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

[Redstone]

Spoiler

Battle - Acting 'n Attacking Round 1!

Your Order for a All Out Assault causes Dyn's eyes to bug out, before she starts yelling out her counter!

"MONK, match their fortitude, and get ready to trip'em up REAL good!  I believe in yooou!"

The fiery monkey gives a quick salute before....trying to match the lumbering pace of your warstead?

Role Play 1
Accuracy: SPE (3) + Contest (4) + Perform (4) - 2 Actions = 9D6 Dice
(4)(5)(1)(4)(5)(6)(2)(5)(1) A show stopping Performance!

MONK's Ability changed to Stamina; they howl and thump their chest as their Defense and Health SKYROCKET, before they make one great big STOMP, shaking the entire arena! When Role Play Crits, copy and use next Move their Opponent uses at 1/4 Total Accuracy (Before Action Cost and Pain) and Damage Dice!

Roleplayed Bulldoze!
DEX (4) + Fight (2) + Brawl (2) / 4 - 2 Actions = 0 Dice! Uh-oh, Fortune Dice Time!

Fortune Roll: MONK
(4)(1)(3)(6)(1) Snake Eyes, 1 Fail, 2 Successes....

...And the end up dislocating their foot's joint, causes them to howl with Pain this time, hopping up and down on one leg while their Trainer goes 'Oh no!!!' . MONK's Pain increases by 1; they take 2 Damage and both of you lose 1 DEX! MONK's HP - *11/13 HP, - 2 Pain! They also drop in the Initiative - now Kayla goes first!

Uncaring, Kayla simply plows on by.

Bulldoze (Kayla) 1!
(1)(5)(2)(6) (2)(1)(3)(6) Hit!
Damage: STR + 2 (Not 3!) + STAB + SE - VIT (*6) = 1D6 + 1 Damage
(6) MONK takes 2 Damage, and eat their Sitrus Berry; *12/13 HP!!
Their DEX has already been decreased by 1!

"Shoot! Change of plans, ROAST THAT SUCKER FAST!"
"Eii, Eii, Eii!"

Your down to earth horse, now leading the assault - begin to trample the lil' ape.

High Horsepower 2
Accuracy: 7D6 - 1 (Inaccuracy) - 1 Pain = 5D6
(1)(1)(4)(6) Barely hits.
Damage: STR (*0) + 4 + STAB - VIT (*6) + 1 = 1D6 + 1 Damage
(5) MONK takes 2 Damage; 10/13* HP, - 2 Pain!!

Fire Blast 2!!! MONK Spends a Will Point to Ignore Pain this Round!
Accuracy: SPE (3) + Fight (2) + Channel (4) - 2 Pain - 4 Actions - 3 Accuracy = 2D6 Dice!
(2)(4) HIT
Damage: SPE (3) + 5 + STAB - INS (3) - AV (1) = 6D6 Damage Dice
(3)(3)(4)(5)(5)(6) Kayla takes 4 Non-Lethal Damage; 17/21 HP, - 1 Pain!
(3)(6)(-) *FWOOOSH!* She's Engulfed in Flames (Burn 3)! - 3 STR!!! Is this karmatic retribution for the Florges kill?!?!

"Take their stuff, boy!"
"OOT!"

Covet 3
Accuracy: DEX(*3) + Fight (2) + Perform* (4) - 6 Actions = 3D6 Dice
(4)(4)(-)(-) Hit!
Damage: STR (2) + 2 - VIT (*10) = 1D6 Dice
(2) No Damage, but Kayla's Assault Vest has been *Yoinked!* You'll get it back after the Battle, but for now it's the MONK's!

Kayla has had enough. and slams into the scrawny chimp with the full force of her weight.

Heavy Slam 3
(6)(5)(-) Hit!
Damage: STR (0) + *5 - VIT (*6) - 1 IE = 1D6 - 1
MONK takes no Damage!

They scramble out from under the BIG horse, and then do a little SLAMMING of their own by slapping their meaty paw to the ground!

Fire Pledge 4! They're spending 1 Will Point to add one guaranteed Success!
Accuracy: SPE (3) + Fight (2) + Channel (4) - 8 Actions = 1D6 Dice + 1 Dice!
(-) + (*6) HIT
Damage: SPE + 2 + STAB - INS (3) = 3D6 Damage
(6)(6)(4) Kayla takes 3 Damage; 14/21 HP!!
*Fsssssooow!* The battlefield is engulfed in Fire! 1D6 of Fire Damage will be Rolled against all Ground Bound Targets!

Burn 3 Check
VIT (*10) - 6 = 4D6 Dice
(1)(2)(2)(5) Kayla takes 2 Lethal Damage; 12/19* HP, 2 Lethal Damage, 7 Regular!!

Fire Pledge
(-) MONK Resists the Fire!
(2) Kayla shrugs off the heat!

MONK slumps on himself as the first phase of combat ends, thoroughly winded from all the abuse and exertion. + 1 Exhaustion. Kayla, meanwhile, is doing her best to appear unfazed despite literally being baked into a clay horse, but the slight grimace and tremor in her knees is a tell tell sign she isn't doing so hot.

