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

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Choice made:

And so concludes and continues Teatime with Morgana - Several Boons Received, and Several Prices Received Too. You and Morgana enjoy each other's company for the duration of the Encounter....
- And are then all By yourself, all alone, in the Clearing the Meeting of the Brave was held.

The very VERY first thing Bernhard did upon having been fred from Morgana's grasps - for now, that is - was cringe over himself for he has partly made a massive fool of himself (very not high-ranked-Scimitar like!!) and needing a moment to recover from the highly erratic emotional rollercoaster this evening's time spent with her was again - with an emphasis on 'again', was there ever a time daily teatime with her was not an up and down in emotions in quick succession, ina positive and negative sense? ...Thinking back, Bernhard came to the conslusion that there was not, for afterwards he'd always feel bad about himself, loathe himself for having fallen into her traps and teasings. And for having fallen for her over the months, spiked tea or not.

...But would he trade away or undo what he and the fae lady are having? Never so! Least he'd risk his head for giving her the cold shoulder.


How he's all by himself - treasured solitude! - does do well to ease his mind, for here he can gather his thoughts and vivid(!) emotions for a bit. Yes 'vivid' emotions, for Morgana knows EXACTLY how to tickle these onto the surface of the oh-so-cold and stoic Sky Skim. Eventually and after a while, he'd opt to send a text or the Magi-equivalent of a text to all the others that were present at the Meeting of the Brave:

Message sent

Greetings. Bernhard here. Got some news that I meant to share with you all.


First of, my sincere apologies for the visit of Morgana when we all met up for the first time in that park. That was solely my fault: I was missing out an invitation of hers due to the astral journey to another plane of existence, causing her to come after me to pick me up for...tea and merriment, as she puts it (please don't ask). She has put forth to be 'discrete' during future visits though, so that's a good sign. Please do let me know if she happens to cross your path again, given I am...familiar with the fine lady she is, and feel like I owe you some sort of damagecontrol at least.

Furthermore, I do vouche for any trouble my artistic partner-Pokemon may have caused you, too late have I noticed that they have slipped my care and watch. They are...hard to not notice given their chimeric appearance and frollic nature - Do let me know if you spotted them, for I will be on the lookout to have her return safe and sound to my side where they belong.

I am staying at and traversing Bayhama City for now - reasons that are not your business prevent me from heading towards home - or the place I am most close to call 'home' - the Mageocracy, for now that is. Trying to gather more insight and knowledge about the whole issue with the Astral Stones, as well as hone my skills further, as ever. I am...more used to travel alone with just my selected assortment of magically-bound partner-Pokemon, though fate and fortune have decided against it, it seems. Therefor, please do let me know once you are readying to leave Bayhama in direction of the outskirts, for I will then tagg along. I prefer to only be bothered in serious cases until then, though I remain available should there be a need.

Oz, if you happen to have any loose or spare feathers of your Honchcrow, please keep a hold of them, for I might make good use of them for futher alchemistic creations. I will remember and return your favour.

That should be all for now. Do take care.

Speaking about it - Where the heck IS Zephy? She should be somewhere in Bayhama, with 'somewhere' being quite the stretch.


Action: Head in direction of the beaches thanks to Seddi's cue to find where dafaque Zephy is, and reunite the pair. No he won't scold the artsy birdmouse - though he does have some words for her. Given the time, I'd also take most of the stores in Bayhama are closing or are closed already, so let's save shopping for tomorrow - so how about finding some moderate wild Pokemon to fight in the nearby area with Zephy, as a way to vent and bond/re-bond with her again as a 4th Encounter please? Plus I haven't had the chance to really use Zephy, excited to try her out in battle! NO Trainer Battle though please - for Bernhard looks down on these, refuses these, and using Pokemon in a magical Scimitar-way is much cooler.

EDIT: I'd take Bernhard receives Seddi's message concering the MaleficMonstrum later, or chooses to not respond just yet, for wanting to find Zephy back and sort his thoughts and emotions first.

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

Seddi shakes his head when Sada asks if Leaves verified any of his conclusions.  "Leaves was rebootin' right up until Ianai brought out the smelling salts, so I've not had a good chance to ask her what her thoughts on them are yet.  She's not voiced any concerns to me beyond displeasure about not being able to understand what happened earlier though.  If you want to speak with 'em all, I'll see if I can russle 'em up at some point for ya."

