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

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

Professor Sada, a not so well known now-in-days but still highly respected researcher from Paldea, looks over to Ianai - who current is sporting a poleaxed expression as they stared at her - before looking back to you and nodding, crossing her arms as she did so.

"I see. How much are they aware of our Mission and Projects? I don't overly care for secrecy, here and in general, but I would like to know what you've already shared so I don't end up repeating myself and know where to go with each of these individual. Speaking of them, what are their Names, their general Personalities, and their stance in regards to you? What is your judgement on them, professionally and speaking only for yourself? What have you learnt and experienced that has caused you great delays, greater inconvenience, and caught your own interest?"

The cave-scientist then pauses, as if remembering something, before stepping forward towards you, scanning over your belt until she spots what she was looking for - the Net Ball of your latest Capture, The Sutalorian Paradox Sand Crawler.

"....*Pans back up to Stare at you Intently* I would also like to know everything about this Paradox you recently caught. If possible I'd like to see it myself, if its tame and tractable enough for a cursary examination and diagnosis."

Yeap, the Professor fixation on Paradoxes are still as prominent as ever, though not enough to distract her entirely from business or banish most reason from her these days as she shakes her head and gestures to you.

"As for how I've done and what work I've completed on my end: Arrival went satisfactory from the Sea-Airport outside of the Storm Wall, and I made my way to the Embassy without a moment's delay. I meant with the officials to discuss our mission, project, and what our juridiction, and have only shortly concluded business since you arrived. Here."

Sada reaches into her Inventory to hand you a bunch of documents and a ID/Badge with your Name and Picture on it, featuring both the Symbol of Paldea's League and The Sutalorian Government on the outside of the Badge casing.

"These are your Diplomatic Papers and Identification. Read over them later, but to summarize: you and I have full authorization to explore, catalogue, research, Catch, and deal with all Pokemon in this Region, up to and including the Malefic Monstrum, Mifowe, and Rouge Legends and Myths. We also have some degrees of protection from the local law in order to conduct our mission and if we run into any disputes in the course of it, as well as Legal Authority equivalent to a Ranger Chief, Ace Trainer, Rank 1 Government Bounty Hunter, Free Bounty Hunter, and Rank 3 Independent M.E.T.A Officer. We're also will be given a stipend of $5000 Poke every 15 Days, as well as our choice between 1 Max Revive, 1 Single Use TM for Recycle (Which can also Repair Stuff), A Firearm of your choice with 30 Units of Ammunition or your choice, or your choice of a Medical Kit, Berry Kit, or Capture Kit. Lastly, we'll be kept up to date on government and domestic dealings as needed and by our own request.

"In exchange, we are expected to help and assist in emergency crisises, solving disputes and offer 'reasonable' aid in Legal and Extra Legal matters if requested by Region's Government and local governing bodies, and dealing with 'major threats' or 'threats to society and Nature' to the best and fullest extent of our ability. While in the Wilds or otherwise given Full Authority by a local or the super ruling government, and if not given a Directive against something or acting otherwise, you have the Right to Investigate, Capture and Detain Humans, Pokemon, and Other Creatures, Settle Civil or Environmental Disputes per your best judgement, Sentencing of Criminals, and, in the most extreme or dire circumstances, Execution or Conscription of people and Pokemon to resolve major crimes or situations. We are to make Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Reports of our Findings, and to Alert the government or the nearest acting local Authority about any major discoveries involving Au'Rarii Artifacts, Special Locations, Disasters, Criseses, etc.. We get First Claim on our discoveries, as is the Law in these lands, but anything we do not take into our custody or is deemed 'too great' for an individual person to horde will be shared with the state.

"Do you understand all this, Seddi? Do you have any questions?

As for what was frustrating her earlier, she crosses her arms again and simply stares at you with expectation - it seems she wants to hear your mini-Adventure first before she brings up any news on that, good, bad, or inconvenient.

Ianani, notably, continues to stare off into space where the Professor once stood, a dazed and glazed over expression overtaking her normally unflappable demeanor.

Time to get right down to business then.  No need to beat around the bush where the Professor is concerned.

"No specifics on your two research projects yet since they weren't immediately relevant, but I gave them a general rundown of both of our main objectives, and showed them Leaves when I was asked to.  All seven of us had a rather similar experience from what I can surmise, and we all have a strange gemstone of some variety to prove it.  Ianai said we heard the voice of a god, and while I'm not sure myself how accurate that is, I do know that the voice corroborated what Leaves told us about Sutalör being in danger.  Figured it was safe to give them what few details we have on that since that voice implied we'll all be instrumental in determining Sutalör's fate.  Given that, the fact the gemstones lead us to each other after we all presumably got teleported from wherever we all were, and that they all seem to have good heads on their shoulders, I reckon they should be trustworthy enough."

(Gonna put the first impressions in a spoiler for the sake of reducing the initial size of the post)

First Impressions

"Ianai is the skeptical one, but has a lot of knowledge she could potentially share.  She's the one who asked to see Leaves before she'd commit to helping us.  I hadn't said a word about her, yet the mystic knew I had her and another Paradox on my person.  Definitely talented, knows her way around Sutalör's Paradoxes, and a little about that mystical thing that happened to all of us shortly before I appeared on that beach outside the city.  I get a headache trying to think about it, and Leaves had to shut down and reboot trying to comprehend it, so I think I can agree with Ianai that it's probably a bit beyond mortal comprehension.  My handling of Sand Crawler and Leaves convinced her to tag along, so here she is.

