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

[Redstone]

Spoiler

For a moment it didn't seem as if the figure would take your invite, but you could see them square up their shoulders and stride forward, each motion smooth as silk sliding across Steel as they wove their way through the crowd. As they approached you got a good look at them...



...You see a fairly stoic, somewhat androgenous woman, hair white as ash and a scar marring her left eye. At her hid was a sword, heavily resembling the one you now own. Every bit of her was composed and poised as she quietly looked over at Sedd and then you.

"....This one asks: how did you come to posses this Blade?"

''Took it from some street goons' weapon stash after I cleared them out. I have no idea on how they managed to get something of this calliber but there it was. You look like you're familliar with this type of blade, just what have I found here?''

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

For a moment it didn't seem as if the figure would take your invite, but you could see them square up their shoulders and stride forward, each motion smooth as silk sliding across Steel as they wove their way through the crowd. As they approached you got a good look at them...



...You see a fairly stoic, somewhat androgenous woman, hair white as ash and a scar marring her left eye. At her hid was a sword, heavily resembling the one you now own. Every bit of her was composed and poised as she quietly looked over at Sedd and then you.

"....This one asks: how did you come to posses this Blade?"

''Took it from some street goons' weapon stash after I cleared them out. I have no idea on how they managed to get something of this calliber but there it was. You look like you're familliar with this type of blade, just what have I found here?''

The woman canted her head at you, those eyes unblinking yet serene.

"Is that so?"

Her eyes then went to your katana, slowly tracing it's old, distinguished form, until they rested on the characters on the hilt. 

"Do you know it's meaning? What does this Blade mean to you?" 

She looked back to you, gauging your response.

[Redstone]

Spoiler

The woman canted her head at you, those eyes unblinking yet serene.

"Is that so?"

Her eyes then went to your katana, slowly tracing it's old, distinguished form, until they rested on the characters on the hilt. 

"Do you know it's meaning? What does this Blade mean to you?" 

She looked back to you, gauging your response.

He'd look back, slightly smiling.

''The true meaning you say? Well it is my mission to find that out now that it has fallen into my hands. I'm sure I'll find someone to help me translate sooner or later.''

''To me? For now it represents a way to defend myself should using pokemon be out of the question. I shall keep it safe from falling into the hands of those goons again, it would be wasted in their hands anyway. We will see what the future holds though, I can imagine it being of greater importance.''

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

The woman canted her head at you, those eyes unblinking yet serene.

"Is that so?"

Her eyes then went to your katana, slowly tracing it's old, distinguished form, until they rested on the characters on the hilt. 

"Do you know it's meaning? What does this Blade mean to you?" 

She looked back to you, gauging your response.

He'd look back, slightly smiling.

''The true meaning you say? Well it is my mission to find that out now that it has fallen into my hands. I'm sure I'll find someone to help me translate sooner or later.''

''To me? For now it represents a way to defend myself should using pokemon be out of the question. I shall keep it safe from falling into the hands of those goons again, it would be wasted in their hands anyway. We will see what the future holds though, I can imagine it being of greater importance.''

"......Hmm. Yielding first...claiming last. Untested? Reluctance? Disdain? *Tilts* No. Simply....unversed. Blank, but ink and blood ready to stain. Test and tested, yet still soft and unproven. *Tilts head up* A Blade reclaimed by tender yet willing hands, hard at work....most curious indeed. "

INS + Contest + Empathy
(5)(4)(2)

They softly spoke what seemed like cryptic nonsense at first, but you get the sense they were speaking about you more than the katana you held. Your....potential, perhaps?

INS + Fight + Weapons + *2 + (+1) vs Kimono Girl's Will
(6)(1)(5) (5)(6)(2) (6) (5) (1)(*6)
(5)(1)(6)(3)(6)(3)(1)(3)

"....Learn the name of your Blade in Full, or lay Claim to your foe's blood. Do one, another, or both. It matters not how, only in that it must be Done. Willing, Seeking, and Bold. Once thus, journey forth to find Us - The Blade Lineage, if you still Wish to Understand and Wield the Blade now yours. "

With a small flick of their wrist a card of sorts appears in their hand - and then yours, as they expertly flick it into it. Turning it around, you see on one side a Red Blossom Flower, and on the other....



A katana, sheathed in red.

