Nishan's Birthday
Stand-Alone Time-Sensitive Quest.
Requirements
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Requirements
You and Payton walk over to where Nishan, Autumn, and Julian are hanging out.
Danny: Nishan, it’s really your birthday today? Why didn’t you tell anybody?
Nishan: Why would I? It’s not a big deal. Scientifically, this day is no more significant than any other.
Payton: But Nishan, birthdays are a big deal, with parties! And friends! AND CAAAAKE!
Nishan: I just don’t see why getting a year older is worth celebrating. It’s not like I solved a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded or built a working to-scale replica of a Firefly class vessel. ANYBODY can get a year older. It’s like the 200 points you score on the SATs just for signing your name.
Julian: ...wait, is that true? ...I ask for no reason.
Danny: So, Nishan, you never do ANYTHING for your birthday?
Nishan: Well... no... I suppose I do SOME things... but they’re not a big deal! I head to Retro Arcade, and I set a new high score on my favorite arcade game, Area 51. Then I go home and watch the time travel masterpiece, Back To The Future. And finally, I go outside, and I gaze up at the stars using my reflector telescope. It’s quiet, it’s perfect... and it’s just ME!
Payton: Exactly... it’s just YOU! Which is WHY your birthday will be infinity times better when we all celebrate together! Don’t worry, Nishan. Just leave all the party planning to me!
Nishan: Yep. That’s exactly what I’m worried about.
Danny: Payton’s an expert at throwing parties, Nishan. I’m sure this will be the best birthday you’ve ever had!
Nishan: I hope so...
Julian: Uh, sorry to back up the conversation... but 200 points just for signing your name? Because awesome!
Requirements
Later that night, your group arrives at a restaurant parking lot. Payton removes the blindfold Nishan is wearing.
Payton: TA-DAH!
Nishan: ...Payton, this ISN’T Retro Arcade!
Payton: I’m sorry, Nishan. Retro Arcade couldn’t accommodate such a big group... So I got us a reservation at Pete E. Pepperoni’s instead! It’ll be even better! They’ve got food, tons of arcade games, a playpen for toddlers...
Nishan: A playpen for toddlers?! This place is for infants!
Autumn: According to that sign, it’s technically for kids 2 through 9.
Payton shoots Autumn a withering glare.
Autumn: But... we’re all kids at heart, right?
Danny: Nishan, it may not be ideal, but we’re already here... I’m sure we can still have a good time!
Time - 2 hours
Inside, your group grabs a quick dinner.
Nishan: Okay, I’ll admit... that pizza was better than I expected. But I don’t see an Area 51 arcade cabinet anywhere...
Danny: There has to be SOME game you like enough to try for a high score.
Payton: What about something like Dance Dance Revolution? You two could dance together... as a TEAM!
Nishan: Ehhhhhh...
Payton: That wasn’t a no!
You and Nishan walk over to the arcade machine and take your spots on the dance pads.
Nishan: Right. Because my favorite part of videogames is the strenuous real-world activity.
Payton; If you’ve never played before, the rules are pretty simple. When the music starts, step on the buttons on the floor that correspond to the arrows that flash on-screen.
Danny: Got it!
The music starts. The screen flashes an UP arrow! You tap your foot on the UP button!
Nishan: Nice footwork!
Beside you, Nishan dances intently! The screen flashes LEFT LEFT! You deftly tap your foot on the LEFT button twice!
Nishan: Expertly done!
Nishan continues to nail the steps. He does a little spin! The screen flashes LEFT RIGHT UP! You tap your feet like a whirlwind! On-screen, your score begins to grow with increasingly high multipliers! First to a million, then a BILLION...
Nishan: We’re doing it! We’re really doing it!
The music fades out, and your rank blinks at the very top of a list of high scores!
Payton: OMG! You two got the high score!
Autumn: Not to mention, your dance moves were incredible!
Payton Okay then, the birthday boy got his high score... It’s movie time! Let’s head back to my place!
