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

[Lord Windos]

no...
No.
I will not.
Her power crackles as she attempts to calm it, strengthen it, hone it.
You are not him.
And nevertheless, I will not return to him.
He lost me when he left me. I am not his.

Do not touch me.
She buckles under the strain of containing her emotions, legs collapsing as her vision blurs and buckles, the darkness of the outside creeping in...

*&^#$@ tilts their head at you. Further. Further. Further.

Until with a *Snap!* they're staring at you with a new perspective. 

Flip-flopped

Yet
All
Wrong.

".................


V E R Y  W E L L."

Your old *(&^*$% rises up from the ground, their head spinning right side up, and....begins to vanish, coming undone in a slow stream of hissing miasmic smoke and grit from the bottom up.

" I  TRIED
TO SPARE YOU THE PAIN
OF YOUR LONELY HEART
OF YOUR MEANINGLESS SPIRIT
OF YOUR PAIN AND SUFFERING
THEN

NOW

AND TO COME

BUT IF IT IS YOUR WISH
YOUR ARDENT DESIRE
TO PERSISTENT
AGAINST YOURSELF
AND
ALL
ODDS

So be it

...

Your *(&%^&*^ gives you one last smile - this one, though was different. It was...sad, remorseful, and yet.....so proud.

"Farewell, Sylvia. May Fortune Be In Your Favor."

.....And they are gone.

Leaving you alone on that cold and dark path.

Though now....now it doesn't seem so bad anymore.

The path continues on. Continue, or turn back?

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

In other words, will you let yourself be used to elevate this Water Scimitar's own standing (and reap the windfall thereof) at your own expense in exchange for greatly increased Favor with them and the Water Scimitar Faction or (...)

Yes I will indeed~

Air Scimitars tend to have fluid student-teacher relationships with whomever they're teaching or simply overlooking- it's not uncommon for them to randomly decide to just rope some Magi in their breezy ways if they take a fancy/shine/whim to one, much to the potential irritation to others sense that could include other Faction Magi.

(I like that! And I can totally see Bernhard doing that. Not now or anytime soon, but once there's a bit more peace and quietness in his life... (If there ever is or will be, that is))



Oooh, very nice. Bernhard's tired af, but that doesn't stop his unintended charisma from doing its thing. AGAIN. ...Wait, no, more so it must be dear Zephy's social spirit. Thank you, dear artsy birdmouse. She may not hear it in her unrestful sleep, but we're muttering a telepathic and genuine "Thank You™" to her. "Once again it has proven that we do indeed belong together, don't we..."

Having gotten somewhat lost in lowkey-philosophical speech (and his own thoughts), Bern's likewise VERY taken-aback when that Water-Scimitar bows so very deeply towards him. He's only mildly showing it on the outside though - instead, there's some sort of satisfaction in the otherwise stoic Master Mage's face. Maybe a tad bit of 'you flatter me so~' too, a tiny hint of a smile too for a split second? But ooohh, Bernhard's VERY weak towards flattery. If that wasn't clear already.

*vivid hand gesture of 'there is a time and place for anything, but that is neither here nor now'* "...Please rise. It is not you that shall apologize. Misunderstandings...well, happen. It's a... hmm... pleasure to see that my, uhm, reputation is known among members of a fellow Fraction too. It seems to follow me." Weird situation, Bernhard's not quite sure how to handle that. He grows uncomfortable the more he thinks about having messed up, he should have known better.

With great satsifaction gaunteted hands are shaken - yay, more business connections! Acrowls would be proud of us for forging another. The Water Scim's number is accepted, and they receive Bernhard's too. "Say, may I also have your name? A tad bit late for introductions, but... Well, manners."

Bernhard will gladly allow them to escort him out from the area. "Yes yes, do take the lead please. Let the calamity wear down, let us give it a few days, let us give your own reputation a helping hand - and be done with this, FOR NOW." *town turns a little more stern* "If you could... at some later point... Repay that favour towards dear me indeed, I'd be of utter gratitude. I am man of honour, and I humbly expect you to be likewise. Do we have a deal?"

