[Game Thread] Pokerole Mystery Dungeon: Primal Shadows

[no one]

Daxter shakes his head, deciding that he has no further questions to ask of the Guildmaster. He is, however, pleased that Sheena is joining his team. Taking note of her discomfort with being hugged, he refrains from doing so and instead holds his hand out. "Welcome to the team, love. You alright with handshaking, or would you prefer us to wave at each other, or something?"

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

"I've known that your teams have had humans in your group since you first walked into the Guild.  Holding the Mind Plate amplifies my Psychic abilities to a degree, allowing me to do things I normally would not be able to, such as read surface level thoughts via telepathy.  Apologies for reading your minds without permission, but a large group of strangers wandering into town is very unusual.  I cannot teach you how to specifically use the Sky Plate, Platina, but I can help you with learning how to harness its power in a more controlled fashion.  I am not a master of it myself, but I have had a lot of time to adjust to using the Mind Plate's abilities.  When I first found Sheena as a Fennekin, I also found the Mind Plate alongside her.  I cannot help but think that it's related, especially now that even more humans have appeared and started finding additional Plates.  Until now, nothing of particular note had happened while I have held this Plate.  You all appear to be at the center of whatever is happening.  That is why I am revealing the existence of this artifact to you and nobody else.

"I do not have any specific plans for your teams, but I do not intend to take away your autonomy.  I want you to follow up on any leads you can find, anything you think is important and might be connected to this looming darkness.  The only times I will have to call upon you to complete a specific task are when a battle with a Legendary pokemon is imminent."

Delphox sighs.  "You have probably heard some of the rumors going around, but humans that have joined other organizations around the world have been vanishing.  Some of the organizations haven't grown concerned about it yet, but I'm worried that they're vanishing for a reason.  And as the only organization that currently can count humans among its number, my guild will have to be at the forefront of this conflict, whenever it arrives.  We will have to track down the Legendary Beasts, and hopefully they can lead us to Ho-oh before it causes any major damage, and help us fight it.  If we have to fight the Beasts to secure their aid...well, we will need the help of humans to be able to combat them.  A group of pokemon with no humans to support them would stand no chance in a direct fight with such powerful entities."

Her expression turns hopeful soon afterwards though.  "Even though you are not particularly powerful now, it is said that pokemon that adventure alongside humans experience much more rapid growth than those that do not.  We will likely have some time before we need to worry about confronting the Rainbow Pokemon.  It may be enough for you to grow strong enough to stand a chance in a fight if it comes to one."

Sheena blinks, seeming to realize something.  "Wait, is that why you wouldn't let me go adventuring?!"

Delphox's expression turns regretful for a second.  "...unfortunately, yes.  Even just being out in the world would have risked revealing your origins prematurely, Sheena.  I am sorry, but I felt it was best that you stay at the guild until the time was right."

Sheena seems to actually be a little upset at that, but she doesn't have anything more to say about it for now, so Delphox continues.

"I can send some of the Guild's other teams out to look for leads if you hear anything interesting that you can't follow up on, but there is a limit to how many I can send out on such tasks without arousing suspicions amongst the Guild and Sahra Town at large.  As for assurances, I can shield your teams from some scrutiny.  Promoting your teams to Silver Rank and rewarding you appropriately for going above and beyond in the search for Braixen and Team Raiders should be a fine cover story for most pokemon in Sahra Town, but we must be careful.  There is only so much I can do, even as Guildmaster.  If you can form alliances and friendships within the Guild and Sahra Town, that will afford you more protection than I would be able to with my position alone.  Earn the trust of the local pokemon, and maybe we can finally alter their perception of humans.  I have long disliked that stigma surrounding humans, and I hope that you can help me prove once and for all to the Sand Continent that your kind are not bad omens."

"As for the cause of these shadows...well, I can only think of one individual who would purposefully try to seek to spread such a thing: Darkula.  He is obsessed with darkness and shadows, and has been searching for ways to manipulate them for years.  And from what Team Gallop has told me about Karen's last encounter with him, he's likely discovered a way to control these shadow pokemon, manipulating them to do his bidding.  I can only hope that he has not discovered how to do so with Legendaries as well...we cannot afford to let these Plates out of our sight.  If Darkula is controlling these shadows, and the shadows are searching for the Plates, then I have no doubt that Darkula is looking for the Plates himself."

Platina and the humans all hear a telepathic voice whistle silently.  Hoo wee, this is getting exciting, isn't it?  We get to go on a Legendary hunt and gather divine relics?  Count me in!  That Darkula character isn't gonna know what hit him when I'm through with him!

Darkula.  A name familiar to everyone in Teams OS and NW except for Platina.  She may not know who he is, but even just hearing the name sends a shiver down Platina's spine.

As for Kogeki's proposal to Sheena, the Braixen immediately shakes her head.  "Sorry Kogeki, but I'm going to join the Night Wardens.  I think they need a Fire type more than the Omega Seekers do."  That's probably not the entire reason she's joining the Night Wardens, but she doesn't elaborate on it further.

