Whelp. Not a happy story, eh. Well! We'll tell that from now on, or something! Yupp, Basil as a character is a-okay. Darumaka as a starter, heh. Very well, then! Unfortunately, in gen 6 Darumaka hasn't learned Incinerate yet at Level 5, so you're going to need to start without it. Otherwise, Basil is accepted!
So, you'll need to arrive to Kalmia's lab in Pureplain City, and from there... hah, there's a battle going on in the front yard... eh, we'll handle it somehow. I have a PM I need to send you, but nothing in it is going to change your starter post, it's mostly 'Worldedge City Native' stuff. Ask if you have any questions to how to proceed. I'll be mostly busy today, but we'll see.
It seemed like Ronin’s question came forth, and then a couple sentences that Ronin barely understood later and a shop rummaged through after something Ronin found a package thrust into her hands and a handful of directions that she only understood because they came with hand-signs. Well, that should do! Ronin grinned widely.
‘Alright, thank you! I’ll make sure to deliver this for you!’ Ronin happily said, turning to Valkyrie for a bit.
‘Looks like we’ve become delivery-girls! I’m not complaining, means Jill should owe us a favour!’ Ronin told and then spun to the mystery shopkeeper again. ‘Thank you! When I’ve got more money, I’ll be sure to come back and buy out your entire stock!’ Exaggerating? Maybe. Still, she was truly thankful.
‘Alright! Slightly left, right, left, over something and then forward a couple of times! Here we go!’ Then it was off with the wooden box, which… holes, protective runes, something alive in here? Eh! Let’s not dwell on it! Off they went!
Alright. If so, you're permitted to read the intro OOC, perhaps the first post IC to know where you're heading, make a character and ask me if you have any questions. Most discussion nowdays happens on Discord, I could send you the link to it if you like.
‘Misdreavus!’ Misdreavus called happily to Amelia, with Sneasel and Kecleon also giving their little waves due to Misdreavus affection for this person. In all actuality, the ploy here was that Misdreavus feeds on fearful emotions, so her friends are basically helping her get a meal by scaring people. That didn’t work on Amelia, but they seemed to have gotten along anyway. With that, Amelia left the school and walked off through Pureplain City at night.
There were still people around at night, wandering with no immediately obvious purpose, some Pokémon here and there, and so. Surely the air was far calmer, darker, somewhat colder and with a bit more distinct sounds during the night, allowing Amelia to wander as she wanted. Eventually, she arrived in front of the gym. A big, fairly boring building. A four-story building, square in form with numerous banners hanging out, and an imposing sign hanging out at the front of the building. “POKÉMON GYM”. A sign in front of the gym…
Pureplain Pokémon Gym - Major League Gym Leader: Dorian “The Master of Normal”
… Of course, it was closed. Gym Leaders can’t be expected to take challengers around the clock, especially not one which is gaining in age like Dorian. Amelia was contemplating what to do… when sounds of something big approaching came from down the road. Big, heavy steps of something too big to be running coming running… it was… something she recognized since the last time she was here.
Pokédex Entry #143 – Snorlax, the Sleeping Pokémon. A very lazy Pokémon that typically only eats or sleeps. It is not satisfied unless it has eaten 900 pounds of food in a day, and after having consumed that it becomes lethargic and sleeps. Its stomach acids can dissolve any poison, so it doesn’t have to worry about what it eats.
With a band around his head, Snorlax came running, sweating all over, apparently having been made to work out. And, behind him, dressed in a warm jacket on a bike with a suitable bike-helmet came…
‘Young Amelia,’ Dorian said as the old man on a bike slowed down to have a good look at her.
Except, he’s currently on a bike, with a helmet, in a warm jacket.
‘You’re back far sooner than I would have expected you to. Though, it does not appear you’ve been led back with the purpose of the typical Pokémon Trainer. Snorlax, you’ve done well today. The trucks should be done delivering your dinner. You may start without me,’ Dorian told his heavily breathing Snorlax, who immediately got this incredibly happy expression, before turning and running at the building, and a huge partly unseen door just swung open for the oversized Pokémon that made his way into the building. The door closed behind Snorlax, and the old Gym Leader got off his bike and took off the helmet to look at Amelia.
‘What is on your mind, young one?’
Disclaimer: The GM is not a wise old man. The GM can only pretend to be a wise old man. You will not actually get genuine wise old man advice from the GM. As long as you’re okay with this, go ahead.
Pureplain City is placed on the south-west brink of Isson, with the town facing the water and spreading quite far. The further in-town you go, the higher the buildings become, but the suburbs spread quite far. In terms of sheer landmass, it might even compete with Worldedge City, although maybe not in height. Life passes normally within this city. Children grow up alongside their parents in houses in the long, friendly streets. Jobs come from the depths of the town in the taller buildings. Schools grow from the reasonably high amount of children in need of tuition. And of course, there are lots of Pokémon.
In Pureplain City, human and Pokémon work together. Be it for manual labour or just for company, Pureplain houses often contain at least one house-hold Pokémon and there are many Trainer's Schools around the city have always been plentifully attended, not counting the recent drop of embarking trainers due to the Team Wars. In addition, Pureplain Harbor is known as the “Gateway of Isson”, as that’s where all the ferries from outside the region dock, giving life to quite the marketplace. A common attraction of the city is the Super Contest stage, but other than that, Pureplain remains what it has always been. Pure and plain.
