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

[Redstone]

She is quick to confirm what you have and curses, rubbing her forhead and giving you an annoyed scowl.

"Right. That would do it. Okay, first off - don't try to traffic that thing around freely. Trouble is bound to happen with a newbie like you on the scene. Second, what in Savior's name possessed you to obtain THIS? Third - what in the hell are you even expecting to get out of this? 'Cause let me tell ya, anyone interested in buying a beast like this are either Dangerous, Insane, Reckless, or all of the above. Or worse, actually capable of Taming such a creature for who knows what. *Angry Sighing* In other words, what do you want so badly you're willing to Catch, partially Tame, and then Trade Away a motherfucking near-Alpha WM?"

The barkeep is whispering all this to you, by the way, taking great care not to be overheard.

He'd also whisper

''Well obtaining this wasn't by choice, fished up a really huge karp in a contest which spontaneously evolved. Managed to coax her back into her ball without her killing someone but I really don't plan to do that every time. It's more about getting rid of her then gaining some immaculate deal, taming dragons is one thing but this is one step too far for me.''

*Sigh*

[Spiritmon]

Spoiler

Seddi returns that hug, not saying anything.  He's just simply being there, because someone needs to be there for her.

And that's what friends are for, right?

Before Seddi starts his story, he'll summon Kusanagi from her pokeball.  "I know that last time we spoke it was a little frosty between us, Kusanagi, but I thought you'd want to hear this story as well.  You remember what I told you when we first met, I'm sure.  Well, it's time for that story.  My translator is unfortunately not able to translate for you right now, so if you want to discuss it, it will have to be later unfortunately."

And then, he begins.

Music: Cascaraffa - Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

"My story begins in Paldea's Asado Desert, in a city where all the streets and roofing is paved in blue.  Somethin' one of the city's previous gym leaders thought would be good for the city's image, as it's built in the middle of an oasis.  It's only the third largest settlement in the region, but it's a bustling trade hub due to its proximity to Porto Marinada, a port town with a famous auction house as its centerpiece.  And it makes that region a hotspot both for tourists and for enterprisin' folks of all kinds."

Seddi's Theme: Yotabu's Theme - Histrobea Chronicles

"I count you luckier than me in some ways, Oz.  I grew up an orphan, with no family to speak of.  A street rat that nobody seemed to have wanted.  I have no memory of anythin' before waking up in a dark alleyway in one of the most beautiful cities in Paldea.  There were no expectations on me, but also no guidance.  I was well and truly alone.

"It didn't take me long to find a soul in a similar situation to mine.  On the city's outskirts, I met a lone Charcadet that seemingly had no friends either, and the two of us vowed that day to stand by each others' sides, no matter what came.

"Charcadet and I stalked the alleys of the city for years, doing whatever we needed to survive.  Eventually, we got picked up by a local gang, and they gave us shelter and supplies in exchange for training us in their work.  Real opportunists, those folks.  But also many who were down on their luck and had no other place to go.  Made a few friends there, and got two more pokemon partners with their help and the supplies that we were provided by our benefactors.

"The real turnin' point though was when the gang that picked me up finally decided it was time for me to earn my keep, around the time I turned 16 if I remember rightly.  The first job was simple.  Break into a wealthy collector's house and steal a particular item of value for a client.  In and out.  What I didn't anticipate was what we'd find there, as we weren't actually told what specifically we were looking for.  Only that it would be obvious when we saw it.

"We found two sets of armor, two items of particular importance for any Charcadet.  One set of golden Auspicious Armor, and a set of dark Malicious Armor.  They may or may not have been the items we were after, but they drew Charcadet's interest all the same.  Lookin' back on it, I have to wonder if the client knew I had a Charcadet as my partner, and specifically picked us to do that job because of that."

Ceruledge's blades and eyes suddenly flare.  She isn't bothering to hide that she's angry.  Angry at what happened.  Seddi pauses and puts a hand on his partner's armored shoulder, and she calms down, taking deep breaths as she cools her flames.

"We screwed up.  Got too greedy.  Too ambitious.  One of us did something that alerted the collection's owner that thieves were after his things.  It didn't take long for him to show up while we were tryin' to loot the armors.  And he wasn't happy to see thieves in his home."

