[@Rune_Alchemist]

[color=ECB741]‘Hoho. A date? The nerve,’[/color] Isabella chuckled, more amused than insulted. She then listened to the rest Claire had to say, a little glimmer in her eyes and a little smile on her lips. At the end of it, she raised her chin a little.

[color=ECB741]‘If it is battle that you seek, then there’s a lot of it that we can provide. Why, Bigfjord City on its own can keep you entertained [i]forever[/i], if that’s what you want. Regardless, feel free to take this as “advance payment”.’[/color] 

[center][color=6ecff6][i]Claire is offered 5,000 P![/i][/color][/center]

She then proceeded to part-way turn around, looking over the destruction in the room. [color=ECB741]‘The surface dwellers have become suspicious. Which is fine, we’ve already procured the results we wanted and sent them along with multiple messengers to ensure at least one of them arrives. Quite unnecessary when I, myself, carry a couple, yet the boss’ orders were absolute. Oh, well. It is time to evacuate.’[/color] 

[color=ECB741]‘Claire. Do you wish to be part of an upcoming operation? … Yeah, I think you do. Come with me. We’re heading to Bigfjord City. I believe you’ll like it, there,’[/color] she said, before handing something over.

[center][color=6ecff6][i]Claire obtained Isabella’s Card![/i][/color][/center]

… It’s blank. It’s a blank card.

[color=ECB741]‘Ask around for the Mammoth Squad on Steppingstone Street, ask for Onyx, and tell him Isabella sent you, and show them this card. I’d have brought you myself, but unfortunately we’re in the middle of a sensitive operation. Get out of this base before they find this base and label everyone in it as known members. You, keep in contact with her, and feel free to share your missions with her. She shows promise,’[/color] Isabella said, looking to the “Lass” on that last part, who nodded frantically. Isabella then turned to Claire again. [color=ECB741]‘Do you have any further questions?’[/color] 

[hider=If not][color=ECB741]‘I look forward to seeing you again,’[/color] Isabella’s simply going to say, before turning and walking down the corridor. The other trainers here started scattering in various directions, the scientist-like dudes going over to the destroyed/not destroyed electronics to see if they could recover things.

[color=A68C6C]‘Er… I can give you my number, and then escort you out…?’[/color] the “Lass” asked Claire, still very much confused as to how she somehow got credit for “recruiting” Claire.[/hider]

What does Claire do?

__________________________

[@Gardevoiran]

[color=b5e6e2]‘Alright, let’s do that, then,’[/color] Vivia nodded, and they went over to the woman handling the Rapidashes. She was most happy to help, and with that they paid for one horse each, they each got a Rapidash which they could ride. 

[color=orange]‘Here’s some of my best ladies for the two of you!’[/color] the lady said as she led the two horses to them. [color=orange]‘Don’t use them for battle. You’re free to explore with them until nightfall, then they’ll head back on their own. We have a partner outpost next to Raremine Town, simply drop them off there. Don’t try to take them anywhere else, they’re trained to not let you, heh. The biggest threats of Route 6 are Tauros, Bouffalant and Dodrios, all who are known to pick a fight at sight, but our Rapidashes can outspeed them all. Staraptor is a threat only if they see a Pokémon they think is a challenge, but at that point you’d probably be strong enough to fight through Route 6 on your own. Be careful of random fires, there’s three families of fire-types on the route, after all! That should be all! Have fun, you two~!’[/color]

[center][url=https://cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/3/3f/078Rapidash.png][img]https://i.imgur.com/0V2OyfO.png[/img][/url] [url=https://cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/3/3f/078Rapidash.png][img]https://i.imgur.com/0V2OyfO.png[/img][/url][/center]

[center][color=6ecff6][i]Pokédex Entry #78 – Rapidash, the Fire Horse Pokémon. Can usually be found cantering plains or fields. It is very competitive about speed, loving to run at full speed, around 150 mph. At great speed, its flames blaze ferociously, enhancing its appearance. It only slows down to let its children catch up to it.[/i][/color][/center]

With that, they could get up on the saddled horses and get ready to ride.