When asked about the star shaped gemstone, Seddi will pull it out and show it to the Professor, but won't give it to her yet.  "No idea if analyzing it is safe or not.  Leaves was out of commission for a rather significant amount of time.  Would have been longer without those smelling salts.  Let's take it slow, start with Leaves sending over what corrupted data she has on what happened so we can assess the risk.  I reckon Ianai might know more about these gemstones as well."

RE Akamu: "He didn't say which guardian he was servin', but if I had to take a guess, I'd say it's likely Tapu Fini.  That hair color is almost uncanny, and it glowed when his patron was communicating with someone.  He also referred to his patron as a 'she', and I doubt that blue hair is Tapu Lele's style."

RE Darren and Aaron: "Aaron didn't care to elaborate why exactly he's here.  Just said he's on an 'adventure of sorts with his apprentice'.  Wasn't getting the impression he'd interfere with our goals though.  He almost seemed as eager as Darren to have a good challenge for his bugs."

RE Bernhard and Muse: "Well, you'll have to convince Bernhard first.  And given he's still tryin' to keep Muse a secret from the rest of us for the time bein', you might be waitin' a little while before you can ask him about her at all.  I'll keep ya posted on the status of that."

Seddi listens carefully to everything Sada has to say about the political side of this exchange, a frown on his face.  Police work?  Not at all what he was expectin' to be doin' in Bayahama.  He might have to ask the locals about this festival.  Maybe Bernhard would know more about it as well.

...but what Sada says next causes Seddi's eyes to metaphorically pop out of his head.

"...excuse me, what?!  That is a severe jump in quality for free stuff.  What in tarnation are they expecting us to do?!"

...

Seddi has a grim, extremely serious expression on his face after hearing the details about this first class threat level of a Malefic Monstrum.  "...I see.  So, the city's going to be hit with a literal hurricane in a month, and they want to minimize collateral.  I haven't seen one yet, but that fellow that picked me up off of that beach did mention that Wandering Hurricanes frequent that area.  Beginning to suspect he was scoutin' the area out, if I'm bein' honest.  Hmmmm...did the officials you were talkin' to give you a name or description of this trainer that offered to help fight the beastie?  Could be good to touch base with them."

Regardless, Seddi will fire off a text to all of the other player characters (minus Ianai, who's already present), to be read at their earliest convenience.

Heads up folks.  Looks like Sutalör isn't hesitating to throw its best at us.  A powerful Wandering Hurricane is expected to be hitting Bayahama in a month's time.  Sutalöran officials are willing to offer substantial compensation for those who attempt to take it down.  Would need backup if I were to make an attempt, and it would have to be within the next week ideally.  Can give more details in person when convenient if interested, but be warned this is likely to be a Lethal mission without proper preparation.

If this Wandering Hurricane isn't dealt with, we'll probably want to be out of the city before it decides to hit it.  Or at the very least, be prepared to weather the mother of all hurricanes until the government can take it down or drive it off.

The Professor would also like to speak with y'all about our research projects and mission when you get the time.  A measure of discretion is advisable, so it needs to be in person. 

Let me know when y'all are available and we can find somewhere we can talk in more detail about both topics.

Seddi looks to Sada and Ianai.  "...if it were just me attempting to take down this beastie, I'd be sayin' hell no to that job.  With only two or three trainers?  Still probably no.  Don't want to march anyone off to their deaths, and the government all but trying to bribe us into dealing with their problems sounds like madness at first.  If we can assemble a proper team that can take it on though, I think it'll be worth givin' it a shot.  And I just so happened to meet a lot of exceptional individuals earlier.  If enough of 'em are willin' to defend innocent people, I think we'd stand a much better chance."  He pointedly looks at Ianai, noting how agitated she looks.  "What do you make of this, Ianai?  You haven't said a word yet, and I'm interested in hearing what ya think."

Sada simply nods back to everything you answered or iterated upon the other Souls, once more going into thoughtful silence as her minds' gear start spinning up once more on how to best utilize this information and to Tackle all the problems, issues, and mysteries thereof. 

Well, until she dropped what amounted to an Near Suicide Mission on you, at which point everyone is well and truly distracted from previous matters.