B A N G

(Music stops)

The sound still reverberates in both their memories to this day.  That fateful night, when everything changed...

"...he owned a firearm, and he brought it with him to that room.  He didn't hesitate, and he fired at the easiest target he could see.

Charcadet, her fiery plume illuminating the space around her, the light reflecting off of the two armors in their display cases.

"She flew backwards from the force of the projectile hitting her directly, and collided with one of the armors.  She was enveloped in the bright light of evolution, while I panicked and grabbed the nearest weapon I could find in the darkness.  And then..."

S T A B

"...a struggle ensued. Next thing I knew, the collector was dead at my feet, and Charcadet had evolved into Ceruledge.  A cruel, cruel irony, for she would have much preferred to evolve into an Armarogue.  But the deeds were done.  We had one of the armors, technically speakin'.  And I'd just killed a man with a blade from his own collection of priceless artifacts.  Also quite ironic.

"So, we ran.  We ran and we ran and we ran.  But we forgot one thing.

"We'd left evidence.  And with evidence, came justice.  Sooner rather than later.  That's the story of how I was incarcerated, convicted of both murder and larceny.  It didn't matter that I killed in self defense.  I was a thief, so murder was just the cherry on top that sealed my fate.

"My pokemon partners were all confiscated, and I was jailed with a rather lengthy sentence.  I learned later that my partners were sent to a rehoming facility, and I was thankful that they at least had managed to escape being punished severely.  But again, I was alone.  Alone, and with nobody to look out for me anymore."

"There's a sayin' among the folks in the criminal underground of western Paldea: not all the streets in Cascaraffa are paved blue.  That day, I learned first hand what that sayin' meant.  Sometimes, they're as black as the people who walk them.  Others, they run red with blood.  As nice a place as it looks, if you go lookin' for trouble, you'll find it in spades."

The entire time Seddi is telling this story, he keeps the details very matter of fact.  There's almost no hint of emotion from him that hints what he might think of the events he just described.

Of course, the story doesn't end there.  Ceruledge obviously wasn't rehomed, as she's standing right there with Seddi.  And Seddi obviously got out of jail somehow.

He lets the question of what came next hang for a moment, watching Oz and Kusanagi to see how they react to this first part of his origin story.  It's not every day that someone tells you they're a convicted felon, after all.

Oz was a bit startled when Kusanagi appeared in the place…but She decided to steel her resolve and keep listening to the end. If Seddi summons his other sword to this place, it might be important too. She sit once again, and listened to his story…

…

And what a story it was…In her eyes, Seddi was already an incredible and strong person, blessed by the gods themselves…But now…Now she understands. Seddi suffered. A lota. He had to endure as much suffering, if not much more suffering than Oz herself. Oz at least had her grandparents who gave the love her never gave her. Glinda, Fortuna and Persephone are her family. Even with her suffering as a Sky Scimitar training, she had her group to her OWN (which is more that can be said by other people). And finally, Lucy, Sindara and Romero, her best friends, were always with her, and were willing to risk their lives for her.

Seddi…did have that. He had to fight alone, with only Charcadet on his side. Joining forces with a gang just to survive and grow as a trainer to survive. And even get incarnate in prison, with his Pokemon partners being taken away from him…And yet…He never gives up. He rose to the top, surpassed all pain and suffering, and became a hero. A TRUE HERO. A Hero who started with nothing, did what was necessary to survive, and then when judgment came, he faced headon…And became the owner and hero chosen by a mechanical Sword of Justice.

Both might run away from their mistakes when tragedy strike, but where Oz ended scared for life and with scars on her soul that will never heal, Seddi was able to raise at the top, became a hero willing to risk his own life to protect all around him…And even willing to save Isobell soul, even when she gives up on her a long time ago…

In short, she looks at Seddi with a new light. A kindred spirit, but one with an unbreakable spirit.

Spoiler

"Thank you.  We will talk about this more later, Kusanagi."

He sighs in relief, takes off his hat, and bows to Oz (@Spiritmon) and her pokemon.  "Apologies to y'all.  I was not intendin' to set up that kind of a scene.  The second half of my tale is much more tame, I can assure you."  It's almost like a switch has been flipped on and then back off with how quickly and comfortably the cowboy transitioned between firm discipline and polite courtesy.

