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

[Lord Windos]

@Dragonstrike

The moment you bring up the Wild Lands the Tour Guide goes pale . Literally - her skin turns chalk white as she froze, a wide, stricken, and deeply unnerved (nauseous, even) look to her eyes now. She gulps and looks away, reluctance clear as day.

“…I-I … can you ask about something else? Please…?”

(Don’t have too much time for a full response, so here is what I think is the most relevant thing you’d be interested in ASAP.)

[Iron]

I like how she told all three of us we must never go to the place we asked about.

[Lord Windos]

I like how she told all three of us we must never go to the place we asked about.

(Hey, it's the Survival Center Staff job to give fair warning and advise people not to go to the more dangerous and deadly spots in the region unless you're both prepared and qualified enough to handle them! She doesn't know that the Party is hypercompetent in their own areas, so she has to default to the standard 'Please don't do this and get yourself horribly somethinged' advisement . And no, a Pseudo alone doesn't prove competence - she's heard of plenty Foreigners or bigshots get chewed up despite having one on hand.)

[Lord Windos]

Haunting yet captivating singing was coming from a rest stop area; the overhead street lamps around there were flickering erratically, and even glancing over you felt an intense, unmistakable chill prevade you. 'Danger!' your body seems to scream; unfortunately not everyone's sense were tuned in, for you spot a mother and their child heading right over and through the area.... Intervene?

Darren on alert mode, checks out the source of the singing

Alright, let's do a couple of Rolls to see what is on the up and up...

Stealth Roll
DEX (3) + Survival (2) + Stealth (2) + Darkness (1) = 8D6 Dice
(2)(5)(4)(5) (6)(1)(1)(4) 4 Successes!

???
*10D6 Dice
(6)(2)(1)(6)(1) (3)(1)(5)(3)(1) *1 Success

Careful and full of trepidation, you slink towards the rest stop, sticking to the deep shadows and watching your every step. You nearly trip over a small pot hole despite this, but you smartly recovered into a silent handstand and slowly tipping over to rest your feet silently against the ground. Phew, close call!

Near self inflicted jumpscare over with, you creep closer and closer towards the singing, until you felt yourself come to a stop just outside the flickering glow of the street lamps covering the area. 

Not because you wanted to.

Nay, your body seized up automatically, your every Instinct blaring out alarms as you caught clear sight of what was Singing that haunting, yet Alluringly SOUFUL tune....



....You....you don't know what this creature is, exactly. It certainly shared some similarities with Misdrevous, but the scales, the spikes, and that discolored ribbon of 'hair' set it firmly apart from one.

Moreover, you've probably ran into a Misdrevious or Mismagius between all the visits you and Aaron payed to the Ghost Gym to give you a proper challenge with your Bugs from time to time.

This....one felt nothing like them. 

At all.

Even hidden in the shadows, a good distance away, merely laying you gaze upon it you felt crushing d r e a d and a overwhelm p r e s e n c e near indiscernible....where it not encountering something akin to it just recently.

Supreme power, casual disregard, and immense and unabashedly whimsical and arcane feeling the emitted off it like waves...

It was like you were staring at a Pokemon version of Morgana.

You felt your breath catch in your throat, wondering if you were about to get another most Fae greeting - only this time without your Mentor there to save you - but...nothing happened. Despite feeling deep in your gut that this being should've immediately picked up on you lurking nearby, they did not - this scaly Misdrevious was so absorbed in its singing - and dancing, now that you are paying attention - that you have somehow slipped beneath its notice.

Twirling, twirling, without a care~

This city shall soon know despair~

Storms will Call

Heavens shall Fall

Then

Here

Soon

Doom greet, greets, greeted All~!

Ah ha ha ha ha ha~!

Somehow, you can understand it's cries, or at least the true meaning behind them. 

None of it bode good.

Faintly, you could hear footsteps drawing closer = and it was then you knew that family duo you spotted earlier were drawing near. Right now the....Pokemon remains Oblivious, but that wouldn't remain for long if things continued as they were. 

You could try to stop the Family, hurrying over to warn them or drive them off, but the chances of you drawing its attention on you in turn was all but certain. Your fate afterwards? Unknown

Or you could just....let things happen as they may. Remain still, remains hidden, until this Strange and Terrifying Pokemon is distracted by the intruding pair. They shall be the ones to greet this one while you save yourself.

To be a Hero for some, or to put the safety of You and Your Own above All. 

What will it be, Wreathed Soul?

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

Filing away that information on Dodger's ride and gun purchases for potential use later!

