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

[Lord Windos]

''My tale? It's quite simple really.'' ,his voice sounding slightly less burdened then before, ''In order to continue my family's legacy I'm on a quest so that *she, great protector of my homeland* can be sure that I am ready. Originally my plan was to carry out some buisness in her liking but it seems like there is more to this then I expected. *She* recognizes the importance of this event so I shall not hesitate to be of assistance, even in ways some would concider to be unnatural, after all determination is my drive.''

He turns his head around to whisper some calming words to Lani, trying to get her to relax a bit.

''The fate of the region you say? Heh, I'm on board if *she* wants me to go, my partners and I are reliable and can hold their own in combat.''

Bored with just looking out Nalu has taken off on his own adventure. The trash has caught his attention so he hops on over, fascinated with the situation.

He rolls up his sleeve to check out the wound for a moment, it has gotten conciderably smaller since he last looked, the edges still sealing together incredibly fast.

Looking at Oz he proclaims ''Treatment would be appreciated, though i'll be fine if I have enough time. After the ordeal this day has been a break doesn't sound too bad.''

Lani gives you a cross-eye look, as if asking 'Should we really be letting our guard down?' , but in the end she huffs and retreats back into your satchel bag. Looks like the sparkling drago isn't in the mood for socialization.

The moment you mention requiring Her permission you feel your bag rumbling for a bit before settling down and, very faintly (As in, nobody but you can hear it without a good Alertness Roll), this:

*YES*
*I RECOMMEND IT*
*HELP AND BE HELPED*

Welp, you heard the Old One. She thinks its enough of a good idea to outright speak to you like this, so take that as you will.

If you want a proper descriptor of what's happening healing-wise, it's like those videos of self-healing material, only slower. Seeing your skin just...fuse together so seamlessly is awe inspiring as it is a sign of how much influence your Patron has had over you...

Yeah Vernon is still draped in the occasional cobweb, I like that. When he notices a lingering one running between his wrists, he holds out his hands toward Turtwig

"Hey Aaron. I advised Gardenia to let it go, but I am not sure if she did or not."


"I wouldn't mind a medical checkup, if you're offering, Oz. Cool gloves btw."

"If not, I'm ready to set off!" Vernon ambles off in a random direction.

Your Turtwig dutifully chomps at the dangling bit of web, chewing it for a moment before calmly spitting it out to the side. Not very tasty, it is, but it did clean their teeth a litte.

"Which means she hasn't, knowing her. Ah well, not like she can reach me from all the way over here to try and throttle me!"

If you want to amble off, you are free to do so - it can be safely assumed that everyone at some point exchanges numbers and give some brief overview of their plans for the day (including where they're staying). For Vernon in specific...well, your own Luck tends to guide him where to go, and considering how intertwined it is with the rest of the SOULs....where they go, he'll inevitably follow, so long as it suits his fancy.

(If you want to leave early, you can, but I recommend sticking around for 'Leaves' Reveal!)

(...)

Zephy's telekinetik bonk and request to 'Quit it with the Mysterious Mage Act and meet 'n greet with these folks!' however is ignored for good. That's by far not the first time the artsy birdmouse tries to tickle the Mage out of their hard shell, happened often enough, failed often enough. She receives a likewise telepathic 'Hush there, dear one. There'll be plenty opportunity to...meet 'n greet them as you put it, if we're having to work and put up with them. *long suffering sigh* If THAT's what 'it' wants us to do...'

(...)

Oh joy... Bernhard has mixed feelings over it all, very mixed ones. Heck, Acrowls will enjoy hearing about this, the fate of the region and all in the hands of his former apprentice. On the other hand, there's a not-so-bad reason to go out and expand their horizon, indulging into the deep urge to wander and travel with a sense of meaning and purpose again.

You get more grumbling and more BONKS! for your persistent air of aloofness, but She settles down quickly enough with a 'Fine, but you owe me later!' Staying hidden when their inspiration and excitement to be had was never a enjoyable thing for your Partner, and she always expresses some discontent and pushback for it. Still, in the end, she understands why - a Pokemon like her is bound to Attract attention she and her Master don't want if they don't play it carefully. She just feels that this time the caution and 'coldness' your putting off is incredibly unnecessary!

Indeed, you figure your former Master would be thrilled to learn that another Crisis is right on his doorstep and that he would have to do something regardless of anyone else. Of course you could just leave him in the dark about this and go gallivanting off into adventure - not the first time you did that very thing, so he's used to it by now...if not exactly fond of that old lifestyle of yours.

(...)

Oz clap her hands together, happy to put in use her healing skills! "Great! Just get a bit closer and I can check on you. Maybe even give a good old healing!"

(Just a little question Windos, what is the roll to use medicine here in the campaigh? It is Intelligence+Knowledge+Medicine? Or it is another type of roll?)

(...)

Healing/Medical Aid Check!
INS + Knowledge + Medicine + ??? (*+1)
*Rolls*

You quickly deduce the cause of the injury - some sort of slashing wound with a bit of heat damage- and with deft hand you clean the cut, pinch it shut, and then apply some medical glue to help keep it closed. In a matter of seconds the injury completely vanishes, the process greatly accelerated by the shy woman's aid. Akamu gains + 1 HP, and now looks completely fine externally! By the end of this Encounter they should gain + 1 more HP too!