Whew, that was close!

Oz was startled by Cerudge and Kusanagi danger of battle. She was still shaken by everything and she barely had time to react. Her Pokemon defending her and being willing to fight for her…was enough to warm her wounded heart.

She see poor Dite fainted, and with care she put the little fainted Fox Pokemon in the bed, trying to keep her safe. She will wait for Dite to wake up before Seddi continues his story.

She looks at Seddi with understanding eyes. “The more I learn about you, the more I think you are awesome Seddi…Mind if we wait a while to Dite wake up and continue the story? I think…She would like to hear it too."

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

Oz was a bit startled when Kusanagi appeared in the place…but She decided to steel her resolve and keep listening to the end. If Seddi summons his other sword to this place, it might be important too. She sit once again, and listened to his story…

…

And what a story it was…In her eyes, Seddi was already an incredible and strong person, blessed by the gods themselves…But now…Now she understands. Seddi suffered. A lota. He had to endure as much suffering, if not much more suffering than Oz herself. Oz at least had her grandparents who gave the love her never gave her. Glinda, Fortuna and Persephone are her family. Even with her suffering as a Sky Scimitar training, she had her group to her OWN (which is more that can be said by other people). And finally, Lucy, Sindara and Romero, her best friends, were always with her, and were willing to risk their lives for her.

Seddi…did have that. He had to fight alone, with only Charcadet on his side. Joining forces with a gang just to survive and grow as a trainer to survive. And even get incarnate in prison, with his Pokemon partners being taken away from him…And yet…He never gives up. He rose to the top, surpassed all pain and suffering, and became a hero. A TRUE HERO. A Hero who started with nothing, did what was necessary to survive, and then when judgment came, he faced headon…And became the owner and hero chosen by a mechanical Sword of Justice.

Both might run away from their mistakes when tragedy strike, but where Oz ended scared for life and with scars on her soul that will never heal, Seddi was able to raise at the top, became a hero willing to risk his own life to protect all around him…And even willing to save Isobell soul, even when she gives up on her a long time ago…

In short, she looks at Seddi with a new light. A kindred spirit, but one with an unbreakable spirit.

...

Oz was startled by Cerudge and Kusanagi danger of battle. She was still shaken by everything and she barely had time to react. Her Pokemon defending her and being willing to fight for her…was enough to warm her wounded heart.

She see poor Dite fainted, and with care she put the little fainted Fox Pokemon in the bed, trying to keep her safe. She will wait for Dite to wake up before Seddi continues his story.

She looks at Seddi with understanding eyes. “The more I learn about you, the more I think you are awesome Seddi…Mind if we wait a while to Dite wake up and continue the story? I think…She would like to hear it too."

"I do not mind, but I don't know when I'll have time to continue talkin' if she doesn't wake up momentarily.  And I'm worried we may have scared the poor thing too much right now for words alone to really have an impact."

[Iron]

Probably won't bring up the whole demon thing... the line will be just "a Metronome gone wrong" with no further explanation.

Seems like that would be a pretty long day so far, I think the party will simply rest and eat, mostly. If I have any encounters left I'll just continue to abuse Pickup with them in safe areas.

In that case, you last remaining Encounter for the day (A Moderate Slot) will be treated as an Extended Rest and Relaxation Bonding Session with all your Mons. Both you and Famine will gain + 1 Will for it by default, but if you have any Mons to focus on or particular ideas for how you think a BIG respite would go then by all means.

For Pick Up Hunting, I'll Do Three Loot Rolls, Sans Fortune (You've earnt a break)

#1
T: (1) Doh.   R: (17) Hmm...

#2
T: (2) Eh...  R: (14) Okay

#3
T: (6) Nice!   R: (18) Excellent!

You find what looks to be a busted up Utility Umbrella that could be fixed with a skilled enough Crafter, a Great that contained a couple of Oran Berries (Both the Ball and Berries are usable), while the last....

Munchlax tugs on your shirt, before point to something. Or rather, someone - a rather tiny little Pure White Stunky, who was lured to your big picnic party and general exploration with some clever treats left out by said bear. They looked Skittish, but bold enough to try and sneak around to get at unguarded supplies and scope out the situation. A unthinkable thing for Famine to do prior to his Change, but now since he's less hungry for Non-Health Foods he might as well use his old snack supply to attract potential friends or Catches for you!