If there's any further questions for the Guildmaster, she'll be happy to answer them.  Otherwise, we can move on to the next scene(s)!

(Got some time to post, so going to take it NOW before it escapes me agaaaaain!)

Platina doesn't have much to say back to Delphox initially, merely nodding along and looking cool and composed as she could be. Internally she's VERY intrigued and not a little bit excited that she has become part of a veritable legend in the making (Journying with HUMANS, Saving the World from Evil!, mystical Artifacts, oh my my my!!!) as the whole reality of what her life was now started to properly set in. Still, it was all tempered by the darker aspects of this 'Heroes Journey' she found herself on and the responsibilities she now holds. If she doesn't do her utmost and rise to the occasion like all the heroes of yore....*Mental Shudder* best not to think of such dour outcomes. Time will tell how well things go, but she knows this for certain: she'll NEVER falter and ALWAYS persevere! 

"Do you have any leads for us now you wish for us to investigate?" Platina plainly asks, tilting her head as she tries to think if she has picked up anything herself from idlily listening to the town's gossip earlier and the evening prior. 

"Mmm....well, I for one find this most concerning. Anything relating to Humanity should be treated with utmost seriousness, or at the very least not being so incurious to their goings on. Do you happen to have any ideas of where to begin this hunt for the Beast Lords? Regardless, how soon do you want us to begin? You say we have 'some time' , but we all know how circumstances and sudden events can make fools out of even the wisest and most prepared. Haste over studiousness could potentially be better for us all, especially since the more time we prepare the more time our adversaries get as well, to say nothing of what progress that horrendous Darkness makes...."

What's Platina make of Delphox's and Sheena's interplay, IE: What can she glean using her Instincts and Sociality? How geniune is the Boss being, and in what way is Sheena upset about? Platina has to hide a frown herself at the reasoning behind keeping their ward locked away - Pokemon should have the freedom to do as they may, even its dangerous, so long as they do not use it to bring have and ruin to the undeserving.


"Understandable - powerful as you are, you are but one Pokemon in an entire organization. *Sighs* Politics....it seems I have not yet escaped thee. Well, if I must wet my beak in these waters, so be it. Do you have anyone you want us to ally in particular, directly or subtly? Moreover, are their those in the Guild you wish us to check or oppose in some fashion? You undoubtedly have kept a close eye on some talents or troublemakers, as well as some ideas on how to best foster or deal with them, so if you wish to give us a 'head start' in these matter I for one would not be opposed to it. *Frowns* I, too, disdain such superstious prejudice - it reminds me of the fearmongering that Absol have to endure from the less enlightened or quicker to judge Pokemon. I'll certainly Endeavor to dispel such dreadful dispositions."  


The shiny bird almost startles from the mental voice of Hoopa, nearly frowning and trying her best to 'send' his the feeling to keep quiet. NOW is not the time for chatter, antics, and getting overly excited!

She grimaces at the name, a distinct look of distaste as she mouthed it to herself.

" Darkula. How nefarious and vile this shadowy cur is, ugh. *Firm, serious Nod* I'll keep an Keen Eye out for them; hopefully we can stop them and remove one Snarl from this crisis."

No more questions for me now, presently! She doesn't have anything to say about Dax's, Kogeki's, Karen's, or Kee's own words thus far, though she is keeping a careful watch over the black 'n white crittercoon and readying herself to intervene/Stomp down on him if he Fly off the grip or tries to say something to incriminating/'out there' . Though she is ever grateful for his help on their prior quest and can appreciate his cheery, carefree nature, that doesn't exempt him from getting disciplined if he makes too much of a fool out opf himself or 'steps out of line' ! They got the ALL eyes on them, watching closely, and so help her the ONLY thing they'll be seeing is how competent and capable her Team is!

[Dragonstrike]

Daxter shakes his head, deciding that he has no further questions to ask of the Guildmaster. He is, however, pleased that Sheena is joining his team. Taking note of her discomfort with being hugged, he refrains from doing so and instead holds his hand out. "Welcome to the team, love. You alright with handshaking, or would you prefer us to wave at each other, or something?"

Sheena looks at Daxter's offered claw for a moment...

...and then grips it firmly with one of her paws.

"I won't let you down.  We'll get to the bottom of...whatever is going on.  Together."

Spoiler

(Got some time to post, so going to take it NOW before it escapes me agaaaaain!)

Platina doesn't have much to say back to Delphox initially, merely nodding along and looking cool and composed as she could be. Internally she's VERY intrigued and not a little bit excited that she has become part of a veritable legend in the making (Journying with HUMANS, Saving the World from Evil!, mystical Artifacts, oh my my my!!!) as the whole reality of what her life was now started to properly set in. Still, it was all tempered by the darker aspects of this 'Heroes Journey' she found herself on and the responsibilities she now holds. If she doesn't do her utmost and rise to the occasion like all the heroes of yore....*Mental Shudder* best not to think of such dour outcomes. Time will tell how well things go, but she knows this for certain: she'll NEVER falter and ALWAYS persevere! 