The cowboy would absolutely take a moment to skim through both of those books they find on the second floor.  If there's any mention of Paradoxes in them, they're absolutely of interest to him.


As for a more general question: "So, how long is that discount on a purchase for the tour being delayed valid for?  Probably not buying anythin' right now, but might be doin' some buyin' soon."

Spoiler

"For the location, how would one go about finding the Picaros Mangroves? It's a place of great importance to me."

He inspects the ferrothorn but then shakes his head. A steel type would be nice but this one is looking to be much more trouble then it was worth, the rest of his party was hard enough to deal with.

At the end when nobody else was looking he'd hand the guide a note with his number. She was free to call though he was busy today.

He'd turn to Seddi after leaving the building,

"I know you're a busy man but if you do have the time I'd be up to start our training. I understand if you don't but this is a good opurtunity."

If he is indeed busy Akamu would use encounter 3 to check the surrounding district and maybe find a nice lost item or the like to take with him.

Seddi would nod in agreement.  "It is indeed a good opportunity.  Specifically took a little time out of my schedule to squeeze that training in before tonight.  Need to properly introduce Kusanagi to the rest of my team too."

Before Seddi can continue that line of thinking though, the sounds of three phones receiving a notification simultaneously goes off!

"Huh, that's probably our group chat.  Let's see what's goin'...Vaulting Veluza!"

Hey. Oz here. Got some terrible, terrible encounter with a group of people. A guy called “John” looks like the leader of the group. They are like this (insert description of the guys). I'm gonna go to the Koffee Kafe for a meeting with Bernard. Gonna get some help with the cops before I do something.

Seddi immediately sends a reply in the group chat.

That no good varmint...!!!  Are you okay???  Do you need me to meet up with you in case there's more trouble?

(...)

Goodra gives Seddi a concerned look as well.  He knows very well what that kind of reaction from Seddi means, given he's heard it a fair few times during their sparring sessions whenever that opponent got the drop on him in a new and unusual way.  He peeks over Seddi's shoulder to take a look at the message on the Rotom Phone...

(This is before Oz met the cafe's owner iirc, so Seddi would still be talking with a worried Oz.  If Oz says she won't need Seddi's help due to the police presence and Bernhard presumably being on the way though, then we can continue to sword practice with Akamu and Kusanagi!)

Skimming through both books....

The Book on the Calamities is simple and straightforward as it can be - it details what is known about commonly Known about them, the legends surrounding them as a whole and individually, and that which Forces of Nature they govern. Their are Five Known Calamities, as they are known and their Titles, are as follow:

- Relshie: Grandfather of the Cyclic
- Feyette: Shepard of the Æthereal 
- Devoere: Dictator of the Firmament
- ??? : Known to exist, but details scarce; they are said to govern Confluence
- ??? : Known to exist, but details scarce; they are said to govern Exudation 

In depth Knowledge on the Calamities is lacking; you find nothing concrete about their overall capabilities, Locations, and Power beyond the vague but clear 'Beyond You' . From your own experience in governmental affairs, you find this to be more of a deliberate choice on the Powers that Be to keep those Key Details out of the public purview , lest some idiot with more Guts than brains decides to exploit it to literally disasterous ends . If you dedicate some more time and try to read between the lines with a little help from Leaves, though...maybe you could come to some Insightful Conclusions of your own about each Calamity. 

As for the worn journal, you discover it to be a re-bound copy of 'A Madman's Sorre: The Official Guide to Sutalör' by Christian Handerson , detailing the various Locations, Landmarks, Settlements, People (Groups, Organizations, Individuals), Pokemon Classifications, and more. The tone of the writing is blunt as a hammer, critical to the point of scathing, and thoroughly 'done' with the topics at hand and the patently insane and/or idiotic; this writer does not mince words. From the well worn pages, the care put into the book, and that a quick check on the local web showed that the Book has been through at least though 8 different printing waves and sold tens of thousands of copies, it seems to be quite beloved indeed. A handy reference for most of the 'common' stuff found in Sutalor, and a great many other things beyond based on the author's own experiences .

The Discount has been made Indefinite, both on account of the delay and the news they've received of each of yours Good Deeds done the day prior - the expected and unexpected benefits of compensation for Unplanned Interruption and Heroism!

It takes a few seconds to parse everything about that message from the sweet lady, but the moment it al *Clicks* your huggable friend seriously frowns. That....is something it almost never does unless Taunted or it is displeased . The air around them doesn't quite lose it's friendly charm, but it has a edge to now, as if ready to display what happens when one provokes Sleeping Dragons...