Spoiler

Vernon's answer being a little vague briefly gets a raised eyebrow from Seddi.  He doesn't comment on it though.  Vernon definitely looks worse enough for wear that Oz will probably be working on patching him up, so he's unlikely to be going anywhere quite yet.

(...)

In response to Darren and Aaron: "You both certainly sound like a couple of go-getters.  Hopefully you don't end up Bug Biting off more than you can chew."  Seddi looks rather pointedly at Darren when he says that.

(...)

As for Ianai's questions and request...

"The short story of why we call them Paradoxes is simply that they defy our scientific understanding of their cousins.  There's more to it than that, but that's the simplest way to explain it.  One of the ultimate goals of the research mission is to try and clear up some of those paradoxes in our understanding.  Studying these critters in a more natural habitat is likely to be very different compared to the confined zone they're quarantined into back home.  No idea if I'm actually going to get those answers, but I can try."

He raises an eyebrow when Ianai points out both of the pokeballs containing Paradox pokemon with no prompting at all, as well as offers to help Leaves recover from her 'headache,' though he seems to take it in stride regardless of any surprise.  "Well, aren't you just a bundle of surprises.  If you need a little more convincin', then very well, I'll oblige.  I warn you though: I only caught this Sand Crawler within the last half hour.  He's been well behaved so far, but I can make no guarantees he won't be a little jumpy.  And as for my 'Star Servant'...well, if those smelling salts are as effective as you say they are, you'll see soon enough why she's so special."

Seddi looks around at everyone gathered in the clearing.  "Y'all might want to back up a little bit.  Probably a good idea to put a bit of space between you and my Paradox pokemon, just in case."

After setting the extraordinarily rare Beast Ball in the smelling salts, the sphere pulsing with hues of vibrant green and pink, Seddi will mentally check in with Leaves one more time to see if she's recovered and briefly explain the situation to her.

[Alright, let's try this again.  Smelling salts helping, Leaves?  Got someone who wants to meet ya.  Specifically requested, in fact.  We satisfy her curiosity, she might help us on our mission.  Got some others who are ready to assist as well.  Just don't think about what happened earlier too much.  Don't need either of us passing out trying to understand something we can't.]

This was very likely going to be a scene that everyone present never forgets.

(I'll save the description of exactly what happens with both Paradoxes for Windos to fill in.)

Healing/Medical Aid Check 2!
Same + ???
*Rolls*
*Rolls*
Unfortunately Oz has a bit less luck in revitalizing the hapless spider victim with conventional methods, and so glances over to her Honchrow. They give her a look, and with a nod from their Master they closed their eyes and focused for a brief moment, the tip of one of their wings glowing a greenish-white light, before they opened them and lightly tapped Vernon on the head. Immediately he felt a lot better as a jolt of Energy flowed through him, giving him just a bit more pep in his step! Vernon gains + 2 HP, and will gains another + 1 by the time the Encounter Ends! Oz, however, seems a little tired out from whatever her raven did... Next Healing/Medicine Roll Successes Reduces by 1 (All) for Today, 1/6 progress made to becoming Exhausted.

(...)

Aaron is quick to give his own scolding look to his protégé, swiftly bonking him on the head with his cane!

"Settle down, boy! You're shaping up nicely, but you're still a ways off to becoming an Ace. Remember, Bugs are not all about Strength, but cunning decimation."

He then shoots you with a rather sharp grin, an air of experience and something else about him.

"Junior, you don't get to be an Elite with just talent and experience alone. No, you got to be hungry for success. And Bugs? *Chuckles* Bugs are all about that Hunger."

Ominous. 

(...)

A thoughtful *Hm* is issued as the enrobed lady hears you out, not looking terribly moved but neither dismissive either. 

"...If Understanding of Them is what you Desire, Seek other Lepia and Bra'Epa Their Wisdom and Aid. We Know much about Our Lands you Vin'dacc and Settlers only Presume to Know, and The Primal Ancient and Star Servants are some of them. Each Tribe Holds their Own Wisdom and Seperd''Wev - Perspective Dream View - , and All Tribes Know well the Lessons and Urt'Taf - Truth Fact - our Homelands Hold. Whether or not they will Share it with Vin'dacc at all is Unlikely, though - you have done no Favor for us without Sif'Api - First Pain - and have Good Reason to Distrust you All."

Notably and tellingly Ianai doesn't indicate if they share a like mind or not with this presumed majority opinion.

You warning only gets a sharp nod, but she remains close to you, undaunted by the potential threat of the Sand Crawler or what exactly your 'Star Servant' really is. 

Your inquiry doesn't receive a response for a couple of seconds, before you get a *Ping* back, an 'affirmative' (if not entirely recovered) feeling back. A strong sense of 'Not going to over analyze this' flows through your Bond too, as well as a bit of irritation at that conceit. She really didn't like Not Understanding what happened, nor having to hold herself back to not glitch herself out again.