[color=b5e6e2]‘Oooh, I was never much of a horse girl…’[/color] a somewhat uncomfortable Vivia muttered as she got onto the back of the Rapidash and looked nervously ahead. [color=b5e6e2]‘Okay… I’m ready.’[/color]

And then… it was just to take off. They made the command… and the Rapidash accelerated something fierce.

[hider=the image, for reference][center][url=https://i.imgur.com/XJQk1AF.jpg][img]https://i.imgur.com/B2UIkcd.png[/img][/url][/center][/hider]

It is hard to understate just how fast a Rapidash is.

It was like they took off from a rocket, as the horses sprung into motion and they flew off over the vast green fields. The elegant horses somehow ran in a way that stabilized their saddles, so as to not cause massive discomfort to their riders as they galloped over the various hillsides. The wind blew in their faces as they carried on, Vivia quietly screaming over there as she held on for dear life. Swathes of Pokémon, Miltanks, Tauros, Pyroars and more were left by the wayside as the two riders and their Rapidashes ran past, some younger Tauros trying to pursue but many not even bothering due to the sheer speed of their mounts. To the north the bottom peaks of southern Mt. Chill basically flew past, and in the south the cliffs down to the ocean could provide an amazing view (if you can see), one the Rapidash was all too happy to ride close to for a scenic experience. There were some fires around, as stated, but the Rapidash expertly avoided them and carried on towards their goal. There was a blaze on the Pokémon they were riding as the speed picked up, yet there was never any risk of them being burned… 

Now, if Skylar and Vivia wanted to do anything on Route 6, it was now their little oyster if they wanted to take their time. Or, if they preferred, their path through Route 6 could pass in the blink of an eye and be over all too soon.

If you want to do more here.

[hider=Route 6][center][h2]Route 6[/h2] 

[url=https://i.imgur.com/XJQk1AF.jpg][img]https://i.imgur.com/B2UIkcd.png[/img][/url][/center] 

Also known as the Vast Plains, it is not hard to understand how Route 6 gained such a name. Seemingly endless, green plains spread in every direction, only stopped by the natural borders that are the cliffs down into the ocean and the mountain range of Mt. Chill. Natural hills have formed, rolling up and down like giant, stationary green waves in this ocean of grass. These hills are also the only form of cover that you will ever get on this plain. Due to the abundance of wild Pokémon eating or battling the grass around here it never grows above the height of your feet. There is nowhere to hide here…! 

This goes double. The Pokémon of Route 6 have nowhere to hide. They survive using speed, strength or both. Intimidation is key, in these plains of wilderness. In addition, there is a lot of them. You’re not able to look in a single direction where there aren’t wild Pokémon, to the degree that it is ridiculous. There is no Pokémon, not even rare ones, on Route 6 that you cannot find out exists here with just a number of steps over the route. This, however, means most Pokémon on the route are tempered for battle, it is among the wildest routes of Isson. There are reasons why the unprepared tend to avoid this route. 

However, for potentially setting astride a large Pokémon, running across large fields of grass under a blue sky, feeling the fresh air blow past as you thunder on with nothing to stop you? There is no better place.[/hider]

[hider=Suggestions to actions]1. Find Pokémon. [i]Can be specified what kind of Pokémon is being searched for, and how you search.[/i] 
2. Train Pokémon. [i]With this command, we can jump ahead in time and skip posting about grinding.[/i] 
3. Seek trainers. [i]There aren’t a lot around here. Those there may be are likely strong or reckless.[/i] 
4. Talk. [i]… And if you find any of them, suppose you can talk. Or just talk to those at the Rapid Delivery service.[/i] 
5. Move along. [i]Move along normally, letting any events that may come happen naturally.[/i] 
6. Hurry along. [i]Intentionally avoid confrontations and try to get safely to the next destination.[/i] 
7. Specify. [i]If you specify what you want to do, the GM will take it into account and tell the result.[/i] 
8. Trigger random event. [i]Force the GM to use his imagination to make a scenario for you.[/i] 
9. Area Specific; Rapidash Rapid Delivery. [i]You can loan a Rapidash to ride safely through Route 6 for 2000P![/i] 
10. ???. [i]… There is a fierce-looking trainer out there, with a humanoid Pokémon of blazing white and red, fighting a whole horde of Tauros by itself AND WINNING, with powerful punches and kicks, one after another. Pyroars look on with great interest.[/i]
11. Familiar Faces: Oaken. [i]He’s currently heading back to Lakewatch Town, though.[/i][/hider] 

