Mesprit smiled as Skylar asked if it wanted to come along, eyes looking a bit sad, the creature of emotion radiating bittersweet emotions.
‘Mesprit...’ Mesprit told, and it didn't sound like a positive reply. New text came into contact with Skylar's fingers, as Mesprit practiced Psychic powers with finesse only possibly by legendary Pokémon.
i can not
for the lake guardians
must stay prepared
around the lake
should
it
rise
... There was a feeling of tenseness and slight fear yet also pride from the Emotion Pokémon as it told this.
‘I-I want a detailed description! Of everything that happened!’ Vivia told with a certain flare to her voice, despite her tone sounding a bit unsure about this. Still, not much she could do from there.
So Skylar came in and had his little vision, and gave his reply…
There was a somber happiness emanating from the being on his shoulder to his reply, empathy for what he’d felt about it, and once again the small barriers formed in mid-air touched his fingers, giving him something to read, a way to communicate with a being that didn’t talk his language.
she is our friend
our most important friend
Read the first message. It was accompanied with great happiness, as if remembering fond times. And then… anger. Anger at the situation she was in.
they want her power
they will not have it
kin told me
they flawed in methods
will not obtain their goal
you have time
grow strong and return
i believe in you
Hope, was the feeling the line of words ended on. Anger, transitioning to hope. The vision before Skylar changed, zoomed out. He was looking at a number of darkly lit factories in an industrial district. As a resident of Isson there was no mistaking the bottom layer of the southern side of Worldedge City. And… with a feeling of dislike, a specific factory was emphasized. As in, greatly emphasized. There was no mistake in the feelings the being put into every inch of that outline. Yikes, that’s a lot.
our foes
are numerous and often disguised
at least one in the league
be careful who you trust
The being adds, if only because the GM wants the players to solve it and not just call the Pokémon League on them.
Something fell into Skylar’s hand.
have this
if they succeed
we will need it
seek my kin
in old stillwood and lakewatch
complete the chain
and save the world
And with that, the being jumped off Skylar’s shoulder and the vision vanished, meaning he could now see “normally”, for him, anyway. The being did a happy loop before coming to a stop in front of him, the pink and gray Pokémon emanating hope and joy, totally proud.
‘Mesprit!’ the Pokémon called happily, a big smile on the legendary Pokémon’s face.
Now, in case he directed his Pokédex at the Pokémon, it showed the following message. I promise for gameplay reasons that no villain will be able to take advantage of your Pokédex data, no danger in scanning it.
<Picture unavailable. Click for camera!>
Pokédex Entry #481 – Mesprit, the Emotion Pokémon. A Legendary Pokémon. It was born from the same egg along with its kin, Uxie and Azelf. Known as the “Being of Emotion”, legends speak of that with its emergence it gifted humans with the gift of emotion and taught them the nobility of sorrow, pain and joy, allowing humans to enjoy life. It can separate its spirit from its body, allowing it to scout far from its home. It can fully control the emotions of those it touches, including draining them all to neutralize a threat.
And, in Skylar’s hand had been left…
Skylar obtained the Crystals of Emotion!
A couple red jewels, or crystals apparently, gathered in Skylar’s hand, bound together. A third of a whole.
Now, then. What’s Skylar’s reaction?
And in case he just turns and runs for whatever reason…
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.
‘Well, alright, then! I’ll battle you after! I’m a patient boy! Ninjas have to have patience, or they’re no ninja!’ Alec called most excitedly, staying right where he was as the rest went off.
And so, off to the lab, where Claire showed off her Pokédex entry for Uxie to Dunstan. For Dawkin, who hasn’t seen it before now…
Pokédex Entry #480 – Uxie, the Knowledge Pokémon. A Legendary Pokémon. It was born from the same egg along with its kin, Mesprit and Azelf. Known as the “Being of Knowledge”, legends speak of that with its emergence it gifted humans with the gift of intelligence, allowing ancient humans to solve problems and improve their quality of life, leading to the civilization we know today. It has full control of the memories of those who see its eyes, which it uses to make people forget they’ve ever met it.
Dunstan leaned to the side in his chair, looking utterly relaxed as Uxie’s Pokédex entry was read, lifting the hand which elbow was leaning on the arm’s rest to poke on his glasses a little as he waited for it to be done, after which his eyes lifted up to look at Claire for a couple of seconds…
‘Uxie wouldn’t happen to have sent you with a message to me, would it? Like, “I know who the villains are, where they are, what they’re plotting and I’m letting you know”, or something along those lines?’ Dunstan asked, sounding more or less like someone who’s been having a rough day/week/month/year/life.
‘Ah, yes, about that!’ Florrie suddenly spoke up, and Dunstan looked over at her briefly.
‘Me and Dawkin went to the Mythic Oasis to see if we could find any Zy- cell- er,’ Florrie stumbled over her words and looked at Claire because she was suddenly unsure if she should be saying that, but then came to the point looking to Dunstan. ‘B-but we came across a man in black engaged in battle with Cresselia! We were horribly outpowered so we could only watch as he caught her. I don’t think he noticed us, because he was talking to his Pokémon out loud, and he mentioned Amethyst… and Dawkin mentioned he’d showed up to look at Darkrai, before, too, but ultimately left before Virtue’s attack on the tomb… Basically…’ Florrie looked to Dawkin to see if he had anything to add to that.
‘But, he mentioned Cresselia wasn’t the one he was looking for, so… we figured he might have something to do with what happened to Zygarde, too…’ Florrie finished.
Dunstan was running an annoyed hand over his face.
‘Right… of course… Amethyst… Suppose I could call the cavalry and have them raid Bigfjord again, because that solved so many problems the last dozen times…’
Now, it’s probably common knowledge that Team Amethyst originally originated from Bigfjord City, but an entirely different matter if they actually stuck around. Claire might not know. Dawkin might have been advised to avoid the city back home by grown ups while growing up. The place doesn’t have the best of reputations.
‘Right, what did you have to say?’ Dunstan eventually asks Claire again, if she hasn’t started talking on her own before that, which’s moderately likely.
What does Claire and/or Dawkin have to say?
If they escape for any reason.
Raremine Town
no cat-eared girls here, sorry
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.
1. Find Pokémon. Can still search for Pokémon in cities~ 2. Talk. In cities, 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 Places. Visit any of the places in the city! 6.1. Pokémon Center. Heal all your Pokémon. 6.2. PokéMart. Go to a store and buy things. 6.3. Pokémon Gym. Kristy’s Minor-League Ground-type “Gym”. 6.4. Desert Miner’s Hangout. The workers of the Desert Mine live around here. They can give tips about the desert! 6.5. Research Lab. For archaeologists, those who want to talk to Dunstan and those who want to resurrect fossils. 6.6. Stone Store. Where all the stones of the Desert Mines or Frozen Cave eventually end up! Lots of evolutionary and other kinds of stones! 6.7. Bug Garden. A garden within which bugs thrive. Vivillons can be hired here for tracking down the Mythic Oasis! 6.8. Warehouses. Because the things they mine here needs somewhere to be stored. This includes Ancient Pokémon, apparently, as some of the warehouses are pens. 7. Familiar Faces; Claire and Dawkin. Alec, Dunstan, Florrie. You’re in the same town. 8. Commotion. There seems to be a search going on. Want to partake for some reason?
Connected areas: Route 6. 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. Route 7. The single rocky desert of Isson, it connects to the Desert Mines, the Old Tombs and to the Mythic Oasis.
Cecil rolled forth and made an impromptu drift to spray grass and mud at Ace as he came flying.
‘Oh, the bugger knows Rollout,’ Rodger said in a sudden realization as Ace had to make his own decision and-!
He was sprayed with mud and-
Keen Eye prevents loss of accuracy!