Seeing everyone is ready, you huffed a breath and First released the Sand Crawler, their Summoning kicking up a minor burst of sand as they stomped onto the ground and reared up to their full height, snapping their big pincers with sharp *CLACK CLACKS!* and wavering their venomous tail erratically. It eyed everyone in the clearing with clear distrust and wariness until they focused on the closest stranger - Ianai - and let out a menacing *ZZZsssSSzzzz!* , readying their tail to Strike and spear her -!

And before you could even attempt to stop him the Native woman boldly walks up and smacks the Paradox hard on the cheek. This immediately stuns them for a moment, a look of disbelief on their face, before an anger quickly replaced it as they *SSsSzzZz!* again and raised its pincers - !

Only to get smacked again.

"Vah , Mip'Tcina ! Erm'Da''Apl , Ey'vah ! "

She scolded your Sand Crawler, who reeled away from the suddenly Intimidating lady, and swiftly scuttled behind you, peeking at her timidly before looking up at you with a pleading expression. Oh Land Lord, would ward this Scary Native away from him, oh please?

Ianai gave both it and then you Critical Looks, her brow furrowed as she Divine and Judged whatever she could get from you two, before nodding.

"Young, but impressionable. Looks up to you, finds you Worthy of His Defense and some of his Respect. Bond not Aged yet, but Strong Still. Proven with Good Grace and Greater Fortune...."

The near-indecipherable woman motions to your Beast Ball, which has been rocking back and forth for awhile now.

"Release your Vresy''A’ru Rarii. "

For a moment, you pause, and send a feeling of 'Grand spectacle' to your Partner. 'Cause after that display from them? You want Leave to blow the socks off of her and everyone else.

A *Ping!* of acknowledgement and acceptance later, and you nod back to Ianai.

Then you cocked your arm back far and released Her Ball into the air.

Up, up, up it went.

Down, down, down it gone.

Until it hit the stone in the center of the clearing with a *Ding!*

....And in a bright, almost blinding flash of Green-Pink light, She Appeared.

Music 1: Legend of Zelda - Twilight Princess: The Light Spirit Appears

She was standing tall on four long, slender, and mechanical legs,  Her torso smoothly polished and equine, deer-like in design, with wing-like tuffs fanning out on Her fore-legs and tail. Green was her predominant color, but pale grays accented her belly and face. She had a long, slender neck, adorned with two broad and sharp Leaves, their tips glowing a menacing fuchsia, their very glow seeming to bite into the spirits of all that witnessed them. Last but not least She possessed a V-shaped head, Her forehead the same fushia as her Leaves, and a Pair of Black-Pink Eyes that Stared down all before Her.  

In an instant, All that Witnessed Her Knew Her Name:

)~~}{I R O N - L E A V E S}{~~{

She tilted her head at Her audience, assessing them all...

...And lifted Her front left hoof off the rock, holding it in place for precisely three seconds, and then slammed it down.

Music/SE 2: Rustling Motion of Grass and Flowers

Instantaneously, a wave of vibrant, radiant Grassy Energy surged forth from the impact, spreading all throughout the clearing. Swiftly patches of Tall Grass sprouted up, wild flowers of all kinds and Strange glowing fuchsia ones grew in a frenzy of activity, and the very trees seemed to vibrate with renewed vigor and growth as they swayed to Her beat. A fresh, floral scent enveloped the clearing, and a sense of Vitality entered all that were Grounded. 

It was then that everyone Knew they were in the presence of a Mighty, Venerable Soul. One of Nature, yet one of Progress. One of Cultivation, Renewal, and Proliferation. One that Served the Future...and Her Master

They were before a most Paradoxical Verdant Sword.

Music 3: At the Garden (Reprise) [Fate/stay night: Garden of Avalon OST]

For a long moment there was nothing but silence and the sound of swaying plants as everyone took in what just occurred. Even Ianai was struck dumb by what happened, a open mouth look of pure shock plain for all to see.

...Which didn't last long as they shook their head, stomped forward, and Looked Iron Leaves straight in Her eyes, which She returned unFlinchingly.

...
...
...

"....I was mistaken. This is not a Star Servant. It...She is like one. Very much so. But...She is Different. One With and Without Nature. Twice Removed...Twice Restored to Life. Stunted, yet...Fulfilled. Purpose Determined...Determined to Go to the Ends of the World. For It...and For You."

The Native woman was silent for a short yet seemingly long moment...

"....I Judge you thus: You Are Worthy of Your Mission and Quest. Worthy to Attempt to Learn the Secret-Plain Truths of the Lands, the Primal Ancients, the Star Servants, and More. Worthy of Much Indeed. This Novice Ashmuut Shall Join You in Your Quest-Mission, Seddi M. Entary."

Thus it was said, thus it was Promised.

Iron Leaves held their Stare for a moment longer, before giving them a nod and leaping off the rock, landing neatly and gently by your side. Ever by your side, and ever supportive. Ever ever, ever more...
"Mmm hmm hmm....fascinating, oh so very wonderful to Witness!