The juggler looks fairly impressed by all this. "Wow! Don't see many Mons keep on trucking after eating a nasty Fire Blast! Game is set in my favor now, though, so now you have to play catch up!"

Current Status:
MONK: 10/13* HP, - 2 Pain, + 1 Exhaustion, - 1 DEX, Berry Eaten, Stole and is using Assault Vest, Ability Changed to Stamina
Kayla: 12/19* HP, - 1 Pain, Burn 3, - 1 DEX, 2 Lethal Damage, No Item

Battle - Acting 'n Attacking Round 2!


Note - You CAN switch to a new Pokemon at the End of the Round, and in this case I recommend it since Kayla is mostly a Phys Attacker that is severely nerfed by Burn. Also, no Healing Items - she can be treated after Battle, and won't Burn while in her Ball during the Battle. MONK will keep old Initiative, while new Mon gets theirs.

Argh, talk about getting countered. That monkey stole all she had and used it against her. It was time to try a different type advantage and recall her.

''Ecclesia its time for your debut. Dragon Breath, then show them your might with Abyssal Undertow and finish with Dragon Hide.''

Acc:                        Dmg:
(3+3+2-2=6d6)    (3spe+2+stab=6d6, 3d6 para)

(3+3+2-4+1success(will)=4d6+1)    (using the CHI item as a Mystic water in this fight, 3spe +2/4+stab+se+CHI=8/10d6, 3d6 curse)

(2+3+2-6=1d6)

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

With everyone more or less done for the Day - and those not easily Flashbackable ‘til later- Let’s get started on …!

Day 3

Today’s forecast is Overcast - now Bayhama is in pale like the overall mood.
Lockdown : This has been explained at Length already, but the gist - Most shops, activities bar relief work, and Random activities have been suspended. As a consequence crime is on the rise, Trainers are antsy for SOMETHING to do, and more Wild Mons are out and about with the foot traffic significantly lightened. Seddi and Bern can pretty much ignore LD, Ianai  is still busy, and Sylvia can easily slip under the radar or flex their powers to get where she wants to be. The rest of the PCs will have to work out how to deal with LD.

Reminder: Department Store and Survival Center still open; the later is ready for the group tour planned and rescheduled earlier. Ianai postponed the Test this Day tonight, a little grump and upset at the delay, and not too happy she has more time to plan for it either.

Sada shares the news of comma/trade being cut ASAP, not pleased at all. News about all the Paradoxes is sure to interest her, however.

Indeed, Seddi was not pleased to hear what Sada had to say about the comms being down.  "...little too convenient if you ask me.  First a buncha folks vanish into thin air due to magic, and now international communication's been cut?  Sounds to me like someone doesn't want word gettin' out before they're ready for whatever is being planned."

He'll definitely give Sada an overview of yesterday's Paradox sightings.  "There were two sightings.  Vernon seems to have had the unfortunate luck of running into a Flutter Mane in the dead of night.  He and his mons made it to safety okay, but they barely remember what happened.  Sounds like we're gonna have to be extra careful in the evenings if a Flutter Mane is stalking the streets.  More interestingly, Akamu seems to have captured an entirely new classification of Future Paradox.  Well, new as far as our time goes.  Leaves recognized it.  Called it Bio Fang tentatively, because she's never seen a young Bio Abaddon.  Apparently it's some kind of weapons experiment from her time that she thought was completely exterminated, so in theory it shouldn't exist.  Very dangerous, seems to use Lethal attacks with wild abandon if unchecked.  Could be that findin' out more about where it came from will help us find the source of this region's Paradoxes."

As for the news that in person meetings with the Professor have been postponed indefinitely, Seddi would suggest the video recording mentioned in the Meta Thread.  "With Akamu and Vernon runnin' into those critters yesterday, we should get them up to speed on what our research is about as soon as we can I reckon."

And speaking of Paradoxes, there's still the matter of Wandering Hurricane to address.  "Got a few people on board with helpin' out, so we should be able to let the suits know we're gearin' up for the attack soon."

Business business business.  So much business, so little time...

After a prayer to the lady of the lake and a quick text to Seddi, taking him up on his offer on the blades whenever they weren't busy, he'd go outside and just stare at the clouds for a bit, pondering what to do so early.

Akamu gets a message back confirming the training session.

With in person meetings on hold for now, I should definitely be able to find some time for a little sword practice.  Can do it this afternoon or evening, depending on when the Survival Center tour is.  Gotta squeeze both in before Ianai's trial tonight.

Spoiler

Dragonstrike : Since you never specified if you wanted to set up Introductions with Kusanagi later or let the Afterlife do it, I'm going to default to the later in the interest of both time (In game and IRL) and to see that scene. 

====

*Flashback!*

Deciding now that is as good as a time as any to get to know your latest acquisition, you let the bartender know to get started on setting up the meeting between you and Kusanagi. 

"Alright. Give us a 'bout thirty minutes to get everything straightened out. Ain't going to repeat myself; you're a sharp man, and don't need your hand held. Still, better nail your First Impression or its Tough going all the way down. *Hmphs* Knowing her she going to make things Tough regardless, *Smirks* so you got your work CUT out for ya, heh."