1. Find Pokémon. Can still search for Pokémon in towns~ 2. Talk. In cities, there are considerably more people one can talk to. Specify what kind you’re looking for. 3. Exit. Exit the town to any of the connected areas. 4. Specify. If you specify what you want to do, the GM will take it into account and tell the result. 5. Trigger random event. Force the GM to use his imagination to make a scenario for you. 6. Notable Buildings. Visit any of the facilities of the city! 6.1. Pokémon Center. Heal all your Pokémon. 6.2. PokéMart. Go to a store and buy things. 6.3. Gym. Major League, Normal-type. Leader: Dorian. 6.4. Super Contests. Rank 2 / 4. Where hopefuls become idols! 6.5. Trainer’s School. Where young trainers study to become better. Has a little park of wild Pokémon. 6.6. Kalmia’s Lab. You know you’re always welcome. 6.7. Pureplain Harbor. Known as the Gateway of Isson, it has a marketplace and ferries to places. 7. Familiar Faces. Kalmia’s still in front of you, and then you have each other, of course, if you want to talk. Jacques is still here, as is Eryn and Oaken, Axl and Rodger. Vivia over there, Simon might be possible to catch up to.
Connected areas: Route 1. Easier path, just follow the bigger road. Route 2. Walk through quite an amount of suburbs until you eventually reach the path. Sea. There’s water, alright. Can take you anywhere you want to go, assuming you have means to traverse it.
After a lot of trial and error, or just perhaps asking any of the random villagers in Highhill Town for help because you could 100% do that and they’d be more than happy to help, Skylar eventually made his way back to the Pokémon Center, aaaaaaaand…
‘Hello, and welcome to the Pokémon Center. Would you like to rest your Pokémon?’
Assumingly, yes.
‘Okay. I’ll take your Pokémon for a few seconds, then.’
She’d then accept the Pokéballs and put them into the machine, and…
‘Thank you for waiting. We’ve restored your Pokémon to full health.’
She says as she hands the Pokéballs back. She then bows to her customer and gives a friendly smile.
‘We hope to see you again!’
And, with his arrival, a somewhat yawning Vivia was walking up to him from the side.
‘Good morning, Skylar… You weren’t there when I woke up…’ Vivia then blinked a bit as she realized Skylar was healing his Pokémon. ‘Wait, if you’re healing your Pokémon… and you’ve already been out… You already battled Lorette, didn’t you!?’ she said, suddenly wide awake as she realized. ‘Aaaaah, I’m behind!’ she remarked, spinning towards the exit. ‘I-I’ll be right back-!’ And so, Vivia was running off…
And with that, Skylar’s now free in Highhill Town. What will he do?
Waiting for Vivia to come back is an option.
Highhill Town
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.
1. Find Pokémon. Can still search for Pokémon in towns~ 2. Talk. In cities and towns, there are considerably more people one can talk to. Talking can give you info on local rumors and such. 3. Exit. Exit the town to any of the connected areas. 4. Specify. If you specify what you want to do, the GM will take it into account and tell the result. 5. Trigger random event. Force the GM to use his imagination to make a scenario for you. 6. Notable Buildings. Visit any of the facilities of the city! 6.1. Pokémon Center. Heal all your Pokémon. 6.2. PokéMart. Go to a store and buy things. 6.3. Pokémon Gym. ??? 6.4. Docks. For fishermen or perhaps a ticket across Route 14. 6.5. Ancient Rocks. Of completely unknown origin, ancient writing on them. 6.6. Ranch. There are ranches around Highhill, if you stand to gain from them. 6.7. Move Changer. We can guess from the name, but what can this man do? 6.8. Mayor’s House. If you see reason to visit, it’s right by the rocks.
Connected areas: Route 1. To the south, is the common route of first journeys. Green and straight. Route 3. To the north, the route to Rainrock or the Silent Shrine. A wet woodland. Route 14. To the east, the lake known as the Dragon Lake, potentially for crossing. Path to Silent Shrine. To the west, the Silent Forest and the path to the shrine within.
Not getting a bite? Are you entirely sure? Because, prepare for the premium Old Rod catch!
Pokédex Entry #129 – Magikarp, the Fish Pokémon. While known for being extremely weak and washed away by even the weakest current, Magikarp can survive even in the most polluted of water. They’re incredibly fertile and have spread to waters all around the world. They jump fairly high, and older Magikarps are known to brave mountains with these jumps, seeking evolution.
… Though given she already has one, these probably doesn’t particularly interest her. Probably. Now, while Eryn sat against Peri and Dei and Eri had their little conversation, Tula swam about searching for a Pokémon to take them down into the ruins. Now, it turns out the waters are a bit dangerous, and very few Pokémon will give a Magikarp the time of day, but eventually, Tula swam into a dumb-looking easygoing Pokémon that stopped, because, when’s the last time a Magikarp of all things is looking for help with something? Are they even smart enough to make requests like that? Regardless, the Pokémon in question was like “sure” and swam along with Tula.
Completely ignoring the fishing line, a big, blue, moderately oblivious-looking head emerged from the water next to Eryn, staring up at her along with Tula’s return.
‘Quaaaaaaaaaaaaag!’ it announced loudly at her, smiling so absurdly widely.
Pokédex Entry #195 – Quagsire, the Water Fish Pokémon. A very easy-going Pokémon, they swim about and don’t even mind if they bump their heads into things. When hunting, it simply opens its mouth and moves no muscles, waiting for prey to blunder in. When not moving, it expands very little energy and does not need food for a long time.
