[Game Thread] Pokerole Mystery Dungeon: Primal Shadows

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

The stunning, picturesque cascading waterfalls and currents.....absolutely fail to impress the metallic avian, as she was too focused on trying to be vigiliant as she lead the group onwards to really take the sight in. Her own personal disdain for the MD's aquatic environs also played a strong role in said aloofness, which she made no attempt to conceal judging by her slight grimace. She, for one, has had enough Water in her life at the moment, thank-you-very-much!

The Stairs didn't interest her much either until the Eeveelutions started to get excited about them, though she didn't voice her own opinion on them. Too soon after her faux pass with her Metal Sound, and more to the point she didn't really feel like chatting with Lord Umbreon all that much at the time. It didn't prevent her from noticing said nightly scholar abrupt silence and subsequent pointing out that the group had company. 

And what bunch they were! A stoic Horsea, and Arrokunda, and Poliwhirl, who appears to be their spokesperson, oh my! 

This time Platina glanced at the foxes to try and discrene how they wanted to play things out, but upon finding they were for her reaction she simply gave the two a tilt of her head before redirecting her attention towards the company. Taking a few careful hops forward toward them, done with just the exact amount of finesse and force require to shatter her Shiny Sparkles most dazzlingly, she gave the Poliwhirl with deep-but-not-too-deep bow before she opened discussions.

"Greetings, Poliwhirl. My name is Platina, and this *Motions towards everyone else* is my group of companions. All of us are just passing through this area, and we mean to cause no harm or difficulties to you or your own. We'll just continue on our way down these Stairs and leave you all be...."

*Tilts head*

"....Unless you want otherwise?"

Orders: Try an Etiquette Roll to either get the group out of the MD's current Floor unmolested, or at the very least prevent Poliwhirl's Gang from trying to jump the gun on the group ASAP. Not too sure about the root of the roll, but unless you say otherwise I will continue trying to use her Beauty Stat in most of her social interactions, as it's by far her strongest trait she brings to the table Encounter-wise!

Potential Roll: Beauty (3) + Contest (2) + Etiquette (2) + Bonus (3) = 10D6 Base Roll ?

3 Beauty + 2 Contest + 2 Etiquette + 3 Bonus = 10
(5)(2)(3)(3)(6)(5)(1)(6)(4)(3) 5 successes

Will: 7
(4)(3)(4)(3)(3)(1)(1) 1 success, lol

Poliwhirl uncrosses their arms as they continue to stare at Platina, bending down to look her straight in the eyes as they croak out a response.

"You wish to leave this place?  Very well.  However..."

They straighten, and turn to indicate the Horsea and Arrokuda behind them, who seem to be a bit star struck after seeing Platina.  "Pick one of them.  Take them with you.  Only one, though."

Espeon and Umbreon are thoroughly confused at this point.

"...we are in a Mystery Dungeon, right Umbreon?  I thought the wild pokemon would attack us on sight, just like the last time we came through here."

"...as far as I'm aware, yes, we are.  I wonder what's prompting this shift in behavior..."

Poliwhirl turns to stare at the Eeveelutions next, crossing its arms again.  "Maybe try being polite next time instead of assuming.  Go on, pick one of the young ones and be on your way.  You do not have time to linger here."

Poliwhirl's words are followed by a rush of wind racing through the corridor and ruffling everyone's fur/feathers, a slight chill racing down their spines.

[Dragonstrike]

Daxter looks at the items carefully before his eyes fall on the Swift TM. Swift? That was a... good move? He could remember something about it, but not anything specific because of his garbled memories. He grits his teeth in annoyance. It was probably best to try and grab the TM anyway. "Just one moment, lads. Just need to visit the bank. Hopefully, they'll let me withdraw money I deposited back in Sahra Town."

Daxter runs off towards the Duskull Bank withdraws all of his money and returns to the Kecleon brothers. "How much for the Swift TM, friends?"