The bartender then proceeds to type some more stuff into her wrist computer before turning it off and going back to serving the other customer - everything is set in motion, and you're hardly the only person she needs to work with tonight. Eventually one of the Staff and a Pangoro approach, acting as a escort as they lead you past the dance floors, arenas, and public lounge/hang out areas to a room that is several hallways, turns, and flights of stairs deep within the club. The person knocks on the door with the back of his fist before they and their bear partner step aside to flank it, leaving the way clear.

Showtime, cowboy.

However you choose to make your entrance, you are greeted to a room decorate in the old traditional Tohjo style. Tasteful art scrolls adore the the rice panel walling of the room, a few lightly fragrant pots of incense were burning around the corners, and their was a picture perfect tea table right smack dab in the center, complete with kotatsu and elegant royal blue drapes along the edges. The lighting was dim, almost to the point of near total Darkness, with only the smoldering red of the incense and a single flickering candle providing a dull illumination.

Behind that table and facing entraneway, was Kusanagi. With it being so Dark you can't make out many details about her easily (A Roll and what you're looking for would be required), but squinting you could see that they were sitting on their haunches, the lower half of their body swallowed up by the table and the rest shrouded in gloom. Their was a large bottle of....something by the candle, a saucer on the side facing the door, and that the otter was holding a saucer in one paw. You could faintly make out them rolling it about in before pulling it closer and...drinking from it, you think.

It is quiet; the *Click* of the door shutting resonating loudly, and then only the sound of her deep, slow breaths afterwards.

====

*Flashback!*

Knowing that Kusanagi is blind, Seddi would knock on the door before he enters the room to give the old otter an additional heads up that someone was entering.

After entering the room, Seddi would get a chair and sit at the opposite side of the table from Kusanagi.  Looking over the older pokemon, Seddi would be trying to watch the otter's grip and posture.  If she's about to CUT something, he'd like to know (even though he also knows that an old master like Kusanagi could likely draw their blade faster than he can blink).  He'd also be looking around the room for surveillance equipment such as cameras and microphones.  He definitely expects that there's some kind of surveillance here.

Before Seddi begins talking, he'll briefly consult with Leaves.

[Mind doing a little translation work, Leaves?  Might help smooth things over a little if communication is a little easier.]

And then he gets right to the point.  Something that he hopes Kusanagi will appreciate.

"Kusanagi, right?  Name's Seddi.  I hear you've been a little...restless, shall we say.  Don't want to wait for old age to catch up to ya."

He'll pause briefly, waiting to see how the Samurott takes that.

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

I'm about ready to crash for a bit, but in the interests of not leaving you hanging for any longer, have an abridged version of Events (that I will touch up on later, promise):

- Heartbeat XP is still a thing, and you are right about the Gauntlet.
- Your Magic is still on the mend/in Lockdown, but you do manage to get one of the lighter things to jiggle around a bit with your powers. Progress!
- Mr. Gleam is still his room, STILL Sleeping. Stress and poor health combined must have thrown him for a real loop if he's been snoozing for more than half a day at this point...
- Saph is still the same as ever, but you notice that her Pendant is back around her neck, the gem still faintly glowing. Touching it causes it to brighten and a 'reaching' feeling to...well, reach out to you. Myra is currently napping beside their bed, while Nirix stand watch, groggy but still Alert (and happy to see you're well enough now, if the nuzzle and boop from his snout is any indication). Nothing happened last night, so far as you can glean from your Bond with him.
- You hear a rather aggravated *Siiiiiigh* coming from the kitchen - you are not quite entering into it yet. "Yeah, yeah.... Wanted to make breakfast in bed for you, but.... *Siiiigh* just hurry up, Bernard 'fore everything gets too cold." Yikes....Zephy is rather grumpy this morning. Better get to the bottom of this fast!

(That's totally fine, please do rest up properly, my dear!)


Progress indeed on getting our beloved magic back! Not...much progress, and it's unpleasant as heck for Bernhard to not have full access to it, but he's certain he'll get to it eventually - hopefully so - as that's perhaps not the first time he has overdone it with using magic. Looking at you, freshman years as a Scimitar under Acrowl's training, and getting to unleash magic in its full potential for the first times.

We'll let Mr. Gleam continue to sleep and snooze for now - because Bernhard feels like he DESPERATELY NEEDS the rest, if him sleeping off more than half a day by now was any indication. If he doesn't wake up in time, we can still make him, he likely want to be present when we'll dose his daughter with our brewed up Panacea? And speaking of her, whyyy is that Saphire Pendant around her neck again, Bernhard was absolutely certain it isn't his doing, he'd definitely remember if he'd put it there. Or was he just imagining and halluzinating how it got dropped into the alchemistic creation yesterday night? ... (・_・; ) No no, Bernhard was absolutely sure that he did NOT, aka that is has been real. That faint glowing of it was proof enough. But... How and why... Eew, he's not in the mood to overthink this right now, least he'd risk more exhaustion and headache. 

