[Game Thread] Lord Windos’ PokeRole Adventure 2: The Wild Lands

[Dragonstrike]

Oz simply sights. She search her bag, and used a Revive on Dite. Her heart still very...sad, but it will have to do. She would request Glinda give a little healing on Dite since the poor fae could use some healing and Oz fear if she try to touch it will not work.

With a defeat look, she ask for Seddi continue his tale.

Kusanagi gets a nod in thanks from Seddi as well. Unexpected, but not unwelcome.

He'll nod to Oz, and he'll kneel in front of Dite before he starts.  "Oz is tryin' her hardest to make this up to ya, alright?  She'll probably do somethin' nice for ya later.  And I can promise ya we won't be lettin' her do somethin' like that again."

He's not a therapist by any means, but he is honest.

"So, remember how I said I was alone?  Well, that was about to change."

When Seddi continues his story, there's a much happier tone to it.

Music: Moving from the Past, Moving Towards the Future - Pokemon S/V

"About five years into my sentencing, I got an interestin' message.  There was a visitor for me.  Now, that was unusual, because I never got visitors.  The few friends I'd had were all criminals, and wouldn't touch the slammer with a thirty-nine and a half foot pole.  So I had no idea who might be visitin'.  As surprisin' as the situation was though, I think the person that came to visit was much more surprisin' than I could have possibly imagined."

He remembers that day vividly.  A face that everyone knew and that most of the region loved, but never one that he'd thought he'd encounter in person due to his background.

"I'd been paid a visit by a member of the Elite Four: the Steel type specialist, Poppy.  She'd been touring the various League facilities, when she noticed somethin' odd.  There was a particular trio of pokemon that were causin' no end of headaches for the staff of the rehoming facility.  The pokemon refused to be separated, and any attempts to adopt them, individually or as a group, were always met with stark resistance from all three.  Poppy decided to look into it, and you can probably imagine her surprise when she learned they used to belong to a murderer and thief.  Especially since there was such a large contrast between the three pokemon.  A Ceruledge might not have looked unusual on a villain's roster, nor a Rellor for that matter, but it was the third pokemon stickin' with those two that gave her pause.  And so, she decided to visit me and have a chat.  A chat about what I'd done, why I did it, and how much those partners meant to me before they were all ripped away by League authorities.

"And the very next week after that chat, I was told I'd been bailed out.  By her.  When I finally got to leave the slammer, I found her waiting outside for me.  Along with all of my pokemon.  It was a happy day for all of us.  She just had one condition for us: she wanted us to make a name for ourselves in the League.  I remember what she said that day clearly."

"Folks aren't going to trust you, you know.  So you need to prove them wrong.  Prove you and your partners aren't who they think you are.  Earn badges, and make your way to the League.  I'll be waiting for you there.  Together, maybe we can change their minds."

"And then she left.  Just like that.  It wasn't much guidance, but it was enough.  More than I'd ever had in my life up to that point.  I had two routes I could follow, and my partners and I resolved to follow through on one of them.  We could have gone through the Gym challenge, earned our right to challenge the Elite 4 that way.  It was too showy though, too much of a spectacle for my taste.  The public had their perception of who I was, and the Gym Challenge is a very public event.  Not a single soul would be cheerin' me and my partners on.  So we opted for arguably the harder route to the League: Starfall Street."

Starfall Street: Team Star Students Theme - Pokemon S/V

"Everybody's familiar with the Victory Road challenge, but Starfall Street is a unique take on it.  There's five Star Training Facilities scattered around the region, and you need to visit all of them and defeat the divisional bosses located within to earn the right to challenge the overall boss of Team Star: the mysterious Cassioepia.  It's not quite as simple as walkin' up to a gym and challengin' the Gym Leader though.  You need to take down wave after wave of Team Star Grunts under a strict time limit in order to coerce the bosses to come out and challenge you directly.  And the only way you can do that is by mastering their style of battle: the Star Barrage.  It's a flashy event in its own right, and one that requires trainers to have mastered lightly commanding three pokemon at once.  The training facilities themselves are mostly populated by Team Star members, and the team was originally founded as a counter to rampant bullying in Naranja Academy decades ago.  So you could say I fit in a bit better there than in the public spectacle of the Victory Road.

"It was hard.  Very hard.  But my partners and I got through it, and even made a few new friends along the way.  Both in Team Star, and with new pokemon partners.  By the end of our run down Starfall Street's challenges, we felt invincible, and we handily defeated Cassiopeia when they called to challenge us.  We even became honorary members of Team Star after that victory.  But that was just the beginnin'.

"Ya see, I'd beaten Cassiopeia so thoroughly, I actually managed to catch the attention of one of the Elite 4's members before I'd even stepped into the League's main buildin' to issue an official challenge.  And ooh boy, did I not know what I was gettin' into that day."