It then turned and started swimming towards Lakewatch Town. No need to catch it, it’ll help anyway. Just because. The Pokédex literally says that Quagsires are easy-going, so.
Route 5
Just as Stillwood Village is the least visited settlement in Isson, Route 5 is among the least travelled routes on Isson main landmass. The route is a steady incline from Lakewatch Town to Stillwood Village, with some elements of the base of Mt. Chill nearby, the waters of Dragon Lake next to it too, sporadic forest from that surrounding Stillwood Village and some of the plain elements from route 6 as well, along with a very traveller-friendly road makes Route 5 perhaps one of the most naturally stunning routes of Isson. There are no roads for asphalt here, only travellers are explorers seeking or exiting Lakewatch Town for some reason, as well as Pokémon trainers on their journeys.
A peaceful route without any real dangers, it still offers a lot of variation. Walk on the west side by the waters of Dragon Lake to potentially encounter some Pokémon of the lake. Walk by the mountains on the east and perhaps feel some of the radiating cold of the range of Mt. hill to perhaps see some more mountainous Pokémon or maybe an ice Pokémon that stumbled out of their caves. The route is a bit cold, attributed perhaps best to the proximity to the Frozen Cavern, and it gets colder the closer the mountain you go. Multiple rivers run down from the mountains, part of Mt. Chill that melts, but efficient wooden bridges help passage over. And of course, patches of forest here and there.
The south of Route 5 opens up towards what people call the Vast Plains, or simply Route 6. There parts of the Endless Forest spread out to make things a bit more covered in trees, but as soon as you leave this forest, all you’ll see is plains as far as you can see, and that’d be Route 6. On the other side of the route is the forest that covers Stillwood Village, you need to enter the forest to get to the village. At the middle by the lake is Lakewatch Town, resting a bit above Dragon Lake. And, of course, the passage up to the Frozen Cavern lies up that hill, for those who want to brave the range that leads towards the enclosed and frozen Route 9 on the other side.
There we go. What now?
1. Find Pokémon. Can be specified what kind of Pokémon is being searched for, and how you search. 2. Train Pokémon. With this command, we can jump ahead in time and skip posting about grinding. 3. Seek trainers. While not many, there are still trainers and explorers in the area, mostly trying to get to the next. 4. Talk. You could seek someone out to talk to them, if you want to. 5. Move along. Move along normally, letting any events that may come happen naturally. 6. Hurry along. Intentionally avoid confrontations and try to get safely to the next destination. 7. Specify. If you specify what you want to do, the GM will take it into account and tell the result. 8. Trigger random event. Force the GM to use his imagination to make a scenario for you. 9. Area Specific: Random House. Uh. There’s an excessively out-of-place red house in the middle of the route, the door standing wide-open. … Want to visit?
Connected areas: Lakewatch Town. On the south-west of the route, Lakewatch Town lies adjacent to the lake on the road to the Wet Caverns. Stillwood Village. In the north lies the forest which hides the village, Mt. Strength lying behind it.. Route 6. Vast plains start in the south-east, this route leads towards Raremine Town. Frozen Cavern. After an incline up to the ridge of Mt. Chill, a cavern of ice could guide the way to Route 9 and Cooldome City. Endless Forest. To the south, a dark forest looms. There are no indications as to why you’d ever want to go there.
So, Mariette learned something new today. Apparently, physics does not translate between worlds. Because, she tried this move in the void of Asengav’s dimension, and it worked fine there, a barrage of light-blasts, yet something DIFFERENT happened in this world. Because there was absolutely no way she’d done this for the first time here, she practiced it somewhere else or she’d never have attempted to perform it in the first place. The only explanation for a spell not to do as Mariette intended is that, apparently, physics is different in Asengav’s dimension. Not that Mariette actually knew physics, but she did know to practice her spells. She’d have to keep that in mind next time. That is really annoying, as that made one of her most powerful moves more or less useless. Irritating.
Mariette immediately dropped herself through a portal upon realizing the failure of her attack, hopefully avoiding Billy’s attack, because if she failed we can disregard the rest of this post. Mariette landed in a nearby apartment, still keeping a portal underneath her feet in case Billy was able to detect her within the building so she’d have a quick exit. Time to play WAY more cowardly. Mariette reached out with her portal magic, and because she got weaker over range this would take more time than usual, but still. She opened tiny portals in mid-air outside so she could keep track of the situation as she charged up a light-blast with her mirror as she prepared to open five different portals at the same time…!
The five opened, all surrounding Billy on a remarkable range. One to Billy’s right went directly to Mariette, who cast a powered-up light-blast directly at the ornament at the hilt of his club. In case he dodged, the second portal opened on Billy’s left would catch the light-blast and redirect it to the third portal behind him, still aiming for the ornament on his club’s hilt. If that one missed, it’d be caught by the fourth portal ahead of him, which went to the fifth and final portal above him which would then spew down with a bit more of that internal diffraction for a wider blast on the supposed maybe weak-point. Of course, the blast wouldn’t be as powerful as her earlier effort, but she still focused quite a bit of power into it.
After that Mariette shut all the portals and checked the current situation. She was going to be a coward tonight.
Eli, meanwhile, was already a coward hiding behind a corner peeking at the battle. Because she was way weaker than a normal Magical Girl and did her part by telling the rest things and peeking with her Third Eye. If the rest of them were having trouble then she’d be a fly compared to Billy. Still, she kept her rifle ready, just in case.
