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

[Spiritmon]

Spoiler

Wrenching your attention away from both the Absol and the crime happening before you did something stupid in haste, you Hustled on down the street, chasing after that ellsuive thing you barely saw slip away into the bowls of the marketplace. As you went the Sharpshooter let out a sigh, took their sniper in hand and aimed down at the Disco Shop, while the White Seer charged forward and past the police line and straight into the fray, determined to prevent a disaster before them. 

You put it all out of your mind the best you can. Sometimes, you have to look after the best interests of yourself over what is 'right' . After all, if something bad were to happen to you....

Repeating history is not an option.

Ever.

Tracking down what you saw proved to be simple, yet difficult. You spotted it clearly for a moment, being held in the mouth of a Raticate, before it noticed you and darted off deeper into the backalleys and narrow ways of the Boardwalk. Eventually, with the Lucky Help of Fortuna and Persaphone keeping an eye of the beast and constantly harrying it, you eventually manage to force the rat to drop what it had, afterwards you let them scramble away to nurse their pride on losing out on such a neat piece of loot.

Slowly, you crouched down to see what it was:

A Fossil, formed out of and encased ancient Hurtloam and studded with lapiz lazli. The Fossil in question? A sharp, scaly fin.

Mystical Fin Fossil Obtained.

Oz crouched in the ground and check the fossil. It is really beautiful. "We almost lost it sisters, but you manage to intercept the Raticate." She takes another look and then decided to send a message to Seddi/@Dragonstrike.

Seddi, Oz here! I found something strange here. It looks like some kind of a Fossil. Found in some alley in the mouth of a Raticate. It encased in ancient Hurtloam and studded with lapiz lazuli. It's looks like some kind of sharp scaly fin. I let you take a look next time we meet.

She put in the bag the fossil, and she decided to see what to do. She looks at the Greatball she see before. And decided to take a look. Or if not possible she will go to the Koffee place and send a message for Bernard!

Action: See what is inside the Greatball encounter of it to much hassle, Oz just going to Kudos Koffee and send a message to Bernard to where they meet! And have a moment of bond with her Pokemon!

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Spoiler

(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?

The Pendant glowed a bit brighter before that feeling rescinded, leaving only a faint note of 'apology' and 'caring-patience' from it. Yeah....

Nirix elects to stay with Saph for the moment, very much in agreement with keeping continued watch over the poor Cursed girl. He gives you a faint smile and butts his head against you again, pleased and feeling fulfilled that he upheld your expectations and did his solemn duty well. His ancestors would be proud, helping such a pure maiden!

You only got some more grumbling and a LOUD, heavy *SIGH* , followed by her simply saying "Hurry up and let's get this over with..." No signs nor clue of anything that could be responsible for your artist heartest's foul mood, not even looking at your Bond with her. Which, in of itself, is a big red flag - Zephy doesn't usually shield herself from you THAT much, so this is either a most unusual situation indeed or you somehow got yourself in the Poochy house without conscious awareness last Night. 

Once you enter the breakfast nook, you froze in place, as you immediately realized why she was so pissy.

For sitting at the table, casual as can be, was Morgana, a plate with some sort of whipped cream and fruity desert right in front of her, and a cup of tea close at hand.

Right besides her, relatively speaking, was Zephy, one paw on her face with a scowl as she glared daggers at the Fae Lady, her own breakfast - a plate full of syrupy fried Orans - barely picked at. 

A spot at the table with your usual breakfast fair was prepared, right smack dab in the middle of the two women.

Morgana finished a bite of her meal with, took a sip of her tea, and then daintily whipped away some whip cream on her before finally turn to face you, a warm yet coy smile already teasing her lips.

"Saluations and good mornings, oh brightest days from darkest nights, my dear. *Pats the side of the table* Come here, come hence, and break your fast properly at last, hmm hmm hmm .... ~"

Quiiiite the big red flag it is indeed, if Zephy was shielding herself from her Master's, Partner's and Wielder's insight that heavily! Dear heavens, Bernhard hasn't even started on the day yet and already feels like returning to bed, completely bury himself beneath the covers, and pretend that he's not there and not available. But that wasn't an option given how much there is on the mental to-do-list for this day, eew.

Can't say that Bernhard wasn't tempted to go for that option anyway though, very so, given who was waiting there for him at the table. He should have know... Say no more, that SUFFICIENTLY explains his artistic partner's foul mood, causing him to mentally facepalm. "Mor...gana, my dear......." Their gaze rested on her for a few seconds in sheer suprise, before Bernhard immediately janked his head away to look in the opposite direction. Or out of a near window. Or at the wall, which was suprisingly interesting all of a sudden. Heat combined with flustered coyness and embarassment raised up in him, and caused quite the meek blush appear on their face - their stoic fascade crumbled into pieces and dust, right here, right now and within mere seconds. Bernhard's mind immediately started to scream 'Don't look, don't you dare..., while a small but not insignificant voice also came up like 'Why not?! There's nothing you haven't seen yet...'