Music: Nemona's Theme

"Everyone knows Nemona.  The battle-crazed fanatic of a trainer, infamous as the strongest member of the Elite 4, and one of the best friends of La Primera.  She's normally a Fighting type specialist when conductin' official League battles, but she'd caught me outside of an official challenge.  And in my hubris, I figured a good battle with her right then would propel me far higher into the League's ranks than a normal challenge.  Beat the strongest member of the lot, and I might get a free pass to talk to Poppy.  Well...let's just say I bit off more than I could chew.  My team did a fantastic job of trouncin' her first three pokemon, but that would prove to be my undoin'.  Cuz ya see, she's not just a Fighting type specialist.  She also has a suite of Pseudo-Legendary Dragons that she uses only in the most serious fights.  And I'd managed to get her more fired up than anyone had in long, long time.

"My remaining team members managed to cleave their way through two of those Pseudos, before they finally succumbed to the third.  I lost that battle.  Completely and utterly.  Barely even scratched the third dragon.

Reflections: Main Theme - Histrobea Chronicles

"But that still managed to impress Nemona.  A lot.  There I was with just five pokemon, and none of them were Pseudos to boot.  And I almost won that battle.  I might have too, if she hadn't pulled out her strongest pokemon.  From that day on, she insisted that we spar again, and make it a regular occurrence.  And that's how I got into the League proper.  I met back up with Poppy not long after Nemona almost literally dragged me into the building, and the three of us had a nice, long conversation about my future career in the Paldean League.  Given my rather impressive performance against Nemona's team, I ended up becoming a part of the Area Zero Surveillance and Control Group, or AZSCG for short.  Poppy became my direct supervisor, and helped coach me on navigatin' the League.  She recommended to me that I train a Steel type, and not quite because I was technically her pupil, though I'm pretty sure that was also part of it.  And the rest, as they say, is history.

"I continued climbin' the ranks, and eventually solidified my position as an Elite Ace.  Regular trips to Area Zero to fight unruly Paradox Pokemon and almost as frequent sparring with Nemona really toughen ya up right quick.  I don't think anythin' coulda fully prepared me for when I encountered Leaves in Area Zero, and she challenged me and my partners to a duel.  But we knew we were ready despite that, and we won decisively.  And after I learned about Leaves's mission shortly after, well...I knew I'd found a reason to keep goin' again.  Not just for my sake, as I'd been doin' for so many years by that point."

He looks to Oz.  "If there's one lesson I'd like ya to take away from this, Oz, it's that there's always hope.  There's always a helpin' hand out there.  All ya need to do is ask.  I wouldn't be where I am today without the support of my mentor and everyone I met along the way on that journey."

He'll look to Dite.  "Same goes for you, little one.  If someone like me can turn their life around, then your situation can be too.  I know it's scary, and that it feels like you were abandoned.  I'm sorry ya had to go through that.  If ya can't trust me or Oz because of what happened, trust our partners.  Let them guide ya, and help ya process the pain."

He'll stand and look back at Oz.  "The pain never really goes away.  Not completely.  But you can learn to live with it, to move forward without lettin' your past control ya completely.  That's my belief, my truth."

[Redstone]

"*Aggrevated rubbing forehead* Blood of Acrowls, what is with you Strange Rissies? You come waltzing on the scene, and it seems like home has gotten ever crazier somehow. *Sighs* Fine. Give me a bit to try and find someone willing to take this WM without trying to scam us and/or get us and others brutally murdered by trying to use and subsequently anger it. Can't guarantee this sort of bait will only attract sane or reasonable offers, though. No, this right here is prime bloody shark bait, and boy it will Attract predators like nothing else."

The barkeep sighs again, before crossing their shoulders and giving you a stern look.

"Right, now that is settled, let me get you a drink. On the house - 'cause if anyone deserves it, its a insane Rissy that had the brass balls to talk down a fucking beast like THAT."

It won't be a Special Hero Drink, but anything bellow that (IRL or whatever idea you have for a Pokemon World Fantasy Drink) is fair game to be mixed and made for Akamu!

He'll be content with a Cosmogpolitan.

[Mikaruge108]

You elect to simply spend some time enjoying some surf and sand with your Bugs, setting up shop in a not TOO crowded part of the beach to do whatever your want to your heart's content, Be It Training, Bonding, or doing some goofy hijinks and have fun doing so. You also see what looks to be a lil girl in a pink sundress and beach hat, looking very confused and quite lost as she looked around with a airy, spacy expression - feeling like investigating instead?

Shore!
Darren approaches the girl, somewhat cautious, and asks "Where's your parents, kiddo?"

