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

[Iron]

I think Vernon will wait until Oz is done with the shrine thing, then see if they have time for the boat ride today. If not, we can go straight for the dock encounter now.

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

(Sorry for putting this off - I got a lot of plates that needed spinning, and since I figured you'd be busy with your Trip....)

You get to Main Street without much issue - though you could feel Iron Leaves being somewhat miserable in her Ball (omph) - and by the time you spot the Street Performance it was already gearing up to begin its 2nd Act : The Clash Between Light (Bayhama Settlers) and the Loam (Lepia) .

You see two actors with their Pokemon on the 'set' - one dressed in what you recognize as very traditional Sinnish clothing, accompanied by a Chatot and Infernape , and the other dressed similarly to Ianai, though in a more earthy, Grassy tones, a Arbok and what looked like an Leafy Electabuzz at his side. The Sinnish settler had bright blond hair and a angry scowl on her face, hands bunched up into fists, while the Lepian had a stony frown and  hia arms crossed

"Oh Giratina Damn You! Why must you remain so stubborn? Is what my people ask so utterly impossible, so reprehensible, that you are willing to wage war. Be reasonable!"

"Hmpt. Do not expect an Outsider to Understand what this Land, our Responsibility to it, Truly Means. We barely tolerate your settlement, obscene and foul to the Natural Order it is. Do not push your Fortune - you Will Not be Found in Favor."

The audience was 'ooohing' and awing at the drama taking place, as tension were coming to a boil and the First Bushland Wars was ready to Erupt! It was then a Pause fell over the play and the crowd grew excited - and then bursting onto the scene in a shower of feathers was the Narrator of the Play itself - Carmine Fantasio! Bright red curly hair, a face covered by a Tragedy/Comedy Mask , and wearing what appeared to be a cross between a Jester and Mr. Rime's outfit, they gave a bow to the audience as they declared:

"Oh what a plight! What a delight! The Leader of our people, the great and venerable Bayhama herself, locked in a stalmate with the tragic, noble man known only as Rag'Esmi  the Graveler ! What will be the Fate of this battle of Beliefs? This Meeting of the Wills? A revelation of what Truths they hold dear?"

They sonorous, upbeat voice pierces throughout the audience, before they suddenly point at someone: You! 

"You there! Yes, you, oh Stalward Ranger of Justice! Tell me, pray tell, let it be Known: What is your Truth of What Happened Here? Who do you Believe in Most? How, if it was your Will, do you think it should end ?"

Carmine, the audience, and the Actors themselves wait with baited breath for your answers....

"My truth of the matter, you say?  Well..."

Seddi straightens his hat dramatically.

"Conflict between those too stubborn to work together.  My belief?  Perseverance in the face of adversity, neither people nor land wantin' to yield on either side.  And my will?  An eventual accord between all, however shaky it may be.  And it's a darn shame that such accords often only come about after great strife."

[Redstone]

Spoiler

Very well! Let's see where your Fortune leads you two....

***

Inevitably, each of your attention is drawn by that Sound. That most Wonderous Sound. The two of you make your own way of tracking It it down, and eventually the two of you ended up finding each other and joing forces. 

Your hunt and search takes you down several long and winding ally ways into the heart of the City. As you explored your surroundings started to get older. Aged. Classic. The walls took on a distinctly Old Jhoto/Sinnish style as you head deeper 
                                               and deeper
                                                             into the the twisting maze of Bayhama's old and crusty arties.

Then, you're here



Inexplicably, you two find yourselves in a small park, complete with bushes, Long Grass, Trees, a small stream and who know what else.  Surrounding it was tall, tall skyscrappers and great high walls: the only path in and out was the one you just came through, complete with a Red Torri Gate. Right in the center is an old but remarkably well kept shrine - you two can't tell if it has been maintained or been abandoned and miraculously has remained preserved. It had an august, storied air about it, yet it was not at all Intimidating. Nay, you say it was downright welcome, not a hint of Ill Omen or Intention (Oz' Sisters can attest to this).