The tour guide is rather confused and Unnerved by this commotion - not helped by the earlier Question you posed.

"What...what has gotten you all so Worked Up for? Don't tell me you got an Alert for some sort of problem happening somewhere..."

As mention in the Meta Thread, it'd be easy for you and Akamu to get a private room for yourselves for Training and famaliarizing yourselves with your Pokemon; a quick sweep of the Room show zero signs of cameras or other forms of monitoring.

(Ready anytime for your 3rd Encounter together, Dragonstrike and @Redstone ! )

[Dragonstrike]

Dragonstrike

The moment you bring up the Wild Lands the Tour Guide goes pale . Literally - her skin turns chalk white as she froze, a wide, stricken, and deeply unnerved (nauseous, even) look to her eyes now. She gulps and looks away, reluctance clear as day.

“…I-I … can you ask about something else? Please…?”

(Don’t have too much time for a full response, so here is what I think is the most relevant thing you’d be interested in ASAP.)

Seddi will frown.  "...that bad, huh?"

He then shrugs.  He'll just have to find somewhere else to research that place.

"Well, then what can ya tell me about the Safari Zone?"

Having remembered something, Seddi will also look back at the Ferrothorn thoughtfully.  Maybe it'll also help relax the poor employee.

"Need someone to whip that Ferrothorn into shape, huh?  I know someone who would probably be willin' to take that ball of spikes, actually.  How much we talkin' for it?  Might be able to take it off your hands before it wrecks the cell and you gotta drive up the cost to compensate."

Spoiler

Skimming through both books....

The Book on the Calamities is simple and straightforward as it can be - it details what is known about commonly Known about them, the legends surrounding them as a whole and individually, and that which Forces of Nature they govern. Their are Five Known Calamities, as they are known and their Titles, are as follow:

- Relshie: Grandfather of the Cyclic
- Feyette: Shepard of the Æthereal 
- Devoere: Dictator of the Firmament
- ??? : Known to exist, but details scarce; they are said to govern Confluence
- ??? : Known to exist, but details scarce; they are said to govern Exudation 

In depth Knowledge on the Calamities is lacking; you find nothing concrete about their overall capabilities, Locations, and Power beyond the vague but clear 'Beyond You' . From your own experience in governmental affairs, you find this to be more of a deliberate choice on the Powers that Be to keep those Key Details out of the public purview , lest some idiot with more Guts than brains decides to exploit it to literally disasterous ends . If you dedicate some more time and try to read between the lines with a little help from Leaves, though...maybe you could come to some Insightful Conclusions of your own about each Calamity. 

As for the worn journal, you discover it to be a re-bound copy of 'A Madman's Sorre: The Official Guide to Sutalör' by Christian Handerson , detailing the various Locations, Landmarks, Settlements, People (Groups, Organizations, Individuals), Pokemon Classifications, and more. The tone of the writing is blunt as a hammer, critical to the point of scathing, and thoroughly 'done' with the topics at hand and the patently insane and/or idiotic; this writer does not mince words. From the well worn pages, the care put into the book, and that a quick check on the local web showed that the Book has been through at least though 8 different printing waves and sold tens of thousands of copies, it seems to be quite beloved indeed. A handy reference for most of the 'common' stuff found in Sutalor, and a great many other things beyond based on the author's own experiences .

The Discount has been made Indefinite, both on account of the delay and the news they've received of each of yours Good Deeds done the day prior - the expected and unexpected benefits of compensation for Unplanned Interruption and Heroism!

It takes a few seconds to parse everything about that message from the sweet lady, but the moment it al *Clicks* your huggable friend seriously frowns. That....is something it almost never does unless Taunted or it is displeased . The air around them doesn't quite lose it's friendly charm, but it has a edge to now, as if ready to display what happens when one provokes Sleeping Dragons...

The tour guide is rather confused and Unnerved by this commotion - not helped by the earlier Question you posed.

"What...what has gotten you all so Worked Up for? Don't tell me you got an Alert for some sort of problem happening somewhere..."

As mention in the Meta Thread, it'd be easy for you and Akamu to get a private room for yourselves for Training and famaliarizing yourselves with your Pokemon; a quick sweep of the Room show zero signs of cameras or other forms of monitoring.