Requirements
A short while later, your group crowds in front of the HDTV in Payton’s living room.
Payton: Are you guys ready for our TIME TRAVEL movie?
Nishan: I’m always ready! I LOVE Back to the Future! It’s the perfect combination of comedy, adventure, and anachronistic references! That’s not an exaggeration. I’ve done the math.
Payton: ...wait, Nishan, you wanted to watch Back to the Future AGAIN? But you said you watched it last year!
Nishan: I feel like you’re not quite getting the idea of watching a favorite movie... Payton, you don’t have a Blu-Ray copy of Back to the Future at your house, do you?
Payton: ...no, but I have the next best thing! It’s called Teen Time Travel Musical!
Nishan: ...oh boy.
Time - 4 hours
Everyone settles in to watch the movie.
Payton: So this is sort of like Teen Beach Movie, but with even more time travel! Look! They’re teaching Cleopatra how to play basketball!
Nishan: This doesn’t seem historically accurate...
As the movie plays, Payton dances around and sings along with the final musical number.
Payton: ‘She’s a page right out of history. He’s a hunky mystery... Cleopatra and Da Vinci... are getting MARRIEEEEEED!!!’
Nishan: This isn’t accurate at all! Cleopatra was a savvy politician who used romantic relationships to enhance her power... She didn’t spend her time shopping in New York and crushing on guys!
Payton: Just the one guy! Leonardo is so obviously her OTP!
Nishan: ...obviously.
Danny: I’m sorry about the movie, Nishan. Payton tried her best... But it’s not like the whole night is ruined. Let’s all go outside and look at the stars!
Requirements
Nishan leads everyone out into the backyard. The night sky glimmers with tiny flickering stars...
Nishan: A bright, clear evening... this is perfect for stargazing!
Alex: Ooh! I think I see the Big Dipper!
Kate: Me too! No, wait, maybe it’s the Little Dipper? Is there a Medium Dipper I should watch out for?
Nishan: Aww... you two are so cute. Like puppies trying to comprehend algebra. Allow me to educate you on the wonders of the universe! Payton, would you hand me my telescope please?
Payton pulls a large reflector telescope out of Nishan’s bag, and as she holds it out to him... her feet slip out from underneath her!
Payton: AAAAACKKKK!
Time - 6 hours
Payton falls, and the telescope spins to the ground. The lens shatters against a rock!
Nishan: ...my telescope! You broke it!
Nishan picks up his broken telescope, examining the shattered lens with a flat, emotionless expression.
Payton: Nishan, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to... it was an accident.
Nishan: I know... I know...
Payton: Nishan, wait...
Nishan rises to his feet and wordlessly walks back inside. You follow Nishan in. He sits by himself on the couch, staring off into the distance blankly.
Danny: Nishan, I’m really sorry about the telescope...
Nishan: It’s not... it’s not just the telescope, Danny. It’s this whole day! All I wanted... all I REALLY wanted... was to just be left alone to do it my way!
Danny: Payton was just trying to help. I don’t think she really got why doing it your way is so important to you. I mean, your way of doing it does seem a little... well, lonely.
Nishan: I’m used to being alone on my birthday. At Hearst, it wasn’t exactly like I had a lot of friends. And my family only believes in celebrating accomplishments.
Danny: That’s rough...
Nishan: It was hard seeing other kids get birthday parties and presents... so I figured out how to make my birthdays special all on my own. I know my birthday plans weren’t exciting, but they worked. Until THIS year... Tonight, I couldn’t even look at the stars.
Payton coughs to get your attention. She steps into the room.
Payton: Ahem... as I was trying to say before. Nishan, I’m very sorry I broke your telescope... I’m also sorry that I got the wrong movie and took you to the wrong restaurant. But as far as stargazing goes... What kind of party planner would I be if I didn’t have a BACKUP PLAN?
Danny: Payton, you have a backup plan? Really?