So, after having fortunately dodged the attack by the two kids, they went through the motions of greeting one another. When he asked what Kalmia specialized in…
‘It looks like I’ll be focusing some time researching developments into Pokémon storage, like how different Pokémon experience the conditions and so on,’ Kalmia said, giving a bit of a smile. ‘I haven’t gotten very far yet, but I have special permission to host the Pokémon caught by the trainers I send out in my own servers, which I will be conducting research on. Perhaps I’ll discover how to make things even more comfortable? Can I develop something that can make “stored” Pokémon come out temporarily with the requirement that they can’t do any moves if they’re more than the sixth Pokémon? Things like that!’ Kalmia said, mildly excitedly. Then other questions that Cyril had could be answered…
And then Kalmia could be smiling on the side as Cyril went and had his Budew revealed for him, and then had his outburst and named the little fella.
‘If there’s one time that is entirely fine to get carried away on, it’s when being introduced to a new little partner,’ Kalmia said happily on the first note. She then nodded about how he promised results. ‘I’ll look forward to it. I’m happy to have been of help!’
Then the question about when Kalmia was out on her Pokémon journey.
‘Oh, that was around, seven years ago now?’ Kalmia asked herself, considering the exact timeframe. ‘And then most of my time was spent studying to become a full-fledged professor, meeting Professor Oak at some point during that time, and the plans for this little operation came into being shortly after! Of course, there were some circumstances during those years that made being a Pokémon Trainer difficult…’ Kalmia sighed a bit. ‘… But that’s in the past, now! Isson is free to be enjoyed!’
Something along those lines.
‘And, heh, do call me “Professor”.’ Just… as a tidbit.
Then the door opened again, and the two little boys came running in, excitedly.
‘Professor! Professor!’ one of them called for attention. ‘It’s Dr. Proudlesprout!’ the other said. ‘It’s Sir Snarklespark!’ the first one told at the same time. ‘He’s heading this way!’
‘… Right on cue, huh? Brace yourself,’ Kalmia said with a slight sigh, turning to face the slowly closing door.
There was a knock on the not-actually closed door, polite but firm enough that it wouldn’t let itself be ignored.
‘Oh, come in, already,’ Kalmia said with a bit of a smirk.
And with that, the door swung open. Standing in the opening was a man in a top-hat, white hair and glasses, a black suit and red ribbons on his hat and at his collar, wearing the proudest little smirk this side of Mt. Edge. Of course, there was all the likelihood that Cyril had already heard of him, potentially, possibly, who even knows. The man looked to Kalmia before his eyes fixed on Cyril, one of his hands going immediately for his hat as he made a polite little bow for him.
‘Cyril, I presume? I’m Jacques, member of the Isson Elite Four and also contact of Professor Sycamore in Isson. I’m pleased to meet you.’
Honestly, there was a decent chance they’d actually have met, given Jacques went over to Kalos for a time before the current time in order to discuss the Pokédexes of Isson with Sycamore, but anyways.
‘Couldn’t just let a new trainer pass without greeting them, huh,’ Kalmia asked with a smile.
‘Why, it’s someone fundamentally connected with Professor Sycamore and who’s already on record for being a formidable trainer. Of course I would like to make my acquaintance,’ Jacques told, because, yeah.
‘Got anyone else along with you, this time, too?’ Kalmia asked, getting up on her toes to look over Jacques shoulder to see if anyone else was coming…
‘Actually, yes. However, she got lost in a clothing store downtown before- oh, here she comes,’ Jacques said, taking a step inside the lab to allow for the next person to come running. Said person was a young but flashy female, with long blonde hair, blue wide, attentive eyes, decent amount of makeup and painted fingernails for her age, and mostly just looking positively shiny.
‘Hello! I’m Chloe, and I’ve been looking for you, Professor!’ she immediately told upon coming in and looking towards Kalmia, who raised her eyebrows looking at the young lady.
‘Sorry I’m late! They just had the fanciest- OH, GOSH, HE’S ADORABLE!’ she promptly exclaimed as she turned her face and more or less squealed upon seeing Aster, kneeling over to look at the little leafy creature with her hands on her cheeks. The fact it’s the same exclamation Cyril did earlier was entirely coincidental and the GM didn’t realize it until right now, but it’ll stay.
‘Soooo, did you find another exceptional individual to stake your chances in?’ Kalmia asked as Chloe excitedly inspected Cyril’s Pokémon. Jacques looked amused.
‘… No, actually. I ran into her on the road, asking for directions to Professor Kalmia’s lab. Interested, I asked her why she wanted to come to Kalmia’s lab, found out she’d just burned the last of her money on the road, so I just decided to take her along,’ Jacques explained casually.
‘Ah, that’s right!’ Chloe immediately got up and spun towards Kalmia. ‘I travelled across the land searching for you because I heard you were handing out those Pokédex things, but, um…’ the girl was searching for words to say, but…
‘Oh, I’m sorry. The truth is that I don’t just hand out these Pokédexes, they’re for selected individuals that are decided ahead of time, and…’ Kalmia started explaining, but Chloe started waving her hands to her.
‘I know that now! Sir Jacques told me! That’s what he told me, and then offered to give me one of his own, so I have one now, but then he brought me here anyway…!’ Chloe said, looking kind of surprised about what she was saying herself.
Kalmia gave Jacques an inquisitive stare. He simply smiled.