The Professor again nods at your speculation - it mirror much of her own thoughts. Your request for a name gets promptly answers:

"Rodger 'D.S.' Everett. Most Common Aliases - Dodger, Rodger Dodger, Quicksilva Speedster, and Wilds Dandy. Specialize in Normal and 'Fast' Type Pokemon, and is known for blitzkrieg assault. Has worked as a Freelance Agent and Freelance Bounty Hunter for years, and is Consider Grade EX in both professions. Personal History is unknown. Personality is friend, easy going, light-hearted and deeply empathetic, but a known thrill seeker and willing to do anything to help others in need. Signature Pokemon are his Sutalorian Persain, Future Paradox Iron Giant, and a Delta Inflagetah - Data on these Pokemon is still pending. That is all I have gathered about this individual at the moment."

Ianai doesn't speak, starring daggers into the office table as she is thinking of something. One you ask that question, though, she slowly turns to face you, her eyes haunted yet holding a certain grim fatalness you've seen in your Ceruledge when they get truly, utterly done with something.

*Rolls*

...Your Gut tells you that she's been through a special sort of ordeal, and that this talk of Hunting a Malefic Monstrum is bringing it all back to the forefront of her mind. Beyond that, you are unsure.

"....As a Ashmuut and as a Protector-Spiritual Authority of This Land, it is my Duty to Deal with The Om'Kluof Rarii-Itna - The Ominous Star Titans - should they become Umbyssa'Malfe Mors - Fell Umbral Omens. I Will Perform My Duty Without Fail, With or Without Aid, No Matter What It Costs Me. So I Swear Thrice: On My Name, On My Power, On My Soul. Thrice I Swear it ; Thrice it is Sworn."

"...If you are to challenge a Prime Umbrassa'Malfe Mors. , a Pho'Loosu-Itna , make Peace with yourself, with others, your Destiny, and the World. Challenging one is not just one of Physical-Earth - it is a Test-Trail of the Soul-Sky. One that will break you, if you are not Ready for it. *Shakes Head* Win, Prevail, an you shall gain much ....and lose just as much, unless you are truly great as the Stars...."

Her Tattoo flair brightly throughout her little speech, and her grip on the Dusk Ball tightens to the point you'd thought it shattered by now. Yet, impossible, it remains strong.

...

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

Choice made:

And so concludes and continues Teatime with Morgana - Several Boons Received, and Several Prices Received Too. You and Morgana enjoy each other's company for the duration of the Encounter....
- And are then all By yourself, all alone, in the Clearing the Meeting of the Brave was held.

The very VERY first thing Bernhard did upon having been fred from Morgana's grasps - for now, that is - was cringe over himself for he has partly made a massive fool of himself (very not high-ranked-Scimitar like!!) and needing a moment to recover from the highly erratic emotional rollercoaster this evening's time spent with her was again - with an emphasis on 'again', was there ever a time daily teatime with her was not an up and down in emotions in quick succession, ina  positive and negative sense? ...Thinking back, Bernhard came to the conslusion that there was not, for afterwards he'd always feel bad about himself, loathe himself for having fallen into her traps and teasings. And for having fallen for her over the months, spiked tea or not.

...But would he trade away or undo what he and the fae lady are having? Never so! Least he'd risk his head for giving her the cold shoulder.


How he's all by himself - treasured solitude! - does do well to ease his mind, for here he can gather his thoughts and vivid(!) emotions for a bit. Yes 'vivid' emotions, for Morgana knows EXACTLY how to tickle these onto the surface of the oh-so-cold and stoic Sky Skim. Eventually and after a while, he'd opt to send a text or the Magi-equivalent of a text to all the others that were present at the Meeting of the Brave:

Message sent

Greetings. Bernhard here. Got some news that I meant to share with you all.


First of, my sincere apologies for the visit of Morgana when we all met up for the first time in that park. That was solely my fault: I was missing out an invitation of hers due to the astral journey to another plane of existence, causing her to come after me to pick me up for...tea and merriment, as she puts it (please don't ask). She has put forth to be 'discrete' during future visits though, so that's a good sign. Please do let me know if she happens to cross your path again, given I am...familiar with the fine lady she is, and feel like I owe you some sort of damagecontrol at least.

