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

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Original Post

In other words, will you let yourself be used to elevate this Water Scimitar's own standing (and reap the windfall thereof) at your own expense in exchange for greatly increased Favor with them and the Water Scimitar Faction or (...)

Yes I will indeed~

Air Scimitars tend to have fluid student-teacher relationships with whomever they're teaching or simply overlooking- it's not uncommon for them to randomly decide to just rope some Magi in their breezy ways if they take a fancy/shine/whim to one, much to the potential irritation to others sense that could include other Faction Magi.

(I like that! And I can totally see Bernhard doing that. Not now or anytime soon, but once there's a bit more peace and quietness in his life... (If there ever is or will be, that is))

Oooh, very nice. Bernhard's tired af, but that doesn't stop his unintended charisma from doing its thing. AGAIN. ...Wait, no, more so it must be dear Zephy's social spirit. Thank you, dear artsy birdmouse. She may not hear it in her unrestful sleep, but we're muttering a telepathic and genuine "Thank You™" to her. "Once again it has proven that we do indeed belong together, don't we..."

Having gotten somewhat lost in lowkey-philosophical speech (and his own thoughts), Bern's likewise VERY taken-aback when that Water-Scimitar bows so very deeply towards him. He's only mildly showing it on the outside though - instead, there's some sort of satisfaction in the otherwise stoic Master Mage's face. Maybe a tad bit of 'you flatter me so~' too, a tiny hint of a smile too for a split second? But ooohh, Bernhard's VERY weak towards flattery. If that wasn't clear already.

*vivid hand gesture of 'there is a time and place for anything, but that is neither here nor now'* "...Please rise. It is not you that shall apologize. Misunderstandings...well, happen. It's a... hmm... pleasure to see that my, uhm, reputation is known among members of a fellow Fraction too. It seems to follow me." Weird situation, Bernhard's not quite sure how to handle that. He grows uncomfortable the more he thinks about having messed up, he should have known better.

With great satsifaction gaunteted hands are shaken - yay, more business connections! Acrowls would be proud of us for forging another. The Water Scim's number is accepted, and they receive Bernhard's too. "Say, may I also have your name? A tad bit late for introductions, but... Well, manners."

Bernhard will gladly allow them to escort him out from the area. "Yes yes, do take the lead please. Let the calamity wear down, let us give it a few days, let us give your own reputation a helping hand - and be done with this, FOR NOW." *town turns a little more stern* "If you could... at some later point... Repay that favour towards dear me indeed, I'd be of utter gratitude. I am man of honour, and I humbly expect you to be likewise. Do we have a deal?"

While we're off to the exit of the alley and the docks, we'll try to lead the conversation into a different direction. "Please, do tell me... How are things going at the islands? [the Mageocracy] Certain circumstances have locked me out of returning there for a week. ...Minimum a week, I feel."

While most Magi and Scimitars would balk at their reputations taking any sort of hit, much less in so blunt and demeaning a manner, your shamelessness and complete disregard to such things knows no bounds. This tends to be somewhat of a trend among Air Scimitars, but you take the very concept of 'Enlightened Disinterested' (AKA: I so can not be bothered to care) to a level scarcely believed, especially for such a prideful and egotistical sort as a Scimitar Magi.

Heck, it's part of your reputation - 'The Untouchable Breeze' is just one of your many epithets , earning you admiration among some, envy and disdain among many Traditionalists and stuffy types, and no end of exhaustion of your old Mentor.

Speaking of reputations, the moment you highlight your own causes the Water Scimitar to pause for a moment, and you could feel their focus on you intensify...

INS Roll: Water Scimitar
*Rolls* Hmm...
Your INS + Contest + Emapthy Roll
(5)(1)(5)(4)(3)

...You realize that this Magi didn't actually know who you were, still didn't. All they realized was that you were a Master Air Scimitar based on the general cut/style of your wardrobe and the sheer way + Power you carried. Though you suspect that they just had the inkling that the random Scimitar they man-handled was FAR more important they could ever imagine....

As for their name...