‘RUUUUFF!’ Did not mean the Rufflet was particularly happy being sprayed with mud and grass! The feisty bird shook the mud off himself and glared with absolute fury at the rolling ball of Cecil, whom after having started rolling could not be commanded to stop rolling for a couple of turns, only directed. It was really hard to make physical attacks against what was effectively a rolling 80 pound/40 kg boulder…
‘Geh. Ace, guess we better fly high and stay away from it, perhaps Leer on a distance…’ Rodger said, sounding so regrettable, and that was no match for the displeasure in Ace’s face… except, that’s when he grinned. ‘… No. No, that’s not me. A challenge presents itself, and neither me nor my Pokémon will fall back from it! We’re facing it head on!’ Rodger called, and Ace replied with a determined cry. This is when Rodger looked around the battlefield, and…
‘Ace, grab the bucket! Grab the bucket, and CATCH HER IN IT!’ Rodger commanded, and Ace followed the instructions. He flew to grab the handle on the bucket leaning on its side, and then wave his wings with one utter ferocity to start dragging the bucket along the ground after him so that he may attempt to face Cecil’s rolling head on and catch her in the bucket…!
That was what Rodger was planning, in any case. Did Cecil even potentially fit in that bucket? Regardless… what’s Basil and Cecil’s reply?
Keep in mind once Rollout has started, it’s hard to stop, and it’s gaining power.
‘I could let you buy it for 5,000 P if you’d provide. It’s actually for my younger sister, but she hasn’t been interested in adventuring with me for a while. Claims that she’s gotten too old. Nonsense, you’re never too young for ruin searching!’ Wilhelm stated proudly about the wetsuit that she picked for herself. And… using Peri to cover herself changing is one interesting use of a giant Pokémon, nice.
‘Quaaaaaag!’ was Quagsire’s reaction to needing things… which indeed, was pretty vague.
‘Oh, for a moment there I was wondering what my Nuzleaf was doing over there…’ Wilhelm was momentarily confused until he figured, having looked at his own Pokéball for a bit, but that’s all solved!
Now then, deeper in that bubble that was specifically created to explain the question of “how are we having Pokémon battles underwater after using Dive with not-water-types”, they eventually found themselves in Flooded Lakewatch, where Eryn asked her questions…
‘I’m glad you asked! See, this was once built above the surface. Lakewatch Town was once a town on the side of the lake, not on top of it. However, since then Dragon Lake has grown. More water is added and less floods out, probably in large parts due to the constant rain on Route 3. Eventually, it became clear that Lakewatch as it was would no longer be inhabited. However, instead of just abandoning their town, they built their new town ON TOP of the former one. And then, when the surface of Dragon Lake rose again, they once again built their way upwards. It’s simply how Lakewatch Town functions nowdays! Which gives us this marvel of architecture growing beneath, an explorer’s dream.’
‘So, Flooded Lakewatch is perhaps not “ruins” the way the regular individual would refer to ruins, but they’re nonetheless a fragment of ancient civilization long since abandoned due to worsened living conditions. People do come down here regularly to check for damages, can’t have all of Lakewatch collapsing from underneath, but the architecture of ancient times has proven itself incredibly robust. In addition, new treasures are regularly uncovered down here and plenty of Pokémon live here, making it an incredible place to explore.’
‘I am down for exploring!’ Wilhelm told. ‘Hoho, get it? I am down here, and I am also here for exploring, so I’m down for exploring…’ he chuckled at his own joke.
Swimming after Seismitoad, there really wasn’t all that much behind him. He was drifting about, catching smaller living things to live, hit them with some sound-shocks… still, drifting about in various underwater houses and areas, Wilhelm took to collecting various rocks with no value to a Pokémon trainer but tons of worth to a Ruin Maniac, while Eryn could here and there find some shiny things on the bottom. And, what was that? A crown of some sort placed on a pedestal? Quite fortunate of her to be able to find it in one of the random rooms. Perhaps a Politoed placed it here.
And then, turning around… there was a smaller, blue frog that was looking at her. It panicked a bit when looked at and swam back a bit, but then took cover in the opening of a door to look at them curiously.
Pokédex Entry #656 – Froakie, the Bubble Frog Pokémon. It secretes flexible and delicate bubbles from its chest and back which absorb damage that would otherwise damage it. While it is known for a happy-go-lucky attitude, it has astute awareness of its surroundings.
Still, assuming she didn’t want anything particularly out of that one, moving on. Eryn pointed in a “random” direction.
‘Hoho, just remember where we parked!’ Wilhelm joked a bit as they headed off, Quagsire just leading them on the way. The path took them inside one of the soaked buildings, there were some drenched dolls floating in here as they drifted through and arrived to a… tower. A smaller tower, that led up to… the surface. There was a surface. Also, there were old markings all over the walls, and…
‘... Huh?’ Wilhelm made a curious sound. ‘Why, these markings remind me of those on the Ancient Rocks of Highhill Town and the ruins by Ancient Stillwood,’ Wilhelm commented. Then, Quagsire brought them up, and as they breached the surface, it became immediately clear they were somewhere entirely new.
The Drain
It’s like you just swam into something from another world. An ancient machine and this is all the circuitry? A building of some form that seems to go on forever? Where exactly is this? Who knows, but you’ve emerged from a sunken city to a pool inside this alien mechanized labyrinth that keeps on going. In the midst of this marvel, there’s an echoing presence. A will that watches all that happens. You cannot shake the feeling that something is watching your every move as you venture through this decaying old overgrown landscape of towers and chutes that lie about with no sign of ever being able to function again.
As said, they’re not alone. Something roams the halls. That something is a large, floating sentinel with eyes on the back of his head, as well as in all other directions.
Pokédex Entry #344 – Claydol, the Clay Doll Pokémon. It’s said to have awoken from a clay figurine of an ancient civilization when a mystic light shone upon it. It is a floating enigma, flying with psychic powers and firing beams from its hands. It sleeps while floating in the air, and even if it comes apart it can reassemble itself with psychic powers.
There were also some other, floating weird creatures, floating about looking after the place…
Pokédex Entry #605 – Elgyem, the Cerebral Pokémon. A mysterious Pokémon that only appeared around half-a-decade ago, theorized to be linked with a UFO said to have been seen crashing into the deserts of Unova. However, they appeared around Mt. Edge in Isson at around the same time. Usually friendly, they’re known to squeeze the brains of attackers with psychic power, causing terrible headaches.
‘Goodness gracious, what is this place?’ Wilhelm asked, looking around, excited but also intimidated.
Meanwhile, Eryn…
Eryn had this feeling that something wanted her to attempt crossing this place without aid of her Pokémon. Attempt to find the exit. In fact, it felt like something was putting her on another trial.
I swear this is completely coincidental, this would happen regardless of whom came here, maybe I happened to place the Trial Master’s house a bit too close to here, but yikes!
What would Eryn do now?
She can always just head back.
Flooded Lakewatch
Beneath Lakewatch Town lies a completely different world, one which was clearly constructed to stay. Monuments and pillars showing off the architectural skill of worlds past lie spread around the rocky buildings that to this day serve as the foundation of modern day Lakewatch Town. Countless little buildings stacked on top of one another with little openings for doors, their layout seemingly random creating what could best be described as an underwater labyrinth of buildings that cannot quite be described as ruins, on account that they are far too intact to be described by that moniker. Across the underwater floor countless little forgotten trinkets lie scattered, and in the middle of it all stands a mighty temple of some form… who even knows what it really is?
1. Search the area. Maybe find a Pokémon that isn’t immediately obvious, look for items or inspect the place for interesting things? 2. Train Pokémon. Just be aware that most things here can probably eat you alive. 3. Specify. If you specify what you want to do, the GM will take it into account and tell the result. 4. Trigger random event. Force the GM to use his imagination to make a scenario for you. 5. Area Specific: Go Deeper. There’s something calling in the depths of Flooded Lakewatch. Do you want to brave the depths and see what it might be?
It was over. Eli breathed out a bit in relief, it had seemed pretty dangerous there for a bit. She noticed Hilaria waving at her, and, well, er, the darkness harpy gave an unsure little smile and waved a dark wing back at her. That’s about all she could do.
‘The enemy has been vanquished.’ Mariette opened a portal and walked out, looking a little worse for wear due to having been grabbed by Billy earlier. She’d appear next to Amaryllis, Sophia and Hilaria. ‘I apologize for the spray of my barrage that may have inconvenienced you, it was not the intended attack that was performed.’