Furthermore, I do vouche for any trouble my artistic partner-Pokemon may have caused you, too late have I noticed that they have slipped my care and watch. They are...hard to not notice given their chimeric appearance and frollic nature - Do let me know if you spotted them, for I will be on the lookout to have her return safe and sound to my side where they belong.

I am staying at and traversing Bayhama City for now - reasons that are not your business prevent me from heading towards home - or the place I am most close to call 'home' - the Mageocracy, for now that is. Trying to gather more insight and knowledge about the whole issue with the Astral Stones, as well as hone my skills further, as ever. I am...more used to travel alone with just my selected assortment of magically-bound partner-Pokemon, though fate and fortune have decided against it, it seems. Therefor, please do let me know once you are readying to leave Bayhama in direction of the outskirts, for I will then tagg along. I prefer to only be bothered in serious cases until then, though I remain available should there be a need.

Oz, if you happen to have any loose or spare feathers of your Honchcrow, please keep a hold of them, for I might make good use of them for futher alchemistic creations. I will remember and return your favour.

That should be all for now. Do take care.

Speaking about it - Where the heck IS Zephy? She should be somewhere in Bayhama, with 'somewhere' being quite the stretch.


Action: Find where dafaque Zephy is, and reunite the pair. No he won't scold the artsy birdmouse - though he does have some words for her. Given the time, I'd also take most of the stores in Bayhama are closing or are closed already, so let's save shopping for tomorrow - so how about finding some moderate wild Pokemon to fight in the nearby area with Zephy, as a way to vent and bond/re-bond with her again as a 4th Encounter please? Plus I haven't had the chance to really use Zephy, excited to try her out in battle? NO Trainer Battle though please - for Bernhard looks down on these, refuses these, and using Pokemon in a magical Scimitar-way is much cooler.

EDIT: I'd take Bernhard receives Seddi's message later, or chooses to not respond just yet, for wanting to find Zephy back and sort his thoughts and emotions first.

Prior to sending the more urgent message (possibly even before Seddi started talking with the Professor. Or maybe after the urgent matters are done being discussed?), Seddi would also send Bernhard a message concerning the location of his feathered friend.  And probably much to Bernhard's delight, Seddi keeps it brief and to the point.

Duly noted, Bernhard.  Mind lettin' me know if you catch wind of Morgana heading my way?  I expect she's going to be keepin' an eye on me.

As for your feathered friend, she introduced herself to me and Ianai shortly after you left, though only as Muse.  Oz was a bit of a mess in the wake of that meeting's conclusion, so Muse flew after her once she finished talkin' with us.  Pretty sure she was headed towards the beaches.  Wasn't causin' any trouble that I know of.

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

Sada simply nods back to everything you answered or iterated upon the other Souls, once more going into thoughtful silence as her minds' gear start spinning up once more on how to best utilize this information and to Tackle all the problems, issues, and mysteries thereof. 

Well, until she dropped what amounted to an Near Suicide Mission on you, at which point everyone is well and truly distracted from previous matters.

The Professor again nods at your speculation - it mirror much of her own thoughts. Your request for a name gets promptly answers:

"Rodger 'D.S.' Everett. Most Common Aliases - Dodger, Rodger Dodger, Quicksilva Speedster, and Wilds Dandy. Specialize in Normal and 'Fast' Type Pokemon, and is known for blitzkrieg assault. Has worked as a Freelance Agent and Freelance Bounty Hunter for years, and is Consider Grade EX in both professions. Personal History is unknown. Personality is friend, easy going, light-hearted and deeply empathetic, but a known thrill seeker and willing to do anything to help others in need. Signature Pokemon are his Sutalorian Persain, Future Paradox Iron Giant, and a Delta Inflagetah - Data on these Pokemon is still pending. That is all I have gathered about this individual at the moment."

Ianai doesn't speak, starring daggers into the office table as she is thinking of something. One you ask that question, though, she slowly turns to face you, her eyes haunted yet holding a certain grim fatalness you've seen in your Ceruledge when they get truly, utterly done with something.

*Rolls*

...Your Gut tells you that she's been through a special sort of ordeal, and that this talk of Hunting a Malefic Monstrum is bringing it all back to the forefront of her mind. Beyond that, you are unsure.

