[@Joshua Tamashii] Route 1 did not offer any challenge for being travelled through. Just staying out of the tall grass and don’t fall into the drain, and everything’s golden. Indeed, soon enough Amelia would be walking by fields being cultivated by humans and their Pokémon, Machops or whatever was the most suitable, but I’m just going to say Machops for right now. [center][url=https://cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/8/85/066Machop.png][img]http://i.imgur.com/uWLphvM.png[/img][/url][/center] [center][color=6ecff6][i]Pokédex Entry #66 – Machop, the Superpower Pokémon. A Machop is built up by a special muscle, which despite its size makes it stronger than 100 humans and will never tire no matter how much it strains itself. This combined with their general availability makes them a common choice for helping humans with manual labours.[/i][/color][/center] [hider=arriving in][center][h2]Highhill Town[/h2] [url=https://i.imgur.com/dsqK7cw.jpg][img]https://i.imgur.com/EiXydD2.jpg[/img][/url] [url=https://i.imgur.com/AT5U8U9.jpg][img]https://i.imgur.com/5bvHMMV.jpg[/img][/url][/center] [sub][sub](couldn’t decide what image I wanted to use)[/sub][/sub] Highhill Town is a small, lively place that has seemingly stood atop this hill from time immemorial and never really changed. The atmosphere in Highhill Town is much fresher than surrounding places, the buildings are older and the work as honest as ever. The old town is populated by elders and younglings aplenty, and the town has a culture of their own. Plenty of Pokémon assist with the work, either as work-force or the animals that work is being done on. One usually only crosses Highhill Town on a trip to or from Pureplain City. Regardless, it is a place of beauty. The fields around it are cultivated by hard-working people and Pokémon while the lake to the east gleams in the sunshine as fishermen attend it. There are small roads of asphalt spiraling up the hill to lead to all the old buildings, and children playing around in stairs or nature is very common. It is said that a trainer praying at the nearby Silent Shrine will be blessed on their journey, so many travel to Highhill Town just for that. There’s also a set of very ancient rocks spread about town, pointing out towards the lake on top of the hill with some engravings. What they mean? Nobody knows. Also, Highhill Town is the residence of a certain Move Changer, whose abilities are sought by some new trainers. What he can do? Visit him to find out.[/hider] Walking through town, Amelia would be treated to the views of Highhill Town. It’s an older settlement, many of the wooden buildings showing signs of being positively ancient, and there were kids playing around every here and there with elders looking out for them while the adults were working. That seemed to be how it worked here. She saw the house of the Move Changer. It was but a regular old wooden house with a sign that said “Move Changer”, and a line of excited kids in line to come in and a row of disappointed-looking kids coming out. Huh. There were the ancient rocks, but unless she specifically investigated them, they were only exactly that, rocks. Rocks standing out like stalagmites from the top of the hill, gathered together in an unnatural-looking circle, pointing slightly in the direction of Dragon Lake. Hm. And, while she perhaps didn’t try to, she may have overheard a kid telling a story to his friends. [color=yellow]‘… nobody could match it! All seemed lost! But then, one hero went and prayed at the Silent Shrine, and he was valued worthy. So he was joined by the guardian Pokémon, and together they defeated the fell beast!’[/color] There were noises of “oohs” and “aahs” from friends, despite them all having heard the story before. [color=yellow]‘And that’s why it became tradition to go pray at the Silent Shrine before embarking on the Pokémon journey around here! Dunno if it really does anything, but hey! It’s in our culture!’[/color] … That aside. Amelia did have a goal in mind. Asking some locals she was pointed in the right direction for the Pokémon Gym, and she arrived. It was the same as the rest, an older wooden building, but it was bigger and had a pond built around it. Someone had dug out a ditch and the Gym stood on this little island in the middle, a wooden bridge going to the entrance. A sign stood in the front. Unlike at Dorian’s Gym, there was no queue. Highhill Pokémon Gym - Minor League. Gym Leader: Lorette. “The Shrine’s Bug-Maiden” Amelia then ventured for the door… … … and found it locked. The Gym doors were completely closed. And this was definitely a time of day it really should be open. [color=6d80ab]‘Oh, wow. You got here fast.’