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

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

1. *Twirling Bird?
Difficulty: ???
A tall bird Mon is dancing in a small circular garden area, garbed in Strange clothing and singing a melodious tune. What few people around didn't seem to notice it too...

As Darren enters a small garden he first hears the singing, then he sees the 'mon, and is facinated that no one else seems to notice it. He listens to its birdsong for a bit before approaching it. If it is hostile or not depends on how things proceed from there. If things do go sour, he'll use Crustle.

The moment you entered the garden, the low level drone of the city completely died down. Only the song of the Twirling Bird remained....

Music - Tin Whistle - "Song of Storms" - Zelda Ocarina of Time

Round and round, went the tall, tall bird, spinning, jumping, and swishing and waving their arms in a rhythmic,  ritualistic, and heartfelt way. Most of their form was obscured. A white veil drawn across most of their face, their beak poking from behind it to create a pseudo plague doctor like mask. Only their eyes were visible, yet closed, as they lost themselves to their song and dance. Shimmering white shawls were draped across their body and wings, reflecting light like a kaledoscope as they moved in such a mesmerizing way.

If all you do is approach it does not react, simply continuing its odd but enchanting beat....

Darren gets mildly enthralled by the mystery pokemon's performance. After its performance stops, he'll suggest a spar with the mon, assuming it's sentient enough to understand.

The performance doesn't necessarily stop at any point, but their are moments were it stills and draws their wings together, as if to rest or to punctuate its song and dance. It was at one of those you got closer and made your offer. The mysterious bird didn't seem surprised about your presence, as they opened their eyes to reveal tiny black pupils that stared at you.

Then, it made a sweeping motion towards you, and you felt something. A feeling akin to the one that nutjob of a lady tried to shove down your SOUL, but this one...it was open. Serene. 

Inviting and Acceptance.

From what you can tell, the Twirly Bird is open to a spar....

Unity, Togetherness. 

...Though it wants to see you to.....dance and sing like them?

Yes. No. Showing, Performing.

Not quite - they want a Performance out of you first. From you. One that truly displays who you are....and holds a message you wish to spread.

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

Sylvia looks at the Pokeball as it bumps up against her paw, and gives a little *huff*.
"Well then." She looks back up at Murkrow, and gives a sad smile. "You're the first to offer me the choice."


Sylvia sits still for a long moment, lost in thought. Then she knocks the ball back towards her bag. "I will not capture you. You're a sharp one - I think your perception is perhaps your strongest weapon, and I don't wish to dull that."
"...should you wish it, though, the offer is still open."

...
Sylvia looks over at Slash and Sir, on the bed. "Sorry to wake you two. Are you alright?"
Sir gets up from the bed and hops onto the floor, moving over to Sylvia and pressing a gentle wing to the front and back of her head. "Sir."
Syliva sighs, relaxing into him. "I know, I know. I'm alright. Being in a new place is always stressful..."
Slash is sitting up on the bed, carefully keeping their claws out of the sheets. They similarly approach Sylvia, but don't get too close because they don't want to get too near to the Murkrow.

...
There's a knock at the door. Sylvia looks towards it and it opens. The harsh, artificial light of the hallway spills into the room and cuts the natural gloom, and Randy moves into the room.
"Sylvia."
"Espeon." (Greetings.)
Randy looks around the room, at the four near the center of the floor, and then reaches over and flicks on the lights. Each of the 'mons jumps - Sir simply blinks, Slash throws up a claw, Sylvia shuts her eyes, arching her back with a hiss, and Murkrow flaps their wings with a discontented caw.
"I'm not going ta be accompanyin' ya today. Got sum'tings to deal with. But behave urself, yeah?"
Sylvia shakes herself, blinking as she adjusts to the light and letting her fur settle before responding.
>>If I need help getting my papers in order, I'll come find you. I appreciate you escorting me, but I think I'm quite all right now. Thank you.
"No prob'm, Sylvia. Oh- and be careful out there. Not many know o' yah, or what you can do. I don't all like the idea of some trainer chuckin' balls at ya."
Sylvia glances towards the trash can.
>>I think I can handle myself, but thanks. Take care, Randy.
"You to, Sylvia. Good luck."

...
(I believe that's the first encounter mostly wrapped up? Unless Murkrow's got a response, or you've something to add, which I left space for.)

What's next for the 'mons is normal morning routines - food, of course, as well as hygiene. After that, Slash will retreat to their ball, and Sylvia and her wingmen (lol) will move out into the city. Sylvia knows that there's got to be some kind of shop open to gather supplies at, and other than that some weirdo wandering around will probably be interesting enough to interact with.

