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

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

You (Seddi) are hardly held up as you approach the Center, as between you arriving with Dodger and your most fiercesome looking Ceruledge most of the force considers you additional help he brought in. One lowly officer does stop you - more out of following procedure than actually wanting to, from what your gut tells you - and after one doubletake as your considerable Identification and a awed/Intimidated look they let you go on your way and try to make themselves scarce and useful.

You know, now that you think about it, considering all the Status and Authority you were given you most likely outrank every officer here, including the chiefs. Only Dodger could really countermand you, and that's only in terms of the pure clout and POWER he has as one of Sutalor's top and more elite Independent Bounty Hunters. It was almost as if you were back to doing your job as a Ace Trainer of your League, only more so ...


For Randy and Sylvia, they don't find much on their own while they were sniffing out the scene, but then again they hadn't had much time to do so either or pull out some Psychic Tricks to enhace their search. 

With everyone in agreement about a Synchronized Psychic Search - Rabsca indeed looks quite excited to do such work, in their own kinda Zen way - the two of the telekinetic mons begin... Meanwhile, Ceruledge stands guard, sweeping their gaze around the area, ready to intervene if any foul forces would dare cause further Misfortune and ruin NOW of all times...


Synchronized Psychic Search!
Slyvia will gives a + 3 Bonus to the Final Roll, and due to both Pokemon having Synchronized the Roll Results shall be Doubled!
INS (4) + Survival (3) + Alert (3) - Difficulty (5) = 5D6 Dice
(6)(3)(1)(2)(1) + 3. X 2 Blegh.

Well, thank goodness for Sylvia's help, for that Roll becomes 6 Success in total! 

Initially, the coordinated sleuthing goes rather poorly, both because the two Pokemon's inexperience with using this method and the thoroughly confounding nature of the grim mystery. Just as the search was about to be called off the purple feline's gem lights up as they cross over a specific patch of ground. With a pulse of Psychic power from them it is revealed: a trail of foot prints, all of them glowing White in the Psychic Pokemon's vision as well as yours and Ceruledge's. The trail seemingly appeared right at that spot, as if out of thin air, before they lead all the way into the Pokemon Center. A shudder runs through both Mons as they become attuned with the etheral signiture of this Strange trail, and you can't help but feel a tremor of apprehension too - just what and who could create such an impression?

Ceruledge's Ghostly Vigilance 
INS (4) + Fight (4) +Alert (3) + *2 (On Guard) - 5 (Big Commotion) = 8D6 Dice
(2)(2)(4)(6) (3)(6)(1)(2) 3 Successes

Your Sword of Malice doesn't Detect any nerdowells or similar, but does spot what appears to be a Murkrow perched in a tree nearby, adorned in all kind of shiny things and dodads, as per the usual habit and fashion of city fairing crows. From what your partner was able to tell they didn't seem hostile or suspicions, but was oddly still and....disquieted? Hmm...

Footprints appearing out of thin air, and they lead into the Center and don't come back out?  Either the varmints used a different exit, or they Teleported out in some fashion.  They'll need to look inside to figure that out.

Ceruledge pointing out the Murkrow gets Seddi's attention.  Not suspicious or hostile...in that case, it might be a witness.

Unfortunately, most individuals can't talk to Pokemon, so that normally wouldn't be particularly helpful.

Fortunately, Seddi isn't exactly like 'most individuals'.  He has an idea already.

So he doesn't scare off the bird, Seddi will telepathically communicate with the Espeon this time. (@Pokekitty2)

[Sylvia, that Murkrow over there might have seen something.  Are you capable of communicating with it?  I could get Rabsca to Synchronize with it, but it's not telepathy, so the information I would be able to get indirectly would be limited.]

[Redstone]

Spoiler

The Officer rubs the back of his head at the irritated response, looking embarrassed and a bit unnerved at it.

"Apologies for that, sir. Sometimes, Fate works in mysterious ways in Sutalor, and now....well, it seems to be working most obtusely. *Nods* You will be compensated for this, though how much depends on the outcome. Try to minimize property damage if it comes to that, and prioritize a peaceful outcome if at all possible. If not....be merciful and fair as you can be, Dragon Master."