Payton: Duh... obviously! Stargazing is outside. What would we have done if it had rained? Or snowed? Or if there was a creepy owl?
Nishan: I... I don’t know!
Payton: Well, the correct answer is: go to the planetarium!
Requirements
Your group files into the planetarium right as the show begins! A video of the big bang is projected overhead. The explosion forms thousands of swirling galaxies!
Payton: Well, Nishan? What do you think?
Nishan: The stars, it’s almost like you could reach out and touch them... This is brilliant!
Nishan: We better go sit down...
Nishan and the others begin taking their seats.
Payton: Psst... Danny, did you see? That seat next to Nishan is still empty. Here we are, in the dark, with a billion swirling stars overhead! That’s practically the definition of romantic! We need to make sure Nishan snuggles next to the right person!
Requirements
John squeezes in close to Nishan right as the show dives into the heart of a glimmer quasar!
John: Is this seat taken, birthday boy?
Nishan: There’s always room for you, John!
As matter is drawn into the black hole, the rapid acceleration creates a sparkle like a surface of a disco ball!
John: Ooh... gorgeous!
Nishan: Yep, turns out the universe is totally math!
Time - 10 hours
The planetarium shows gorgeous views of Venus, Mars, and Mercury before ending on a stunning image of the Earth! The lights gradually fade back on.
John: That... that was so beautiful... It makes you realize how small we are, how little compared to the vastness of space... It makes me glad to have such big friendships.
Nishan: ...yeah, it does.
Payton: So Nishan, did you have a good time?
Nishan: I really did! I don’t know why I’ve never been here before! I guess I always thought this place was for little kids... But this ended up being the perfect way to spend my birthday!
Payton: Well, your birthday’s not over yet... I’ve got a couple more surprises! Come on, let’s continue this party at my house!
Requirements
At Payton’s house, you and all your friends party Nishan-style! Payton and Nishan place a model rocket onto a launchpad...
Nishan: Houston, are we green for launch?
Payton: If ‘green’ means ‘go’... then YES!
Payton and Nishan launch the rocket, which spirals up into the night sky and then bursts apart like a red peony firework!
Autumn: Ooh... pretty!
Payton: What do you want to do next, Nishan? Another round of Street Fighter? Or we could re-enact scenes from Inception...
Nishan: No need! This birthday started rough, but it will surpass previous birthdays in 3 seconds. I plan to mark the occasion with a sigh of contentment... Siggghhhh.... The only thing left is to have a toast with this delicious coffee Payton brought.
Payton: Not just REGULAR coffee. This is a Captain Americano, and that’s an Iron Mancchiato. You’re welcome.
Your group laughs. After a pause, Nishan sighs again.
Nishan: Payton, I wasn’t really looking forward to changing my birthday plans... But seeing how you guys came through for me when things were looking bad... having friends like you is the best birthday gift I could’ve asked for.
Payton: Nishan, I told you! Birthdays are always better when you celebrate them with your friends!
Julian: Heh... especially when your friends are as awesome as us!
Danny: Ahem... Payton, didn’t you have one last surprise for Nishan?
Payton: OMG! I can’t believe I almost forgot... no birthday is over until there’s cake!
Payton darts into the kitchen and comes back carrying a cake topped with lit candles!
Payton: The candles are in the shape of the Big Dipper!
Nishan: Astronomically accurate... and also gastronomically accurate. Funfetti is my favorite!
Payton: Go ahead, Nishan. Make a wish!
Nishan blows out all the candles with a single puff!
Autumn: You got them all. That means your wish will come true! What did you wish for?
Nishan: I guess I wished for... more birthdays exactly like this one!
Danny: Aww... happy birthday, Nishan!
Nishan: Just to be clear, I meant the last part where it was fun, not the first part where everything went wrong.
Autumn: Okay. Less ‘aww’, but still... happy birthday!
Payton: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
- Have Nishan
- Spend 500 coins
You and Payton walk over to where Nishan, Autumn, and Julian are hanging out.