[Spiritmon]

Music for Hope and Determination - The Power of One

@Dragonstrike

Oz…She listened to each of Seddi words…His hopes and dreams…His long journey…His struggles, his fights. How much he fights, and how much he grows. Seddi was, no, IS a survivor. All the possibilities were against him. Tragedies strike on his life. One after the other. And yet…Even when he was in the darkest pits of despair…He never gave up. He stood up, proud and determined to face the impossible. Seddi is not a hero blessed by the gods…He is more than that…

He is a Hero forged by sheer determination and bravery.

Her eyes begin to tear up again, only this time…Not from despair, or sadness or fear.

“Seddi…” He run towards him.

And gave him a strong hug.

“Thank you…”

She fiercely hugged him.

“You never gave up. Even after tragedy strikes in your life. You start with nothing…and yet rise to become a strong person.”

“You became a hero not because your life was easier. You became a hero not because you were blessed by the gods…”

“You became a hero…Because you never gave up. I think that's why you are Warding soul…You suffered much. Where many would stray from the path and become tyrants, and others would run away from doing good like I did…You never gave up on hope. You kept going forward, never believing in a pre-written destiny…You grab Fate by the horns and kept fighting against the inevitable…And won.”

Oz released her hug, and cleaned the tears in her eyes. “...I can’t have the luxury of being weak anymore. My family needs me.” She turns around and sees her companions. “...My Coven needs me. I may have failed with Lucy, Sindara and Romero…But…Even if it was by cowardice at first, I STILL HERE. It is my duty to keep living. For my companions who died. For my friends who died. But more importantly, for all future generations to come. Humans, Pokemons and Magi.”

Oz once more looks at Seddi. “As a Scimitar, by birth, I have a huge debt to the world. My kind does good to this world, but also brings disorder and chaos to this world. And because of it, it opens the gates for many calamities. As a Sky Scimitar and a medic, more than ever, I have an important duty: To heal the scars of this wounded world. To help those who are lost in the darkness. To heal not only physical wounds…But the wounds who exist in the soul and the heart.”

Oz touches her own heart. “I think it is a start to walk in this penance. My way to at least forgive my old friends. TO HONOR them. Lucy bravery. Sindara wisdom. And Romero's heart. No matter what happens for now, I will live.”
She then looked at her partners, her friend. “And I know I can’t do it alone. I know I weak…And I make lots of mistakes. But…I promise to do my best. And be the trainer you all deserve.”

Oz wanted to approach Dite and Hecate and try to talk things...But she feels its still not the time to say anything. As Glinda said, time is the only path to go. No matter how much it takes.

[Iron]

Vernax hefts a Pokeball.

"Hungry, little guy? I always used to feed the Stunky back on the farm. Dad told me not to, saying they'd become dependent, but I did it anyway. Want to travel with me for a while?"

If Stunky leaves/refuses, Vernax will throw the Pokeball, but won't use violence against it, preferring to flee/dodge on Dodrio's back instead if the Stunky attacks.

Charisma (Food/Care) Roll Vs Stunky's Will (5) and Disobedience (1)
INS (3) + Survival (2) + Nature (3) + 1 (Yum yums) + * 1 (???) 
(6)(6)(3) (3)(5) (2)(4)(2) (1)(2) Well...
(5)(1)(6) (6)(4)(5) Stubborn!

Stunky thinks about it, before shaking its head and stamping a foot in what sounded like a 'no' . However, its not also interested in attacking - not after getting some nice treats from the lil bear, or after you proved yourself at least tolerant of it. From your experience with the species, you could tell it was hesistant to trust a stranger without some sort of 'guarantee' or gesture to prove your intentions - their species were often considered pests that were hunted or driven away, and as a result wariness and a degree of paranioa was breed into them as a whole.

Still want to throw a Ball at it, or step up the convincing game?

"Pretty hard to blend in with the night when you're a bright white critter, isn't it? Could be dangerous. Well, let me tell you, I'm traveling with a skinny Munchlax, a Lotad the size of a car who will never evolve, and a Turtwig who enjoys pretending to be a hand tool. I've been talking to a talking Espeon and a literate dragon Pokemon. My human companions include a witch, a wizard, a cowboy... It's a good life for misfits. Think about it!"

[Lord Windos]

He'll be content with a Cosmogpolitan.

"Heh, classy taste? Bit too sweet for my tastes, but its your drink."

The bartender is quick to get out some Aspear Juice, bright red Bitter Berries, a bottle labled 'Starlight Vodka' , Gimmitreu liquer, and last but not least some bright blue powder. She juiced the berries, mixed it with the Aspear and spirits in smooth, easy, motions, before pouring the resulting pink drink into a glass. Then the woman sprinkled a bit of that blue powder into it, and it was like the night sky exploded into your drink. Bright sunny morning pinks freely swirled and mixed with the starry night deep blues, sparkles throughout imitating the stars themselves. 

"One Cosmogpolitan, for the blue Lola. *Smirks* Guaranteed to take your taste buds on a trip through the cosmos."