A/N: I know I've delayed a lot on my side, so I'm gonna do the next part of the post too so that we can get moving. This transaction can just be finished up with flashbacks. Super sorry guys!

After finishing his business with the Kecleon Brothers and depositing all of his remaining money back into the bank, Daxter makes his way towards the Café in order to meet up with Ampharos and the rest of his team. "Alright, I think I'm done in town for now, Ampharos. What's the plan? Ready whenever you are."

Before Daxter can withdraw any money from the bank, he has to interrupt the conversation the Ghost is having with Meowth.  Well, I say conversation, but it's more like Meowth is ranting to a brick wall given how non-chalant Duskull seems to be about the affair, and the banker is more than happy to serve a customer and continue ignoring the cat pokemon, who promptly storms off in a huff.

The Kecleon brothers are downright pleasant by comparison, if still a little weird.

"That TM for the wonderful Swift is yours for only 1500 Poké, friend!"

----------------------------------------------------------------

Ampharos is sitting at a table with Rowlet and Snom when Daxter walks into the Café.  "Ah, there you are, Daxter!  I just finished showing your recruits around the town.  We're ready to head over to the Expedition Society's HQ when you are.  And I presume since you're here, that means you're ready, so onwards!"  He strikes a completely unnecessary pose, then leads Team NW to the northern end of town.

The building that the group approaches looks quite grand and flashy.  The blue stone walls surround a central tower capped by a dark blue dome.  Gold and yellow trimming decorate the walls and roof, even weaving through a few decorative blue orbs.  A large telescope can be seen poking out of the domed roof, and water can be seen to either side of the entrance in a sort of half-moat.  Were it not for the completely open front door, this place looks like it could be a fortress!



Ampharos shows everyone inside, accompanying it with a proclamation of their arrival!  "Welcome to the Expedition Society proper, Night Wardens!"

The Expedition Society: Onward, Expedition Society! - Pokemon Super Mystery Dungeon

Inside the building, the team initially finds itself in a large, circular lobby of sorts.  To the left, there appears to be living quarters.  The right, a doorway to another room.  And straight ahead, up a flight of stairs, a large, glowing orb appears to be spinning slowly.

Mawile leads a few pokemon down from the upper room and greets everyone.  "Ah, welcome everyone.  All done touring the town I take it?"

"Indeed, Mawile!  So, care to introduce our new friends to the rest of the crew?"

Mawile nods, then turns to the rest of the pokemon and begins introducing them.

"First up, Buizel, our marine specialist."



"Hey there everyone.  Anyone gives you any trouble around here, you let me know, alright?"

"Then we have Archen, our aerial specialist."



"Greetings!  Happy to be working with ya!"

"Dedenne here is our communications expert.  You'll likely be speaking with her a lot since she relays messages between our members."



"Hello there!  It's a pleasure to meet you!"

"Bunnelby, as our land specialist, handles the legwork if we need to do any digging in our expeditions."



"Howdy folks."

"And then next we have..."

"Wait for meeeeee!"  A small, fluffy, pink pokemon runs in from the side room to the right of the lobby, panting and slobbering all the while.

"...huff...huff...I can't believe you'd start introductions without me, Mawile..."

"Tsk.  Late again, as usual.  This is Swirlix.  She's our steward and cook."



"Happy to be of service!  And to eat good food of course!  Ooh, I can't wait to eat what I'm preparing today!"

"And then finally we have...hm?  Oh, it must be that time again..."

Ampharos looks a little confused at first.  "Wait, are we missing someone, Mawile?"  He looks at the assembled pokemon, counting heads, and then he seems to realize something.  "Oh.  We're missing them...I see..."

He turns to Daxter and his recruits.  "Might I ask a favor of your team, Daxter?  Could you go upstairs and fetch the last member of our crew, please?  They seem to be a little late, and it'll be faster if you introduce yourselves directly to them.  They're probably just working really hard on something, I'm sure."

[no one]

Daxter cheerfully nods at the Kecleon brothers. "Thanks, you two. Have a good one!"