"....As a Ashmuut and as a Protector-Spiritual Authority of This Land, it is my Duty to Deal with The Om'Kluof Rarii-Itna - The Ominous Star Titans - should they become Umbyssa'Malfe Mors - Fell Umbral Omens. I Will Perform My Duty Without Fail, With or Without Aid, No Matter What It Costs Me. So I Swear Thrice: On My Name, On My Power, On My Soul. Thrice I Swear it ; Thrice it is Sworn."

"...If you are to challenge a Prime Umbrassa'Malfe Mors. , a Pho'Loosu-Itna , make Peace with yourself, with others, your Destiny, and the World. Challenging one is not just one of Physical-Earth - it is a Test-Trail of the Soul-Sky. One that will break you, if you are not Ready for it. *Shakes Head* Win, Prevail, an you shall gain much ....and lose just as much, unless you are truly great as the Stars...."

Her Tattoo flair brightly throughout her little speech, and her grip on the Dusk Ball tightens to the point you'd thought it shattered by now. Yet, impossible, it remains strong.

...

As soon as Sada says the name of the helpful individual, Seddi chuckles.  "Ha!  I thought it might have been him!  That's definitely the fellow that picked me up off of that beach earlier.  I actually have him on speed dial already since he was impressed with how I handled Sand Crawler.  Can give him a call tomorrow and let him know what's up.  He's goin' to find this mighty entertainin' I reckon."

As for Ianai's grim and determined remarks, Seddi gives her a long, hard stare...

...and then he offers her a hand, much like he did with Oz earlier.

"Like I was tellin' Oz earlier, none of us have to do this alone.  There's a time to run, and there's a time to fight.  And right now, I think it's time to stand up and defend those in need.  I'll stand with you against this Wandering Hurricane.  La Primera probably won't be too pleased about me stickin' my neck out like this, but it's either that or the destruction of Bayahama City."

[Lord Windos]

As for Ianai's grim and determined remarks, Seddi gives her a long, hard stare...

...and then he offers her a hand, much like he did with Oz earlier.

"Like I was tellin' Oz earlier, none of us have to do this alone.  There's a time to run, and there's a time to fight.  And right now, I think it's time to stand up and defend those in need.  I'll stand with you against this Wandering Hurricane.  La Primera probably won't be too pleased about me stickin' my neck out like this, but it's either that or the destruction of Bayahama City."

The shamanistic woman stares at your hand, and the at you again. For a split second she looked so Lost … and then no longer.

“…I Know.”

Ianai takes your hand, gripping lightly.

”Alone, my Path would end in Ruin and Death. Together, we may yet glitter like the Stars. That…that is my Hope.”

[Dragonstrike]

The shamanistic woman stares at your hand, and the at you again. For a split second she looked so Lost … and then no longer.

“…I Know.”

Ianai takes your hand, gripping lightly.

”Alone, my Path would end in Ruin and Death. Together, we may yet glitter like the Stars. That…that is my Hope.”

Seddi smiles as they lightly shake hands.  "Glittering like stars, eh?  You remind me of some old acquaintances of mine.  A story for another time, maybe."

Oaths sworn and resolve affirmed, there isn't much more to say on this matter.  Not until the rest of the group gets back to Seddi on what they think of Bayahama facing imminent destruction.

"'Right then.  Guess we're waitin' on everyone else to respond to that text I sent then.  In the meantime, much as I don't want to kill the mood, I have some bad news I need to break as well, Professor."

*insert Seddi's earlier explanation of what happened with Morgana here*

[Mikaruge108]

Spoiler

"Nice work, grasshopper. Got to warn ya, though - with how Fast you Bonded with your cuddle bug, how much of an gallant impression you in that time, and the fact she's a Friendship Evo.....she might be a bit....overzealous with her affections and wanting to take care of ya. Be sure to set your boundaries straight with her if you don't any problems, boy!"

...What does he mean by that, exactly?

Your new seamstress then looks into your eyes, stars glimmering in them as she gaze at you with a great sense of ardent worship and cherished desire....

Oh boy, now you get it - your her Romeo now, smooth criminal! Oh dear...!

