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

[Redstone]

The Chief Officer grimaces at your choice of Groups and looks to speaks against it, but a *GRUNT* from Gloomtail and a imperious [KNEEL] Look from Him got the man to rapidly nod in agreement.

"Y-yes, me and my officers could set up a firing block to Out Range the Ghosts and for the close combatants to fall back on. Hmm....perhaps my Flareon could glass our area to 'stabilize' it against the Chaos that....thing is generating, though moving on slick or jagged shards of it could be a pain all of its own."

They have no objects to trying Stealth, but they're not too confidant it'll work with such a erratic group in an equally confounding battlefield. Sure the CHAOS could aid you in staying hidden, but it could also end up serving you up on a silver platter to the baddies too if Miss Fortune feels particularly humorous.

As for the Blade Lineage Faust and Sault look at each other, silently communicating, before the former turns back to you and nods.

"Faust can do this task, though I am not proficient in Stealth beyond my honed reflexes. Their is a chance that my Scouting could draw their attention and invite a response we can not anticipate. Considering the unstable behavior and environment any sort of reconisance could prove futile shortly, so if I am to be a Scout and it to be effective we would have to act quickly on my findings....if I am able to return."

''With rain up we'd be slipping all over the glass, though there is no land whale in that group to easily shatter it. Perhaps a glass ''barrier'' to make getting to our location harder could be worthwile, hmm.''

Stepping on wet sand would probably have more grip then dry sand.

to Oz/@Spiritmon:

''Some of your 'sisters' can fly can't they? Maybe it'd be safer for one of them to be on scouting duty for a place we can set up on to keep a safe distance from the groundbound sands.''

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

If something DOES happen with Morgana or Bern DOES get an alert from his strong, twisted and strange (yet utterly truth- and soulful) bond with her, he's going to be be the very first one to appear at the scene to make sure nothing means harm towards his chosen lady. Because putting her immense/insane power aside for a moment, Bernhard does still have a need and desire to be protective towards her, like any beloved to one another would be.
Dear Equinox, jittering in excitement like no other at the point of facing a...it somewhat pains to say it so blatantly...Monster, was definitely the correct thing, Bernhard does reassure the chimera eevee on that point! With a somewhat excited smile he'd tell her/them "Oh, you WILL be let loose against that creature indeed... Do listen to my orders, and you shall be rewarded splendidly. Please be careful however - do not try to put yourself into unnecessary danger. *headpats Equi, feeling somewhat proud of her* ...Our journey together has just started after all, would be a bit of shame if it'd find a sudden end, now would it not?~"

---

That open secret about...drawing Morgana's attention and - if going further - involvement: Bern's not quiiiite sure how he should feel about THAT. It's sorta a blessing and a curse at the same time, in and about everything. Same with Zephy's vengeful mights and pranks, if something happens to be that foolish to earn the smol birdmouse's ire. She may be tiny and smol and cute, but don't ever make the mistake of underestimating her! I think Bern himself learned about what small Zephy is capable of if displeased during their early time together.

There being...a few stories about some of their more notable exploits in regions afar - yeah, uhm, there are indeed? Not that Bernhard is really proud of these stories (aside from a few perhaps? I never thought about that point), but they are still there, to his bafflement and Zephy's thrill. That Foxy Event at Bayhama's Main Street appears to be one of these stories.

---

Lunn being cautious, distrustful even towards us - we're not blaming her for that, not in the slightest. It is highly regarded that, despite everything, she even WAS willing to lend her Mawile to Bern in the first place! Concering 

Choose one of the Four Groups of the Legions of HATRED, and I'll Roll to see if the Drone is successful and how much Info it's able to gather.

Group 1 is it please, aka that one Bernhard (and possibly Seddi, if he joins me) is aiming to face. If the drone ends up breaking in the process or otherwise gets damaged - well, of course and naturally Bernhard will compensate accordingly. Perhaps not right away, but his honor prevents him from ever forgetting what has been done.


Now towards Citrine - we'll do whatever we can to make him see that his aid is welcome in this particular situation. Normally and usually Bernhard is very used and, perhaps, at his best when working alone; but NOT so in this case. It's been said previously and it deems repeating until Bern himself does fully understand it: It is NOT just him in this fight. It is NOT he against the world. Very likely it needs more time, muuuuch more time indeed, until he really does see the other Chosen ones as 'friends', as Zephy put it. But on the other side, if they can fight alongside one another in this case, things are going into the right direction. Nothing like enduring and surviving a serious threat alongside each other, perhaps. 

His words are noted and Bernhard gives these a decent thought. No pushing to get more information out of him. Secrets about unique powers shall stay just that - secrets, for Bern is VERY aware that any information about a Magi's powers can easily used against them if desired. 

