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So here's a fun fact about the Steam release: apparently the pachinko people didn't make sprites for the characters Ange interviews on the mainland, so you get a whole bunch of scenes like this.
Level 1 Thief fucked around with this message at 05:55 on Feb 22, 2017 |
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Feb 22, 2017 05:50
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They sure... tried.
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Feb 22, 2017 05:53
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EagerSleeper posted:Isn't it possible that the letter that Ange had received was for Battler's participation? After all, he had been gone from the Ushiromiya family for a very long time, and when he did finally come back, it was for the annual asset management conference. Pretty suss to me... As mentioned in the last episode, the first four digits of the PIN correspond to Battler's birthday. Could be a red herring, a message regarding his participation in this incident, a personal fixation on him, or something else. The metaphor could be extended to mean that Battler is a means to get to the Golden Land, or that he is key to some goal that the writer had in mind.
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Feb 22, 2017 08:43
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curiousCat posted:They sure... tried. Never thought I'd say this, but I'd actually prefer mittenhands. That said, Ange has one of the better pachinko designs. The thicker eyelashes give her a sharper expression than in her PS3 sprite.
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Feb 22, 2017 09:38
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 BGM: Scorpion Entrails ...But it was a really strange thing to come in the mail, so I still had a faint memory of it. It was a strange letter, which I had no memory of sending, but which had me as the sender. I forget the destination address, but the named recipient had been Ushiromiya Rudolf. My father. I remember how disturbed I was when I got a letter I thought was from Father, opened it up, and found a key and a card that I didn't really understand. I felt let down and threw it away somewhere, I think... Where did I put that envelope? I probably lost it somewhere in the chaos that followed. By now, I have no way of checking its contents. However, I have a general idea... I'm sure the contents were the same. Without a doubt, there had been a key, a card, and a note with a PIN inside the envelope...   'Uryu, uryu, Ange...'Sakutarou acted nervously. As I looked at his worrying face, my agitation began to cool off bit by bit...  "I'm sorry... My hatred of Beatrice isn't anything new. I was just surprised and angry to find out that I had a connection with the witch already... at the age of six on that day..." "...For the past 12 years, you've been constantly enslaved by Beatrice-sama's curse. This might be proof of that curse. But please, hang in there. Breaking through that was supposed to be part of the goal of this journey." "That's right... Just letting the blood rise to my head won't get me anywhere. Got to think calmly... What's going on? What's the meaning of handing out a hundred million yen to the relatives? Is she trying to provoke us...? drat that Beatrice..." 'Ange, calm down... Uryu...'As Sakutaro buried his head in my stomach, he urged me to stay calm. I took another deep breath... and started thinking.  BGM: Mind "It was postmarked right before the family conference. And it was intentionally set up so that it would be sent back after some time." '...They wanted it to arrive after the incident, is that it...?' "Yeah. That's what it implies... But it raises a few questions. Why use such an uncertain method?" "Uncertain?" "Yes. After all, no one could even guess at how many days it would take for the mail to return before you used this trick. Normally, you couldn't even guess at the amount of time it would take for the receiving post office to do their research, determine that the recipient was unknown, and return it." 'Yeah, now that you mention it... It'd be more dependable if they just set an arrival date and mailed it that way... Uryu...' "...Maybe, but still, if they mailed it the day before, then no matter how quickly it returned, it would probably arrive Monday or later. I wonder if they wanted to make it seem like a letter from the dead." "...A letter from the dead, you say? You're right. It surprised me, and it made me feel bad. ...Some mail with my dead family's name written on the outside in large letters... was thrown into the mailbox with an ominous label attached. However, it doesn't really make sense to me. I would've mailed it to arrive on a specified day. I just can't understand why someone would allow the uncertainty of it arriving on a day other than the one they imagined." '...Uryu... But it really does sound like Beato to me.' "Huh? You... know about Beato?" '...Well, I only talked with her a little. Still, I can pretty much accept that Beato would do something like this.' BGM: Melody (instrumental) "...Yeah, that might be true. I wouldn't put it past Beatrice-sama to try a vicious prank like a letter from the dead." 'No, that's not all. Beatrice would find it more interesting to do it through an uncertain method, instead of one that was absolutely certain.' "...She would find an uncertain method... interesting...?"I remembered Maria onee-chan's diary... It had described playing with Beatrice very often. During those times, Beato sometimes played pranks on the adult relatives with Maria. But those pranks always had a touch of witch aesthetics. Which was... that they were more interesting when they were uncertain.  It was a popular toy at the time, and if you made the minicar back up, it would wind up the spring in the tires, and when you let go, it would race forwards. They had wound up that minicar and set it behind a milk jug. In other words, the prank was that, if you lifted the milk jug, the minicar would jump forwards and surprise whoever did it. Hoping that someone would get caught in this prank, Onee-chan and Beato had watched the adults from the shadows for their whole teatime. They were looking forward to seeing someone get caught by it, but no one moved the trap milk jug, and the trap ended in a misfire... When Onee-chan had then muttered 'We should've put it somewhere where it would've definitely caught someone', Beato apparently said this:  ...It's probably true that you wouldn't get this kind of excitement from a trap that would certainly go off. Similar accounts occurred in multiple places, making it possible to guess that the witch called Beatrice had a fickle character and loved a random thrill... A fickle person is very hard to deal with. I can't spin the chessboard around... to find out what that witch from 12 years ago was planning.  Then, she suddenly showed interest in the wall. There, several framed pictures were hung. Many of them were commemorative photos from when the relatives of the Kumasawa family gathered or went somewhere to play, and Kumasawa was in several... And she still wore a smile that made it so you could almost hear her lighthearted 'hohohoh' laugh. ...It's part of my distant memory, but I definitely remember that she was this sort of cheerful old lady...  BGM: Sukashiyuri  "Nope. She looked the same as ever. The family conference put her on edge, so she was always grumbling about how tough it was." "...? What's this?"Among the several frames, there was one that had something other than a picture of people in it. It was a picture of an enlarged relief of a door from a Western-style house or something. You couldn't see any interesting subject in particular, which actually bugged me a bit as I wondered why anyone had gone to all the trouble of taking it. As I got closer, I realized that some characters had been written with a pen.  "...Oh yeah, that's a photo I got when Mother's belongings were distributed. I think it probably has something to do with that 'Legend of the Gold' thing." "The witch's epitaph, you mean? It was whispered that it pointed out the location of the hidden 10 tons of gold... So, Kumasawa-san tried to solve it too. But this isn't the epitaph. It's the first time I've seen it."There was an arch above the Western-style door, and that's where the relief was. English words were engraved there, and that seemed to be what the picture was focused on. The pen writing appeared to be a translation into Japanese.  "In Mother's belongings, there were quite a few photos and notes that looked like her trying to solve the riddle of the epitaph. Mother was actually surprisingly fond of that kind of thing. And there was that rumor that 10 tons of gold bars were hidden somewhere. It's no surprise she got so absorbed by it."In both Maria onee-chan's diary and in her grimoire, there was a description of the witch's epitaph. It had talked about how it was a ceremony to open the door to the Golden Land, Beatrice's resurrection ceremony, Beatrice's succession ceremony. On and on. Maybe the most interesting one was the last part, about it being a succession ceremony. According to Beatrice, if you were able to solve the witch's epitaph, you would receive not only the 10 tons of gold and the Ushiromiya family inheritance, but her own magical power and name, as well as the title of Golden Witch. Among the Ushiromiya family household at the time, the witch's epitaph was thought of as a difficult quiz, which the Family Head, Kinzo, had arranged for to choose his successor. But with the Mariage Sorcière interpretation, the questioner was Beatrice herself, and she had posed the question in part to choose her successor. ...There were slight discrepancies in the details of the two interpretations. Either way, its ominous contents brought to mind a bloody serial murder, and both of the message bottles drew a tale of a crime following that pattern. If I could solve the witch's epitaph now, 12 years later, I wonder if I could expose some plot made back then... I tried to solve it many times myself, but I never did have a clue what it meant. It seems that many Witch Hunters tried as well. I also found theories like the La Plata theory and the Enoura theory in certain books. However, neither of these theories were conclusive... "Are there any other materials?" "I think so, but they were all split up between my siblings. I don't have a clue who has what. Sorry." "...Just reading this English text that Kumasawa-san took a picture of, it gives the impression that this was a forbidden door that was rarely opened. But where in the mansion is it, I wonder? Judging by the lighting, it looks like it's outside. I wonder if Kumasawa-san thought that the gold might be hidden in there." "Who knows. Either way, I do wonder where in the Rokkenjima mansion it was. I hate to say it, but there wasn't enough money in Mother's bank account to make me think she found the gold. Uhahahaha, she probably didn't find it after all." Which meant that the witch was the true owner of the gold. Beatrice was the owner of all the vast fortune of the Ushiromiya family. The witch holding this vast wealth had massacred the humans on Rokkenjima on that day, sending large amounts of money to the surviving relatives like it was a game. ...Like hell it's a letter from the dead. This is a desecration of the dead. I was once again convinced. When my family died on that island that day, they didn't go to heaven. They're being trapped by the witch even now... and are being desecrated and tormented for all eternity...  