Danny: Nishan, it’s really your birthday today? Why didn’t you tell anybody?
Nishan: Why would I? It’s not a big deal. Scientifically, this day is no more significant than any other.
Payton: But Nishan, birthdays are a big deal, with parties! And friends! AND CAAAAKE!
Nishan: I just don’t see why getting a year older is worth celebrating. It’s not like I solved a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded or built a working to-scale replica of a Firefly class vessel. ANYBODY can get a year older. It’s like the 200 points you score on the SATs just for signing your name.
Julian: ...wait, is that true? ...I ask for no reason.
Danny: So, Nishan, you never do ANYTHING for your birthday?
Nishan: Well... no... I suppose I do SOME things... but they’re not a big deal! I head to Retro Arcade, and I set a new high score on my favorite arcade game, Area 51. Then I go home and watch the time travel masterpiece, Back To The Future. And finally, I go outside, and I gaze up at the stars using my reflector telescope. It’s quiet, it’s perfect... and it’s just ME!
Payton: Exactly... it’s just YOU! Which is WHY your birthday will be infinity times better when we all celebrate together! Don’t worry, Nishan. Just leave all the party planning to me!
Nishan: Yep. That’s exactly what I’m worried about.
Danny: Payton’s an expert at throwing parties, Nishan. I’m sure this will be the best birthday you’ve ever had!
Nishan: I hope so...
Julian: Uh, sorry to back up the conversation... but 200 points just for signing your name? Because awesome!
Requirements
- Nishan
- Payton
- Autumn
Later that night, your group arrives at a restaurant parking lot. Payton removes the blindfold Nishan is wearing.
Payton: TA-DAH!
Nishan: ...Payton, this ISN’T Retro Arcade!
Payton: I’m sorry, Nishan. Retro Arcade couldn’t accommodate such a big group... So I got us a reservation at Pete E. Pepperoni’s instead! It’ll be even better! They’ve got food, tons of arcade games, a playpen for toddlers...
Nishan: A playpen for toddlers?! This place is for infants!
Autumn: According to that sign, it’s technically for kids 2 through 9.
Payton shoots Autumn a withering glare.
Autumn: But... we’re all kids at heart, right?
Danny: Nishan, it may not be ideal, but we’re already here... I’m sure we can still have a good time!
Time - 2 hours
Inside, your group grabs a quick dinner.
Nishan: Okay, I’ll admit... that pizza was better than I expected. But I don’t see an Area 51 arcade cabinet anywhere...
Danny: There has to be SOME game you like enough to try for a high score.
Payton: What about something like Dance Dance Revolution? You two could dance together... as a TEAM!
Nishan: Ehhhhhh...
Payton: That wasn’t a no!
You and Nishan walk over to the arcade machine and take your spots on the dance pads.
Nishan: Right. Because my favorite part of videogames is the strenuous real-world activity.
Payton; If you’ve never played before, the rules are pretty simple. When the music starts, step on the buttons on the floor that correspond to the arrows that flash on-screen.
Danny: Got it!
The music starts. The screen flashes an UP arrow! You tap your foot on the UP button!
Nishan: Nice footwork!
Beside you, Nishan dances intently! The screen flashes LEFT LEFT! You deftly tap your foot on the LEFT button twice!
Nishan: Expertly done!
Nishan continues to nail the steps. He does a little spin! The screen flashes LEFT RIGHT UP! You tap your feet like a whirlwind! On-screen, your score begins to grow with increasingly high multipliers! First to a million, then a BILLION...
Nishan: We’re doing it! We’re really doing it!
The music fades out, and your rank blinks at the very top of a list of high scores!
Payton: OMG! You two got the high score!
Autumn: Not to mention, your dance moves were incredible!
Payton Okay then, the birthday boy got his high score... It’s movie time! Let’s head back to my place!
Requirements
- Nishan
- Payton
A short while later, your group crowds in front of the HDTV in Payton’s living room.