There is ONE more information Bern wishes Citrine to know, despite he's not overly happy to share it: "Please do not...think any LESS of me for having to command one particular magical partner of mine like a, ugh, a Trainer's Pokemon. Spells and Magicks still are and will always be my prefered style of fighting - However there are AWID reasons for not exposing my treasured gUantlet of these particular powers. Reasons that I am happy to explain to you later if desired." Read: Citrine shall be made aware that Equinox will fight like a Trainer's Mon. Usually Bernhard would give no fuck about what others think of him - but just in this case, he's making an exception.


Furthermore: Is Bernhard somewhat able to...get into contact with that shadowy presence following him and the fellow Water Scim? Asking that presence what they are capable of perhaps? I doubt so, but that doesn't prevent him from trying to get into contact of what he thinks is that very Curse Daemon he created via that fateful [Die For Me~] incident. (I'm not quite sure whether he is ware that this Daemon is called Ralice in particular however)

(...) I do plan to work with rainy weather to vastly improve my support and firepower.''
He'll put emphasis on the rain so mostly everyone hears it.(...)

Oh, and about that: Am I right in the assumption that if Akamu sets up Rain, it will affect ALL OF US, regardless which Group we're facing? Or is it really just a 'localized' rain that focuses on the Group Akamu and Oz will face? That's important for me and Bernhard to know. (He does not have anything against the Warlock setting up rain, not in the slightest. Actually, that will likely turn out useful for him and Citrine.)

Certainly! ....Though you better not do so in the middle of dealing with these monstrosities, or Zephy will probably break your Gauntlet in the process of getting out and slapping some sense into you for doing something so rashly irresponsible. You're NOT going to put your love over the lives and safety of others in a grave scenario like this if she has anything to do about it! Morgana is a big horrible monster of a girl that can take care of her own messes without you trying to get lost in them yourself, thank you very much!

Nox tilts their/her head at your request....before sneezing and shaking it off. Uh....not quite the answer you were looking for, but from the feeling you got she/they were not the sort to unnecessarily to act idiotically in a Fight. Whether or not their/her idea of what is 'Smart Tactics' aligns with your own vision....we'll see won't we?

---

If its any consolation Acrowls has done his best to stigmey and limit how much your panamour can get involved in your own matters without explicit permssion (from you or the Council). Though with how displeased he is about your relationship with the witch you're surprised he hasn't tried to sanction her yet for the messes she's caused regardless of how involved you are. Your former Master was not above pettiness if her was feeling vengeful or justified, oh yes indeed. 

---

For the Scouting I'll get to that in a separate post once I hear back from Redstone on IF he's going to try and Scout Group 4. May also wait to see what else Dragonstrike/Seddi does too...

Your (in relationship to your own Master Status) junior Scimitar looks a bit put off by your attempts to engraciate yourself with him, though once you make clear your intent he does seem to ease up just a tad. Whether its your own way higher position on the Scimitar Totem Pole, his own Faction's culture, or he's just plain not used to dealing with Air Scimitars, the man was more than a little out of his depth dealing with you despite his willingness to help. Oh well - like you said it yourself time was needed for Bonds to form, and the working relationship you have with him right now was perfectly acceptable regardless.

Citrine looks rather taken aback by your declaration to FIGHT LIKE A TRAINER?! - what in the name of Good Magic would possess a Scimitar of your standing to do something so....so Radical? You can almost imagine the sincere aghast expression beyond the blackness that his cowl conceals from all. Since you're willing to Reveal Nox and explain exactly why such a *Shudders* unbecoming thing was necessary , however, he just stares at the RADIOACTIVE Pokemon for a moment before slowly looking back at you.

"....It seems the rumors of your partners eccentrics rubbing off on you were more true than I was lead to believe. *Heaves a BIG Sigh* ....Very well. In light of....that I can't very well object to you....debasing yourself like so. Needs must, and with power like that....sometimes one must tread dark paths to achieve their own mastery and goals."

As for.....the shadows that have been scurrying about you and your fellow Magi's own (who seems completely oblivious too it), they don't respond to your Summons. All you get is faint giggling and just the briefest glimpse of red beady eyes in your shadow before they're gone. 

Lastly, No, Weather set up in One Area won't spill over to another unless you REALLY go all out in generating it or you end up causing some sort of Interaction that causes it to exponentially to E X P A N D and GROW. The parts of the Beach each Group of the Legions of HATRED are in are either distanced far enough away that 'minor' Weathers won't be able to spill over, or have something funky going on that actively stifles such things (Like Group 3's own Sandstorm or Group 4's CHAOS).

[Spiritmon]

The Chief Officer grimaces at your choice of Groups and looks to speaks against it, but a *GRUNT* from Gloomtail and a imperious [KNEEL] Look from Him got the man to rapidly nod in agreement.