You have 3 Options for now:

1. Turn Back
2. Explore the Area Surrounding the Shrine
3. Entire the Shrine.

Each of you can take the same Option, or split them up amongst yourselves.

He'd scout out the surrounding area with Lani to make sure there wasn't anything dangerous in the brush and perhaps find clues on the purpose of this place. Kayla would be instructed to stand guard at the entrance should anyone nefarious have followed them.l

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

Very well! Let's see where your Fortune leads you two....

***

Inevitably, each of your attention is drawn by that Sound. That most Wonderous Sound. The two of you make your own way of tracking It it down, and eventually the two of you ended up finding each other and joing forces. 

Your hunt and search takes you down several long and winding ally ways into the heart of the City. As you explored your surroundings started to get older. Aged. Classic. The walls took on a distinctly Old Jhoto/Sinnish style as you head deeper 
                                               and deeper
                                                             into the the twisting maze of Bayhama's old and crusty arties.

Then, you're here



Inexplicably, you two find yourselves in a small park, complete with bushes, Long Grass, Trees, a small stream and who know what else.  Surrounding it was tall, tall skyscrappers and great high walls: the only path in and out was the one you just came through, complete with a Red Torri Gate. Right in the center is an old but remarkably well kept shrine - you two can't tell if it has been maintained or been abandoned and miraculously has remained preserved. It had an august, storied air about it, yet it was not at all Intimidating. Nay, you say it was downright welcome, not a hint of Ill Omen or Intention (Oz' Sisters can attest to this).

You have 3 Options for now:

1. Turn Back
2. Explore the Area Surrounding the Shrine
3. Entire the Shrine.

Each of you can take the same Option, or split them up amongst yourselves.

He'd scout out the surrounding area with Lani to make sure there wasn't anything dangerous in the brush and perhaps find clues on the purpose of this place. Kayla would be instructed to stand guard at the entrance should anyone nefarious have followed them.l

@Spiritmon

As much as this place filled you with a certain serenity it was always a good idea to scope out a place before you let your guard down. All the more if you got danger tailing you, or a local out of place like this Shrine is.

===

Shrine Surroundings

1. *Kitty?
Not Slot Cost; 1 Player Only
One of you see what looks to be a feline of sorts darting through the tall grass; something seemed off about it.

2. *A Balloon?
No Slot Cost
In a spot a little ways off from the shrine you find basin filled with clear Fresh Water and what looked to be Strange Balloons of many color. A old sign in front simply says: Take One.

3. *Arcanine Statue?
Not Slot Cost; 1 Player Only
A tall, weathered, but austure statue of what appeared to be some kind of guardian dog statue, most closely resembling a Arcanine. Their were two plaques on it: one on its chest that seemed to contain some sort of....story, and the other was blank, with a bush beside it that was Strangely still wet with ink

There are also various Kanto, Jhoto, Sinnoh, and Tandorian birds flittering about the shrine.

Pick one of the Options; from what you can tell the area is safe enough to indulge in a little exploring.

[Redstone]

Shrine Surroundings

1. *Kitty?
Not Slot Cost; 1 Player Only
One of you see what looks to be a feline of sorts darting through the tall grass; something seemed off about it.

A cat? The last time Akamu had found a cat that looked to be a little weird things got way out of hand. If only to see if it ends up being just as dangerous he was going to investigate.

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

(Sorry for putting this off - I got a lot of plates that needed spinning, and since I figured you'd be busy with your Trip....)

You get to Main Street without much issue - though you could feel Iron Leaves being somewhat miserable in her Ball (omph) - and by the time you spot the Street Performance it was already gearing up to begin its 2nd Act : The Clash Between Light (Bayhama Settlers) and the Loam (Lepia) .