"A different Blade, of sorts. Proof of our meeting, at least. Use both wisely and decisively, no matter what."

Thus spoken, the....Blade Lineage person made the motions to depart from your company - if you have any more questions (either you or Seddi, @Dragonstrike), now is the time to ask them. 

....You haven't gotten their name either, now that you think about it.

[Iron]

"Munchlax, can you use Odor Sleuth? I caught a glimpse of a Misdreavus..."

[Lord Windos]

"Munchlax, can you use Odor Sleuth? I caught a glimpse of a Misdreavus..."

Your heart dear friend nods, and quickly sniffs out the area, trying to reveal ANY hidden Ghosties!

Odor Sleuth!
*Rolls* Success!

*Rolls* …

Munchlax blankets your surroundings with the scouring energy , revealing nothing behind you, to your sides -

And that odd Misdreveous right in front of you.

For a moment, time seemed to stop for you as this banshee spirit gave you an bemused smile.

Then, they leaned in closed and *grinned* showing rows upon rows of needle like teeth, black and gold.

Hasn’t. Anyone. Told. You. Not. To.

Peep.

On. 

Ladies?

*SSSSSSS@(;$:;&/)¥€}%|•£////////*

“Sir? Are you okay?”
 
You find yourself standing inside and past the front doors of a Pokémon Center, with a very tired Nurse Joy is looking at you in worry. You blink, rubbing some crust that somehow got into your eye - where’d that come from?

Munchlax, on the other hand, was in your Ball, Fainted after seeing what you shouldn’t too much partying at the Afterlife. Oh, you knew you should have put him to bead earlier! Now that think about it you’re pretty tired too now…. maybe some Sleep would do you good too…

Laughter bids you farewell as you went to your room. 

[Redstone]

Spoiler

"......Hmm. Yielding first...claiming last. Untested? Reluctance? Disdain? *Tilts* No. Simply....unversed. Blank, but ink and blood ready to stain. Test and tested, yet still soft and unproven. *Tilts head up* A Blade reclaimed by tender yet willing hands, hard at work....most curious indeed. "

INS + Contest + Empathy
(5)(4)(2)

They softly spoke what seemed like cryptic nonsense at first, but you get the sense they were speaking about you more than the katana you held. Your....potential, perhaps?

INS + Fight + Weapons + *2 + (+1) vs Kimono Girl's Will
(6)(1)(5) (5)(6)(2) (6) (5) (1)(*6)
(5)(1)(6)(3)(6)(3)(1)(3)

"....Learn the name of your Blade in Full, or lay Claim to your foe's blood. Do one, another, or both. It matters not how, only in that it must be Done. Willing, Seeking, and Bold. Once thus, journey forth to find Us - The Blade Lineage, if you still Wish to Understand and Wield the Blade now yours. "

With a small flick of their wrist a card of sorts appears in their hand - and then yours, as they expertly flick it into it. Turning it around, you see on one side a Red Blossom Flower, and on the other....



A katana, sheathed in red.

"A different Blade, of sorts. Proof of our meeting, at least. Use both wisely and decisively, no matter what."

Thus spoken, the....Blade Lineage person made the motions to depart from your company - if you have any more questions (either you or Seddi, @Dragonstrike), now is the time to ask them. 

....You haven't gotten their name either, now that you think about it.

He just watches her go, still processing everything that has just been said. Was this sword he randomly found in a pile really of that much importance? Translating the name would be more important then ever now if this all were the case. He'd exchange looks with Seddi, unsure of what to say to all this and gauging his reaction.

[Dragonstrike]

"Oh, I've been interested in meeting a Professor in Sutalor. You wouldn't mind if I tag along, would you?"

Seddi shakes his head, chuckling.  "You think I'm talkin' about a different Professor than the one I already invited everyone in our circle to meet?  I sure hope those drinks aren't goin' to your head already, cuz you're gonna want your wits about ya tomorrow when ya meet her."

Yup, he's still playing coy with the Professor's identity.

Spoiler

That very specific request gets a thoughtful 'Hmm' and a appraising gleam from the drink master, canting her head and sizing you up more so than ever.