There lived the man who had been the boat captain of the ferryboat to Rokkenjima at the time. Even he, who had once lived as a man of the sea, had retired after contracting a serious illness, and was now taken care of at the house of his son and his son's wife...  The former boat captain was in such high spirits that you couldn't really tell why he had retired in the first place. His memory seemed clear too, and he could remember the events of more than a decade ago well, apparently even about how Ange had been at the time. The way he chatted on was very helpful for Ange, but at the same time, he also remembered the final family conference very well, and the fact that he remembered even details like Battler's 'fall fall madness' on the boat was actually painful for her. It had been so back then as well, but even now, there was no public way to cross to Rokkenjima. It was necessary to make an individual request to an owner of a boat to make the voyage. I'd been unable to arrange for a boat to Rokkenjima, so if he refused me, such a voyage would probably become hopeless...  "I getcha. It won't be easy to find a boat eager to go to that island. By now, there are even some who call it by its old name, Akujikishima, instead of Rokkenjima. It's understandable why the sailors around here would turn down your request."From the start, fishermen had feared Rokkenjima as an island of misfortune. And because of that incident 12 years ago, this fear had reached a peak... They respected the sea, feared it, and revered it. There were almost no sailors who would try to take a boat to the cursed island. Because of that, most of the Witch Hunters were unable to cross over to Rokkenjima... and were limited to taking a trip around the island. ...Ironically, this had caused the sense of mystery surrounding Rokkenjima to increase even more, which had resulted in the propagation of the bizarre witch stories they loved so much...  "...Would you take me in your boat?" BGM: Novelette The former boat captain promised that tomorrow, he would go back to his previous job and take his boat out to Rokkenjima. Now, my method of transport to Rokkenjima is ensured. This is probably all I can do on Niijima. All that's left... is tomorrow. On Rokkenjima, I'll reach the final destination of a journey that stretches back 12 years.   "It sure does. I'd heard that it would be hard to find a boat, so the boat captain's helpfulness really saved me." "...Although it may not be the same as it was for you, Ange-sama, I'm sure the incident 12 years ago has been a thorn for the boat captain as well, one that he still hasn't been able to pull out." '...Uryu. Even the boat captain wasn't able to sort out his feelings. This whole time...' "That's probably true. If that guy had taken his boat out on October 5 as promised, there's a chance that he could've saved a lot of people. If he hadn't been hesitant to go out just because of a little wind..." 'Uryu, you shouldn't say things like that... I'm sure that's pained the boat captain constantly until today...'Apparently, they truly had been right in the middle of a typhoon on October 5. According to the boat captain, he had known for certain that they'd be trapped by the typhoon if they headed to Rokkenjima on October 4. But the family had been very persistent about the date of their conference, which had been determined beforehand. It was only natural. All of the relatives had been very busy at the time, and they came to the family conference only after arranging their schedules beforehand. It was probably a situation where they couldn't easily push it back to the next week just because a typhoon was approaching. It wasn't the boat captain's fault. But perhaps you could say that he wasn't so irresponsible that he could place the blame wholly on the typhoon. Certainly, just as these two said, there's no doubt that the boat captain has been dragging the events of 12 years ago along with him this whole time. And, by taking me, the last member of the Ushiromiya line, to the island, and bringing me back safely, he might be trying to find some resolution for his past...  "...There's nothing that would make me more satisfied by staying longer. I'm grateful just to have you take me there." "Yep, don't mention it. If I hadn't parted with my boat, I'd be able to guide you to the island as much as you liked, without being stingy..."It's not like I have a goal of doing something in particular on Rokkenjima. So, I'll be there during the evening... ...The evening, which straddles the two different worlds of day and night, seemed almost like a borderline between this world and the next... or possibly, 1998 and 1986, and it felt like the most fitting time to visit Rokkenjima. It's not like I have anything in particular to do there. Just staying there for a few hours should be enough for me to find some closure.  I nodded back and told him about how I had succeeded in reserving a boat for tomorrow.  "That's great. It's about time for us to go. We'll be counting on you tomorrow, Captain." "Sure, leave it to me! I've heard all about what you guys've gone through. I also watched the talk shows at the time... and was disgusted by the people who stirred up that incident just for fun. I'll help out any way I can." "Thank you very much. Then we'll see you noon tomorrow. Umm, here. The fare for the boat."Ange took a wrapped wad of ten-thousand yen bills from her pocket. The boat captain should have noticed its thickness as well, but he paid it absolutely no interest and shook his head.  "...I'm grateful to you. This is a sign from the heavens. I've been given a final chance to take you to Rokkenjima and bring you back safely. Now, I'll finally be able to finish the final job Kinzo-san entrusted me with. So I'm grateful to you. I got more than enough money from Kinzo-san back then. I can't accept yours." "...Thank you very much." "Watch your step on the stairs. It's steep."...I went down the steep staircase that was the exact opposite of 'accessible'. It was getting hard to believe that there was actually a chest of drawers and a TV in the room upstairs. Most of the first floor was a bedding store, with many futons piled up on each other. We weaved our way through the cramped futon shop. After cautiously checking around outside, Amakusa dashed out first and started up the car.  BGM: Worldend (solo) "Thanks a lot for the offer. But this way, even if the unexpected happens, you won't be bothered." "...I don't know the details, but it seems you've been caught up in a lot of trouble. There's a rumor that some suspicious people are searching for someone. That wouldn't happen to be you, would it?" "...Who knows."Ange played dumb, but it looked as though the boat captain had guessed. "My job is to take guests to Rokkenjima... and bring them back again. That job was put on hold 12 years ago, and it still hasn't ended. So, thanks to you, I'll finally be able to finish it." "..." "So listen. Let me finish this job, okay? Do you understand me?" "...Yeah. It's not like I'm going there to die."But part of me does feel that, if I could die on that island, I'd surely be able to go to where my family is...  I might have come all this way, heading towards Rokkenjima, in search of a place to die. The boat captain had guessed that as well. That's why he repeatedly told me not to die. "...Yeah, I won't die. I promise. After all, I'm still not sure if there's any reason why I need to go to Rokkenjima." "No, I'm sure there's a reason. Even if there isn't one for you, there is one for them. The island called you. That's why you came here." "...That might... be true. I might... have been called."I was called. For what reason? For them. Father. Mother. Battler onii-chan. And, Maria onee-chan. Or maybe, the Golden Witch. Beatrice. What is on Rokkenjima? And what will I achieve? Even though tomorrow is finally almost here, I still haven't been able to understand my own mission... There was the sound of a car stopping in front of the store, and a short honk could be heard.  "Then I'll see you tomorrow. If you'll excuse me..." "Yep."Winding between the stacks of futons in the cramped store, I was about to go outside. Then, my feet stopped. "...What is it?" BGM: F Style "Hmm? That? What? What are you talking about?"Trembling all over, I pointed at it. But no matter how much the boat captain squinted, he noticed absolutely nothing in that direction that should have surprised me. ...That must mean, th-that must mean...  '...U-Uryu... Ange, what does it mean? What's going on here...?!' "...I-I don't have a clue either... There's no way something that ridiculous... Is this magic? A miracle...? Yes, this is probably fate. Now, I understand... This was... my mission." '...Uryu...' "I... don't have a clue what..."Shaking, I pointed into the thin darkness inside the store... and froze up...  "Thank you, Captain. Everything, everything... was fate. Even me visiting this place... was fate. This is... the mission... and the purpose... that I'm going to Rokkenjima for..." "...Ange-san? What is it, is something wrong?" "I-I don't have a clue either...! This girl just froze up while pointing into the darkness...!" "Ange-san...? Are you okay? What can you see...?" "Can't you two see it? It's that, right there. Can't you see it?!" "All I can see is a normal display case. There's no one there, right...?" Sakutarou lifted his face towards Ange... From his eyes... slid a single tear. "...Ange-sama..." "...I understand, Onee-chan. And... Beatrice." '...Uryu...' 
