2024-01-04: On the Road to Viridian City
- Log: On the Road to Viridian City
- Cast: Chartreuse Spinosa, Arisugawa Joy, Ethius Hesiod, Avril Vent Fleur
- Where: Central Kanto Plains
- Date: January 04, 2024
- Summary: Avril makes a return to Viridian City but meets not only a few familiar faces (Joy, Ethius) but potentially a few new friends (Chartreuse, various Pokemon).
DG: A party led by Chartreuse Spinosa is now entering Kanto Plains Route. DG: Party formation is now over. An Entry Challenge will now be drawn and displayed to the party.
============================<* Kanto Plains Route *>============================
===================<* CHALLENGE - Preparing for a Journey *>====================
| Type: Entry | Dungeon Ability: Wits | Challenge Rating: 1 |
---------------------------< Challenge Information >----------------------------
You've just set out on the road!
If you're used to Filgaia or Lunar, this feels... different. At first
glance, the plains of Energy Nede are familiar. Verdant and green, dotted
with trees, and with hills -- and sometimes tall rocks -- that need to be
overcome. Bubbling streams are nearby, with bridges over them. However,
there are signs of it being well-maintained all throughout. Sometimes, a
rock has a weather sensor cleverly hidden in it. In the distance, you see
fences that keep people out of areas with electrical equipment.
A mag-lev train soars by, on railing overhead.
Nonetheless, you need to make sure -- do you have everything you need?
============================= Dungeon Conditions: =============================
| Reckless:_Wits_Down!_Brute_Up! and Wonder:_Exhaustion_Down! |
= Digger 2.0 ===================================================================
<Pose Tracker> Chartreuse Spinosa has posed.
It's a bright, pleasant day. The sun is shining, and the clouds overhead let just enough light through that it isn't overbearing, while also not being too gloomy. In other words - it's a great day for a journey!
Chartreuse, at present, is at a traveler's shelter along the road - a few benches with a roof overtop and a few vending machines nearby offering basic goods. Sitting on a bench with a fancy shovel propped up next to her and her backpack open in front of her, Chartreuse can be found rummaging through its depths.
"I think I've got everything... Did I - oh, yes, there it is. Do I have - yes - wait, no... Or maybe...?" She murmurs to herself. It looks like she's getting ready to set out, herself - it might be a good chance to group up!
DG: Chartreuse Spinosa has used her Tool Archaeologist's Backpack toward her party's challenge, Preparing for a Journey. Enlighten! Party Wits boosted!
<Pose Tracker> Arisugawa Joy has posed.
There's a young girl at the shelter, slightly out of the way of the path. She's dressed in a black baker boy hat, a turtleneck and jeans, as well as a white trenchcoat... but the R is missing. Well, it looks like Joy can actually go silent sometimes.
She looks towards Chartreuse and looks towards her preparations, and then says, "You're... a Pokemon Trainer, aren't you?" Her intonation isn't terribly expressive, but she speaks with a certain kind of resolve in her voice.
A long pause, as she tucks the cap of her hat down. "I'd like to observe you in the journey ahead, if that's all right. My name is Arisugawa Joy."
This sounds cool and all, but then--
BEEP
A Rotom Phone hovers near her. "Joy, bzzt, you haven't taken your meds! And you haven't had lunch, and you haven't hydrated in four hours, bzzt!" it chimes in lecture.
"... ..."
She quietly takes a protein bar out and starts munching on it.
DG: Arisugawa Joy has contributed a Wits Basic Action toward her party's challenge, Preparing for a Journey.
<Pose Tracker> Ethius Hesiod has posed.
Ethius has been along this road very recently, seeing some of the other visitors to this land to Celadon City. He's not yet content to catch up there. Some of it is that he just never fully gelled with modern cities and all their ambient noises and smells, and everything. The other is that he's been trying to not lose sight on what everyone who's visiting might be doing.
The Federation Symbologist is not alone today, however.
By his side, a young Arcmene who stares out at those gathering at the shelter with their eyes. This is natural behavior for them, watching Nedians go about their lives and subsist on the fear of those unnerved. The arachnid-shaped Pokemon rubs together its mandible-arms in contemplation as it watches the gathering, other Pokemon.
Ethius attempted to instruct it to let him know if anyone approaches, which it probably would anyway by nature while he's crouched near a vending machine with that strange eyeglass out.
He might be taking a less savory way around journey preparation.
