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

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

Kusanagi could not give on iota of a fuck about a random man like Mr. Pinstripes, grimly focused and ever so slightly thrilled about the upcoming fight with a REAL demon. Her performance last time was woeful of a swordman of her calibur - the next time she CUTS the monster it won't just bounce back.

The suited gunner just chuckles and waves you off, not really expecting an answer. 

The masked Native blinked as you casually slapped the Poke into his hands without bargaining at all, before he gave you a solemn nod and began recounting the extensive information he had on Masked Wolves

***

MASKED WOLF

MASKED WOLF
Alternative Name: Kamureiyō , the Masking Wolf Pokemon
Typing: Ghost/Rock
Paldean Classification: *Pseudo / Paradox (Special)
Baseline Disobedience: Variable
Best Attributes: Insight, Speed, Special
Appearance: Variable, though they are considered semi-large quadapeds with white armoring on their lupine bodies and their own Unique Porcelain Mask.

Learnset: Porcelain Claw (Rock Type Metal Claw, Raises STR), Accelrock, Fake Out, Astonish, Scratch, Strength Sap, Tail Whip, Role Play*, Mimic*, <- Level 1  Moves ; Spite (12), Shadow Sneak (16), Copycat (20, ???), Confuse Ray (24), Mask Dance (+ 1 SPE, + 1 Accuracy, Automatically Triggers Stealth, Trait, or Role Play; 28), Shadow Ball 32), Thief Delta (Steals MOVE used against it - Target Loses Move and this Move is replaced by Stolen Move for 1D4 Rounds, Innate), Power Gem (40), Mask Change ( ??? . Lv 44), Memento (Lv 48) , Lunar Dance (52)
Egg Moves: Curse, Defog, Feather Dance, Flail, Mirror Shot, Metal Sound , Meteor Mash, Pain Splait, Pursuit, Wish, Yawn

Ability: Trace (Base Game, but Mods Variable based on Species - Data on Masked Wolf Unown), Limber, Mold Breaker (HA)

Trait #1: Lunar Mask
Alters Rock Type to no longer be Weak to Water and Grass, and is the source behind many of its esoteric powers and capabilities. In turn, it's also a massive weakness - if you can manage to Steal its Mask or Destroy It then it is greatly weakened, though doing so requires immense Strength or Cunning.

Trait #2: Phase Shift
Does not follow traditional Psuedo Power Mods. Instead, it can assume the form of a Human and gain all benefits/drawbacks thereof in exchange for sealing/hiding away most of its Pokemon Form's power. Their is always a Tell - younger/less powerful one still have their Mask on their faces in some way, while others carry subtler markings. Regardless, these Mons have Human-like Intellect , Reasoning, and Creativity - in other words, a nightmare to deal with if they put their minds to it.

Trait #3: Dancing Wolf
Roll DEX + Contest +  Perform per Move / Number of Actions taken in a Round - add that as both Appeal and as Automatic Evasion/Redirection Roll of Incoming Attacks per Action Made (EX They Use Shadow Sneak and Get This Roll Tacked onto it). Better Roll vs Opposing Roll can have various effects on Masked Wolf and Combatant. The species are also Skilled Actors and Performers to a fault - catching them in the Act can prove embarassing/inconvenient while willfully playing along can be rewarding in turn.

Trait #4: Paradox (Special)
This Mon is classified as a Paradox due to it defying what is considered 'Normal and Standard' for Pokemon in ways that transcend mere Scientific Understanding, rather than strictly being a Mon that is Out of Time. Considering it's Human Levels of Intelligence and Understanding while also possessing Pokemon Powers, one would think this would have outcompeted Humanity where it lived and went; instead, they don't for reasons that elude researchers and most Natives....

Trait #5: Ephemeral Presence
Double Successes against Unwilling Captures; Can easily slip in and out of Stealth or even ??? at high enough levels, regardless of circumstance. Can survive in virtually any environment and  canphase through Non-Claimed Property/Domains. Has the capability of Speaking with the Dead and ??? of ??? .