Lani looks grimly certain, tapping their knuckles together in anticipation for finishing those punks retribution and hopefully get a good fight out of it. Ecclesia seems unbothered by it all, though you can tell the thought of a Tough Fight exictes them by the subtle gleam in their eyes.

When you look back over to Penelope, you see her laughing as Nalu danced around her, carefully tickling the girl with their spines and acting like the Jolly goof that he was. Success!

You recieve the direction to Dusk Gloom Park and a 'Nominated Deputy' badge from the Officer upon concluding business with them, and after you receive your message back from Seddi you are ready to head out and deal with those knuckleheads once and for all! The sports girl is sad to see you go but wishes you well, giving you a warm smile and bow.

"Thank you for all the help. Please, come back once this tragedy is over: this Pool will always be open to you, and you and your Pokemon deserve to enjoy it. Good luck, and may the Sun and Moon be with you!"

===

Eventually you arrive at Dusk Gloom Park, a place that was completely shrouded in perpetual shadows from the many tall trees, rock outcroppings, and other tall plants and landmarks. It took a bit of searching, but eventually you found who you were looking for: a group of punks hanging out by a empty, shadowy field with a couple of benchs, tables, and grills. A few of them were on watch (though they couldn't see you from the shadows you were lurking in), but most of the others were being a right rowdy bunch, goofing off and being a general mild menace to society. A few battles were taking place, and you noted that each of the Pokemon looked as if they were Dark Typed or similar - must be this gang's theme beyond 'harassing innocent ladies' . All told, their were roughly 20 Breakneck Boys here; how many Pokemon or what tools and tricks they have remains unknown to you, beyond that about half of the members had Pokemon Partners in crime.

However, there was a smaller group (still part of the 20 total) of BBs off to the side that seemed to be heckling and lambasting a pair of members, who you quickly recognized as the Punks almost responsible for ruining Penelope's day! Seems like they were getting reemed for something - perhaps their failure to complete their mean spirited mission. 

No sign of that Tough fellow the Officer mentioned - at least, none of the punks here match that descriptions by you and your Mons estimates.

You got the Initiative: How are going to handle things? Shock and awe, Stealthy, By the Books Confrontations, etc. ?

Thinking back to the prior encounter with them he remembered that they did wield conventional weapons. If he wanted to win cleanly he had to get rid of the chance of being hit in the head by a spiked bat.

The call was on Stealth, trying to spot a possible stash of weapons which he could target and then attacking from behind it, preventing the Boys from getting to it. (If one is not present he will instead target the part of the gang that's the most distracted.)

He'd sneak to the shady tree closest to said stash to prepare a surprise attack, making sure to prioritise safety over speed. With Lani at high alert and Kayla's pokeball in hand he'd watch out for an opening.

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Original post link
-----------------------


Upon spotting that single Picture of Rubin, his daughter Saph and the short woman, Bernhard lets his gaze rest on it for a while, a thoughtful expression appearing on his face. If it wasn't clear already, the Scim Magus gets the impression that his anxious host must care greatly for his family - and that's something Bernhard acknowledges, even if he personally can't relate. It's more 'found family' in his case, which is just as valid in his books. It's a little frightening to realize that he and his alchemistic skills are sort of a last hope on something as significant as his beloved daughter, if it wasn't already. Though it also fills Bernhard with some extra-determination to see this through and DO find a cure.

A discrete spell/magic to mask or enhance the taste of food sounds incredibly useful, it is not needed here however as the tea's just fine as it is. So fine that Bernhard will help himself with a second cup soon enough while with a side-glance observing the scene playing out between his precious fae steed and Mr. Gleam.

That very scene, seeing how Mr.Gleam put himself at complete(!) and utter(!) mercy and possibly judgement of the precious Galarian Pokemon that is Bernhard's magically-bound companion - it was almost physically painful for Bernhard to watch and witness. There's so many emotions, so many feels and a whole lot of meaning in it, and it certainly must not have been a lighthearted thing to do for this man. Yet they force themselves to keep a close eye on it, and return Nirix's gaze with a confident one. Whatever has been told or not told without words between these two, it is as clear as day that it is meant to be and said with every bit of calm reassurance Bernhard is able to bring up.