(Feeling a little limited, to be honest, but I suppose that's how Lockdown is. Training with Murkrow would logically be the next step, but that's out of the question for the moment due to mechanics lol. I trust ya, Windos, to find me something interesting )

A single, sharp nod is given - or shared, perhaps.

"This one is glad-honored to be the first, to offer and twine choice most profane and divine. May others, too, give you what is due."

Murkrow doesn't deign to answer the rest of your response, though you can tell they shall keep it in mind by that firm gaze they share.

Slash grumbles and tries to return to rest, but Sir seems Alert and ready to Tackle the day, saluting you with impeccable decorum and attention. Early to bed, early to rise with this one right here! 

Slash is even more displeased with Randy after turning the ligths, throwing some conjured up slush at them in a fit of tired irritation. Cold shoulder for you!

I wouldn't call that decision alone a whole Encounter, so we can happily slot in 'Training' Murkrow! 

As for how in your case?

How about a game of Watch 'n Name? Sylvia thinks / searches the background of the area she is in for something to test Murkrow's visual acuity and logical deduction, come up with little hint to tease their brain, and then see what the crow does? You have full liberty in what you want them to find - though if you wish I can come up with the objects and leave the word puzzle to you!

[Redstone]

Dyna will be using 3 Pokemon in this Fight, and has requested no Healing Items be used (wants to save them for a true emergency). Switching at the end of each Round is allowed! Right now you have 2 'normal' Mons, 1 Pseudo, and 1 Paradox that hasn't yet been identified fully. If you want to use Lani, that is your only Mon you can use due to the '3v1 Pseudo' Rule. 

You could try to convince her to go with a 2v2 or let Lani in as your 3rd Option, but that will require either a good Roll to Persuade or deal sweetners being added (No average Trainer wants to take on a Pseudo outside of a 'fair' Fight without damn good reason!).

Ecclesia counts as a 'normal' pokemon doesn't she? If that's the case I will use her with Kayla and Nalu, Kayla leading.

''You're on. Kayla it's your call''

[Pokekitty2]

Spoiler

A single, sharp nod is given - or shared, perhaps.

"This one is glad-honored to be the first, to offer and twine choice most profane and divine. May others, too, give you what is due."

Murkrow doesn't deign to answer the rest of your response, though you can tell they shall keep it in mind by that firm gaze they share.

Slash grumbles and tries to return to rest, but Sir seems Alert and ready to Tackle the day, saluting you with impeccable decorum and attention. Early to bed, early to rise with this one right here! 

Slash is even more displeased with Randy after turning the ligths, throwing some conjured up slush at them in a fit of tired irritation. Cold shoulder for you!

I wouldn't call that decision alone a whole Encounter, so we can happily slot in 'Training' Murkrow! 

As for how in your case?

How about a game of Watch 'n Name? Sylvia thinks / searches the background of the area she is in for something to test Murkrow's visual acuity and logical deduction, come up with little hint to tease their brain, and then see what the crow does? You have full liberty in what you want them to find - though if you wish I can come up with the objects and leave the word puzzle to you!

Ooh! *claps hands* I like that!
If you could give me a basic description of the area, with maybe a few leads, I can take it from there

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

A single, sharp nod is given - or shared, perhaps.

"This one is glad-honored to be the first, to offer and twine choice most profane and divine. May others, too, give you what is due."

Murkrow doesn't deign to answer the rest of your response, though you can tell they shall keep it in mind by that firm gaze they share.

Slash grumbles and tries to return to rest, but Sir seems Alert and ready to Tackle the day, saluting you with impeccable decorum and attention. Early to bed, early to rise with this one right here! 

Slash is even more displeased with Randy after turning the ligths, throwing some conjured up slush at them in a fit of tired irritation. Cold shoulder for you!

I wouldn't call that decision alone a whole Encounter, so we can happily slot in 'Training' Murkrow! 

As for how in your case?

How about a game of Watch 'n Name? Sylvia thinks / searches the background of the area she is in for something to test Murkrow's visual acuity and logical deduction, come up with little hint to tease their brain, and then see what the crow does? You have full liberty in what you want them to find - though if you wish I can come up with the objects and leave the word puzzle to you!

