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

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

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."

The Primal Researcher listens intently to your debrief, only interrupting a few times throughout for comment or clarification.

"Hmm. Very well. Has your Partner verified the conclusions you've drawn? Regardless, if you trust them enough I suppose it is acceptable to share more details about our Mission and Project. Gather them first and I'll give them a run down - I could send them the intel via data download, but I do not want to risk any spy agencies intercepting and decrypting that information. We can then formally ask if they wish to join us in our assignments in full, or only help us tangently and cooperate on occasion. NDAs should not be required, but discretion should still be heavily advised for all parties involved "

"May I see that 'Gemstone' of your? I want to run a simple analysis of it to determine what anomalous properties it may have. My own cognitive capabilities and experience with problems of a similar nature should help in deciphering its purpose. If you advise against that, have your Partner send what data she collected on her own analysis, no matter how corrupted or nonsensical it it."

Your assessment of Ianai causes the Professor to give them another look (who is still dazed at the time), before letting out a thoughtful *Hm* and focusing on you once more. "Good. If she has Special Insight abilities and Knowledge on our primary Mission targets then she will be an invaluable aid."

Akamu's gets raised eyebrows. "Hm...we're dealing with one associated with the Tapus? Which one, if they offered it? Or do you have an idea yourself? I do not have much data on Alola's Guardian Deities, but what I do possess can help me extrapolate the best way to handle and appease It while fostering as good of a relationship between It and Its Follower."

Darren's doesn't get much reaction, but Aaron's certainly does as Sada's eyes widen. "Why is he here? I heard of no diplomatic matters between Sinnoh and Sutalor that would require them to dispatch one of their Elites. What is his and his apprentice's purpose in being here? Do you think he'll overly interfere without our Mission and Project?"

Vernon gets no comment, but the Pictures they send does garner some interest from her. "We should go visit the Survival Center ourselves when we have the chance. If nothing else acquiring information from the about the land will make our jobs easier, and the potential of safe transport would be a great asset if it is affordable."

Oz's garners more interest from the dino doc, with her sporting a curious frown as you describe them and their recent woes.

"Hm....they would be a very great addition to a hypothetical team indeed, but I worry if they are sound of mind enough to work efficiently and effectively as needed. *Nods* I will have to speak with her myself to gauge her interests, and see if she's capable of being of helpful without a large percentage chance of mental collapse or deterioration. Thank you for letting me know about her."

The Sky Scimitar's causes both her eyebrows to shot right up, a look of surprise and then cautious interest appearing in quick succession.

"Hm....I do not think I have heard of a Scimitar by that name before. Perhaps I have heard of him under a different alias or Title, but by my recollection I do not know much about this one in particular. Worked with a few Scimitar Magi and Technomages in the past - their methodology is Confusing but overall effective in its own right, and help further my own understanding on Future Paradoxes. That Partner of his sounds like a Chimeric Pokemon of sorts, which is extremely Strange - the only ones I've heard of like that are from Fuji's Research Projects and Mewtwo's own attempts at Biomancy, Ditto Phenomena, Data and Robotic Creations from Holon, and what scant information I've heard about Unown Events, Enigma's Projects, and the Calamities. If possible I'd like for her to participate in case study and interview, if she and Bernhard permits. Though not directly related to my field of expertise, learning more about a possible Chimeric Myth could greatly develop my own understanding of the fascinating deviations and traits exhibited by Paradoxes compared to their Modern counterparts."

Your assessment of Sand Crawler and request to postpone any research on him gets a nod back - they're not so impatient as to demand to see him now, especially if their is a risk he could make a mess.

Your canny deduction earns you a disgruntled frown from Sada - uh oh.

"...That very well is a conclusion that could be drawn, yes. One the local city government and Sutalor primary governing agents none-to-subtly implied too."

She pinches the bridge of her nose and heaves a frustrated *Sigh...* , shaking her head at whatever news she has to share.

"I will be blunt, unlike them: the city wants us to act as Independent Agents - Police Officers and Judges, in other words -  for 10 Days time here in Bayhama. The reason? The Sutalorian-Scimitar Union Festival Celebration that is coming in 7 Days, which will last 3 Days before concluding with a State of Address and fireworks show. Right now the city's police force, military, and auxiliary Trainer Forces are busy helping organize the big celebration's security, trafficing from outlying districts and other Cities, and making sure nothing Strange happens or the Wild Life gets too riled up by the commotion. In other words, judicial powers are going to be stretched thin, and the local criminal elements and opportunists know this. Crime is going to make a mess of things, and rather than delegate existing forces they want us to help fill in the gaps, solving crimes and disputes however we can and with whomever we can recruit. *Shakes head* It is asinine that they are not better prepared for what should be a know trend, but I suspect they wish to have as much 'insurance' as possible in case their Region's 'wild nature' acts up again. It's probably why Sutalor and Bayhama wanted us here recently and ASAP, now that I think about it..."