You see two actors with their Pokemon on the 'set' - one dressed in what you recognize as very traditional Sinnish clothing, accompanied by a Chatot and Infernape , and the other dressed similarly to Ianai, though in a more earthy, Grassy tones, a Arbok and what looked like an Leafy Electabuzz at his side. The Sinnish settler had bright blond hair and a angry scowl on her face, hands bunched up into fists, while the Lepian had a stony frown and  hia arms crossed

"Oh Giratina Damn You! Why must you remain so stubborn? Is what my people ask so utterly impossible, so reprehensible, that you are willing to wage war. Be reasonable!"

"Hmpt. Do not expect an Outsider to Understand what this Land, our Responsibility to it, Truly Means. We barely tolerate your settlement, obscene and foul to the Natural Order it is. Do not push your Fortune - you Will Not be Found in Favor."

The audience was 'ooohing' and awing at the drama taking place, as tension were coming to a boil and the First Bushland Wars was ready to Erupt! It was then a Pause fell over the play and the crowd grew excited - and then bursting onto the scene in a shower of feathers was the Narrator of the Play itself - Carmine Fantasio! Bright red curly hair, a face covered by a Tragedy/Comedy Mask , and wearing what appeared to be a cross between a Jester and Mr. Rime's outfit, they gave a bow to the audience as they declared:

"Oh what a plight! What a delight! The Leader of our people, the great and venerable Bayhama herself, locked in a stalmate with the tragic, noble man known only as Rag'Esmi  the Graveler ! What will be the Fate of this battle of Beliefs? This Meeting of the Wills? A revelation of what Truths they hold dear?"

They sonorous, upbeat voice pierces throughout the audience, before they suddenly point at someone: You! 

"You there! Yes, you, oh Stalward Ranger of Justice! Tell me, pray tell, let it be Known: What is your Truth of What Happened Here? Who do you Believe in Most? How, if it was your Will, do you think it should end ?"

Carmine, the audience, and the Actors themselves wait with baited breath for your answers....

"My truth of the matter, you say?  Well..."

Seddi straightens his hat dramatically.

"Conflict between those too stubborn to work together.  My belief?  Perseverance in the face of adversity, neither people nor land wantin' to yield on either side.  And my will?  An eventual accord between all, however shaky it may be.  And it's a darn shame that such accords often only come about after great strife."

The audience sucked in their breath as you Boldly gave your answer.

Carmine held the silence, building suspense....!

*CLAP!*

"Correct, right, and exactamundo!"

The performer praised your answer, and your fellow attendees cheered and gave you nods of respect. Meanwhile the actors, having your response, seemed to get back into the swing of things: only to include you in their argument now. Fantasio simply bowed and....faded into the background. Quite literally - they disappeared right before everyone's eyes!

"If this Stalwart Ranger can see how pointless all the obstinance is, I can not Imagine why you can not comprehend. We need more land, we need to develop it more, in order to grow and support my people! Your own only stand to gain from this - more trade, more wealth, greater security and prosperity as the Wilds are beaten back and proper Civilization takes it place! *Stomps foot on ground* Why can't you see Reason, you old fool?!"

"Tsk. It is you that is blind to the Lessons the Warden of Nature brings, Outsider. Harmony. Balance. An Accord with Nature, Man, and Monster. All of this, in its entirety, is What Is Important to not only My People, but the Very Land itself. To try and take that away, to twist and break the Nature Order to fit your peoples pervert idea of What is Good Society....it is sad and revolting. *Shakes head* Foolhardy youth....you do not Know the Consequences of the Changes you bring."

The two actors, Bayhama and Rag'Esmi, turn to you as one! Bayhama frantically gestures at herself, while the Rag'Esmi simply regards you respectfully.

"Ranger, you agree with me, right? Please help me to convince this man! This stubbornness, this refusal of progress can't go on!!!"

"Warden, you Know what is right. I Will Not Insult your Honor and Wisdom by begging. This Sacred Land must be preserve, and we must Learn to Live in Accord."