While we're off to the exit of the alley and the docks, we'll try to lead the conversation into a different direction. "Please, do tell me... How are things going at the islands? [the Mageocracy] Certain circumstances have locked me out of returning there for a week. ...Minimum a week, I feel."

[Spiritmon]

Spoiler

It would only take a Minor Encounter to get the Fossil Identified and an offer to Revive Them.

First, though, a brief description of the one of the Wild Life Centers at Trinity's Sutalör Oceanic and Wild Life Parks and Rayquaza Weather:

While the trip was not the most pleasant, getting to a research Center that caters to Fossils and ancient Pokemon was easy enough after getting some directions from Tiffany - apparently those who got the C-Fossil booby prize frequently headed over there to see if they could salvage their losses any.

The place seemed like any other Pokemon Lab you've been too, if heavily decorate in 'primative' theming in the main areas common to the public - this place was a tourist destination, after all. Finding someone to get your Fossils Identified was not easy, since a lot of the staff here were moonlighting in the Weather Center to keep an eye on the state of things now, but you manage to find a bored aide look them over and run a few readings:

C-Fossil Result:
Is it Viable? - (5)(3) Nope
Does it have any Value? - (5)(5) Yes
How Valuable? -  (19) Very

Nothing can be revived from the first Fossil you presented, BUT the aide seemed very interested in it regardless - something about it containing the 'Prismatic Essenes of Morphology' - the entire meaning flies over your headed. They offer a straight $1500 Poke for it - $500 more than you lost - is willing to split the yield of the fossil if you want to process it (1 Unit of ???) or you pay $1000 to get most of it (2 Units of ???).

For your MUCH more interesting Fossil you got a doubletake at, as well as the attention of several other scientists here. The aid, after recovering, straight up offers $10000 Poke for this Fossil, being tight lipped and evasive about what could possibly be revived. If you insist on having the Fossil Revived for yourself, however, they'd grumble in disappointment and say it'd cost anywhere between $5000 to $20000 to Revive this Fossil - this one is fairly unique and the standardized process for Reviving more 'common' Fossils wouldn't/shouldn't be applied to it. The amount you pay determines how long and how high quality the Final Resulting Revived Pokemon will be: $5k will get you it after a day but Worse than usual, $10k for 3 Days but of good/average quality, while the $20k price will get you the best of what is commercially possible for Reviving Mons and the Best result thereof but will take 7 Days.

No deals can be made a this time - you don't have enough rep or clout yet here to try and get a better deal.

Oz is quite curious about the fossil thing the scientist mentioned. She feels it could be useful later. Despite not know very well about what this thing is. She will want some part of that thing like the scientist offered (The 2 Units of ???) and want to get close in process in how it is done.

For reference Fortuna is out of her Pokeball looking around the place from Oz shoulder. As for Oz herself she put a finger in her chin, trying to think her decision. Yes, sell the Fossil could be high beneficial (the money could be enough to be a step ahead in adopt little Meza!) and still have some pokedollars left. However, despite not be the most sensitive person in her group, SHE is capable to notice in how much this other fossil looks important. She then decide to prompt ask the scientist. "Not gonna lie...thats a incredible offer. Extremely. For you to offer such trade is interesting. However...I would like to know why this fossil is so much valuable and kind of Pokemon can be revive there. Since there the possibility to trade away this fossil, I would like to be clear in what I about to sacrifice."

[Pokekitty2]

*&^#$@ tilts their head at you. Further. Further. Further.

Until with a *Snap!* they're staring at you with a new perspective. 

Flip-flopped

Yet
All
Wrong.

".................


V E R Y  W E L L."

Your old *(&^*$% rises up from the ground, their head spinning right side up, and....begins to vanish, coming undone in a slow stream of hissing miasmic smoke and grit from the bottom up.