‘I had one to spare. Besides, I am curious as to how she will fare. I seem to think our meeting may have been fated. I’ll see how far I can trust my hunches,’ Jacques casually responded. ‘Besides, it’s tradition by now that one of your trainers and one of mine will battle their first day on the job, is it not?’
‘Ah, that’s right!’ Chloe said once again, turning to Cyril, holding out a Pokéball. ‘I have a cute Pokémon, too!’ she told, as her Pokéball snapped open and a brown creature with long tail took shape, standing on Chloe’s shoulder.
Pokédex Entry #161 – Sentret, the Scout Pokémon. A very cautious Pokémon, it stands on its tail to spot far-off threats and shouts an alarm if it sees one. When they sleep, they always does so with at least one Sentret on guard. If separated from the pack, a Sentret is unable to sleep.
‘So, I’d like to battle you!’ Chloe said excitedly, looking to Cyril with a wide smile.
‘For your information, he’s an experienced Pokémon Trainer that has already challenged the Pokémon League in Kalos before this. I look forward what you as a sparkling new Pokémon Trainer can do against him.’ ‘Eh!? You serious!?’
‘Eeeeh…’ Trial Master looked unconvinced about getting ghost-types. ‘The theme was “Pokémon that unnaturally cause fear”, not “Pokémon people tend to be afraid of”!’ Minor details, perhaps, but.
Then there was the part about rare Pokémon not being good rewards.
‘… Pretty sure that’s just you! Others have been throwing themselves all over my rewards! Hah!’ So the Trial Master said, sounding like he was victorious at something. Now, about Focus Sash not being useful…
‘Oh, it’s pretty good for Pokémon with multiple types with same weaknesses! It prevents them from being knocked down in one shot, regardless of what they’re facing! You could be facing Arceus himself, and you’ll still be able to hold him off for at least one turn! Perhaps that turn allows you to use Teleport, to get you into safety? Don’t underestimate the Focus Sash!’ Trial Master encouraged with a confident smirk.
‘Hu-hu, trials for experienced Pokémon Trainers, eh? I’ll rise to meet the challenge! Until then!’ Trial Master said as he was about to leave and such, when Eryn told him to hold on and asked for if he had a nickname… ‘Huh? Nickname for Trial Master? There can be no shortening of my title! The Trial Master is the Trial Master, and will never be less than the Trial Master…!’ he said proudly, then kind of did an awkward little smile waving his hands about a little, before saying… ‘… But if you want something shorter, I guess Max will have to do…’
‘AND WITH THAT I’M OFF!’ he quickly called before she could comment on that, Umbreon jumping up on his shoulder as he threw out the Escape Rope and letting himself be pulled off into the nothingness so that Eryn could depart.
And then…
The dark waters are safe enough. Just avoid the Carvanha, and Tula should be fine. But, yes, there are Carvanha. In fact, here’s just the list of all decently commonly occurring Pokémon in the waters.
Pokédex Entry #53 – Psyduck, the Duck Pokémon. It is plagued by headaches from the moment it is born until it evolves. Its vacant look is there to lull its enemies, and by intensifying its headaches it can unleash psychic powers. However, any time it uses these powers will create a lapse in its memory and it won’t remember having done so.
Pokédex Entry #60 – Poliwag, the Tadpole Pokémon. It walks on two small newly grown legs, but it is much faster swimming than walking. Its damp skin is so thin, one can see its spiralling innards through the stomach, but the skin is so flexible that most fangs cannot break through it.
Pokédex Entry #118 – Goldeen, the Goldfish Pokémon. With its fins flowing elegantly in the water like an underwater dress, it has been called the Water Queen. However, take heed, as it’s known to ram its powerful horn into things in its way. It swims up rivers in schools when the weather grows warm.
Pokédex Entry #129 – Magikarp, the Fish Pokémon. While known for being extremely weak and washed away by even the weakest current, Magikarp can survive even in the most polluted of water. They’re incredibly fertile and have spread to waters all around the world. They jump fairly high, and older Magikarps are known to brave mountains with these jumps, seeking evolution.
Pokédex Entry #270 – Lotad, the Water Weed Pokémon. They live in clean ponds and lakes, where they float with their large leaves above the surface, and they serve as ferries to smaller Pokémon. They rise climb ashore only in search of cleaner water. If it’s dehydrated, the leaf will wilt.
Pokédex Entry #283 – Surskit, the Pond Skater Pokémon. Found on lakes or in puddles after evening downpours, feeding on microorganisms. It secretes an oil from its feet that enable it to move on water as if skating. When endangered, it secretes a sweet fluid from its head.
Pokédex Entry #318 – Carvanha, the Savage Pokémon. Territorial and vicious, they’re known to swarm and attack anything that enters their territory. Their strong jaws and sharp teeth are known to have the power to tear out boat hulls. However, when on its own, they turn extremely timid.
Pokédex Entry #339 – Barboach, the Whiskers Pokémon. It buries itself in mud with only its whiskers visible, awaiting prey. The whiskers are very sensitive and serve as a superb radar-system, giving it awareness of its surroundings. It is covered by a slimy film which prevents intrusion of germs and is very slippery if a foe tries to grab it.
Pokédex Entry #535 – Tympole, the Tadpole Pokémon. By vibrating its cheeks, it can emit high-pitched sound-waves that can be imperceptible to humans. These are used to talk to others of its kind, warn of danger or similar purposes. They work best with allies, and therefore swim and attack in groups.