Darren takes note of Aaron's warning, and to Leavanny, "Your name will be Chloe." (OOC note: derived from Choeradodis, a species of mantis that is the origin of Leavanny). It is at this point that his phone buzzes in his pocket and he receives Seddi's message:

Spoiler

Heads up folks.  Looks like Sutalör isn't hesitating to throw its best at us.  A powerful Wandering Hurricane is expected to be hitting Bayahama in a month's time.  Sutalöran officials are willing to offer substantial compensation for those who attempt to take it down.  Would need backup if I were to make an attempt, and it would have to be within the next week ideally.  Can give more details in person when convenient if interested, but be warned this is likely to be a Lethal mission without proper preparation.

If this Wandering Hurricane isn't dealt with, we'll probably want to be out of the city before it decides to hit it.  Or at the very least, be prepared to weather the mother of all hurricanes until the government can take it down or drive it off.

The Professor would also like to speak with y'all about our research projects and mission when you get the time.  A measure of discretion is advisable, so it needs to be in person.

Let me know when y'all are available and we can find somewhere we can talk in more detail about both topics.

Darren will take this as his cue to go ahead and meet up with the Professor/Seddi ASAP.

[Lord Windos]

The shamanistic woman stares at your hand, and the at you again. For a split second she looked so Lost … and then no longer.

“…I Know.”

Ianai takes your hand, gripping lightly.

”Alone, my Path would end in Ruin and Death. Together, we may yet glitter like the Stars. That…that is my Hope.”

Seddi smiles as they lightly shake hands.  "Glittering like stars, eh?  You remind me of some old acquaintances of mine.  A story for another time, maybe."

Oaths sworn and resolve affirmed, there isn't much more to say on this matter.  Not until the rest of the group gets back to Seddi on what they think of Bayahama facing imminent destruction.

"'Right then.  Guess we're waitin' on everyone else to respond to that text I sent then.  In the meantime, much as I don't want to kill the mood, I have some bad news I need to break as well, Professor."

*insert Seddi's earlier explanation of what happened with Morgana here*

“The mood was already ‘killed’ earlier, so I can not  imagine any additional informational could make it anymore ‘dead’ than it is. *Sighs* It undoubtedly has more complications and something dire if you need to lead up to it, so share so that I may offer my own assessment.”

Wow, a joke from Sada! A rather dry one, but that’s more humor out of her since you have known her!

…And all traces of levity evaporate like water under a Sunny Day as you drop your own bombshell. The Professor freezes , going stock still as her eyes shrink to tiny dots. You also swear you could dainty hear av*wrrrrrr* big noise in the background.

”W#@7 ?!”

Sada screams at the top of her lungs, so much so her voice cracks something  FIERCE. She then proceeds to rapidly pace back and forth, mutter things at a mile of minute pace neither you or Ianai could keep up. Then , just abruptly, Dino Foc rounds on you, fixing you with a piercing glare that reminds you heavily of the La Primera’s…

”What. The. Fu - *Shacks Head * No, I will not resort yo such language. Listen: we tell NO ONE of this but verified agents here In Sutalor. Our League can NOT get a hold of this - the La Primera would scuttle our mission or try to micromanage us to the point of uselessness and inflexiblity, not to mention what your Mentor or my S - own colleagues would doin response. I would rather not be forced to go Rogue to complete our work, and I doubt you want to suffer similar dilemmas yourself. So we keep quiet about this and deal with it ourselves. I have contacts with some Scimitar Magi I can pull to help moderate HER interference potentially, you can work with Bernhardt to keep tabs on her and curtail any deleterious influences, and we both can work toward building rapper with the Sutalor and Magi government to help shield us from HER Aallies attention. Do you understand me, Seddi ?”

[Dragonstrike]

“The mood was already ‘killed’ earlier, so I can not  imagine any additional informational could make it anymore ‘dead’ than it is. *Sighs* It undoubtedly has more complications and something dire if you need to lead up to it, so share so that I may offer my own assessment.”

Wow, a joke from Sada! A rather dry one, but that’s more humor out of her since you have known her!

…And all traces of levity evaporate like water under a Sunny Day as you drop your own bombshell. The Professor freezes , going stock still as her eyes shrink to tiny dots. You also swear you could dainty hear av*wrrrrrr* big noise in the background.

”W#@7 ?!”