DG: Ethius Hesiod has used his Tool Spectral Lens toward his party's challenge, Preparing for a Journey. Enlighten! Party Wits boosted!
<Pose Tracker> Avril Vent Fleur has posed.
Avril had not been alone on the road back up until a little while ago. Kaguya had accompanied her for much of the way, but it would seem that the journey itself had done much to buoy Kaguya's mood... as well as engender in her new possibilities.
Research possibilities, that is. The journey is hardly dangerous so it was here that they had parted ways for a time, leaving Avril to go the rest of the way alone.
Except, a journey shared is far more pleasant than one walked in isolation. This, too, is a lesson that Avril has learned from her friends. And so, as some of them gather -- including that girl from the attack on the Professor's lab -- Avril makes her approach.
"Excuse me. Might you be heading in the direction of Viridian City?" She pauses to glance Joy's way, looking her over in a manner that's nearly pensive.
Though Joy is not the only one that Avril regards so: Ethius is here, too.
And it occurs to Avril that, if they are in a way station, it might be prudent to ensure that she has everything she needs. ...Including a few more of those trapping spheres she's come to understand are for the local fauna.
...But why did it capture Avile...?
DG: Avril Vent Fleur has contributed a Wits Basic Action toward her party's challenge, Preparing for a Journey. New Content
============================<* Kanto Plains Route *>============================
===================<* CHALLENGE - Preparing for a Journey *>====================
| Type: Entry | Dungeon Ability: Wits | Challenge Rating: 1 |
---------------------------< Challenge Information >----------------------------
You've just set out on the road!
If you're used to Filgaia or Lunar, this feels... different. At first
glance, the plains of Energy Nede are familiar. Verdant and green, dotted
with trees, and with hills -- and sometimes tall rocks -- that need to be
overcome. Bubbling streams are nearby, with bridges over them. However,
there are signs of it being well-maintained all throughout. Sometimes, a
rock has a weather sensor cleverly hidden in it. In the distance, you see
fences that keep people out of areas with electrical equipment.
A mag-lev train soars by, on railing overhead.
Nonetheless, you need to make sure -- do you have everything you need?
============================= Dungeon Conditions: =============================
| Enlighten:_Wits_Up!, Reckless:_Wits_Down!_Brute_Up!, and |
| Wonder:_Exhaustion_Down! |
= Digger 2.0 ===================================================================
======================<* Kanto Plains Route - Round 1 *>====================== ====================< Results - Preparing for a Journey >===================== Player Exhaustion Pass/Fail ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ethius Hesiod 0 --(0)--> 0 Pass Spectral Lens 2 Wits Effects: Enlighten ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Chartreuse Spinosa 0 --(0)--> 0 Pass Archaeologist's Backpack 2 Wits Effects: Enlighten ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Arisugawa Joy 0 --(0)--> 0 Pass Investigate 0 Wits Effects: BASIC ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Avril Vent Fleur 0 --(0)--> 0 Pass Investigate 0 Wits Effects: BASIC ----------------------------------< Party >----------------------------------- Leader: Chartreuse Spinosa 0 --(20)--> 20 Pass Conditions: Reckless(2)|Wonder Effects: Enlighten(1) ==============================< Dream Chasers >===============================
DG: The party led by Chartreuse Spinosa has passed this challenge! The party gained 20 exploration! If anyone needs to use party management commands, do so now. Otherwise, the next round's GM may begin the next round with +dungeon/draw.
<Pose Tracker> Chartreuse Spinosa has posed.
Chartreuse looks up toward Joy as she addresses her with that question. Not expressive... but there's a resolve, there. Chartreuse offers her a smile.
"That's right." She confirms. ...Observe? That's a strange way to put it. Enough so to be interesting, which means there's only one answer. "I don't mind at all. Observe as much as you like."
She pauses for a second.
"Ah - Chartreuse Spinosa. Good to meet you!" She adds. She glances briefly toward the Rotom Phone as its alarm rings - but Chartreuse politely doesn't comment.
Ethius is here, too! A familiar face - and what's more, he's not alone!
"Ah! I see you've made a friend. I'm glad!" Chartreuse observes brightly.
She's finishing up her preparations when one more person arrives - Chartreuse offers Avril a smile, as well.
"That I am. Care to join us? The more the merrier, after all~." Chartreuse replies.