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Feb 22, 2017 14:28
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16JyrIhvOUY As for the picture, the door in question is certainly the chapel door that the characters rudely refused to read the inscription on for us before. Anybody want to try translating the door inscription to Japanese like Kumasawa did to see if anything interesting comes out of it?
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Feb 22, 2017 14:57
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idonotlikepeas posted:As for the picture, the door in question is certainly the chapel door that the characters rudely refused to read the inscription on for us before. Anybody want to try translating the door inscription to Japanese like Kumasawa did to see if anything interesting comes out of it? Well, if you want the original Japanese line for what Ange said, “この扉は千兆分の一の確率でしか開かない。 あなたは千兆分の一の確率でしか祝福されない”。
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Feb 22, 2017 15:06
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Awesome! .... OK, that tells me nothing. Thank you, though! Maybe someone else can make something of it.
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Feb 22, 2017 15:10
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The profiles got updated, but why isn't anyone but Sakutaro marked as dead yet? 
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Feb 22, 2017 17:32
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It's probably because Battler has not observed their corpses yet.
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Feb 22, 2017 19:45
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BGM F Style? More like BGM F Bomb.
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Feb 22, 2017 19:52
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SardonicTyrant posted:It's probably because Battler has not observed their corpses yet. Battler never observed Sakutaro's corpse ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
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Feb 23, 2017 08:38
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 October 4th, 1986, 11:00 PM  BGM: Dead Angle  "...Y-Yes. Listen well..."Once again, there was a call from Krauss to the guesthouse. And the message was... that Kinzo wanted to hold a test to see if the grandchildren had the qualifications to become his successor. "...The Head has said that his successor will not be one of us siblings... That he wants... to pick from among his grandchildren..."From Krauss's restrained style of speech, Jessica realized as his daughter that he was being forced to speak. And she was forced to realize that the hostages were being exposed to danger even now, and that if they refused this test, there was a possibility that the hostages would be harmed.  "Th-Then, what should we do?" Krauss put down the receiver, then looked at the grinning Kinzo on the other side of the bars. Kinzo gave his next order.   "...Banish, you say...?" "There should be a gardening storehouse in the rose garden. Lock Gohda and Kumasawa in there. Hmm, we'll begin from there. Tell them to do it immediately. My weapons will be watching. If they happen to do anything questionable, I'll instantly stop the test and execute all of you as sacrifices!" "...I-I understand... Hello, Jessica...? Listen closely to what I say..."Krauss relayed the orders to lock up Gohda and Kumasawa...  "...What kind of test are you planning?" "Hmm? Aah, it truly is a simple test. I only want my grandchildren to show me their resolve. Well then, I wonder what kind of results they'll show me. *cackle*."Looking disgusted, Kyrie watched Krauss, who was talking with the children. I hate it, but for now, we cannot refuse orders. In this dungeon, a feeble resistance won't amount to anything. If we provoke him too much and drive him into a position where he might kill us, there will no longer be any way to stop this murderer. For now, the only choice left is to obey his rules without agitating him, all the while waiting for an opportunity... However, if we continue to obediently follow his commands, the children might be attacked in this so-called test, and they might even lose their lives. Whether we feign obedience or try to resist, nothing will cause the situation to improve. Anyway, straining our eyes so that we don't let a single chance escape until the very end... is the only resistance possible now. ...While telling herself this, Kyrie watched over Krauss as he delivered Kinzo's orders...   "I understand. It's unfortunate, but all we can do right now is wait. If only we could do something about these bars, we'd be able to return to the mansion..." "...If only we could somehow get out of here... I-I'll try something. Kinzo-san, I have a request." "Hmm, what is it, my friend?" "We understand well that you want to test the children... It is fine for you to do as you desire. Without your power, the Ushiromiya family might have been destroyed long ago. We truly understand why you want to carefully select the person who will take charge. Besides, that is what the family conference is all about. We won't get in your way..." "Hmm. Your insight is useful. That's right, this is the family conference. The final family conference, where I will select my successor. Fuhahahaha...!" "And yet, Kinzo-san, it is far too cold here. Since we won't interfere with your test, couldn't you take us to a slightly warmer place...?" "..."At Nanjo's words, the slight signs that Kinzo's mood had been improving were blown away. Nanjo was struck with a moment of silence as Kinzo gazed at him with dangerous eyes, as though appraising him...   "I cannot do that!! Are you naive, Nanjoooooo...? So, by acting as though you'll skip this turn, you truly and splendidly advance your strategy? I'm not falling for that, you seeeee...? If you're freezing, then why don't I line the floor with red hot coals!!" "M-My apologies..."Virgilia had tried to help out, but in the end, Kinzo would not comply...  "...You two sure are obedient. If you felt like it, you could easily break these bars." "..." "...Even if we break them, nothing will come of it." "Of course. If you were to break these, it would mean the end of Goldsmith's game. All of you, as well as those humans in the guesthouse, would immediately become sacrifices for Kinzo's ceremony." "...But, surprisingly, you two might be the only ones, yes? Perhaps only you two hold the power to break out of this situation, right? You want to reach the Golden Land, don't you? You must have many dreams you want granted, right...? *cackle*cackle*..." "..." "Gaap, you musn't provoke them. This is not your game. It is the Master's, as well as Milady's game." "...What is it, Ronove?" "Oh, no, nothing. We were talking to the prisoners. Forgive us."Gaap sent one final sneering smile at Kanon, then turned away. Kanon could only bite his lower lip and shake his fists...   "...You did well... Good job hanging in there..." "We're powerless... Because we're furniture..." "That's right, we're powerless. However, furniture is sometimes relied upon... and even loved. Right now, we've only been stored away in the basement. Surely, one day, somebody will love us. Because they'll rely on us. That's why, for now, let's ignore their provocation and bear with it... Okay?" "Very well. Hang up now. Chiester Sisters, observe the grandchildren as they lock Gohda and Kumasawa away. If they do anything suspicious, then in that moment, the selection test for my successor will be over."When Kinzo made his order, the Chiester Sisters appeared behind him in a line.  "Understood, sir. I will scout. 556 and 410 will cover both flanks. 45, you're on wide-area surveillance." "00, 556 is..." "Ah, that's right. Sorry."  "...That's why I don't like them nyeh. Good people." "What are you doing, Chiester Sisters?! Follow my orders!" "...My apologies, sir. Then, let us go observe. Move out!"The Chiester Sisters erased their forms simultaneously. Nanjo and Kyrie had witnessed the instants they appeared and disappeared as if by teleportation, but they interpreted this as moving in and out of the darkness in a way that only looked like teleportation, and the two could do nothing but rub their eyes... "...Well then, I shall begin the preparations for the test. Ronove, Gaap, I'm asking you to be the examiners. Virgilia, you'll watch these rats. After all, two of my furniture are here. Just in case, be on your guard."He glanced at Shannon and Kanon. Tightly closing her eyes, Shannon gave a silent bow and answered wordlessly, avoiding any unnecessary actions...  "...Certainly. I'll be careful." "Isn't this cold hard on your old body, Lia? Should I bring you a hot water bottle...?" "Shut up. Go quickly. Gap!" "Pukukuku...! Well now, what a strange experience this game is, to have a test and examiners. I do hope this development entertains Milady." "...Come, arise, goat attendants."  "Ah, Beato's minions. How convenient. Plus, they seem so warm. I see, so you'll use them instead of a hot water bottle. In that case, wouldn't sheep have been better than goats?" "Shut up about it, you cashmere mop. They aren't very bright, but they faithfully follow orders and are quite dependable." "Indeed, I leave it to you, my friend, Virgilia. The rest of you, follow me."With a dignified gesture, Kinzo fluttered his cloak. Following him were Ronove and Gaap, as well as the three recently summoned goat attendants. "...Hey, you three are supposed to wait here with me. Don't follow them."The goats jumped in surprise and then came tottering back. Kyrie, who had been watching stunned as all of this played out, couldn't help but snort.  "L-Lord Goldsmith did not give you permission to speak."...She was probably embarrassed. Virgilia had spoken cooly, but Kyrie saw through that, and for a little while, she couldn't restrain her muffled laughter. However, on the inside, Kyrie was surprised at the number of people Kinzo had with him. After all, including Kinzo himself, at least 10 enemies had already been spotted... The dungeon they were currently locked in was supposedly underneath the hidden mansion called Kuwadorian. Although this mansion had been whispered of, not even Krauss had known of its existence until today. Are there actually several facilities like this on Rokkenjima, where many unknown henchmen that only Kinzo knows of hide...? Just how many humans are on Rokkenjima, locked away by the typhoon...?  Were we, who bickered over whether Beatrice existed or not and worried about whether a 19 person existed or not, nothing more than the frogs in a well on this island...? No wait, not only that... By now, are there actually more people on the enemy's side than on ours...?  "...Just what the hell is going on...? Witches? Demons? Magic? Are you telling us to believe in those? Are my eyes screwed up? Or is it my head? I think I'm losing it..."A mass murder by magic. Demons forming and disappearing into thin air. Setting aside the enemy's numbers, how should we interpret the various things thrust before our eyes that cannot be explained with the common sense of our world? Kyrie started to feel like she didn't know what was going on anymore, and while desperately battling the urge to abandon everything and give up, she grit her teeth and tried to hold onto her sanity...  BGM: None ...But they were threatened that, if they resisted, the hostages' safety could not be guaranteed... It was fairly hard to get them to agree, but once they started thinking that their safety might actually be guaranteed if the key to the gardening storehouse was to be handed to them after being shut inside, and when it was decided that blankets and food would be carried in for them, they were finally convinced.  BGM: At Death's Door  "...It could be as late as Monday morning at the worst, so a full day and night. I really feel bad about doing this to you two..."George and Battler cleared a space on the floor, then spread the blankets there. They also left the canned food, crackers, and other light snacks they had brought.  "It'll be hard for you guys to go until Monday with just this... If only we could make a trip to the kitchen..." "They said not to go anywhere we weren't told to. Sounds like we're being watched... drat." "...I am honestly sorry that we cannot be of any use... And these are the times that we are truly supposed to be at your sides..." "It can't be helped. More importantly, take care of Kumasawa-san. We don't know what might happen. If the going gets tough, I'd like you to play it by ear and come to the rescue. And more than anything, I want you to be safe..." "...Yes, I understand. Please be careful, everyone. Right now, the Master... is taking human lives like they're pieces on a chessboard. Please look out for yourselves."Gohda stared at the floor, even now unable to believe what had happened as he remembered that atrocity in the dining hall, and he hung his head in shame at his failure to fully describe that terror. "Thank you. Make sure you stay on your guard. You too, Kumasawa-san." "...And you all please take care as well... I don't have any idea what's going on anymore..." "Well then, we'll be off. Let's go, Battler-kun, Jessica-chan. Come on, you too, Maria-chan." "...Uu-."Looking at the pitiful expressions on the imprisoned pair's faces, it got really hard to close the shutter. But we can't disobey. We're being watched.  At that side, there was a small latticed window that could only admit light and ventilation. It looked like something from a jail, making the two of them seem even more pitiable, but on the other hand, it would hopefully protect them from Kinzo and his subordinates... He opened the window and called out. "...Are you okay? You aren't cold, are you?" "We're okay. You've given us so many blankets, after all. If we wrap ourselves up, we'll be just fine." "I wish we could've brought them a kerosene stove or something..." "...But it wouldn't have ventilation here. It'll probably be tough for them, but there's nothing we can do now. Hostages are being held against us. We can't disobey..." "...Dammit... If we manage to save Kyrie and the rest somehow..." "Shh. ...They might be listening. Gohda-san, here. It's the key to the shutter." "...Indeed. I'll hold on to it."Gohda took the key, showed it to Kumasawa, and placed it in his own pocket. There's only one key to the gardening shed's shutter. That key was being held by the ones locked up inside it. If the children had kept it... and had it stolen from them by some chance, that would do nothing but expose the lives of those in the shed to danger. And even with the key, the shutter could not be opened from the inside. Kinzo's demands were fulfilled this way. However, there was now no longer any way to open the shed from the outside either. This protected them. Kinzo had ordered that they be confined, and we could do nothing but trust that this cold closed room would protect them. Jessica watched this while holding Maria's hand, then looked over the thickets in the pitch-black rose garden. Somewhere in this darkness, somebody was hiding, watching to see whether we obeyed orders or not. Of course, when we pointed our flashlights out there, no suspicious silhouettes appeared. But somebody was surely out there, hiding and watching. I was hit many times with an urge to scream at them... But I was able to hold that urge back through reason. The four children left the area, repeatedly looking back over their shoulders. The light from the faint lightbulb in the gardening storehouse was seeping out slightly. I wonder if this insane incident will come to an end somehow... so that we can meet those two again. To George, who had closed the shutter himself, the resistance of the lock had made it feel as though he'd killed them with his own hands.   "What's with this test...? drat geezer, don't screw with us...! Killing Mom, capturing Dad for that... I don't get it, I'll kill him...!" "...It's okay, Jessica onee-chan. There's nothing to be sad about..." "...Maria..." "Soon, the witch will be revived. Soon, we'll be able to meet in the Golden Land. Kihihihihihihihihi..." "Ouch." "Don't laugh indiscreetly like that. Seriously, a resurrection ceremony for a witch? Getting so many people involved... in delusions he should've just kept inside his head. That's gonna cost you, bastard..." "...Let's return to the guesthouse. It'll be bad if we aren't there when Grandfather calls."Urged on by George, everyone began walking towards the guesthouse... At that moment, Jessica turned in a circle, facing towards the darkness of the rose garden, and roared.  Of course, there was no reply, only the howl of the wind and rain... The children returned to the guesthouse... While fearing what was waiting for them up ahead... After they left, from the exact point in the darkness that Jessica had yelled at, two rabbit ears sprung up...  