Pokédex Entry #580 – Ducklett, the Water Bird Pokémon. These birds are far better swimmers than they are flyers, and make excellent divers. When attacked, it defends itself by splashing water at the offender. Their favorite food is peat moss, and they’ll be found chewing on it constantly.
That should do.
Previously not seen on this route because it hasn’t been night yet, there are hootings of owls on Route 5 during the night…
Pokédex Entry #163 – Hoothoot, the Owl Pokémon. It always stands on one leg, and changes leg so fast it’s rarely seen. It’s big, red eyes see clearly in the dark. They have an internal organ that keeps track of the planet’s rotation, allowing them to perfectly tell time. By giving them instructions, people have long been using them as alarm clocks before clocks existed.
And that’s about that. What does Eryn and co do?
Route 5
Just as Stillwood Village is the least visited settlement in Isson, Route 5 is among the least travelled routes on Isson main landmass. The route is a steady incline from Lakewatch Town to Stillwood Village, with some elements of the base of Mt. Chill nearby, the waters of Dragon Lake next to it too, sporadic forest from that surrounding Stillwood Village and some of the plain elements from route 6 as well, along with a very traveller-friendly road makes Route 5 perhaps one of the most naturally stunning routes of Isson. There are no roads for asphalt here, only travellers are explorers seeking or exiting Lakewatch Town for some reason, as well as Pokémon trainers on their journeys.
A peaceful route without any real dangers, it still offers a lot of variation. Walk on the west side by the waters of Dragon Lake to potentially encounter some Pokémon of the lake. Walk by the mountains on the east and perhaps feel some of the radiating cold of the range of Mt. hill to perhaps see some more mountainous Pokémon or maybe an ice Pokémon that stumbled out of their caves. The route is a bit cold, attributed perhaps best to the proximity to the Frozen Cavern, and it gets colder the closer the mountain you go. Multiple rivers run down from the mountains, part of Mt. Chill that melts, but efficient wooden bridges help passage over. And of course, patches of forest here and there.
The south of Route 5 opens up towards what people call the Vast Plains, or simply Route 6. There parts of the Endless Forest spread out to make things a bit more covered in trees, but as soon as you leave this forest, all you’ll see is plains as far as you can see, and that’d be Route 6. On the other side of the route is the forest that covers Stillwood Village, you need to enter the forest to get to the village. At the middle by the lake is Lakewatch Town, resting a bit above Dragon Lake. And, of course, the passage up to the Frozen Cavern lies up that hill, for those who want to brave the range that leads towards the enclosed and frozen Route 9 on the other side.
There we go. What now?
1. Find Pokémon. Can be specified what kind of Pokémon is being searched for, and how you search. 2. Train Pokémon. With this command, we can jump ahead in time and skip posting about grinding. 3. Seek trainers. While not many, there are still trainers and explorers in the area, mostly trying to get to the next. 4. Talk. You could seek someone out to talk to them, if you want to. 5. Move along. Move along normally, letting any events that may come happen naturally. 6. Hurry along. Intentionally avoid confrontations and try to get safely to the next destination. 7. Specify. If you specify what you want to do, the GM will take it into account and tell the result. 8. Trigger random event. Force the GM to use his imagination to make a scenario for you. 9. Area Specific: Random House. Uh. There’s an excessively out-of-place red house in the middle of the route, the door standing wide-open. … Want to visit?
Connected areas: Lakewatch Town. On the south-west of the route, Lakewatch Town lies adjacent to the lake on the road to the Wet Caverns. Stillwood Village. In the north lies the forest which hides the village, Mt. Strength lying behind it.. Route 6. Vast plains start in the south-east, this route leads towards Raremine Town. Frozen Cavern. After an incline up to the ridge of Mt. Chill, a cavern of ice could guide the way to Route 9 and Cooldome City. Endless Forest. To the south, a dark forest looms. There are no indications as to why you’d ever want to go there.
Ronin didn't really need to be reassured of Valkyrie's presence, but sure, if that made her less concerned. Ronin gave a grin to the hand-holding thing. Ronin herself was convinced they'd be able to find each other even if they were to be separated. All Ronin had to do is climb the highest building around and yell from there, right? Oh, or find Jill. If they both were looking for Jill and lost track of one another, then both finding Jill would mean they found each other!
‘Alright, hold on to me tightly, then~’ Ronin said with a grin, before heading further into the bazaar, all these amazing noises and shouts and sellers and-
And then someone snapped around Ronin to try to lead her into an alleyway shop. Ronin's eyes just widened in amazement at the proclamation, and with the show of weapons and suggestion of a katana, Ronin laughed.
‘Hahahaha! You know me well for just a glance! But, unfortunately, I can't be your customer, because I'm flat broke!’ Ronin called to her kidnapper happily. ‘But, if you know where Jill of Magical Services could be found, I'd be reeeaaally happy if you could point us in the right direction!’
So she said. ... And also, used a bit of Reinforcement magic to prepare to defend her body. She WAS being pulled into a dark alley, after all, although she did have a protector in Valkyrie now.
With the assumption that the opening post has already been read for Pureplain City…
Pureplain City is placed on the south-west brink of Isson, with the town facing the water and spreading quite far. The further in-town you go, the higher the buildings become, but the suburbs spread quite far. In terms of sheer landmass, it might even compete with Worldedge City, although maybe not in height. Life passes normally within this city. Children grow up alongside their parents in houses in the long, friendly streets. Jobs come from the depths of the town in the taller buildings. Schools grow from the reasonably high amount of children in need of tuition. And of course, there are lots of Pokémon.