However Bernhard involutarily flinches a tad bit from that 'reaching' feeling, as if to say 'not yet, the time is not right yet' - and directs his attention to his two Pokemon-partners; most importantly Nirix, whose morning-greeting is reciprocated with a few gentle pets of his neck. He's also asked whether he wants to retreat to his Luxury Ball for rest, or whether he wants to stay here to keep watch over Saph while Myra is napping. "No doubt has yesterday been...eventful for you, and I do not expect today to be any less so. You have done great and I am utterly proud of you, Nirix. The choice is yours... I'd prefer for you to continue keeping watch over dear Saph, but please do speak up if you need a break now, I will accomodate. ...For me, I have certainly needed the rest, I'll be good soon enough."

Onwards to Zephy!~ But oh boi, she doesn't sound very well, which causes Bern to be on very high guard immediately. His mythic artistic partner usually isn't in a foul mood without there being a reason for it, especially so since yesterday night has been all bonding and reconciling! Bernhard does NOT enter the kitchen just YET, but says outside of it. "How lovely of you, having wanted to make breakfast in bed for dear old me, Zephy. It's much appreciated indeed. Well... Don't mind if I do." NOW Bernhard slowly does enter - inside, can we pick up on any hints that have caused her grumpy mood? Not going to directly ask, nope - perhaps an Insight Check first, or do we could pick up anything via our bond to her?

[Lord Windos]

@Dragonstrike

Sada nods back, her mood grim and full of frustration. 

“Yes, that is what I surmise as well. Officials have been cagey about the details, so I suspect whatever happened was something they don’t want to get out. Espionage or sabotage, I suspect. *Sighs* In any case this may be a blessing in disguise, since it me we can ‘put off’ contacting La Primera in the meantime. Or not receive Order that conflict e we it’s our interests, as is more likely to be the case with how…tense Bayhama is.”

The wild Professor’s eyebrows shot up in both alarm and deep interest, causing her to lighten up as a consequence.

“Truly? Preliminary research suggested the this region’s F.M.s were scarce and found deeper in the continent… Perhaps the influx of people and the brewing discord have drew some in? * Shakes head* In any case I will let our contacts know - no doubt they will be less than thrilled to hear another problem has joined in on the ‘fun’.

“I would like to study this ‘Bio Fang’ , if you can convince Akamu in lending it to me. It would be nice to do my job for a change of pace, and it would be good to get a full baseline of it before he attempts to Teain or Fight with it. Iron Leaves could theoretically continue her own assessment, but it sounds like she is…less than enthused about going so.”

Notably you don’t hear Leaves chime in, only getting a suppressed sense of dread and discomfort about the ferocious future feline.

“*Sighs* That is the last thing I wanted to do, but very well. They’ll be notified ASAP, when I can find the time and nothing ELSE appears to make my life more difficult.”

Your attitude toward that looming ordeal gets pursed lips from Sada, before she nods again.