BGM: Organ Short No. 200 Million in C Minor "It's because you're too slow nyeh. Nihihihi, Pendragon-sama's gonna scold you~" "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, please don't tell Pendragon-samaaaaaaaaaa!" "Be quiet. It was obviously just a bluff. Gohda and Kumasawa's imprisonment confirmed. Mission complete. We'll report back." "Ya-i, ya-i. Nihihihihihihihihi! Ouch." "Do you want us all stuck on nothing but carrots and water because of collective responsibility? Let's go." BGM: Corridor of the Sands of Purgatory Because, when they returned to the cousins' room, turned the lights on, and laid down on their beds, the phone rang again. Earlier, Jessica had been answering the phone, seeing as this was her house, but now it was the eldest, George, who picked it up. This time, Kyrie-san was on the other end of the line. George handed it to Battler out of consideration...  "Thanks for worrying. At the moment, we're all doing great here. Sorry, I've been ordered to refrain from idle chatter. Listen to what I'm about to tell you."The fact that they were hostages still hadn't changed. Kinzo or one of his subordinates was listening to the conversation. Battler restrained the urge to talk about other things...and focused on what Kyrie had to say. "The test will be carried out by Jessica-chan, George-kun, Battler-kun, and Maria-chan, in that order. You'll each be summoned in turn, so until then, do not leave the room. When someone's called out, they'll head to their designated location, alone."Battler repeated it out loud, so that the cousins listening in around him could hear. "...So it'll be Jessica, Aniki, me, and Maria, in that order, and we've gotta stay in the room until we're called, right? Got it." "...Maria too? Even a nine-year-old girl... What's the drat geezer trying to force us to do, that bastard...?" "...The fate of the Ushiromiya family rests in all of your hands. ...Do your best." "...Nng. Sure."Battler noticed the strange nuance in Kyrie's words. Even without any blood connection, he could still understand thanks to the long-lasting bond they shared. At this point, it doesn't make sense to worry about the Ushiromiya family itself. That probably wasn't the message Kyrie wanted to send. She probably meant 'There's no way for us to escape from this dungeon, and we can only wait to be rescued. Our lives are in your hands.' Something like that. "Yeah, leave it to me. We don't know what kind of test it is, but no problem. I'll take it gladly. It's gonna be a serious test, right? Should we really... go all out?" "...Yes. It's a serious test. Grandfather truly does intend to test you all." "It's no good, no goddamn good at all. Some old fart on death's door is gonna give me a serious challenge? Let him spout nonsense after he gets in the coffin. I know he's there, so tell him this for me: I'll be your successor. And my first action will be to shove my fist into your face...!"Even without Kyrie having to repeat it, Battler's powerful declaration of war reached Kinzo's ears...  "I can't wait to see just what a man who once threw away the Ushiromiya name has attained, just what lot in life he's reached when he appears before me!! Tell him...!"Unfortunately, Kinzo's voice was not picked up by the reciever. Therefore, Kyrie spoke for him. "It sounds like he's more than up for the challenge. Got that, Battler-kun? There's no need to hold back. You are Rudolf's son. No, you are my son. Show me something I can brag about to anyone. I leave everything in your hands." BGM: Moon "...All of us here have lost the right to inherit the position of Successor. Now, we're just the same as pieces taken off the game board looking on from the outside. So you'll have to fight by yourselves." "...Kyrie-san..."The nuance of those words meant... 'We've already given up, so forget about us.' But... for that very reason, I won't give up... I'll definitely crush this test or whatever... and save everyone...!  "Really, go to your room? What's your game, you drat geezer..." "It seems he means Jessica-chan's personal room, the one in the mansion." "...I'll hand it over to Jessica. Tell her directly for me. Jessica, here." "H-Hello... Yes, I understand..." Even Jessica was probably tempted to succumb to the fear of a girl her age. But she crushed those feelings and strengthened her resolve. "Be careful, okay?" "...We're probably being watched, right? We can't do anything we aren't told." "...They say that old geezer killed those six in the dining hall instantly, with no hesitation. So, if we try to fight back, we might end up the same way." "I know... I'll beat them at their own game." "Don't do anything reckless. If you think you're in any danger, your own safety comes first. If Uncle Krauss finds out that his daughter sacrificed herself for him, there's no doubt it'll tear his heart apart." "It goes the other way too. If Mom and Dad are both killed, and I'm the only one left, my heart will rip itself to pieces." "...Battler-kun, what you said earlier is true, right...?" "Yeah. Kyrie-san and the others are already... prepared for what will happen." "Then, the way things are now is just perfect. Everyone's lives rest on our shoulders. The hostages can't do anything while they're locked up. That means we'll have to manage something ourselves." "...If something happens, run back to the guesthouse. At that time, we'll be done playing along with Grandfather's game." "Aniki..." "At that time, we'll declare war. Wherever they're locked up, we'll save them, and we'll deal with Grandfather accordingly." "...Are you sure, Aniki? Shannon-chan's there too." "...That's why I'm saying it. I'm not sitting around and waiting for my fiancée to be killed. What scares me is not that Shannon might be killed by Grandfather." BGM: Answer  "I see... This really does sound like a test to see who'll be the Successor." "Yep. The first one to bury a fist into that old face will be the next Head."George, Battler, and Jessica each forcefully nodded their heads and put their fists together. Then, Jessica headed off to her own room, as designated... Her form disappeared into the darkness of the rose garden waving in the strong winds. Watching her go, George and Battler gripped their fists even tighter, making them quiver... Left on the second floor, Maria watched Jessica's back through the window. She wore a blank expression...  Jessica's form was already being completely swallowed up by the darkness. At that time, the phone began to ring again. Battler and George heard it and came clamoring back, but Maria picked up the receiver right away. "...Hello." "...I-Is that Maria-sama...? It's me, Shannon. Would you please hand the phone to George-sama?"This time, it was Shannon on the phone. And this time, the message was to tell the next person, George, where he was to go... 
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Feb 23, 2017 14:28
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Is this the first time we've seen George be anything other than all-round, good-with-children nice guy Georgie George? Seems he does have some edge to him. I've been thinking a bit about the concept of the Chiesters as metaphors for Kinzo's gun collection, and wondering if that might extend to Virgilia and Ronove as well? There's an argument to be made that Virgilia is in some way connected to Kumasawa, as potentially being a surrogate mother figure to Beatrice as she grew up in Kuwadorian, and perhaps there's some of this here - Virgilia is left to look over the hostages and keep them from being broken out/breaking out themselves, which could be a metaphor for Kumasawa being effectively held hostage as insurance against the kids uniting and trying to break out Kyrie et al.? Is there a link between Gohda and Ronove in a similar vein? I knew we assumed a connection between Ronoue Genji and Ronove due to their similar names and their seeming familiarity in all the convenient no-witnesses-remain 'magic' scenes, but could that have been a red herring? And the fact that Ronove is a demon 'on loan' to Beatrice rather than her own furniture - Gohda is a new addition to the household, not a long-standing member of the staff and thus a relative outsider? I don't know. It's an idea. I'm usually pretty good at the murder mysteries but Umineko is something else. Not being able to trust the content of a scene unless Battler (or Ange?) is there or it's explicitly stated in red means a lot of sorting chaff-looking wheat from wheat-looking chaff.