Before following Ampharos to the Expedition Society building, Daxter deposits the TM into storage for later use. "Hmmm... I'm not sure who can learn this move, but I remember that it's pretty useful so I'll keep it for the timebeing."

Upon meeting the members of the Expedition Society, Daxter is reasonably friendly as he greets each one but he fixates on the Archen. "Woah, I've never seen one of you around before. Archen, you said your name was?"

Ampharos's request makes Daxter frown in confusion but he shrugs and proceeds to go upstairs anyway. As he approaches the doorway, he says, "Hey, there. Ampharos asked me to bring you down."

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

3 Beauty + 2 Contest + 2 Etiquette + 3 Bonus = 10
(5)(2)(3)(3)(6)(5)(1)(6)(4)(3) 5 successes

Will: 7
(4)(3)(4)(3)(3)(1)(1) 1 success, lol

Poliwhirl uncrosses their arms as they continue to stare at Platina, bending down to look her straight in the eyes as they croak out a response.

"You wish to leave this place?  Very well.  However..."

They straighten, and turn to indicate the Horsea and Arrokuda behind them, who seem to be a bit star struck after seeing Platina.  "Pick one of them.  Take them with you.  Only one, though."

Espeon and Umbreon are thoroughly confused at this point.

"...we are in a Mystery Dungeon, right Umbreon?  I thought the wild pokemon would attack us on sight, just like the last time we came through here."

"...as far as I'm aware, yes, we are.  I wonder what's prompting this shift in behavior..."

Poliwhirl turns to stare at the Eeveelutions next, crossing its arms again.  "Maybe try being polite next time instead of assuming.  Go on, pick one of the young ones and be on your way.  You do not have time to linger here."

Poliwhirl's words are followed by a rush of wind racing through the corridor and ruffling everyone's fur/feathers, a slight chill racing down their spines.

Platina's face lights up in delighted surprise at the tough frog's unexpected generosity, a smile quickly forming that only stretches wider when she catches Lord Umbreon taken aback by this. Take that, hah! Hopefully this will be a lesson for the Dark fox's to temper his disrespectfulness, least he ends up the one causing problems with others!

She didn't have much time to gloat to herself, though, for soon that wind blew past everyone, causing her eyes to widen in astonishment and then apprehension. Being a Flying Type, she knew more than most what an air of ill omen and bad weather felt like, so she hurried to wrap things up like they said to.

"*Nods* My thanks for your patience and tolerance with us, Poliwhirl. You have my deepest gratitude too for releasing one of your stewards into our care - I know such a decision is not lightly made, and I feel honored for it. For my choice....."

The Shiny Bird looks between the two young Water Types for a moment, before finally settling on Arrowkunda. "You, young Arrowkunda. Join us, and know that we shall take great care of you, and help make your dreams and aspirations come true." 

She turns to give the Horsea an apologetic frown, and simply says to them "I believe you will be better served remaining in Poliwhirl's care. You have much growing to do before you reach your zenith, and I have utmost confidence that they'll do a much better job leading you there. *Flutters feathers, sending sparkles everywhere* Take heart, though: you are worthy of greatness, now and days to come!"

With that said Platina turns back to Poliwhirl and gives them one last bow, this one bidding farewell.

"By your leave then we shall depart. May the seas be safe and bountiful to you and your own, Poliwhirl."

If nothing else happens I guess the group departs and hurries down the Stairs with their brand new Party Member in Arrowkunda!

[Dragonstrike]

Daxter cheerfully nods at the Kecleon brothers. "Thanks, you two. Have a good one!"

Before following Ampharos to the Expedition Society building, Daxter deposits the TM into storage for later use. "Hmmm... I'm not sure who can learn this move, but I remember that it's pretty useful so I'll keep it for the timebeing."

Upon meeting the members of the Expedition Society, Daxter is reasonably friendly as he greets each one but he fixates on the Archen. "Woah, I've never seen one of you around before. Archen, you said your name was?"