"You're going Ghost Hunting, buster? Or are you trying to scrounge up some quarry that's hard to pin down or too hot to handle normally? Hmm....my intuition is telling me it's a bit of both and then some. *Chuckles* And since you're all buddy buddy with Dodger and seem to be on the same wavelength as that cassanova....heh. *Smirks, lowers voice* You're going after one of big spooks, eh? *Shakes head, rueful grin* Cowboy, you might be packing some serious firepower, but that sort of Big will make you the dearly departed one. 'Specially if its a certain....King we're talking about."

Yikes. This woman is sharp as one of your Blade Pokemon! 

"I'd tell ya to holster ya guns and beat it....*Shrugs* but it ain't my job being your life coach. If you want to Hunt those fiends, it's you're funeral, and I'll be happy to make you pay for it a little. One moment."

The bartender holds up their arm, and a holographic display pops right out of it, complete with some sort of floating keyboard! She takes a few minutes typing stuff up and searching, 'Hmming' at this and that, until at last she gives a decisive nod and turns back to you. With a wave of her hand three different holographs of Pokemon Pop up: A monstrously tough looking Diggersby, a old, Dark[/b] coloured Samurott that appears to have its eyes covered, and what you think was a bizarre variant of a Furret.

"Here ya go: Three Mons that have Odor Sleuth, Soak, and Foresight respectively, and are the cream of the crop when it comes to seasoned brawlers. You won't find any better deals without having to sell your organs or go on the deep net with a squad of Porygon. Tap the holographs for more details, think it all over, and tell me if any one of these interest you - or more, if you a big spender and want all the security you can get, heh. You're already proved to be more interesting than a typically newbie or law type - let's see if you can keep that hotstreak of yours going. "

In reverse Order of listing:

The Odd Furret

Type: Ground/Psychic
Nickname: Jeepers
Gender: Your Decide!

Ability: Filter - Instead of - 1 Damage from SE Moves, Negate All Damage Done by SE Moves and non-Pseudo Type Move this Target is Weak too; in turn, this Mon's Damaging Moves are Negated against Types that are Super Effective Against it, unless a Move or Move interaction states otherwise. Pseudoes instead deal 1/2 Damage to this Mon with SE Moves at only + 1 Damage. 'Barrier' Moves are More Effective when used by or against this Mon. Filter also lets it survive and use all its Moves in hostile environments such as Underwater, Vacuum, and other extremophile locations at the cost of - 1 to - 3 Penalties to Rolls.

Moves: Foresight, Coil, Blind Side (Psychic, DEX Roll, STR + 2, Ignores Barriers and Protect), Fake Tears, G-Stomp (Ground Version of Stomp), Mean Look, Mach Punch, Will-o-Wisp, Rest, Stomping Tantrum, Psychic Fangs, *Astral Dream (Priority + 5, SPE and Channel Roll, Psychic, + 3 to All Stats, - 5 Damage to User the turn it's Used, but the user has to be Asleep to use it and subtracts 1 Successes + increases the Wake Up Requirement by 1 from Total Wake Up Roll), Me First, Protect, Wide Guard, Detect (Works as a Round Wide Passive Evade for the User that gets Worse the More Attacks they auto-Dodge)

Surprises!: + 1 INS added last , + 1 Alert and Empathy; Knows Foresight and use it to bypass it's Ability for Fighting, Normal, and Contact Psychic Moves

INS (Greater Defensive Stat): 3 - 6 [Currently Base 4), SPE: 2, Base HP: 5 + 3 = 8
Specialties: 2 for ALL Fight Specialties, 1 for Everything Else except  Perform and Stealth (4)

Happiness and Loyalty: 2

Disobedience: 2

Can learn Low Kick for 20 XP, Bulldoze for 30 XP, Dig for 48 XP, Close Combat for 56 XP, Subduction for 60 XP, and Psystrike for 80 XP

Tutor Moves: All Kick Moves, all Punch Moves, All Fang Moves, Rapid Spin, Wish, Tidy Up, Future Sight, Doom Desire, etc.

TMs: All that Furret can learn, same goes with HMs

Starts with 20 XP and is holding a Wide Lens

Cost: $17500

Fortune: 2

What the Bartender has to Say: "This is freaky, lanky looking Furret, but I have it on good authority it sharp as a knife and lets nothing escape it's creepy lil' gaze. Mischievous as hell, though, and that's part of the reason why it's Trainer put it up on the market - the other was they managed to get a real mean snake Mon and don't want to risk them getting eaten, or worse, the snake getting twisted into a permeant knot. They're even throwing in a Wide Lens and some effort to get it to like ya off someone off the bat."