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Feb 23, 2017 15:25
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ProfessorProf posted:At that side, there was a small latticed window that could only admit light and ventilation. It looked like something from a jail, making the two of them seem even more pitiable, but on the other hand, it would hopefully protect them from Kinzo and his subordinates... This feels like setting up another closed-room murder scenario, where we're supposed to wonder how the key got out or in or whatever later on. ProfessorProf posted:Unfortunately, Kinzo's voice was not picked up by the reciever. Therefore, Kyrie spoke for him. Hm. ProfessorProf posted:
So they're being individually separated, meaning truth is now almost totally up in the air depending on who we decide to trust and who might be about to die. Peachy. For such a nice guy, George does seem prone to threaten people with violence every now and again, don't he?
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Feb 23, 2017 15:43
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Ralphomon posted:I don't know. It's an idea. I'm usually pretty good at the murder mysteries but Umineko is something else. Not being able to trust the content of a scene unless Battler (or Ange?) is there or it's explicitly stated in red means a lot of sorting chaff-looking wheat from wheat-looking chaff. It's not really clear how much we can trust the scenes with Battler in them either, as piece-Battler is a player on the board the enemy controls, and "real"-Battler is on the gameboard in Purgatory- meaning that what piece Battler sees and does is suspect as well. As you say, a very difficult decision between wheat and chaff. But I welcome this difficulty in a mystery game, because frankly, doing a mystery game that is actually a compelling mystery and takes actual effort on the part of the player to solve has proven very difficult to do. One of the more prevalent mystery series, Ace Attorney, has its moments of real difficulty, but these moments only come about in between a shocking amount of being led around by the nose a little bit more than I think is necessary, having the game give you a lot of hints in order to set you on the path of the story; Dangan Ronpa is guilty of this too, although the second game is a little bit better than the first at this. And of course, in both instances the plot is so on the rails that you're only allowed to solve any mysteries at certain times when other characters mention openers to such evidence, insert famous webcomic here: A great deal of difficulty is also compounded by the mechanics of the game, the annoyances of certain procedures, or instances of weird adventure-game logic from the excesses of Roberta Williams' tortured mind. This is why L.A. Noire made such a relative stir when it showed up: while it had problems of its own, one of the most remarkable things about it was that it allowed you to proceed as you would- you were allowed to follow the leads you wanted to on the evidence you found, the game did not end if you didn't get the correct questions on the interview, and the entire layout of a case could change based on the evidence you did or did not find, and I thought that was all great. (Of course, they still gave you hints at the end of cases, and of course, they really couldn't change the overall plotline so contradictions arose, but it was a start, and I'm sorry they weren't really allowed to improve on the system with a sequel.) I'm digressing now, as a kinetic novel really doesn't permit any gameplay, and none of this has to do with Umineko... but doing a mystery game that's as engaging as a good mystery novel is hard. It usually does become like being spoon-fed a story rather than actually engaging in one, and I am gratified that the author of Umineko seems to hate that kind of "mystery" as much as I do.
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Feb 23, 2017 17:09
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resurgam40 posted:Roberta Williams' tortured mind Old point-and-click games are so amazingly anti-mystery. Not in the Umineko sense of "we're explaining this with witches and magic and it's awesome" but in the sense of "what kind of sociopath would conclude that cat hair on duct tape is a compelling moustache". It's less like a train of logic and more like a rube goldberg machine where every piece has its purpose but you can't guess that purpose just from a glance.
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Feb 23, 2017 21:34
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Umineko as a mystery game is an interesting topic, but it's also kinda fascinating in that it can be solved pretty much as soon as the player has the information and intuition to put the mystery together. In that sense, it is pretty superior to Pheonix Wright and other adventure games.
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Feb 23, 2017 21:43
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I guess the pitfall most VN style mystery games fall into is that as a game, you feel like you always have to have some input, and unless you have a very free exploration investigation phase, the things you should be doing should be working towards solving the mystery, so you have to do the Ace Attorney thing of leading the player through these baby steps and punishing you for making logical leaps too early that turn out to be true. Don't get me wrong, I love Ace Attorney, but the number of times that Awkward Zombie I got has happened to me is annoying. Contrast Umineko, which is a mystery novel first and foremost, and doesn't have to stop every 5 minutes to make sure you're keeping up and "completing the game" on schedule. But I digress. Witches aren't real, magic is fake, everything is metaphors, I guess?
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Feb 23, 2017 23:08
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So, here's a small announcement: Barring some dreadful internet-destroying crisis, the LP will update every day between now and the end of Episode 4. It's time to full combo the remainder of the thread.
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Feb 24, 2017 04:35
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MonsterEnvy fucked around with this message at 04:40 on Feb 24, 2017 |
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Feb 24, 2017 04:37
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Oh wow.
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Feb 24, 2017 04:48
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ProfessorProf posted:So, here's a small announcement: This is the true golden land right here.
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Feb 24, 2017 05:29
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Can't. Wait.  Break me upon your wheel, oh witch; I am prepared to be bedazzled, flummoxed, and ultimately crushed by your truth.(Hey, I said I liked difficult mysteries, not that I was particularly good at actually solving them.  )
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Feb 24, 2017 05:52
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Don't worry. All of us together can figure it out, if we put our minds to it.
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Feb 24, 2017 05:57
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resurgam40 posted:(Hey, I said I liked difficult mysteries, not that I was particularly good at actually solving them. Then you truly are Battler.
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Feb 24, 2017 06:01
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Oh man, that's exciting news! I'm no good at mystery-solving, but I do love a good mystery regardless and getting more of it faster is the cherry on the sundae.
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Feb 24, 2017 06:45
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I'm fighting the flu and thought I'd try a nice long Let's Play to distract myself - and I picked this one. The depiction of abused and neglected children is more disturbing than a year of horror movies. And I'll never look at my Aunt Bea the same way again. Some random thoughts. I apologize if others have said them already, but my brain isn't fully functional. Maria's hat is the chess symbol for a black king. The story has used enough chess things I'm sure it means something, but I have no idea what. Kumasawa is an odd character because she doesn't have a point. Why'd the author bothered to put her in? She also doesn't wear the one winged eagle or call herself furniture, despite having been around for ages. My long shot theory is that Kumasawa and Kinzo were Beatrice's parents. Beatrice was then raised in the secret mansion, and not allowed out, leaving her completely ignorant of the outside world, until she falls off a cliff and dies - yet another isolated girl who thinks she has imaginary friends and magical powers. All the bunny girls' numbers are gauges of ammo. Everybody who calls themselves furniture has shown supernatural powers. No, everybody but Genji, I think. We even just got a line that implied that Kanon wasn't human, which would mess up several red text assumptions. Could be a difficulty in the translation, of course. A peeve: I get that we're supposed to have an unreliable narrator, except that's normally is done by filtering all information though a character who distorts or omits the truth for their own purpose; by knowing them you can guess when they're lying or wrong. For instance, the incidents around Ange's apology at school can be read to make her classmates well meaning instead of hostile (though childish and exasperated). But who's the narrator for the murder sequences? There is, for instance, no character who witnessed both the kids' conversation in the guest house and the murders in the main house. So we're getting information directly from the author. Do we have an unreliable author? Apparently, or Kinzo has a hit squad of bunny girls and the murders are absolutely done with magic, end the discussion. But once you can't trust the author, where do you draw the line? For instance, we have people trapped in a cell, who have more or less figured they couldn't have gotten there through any reasonable normal means. Should we discount all the scenes in the cell?
