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

[Lord Windos]

A giant pompadour, a sports jacket, and a groovy style?  Well, that's definitely...a sight.  Certainly a far cry from any expectations Seddi would have had about what he would see first when arriving in this region.  This trip was going to be anything but normal apparently...

He'd have to check back in with Leaves after she recovered.  Seems like he wasn't the only one getting a headache trying to wrap his head around what in tarnation just happened.  If she can't process it, he certainly has no hope of understanding it either.  Better stop trying to overthink it for now and just go with the flow.

For now, he'll just have to deal with the problem in front of him, and talk with that groovy dude headed his way.  He's got all the necessities still and a shiny new gemstone to pocket, so it's time to try and gather some information.  He walks towards the stranger at a steady pace, making sure to keep a focus on the details of this individual's appearance and mannerisms as he gets closer.  No need to rush this, though he is going to get straight to the point as soon as he gets within talkin' distance.

"Seem to be alright.  Little light headed maybe, but got my wits about me still.  Quick questions for you though: where in Sutalör am I, and what prompted you to come clear out here?"

You had a gut feeling that Sutalor would continue to defy your expectations at every corner, but then again you were warned frequently how insane this Region was. Nobody probably expected anything like that happening to you, though.

Swiftly, you meet with the man, and upon getting a good close up of him...



https://cdna.artstation.com/p/assets/ima...1589665254

...you can 100% confirm he's a most dandy and groovy man indeed.

The fellow flashes you a rougish but friendly grin as they give a salute before point a finger gun at you.

"Well ain't that fine and dandy! Got worried spotting someone here as I was cruising 'around - this beach is not exactly the safest place for a fellow to wander into, ya know? These are the outskirts of Bayhama and...well, their ain't any of those damn Jellies 'round, but that's about all the good I can say! *Slicks back hair with a smirk* He, 'course I can handle myself just fine, *Rubs chin, Thoughtful Look* ..and you seem like you're packing some serious firepower yourself, cowboy. Hmm...probably turned out just fine.... *Grins* but that don't mean a fellow can't help another fellow out, ya know?"

At this point this dandy man offers a handshake and a bright, closed-eye grin.

"Name's Rodger, but most call me Dodger! Fastest and slickest man in all of Sutalor, you can bet on that! Good to meet ya, mate!"

'...How weird, yet how very interesting.' That's all what's on Bernhard's mind upon being back in the seemingly real world again. And at the weirdest of all places on top of that, for whatever reason. It's by far now suprising them, nor does it rile up any stronger feelings bar some mild fascination and a sense of purpose.

What's by FAR more interesting is that Gemstone! It's a very real evidence that what happened/what was witnessed was very very real indeed. But... Hmm, maybe it indeed was not much of a good idea to work on a Sleep Draught while being semi-sleep-deprived (how the room was comfortably dark, only illuminated by real and fake candles did not help) while also burning incense sticks of white sage. Oh well, lesson learnt, next.

For a little while, Bernhard just remained perched up there, enjoying the view and suprisingly clear air up so high, and turning the Gemstone a little in their dominant Gauntlet'ed hand. 'A stylus of all things?' he pondered, immediately being reminded of... the Scholar. Maybe he does know more, can tell more about this arcane place, or has info Bernhard hasn't yet. 'Noted.' Enough of that for now.

"*cough* You're there and awake, [yet redacted partnermon]?", he speaks quietly into the air, and in response there's a rustle in the wide left sleeve of his fine robe. "What's wrong? You want to hear about my thoughts of new artworks we can create together at last?" ...Was that just the hint of a smile that escaped Bernhard for just a split second before he's back to his kuudere self. "No. But I feel you'd enjoy the view and sense of up here, for 'inspiration' as you'd probably put it. I'd also like to show you something. It also feels...somewhat safe for you to come out a little before I'll have to tuck you away again, but only AFTER I've rendered you invisible. For safety reasons, you know the procedure..

Invisible Spell is casted on her! No roll or Will needed, just our combined Special of 7* (2 mine, 4 hers, +1 Bright Powder Ex Bonus).

..."There you go, Stretch your wings a little, if you desire so. Stay CLOSE to me though, and by all means do NOT let this - " *shows Gemtsone to her* "- stone fall down."

[don't outright reveal said Partnermon just yet please]

As a particular kind of person, heights don't bother you too much - in fact, you find being high up quite relaxing and invigorating. It's suddenly appearing on high and being perched on the edge of potential oblivion and the lack of permission of getting ripped away from your work that bothers you the most. Can't that...It have waited just a little longer, or even asked before carting them off and dropping them here, huh? Bah...

With those soft words and a bit of rustling, you hear a tiny little *Mwrrraaaan....* before a small, fuzzy, and cute lil' head pops right out of your sleave, one paw blearingly rubbing a closed eye.

" *Mrrrrrrr....* 'Up now, 'Erni . *Yaaawning whine* Why'd you wake me up...? 'Told you I wanted to snooze in after 'pleting my latest - and greatest! - masterpiece... "

She perks up a bit as you offer your critique, a smile gracing you as she opened both eyes and opened her mouth to chatter on - before pausing as she suddenly took in her surroundings....

" ....Why's we perched on a roof of a high rise like some birds, ' Enri ? And in Bayhama no less! I mean, yeah, this view is perfect for painting, and the wind's 'nice , but....why?"

You're Spell goes off without a hitch, as it is a old and much practiced on by now. One of your oldest spells, in fact, created by necessity to get people to stop harassing them and their lil' buddy so much, geez...

Once that was done your Partner slips from your robes with an ease long born of familiarity and grace and hovers close, inspecting the Gemstone with a critical gleam in her eyes...

