Start of a transcript of Bleach of Etiquette

Demonstrate competency in six arts and become Geisha? You've failed twice. The third time must be the charm, Demetoria-san.

An Agenda Planner by J. D. Berry (jdberry@cox.net)

*****
Warning. This game contains implied sexual situations and strong language.
*****

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Warning. The help feature for this game was recently rated "Worst Help" based on statistics compiled by Feedback Inc. It has been disabled until modifications are made. *****

Release 1 / Serial number 020927 / Inform v6.21 Library 6/10
Standard interpreter 1.0 (6F) / Library serial number 991113

>when all
"The bear is available in the morning."
"The goat is available at night and at midnight."
"The monkey is available at noon."
"The fox is available in the morning and at noon."
"The elephant is available in the evening and at night."

"The conservatory would be free any time except dawn and night and midnight."
"The theater would be free any time except dawn and night and midnight."
"The tea room would be free any time except midnight."
"The laboratory would be free any time except midnight."
"The studio would be free any time except dawn and night and midnight."
"The gardens would be free any time except dawn and midnight."



>b bear morning
"I will book the bear for that time slot," says Junna-chan.

>b monkey noon
"I will book the monkey for that time slot," says Junna-chan.

>b goat midnight
"I will book the goat for that time slot," says Junna-chan.

>research dawn
You note this on your personal calendar.

>r flowers night
"I will reserve the gardens for that time slot," says Junna-chan.

>r tea afternoon
"I will reserve the tea room for that time slot," says Junna-chan.

>cal
Your Monday schedule:

Dawn -- research
Morning -- Vidoru
Noon -- Zyun
Afternoon -- tea
Evening -- Empty
Night -- gardens
Midnight -- Gaho

>r theatre evening
"I will reserve the theater for that time slot," says Junna-chan.

    Research (a.k.a. discover test loopholes) at dawn or midnight. Practice rooms aren't open (except for a few activities permitted at dawn), and it's uncommon for clients to want those time slots.

    Someone has to get squeezed out of the schedule, so I'm bagging foxy Chizumi this time. I'll have to see her tomorrow. It's more important (at least from my perspective) to get Vidoru and Zyun.

    Zyun is a must-see. Getting favorable judges is critical to success. (I'm sure we've all had professors where no matter what we did we got an "A", yet had others with whom no matter how hard we tried, we were a "C". Yet, we were the same student. Perception, baby.) "Improving" judges improves your ability in all 6 arts.

    Important from a strategy perspective is Vidoru. He gives you a skill at random (except flowers.) Personally, I like to see early on what that skill is so I can plan accordingly. That's why I've deferred the dance lessons from Chizumi. I know I can always get those (whether I learn or not is a different story.)

    Last client to get in is Gaho. Often a good fill for midnight for reasons similar to the ones I listed for research, above. Yes, I could try going to the lab, but it's important to see the level of love he has to manipulate him later. Also, it gets me more quickly to favor 3 (the most helpful of the favors.) There are only 5 days to meet.

    I'm not bothering with Soh yet. He's not unimportant, even though he can't give any game-helping favors. More on him, later.

    I ALWAYS go to the gardens on Monday. Flower arranging is the hardest of the arts to get help with (only randomly from Uji-Fuji, and through "across-the-board" help from Katsu), AND you can't get that test banned. Learning early your potential in that art is crucial.

    I'll round out my day with the Tea Room and the Theater. I usually choose these for similar reasons as the gardens--it's easier to get help with the other arts.

>done

dawn

(Who needs all that white make-up that every other Geisha wears? For one, it would only hide your raw beauty--gild the lily. For two, you are an albino-- bleach the swan. For--what number are you on?--oh, yes, three, you're allergic to the stuff--pepper the sneezer.)

Library Documents and books not referenced by Junna-chan in a routine day are stacked on sagging shelves here. Dust, of which not a trace may be found elsewhere, is noticeable here. A musty smell permeates.

Nearly all of your time is spent poring over irrelevant or unhelpful items.

A newspaper clipping reports that a foreign businessman convinced a local authority to ban smoking on one of his holy days.

From a book on geisha test law, all events must conform with the rules and regulations of the government ... If a test item conflicts, said item must not be held and it must be considered passed.

[continue]

morning
Pearl's Casino
Cacophony.

People rush through an open quadruple entrance and plod through a closed single exit. A hostess wearing a red dress offers obvious information. A dense mass of players and spectators circles every gaming table, a sparser mass connects them all. The waitresses dance to their destinations, present tacit acknowledgements to each member of the chorus line, then engage in the featured encounter.

Elegant glass elevators disappear through the ceiling, heading to tacky rooms and tackier suites.

The cacophony does not relent, but it settles into the background.

Ten minutes past your appointed time, Vidoru arrives. His walk does not betray it, but you've never been with him when he wasn't under the influence of alcohol.

"Shall we begin our time together, Demetoria-san?"

There's a pause, then the two of you bow.

Vidoru wastes no time getting to the craps table. "Demetoria-san, tell the cocktail waitress how I like my martinis." He throws the dice, not expecting a reply. You obey, but his instructions are a formality. This staff has served him for years.