‘Thank you for calling me. Thank you for helping with the battle,’ she said first to Amaryllis, and then to Sophia and Hilaria. ‘And… thank you for looking after Bunny,’ Mariette said, intending to take back her toy bunny from Amaryllis. She gave Nuncio a brief look over, but ultimately decided that there wasn’t enough cause for anything else.
‘Today’s effort in protecting the city is done. I’ll take my leave for now. Come, Eli,’ Mariette said, turning around to open a portal and going (assuming she got Bunny). Eli skipped over to join her mistress, and with that, Mariette was 100% intending on leaving… but any of those present can make her stay by talking to her, grabbing her, etc. If nobody does, she’s off.
Entertainment district, eh? Sounds like it could have been a lot of fun if Ronin wasn’t currently on a mission. She could make herself look however she wanted, after all~ Still, it was probably for the best if she ignored the most interesting boys advertising themselves and just powered through in order to reach-
‘Eh?’ Deni made a noise of surprise when a monster girl of sorts to grab the box… wait, no…
‘NOPE!’ Deni grinned as a barrier of Reinforcement magic formed between the girl’s arm and the box. ‘It would be my honour to deliver this all the way, so sit back, relax, and have a good day~!’ Deni unintentionally rhymed before infusing her own legs with reinforcement magic to skip past them and move on to the intended destination, trusting her martial training to serve as instinct in case the two didn’t agree with her sentiment.
Instead of running off as intended, Deni found herself giving over the box.
In the very next motion, Reinforcement Magic went straight through Deni, boosting her physical capabilities as a (moderately weak) shield formed behind the beast girl in case she tried to jump back while Deni’s hand flew to her sword and cut a rapid iai-style slice forward at the foes before her that were clearly trying to steal the box she held.
‘NOPE! CAN’T LET YOU DO THAT, SPOTTY!’ Deni shouted with glee and happiness in her tone. Deni really didn’t think she’d get into a fight this early, but gosh darn, she would so gladly fight to keep thieves from stealing this box! It had been entrusted to her, and as a Ronin, it was her pride that was on stake to ensure it reached its destination!
That, and fighting thieves was just such an exciting prospect!
Deni noted Amanda's existence, but honestly, it wasn't that important right now! The box was way more important! She could thank the strange magician later!
So, with Dawkin being boring, Claire turned to Florrie, who winced a bit at suddenly being turned to. Claire mentioned Connor, and…
‘Eh, you met with…’ Florrie first started to ask as she positively shrunk in metaphorical size when Claire waved her hands about, looking a bit panicked. And then Claire went and made a kind of a major request. The green-haired girl fiddled with her fingers, eyes decently unable to look straight at Claire, but… ‘W-well, um, if you’re another of Kalmia’s trainers alongside Dawkin then I suppose I could introduce you…’ she said in a quiet and unsure tone as she felt mildly panicked…
Meanwhile, Dawkin edged Ninja Boy Alec on at Claire. The kid turned, the gears in his head spinning for a bit until the light-bulb finally lit up.
‘Hey, fancy girl! I’ll fight you! I’ll totally battle you!’ Alec shouted eagerly, pointing forwards at Claire and startling Florrie, a pink ball of a Koffing floating up from basically nowhere by Alec as he was already in full force wanting to battle…! … Now, it’s completely understandable if Claire’s busy being introduced to leading legendary researchers instead, but just in case she actually accepts.
Pokédex Entry #109 – Koffing, the Poison Gas Pokémon. It fills itself with lighter-than-air gases to float, and concocts them into poisonous gases within. When agitated, it expels the gases within into a poisonous smoke-screen. However, it can fail the process and randomly blow up. At higher temperatures, it is especially prone to blowing up at little to no provocation.
Koffing is going to create a Smokescreen to hide itself, then attempt to hunt its enemy down with Smog to damage and hopefully poison his opponent. If Poison is resisted, it knows Tackle.
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.
Likewise, Nincada’s going to start with Sand Attack (lots of sand to attack with here). then Leech Life or Scratch for all he can. Possibly Harden if the battle promises to be long.
Pokédex Entry #677 – Espurr, the Restraint Pokémon. The organ that emits its intense psychic power is sheltered by its ears to keep power from leaking out. It typically keeps it restrained, which is a good thing because it has enough psychic energy to blast everything within 300 feet of itself with no control other than the little locked ears.
Confusion! … Might do Covet if the opponent is holding something! Scratch if Confusion doesn’t work!
‘I-I need to go tell the Professor something, anyway, so… you could… come along…?’ Florrie asked, after that.
Heading after Florrie, they’d arrive at the lab soon enough. A building with white walls contrasting the usual yellow, brown or beige buildings of Raremine town, a sterile looking building that was the research center for examining the products find in the desert and the desert mines.
Florrie led them inside, through the lobby and past a busy receptionist, and then through a few corridors and up a few stairs. All the while, there was quite a few phone calls and people running about in here, involved in the commotion currently searching the town. Still, moving through the lab one could see scientists of one speciality or another doing strange things. Particularly eye-catching was perhaps “Fossil Resurrection”. Going past that, Florrie led them to a less populated area in the lab with fewer lights were lit. At the end of that particular corridor waited an unmarked door almost seeming to end in darkness… but she opened the door anyway.
A dimly lit lab presented itself, one where a bunch of machines glowing with light green were orderly placed in squares with plenty of room in-between, many documents of research on varying tables as well. There were tubes of who knows what liquids, primarily green ones, that shone a bit and gave the whole place a green shine were placed to the side, along with flasks and vials of similarly green nature that made one ask what chemist was using only the same green fluid for all their experiments. Also inside this very same room, was a man sitting by his computer…
‘Professor Dunstan!’ Florrie called to the guy who hadn’t even reacted to people entering his lab. ‘Th-there’s another of Kalmia’s trainers… and, uh, she said she wanted to see you!’ she told moderately loudly, stepping out of the way. ‘Oh, and I’ve got to tell you what happened at the Mythic Oasis… but her first, I guess,’ Florrie said, looking a bit insecure about the order of things and such.
The man by the computer took a couple seconds to finish writing the sentence on his computer, before calmly and looking over with a magnificently unperturbed expression.
‘Such a ruckus today,’ Dunstan commented, before gently rolling his shoulders to stretch some muscles after having been seated at his computer for a bit. ‘So? What’s the matter?’ Dunstan asked, giving a general atmosphere that the humans that had come to his lab wasn’t nearly as interesting as what was on his computer.
Well, that’s for now, anyway. Depending on what he’s told, that may change.
What would Claire, and Dawkin if he followed, say/do?
Now, then.
Raremine Town
no cat-eared girls here, sorry
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.
1. Find Pokémon. Can still search for Pokémon in cities~ 2. Talk. In cities, 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 Places. Visit any of the places in the city! 6.1. Pokémon Center. Heal all your Pokémon. 6.2. PokéMart. Go to a store and buy things. 6.3. Pokémon Gym. Kristy’s Minor-League Ground-type “Gym”. 6.4. Desert Miner’s Hangout. The workers of the Desert Mine live around here. They can give tips about the desert! 6.5. Research Lab. For archaeologists, those who want to talk to Dunstan and those who want to resurrect fossils. 6.6. Stone Store. Where all the stones of the Desert Mines or Frozen Cave eventually end up! Lots of evolutionary and other kinds of stones! 6.7. Bug Garden. A garden within which bugs thrive. Vivillons can be hired here for tracking down the Mythic Oasis! 6.8. Warehouses. Because the things they mine here needs somewhere to be stored. This includes Ancient Pokémon, apparently, as some of the warehouses are pens. 7. Familiar Faces; Claire and Dawkin. You’re in the same town. 8. Commotion. There seems to be a search going on. Want to partake for some reason?
Connected areas: Route 6. 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. Route 7. The single rocky desert of Isson, it connects to the Desert Mines, the Old Tombs and to the Mythic Oasis.