“…Very well. Be warned : once they are informed, they will want you to sign the Contract immediately and give an ETA of battling the G.W.H. . They were already growing anxious about your response before everything HAPPENED yesterday - judging by the near frenzy they are in now I think they are close to calling things off entirely to refocus on current issues or employ more drastic measures at controlling the situation. Perhaps both, if things get more dire or if they feel pressured. We could use the current crisis as leverage for a better deal or more flexibility, but that could as easily backfire. In any case , the situation lies in your hands - deal with it the best you can.”

~~~~~

[Performing 2 Insight + Survival + Alert Checks]
*Rolls* 
*Rolls*

Kusanagi’s posture is…readied, yet at ease. As if they could indeed slice your head if at the twitch of their whiskers, but until then we’re content to ‘relax’ and let things be. Reminds you of some of the upper Ace Trainers more battle hardened Mons or the more warrior like species that have bee at it for some time - easily affable, just as easily demolish any fool that crosses them, and back again with no change to their demeanor. This lady, in other words, is one to tread lightly around, or be as straightforward with her as can be.


You spot a camera by its full red light in the upper left corner of the room. No mic on it that you can see, but that doesn’t mean there are not was hidden around.

Leaves gives you a ping of acknowledgement, and you can feel them faintly overlaping their sense of ‘understanding’ as she pays closer attention now. 

Which, coincidentally, prompted a reaction: the old otter lowered her cup and craned their head down. You could see their whiskers twitching and their posture becoming…more ready, if you had to guess.

Your response causes the to ‘focus’ on you, their face still in the shadows but now turned to EXACTLY where the are sitting AND looking. Then, she *Snorts* .

Translation: “Direct. Impertinent. But you are right. Let us ‘speak’ . It is rare that one your kind can understand the the original tongue. Rarer still one a young warrior like you. Curious…but irrelevant. For now. You may begin.”

It seems they picked up your ‘ability to understand Pokespeak. Very sharp, this Samuratt was…

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

[Performing 2 Insight + Survival + Alert Checks]
*Rolls* 
*Rolls*

Kusanagi’s posture is…readied, yet at ease. As if they could indeed slice your head if at the twitch of their whiskers, but until then we’re content to ‘relax’ and let things be. Reminds you of some of the upper Ace Trainers more battle hardened Mons or the more warrior like species that have bee at it for some time - easily affable, just as easily demolish any fool that crosses them, and back again with no change to their demeanor. This lady, in other words, is one to tread lightly around, or be as straightforward with her as can be.


You spot a camera by its full red light in the upper left corner of the room. No mic on it that you can see, but that doesn’t mean there are not was hidden around.

Leaves gives you a ping of acknowledgement, and you can feel them faintly overlaping their sense of ‘understanding’ as she pays closer attention now. 

Which, coincidentally, prompted a reaction: the old otter lowered her cup and craned their head down. You could see their whiskers twitching and their posture becoming…more ready, if you had to guess.

Your response causes the to ‘focus’ on you, their face still in the shadows but now turned to EXACTLY where the are sitting AND looking. Then, she *Snorts* .

Translation: “Direct. Impertinent. But you are right. Let us ‘speak’ . It is rare that one your kind can understand the the original tongue. Rarer still one a young warrior like you. Curious…but irrelevant. For now. You may begin.”

It seems they picked up your ‘ability to understand Pokespeak. Very sharp, this Samuratt was…

(Gonna tackle this separately for now.  Need to still think about what to type for day 3, encounter 1)

Relaxed, but ready.  Seddi can relate.  He's very much staying at the ready himself, especially since there's a camera in the room.  Gotta tread lightly.

"Well, I don't mean to be rude, but I do rather think gettin' to the point is valuable.  Here's the lowdown: I'm sure you're aware of the Wandering Hurricane that's claimed the Forsaken Beach as its territory.  City's government wants me to 'take care of it'.  They estimate it's going to try to claim some of the city next, and that's not exactly very appealing for obvious reasons.  It's going to be dangerous, so I need some assistance.  I've got a group rounded up for it, but I still need a few aces up my sleeve.  A swordsmon of your skill, living by the phrase 'live by the sword, die by the sword'?  Right up my alley for a job like this.  If you meet your end but give us a crucial advantage?  Great.  If you survive and help us beat it?  Well, as someone here to research Sutalör's more unique critters, it's not going to be the last time my partners and I are going to be risking our necks.  Plenty of opportunity for you to test your blades against worthy opponents."

"Figured that we could help each other, and that's why I'm speakin' with you now.  I'd be lying if I were to say I wasn't interested in seein' you in action and seein' what kinds of skills my Swords and I could pick up from ya, though.  Always more to learn."

He'll pause and let Kusanagi stew on that for a second.

"So, any questions?"

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

Not quite - they want a Performance out of you first. From you. One that truly displays who you are....and holds a message you wish to spread.

*hmm* Darren thinks for a bit, then says "Don't expect nothin' fancy." And puts thoughts of his yearning to better himself (who he is) and thoughts of his beloved bug partners (message) into a (probably) fairly awkward dance. (4D6 is his perform roll, if needed)

Dance Your Two Left Feet!
(6)(3)(3)(2) 

Your attempt at self expression went....about as well as you expected. You twisted when you should've turned, contorted when you should've moved, and several times you nearly faceplanted into the dirt. Never the less you managed to pull off some sort of dance, symbolizing your ardent drive and passion for all things insectile. Though you didn't quite manage the same level of zen-like rhythm as the long bird you still go in the 'groove' of things, letting out a few 'Hmms' and Bzzz' the few brief moments of 'sync' 

The Twirling Bird simply watched, at first, showing no overt signs of approval or disapproval. Eventually, something about your struggling, persistent dance provoked a response - it moving close and, smooth as spider silk, began to join in. When you swayed, they guided your way. When you tripped, then turned it into a skip. When you were about to fall, they help you rise above it all.

Round and round, turn and turn. The Bug Human and Long Bird spun. Whence and swoon, stranger and soothing tune. Buzz and whisa, sense a'synca.....

~~~~~

Where to go, what's to come? A storm brews, but heroes maketh rue. Faith turned wrong, righteous maketh strong. Uncertainty here, uncertainty there, uncertainty everywhere.

Yet do not give up. Do not despair.

So long as you can move, so long as you can improve -

As much as you can dream, as much as you can believe -

Everything will be right.

By rook and crook.

Stars shine bright.

Heroes arrive.