(You're owed favors by all of your clients. At an opportune moment during the course of this encounter, what favor will you try to redeem?)
1) None
2) Test Assistance

(What level of pressure will you apply?)
1) Hint
2) Ask
3) Insist
4) Demand
5) Ultimatum

    Use the cheat sheet's client table to follow along. Except for those few times where I use more pressure than normal, assume I've chosen the minimum level to succeed.

"Of course, my dear."

"I have an odd little electronic device to help you dance. I'll have one of my boys deliver it to your house."

    I don't know yet if this is lucky or unlucky. It will depend on my dance potential. Dancing instruction is readily available from Chizumi, but if I have two left feet, this device might be a BIG help.

Fade to sack.

[continue]

noon
Autumn Leaves Bathhouse
A labyrinth of corridors connects the dressing areas to the rooms for bath. The rooms are small and lockable. Each contains a porcelain tub capable of holding four average-sized persons or ennobling two. A greenhouse ceiling obscures the view of the bathhouse's waterfall, itself obscuring the wafting giggles.

A boy, no, a man dressed in black sees you. He bears his teeth, then surrounds them with a smile. Zyun.

"Doll-san, my day is complete--your face, it never ceases to delight me."

There's a pause, then the two of you bow.

"You wouldn't believe how many lives are influenced based on deals made in these baths."

(What favor will you try to redeem?)
1) None
2) Test Assistance

(What level of pressure will you apply?)
1) Hint
2) Ask
3) Insist
4) Demand
5) Ultimatum

"You want it, you got it, Doll-san."

"Spring makes everyone happier. Even geisha judges are more agreeable this time of year. Would you not agree, Doll-san?"

You perform your special "exotic lips" dance before you leave.

[continue]

afternoon
Tea Room
A tatami mat covers most of the floor. By the far wall, an iron brazier heats an iron kettle. By the near, a shelf holds bowls, pitchers and utensils.

A scroll proclaiming spring's goodness hangs in an alcove.

The tea room air seems to whisper mocking words.

You set your mind to the task at hand, practicing like you've never practiced before--in the negative sense.

You finish. Finally.

You felt you were possibly on the verge of learning a key element. Maybe.

    Check the cheat sheet. I know from this that I should have just learned something, but I've reached my potential in the tea ceremony and can never naturally improve.

The geisha assigned to this room today says, "Based on your performance, I would give you a yellow flag (marginal).

    Ah... but looks like I've started out the game with some skill in the Tea Ceremony. Now, again, from the cheat sheet, the judge is within 1 point of my actual ability. Based on the yellow flag, I know I have a 2, 3 or 4 level shuffling tea cups. I've just started, though, and didn't learn anything from this particular practice session, so I know it's only a 2 or 3. That'll be good enough to pass the test on Saturday if the judges should mysteriously change and I meet Katsu. I need never bother with the Tea Room again.

It is my humble opinion that you have reached your potential in this art."

    She's nailed it.


[continue]

evening
Theater
A circular platform rises from the room's center, several artificial trees linger on top. On the floor, twenty or so mats surround the stage.

Well, let's get this over with...

You set your mind to the task at hand.

You finish. Finally.

Alas, you're quite sure you didn't learn a thing.

The geisha assigned to this room today says, "Based on your performance, I would give you a green flag (failing).

I see talent within you and the potential for a red flag on Saturday."

    Hmmm... OK, I suck at acting, but I have good potential. I'm making a note to visit the theater tomorrow, next time with feeling.

[continue]

night
Gardens
Plum trees past bloom and cherries in full balance this atrium. Cultivated shrubbery fill in the appropriate gaps. Near one of the plums stands a stone table and two benches.

Well, let's get this over with...

You set your mind to the task at hand.

You finish. Finally.

Alas, you're quite sure you didn't learn a thing.

The geisha assigned to this room today says, "Based on your performance, I would give you a green flag (failing).

I regret you will never achieve better than a green flag, Saturday."

    Uh oh. I suck at flower arranging and have no potential. I have only a few ways to fix this. I can hope Uji-Fuji has a flower-arranging device (yeah, you know, it's the latest rage in Fiji.) I have a 3 to 1 chance to get one if we meet both days. More likely, I should visit Katsu, get Eiji to distract Akko and schedule the flower portion for dawn on Saturday.

[continue]

midnight
Pearl's Casino
A strong hand touches your shoulder. Gaho.

"Demetoria-san, you're here. Your face is as perfect as always."

There's a pause, then the two of you bow.

"I need something exciting to take my mind off things."

(What favor will you try to redeem?)
1) None
2) Test Assistance

(What level of pressure will you apply?)
1) Hint
2) Ask
3) Insist
4) Demand
5) Ultimatum

"Of course. How I can resist the most beautiful girl in the world?"

Gaho tutors you, trying various tricks to help you understand math. A shock to both of you--you absorb some of the rules.

You end the encounter contributing to the popular opinion that Geisha do that sort of thing.

    OK, at least I learned a little math. I'll mark +1 on the sheet.

[continue]

"My dear Demetoria-san," says the headmistress, again through the diaphanous wall. "I am obligated to inform you that a priest of Benzaiten has honored our humble town with his holy presence. Perhaps his counsel will reveal a path more harmonious for you."