(Ready anytime for your 3rd Encounter together, Dragonstrike and Redstone ! )

The Five Calamities, huh?  Just at a glance, it's reminding Seddi of the stories about the Treasures of Ruin...though these entities seem to be representing more ethereal and spiritual topics.  Both books seem like they'd be good to look into later when he has some time, so if Seddi can take them, he will.  If not, he'll just have to remember they're here and maybe find some copies to keep elsewhere.

Permanent discount thanks to our recent heroic favors?  Sweeeeeet.

Seddi will frown and enlighten the tour guide.  "Friend of ours just got assaulted apparently.  City's gettin' dangerous.  She's okay, probably got the cops in the area now.  It's not nearly as big of an issue as what happened yesterday.  Still a worrying development though...crime being on the rise before the big festival is definitely not what the suits are wantin' to see."

-------------------------------

Encounter 3: In the private room

First thing Seddi is going to do is check the room for cameras, mics, and ensure any windows into the room have their curtains drawn.  If he's going to properly impress Kusanagi, he's going to need a little more than baseline privacy so he can introduce Leaves to her safely.

Ceruledge is out of her pokeball and helping Seddi make sure the room is secure, as well as making sure there's enough space for everyone to spar.  Safety first!

While checking and preparing the room, Seddi will strike up some idle chatter.  "So, what'd you make of Sakura, Akamu?  Thinking of followin' up on her offer at all?"

[Mikaruge108]

To be a Hero for some, or to put the safety of You and Your Own above All.

What will it be, Wreathed Soul?

Darren warns the duo, here's hoping I don't screw myself over!
Darren also sends a quick message to Aaron (if memory serves, he should still be in-region) briefly explaining the situation that he's found himself in.

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Towards Ezmeralda and the Saphire/Eye Pendant:

OG Post 1

Ezmeralda look surprised at such a simple request being given to 'balane the books' , as well as the confusion about why, but she easily gave you a bow and a nod.

"Very well, though that is the least you deserve, Mark my words that you're be reward most richly for saving my Daughter - something my husband woud be much the same about.  *Frowns* I feel.... apprehensive about you getting close to it, now that I think about it, but perhaps merely 'nerves' talking. Come right here, dear."

You draw close to Inspect the Alter Pendant...

*Rolls*

...And you notice it blink and pull away from you at gripping it lightly - coincidentally, you hard a gasp from the spectral wife soon after touching the Pendant

"Oh! That...tickled? *Frowns* Odd...."

'Rewarded most richly'... Bernhard [and me, cue rubbing hands together in anticipation!] cannot help but to somewhat look forward to it, whatever the 'reward' shall be. Given the Gleams appear affluent and prosperous from what they could pick up, the silent eagerness to and anticipation of receiving is was quite real, enough for Bernhard to sport a mild and meek smile as he gives Ezmeralda a deep bow of respect. "I shall await and accept your reward most richly with glee, m'lady. It is a pleasure having been able to lend you my extraordinaire skills and a hand, for it is lovely to see your precious daughter being alright once again..."

That Pendant however... we'll let go of it quickly upon noticing it pulling away from being taken into the gauntet'ed hand, with a light gasp even, and give it a deeeep frown while gazing into that eye within the pendant. Bernhard remains silent for a while, pondering, trying to make sense of that reaction... There's some strange about it, no doubt. Something that spikes Bernhard's curiousity and interest, something that he cannot fathom...

*looking back at Ezmeralda, a worried look in their face now* "'Odd' it is without a doubt. Very so... Please, if you happen to notice anything further about this precious Pendant and you wearing it, do take note of it, for how it is different and altered now... I do wish to learn more about what occured, get to the root of it... If you permit, I shall and will visit you, your husband and daughter once again soon, least to check up on the latter." *throws a glance over to Saph, who is with Nirix or resting right now* "...The curse may be broken, but I cannot rule out that there may be lingering aftereffects of being infested by it for so long..."


Furthermore, Bernhard does desire to learn more about WHY and HOW dear Saph has been inflicted with such a vile curse in the first place. Since that is something he cannot make sense of, aside from someone having wanted to give the Gleams as much grief as possible (which again does spark the question of 'why'). Plus, if he happens to learn more or meet(!) whoever cast it, eventually learn to cast such a malevolent curse himself, Bernhard feels he'd have some grim glee on seeing those that dare to make enemies out of him suffer that much... Hehe, yeah THAT be something... [Potential new personal side quest unlocked?]

-----------------------


Towards Zephy:

OG Post 2

Your Partner is panting lightly after...that, eyes wide open as she placed a paw to calm her own racing heart. Your request nearly causing her to bolt up headfirst into the ceiling, but you caught her in time to prevent giving her a literally headache.