" I  TRIED
TO SPARE YOU THE PAIN
OF YOUR LONELY HEART
OF YOUR MEANINGLESS SPIRIT
OF YOUR PAIN AND SUFFERING
THEN

NOW

AND TO COME

BUT IF IT IS YOUR WISH
YOUR ARDENT DESIRE
TO PERSISTENT
AGAINST YOURSELF
AND
ALL
ODDS

So be it

...

Your *(&%^&*^ gives you one last smile - this one, though was different. It was...sad, remorseful, and yet.....so proud.

"Farewell, Sylvia. May Fortune Be In Your Favor."

.....And they are gone.

Leaving you alone on that cold and dark path.

Though now....now it doesn't seem so bad anymore.

The path continues on. Continue, or turn back?

Sylvia shivers on the ground as they leave, a quiet psychic murmur of "My pain is my own-"


When the malaise has lifted a bit, and her emotions quelled, she lifts to her feet again, unsteady once more.
...forward.
Her steps are unsteady, and her focus unfocused, but she feels like she needs to get back to the city - she's in no situation to deal with much else, and she *still* doesn't know where she is. Not ideal.

[Lord Windos]

Oz is quite curious about the fossil thing the scientist mentioned. She feels it could be useful later. Despite not know very well about what this thing is. She will want some part of that thing like the scientist offered (The 2 Units of ???) and want to get close in process in how it is done.

For reference Fortuna is out of her Pokeball looking around the place from Oz shoulder. As for Oz herself she put a finger in her chin, trying to think her decision. Yes, sell the Fossil could be high beneficial (the money could be enough to be a step ahead in adopt little Meza!) and still have some pokedollars left. However, despite not be the most sensitive person in her group, SHE is capable to notice in how much this other fossil looks important. She then decide to prompt ask the scientist. "Not gonna lie...thats a incredible offer. Extremely. For you to offer such trade is interesting. However...I would like to know why this fossil is so much valuable and kind of Pokemon can be revive there. Since there the possibility to trade away this fossil, I would like to be clear in what I about to sacrifice."

The scientist grumble about it, but after forking over the $1k they go to a what looks to be a cross between a crusher/strainer/centrifuge with a computer and a few tanks with tubes slapped onto it. They plop the C-Fossil into the top of the 'grinder' part, punch in some numbers into the machine, and from there the Fossil is thoroughly processed into its final form - 4 Vials of a Vivid Purple Liquid, handling two over to you and carefully explaining what they are.

Essence of Mulberry 2x Obtained: If you apply this to a Pokemon, their primary coloration will turn Mulberry Colored! Though not technically considered a way to turn a Pokemon 'Shiny' , it IS a rare method of getting 'off-colored' Mon , which certain People/Mons would value VERY highly. Has potent alchemical potential too - between its source and what the colour/flower represents - Abundence and Life , an enterprising mage could find all SORTS of uses for it...

Diplomacy Roll - Hidden!
*Rolls*
*Rolls...*

The researcher remains stubbornly silent on why they want it so badly - the best you could get was it was NOT a 'Standard' Fossil, and that it could advance the Institute's understanding of Water type Energy and different ways to Revive Fossil Mons. Between you being a relative unknown and the fear of you doing something greedy/stupid with the Rare Fossil the scientist really wants it out of your hands so it can be used towards progressing SCIENCE! ASAP - so much so they raise their offer to $12500 and offer to refund the payment for the Essence AND give you all the remaining Vails of it.

What says you to that counter offer?

[Spiritmon]

Oz though for a few seconds. She thinks this is the best offer and information she can get about this fossil. Having the refund for the Essency, 12.500 pokedollars and have the remaining vails of it? This is a offer much better she could think of. Sure, she could pay for the revival of the fossil Pokemon, but at the moment she doesn't have the time for it. And she is already committed to adopt Meza so things will be difficult already. There will be the opportunity to get the last member, but a rare fossil Pokemon probably will not happen in the near future.

With a look of resolution, Oz gave the scientists her answer. "Deal. And don't worry. I will spry anymore. I was just curious about the fossil Pokemon but I can't argue with your suspicious a about me. I Oz by the way, medic in training. Sorry for my lack of manners, I was in a hurry. And I accept your deal." Oz give the fossil to the scientists while receive the other side of the deal.