Ampharos's request makes Daxter frown in confusion but he shrugs and proceeds to go upstairs anyway. As he approaches the doorway, he says, "Hey, there. Ampharos asked me to bring you down."

Archen seems to shrug off Daxter's fixation, but is more than happy to chat.  "That's correct.  And you're Daxter of Team Night Wardens, right?  Mawile gave us the briefing while we were all waiting for you.  So we're investigating storms, huh?  Buizel and I are gonna start reviewing what we know from our expeditions, but we'll need the last member of the gang if we're gonna have a complete picture here.  So uh...yeah, would you mind fetching them for us?  Just to reiterate, they'll be upstairs in the observatory.  Thanks!"

Daxter, Snom, and Rowlet continue up the stairs to the back rooms of the Expedition Society.  The room they enter has another flight of stairs at the back and what appears to be an office of some kind off to the right, but the team's attention is drawn primarily to the large, glowing, blue orb with a slowly spinning map of the world on it.  Upon closer inspection, it doesn't even appear to be a physical object, because it's completely see through apart from a rod in the middle!  The pedestal it's standing on also happens to have a slot in it that's the same size as a Connection Orb.

Obviously, though, this isn't where the mystery member of the Expedition Society is, so the Night Wardens continue up the second flight of stairs.  The room at the top is covered by that large, domed ceiling that could be seen from outside, and that very large telescope can be seen poking through it.  The wall is covered with bookshelves, and there's even a few books and papers littering the floor.  A rather messy bed is almost haphazardly tossed in a corner of the room.

It doesn't take Daxter long to spot the mystery pokemon his team was sent to fetch, because they're seemingly looking through the telescope when he arrives.  A large, yellow, star shaped headpiece of some kind adorns their head, dwarfing the size of their small, white body.  Two yellow streamers hang from its shoulders as it floats in the air, and teal colored pieces of paper can be seen hanging from the points of the star shaped crown of its head.

Daxter's greeting does not get a response he was expecting.

"...zzzzzzzzzzz....huh...?  Ampharos...asked for me...?  zzzzzzzzzzzz...in a minute...need to...log this....zzzzzzzzz..."

The pokemon turns around, holding a piece of paper with various scribbles and writing on it, and floats over to one of the bookcases before attempting to lazily place the paper on a shelf.  Much to Daxter's surprise, the pokemon appears to be sleep walking...er, floating...as their eyes are completely closed!

"...just five more...minutes...zzzzzzzzz...sorry if I attack you...zzzzzzzz..."

Wait, what?!

Mere moments later, Daxter narrowly manages to dodge a Confusion attack from the sleepwalking pokemon!  Snom and Rowlet are immediately on edge!

"Aaaa!  What do we do, what do we do?!  Do we actually need to fight them?!"

"Orders.  What are they?"

Legendary Boss Battle!: Legendary Boss Battle: Rock Version - Pokemon Super Mystery Dungeon

VS Jirachi! Initiatives
Jirachi: (4) + 6 = 10
Rowlet: (5) + 4 = 9
Daxter: (1) + 4 = 5
Snom: (2) + 3 = 5

VS Jirachi! Round 1

[Dragonstrike]

"And may Lady Kyogre be merciful to your team in its travels.  Farewell.  Come, Horsea.  We have much to discuss still."

Poliwhirl and Horsea vanish into the corridor behind them, while Team Omega Seekers' badge teleports Arrokuda back to base.  While there's no room for them in the party's composition right this moment, the gang will be able to catch up with their new recruit later!

For now, onwards and upwards!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Team Omega Seekers made it to the end of the Undersea Tunnel!

Success!: Mission Success - Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of T/D/S

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The scene shifts its gaze upwards as we rush from deep below the sea to a grassy hilltop overlooking a scenic view of mountains in the distance, rainbows dancing between the mist shrouded peaks.  A Lillipup plays with a Swadloon underneath a tree while a Leavanny and a Herdier watch over them from the side of a small pond.  A Crustle is busy gazing at the beautiful view, enjoying the peace and quiet.