[i]Connected areas: [/i] 
Route 5. [i]In the north-west, connecting Lakewatch and Stillwood.[/i] 
Endless Forest. [i]To the west, a dark forest looms. It’s still there.[/i] 
Route 8. [i]In the north lies a comparatively pleasant cliffside walkway with hilly terrain and wondrous view, leading to Freecape Town.[/i]
Stalford’s Ferry. [i]North-east, to take a ferry across Route 16 towards Witchpeak City. The only pleasant way across Route 16 is onboard a ferry, but even then…[/i]
Raremine Town. [i]A town of miners and researchers that study what the miners find. Also a stop for those who want to travel the desert![/i]

[hider=Route 6, known Pokémon]Common:
#77 Ponyta
#84 Doduo
#128 Tauros
#396 Starly
#659 Bunnelby (primarily at night)
#661 Fletchling
#667 Litleo 

Uncommon:
#78 Rapidash
#85 Dodrio
#241 Miltank
#397 Staravia
#662 Fletchinder
#668 Pyroar
 
Rare:
#115 Kangaskhan
#398 Staraptor
#626 Bouffalant
#663 Talonflame
[/hider]

Otherwise, they carried on their trip throughout Route 6, finding that they passed some other people on Rapidashes heading in the opposite direction, their riders giving them a wave on the way as fellow Rapidash riders. Soon enough, they route opened up to an actual route, a road heading through eastern Route 6, heading from Raremine Town northwards. To the north was Route 8, the way to Freecape Town. To the northwest was a path to Stalford’s Ferry, the path across to the northern landmass over the waters of Route 16. Finally, to the south-east, was a rise of mountains creating a bowl around Isson’s only sandy desert, and at the mouth of the desert stood a pleasant, surprisingly green town, right on the edge where plain turned into desert…

[hider=Arriving to][center][h2]Raremine Town[/h2]

[url=https://i.imgur.com/saVwpPm.jpg][img]https://i.imgur.com/rhaACBx.png[/img][/url][/center]
[right][sub][sub][sub]no cat-eared girls here, sorry[/sub][/sub][/sub][/right]

Raremine Town is a moderately large, bright town on the edge of the only desert in Isson. By some twist, the largest mineral deposits in the land is located right under the desert, making it an attractive place to build mines. From that, Raremine Town naturally sprung into being as a merchant town on the edge of habitability from where the mineral could then be delivered to the rest of Isson. The temperature is hot, sun blazing down on this land where plains slowly become desert, the atmosphere dry and unfriendly… yet, life and trees blossoms among the buildings of Raremine Town.

The ground is still the grass from the Vast Plains, with buildings on top of them. The modern houses stand tall with plenty of architectural skill put into them, tools for building and living sold inside the houses. Everywhere, one can see workers walking about, but they’re happy workers, with their families living close at hand in the town and with the finest equipment available. Oh, and of course, plenty of Pokémon that assist with the finding of ores and such! The trees, which appear to have been planted and grown all over town by the residents themselves, gives plenty of homes for local Pokémon to live.

Overall, it’s busy, with people walking and talking all over, an active town indeed.

Looking at and around the trees, there’s actually a fair amount of bugs around.

[center][url=http://cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/d/d3/664Scatterbug.png][img]http://i.imgur.com/NOTmPPg.png[/img][/url][/center]

[center][color=6ecff6][i]Pokédex Entry #664 – Scatterbug, the Scatterdust Pokémon. Using a dust which covers its body and regulates its body-temperature, it can live in any region or climate. If attacked, it can release a poisonous black powder which paralyzes upon contact.[/i][/color][/center]

[center][url=https://cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/9/90/290Nincada.png][img]https://i.imgur.com/WCUv2s4.png[/img][/url][/center]

[center][color=6ecff6][i]Pokédex Entry #290 – Nincada, the Trainee Pokémon. It is usually found underground, using its antennae to sense its surroundings. It gains nourishment my tapping into the roots of trees with its claws as it await evolution. Nincadas are nearly blind, and avoid sunlight due to inability to withstand it.[/i][/color][/center]

Also, it seems the natural pet of choice in Raremine Town is Drilburs, a common sight following kids or just playing around, looking pretty happy.