Ooh! *claps hands* I like that!
If you could give me a basic description of the area, with maybe a few leads, I can take it from there

Right now you're outside the Embassy, traveling along the main road out of the Government Seat and into wherever you wish to go. It's full of old, stuffing buildings in classical styles, complete with gargolyes and those roman pillars, but you also see the 'ultra tech' and UN styled buildings just as frequently. The place also has several jails and courthouses too - not only is policy decided in this Sector, but the execution of it too! Vegetation is sparse, security and pollice on the street is fairly high, and right now it's probably THE most busy place in the city outside of the Community Sector or the Docks, as this is the one place that can never truly rest without disaster. That, and the Center Ransacking is enough of a motivator to get all sorts of action out here!

[Lord Windos]

Dyna will be using 3 Pokemon in this Fight, and has requested no Healing Items be used (wants to save them for a true emergency). Switching at the end of each Round is allowed! Right now you have 2 'normal' Mons, 1 Pseudo, and 1 Paradox that hasn't yet been identified fully. If you want to use Lani, that is your only Mon you can use due to the '3v1 Pseudo' Rule. 

You could try to convince her to go with a 2v2 or let Lani in as your 3rd Option, but that will require either a good Roll to Persuade or deal sweetners being added (No average Trainer wants to take on a Pseudo outside of a 'fair' Fight without damn good reason!).

Ecclesia counts as a 'normal' pokemon doesn't she? If that's the case I will use her with Kayla and Nalu, Kayla leading.

''You're on. Kayla it's your call''

Simultaneously, Dyn sends out a Simisear, snapping her fingers and going "Shoot! Well, guess my and MONK will have to get tricky to get one over on your big stead! Let's go!"

Initiatives:

Kayla: 3 + 3 + 3 + (3)
Simisear: DEX (4) + Survival (2) + Athletics (3) + (3) 

Tie - goes to Simisear due to being faster in-game than a Mudsdale (if I recall correctly)

First MONK, then Kayla

Battle - Acting 'n Attacking Round 1!

(If you have any music, feel free to add it if you wish!)

[Pokekitty2]

Spoiler

Right now you're outside the Embassy, traveling along the main road out of the Government Seat and into wherever you wish to go. It's full of old, stuffing buildings in classical styles, complete with gargolyes and those roman pillars, but you also see the 'ultra tech' and UN styled buildings just as frequently. The place also has several jails and courthouses too - not only is policy decided in this Sector, but the execution of it too! Vegetation is sparse, security and pollice on the street is fairly high, and right now it's probably THE most busy place in the city outside of the Community Sector or the Docks, as this is the one place that can never truly rest without disaster. That, and the Center Ransacking is enough of a motivator to get all sorts of action out here!

Sylvia stops in the center of the thoroughfare, and recalls Sir. She sits, turning to look at Murkrow.

"Esp... Espeon peon peon esp peon espeon."
(Murkrow... I'd like to test your insight.)

Sylvia takes a long, good look around. The buildings to her right are both Grecian in style, with ornate pillars - seven on one, nine on the other - topped by gargoyles of various 'mons. Of the buildings on the left, one is Grecian - eleven pillars, spaced generously, that's a big building - but the other is a steel and glass-fronted building with an angular, geometric style. There are two pieces of vegetation - a small, twisted, clearly maintained tree between the Grecian buildings on the right, and a little weed that's managed to pop up by the non-Grecian building. Sylvia ignores the people for the moment.

"Murkrow... From where I sit, I can see a native life amongst angular weeds, striving to find a foothold in a world dominated by newcomers. See if you can spot it."

[Redstone]

Spoiler

Simultaneously, Dyn sends out a Simisear, snapping her fingers and going "Shoot! Well, guess my and MONK will have to get tricky to get one over on your big stead! Let's go!"

Initiatives:

Kayla: 3 + 3 + 3 + (3)
Simisear: DEX (4) + Survival (2) + Athletics (3) + (3) 

Tie - goes to Simisear due to being faster in-game than a Mudsdale (if I recall correctly)

First MONK, then Kayla

Battle - Acting 'n Attacking Round 1!

(If you have any music, feel free to add it if you wish!)

(Beach fun it is): Kahuna battle theme


''Soften it up with a Bulldoze, then High Horsepower and Heavy Slam''

Acc:                       Dmg:
(3+3+5-2=9d6)    (3+3+1+1=8d6), -1dex

(3+3+5-4=7d6)    (3+4+1+1=9d6)

(3+3+5-6=5d6)    (3+5-1=7d6)

[Mikaruge108]

Not quite - they want a Performance out of you first. From you. One that truly displays who you are....and holds a message you wish to spread.