"Y-yes, me and my officers could set up a firing block to Out Range the Ghosts and for the close combatants to fall back on. Hmm....perhaps my Flareon could glass our area to 'stabilize' it against the Chaos that....thing is generating, though moving on slick or jagged shards of it could be a pain all of its own."

They have no objects to trying Stealth, but they're not too confidant it'll work with such a erratic group in an equally confounding battlefield. Sure the CHAOS could aid you in staying hidden, but it could also end up serving you up on a silver platter to the baddies too if Miss Fortune feels particularly humorous.

As for the Blade Lineage Faust and Sault look at each other, silently communicating, before the former turns back to you and nods.

"Faust can do this task, though I am not proficient in Stealth beyond my honed reflexes. Their is a chance that my Scouting could draw their attention and invite a response we can not anticipate. Considering the unstable behavior and environment any sort of reconisance could prove futile shortly, so if I am to be a Scout and it to be effective we would have to act quickly on my findings....if I am able to return."

''With rain up we'd be slipping all over the glass, though there is no land whale in that group to easily shatter it. Perhaps a glass ''barrier'' to make getting to our location harder could be worthwile, hmm.''

Stepping on wet sand would probably have more grip then dry sand.

to Oz/@Spiritmon:

''Some of your 'sisters' can fly can't they? Maybe it'd be safer for one of them to be on scouting duty for a place we can set up on to keep a safe distance from the groundbound sands.''

Oz rubs her chin. "Hmm...Fortuna can indeed fly due to be a Honckow. She can also use Air Cutter to deal some heavy damage against the enemies and Night Slash is a great dark type move against the ghosts. Not to mention her Dark typing can also be useful, and she can set Tailwind to give us some useful speed."

"Persephone can Levitate due to her ability, and she also have some support moves like Lucky Chant and Confuse Ray. She also have Ominous Wind as a spread move. However, I kinda fearful in use her since she is ghost type, and that's a double edge sword since our enemies is also Ghost type...And I can bet there a chance we might meet some Dark types there."

"I could maybe do some stealth of my own too. My Faffnur Meza have Camouflage, and due to my fusion, I can use the moves of my Pokemon as my own. And thanks to Mega Hatterene ability I might be able to make more powerful maybe..." She then looks at the chaotic field. "However, due to that chaotic field, I have no idea what could happen, or what type I would turn into. But regardless it could help me go invisible and then make a stealth attack against that enemies. Or use Megadolon to summon a big explosion in the middle of those enemies. And then detonate a Mystic Explosion since this a Move Mega Hatterene have. It will hit all the enemies at the same time, but it will faint on the spot, so I will need your help to use a revive or Max Revive on me to bring me back to the fight. This could also set a Fairy terrain who could be not very good for your dragons, but maybe it could help change the chaotic field to something more manageable."

"So, pick your poison Akumo. Just tell me what to do, and I do with the best of my strength. You have my powers and the full support of my Covenant of Witches. We ready to show those ghosts what Dragons and Witches can accomplish together."

[Redstone]

"So, pick your poison Akumo. Just tell me what to do, and I do with the best of my strength. You have my powers and the full support of my Covenant of Witches. We ready to show those ghosts what Dragons and Witches can accomplish together."

''Alright, we'll have Fortuna scout out the area before starting our advance.''

[Spiritmon]

@Lord Windos

There isn't much Oz has to say towards the Priestess and her sisters. She is very thankful too to Ceruledge for her support. She holds Ceruledge hands, but also makes sure to not touch either her sharpest parts of her blade hands, nor its ghostly flames. “Thank you Ceruledge. Truly. We will surpass this. And we will survive.”

Oz not even for a second stops her guard up towards John. Even if he said he does not hold a grudge anymore towards Oz, a criminal is a criminal, and what he did to poor Juniper cannot be easily forgiven. So when John summons his Drapion, and says Drapion was caught twisting a few times to inspect Oz, she decides to interfere. With a hit her Magic Staff on the ground, almost like to call the attention of both Drapion and John, her eyes flaring with power and a clear message to Drapion: Don't get closer.

“...John, you better keep your Drapion away from me. Don't think for a second I forgot your previous crimes. If I see you or your partners do something to me or my friends, I swear to all gods above and demons below I will send you and your Drapion to the closest hospital. Don't think just because I am a Fairy I can't deal some heavy damage. I didn't forget what you did to that poor Liligant and those grunts of yours. We will settle things when this is all over.”

With that warning said, Oz's eyes subsided, and she returned her attention towards Akumo. She was still surprised about her cold and more intimidating aura. It seems Hecate's intimidating Aura is rubbing on her from time to time. Something to consider 
later.