Sada crosses her arms and glares at the table, as if its the one to blame for this imposition.

"I told them that would be a grave inconvenience and put us at a great setback on our Mission, but they, in so many words, said that conducting our research would be critically slowed regardless due to 'travel restrictions' and the great influx of traffic stalling exodus from Bayhama, as well as the local Wild Pokemon becoming more Active and Dangerous due to said influx and commotion. *Frowns* I have my doubts on that , but I held my tongue and told them I could not come to any decisions without first having council with my co-researcher, you. I also didn't want to create any friction that would make future purchases or gaining permissions more untenable XOR laborous, and I also didn't want relations with us to chill and make any future deals and arrangements more difficult and mired than need be. *Shakes head ruefully* Politics - no matter the time, place, or people, it is all the same, and I despise the necessity of playing such time wasting games. The fact they also implied they want you to continue said 'Independent Agent Activities' as you explore the Region makes it all the more irritating too - I can understand why they want to 'get the most' out of us, given the Wildness of the Region and how lawless or atypically regulated parts are, but it does not make it any less of a utter chore.""

Wow, she's NOT happy about this - this is about as much emotion and passion you've gotten out of her outside her Research and some specific topics! You could also now, from your short but eventful career as a League Agent yourself, read between the lines - that Stipend, Bonus, and Power of Authority were 'deal sweeteners' to get you to go along with their 'extra' requests.

The Professor then *Sighs*, and an even more disgruntled and worried frown grace her face. A very worried and concerned one.

"....They have, though, offered an alternative way for us to assist them that would allow them to 'speed up' our future departure from Bayhama, free us from any 'obligations' to police Bayhama and the Region at large, as well as give us a give us a great deal of 'clout' and even greater financial windfall. They went so far as to even offer to increase our Stipend to $10000 to every 10 Days and Upgrade our 'Bonus' - instead of what they offer, they would give us a choice of the following - 5 Max Revives and Full Restore Xs (Has 2 Uses, Does Not Apply Potion Effectiveness) - given up front -, a single use TM for Recycle EX (Works on virtually ANYTHING, like Human Made Healing Items, Broken Stuff, even TMs and Single Use HMs, but in the case of Non-Natural Items and other Noted Stuff they can only be Recycle Once before the Item disintegrates and it Exhausts the User in the process), access to one Hunter-Killer Military Grade Firearm or Weapon of your choice - and given it to you right away - , a Miracle Berry, or finally a Star Unity Ball.

Oh. My. That...that is some real premium loot that is be offered for this alternative gig. More Max Revives and Better FRs are obviously good, Recycle is already valuable enough so an even better version avaliable is ridiculous, and Military Hardware of that caliber is virtually impossible to get a hold of.

The Miracle Berry and Star Unity Ball? Near priceless Items in of themselves.

The Miracle Berry does exactly what its name implies - Grants a Miracle to whomever eats it, living or dead. It could be anything from getting a Super Unique , Special, Powerful, Strange, or Fortunate Trait or Surprise, it could enhance existing Abilities or Moves, or even change the way a Pokemon is on a fundamental level, unlocked Evolutions , Forms, and Transformations, natural and not, and much, much more. All of it is guaranteed to be good and have no negative effect to boot - it truly is all upside.

The Star Unity Ball has a 'mere' Seal Strength of 12, but it works on everything but Humans without Fail, it is Unbreakable and requires No Throwing Roll to Hit, returns to Hand upon a Failed Capture, it gives + 5 Loyalty and Happiness while also Uncapping those same 'Stats' for any Pokemon Captured by it (while also GREATLY boosting Bonding and all Bonding Effects), Fails still increase the Target's H/L by 1 per attempt, and grants the Captured Target an Additional Ability, Moves (one of them being either Hidden Power, Return, or Wish), 100 XP, and one Surprise! that is worth 100 XP. 

...But all this great, great loot begs a very Important Question:

'Just WHAT do they want you to do that would be worth THAT much?'

Sada tells you, and you can't help a shiver from crawling down your back as she coldly stares you in the eyes and says:

"In exchange...they want somebody to deal with a Malefic Monstrum. An Alpha-like Malefic Monstrum - a God Wandering Hurricane, they call it."

