[Game Thread] Pokerole Mystery Dungeon: Primal Shadows

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

To say the Shiny Bird was irritated with the misunderstanding was an understatement, as was the fact that the Leader of this Guild foisted responsibilities upon them they never agreed to in the first place. Still, they were not one to blow up at a Leader's followers (unless they were the ones to cause a problem), so they were doing their level best to keep their temper in check. Judging by their tone, it was.....delicately achieved.

"With all due respect, Floette, while I am grateful of this 'Adventurer's Guild' aid, that does not obligate the Guildmaster to Order me around like one of their followers. If they had just sent out a  proper request, then I....."

At this point Team Artificers (As she would soon learn) would curtail the end of that potential argument, causing the metallic avian to focus on the lot with a keen eye. Hmm....from what they tell at a glance they seemed to be a rough bunch, but had a sense of competence and experience that excluded them from simple brutes or low-ranking grunts of the Guildmaster. Nothing too extraordinary, but reliable followers were what formed any good organization or Guild's ranks, so they wouldn't hold that against them. Everyone couldn't be as unique as they were, after all.

The strange duck thing, however, did it's level best to anger them with their frankly rude and impersonal demeanor, prompting the glittering fowl to look upon them with narrowed eyes. Okay, perhaps they overestimated this 'Team' , if it's apparent Leader thought that was the best way to start a conversation. Didn't anybody teach this....creature proper manners, by god? They tried not to let it get to them, though, and pushed on ahead carefully.

".......My name is Platina. Please use it when addressing me. Now, if I may have your name in turn? And what is it you desire to know specifically?"

They punctuated this by fluttering their wings and tilting their head at them just right, sending out a small shower of their characteristic sparkles that framed their pose perfectly. Perhaps if they wowed them a bit, their Leader and their group would start treating her with the proper respect and dignity they deserve? For their shakes, they better.

(Requesting a Beauty and Allure/Etiquette Roll to try and get Team Artificer + Porygon 2 to not be rude to Platina anymore, Dragonstrike!)

3 Beauty + 2 Contest + 2 Etiquette + 3 Instinct* = 10d6
(5)(6)(1)(3)(2)(3)(3)(4)(1)(4) = 3 successes
(*This is a specific quirk of Windos's character, for reference)

Porygon-2 and Golett do not seem to be affected at all.

Chimical's Will:
(1)(1)(2)(3)(4)(1)(1) 0 successes
Solosis's Will:
(6)(3)(2)(1)(5)(2)(5) 3 successes

Solosis seems to shrug off the display too, but Chimical begins circling Platina, highly interested in the little bird now and giving her very little personal space (he'll back off if requested to with that roll, though).  He handles the introductions by seamlessly working it into his little speech.

"You'll have to excussssse our manager and bodyguard.  Porygon2 and Golett are rather incapable of feeling much of anything.  It makessss them very effective at their jobssss, though.  I can guarantee that we won't be doing anything untoward, at leassssst.  Isssssn't that right, Sssssssolosssssissss?"

"I suppose, Chimical, I suppose.  All we need are a few answers, and then we can be on our way."

The digiduck gets right to the point.  "THE STORMS.  WE HAVE BEEN TASKED WITH INVESTIGATING THEM.  WE WERE TOLD YOU WERE CAUGHT IN ONE."

Again, the pokemon looks expectantly at Platina, seeming to expect her to know what question's he's implying.  Chimical steps in this time, though.

"We jussssst need to know if you know what might have caussssssed the reccccccent ssssssstormsssss.  It'ssssss very important.  Ansssssswer the quessssstion, and we can be on our way."

[Dragonstrike]

And now answering both Daxter, Ampharos and Mawile. "Well, to be honest I dont know yet. Me think we should check that "mysterious" Pokemon who appear in the beach. If that Pokemon is in this place, a extra pair of hands is pretty good."