...And with that, Chartreuse slides her shovel carefully back onto her backpack and stands up, hefting it from the ground. Its pretty heavy... and yet somehow one gets the sense it should still be heavier than it appears to be.
Before long, everyone's preparations are complete... and now, nothing left to do but set out!
DG: Ethius Hesiod has drawn a new Challenge.
============================<* Kanto Plains Route *>============================
=================<* CHALLENGE - You Can Do It Bellsprout..! *>==================
| Type: Exploration | Dungeon Ability: Brute | Challenge Rating: 1 |
---------------------------< Challenge Information >----------------------------
In the distance, you see a small boulder atop a hill. The rock is
medium-sized at best. The sort of thing you've had no trouble with in your
challenges. But, for some reason, there is a small Pokemon pressing on it: a
yellow flower-like Pokemon, using their leaf-like arms to push on it, as
hard as they can!
https://archives.bulbagarden.net/media/upload/6/66/0069Bellsprout.png
You can't say for sure why the Bellsprout is trying to shove a boulder. It
isn't going very well, though. If you help out... maybe the Bellsprout will
reward you!
============================= Dungeon Conditions: =============================
| Enlighten:_Wits_Up!, Overzealous:_Brute_Down!_Combat_Up!, |
| Reckless:_Wits_Down!_Brute_Up!, and Wonder:_Exhaustion_Down! |
= Digger 2.0 ===================================================================
<Pose Tracker> Ethius Hesiod has posed.
Ethius seizes up when Chartreuse addresses him. As Chartreuse doesn't approach, Arcmene there just sits there, staring.
"Yes. I have," he answers. Being witnessed, well. He tries to cover his intended misbehavior by spending some of the FOL he's acquired for water and other small treats.
"Miss Avril, do you require anything?" He asks of her, a fellow visitor. In any case...
The journey goes about quietly, a long walk about a trail with enough space to avoid going in the long grass. (Just as well, there's a Spearow there who looks and sounds very angry about something, which will be someone else's problem.)
"Wait." Ethius calls out, tapping his quarterstaff on the ground like a walking stick as he looks up to a hill. There's a boulder, there. The boulder is not remarkable, at all. What is...
A small bell-shaped flower with eyes pushing itself against the boulder. They rub its head, shove their little leafy arms against it, to no avail. "'llspro~"
"...I would like to see the issue," he says to the others as he helps himself off the road with his Arcmene following at a safe distance. It doesn't like big, open, bright fields, and it moves quickly between places of shade as it watches.
He can't tell what's under the boulder, if anything. He only hesitates when the bell-headed plant looks to him, where he interprets the open mouth as a prospective hazard. Once someone in the know lets him know it's okay, he'll try to get his quarterstaff underneath it to help pry it loose.
DG: Ethius Hesiod has contributed a Brute Basic Action toward his party's challenge, You Can Do It Bellsprout..!.
<Pose Tracker> Arisugawa Joy has posed.
"Hey, sir..." Joy speaks to Ethius for a moment. "If you don't have any money, they'll provide food tokens for you, so you don't have to do that."
Universal Basic Income?!
But it seems like he has FOL after all. What a strange man. He looks a bit familiar, but Joy missed seeing him directly in the fight in Pallet Town. Not so with Avril, though.
"You..."
Joy's eyes narrow quietly, then she says, "It's you again. I missed your name last time. But... you were strong."
She closes her eyes, an intensity taking over for a moment.
"I'm Arisugawa Joy. I'd like to remember your name."
"Chartreuse Spinosa..." Chartreuse doesn't have an issue with her observing. She takes out a little plastic medicinal device with a curved tube, and then attaches a bigger plastic bottle onto it, and starts inhaling into it.
Meds taken, they're off on the road.
A Bellsprout is struggling against a Boulder. Joy narrows her eyes for a moment, seemingly connecting with the heart of the vine-shaped Pokemon and concluding, "You too, are trying your hardest..."
Ethius begins to lend a helping hand with his quarterstaff, but Joy stands back and looks to the Bellsprout.
"I know you'll find the strength within."
DG: Arisugawa Joy has contributed a Brute Basic Action toward her party's challenge, You Can Do It Bellsprout..!.
<Pose Tracker> Chartreuse Spinosa has posed.
"Excellent. I hope you two get along." Chartreuse replies to Ethius's answer. Joy repeats her name and Chartreuse nods, offering a smile.
The journey is quiet, pleasant, and relatively uneventful - at least until Ethius calls attention to something.