One bashful *cough* later, they take their assigned place - right in the middle of the two women, mind you! - and trying hard to play it cool as they poured a copious amount of cream into the blackest tea there can be. Their gaze switches between Zephy and Morgana back and forth, obviously feeling quite and utterly torn. The mythic maestro receives a genuinely apologetic look of "I'm so sorry I'm putting you through this...", while Morgana... receives a tender smile and a gentle stroke of her cheek with the back of Bernhard's natural hand (the blush is still apparent). "What a, uhm... pleasant suprise to see you this early... *looking away again, posture strenghtens* But, why are you here? Morgana, sweetheart, love, honey~♡... I am BUSY and OCCUPIED with important business, and f...frankly not in the mood..."

Bern's tone of voice of voice wasn't scolding or rebuking, no. Just...honestly wondering. Bit of a stupid question also, since Bernhard's got the feeling he knows why she's here.

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

Once you were done with your pitch the 'hidden' otter let out what sounded like a bark of laughter, slowly shaking their head.

"Ha! A young warrier you are indeed. Enough fire in his blood to rival an Emboar's twilight Blaze, and all the Recklessness abandon of one too. You seek to hunt one of the Malefics? A so called 'god' among their number at that, too. You seek death. Much life myself - though perhaps you would disagree."

The old woman rolled their shoulders in a languid shrug, before picking up their saucer and taking a sip of what was in it.

"....Hm. You are either desperate if you are recruiting one like me to your cause....or you have some purpose you know I can best fulfil. *Lowers saucer and 'looks' at you, tone almost sly*  And you are far too brave and certain for me to take you as a harried fool. *Hmphs* Full of Swagger too, but that is another matter entirely.

"What, pray to the Dead Duo, have you in mind?"

Your subsequent allusion to your 'Swords' piques her interest, as she lets out the equivalent of an 'Oh?' after she takes another sip of her drink.

"Am aspiring young Sword Master, are you? Heh. Such arrogance and confidence. Hm...fitting, I suppose. I guess we shall 'see' ourselves if you are worthy of such esteem, or if you are an upstart worthy of only being CUT down to size. *Shakes head* I will pity your 'Swords' if you a paper Leipard - doom to 'rust' in a braggart's hands."

For a long time, that seemed like it was it from Kusanagi, until after a long draw of their saucer they simply said this to you:

"Have you ever killed?"

The air seemed to grow cold, but Kusanagi....she was unmoved. Neither overly curiously, nor overly dull about it. Like she was asking for such a simple thing, like a cup of Pecha Berry juice.

"I don't mean for prey or 'uncivilized' beasts. Nor out of duty or necessity, to serve your lord or cause, or if you have no other choice. Nothing so 'basic' and easy. "

The old warrior swished around her drink, 'staring' into it and breathing its aroma, before letting out a small *sigh* . Not one of discomfort or weariness, but a simple release of breath, calm as can be.

"Have you ever had someone, be it Man or Mon, at your mercy? Who you had complete surety of your power of choice over them? For whom you could suffer them to live....but instead you did not. Be it for hate. Anger. Revenge. Greed. Perhaps honor, valor, or glory. Justice, sound of mind, promise. *Tone turns sharp, Sly* Maybe even for the sheer pleasure, or just because. Whatever the motivation may be, whatever the reason, cause, or justification.... 

Kusanagi turns their dusk concealed face to you.

"Have you ever killed ?" 

....

The first question gets a completely level, measured answer.  "Soak.  I have some strong pokemon that would particularly appreciate fighting a Water type instead of a Ghost/Flying type, and have it on good authority that such a technique should be an exploitable weak point for a Wandering Hurricane.  Though if it doesn't work or is deemed too risky to attempt, your Dark type moves would still prove to be a boon against a Ghost regardless."

The second question though...

Seddi lowers the brim of his hat, hiding his eyes in shadow as his expression darkens along with the mood of the room.

"...once.  My Sword of Malice did not earn that nickname without good reason.  I was the one who dealt the finishing blow, however."

He raises the brim of his hat again, returning to his usual posture.  "But that's a story for another time.  We've had a lot of time to temper both our blades and ourselves since then."

Whatever answer she expected was not the one you gave, and the old otter reared back as if slapped in the face…

…And started to laugh, putting down her saucer as she barked in amusement.

