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

[Iron]

Vernon accepts the bounty. Is there XP for that wild fight?

Vernon, uncomfortable with confrontation, accepts the command to help, perhaps surfing along on Lotad toward whatever command center is being set up. Munchlax is at the prow, poking his head through the triangular gap in Lotad's lily pad. He looks serious until, every now and then, he snags a piece of seafood and eats it with gusto. Vernon is trying to determine how dangerous his involvement in this incident will be, and might text Seddi as someone who usually knows what's going on.

[Redstone]

Spoiler

The Swim Team Official rubs the back of his head Mareepishly at your dour tone, looking just as chagrined as you are.

"Yeah, yeah, I know it sucks, but what happened blows harder that a Wailord's Water Spout. We'll be trying to resume activities at another date, but after that....I don't think anyone will be in the mood for sports..."

You are lead to a gathering outside the swim building and right in front of a crowd. Instead of leaving you with them, however, you are instead ushered off towards a group of officials , Trainers, and some Police Officers - here you see Penelope, who was looking quite panicked at how things have gone so wrong. If you wish you can stand with her - otherwise he'll lead you to the other Trainers.

Once everyone has been gathered one of the Police Officers steps forward and addressed the growing crowd, their expression as grim as a dreaded Dusknoir as they coughed politely, getting all to settled down. Then, with a completely even tone, they had this to say:

"As of right now, Bayhama is undergoing a Total Lockdown of all non-essential businesses and operations. The reason for this is simple and bad: Five Pokemon Centers have been ransacked, and everyone in them at the time has vanished. We do not have all the details yet, but we believe this a coordinated effort by some Unknown Group. We advise civillians to return home or their current residence and undergo Lockdown Procedures, and Alert authorities or Trainers of any further trouble or any tips you receive about this ongoing investigation."

The officer then looks over to the group of Trainers, his expression Steely yet imploring.

"For Trainers, however, we have a request: help us with this Investigation. This crisis necessitates all available personal, and between it, preparations of for the Festival - which has not been canceled yet - and regular policing and defense of the city we will be stretched thin. Anyone willing to directly worked with the police will be compensated accordingly - though you will have to follow proper procedures and obey any officers assigned to this case, groups, or you individually. Even if you choose not to directly assist I ask you help anyway you can in this crisis, either as a Independent working towards resolving this situation or going above and beyond in Safeguarding and upholding the laws and wellbeing of Bayhama."

They turn to face everyone, and bows.

"That is all. Thank you for your time, and stay safe. May the Savior's Grace Protect us all this day and the ones to come."

With that said they rejoin the rest of the Police Officers and other important looking officials, readying to receive any Trainers that come to work with them or offers of help. The crowd has gone dead silent at this - they were no longer on the verge of panic, but this...this was truly horrendous indeed. Already, most of them were making a hasty retreat from the gathering, but some of them were sticking around, talking with each other with worried looks. Some Trainers and civillians have begun to approach the police, grim determination, heroic resolve, fretful duty, and myraid other emotions on display as they committed themselve to beyond their civic duties. Penelope was looking so lost and distraught - clearly these events have crushed her spirts.

Ecclesia is notably solemn - they don't know much about human society, but they're aware that what just happened was nasty enough that even they couldn't be so dismissive of it. 

Well that was certainly grim news. Compared to the two stragglers from earlier this time it was an actual threat.

After the initial disgust went away he put on a serious face and made his way over to the police, Ecclesia still at his side. If they wanted help so be it seeing as his previous plans had been shattered so thoroughly. He'd look over to Penelope and made a mental note to try and comfort her after applying and sending a text to the group asking if they all were on the same page.

[Dragonstrike]

...and sending a text to the group asking if they all were on the same page.

Vernon is trying to determine how dangerous his involvement in this incident will be, and might text Seddi as someone who usually knows what's going on.

Akamu and Vernon would both get a prompt response from Seddi.