In Pureplain City, human and Pokémon work together. Be it for manual labour or just for company, Pureplain houses often contain at least one house-hold Pokémon and there are many Trainer's Schools around the city have always been plentifully attended, not counting the recent drop of embarking trainers due to the Team Wars. In addition, Pureplain Harbor is known as the “Gateway of Isson”, as that’s where all the ferries from outside the region dock, giving life to quite the marketplace. A common attraction of the city is the Super Contest stage, but other than that, Pureplain remains what it has always been. Pure and plain.
The day was as pleasant as always, the sky blue and the weather as plain as the name of the city. Getting through the bustle of the city Cyril arrived to Kalmia’s lab at where the suburbs are just starting. The lab itself was a single-floor building with a sign that said “Pokémon Lab” on it that didn’t really look like a lab, and then an offshoot on the right side which looked like a regular home that connected to the lab part. Having parted with Marina, Cyril headed up to the Pokémon Lab and opened the door, calling out for anyone inside-
and a bucket of some water came swinging, fortunately missing him, then it fell outside and made some noise as a bunch of water uselessly spilled on the front yard.
‘We missed! Mission failure!’ a young kid inside called out. ‘Evacuate the premises! Before Kalmia discovers!’ another, identical kid called, and then the two kids ran by Cyril with happy little prankster laughs and off on the streets. Unless, he, like, caught them or something.
Those two aside! Inside the lab was a rectangular room, but the usable space was more round because the room had bookshelves placed in a circle around an area in the middle, not properly taking advantage of the space in the corners. The shelves contained varying books and papers of research, as well as the occasional Pokéballs. In the back and right, a large amount of what appeared to be computer servers filled about 40% of the available space, and they were coupled to a laptop which stood on a desk to the left of it. Other than the laptop, there was also a large amount of papers and binders on it, making it impossible to place anything else on there.
To the right of the table was a healing station from a Pokémon Center, with places to place six Pokéballs, along with a large cylinder thing with a glass middle and a hatch that one likely were to place something moderately large within. There was nothing that said what it actually was. While it was tight in here, it was still decently maneuverable and Kalmia likely knew where everything she wanted was. Also in here, were numerous Pokémon. They are, perhaps not entirely limited to,
From Claire (Rune_Alchemist) a Beedrill and a Ledyba. From Erika (Pirouette) a Poliwag and a Pikachu. From Erza (Ephemeral) a Meowth, a Lillipup, a Growlithe, a Castform and a Duskull. From Amelia (Joshua Tamashii) a Yamask, Golett and a Spiritomb. From Skylar (Gardevoiran) a Goomy.
As well as a Slowpoke, resting on the servers over there. Yupp, decently crowded. Any of the players mentioned above may have their Pokémon do something, if they so please, if they even read this.
Then the door to the room to the right opened, and there stood a decently tall woman, wearing glasses and had blonde hair tied into a ponytail, and wore casual blue clothes under a white professor-like lab-coat. Her hair was still wet from something.
‘Aaah, Cyril! Welcome to Isson!’ Kalmia greeted him, sounding relieved.
‘Did Tim and Tom do something? I do need their help looking after the lab and taking care of the Pokémon, but sometimes they-’ the professor said, coming over and looking out the door to see the product of the booby trap they’d set on the door… Kalmia sighed a little ‘… I apologize for them. Anyway, nevermind that! We’ve got a Pokédex and Pokémon to hand out! Now, I know this isn’t your first rodeo, but I’ll still be explaining all of the matters you need to know!’ Kalmia said, turning and going over to one of the drawers by her computer to retrieve a Pokédex and a Pokéball. She turned, holding a certain device with a screen and red edges, smiling as she presented it to Cyril.
‘This is your Pokédex. Now, let me explain a few things.’
‘Now, about your Trainer Card. We’ve gone ahead and given you a new Isson-style card, which you’ll have in addition to your previous card. It is your ID as a Pokémon Trainer, showing your name, index number as a Pokémon Trainer, a picture of you, the date you got your card, today, and it also shows how many badges you currently have. If you ever enter the Pokémon League, the Battle Dome or any Pokémon Contests, it will also show your results there. We’re momentarily separating your new Pokémon from your old Pokémon and we're treating you like a new trainer here, but after you’re done with your current trip we can absolutely look into combining your IDs for convenience!’ Kalmia said, happily. ‘I took the liberty of inserting your new Trainer Card into your Pokédex, for the Pokédex won't function without it, but you can take it out when you need to show it or add a badge to it. It's in the back of the Pokédex.’ (You know how the Pokédex looks like a Game Boy Advance? It's in the place where you'd insert a game cartridge. You may pick what colour yours is~)
‘Your Pokédex has multiple functions. The main function is to give you information on every Pokémon you encounter and register the Pokémon you have caught. Scan a Pokémon by simply holding the Pokédex towards the Pokémon in question and press the scan-button. You'll be told information about said Pokémon, and by capturing the Pokémon you can also see its expected sizes, what moves it knows, what level it is, what types it is, where it is expected to live, all sorts of stuff. Note, Pokéballs needs to be registered to a person in order for them to function, and the Pokédex does that for you when your Trainer's Card is inserted. It's already linked to the PC as well, so any Pokémon beyond the six you're already carrying will be transported to the PC, and you can retrieve them at any Pokémon Center PC.’ It is common knowledge that you can only have six Pokémon at you at any time.
