Fortune Telling
While there is a place for Western divination practices such as Tarot Cards, Crystal Balls and Palm Reading, most fortune telling is rooted in Japanese and to a lesser degree Chinese practices. Many of these are extremely old, some possibly dating to before the end of the last Ice Age. In broad strokes, these include:
Itako, a process where blind women are raised to become spiritual mediums with a patron Kami. By having cold water poured over them daily. By completing the process, they can speak with gods, spirits and the dead.
Kokkuri, a tilting table used to summon Kokkuri-san. An animal spirit which acts as a medium to the spiritual plane. Kokkuri-san will tilt the plate beneath the table in answer to the questions asked, though his honesty or intentions are not always pure.
Omikuji, random fortunes contained in boxes at temples. You pay a fee, and in exchange are provided the randomized fortune. If the fortune is poor, it can be evaded by tying it to a pine tree, thus leading the bad luck to the tree instead of the holder.
Onmyōdō, utilizing calendars and astronomy to determine the fortune tied to specific places, directions and actions. A highly sophisticated system, those who knew its use were often found in noble courts in feudal Japan.
Sanpaku, a form of face reading where studying the eyes can give the reader insight into a person's health and prospects.
Tengenjutsu, a complex system of sixty rotating words involving Yin and Yang, the five Elements, your birthday and your physical appearance.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
"TRIAL OF FORTUNE! Never fear, fellow Kami! I, Yorigami Joon, shall break this tie with a flip of a coin! Heads, Cirno wins. Tails, Agappa wins!
*Ting*
BWAHAHA! The Maiden of Misfortune triumphs! That'll be 1 Ryu."
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
The question was a difficult one. After all, each had their own advantages. Despite her occasional grumpy disposition, Wriggle had been a fair companion to him and her ability to communicate with insects may have been handy.
Cirno was brave, if headstrong. Oscar had no idea if she could actually freeze a ghost. But he was sure at least she was absolutely confident she could.
Then there was Agappa. Of all the group, she was the least expressive. Which did at least mean she hadn't picked at him. Her blank stares may have been disturbing. But in a building owned by a Fortune Teller, wouldn't her powers come in handy?
Also he didn't think Wriggle would be comfortable being alone with her.
"Alright. Cirno and Wriggle, you check that way. Agappa and I will go the other way."
The Ice Fairy gave a thumbs up, along with a confident smile. Over her shoulder, Wriggle's face seemed to soften. For a moment, he even thought he saw her mouth 'thank you' before she turned. Sweeping her cape with her as she and Cirno started along the broken wooden walkway. The planks underfoot creaking far less than they would have under Oscar's feet. He turned to Agappa. Who regarded him beneath the hood of her raincoat with a passive stare. Her mouth slightly ajar as usual. Oscar took in a low, slow breath. Before forcing a smile. "Alright, let's go."
She only nodded. Letting him lead the way. The walls here were pain, flecked with dust and little else. The boards under his feet were in a poor condition, and likely had been even when this place was inhabited. They let out creaks and groans of protest with his every footfall. Which he did his best to ignore as he crept towards the nearest door. The paper set in the door had yellowed some time ago, and holes had begun to tear in them...
He took another step forward. And realized there was a weight on him. Agappa was clinging to the back of his suit jacket. Her face pressed against the small of his back as though terrified. The gesture may have been endearing were it not so odd...
"What's the matter?"
The question hung in the air. Patiently waiting an answer that didn't come. Eventually, a fearful arm rose and pointed at the door. Her eyes failing to open for a second. The baffling display left the overwhelming question...what now?
= Cast a 'spell' or 'charm' which will fool Agappa into thinking the room is gone.
= Give Agappa a pep talk and see if you can get her to tell you what's wrong.
= Let's...avoid this door for now. Walk past it.
= Let her cling on to you and press forward. You're strong enough to drag her behind you.