[Lord Windos]

Sylvia shivers on the ground as they leave, a quiet psychic murmur of "My pain is my own-"


When the malaise has lifted a bit, and her emotions quelled, she lifts to her feet again, unsteady once more.
...forward.
Her steps are unsteady, and her focus unfocused, but she feels like she needs to get back to the city - she's in no situation to deal with much else, and she *still* doesn't know where she is. Not ideal.

Eventually,

After what seems to be an Eternity,

Wandering the cold and dark path,

Weaving between deep shadows, dangerous brambles, and disorienting haze...

Clarity.

You emerge into a clearing, surrounded on all sides by marble walls, crumbling yet enduring against the ravages of the ages. Parts and pieces of a once great building lay scattered about the place - from what you can see, the remains of castle or tower of sorts.

And right

In the middle, was a dais. A dais, with three Things on top of them.

Once your gaze fell upon them -

- You found yourself right in the center of them all.

The cold, crystal floor beneath you seemed to thrum for a moment, sending a shiver down your spine as the Things surrounding you changed.

One - A Scepter and Crown, Adorned with a Jewels that Shined like the Sun. Great Power Beckons, Low Fortitude Become

Two - A Tome and Glasses, the cover of it depicting what appears to be a Hierophant. Deep Wisdom Speaks, Might Withered Whisper

Three - A Sword and Scythe, both the very image of Judgement. Responsibility High, Consequences Severe.

You see yourself in all of them.

The question is

Which one suites your Belief, your Truth, and your Will?

...Or maybe you're simply done with it all.

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

"Forgiveness?"

That earns you a small laugh, sad yet amused.

"What gave you that idea? Never did I ask for such a thing, my dear child. Only that you could accept me one day, mend the Bond we once share or make one anew. I shall not shirk or sulk from my Wrongs, Rights, Actions - they are mine own, earnt true and due. Proud, ashamed, abashed, poignant, and more - I Cherish What I've Done, and Regret Seldom Of It."

...There's the fae that has been absent of her, knowingly self-deprecating and Resolute it may be.

"...I ask of you not for forgiven, nor absolution and nay repentance, but...peace, harmony, acceptance. The chance to one day have you call me sincerely family. The Past is history - what happened is Done. The Present is ever in flux. The Future....that is what we can determine and divine what we Desire and Wish, make our Change and Choice real. *Wane Smile* Something we're both all too familiar, I do suspect and believe."

There is a moment of silence shared between you, before Morgana raised her hand in the air.

"...Try my best, to Become a Better Lady you may oh may accept in good grace one day, my dear child. Whether or not that shall bear fruit, something doth Change in you to stem our differences, or it wither on the vine....that is up to us to Determine, yes and no?"

"Remember this, Hold Close: Morgana Belladonna Le Fey will always accept and care for you. If ever you need a Favor, say My Name. There I will be. Sun, Sand, Snow, Sluice. Nature and Commune. Ideal, Will, and Truth."

"Farewelcomes, good bydings, Seddi. May Fortune Ever Be In Your Favor."

*Snap*

You are seated in the meeting room, reclining in a chair and you stared at the empty space across you.

Empty, save for a crystaline looking flower place in front of you.

Moderate Encounter Over: Sedd gains a flat + 5 XP, and can choice to increase on of the following Specialties: Empathy, Nature, or S.T. . ??? Flower Offered.

Seddi sighs and tsks to himself as Morgana returns him to whence he came.  She may not be asking for forgiveness, but that's exactly the problem.

Ah well.  Seddi will carefully pocket the flower.  He'll have Leaves analyze it tomorrow.  There'll be time to worry about that fae later.  Right now, he has two important messages to send, as well as a few others to check.  He needs to check in with Dodger and Oz too, but that can wait for a moment.

The first message goes to Bernhard (@PhantomUnderYourDesk).  As per requested, Seddi is not hesitating to keep the mage updated on the situation.