“Ha. Ha! Ah ha ha! That old ploy of mine? That is the main reason you sought me? Ha! I don’t know whether to be more insulted or bemused! You hardly know a thing about me at all. Bah, another failing of Valarie , that absolute BRAT. Ha ha, ignorance is something that be cured, though - or you will be cured of it.”

It doesn’t take long for her to settled down, though a small quirk of remained.

“Were I younger, or you are not promising what I Wish most dear for I’d have CUT and diced that arm of yours for such an disrespect. Be grateful for that, young warrior. Your plan and tactics, while an insult to me, are sound enough. For now. We’ll see if they hold up against the raging storm. *Shrugs* The outcome doesn’t matter to me anyway - win or lose I get what I want.”

Cold and cutthroat, but at least she is humoring you instead of removing your humors.

Your solemn answer, darkened expression, and shift in posture do not go unnoticed by Kusanagi. Slowly, she leaned forward until her face was now within the candle light.

Kusanagi was grinning, a Dark sense of satisfaction displayed by her jagged teeth.

She had no eyes. Only scar tissue where they once were, a deep groove carved right through and past them.

“Oh? So I was right after all. Bloodied hands, heavy head, from a young warrior from the tamer world. That would be a most interesting tale indeed. But you are right. Now is not the time.”

She leans back out of the candle light and takes another drink.

“…I have more to say, but that can be saved for another night. I want a Battle, soon as possible. This old blade has been seethed too long, and needs to be honed. A good chance to see if you are as sharp as you proclaim - what says you, hm?”

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

Whatever answer she expected was not the one you gave, and the old otter reared back as if slapped in the face…

…And started to laugh, putting down her saucer as she barked in amusement.

“Ha. Ha! Ah ha ha! That old ploy of mine? That is the main reason you sought me? Ha! I don’t know whether to be more insulted or bemused! You hardly know a thing about me at all. Bah, another failing of Valarie , that absolute BRAT. Ha ha, ignorance is something that be cured, though - or you will be cured of it.”

It doesn’t take long for her to settled down, though a small quirk of remained.

“Were I younger, or you are not promising what I Wish most dear for I’d have CUT and diced that arm of yours for such an disrespect. Be grateful for that, young warrior. Your plan and tactics, while an insult to me, are sound enough. For now. We’ll see if they hold up against the raging storm. *Shrugs* The outcome doesn’t matter to me anyway - win or lose I get what I want.”

Cold and cutthroat, but at least she is humoring you instead of removing your humors.

Your solemn answer, darkened expression, and shift in posture do not go unnoticed by Kusanagi. Slowly, she leaned forward until her face was now within the candle light.

Kusanagi was grinning, a Dark sense of satisfaction displayed by her jagged teeth.

She had no eyes. Only scar tissue where they once were, a deep groove carved right through and past them.

“Oh? So I was right after all. Bloodied hands, heavy head, from a young warrior from the tamer world. That would be a most interesting tale indeed. But you are right. Now is not the time.”

She leans back out of the candle light and takes another drink.

“…I have more to say, but that can be saved for another night. I want a Battle, soon as possible. This old blade has been seethed too long, and needs to be honed. A good chance to see if you are as sharp as you proclaim - what says you, hm?”

Even in the face of being mocked for valuing her assistance because of a simple trick instead of her swordsmanship, the intense stare of the eyeless Samurott's dark interest in his dark past, Seddi keeps a straight face and his cool.  They both know what they want out of this partnership, at least for the immediate future, and everything is still going smoothly.

"You're right.  I don't know much about you.  Not yet.  All I have to go on right now is a basic summary of the techniques ya know and a vague description of a small part of your past.  Can't compare to seein' the real deal in action and hearin' the stories straight from the source.  If you want a battle to warm up, I think that can be arranged.  I just so happen to have a little test bein' set up for our little huntin' party already, scheduled for tomorrow night.  I've even been warned it's going to be dangerous.  Not as dangerous as what we're gearin' up for, of course.  But dangerous enough to warrant a warning about its lethality."

And so, an accord seems to have been reached.  Just what will come of it, one can only wonder...

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

Whatever answer she expected was not the one you gave, and the old otter reared back as if slapped in the face…

…And started to laugh, putting down her saucer as she barked in amusement.

“Ha. Ha! Ah ha ha! That old ploy of mine? That is the main reason you sought me? Ha! I don’t know whether to be more insulted or bemused! You hardly know a thing about me at all. Bah, another failing of Valarie , that absolute BRAT. Ha ha, ignorance is something that be cured, though - or you will be cured of it.”