"....Citrine, Master of Air. And of course you'll receive your fair do - it's the very least I can do after the trouble I caused and the unexpected Boons to be gained. The Deal is Made and Struck. Now, and apologies once more, allow me to lead you out..." 

Your attempt to fish for info about the Mageocracy doesn't yield much results - this Scimitar hadn't been keeping up with the homeland lately in line of furthering their own research and duties to the local chapter of Water Scimitars. They do promise to gather a 'sufficient report' of the state of things for you by the next time you two meet, however. 

Contact Established: Citrine! Reputation with Citrine and the Water Scimitars increase! Knock on effects of this 'humiliation' yet Unknown. Reputation at the Docks now Shaky - best let things cool off before you knock around these parts once more....

'The Untouchable Breeze' - yeah, that sounds like Bernhard indeed, for the better or for the worse. It's one of his many epithets that he's having mixed feelings about, but he's gotten used to that one over time. Somehow. Eventually. Zephy helped. She's like the only one that gets to see what he looks like behind the stoic and masterful facade, get a glimpse of his vivid palette of emotions and ever-occupied mind... ...and what a big and caring softie he actually is (towards those selected individuals he truly cares for, that is, people and partner-Pokemon included). A massive sign of trust in his books.

We're feeling VERY pleased with Citrine and with the deal we've made. Hehe, yes we do~ It overpowers the disappointment of them not being able to inform us about what's going on at the home-islands. "Ah... Well, who am I to blame a fellow Mage for furthering their own research... Your words of a - what did you call it - 'sufficient report' is much appreciated indeed. I shall look forward to that report of yours, as well as to hear back from you, dear Citrine."

The remaining way out of the docks is done in silence - until Bernhard would turn towards Citrine once more before it is time to part ways for now. "Well then, until so long. My sincere thanks and apologies once again, it's a pleasure to do business with you and the fellow Water Fraction - Shall you ever need me or have news for me, you've got my number. Alternatively, head no further than to the local Magi Embassy, and ask for Mr. Bernhard Samsara at the reception."

Then we'll just walk away, graceful Myra at our side - no stylish flying or similar due to Zephy being stuck in her unrestful sleep. Like the wind and in a breeze, Bernhard's off and away.

Now, what is there next to be done Today? 1 more Moderate Encounter Slot and 2 Minor ones remaining.

*rubs hands and gets out written notes* For simplicity and planning ahead, I shall let you know of my FULL plan for the remaining Day. Please let me know asap if I did anything wrong or it doesn't work out like that so that we can arrange something - but from what I understood, things shall work out like that just fine. ...Unless Lady Luck, Miss Fortune and Father Fate have other plans, like they always seem to do have when it comes to Bernhard.

There's no specific order in what I'd like for the following things to be, aka I'm all fine to mix things up (example: do the Bonus Encounters first, then the Moderate). The only thing that's indeed time-sensitive is meeting up with Morgana, but that's said to take place once all of my Encounters are concluded (aka late that in-game evening or whenever she feels up to pick Bern up)

Moderate Encounter #2

Having left the docks, Myra gets recalled into her Dusk Ball, with re-triggers the Heavy Rain now that her Drought isn't in effect anymore. We'll check various side alleys, hidden spots at parks and otherwise secluded areas for whatever wild Pokemon are out and about is such nasty weather - Bernhard's not looking for any species or type of 'Mon in particular. He just desires to find a poor creature to take out his subdued and restrained ANGER (from having failed to reach his goal over finding the Black Market) out at via spells.

That shall be the premiere of how he, or in generally a Scimitar, battles with spells via Evocation. Excited to see how it goes and how it works!~

Minor Encounter #1

I'd like for this Encounter to be saved for the next day. For Trading up on Day #6 indeed. Here's to the post that explains again how Trading Up works.

Got some MAJOR plans for the next day. Yes I know what I am doing and what I'm up for, and I like it. Still anxious af about it though.