Suddenly, a flash of light illuminates the hilltop, startling all the pokemon present as they scramble to get some distance from it.  Crustle retreats into his earthen shell, peeking at the scene occasionally from behind his claws.  One ring of patterned light appears on the ground.  Two, three.  A pillar of light blasts upwards from the ground towards the sky as the magnagate opens!

When the light fades, Team Omega Seekers and the eeveelutions find themselves standing on the hilltop.  Espeon and Umbreon, being perfectly accustomed to such transitions, are quick to recover from the effects of quickly transitioning from one plane of existence to another.

"Well, that was fun, wasn't it?  I know I quite enjoyed myself.~"  Espeon smiles as Umbreon gives his two cents.

"Not often we get to go through a Mystery Dungeon completely unaccosted, that's for sure.  Very strange though, given the increase in aggressive wild pokemon activity lately..."

"Espeon!  Umbreon!  You're back!"  The Lillipup and Swadloon happily run over to greet their friends, their guardians not far behind.

Post Town: Come on in to Post Town! - Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity

"Oh!  Lillipup and Swadloon!  We weren't expecting to see you as soon as we got back!  How have you been?~"

Leavanny answers for her child.  "They've been doing fine, Espeon.  As energetic as always, though I do wish that you'd at least warn us when you're about to open a Magnagate on the hill.  It's quite startling having one just appear out of nowhere.  Gives the children a bit too much energy if you know what I mean."

"Eeeeeehhhhh, I don't think there's much we can do about that right now, unfortunately.  We're looking into ways to send signals before leaving them, but we haven't made much headway yet."

Herdier's next to interject, speaking with a heavy Scottich accent. "Well, lads and lassies, that's all well and good, but it looks like we have company!  Be polite and say hello, Lillipup."

"Hello everyone!  Who are you?  Are you friends with Team Paradise too?"

Espeon chuckles in delight and amusement, while Umbreon turns to the group, who are only just now recovering from the shift from being in a deep, underwater tunnel to suddenly being on a bright, sunny hilltop.  "Well, go on.  Introduce yourselves.  I know you're probably still in a bit of a daze from the transition since it's your first time, but you get used to it."

[Lord Windos]

(...)

"Eeeeeehhhhh, I don't think there's much we can do about that right now, unfortunately.  We're looking into ways to send signals before leaving them, but we haven't made much headway yet."

Herdier's next to interject, speaking with a heavy Scottich accent. "Well, lads and lassies, that's all well and good, but it looks like we have company!  Be polite and say hello, Lillipup."

"Hello everyone!  Who are you?  Are you friends with Team Paradise too?"

Espeon chuckles in delight and amusement, while Umbreon turns to the group, who are only just now recovering from the shift from being in a deep, underwater tunnel to suddenly being on a bright, sunny hilltop.  "Well, go on.  Introduce yourselves.  I know you're probably still in a bit of a daze from the transition since it's your first time, but you get used to it."

(I waited to give others the chance to react first, but since nobody posted yet and I have the time I guess I'll be the one to lead things off for the group!)

Disoriented Platina was indeed, as she held a wing against her head and tried to rub out the feeling of her noggin. Ugh.....this was NOT in the details about Entracard traveling! Couldn't they have at least warned them of it, so they could have had the chance to brace themselves?

Fortunately she regained her full senses in time for Umbreon's announcement, prompting her to quickly focus on the small crowd that gathered round the group. Oh my, a curious audience! Another thing she was not expecting.

'*Thinking to herself, annoyed and a bit taken off guard* Lord Umbreon and Lady Espeon, why didn't you tell us this could happen and about who we could've possibly meet upon arrival? Is this how Explorers do thing - being all action and light on details? If so, that is a most worrying trend I dislike verily that direly needs correctly, hmpt!' 