Yup, I heard.  Oz and I are on our way to one of the ransacked Centers now.  Gonna see who we can help and if we can find any clues indicating who these varmints are.

Vernon, if you're uncomfortable with potentially putting yourself in harm's way, stick with other trainers.  Safety in numbers as they say.  Government isn't expecting all civilians to go above and beyond with helping, so help out where you're comfortable with helping.

If any of y'all find out anythin', keep me posted.  I'm likely gonna be in the thick of things for a bit.

[Pokekitty2]

Music: Arriving in Bayhama (Start at 02:25)

The sun sparkles off the lapping waves, throwing fragments of brilliant crystal light into the air. The sound of the waves bumping up against the dock is a gentle backdrop, a calming lullaby: *fsshh- shwooo- fsshh- shwooo-*
The sound of the people milling about on the dock and further into the port district is calming, too, a gentle song of murmurs and calls.
The warm sun beats down,
and the waves lap,
and the people call,
shouts and murmurs,
shfffting waves,
pulsing...
warmth...
zzzzzz
"-Sylvia!"
The espeon on the boat's railing jerks awake, and barely manages to keep itself from slipping over the edge. A burly man bustles over towards her, speaking with worry in his voice.
"Sylvia, ya scared me! Been lookin' fer ya. We really aughta get goin' now," he continues as the espeon hops off the railing and, tail high, begins sauntering towards the gangway. "The embassy is waitin' fer us, ya'know, so don't be runnin' oft like that-" He stops short at the bottom of the gangway, where a couple police are giving directions to troubled-looking travelers.
"'ey! What's going on?" calls an impatient-looking traveler in a green pinstriped suit. "-I'm sorry, sir-" continues one of the policemen- "Bayhama is entering a temporary lockdown. As I said, all citizens are being asked to find their places of residence, and all non-essential businesses are closed."
The burly man takes off his hat to run a hand through his thinning hair, and looks at the Espeon. "Well, Sylvia, I- Um- Sir!" he calls out to one of the policemen. "Is the embassy closed, as well?"
"Sorry, but yes. You'll have to- oh!" The officer notices the espeon. "Are you a trainer, sir?"
"Well- um- but- Sylvia, you see- ah-"
"If you could, we've been requesting assistance from trainers. The normal forces are quite buisy, you see, with the festival and all. Any chance you could assist?"
"Well- um-" the burly man begins again, before the espeon steps forwards. It looks up at the police officer and gives them a nod, before turning to look expectantly at the burly man.
"Well- ah, but the embassy's closed anyway, eh... Ah, fine. What ken we do?"
"Much obliged, sir. If you could follow me, I'll take you to one of our dispatch centers."
As the espeon and the burly man follow the police officer, the burly man mutters, "I did not sign up fer this."

(Windos: Match me up with anyone, but Dodger's crew would be my preference)

[Iron]

Vernon heads to the Pokemon Center near the Docks, then.

[Mikaruge108]

Darren makes his way to an active Pokemon Center to meet up with Aaron

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

(...)sending a text to the group asking if they all were on the same page.

That text from Akamu gets ignored for now. "Leave me alone, I am busy trying to help someone else first and foremost....", Bernhard mutters more to himself. He will take his time, being pretty sure he'll get himself involved one way or the other soon enough. Just...not yet. Let others (the government, the police force etc. ) do their part first, provide him with whatever information they've found out so far, then he can step in and lend a helping gauntlet'ed hand.

[Lord Windos]

(How that whole thing will count as my 2nd Encounter of the Day is totally fine to me, and yes we'll do this Encounter right away aka we'll follow that man to his house straight away. What I wanted to do for other Encounter Slots of the Day is not time-sensitive, plus a few things can't happen anyway if the city's under Lockdown. Reconciling with Zephy can/shall be done when there's more calm and quiet time, perhaps as the last Encounter of the Day once we're back in our room at the Mageocracy Embassy?)