"Oh! Geeze, give a lady a little warning first! Don't know how you can shake off that so quickly, but it's got my heart beating like a Primeape going RAGE on the drums! Seesh, it's been awhile since something got to me like that...."

Your request - once she calms down - is meet with an eager grin as she gives you the closest she can to a thumbs up!

"Already brainstorming how to capture that scene in fine eternity, 'Sammy' . Will need some alone time and the right material to do it any justice, but maybe the Gleams would be willing to pitch in to speed things up. Maybe even give me some good supplies or pointers to get it down fantastically !"

Bernhard pulls away from his mythic partner reacting so....strongly towards everything, and with a whole lot more cautious and slow gesture he gently strokes her cheek with the back of his (natural) hand. "Sincere apologies, Zephy." *frowns, but expression is soft* "Your singing... It has been something else, truly so, I wasn't aware you are capable of such fine arts... A little practice on it may be in the books, for as word- and spoundless is has been... I did happen to enjoy it nonetheless." *cue very light but appraising smile for her*

He gives Zephy a glance™ over she too adopting the new nickname, having somewhat adapting to and having been begrudingly getting used to the old one ("'Erni") - though he does not want to kill the mood, so he lets her get away with it. Plus Bernhard may not show or express it, but he DOES look forward to his artsy birdmouse creating some splendid art of the scene! Alone time and right material shall be given to her at a soon opportunity.

-----------------------


Towards Saph:

OG Post 3

The precious lil' girl pouts at your light chiding, but an 'Ahem' from their mother gets them to reluctantly nod.

"Alright... I wanna play and run around so much, though. Feels good to move again, and don't want to rest too much now! But I'll wait if you say so, Magic Sammy."

Aside from her lacking stamina you could see she was doing excellently for being a Curse-riddled, borderline in a Coma girl; Medicine and the Healing Arts were not your Specialty, however, so you can't be sure if their are any lingering issues lying in hiding. The Panacea should've fixed them, but who knows if it could after dealing with the evil sickness?

Once again, how dear and lovely young Saph was in Bernhard's books! She receives her fine blue hair gently ruffled + a headpat once more, the 'grandfather and beloved granddaughter'-vibes intesify. "You're a good girl, truly... It is lovely seeing you up and about after you've been bedridden and comatose for so long." Bernhard prefers not to directly tell her about him being somewhat worried about potential lingering aftereffect of having been under the effect of the Curse for so long, least it'd diminish her joy and eagerness unnecessarily, Medicine and Healing Arts not being his speciality after all. Instead, he'll just word it differently, that will do!~

*leaning down to be on eye level with Saph* "Now then, dear Saph... I do apologize, though I have to and shall take my leave then, seeing that all is good for now. I am most busy and my pesence is required elsewhere... Please do not be sad however, I shall and would like to visit your and your parents soon once more. Least to see how...YOU are doing. Is that okay for you...? *awaits response* "Your father by the way, who has informed me about your grim state in the first place, is downstairs. He is in a Healing Slumber for now, having desperately needed being put in it after so much worry and anxiety for dear you... " *spoting a quite mild but gentle smile* ".....I am certain he will appreciate and REJOICE over it being YOU who will awake him from his rest. Once awake, please also be a good girl and hand him this, will you?"

'This' being a note that explains what has happened to himself [read: Mr. Gleam having fainted and been put under a Healing Slumber] and how Bernhard has proceeded to brew up a customized medicine for Saph in the kitchen, having made use of the Guest Room ["You hospitality towards me is and has been much appreciated"], ending with how he went over dosing Saph with the Panacea. It also includes a request to visit him soon once again, and ends with Bernhard's contact data.

-----------------------


And so does concludes Bernhard's 2nd Encounter for the Day, an Encounter I personally have enjoyed greatly and that I am looking forward to continue at some point by revisiting the Gleams and learning more about the Curse and the Saphire-Eye-Pendant. I also take this counts as my Strange Encounter for the Day, potentially even as my Special Strange Enounter?

The first thing we'll do is visit a local Pokemon Center to unfaint Nirix. Not that this will do anything about his exhaustion however! Given how taxing it has been on him to learn and use Healing Wish however, Bernhard is more than fine to let his magical unicorn give any rest he needs for now.