Which will you support? Or do you have an Answer of Your Own to give?

[Lord Windos]

Shrine Surroundings

1. *Kitty?
Not Slot Cost; 1 Player Only
One of you see what looks to be a feline of sorts darting through the tall grass; something seemed off about it.

A cat? The last time Akamu had found a cat that looked to be a little weird things got way out of hand. If only to see if it ends up being just as dangerous he was going to investigate.

It doesn't take you and Lani long to find the flighty feline - or rather the opposite. 

"Nyaaaaa!"

You two look up, and there on top and at the edge of the Shrine was the Cat Pokemon in question. With all its innate grace it leapt down and right in front of you two, giving a smile as it sat down patiently.

It was a....Meowth, but with some subtle differences. For starters it coat was a dusty, shimmering silver-ish color, and there was no Coin on its head. Instead, it was holding what appeared to be a slightly larger and silver Coin that was inscribed with the Kanji for 'Wealth' , held up high for you two to look. Resting in its other hand, however, was a Bright Red Cherish Ball, with the Kanji 'Wonder' painted on the top half. Their was a tiny red gem were the Coin should have been, and its eyes were slitted yet full of obvious content and Happiness.

"Nyah, nyah!"

The neko motioned its hands, the Items prominent, before looking at you two curiously. 

A Choice was before you: Wealth, or Wonder?

[Lord Windos]

@Spiritmon

(Just going ahead and having your PC pick your other choice, to speed up things - I can also just easily switch you and Redstone's places if you change your minds too)

You find yourself before the venerable Arcanine(?) Statue, the weight of its bejeweled gaze boaring into you with Calm Patience yet Judgment.

Looking at the Chest Plaque, here what was inscribed:

Time illusion and gone,
Space null and void,
Distortion still and calm,
Allmighty abandoned its throne,
Here, Then, Where.
What is Left?
How is Life
Why?

Write Down Your Answer in the Blank Plaque below: Try to keep it Short, and answer all the questions the best you can.

[Spiritmon]

Oz look at the statue. Trying to analyze it's features and how much different it is. Looking at the plaque, she try to think in some answer.

To the first question, she thinks and then give it's answer about what is left.

The memories.

To the second question:

A bit weary, but need to be strong.

To the third question, she thinks very carefully and then answer.

Because I must be, so for those that depart and I loved never truly die.

[Lord Windos]

Oz look at the statue. Trying to analyze it's features and how much different it is. Looking at the plaque, she try to think in some answer.

To the first question, she thinks and then give it's answer about what is left.

The memories.

To the second question:

A bit weary, but need to be strong.

To the third question, she thinks very carefully and then answer.

Because I must be, so for those that depart and I loved never truly die.

The Statue's Eyes glow as you finish inscribing your Answer to its Query, and your writing glows and lifts off the plaque! It flies up to the stone Arcanine's mouth and goes straight in, as if it was being sucked and gobbled up.

For a moment, a stillness settled around you and the Statue....

... *Crack!*
*Clink!*

...and its mouth ground open more, and out come tumbling out was a.....big bell of some sort, that was emitting a steady stream of silver-ish incense smoke, complete with a faded gold ribbon tied to its ring. 

The mouth closed, and for a moment its eyes seemed to shine. 

Then, all went back to normal. Just you, and the Bell before you.

Nostalgic Brazier Bell Obtained. + 1 Happiness on Holder, makes Disobedient Mons more likely to listen and behave, accelerates Bond and Understanding. If Held by You (Oz), however, you become Immune to Mental Effects and can spend 1 Will to Invoke the Bell, it's ringing and the smoke being empowered to spread wide and try to quel hostility and promote peace, reminding them of past times and the ones to come.

With that, you have a choice: Leave now with what you Obtained, or venture into the Shrine. Neither feel like a bad option, nor do you feel pressured by this place to choose one or another.