[Lord Windos]

@Lord Windos

Oz not even for a second stops her guard up towards John. Even if he said he does not hold a grudge anymore towards Oz, a criminal is a criminal, and what he did to poor Juniper cannot be easily forgiven. So when John summons his Drapion, and says Drapion was caught twisting a few times to inspect Oz, she decides to interfere. With a hit her Magic Staff on the ground, almost like to call the attention of both Drapion and John, her eyes flaring with power and a clear message to Drapion: Don't get closer.

“...John, you better keep your Drapion away from me. Don't think for a second I forgot your previous crimes. If I see you or your partners do something to me or my friends, I swear to all gods above and demons below I will send you and your Drapion to the closest hospital. Don't think just because I am a Fairy I can't deal some heavy damage. I didn't forget what you did to that poor Liligant and those grunts of yours. We will settle things when this is all over.”

With that warning said, Oz's eyes subsided, and she returned her attention towards Akumo. She was still surprised about her cold and more intimidating aura. It seems Hecate's intimidating Aura is rubbing on her from time to time. Something to consider 
later.

Drapion reeled back as a wave of mystical energy cascaded out of the impact site, its Instincts blaring at it that the POWER you had at your many fingertips was NOT to be so easily triffled with. A hand placed on their long neck calmed them instantly, causing the BIG ogre to lean into the touch and rumble in appreciation as 'John' rubbed their side. He ('John') didn't respond to you at first, focusing on making sure his Mon was comfortable.

"....Lady, I don't know how or why know and care about that bit of Justice, nor why you have such a Grudge against me and my own. Think I'd recognize crossing a Witch like you, though I got my suspicions about that."

He turns to look you dead in the eyes, a most SAVAGE grin on his face, completely unphased by your display. With your Immense Insight and new Fairy/Psychic sense you could DETECT a certain Pressure that subtly pulsed off the well dressed thug, a tightly bound energy that was just waiting to be unleashed on some poor bastard that earned his ire.

"I'll forgive you once for Threatening my little bro. Things are tense, tempers can flare, and I can understand itching to Cross Out a Sin against you. Do it again without a damn good reason, or start talking more shit about me and my boys? I'll knock your teeth out. So Cool it - we can settle things later, if you really want to fuck with the BBs and earn yourself a spot in our Books. We got bigger things to worry about."

And with that 'John' turned away and ignored you once more, continuing to pep up his gigantic bruiser and psych them up for the upcoming skirmishes ahead.

[Lord Windos]

Alright, since we got some confirmation on Who/What is doing the Scouting for Each Group, let's see how things go...

Group #1: Scouting with Lunn's Ariel Drone

The Coordinator's drone is a bright egg-shell white, making it relatively easy to spot in the growing shadows of the night and the shade casted by the immensity of the Curses saturating this area. Painting it over isn't an option, given both the time crunch and certain regulations prevented doing so (in regards to the sport - got to see the drone doing the recording to make sure its a Known Quantity in Contests). 

Citrine actually comes in clutch here, raising their Gauntlet an muttering a vaguely gothic sounding Spell that quickly shrouds the drone in a cloud of darkness that sticks to it, helping reduce its noticeability . This'll come at the cost of video quality, but if it helps prevent the Group from getting a good bead on it...

Soon, the drone is sent out, speedily and quietly making its way over to where Group #1 was last seen...

Stealth - 8D6 Dice - 3 (White Drone) + 2 Black Cloud : Need at least 4 Successes to go Unnoticed.
(3)(3)(5)(3)(1)(3)(3) That's a no right there.

It was able to get somewhat close to this band of the Damned, before suddenly balls of pure darkness , chucks of stone, and waves of malignant energy start flying towards it!

Evade, Evade!
10D6 vs 3X 7D6 Rolls
(1)(5)(4)(4)(3) (4)(1)(2)(1)(5) 4 Successes
(2)(4)(5)(4)(3) (5)(6) 5 S
(2)(4)(5)(1)(1) (2)(5) 2
(1)(5)(4)(4)(4) (3)(3) 4 

The drone manages to dodge out of the way of the Curses and Rocks, but ends up getting slammed by a Shadow Ball!

Damage: *6 + 3 + STAB - *3 = 7D6 Damage
(4)(1)(4)(6) (6)(2)(2) The Drone takes 4 Damage; 3/7 HP !!

Immediately the aerial device starts sputtering, almost looking ready to crash, but it rights itself and begins its Automatic Retreat Protocols, it's propellers spinning up rapidly and with great force! Before that it tries its camera tries its best to get something to make this mess worthwhile. Yet as it did so another volley of projectiles was soon trying to bring it down.

Scouting: 12D6 - 2 (Damaged) - 2 (Dark Cloud) - 4 Actions = 4D6 Dice
(4)(5)(3) (5) 

Escape! 
8D6 - 2 vs 3X 5D6 Rolls
(5)(1)(1)(1)(6)(4) 1 Success...
(2)(3)(1)(4)(5) 3
(4)(1)(2)(4)(5) 3
(3)(2)(1)(1)(2) !