Next: We'll make an immediate beeline over to the Kupo Koffee Kudos by making use of Zephy's Skill of Flight and an Agility cast over ourselves via Evocation! Because yes Benhard did receive Oz's message of what has happened to her, and he does not like it A SINGLE BIT. Not that he does express it however, and not that he responds to Oz's message. Nope, him and his Pokemon-partners directly and immediately rushing over to her side speaks for itself!

@Spiritmon, Bernhard will quite likely meet her in front of the Cafe, floating/coming down from above. He takes a moment to observe the surrounding before focusing on Oz herself.

"Greetings and good afternoon to you, Oz. Do aplogy if I let you wait, I have been... most busy, my life is, well....." *briefly looks away* "...taking a turn to an eventful phase once more." He'll gently pick up Oz's hand into his Gauntlet-hand and put it to his lips (he does NOT ACTUALLY kiss it though, he's 'just' being polite towards the young lady Oz is) Then, Bernhard sighs. "Tell me, how are you doing? Are you alright after a most hideous crime has occured onto a humble lady like you?" Subtly so Bernhard lets their gaze wander, scan and observe the close surrounding with high alertness. The vibes he is giving off is basically 'I am here, I protect you, no one and nothing shall befall you under my watch and as long as you stick to me'


At some point (it doesn't matter when exactly, any time while we're at the Cafe) we'll also approach @Mikaruge108 - Darren does receive a bow of respect and courtesy from the Scimitar. "Good afternoon to you... Darren was is, right? We've met before, haven't we, there in the park with the other chosen souls..."

If allowed, Bernhard will take a seat. *cough* "I've been most busy, so do apologize that I am running late on ersponding to your message. Either way, it...honoures me that I have crossed your mind, thank you. Consider me mildly interested in these Items you mentioned indeed, since whatever these may be, I shall always find a way to incorporate them into creations of mine. Your boon will be remembered, and I am certainly not above sharing the final result." *pauses, thinking over things* "...Do you have any suggestions or desires on what shall be made out of these rabid-Houndoom-parts? With the darkness and fire within them, I'm certain the result will be...vile and burning in nature..."



Course of Action:
Bonding time with other PCs, Oz (who resquested to meet Bern) and Darren (to carry out the deal of the rabid-Houndoom-parts) respectively. @Lord Windos, can Bernhard also flex the Scimitar's fantastic relations with the Settlers once again and potentially hash out a discount or similar for drinks at the Cafe, check out for a few books of the Fox Nook (will state what information he'll look for specifically after you confirmed), or the Fox Raffle? EDIT: Especially so if via Myra he brings his own fox into the Cafe and lets her interact/play with the other foxy 'Mons? ٩(◕‿◕｡)۶

[Mikaruge108]

Spoiler

At some point (it doesn't matter when exactly, any time while we're st the Cafe) we'll also approach @Mika - Darren does receive a bow of respect and courtesy from the Scimitar. "Good afternoon to you... Darren was is, right? We've met before, haven't we, there in the park with the other chosen souls..."

If allowed, Bernhard will take a seat. "*cough* I've been most busy, so do apologize that I am running late on ersponding to your message. Either way, it...honoures me that I have crossed your mind, thank you. Consider me mildly interested in these Items you mentioned indeed, since whatever these may be, I shall always find a way to incorporate them into creations of mine. Your boon will be remembered, and I am certainly not above sharing the final result." *pauses, thinking over things* "...Do you have any suggestions or desires on what shall be made out of these rabid-Houndoom-parts? With the darkness and fire within them, I'm certain the result will be...vile and burning in nature..."

@PhantomUnderYourDesk

*slight flashback*

Darren passes Bern the ball with the poke parts

listed again for convienence

2x Houndoom Horns
4x Big Houndoom Fangs
1x Houndoom Tail

"Something like a battle item, maybe, and if its okay, I'd like to see the process as well." Darren is only vaguely familiar with Scimitar work, so this would be facinating at the least.

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

Dragonstrike

The moment you bring up the Wild Lands the Tour Guide goes pale . Literally - her skin turns chalk white as she froze, a wide, stricken, and deeply unnerved (nauseous, even) look to her eyes now. She gulps and looks away, reluctance clear as day.

“…I-I … can you ask about something else? Please…?”

(Don’t have too much time for a full response, so here is what I think is the most relevant thing you’d be interested in ASAP.)

Seddi will frown.  "...that bad, huh?"



He then shrugs.  He'll just have to find somewhere else to research that place.

"Well, then what can ya tell me about the Safari Zone?"

Having remembered something, Seddi will also look back at the Ferrothorn thoughtfully.  Maybe it'll also help relax the poor employee.

