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

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

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."

'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...



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."

The masked lad almost startles as you clasps his hand, staring at them for a few second and than at you. There was.....a quiet sense of awe from what little of their black eyes you could see, and their whole body language radiated relief and gratitude.

Within you Inventory, yet always close at hand, you feel a certain Boa p u l s e at your Justified Conviction. 

"Th-thank you! *Question Asked* .....The one with the Sand Whale. They....fell, and....got paired with that monster and Bound to demons.....to drive and goad them further mad and deeper into HATE and WICKEDNESS. Sh-they can't....can't control themselves any longer, they and the.....demons Bound to her lashing out at the non-Cursed. They're....a part of them....still Fights against the Madness, taking it out their 'partner' ..."

---

From 'James' , you get the sense he was not TRYING to disrespect or demean you, only clearly stating the Hierarchy he (at that moment) found you and Bern in and his priorities thereof for clear communication. Respect and such things seem to be VERY important to him, and maybe the Family Friends in general...

Your own feelings seem to baffle Iron Leaves even more, as She can't even fathom HOW such a creature is so Alluring it compels even a stern, no-nonsense Human like yourself to show anything but academic interest and a sense of perturbed How? . Really, HOW??? Preferences and Attraction doesn't and SHOULDN'T work like that, Ditto-genes be damned!

Presumably you share the relevant details about the Mask Wolves to the rest of the group, who nod thoughtfully ('James' and Citrine) while Lopzu...we'll get to her in a bit. Citrine too is most intrigued by the possibility of recruiting these shifting creatures - mostly for the Magical Potential they have - but Mr. Pinstripes suggests outright putting the Wolves down (Faint or KILL) instead of risking 'breaking them free', reasoning in a respectful tone :

"If things go sideways we'll be far worse off or maybe even dead 'fore we even get a shot at taking down their Boss. Mercy and politeness is a privilege of the strong, and we don't know yet how we stack up against them firepower-wise for that to be feasible or a pipe-dream. We're already risking our necks enough pulling a Savoir - why give Luck and Odds more of a bead on putting us 6 feet under or getting our immortal SOULs eaten and damned ? "

Distasteful as it may be, the guy has a point. Saving someone in violent situations is almost always more difficult than NOT and prioritizing stopping the Threat first; doubly so if the one you're trying to save IS part of the problem. That the challenge of rescue only grows the more disparity there is between your capabilities and the Threat you're up against. Are you certain you want to first prioritize Rescue Attempt over Stopping them, regardless of how you use Bern's and Nox's distraction? Something to keep in mind as you get ready to face off against the Mad Wolf and Mongrel Whale.

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~~~!!"

There's a loooong and pondering 'Hmmmm..." from the stoic/not-so-stoic-but mildly-emabarassed-from-the-derailed-scene Mage concering that input. It is nearly impossible to tell what he's thinking.

"Very well done, that's VERY useful information. Many thanks for that and for having found a reliable source of that information, I shall trust it and your words. *looks over to the Wolves* Curses sure are....powerful, if it can coerce these elusive creatures..."

*long stare* "You surely can try to talk to these critters if you wish to, you are great with words indeed - I however desire to attempt CAPTURING one of these Masked Wolves. They appear to be quite unique and skilled to no ends... Under the assumption that trying to do that won't anger the creature, we'll see how things go, now shall we?"


Ah, Bernhard can dispell that worry: "Oh, be not worried or afraid. My dear Equinox IS safe to be around regardless her unique corrosive power; my deepest gratitude to Bayhama's government officials." There's a quite satified smile on Bern's face upon stating that, he even mildly smiles. (Read; Their held Radiant Topaz absorbs the radioactive energy they emit and eliminates the risk of their Nuclear Energy corrupting/sickening others quite nicely via Feedback Loop, but not that Seddi or anyone knows this.) "It is more like..her amorous nature that one should be wary of, perhaps." *shrugs*

Oh right, and Lopzu shall receive a whispered "M o r e ~, if you do wish for it, shall follow LATER and in PRIVATE. See it...as a reward~ for doing a great job in this fight ahead."

-------------------------------------------------------
EDIT: That's greenlight for the plan! Let's goooooo!!~

Since you're still in the Bunker and nowhere near Group #1, I'll assume Bern is pointing in the direction of where the Group was last spotted in. That being said, your argument causes your vulpizard to pause (while still Frenching Lopzu - multitasking baby~) , before they/she abruptly pull away from the addled swordswoman with a loud and sticky sounding *POP!*. They/she gives you a quick nod, the prospect on either seducing and fighting or ACTUALLY Fighting a great enough incentive to halt their make-out session (and almost quickie). After all, what's better than sexual thrill or indulgent violence? Both at the same time!

She/they do give Lopzu one last longing look and bone-vibrating *VVvvvmmmm....*, though, because they were a fine potential [Mate] indeed. Hopefully they'll get a chance to finish what they started with the bunny later.... ~~~

Speaking of said blade bunny, they end up collapsing into a panting, flushed heap, their greyish-black checks sporting an impressive blush as they stared wildly after the Umbrelong. Before their impulses and Lust addled brain could have them *POUNCE!* back onto the chimerevee - *Ping! WAMP!* - a Rabsca's timely Reflect causes the woman to faceplant and bounce onto her back. Her expression cleared up remarkably quickly, now somewhat dazed and very confused as they regained their wits and came to terms with....losing themselves like a rabbit in heat. 