You could hear a Mousehold breath in the pure silence that ensued from that statement. The Professor looks away, staring at the Region Map hanging on the wall.

"....You may have heard about it already - or seen it, if you were truly unFortunate - it's Territory is located on the Beach you found yourself at. The Forsaken Beach, they call it, in part because its home to such a monster. From what I have been told and researched It's been their for the better part of a decade, and while it hasn't done anything majorly detrimental to Bayhama....those in the know about it have been dreading it deciding to live up to its nameshake and wander over here. It has already been confirmed to have been responsible for a couple of severe storms that devastated the city, and year by year it slowly is expanding the borders of its Territory. Some say it'll reach the City Limits by the end of this Month. It is known to be highly aggressive and easily provoked into violence, and has zero sense of restraint - if crossed it will go all out against any and every one connected to the offender. Including Humanity at large - it's last known major act of aggression against Humans was obliterating a Cruiseliner for entering its Territory unknowingly due to a bad storm, costing the lives of hundreds. They've been sending what Independent Agents, Officers, and Free Trainers they can to scout the beach and keep tabs on it, but they've wanted it gone for years by now. Nobody has offered so far, for fairly obvious reasons. The officials says one Trainer has offered to join a Team to take the beast down for years, but....that is all the support they could offer.

"Having read up on your records and received a most recent report on your Miraculous Survival and Feats on The Forsaken Beach....they believe you are capable and Fortunate enough to be entrusted with this task. If you agree to it, you'll have to sign a Contract that mandates your attempt at Defeating and the Capture or Killing of the God Wandering Hurricane, and are Authorized to Recruit any Willing and Capable Trainer into a Team with the Intent to Capture or Kill IT. All parties involved will receive similar compensation as you will, and all expenses will be made to treat any casualties or fatalities caused in the Fight. Any damages caused to the City of Bayhama will not be held liable against you or your Team, nor any civilian casualties or fatalities . In addition, they will provide all the Data they have collected about Wandering Hurricanes to us, and what they have learnt about the God Wandering Hurricane specifically, including its habitual schedule of appearances, all in a effort to increase our odds of success in dealing with IT. "

A heavy, heavy *Sigh...* escapes Sada as they turn to face you, worried and....conflicted.

"....By my own assessment, I believe we are capable of completing this task. The Trainer we would be Teaming up is said to be one of the best in the Region, and has on record taken down multiple other Malefic Monstrum, including lesser Wandering Hurricanes. The boons we'd receive would greatly improve the odds of completing our Mission and our Projects, and it would endear us significantly with the Sutalorian Government. Not only for ourselves, but for Paldea as a whole, and it would facilitate further relations with other polities beyond. It would also Safeguard Bayhama in the long run, and allow for it to expand its borders and more safely fortify existing ones. Dealing with the God Wandering Hurricane would, therefore, be the most optimal outcome for everyone involved. *Sighs, Grimacing* ....It is also not something I can make a decision on. Frankly, without several other Trainers of your caliber , our odds of Success without severe fatalities or grievous injuries is hovering around 20% . The odds of Failure as it stands are around 40%, with Catastrophic Failure being about 20% of that ratio. In the event of a Successful Hunt, their is a 40% Chance that at least 2 of our Pokemon or ourselves from each participate will die. Regardless, it would not remotely be a clean Fight - at minimum Forsaken Beach would likely be devastated, and their would be high odds that Bayhama would be hit with storms that would incur great damages. It is unknown what the expect loss of life would be, Human and Pokemon alike - Failure would likely result in a death toll in the thousands before the Military could be mobilized and successfully put it down. In conclusion: Win or Lose, as it stands Fighting the God Wandering Hurricane would be Costly in the Extreme."

"Knowing all this now, I would like to hear your thoughts and assessment of this, and how this should shape our future policy of dealing with Bayhama's Government. Give me your honest opinion, and together....we can decide what to make of this offer.

...That is one hell of a bombshell to be dropped. Enough that it interrupts what you were planning on saying to about Morgana to Professor Sada. Understandably so - practically having a City Level Crisis being thrown at you to solve and the local city government all but begging you to take it would bring anyone up short.

Ianani is no longer staring off into space too - she's starring gravely and intently at the Professor. Looks like she was roused at some point in The Reveal, and is having her own thoughts on this. For now, she remains silent, one hand gripping a Dusk Ball particularly tightly and her Tattoos flaring on and off intermittently....

Special Super Boss Mission Unlocked For Everyone: Conquering the God King of Storm - The One Whom To The Wind Is Bold.