The following received permission to use Nirix's Horn in any Healing Potion or Alchemic Creation towards Curing Saph - it is filling Bernhard with deep awe, silent gratitude and a shy feeling of budding hope. It is something Bernhard's also mildly afraid of as he hasn't done so before, aka hasn't used even bits of G-Rapidashe's Horn in any alchemistic creation before - though now is not to time to back off or shy away, and if anything he KNOWS of  and TRUSTS in his alchemistic knowledge and talents. Let's just hope Father Fate and Miss Fortune are with him here, too. For they cannot afford to screw up in something as significant as...well, this.

Gently so, carefully yet genuinely so, Bernhard reaches out to caress the magnificent pastel mane of Nirix. "My sincere gratitude to you, my precious one. You have expressed great empathy and confidence, and this is something I appeciate and value wholeheartedly. It is reassuring to see you having yourself a heart and my words having reached you. I do feel utterly blessed to be allowed to work as something valuable as your horn, and I will remember your your act of kindness ever and ever."

With a handgesture Bernhard motions to Mr. Gleam to please take his across him seat again. "Now then, Mr.Gleam. What you are describing to me about your treasured daughter Saph's state and condition... Gloomy. Dreadful. Spiritual in nature... We cannot rule out that something might have possessed her. Something, be it a strong Pokemon or other a spiritual being, that is slowly draining her of her life source and energy. Therefor, we have to utilize utmost caution and care as you let me to see her now - However, if these 'brief periods of lucidness and being awake' are a hint, it not too late yet. It was certainly wise of you to make use of Berries, Spell Tags and Incenses to keep her safe and anything vile at bay. Please, allow me to prepare, and lead me to see her once I've taken some precautions. ...You, Nirix - you shall join me in seeing Saph, please."

Said precautions before seeing Saph are the following:

- Cast a strong Safeguard by Myra as an Evocation Spell over himself, Nirix and Mr.Gleam.

- Swap Bernhard's held Item to the Spell Tag Myra usually is holding to ward off any spirits.

- Recite a short prayer to Cresselia and Arceus, asking for their aid and protection from any malicious spirits.

- Light up one or two incense sticks of Sage and Frankincense (either provided by Mr. Gleam, or taken from Bernhard's personal small stock), and keep a hold of these the whole time while being near Saph. Potentially going so far as to smoke these sticks similar like Ventus did with lavender - sounds like something Bernhard would regularly do, especially during finicky acts of magic or alchemy.

Then, and only then, Bernhard will ask for him and Nirix to personally see and visit Saph, lead by Mr. Gleam. And only after this visit he'll begin with the preparation of the healing tonic/cure for her, as you're right it is much smarter to start with this after having seen her (I don't know what I was thinking when I said I'd prepare the Alpha Form on the spot, as in hindsight this makes no sense at all.)

Bernhard will - if it's possible for him and there's nothing that causes him to rebound from the touch - very very carefully and gently try to take her hand and speak to her, regardless whether she hears or reacts. His tone of voice is quiet, suprisingly docile (in Bern's terms that is, given his standard emotionless tone), and utterly cautious, but he speaks clearly and with some faint hope in between the lines. "Hello there, Saph. My name Is Bernhard, and I am an esteemed member of the Sky Scimitars. I am also an Alchemist, and your father has told me about your state and condition. Together with my Galarian Rapidash's aid he asked me to help you, and I have vowed to do what I can for you to see the light and the world again. Will you...allow us two to try curing you of your ailments?"

In case there's a negative reaction or even the faintest hint of Saph or anything that might be present (Ghost-Type'd Pokemon or Spirits) lashing out on us, we'll make hast and leave the room; getting started on the alchemistic creation in Mr. Gleam's kitchen.
If there's a positive reaction, we'll cast a gentle Heal Pulse onto her via an Evocation Spell, meant to patch her up a little bit for starters. 
If there's no or a neutral reaction, we'll do nothing, wait for short potentially, but then leave the room and get likewise started on the alchemistic creation in Mr.Gleams kitchen.

[Iron]

Fortune is 5, with an asterisk from the Cleanse Tag. - 1 Fortune, 1D4 Dice to Negate 'Bad' Encounters = 4tune.

Wayfarer's Whimsy sounds good!

Insight 3 Survival 2 Alert 2 = 7 + pick up bonus.
Pwee's Fortune 4 -2 = 2.
Vern's Fortune = 4.