Agenda Room

[New instruction: COUNSEL

    I have appointment flexibility, today.

    From here on, I'll spare you the text and typos of arranging the schedule with Junna and move right to the day's final calendar.

>cal
Your Tuesday schedule:

Dawn -- Zyun
Morning -- Chizumi
Noon -- conservatory
Afternoon -- theater
Evening -- Soh
Night -- counsel
Midnight -- Gaho

    Zyun, of course. This time, Chizumi instead of Vidoru. I need to check my harp skills or lack thereof. I know I have acting potential this game, so I want to hone my ability.

    I'm visiting Soh. I'm going to need him to contact Gregory--he's the only one with access. Now, I won't be able to get the contact, but I need to ensure his love level will be low enough for when the time comes.

    I want the "optimal" ending to the game, so I choose to get counseling. And I round it off by learning some more math. (I hope.)

>done

dawn
Museum of Modern Art
This massive building invites its patrons to browse its art any time, day or night. Some of the displays incorporate many different elements and require an entire room to house them. Some insist that no more than one or two may experience them at any one time. Intimate personal interaction is essential.

The clacking of boot heels where it isn't appropriate? Yes, there struts Zyun.

"Doll-san, my day is complete--your face, it never ceases to delight me."

There's a pause, then the two of you bow.

Zyun picks up a briefcase that you hadn't noticed. "Need to drop this off near the Fuji wing, Doll-san. Then we can have some fun."

(What favor will you try to redeem?)
1) None
2) Test Assistance

(What level of pressure will you apply?)
1) Hint
2) Ask
3) Insist
4) Demand
5) Ultimatum

"You want it, you got it, Doll-san."

"There's a flu bug going around. I've heard even geisha judges are getting it."

The encounter concludes with your extrapersonal services and the client's extraordinary gratuity. Sayonara.

[continue]

morning
Museum of Modern Art
A tall, thin woman poses near a wall. She carries herself with a practiced poise, each of her moves a study in grace. Her face holds an odd mix of charm and challenge, of femininity and austerity. She's no you--who is?--nor your headmistress--few are--but she's prettier than average.

That Chizumi pays for your services, you'll never quite understand. But she's a generous client in many ways. And business is business.

"My heart has not ceased its jumping since last we met, Demetoria-chan," says Chizumi.

There's a pause, then the two of you bow.

"Let's go to the Fuji wing. Everyone's talking about the new exhibits there."

(What favor will you try to redeem?)
1) None
2) Test Assistance

(What level of pressure will you apply?)
1) Hint
2) Ask
3) Insist
4) Demand
5) Ultimatum

"Do not push, dear Demetoria-chan. I will help you."

    I applied more pressure than needed. Her heart has not ceased its jumping? I'll never get a contact from her unless she gets over this crazy-in-love thing. What better way to do that than nagging demands?

Chizumi has witnessed your dancing skills in the past. She teaches you some showmanship, like baring your leg accidentally, and varying your facial expressions. She reveals many of the little tricks of audience manipulation that don't demand actual skill.

You remember struggles with your kimono and how the client always smiled. An epiphany! You add the dance move to your repertoire.

    Adding +1 to dance

The encounter concludes with your extrapersonal services and the client's extraordinary gratuity. Sayonara.

[continue]

noon
Conservatory
On a platform near the door, an elegant harp eclipses a wooden stool. On the floor, mats are arranged in columns of three.

A breeze flows from the open windows.

Oh, conservatory, be kind, be kind.

You set your mind to the task at hand.

You finish. Finally.

Alas, you're quite sure you didn't learn a thing.

The geisha assigned to this room today says, "Based on your performance, I would give you a green flag (failing).

It is my humble opinion that you have reached your potential in this art."

    If you must suck at an art (and you must, you must), harp, dance and theatre are the ones to suck at. You can get a test in one of those banned. And that's just what I'll have to do.

    At least I won't have to bother with the conservatory until Saturday. That's one more time-slot for something else.

[continue]

afternoon
Theater

Oh, theater, be kind, be kind.

You set your mind to the task at hand.

You finish. Finally.

Alas, you're quite sure you didn't learn a thing.

    Rats.

The geisha assigned to this room today says, "Based on your performance, I would give you a green flag (failing).

I see talent within you and the potential for a red flag on Saturday."

[continue]

evening
Pearl's Casino
A large man wearing black glasses and carrying a cane stands here. Soh. "Ah, the perfume of the sweet Demetoria-san."

"I have awaited our time together."

There's a pause, then the two of you bow.

"Show me to the sports book, Demetoria-san. I want some action on tomorrow's baseball game. The Swallows have that American on the mound. Early Winn. He's going to learn early how we hit over here. What? Oh, that's the English word for... ah, never mind."

(What favor will you try to redeem?)
1) None
2) Choice cuts


(What level of pressure will you apply?)
1) Hint
2) Ask
3) Insist
4) Demand
5) Ultimatum

"Such feistiness, my dear Demetoria-san. But I'll arrange the usual delivery to the orphanage."

    I didn't need such pressure, but I forgot to look his exact words in his opening lines (which indicate he's neutral towards me this game.) Oh well, it didn't cost me. Lucky.