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Feb 24, 2017 07:13
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BurningStone posted:But who's the narrator for the murder sequences? There is, for instance, no character who witnessed both the kids' conversation in the guest house and the murders in the main house. So we're getting information directly from the author. Do we have an unreliable author? Apparently, or Kinzo has a hit squad of bunny girls and the murders are absolutely done with magic, end the discussion. But once you can't trust the author, where do you draw the line? For instance, we have people trapped in a cell, who have more or less figured they couldn't have gotten there through any reasonable normal means. Should we discount all the scenes in the cell? The murder sequences are, to my understanding, hypotheticals that Beatrice throws out as 'here's what happened and why it's magic'. The job of the human side is to look around the 'here's why it's magic' and discover the truths that expose the lack of magic.
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Feb 24, 2017 07:18
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BurningStone posted:Everybody who calls themselves furniture has shown supernatural powers. No, everybody but Genji, I think. We even just got a line that implied that Kanon wasn't human, which would mess up several red text assumptions. Could be a difficulty in the translation, of course. a) Genji has supernatural powers, I may be misremembering (and it might just be Ronove, but I think he did his thing by just snapping his fingers and having someone (likely Genji) just fall over like their puppet strings were cut) but he kills either Shannon or Kanon in a previous episode by placing his hand over their neck and then using furniture wizard powers to puncture it, to give them a quick and dignified death and to avoid them getting hit with the Beato train. b) "Furniture" don't see themselves as "human".
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Feb 24, 2017 07:22
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BurningStone posted:Everybody who calls themselves furniture has shown supernatural powers. No, everybody but Genji, I think. We even just got a line that implied that Kanon wasn't human, which would mess up several red text assumptions. Could be a difficulty in the translation, of course.
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Feb 24, 2017 07:23
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BurningStone posted:Could be a difficulty in the translation, of course. This isn't something you need to account for, outside of possibly the epitaph. I'll just say that while the translation here is based on the original Witch Hunt translation that was being worked on as the game was being released, it has been checked and revised after the series finished.
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Feb 24, 2017 07:29
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 October 4th, 1986, 11:11 PM  BGM: Play The atrophied, Western-style house that the cousins called a mansion was her home. And yet, she had never understood her cousins' feelings as much as she did today. At the same time, she had never felt her own home, which she knew well, to be as alien as it seemed now...  This had once been her hideaway, the only place in this vast mansion where she could feel at peace. However, she had never felt as much pressure coming from that door as she did now. "...A test, you say...? Tch, what the hell could be waiting in there... I'm not gonna find my desk and stuff dragged around all over the place, right...?"She acted tough, trying to deceive herself. Trying make herself believe that she wasn't scared of anything. Readying herself, she opened the door to her room.  ...When she saw that, fortunately, the room didn't appear to be messed up, she relaxed. No one... was there. Of course. There was nowhere for anyone to hide here. Right away, Jessica locked the door behind her. This way, the room was safe. She peeked under the bed and in the closet, but of course, no one was hiding.  "...Wh-What the hell. Haha, haha...!"She looked at the clock. Ten past eleven, or just a little past that. As her tension lessened and fatigue came back to her entire body, she realized how messed up this whole day had been. It was still only eleven. The plan had been for all the cousins to gather, have fun playing around, and talk animatedly about various things together into the night. Normally, we would've been doing that kind of thing right now. Why... has that turned into this...?  She shook her head back and forth with anger and sadness... But there was no one here to direct those emotions at. Because of the lock, this room's security was guaranteed. Remembering that one more time, Jessica somehow regained her calm... If it keeps up like this and nothing happens... I want to go to the dining hall and see Mom's dead face. Even though Gohda emphasized so strongly that it was gruesome and that I definitely shouldn't go to look at it, even so, I wanted to see her face at the end... But we were warned repeatedly that stepping out of line even a little would put the hostages in danger. Could it be that locking the door was also against the rules...? If I close myself up in here, I alone might be saved. But if I don't open it, it'll surely be against the rules, and Dad, Kanon-kun, Shannon, Aunt Kyrie and Doctor Nanjo... will be killed. There's no way the scales will balance out between five lives and my own one life. Jessica tightly shut her eyes, resisting the other part of herself that said 'Isn't it okay as long as I stay alive?', faced the door, and made to unlock it. ...At that time. Clap, clap, clap... A crisp applause rang out, making Jessica's heart leap...  BGM: Fishy Aroma  "However, you resisted that temptation and were about to unlock the door yourself. That bravery of yours is worthy of admiration." "Wh-Who..."If I, the owner of this room, searched everywhere a human could've been hiding, where did this man... come from...? There was nowhere for a Human to hide, but could something non-Human have managed it...? This was supposedly my first meeting with this largely-built, middle-aged man. I didn't recognize this guy, who looked like a butler and bore the crest of the One-Winged Eagle. "A pleasure to meet you, Jessica-sama. I serve as head furniture for the Master, the 27th of the 72. I am called Ronove." "...Rono...ue...? Genji...san...?" "...Ah yes, Genji is like my little brother. Or perhaps he was my true form while in this world. You might even say he was my vessel." "...What's... this guy... saying...?" "Oh, my apologies. This is not something a Human would be able to understand. Well then, let us move on to the main event." "So this is... that test or whatever the drat geezer talked about...?" "Correct. This is the test that the Master has granted you, Jessica-sama."At Ronove's elegant gesture, like that of a butler ordering for a meal to be set out, many gold butterflies flew up out of nowhere... "Gwah?! What the...hell...?!" With a gesture, Ronove urged her to pick it up. Jessica timidly did so... and opened the letter inside... "...What's... this...?" "It is an exceedingly simple test to determine whether one is qualified to become the Successor. Please attend to the question written there with a fitting attitude for the Successor who is to support the Ushiromiya family... and tell me your answer, as well as the thoughts that led you to it." "...D-Dumbass..."Shaking, Jessica looked between the paper and Ronove's face several times...  If things had gone normally, he had planned to give Shannon the ring that would be proof of their engagement... here, at this time, on this day. But the woman in front of George now was not Shannon.  "..."George picked up the Western envelope, which was on the table where he'd once had tea with Shannon, and read its contents... Perhaps its message was short. After glancing at it, George's eyes grew sharp. "...What's this supposed to be?" "Ehheheheheh. It is as you see. This is the test given to you, to see if you're qualified to be the Successor. As you ask yourself whether you truly are so qualified, answer that question." "...What a... stupid question." "That's right. It really is a stupid question. Doesn't that mean the Ushiromiya family inheritance is also something on that level in Goldsmith's eyes? Heheheh."George lowered his eyes to the surface of the letter once again, examining its contents...  "...'Among the three mentioned below, in order to gain two, sacrifice one'." "It's a simple three choices. Decide for yourself which one you will choose to abandon." "If you refuse to choose, the test will be suspended. I've been given permission to kill you right here by my own hands. If you want to include even that as a choice, then there are four options. It's been an awful long time since I've gotten to play with a kid like you, so I can't say I'd be disappointed." "...Are these three choices only a test? Or will the consequence of my choice be carried out?" "Don't be so naive. The one you choose will definitely lose their life." "..." Among the three mentioned below... In order to gain two, sacrifice one. 1. Your life 2. Shannon's life 3. Everyone else's lives If you do not choose one, all of the above will be lost. "...Why is Shannon's name here?" "The second choice has the name of the one most needed and most loved by the test-taker. I believe Kanon's name is written second on Jessica's test." "...You gave this stupid question to Jessica too...?" "*giggle*giggle* You shouldn't be worrying about Jessica, right? Right now, you are the one being tested. It really is a simple three-choice test. Which can you throw away for the sake of the other two? Isn't that simple? If you still can't decide, would you like me to lend you a coin...?" "...A coin? How would you choose between three options with something that only has two sides?" "No one would throw away their own life. So, there remain two choices that will leave you standing. Will you give up on everyone for the sake of the one you love? Or will you give up on the one person you love so that you can save as many people as possible? Either way, you should be able to find a fitting just cause. After all, this Rokkenjima is now a demon island. The sentimental relationships of the Human world aren't necessary here. No one will blame you. Do as your heart desires. And ask yourself whether you're qualified to succeed the Ushiromiya family Headship..." "Or rather, make your decision as if you truly were the Ushiromiya Family Head, okay? Hehheheheheh..." "..." BGM: The Candles Dance Jessica crumpled the letter up and threw it on the floor. "I believe your anger is quite appropriate. I also find it an exceedingly pitiful... and yet truly humorous question. Pu ku ku ku." "How could anyone wish to die themselves? And how could anyone want to remain alive after abandoning the life of the one they... l-love. And... how could anyone massacre everyone else, as long as it's good for the two of them...?!" "No, Jessica-sama. Such a person could exist. This is Rokkenjima, the demon island! It is now completely cut off from the Human world and fully immersed in the spirit world like cheese fondue. Values of the human world get taken out with the trash." "Pu ku ku! So please. Rank the things you desire from the bottom of your heart. Whatever remains will become a fitting answer for you in this insane evening." "Don't gently caress with me!! How could I... choose any of these?!!" "'If you do not choose one, all of the above will be lost'... also makes for a fine fourth option. Even choosing that should give us an amusing show." "But since that choice will result in the loss of your own life in the end, I believe it would be more wise to be pure and choose the first one, 'your life', so that the other two will be saved. Everything has been entrusted to your decision, Jessica-sama." "Please, let me hear an answer and conviction fitting for the Successor to the Ushiromiya Family Headship...!! I, Ronove, am sincerely hoping for a wonderful answer, fitting for the Master's descendant who shares his blood!!" "...D-drat iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiittt..."That scene was observed through the magic crystal ball Kinzo held. Kinzo finally couldn't hold it back and, spreading his arms and facing the heavens, began laughing in an explosive voice...   "Isn't this problem so easy that you could answer right away? Isn't this a question that should cause you to waver less than whether to put butter or jam on your morning toast?!! Do you people know the correct answer?"He turned to face the Chiester Sisters, who had been waiting on him. "N-N-No, my apologies, I don't know, Lord Goldsmith!" "Fool, not choosing at all means game oveeeeeeeeeeeer!!! You foolish rabbit, who cannot even choose a reason or a goal for your own life...!! You aren't worth a single ant that anyone might step upon without even noticing!! Die! Be crushed!! Disappear faster than I can blink!! And what of you?" "...I would sacrifice the first one, 'your own life', sir. Weapons fight and die in battle. And weapons exist to destroy enemies and protect allies. Being able to protect those we love and then die is our satisfaction, sir." "Hoh. A truly splendid model answer for a weapon. The immediate reply is very nice. So, have you been raised to think you'll be given an extra carrot for answering that way? Heheheheh, that's wrong, seeeeeeeee? Even that is wrong, seeeeeeeeeeeeeeee...?" "Answering that way when you are asked is nothing more than giving the answer you have been indoctrinated with!! You are the same as that other rabbit a second ago. You still live without having chosen a purpose or goal to strive for...!! You filth that doesn't deserve to live...! It would suit you well to be crushed and used as fodder for the other livestock!!" "...! Yes sir! Animal fodder... would be an honor...!" "I don't think sooooo! You don't want to see anyone else die anymore, riiiiiiight? Why can't you accept that? Accept that the depths of the depths of your old wound are still festering and rotting...! Yes, the rotting stench would make the nose wrinkle, you foolish rotten rabbit!! These are words of praise for you!!" "...Th-Thank you very much, sir..." "Nihi. Without wavering, I'd chose the second one." "Hoh... The second. There are not many who could stick their chest out and choose to offer 'the one they love' as a sacrifice. Tell me your reason." "Because the one you love will be lost eventually. If you don't love anyone, you won't get hurt, and if you lose someone, you still might be able to love again. So, the person you love right now isn't worth that much at all nyeh. Nihi!" "*cackle*cackle*cackle* I see, so that is why you reach such an answer, you rabbit who has become cowardly from pain caused by love... I have heard that rabbits can die from loneliness, but just when was it that your heart was killed...?" "Then, rabbit, I shall alter the question. Why don't I change the second option to, not 'the one you love', but 'the memories of the one you loved'? How is that? Can you still select that one? What's this about the one you love not being worth much at all, foolish rabbit...?!" "Filth who cannot even face up to the depths of her own love!! Try and choose it, try and choose to have the one you loved forgotten!! You can do it, right? I'll bet you can, riiiiiiiight? Cooooome on, try saying that you can, okaaaaaaaaaaaayy?!?!" "Y-Yes, I can choose it... I can choose it...!! Nihi, nihihihihihihihihihiiihii..." "L-Lord Goldsmith...! Please, stop this...!!" "Hihiiihiii... Hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinnggg...!!" "Enough, rabbit filth!! Go to Virgilia and help keep watch on the dungeon. Disappear!!"The Chiester Sisters, with their respective old wounds of the heart gouged out, escaped by disappearing. After that, even though there was no one to hear, Kinzo continued talking by himself as though in a play...  "Instead, regardless of which answer they choose, it is about whether they can choose without hesitation, quickly, and with a resolute conviction and their own strong, unshakable will!!" "It's their reason and their willpower that are most essential. That is what I want to learn." Yes, my descendants, I am truly looking forward to what kind of answer you will show me!!" "...Hmmmm? Me? *cackle*cackle*cackle*cackle*! Yes, of course I once had the same question thrust upon me. Because I splendidly answered that devil's question, I was able to obtain gold and honor, and that witch as my possession."
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Feb 24, 2017 14:24
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Yay, I can finally post the greatest kinzoface from the original art: GOLDSMITH's eyes are so powerful that they can break the medium. AfroSquirrel fucked around with this message at 14:55 on Feb 24, 2017 |
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Feb 24, 2017 14:43
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So if I'm reading this correct, Kinzo was given this same list of options, and chose to give up the one he loved without hesitation? drat that's cold.
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Feb 24, 2017 15:02
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Feb 24, 2017 15:08
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RedMagus posted:So if I'm reading this correct, Kinzo was given this same list of options, and chose to give up the one he loved without hesitation? I read that as he gave up the lives of everyone in his family.
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Feb 24, 2017 15:20
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savixeon posted:I read that as he gave up the lives of everyone in his family. But the choice is something he loved, not his family
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Feb 24, 2017 15:22
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SatansOnion posted:But the choice is something he loved, not his family Was it? I was going of the questions given to George and Jessica to figure out what Kinzo gave up.
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Feb 24, 2017 15:28
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| # ? May 12, 2024 01:52 |
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Yeah, Kinzo defs killed his family. His second option couldn't have been anything but Beatrice, and in "get rid of one to save the other two" it's almost really a win/win for him, I can't imagine the Ushiromiya tradition of being horrible people was any less strong in the 30s.
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Feb 24, 2017 16:22
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