It doesn’t take long for her to settled down, though a small quirk of remained.

“Were I younger, or you are not promising what I Wish most dear for I’d have CUT and diced that arm of yours for such an disrespect. Be grateful for that, young warrior. Your plan and tactics, while an insult to me, are sound enough. For now. We’ll see if they hold up against the raging storm. *Shrugs* The outcome doesn’t matter to me anyway - win or lose I get what I want.”

Cold and cutthroat, but at least she is humoring you instead of removing your humors.

Your solemn answer, darkened expression, and shift in posture do not go unnoticed by Kusanagi. Slowly, she leaned forward until her face was now within the candle light.

Kusanagi was grinning, a Dark sense of satisfaction displayed by her jagged teeth.

She had no eyes. Only scar tissue where they once were, a deep groove carved right through and past them.

“Oh? So I was right after all. Bloodied hands, heavy head, from a young warrior from the tamer world. That would be a most interesting tale indeed. But you are right. Now is not the time.”

She leans back out of the candle light and takes another drink.

“…I have more to say, but that can be saved for another night. I want a Battle, soon as possible. This old blade has been seethed too long, and needs to be honed. A good chance to see if you are as sharp as you proclaim - what says you, hm?”

Even in the face of being mocked for valuing her assistance because of a simple trick instead of her swordsmanship, the intense stare of the eyeless Samurott's dark interest in his dark past, Seddi keeps a straight face and his cool.  They both know what they want out of this partnership, at least for the immediate future, and everything is still going smoothly.

"You're right.  I don't know much about you.  Not yet.  All I have to go on right now is a basic summary of the techniques ya know and a vague description of a small part of your past.  Can't compare to seein' the real deal in action and hearin' the stories straight from the source.  If you want a battle to warm up, I think that can be arranged.  I just so happen to have a little test bein' set up for our little huntin' party already, scheduled for tomorrow night.  I've even been warned it's going to be dangerous.  Not as dangerous as what we're gearin' up for, of course.  But dangerous enough to warrant a warning about its lethality."

And so, an accord seems to have been reached.  Just what will come of it, one can only wonder...

Your Hard Stone composure and continued cordiality got you another grin - one you can spot, now that you know what to look for. This one was not as Dark - you would say it’s the closet she’s been respectful.

“Indeed. Stories will come later, young warrior. I will say this to you now, however - this is ‘god’ you are honing yourself for? It is your first Malefic you hunt ; it is not mine. Never a Wandering Hurricane , I admit, but I have slain the Malefics most consider its ‘kin’ and counters. Ponder this however you please.”

Kusanagi let out the most throaty laugh yet as you revealed the Test. Combined with the the low growl of bloody delight, it is enough to send shivers down down down. Even Leaves, a passive presence so far, expresses some small concern .

“A taste of what is to come? Oh young warrior, you make this lady’s blood boil. Yes…that will do most nicely.”

Then, with sudden deftness, the saucer was set before you. Lifting it up to give a sniff, you detect the strong notes of whisky. With nonchalance she raised one paw of it - and soon steady drops of blood began to mix in. Not a sound made, from CUT to flicking her hand, the flow of blood stopped as if through sheer self control.

The old, bloodied warrior motioned your dominant hand to the cup - her intent was clear. Whether you humor her or not she would raise the saucer high before offering it to you.

”Let us seal the deal in blood and spirit, like all good and glorious things are made and done. I shall be your Blade of Glory, and you shall find me Battles most worthy, ruinous, and deadly beyond keen. Cheers, young Master.”

[Iron]

Vernon wouldn't mind grabbing the *Great Ball encounter on an early morning walk. He has what he believes to be a hangover, so he's spending a lot of time sitting on the boardwalk dangling his legs. Turtwig is on a leash, acting as a Seeing Eye/Thinking Brain dog.

[Lord Windos]

Vernon wouldn't mind grabbing the *Great Ball encounter on an early morning walk. He has what he believes to be a hangover, so he's spending a lot of time sitting on the boardwalk dangling his legs. Turtwig is on a leash, acting as a Seeing Eye/Thinking Brain dog.

Popping it open, you see it was holding a Black Belt! Nice!

Turtwig eyes it up speculatively , comparing it to his leash. Hm… now that would make a statement…

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

Your Hard Stone composure and continued cordiality got you another grin - one you can spot, now that you know what to look for. This one was not as Dark - you would say it’s the closet she’s been respectful.

“Indeed. Stories will come later, young warrior. I will say this to you now, however - this is ‘god’ you are honing yourself for? It is your first Malefic you hunt ; it is not mine. Never a Wandering Hurricane , I admit, but I have slain the Malefics most consider its ‘kin’ and counters. Ponder this however you please.”