*hmm* Darren thinks for a bit, then says "Don't expect nothin' fancy." And puts thoughts of his yearning to better himself (who he is) and thoughts of his beloved bug partners (message) into a (probably) fairly awkward dance. (4D6 is his perform roll, if needed)

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Day 3

Today’s forecast is Overcast - now Bayhama is in pale like the overall mood.
Lockdown : This has been explained at Length already, but the gist - Most shops, activities bar relief work, and Random activities have been suspended. As a consequence crime is on the rise, Trainers are antsy for SOMETHING to do, and more Wild Mons are out and about with the foot traffic significantly lightened. Seddi and Bern can pretty much ignore LD, Ianai  is still busy, and Sylvia can easily slip under the radar or flex their powers to get where she wants to be. The rest of the PCs will have to work out how to deal with LD.

Reminder: Department Store and Survival Center still open; the later is ready for the group tour planned and rescheduled earlier. Ianai postponed the Test this Day tonight, a little grump and upset at the delay, and not too happy she has more time to plan for it either.

@Phantom You will wake up with 1 Will Total - Zephy is also nowhere to be seen, though you feel they are in the kitchen. (...)

(1-heartbeat-XP is still true, is it? I haven't added it yet [just edited the Will Score], wanted to confirm before doing that. Obviously we don't have enough Willpoint to reveal Fortune Rolls of today. Gauntlet Stress-level should be reduced from 15 to 7, since - quoting you: Night Time spent resting clears 1/2 Stress, rounded down - quote end, unless the brewing process from yesterday has raised it further. The 15 are coming from the morning show with Nirix at the TM Shop still.)



...All the rest, Zephy's close company (and cuddles!) and a good amount of sleep have done WONDERS to restore Bernhard's vigor and vitality (not the Stat). He certainly does feel A LOT better compared to yesterday night, but still exhausted af and worn out to the core, he painfully noticed upon getting up. But he's well enough to move without his mythic partner's puppeteering and without his body protesting completely, and that's a win in Bernhard's book. Same is neither Myra nor Nirix having alerted him that something was up with Saph, for better or for worse... we'll check on her soon enough, least the fateful moment to dose her with his brewed up creation is marching closer. His thoughts are dwelling on her, on that Saphire Pendant/that presence that came to rescue him during the brewing process, and on Mr. Gleam himself... He hopes the latter has managed to rest up just as properly, after all the stress and despair having gotten the better of him eventually.

Zephy not being around fills Bernhard with anxiety at first, but it quickly dispels as quickly as it came. After all Bernhard ended up sleeping a tad bit longer than he usually does - he just needed that extra-portion of sleep indeed - and he doesn't have to rely on her anymore to do basic things like walking.

The very first thing Bernhard will try - while still in bed - is making a small nearby object or the blanket float via a minor spell, to test how his Gauntlet react and whether he's still magic-locked. He expects to indeed still be locked, but he wanted to be certain aka have the confirmation before even starting the no-doubt-eventful day. And yes he does keep the Gauntlet on during sleep, because he can't (and frankly doesn't want to) take it off without creating a gore-y mess and completely breaking it, since the cables are connected to the veins of his hand for what feels like ages. Bernhard would simply feel...incomplete with their trusted Gauntlet.

Regardless the outcome of the check for being magically-locked, he'll get properly dressed, uses the bathroom, and makes sure to leave the bed and guest room in an orderly manner. The hospitality of the Gleam is much appreciated after all! It was probably around that time they'd also check their phone (least to pick up the current time) and notice the suprisingly long message from Oz - on that note, he still hasn't checked yesterday's chronology between Zephy and Seddi, haven't found the time to do so yet, damnit! Either way, time to bring out the reading glasses and expensive looking stylus and find a comfy spot to type out a quick response. Ugh, what is it this time, who and why is someone bothering him that early in the morning...

However WHAT Oz is writing him there... It suprises Bernhard, catches him somewhat off-guard, but in sort of a neutral-leaning-into-positive way. Like, he didn't expect that type of message at all, least of all receiving words of thanks and an offer to meet up! "All the better though...", he mutters to himself, "...We DO have yet to test out synergy if fighting off that nasty Wandering Hurricane is still true..." That test, that trial Ianai was supposed to prepare was also meant to happen tonight, was it not...? Bernhard takes a mental note of that. Looks and sounds like a BUSY day ahead indeed.