She doesn't have the luxury of time to dwell on her irritation and how to introduce herself to the Pokemon, so she defaults on her ingrained training and social grace to carry her through these first impressions. The metallic avian suddenly make one big leap forward towards the crowd, landing with a *POMF!* and spreading her wings wide, sending her Shiny Sparkles through the air and letting the sunshine illuminate them and herself most gloriously!

"Greetings, everyone!" she cheerfully chirped, quick and smoothly transitioning into a bow and looking back up in short order. "My name is Platina, and I am a member of Team Omega Seekers, or Team OS to be brief! We hail from the Sand Continent, we're here with Lady Espeon and Lord Umbreon on behalf of our Adventurers' Guild to assist in some important affairs in these lands! We shan't impose on you or your community unnecessarily or poorly, and we'll do our utmost to be of help and share our goodwill towards you all!"

(If it's possible, I'd like to see an Beauty + Ettitquete or Allure Roll to try and dazzle the audience, just for funsies [or see if her haste and unpreparedness causes her to fumble her first impression - that's a possibly I'd enjoy seeing too!])

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

"...Nah, all fine an' well, Umbreon-dear!~" Ziggy Kee responds joyfully as he shakes some remaining water from his fine fur.

"Just a BIT of a daze 'f any 't all, I for my kinda 'ppreciate this quick change of scen'ry from cave full of water 'n waterfalls to such a sunneh hill!~~" He stretches all fours from himself, takes a stance, then looks around with his deep-red eyes full of curiosity and amazement. "So were in tha continent ya two are comin' from now, aren't we? Heck, magnagate-travelling's sure convenient, ahaha!~ ( ÒωÓ)و☆"


Kee strikes a proud posture as Lillipup and Swadloon + their guards come over, not being shy at all - quite the opposite actually, he smiles as wide and friendly as he can at the two young Pokemon while giving Lilligant and Herdier a polite bow. "Hewo an' greetings y'all, a pleasure t'meet ya!~ Ziggy Kee or just Kee's my name, proud member and 'ppretice of Delphox's Adventurers Guild faaar over at tha Sand Continent!" He points to his Adventurer's Badge which he still wears like a dog tag; partly obscured by his fur however.

*insert Platina's introduction here, about which Kee cannot help but to be amazed every single time - oh the pride and pleasure over calling himself, a mere ordinary-yet-unordinary crittercoon, team member with such a polite and shiny and beautiful bird*

"Important mission's the reason we accompy Team Paradise 'ndeed, hehe! Can't tell ya more, unfortunately - " Kee winks over to Lillipup and Swadloon - "So sadly no time for some playing with ya two, I fear. I'd love to h'wever ' yar parents were to allow, hehe!~"

[Spiritmon]

Kogeki, different to Platina and Kee, was not that good. He feels pretty dizzy, and he almost puked because of the sudden teleportation but he hold together. "...Urgh. No one hundred percent fine. But I survived. Urgh. I really hate teleports."

He make a more hold presentation, but he talk crossing his arms. "Kogeki. Kogeki "Anubis" Kurayami. Ninja of the sand continent. Scouter of Team OS." He didn't smile very much like Platina or Kee, always the serious person he is like a heart attack. "Also member of Delphox Guild." He show his badge, who wrapped in his scarf, but more hide because of the silk of the scarf.

[no one]

Daxter yelps and dives for cover as he commands the others to do the same. "Aw, crap. Are they... A Jirachi? They're sleepwalking? Arrrgh... Rowlet, Use Astonish on Jirachi. Maybe you can surprise them into waking up or something. Snom, Struggle Bug. Let's weaken those Confusions. I'll bring in the Bubbles."

As an afterthought, he turns to the others. "On the count of three, call for Ampharos as loudly as you can. One, two, three... AMPHAROS!!!"

Daxter's Bubble
Acc: 2d6 Dex + 3d6 Fight + 1d6 Channel + 2d6 Single Action Bonus = 8d6
Dam: 3d6 Special + 2d6 Power + d6 STAB = 6d6
Effect: 1d6 for Opp's Dex -1