[/color] Someone suddenly spoke to her, coming out walking from behind her on the bridge. It’s… a guy she saw quite recently. [hider=This guy][center][url=http://i.imgur.com/6B7u7Dx.jpg][img]http://i.imgur.com/U6Kq8aq.png[/img][/url][/center][/hider] He smiled at her, and then spoke his analysis. Amelia didn’t need to listen to that part if she didn’t want to. [hider=analysis][color=6d80ab]‘So, Lorette is a user of the Bug-type. It’s a type filled with sneaky little tricks that can stop you good, and the Pokémon evolve quickly so you can expect them to be tough despite being low-leveled. I’d recommend leaving Grass or Psychic type Pokémon at home, Lorette will gnaw them up. But, with Fire or Flying type, you may be able to snatch her up pretty well! Lorette tends to go easy on new trainers, so use that to your advantage! Go for it!’[/color][/hider] [color=6d80ab]‘Thoooooooouuuuuuuugh…’[/color] He said, looking over the obviously locked Gym. [color=6d80ab]‘It’s tradition that the Gym Leader of Highhill Town is also the Shrine Maiden at the Silent Shrine. If she’s not here right now, she’s probably there. OR…’[/color] He smirked a little. [color=6d80ab]‘… She might be lost. She tends to get lost inside the Silent Forest a lot, for some reason. So if you want to battle her, you’re either going to have to wait until the Pokémon of the forest guide her back, as they do eventually, or… go find her, I suppose. Whichever one you want.’[/color] And so, he finished his explanation. Now it was up to Amelia what she wanted to do. [hider=Suggestions to actions]1. Find Pokémon. [i]Can still search for Pokémon in towns~[/i] 2. Talk. [i]In cities, there are considerably more people one can talk to. Talking can give you info on local rumors and such.[/i] 3. Exit. [i]Exit the town to any of the connected areas.[/i] 4. Specify. [i]If you specify what you want to do, the GM will take it into account and tell the result.[/i] 5. Trigger random event. [i]Force the GM to use his imagination to make a scenario for you.[/i] 6. Notable Buildings. [i]Visit any of the facilities of the city![/i] 6.1. Pokémon Center. [i]Heal all your Pokémon.[/i] 6.2. PokéMart. [i]Go to a store and buy things.[/i] 6.3. Pokémon Gym. [i]???[/i] 6.4. Docks. [i]For fishermen or perhaps a ticket across Route 14.[/i] 6.5. Ancient Rocks. [i]Of completely unknown origin, ancient writing on them.[/i] 6.6. Ranch. [i]There are ranches around Highhill, if you stand to gain from them.[/i] 6.7. Move Changer. [i]We can guess from the name, but what can this man do?[/i] 6.8. Mayor’s House. [i]If you see reason to visit, it’s right by the rocks.[/i] [/hider] [i]Connected areas: [/i] Route 1. [i]To the south, is the common route of first journeys. Green and straight.[/i] Route 3. [i]To the north, the route to Rainrock or the Silent Shrine. A wet woodland.[/i] Route 14. [i]To the east, the lake known as the Dragon Lake, potentially for crossing.[/i] [hider=Highhill Town, known Pokémon]Common: #66 Machop Uncommon: Rare:[/hider] __________________________ [@Rune_Alchemist] Yvonne flinched as the badge was gripped out of her hand, her eyes going wide as it left her hand and she spun around to face Claire as she realized her own position. [color=d6d2a9]‘Wait, that’s n-’[/color] Said in distress, when all of a sudden something clicked. [color=d6d2a9]‘-NEXACTLY what it is!’[/color] Yvonne crossed her arms and grinned, raising her chin and looking at Claire with utmost confidence. [color=d6d2a9]‘Don’t you feel it? That’s the Redcoast City Gym Badge, the Challenge Badge! A dot on fire with willpower!’[/color] She raised one hand to inspect it, all the while smirking. [color=d6d2a9]‘I was going to just challenge those intending on challenging the Gym, but then the leader came out and challenged me for it. I must admit to having been a bit startled…’[/color] She grinned and then made a peace-sign at Claire. [color=d6d2a9]‘… But I handled it!’[/color] [color=d6d2a9]‘Newly evolved Pokémon, eh?’[/color] Yvonne chuckled. [color=d6d2a9]‘Then fine! See if you too can handle the Redcoast City Gym! It lies in the south-west of town, just look for the multi-story building that looks like it’s going to topple over any second. There’s only one such in Redcoast. Good luck~! I’ll just be preparing for the Contests until then~!’[/color] Yvonne laughed at Claire as she stood there… [color=d6d2a9]‘… Also, give me my badge back.’