Basic Lore: An extremely elusive and enigmatic species though to be a distantly related to Kitsunoh and Mightyena Native to Sutalor , these Masked Wolves are nomadic wanderers, traveling and cavorting throughout the lands to fulfil their own Roles in The Grand Stage of Life (as they call their general 'purpose). Possessing the nearly unheard of ability to freely transform into near-perfect Humans and their own affinity with mankind, these Mons are said to interweave their way into Native and Settler society, Dancing and Acting their Roles for their own inscrutable (though often whimsical/theatrical) reasons. They consider their Roles both a sacred, spiritual thing and a matter of professional honor; best be wary of Unmasking a Kamureiyo, for the consequences can be most grave and Strange indeed...

Their are legends this species came about of a tribe of Natives getting Cursed/Blessed into these beings, but attempts to clarify this have been met with much speculation and debate by Natives and Masked Wolves alike.

***

The.....masked man - more a young lad, now that you are focusing - coughs as you slowly look up and more closely at him and looks away, before reaching into his robes to present to you....A Black Steel Woven Braid.

"....For Fair and Honest Dealings, I give you this. Invoke its Power when the time is right against a Mask Wolf - it will Limit what one can do. ....Please, put a stop to.....their madness and their ....desperation. They....have been drawn into the Demon's Wake Unwillingly. One has gone Mad, and the other....Does What They Can. Please....help them."

The Family Friend grins and hefts his gun , a certain blood thirsty and rooting tooting gleam to his eyes that told all you need to know about his capacity to stir up trouble and Violence BIG TIME. Lopzu interjects when you bring up Rain usage - "....Apologies for interrupting my Lord, but.....Rain may not be wise to use here. So close to the sea, on loose sand and in such a turbulant atmosphere....such Weather could become more than just a mere storm."

Once Seddi has all that written down, and the young man offers an item of considerable power and significance, Seddi puts the notebook and pen away, looks him straight in the eyes...

...and then he clasps the hand offering the braid with both of his hands.

"I'll do what I can, lad.  Justice shall be done, to the best of my ability in these circumstances.  If all goes well, everything you've offered me now might help save more than Bayahama."

He then pockets the braid.

"One more question before I head out: which of those wolves is the one that's gone mad?  If I'm gonna try and break them free from this Malefic's curse, I'm goin' to need to know which one's the harder job so I can prepare accordingly."

Spoiler

Bernhard, just like Lopzu, would be against setting up rain. "As much of a smart idea it is to potentially power up our side, dear me feels it would and could potentially cause more harm than good. Same with setting up Hail by Muse or triggering Drought by my Ninetails - no, if possible I'd like to save manipulations of the weather and terrain for the Big Boss once we have reached them. Instead, I do wish to focus on taking the targets out as FAST and SWIFTLY as only possible for us."

Seddi's words of slipping in unnoticed get an approving nod from Bern, he does like that idea. "Wise thinking. You mean, you do wish to cause a distraction so that you and Lopzo can take out one of the Group's leaders quickly, do I understand that correctly? Please correct me if I am wrong."

There's a looong break before Bernhard speaks up again, as he gives the idea a good thought. "...There are INDEED ways for me to cause such a distraction. Allow me to elaborate:"

1. The most obvious, guaranteed to work but also VERY risky way would be making use of Zephy's NoticeMe!-plotdevice. If Zephy herself agrees to put herself to that risk in the first place, that is (@Lord Windos, needs your input). The plan would be the following: Prepare Zephy with a Safeguard and a cast Protect, then have her use NoticeMe! as an actual move/attack (not via Evokation) in the opposite direction you and Lopzu enter. That will draw in ALL THE ATTENTION, ( aka this move/plotdeivce functions as a 1-round-long AoE Follow Me-Effect, at the cost of granting foes +2 Accuracy and +1 Damage against Zephy.) Bernhard will stay close to Zephy, to recall her into her Premier Ball immediately when that effect triggers, leaving the foes befuddled of what happened.

2. Also very possible [and the option I'd prefer], is making use of that Flash Powder as a magical crafting ingredient Zephy brought along from her Night's Out at Afterlife (I haven't gotten to make these into actual Flash Bombs just yet, too busy Bernhard was!). It will generate a Flash-like effect for the duration of the Encounter, invisible Zephy would very well trigger that effect at the opposite direction Seddi and Lopzu will go in. Alternatively, and much muccchhh more risky, Bernhard would likewise cast a Safeguard and Protect over himself could trigger that effect himself.