---------
First off, apologies if I'm interruptin' anythin', but things just got stranger.  I was half right.  The WH did come up in that chat.  A certain fae is involving herself now, though.  I need to talk to you privately 'bout this whenever it's convenient for the both of us.
---------

The second message would go to Sylvia, trying to reschedule that meeting they were talking about the other day.  The Espeon won't exactly be able to meet Leaves today, given the state the Paradox Pokemon is in right now.

...however, if Seddi can't get through to Sylvia, that's going to start worrying him, and he's going to send a message to Randy to try and figure out if something's going on with the Espeon.  If anyone should be able to get in touch with her, it should be her interpreter.

The other messages Seddi has received in the meantime get brief responses.

I'll text the party and give them first right to trade me for the Choice Specs.

Don't really have too much use for Choice Specs myself, given my affinity for physical attackers, so I think I'll pass.  If you're gonna barter with them though, make absolutely sure you're gettin' a fair deal.  Especially if you're goin' to be travelin 'round these parts.  Items that powerful definitely allow ya to punch well above your weight, and those kinds of tricks are exactly the kind that ya need to survive in these kinds of conditions.

On the way to his first errand he'd send Seddi a crucial text:

''I may have stumbled onto something with as much if not more ramifications then the BIO-Fang, do let me know if you have some time to take a look anytime soon.''

Vaultin' Veluza, what'd you catch this time?!  I'm a lil' tied up right now, but I'll get back to ya.  Maybe I can meet ya later tonight.  We'll see.

[Lord Windos]

Oz though for a few seconds. She thinks this is the best offer and information she can get about this fossil. Having the refund for the Essency, 12.500 pokedollars and have the remaining vails of it? This is a offer much better she could think of. Sure, she could pay for the revival of the fossil Pokemon, but at the moment she doesn't have the time for it. And she is already committed to adopt Meza so things will be difficult already. There will be the opportunity to get the last member, but a rare fossil Pokemon probably will not happen in the near future.

With a look of resolution, Oz gave the scientists her answer. "Deal. And don't worry. I will spry anymore. I was just curious about the fossil Pokemon but I can't argue with your suspicious a about me. I Oz by the way, medic in training. Sorry for my lack of manners, I was in a hurry. And I accept your deal." Oz give the fossil to the scientists while receive the other side of the deal.

Done and done! $12500 Poke and 4x Mulberry Essence Obtained! The scientist looks relieved as you shook on it, quickly but carefully taking the Fossil from you and storing it in a safe and secure location (not that you know, since you can't follow them, but it's not hard to connect the dots) before coming back with your Poke. You part on good terms with the Fossil Institute, all parties very content with how things turned out. Reputation with the entire Institute increased!

Nothing else happens to pop up and try to ruin your day - though you are vigilant in making sure that John or his ilk isn't trying to jump you again. What would you like to do now, and what Encounter Slots do you want to use? You have 2 Moderate and 1 Minor remaining - if you need ideas, I could do an Insight Roll + Fortune Roll to give you a 'lead' , but be warned that Fate is every fickle....

[Lord Windos]

The second message would go to Sylvia, trying to reschedule that meeting they were talking about the other day.  The Espeon won't exactly be able to meet Leaves today, given the state the Paradox Pokemon is in right now.

...however, if Seddi can't get through to Sylvia, that's going to start worrying him, and he's going to send a message to Randy to try and figure out if something's going on with the Espeon.  If anyone should be able to get in touch with her, it should be her interpreter.

The other messages Seddi has received in the meantime get brief responses.

@Dragonstrike 

You get no response back when you try to text Sylvia -

*Blink* The message was gone - in its place was a simple response: [This/These Numbers Are Not Available]

You feel as if your mind was going places for a moment, before with a shake of your head and get back into the game.

 no, even worse and Stranger than that. Your phone's screen glitches out for a moment as it tried to connect with her and Randy, before this solitary line of text appear: * T h e s e  S O U L  a r e  n o t  a v a l i a b le.  P l e a s e  w a i t  w a r m l y  a s  t h e y  A s c e / D e s c e n d . *