Hnnnnnngghhh, as much as Kee'd love to get to know Ampharos and Mawile more and see that Water Continent... He has to gently decline, instead giving Daxter an encouraging nod. "Water continent sounds kinda perfect for ya, Dax, so you should tot'lly go. Take dear Karen with ya, an' enjoy that change of pace of hopefully lot an' lots of water 'round 'ndeed!~ K?"

"Well, I think that settles it then.  Looks like you're with us, Daxter! Happy to have you on board!"

Ampharos is rather intrigued by Kogeki's train of thought.  "Ooh, you're thinking about trying to recruit them to assist?  Interesting.  How do you think you're going to win them over?  That might not be easy, you know."

And now answering both Daxter, Ampharos and Mawile. "Well, to be honest I dont know yet. Me think we should check that "mysterious" Pokemon who appear in the beach. If that Pokemon is in this place, a extra pair of hands is pretty good."

The deltadoggo of a ninja gets an encouraging nod from Kee as well, being curious and interested about that 'mysterious Pokemon' - are they, or rather, have they as well been human once? Could that be? Whether or not, they're worth meeting and getting to know for sure. "Gimme one moment please b'fore we'll go checking 'em, will ya K'geki? I'd actually like to ask that Espeon an' Magneton if we could come with 'em to the continent they come from. 'Magnagate? Paradise? Heck, sounds excitinggggg!"

Since Kogeki said he doesn't know yet, then Kee gladly taked the initiative and zigzags over to Magneton, Espeon and Absol in order to ask them whether they and Team OS can team up for that mission.

Espeon+Umbreon and Magneton+Absol are from two different continents.  Given the context of the rest of the paragraph, I'm assuming that you're going to talk to Espeon and Umbreon first.

The two eeveelutions are actually talking with Team Stripes.  They seem to be addressing Arcanine.

"Well, I suppose you could accompany us.  Do you think we should see if anyone else is interested, though, Umbreon?"

"I mean, if nobody else asks, I think it's safe to assume they aren't interested.  Magnagate research is incredibly niche, after all, and not for the faint of heart."

Arcanine is quick to notice Kee's approach.  "Oh, if it isn't one the members of Team Omega Seekers!  What brings you to our table?  You wouldn't happen to be here to bend Espeon and Umbreons' ears?  Their research is fascinating stuff.  Using it to reach Mystery Dungeons that are completely inaccessible by normal means?  Revolutionary!  I have to say I'm quite curious to try out Magnagate travel myself, though I still don't really understand the mechanics of it yet."

Espeon turns to look at Kee once Arcanine points out the Zigzagoon's presence.  "Hm?  Oh, hello there.  You're from one of the teams that everyone was surprised was picked for the international investigations, right?  Curious..."

Umbreon just stares curiously at Kee at first, as if trying to determine something.  "Hmmmm..."

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

3 Beauty + 2 Contest + 2 Etiquette + 3 Instinct* = 10d6
(5)(6)(1)(3)(2)(3)(3)(4)(1)(4) = 3 successes
(*This is a specific quirk of Windos's character, for reference)

Porygon-2 and Golett do not seem to be affected at all.

Chimical's Will:
(1)(1)(2)(3)(4)(1)(1) 0 successes
Solosis's Will:
(6)(3)(2)(1)(5)(2)(5) 3 successes

Solosis seems to shrug off the display too, but Chimical begins circling Platina, highly interested in the little bird now and giving her very little personal space (he'll back off if requested to with that roll, though).  He handles the introductions by seamlessly working it into his little speech.

"You'll have to excussssse our manager and bodyguard.  Porygon2 and Golett are rather incapable of feeling much of anything.  It makessss them very effective at their jobssss, though.  I can guarantee that we won't be doing anything untoward, at leassssst.  Isssssn't that right, Sssssssolosssssissss?"


"I suppose Chimical, I suppose.  All we need are a few answers, and then we can be on our way."

The digiduck gets right to the point.  "THE STORMS.  WE HAVE BEEN TASKED WITH INVESTIGATING THEM.  WE WERE TOLD YOU WERE CAUGHT IN ONE."

Again, the pokemon looks expectantly at Platina, seeming to expect her to know what question's he's implying.  Chimical steps in this time, though.