Sitting there in the living room of that guy's place - what's their name actually? - Bernhard cannot help to to wonder how he has gotten himself into this situation. ...But eh, it's not worth dwelling over that now, no. And if he's really REALLY honest to himself, then yes the situation of that man DOES touch him in a sort of emotional way - somewhat so, even if Bernhard personally cannot relate for he has no family relations. But loosing someone that's dear and close to you, that's nothing that's beyond him - no, he wouldn't wish that upon anyone if he can aid in preventing that. His thoughts wander to Sirroc, his partnered Minun, for short...

...before Bernhard dispells all these thoughts and forces himself to focus on the current situation again. If there's enough space around, he'll already summon his prized Galarian unicorn from his Luxury Ball, and gently pets the creature's neck and forehead. "Be calm, my precious Nirix. I've got a task for you at hand, one that only you and no other may be suited to resolve. I know am I asking a lot from you, but please do hear me out, and please do consider taking a figurative leap of faith... for I do know of your potent healing skills. I did not have to make use of these for as long as you have been with me now, but someone else is in dire need of these, you see...?"

Until that man returns, Bernhard will continue to calm, gentle pet, and sweet-talk Nirix. He also keeps the so-far collected 3 units of Vein Color ready, as well as the gathered Soulaby Flowers.

Very well! It'll give her most time for rest and to sober up too leaving off the 'reunion' - and you plenty of time to brainstorm ways to give her one of your 'I'm so disappointed in you...' speeches that should set her straight for a time! She'll always Bounce back from gloom, doom, and boom to try and have fun her own way, but every now in again it pays to make her appreciate how being 'low key' and keeping the artistic chaos controlled was in everyone's interest...

Anyway, on to the father's house!

You find yourself sitting in what appears to be a Kalos inspired breakfast nook and teatime retreat, sitting in a fine, ornate, and well cushioned chair in front of a simple, clear, but tastefully decorated table. Nowhere near as fancy or strange as other places you've been, but it's clear from the fine china, old and classic furnishing, and the small but notable display of gemstones set in the odd nicknack or piece that this man was one of some wealth and prestige. Nirix, standing right beside you comfortable, looked about the place, his expression searching, assessing, but not displeased or wary. Not yet, at least - the man and his Domain did not give off any nefarious or ill omens yet, so for now he'll continue to give him the benefit of the doubt.

Soon enough you hearing clinking and bustling coming from over the kitchen, and a moment later in comes your worried host, carrying a couple trays with some amount of haste before setting them down in front of you. On one was a fine jade tea pot filled with what you smelt to be some quality Earl Grey (your Mentor was big of drinking tea, so you've become a bit familiar with some blends) and some matching cups, as well as a small bowl of sugar cubes, and little serving dish of sweet cream. On the other was all sorts of biscuits - some of them the classic chocolate chip or sugar cooke, but others when Berry filled, frosted, or even fancies like turkish delight or bakaklava. 

"S-sorry for the wait, good Sir Magus!," the ever fretful man said, taking a seat across from you, already going through the motions of serving you tea and biscuits. "H-how do you like your tea? O-oh, and help y-yourself! I-if there is anything sp-specific you're looking for, I-I'll try to get some for you!"

The man is anxious. So very, very anxious. A bundle of nerves, so frayed and close to the point of breaking, spilling all over the place. Yet, there was Strength in them yet. Strength enough to see him through his quest to help cure his daughter, and resolve to all but demand this boon from a great and powerful wizard such as yourself. Not without a lot of jitters and fearfulness, but certainly he did. 

Faintly, too, you see the inklings of Hope. Hope your mere involvement has already rekindled. In a way, it's humbling and moving; in another, its frightening and one to be cautious of. For giving someone Hope, someone who is on the very edge....

You don't have much more time to dwell on things, the man (after serving you) gives you his nervous but genuine smile, placing one hand over his heart and bowing his head to you.