The Old Dark Samurott

Type: Water/Dark
Nickname: Kusanagi
Gender: Female

Ability: Sharpness*

Moves: All its Level Up Moves, Taunt, Torment, Knock Off, Upper Hand, Detect, Smart Strike, Swift, Snarl, Soak, Surf, Dive, Waterfall, Strength, Rock Smash, CUT (Legendary Version - Spread, Extra Lethal by Default [can be made Non Lethal or Lethal] Typeless, DEX Based Roll, Base STR + 3 Damage, Ignore Target's Everything, Including Defense, when calculating this Move's Damage, Crits add 1/3 of the Move's Max Damage to Move's Final Damage + 4 Crit Dice; No Accuracy Penalties when made Egregiously Lethal)

Surprises!: Knows CUT, and Egg Moves Detect and Knock Off, Moves Affected by Sharpness Ignore All Damage Reductions, including from Type Match Ups, Abilities, and Pseudo Bonuses

Traits:

- Most Fortunate Woman: + 1 Fortune Cost

- Old Mon in a Young Mon's Field: 1/2 XP Gain, - 2 to DEX and STR, - 3 Base HP, + 1 INS and SPE, + 2 Intimidate and Alert, Gives Bonus Tutoring in Moves, Training Mons, and is Tutored Moves Quicker

- Blind: - 5 Accuracy to All Non-Always Accurate Moves; Sound, Spread, and AoE only have a - 3 Accuracy Penalty instead. CUT and Soak are the sole exception to the Blind Penalty - instead, you have to make a check to ensure it isn't Lethal on accident for the former and you don't end up getting others caught in the Soak for the later. Is Immune to Move that require Eye Contact or Sight

- Stubborn Old Coot: + 1 Disobedience and Exhaust easier, but is Immune to Will Debuffs or any Intimidation Based Anything; does not ever give in anything it does

- Fall With Thy Blade: This Mon does not want to be Revived from Death, and Wishes to Die in Glorious Combat; if Revived without a extremely compelling reason, it will gain + 5 Disobedience and loses All Happiness and Loyalty.

INS (Better Stat, without Surprises!): 7 out of 7 , SPE(w/o Surprise!): 3 out 6, Base HP: *2 + 7 = 9
Specialties: Clash 5, Brawl 5, Channel 3, Intimidate *5, Empathy 2, Allure 2, Medicine 2, Alert *5

Happiness: 1* - Will increase if you show it all the Sword Based Pokemon and let her spar with them

Loyalty: 2* - If you provide her a great enough Battle, increase by + 1; if its a battle to the death, + 3

Disobedience: *5
Base Fortune: 3

Cost: $10000

What the Bartender has to Say: "If you want a cheap and fairly 'disposable' Mon for whatever you're risking your neck on, I recommend this ol' roninl. Their Trainer - an Old Sword Master that cut his way out of Unova during Enigma's takeover - died a little while back after a storied career, but this blind sword sheela was not happy to retire to a quiet life with his family. Almost managed to run off into the Wilds before one of my Bounty Hunters caught it, and they've been a grumpy, discontent asshole ever since. Family at this point would rather it do what makes it happy, I want to get rid of this pain in my neck, both us parties get paid for it, and you get an experienced warrior you don't have to care too much about dying on ya. *Snarks* Is that a deal or what?"

Big Bad Burly Diggersby

Type: Normal/Ground
Nickname: Hercanan the Bar-Bunnian (Hercan for short)
Gender: Male

Ability: Huge Power EX - This Pokemon uses both it's Trainer and its own STR in Move Calculations and in the Field; Double STR Score after all Bonuses Applied, and grant the Mon the Move STRENGTH
Moves (Using ONLY Gen 9 List): Lv 1 Moves, Odor Sleuth, Double Kick, Bounce*, G-Stomp, Swords Dance, Brutal Swing, STRENGTH (In this Campaign - Normal, Lethal, STR Based Accuracy Roll, STR + 5; Can Double STR while using this Move, but force 2 Turn Recharge, Inflict Recoil, and - 3 Will if done so; Out of Battle can be combo with Bounce to grant pseudo Flight or demolish just about anything with Rock Smash), Rock Smash, Defense Curl*, Rollout*, Spikes*