Kingdom come by kingdom done.

~~~~

- And, like that, it was over. You collapsed on your bum such a fervous and trippy dance, tired but strangely....energized. You could feel a strange sense of fulfilment too, as if you improve some small part of yourself, no matter how inconsequential it may be. 

After all, growth is growth. One step forward, to a brighter future.

You gained 1 Will Point. Your Perform Specialty Increases by 1. 

The Twirly Bird gazes down upon you, then gives a simple nod.

Well Done.

Grow Fast, Seldom Lax.

Just Like a Bug.

Much more, further still.

On and on you go.

But hold fast.

Never give up.

You shall one day Fly to the Stars.

It then gives you space, dancing backwards until coming to a stop, leaving a long stretch of garden between you. It gave you a bow and crossed their wings together, waiting. 

Seems like the time has come for the spar you were promised.

(Max or current Will?)

"Crustle let's do this, no fainting the opponent. Let's scout the typing, Feint Attack followed by Rock Blast." (Notes for spar: one on one, if a move would K.O. the mystery 'mon, it is held back, and unless the 'mon itself chooses to join Darren, he won't catch it.)


Feint Attack
Accuracy: Dex (3) +Fight (4)+Brawl(4)-Actions (2)= 9D6
Damage: Strength (3)+ 2= 5d6 (6d6/7d6 if SE or QEe, respectively, 4D6/3D6 for NVE rolls (2/4x resist, respectively))
Notes: Never Fail

Rock Blast
Accuracy: Dex (3) + Fight (4)+ Channel (4)- Penalties (5)= 6D6
Damage: Strength (3)+1= 4D6 base damage

(Current!)

As your rock-topped crustacean scuttled forward to begin the assault, the Twirly Bird simply began to...dance once more.

Feint Attack 1!
(5)(2)(3) (2)(3)(2) (4)(1)(1) Hit!

Dancing Evade
DEX (*3) + Fight (*3) + Evasion (*5) + Perform (*5) + 3* - 1* Action  = 18D6 Dice, Rolled out in halves
*Rolls 1st Half* 1 Success
*Rolls 2nd* 4 Successes

The tall bird dances right on by, Evading the attack! In addition Crustle is captivated by their grace and poise: - 2 STR!

Rock Blast 2!
(1)(6)(3) (6)(6)(5) 4 Successes!

Dancing Evade 2 - 15D6 Dice, Rolled out in halves
*Roll 1st* 3 Successes
*Roll 2nd* 7 Successes. Critical Performance
Will Resistance: *Rolls* Nope.

Damage: STR (*1) + 3 - VIT (*3) - ??? (*1) = 1D6 - 1 Damage
Twirly Bird took no Damage!

Crustle, already weakened, was now overcome with emotion at such a soulful dance, abandoning all sense of resistance and joined in! Crustle is now under Twirly Bird's Control for 2 Rounds!

Uh oh. That...was not good. 

Well, not for you, anyway - Crustle seemed to be having a blast dancing along with the mysterious clothed avian, sending off a few attack in overly dramatic fashion while it continued to artfully dodge. These ones, however, seemed to be trying to guide your partner in a sort of rhythm and precision, and to better work in unity with its own graceful motion. 

By the time you regained control of them they were already too wrapped up in their song and dance with Twilrly bird, clacking their pincers and letting out sonorous 'Bzzz!' in beat with their own touching tunes, dancing round and round, betix and between, until the bird took a leap and spin and landed on top of their rocky shell, spready their shrouded wings wide as they finished things strong. Crustle clapped their pincers together and cheered, before scuttle back to your side, extremely satisfied.

Battle....? You don't know what to call that, but it seemed your sedimental Bug got a LOT out of it - + 5 XP, + 1 Will, + 1 Perform!!!

 With that, your Dawn draws to a close, and so too this Encounter.

Almost.

Right before you would make your good-byes and turned to go, you felt something being placed on your head. Taking it in hand, it is revealed to be a feathery crown of sorts, strands of that bird's wispy fabric woven between the white feathers to give it a braided yet fluffy look. Turning, you saw the Twirly Bird give you a singular nod, before with *whistle* they began their dance once more, spinning, singing, round and round.

For who is this Performance for?

No one. Everyone.

A Storm is Coming.

The City below, and the Stars Above.

Dance, Sing, Dress.

For Tempest's Best.

Item Received: Feathered Crown. This counts as a Held Item, and when held it increases their Perform by 1 and changes their Evade to use Perform. It also granted the use of the Move Feather Dance, same as in the Corebook. All Pokemon and Humans alike benefit from all its effects; if a Human uses it, they can use Feather Dance as one of their 2 Trainer Actions for a Round, or outside of battle for myraid and esoteric purposes.

With the Encounter Done, do you wish to stay in the Area to update its Encounter List to explore, or do you wish to leave the Area for elsewhere? Or whatever else you wish to do - such as looking for Pokemon, Training, finding Fights, and what have you!

Note: Encounter 2 is when the Survival Center Tour is supposed to take place; factor that as you will.

[Lord Windos]

"Esp! Espeon esp..."
(Good job! Let me think of another...)

SYlvia goes back to scanning the surroundings. The buildings' gargoyles catch her attention: To the left and down the street a bit, a trio of Gargryph statues guard over the entrance to the least ornate building. Does the center one seem... off-center just a little? No... couldn't be...
On the right, a row of ornate serpentine gargoyles decorate the seven-pillared building - the Snivy line repeated on either side of a serpent that Sylvia can't quite name - it appears to have flames like whiskers, and its belly sports a chevron pattern. Somehow, it reminds her of Emboar...