"...What's up?" Chartreuse asks, curious, before turning her attention to the struggling Bellsprout. Chartreuse approaches it, kneeling down to its level for a moment.
"Hey, little guy... Are you trying to move this?" Chartreuse asks. She stands back up consideringly. "...Okay! Let me give you a hand."
She reaches behind to her backpack, unslinging her shovel. With a press of a button - it extends! Wielding it, she taps the ground around the boulder experimentally and then, seemingly finding what she's looking for, begins to dig out a channel for the boulder, giving it a path to promote easier rolling.
DG: Chartreuse Spinosa has contributed a Brute Basic Action toward her party's challenge, You Can Do It Bellsprout..!.
<Pose Tracker> Avril Vent Fleur has posed.
"You may call me Avril," she tells Joy and Chartreuse. "I do not believe we have met, Chartreuse." Her gaze slides to Joy. "Arisugawa... so that is your name. It is... well to meet you," Avril finishes, perhaps that being the best she can state after their first meeting. "You care for them, too, do you not?"
It's a non sequiter in the highest, but she's talking about Joy's Pokemon.
Does she need any help?
She shakes her head. "No, I do not," Avril says plainly enough, continuing to regard Ethius as if she were wondering what he might be up to-- almost as if he had earned that reputation, somehow! Yet, she does not dissuade him (or the others) from joining their merry little band: in the end, even if she remains somewhat wary about him, he is someone she knows fairly well, which...
...is not the case for the others. And while it is not Avril's way to be suspicious of people, precisely, she has learned that some element of caution is not misplaced, especially on a world not her own.
Which is also why -- all of the above! -- Avril follows after Ethius when, sighting something, he ventures on ahead.
"Oh, it's..."
Avril kneels down next to the boulder the creature is pushing. "...it's cute," the once and future Ice Queen professes.
It's struggling so much, though! It makes Avril's heart hurt, a little bit. "Here," she says, reaching out for the rock surface. Sure enough, ice has begun to coat the boulder, with nary a Snorunt to be seen!
DG: Avril Vent Fleur has contributed a Brute Basic Action toward her party's challenge, You Can Do It Bellsprout..!.
============================<* Kanto Plains Route *>============================
=================<* CHALLENGE - You Can Do It Bellsprout..! *>==================
| Type: Exploration | Dungeon Ability: Brute | Challenge Rating: 1 |
---------------------------< Challenge Information >----------------------------
In the distance, you see a small boulder atop a hill. The rock is
medium-sized at best. The sort of thing you've had no trouble with in your
challenges. But, for some reason, there is a small Pokemon pressing on it: a
yellow flower-like Pokemon, using their leaf-like arms to push on it, as
hard as they can!
https://archives.bulbagarden.net/media/upload/6/66/0069Bellsprout.png
You can't say for sure why the Bellsprout is trying to shove a boulder. It
isn't going very well, though. If you help out... maybe the Bellsprout will
reward you!
============================= Dungeon Conditions: =============================
| Overzealous:_Brute_Down!_Combat_Up!, Reckless:_Wits_Down!_Brute_Up!, and |
| Wonder:_Exhaustion_Down! |
= Digger 2.0 ===================================================================
=======================<* Kanto Plains Route - Round 2 *>======================= ===================< Results - You Can Do It Bellsprout..! >==================== Player Exhaustion Pass/Fail -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ethius Hesiod 0 --(0)--> 0 Pass Force 0 Brute Effects: BASIC -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chartreuse Spinosa 0 --(0)--> 0 Pass Force 0 Brute Effects: BASIC -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Arisugawa Joy 0 --(0)--> 0 Pass Force 0 Brute Effects: BASIC -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Avril Vent Fleur 0 --(0)--> 0 Pass Force 0 Brute Effects: BASIC -----------------------------------< Party >------------------------------------ Leader: Chartreuse Spinosa 20 --(20)--> 40 Pass Conditions: Overzealous(2)|Reckless(1)|Wonder Effects: ===============================< Dream Chasers >================================
DG: The party led by Chartreuse Spinosa has passed this challenge! The party gained 20 exploration! If anyone needs to use party management commands, do so now. Otherwise, the next round's GM may begin the next round with +dungeon/draw.
<Pose Tracker> Ethius Hesiod has posed.
Joy catches a miscreant in the act with simple facts! Facts that should be simple and well-known to anyone here.