Surprises!: Knows HA, Knows STRENGTH, Knows All Egg Moves, + 1 Fight and to Fight Skill Cap
Traits:

The Mightiest Hare on Earth - Can use STRENGTH's Effect with only 1 Turn of Recharge, No Recoil, and at a - 1 Will Cost; STRENGTH is even more of a PD for this Mon outside of Battle

SUPER Fortunate - + 2 Fortune Score; this is applied DIRECTLY to the Trainer's Score, so it can't be Concealed normally

Hare-robics! : Super bouncy and energetic - resists Paralysis and Will Reduction effects, + 1 Base HP; Additionally, it can 'Fly' mid battle by utilizing it's Huge Power and Bounce passively, letting it get up and close with those pesky Flying and Levitating Types (Does not grant Type Immunity to Ground)! Huge Power + Quick Attack also makes it go brrrrr out of Battle!

Trained Bouncer: Has been Trained by the Afterlife to be a perfect Bouncer/Guard , the most elite of drunken and violent deterrence. Can also do party tricks and mix drinks!

Luddite: This Pokemons SPE Score is set to 0, and can't be raised in any shape or form; Targets of Spread Moves fixed to 2.

Base STATs: STR 4 out of 4, VIT 4 out of 5 (Better Defensive Stat), SPE *0, Base HP *5 + 4 = 9
Specialties: Brawl 5, Evade 3, Clash 3, Intimidate 3, Alert 5, Knowledge - BG 5
Happiness: 3
Loyalty: 4
Disobedience: 0
Base Fortune: 2
Cost: $30000 + Owing a Favor

What the Bartender has to Say: "This, right here, is one of my premium boy, straight from my Bad New Bunny Squad. Specially breed and trained to be tougher than Adamantine and able to treat it life salt water taffy too, never slacks offs and is always ready for the job, and is an all around nice, if silly, bunny to be around! If you want to absolutely ensure whatever you want guarded stays guard and almost any trouble taken care of, this fluffy fellow is the rabbit for you....if you're willing to shell out all the gold and owe me for it. *Shrugs* Hey, I got to cover my costs with this one of a kind stonking hare - heck, I normally wouldn't even think to put one of my best buns on offer, and I'd charge even more for it too. Since you seem to be real buddy buddy with Dodger and about to take care of one royal pain in Bayhama's butt, however, I'm willing to discount it if you are willing to own Afterlife a big Favor down the line. How's all that grab you, cowboy?"

Your most huggable draggo gives you a bright smile and salute before plopping themselves right down beside you, hmming a catchy tune and tapping their mitts along with the music. You spot a few brave souls get close to your Pseudo, but nothing comes amiss of it: they either wanted a closer look to gawk/study it, or in one case with a goth girl get a hug and picture with them (which was happily reciprocated, with your permission). Even the most headstrong, Tough, or 'Gritty' Trainer/Merc knows not to mess with a Pseudo, no matter how innocuous it may seem. 

Notably nobody bats an eye when Akamu pulls out the very real and deadly sword - the bartender doesn't even glance over as she cleans a glass. The bears, however, looked over your way while it was out.

The Dex Entry for the 'Bio - Fang' does update around the time you explain things to Akamu, which include it's 'official' name and Type (Indeed Dark Dragon); you (and Akamu, if you wish to share) also get some data about it's Genetic Profile - it's a mix of the Chimical Line, Hydregion, Dusknior (Somehow), Tyrantrum, Snorlax, Xenoqueen (YIKES!), what appears to be a couple of Malefic Monstrum: Barishisska  and Roaring Moon, and many, many other apex predators and phenomenally Lethal Pokemon.

Their Gender was also defined as Partho (F) - For Mechanics purposes they can be treated as Female, and they are entirely capable of reproducing without another Partner, though this individual is still too young to do so. Small blessings indeed - if they were, Sutalor might just had gotten another Malefic Monstrum on its hands!

Nalu is doing just fine on the dance floor, though plenty of people are giving him space despite his attempt to be his friendly, Jolly self. 

You get the oddest sensation someone is laughing at your expense as you think of your Patron, which all but confirm your suspicions. Though they are far from....capricious as their 'sister' , your 'Lady of the Lake' is known to have fun at the expense of others every now and then.