[Mikaruge108]

Spoiler

"Very well, I got a couple of things you can do that shouldn't be too much. First, we can do some patrols around this Pokemon Center to help settle down these people's fears about the place being another target. If we Encounter anything nasty I'm taking charge and you'll be doing exactly what I say. Alternatively, you can organize a few Pokemon Battles here to help Train yourself and give everyone a distraction. You can handle this by yourself, and have permission to be as Flashly and dramatic as you want to be - heck, that might be preferred, given how jittery as a nervous Bug everyone is. Got to let them loose the energy somehow, and what better way that a good tussle?

"So, which one sounds better to you, boy?"

These both have their own appeal to Darren, so *flips*. Patrols it is!

"As much as I wanna battle, I've got a good feeling about the patrols."

[Pokekitty2]

Spoiler

Spoiler

You (Seddi) are hardly held up as you approach the Center, as between you arriving with Dodger and your most fiercesome looking Ceruledge most of the force considers you additional help he brought in. One lowly officer does stop you - more out of following procedure than actually wanting to, from what your gut tells you - and after one doubletake as your considerable Identification and a awed/Intimidated look they let you go on your way and try to make themselves scarce and useful.

You know, now that you think about it, considering all the Status and Authority you were given you most likely outrank every officer here, including the chiefs. Only Dodger could really countermand you, and that's only in terms of the pure clout and POWER he has as one of Sutalor's top and more elite Independent Bounty Hunters. It was almost as if you were back to doing your job as a Ace Trainer of your League, only more so ...


For Randy and Sylvia, they don't find much on their own while they were sniffing out the scene, but then again they hadn't had much time to do so either or pull out some Psychic Tricks to enhace their search. 

With everyone in agreement about a Synchronized Psychic Search - Rabsca indeed looks quite excited to do such work, in their own kinda Zen way - the two of the telekinetic mons begin... Meanwhile, Ceruledge stands guard, sweeping their gaze around the area, ready to intervene if any foul forces would dare cause further Misfortune and ruin NOW of all times...


Synchronized Psychic Search!
Slyvia will gives a + 3 Bonus to the Final Roll, and due to both Pokemon having Synchronized the Roll Results shall be Doubled!
INS (4) + Survival (3) + Alert (3) - Difficulty (5) = 5D6 Dice
(6)(3)(1)(2)(1) + 3. X 2 Blegh.

Well, thank goodness for Sylvia's help, for that Roll becomes 6 Success in total! 

Initially, the coordinated sleuthing goes rather poorly, both because the two Pokemon's inexperience with using this method and the thoroughly confounding nature of the grim mystery. Just as the search was about to be called off the purple feline's gem lights up as they cross over a specific patch of ground. With a pulse of Psychic power from them it is revealed: a trail of foot prints, all of them glowing White in the Psychic Pokemon's vision as well as yours and Ceruledge's. The trail seemingly appeared right at that spot, as if out of thin air, before they lead all the way into the Pokemon Center. A shudder runs through both Mons as they become attuned with the etheral signiture of this Strange trail, and you can't help but feel a tremor of apprehension too - just what and who could create such an impression?

Ceruledge's Ghostly Vigilance 
INS (4) + Fight (4) +Alert (3) + *2 (On Guard) - 5 (Big Commotion) = 8D6 Dice
(2)(2)(4)(6) (3)(6)(1)(2) 3 Successes

Your Sword of Malice doesn't Detect any nerdowells or similar, but does spot what appears to be a Murkrow perched in a tree nearby, adorned in all kind of shiny things and dodads, as per the usual habit and fashion of city fairing crows. From what your partner was able to tell they didn't seem hostile or suspicions, but was oddly still and....disquieted? Hmm...

Footprints appearing out of thin air, and they lead into the Center and don't come back out?  Either the varmints used a different exit, or they Teleported out in some fashion.  They'll need to look inside to figure that out.

Ceruledge pointing out the Murkrow gets Seddi's attention.  Not suspicious or hostile...in that case, it might be a witness.

Unfortunately, most individuals can't talk to Pokemon, so that normally wouldn't be particularly helpful.

Fortunately, Seddi isn't exactly like 'most individuals'.  He has an idea already.