"Is that so?" He says, to her observation. A hand to his forehead. "...I see." That would simplify things, so long as there are no issues with them being visitors. There are so many variables from his line that he's used to that the idea he - and everyone else - would be landing in a post-scarcity society in their circumstances is just beyond comprehension.
...Back to the present.
Joy gives Bellsprout encouragement. "Bells." It nods their head and rams it up against the boulder. It might move, it just might! It flinches. Both the rock and Bellsprout.
Ethius and Chartreuse both get something down in the dirt for leverage. Turns out the boulder's a little heavier than it looks! It's not insurmountable, and they just about have it...
Avril freezes over the boulder, and Bellsprout looks a little alarmed as it cracks... and falls apart, leaving a much smaller chunk for Ethius and Chartreuse to lift while Bellsprout pushes against it one last time.
"Dig!" A Diglett pops up - some sort of pole-shaped mole thing with a bulbous orange nose - bobbing up and down excitedly as Bellsprout hops along up and down to start making happy ambulatory bell-headed plant noises as it produces and drops some sort of oversized Berry on the ground for someone to take.
"So there was peril," Ethius remarks as he steps back to let the two good friends do as they will. His Arcmene continues to watch the drama come to a conclusion and continue on at a safe distance. Having done a good deed, they can continue along.
(If no one takes it, the distant watching spider-like Pokemon is going to eat it.)
DG: Arisugawa Joy has drawn a new Challenge.
============================<* Kanto Plains Route *>============================ =======================<* CHALLENGE - Making a Bridge *>======================== | Type: Exploration | Dungeon Ability: Brute | Challenge Rating: 1 | ---------------------------< Challenge Information >---------------------------- You've gotten a little off the beaten path, but that isn't such a big problem on Energy Nede. The plains are easily traversed, without areas that get to be truly tough going. You've found a place where a river cuts through the field. There isn't a bridge anywhere nearby... but you see a tree that has fallen over. It should do. You'll just need to move it -- so it lands on the other side, without falling into the river. ============================= Dungeon Conditions: ============================= | Overzealous:_Brute_Down!_Combat_Up!, Tire:_Exhaustion_Up!, | | Weaken:_Brute_Down!, and Wonder:_Exhaustion_Down! | = Digger 2.0 ===================================================================
<Pose Tracker> Arisugawa Joy has posed.
"Avril," Joy remarks, murmuring it a few more times in a manner that suggests that she has to do that with people she's just met. The lack of a surname seems to be a challenge too.
She cares for them, too, does she not?
"... of course," Joy answers. "I'm a Trainer. Caring for Pokemon is my duty. But I also wanted to know more about you... and the world you came from. About your strength."
From Ethius too, really, but he seems more reticient than Avril.
The boulder splits, and a Diglett pops up. So the Diglett was trapped inside? Or perhaps it was a challenge of a kind? No matter what it was, it seems like the concern is over, and thus... off they go.
She watches Ethius' Arcmene for a moment. What a fascinating Pokemon. These people, too, seem to have care for them...
But they've come across a challenge. A river cuts through the field, and there isn't a bridge anywhere nearby. A tree has fallen over, and with a little push, it should serve as a makeshift bridge, but... they'll have to move it.
"... Timburr," Joy calls, as she casually underslings a Pokeball and out pops a small greyish creature, with pink bands about its body. It looks excited at the prospect of lifting wood, excitedly going, "Tim--!! Tim!!"
Timburr begins to lift the log from one side, with surprising strength. But it's still small, and can still use help. Won't you help it?
DG: Arisugawa Joy has contributed a Brute Basic Action toward her party's challenge, Making a Bridge.
<Pose Tracker> Ethius Hesiod has posed.
Small talk occurs along the way, and there's something about the weary words of the young woman in front of him who expresses such interest about the world they come from - and their strength.
The last one is a bit ominous, he finds, a hand against his forehead.
"What would you consider a form of strength? I... would like to be sure we are on the cultural level before I could answer that."
There comes a matter of a river and a lack of bridge, of which there is a solution presented by a fallen tree. One of Joy's partners, that small but powerful-looking creature, goes towards one side. Their only problem might be matters of leverage, as Ethius crouches down next to the other side to help lift.
Arcmene watches, waits... and moves about the shadows cast by the lifted log to leap upon it on Ethius' end, which adds a small challenge to it, but maybe they have other ideas*.