The nine-pillared building on the right is strangely empty of gargoyles, except for a statue of a bird-mouse that gives Sylvia pause. Is that... Zephy? Seems weird for that to be on such a stuffy, uptight governmental building, though. And it seems freshly installed...
"Murkrow... I see a stone fish out of water. It has wiggled its way amongst its prey, and now stands perfectly still."

The Murkrow shot off into the air once more, trying to search for what you have hinted at. Unlike last time it took longer for them to make a decision, passing by several things, including the Zephy Statue.

In the end, however, they headed over to one of the Gargyph Statues and landed right on top of it - and it slowly moved its neck upward in response! That was no mere statue, but a the real deal! 

Judging by the floating rocks around it, it seemed displeased about being disturbed, while Murkrow seemed ready to retaliate by what little you can see of them at this distance.

Ruh roh!

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

Spoiler

Oz see her phone have a return from Bernard and then she answer him back:

Sorry! Didn't mean to disrect you Mr. Samsara! I didn't had time to catch you surname, then sorry if I sound bad!

No need to apologize. Well, I mean...I would be lying if I said I was nervous when we first meet...But I can see you are a good person. Even more since you did save us.

I would not even dream in do that! Even if I was distant from such long time, I very aware of Morgana reputation. I would not even think to stay in her way. And don't need to be worry, I will tell you of anything in case something happen. And don't worry, I will not inquire in any situation between you and Morgana.

I will search for a place for us to have our talk. I need to strech my legs after such perilous day. Had to make a operation yesterday in some poor Liligant. It is a long story, so I will left that story when we meet!

Fortuna is problably in Oz shoulder looking at the last part of Bernard message (I will leave at @Lord Windos things to how Fortuna and the other sisters react) and whatever Fortuna reaction is, Oz will put the last part of her message.

Hmm...I will see if that can provide. Fortuna is quite proud, despite be a more calm species of Honckrow. Its up to her decision, but I will see if that can be arrange. 

Anyway, I going now. I hope to see you later Mr Samsara!

Oz strech her arms, and decided to get ready for the day. She doesnt have big plans, so I think her first encounter choice is a search around town for a good place for meal. Maybe some place with tea or other types of food for her and Bernard meeting.

Fortuna clicks her beak in severe distaste at seeing Morgana come into the conversation, barely holding herself back from hissing in sheer hatred. If that monster dared to stand in her sister's way, she would pull out every nasty trick she had to destroy them, or be destroyed in turn. Suffice to say, your feathered sis' Grudge against the Fae of Whimsy and Flowers is as strong as ever... 

Since most of the city is in LD, finding a Resteraunt would be extremely tough without first knowing of a location and/or people involved in many that business. If you insist, however, I can attempt an Exploration Roll to find you something to eat and share later. If you have a Sector of the city in mind do let me know, or otherwise that too will be rolled at Random. Alternatively, you can always set up a picnic to enjoy with your sisters, and use that time to hang out and work on thier Moves/Specialties and brush up on what you can do with them.

Oz brush Fortuna feathers trying to calm her down. "Let's...calm down Fortuna. Gonna find something for you to eat. If you want I can let you outside of the Pokeball for a while to calm yourself, okay? Also, don't be rude with Mr Bernard. He saved us, understood?" She keeps brushing Fortuna feathers until she get a better mood.

As for the choice of place to start searching, Oz have 2 in mind: The Broadwalk Strip and Outlying Residential Areas/Towns. If her memory still good, those two might have restaurants she could search around for her meeting with Bern. Of course, in case she doesn't find any good place, she will make picnic in some park to hang out with her sisters.

Very well! Onward to the Broadwalk Strip to hunt for a place to eat!

Exploration: Commercial Sector - Boardwalk Strip!
Rolling Encounter Choices Number... 
*Rolls*  6!
*Rolling kinds of Encounters....*

1. Kupo Koffee Kudos!
A breakfast and coffee shop that seemed to be open, despite the lockdown! Judging from the smell, it's got quite the good selection too! If chosen, it will be a sort of 'Relaxation' and Bonding Place with your Mons, as well as the chance to get some Items and maybe see what's up with the place.

2. Sharpshooter Ly
Difficulty: Tough
A Trainer that is lounging against one of the street lamps, holding what appears to be a sniper rifle across one of their shoulders  and a Pidgeot resting on the light, seemingly lazily scoping out the area. Will remain in the Area All Day.
Note: If taken, this Encounter takes place before the Robbery and Assault of Encounter 5

3. *Great Ball
Difficulty: Easy
Note: Somebody must've dropped it! What could it be in it?

4. *Absol
Difficulty: ???
Silently padding through the mostly deserted street, with what few Mons and people alike giving it a wide bearth but respectful looks; the Sharpshooter in particular and their partner give a nod before resuming their watch. Will not remain in the Area is this Encounter goes untaken.