In a stroke of Fortune one of the Curses ends up intercepting the Shadow Ball that was about to hit the drone, but it doesn't stop a bolder from slamming into it!

Damage: *6 + 2 - IE - 3 = 5D6 - 1 Damage
(5)(2)(2)(3)(6) Drone takes 1 Damage; 2/7 HP!

Despite their best efforts the Levitating camera manages to beat a hasty retreat from there, though projectiles are still sent its way long after it was gone...

===

Group #4: Fortuna's Scouting!

Being Dark type and coming from a species renowned for its sneaky, underhanded ways, Fortuna was perfect for the role as a high Flying aerial roamer! You clap your hands a few times to try and cast a few supportive enchantment on them...

*Rolls*
*Rolls*

You manage to get a Lucky Chant to stick to the, as well as blur their profile with a creative combination of their haze and Double Team, though not without wincing from the mental effort. For her part the Fortune Witch sets up a small Tailwind to guide their way and hopefully make their flight smoother and more unnoticeable...

Then, she was off, taking to the blackening skies with supreme grace and swiftness as she speeded off to why CHAOS reigned and certainly dies.

Stealth:
DEX (*6) + 2 Survival + *4 Stealth + 3 (Species, Typing, Super Luck) : ??? Successes necessary
(5)(5)(1)(3)(1) (2)(1)(5)(1)(6) (4)(3)(3)(2)(3) 5 Successes

**1D20 Roll: (20) Nat 20

For a brief moment, over that ever shifting and roiling landscape where the horrifying Sand-goth called its Domain, a pair of Eyes seemed to appear on it.....!

....And they promptly 'looked' over to EXACTLY where the monster and its minions where....currently partying and raving, RIGHT underneath a cloud that would serve as PERFECT cover for the raven to quietly observe them for however long she wants with virtually zero chance of being spotted.

....Well, if that was not a sign from Lady Luck and blatant disregard/acceptance from WHATEVER had corrupted that land, then she was blinder than a Zubat. Fortuna quickly got into position, learnt everything she could, and then swiftly left before Miss Fortune could offer her two cents on things!

===

[]

*RESULTS of Scouting*

[]

Group #1 - Drone is BADLY Damage, and is no longer able to be used for Scouting for the remainder of the Encounter. The Group is now on High Alert, and will be much harder to sneak up upon without some VERY good Skills or tricks. On the other hand you learnt they had Ranged Options at their disposal, can 100% confirm that the lands the Group are in are completel Free of Hazards or other nonsense, and that they were (before the Drone was discovered) in the middle of a HUGE Brawl judging by the clouds of sand and what scant amoung of in-Fighting the drone could record.

No clear pictures of what you were dealing with, however: between the damage sustained by the drone, the dust, and duress said video taking was done getting anything but indistinct blobs of Mons was impossible. However, one of them was somewhat clear enough to tell two things - it was BIG, and it was Bloodied.

Group #4 - Due to either divine or demonic Luck Fortuna managed to get ALL the Intel anyone could ever wish for unharmed and (maybe?) unDetected? She does her best to communicate and give a detailed of a report as possible - if only she was not Dark you could possibly extract the memories from her to read/view/share.

- Current the Sand-goth Group was in the middle of a WILD Rave/Ritual of some sort that had them MASSIVELY Distracted, and it didn't seem like it was going to be stopping anytime soon. (Stealth Bonus BIG, ???)
- The Landscape was currently Dry-yet-Bog Like and littered with Spikes on ALL Sides: Ground Bound units without a way to rise about the land were going to be slowed down and crippled MAJORLY, if not swallowed up by the very land itself! 
- The Sand-Goth was HUGE - about as big as a Small Building (Roughly 20 or so HP) - and she observed that its minions were able to freely Combine and Leave it to make it Bigger and More Twisted at Will. It also had MASSIVE Tentacles that darted out of its wretched tower-eye-stalks-^(#@ and its G A P P I N G  M A W , and it seemed to possess the ability to Levitate the sand and automatically change the Terrain around it at random.
- She found a relatively clear path to the Sand-Goth that dodges around the very worst and Weirdest of its Domain and leads to a 'safe looking' spot relatively close that would allow Ranged Attacks and is big enough to build/host a good Defense (Quick Path = Land will Stay the Same for a Bit + Good Spot Located for Defense!)
- Last but not least: they were currently stationed nearly the water, which all but the Sand-goth itself seemed to avoid like the plague and the water itself seemed completely unaffected by whatever FOUL Curses that was twisting and changing the beach itself. She also seemed to spot a few Fish Pokemon that were cautiously watching the Group for Unown reasons (though they seemed nervous/wary to her almost Keen Eyes).