"We jussssst need to know if you know what might have caussssssed the reccccccent ssssssstormsssss.  It'ssssss very important.  Ansssssswer the quessssstion, and we can be on our way."

(Wow, that Roll sucked, but at least Chimical's sucked even harder! That, and now know that Beauty Rolls don't really work on Genderless Pokemon! I am curious to know if putting a Will Point would significantly change this scene, though, if it's not too late to apply them.)

Being a bird that was composed of some sort of metal, being circled by what felt like a Fiery feline did make Platina quite uncomfortable, but his timely intercession and open admiration of their Beauty does mollify those feelings somewhat. They've put up with worse sorts of scrutiny before, so they'll not let this cat be the one to make them loose nerve.

".....I suppose I can forgive them, in that case. Bluntness and efficiency over personality is......displeasing to be subjected to, but I know such has its purposes at times. Thank you for the apologies and explanation, sir."

Porygon 2 ('What a strange name for a Pokemon....') continued 'directness' doesn't bother the Shiny Bird this time, as Chimical's explanation rationalized such behavior and made it 'acceptable' in their eyes, but they do appreciate him rephrasing the inquiry into a much more polite request. However, they seemed.....reluctant and hesitant to answer at first, before they shook their head with a small *sigh* and looked at the chimera kitten.

".....I suspect these storms are caused by a group of Pokemon. I do not have much to offer about them, but I can say that I know some of them are capable of generating and controlling fierce Thunderstorms if provoked, and have a mastery over flight as well. I am not completely certain if they're causing all of these storms, however, or if they have done so in the recent past and up until now. This is the first I've heard of such a problem, after all, and I only have my own limited experiences to draw upon. Does that answer the question to your satisfaction, Chimical sir?"

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Espeon+Umbreon and Magneton+Absol are from two different continents.  Given the context of the rest of the paragraph, I'm assuming that you're going to talk to Espeon and Umbreon first.

(Whoops, yes, I meant Espeon in particular as the Pokemon Kee'd like to talk to. My bad, sorry!)


Kee greets Arcanine as well as Espeon with a respectful salute and kind smile each - they're guests and of a higher Rank after all, and are showing themselves friendly towards the others likewise. "Indeed, 'ndeed, noble Arcanine of Team Stripes an' precious Espeon!~ Ziggy Kee - or just Kee - is mah name, and me an' my fellow team members shall prove that da trust our Guildmaster is putting 'n us is nat misplaced in tha slightest!~" He's still brimming with pride over being picked for the mission, the hair of his fur is standing on edge.

He gently coughs. "Dear me couldn't help but to be FASCINATED an' CURIOUS when ya spoke 'bout being tha best Magnagate researchers from Paradise, dear Espeon... But nah, seems like you've already got acquainted with Team Stripes here t'team up, sorreh for tha trouble! First come, first serve, no problem!" Kee gently bows as he turns to leave witha  smile, "But do hear me out, once Team Omega Seekers has made 'emselves a name, I'd be more than pleased t'learn more 'bout these Magnagates an' how to make use of 'em to reach Mystery Dungeons that are otherwise outta reach!"

Before he moves on however, Kee can't help but to catch Umbreon staring at him curiously - Kee staaaaaares back, just as curious (and friendly). "Greetings there, classy Umbreon! Is somethin' wrong...? Is my fur somewhat out of place?"


(Depending how things are going/how Espeon and Umbreon respond, we may still end up teaming up with these two- though if offered, Kee in-chara will kindly decline, letting Team Stripes team up with them as they came first. He wouldn't want to ruffle feathers or start arguing with a higher-ranked Team at all, too much respect and awe he holds for them.)
In case, the next pair of Pokemon Kee would turn to and ask to team up with would be

Spoiler

Wigglytuff and Chatot! Kee would meet them with just as much kindness and respect as he did so towards Arcanine and Espeon, and ask Chatot whether they and his team can, well, team up and travel to their continent. That'd come of handy too, since Marcus once directed Kee to speak towards Wigglytuff from the Grass Continent about something he has discovered.