Note: If taken, this Encounter takes place before and during Encounter 5

5. **Robbery/Assault - Mirror Beats Disco Emporium! 
Difficult: Lethal Hard
A music shop that is currently undergoing a robbery! A squad of police surround the building looking grim, and you could hear what sounded like demented laughter of SOMETHING, the cries of people and Mon alike, and - a horrible familiar feeling from your past. If nothing was done, another Tragedy could take place - but you would be putting you and your Mons on the line for it. Would you risk it?
Note: Absol will 'take' this Encounter if nobody else does. Sharpshooter Ly doesn't leave their post as this happened, but they ready themselves as needed. Maybe the two of them will have it well in hand?

6. ** ???
Difficulty: None
You spot...something glinting down a winding ally into the guts and backways of this Strip's innumerable shops, before it disappears. Whatever it was, it looked....old and valuable. Something tells you that if you don't get it now, you won't have another chance to do so.
Note: Takes place during the chaos of the Robbery and Assault

[Lord Windos]

Current Status:
MONK: 10/13* HP, - 2 Pain, + 1 Exhaustion, - 1 DEX, Berry Eaten, Stole and is using Assault Vest, Ability Changed to Stamina
Kayla: 12/19* HP, - 1 Pain, Burn 3, - 1 DEX, 2 Lethal Damage, No Item
[/spoiler]
Battle - Acting 'n Attacking Round 2!


Note - You CAN switch to a new Pokemon at the End of the Round, and in this case I recommend it since Kayla is mostly a Phys Attacker that is severely nerfed by Burn. Also, no Healing Items - she can be treated after Battle, and won't Burn while in her Ball during the Battle. MONK will keep old Initiative, while new Mon gets theirs.
===
Argh, talk about getting countered. That monkey stole all she had and used it against her. It was time to try a different type advantage and recall her.

''Ecclesia its time for your debut. Dragon Breath, then show them your might with Abyssal Undertow and finish with Dragon Hide.''

Acc:                        Dmg:
(3+3+2-2=6d6)    (3spe+2+stab=6d6, 3d6 para)

(3+3+2-4+1success(will)=4d6+1)    (using the CHI item as a Mystic water in this fight, 3spe +2/4+stab+se+CHI=8/10d6, 3d6 curse)

(2+3+2-6=1d6)

Initiative of Ecclesia: 9 + (1) Goes after MONK!

Both Dyn and MONK alike pout as you recall your burning and beleaguered buddy, but those looks freeze as you summon your BIG Dragon, who stretches and lets out a yawn before lazily but wickedly  looking down at whatever was foolish enough to be its next bout of 'Target Practice' with an nasty, toothy grin. Since yesterday she has been raring for a proper Fight, as she now correlates Battles Against Trainers = A Great Way to Relentlessly Dominate and Humiliate/Eat Lesser Foes. 

And that monkey looks like very easy prey to her indeed.

"*Puckered Lips* Well shoot. I didn't think it could get worse for my precious MONK, but this right here does it. *Sadly shakes her head at MONK* Sorry, pal, you're soggy toast now."
"*Whimpering Monkey Noises*"

Still, this doesn't stop either of them from giving an honest effort about Ecclesia - they won't throw in the towel, even if the odds keep stacking up against them!

Battle - Acting 'n Attacking Round 2!

"MONK, 'nother Fire Blast! Maybe we can cripple them too for the rest of the squad!"
"Ooook, ooook!"

Fire Blast 1!
Accuracy: 9D6 - 2 Pain - 3 Accuracy - 1 Exhaustion = 3D6 Dice
(1)(1)(-) Well BOOM!

No Fortune Roll Needed - MONK ends up blowing themselves up with their own Move by accidently gulping it down!

Damage: 9D6 - *2 INS / 2 - 1 = MONK takes 4 Lethal Damage; 6/9** HP, - 3 Pain, 4 Lethal Damage and 3 Regular! They also get ANOTHER Point of Pain, since they can't be Burnt but sure as heck can feel the heat from their insides getting flash broiled! - 4 Pain!!!!

"SHIT!"  Well put, juggling lady.

Your sea drake is all too happy to take advantage of her enemy's colossal fuck up, adding even MORE fire to the mix!

Dragon Breath 1!
(4)(6)(4) (4)(3)(1) Close, but just a Hit!
(3)(4)(5)(6) MONK takes 3 Damage; 3/9** HP!!!!
(6)(3)(4) Aaaaand *Fwzzp!* They're Paralyzed too, on top of everything else. Ecclesia lets out a laugh at that! Oh, what fun, compounding misery with salt and Misfortune!

Exhausted, smoking from the mouth and clutching their tummy as etheral sparks of numbing flame raced across their body, and in them most Pain it has ever been ever since they tried that 13' o Clock Double Refried Chili with Spice, this is one miserable Simisear indeed. Oooh oooh, aaaaaah...... 

Their Trainer simply facepalmed, muttering something under their breath ('Whhhhy us?!?!'), before they Recalled their Partner, Forfeiting them from the Match.

"*Looking back up and Sighing* ...Yeah, I know when Miss Fortune has decided no more monkey business for me and my friends. First blood may of went to me, but you sure as heck managed to show me up! Aiye yi yi... *Determined Frown!* I ain't giving up yet, though - the show must go on, and me and my buddies will not be dropping the ball on this again!"

End of the Round, with Ecclesia Fresh (Full HP, No Status!) ! Will you keep her in, or Switch her out for another Mon of yours?

[Mikaruge108]

With the Encounter Done, do you wish to stay in the Area to update its Encounter List to explore, or do you wish to leave the Area for elsewhere? Or whatever else you wish to do - such as looking for Pokemon, Training, finding Fights, and what have you!

Darren fits on the Feather crown and looks around a bit more in the same area.