‘Huh? What are you…’ Vivia asked as Skylar had his Pokémon help him up at the central rock and felt all over the ancient rocks… ‘Er, are you sure you should be touching them? Something about accrued damage to ancient monuments by enough people touching the-’ and what Vivia was saying was suddenly rendered moot when Skylar read the ancient passage out loud. Vivia looked at him with wide eyes and just stood there, staggered, watching as Skylar went on a journey to read the contents off all these rocks out loud. Because… woah.
… and then… Skylar held that speech. Because of course he did. Maybe a little early in his journey to hold a speech like that, but nevertheless, here he was one town over, having won a Gym Badge and being as proud as a Pokémon Trainer might possibly be. And… his Pokémon all called out… and he was left breathing heavily in front of the rocks with Vivia looking on wide-eyed from the side…
And… silence.
…
…
…
…
Aaaah… that’s… not entirely what I was hoping for.
Any Pokémon Trainer alive can make a statement about how proud they are about their Pokémon. Pride and friendship are great qualities, but not the qualities that I am looking for, or half the trainers of this world would do fine. I need an exceptional individual to entrust myself to, one that resounds with my soul, one that shows they have all the qualities that can make an admirable guardian… and what’s been shown here on its own just won’t cut it, I’m afraid.
However…
I’ve been watching you. Ever since you came under attack at the Silent Shrine, I’ve been watching your adventure. Call it a hunch, but there was just this little something that reminded me of the previous guardian of the mystic about you, and I thought rightly that you’d be able to read the writings on my monument. And as I watched your journey, I came to be shown…
A show ofgenerosity, where you selflessly threw an unnecessary amount of money to the shrine, awakening my interest. A show of sadness, as you made the beast of fire remember a mournful, solemn memory that struck through my heart. A show of joy, that sheer elation at the promise of the rare adorable dragon Pokémon was just so lovely, I giggled! A show of anger, only a good trainer can cause such anger in that their trainer was exploited. I was moved!
And finally, what do you call the speech that just happened, if not a show of passion?
I decide the rules. I decide if I’ve been shown what I want.
The final requirement is that the person in question did the show with well-meaning intentions. They cannot have foul intentions within their hearts. There has been more such people, as of late. I am growing increasingly desperate, as is my kin in Stillwood and Lakewatch. I can bend the rules a bit.
Even if the ritual was performed incorrectly, I don’t think I’ll ever find someone as perfect as you~
CRACK
… Was the sound as some ancient contraption activated and before them, with no particular explanation available, a part of the rock just sank down into the ground and revealed an opening. A secret entrance into a small, rocky cave with a flat ground, and…
Highhill Cavern
It was a simple cave, somewhat damp in its atmosphere. There are pools of water on the ground, but they’re arranged in a rather specific pattern. As for what that means, who knows. Skylar was walking in, when…
‘Ow!’ Vivia flinched back as she tried to follow in behind Skylar. She’d hit something. Feeling forward with her hands, she found a reflective barrier that she could not pass through. This was for Skylar and Skylar’s Pokémon alone.
‘W… well, okay, go ahead, you can go on without me, I’ll just sit here and let my burning enthusiasm as a wannabe professor die inside me for a bit…’ Vivia said, looking rather troubled, but still, there was no way she’d be getting in. There was a powerful field keeping her out, after all. So, with that, Skylar could advance eventually.
So, with Skylar and Pokémon coming inside here…
Something suddenly sat down on Skylar’s shoulder, one of its decently smooth tails placing itself over the length of his neck. Skylar might have distinguished a small smile on the creature.
The he saw something.
Saw was the correct word. A picture appeared before him, as sharp as if he had perfect vision, as impossible as that was. It wasn’t as if he’d stopped being where he was, his hearing and touch and everything else still functioned like it should in the cave and he could still feel the light entity that had settled on his shoulder, but his vision showed him something else. A very foreign picture with a dark, pink outline.
There was a girl. Somewhat older than Skylar. She had long, flowing blue hair, her eyes shut for she was unconscious, floating within a container of water within an unknown building. Around the container with the girl were metal doors, no sign of outdoors as all lights lighting the room were of artificial nature. There were instruments connected to the container with the girl, gathering data and displaying it in a manner that Skylar’s untrained eyes could impossibly decode. Around in the room were numerous masked men dressed entirely in white, Pokéballs at their belts, standing as if guarding the girl within the container.
An emotion of great sadness came from the entity on Skylar’s shoulder. It made it clear that it felt great empathy for the unconscious girl and that Skylar should feel the same. There was a feeling of disgust for the technology restraining her too, and fear of the men around the room.
Something touched Skylar’s fingers. He’d relatively quickly discover that it was text, writing he could read, formed in mid-air by the same power that had blocked Vivia from entering, small barriers that had formed two words and eight letters in front of him.
That last is a questionmark.
Skylar is free to react however he feels that he wants.
Oh, and his Pokémon can obviously see the creature on his shoulder. This is, it certainly isn’t hostile in any way. In fact, it feels like it’s radiating a feeling of safety, coziness and comfort…
… AND IN CASE HE IGNORES ALL OF THAT Skylar can go off and do whatever he pleases! He’s currently in Highhill Town!
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.
There was a sudden moment of silence when Basil made his proclamation, even the overly aggressive Ace stopped for a moment. Kalmia looked at him with slight positive surprise, while Jacques gave a pleased little smirk, there was fight in him after all.
‘… Oh?’ Rodger gave Basil another look, this one more amused than the previous, not having expected Basil to speak with such vigour but wholeheartedly accepting it. ‘You hear that, Ace? Someone wants to fight,’ Rodger said, as he pointed over at Basil and Cecil. Ace, who’d proven himself a violent little bird, spun around and prepared himself, staring with intensity at Cecil, who was his chosen opponent. Rodger raised his chin a bit as he looked Basil over again. ‘I like the look in your eyes. Come with me outside and show me what it’s worth!’ Rodger said before picking up Ace, almost getting his hand pecked, and then started walking to go out for a better battlefield.
‘Yay, more fighting!’ ‘Punch, kick, scratch, tackle!’ Tim and Tom were joyously calling out from the side…
‘Alright, then. Good luck, Basil, Cecil,’ Kalmia wished them, and then it was time to go outside… And that’s when Cyril came in.
Chloe giggled a little as Cyril told her that he’d be expecting great things of her, smiling a little proudly before Cyril moved on to the next point.
‘Oh, yeah, I got broke. Staying fashionable isn’t cheap, I’ll have you know!’ Chloe told, matter-of-factly, like if staying fashionable was more important than ensuring you have money to eat or something Ignoring the fact I’m never going to make you pay for your regular meals. ‘Oh, you have a make-money-quick scheme? I’m interested! What do you got!?’ Chloe asked excitedly as she skipped after him.
And then they all met at the door. Feel free to have any interactions you please. But still, here’s the continued that will happen at some point.
‘Ah, I’m sorry, sir! I lost!’ Chloe called to Jacques, sounding a little sorry about it but still energetic. Jacques merely chuckled.
‘Do not worry about it, young hopeful. It is from now on that you will have your chance to grow. Good luck out there. You now have all you need to become a formidable Pokémon Trainer,’ Jacques told Chloe, who smiled brightly and looked all warm with happy emotions as she replied.
‘Thank you, sir! I’ll do my best!’
Meanwhile, Kalmia turned to Cyril, smiling a bit her too.
‘Same to you. You’re all set to go out there, now. If you ever have any questions, feel free to call me over the Pokédex. All the other trainers I’ve sent out are in there, too, in case you want to contact them. Now, get out there, and do your thing,’ Kalmia wished Cyril, because really, there wasn’t that much she could tell an already experienced Pokémon Trainer.
Now, here’s where Kalmia would give Cyril five Pokéballs, but seeing how they’re somehow already in your inventory, guess we’ll skip that part.
Besides that! Unconcerned with those greetings, Rodger stepped out into the front yard of the lab, turning around and throwing out Ace, the Rufflet landing prepared to battle before him, glaring at Basil and Cecil. Rodger took a look in his Pokédex (which can show you the moves your Pokémon knows) and chuckled a bit.
‘I’m going to be really honest here. The only applicable moves Ace knows right now are Peck and Fury Attack, and I’m going to have him do what he seems to do best. Fury Attack. I look forward to what you’ll do,’ Rodger says as he proclaims his strategy ahead of time.