(5)(3)(4)(5)(5)  Akamu
(6)(3)(3)(3)(2) Seddi
*Rolls* Goodra

....You also notice someone eyeing you up now, and so does Goodra (and subsequently Seddi), who discretely looks over while still hanging out with the aforementioned goth girl. You can't quite tell what they look like, since they're in a fairly shady corner, but they seem to be a guy wearing a worn, dark blue kimono of sorts with white trim on the inside.

Goodra is able to discretely convey they didn't seem like they were going to start anything - they have been quietly observing Akamu a little while after they revealed their katana.

Seddi will just give the bartender a sly smirk in response to her theorizing.  

Seddi will look over the options, then point to the holograph of the old Samurott.  "Think it's that old girl's lucky day, 'cuz I just so happen to be rather fond of sharp pokemon.  Price should give me a bit of leeway for buying some supplies too.  Bring her on out, and I think we've got a deal."

The additional info about Bio Fang that Leaves is decrypting continues to go unsaid by Seddi for the time being.  He can update Akamu on that tomorrow, when they're in a less public space and can consult the Professor on the matter.

Seddi doesn't mind if Goodra gets friendly with the locals.  What he does mind is the stranger in a kimono that Goodra subtly points out to him.  Given they're staring at Akamu though, he waits to see what Akamu thinks of the individual...

Spoiler

"......Hmm. Yielding first...claiming last. Untested? Reluctance? Disdain? *Tilts* No. Simply....unversed. Blank, but ink and blood ready to stain. Test and tested, yet still soft and unproven. *Tilts head up* A Blade reclaimed by tender yet willing hands, hard at work....most curious indeed. "

INS + Contest + Empathy
(5)(4)(2)

They softly spoke what seemed like cryptic nonsense at first, but you get the sense they were speaking about you more than the katana you held. Your....potential, perhaps?

INS + Fight + Weapons + *2 + (+1) vs Kimono Girl's Will
(6)(1)(5) (5)(6)(2) (6) (5) (1)(*6)
(5)(1)(6)(3)(6)(3)(1)(3)

"....Learn the name of your Blade in Full, or lay Claim to your foe's blood. Do one, another, or both. It matters not how, only in that it must be Done. Willing, Seeking, and Bold. Once thus, journey forth to find Us - The Blade Lineage, if you still Wish to Understand and Wield the Blade now yours. "

With a small flick of their wrist a card of sorts appears in their hand - and then yours, as they expertly flick it into it. Turning it around, you see on one side a Red Blossom Flower, and on the other....



A katana, sheathed in red.

"A different Blade, of sorts. Proof of our meeting, at least. Use both wisely and decisively, no matter what."

Thus spoken, the....Blade Lineage person made the motions to depart from your company - if you have any more questions (either you or Seddi, Dragonstrike), now is the time to ask them. 

....You haven't gotten their name either, now that you think about it.

...and ooh boy, does that individual not disappoint when Akamu invites them over to the bar to have a quick chat.  A Kimono Girl?  In Sutalör?  And one who appears to be skilled with a blade?  Curious...

Right before she goes to leave, Seddi will speak up to ask a quick and easy question.  "Mind sharin' your name before you wander off, stranger?  Might help my friend here find ya later if he's interested in pursuin' what you're offerin'."

He just watches her go, still processing everything that has just been said. Was this sword he randomly found in a pile really of that much importance? Translating the name would be more important then ever now if this all were the case. He'd exchange looks with Seddi, unsure of what to say to all this and gauging his reaction.

After she's left, Seddi will turn back to Akamu and glance at the blade.  It wasn't lost on him that Akamu said he'd like to use it for self-defense.  "Well, you certainly seem to have found quite the item, haven't you?  If you're intent on learnin' how to use it properly, I could probably have Ceruledge help ya practice with it when we've got some time.  Her style of swordplay is likely going to be the closest to that of a human's since she's bipedal and her swords point straight.  It'd probably also impress that Kimono Girl more if you could actually use the blade when you find her group, if chasin' them down is somethin' you'd like to pursue."

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

That very specific request gets a thoughtful 'Hmm' and a appraising gleam from the drink master, canting her head and sizing you up more so than ever.