...Before she turns to face you, a look of dumbfounded disbelief plastered all across her own.

"...By Gogh and Picaso how did you end up with something 'like....*Waves hands wildly at the Gemstone* THIS? A bit of Astral Energy, crystalized at that! Only the BIG 'uns are supposed to be able to tap into THAT stuff, 'less make things out of it! *Rubs chin* ...Very fine work too. No imperfection, and plenty of 'Tential in it. Can't tell what all it 'do, but....I can say it's 'possed to lead ya to a.... reunion and choice now? *Shakes head with a frown* 'All's I can get out of it for now, 'Erni ..."

Well well well, looks like you got something that'd impressed your Partner, who has quite the high standards in most everything. This may even pique your old Mentor's interest, if this thing is truly as Special as She claims..

Still, you got a decision to make soon - let this Astral Stone guide you, or ignore it in favor of other stuff? Wouldn't be the first time your whimsy carried you away from a Fate outcome - though you have a feeling this might help answer some questions you have. Old questions.

*He looks around, trying to stand up and to make sure his pokeballs were still at his side. This surely has been a new kind of etherial experience. Recovering from the sudden change of scenery realization kicks in.* 
"A swimming pool huh, I better get out of here before people start asking questions. Nobody will believe my story on how I ended up in here."

*Quickly wobbleing to the side of the pool he sets down his backpack, shuffleing through his belongings to make sure nothing got lost, slipping in the gemstone that suddenly appeared next to the bowl after checking it out for a few seconds. After the checkup he gets up, trying to find out where in fini's name he ended up this time.*

Your Pokeballs are exactly where you placed them, prior on getting onto that ship - who are probably wondering where the heck you disappeared right about now - as are the rest of your Items and supplies. Seems like whatever....It did was not the kind to greatly inconvenience a fellow, unlike some other big wig Arcane Forces you're acquainted with...

In short order you manage to escape the pool, and you discover yourself to be in some kind of community swimming area, though one that is apparently closed down for one reason or another. How Fortunate?

Speaking of the Bowl, as you glance at it a familiar Pair of Eyes appears in the glimmering waters that were held within it.

* FOLLOW GUIDANCE*
* FIND FELLOW BRAVE SOULS*
**OBEY**

Swiftly, The Eyes vanish, leaving only rippling water in their wake.

...Well, you heard Her. How are you going about doing it? This Community Pool is walled and gated off from a quick look, so getting out might be a bit of a toughy, but you're not called resourceful for nothing?

Vernon immediately writes down the word "Maunder" on the notepad. He doesn't write the definition - he'll remember that. He just wants to remind himself of that feeling of inspiration.

After making sure his stuff is all still here, he feels the tug of the leaf-like stone, and puts together in his mind that he is intended to meet some others.
"I'll give them a head start to start finding each other. No sense straining myself after a wearying experience. No sense everyone running around like a Combusken with its head chopped off."

Vernon, who is also not revealing his partner Pokemon just yet, explores just his immediate safe parklike surroundings, in the opposite direction of the stone's tug. Just for now, just for a little bit. He won't arrive where the others are until they've made their introductions and gathered a little more centrally. Vernon likes to take his time.

Settling on a 'wait and see' approach, you begin to wander around and search the immediate area of the Park you're in, hoping to find something to pass the time and pique your interest.

Scenic Park Area

*Rustling Bush
Difficulty: Easy
Description: Huh, looks like someone else is skulking around here! Maybe you should check it out?

*Burried Item
Difficulty: Moderate
Description: You spot something lodged in what looks to be a half abandoned sand garden.

Flowers and Tree Searching!
Difficulty: ???
Description: Do some good ol' fashioned foraging! What could you find out here in this strange land you appeared in?

Choose only 1; upon resolution, you will be brought to the Group Meeting in one fashion or another.

Firstly, Darren finds a place to check his belongings one more time, and rolls the beetle-shaped gemstone in his hand, the only reminder outside of intuition that the weird vision actually happened. After putting it in his bag, he makes his way to a service desk to make sense of what is going on. He then makes his way in the direction that the gem is leading him, letting Glomena out of his Net Ball to get some fresh air. The Whirlipede sparkles as he takes in his surroundings.

*Looks at stuff* ....Yup, yup, yup, everything is in order! Phew, now you don't have to worry about your Mentor chewing you out for losing your gear or Mons!

The Service Desk and it's attendant helpfully inform you that you're in The Second Sutalor Docking Terminal, a bit startled by your 'sudden' appearance but more than happy to help out. She gives you a brochure that helpfully contains a map of the City and all you can do in it [Wait a bit before asking anything about this - best to let everyone get together before I let you all loose on the world!] , and points to where you can exit this place.

Before you can manage that a loud *Brrrrrriiiing!* echoes from your pocket! Your phone! Pulling it out, you see on the screen that it's your Mentor Calling you! Quickly, you pick up, and wince and lean away as you get hollored at!

"Boy, where in tarnation are you?! Took my eyes off you for one second, and you plum disappeared! I know we just got to Sutalor and you're excited to begin our Safari, but patience grasshopper! Now where the heck are you?"

As you let out Gomena to stretch a bit a bit of the throng of Tourists stop to gander at such a magnificent Whirlipede....

"Oiy! You! Want to have a row? That Bug of yours looks tough - bet it'd put up a nice fight, yeah!"

...and you are soon challenged by what appears to be a young but tough looking  tan sailor, one Ball already in their hand as the bounced it up and down, awaiting your response.

Well, looks like you have something to do while your Mentor gets back to ya!