[/color] That, too. And Claire hadn’t healed her Pokémon yet. They were just now handing Yvonne back her healed Pokémon. __________________________ [@Pirouette] When Erika handed over Sno to Joshua, just because, Pikachu randomly decided to jump from Joshua’s shoulder onto Erika’s. Because Joshua was already taking enough weight. Assuming she didn’t recoil or throw him off, he then raised a tiny hand in greeting to her. [color=f5e284]‘Pika~!’[/color] Like, “hello!”, kind of greeting. Joshua gave a grin at that, if that happened, and then they could be on their way. When Erika recovered Sno, likewise, Pikachu jumped back to Joshua’s shoulder again, where he was immediately petted for being a good little buddy. Anyways. Ladder. Obviously, the three that had come with the ladder went up first, all in one line. That said, they didn’t seem to mind that some kids were tagging along. So they came up, Erika following soon behind and Joshua + Ewan behind her, Joshua excited about this and Ewan also having his interest raised a bit. Erika could hear the collective gasps of the three above her as she climbed up… [color=9d64ed]‘This is the best…’[/color] The man in purple said, swooning. [color=5fc9cf]‘Beautiful…’[/color] The girl said, sounding emotionally touched. [color=6aa88c]‘It’s quite something you’ve found here, eh.’[/color] The hiker chuckled. Then… Erika came up. And… [hider=welcome to][center][h2]Dragon Roost[/h2] [url=http://i.imgur.com/7cjpMAZ.jpg][img]http://i.imgur.com/OuFMBzS.jpg[/img][/url][/center] It’s on top of the mountain of the Wet Caverns, surrounded by somewhat taller peaks hiding away this place in a bowl of mountains, some trees standing around on the strange green grass covering the hill of ruins they just came out on. The hole they just came up from is surrounded by very old ruins, their origin unknown. However, neither the ruins, the mountains or even the view was the most eye-catching here. Because the surrounding mountains are covered with dragons. Druddigons scoured the air like guardians, the occasional Salamence mixed in their midst as they flew. On the different peaks were small families of dragons, Bagons bashing their heads against various rocks accompanied by some Shelgons, Axews dragging their tusks on walls to mark territory and Fraxures here and there fairly far from one another maintaining theirs, occasionally Gibles crawling out of holes or Gabites placing them back into the holes, along with whatever shiny things they’ve recently recovered. There were many holes in the mountains, caverns for the dragons to venture out in, yet out here they all seemed to be at peace. [center][url=https://cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/d/d2/371Bagon.png][img]http://i.imgur.com/X0pZ1gx.png[/img][/url][/center] [center][color=6ecff6][i]Pokédex Entry #371 – Bagon, the Rock Head Pokémon. It constantly dreams of being able to fly and hurls itself off cliffs to practice. It’s head and body is extremely tough, allowing it to survive this. It’s a big bundle of muscles, and its headbutts can shatter rocks. It’s known to headbutt mercilessly to relieve stress.[/i][/color][/center] … Indeed, Erika can see a couple leaping off edges from way too high around the mountains… [center][url=https://cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/a/a5/372Shelgon.png][img]http://i.imgur.com/hks1R2J.png[/img][/url][/center] [center][color=6ecff6][i]Pokédex Entry #372 – Shelgon, the Endurance Pokémon. The shells of the Shelgon which extrude from their bodies behave much like bones, and is very hard and resistant to attacks. Inside, cells are formatting and preparing for the next evolution. During the wait, Shelgon will not eat much, and it becomes hardier by enduring hunger.[/i][/color][/center] [center][url=https://cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/4/41/373Salamence.png][img]http://i.imgur.com/9lD876r.png[/img][/url][/center] [center][color=6ecff6][i]Pokédex Entry #373 – Salamence, the Dragon Pokémon. Bagon’s dream of flying finally comes true, and it celebrates by flying all over and sometimes spouting flames at random. While associated with the joy of flying, if enraged Salamence is known to go uncontrollably berserk, rampaging and scorching all in its way.[/i][/color][/center] [center][url=https://cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/6/68/443Gible.png][img]http://i.imgur.com/zxKZ9gR.png[/img][/url][/center] [center][color=6ecff6][i]Pokédex Entry #443 – Gible, the Land Shark Pokémon. It lives in holes in caves warmed by geothermal heat. It awaits prey to stray too close to said holes, and then pounce out to bite them. While usually found underground for heat, they’ve been known to venture into colder climates while huddling together with others of its kind for warmth.