"You're going Ghost Hunting, buster? Or are you trying to scrounge up some quarry that's hard to pin down or too hot to handle normally? Hmm....my intuition is telling me it's a bit of both and then some. *Chuckles* And since you're all buddy buddy with Dodger and seem to be on the same wavelength as that cassanova....heh. *Smirks, lowers voice* You're going after one of big spooks, eh? *Shakes head, rueful grin* Cowboy, you might be packing some serious firepower, but that sort of Big will make you the dearly departed one. 'Specially if its a certain....King we're talking about."

Yikes. This woman is sharp as one of your Blade Pokemon! 

"I'd tell ya to holster ya guns and beat it....*Shrugs* but it ain't my job being your life coach. If you want to Hunt those fiends, it's you're funeral, and I'll be happy to make you pay for it a little. One moment."

The bartender holds up their arm, and a holographic display pops right out of it, complete with some sort of floating keyboard! She takes a few minutes typing stuff up and searching, 'Hmming' at this and that, until at last she gives a decisive nod and turns back to you. With a wave of her hand three different holographs of Pokemon Pop up: A monstrously tough looking Diggersby, a old, Dark[/b] coloured Samurott that appears to have its eyes covered, and what you think was a bizarre variant of a Furret.

"Here ya go: Three Mons that have Odor Sleuth, Soak, and Foresight respectively, and are the cream of the crop when it comes to seasoned brawlers. You won't find any better deals without having to sell your organs or go on the deep net with a squad of Porygon. Tap the holographs for more details, think it all over, and tell me if any one of these interest you - or more, if you a big spender and want all the security you can get, heh. You're already proved to be more interesting than a typically newbie or law type (…)

The Old Dark Samurott

Type: Water/Dark
Nickname: Kusanagi
Gender: Female

Ability: Sharpness*

Moves: All its Level Up Moves, Taunt, Torment, Knock Off, Upper Hand, Detect, Smart Strike, Swift, Snarl, Soak, Surf, Dive, Waterfall, Strength, Rock Smash, CUT (Legendary Version - Spread, Extra Lethal by Default [can be made Non Lethal or Lethal] Typeless, DEX Based Roll, Base STR + 3 Damage, Ignore Target's Everything, Including Defense, when calculating this Move's Damage, Crits add 1/3 of the Move's Max Damage to Move's Final Damage + 4 Crit Dice; No Accuracy Penalties when made Egregiously Lethal)

Surprises!: Knows CUT, and Egg Moves Detect and Knock Off, Moves Affected by Sharpness Ignore All Damage Reductions, including from Type Match Ups, Abilities, and Pseudo Bonuses

Traits:

- Most Fortunate Woman: + 1 Fortune Cost

- Old Mon in a Young Mon's Field: 1/2 XP Gain, - 2 to DEX and STR, - 3 Base HP, + 1 INS and SPE, + 2 Intimidate and Alert, Gives Bonus Tutoring in Moves, Training Mons, and is Tutored Moves Quicker

- Blind: - 5 Accuracy to All Non-Always Accurate Moves; Sound, Spread, and AoE only have a - 3 Accuracy Penalty instead. CUT and Soak are the sole exception to the Blind Penalty - instead, you have to make a check to ensure it isn't Lethal on accident for the former and you don't end up getting others caught in the Soak for the later. Is Immune to Move that require Eye Contact or Sight

- Stubborn Old Coot: + 1 Disobedience and Exhaust easier, but is Immune to Will Debuffs or any Intimidation Based Anything; does not ever give in anything it does

- Fall With Thy Blade: This Mon does not want to be Revived from Death, and Wishes to Die in Glorious Combat; if Revived without a extremely compelling reason, it will gain + 5 Disobedience and loses All Happiness and Loyalty.

INS (Better Stat, without Surprises!): 7 out of 7 , SPE(w/o Surprise!): 3 out 6, Base HP: *2 + 7 = 9
Specialties: Clash 5, Brawl 5, Channel 3, Intimidate *5, Empathy 2, Allure 2, Medicine 2, Alert *5

Happiness: 1* - Will increase if you show it all the Sword Based Pokemon and let her spar with them

Loyalty: 2* - If you provide her a great enough Battle, increase by + 1; if its a battle to the death, + 3

Disobedience: *5
Base Fortune: 3

Cost: $10000

What the Bartender has to Say: "If you want a cheap and fairly 'disposable' Mon for whatever you're risking your neck on, I recommend this ol' roninl. Their Trainer - an Old Sword Master that cut his way out of Unova during Enigma's takeover - died a little while back after a storied career, but this blind sword sheela was not happy to retire to a quiet life with his family. Almost managed to run off into the Wilds before one of my Bounty Hunters caught it, and they've been a grumpy, discontent asshole ever since. Family at this point would rather it do what makes it happy, I want to get rid of this pain in my neck, both us parties get paid for it, and you get an experienced warrior you don't have to care too much about dying on ya.