Sada screams at the top of her lungs, so much so her voice cracks something  FIERCE. She then proceeds to rapidly pace back and forth, mutter things at a mile of minute pace neither you or Ianai could keep up. Then , just abruptly, Dino Foc rounds on you, fixing you with a piercing glare that reminds you heavily of the La Primera’s…

”What. The. Fu - *Shacks Head * No, I will not resort yo such language. Listen: we tell NO ONE of this but verified agents here In Sutalor. Our League can NOT get a hold of this - the La Primera would scuttle our mission or try to micromanage us to the point of uselessness and inflexiblity, not to mention what your Mentor or my S - own colleagues would doin response. I would rather not be forced to go Rogue to complete our work, and I doubt you want to suffer similar dilemmas yourself. So we keep quiet about this and deal with it ourselves. I have contacts with some Scimitar Magi I can pull to help moderate HER interference potentially, you can work with Bernhardt to keep tabs on her and curtail any deleterious influences, and we both can work toward building rapper with the Sutalor and Magi government to help shield us from HER Aallies attention. Do you understand me, Seddi ?”

Seddi crosses his arms and stares at the Professor unflinchingly. Yup, that's exactly the kind of reaction he was expecting.  And it's exactly why he didn't tell Sada everything that happened between him and Morgana.  "Again, your stance is as clear as a Normal type Tera Jewel, Professor.  If La Primera and Poppy find out we're keeping a potential political upset from them though, it's not going to go well for us.  If we're going to keep this under wraps, it needs to not escalate, so whatever you're planning to do better not draw unneeded attention in and of itself.  The most important thing we need to do is not look like a threat to Enigma."

Mood successfully killed.  What little was left, anyways.

Dangerous wild pokemon?  Easy.

International politics?  Hard mode.

Ay yi yi...

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

Choice made:

And so concludes and continues Teatime with Morgana - Several Boons Received, and Several Prices Received Too. You and Morgana enjoy each other's company for the duration of the Encounter....
- And are then all By yourself, all alone, in the Clearing the Meeting of the Brave was held.

The very VERY first thing Bernhard did upon having been fred from Morgana's grasps - for now, that is - was cringe over himself for he has partly made a massive fool of himself (very not high-ranked-Scimitar like!!) and needing a moment to recover from the highly erratic emotional rollercoaster this evening's time spent with her was again - with an emphasis on 'again', was there ever a time daily teatime with her was not an up and down in emotions in quick succession, ina  positive and negative sense? ...Thinking back, Bernhard came to the conslusion that there was not, for afterwards he'd always feel bad about himself, loathe himself for having fallen into her traps and teasings. And for having fallen for her over the months, spiked tea or not.

...But would he trade away or undo what he and the fae lady are having? Never so! Least he'd risk his head for giving her the cold shoulder.


How he's all by himself - treasured solitude! - does do well to ease his mind, for here he can gather his thoughts and vivid(!) emotions for a bit. Yes 'vivid' emotions, for Morgana knows EXACTLY how to tickle these onto the surface of the oh-so-cold and stoic Sky Skim. Eventually and after a while, he'd opt to send a text or the Magi-equivalent of a text to all the others that were present at the Meeting of the Brave:

Message sent

Greetings. Bernhard here. Got some news that I meant to share with you all.


First of, my sincere apologies for the visit of Morgana when we all met up for the first time in that park. That was solely my fault: I was missing out an invitation of hers due to the astral journey to another plane of existence, causing her to come after me to pick me up for...tea and merriment, as she puts it (please don't ask). She has put forth to be 'discrete' during future visits though, so that's a good sign. Please do let me know if she happens to cross your path again, given I am...familiar with the fine lady she is, and feel like I owe you some sort of damagecontrol at least.

Furthermore, I do vouche for any trouble my artistic partner-Pokemon may have caused you, too late have I noticed that they have slipped my care and watch. They are...hard to not notice given their chimeric appearance and frollic nature - Do let me know if you spotted them, for I will be on the lookout to have her return safe and sound to my side where they belong.

I am staying at and traversing Bayhama City for now - reasons that are not your business prevent me from heading towards home - or the place I am most close to call 'home' - the Mageocracy, for now that is. Trying to gather more insight and knowledge about the whole issue with the Astral Stones, as well as hone my skills further, as ever. I am...more used to travel alone with just my selected assortment of magically-bound partner-Pokemon, though fate and fortune have decided against it, it seems. Therefor, please do let me know once you are readying to leave Bayhama in direction of the outskirts, for I will then tagg along. I prefer to only be bothered in serious cases until then, though I remain available should there be a need.