So he doesn't scare off the bird, Seddi will telepathically communicate with the Espeon this time. (@Pokekitty2)

[Sylvia, that Murkrow over there might have seen something.  Are you capable of communicating with it?  I could get Rabsca to Synchronize with it, but it's not telepathy, so the information I would be able to get indirectly would be limited.]

The Sync causes Sylvia to shudder when it snaps into place. She shakes herself a bit before turning her attention to her surroundings, pulling power from Rabsca to enhance her search. However, at least at first, she loses herself in her thoughts...
>? Guh. That was weird.
>? Interesting to know what Synch feels like, though... and I can only imagine if it carried a Burn or Poison with it.
>? No wonder 'mons make that weird face when I do it.
>? Did I make that face? I might've made that face. That's embarrassing.
>? Dad must have been very careful to keep his Sync away from us... I remember using it accidentally, way back when...
Then, she snaps herself out of it.
>? Focus, Sylv.
Not too long later, she finds the footprints. Odd, to be sure - perhaps a use of Teleport, or Fly? If it's teleport, Sylvia might be able to sense it - unless, of course, whomever did it took (really any amount of) care to hide their methods. Even with the Sync, Sylvia isn't *that* powerful.
>? Maybe there's something inside...
[Sylvia, that Murkrow over there might have seen something.  Are you capable of communicating with it?  I could get Rabsca to Synchronize with it, but it's not telepathy, so the information I would be able to get indirectly would be limited.]
Syvlia really couldn't help it - she jumped, and shut down. [Sync with Rabsca ended!]
Sylvia has a small moment of the frightened-cat pose before she collects herself, shaking her paws one at a time (like a cat that's just walked through a puddle).
>>Sorry about that. Still not used to people speaking to me that way.
Sylvia looks forlornly at where the footprints were, obviously preferring to investigate that, but huffs and turns her gaze towards the Murkrow.
>>Alright. I'll see what I can do.
Sylvia, who has some practice speaking to wild 'mons (and city ones in particular), needs no extra preparation before waltzing up to the base of the tree (if anyone tries to stop her, a good 'ole "rub their leg, purr, and then keep walking because you don't care" should do the trick) and peering up at the Murkrow.
“Esp! Esp~eon?”
(Hey there! I was wondering if I could ask you a few questions?)
Sylvia will also try to get a discrete look at what the Murkrow has as it’s adornments, trying to judge its tastes in case a gift/bribe is necessary.

[Lord Windos]

The Sync causes Sylvia to shudder when it snaps into place. She shakes herself a bit before turning her attention to her surroundings, pulling power from Rabsca to enhance her search. However, at least at first, she loses herself in her thoughts...
>? Guh. That was weird.
>? Interesting to know what Synch feels like, though... and I can only imagine if it carried a Burn or Poison with it.
>? No wonder 'mons make that weird face when I do it.
>? Did I make that face? I might've made that face. That's embarrassing.
>? Dad must have been very careful to keep his Sync away from us... I remember using it accidentally, way back when...
Then, she snaps herself out of it.
>? Focus, Sylv.
Not too long later, she finds the footprints. Odd, to be sure - perhaps a use of Teleport, or Fly? If it's teleport, Sylvia might be able to sense it - unless, of course, whomever did it took (really any amount of) care to hide their methods. Even with the Sync, Sylvia isn't *that* powerful.
>? Maybe there's something inside...
[Sylvia, that Murkrow over there might have seen something.  Are you capable of communicating with it?  I could get Rabsca to Synchronize with it, but it's not telepathy, so the information I would be able to get indirectly would be limited.]
Syvlia really couldn't help it - she jumped, and shut down. [Sync with Rabsca ended!]
Sylvia has a small moment of the frightened-cat pose before she collects herself, shaking her paws one at a time (like a cat that's just walked through a puddle).
>>Sorry about that. Still not used to people speaking to me that way.
Sylvia looks forlornly at where the footprints were, obviously preferring to investigate that, but huffs and turns her gaze towards the Murkrow.
>>Alright. I'll see what I can do.
Sylvia, who has some practice speaking to wild 'mons (and city ones in particular), needs no extra preparation before waltzing up to the base of the tree (if anyone tries to stop her, a good 'ole "rub their leg, purr, and then keep walking because you don't care" should do the trick) and peering up at the Murkrow.
“Esp! Esp~eon?”
(Hey there! I was wondering if I could ask you a few questions?)
Sylvia will also try to get a discrete look at what the Murkrow has as it’s adornments, trying to judge its tastes in case a gift/bribe is necessary.