So in summary: 

@Dragonstrike / @PhantomUnderYourDesk - Assassination attempts have gotten much harder and the Group itself is probably prepared/preparing for your brand of JUSTICE, but you know that one of their Big Guys is heavily Wounded and that they got a LOT of Ranged Options but not a lot of Accuracy with them.

@Spiritmon / @Redstone - You pretty much got super lucky and got all the Info you needed to (somewhat) confidantly go forward with just about any plan of action; if you guys got any questions feel free to ask, as with a Nat 20 and Super Luck/??? on her side Fortuna probably has the answer!

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

You can feel Leaves discontent with your own interpretation of The Goal and Mission. Individuals matter little - it's the whole [SYSTEMS] that do, Right or Not. Like you, though, She leaves it well enough alone. Such a difference of opinion, while at times troublesome, was within Acceptable Parameters so long as the Risk accrued from it did not exceed a certain threshold. So long as you both did your best to Succeed She would not object to your methods. Besides, you were her Wielder and Partner. She trusts that you're doing a Right Thing, disagreeable and flawed as it was, and would do Her best to follow through with the trust you have given her.

If you want Goodra can also give you a ride by place you on their surprisingly not Sticky shoulders - such a thing would be laughably easy for them, and riding a Pseudo Dragon would add some serious style points to go with that roguish cowboy look of yours.

---

The skeletal man 'Hehs!' along with you, not yet getting your humor but easily falling into your 'vibe' , his massive gun easily carried along with his mirth. When your wrathful blade mistress level her baleful gaze upon the man, however, he stopped and took note of her.....before a look of shock and contrition appeared.

"Ah! My deepest apologizes for the unwarranted disrespect, Miss Ceruledge. Such crudeness was not meant for one of your Standing."

He then bows his head and.....offers his arm to your Blade?

"Still, an unintended insult is just that - an insult. One that needs correction, to a fine Family Friend like myself  from a Lady of your caliber. Please, take your Retribution and Anger out on me in recompense. I insist."

Ceruledge looks Astonished at the implicit offer too....mutilate him for such a minor slight. And yet, after the stress of the last few days building up without proper release and having to put up with that most despicable old curr.... 

Loyalty: (5)(3)(5)(3)(3)
Disobedience: (1)(5)(5)*(4)(2) Welp.

*Slice !*

Her flaming sword passed through his arm, the portion between his elbow and wrist. Surprisingly it does not damage the suit itself, but from the smell of cooked flesh the blade still found its mark. She leveled a even look at the pinstripped man....before offering a single nod, feeling....satisfied and more at peace than before. The man simply gave them a most respectful smile and nod back and lowered their arm back down, seemingly disregarding the injury and considering the matter Fair and Done.

He then turned back to you and started chatting, as if what just happened was no big deal.

"Heh, you're right. Don't know what motivated the Zero Dragoness to send one of her best and brightest stars, but know that at least the Family Friend here 'ppreciate it most gratefully. *Grins* Respect the Hustle you got there too - I like a man that knows his Worth and is willing to get every bit of Poke he's Due. And you, I say, are worth millions. Not only 'cause of your Standing, but the company ya keep too. Heh...Lopzu is proof alone of that - her Master doesn't just give her leash to anyone. Wonder what you did to earn such a Favor...."

The silent swordswoman has nothing to say still to anything so far - she just keeps even pace with you, lurking just a few steps behind and in your shadow, almost to the point of fading away.

---

You're doing some snooping around about these Native critters? Let's see how ya do then!

Investigation Roll: Land Whale
INS (3) + Knowledge (2) + Lore (2) - 1 Success (Malus) + 1 (Upcoming Researcher)
(2)(4)(3) (3)(2)(1) (2)(2) 1 Success...

Investigation Roll: Masked Wolf
(5)(3)(2) (6)(6)(4) (5)(3) 5 Successes!

You git almost zilch about the Land Whale, as it seems like every is either too on edge to openly speak about one of THEM or are just too dang busy trying to prevent one of them from succeeding in Ambushing a part of this area. About the only thing you managed to find out was their Typing: Ground / Dark , and that the ones observed like to Dig dig dig.

Asking about the Masked Wolf, however, proves far more fruitful: you find a Native shrouded in dusty, black robes wearing a white porcilin mask willing to tell you all about them....for a price.

"$3000 Poke, or Your Word in Helping With the Mirage Wolf (Group 3). *Bows head* I can not Freely Offer such Zir'Nof about Teo'Rbo - it is against my Sacred Vows made with Them. To Make Teo'Rbo Known to Others is not done lightly...."

---

*Later On, During Assault/Infiltration/Scouting Prep*

"Going hitman on the Bosses? *Whistles* Ballsy. *Grins* I like it, but it ain't going to be easy - elevated beasts like them are seldom easy to take Unaware like that. 'Specially if they're Intent on causing as much suffering as possible - probably got a good bead on Detecting any Human activity in their Territory and responding lightning quick....