Oz, if you happen to have any loose or spare feathers of your Honchcrow, please keep a hold of them, for I might make good use of them for futher alchemistic creations. I will remember and return your favour.

That should be all for now. Do take care.

Speaking about it - Where the heck IS Zephy? She should be somewhere in Bayhama, with 'somewhere' being quite the stretch.


Action: Head in direction of the beaches thanks to Seddi's cue to find where dafaque Zephy is, and reunite the pair. No he won't scold the artsy birdmouse - though he does have some words for her. Given the time, I'd also take most of the stores in Bayhama are closing or are closed already, so let's save shopping for tomorrow - so how about finding some moderate wild Pokemon to fight in the nearby area with Zephy, as a way to vent and bond/re-bond with her again as a 4th Encounter please? Plus I haven't had the chance to really use Zephy, excited to try her out in battle! NO Trainer Battle though please - for Bernhard looks down on these, refuses these, and using Pokemon in a magical Scimitar-way is much cooler.

EDIT: I'd take Bernhard receives Seddi's message concering the MaleficMonstrum later, or chooses to not respond just yet, for wanting to find Zephy back and sort his thoughts and emotions first.

(Welp, I predicted you'd go the lone wolf route again, so all is going according to plan...)

Since you appeared back in the Clearing you also get the chance to pick another 2 Units worth of Soulaby Flowers, as well as 2 Units of Spider Silk - looks like some arachnids have been through her since everyone left...

If you're going to spend the Encounter Hunting for Zephy and afterwards try to find an Fight before the day is done, then it's going to be INS + Survival + Alert + 2 (Lead) + 1 (Bond) = 11D6 Roll vs Where Are You Zephy?! Roll (Secret). You'll get 3 Attempts to get Beat her Roll by at least 3 Successes, or accumulate at least 20 Successes before then. Depending on how good each 'Round' of Searching turns out you may gain additional modifiers, and in addition with how many 'Rounds' you have left will determine if you have time to do anything else!

Searching....1 !
(4)(5)(1)(2)(2) (5)(5)(6)(1)(6) (1) 5 Successes
Zephy on the Run 1!
*Rolls*   5 Successes

You end up zooming to the beach, but only find a few traces of your beloved artist - a couple of feathers near a beach towel , some disturbed dirt, and a big picture of Zephy drawn in the sand (signed by her, of course). Drat! Onwards!

Searching....2 !
(5)(1)(4)(3)(2) (5)(4)(4)(5)(6) (4) 8 Successes!
Zephy is Loose 2!
*Rolls* 6 Successes

Following a trial of feathers, you end up finding yourself in front of the white brick wall of a building, one freshly painted on, with a the scene a literally field of stars sprouting out of black, loomy soil that were floating off into the yawning pink-blue yonder. You've gotten close! - 1 Success on Zephy's next Roll!

Searching.....3 !
(5)(4)(1)(1)(1) (6)(3)(6)(2)(3) (6) 4 Successes
Zephy waltzing through Town 3!
*Rolls* 2 Successes....

Total Successes: 5 + 8 + 4 = 17...

Murals, gardening, poetry, sketchs on various buildings and signs - all of it you find as you relentlessly look around downtown and the beachside property for your fluffy friend. In the end, though, you find yourself sitting on a bench all alone, tired and worn out from a near-fruitful search and dealing with all the nonsense today. Zephy got away - they're Free for the Rest of the Night! Oh dear Earth Magic, you can already imagine the news reports about 'The Mysterious Rampaging Artist' fill your head her coming back/being found in a sugar and/or alcohol coma as she Sleeps off a exciting Night Out....

For getting close and doing plenty of Magical Cardio, your PC gains 5 XP, and managed to collect a few individual pieces of Arts worth about $500 each (2 Total). You also don't have time for a Pokemon Battle, but you can at least make a run to either the Department Store or Survival Center to check them out before either reuniting with individual PC or finding somewhere else to bunker down for the night. Or Spend an Extra Encounter trying Spells and Recipies - you're body will hate you for it, but ever practices maketh ever refinements to your MAGIC TRADE!

Once that is done, decide how you're going to respond to the various messages sent, if having any.