@Dragonstrike : You also have one other option for Enhanced Pokémon Communication - your trusty partner Iron Leaves, via translating what a Mon is saying and sharing it with you. She doesn’t even need to be out her Ball; she can hear them just fine via her link with you. Most of the time she doesn’t or wouldn’t bother doing so, however, as with your other partners you are Bonded strongly enough you understand each other just fine and with wild ones what they have to say doesn’t concern her over keeping Alert for dangerous/interesting stuff.

Sylvia can’t tell if it was a Teleport or not; the ethereal signature was just THAT weird and unnerving. It even unsettled Ceruledge , though only her Trainer and maybe Herself could pick up on that.

Your approach causes the raven to Laser Focus on you, tilting their head back and forth. You couldn’t get a read on them - stupid Dark Typing! - but you have enough experience to know they gauging you. Whether it be with interest, apprehension, or harassment in mind…you’ll soon find out.

Once you raise your question Murkrow looks at you steadily, before gently cawing:

Translation: “Yes, yes, you can! Answer them, maybe so, maybe not.”
 
You notice they’re adorned mostly in silver trinkets shiny metal - they seem to like necklaces a lot, judging by how many it’s wearing, now that you have a closer look.

[Spiritmon]

Spoiler

"First, a test: can you do anything about my mild exhaustion? I need to see how 'effective' your kind of healing is, as well as what approaches you have towards treating a patient."

Oz gave Doctor Peace a bow of respect. "Its a honor Dr. Peace. Yes, I study various methods of medical treatment, and I also study some natural healing too. I also already help heal human and Pokemon lifes in the past."

Oz accept the test of Dr. Peace, and then see quick around her if there any herbs or berries where she can make some mix to give the Doctor some kind of heal to his exhaustion. Chesto Berries, Coffee beans, Leppas , or Sirius berries that might be around in this place if possible, anything she could do a healing drink or medicine who could help him heal him. In case she doesnt find, she will use her own medic skills to use him. And since I dont want to screw up in this test (and Oz is determined to help in whatever she can) I gonna sacrifice 24 XP to increase my Knowledge Skill from 3 to 4. That will help increase the odds in healing.

Medicine roll: Insigh(4)+Knowledge(4)+Medicine(3)-2 roll = 9D6 base roll!

[Pokekitty2]

Spoiler

The Sync causes Sylvia to shudder when it snaps into place. She shakes herself a bit before turning her attention to her surroundings, pulling power from Rabsca to enhance her search. However, at least at first, she loses herself in her thoughts...
>? Guh. That was weird.
>? Interesting to know what Synch feels like, though... and I can only imagine if it carried a Burn or Poison with it.
>? No wonder 'mons make that weird face when I do it.
>? Did I make that face? I might've made that face. That's embarrassing.
>? Dad must have been very careful to keep his Sync away from us... I remember using it accidentally, way back when...
Then, she snaps herself out of it.
>? Focus, Sylv.
Not too long later, she finds the footprints. Odd, to be sure - perhaps a use of Teleport, or Fly? If it's teleport, Sylvia might be able to sense it - unless, of course, whomever did it took (really any amount of) care to hide their methods. Even with the Sync, Sylvia isn't *that* powerful.
>? Maybe there's something inside...
[Sylvia, that Murkrow over there might have seen something.  Are you capable of communicating with it?  I could get Rabsca to Synchronize with it, but it's not telepathy, so the information I would be able to get indirectly would be limited.]
Syvlia really couldn't help it - she jumped, and shut down. [Sync with Rabsca ended!]
Sylvia has a small moment of the frightened-cat pose before she collects herself, shaking her paws one at a time (like a cat that's just walked through a puddle).
>>Sorry about that. Still not used to people speaking to me that way.
Sylvia looks forlornly at where the footprints were, obviously preferring to investigate that, but huffs and turns her gaze towards the Murkrow.
>>Alright. I'll see what I can do.
Sylvia, who has some practice speaking to wild 'mons (and city ones in particular), needs no extra preparation before waltzing up to the base of the tree (if anyone tries to stop her, a good 'ole "rub their leg, purr, and then keep walking because you don't care" should do the trick) and peering up at the Murkrow.
“Esp! Esp~eon?”
(Hey there! I was wondering if I could ask you a few questions?)
Sylvia will also try to get a discrete look at what the Murkrow has as it’s adornments, trying to judge its tastes in case a gift/bribe is necessary.