‘Alright, let’s do this!’ Rodger says, as he points forward at his opponent.
Pokémon Trainer Rodger would like to battle!
‘Ace, Fury Attack!’ Rodger calls, and Ace is already in the air, waving his tiny wings frantically to get forward and deliver his numerous chops of the beak or feet or wings or whatever constitutes a Fury Attack! This is going to be one highly offensive bird!
What will Basil and Cecil do?
And what will Cyril do now? Currently in 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.
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. ??? 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, Cyril, Basil, Jacques, Rodger, Chloe, Tim & Tom… and Amelia somewhere else in the city, not that any of you know her.
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.
‘I’ve been well, I’ve been well. A healthy training regimen ensures I will be able to continue this for an additional number of decades,’ Dorian says as he places the bike by the side of the Gym, and somewhere in the vast distance Hector protests loudly about how the old man should retire already which Dorian pays no heed… but that aside.
Dorian listened calmly as Amelia explained her troubles. He sat down gently to relax on the outside of his Gym, looking so exceedingly calm as he waited for her to finish. As she finally did come to her finish… the old man put his hands together and looked at her calmly.
‘Unfortunate, that you were pulled into this incident. I was told about it by Jacques, for he also sought my council as of how to handle the incident as well as his own companion. Quite unfortunate,’ he told, and then took a pause, assumingly to gather his thoughts.
‘To be free… What to be free means depends on the individual’s point of view. Realistically, there is always something that chains us down. Be this by responsibilities, wealth, or strength. A lack of any of these closes some doors, opens others, but in no way will all the doors ever stand open. Some would be satisfied simply being allowed to travel as they desire, others do not feel free unless they restrain the freedom of others. That is the unfortunate reality of this world. As a Pokémon Trainer on her journey, you are freer than most. You do not have to worry about sustaining your daily life yet, you’re free to go wherever you like. This hasn’t always been the case, has it, young Amelia?’ Dorian told, making an educated guess. He readjusted how he sat a bit, and looked at her once more.
‘“I believe that one should not be restricted by their limitations but strive to try and overcome them”. Those were your own words, last time you came to see me. It sounded very much like a girl intending to become stronger. Still, it would be hypocritical of me to say nothing can change, with what I replied. Strength is not a goal, but a means to an end. If the end is no longer worth it, then strength is unnecessary. If you feel you do not wish for strength, then by all means, let it go. I do not have an absolute answer for you, for the answer is not mine to give,’ Dorian said, and started reaching into a pocket.
‘Although, something I can say is… when I find myself facing a troubling decision…’
A crash could be heard from his pocket, and with a beam of light a form took shape next to him.
‘… is that I find it most therapeutic to consult my Pokémon. Sometimes they even give me my answer. Isn’t that right, Stoutland?’
‘Stout!’
And with that, the happy and positively giant dog pressed his face against the side of his trainer with a wagging little tail behind the bearded dog.
Pokédex Entry #508 – Stoutland, the Big-Hearted Pokémon. A very wise Pokémon, it rescues people stranded at sea or in freezing blizzards. It is unaffected by cold, and being wrapped in its fur can allow a person to survive a night even in the wintry mountains. An intelligent and good-natured Pokémon, it’s often a companion of rescue teams.
‘The decision isn’t yours alone, after all. Your decision is going to impact your Pokémon as well. What do they want?’ Dorian asked, as he so gently patted the big dog that was so happily nuzzling the seated elder.
What’s Amelia’s reaction?
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. … So, not exactly familiar, but Cyril and Basil are still in their first visit to Professor Kalmia.
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.
All Basil’s internal questioning aside, Basil soon had his Pokédex and soon thereafter he had his Pokémon as well. A Darumaka that he named Cecil. Kalmia looked on pretty happily as he got those things sorted out for himself. After all that, there was only one thing that was left to say.
‘You’re very welcome, Basil,’ Kalmia said, looking proud enough. ‘And, now is perhaps the time I explain all that’s going on outside…’ she considered, looking outside at where now a Sentret was flinging a bucket over at the opposing Budew for some reason.
‘You’re not the only trainer that I welcomed today. There’s also the guy, Cyril, right outside,’ Kalmia said, gesturing diagonally outside the door to where that guy was currently engaged in a Pokémon battle with a blonde chick. Then, suddenly, he had two little brown-haired twins standing right underneath him.
‘O, oooh! You got a Pokémon, too!’ ‘Lemme see, lemme see!’ called the two twins, bouncing by him before Kalmia could pull them back.
‘And, er, these are my assistants, Timothy and Thomas, or Tim and Tom, say hi,’ Kalmia said, looking like she’s not entirely sure about them.
‘Heeeey! When you get rich, donate it all to us for making this possible, okay!’ Tim said. ‘Oh, and if you see our brother out there, beat him for us, so he can get stronger and beat you back eventually!’ Tom added on. They were both grinning before they ran off somewhere, laughing like the little kids they are.
‘And this, of course, is…’ Kalmia said, gesturing towards the last present person not currently in a Pokémon Battle. The spectacled man in a top-hat and suit with red ribbons pressed a button on his phone before he let his hand drift around his clothing and emerge on his right with no phone despite there having been no sign of the phone actually slipping into a pocket or anything. The hand then wandered up to his hat, which he tipped a bit while nodding to Basil.
‘I am Jacques of the Elite Four. Pleased to make your acquaintance.’ Jacques said, giving Basil a piercing look along with the kind(?) smile, analyzing the boy from top to bottom.
‘So that’s how he turned out…’
‘Turns out, the same way that I received the task and permission to distribute Pokédexes from Professor Oak, Jacques here…’ Kalmia started…
‘… negotiated that same permission from Professor Sycamore,’ Jacques said. But, then he spread his hands in a “alas” gesture. ‘We didn’t know that the other was doing it, and so we ended up with two different sets of Pokédexes for the same region. However, upon meeting up we’ve determined that the more the merrier, and our operations will run concurrently. In fact, I arrived here on the first day and suggested we’d have a bit of a friendly competition, Kalmia’s trainers against mine. Not one to fail tradition, I brought Chloe here to face off against Cyril, but…’ Jacques sighed a little.
‘Oh? Have you run out of hopefuls for Basil?’ Kalmia asked, looking mildly amused.
‘Hardly. Excuse me, Professor Kalmia, I’m going to need to borrow your PC. To retrieve a new Pokémon, you understand. I had a couple to spare…’ Jacques went over to the computer in Kalmia’s room, making a couple of clicks while Kalmia looked on curiously.
Then, outside. There was a sudden noise of an engine. An engine on two wheels, a bike heading down the otherwise coze street of suburban Pureplain, the driver in a dark purple jacket and black helmet driving so fast and powerfully like knowing he would not be hitting anything.
Then, way before actually arriving, the driver spun the vehicle, the back wheel swerving with intense power as the bike neared its destination. The whole vehicle broke speed as rubber burned with a screeching noise as the bike slowly came to a perfect stop right before the building. The bike-rider that had stopped right outside the Pokémon Lab slowly turned off the engine, put down the thing the bike will be leaning on for now with a quick kick and then stood up before the lab, taking off his helmet to reveal a moderately cocky-looking brown-haired older boy.
‘I’m here, Jacques. Now what’s up?’ he asked, looking over the battle a bit first before walking by to get to the lab itself.
‘I’m happy you were able to come on such short notice, Rodger. Your dependability is remarkable,’ Jacques said with a smirk.
‘You call, I come. Besides, I was only on Route 4. No biggie,’ Rodger said with a shrug.
‘… Wha… Route 4... ?’ Kalmia asked, having to look over at a wall that didn’t actually have a map as she considered. Because while Route 4 isn’t far, it isn’t THAT close…
‘I was wondering if you’d like to have another Pokémon and battle another newcomer. Interested?’ Jacques asked, and Rodger looked over at Basil, already having identified who it must have be.