"Need someone to whip that Ferrothorn into shape, huh?  I know someone who would probably be willin' to take that ball of spikes, actually.  How much we talkin' for it?  Might be able to take it off your hands before it wrecks the cell and you gotta drive up the cost to compensate."

Spoiler

Skimming through both books....

The Book on the Calamities is simple and straightforward as it can be - it details what is known about commonly Known about them, the legends surrounding them as a whole and individually, and that which Forces of Nature they govern. Their are Five Known Calamities, as they are known and their Titles, are as follow:

- Relshie: Grandfather of the Cyclic
- Feyette: Shepard of the Æthereal 
- Devoere: Dictator of the Firmament
- ??? : Known to exist, but details scarce; they are said to govern Confluence
- ??? : Known to exist, but details scarce; they are said to govern Exudation 

In depth Knowledge on the Calamities is lacking; you find nothing concrete about their overall capabilities, Locations, and Power beyond the vague but clear 'Beyond You' . From your own experience in governmental affairs, you find this to be more of a deliberate choice on the Powers that Be to keep those Key Details out of the public purview , lest some idiot with more Guts than brains decides to exploit it to literally disasterous ends . If you dedicate some more time and try to read between the lines with a little help from Leaves, though...maybe you could come to some Insightful Conclusions of your own about each Calamity. 

As for the worn journal, you discover it to be a re-bound copy of 'A Madman's Sorre: The Official Guide to Sutalör' by Christian Handerson , detailing the various Locations, Landmarks, Settlements, People (Groups, Organizations, Individuals), Pokemon Classifications, and more. The tone of the writing is blunt as a hammer, critical to the point of scathing, and thoroughly 'done' with the topics at hand and the patently insane and/or idiotic; this writer does not mince words. From the well worn pages, the care put into the book, and that a quick check on the local web showed that the Book has been through at least though 8 different printing waves and sold tens of thousands of copies, it seems to be quite beloved indeed. A handy reference for most of the 'common' stuff found in Sutalor, and a great many other things beyond based on the author's own experiences .

The Discount has been made Indefinite, both on account of the delay and the news they've received of each of yours Good Deeds done the day prior - the expected and unexpected benefits of compensation for Unplanned Interruption and Heroism!

It takes a few seconds to parse everything about that message from the sweet lady, but the moment it al *Clicks* your huggable friend seriously frowns. That....is something it almost never does unless Taunted or it is displeased . The air around them doesn't quite lose it's friendly charm, but it has a edge to now, as if ready to display what happens when one provokes Sleeping Dragons...

The tour guide is rather confused and Unnerved by this commotion - not helped by the earlier Question you posed.

"What...what has gotten you all so Worked Up for? Don't tell me you got an Alert for some sort of problem happening somewhere..."

As mention in the Meta Thread, it'd be easy for you and Akamu to get a private room for yourselves for Training and famaliarizing yourselves with your Pokemon; a quick sweep of the Room show zero signs of cameras or other forms of monitoring.

(Ready anytime for your 3rd Encounter together, Dragonstrike and Redstone ! )

The Five Calamities, huh?  Just at a glance, it's reminding Seddi of the stories about the Treasures of Ruin...though these entities seem to be representing more ethereal and spiritual topics.  Both books seem like they'd be good to look into later when he has some time, so if Seddi can take them, he will.  If not, he'll just have to remember they're here and maybe find some copies to keep elsewhere.

Permanent discount thanks to our recent heroic favors?  Sweeeeeet.

Seddi will frown and enlighten the tour guide.  "Friend of ours just got assaulted apparently.  City's gettin' dangerous.  She's okay, probably got the cops in the area now.  It's not nearly as big of an issue as what happened yesterday.  Still a worrying development though...crime being on the rise before the big festival is definitely not what the suits are wantin' to see."

-------------------------------

Encounter 3: In the private room

First thing Seddi is going to do is check the room for cameras, mics, and ensure any windows into the room have their curtains drawn.  If he's going to properly impress Kusanagi, he's going to need a little more than baseline privacy so he can introduce Leaves to her safely.

Ceruledge is out of her pokeball and helping Seddi make sure the room is secure, as well as making sure there's enough space for everyone to spar.  Safety first!

While checking and preparing the room, Seddi will strike up some idle chatter.  "So, what'd you make of Sakura, Akamu?  Thinking of followin' up on her offer at all?"

The guide can't bring herself to look at you. 

"....Yes. The Wild Lands.....they....."

You could see them bite their lip so hard it bled.