    I know the contact is obtainable next time.

You perform your special "exotic lips" dance before you leave.

[continue]

night
Reception Room in the Temple of Benzaiten
The door resists, then opens. This simple room stands adjacent to the temple's main foyer, but is used only when a priest is present.

In another room, someone is playing a harp.

A gray-haired but vigorous-looking priest smiles. "My child, you have the gift within you." You look at your stomach. He places his hands over your eyes. "The gift of love-sight. After I remove my hands, you will be able to see the aura of love people have for you."

He removes his hands. The priest hasn't changed, but you can see an intense white glow surrounding him.

"You have experienced enough for today, my child. Go, now."

[continue]

midnight
Pearl's Casino
You spot Gaho's Fu Manchu mustache.

"Demetoria-san, you're here. Your face is as perfect as always."

There's a pause, then the two of you bow.

"I'm looking forward to testing my new blackjack formula."

(What favor will you try to redeem?)
1) None
2) Test Assistance


(What level of pressure will you apply?)
1) Hint
2) Ask
3) Insist
4) Demand
5) Ultimatum

"Of course. How I can resist the most beautiful girl in the world?"

Gaho tutors you, trying various tricks to help you understand math. A shock to both of you--you absorb some of the rules.

    Mark another +1 under math. With Katsu's help I'll have at least a 3 in that category. Now I don't have to go to the lab until Saturday.

You end the encounter the same way you always do.

[continue]

Subtle words do not arrive. A womanly shadow does not appear.

A small rectangle leans against the bottom of the wall.

A schedule penned by the headmistress.

No one would dare touch the page, but a mental snapshot could be taken of its intimate names: Eiji, Ujifuji, Katsu, Haseo, Gregory.

Agenda Room

>when all
"The bear is available at night."
"The goat is available at night and at midnight."
"The monkey is available in the evening."
"The fox is available in the morning and at noon."
"The elephant is available in the evening and at night."

"The conservatory would be free any time except dawn and night and midnight."
"The theater would be free any time except dawn and night and midnight."
"The tea room would be free any time except midnight."
"The laboratory would be free any time except midnight."
"The studio would be free any time except dawn and night and midnight."
"The gardens would be free any time except dawn and midnight."

    The clients are clustered a little too much in the later hours, but nothing I can't deal with.

>cal
Your Wednesday schedule:

Dawn -- counsel
Morning -- Chizumi
Noon -- theater
Afternoon -- research
Evening -- Soh
Night -- Vidoru
Midnight -- Gaho

    OK, get in counseling session 2 of 3. Today is "contact" day. I know I can get 4 of them, all today. I won't need Haseo.

    I still need one more research (if you want to take advantage of the loopholes, you need to know they exist.)

    And I'll take yet another stab at the theater. Who knew acting was so difficult?

>done

dawn
Reception Room in the Temple of Benzaiten
"You do not belong here, my child," says the priest. "Your world awaits its high priestess." He points to you.

"If you desire true fulfillment, return here tomorrow. The choice is easy to make but difficult to consider."

[continue]

morning
East New England Inn
A four-story log lodge nestles against the base of a small wooded hill. Cross- country skis rest against a sweeping porch, completing the illusion of ski resort in the city. A tavern hall on the ground floor offers its guests stone fireplaces, blue-and-white tablecloths and all the hot cocoa they can drink.

Each of the bedrooms upstairs boasts its own name and theme, but all contain similar furnishings: a canopied bed, a fireplace, an antique chest of drawers. An appropriate oil painting, some room-unique linen and different window views attempt to overcome that realization.

Chizumi strides over wearing a scarlet kimono. She normally dresses in neutral tones and in casual style. The kimono doesn't hide her fluidity of motion, it almost seems to enhance it.

"A meeting with you and I am alive again, Demetoria-chan," says Chizumi. [You note her mild red glow.]

    I thought my demands would bring her down a notch. Heh.

There's a pause, then the two of you bow.

"Shall we warm ourselves by the fire, Demetoria-chan?"

(What favor will you try to redeem?)
1) None
2) Test Assistance
3) Contact Information and Referrals

I've been in several ballets with Katsu as the orchestra conductor. He'd probably be interested in you."

[code name: angel]

The encounter concludes with your extrapersonal services and the client's extraordinary gratuity. Sayonara.

[continue]

noon
Theater

Oh, theater, be kind, be kind.

You set your mind to the task at hand.

You finish. Finally.

Alas, you're quite sure you didn't learn a thing.

    Son of a...

The geisha assigned to this room today says, "Based on your performance, I would give you a green flag (failing).

I see talent within you and the potential for a red flag on Saturday."

    I'm beginning to question myself.

[continue]

afternoon
Library

Nearly all of your time is spent poring over irrelevant or unhelpful items.

A section on judges states that the headmistress of the prospective geisha must be on the panel. An esoteric subclause states that the headmistress must judge at least half of the events, but may, for the remainder, appoint an alternate as the needs of her house dictate.

[continue]

evening
Autumn Leaves Bathhouse
Soh is standing near the door when a young woman trips over his big feet. He cushions her descent and corrects her course. Normal returns, realization hits.