Payton: Are you guys ready for our TIME TRAVEL movie?
Nishan: I’m always ready! I LOVE Back to the Future! It’s the perfect combination of comedy, adventure, and anachronistic references! That’s not an exaggeration. I’ve done the math.
Payton: ...wait, Nishan, you wanted to watch Back to the Future AGAIN? But you said you watched it last year!
Nishan: I feel like you’re not quite getting the idea of watching a favorite movie... Payton, you don’t have a Blu-Ray copy of Back to the Future at your house, do you?
Payton: ...no, but I have the next best thing! It’s called Teen Time Travel Musical!
Nishan: ...oh boy.
Time - 4 hours
Everyone settles in to watch the movie.
Payton: So this is sort of like Teen Beach Movie, but with even more time travel! Look! They’re teaching Cleopatra how to play basketball!
Nishan: This doesn’t seem historically accurate...
As the movie plays, Payton dances around and sings along with the final musical number.
Payton: ‘She’s a page right out of history. He’s a hunky mystery... Cleopatra and Da Vinci... are getting MARRIEEEEEED!!!’
Nishan: This isn’t accurate at all! Cleopatra was a savvy politician who used romantic relationships to enhance her power... She didn’t spend her time shopping in New York and crushing on guys!
Payton: Just the one guy! Leonardo is so obviously her OTP!
Nishan: ...obviously.
Danny: I’m sorry about the movie, Nishan. Payton tried her best... But it’s not like the whole night is ruined. Let’s all go outside and look at the stars!
Requirements
- Nishan
- A Classmate (Alex)
- A Classmate (Kate)
Nishan leads everyone out into the backyard. The night sky glimmers with tiny flickering stars...
Nishan: A bright, clear evening... this is perfect for stargazing!
Alex: Ooh! I think I see the Big Dipper!
Kate: Me too! No, wait, maybe it’s the Little Dipper? Is there a Medium Dipper I should watch out for?
Nishan: Aww... you two are so cute. Like puppies trying to comprehend algebra. Allow me to educate you on the wonders of the universe! Payton, would you hand me my telescope please?
Payton pulls a large reflector telescope out of Nishan’s bag, and as she holds it out to him... her feet slip out from underneath her!
Payton: AAAAACKKKK!
Time - 6 hours
Payton falls, and the telescope spins to the ground. The lens shatters against a rock!
Nishan: ...my telescope! You broke it!
Nishan picks up his broken telescope, examining the shattered lens with a flat, emotionless expression.
Payton: Nishan, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to... it was an accident.
Nishan: I know... I know...
Payton: Nishan, wait...
Nishan rises to his feet and wordlessly walks back inside. You follow Nishan in. He sits by himself on the couch, staring off into the distance blankly.
Danny: Nishan, I’m really sorry about the telescope...
Nishan: It’s not... it’s not just the telescope, Danny. It’s this whole day! All I wanted... all I REALLY wanted... was to just be left alone to do it my way!
Danny: Payton was just trying to help. I don’t think she really got why doing it your way is so important to you. I mean, your way of doing it does seem a little... well, lonely.
Nishan: I’m used to being alone on my birthday. At Hearst, it wasn’t exactly like I had a lot of friends. And my family only believes in celebrating accomplishments.
Danny: That’s rough...
Nishan: It was hard seeing other kids get birthday parties and presents... so I figured out how to make my birthdays special all on my own. I know my birthday plans weren’t exciting, but they worked. Until THIS year... Tonight, I couldn’t even look at the stars.
Payton coughs to get your attention. She steps into the room.
Payton: Ahem... as I was trying to say before. Nishan, I’m very sorry I broke your telescope... I’m also sorry that I got the wrong movie and took you to the wrong restaurant. But as far as stargazing goes... What kind of party planner would I be if I didn’t have a BACKUP PLAN?
Danny: Payton, you have a backup plan? Really?