@Dragonstrike : You also have one other option for Enhanced Pokémon Communication - your trusty partner Iron Leaves, via translating what a Mon is saying and sharing it with you. She doesn’t even need to be out her Ball; she can hear them just fine via her link with you. Most of the time she doesn’t or wouldn’t bother doing so, however, as with your other partners you are Bonded strongly enough you understand each other just fine and with wild ones what they have to say doesn’t concern her over keeping Alert for dangerous/interesting stuff.

Sylvia can’t tell if it was a Teleport or not; the ethereal signature was just THAT weird and unnerving. It even unsettled Ceruledge , though only her Trainer and maybe Herself could pick up on that.

Your approach causes the raven to Laser Focus on you, tilting their head back and forth. You couldn’t get a read on them - stupid Dark Typing! - but you have enough experience to know they gauging you. Whether it be with interest, apprehension, or harassment in mind…you’ll soon find out.

Once you raise your question Murkrow looks at you steadily, before gently cawing:

Translation: “Yes, yes, you can! Answer them, maybe so, maybe not.”
 
You notice they’re adorned mostly in silver trinkets shiny metal - they seem to like necklaces a lot, judging by how many it’s wearing, now that you have a closer look.

"Esp... Esp-eon. Esp, eon, espy ësspayéun."
(Fair enough... I should probably begin by introducing myself. The humans call me Syliva, though I prefer [UNTRANSLATABLE].)

If the Murkrow gives a personal identifier, Sylvia will use it. However, I expect a less open response...
If given a name: "Esp! Espeon." (Nice to meet you, [name]!)

Then, the real question:
"Eon... Espy Espeon, espeon esp, esp esp Espeon?"
(The humans are all in an uproar... everything in one of their healing centers disappeared. You seem observant - did you happen to notice anything out of the ordinary?)

[Lord Windos]

Thinking back to the prior encounter with them he remembered that they did wield conventional weapons. If he wanted to win cleanly he had to get rid of the chance of being hit in the head by a spiked bat.

The call was on Stealth, trying to spot a possible stash of weapons which he could target and then attacking from behind it, preventing the Boys from getting to it. (If one is not present he will instead target the part of the gang that's the most distracted.)

He'd sneak to the shady tree closest to said stash to prepare a surprise attack, making sure to prioritise safety over speed. With Lani at high alert and Kayla's pokeball in hand he'd watch out for an opening.

Going the sneaky route? Solid Snake would be proud of your approach to conflict - bypassing it however you can! And with reptiles notorious for being very much into direct confrontations - truly, you do like going against the grain!

Not that either of your Dragons complain - Lani is fine enough with 'dishonorable tactics' if they're used against baddies, while Ecclesia just flat out doesn't care about fighting fair at all. Speaking of the later, despite their enormous size you almost can't see them in this Gloomy place - not quite like the abyssal depths she lived in, but close enough for her to take advantage of it!

All that aside, you do indeed spot what appears to be a pile of weapons laying on one of the tables - looks like they BBs placed them their while they were hanging out once they secured their hang out. You also spot a few stragglers from the main group - about 4 members that were by their lonesomes doing whatever suited their thuggish hearts or keeping a half-hearted watch.

As for how Stealth can go down: We'll be doing a Couple of Stealth Rolls first. One to see how notable you are, and one for what you plan of doing. For the second one, you have the following courses of action:

- Target the Weapon Pile (Easy-ish)
- Target the Stragglers (Moderate; splitting up optional if you want better odds of 'getting' them all in exchange for Roll Penalties)
- Target Both (Hard; requires splitting up and has bigger consequences for Bad Rolls)
- Write In (??? - If you think of something else you want to Sneak up on, a Insight Check will be made to see if it is there and then difficulty will be assigned if it is)

Any ideas that could be used to make Stealth easier should be brought up; depending on what they are I'll take them into consideration when making the Stealth Rolls.

Music:Metal Gear Solid 2 OST | Plant Sneaking Theme [Extended]