"An Alolan man with blue hair named Akamu.  He's got a shiny Hakamo-o in a backpack and a Mareanie that likes to sit on his head.  Seems to be on a quest for one of his region's guardians.  Might be related to what we're here to do, and his-patron, I guess-seemed to approve of him cooperating with us.  We help him, he'll help us.

"A rather headstrong fellow named Darren.  Seems to specialize in Bugs, and is accompanied by his mentor: Sinnoh Elite 4 Aaron.  Has a shiny Whirlipede, and is eager to test his skills, so he jumped at the chance to help us.  Maybe a little too eager.  Aaron will be joining him too, so that's a bit more firepower on our side if we need it.  And hopefully it'll be enough to keep Darren outta serioud trouble.

"A very carefree and wander-prone young man named Vernon.  Has a Turtwig and a Munchlax.  Studies under Gardenia.  Didn't really say anything one way or the other, but I imagine he'll be around.  He stayed put long enough to hear me out, at least.

Seddi's phone buzzes, and he checks the messages briefly.  "Well, would you look at that.  Look's like Vernon found his way to the survival center.  And he found another gemstone?  Huh.  Those are some fancy looking vehicles too.  Can ask him about all that later though.  Anywho..."

"There's a woman who seems to have a rather troubled past and some confidence issues called Oz.  Eager to help us, but reluctant to rely on others since she doesn't want anyone to get hurt because of her.  If we can help her overcome those problems, she'd likely be very helpful to have around since she describes herself as a healer, and she's very enthusiastic if she isn't beating herself up.  She'd probably be interested in one of your projects, and maybe that healing expertise could help with completing it when you get around to working on it.  Her primary partner appears to be a Honchkrow with some measure of healing ability.  Very unusual.

"Most surprisingly though, there was a Scimitar named Bernhard.  And not just any mage apparently.  Rather stern and standoffish, looks like he might be a higher ranking one from his attire and age.  Also seems to be partnered with the most bizarre looking Legendary or Mythical pokemon I have ever seen, one that he has not actually told any of us about yet.  She approached us first and wants us to keep that between us so he can make a big show of the 'reveal' later, whenever later is.  She looked like what I can only describe as a fusion of Plusle and Articuno, seems to be a rather energetic and somewhat whimsical artist, and asked me to call her Muse until Bernhard tells us her actual name.  She's a big contrast with her stern partner, who seems inclined to remain standoffish and secretive for now.  He's willing to help, but he'll do so on his own terms, so interaction with him is likely to be limited.  Can't blame him for wantin' to keep his secrets, especially with a partner like that, but I definitely got the impression he'll be worth havin' around.  Was a bit critical of how I was presentin' everything, but I think the answers I gave to his questions about my partnership with Leaves were satisfactory enough for him.

"Overall, everyone seemed to be in agreement that somethin' big was goin' on, given what we'd just experienced and what I had to say about it.  Different folks from all different walks of life, but we've all got some things in common.  And I reckon that's what's going to be tying us together in the future.  Everyone agreed to stay in touch, so we'll probably be trading a lot of messages whenever we see somethin' relevant."

After detailing the First Impressions, Seddi moves on to the matter of Sand Crawler.

"Getting a cursory look at Sand Crawler shouldn't be an issue.  He's young and not much stronger than my usual pokemon.  Made a good impression on him, so he seems to look up to me.  Bit jumpy, but should be easy to dissuade from causing unnecessary harm.  Has a taste for rare berries, so using positive reinforcement is likely to be effective, but he should also back down if sternly disciplined.  Not likely he'll let you take a closer look if he's spooked though.  Probably shouldn't do it in here, just in case things get messy."

And as for the official business, Seddi stores the badge and the papers for now.  Something strikes him as a little odd though...

"As clear as a Normal type Tera Jewel, Professor.  That's a bit more authority than I was expectin', though.  Is there some business they're plannin' for us to deal with already?  Gonna need a few more details on what's in those kits as well before I decided on what free stuff I'm gettin'.  It all sounds rather useful."

Seddi pauses briefly, debating if he should say this next part now while the Professor answers that last question.  Probably better to just rip the bandage off.

"Time for my bad news now I reckon.  Bernhard also seems to have connections with Morgana of all people.  The Fairy Queen decided to crash our little meetin' earlier, and annoyingly, she saw Leaves.  She wasn't necessarily hostile, but everyone was on edge.  I don't know what Morgana intends to tell her allies back in Neo Unova, but we might need to expect trouble in the future.  Morgana was rather interested in me and the two Swords I had with me, to put it mildly, and I'm more than likely to run into her again I reckon.  Can't say I'm pleased about the thought.  Last thing we need is Enigma breathing down our necks for no reason."

It's about now that Seddi notices that Ianai hasn't moved.  He waves a hand in front of her face, snaps a few times.  "Hey uh, Ianai?  You doin' okay?"  He looks back to the Professor and sighs.  "...she's been starin' off into space this entire time, hasn't she?  Might have to dig through her bag, find those smelling salts she used on Leaves earlier if she doesn't snap out of it soon."