‘This guy, eh,’ Rodger said, looking over Basil, and… not immediately looking particularly impressed with what he was seeing. Basil, in the meantime, could probably more or less see the immediate tell-tale signs of a Bigfjord City resident in Rodger, and… well, there’s a reason why Bigfjord City has the Dark-type Gym; the streets are famously MUCH rougher than they are in Worldedge City where Basil grew up… it wouldn’t be unimaginable that this guy had a rough childhood too, but not for the same reasons as for Basil. … Rodger smirked.
‘Alright, I’m in. Now, what’s my Pokémon?’ Rodger asked, and Jacques wasted no time grabbing and throwing over the Pokéball that had materialized from the PC, which Rodger effortlessly caught in mid-air.
‘Of course, that’s all up to if YOU want to have a battle,’ Kalmia said, looking to Basil and 100% understanding if these two were being intimidating. ‘Jacques and Rodger have made their offer, and it’s entirely up to you if you’d like to accept or not. So? Would you like to have a battle?’
And here’s where the yes/no choices would appear in a video-game…
There was a crash as a Pokéball opened, and Rodger caught the creature that appeared on his arm. It was a half-a-meter tall baby bird, spreading its wings and staring up quizzically at Rodger, he smirked down at the little bird and its long, red top feather.
‘Well, well, would you look at you… Small and tough, and I know what you become. I like you. Welcome to the team, Ace,’ Rodger told, looking proud of the glaring bird on his arm…
Pokédex Entry #627 – Rufflet, the Eaglet Pokémon. Known to bravely or recklessly challenge any enemy, no matter how strong it is. They’re natural-born warriors pick fight indiscriminately, even with their own parents, and grow stronger as they get injured. It uses its talons to crush berries or the shells of clams to get food.
… And the Pokédex hadn’t stopped talking before Ace had pecked his own trainer. Rodger had recoiled, thrown out his arm so that Ace took flight and hovered in the middle of the room while Rodger stumbled back a bit before taking his own street-brawling fighting stance.
‘Oh, you wanna fight!? I can give you as much fight as you want…!’ Roger told before Kalmia could run in to-
‘Not with each other! And even before that, DON’T FIGHT IN HERE!’ Kalmia said, because they were still inside Kalmia’s lab here, yupp. Anyway.
Vivia looked happy and proud as Skylar cheered for her, and then listened on as Skylar thought of what to do next.
‘Well, we could get to Stillwood Village by ferry from here, but we could also cross Route 3 onto Route 4 to get to it,’ Vivia suggested, but otherwise, sure. That works out nicely enough. Then that about heading to the Ancient Rocks. ‘Alright, let’s go. I have been curious about those rocks, though I don’t think we’ll be able to unearth any mysteries, hah,’ Vivia said with a slight laugh, but otherwise she was ready to set out. ‘Torchic is cute, but I think I’ll see what comes my own way. Thanks for the suggestion, though,’ Vivia said, appreciating the suggestion, but anyways.
… Okay, the above image is a bit more dramatic than the real case. On top of the hills of Highhill is a large amount of strewn rocks, place mitch-matched around the grassy green top still under a blue sky, and a road leads to the center of the calm rocks where an especially large rock awaits. For the usual tourist, this is nothing but a landmark to look at and take photos off, the rocks will not budge and the mystery of what is written on them has not been solved for as long as man has known of them. What strange, mysterious language could it be that’s been written on these rocks? What do they mean? Humanity might never find out…
So, there are five rocks standing in a circle around a center rock, which has two messages written on them…
Ah, yes, such an utterly mysterious untranslatable text, of which kind has only previously been found in ancient ruins or caves of Hoenn or on the Sevii Islands…
And of course, it’s not like, uh, someone who happens to be almost blind would have some form of fundamental advantage translating the strange markings carved out of the rocks…
Two more messages are written upon the middle rock.
How truly mysterious…
… Skylar stepped on something. It was… a tablet with a bunch of these letters on it?
In case ancient Pokémon civs writing in braille and nobody understanding pushes your suspension of disbelief too much XD
… So, what will Skylar do here?
Of course, Vivia’s coming along and looking around with a curious expression on her face. Ancient rocks are relatively interesting, after all.
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.
It wasn’t just Dawkin there. There was also this somewhat panicking young girl with long green hair whose eyes widened considerably by Claire and Ralia’s sudden appearance, looking to Dawkin to Claire with alarm until it became clear that the two knew each other in some capacity.
‘O-oh, you two know one another. Um, I’m Florrie, Pokémon Trainer and assistant of Professor Dunstan here in town…’ Florrie told, giving Claire a little nervous bow. Claire’s energy was making her nervous, clearly.
There was also a Ninja Boy, who…
‘Ah? Is there a battle? No battle? I can battle! What are we doing?’ Alec asks, because he’s still here. For… some reason. He’s just been following Dawkin the whole way. Regardless. Dawkin can go get his Pokémon healed, and…
‘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!’
‘A bunch of Ancient Pokémon disappeared from one of the warehouses! One of the thieves was seen, and it was apparently Collin, one of the assistants at the Pokémon Lab in town! Because of that, Kristy took a bunch of miners and confronted Leila and the scientists about it, and it looked like it was about to be a fight but then some form of echoing sound came from the desert. Instead, they teamed up and are now searching for clues together! Kristy and the miners are having their Ground-Pokémon look for enemies underground, Leila’s Flying-types are checking the air and Psychic types from the lab are looking for signs of Teleporting! Lovely to see them cooperating instead of being at one another’s throats all the time…’
And that was what Dawkin could get himself told. Dawkin and Claire can now decide what they feel like doing.
Raremine Town
no cat-eared girls here, sorry
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.
1. Find Pokémon. Can still search for Pokémon in cities~ 2. Talk. In cities, 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 Places. Visit any of the places in the city! 6.1. Pokémon Center. Heal all your Pokémon. 6.2. PokéMart. Go to a store and buy things. 6.3. Pokémon Gym. Kristy’s Minor-League Ground-type “Gym”. 6.4. Desert Miner’s Hangout. The workers of the Desert Mine live around here. They can give tips about the desert! 6.5. Research Lab. For archaeologists, those who want to talk to Dunstan and those who want to resurrect fossils. 6.6. Stone Store. Where all the stones of the Desert Mines or Frozen Cave eventually end up! Lots of evolutionary and other kinds of stones! 6.7. Bug Garden. A garden within which bugs thrive. Vivillons can be hired here for tracking down the Mythic Oasis! 6.8. Warehouses. Because the things they mine here needs somewhere to be stored. This includes Ancient Pokémon, apparently, as some of the warehouses are pens. 7. Familiar Faces; Claire and Dawkin. You’re in the same town. 8. Commotion. There seems to be a search going on. Want to partake for some reason?
Connected areas: Route 6. 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. Route 7. The single rocky desert of Isson, it connects to the Desert Mines, the Old Tombs and to the Mythic Oasis.
‘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 then nothing relevant happened until the next morning!
So, said next morning…
Travelling through the streets of Lakewatch Town once again, Eryn passed the rivers and the townspeople, a whole lot more shopkeepers and other such things, until finally she arrived at the place that she’d been hearing about. Descent Tower. Visually, it was but a tall building like any other in Lakewatch Town, the top looking like a huge water tower and the inside revealing a building flooded with water. Stairs led up, but also down, into the water and further down where no person unable to live underwater could explore. Which meant Eryn was in luck, because…
‘Quaaaaaagsire!’ a big blue creature saluted to her with an extremely dim-looking expression.
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.
And, as she had called for, the Ruin Maniac Wilhelm came walking with a backpack filled with stuff.
‘Oho! You’ve recruited a Quagsire? I suppose that does change things!’ he told, facing towards the building. ‘You have my thanks, young Eryn! Now, shall we take a look and see what we can find?’
With that, and with whatever other delays Eryn or her team could come up with, it would eventually be time to go. Turns out that backpack of Wilhelm’s is decently useful and he’ll supplement anything Eryn feels like she’s missing for an underwater venture. Still, time to change how Dive works.