3. Maybe possible, yet unsure whether it would work in the first place, make use of Equinox's Wonderous and Alluring nature: 
-- Allure*: +2 (6)(6) on all Allure-based rolls, added after dice are substracted. +3 (6)(6) is said roll involved seduction or mating. --
Have her go into the scene with the intention of seduction and mating indeed, IF she/they is fine and willing to give that a try. Both those Group's leaders are Monsters just like this chimeraeevee is - so, perhaps that can be used of advantage here? Likewise Bernhard will stay close, to intercept and recall her/them into their Ball should things become dangerous for Equinox (he would this time not intercept like he did at the actual Foxy Event however, go wild and go nsfw if these other creatures are willing)

Seddi nods as Lopzu and Bernhard offer their perspective on the weather shenanigans.  "Very well.  That Assault Vest is stayin' on Goodra for now in that case."

Spoiler

'James' bowing down that deeply, calling him 'Master Bernhard', being honored with his help and supreme character ('James'' words) and basically everything about that man treating Bern does heavily trigger his trademark 'You flatter me so~'-senses; and with a wave of his hand Bernhard thanks and gestures that guy to rise. There's a small pleased smile on the stoic Mage's face as he does so. "Well, I am grateful for your words. How could I...not lend my aid and might in this dire situation... A 'hero' I am not, but that should not hinder the city to put trust in me, now should it~"

About 'James' prioritizing my commands over Seddi's now: That gets a headshake from Bernhard. "No. Please don't. Let us...work together on taking things down. *to the cowboy directly* Your words matter JUST AS MUCH as mine. The dire situation does all but require it. We shall...make it as...*shudders and cringes visibly*...a team, I take."

Bernhard does not mention it (way too humble he is!), but him helping out does not come free. Expect him to wanting to be compensated and rewarded accordingly.

Furthermore: Anger the Mageocracy or make enemies out that part, and you are in for BIG trouble with Bernhard, regardless how lawful one may be.


No flashing of the environment then, but Lopzu's and Citrine's input ergarding that plan are noted. "So creating a lightbased effect DOES weaken curses and dark powers... Good to know indeed."

Umbrelong would likely still be out of their Ball due to showing her + explaining himself to our assigned Water Magi. No reaction from Bernhard over explaining his plan of having go down THAT particular part of his/this strategy for Distraction™, but he feels a need to smack 'James' for holding back laughter (not that Bern indulges in that though, all that guy gets is a STERN look). "Dire situation require drastic means and ways, now does it not? And to achieve one's goals and desires, one at times must walk a dark path, as much as one may not want to. Your very own words, my dear Citrine. Words that I... *facepalms*..cannot help but to completely agree, as much as a FOOL OUT OF MYSELF I risk making..." Yeah, uh, Bernhard does not enjoy this plan of having dear Equinox and her amorous nature serve as desired distraction, BUT(!!) it is favoured over putting Zephy herself at risk via NoticeMe. Oh dear, he can already FEEL the tall tales and news flashing up.

Perhaps it is worth noting that Bernhard HIMSELF appears immune towards Equinox being all charming and alluring. He will shake off any curiosity about why however with a sliiight blush.

Aaaand that blush turns into a full-fledged emebarassed and coy one over the scene Bernhard accidently(?) triggered and caused! Oh dear, oh boi, oh hell.... Uh, let's ignore Nox and the swordswoman make out; focus on getting our fellow Magi, who's been unfortunately struck witless, back up with Evocations of Aromatherapy, Helping Hand, and Zephy's icy power. Basically do everything we can to get him up and function like a normal person again. If anything however, THAT was proof enough that Equin's unique powers can be of great use in this case, even if she was ACTUALLY asked to indulge in her violent nature here. Double and triple so given Power of Amorousness seems to be a Counter to the Curse Energy.