Seddi will just give the bartender a sly smirk in response to her theorizing.  

Seddi will look over the options, then point to the holograph of the old Samurott.  "Think it's that old girl's lucky day, 'cuz I just so happen to be rather fond of sharp pokemon.  Price should give me a bit of leeway for buying some supplies too.  Bring her on out, and I think we've got a deal."

The additional info about Bio Fang that Leaves is decrypting continues to go unsaid by Seddi for the time being.  He can update Akamu on that tomorrow, when they're in a less public space and can consult the Professor on the matter.

Seddi doesn't mind if Goodra gets friendly with the locals.  What he does mind is the stranger in a kimono that Goodra subtly points out to him.  Given they're staring at Akamu though, he waits to see what Akamu thinks of the individual...

(…)

Thus spoken, the....Blade Lineage person made the motions to depart from your company - if you have any more questions (either you or Seddi, Dragonstrike), now is the time to ask them. 

....You haven't gotten their name either, now that you think about it.[/spoiler]

...and ooh boy, does that individual not disappoint when Akamu invites them over to the bar to have a quick chat.  A Kimono Girl?  In Sutalör?  And one who appears to be skilled with a blade?  Curious...

Right before she goes to leave, Seddi will speak up to ask a quick and easy question.  "Mind sharin' your name before you wander off, stranger?  Might help my friend here find ya later if he's interested in pursuin' what you're offerin'."

Part 1:

The bartender snorts at your Swagger and choice, slowly shaking her head with a smirk.

”Somehow, I am unsurprised. Then again I suppose your choice was obvious with your get up - bit retro, but Samurai Cowboy are a well worn cliche that fit ya like the hat on your head. *Straightens Up* Normally I’d caution someone getting a Mon ornery as Kusanagi, but frankly I’m happy to be rid of her. Got a feeling you two will get along just fine, heh.”

[b]You transfer the payment over to her and she types up a storm before looking at you and nodding.

“Deal is sealed. We’ll get her ready to meet ya in one of our private rooms, unless you want to hold your own introductions later. Word of warning - that crusty old otter may be blind, but the rest of her senses are sharp as her blades. She doesn’t startle easy, if at all, but if she feels threatened or insulted? *Wave a hand across their throat* Someone will be breathing blood instead of air. Respect her, and she won’t immediantly CUT ya. And I do mean CUT . 

“*Smirks* Pleasure doing business with ya, cowboy, and good luck - you’ll certainly need it.”

For now we’ll postpone introductions with Kusanagi for later - onto…!

Part 2:

The Kimono Girl pauses mid step and turns to look at you with those calm yet heavy eyes. A moment passed, and *something* caused her eyes to briefly glint as she turn and bow to you.

”This one goes by Sakura, Master of Blades. *Straightens* Though you need not the Blade Lineage, we would be honored to have you and your Blades among our number. Seek us out, if that is of interest to you, or if simply wish to learn more. May you Yield naught but what you can, and Claim all that you want.”

Sakura the flicks her wrist at you, and with superb Skill you catch a Card, same as the one before. Once more she bows, and the she is gone - like cherry blossoms to the wind.”

[Iron]

Vernon texts everyone who was at the Afterlife. "Uh, did anyone else think there might have been something in those drinks? I thought I saw a Misdreavus with way too many teeth lol. Actually, I would be sure I'd imagined it, but Munchlax sensed it with Odor Sleuth too. Then again, he passed out about the same time I did and we woke up on the Pokemon Center floor. Lol?"

Vernon isn't sure if he should be laughing out loud or not.

He also brings out, of all things, an old receipt for Gourmet Food from the local Pastoria City Pokemart. Vernon seems to treat this random item very fondly. He flips it over and folds it so that an ancient character (drawn on the back) for "calm" is facing outward, and places it in his breast pocket.