"Nn! They...they are not a place one should go unprepared. It has...Rules. Rules that must be followed. Or....or...."

A defeated air hung about her as she hung her head, shame and guilt clouding what little you could see of her face.

"You'll lose. Greatly. Me....I broke one. 'When the Stars Turn Red: Do Not Stand. Bow, Neal, Go Beneath the Sacred Land. Beware, Those That Do Not: Starlight's Judgment Must be Withstand.' I...I couldn't resist staring at them. Was Blinded. Burning. Until my sister....shielded me...and...."

She falls silent.

Then, she takes a deep breath, and lets it out. Slowly. Then turns around and bows to you, looking chagrined and remorseful.

"I'm...sorry about that. The Wild Lands...I'm not the greatest one to talk about them. The Lepia have more Insight on them - each Tribe Knows a couple of Rules. Their are also Guides, but they are few and their demands are great, odd, precise, or arbitrary. That's...that's all I can say without....reacting like that again."

Yikes.

Goodra does his part in comforting the dear, reaching up to give them a worried smile and a pat on the head, to which earnt him a giggle and soft smile in turn. Good ol' Goodra - the Cure to Woes of all kinds.

They appreciate the Segway into a different topic altogether, trying their hardest to regain their former pep (and succeeding somewhat, thanks in no small part to Goodra) as she gave a brief-ish overview of the Safari Zone.

"Oh, yes, yes, the Safari Zone! Hmm....its rather dangerous compared to other ones in different Regions, but if you hire the right good Safari Guide or bring excellent Partners and read up on the local 'Patterns' and 'Shifts'   you should be fine! You absolutely need to do your research and be prepared - individual Safaris last at least 3 Days, no exceptions. Typically a 'Hunt' or 'Expedition' consists of 2-3 'Goers' and 1-2 'Guides' . You're expected to help your fellow Safari goers and your Guide on their hunts too, and abandoning them could lead to you being banned from the Zone, if not face legal action depending on what you agreed on. You do what the Guide says, unless it puts you in unnecessary harm or risk. Or you get one of the wilder Guides that wants to make the Hunts a 'true experience to hook ya '. You get 15 Safari Balls and a bag of Basic Bait, at least - what else you get to help depends on what your Guide offers or what you can bargain for from the staff. On the plus you're allowed to bring in your own Weapons and Tools to hunt your quarry, and to my knowledge you can also rent Pokemon that are trained to aid in general or specific hunts! You also can take Bounties, Requests, or Challenges on offer to reap even more rewards! They also host weekly 'scrims' for fresh catches, and a monthly competitions for battles, specific hunts, and more! Finally, you can also sign up to become a Guide too for great discounts and other benefits, though you're required to 'prove' you're both competent enough to be one and 'committed enough' to it. 

"If you're interested their isa company that has a Pokemon that can FLY - yes, that FLY - you to there and back, though the waiting times are long and trips are pricey. Still worth it if you don't want to risk or bother with a long journey on foot!"

The Ferrothron costs only $7500 Poke; though after a specific 'Heroes' Discount it is brought down to $6250 - it's quite Disobedient and unruly, it's unTrained (though plenty Tough!), and the Survival Center basically wants to get rid of it ASAP by selling it cheaply as they can to cover its costs + the fees owed to the Bounty Hunter that caught + still make a decent enough profit. Compared to the +$10k minimum for similar and generally inferior iron durrans in other Regions....it's a bargain! 

"*Rubs back of head* Sorry we can't go any lower, but we all have to put bread on the table and keep the lights on here! Our Conkeldurrs would appreciate the break from having to fix their cell and keep the durran from getting too unruly or understimulated, so if you can promise they'll have a good home you can take'em!"

You can take the book on the Calamities (she's confused as to WHY it's there, but is fine with you Snatching it up), but the Guide says that copy of the Guide Book is someone else here. The Survival Center does sell the newest print for only $500 Poke, however!

The lass face tightens at the news, her eyes hardening like a Diamond Storm Diance.

"I see. I'll be sure to pass the word up and out. We got connections to a lot of place and people - if the police are too overworked right now to catch those bastards, we'll do our part in picking up the slack. Promise."

===

E3 - Private Room!

There are No Windows in the LARGE Room (All internal, baby!), and you don't find any recording device at all - Ceruledge confirms after phasing in and out of the walls to double check, as well as using her Ghost heritage to pick up on any trace 'odd vibes' or electronic signals (think of all those Ghost Shows IRL, and work backwards!) . She gives you a smart salute - All Clear!