[/i][/color][/center] [center][url=https://cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/9/9d/444Gabite.png][img]http://i.imgur.com/IHw7ZZq.png[/img][/url][/center] [center][color=6ecff6][i]Pokédex Entry #444 – Gabite, the Cave Pokémon. It’s known to endlessly dig into caverns after jewels and other shining objects, which it loves. It is known to amass shiny objects into a hoards it in its nest. It’s known to sometimes shed its scales, and rumors say the scales of Gabites have powers to cure incurable illnesses, and they’re therefore sought for.[/i][/color][/center] [center][url=https://cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/5/5c/610Axew.png][img]http://i.imgur.com/ouz3MPA.png[/img][/url][/center] [center][color=6ecff6][i]Pokédex Entry #610 – Axew, the Tusk Pokémon. They use their tusks to crush the berries they eat. They tend to mark their territory by leaving gashes in trees or cavern-walls, though the tusks often break. They grow back swiftly, and with repeated regrowth the tusks of an Axew grow strong and sharp.[/i][/color][/center] [center][url=https://cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/0/05/611Fraxure.png][img]http://i.imgur.com/l2GqyLs.png[/img][/url][/center] [center][color=6ecff6][i]Pokédex Entry #611 – Fraxure, the Axe Jaw Pokémon. Their tusks are hard and powerful enough to shatter rocks, but if it breaks it no longer grows back. Fraxures therefore carefully maintain their tusks, sharpening them on river-rocks after battles. If they meet another Fraxure, they’ll commonly battle intensely for territory.[/i][/color][/center] [center][url=https://cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/a/ad/621Druddigon.png][img]http://i.imgur.com/XjUUtEW.png[/img][/url][/center] [center][color=6ecff6][i]Pokédex Entry #621 – Druddigon, the Cave Pokémon. It keeps its body warm by absorbing the light of the sun, without which it grows cold and cannot move. It relies on speed and sharp claws to hunt down its prey in narrow caves, before it returns outside to be heated by the sun. The red on its face is harder than rock.[/i][/color][/center][/hider] [color=668570]‘Wow.’[/color] Joshua stated, looking out over the scenery. He was honestly amazed. [color=decdad]‘… Well. This wasn’t on the map.’[/color] Ewan said, also looking quite impressed as his eyes were a bit more open than usually. [color=668570]‘SEE!?’[/color] Joshua grinned and looked over at him. [color=668570]‘If we just follow the map, we’d deprive ourselves of experiences like this! DON’T BUY MAPS NEXT TIME!’[/color] Joshua said to him in a joking tone while grinning. [color=decdad]‘Point taken. … But they’re still good to have if we end up in an emergency.’[/color] Ewan argued back with a calm voice, but Joshua was back to admiring the view. [color=6aa88c]‘Well, looks like you found what you wanted!’[/color] The hiker stated to the man in purple. [color=5fc9cf]‘All the dragons we could ever want!’[/color] The girl grinned widely, looking around greedily. [color=9d64ed]‘Yes! And after we’ve captured them all, I’ll be first in line to becoming the greatest Drag-!’[/color] The man in purple was stating loudly, raising a hand into the air…! An attentive person would notice a small, orange dot suddenly descending from one of the Salamences, before a humanoid form smashed into the ground with flawless landing, the sound of armor klinking together echoing from the impact which sent the three ladder-users flinching. [color=edbf8e]‘Hi, there! Rare to see people here!’[/color] So said a grinning, blonde woman in red and orange armor, standing up to look at them. The three before her all collectively swallowed and looked terrified. [color=6aa88c]‘The Major League Gym Leader of Lakewatch Town…’[/color] The hiker started, murmuring out loud. [color=5fc9cf]‘The Leader of the Lakewatchers, the hunter of dragon-hunters…’[/color] The girl continued, wavering back in obvious fear. The man in purple then finished, eyes wide. [color=9d64ed]‘The “Dragon Watcher” of Lakewatch, Lesley…!’[/color] [hider=Lesley][center][url=http://i.imgur.com/XHG6r14.png][img] http://i.imgur.com/AoZNmnG.png[/img][/url][/center] [sub](ignore the ears)[/sub][/hider] [color=edbf8e]‘Oho. You know who I am? Then that makes it simpler.’[/color] The woman grinned at them, before looking out over the dragon-filled mountain with a happy, yes slightly sad smile. [color=edbf8e]‘You see, Dragon Lake became too dangerous a while ago. It used to be an excellent place for dragons to raise their young, then poachers and Team Amethyst hunted them down. It became necessary to find a new place for the young dragons to live. So… I picked out this empty mountain-top for them. The young dragons live here, now, until they’re big enough to fend for themselves.’