Minor Encounter #2

For this Encounter, we'll venture into the shopping district of Bayhama. Bernhard's not looking to buy anything in particular - he's just interested in gathering one or two offers for 1 unit Kitsune's Crimson Rope he has created with Myra's help during Encounter No.1 on Day 4, to later compare it with what he can get out of that creation at the Black Market. Here's the post in GameThread that explains the effect and use of that Kitsune's Crimson Rope, or see the 'Alchemy and Magic'-tab in my charasheet.

Money in exchange for that Kitsune's Crimson Rope is prefered, though money + Item or money + magical crafting ingredient is also much appreciated.

And while Bernhard's on it: If he happens to come across a flower shop or similar or any of the shop he visits anyway has it in display.... Buy a pretty single flower in a vase, one that he feels a certain someone miiiight enjoy. Bernhard hates himself for doing that, but he's willing to pay up to 1k$Poke for it and swiftly pockets it.

Bonus Encounter #1

For this Encounter, we're returning to out room at the Magi Embassy. Bernhards desperately needs to lay down on the bed for just a bit, sort his thoughts and enjoy some silence and peace and quiet and solitude, even it'd be just for a few moments...

He needs to sort his thoughts and handle his subdued emotions to a satisfacory degree, make himself a nice cup of black tea and have teatime with himself. Burn one or two incense sticks too. USUALLY he's prefer to do something related to Magic, like train a few spells or make sure his treasured Gauntlet is in perfect shape...

...But not so now, nor today. No. He's PLAIN EXHAUSTED MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY, and he made a massive fool out of himself at the docks there. Oh how much he'd give for Zephy being up and about right now, her antics and joyous nature would surely help elevate his tired spirit...~~

Bonus Encounter #2

I really enjoy your point of -

Bonding Time could indeed be a Bonus Slot for you. Heck, it'd be on theme with being a Scimitar - most Trainers or people would consider Bonding to be a lengthy, intense thing to do (Minor and above), but a Scimitar or Magi like yourself puts a lesser emphasis on this and generally has a more subdued (though still impactful) relationship with your Mons.

...so that's what Bernhard does now. Solely enjoy the company of Myra, Nirix and smol Spritzee, make sure they're in perfect shape and condition - after all, a Scimitar Magi is only as strong and powerful as their partner-Pokemon.

Gather alchemistic crafting ingredients from them too while he's at it, like Toxic (kitsune) sludge from Myra (3 units per Day are generated by Myra for knowing Toxic according to the notes in my charasheet) and 3d6 of Veil Color from Nirix. Take the Luck egg from Nirix too and give it to smol Spritzee instead.

And while we're at it... During this Bonus Encounter Nirix shall learn Sketch for 50XP, he currently has 51XP - during creating this Pokemon for Bernhard we've arranged that his Ability (Pastel Veil) not only protects him + allies from poisoning, sleep and Stat reduction, but also allows learning Sketch once for 50XP. I can't find where we've arranged this - must be either discord or in a PM.

As for what Nirix shall learn via Sketch - Blizzard, please. Perhaps Zephy's icy powers are rubbing off on the magical unicorn, after all Nirix has been with Bernhard for almost as long as Zephy herself. That, and he perhaps desires to aid his rider and master in calming down after a busy and (again) eventful day. Perhaps he can also sense that the closer the evening and night draws, the more nervous Bernhard gets.

Once all Encounter are concluded and done

..... ...That's when Bernhard finally feels ready for Morgana to pick him up and play host and company to him for the evening and night. 

Or hold on, 'feels ready' is worded wildly incorrectly. Is he EVER 'feeling ready' or (heaven forbid!!1) delighted to see her?? Not really, he just sits there at the table in silence, face burried in his hands, feeling sorry and bad for himself. He has dreaded this evening, quite much so, and he's still wondering what in Arcus name has gotten into him that he asked for the meeting. If he could, he's prefer to run away and over the hills and never ever look back, and enjoy a peaceful life faaaar away from where he currently is - and YET he's showered, freshly shaved, perfumed and what not, and wearing his best Scimitar-robe, having the optimal flower in a vase in front of him.