"Miss, I am terribly sorry."

The woman bows repeatedly. "Sir, I do humbly apologize. I did not realize you were... I assumed you would... I am so"

Soh interrupts her with a smile and some friendly words. "Miss, miss. You're fine, I'm fine. Please, enjoy your day. I know my friend Demetoria-san and I surely will." Soh smiles at you.

"I have awaited our time together." [You note his mild red glow.]

There's a pause, then the two of you bow.

"Maybe you will describe autumn leaves as I lose myself in the hot water?" asks Soh. He knows you can't, but he also knows that in a few hours he won't care that you couldn't.

(What favor will you try to redeem?)
1) None
2) Choice cuts
3) Contact Information and Referrals

"I know Gregory. He's a diplomat from Canada. Says my chops are the best he's tasted here.

I know he entertains and likes the ladies. I'll see if he's interested.

[code name: boot]

The encounter concludes with your extrapersonal services and the client's extraordinary gratuity. Sayonara.

[continue]

night
East New England Inn
You wait fifteen minutes for the old man. He's chronologically 57, but add a career of fourteen-hour days, booze and loose women, and you get 75.

85 when you remember to carry the one.

"Shall we begin our time together, Demetoria-san?"

There's a pause, then the two of you bow.

"Demetoria-san, see if they have Irish cream," says Vidoru. He sits at a table near a window, opens his briefcase and pulls out a notepad. He scribbles some figures, shakes his head, then scribbles some more.

(What favor will you try to redeem?)
1) None
2) Test Assistance
3) Contact Information and Referrals

"I've done some business with Uji-Fuji. I'll make the arrangements after we're through here, Demetoria-san."

[code name: heart]

The encounter concludes with your extrapersonal services and the client's extraordinary gratuity. Sayonara.

[continue]

midnight Pearl's Casino For the third time this week, Gaho looks sad.

"Demetoria-san, you're here. Your face is as perfect as always."

There's a pause, then the two of you bow.

"We've been here a lot this week, haven't we?"

(What favor will you try to redeem?)
1) None
2) Test Assistance
3) Contact Information and Referrals

"I used to coach Eiji when he was in school. I'll set you up."

[code name: thunder]

Fade to sack.

    Main mission accomplished: I got all four contacts. Secondary mission accomplished: research and counsel. Now if I could just find a book on method acting, I'd be golden.

[continue]

"I am sorry I was not here yesterday, Demetoria-san," says the headmistress from behind the diaphanous wall. "My duty is to my clients, first and foremost." Akko clears her throat. If she was waiting for a reply, she did not wait long. For now she is gone.

Agenda Room

>when all
"The bear is available at dawn."
"The goat is available at night and at midnight."
"The monkey is available in the evening."
"The fox is available in the morning and at noon."
"The elephant is available in the evening and at night."
"The thunder is available in the evening."
"The heart is available at dawn."
"The angel is available at noon and at midnight."
"The boot is available at dawn and in the evening."

    My favorite part of the game. I love the possibilities.

"The conservatory would be free any time except dawn and night and midnight."
"The theater would be free any time except dawn and night and midnight."
"The tea room would be free any time except midnight."
"The laboratory would be free any time except midnight."
"The studio would be free any time except dawn and night and midnight."
"The gardens would be free any time except dawn and midnight."


>cal
Your Thursday schedule:

Dawn -- Ujifuji
Morning -- counsel
Noon -- Chizumi
Afternoon -- theater
Evening -- Gregory
Night -- Gaho
Midnight -- Katsu

    I want to go to all of the new clients. I want the +3 item from Uj, I want Gregory to cancel the harp test, I want the +1's across-the-board from Katsu, But I'll have to postpone Eiji for now. All I'll need is one delay (for the flower arrangement test), get the harp test banned and I should be able to pass everything else.

>done

dawn
Museum of Modern Art
"So, you're the girl Akko-san keeps mentioning," says a tall man in a black, Western-style suit. "Her jealousy told me much, but even so did not do your beauty justice. Amazing.

You offer extra services, correct?"

Uji-fuji stares at you with a haughty air.

"You are a pretty one," says Uji-fuji.

There's a pause, then the two of you bow.

"I've supplied some of the artists who exhibit here," says Uji-fuji. "Do you know how difficult it is obtaining twenty genuine Mayan monkey masks?

(What favor will you try to redeem?)
1) None
2) Test Assistance

(What level of pressure will you apply?)
1) Hint
2) Ask
3) Insist
4) Bribery
5) Blackmail

"You amuse me, girl. I shall grant your request."

"I have a most interesting import I picked up on my last visit to Morocco. I'm not exactly sure how it imputes its powers, but the locals swear it will help you focus on exacting rituals. You wear it around your neck. No one will notice it, but you will feel it working.

    Disappointing. I already had at least a 2 in Tea. Now I have at least 5. Well, even Akko won't give me a green flag, now.

You end the encounter contributing to the popular opinion that Geisha do that sort of thing.

[continue]

morning
Reception Room in the Temple of Benzaiten
The priest, still with the intense white glow, smiles. "Prophecy states, 'A Geisha will lead them.' When you achieve this status, you will transcend to your reality."