The two assumingly grabbed onto Quagsire, who then just smiled so very widely before enveloping itself in a bubble before diving down into water! It was a special little bubble in which Eryn could safely inhabit the watery depths, because convenience. Regardless, the trainers and the wild Pokémon floated down the rather long yet unremarkable tower, before arriving in what lay below. A whole new city, just below their feet.
Flooded Lakewatch
Beneath Lakewatch Town lies a completely different world, one which was clearly constructed to stay. Monuments and pillars showing off the architectural skill of worlds past lie spread around the rocky buildings that to this day serve as the foundation of modern day Lakewatch Town. Countless little buildings stacked on top of one another with little openings for doors, their layout seemingly random creating what could best be described as an underwater labyrinth of buildings that cannot quite be described as ruins, on account that they are far too intact to be described by that moniker. Across the underwater floor countless little forgotten trinkets lie scattered, and in the middle of it all stands a mighty temple of some form… who even knows what it really is?
However, the underwater city is not abandoned, not by a long shot. In fact, right about here floated by a huge, green piece of-
Pokédex Entry #186 – Politoed, the Frog Pokémon. It often gathers groups of other Pokémon and act like their leader. Their echoing cries are known to have Poliwag and Poliwhirl gathering from far and wide, supplying their troops. When three or more gather, they sing in a loud chorus that’s more like bellowing. The longer and curlier “hair” strand, the more status it has as a Politoed.
… Which was promptly followed by a whole little legion of Poliwag and a couple Poliwhirls.
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 #61 – Poliwhirl, the Tadpole Pokémon. Its legs are well developed and it can live both on land and water, but it prefers water. On land, it sweats to stay moist and slippery if attacked. The spiral pattern on its belly subtly undulates, which causes those watching it to fall asleep.
And over there, floated a huge, blue and and black monster of a-
Pokédex Entry #537 – Seismitoad, the Vibration Pokémon. It’s capable of vibrating the bumps all over its body, channeling the energy into powerful punches or quakes. It’s able to shoot a paralyzing liquid from the head-bumps as well. They’re decently popular with the elderly, who use the vibrations for massages.
… Just… drifting by… was a Seismitoad on its way to who knows where.
And over there, partly buried in the dirt on the floor of the underwater town…
Pokédex Entry #340 – Whiscash, the Whiskers Pokémon. Despite its looks, it’s an extremely territorial Pokémon that will trash about with enough force to trigger earthquakes if a foe approaches it. It claims the bottom of ponds or swamps for itself, and then eats anything that moves around there. It can tell when earthquakes will happen, which people have made use of.
Given that the whole underwater town still stands, it’s likely this one hasn’t earthquaked a lot. Still, Lakewatch Town is right above…
So, yes. If Eryn didn’t get the memo yet, this is a high-level area. Nothing has picked a fight with her yet, but it probably is also in her best interest to not pick one herself.
‘Now, this is fascinating…’ Wilhelm said in the Dive-bubble by their escort Quagsire, looking around at the older buildings underwater. Meanwhile, Eryn… had this odd feeling that she knew where to go. That is, if she wanted to, there was a place down here that was… sort of calling to her? She’d know how to maneuver this little underwater labyrinth to get there… wherever that is. A strange feeling, most definitely.
Now what?
1. Search the area. Maybe find a Pokémon that isn’t immediately obvious, look for items or inspect the place for interesting things? 2. Train Pokémon. Just be aware that most things here can probably eat you alive. 3. Specify. If you specify what you want to do, the GM will take it into account and tell the result. 4. Trigger random event. Force the GM to use his imagination to make a scenario for you. 5. Area Specific: Go Deeper. There’s something calling in the depths of Flooded Lakewatch. Do you want to brave the depths and see what it might be?
No worries about tagging me. I am decently likely to find your post, hah. It's more important to tag players, who I imagine might ignore the indication that there's a post if they're not involved in it. I imagine.
Nicely posted. Alright, time to explain a couple of matters about what's going on here.
Skylar got a few amused looks by people as he walked by with his entire team out, because while it happened it wasn’t all that common and was definitely a sign of a trainer on their Pokémon journey, so the older villages seeing him definitely were all smiles and the younger ones looked on in comparable amazement.
With that, Skylar sat down and attempted to watch the Pidgeys with his eyes. His Pokémon did whatever, he was indeed correct in that there wasn’t much experience to be gained at his level around here. While Skylar watched the Pidgeys for a considerable while, there wasn’t many signs of any Pidgeys with any different colourations.
That is, assuming that blurry thing over there wasn’t a pink Pidgey. Not that Skylar could see what exactly it was.
Did the other Pokémon see it? Nope, they’re currently resting or being distracted by one another.
Maybe he tried pulling the Pokédex on it… nope, it’s gone.
Perhaps there was a location around here where he could potentially hear more about whatever that was?
‘… I-I’m back…’ Vivia eventually came stumbling back.
‘I… I got it!’ Vivia told, raising a hand and showing the Shrine Badge. ‘But yikes, she was tough. I was about to lose even though she only used three Pokémon…’ Vivia told…
That is, Lorette was satisfied with her battle with Skylar earlier and just battled Vivia with her normal Gym team.
What will Skylar do now?
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.
That aside. When it became apparent that Dawkin and co were leaving, Milotic did a final little gentle nod… then perked up, her attention focusing on the horizon past the sandstorm. She opened her mouth… and a loud, yet serene-sounding call echoed out of her, across the desert. As Dawkin heard it, it was like the sound itself was inherently calming, albeit he wasn’t the intended recipient at this time. After her call was done. Milotic slipped down into the waters of the Mythic Oasis again, swimming down to the bottom to rest until the next time she’d be needed.
Meanwhile, Dawkin told Florrie about the situation from before while also letting Vivillon lead them back to Raremine Town. As Florrie heard of the strange man’s actions…
‘Th-that sounds… like he might be involved in the thing that happened to Zygarde! Zygarde is a legendary Pokémon too, after all, and if he’s hunting them…’ Florrie shuddered, looking worried. ‘If so, gathering up Zygarde again might be even more important than before…! We must tell the Professor about this…’ Florrie concluded.
The trip back to Raremine Town was not particularly eventful, just following Vivillon back to town. This time Florrie donated one of her Potions to heal what damage Vivillon took from the sandstorm. Soon enough, they got back to town.
Raremine Town
no cat-eared girls here, sorry
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.
However, arriving in town… there appears to be quite a commotion going on. There were miners and scientists running about, cooperating with various Psychic and Ground-type Pokémon searching various buildings one by one, like some strike-force looking for criminals or something. Overhead flew a Pidgeot which Dawkin would remember to have been Leila’s, from last time someone tried to steal something from her, scanning the town and around from above, soaring in a circle. What now?
Oh, and Alec the Ninja Kid is still right here. He didn’t get any other memo to be elsewhere. He needed the help to get out of the sandstorm, anyway. Still holding the Espurr he was adopted by from the oasis.
1. Find Pokémon. Can still search for Pokémon in cities~ 2. Talk. In cities, 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 Places. Visit any of the places in the city! 6.1. Pokémon Center. Heal all your Pokémon. 6.2. PokéMart. Go to a store and buy things. 6.3. Pokémon Gym. Kristy’s Minor-League Ground-type “Gym”. 6.4. Desert Miner’s Hangout. The workers of the Desert Mine live around here. They can give tips about the desert! 6.5. Research Lab. For archaeologists, those who want to talk to Dunstan and those who want to resurrect fossils. 6.6. Stone Store. Where all the stones of the Desert Mines or Frozen Cave eventually end up! Lots of evolutionary and other kinds of stones! 6.7. Bug Garden. A garden within which bugs thrive. Vivillons can be hired here for tracking down the Mythic Oasis! 6.8. Warehouses. Because the things they mine here needs somewhere to be stored. This includes Ancient Pokémon, apparently, as some of the warehouses are pens. 7. Familiar Faces; Claire. Claire’s in town, you could meet her. 8. Commotion. There seems to be a search going on. Want to partake for some reason?
Connected areas: Route 6. 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. Route 7. The single rocky desert of Isson, it connects to the Desert Mines, the Old Tombs and to the Mythic Oasis.