While you were drinking you notice what looked like one of the members of the BBs further down the bar, simply enjoying a drink and bragging about how he put some 'uppity nerd' in his place, much to the laughs and approving nods of the Punks and Jocks around him. Feel like involving yourself in that?

[Lord Windos]

You elect to simply spend some time enjoying some surf and sand with your Bugs, setting up shop in a not TOO crowded part of the beach to do whatever your want to your heart's content, Be It Training, Bonding, or doing some goofy hijinks and have fun doing so. You also see what looks to be a lil girl in a pink sundress and beach hat, looking very confused and quite lost as she looked around with a airy, spacy expression - feeling like investigating instead?

Shore!
Darren approaches the girl, somewhat cautious, and asks "Where's your parents, kiddo?"

The girl seems rather shy about you at first - and your Bugs were not helping ease her worries - but your equal caution and delicate handling of things got a slow, hesitant shake of her head.

"I dunno... Saw a ice cream man and wanted some. Couldn't find daddy or mommy again..."

From the worried, maternal look Chloe was giving the lass your seamstress looked about ready to treat them like a Seewaddle. You could tell they were being honest - childish innocence like that is very hard to replicate.

[Lord Windos]

Charisma (Food/Care) Roll Vs Stunky's Will (5) and Disobedience (1)
INS (3) + Survival (2) + Nature (3) + 1 (Yum yums) + * 1 (???) 
(6)(6)(3) (3)(5) (2)(4)(2) (1)(2) Well...
(5)(1)(6) (6)(4)(5) Stubborn!

(...)

"Pretty hard to blend in with the night when you're a bright white critter, isn't it? Could be dangerous. Well, let me tell you, I'm traveling with a skinny Munchlax, a Lotad the size of a car who will never evolve, and a Turtwig who enjoys pretending to be a hand tool. I've been talking to a talking Espeon and a literate dragon Pokemon. My human companions include a witch, a wizard, a cowboy... It's a good life for misfits. Think about it!"

The fluffy white shrunk - whom you realize smells remarkably clean - seemed a bit intrigued by meeting others akin to it. Strange attracts strange, after all, as even the most extraordinary beings desires some commonality to bound and connect with others like them...

Rolling 1/2 Dice for Charisma and Resistance , adding to previous totals
(5)(1)(1)(5)(4) 2 3 Successes Tie, Goes to the most persuasive gentleman...
(4)(2)(5) 2 Successes Tie

...Before eventually giving a nod and two *stamps!* of approval, consenting to being Captured.

Gotcha, White Stunky! 2/2/1 Happiness/Loyalty/Disobedience , 2 Brawl and Channel, 3 Alert and Nature, 2 Medicine* , 2 Intimidate Specialties. Ability is Clean Scented : + 2D6 Chance Effect on all Contact Moves to Flinch or Lower Special of Target (1), impossible to track via scent, cleans and scours Terrains/Hazards upon entry and messy environments in general.
Surprises!: Variant Lineage (Not Delta nor Regional, but a divergence all the same) , good at scavenging berries and cleaning stuff.

[Redstone]

"Heh, classy taste? Bit too sweet for my tastes, but its your drink."

The bartender is quick to get out some Aspear Juice, bright red Bitter Berries, a bottle labled 'Starlight Vodka' , Gimmitreu liquer, and last but not least some bright blue powder. She juiced the berries, mixed it with the Aspear and spirits in smooth, easy, motions, before pouring the resulting pink drink into a glass. Then the woman sprinkled a bit of that blue powder into it, and it was like the night sky exploded into your drink. Bright sunny morning pinks freely swirled and mixed with the starry night deep blues, sparkles throughout imitating the stars themselves. 

"One Cosmogpolitan, for the blue Lola. *Smirks* Guaranteed to take your taste buds on a trip through the cosmos."

While you were drinking you notice what looked like one of the members of the BBs further down the bar, simply enjoying a drink and bragging about how he put some 'uppity nerd' in his place, much to the laughs and approving nods of the Punks and Jocks around him. Feel like involving yourself in that?

Now that hits the spot. ''Thank ya, appreciate it.''

He had no intention of getting into scraps with the BBs again after what was said yesterday but that didn't prevent his curiousity. Surely listening in to get a better idea of the ''story'' wouldn't hurt.

[Mikaruge108]

The girl seems rather shy about you at first - and your Bugs were not helping ease her worries - but your equal caution and delicate handling of things got a slow, hesitant shake of her head.

"I dunno... Saw a ice cream man and wanted some. Couldn't find daddy or mommy again..."

From the worried, maternal look Chloe was giving the lass your seamstress looked about ready to treat them like a Seewaddle. You could tell they were being honest - childish innocence like that is very hard to replicate.

"Again?" Darren thinks, "Girl needs a leash"
Out loud, "Let's see if we can find your parents" Chloe stays out for the time being.