[continue]
noon
Museum of Modern Art
Chizumi is back to white casual. Such is often the case before an early practice.

"A meeting with you and I am alive again, Demetoria-chan," says Chizumi. [You note her mild red glow.]

There's a pause, then the two of you bow.

"I remembered the name of that artist we were talking about last time, Demetoria-chan."

(What favor will you try to redeem?)
1) None
2) Test Assistance
3) Contact Information and Referrals

(What level of pressure will you apply?)
1) Hint
2) Ask
3) Insist
4) Demand
5) Ultimatum

"Do not push, dear Demetoria-chan. I will help you."


    Ooops. I thought I was on favor 3. I hope I have enough points to get away with another ultimatum. Maybe if I had tracked that...

Chizumi sighs. "If you could trade a tenth of your beauty for dance, you'd be the best in my troupe and still be Miss Japan, Demetoria-chan.

Let's work on some breathing exercises. We'll take your instincts out of the equation."

The breathing doesn't help your timing or concentration, but it relaxes your muscles.

    Another +1 to dance. I'll have that art in the bag, after a visit to Katsu.

Chizumi stares away. "The forbidden dance..."
Based on the client's satisfaction at the end of the session, you'll make double.

[continue]

afternoon
Theater

The theater air seems to whisper mocking words.

You set your mind to the task at hand.

You finish. Finally.

Alas, you're quite sure you didn't learn a thing.

    But Keanu taught me everything I know...

The geisha assigned to this room today says, "Based on your performance, I would give you a green flag (failing).

I see talent within you and the potential for a red flag on Saturday."

[continue]

evening
Pearl's Casino
"I think I will request another geisha, my dear Demetoria-san," says a brown- haired European man. "If Akko-san was beautiful, and you are perfection, imagine what my third will be."

Surely this is Gregory. He wears a Western-style suit with leather boots. His face, though certainly not Japanese, blends with the surroundings. He carries himself with confidence.

There's a pause, then the two of you bow.

"We'll have to avoid the blackjack tables, Demetoria-san. They don't let me play anymore. Card counting? What's that? And what's a few hundred thousand yen to a big casino?" Gregory smiles.

"Shall we see the city from upstairs, my dear?"

(What favor will you try to redeem?)
1) None
2) Test Assistance

(What level of pressure will you apply?)
1) Hint
2) Ask
3) Insist
4) Bribery
5) Blackmail

"An insistent tart, aren't you love?"

"I'll arrange a deal with the consulate. What do you need banned, my dear? Oh, I'm afraid you'd need to sleep with Winston Churchill to get them to ban tea, math or flower arranging." He smiles.

1) Harp 2) Theater 3) Dance

    Be gone, foul harp.

Based on the client's satisfaction at the end of the session, you'll make double.
[continue]

night
East New England Inn
Gaho catches your eye from a distance. You recognize his deliberate walk.

"Demetoria-san, you're here. Your face is as perfect as always."

There's a pause, then the two of you bow.

"I've always wanted to see this place. I wonder if America really looks like this."

(What favor will you try to redeem?)
1) None
2) Test Assistance
3) Contact Information and Referrals

(What level of pressure will you apply?)
1) Hint
2) Ask
3) Insist
4) Demand
5) Ultimatum

"I've had it with all of your demands. I'm calling your house and removing my name."

    Gosh, I hope I find some way to recover from the pain.

    I didn't think he had enough points left, but I didn't need him regardless. So, I demanded.


[continue]

midnight
Museum of Modern Art
A resonating baritone sings to your ears, "Demetoria-san, I am Katsu. I am most honored to make your acquaintance." You turn to face the soothing voice and see a man of average height and bland face. "Such an intelligent face," Katsu says. "The gifts within are greater than the beautiful wrapping."

"Your face inspires melodies worthy of the gods." [You note his intense white glow.]

There's a pause, then the two of you bow.

"I've seen all of the exhibits here, believe it or not, Demetoria-san. So I leave the choice to you. What would you like to see?"

(What favor will you try to redeem?)
1) None
2) Test Assistance

(What level of pressure will you apply?)
1) Hint
2) Ask
3) Insist
4) Bribery
5) Blackmail



Katsu smiles at your attempts to curry favor. He holds your arms in front of you and gazes into your eyes. "My dear, Demetoria-san, the serenity you seek already flows within you."

A sense of instinctual control washes over you, the pictures in your mind will be translated by your body with more accuracy. New vistas are painted in your mind, each a new awareness.

Katsu kisses your lips--beginning with tenderness, tumbling into passion and boiling with raw intensity. An eternity passes. When you open your eyes, he is gone.

    Touched by an angel.

    Mark it. +1's all around.

[continue]

"I trust you have your affairs in order, Demetoria-san. Tomorrow will be your last day here." With that, Akko's shadow fades into the house.

Agenda Room

>when all
"The bear is available at noon."
"The monkey is available at noon."
"The fox is available in the morning and at noon."
"The elephant is available in the evening and at night."
"The thunder is available in the evening."
"The heart is available at dawn."
"The angel is available at noon and at midnight."
"The boot is available at dawn and in the evening."