"A-ah, ap-apologies, I...haven't i-introduced myself yet. *Deep breath, Pwooosh* ....My name is Rubin Gleam. 2nd Son of the Gleam Family, and Professional Prosecutor that works in the Government Seat and Star Courthouse. It is a pleasure to meet you...."

*Nervous Coughing*

"A-ahem....n-now....after y-your done with t-tea....m-might you be ready to...see my daughter? A-any question y-you have, before and...after you see her....please share them with me. Please. I....I just want my sweet little Saph to be alright again. She's...she's all I have left, and, and....!"

Oh dear, he looks about ready to burst into tears. Quick, do something, anything, before you or your unicorn become overwrought too!

[Lord Windos]

Well that was certainly grim news. Compared to the two stragglers from earlier this time it was an actual threat.

After the initial disgust went away he put on a serious face and made his way over to the police, Ecclesia still at his side. If they wanted help so be it seeing as his previous plans had been shattered so thoroughly. He'd look over to Penelope and made a mental note to try and comfort her after applying and sending a text to the group asking if they all were on the same page.

You already drew plenty of attention walking around with your sparking and huge Mon of the Black Lagoon, but both yours grim determination and unsubtle anger over this atrocity creates a almost palatable aura that arrests people's gaze and makes the Skittish almost Faint as you march your way over to Chief Officer. His eyebrows shot right up as his full and undivided attention was upon you, and when your other Shiny and scaly friend popped her head out from your basket his eyes damned near widened. Were he made of less stern stuff he might have even gapped at the imagine you presented him - an most Mystical and irate looking Dragon Master, with some of the rarest and most powerful beast this side of Sutalor. Oh the irony...

After you made it clear you were quite willing to help, It took him a couple of second to mull things (and regain some composure), before his lips twisted into a stern frown as he nodded to you.

"Please go over the Dusk Gloom Park and clear out the hoodlums there. They're called the Breakneck Boys - small time punks, but they have been causing enough problems for long enough that they need to be brought to heel. We'd have done it earlier, but the festival preparations have kept of busy and they're used to coordinating away from any patrols sent there. A Dragon Master like you, though, should have no problem dealing with them. We have received a tip that have they got a powerful member backing them up, though, someone so Tough that they made bigger gangs steer clear of them. So even if the punks don't give you trouble its best you come prepared. Everything understood and clear, Dragon Master?"

Quest Added: Breaking Up the Boys! Do you accept it? And do you have anything you want to do before heading to the Location?

[Lord Windos]

Vernon heads to the Pokemon Center near the Docks, then.

(Before I forget, you and all your Pokemon get 5 XP from the Sand Castle Fight!)

You find the nearby Center swamped with heavy crowds of people and Pokemon alike, and have to make generous use of Pwee's immense bulk and plenty of snacks to make you way in. No doubt some of these folks have been redirected from the other vanished Centers, and that most everyone is feeling the Pressure of this awful situation awfully keenly....

It doesn't take much looking to find a Police Officer and some Coast Guard/Pier Watch off to the side and near the front entrance accepting volunteers and assigning them missions and jobs. The intake is relatively thin, however - you're pretty far from any of the sacced Centers, and the people and Trainers around here weren't much in the mood for serious business (hence why they wanted to spend a day relaxing at the beach before this). You're easily able to meet one of one with the small team, and after a brief interview and questioning what Pokemon you have on hand and brief Trainer experience (be as vague or clear as you want), a no-nonsense mustachioed officer in a crisp blue patrol uniform lays out your options.

"Right, here what I'm thinking you'd be best suit for: Patrol the Docks and making sure nobody is causing any mischief or taking the chance to commit crimes in the current chaos, or do some coast guard work and help closing up the beach around here for the day. Already got word you helped deal with a nasty Palossand from the coast guard that meet you on scene, and they said they'd be perfectly happy working with you on this, so that might be the easier option. Regardless, we'll give you $1000 Poke for work done and put in a few good words in your public record, and give you priority Healing services should anything happen to you or your Pokemon. Do you understand everything so far?"