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

Kee greets Arcanine as well as Espeon with a respectful salute and kind smile each - they're guests and of a higher Rank after all, and are showing themselves friendly towards the others likewise. "Indeed, 'ndeed, noble Arcanine of Team Stripes an' precious Espeon!~ Ziggy Kee - or just Kee - is mah name, and me an' my fellow team members shall prove that da trust our Guildmaster is putting 'n us is nat misplaced in tha slightest!~" He's still brimming with pride over being picked for the mission, the hair of his fur is standing on edge.

He gently coughs. "Dear me couldn't help but to be FASCINATED an' CURIOUS when ya spoke 'bout being tha best Magnagate researchers from Paradise, dear Espeon... But nah, seems like you've already got acquainted with Team Stripes here t'team up, sorreh for tha trouble! First come, first serve, no problem!" Kee gently bows as he turns to leave witha  smile, "But do hear me out, once Team Omega Seekers has made 'emselves a name, I'd be more than pleased t'learn more 'bout these Magnagates an' how to make use of 'em to reach Mystery Dungeons that are otherwise outta reach!"

Before he moves on however, Kee can't help but to catch Umbreon staring at him curiously - Kee staaaaaares back, just as curious (and friendly). "Greetings there, classy Umbreon! Is somethin' wrong...? Is my fur somewhat out of place?"


(Depending how things are going/how Espeon and Umbreon respond, we may still end up teaming up with these two- though if offered, Kee in-chara will kindly decline, letting Team Stripes team up with them as they came first. He wouldn't want to ruffle feathers or start arguing with a higher-ranked Team at all, too much respect and awe he holds for them.)
In case, the next pair of Pokemon Kee would turn to and ask to team up with would be

Spoiler

Wigglytuff and Chatot! Kee would meet them with just as much kindness and respect as he did so towards Arcanine and Espeon, and ask Chatot whether they and his team can, well, team up and travel to their continent. That'd come of handy too, since Marcus once directed Kee to speak towards Wigglytuff from the Grass Continent about something he has discovered.

Arcanine responds with a very thoughtful "Hmmmm," of his own in response to Kee's apology.

Umbreon and Espeon share a look when Kee offers his name and his reason for saying hello.  No words are exchanged between them, but it's clear that something is understood between the two of them.

Espeon looks back at Kee, somewhat confused.  "Why would your interest be trouble?  Umbreon and I haven't actually agreed to anything yet, and we're always more than happy to talk about our job when we have the time."

Umbreon's response to Kee's question is a bit more vague.  "Something about you...no, maybe I'm just imagining things.  But maybe...what do you think, Espeon?"

"Well, your hunches are usually better than mine.  I'm more than willing to defer to you on this matter."

Arcanine chuckles.  "You sure you want to give up so easily, Kee?  That won't get you anywhere in this Guild, you know!  Team Stripes have been Silver Rank for a looooonnnng time, so we would know.  And if the Guildmaster trusts you're capable, I'll trust you are too.  Can't learn and succeed unless you try, right?"

Contrary to what Kee might have been suspecting based on the behavior of other members of the Guild, Arcanine doesn't seem to be offended at all.  In fact he seems...friendly?

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Aww, the smol crittercoon's happy as heck to be likewise met with so much friendliness, especially from the big firely Arcanine! ☆(・∀・) He remains respectful , but regardless Kee can't help but to join in when Arcanine chuckles, still brimming with pride 24/7 (he'll continue doing so for at least the rest of the day). "Thank ya, thank ya noble Arcanine, yar trust in me an' my fellow team members is likewise nat misplaced! ( ÒωÓ)و", he shakes himself competively. "Humm well, if ya're putting it LIKE THAT - Hah, as if I'd give up that easily then!~ *deep breath* Me of Team OS would like to - no, WISH t's team up with ya for that assigned mission, travel to tha continent ya two come from, an' take tha chance t'learn a bit more 'bout these fascinating Magnagates pleeease! *friendly and excited smile for both Espeon and Umbreon* Whether ya 'ccept or nat, is up for ya two t'decide. Whatever it shall be, yar d'cision is respected!~"

Without taking a breather, Kee calls and waves Kogeki over @Spiritmon: "K'geki, come over here if ya may pwease! Found a potential team we can join for tha mission, do tell whether ya agree with mah pick or rather like to ask a different team - yar input matters just as much as mine does, 'fter all!"