Payton: Duh... obviously! Stargazing is outside. What would we have done if it had rained? Or snowed? Or if there was a creepy owl?
Nishan: I... I don’t know!
Payton: Well, the correct answer is: go to the planetarium!
Requirements
- Spend 5000 coins
Your group files into the planetarium right as the show begins! A video of the big bang is projected overhead. The explosion forms thousands of swirling galaxies!
Payton: Well, Nishan? What do you think?
Nishan: The stars, it’s almost like you could reach out and touch them... This is brilliant!
Nishan: We better go sit down...
Nishan and the others begin taking their seats.
Payton: Psst... Danny, did you see? That seat next to Nishan is still empty. Here we are, in the dark, with a billion swirling stars overhead! That’s practically the definition of romantic! We need to make sure Nishan snuggles next to the right person!
Requirements
- Nishan
- A Classmate (John)
John squeezes in close to Nishan right as the show dives into the heart of a glimmer quasar!
John: Is this seat taken, birthday boy?
Nishan: There’s always room for you, John!
As matter is drawn into the black hole, the rapid acceleration creates a sparkle like a surface of a disco ball!
John: Ooh... gorgeous!
Nishan: Yep, turns out the universe is totally math!
Time - 10 hours
The planetarium shows gorgeous views of Venus, Mars, and Mercury before ending on a stunning image of the Earth! The lights gradually fade back on.
John: That... that was so beautiful... It makes you realize how small we are, how little compared to the vastness of space... It makes me glad to have such big friendships.
Nishan: ...yeah, it does.
Payton: So Nishan, did you have a good time?
Nishan: I really did! I don’t know why I’ve never been here before! I guess I always thought this place was for little kids... But this ended up being the perfect way to spend my birthday!
Payton: Well, your birthday’s not over yet... I’ve got a couple more surprises! Come on, let’s continue this party at my house!
Requirements
- Complete a Party with Nishan
At Payton’s house, you and all your friends party Nishan-style! Payton and Nishan place a model rocket onto a launchpad...
Nishan: Houston, are we green for launch?
Payton: If ‘green’ means ‘go’... then YES!
Payton and Nishan launch the rocket, which spirals up into the night sky and then bursts apart like a red peony firework!
Autumn: Ooh... pretty!
Payton: What do you want to do next, Nishan? Another round of Street Fighter? Or we could re-enact scenes from Inception...
Nishan: No need! This birthday started rough, but it will surpass previous birthdays in 3 seconds. I plan to mark the occasion with a sigh of contentment... Siggghhhh.... The only thing left is to have a toast with this delicious coffee Payton brought.
Payton: Not just REGULAR coffee. This is a Captain Americano, and that’s an Iron Mancchiato. You’re welcome.
Your group laughs. After a pause, Nishan sighs again.
Nishan: Payton, I wasn’t really looking forward to changing my birthday plans... But seeing how you guys came through for me when things were looking bad... having friends like you is the best birthday gift I could’ve asked for.
Payton: Nishan, I told you! Birthdays are always better when you celebrate them with your friends!
Julian: Heh... especially when your friends are as awesome as us!
Danny: Ahem... Payton, didn’t you have one last surprise for Nishan?
Payton: OMG! I can’t believe I almost forgot... no birthday is over until there’s cake!
Payton darts into the kitchen and comes back carrying a cake topped with lit candles!
Payton: The candles are in the shape of the Big Dipper!
Nishan: Astronomically accurate... and also gastronomically accurate. Funfetti is my favorite!
Payton: Go ahead, Nishan. Make a wish!
Nishan blows out all the candles with a single puff!
Autumn: You got them all. That means your wish will come true! What did you wish for?
Nishan: I guess I wished for... more birthdays exactly like this one!
Danny: Aww... happy birthday, Nishan!
Nishan: Just to be clear, I meant the last part where it was fun, not the first part where everything went wrong.
Autumn: Okay. Less ‘aww’, but still... happy birthday!
Payton: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!