"The conservatory would be free any time except dawn and night and midnight."
"The theater would be free any time except dawn and night and midnight."
"The tea room would be free any time except midnight."
"The laboratory would be free any time except midnight."
"The studio would be free any time except dawn and night and midnight."
"The gardens would be free any time except dawn and midnight."


>cal
Your Friday schedule:

Dawn -- Ujifuji
Morning -- Chizumi
Noon -- Zyun
Afternoon -- theater
Evening -- Eiji
Night -- gardens
Midnight -- Empty

    A wheel-of-fortune with Uj, a dance boost from the Fox, and one last judge switch.

    I'll try the theater again. I think the sound quality is bad in there. It can't be me.

    I need a little luck to get Eiji to distract Akko at dawn. Because I can't arrange flowers very well and I never will. Just in case, I'll give the gardens one more try. I don't think I'll improve, but maybe the judge was wrong. I have nothing else productive to do with the slots. Hence the Empty slot at midnight.

>done

dawn
East New England Inn
"Even if you fail the geisha test, I'd still like you to be on my staff," says Uji-fuji with a grin. "What would you say to being my upstairs maid?"

"You are a pretty one," says Uji-fuji.

There's a pause, then the two of you bow.

"Akko-san would never have agreed to meet me here," says Uji-fuji. "Let's skip the cocoa, shall we?"

(What favor will you try to redeem?)
1) None
2) Test Assistance

(What level of pressure will you apply?)
1) Hint
2) Ask
3) Insist
4) Bribery
5) Blackmail


"You amuse me, girl. I shall grant your request."

"I have a most interesting import I picked up on my last visit to Indonesia. I'm not exactly sure how it imputes its powers, but the locals swear it will help you gain stage presence. You wear it around your waist. No one will notice it, but you will feel it working.

    FOUR visits to the theater with no results. And then this falls right into my lap. Literally. Hahaha. AHEM.

    Well, however it happens, I have the acting test sewn up. +1 from Katsu, and now +3 to that.

You end the encounter contributing to the popular opinion that Geisha do that sort of thing.

[continue]

morning
Autumn Leaves Bathhouse
Where is Chizumi today? Ah, over there in the blue, Western-style dress. And her pinned hair has been set free.

"Your beauty astounds, Demetoria-chan," says Chizumi.

There's a pause, then the two of you bow.

"These baths are so much more roomy with just women in them."

(What favor will you try to redeem?)
1) None
2) Test Assistance
3) Contact Information and Referrals

(What level of pressure will you apply?)
1) Hint
2) Ask
3) Insist
4) Demand
5) Ultimatum

"You are the most beautiful woman, Demetoria-san. But your price has become too high. You have forgotten too often that I am your client. If I wanted demands placed on me, I could be with almost anyone else for free. As of today, our contract has ended."

    It's not you, it's me.

    I didn't need the points, anyway.

[continue]

noon
East New England Inn
That knife juggling could only mean Zyun. He waves at you with his right hand, then throws a knife with his le--SHIELD THE FACE! ... Ah, his arm followed through, but the knife ended in his waving hand.

"Doll-san, my day is complete [You note his intense red glow.]--your face, it never ceases to delight me."

    Excellent. I still have enough to issue an ultimatum and get the third judge.

There's a pause, then the two of you bow.

"Perfect idea, Babe-san. This place has possibilities." Since he doesn't leer at you when he says this, he means business possibilities.

(What favor will you try to redeem?)
1) None
2) Test Assistance
3) Contact Information and Referrals

(What level of pressure will you apply?)
1) Hint
2) Ask
3) Insist
4) Demand
5) Ultimatum

"You want it, you got it, Doll-san."

"Doll-san, there was an article in the paper recently. Were you aware of the downtrend in the quality of geishas? I wasn't--hey, just look at you! Anyway, the guy blamed the judging--that sometimes judging panels are made up of geisha with questionable qualifications and dubious ethics. That in exceptional situations--it mentioned one where 2/3 of the panel were sent to jail--a judge can even be a non-geisha. Probably just 'life was tougher in the old days' whining."

You end the encounter the same way you always do.

[continue]

afternoon
Theater

The theater air seems to whisper mocking words.

You set your mind to the task at hand.

You finish. Finally.

Alas, you're quite sure you didn't learn a thing.

    A perfect 5 for 5. I can laugh because I don't need it (got lucky with the Uj's acting device.) Otherwise, I wouldn't have found this so amusing.

The geisha assigned to this room today says, "Based on your performance, I would give you a red flag (passing).

I see talent within you and the potential for a red flag on Saturday."

[continue]

evening
East New England Inn
Three teenaged girls surround a young man who is not much taller than they. He autographs their posters, and the girls giggle. He reenacts one of his recent runs--more giggling. He says, 'I painted the last quarter, man it was so out there'--still more giggling.

When he brushes them aside, you see Eiji in his trademark black ski jacket. He spots you and says, "whoa! I see why Akko-san always talks about you. You are really something."

"How's it going, Demetoria-san," says Eiji in Californian English.

There's a pause, then the two of you bow.

"You'd think they'd take better care of their skis--especially if they're going to display them in front of their hotel. And the Nakata line? What were they thinking?"

The skis look nice enough to you.