"Do you have any leads for us now you wish for us to investigate?" Platina plainly asks, tilting her head as she tries to think if she has picked up anything herself from idlily listening to the town's gossip earlier and the evening prior. 

"Mmm....well, I for one find this most concerning. Anything relating to Humanity should be treated with utmost seriousness, or at the very least not being so incurious to their goings on. Do you happen to have any ideas of where to begin this hunt for the Beast Lords? Regardless, how soon do you want us to begin? You say we have 'some time' , but we all know how circumstances and sudden events can make fools out of even the wisest and most prepared. Haste over studiousness could potentially be better for us all, especially since the more time we prepare the more time our adversaries get as well, to say nothing of what progress that horrendous Darkness makes...."

What's Platina make of Delphox's and Sheena's interplay, IE: What can she glean using her Instincts and Sociality? How geniune is the Boss being, and in what way is Sheena upset about? Platina has to hide a frown herself at the reasoning behind keeping their ward locked away - Pokemon should have the freedom to do as they may, even its dangerous, so long as they do not use it to bring have and ruin to the undeserving.


"Understandable - powerful as you are, you are but one Pokemon in an entire organization. *Sighs* Politics....it seems I have not yet escaped thee. Well, if I must wet my beak in these waters, so be it. Do you have anyone you want us to ally in particular, directly or subtly? Moreover, are their those in the Guild you wish us to check or oppose in some fashion? You undoubtedly have kept a close eye on some talents or troublemakers, as well as some ideas on how to best foster or deal with them, so if you wish to give us a 'head start' in these matter I for one would not be opposed to it. *Frowns* I, too, disdain such superstious prejudice - it reminds me of the fearmongering that Absol have to endure from the less enlightened or quicker to judge Pokemon. I'll certainly Endeavor to dispel such dreadful dispositions."  


The shiny bird almost startles from the mental voice of Hoopa, nearly frowning and trying her best to 'send' his the feeling to keep quiet. NOW is not the time for chatter, antics, and getting overly excited!

She grimaces at the name, a distinct look of distaste as she mouthed it to herself.

" Darkula. How nefarious and vile this shadowy cur is, ugh. *Firm, serious Nod* I'll keep an Keen Eye out for them; hopefully we can stop them and remove one Snarl from this crisis."

No more questions for me now, presently! She doesn't have anything to say about Dax's, Kogeki's, Karen's, or Kee's own words thus far, though she is keeping a careful watch over the black 'n white crittercoon and readying herself to intervene/Stomp down on him if he Fly off the grip or tries to say something to incriminating/'out there' . Though she is ever grateful for his help on their prior quest and can appreciate his cheery, carefree nature, that doesn't exempt him from getting disciplined if he makes too much of a fool out opf himself or 'steps out of line' ! They got the ALL eyes on them, watching closely, and so help her the ONLY thing they'll be seeing is how competent and capable her Team is!

Delphox answers each of Platina's questions in turn.

"Currently, no, I have no leads for you all to investigate.  It is known that Entei makes their home on Fire Island Volcano in the Sea of Wonders, near the Tree of Life.  We should check in there at some point, but sailing there on Lapras requires...special permissions.  The Sea of Wonders is a special place.  As for Suicune, nobody really knows their whereabouts.  And we still have the matter of tracking down where Raikou has been taken, as well as where Ho-oh may be roosting between flights.  I shall stay in touch, and you'll know what leads we turn up as soon as I do."

Platina's Insight check:
1 Insight + 2 Contest + 0 Empathy
*rolls*

Platina may be extremely good at navigating social situations herself (to the point where it almost seems natural for her), but she still needs a bit of practice with reading others' social cues.  That being said, while Delphox is difficult for her to get a read on, Sheena is a bit easier.  What seemed to be bothering her the most was the guildmaster's comment about other humans disappearing.  Maybe that's something Platina can ask the Braixen about later.

Platina's question about who their teams should be extra mindful of gives Delphox brief pause.  Her response is carefully measured.  "Your teams have some good rapport with Zoroark and Machamp already.  If there are other townsfolk you are all on good terms with, you could use those connections to find ways to generate more goodwill with the town.  Perhaps those children that found you on the beach, Platina?  As for who to be wary of...be careful around Team Artificers.  I've heard the reports of the interactions between your teams and them.  Don't let them drag you into trouble that you could have avoided if you can help it."

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

With all the questions wrapped up, everyone relaxes for the remainder of the day!  The following morning, Teams Night Wardens and Omega Seekers return to Sahra Town with the Guildmaster, and the other teams present go their separate ways as well.

Guildmaster Delphox begins coordinating her information network almost as soon as they make landfall on the Sand Continent, while our heroes get some well earned rest after the trials they've endured so far...

The trouble may only just be beginning, but for now, everything seems to be more at peace.  There are no more reports of strange storms, the seas are calm, and the tasks at the guild are now just part of the everyday routine for our heroes and their recruits.

Chapter 2 End