"Heh....unless you got a good enough distraction or bait to lure them in and get their guard down nice and easy. I could lead a direct assault on that group with my fellows with or without the Magi, while you or Lopzu can use the chaos to get a better STAB in with those hidden blades of yours. *Shrugs* Or that Air Scim could try some air raids with my Deicidueye and any other fliers we have - hell, if they or us can keep out of Range that'd be a fine way of dealing with these demons even without any saturation style attacks. Not as stealthy, but not as risky too if we can pull it off right and easy to fall back on if things go to complete shit."

Lopzu is mostly silent, though she does grudgingly nod along to the points and ideas 'James' is spitballing. Her own words are brief but clear: "I am specialized in such matters - Stealth or Bold Kills. *Looks at You* ....With my help, concealment and presence denial would be most doable for you, my Lord, if you wish to join me in quietly dealing with the Leaders."

You get the sense this swordswoman is used to working alone or with her own 'resources' , and would rather have 'her Lord' out of such a danger prone gambit. She has discerned your own talents and Skill in sneaking into places you shouldn't be, though, and seems.....accepting of you joining in Stealth with her aid.

Seddi politely declines Goodra's offer of a ride.  As impressive as it may look, he much prefers the shock and awe factor of summoning a surprise Pseudo Legendary mid-battle.  Festival's not over yet though, so maybe they can ride around after everything is said and done with this Malefic.

---------

Seddi doesn't comment on the 'recompense' either.  He has no reason to chastise Ceruledge for something the pinstriped man invited upon himself.

Pinstripe's just lucky it was Ceruledge that sought justice for that comment, and not Kusanagi.

As for how Seddi managed to secure Lopzu's help...he just shrugs.  Heck if he knows.  Though he could maybe guess based on the very few things he's done around the city for specific residents, he doesn't like guessing.

---------

Seddi will pay the native the requested $3000 for the information on Masked Wolf.  He values this information both as a combatant and a researcher of these types of creatures.  Fortunately, he just so happened to get a bit of a windfall thanks to a certain bounty he'd collected very recently.

"Little easier to part with that information with the appropriate compensation, I reckon.  And any and all information is helpful right now."

Seddi pulls out a rather strikingly colored scarlet notebook and a pen, ready to take notes.  He may have struck out on learning about the Land Whales, but this is an opportunity he won't miss!

-----------

During the scouting prep and tactics meeting...

Seddi gives the drone a thoughtful look as they review what little footage they got and the damage dealt to it.

"Not much to go on, and they know we're coming now.  If we're going to try and eliminate the injured one quickly, we'll either have to do so directly or have a really big distraction."

Seddi will shift his gaze to Mr. Pinstripe and the two mages. (@PhantomUnderYourDesk)

"Whatcha think?  Able to make a big enough ruckus that Lopzu and I could slip in unnoticed?  I could have Goodra summon some rain to maybe obscure our approach that little bit more and power up any Water type techniques y'all got."

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

---------

Seddi doesn't comment on the 'recompense' either.  He has no reason to chastise Ceruledge for something the pinstriped man invited upon himself.

Pinstripe's just lucky it was Ceruledge that sought justice for that comment, and not Kusanagi.

As for how Seddi managed to secure Lopzu's help...he just shrugs.  Heck if he knows.  Though he could maybe guess based on the very few things he's done around the city for specific residents, he doesn't like guessing.

---------

Seddi will pay the native the requested $3000 for the information on Masked Wolf.  He values this information both as a combatant and a researcher of these types of creatures.  Fortunately, he just so happened to get a bit of a windfall thanks to a certain bounty he'd collected very recently.

"Little easier to part with that information with the appropriate compensation, I reckon.  And any and all information is helpful right now."

Seddi pulls out a rather strikingly colored scarlet notebook and a pen, ready to take notes.  He may have struck out on learning about the Land Whales, but this is an opportunity he won't miss!


-----------

During the scouting prep and tactics meeting...

Seddi gives the drone a thoughtful look as they review what little footage they got and the damage dealt to it.

"Not much to go on, and they know we're coming now.  If we're going to try and eliminate the injured one quickly, we'll either have to do so directly or have a really big distraction."

Seddi will shift his gaze to Mr. Pinstripe and the two mages. (@PhantomUnderYourDesk)

"Whatcha think?  Able to make a big enough ruckus that Loozu and I could slip in unnoticed?  I could have Goodra summon some rain to maybe obscure our approach that little bit more and power up any Water type techniques y'all got."

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."