[center][url=https://cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/c/cf/529Drilbur.png][img]https://i.imgur.com/y8oAR0r.png[/img][/url]

[color=6ecff6][i]Pokédex Entry #529 – Drilbur, the Mole Pokémon. They and Excadrills dig out maze like nests underground in which they live. Drilbur is known for being able to travel very fast through soil, able to reach 30 mph by putting its claws together and spinning rapidly, drilling through earth. They’re known to be rather friendly around people.[/i][/color][/center]

They dropped off the horses at a similar little enclosure to the left of the Raremine Town entrance if they went here. So. What would Skylar do here?

[hider=Suggestions to actions, Raremine Town]1. Find Pokémon. [i]Can still search for Pokémon in cities~[/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 Places. [i]Visit any of the places in 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. Desert Miner’s Hangout. [i]The workers of the Desert Mine live around here. They can give tips about the desert![/i]
	6.5. Research Lab. [i]For archaeologists, those who want to talk to Dunstan and those who want to resurrect fossils.[/i]
	6.6. Stone Store. [i]Where all the stones of the Desert Mines or Frozen Cave eventually end up! Lots of evolutionary and other kinds of stones![/i]
	6.7. Bug Garden. [i]A garden within which bugs thrive. Vivillons can be hired here for tracking down the Mythic Oasis![/i]
	6.8. Warehouses. [i]Because the things they mine here needs somewhere to be stored. This includes Ancient Pokémon, apparently, as some of the warehouses are pens.[/i]
6.9. Familiar Faces: Dawkin [i]Maybe not familiar, but he’s here. He’s having a battle in the middle of an arena surrounded by burly miners.[/i][/hider]

[i]Connected areas: [/i]
Route 6. [i]The Vast Plains open up to the north of Raremine. The shorter paths lead to Route 8 and 16, while west far enough leads to Lakewatch Town.[/i]
Route 7. [i]The single rocky desert of Isson, it connects to the Desert Mines, the Old Tombs and to the Mythic Oasis.[/i]

[hider=Raremine Town, known Pokémon]Common:
#290 Nincada
#529 Drilbur
#664 Scatterbug 

Uncommon:
 
Rare:
[/hider][/hider]

__________________________

[@hatakekuro]

Lotad came into the battle, intending to use its sudden dramatic speed to its advantage and win the battle! … That is, only to be faced with Lupin, who was EVEN FASTER! Lilly realized this was a problem, and switched to trying to use Bubble instead, powered-up by the rain, but it was a little late as the Sneasel’s high attack cut down on Lotad’s paltry defenses! After taking two Bubble attacks that did around half his health, Lupin took down his opponent!

After that, it was Crocus versus a Psyduck. Leech Seed met Tail Whip, and then Psyduck ran in to scratch at Crocus while being drained by the seed… and Crocus easily dealt with the water-type using Vine Whip. It wasn’t even remotely a challenge. Both Pokémon got some experience, but all-in-all, it was way too easy this time.

[center][color=6ecff6][i]Basil was victorious! Basil earned 367 P![/i][/color][/center]

[color=FCEC7C]‘Oooh, strong boy. Are you challenging gyms, by any chance? Good luck with that. I think I’ll just stay here… enjoying this delightful eternal rain… oooh, I love it…’[/color] the Parasol Lady said, clearly having found her paradise as she turned and skipped on her way through the rain.

Well, that happened. What now?

[hider=Route 3][center][h2]Route 3[/h2]

[url=https://i.imgur.com/nMLiW5g.jpg][img]https://i.imgur.com/PsW7NgC.jpg[/img][/url][/center]

Route 3 is partly covered by the Silent Forest, but a path has been made through the trees for people travelling by the northern path from Rainrock down to Highhill and onto Pureplain. It is a fairly decently travelled road, as it’s the main road from Pureplain to the other cities of Isson. But, that doesn’t change that it’s almost constantly under a heavy downpour from the many clouds known to gather in the routes around Rainrock City. The atmosphere is constantly damp, thanks to the rainy weather. Chances are large that Pokémon preferring a rainy day will be found in this route. 