Vernax hefts a Pokeball.

"Hungry, little guy? I always used to feed the Stunky back on the farm. Dad told me not to, saying they'd become dependent, but I did it anyway. Want to travel with me for a while?"

If Stunky leaves/refuses, Vernax will throw the Pokeball, but won't use violence against it, preferring to flee/dodge on Dodrio's back instead if the Stunky attacks.

[Lord Windos]

Vernax hefts a Pokeball.

"Hungry, little guy? I always used to feed the Stunky back on the farm. Dad told me not to, saying they'd become dependent, but I did it anyway. Want to travel with me for a while?"

If Stunky leaves/refuses, Vernax will throw the Pokeball, but won't use violence against it, preferring to flee/dodge on Dodrio's back instead if the Stunky attacks.

Charisma (Food/Care) Roll Vs Stunky's Will (5) and Disobedience (1)
INS (3) + Survival (2) + Nature (3) + 1 (Yum yums) + * 1 (???) 
(6)(6)(3) (3)(5) (2)(4)(2) (1)(2) Well...
(5)(1)(6) (6)(4)(5) Stubborn!

Stunky thinks about it, before shaking its head and stamping a foot in what sounded like a 'no' . However, its not also interested in attacking - not after getting some nice treats from the lil bear, or after you proved yourself at least tolerant of it. From your experience with the species, you could tell it was hesistant to trust a stranger without some sort of 'guarantee' or gesture to prove your intentions - their species were often considered pests that were hunted or driven away, and as a result wariness and a degree of paranioa was breed into them as a whole.

Still want to throw a Ball at it, or step up the convincing game?

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

Hmm... Okay, let's ditch the idea of having my reputation at the docks cleared and go for my alterative ideas for the request - in order of preferance, with No.1 being the most prefered and No.4 the less prefered.

[Request #1]
Please get me an Item that powers up the moves of Umbrelong/Equinox. Optimally all of them, and unique to the creature. If that's too much, an Item that solely powers up their ???-moves. If that is also too much, any Item that is unique and useful to Umbrelong alone, and that shall become her default held Item. If it proves useful channeling her moves and powers, even better. If the lab Nox escaped from has none such an Item, request for one to be made.



===

. . . . . .okay, Bernhard, please don't mess up here. You seemingly hit a nerve on your beloved, a quite sensitive one, don't make this more difficult than it already is.


He gives her a genuinely apologizing look over having startled, spooked and scared her, then a rather embarassed chuckle. "My sincere aplologies, my dear. I didn't mean to...cause you sorrow or fear, how could I ever to my truthful (he swallows the 'forbidden') beloved."

She speaking...like a normal person is what REALLY worries and concerns him. Rarely does she so, and even more rarely towards him, I feel? Either way, that's a crystal-clear sign to Bernhard that he really shouldn't press the matter, or at best not having brought it up in the first place. He gives her a look™, then averts his gaze away to the side, very clearly feeling uncomfortable here. Then he lets out a deep sigh.

For a good hot minute or so, there's only silence as Bern rots there in feelings of 'you messed up'. Eventually though, he takes heart, gives her a comforting embrace, and a tender kiss on the cheek of hers.  "*whispers into her pointy ear* ...I'm deeply sorry, Morgana, my dearest lady. Please do believe dear me when I say it wasn't my intention - keep your secrets, I shall not indulge in the matter further. At all, nor ever."

He breaks the hug and gives her a tender~smile as he gently take her hand into his. "...My utter gratitude and thanks for having come today; for making time for me, for us. You are here to indulge in the Festival with me, now aren't you?~~ Well then... So mote it be. As little time as we may heave, let us make the most of it, my dear. This fine day is still young - is there, perhaps and maybe, anything specific you desire to see or do or would prefer if me does take the lead?~"


Course of Action:
Is there anything specific Morgana would want to see? Or is there anything at the Festival that would suit a couple like these two or anything that could be deemed romantic, what are the options here?

If there isn't or you don't have any ideas, we'll take her to Kyorge's M.A. Hall to see the Grand Orchestra playing and setting the mood. ...Whatever mood that may be.