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Original Post

(...)Your (in relationship to your own Master Status) junior Scimitar looks a bit put off by your attempts to engraciate yourself with him, though once you make clear your intent he does seem to ease up just a tad. Whether its your own way higher position on the Scimitar Totem Pole, his own Faction's culture, or he's just plain not used to dealing with Air Scimitars, the man was more than a little out of his depth dealing with you despite his willingness to help. Oh well - like you said it yourself time was needed for Bonds to form, and the working relationship you have with him right now was perfectly acceptable regardless.

Citrine looks rather taken aback by your declaration to FIGHT LIKE A TRAINER?! - what in the name of Good Magic would possess a Scimitar of your standing to do something so....so Radical? You can almost imagine the sincere aghast expression beyond the blackness that his cowl conceals from all. Since you're willing to Reveal Nox and explain exactly why such a *Shudders* unbecoming thing was necessary , however, he just stares at the RADIOACTIVE Pokemon for a moment before slowly looking back at you.

"....It seems the rumors of your partners eccentrics rubbing off on you were more true than I was lead to believe. *Heaves a BIG Sigh* ....Very well. In light of....that I can't very well object to you....debasing yourself like so. Needs must, and with power like that....sometimes one must tread dark paths to achieve their own mastery and goals."

As for.....the shadows that have been scurrying about you and your fellow Magi's own (who seems completely oblivious too it), they don't respond to your Summons. All you get is faint giggling and just the briefest glimpse of red beady eyes in your shadow before they're gone. 

Lastly, No, Weather set up in One Area won't spill over to another unless you REALLY go all out in generating it or you end up causing some sort of Interaction that causes it to exponentially to E X P A N D and GROW. The parts of the Beach each Group of the Legions of HATRED are in are either distanced far enough away that 'minor' Weathers won't be able to spill over, or have something funky going on that actively stifles such things (Like Group 3's own Sandstorm or Group 4's CHAOS).

...That shadowy giggling creature aka the Curse Daemon aka Ralice not reponding was to be expected. Bernhard doesn't loose too much thought about that, and just hopes and prays(!) that the creature will be able to support him sufficiently in their own way. (Same with Equinox. Her sneezing and shaking it off sounds super-cute [to me, not to Bern]. Let's just, uhm hope and pray double so that their/her idea of what is 'Smart Tactics' aligns with our own vision. Oh dear... Bernhard really DOES like that particular unique magical companion of his, but there's lot of room still to work on them/her being a loyal partner and actually listen to him.)

Oh, and speaking about it - yeah, Bernhard himself feels very much like he's debasing himself by letting her/them fight like a Trainer's Mon. He actually hates it with every fiber of his fine robe and body! Still there was no way around it, not in this particular situation and case. Perhaps in the future he'll find or make ways to shield his Gauntlet from radiation or similar - but not so now. Dire situations require dire means, or so. Or, as Citrine VERY WELL well put it, 'one must tread dark paths to achieve their own mastery and goals'. With a just as heavy and big sigh Bernhard cannot help but to agree to that. "How right you are indeed. How very very right you are..."

...Rumors about his partners eccentrics rubbing off on him though? Uh... That also goes into the 'Worry about it later if I am still alive' bin.

Good good, if the Rain Akumu sets up WON'T spill over to our Group, then I think I've got a decent draft of what I'm planning to do attackwise. Many thanks for the clarification! It's gratefully noted down.



Now, onwards to the Scouting Action:

Group #1 - Drone is BADLY Damage, and is no longer able to be used for Scouting for the remainder of the Encounter. The Group is now on High Alert, and will be much harder to sneak up upon without some VERY good Skills or tricks. On the other hand you learnt they had Ranged Options at their disposal, can 100% confirm that the lands the Group are in are completel Free of Hazards or other nonsense, and that they were (before the Drone was discovered) in the middle of a HUGE Brawl judging by the clouds of sand and what scant amoung of in-Fighting the drone could record.

No clear pictures of what you were dealing with, however: between the damage sustained by the drone, the dust, and duress said video taking was done getting anything but indistinct blobs of Mons was impossible. However, one of them was somewhat clear enough to tell two things - it was BIG, and it was Bloodied.

...Even if it did not work out as intended, Bernhard does still feel like he learned a good chunk of information. At the cost of alerting these creatures though, hmm.

In either way, apologies towards Lunn are in order! With a deep bow of Bernhard and everything, and naturally he'll make up for the damage of the drone in some way (her choice in what way)

One of the creatures being BLOODIED however - THAT catches my interest and eye. If it turns out to indeed be one of the two leaders of the Group (aka the Land Whale OR the Masked Wolf), that can be used as a advantage if they're already damaged and weakened. Aka take out that creature fast and swiftly, then focus on the other.

(...)Seddi will shift his gaze to Mr. Pinstripe and the two mages.

"Whatcha think?  Able to make a big enough ruckus that Loozu and I could slip in unnoticed?  I could have Goodra summon some rain to maybe obscure our approach that little bit more and power up any Water type techniques y'all got."

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)