[/color] So Lesley presented, smiling at the dragons where she stood. … And then she turned and gave the three the most ruthlessly evil glare imaginable, which seemingly turned the atmosphere red and her voice as she spoke seethed with venom, her Salamence smashing down into the ground behind her as he joined in his glare with hers from behind. [color=edbf8e]‘So,[/color] [color=d14341][i][b]what were you saying you were going to do?[/b][/i][/color][color=edbf8e]’[/color] The three wannabe dragon-catchers all jumped in the spot, huddled together, before they all looked at one another, and… [color=9d64ed]‘W-we were leaving…?’[/color] The man in purple asked, with an unsure smile. Lesley gave a small, excited nod that he had given the right answer while still maintaining the glare. The three only needed one more second of looking at Lesley and her Salamence before they all turned and dashed, straight by Erika and co, and practically ran down the ladder. They left the ladder there, fortunately, so they’d be able to get down later. Lesley then relaxed, and the atmosphere returned to normal. [color=edbf8e]‘Phew. That takes care of that. Now, who are you all?’[/color] Lesley asked, now looking over at the other three present, at Erika, Joshua and Ewan. [color=668570]‘Beautiful…’[/color] Joshua murmured with an amazed expression, looking over Lesley and the Salamence behind her. Ewan was standing next to him, looking a little cautious. Erika’s reaction, is of course, up to her. __________________________ [@Eklispe][@Pikmin Eye] The two boys headed off towards the right, up on the dry ground which ran parallel to the smaller river on the side. They followed a slightly curving road, where… huh, there was a bunch of noise up ahead. So, there was a bunch of rocks fighting one another, striking one another with rocky fists, flying back and forth trying not to roll over and into the water… [center][url=http://cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/9/98/074Geodude.png][img]http://i.imgur.com/uWRWPD6.png[/img][/url][/center] [center][color=6ecff6][i]Pokédex Entry #74 – Geodude, the Rock Pokémon. Found in fields as well as mountains. They commonly rest, half-buried in the ground and indistinguishable from normal rocks. There are always way more Geodude around than a traveler will notice. Stepping on one by accident may trigger their rage.[/i][/color][/center] … They were fighting for supremacy of this part of the cavern. Honestly, if any of you want one, I can permit a quick-catch. But, behind these fighting rocks, in the distance, was a shining light. The light of the exit, far brighter than the luminous water inside the Wet Caverns, making the exit a literal light at the end of the tunnel. The smaller river actually ran out through the very same exit, and on the other side was the sky. An unknown road. The path to Lakewatch Town and with all likelihood a freshness which one would have missed when present in this damp cavern. It was just straight out, now. All other obstacles of the Wet Caverns had been overcome by now (albeit they had been lenient). It was just a couple of steps more… … A figure walked out of the dark next to the entrance, blocking the way. She had two pony-tails in her blue hair, her outfit looked a bit expensive to have wandered in here with and her stockings were soaked from having gone through water with. Despite this, she looked confident. Martin and Dawkin would recognize her. It was one of Jacques’ trainers. [hider=Cathia][center][url=http://i.imgur.com/RlrQBN9.jpg][img]http://i.imgur.com/oTPkRqB.jpg[/img][/url][/center][/hider] [color=b2dced]‘… I’ve trained myself in the Wet Caverns, now. I’m growing, faster than I thought I would. I’ve ventured into the depths of this cavern, and I found the Pokémon I’m looking for. I’ve grown strong. I feel confident. Kalmia’s trainers…’[/color] She thrust her hands into her pockets and brought up three Pokéballs caught in-between four fingers, and then another hand holding three more Pokéballs identically. Six Pokémon. [color=b2dced]‘… Have you grown strong, too? Has these caverns tempered you? … I want to find out. I want to know how good I am.’[/color] She declared, thinning her eyes into a glare that said one thing only. Cathia wants to fight! [color=b2dced]‘… How many Pokémon do you have? I can use only that many, to make things fair. Should I take on you both at once? I can use two Pokémon to deal with one from each of you in a Double Battle…’[/color] She spoke, her eyes wandering from Dawkin to Martin, her eyes reflecting her conviction in this action. Now, what would the two do?