But enough of that, enough mulling over things, a quick response is sent to Oz, Bernhard does type just as he speaks: Polite, stern and stand-offish.

Original post and message sent by Oz here

Oz awake the next not very good. Yesterday was pretty rough, and today she feel like pretty much weak.

She stand up from her bed, clean her teeth, and then make sure Fortuna was very well brushed.

While brushing her feathers, Oz try to think what to do today. She see most of the places is not open, and there isn't a lot of places to go now.

She then check her phone, and while browsing the names of people, she see one who make her feel uneasy. Bernard. She feel kind of scare around Bern, and his…Status as a Scimitar make her feel scary of him. But…he also risk himself by changing the attention of Morgana, and clearly try to save everyone. He is not a bad person…

“Should I…Call him? Hmm…One way or another we will see each other. Specially since we gonna fight the Malefic Monstrum. But can I trust him?”

Oz debate for a while until she decided to trust in her instincts. As much she probably taking a risk, she must trust in her. So she decided to send him a message.

Good day Mr Bernard. How you doing? It’s me, Oz! I know we didn't had time to…talk since we first met. These two days I was…busy without time to properly talk to everyone.

Also…I didn't had time to thank you. You saving everyone from Morgana by taking her attention to you was a act of bravery. I confess I was…scary she would do something horrible to us all. I don't know what would kill me first: Her or a heart attack. You have my gratitude Mr Bernard.

At this of the message Oz had no idea what to say more. She looks at her sisters, who at this time was in her bed, looking at the screen of Oz cellphone. Fortuna was probably not liking Oz having a interaction with someone they shouldn't interact. Hecate probably have mix feelings about it. And Persephone…well, she probably just enjoying this complicated situation I guess.

“I know Fortuna you don't like it. But one way or another we will have to interact with Bernard. And considering we have to fight a Malefic Monstrum, we need to know our allies better. And…well…”

Oz looks at Hecate, and a idea came to her mind.

Say, Mr Bernard. Do you by chance have something to do today? With most shops closed today and other services unavailable, I pretty much have nothing much to do. And…well…I heard Scimitars really like exotic or unique Pokemon. One of my Pokemon, Hecate, is a Hatterene. And well, she is pretty strong, but she still learning about spells and others things. Specially since you looks like someone with a vast knowledge of spellcasting. And maybe if we find some place we could…Maybe find some place to drink a tea or other type of food? I know most places are currently closed, but we could try to find some place. I…could even try to make some tea or coffee if you are more of a coffee person. What you say?

Aaaaaand message send. Now Oz need to wait for Bernard/@PhantomUnderYourDesk answer.

Greetings and good morning to you, Oz.

That's 'Mr. Samsara' to you, or preferably just 'Bernhard', thank you.

Thank you for your...humble gratitude towards on concering what happened when we all had the pleasure to meet the first time. I have...already expressed my apologies for what happened, for dear Morgana crashing our meeting, since it has been solely my fault. But it pleases me to hear that you have seen my actions as an act of bravery.

If I am allowed to reassure you: She won't try to murder you unless you give her a good reason to, I speak from experience. Though if you are scared of her (and please be), do let me know if she crosses your path, for in that case I shall provide damage-control. If it wasn't clear already, she and me are......in good terms with one another (please do not ask further), so I do expect her to be at least cooperative if I intercept.

I am occupied for now, but am expecting to be free around noon or afternoon, if you do wish to share a meal or talk in private. Feel all free to find a proper place to do so that is still open despite the ongoing Lockdown, and I shall follow your invitation. [meta-talk, that's basically a suggestion to in the meantime find a proper restaurant or cafe or similar if just wanting to talk, or a secluded park/vast open field if wanting to train Spells together with Hecate]

That is also a decent opportunity, since I wished to ask you for any spare feathers of your majestic Honchcrow, if possible and available to you. I feel like I could...potentially make good use of these in alchemistic creations, Honchcrow are usually quite hard to come by in the wilds. Your exemplar looks like a special, unique one too, even better.

...Done and sent, back to business and into action. First thing is finding Zephy, is she already headed to the kitchen? Porbably, so Bernhard follows; halfway slipping into his fine Scimitar-Robe on the way. But we've finalized the Panacea yesterday already, haven't we...? Unless that accidental Imbudement that has been started...?!! "Zephy, you there...? Good morning to you... What are you doing this early...? If it's breakfast, you know I am good with just black tea and plain toast..." Is Mr. Gleam around as well or nowhere to be seen?