That 'something about you' Kee chooses to not respond to for now, but he'll keep this happening(?) in mind.

[Spiritmon]

Kogeki do listen to what Kee said. He join with Kee but tell him while he shrugged. "I not very good in these types of things so choose who you want. You better than me in this types of things."

Kogeki not exatcly in his best mood. He is focus in a few more things. Keeping a eye to Team Artificer. He dont trust them, and they problably gonna take opportunity in this situation. 

In fact, Kogeki not exatcly in the mood to join other teams at all. He dont like Delphox way of leadership. And the teams? Well, most of the teams he see only care about increase their rank, and doesnt really care about Delphox daughter or not. Thats why he such that words toward Delphox. 

Its not necessary to be a telephatic Pokemon to see Kogeki in a more foul mood. He just want to get the mission done and go to any other place instead of this one.

[Lord Windos]

Before Chimical and the rest of Team Artificers could leave after she answered their question, Platina let out a polite *cough* to draw the chimera cat's attention, tilting their head at them politely yet inquisitively.

"Ah, before you go, may you answer a questions of mine? Only fair I get the same courtesy I showed you, I believe. *Beat* What is your opinion of this 'Adventurer's Guild' , Chimical sir? Floette here has already told me a little about it....."

*Sideways glance at the Pokemon in question, before letting out a small sigh*

"Yet I feel the information they shared about it may be too.....idealistic for me to fully form an opinion on it. If I'm not incorrect, though, you are a member of this Guild? If so, you must have a more grounded views on it based on your own experiences as both an 'Adventurer' and as a follower of your Guild's Leader Delphox, yes? So please, if you could, can you briefly share your thoughts on it?"

There was a pause on their part, as if they were thinking about to ask something else, before they shook their head to themselves and kept anymore questions to themselves.

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Ah well, Ziggy Kee pouts a little at Kogeki's unenthusiastic answer and foul mood, but he quickly shifts his attention back towards the two Eeveelutions; waiting for their response in eager anticipitation.

He cannot help but to wonder WHY the deltadoggo of a ninja is not at his best - or rather, even less of a good mood as he usually is - as of lately. Humm, is the matter of Daxter and Karen splitting off and Pyra leaving still pestering his mind, dragging him and his enthusiasm into bottomless depths...? Maybe. Kee takes note to inquire about Kogeki at some later point/once there is an opportunity, hearing him out and trying to cheer him up a little. AND tell him that not all Teams of this Guild care only for themselves or their rank, Arcanine here for example is friendly and trusts in their capability!

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

Kogeki do listen to what Kee said. He join with Kee but tell him while he shrugged. "I not very good in these types of things so choose who you want. You better than me in this types of things."

Kogeki not exatcly in his best mood. He is focus in a few more things. Keeping a eye to Team Artificer. He dont trust them, and they problably gonna take opportunity in this situation. 

In fact, Kogeki not exatcly in the mood to join other teams at all. He dont like Delphox way of leadership. And the teams? Well, most of the teams he see only care about increase their rank, and doesnt really care about Delphox daughter or not. Thats why he such that words toward Delphox. 

(But as always the DM dont do a roleplay about it...Oh well)[



Its not necessary to be a telephatic Pokemon to see Kogeki in a more foul mood. He just want to get the mission done and go to any other place instead of this one.

Delphox definitely heard what Kogeki said, but very obviously made a conscious decision to focus on her current task instead of addressing it immediately.  She's currently quite busy discussing something with Cacturne and the other assembled Teams from the Adventurer's Guild.