"Oh....oh gods....that...th-that was......my Lord ."

From their tone and sense of shame, embarrassment, distress, and vaguely astounded and nervous/scared Interest, Lopzu, now back in a sorta-right mind.....well, that experience was going to be haunting her for quite awhile now, or so you and everyone here bets.

The cowboy's and Mage's own words on the, uh, matter didn't really help - it just caused Lopzu's blush to become near luminescent as Nox's own cyan glow before she just vanished , there on the ground one moment and gone in seconds! From the Presence Seddi senses lurking in his shadows, it is safe to assume the bestial swordswoman has decided to withdraw herself from the conversation before things get even more awkward and WEIRD. From the fact they don't raise any objections you can also assume they're onboard with whatever Plan the rest of this part of the War Band cooks up - that, or they're not in the mood to do anything but follow orders and keep away from that....bewitching temptress of a Pokemon .

Do note that trying to forcefully Capture a Mask Wolf likely won't work due to one of their Traits making doing so an absolute crapshoot. If you can even land the Ball to begin with, as they could end up Dancing out of the way of any Thrown Ball!

***

Music: Starbound OST - Novakid Theme- I was the Sun (Before it was Cool)

Eventually yet quickly - a common state of affairs in times of war and crisis - this martial and magic mish-mash squad is fully briefed on The Plan and understands their part in it.

Unlike with with Akamu's and Oz's part of the War Band your own is much smaller and the location you're heading relatively more safe than the mind and land bending horrors that awaited in Sand-goths's domain. That made it easier for Oz to bless your party with Lucky Chant, but also apply Field/Buff affects too (Bring them up if you have any!), as well as deciding up what formation you were going in.

Bernhard in the air as Sentry, Scout, and Orbital Bombardment Support.

'James' leading the front, his Octilliry clinging off his body and Deicidueye flying overhead as the Vanguard and first point of contact against enemy forces. Seddi optionally can join him here, though the man insists he's got it covered.

Lopzu is with Seddi, lurking in his shadow and ready to attempt Stealth, Protect Him, or bail him out in a pinch.

Citrine is in the back, waving his hands and chanting as they try to re-direct the malignant energies surrounding you all and mask your approach on the Duo Leaders with obscuring Haze and 'Notice Me Not' mind-magics fields. Obstinsively they're in the back to guard the rear, but you have a feeling they choose that spot to keep their own skin out of the fire as much as possible.

Everyone's shadows occasionally twitch - a tell-tell sign of something tagging along with them....

Seddi could be just about everywhere, though I imagine he's in the center by default with Kusanagi and Ceruledge, as that is the position that can allow him to react and head off against Twisted Cursed Palossands or worse trying to creep up on everyone. Both your blades are dead serious, though the old otter has a twinge of deadly excitement while your animated partner was more focused on guarding her Master with a vengeful protectiveness of her own.

All were ready for their first obstacle in their quest to take down the HATEFUL Sandlossugeist. So without further ado or delay they march, heading out of the Bunker Depot and heading towards the location they know they'll face the twin terrors that feud and terrorize ceaselessly....


***

As you got closer and closer to where the Drone last spotted the roving band of monsters....


Stealth - 10D6 (Average) + 1 (Dark) + 3 (Citrine's Support) - 3 (Small but notable group) 
(2)(4)(3)(3)(1) (2)(4)(5)(6)(1)(5)

*1 + *1 + *4 + 1 Successes X 6
*5 + 4 + *5  - 1 - 3 - 3 + 1 Success
4 + 4 + *6  - 2 - 3 + 1 Success

(3)(3)(6) (1)(4)(6)
(5)(5)(3) (2)(5)(5)
(2)(4)(4) (4)(2)(2)
(2)(2)(4) (2)(1)(4)
(1)(5)(2) (4)(2)(2)
(1)(6)(5) (5)(5)(5) !

(4)(6)(5)(1) (6)(6)(5) + 1  
(1)(2)(2) (3)(3)(4) (4)(6)(2) + 1

*Flip* Heads
*5 + 5 + 3 - 1 - 3
(5)(3)(6) (2)(4)(3) (2)(1)(5)

*Flip*  Tails
*Rolls*

####

....and a Shadow Ball bursts through your obscuring cover and - !

Target: 1 - Mr. 'James' , 2 - Seddi , 3 - Bernhard, 4 - Kusanagi, 5 - Ceruledge, 6 - Citrine
(6) Citrine!

(1)(4)(3) (6)(2)(4) - *1 Successes (Bad Shot)
Reaction Evade: 4D6
(3)(2)(6)(3) Nope

*Rolls* Citrine takes 2 Damage; 8/10 HP for Slot 1 of their Gauntlet (38/40 HP Total) !
(3)(4)(5) Nope!
(2) Nope!

The Water Magi loses concentration as the accursed sphere of Ghostly energy slams into their face; couple with the force generated by its wake the hazy/anti-notice cover around you is dispelled, reveling - !

6 Twisted, Cursed Palossands directly in front of you, though only one of them was currently facing forward while the rest were catching up.

2 Palossands that were further back - they were alone, but their were signs of activity and an earlier, recently ended Fight.

2 more Palossands, each on opposite sides of a hole with messy splatters of blood on its edges.

Neither Leader was in sight

Contact.

Music: OFF - Pepper Steak [All Levels At Once Remix]

Fight, Run, Distract? Decide quickly.