After tumbling a bit, Claire entered Raremine Town! First, she went to heal… Bunches of workers walk around and being reasonably happy, and Claire had an immediate destination in mind.
‘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!’
Then she made her way through the hot town towards a specific location… but first, here’s a tiny random event that she just happens to run by, because this is the only time I can really do this event.
There are a group of people gathered in front of the research lab. These individuals specifically don’t actually look all that happy. Judging by their attires and helmets that they wear 100% of the time, they’re workers and they’re being met by a number of scientists. Leading the two groups are two sets of modestly attractive women.
‘… we already caught one of your assistants red-handed! Now, let us search the laboratory for clues already!’ told the red-haired one spearheading the miners.
‘What, exactly, did you catch Collin doing?’ the blonde woman asked, crossing her arms and frowning.
‘Stealing our ancient Pokémon! We have a whole pen that’s currently empty! Let us search your lab already!’
‘The lab has no connections to Collin’s actions. I would request I get to interrogate him myself-’
‘Of course you’d say that! But now that one of your assistants have been caught with their hand in the cookie-jar, we don’t feel we can trust you!’
‘There is very sensitive equipment in the lab! We can allow perhaps one or two of you to do rounds and-!’
‘That’s just not going to cut it-!’
The two were arguing with one another, the miners and the scientists looking at one another with significant annoyance… until a sudden echo, sounding something alike a Pokémon’s call, rang out over them from what appeared to be across the desert. There was something inherently calming about the tune that sounded out, and all of a sudden the inhabitants around the entrance of the lab found themselves calmed down…
‘… I’ll leave Claydol with you to check the lab, but otherwise my miners will look for the culprits. I’ve buried Ground-type Pokémon around town, they won’t get anywhere underground,’ the red-haired miner leader told.
‘We’ll send Psychic Pokémon to try to check if they’ve teleported away. Meanwhile, Perseus, my Pidgeot, will be scouting the skies. They won’t get far. Let’s work together,’ the blonde scientist leader told, and there was suddenly an agreement.
With that, the two sides that were previously at one another’s throats suddenly decided to work together and look for the real criminals, all because of some mysterious call from the desert…
Regardless! That wasn’t Claire’s destination! Her destination was the Bug Garden! If she still wanted to go, that is. Or, otherwise, we can make it so that she went to the Bug Garden first, did her business there, THEN went and saw this scene at the research lab. That works too.
The Bug Garden was a building, a fairly large building with plants around it and promising more plants inside.
There were signs.
“Bug Garden
Feel free to visit and enjoy Vivillons for the purpose of finding the Mythic Oasis can be hired for 750P per day They are not for fighting The Pokémon in the garden are wild, but we appreciate avoiding holding battles in the garden
Thank you for your consideration”
The bug-garden was indoors, a pleasant atmosphere in here where trees grew happily and the bugs could thrive. At the door, there was a place where you could hire the Vivillons for 750P. Past that one could enter the garden for free, where one could look about the many plants with food for the bugs, numerous trees standing about and a fountain in the middle. This was probably the fanciest place in Raremine Town. There were a few gardeners about, but otherwise it was all Pokémon. On the ground Scatterbugs and Spewpas strayed about, and in the air or on the trees fluttered Vivillons…
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.
Pokédex Entry #665 – Spewpa, the Scatterdust Pokémon. It lives in thicket shadows, where it hides until evolution. It’s body is tough to avoid predators eating it, and if attacked it attempts to scare its enemies away by rustling its fur. If all else fails, it can spew a powder at an attacker.
Pokédex Entry #666 – Vivillon, the Scale Pokémon. Known to appear all over the world, the pattern on the wings differ depending on the climate of their habitat. They’re extremely skilled at finding water, so if you release one in a desolate environment it can be followed to find your way to a spring. In the deserts of Isson, they’re the primary means of finding the Mythic Oasis.
However, it wasn’t just ONE colour of Vivillon. It was seemingly… all of them? The many Vivillons scurrying and fluttering with their wings around the area was in a multitude of colours, making the interiors of the Bug Garden a colourful one indeed.
1. Find Pokémon. Can still search for Pokémon in cities~ 2. Talk. In cities, 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 Places. Visit any of the places in 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. Desert Miner’s Hangout. The workers of the Desert Mine live around here. They can give tips about the desert! 6.5. Research Lab. For archaeologists, those who want to talk to Dunstan and those who want to resurrect fossils. 6.6. Stone Store. Where all the stones of the Desert Mines or Frozen Cave eventually end up! Lots of evolutionary and other kinds of stones! 6.7. Bug Garden. A garden within which bugs thrive. Vivillons can be hired here for tracking down the Mythic Oasis! 6.8. Warehouses. Because the things they mine here needs somewhere to be stored. This includes Ancient Pokémon, apparently, as some of the warehouses are pens. 7. Familiar Faces; Dawkin. Dawkin’s arriving to town, you could meet him. 8. Commotion. There seems to be a search going on. Want to partake for some reason?
Connected areas: Route 6. 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. Route 7. The single rocky desert of Isson, it connects to the Desert Mines, the Old Tombs and to the Mythic Oasis.
A walk later through the decently normal city of Pureplain, also known as the gateway to Isson on account of its contact with the other regions, and Basil would have seen a bunch of different young trainers trying to catch varying Normal-types around town because it’s the season for new Pokémon Trainers. Some directions later, and Basil arrived at the Pokémon Lab, a decently normal building with the attachment of another one next to it… and all of that.
And, of course, the fact there was a Pokémon battle happening right in front of him, in the front yard of the lab. A girl and a boy around his age were in battle, a curled up Sentret rolling to attack a currently fleeing Budew in a rather odd fashion, because the Budew was faster than the Sentret…
Watching the battle was, indeed, someone who looked a lot like someone Basil might know of if he watched the Pokémon League on televisions in Isson or something like that, an Elite Four in all his glory, watching this lowest of low level battles with a little smirk on his face.
There was also a duo of small brown-haired boys shouting encouragements to the Pokémon in the battle.
‘Roll all over that plant!’ ‘Drain that bunny dry!’ … They were calling out excitedly.
But of course, also here was the woman he was looking for. A blonde woman in glasses, a lab-coat that isn’t present in the image, an attentive look and The one that basically immediately looked over in interest as Basil approached, and waved at him to come closer.
‘Ah! Basil! You found us! Come over here!’ Kalmia called happily, in order to get his attention.
‘… Huh, you had another kid lined up?’ Jacques asked, giving Basil a curious look. Kalmia utterly ignores him because Basil is more important right now.
‘Cyril, you can keep up the battle, I’m going to see to Basil for a moment, we’ll be back!’ Kalmia told Cyril, before waving to Basil to follow her into the lab itself.
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.
‘You weren’t the only trainer starting out today, and Cyril arrived first, so I handled him, but, alright, here we are…’ Kalmia said as she fished up some items out of one of her drawers. She looked satisfied with them, and headed over to Basil to deliver the first one.
'Alright. So, first. The Pokédex, which I received from Professor Oak that I now present to you for the purpose of indexing the region of Isson. Here you go,'
‘First and foremost, your Trainer 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. At the moment, that's zero. If you ever enter the Pokémon League, the Battle Dome or any Pokémon Contests, it will also show your results there.’ Kalmia said. ‘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 trainer.
‘Any questions?’
‘… And then, of course. Your Pokémon,’ Kalmia said with a smile, as she held up a Pokéball, giving Basil a smile as she held it forward for him. ‘I think this little gal should serve you excellently,’ she said.
- You've obtained Darumaka! -
Pokédex Entry #554 – Darumaka, the Zen Charm Pokémon. When its internal fire burns, it cannot calm down and has to run around. When the fire diminishes, it falls asleep and pulls its limbs into its body to form a state where it will always right itself no matter how it is pushed or pulled. Because the droppings of a Darumaka never cools down, they can be used to heat clothes by those who doesn’t consider that disgusting.
- Would you like to give Darumaka a nickname? -
And with that, Basil can release the Pokémon from the Pokéball and have a moment, if he’d so please.
Xaltwind
Pirouette
Alby47
Izurich
Damycles
jimapple
Zapdos
Remram
samreaper