We'll explain the plan towards everyone once the situation has gotten back under control (or forced to be under control)

- Have Oz-Hectate set up a Lucky Chant for our field to  empower the rate of success (Bern would politely ask her to do so, with great thanks to Spiritmon)
- Cast a Safeguard via Evocation over Equinox to protect her from Statuses and Curses
- Then, Equinox is asked to go and play Horny Bard(mon) towards the chosen Group 1, preferably towards the leader of the group who is NOT bloodied: As in, go in there with the intention of seduction/mating, adding +3 (6)(6) on that roll.
- If things go well, that should be enough of a distraction for Seddi(@Dragonstrike) and Lopzu to go in unnoticed and STRIKE DOWN anything that is not focused on my Umbrelong. (please, for heaven's sake, make this work without becoming too intense or lemony... [fade to black if needed])
- If it does not go well, have Equinox book it with Cyan Surge and a cast Agility and Quick Attack from Bernhard; or recall her into her Ball immediately (or both if needed). Bernhard is willing to go in there and put himself at risk of getting Equinox back, hoping that  1. this will not become necessary, and 2. the others will help saving/getting him out if needed.
- If the fight breaks out, about time to roll Initatives and chip in via Evocation Spells. Equinox shall remain out and fight as well, like a (eeewwww) Trainer's Mon.

- That should be it. Now awaiting further input and perhaps greenlight from Seddi (unless you have a much better idea, please share!), or any other clarification GM-wise before this plan can be PUT INTO ACTION (I'm like so severely scared...both over how this will go AND the consequences of going down that route)

Bernhard giving Seddi an equal footing in this discussion is appreciated by the cowboy.

And as far as the distraction play options Bernhard presented go...well, the results speak for themselves.  Seddi may have resisted the critter's influence (with Leaves's help), but even he's impressed.  Though the current situation with Lopzu is certainly...less than desirable to say the least.

The plan sounds solid to Seddi though!  He does have one thing to add: "The odds of doin' so may be slim, but if we can break the curse's hold on the Masked Wolves, we may gain a powerful ally.  A reliable source has informed me that they're being coerced into bein' this Malefic's minions.  Might be a similar situation with the Land Whales, but we could actually talk to the Masked Wolves provided we can calm them down without KOing them."

And that certainly seems much more possible if Equinox's charming allure actually goes off!  It's a long shot, but Seddi thinks it's worth going for!

There's also the possibility that one of the Masked Wolves is already trying to resist the influence of this curse based on that young lad's wording.  If the one in Group 1 is the injured entity and hasn't gone completely mad, then that may flip some of Seddi's plans on their head...

Spoiler

. . . . . . . .THAT is the breaking point and cue for Bernhard to chip in and seperate these two carefully and gently (not 'forcefully' like he did with Zephy during the initiative Foxy Event to earn Equinox's ire). Before the Umbrelong could react, Bernhard will point towards the Group of enemies - "You want MORE, now do you, dear Nox? Well,  y o u  s h a l l  g e t  m o r e  i  n  d  e e d : *pointing intesifies* There you go. Disrupt these creatures, seduce them, have them all charmed and allured. Go wild, your unique and alluring skill shall be the very distraction we need and want. Suceed, and you shall ALSO get  m o r e  with this very willing swordslady - promised. ...Later that is, and in private, but you do have my word."

*whispers* "Be not afraid - shall things become dangerous, you know how to get out with your impressive speed and acrobatic skills (read: Booking it with Cyan Surge combined with Quick Attack for fivefold[!!!] speed) OR defend yourself with your powers of radioactivity (Read: Fighting back with Nuclear Attacks). Worst things, I am there for your as a last restort." (Read: Hmm, in that case how about making indeed use of Graduation Air to get out, if things fail? I wanted to practive that skill in Bonus Encounters [right before other things were more important, damnit] OR fight the creatures that attack Umbrelong with ranged and powerful spells)

Then, with an overly dramatic hand gesture for this very alluring and heated up chimeramon: 

"Now go, enjoy yourself~~~!!"

Course of Action:
I still want to go through with this Love is War tactic, even with the stated risk and 'getting more than I bargained for'. But let's first up wait on Dragonstrike's input, reaction and greenlight please, okay?

Once Bernhard has separated Lopzu and Equinox, Seddi will have Rabsca put up a Reflect between the two of them so Lopzu can't as easily pounce on the eeveelution(?), then quietly mention to her, "May want to reconsider interactin' closely with that critter.  It seems stable, but it's clear to me that it's still a Nuclear type.  May not be healthy long term to be that close to it.  Let's refocus on the job and worry about that mess later."