith!!! anyway here’s a message via image

Hi

To be perfectly honest, I was thinking of placing a comment redirecting you here, but decided against it as Yumetou would have better judgment than I do and I wouldn't have wanted you to feel demoralized by an honest mistake that is easy to make. You also just so happened to come in at a time when there is not much speculation or just general discussion to be had here, so this place wouldn't have been in the recent activity board on the homepage. (Like, the only thing I think we can talk about now is who the word 'Doom' is referring to, which is a discussion that can either last an eternity or the span of one post, neither of which seem enticing, to be honest. i'd have voted for a riskier option if I did not have a 7 in my days won category, for my luck seems to be so bad it underflows.) As a 'little' side note, if you are going to insist on having that 'With Love, Yer frend, Good and Ol' me', may I suggest taking a look at what a signature is? It never hurts to at least know more about the place you're going to start visiting consistently and it should save you some copy-pasting if you do utilize the feature. Though I will stress that you should take your time and not feel obligated on my or anyone else's part to know the ins and outs of the shrine as a new person, for that is an impossible request that Kaguya would make, but not any of the shrine denizens.

Flowers from ddr supernova! My brain doesn't do well with all those eighth notes, but it's fun to play and a great song.

Nanshen - Awakening of the Earth Sprits My appreciation for the original has a lot to do with atmosphere, so I wasn't intending to be too picky for its remix feature. Despite that, I'm rather pleased with this discovery; it has an eerie fantasy sound to it, which fits perfectly. Hekoyama / Aoshan (depending on language) / Bokoyamarch (covering my bases) - The Dark Blowhole Indecisive name translation aside, I settled on this piece for its energy and competent adaptation of the original motifs. I expected to pick something more atmospheric, but the previous find filled that slot for me. Karkan - The Sealed-Away Youkai A bit more jazzy than might be anticipated for this piece, but too fun to pass on. The string bridge satisfies my desire for a "spider sound" in the piece, while the flute part probably represents the caves.

RoundLoudness - Bhavaagra As Seen Through a Child's Mind Might seem a bit high-energy for an opener, but perfect when taken in in context of what it's following up. I've said before that Tenshi's themes don't quite hit the elevated tone I think they're supposed to, so this seems a fitting adaptation. Liuhaoran Huang - Darkening Dusk Low-energy was my target for this one, and this is a decent accomplishment of that while retaining the whimsical tone of the original. I kinda wish the artist had leaned harder in that direction, as the pacing seems almost too consistent, but the instrumentation keeps it afloat otherwise. Jersey & the Merry Bunch - Cinnabar Soul ~ Cinnabar-Colored Soul Most remixes will understandably focus on raising the intensity of the piece into something spectacular, and I've heard quite a few memorable takes. But I appreciate this being a middle ground of sorts, keeping the energy while lowering the impact with lighter instrumentation. It feels like a happy fantasy ending, and that's what it's supposed to be.

I am a Slowpoke, but what has happened to Roka Enzaki? She deleted all her Touhou styled music and deleted her Twitter account.