Kogeki actually lost sight of Team Artificers quite quickly, as the group exited the grand hall shortly after Kee went to go talk to Espeon, Umbreon, and Team Stripes.  Daxter nudges Kogeki to get his attention and whispers, "Yeah, I don't trust them either.  I'll go check out what they're doing.  Probably harassing that poor pokemon we're supposed to talk to if I had to guess."

Then more loudly, Daxter addresses Mawile and Ampharos.  "Hey, we should go see what that strange pokemon has to say, I think.  No reason to linger here much longer if we've decided to team up, right?"

"Ah, of course, of course!  The exit should be that way, right?"  Ampharos points to the door behind the guildmaster's chair, and Mawile shakes her head in exasperation.

"No, Ampharos, it's the door behind us, not the guildmaster's chair.  Come on, let's go.  Oh, but before we go, here, take this Kogeki."

Mawile hands Kogeki one of the Connection Orbs!

"I can explain what it does in detail later if you want, but the basic things you need to know are that it has a map of the world coded to it, and that it can share that data with all the other existing Connection Orbs.  You can leave a note on the map, and everyone else with a Connection Orb will be able to see that note.  Very useful for cross referencing positions and locational clues.  Make sure Kee knows you have it, and don't lose it."

Spoiler

Aww, the smol crittercoon's happy as heck to be likewise met with so much friendliness, especially from the big firely Arcanine! ☆(・∀・) He remains respectful , but regardless Kee can't help but to join in when Arcanine chuckles, still brimming with pride 24/7 (he'll continue doing so for at least the rest of the day). "Thank ya, thank ya noble Arcanine, yar trust in me an' my fellow team members is likewise nat misplaced! ( ÒωÓ)و", he shakes himself competively. "Humm well, if ya're putting it LIKE THAT - Hah, as if I'd give up that easily then!~ *deep breath* Me of Team OS would like to - no, WISH t's team up with ya for that assigned mission, travel to tha continent ya two come from, an' take tha chance t'learn a bit more 'bout these fascinating Magnagates pleeease! *friendly and excited smile for both Espeon and Umbreon* Whether ya 'ccept or nat, is up for ya two t'decide. Whatever it shall be, yar d'cision is respected!~"

Without taking a breather, Kee calls and waves Kogeki over: "K'geki, come over here if ya may pwease! Found a potential team we can join for tha mission, do tell whether ya agree with mah pick or rather like to ask a different team - yar input matters just as much as mine does, 'fter all!"

That 'something about you' Kee chooses to not respond to for now, but he'll keep this happening(?) in mind.

Arcanine bursts into a full blown laugh!  "Ahahaha!  That's the spirit!  I think your friend might have the wrong impression of what the Guild's values are, though I can hardly blame him with how serious everyone is all the time here.  It's my opinion that Adventuring isn't just about the treasure you earn and the places you find, but also about the experiences you have and the pokemon you meet along the way.  I like the cut of your team's jib.  You all know what's important.  And from what I know of her, so does the Guildmaster for that matter.  She wouldn't keep the company of Cacturne and Poliwrath if she didn't like them after all, and I can say with almost complete certainty that she's offering a reward for finding Braixen because it's an important personal matter for her.  Go on then!  Go find out what these Magnagates are like!  I'll take Team Stripes to go talk to Guildmaster Wigglytuff, see if they'll have us on a jaunt to the Grass Continent."

"Are you sure, Arcanine?  Your team may not have another chance to experience this any time soon."

Arcanine grins.  "Positive.  I'm very interested to see what Team Omega Seekers takes away from this adventure, in fact.  Let's see what they can do when given the chance."

"Well, if that's how you feel about it, then I see no reason to delay things.  Team Omega Seekers, get ready to explore a Mystery Dungeon.  Espeon and I will prepare the Entercards we need to return to Paradise.  Meet us by the Lapras Travel Liner when you're ready to depart."

"We look forward to working with you, Team Omega Seekers!"

Espeon and Umbreon leave the grand hall to go prepare their items and gear, discussing something with each other as they walk.

(And now to jump to the remainder of Platina's conversation!)