Kusanagi let out the most throaty laugh yet as you revealed the Test. Combined with the the low growl of bloody delight, it is enough to send shivers down down down. Even Leaves, a passive presence so far, expresses some small concern .

“A taste of what is to come? Oh young warrior, you make this lady’s blood boil. Yes…that will do most nicely.”

Then, with sudden deftness, the saucer was set before you. Lifting it up to give a sniff, you detect the strong notes of whisky. With nonchalance she raised one paw of it - and soon steady drops of blood began to mix in. Not a sound made, from CUT to flicking her hand, the flow of blood stopped as if through sheer self control.

The old, bloodied warrior motioned your dominant hand to the cup - her intent was clear. Whether you humor her or not she would raise the saucer high before offering it to you.

”Let us seal the deal in blood and spirit, like all good and glorious things are made and done. I shall be your Blade of Glory, and you shall find me Battles most worthy, ruinous, and deadly beyond keen. Cheers, young Master.”

He'd oblige Kusanagi. He pulls out a knife of his own to make the cut himself, making sure to leave it easy to bandage once he's done with depositing his share of the blood pact.  Not what he usually uses his survival knife for, but it'll do for now.

"Regardless of how long or brief our time together is, I'm lookin' forward to exchanging stories with ya.  A little teaser for ya, though: it may be the first time I face one of Sutalör's Maelfic Monstrum, but I'm not new to this Paradox huntin' game either.  I hope my quarries and stories won't disappoint you.  Cheers."

Deal.  Sealed.

...though Seddi can't really say he's a big fan of the metallic taste of blood in this whisky.

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

Your Hard Stone composure and continued cordiality got you another grin - one you can spot, now that you know what to look for. This one was not as Dark - you would say it’s the closet she’s been respectful.

“Indeed. Stories will come later, young warrior. I will say this to you now, however - this is ‘god’ you are honing yourself for? It is your first Malefic you hunt ; it is not mine. Never a Wandering Hurricane , I admit, but I have slain the Malefics most consider its ‘kin’ and counters. Ponder this however you please.”

Kusanagi let out the most throaty laugh yet as you revealed the Test. Combined with the the low growl of bloody delight, it is enough to send shivers down down down. Even Leaves, a passive presence so far, expresses some small concern .

“A taste of what is to come? Oh young warrior, you make this lady’s blood boil. Yes…that will do most nicely.”

Then, with sudden deftness, the saucer was set before you. Lifting it up to give a sniff, you detect the strong notes of whisky. With nonchalance she raised one paw of it - and soon steady drops of blood began to mix in. Not a sound made, from CUT to flicking her hand, the flow of blood stopped as if through sheer self control.

The old, bloodied warrior motioned your dominant hand to the cup - her intent was clear. Whether you humor her or not she would raise the saucer high before offering it to you.

”Let us seal the deal in blood and spirit, like all good and glorious things are made and done. I shall be your Blade of Glory, and you shall find me Battles most worthy, ruinous, and deadly beyond keen. Cheers, young Master.”

He'd oblige Kusanagi. He pulls out a knife of his own to make the cut himself, making sure to leave it easy to bandage once he's done with depositing his share of the blood pact.  Not what he usually uses his survival knife for, but it'll do for now.

"Regardless of how long or brief our time together is, I'm lookin' forward to exchanging stories with ya.  A little teaser for ya, though: it may be the first time I face one of Sutalör's Maelfic Monstrum, but I'm not new to this Paradox huntin' game either.  I hope my quarries and stories won't disappoint you.  Cheers."

Deal.  Sealed.

...though Seddi can't really say he's a big fan of the metallic taste of blood in this whisky.

Kusanagi simply laughs more and inclines their own head to you, before taking a deep draw of your pact, made bloody and real.

…You do taste something besides blood.

Nostalgia.

Sadness.

Longing.

Finality.

And the deepest, Darkest Water of life.

You Boa, safely tucked away, resonates with you briefly, then stills.

Such as it was.
Such as it will be.
Such as it is.

And.
That. 
Is.
That.

Kusanagi joins your Party.

~~~

Later, you are escorted back to the front, and the bartender was there waiting, a slight smirk on her face.

”Done as diner, yeah? Everything go smooth, or was Kusa the same passive aggressive asshole as she ever was?”

[Iron]

Vernon doesn't have access to a single Fighting move, but he'll oblige Turtwig's desire for a leash upgrade for now.

Any other party member who can make better use of it, Vernon will accept any trade. He's too "hungover" to haggle.