While there’s likely a road for vehicles, the route for travellers is much different. With the proximity to Highhill, there’s actually a fair amount of hills in the area, and the route goes up and down. The path itself is fenced in with wooden fences and stairs up and down the hills, following those would lead to a fairly easy traversal to Rainrock City. But, step outside, and you’re officially in Silent Forest. The path is mostly cobblestone and stairs. The trees are mostly green with leaves but some blossom in pink or stranger colors. And of course, plenty of Pokémon if you just stray slightly from the road.

Due to the high amounts of rain and vegetation, few people live on this route, and besides the route itself there’s little in the ways of civilization. Just a very long, very wet route, with two splits. One near Highhill Town going deeper into the forest to the Silent Shrine, and one close to Rainrock east for those heading to Route 4 and Mt. Strength or Stillwood Village. Regardless… the rain will feel like it ends very suddenly, in either of those directions. But it has been like that for so long, people have just accepted it. “It rains on Route 3”, “water is wet”. And so, reality continues.[/hider]

[hider=Suggestions to actions]1. Find Pokémon. [i]Feel free to specify searching for a specific kind, if so.[/i]
2. Train Pokémon. [i]With this command, we can jump ahead in time and skip posting about grinding.[/i]
3. Seek trainers. [i]There should be some here and there. Note, some may challenge you, regardless.[/i]
4. Talk. [i]There’s some travellers traveling along the rainy route. They can be talked to.[/i]
5. Move along. [i]Move along normally, letting any events that may come happen naturally.[/i]
6. Hurry along. [i]Intentionally avoid confrontations and try to get safely to the next destination.[/i]
7. Specify. [i]If you specify what you want to do, the GM will take it into account and tell the result.[/i]
8. Trigger random event. [i]Force the GM to use his imagination to make a scenario for you.[/i][/hider]

[i]Connected areas: [/i]
Rainrock City. [i]Across the route, north.[/i]
Route 4. [i]Head east just before Rainrock.[/i]
Silent Shrine. [i]Head west just before Highhill, through the forest.[/i]
Highhill Town. [i]Just south.[/i]
North Silent Forest. [i]If you jump off the road west.[/i]
Route 14. [i]If you went onto the water to the east.[/i]

[hider=Route 3, known Pokémon]Common:
#69 Bellsprout
#270 Lotad (in water)
#285 Shroomish

Uncommon:
#425 Drifloon
#455 Carnivine

Rare:
#252 Treecko
#704 Goomy[/hider]

__________________________

[@Eklispe]

[color=6aa697]‘Minccino, just keep your distance!’[/color] Mia commanded, and indeed, Minccino just skipped around, never letting Atlas come close enough to Metal Claw, and so Atlas fainted due to the burn. Mia smirked as this meant the battle was once again fair. Then, Dawkin sent out Tyrunt…

[color=6aa697]‘Tsk. More rocks? Is that your theme, or something?’[/color] Mia asked in annoyance, because that was highly effective against her. Not that Tyrunt knows any rock-type attack-moves for a while. In any case!

Tyrunt threw out Stealth Rock, spreading floating rocks into the air. They were decently easy to avoid if you were already on the field, but if you switched in… Minccino dodged around the rocks and went up to Tyrunt… and then slid around the little dinosaur, tickling him! Attack and Defense were both lowered! Then, after that, Minccino outsped Tyrunt, and…

[color=6aa697]‘Teh-heh, got you now…’[/color] Mia said, a glimmer in her eyes… [color=6aa697]‘Minccino, ENCORE!’[/color] she called, and Minccino happily spread her hands. Light out of the sky, a spotlight shone down on Tyrunt, who then felt compelled to throw out another Stealth Rock! … A bunch more rocks now float around in the air! Rather uselessly! Tyrunt is trapped by the Encore!

[color=6aa697]‘Alright, Minccino, Tickle again, and then AGAIN, and then Pound!’[/color] Mia commanded, intending to have her normal-type now overtake the rock-dragon through these tactics.

Dawkin’s response?