The officials were even more confused at first by your first alternative request...until you released your very friendly and forceful chimera to show them off, who looked at all the funny people and let out a trill of "wwWwwVVrrrm?"

Some were still confused, but a few stiffened as the glowing nature of your lox hinted at something that triggered all SORTS of alarm bells in their stuffy little heads. A few tests were done to confirm their suspicions, and after that point the lead official elected to speak/deal with you was looking rather pale, sweaty, and very, very befuddled as they said:

"Ah....Sir Bernhard....may I ask why you have a Nuclear Type Pokemon of unknown origin? Not that we don't trust you can take care of it, of course! A Scimitar of your standing and power should easily be able to  tame or use such a...uh....radical creature! We just want to know for safety and public concern, of course. You of all should understand how a....power like this Pokemon possesses can be quite, uh....dangerous if not properly handled, yes?"

Well shit. ??? Revealed - > Nuclear Type! Umbrelong Confirmed to be a Stable Nuclear Mon!

Once you assunged their fears and told them (or not and just said you have already 'dealt with' the matter, as befitting a Scimitar), the officials are quick to huddle together, rapidly discussing what could be given to further refine the vulpizard's Power without potentially causing problems until one man suggested something that got the others to pause....before everyone nodded in agreement.

Some calls were made, and a few minutes later, off the stage and in a very private and guarded area in City Hall the Speaker handed you a small but good-sized metal box. One, you recognized, was lined with lead.

"For you and your Umbrelong, Sir Bernhard. This should be more than sufficient in empowering and further befriending it."

Opening the box revealed a bright sky blue gem stone that shined radiantly in the light. Literally : it was glowing a blue remarkably akin to the same glow emitted by your newest companion, and you could feel the caustic, near Corruptive nature of the power it Held.

Nox, if they were still out, would stand straight up on its hind legs the moment the jewel was revealed, eyeing it with rapt fascination - *Yoink!* and promptly took it for herself/themselves, chittering/humming in pure delight before winding its/her way up your side to nuzzle your face in sincere, joyful thanks for such a invaluable Treasure.

[b]Radiant Topaz Obtained, and promptly Equipped by Nox. Effect: + 1 to ALL Attributes; + 1 to a Skill Tree Specialties of Its/Her Choice (Choose at Day Start - Currently Contest); + 1 Damage Dice to Nuclear Type Moves. Automatically and irrevocably Corrupts most Normal Mons, and Radiation Poisons all but Steel, Ghost, and Dragon Types otherwise.

For a Stable Nuclear Mon, however, it actually acts in reverse, absorbing the radioactive energy they emit and eliminating the risk of their Nuclear Energy Corrupting/sickening others; said energy is then stored and refined in the gemstone to Channel its power back into its Holder (Feedback Loop!). A portion of said Energy can later possibly be Extracted and used by a competent Scientist or Magi....if they are brave and Skilled enough to do so without consequences. [/b].

+ 2 Happiness and + 1 Loyalty for Nox! They/she are VERY pleased with your gift, if their/her public display of affection was any indication....


===

You get a mirthful chuckle as 'your' Lady set you gently on the ground after the hug, simply shaking her head and gracing you with a most indulgent smile that had shivers racing down your spine.

That moment was promptly ruined by your question, but your swift and timely save caused them to visibly perk up as she cupped your face and planted a kiss on your forehead.

"Most blessed and beneficent are thee, my sweet, silly-nilly man. Yes....let us not talk about that. At least....not for some time yet to come."

And she figuratively and literally had you in the palm of her hand, like a turtledove chocolate she so happened to pluck from a box of confections.

"Indeed and correct, yes and yes my more than good man. Tired and...vexed though I am by....recent matters and tidings, I can hardly afford or accord missing spending a wine-fine moment with you, during these most momentous, fabulous festivities, hmm? Te he he ~ .... "

Morgana isn't that interested in what Bayhama normally has to offer - otherwise she'd have dragged you here more frequently in your past 'outings' - but the mention of the Grand Orchestra does seem most pleasing to her. 

....There is, of course, the alternative option of simply spending your time with her in a more, ah, intimiate manner....if your brave enough to do so while she's a bit weary and emotional. Times like this make the Fairy Queen more temptuous and Wild, as her self control seems more want to slip, but that just makes it all the more thrilling, eh Romeo?