‘If you check the Pokédex, you can play the cries of a specific Pokémon you've previously caught. Use that as you wish. You can also use the Pokédex to find out where you might be able to find a specific Pokémon that you've scanned and want to catch... Or, well, you WOULD be able to do that, but the Pokédex has never existed in Isson and as such that data is not recorded. However, you can input it! So, if someone ELSE of you guys has inserted the data of where one might be able to find a specific Pokémon, then it will display on your map similarly! You can also supply each other with information about your previously caught Pokémon if you wish! Do help each other out~!’ So no need for ALL of you to complete the Pokédex if you don't wish to, you can do it as a team.
‘In addition. Since we are doing this on mission of the Pokémon Research Association, we're actually getting paid. For each Pokémon you catch, the data of where the Pokémon was encountered and such will be recorded, and a number of Pokédollars will be transferred to your accounts. Also, assuming you register a Pokémon trainer battle, you automatically get the winnings transferred to you should you win the battle. Really easy, and you don't lose anything by losing, so you don't have to worry about running out of money out there!’ The Pokémon Association has to do SOMETHING so that Pokémon Trainers don't go broke out there. (… And please ignore the financial contradiction caused by not losing anything by being defeated. I feel you shouldn't have to fear getting into Pokémon battles for monetary reasons!)
‘It's also a communicator that can be contacted by both phone and Pokégears as well as other Pokédexes. I took the liberty of inputting the contact information of all the other Pokédexes I've handed out and to my own central Pokédex, but you can register any other people just as you wish. Give me a call anytime you're in trouble and need some advice! I'm not a Pokémon Professor for nothing!’ Kalmia smirked happily, looking out over the new trainers.
‘Any questions?’
The two could have any length of conversation after that, but eventually, it would be time.
‘And, here you go. A Pokémon that evolves by happiness, as requested. I look forward to seeing how you do,’ Kalmia said, and with that, the Pokéball was offered to him.
- You've obtained Budew! -
Pokédex Entry #406 – Budew, the Bud Pokémon. It is sensitive to changing temperature. In winter it closes its bud and endures, while in summer it blooms and releases its pollen. This pollen is mildly poisonous and can cause harsh sneezing. It lives near clear ponds.
- Would you like to give Budew a nickname? -
And with the opening block out of the way, here’s the chance for Cyril to check his Pokémon and then actually join the conversation a bit more actively.
Johannes silently let his hand be grabbed, looking at Amelia with his usual tired expression as she consoled him. He listened to her attentively, maybe feeling a bit awkward that a child was giving him advice like that, yet still attempted to take it to heart. ‘Something to believe in, huh…’ he considered. ‘I'll try that. Thank you,’ he simply said, before being allowed to put his Lunar Wing back and eventually departed the room. Then Misdreavus came back, and got a thank you for playing with her and a warning not to actually hurt anyone. The ghost wearing a necklace smiled happily.
‘Misdreavus!’ she called out in total happy acknowledgement.
And that's about that. Did Amelia have anything else she wanted to do here?
1. Pokémon School Park. There’s a small park of grass in here. What kind of Pokémon might be in it? 2. Talk. Plenty of students and teachers. This is a wellspring of knowledge, someone must know something. 3. Challenge. Work your way up the leaderboard! Specify the level of opponent. 4. Specify. If you specify what you want to do, the GM will take it into account and tell the result. 5. Trigger random event. Force the GM to use his imagination to make a scenario for you. 6. Study. You want to know something? Feel free to learn about it here! 6.1. Pokémon Habitats. Learn where you might find a specific kind of Pokémon! 6.2. Isson Geography. Learn more about the different places in Isson! 6.3. Names to Remember. Learn about Gym Leaders, Elite Four, or the like! 6.4. Local Legends. Learn about different tales from around Isson! 6.5. Pokémon Breeding. That’s also a subject. 6.6. Battling Basics. You likely know them already. 6.7. Specify. Tell what you want to learn and we’ll see if we have a course! 7. Amelia Specific: Investigate the any of the seven mysteries…?
1. A chilling hunter that attacks students who wanders the school at night! The temperature will decrease before the strikes! Students have reported being poked and startled and sometimes frozen by some invisible being, be careful!
2. An eerie cry sometimes fills the halls at night. It’s usually from the science room. It’s a shivering cry that echoes down your very bones… and those who goes to examine it are found knocked out on the floor the day after! Spooky!
3. The basement is occasionally spontaneously filled with smoke! People just go down there to grab something, when all of a sudden it’s all smokey and they have to run and fire alarms ring! Extremely suspicious!
4. A beautiful figure has occasionally been sighted in the window of the teacher’s lounge! No, not THAT beautiful figure, an unknown one! They say it has dark hair, white clothing and an indiscernible face… but upon examining the room, it’s empty!? Is this… a ghost!?
5. They say on certain nights, and only on certain nights, something comes out to play on the school roof. What could it be? What is the requirements for their appearance? What are they? All those who have seen them are entranced. What could it mean?
6. Someone reported that they opened the D-classroom door at night, and there was a dark hole in reality, just hanging there. Scared, he ran. Ever since then, that classroom has been locked at night. Why is that? Is something going on…?
7.
8. Familiar Faces: Daisy. She’s still around somewhere. Johannes. If she wants to go talk to him again.
Connected areas: Pureplain City. All around, of course.
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