(What favor will you try to redeem?)
1) None
2) Test Assistance

(What level of pressure will you apply?)
1) Hint
2) Ask
3) Insist
4) Bribery
5) Blackmail


"I'll arrange a dawn date with Akko, if you're extra-accommodating later."

    Yes. The game is mine.

You perform your special "exotic lips" dance before you leave.

[continue]

night
Gardens


The gardens air seems to whisper mocking words.

You set your mind to the task at hand.

You finish. Finally.

You learned a key element.

    Hmmm... that might be more useful than I originally thought. I'm not paying as close attention as I ought. I was only at level one in skill. Yes, I lucked out big time, here. Now with Akko gone and a level 2 skill, the +1 judges will all give me yellow flags.

    Phew.

The geisha assigned to this room today says, "Based on your performance, I would give you a yellow flag (marginal).

I see talent within you and the potential for a red flag on Saturday."

[continue]

midnight
Apprentice's Quarters
A sliding door opens to a tiny room. Cots tuck into each corner, each footing a simple trunk.

Ohan, one of your roommates, changes clothes. Her tight, curvaceous body compensates for a homely face. [You note her mild white glow.] In a state of undress, she whispers to you. "Rumor has it that our headmistress has never slept with anyone. Not even with her Patron." She giggles. "Can you believe that Demetoria-chan? She's a virgin!"

    The horror!

[continue]

Agenda Room

Saturday. Test day. At midnight your fate will be officially announced.

To take each portion of the test, reserve the associated room. (Studio for dance, Conservatory for harp, etc...) The test will run from dawn until night.

>cal
Your Saturday schedule:

Dawn -- gardens
Morning -- laboratory
Noon -- tea
Afternoon -- theater
Evening -- studio
Night -- conservatory
Midnight -- Empty



    The gardens in the morning to avoid Akko and get around my weak ability in flower arranging. The other times and tests don't matter.

>done

dawn
Gardens


You perform your heart out.

You think you deserve a green flag. Fortunately, only the ones from the judges count.

Judge One (Mimi (substitute for Akko)): yellow

Judge Two (Sakamas (non-Geisha)): yellow

Judge Three (Ri-ba): yellow

You have passed this test.

    The afterthought of practicing my flower arrangement saved me.

[continue]

morning
Laboratory
Rows of tray-sized desks face a wall-sized blackboard. Ceiling lamps provide concentrated lighting, a striking contrast to the vague filterings illuminating the other rooms of the house.

You perform your heart out.

You think you deserve a yellow flag. Fortunately, only the ones from the judges count.

Judge One (Akko): green

Judge Two (Sakamas (non-Geisha)): red

Judge Three (Ri-ba): red

You have passed this test.

[continue]

noon
Tea Room

You perform your heart out.

You think you deserve a red flag. Alas, only the ones from the judges count.

Judge One (Akko): red

Judge Two (Sakamas (non-Geisha)): red

Judge Three (Ri-ba): red

You have passed this test.

[continue]

afternoon
Theater

You perform your heart out.

You think you deserve a red flag. Alas, only the ones from the judges count.

Judge One (Akko): green

Judge Two (Sakamas (non-Geisha)): red

Judge Three (Ri-ba): red

You have passed this test.

[continue]

evening
Studio
Hardwood strips, inlaid with precision but showing signs of age, cover the entire floor. Mirrors line a side wall. A geisha-foot from the glass, a wooden pole extends from corner to corner. Near the door sits a manual phonograph.

You perform your heart out.

You think you deserve a red flag. Alas, only the ones from the judges count.

Judge One (Akko): green

Judge Two (Sakamas (non-Geisha)): red

Judge Three (Ri-ba): red

You have passed this test.

[continue]

night
Conservatory

Akko speaks. "Attention, everyone. I've been informed of a local ordinance. We are not allowed to play the harp on this particular day. I'm afraid this test must be considered 'passed.'"

[continue]

"You have passed every portion of the test, Demetoria-san," says Akko. "I did not consider you Geisha material, but I have no choice but to confer upon you full status. Congratulations."

Your body shakes violently for several minutes. Consciousness fades. You awake wearing a white robe, holding a gold sceptre and sitting on an ornate chair. You feel at home for the first time ever.

A man clad in chain mail and a red tunic kneels before you. "Your holiness. Please answer me, I beg of you. Have you a way to rid ourselves of these vampires? We must take action now ere all is lost!"

*** Or, at least that's one way the week might play out, Demetoria-san. ***

    "Bleach of Etiquette" should be considered in context with "When Help Collides" as a whole. For example, the characters in act 2 change the game worlds of act 3 (the Geisha simulation is one possible act 3.) The worlds have collided in several different ways.

    If you play this "game" without the first two acts, or if you don't play the other act 3 games (Level 50 and Parched Mesa), the above ending won't make much sense and may feel tacked on. (Yeah, yeah, it still may not make sense even after you play.)

    The worlds of act 3 *were* stand-alone games that are no longer stand-alone. They are bound by the chain-reaction of events that PC, NPC and player actions have triggered. But these games are now *winnable* because of it.

"Bleach of Etiquette" is a section of "When Help Collides", (c)2002, J. D. Berry
jdberry@cox.net