Which will it be?

[Lord Windos]

...

Oz was startled by Cerudge and Kusanagi danger of battle. She was still shaken by everything and she barely had time to react. Her Pokemon defending her and being willing to fight for her…was enough to warm her wounded heart.

She see poor Dite fainted, and with care she put the little fainted Fox Pokemon in the bed, trying to keep her safe. She will wait for Dite to wake up before Seddi continues his story.

She looks at Seddi with understanding eyes. “The more I learn about you, the more I think you are awesome Seddi…Mind if we wait a while to Dite wake up and continue the story? I think…She would like to hear it too."[/spoiler]

"I do not mind, but I don't know when I'll have time to continue talkin' if she doesn't wake up momentarily.  And I'm worried we may have scared the poor thing too much right now for words alone to really have an impact."

The Mons were not defending you, but rather your Good Witch. Which, as far as you were concerned, was as good as if not better than simply protecting you. Both for your obvious overwhelming Love and concern for her, but the fact your twos Soul Bond literally means your life is in her hands and vice versa.

Dite isn't waking up without smelling salts, a Revive, or using a strong spirit to knock her conscious. The fact that your (Oz @Spiritmon ) mere touch causes them to whimper and Flinch away, even when out Hard Stone cold, is yet another increasingly obvious sign that things were not going to work out with the lovely fox without drastic measures.

Kusanagi openly scoffed at the all the attention such a craven Fae was undeservedly getting, but a stern look (from Seddi or Ceruledge) and a quiet comment from Glinda caused them to settle down with only a slightly mulish frown.

[Lord Windos]

He'd also whisper

''Well obtaining this wasn't by choice, fished up a really huge karp in a contest which spontaneously evolved. Managed to coax her back into her ball without her killing someone but I really don't plan to do that every time. It's more about getting rid of her then gaining some immaculate deal, taming dragons is one thing but this is one step too far for me.''

*Sigh*

"*Aggrevated rubbing forehead* Blood of Acrowls, what is with you Strange Rissies? You come waltzing on the scene, and it seems like home has gotten ever crazier somehow. *Sighs* Fine. Give me a bit to try and find someone willing to take this WM without trying to scam us and/or get us and others brutally murdered by trying to use and subsequently anger it. Can't guarantee this sort of bait will only attract sane or reasonable offers, though. No, this right here is prime bloody shark bait, and boy it will Attract predators like nothing else."

The barkeep sighs again, before crossing their shoulders and giving you a stern look.

"Right, now that is settled, let me get you a drink. On the house - 'cause if anyone deserves it, its a insane Rissy that had the brass balls to talk down a fucking beast like THAT."

It won't be a Special Hero Drink, but anything bellow that (IRL or whatever idea you have for a Pokemon World Fantasy Drink) is fair game to be mixed and made for Akamu!

[Spiritmon]

Oz simply sights. She search her bag, and used a Revive on Dite. Her heart still very...sad, but it will have to do. She would request Glinda give a little healing on Dite since the poor fae could use some healing and Oz fear if she try to touch it will not work.

With a defeat look, she ask for Seddi/@Dragonstrike continue his tale.

[Lord Windos]

Oz simply sights. She search her bag, and used a Revive on Dite. Her heart still very...sad, but it will have to do. She would request Glinda give a little healing on Dite since the poor fae could use some healing and Oz fear if she try to touch it will not work.

With a defeat look, she ask for Seddi/@Dragonstrike continue his tale.

The old otter, somehow keeping tract of things, let out a disgusted growl and got up, shuffling over to the faint Fae , attracting all sorts of wary looks. Then she simply … poured their whisky into them, causing Dite to spring awake with a ‘YIPE!’ …and promptly started drunkenly giggling, smiling wide as she nuzzled into Kusi’s leg. That got another disgusted sigh before they slightly punted her into your lap, where they started to giggle and cuddle you instead. 

Then without further fanfare she went back to her seat and poured herself more drink, getting what you thought was a ‘thank you’ from Glinda and giving a scowl and rude back from them.

Alcohol : the perfect wake up call and social lubricant for Fairies everywhere.