(the other ideas is that they see someone else ahead they want to watch)
DG: Ethius Hesiod has contributed a Brute Basic Action toward his party's challenge, Making a Bridge.
<Pose Tracker> Avril Vent Fleur has posed.
It is her duty. "...I understand," Avril says, because she thinks that she might. Is it not the case that she feels she has duties of her own? "You are... curious about my strength," Avril echoes, furrowing her brow as she considers Joy that much more carefully.
"The world I come from is much different than Nede," is what she does say, pausing for that moment to take a look around her. A cultivated world, but not... a world that is lacking in its surprises. Or at least, that's Avril's own assessment on the world she's seen to date.
But that had been then.
"Oh-- is that your friend?" Avril says to the Bellsprout, back in the current time and place. She cannot help but smile fondly as the two appear to rejoice in their reunion -- or is she merely projecting? With care, Avril kneels to pick up the berry. There are parts of Filgaia where this would be a bounty, indeed but...
Somehow, she gets the feeling she isn't meant to be eating this.
Ahead, they find a new obstacle awaiting them: a split in the path (courtesy of a river) and a tree that just might be a bridge, if they can get it across the gap. "Perhaps... if we were to shape it, it would not roll?" Avril proposes, drawing out in one hand what appears to be the hilt of a sword -- or a gun.
It does have a trigger, after all. She pulls the trigger, and from the ARM, there leaps a twitching length of plasma! With a practiced hand, Avril lashes at the ends of the log, trying to cut off wedges so it will be less prone to rolling over once placed.
DG: Avril Vent Fleur has used her Tool Absolute Zero - Beam Whip toward her party's challenge, Making a Bridge. Stalwart! Party shielded from some Exhaustion this round!
<Pose Tracker> Chartreuse Spinosa has posed.
"It's nice to meet you, Avril." Chartreuse replies politely. It sounds like she and Joy have a history... Well, she's curious, but that's between them. She's not about to pry. ...Avril's comments about coming from a cultivated world makes her even more curious, though.
Together, they help out Bellsprout. And underneath the boulder... a trapped Diglett!
"I'm glad that worked out." Chartreuse comments brightly, then waves to the Bellsprout and Diglett. "Be careful you two, alright?"
Their diversion leads them off the beaten path, though, and it seems at first glance that they've reached the end of it... but, where the path ends, they can always just make their own.
"Good thinking." Chartreuse considers as Joy calls out Timburr. She reaches into her own coat, drawing out a ball and pointing it forward. With a press of a button a beam of red light fires out, coalescing into the form of... a duck with a leek!
"Could you fly across to the other side? Once we've got this log set up, make sure it's stable on that end, too." Chartreuse requests. Farfetch'd salutes and, shifting its leek into its beak, takes flight, fluttering across to the other side.
"Far!" He calls out, waving his leek as a baton. He can help guide them from the other side.
Back with the others, Chartreuse watches with interest as Avril draws out... a handle? A press of a button sees a plasma whip emerge.
"That's a neat trick..." Chartreuse notes. Then, she cracks her knuckles and moves to help Ethius and Timburr move the log into place.
DG: Chartreuse Spinosa has contributed a Brute Basic Action toward her party's challenge, Making a Bridge.
============================<* Kanto Plains Route *>============================ =======================<* CHALLENGE - Making a Bridge *>======================== | Type: Exploration | Dungeon Ability: Brute | Challenge Rating: 1 | ---------------------------< Challenge Information >---------------------------- You've gotten a little off the beaten path, but that isn't such a big problem on Energy Nede. The plains are easily traversed, without areas that get to be truly tough going. You've found a place where a river cuts through the field. There isn't a bridge anywhere nearby... but you see a tree that has fallen over. It should do. You'll just need to move it -- so it lands on the other side, without falling into the river. ============================= Dungeon Conditions: ============================= | Overzealous:_Brute_Down!_Combat_Up!, Tire:_Exhaustion_Up!, | | Weaken:_Brute_Down!, and Wonder:_Exhaustion_Down! | = Digger 2.0 ===================================================================
=======================<* Kanto Plains Route - Round 3 *>======================= =========================< Results - Making a Bridge >========================== Player Exhaustion Pass/Fail -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ethius Hesiod 0 --(0)--> 0 Pass Force 0 Brute Effects: BASIC -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chartreuse Spinosa 0 --(0)--> 0 Pass Force 0 Brute Effects: BASIC -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Arisugawa Joy 0 --(0)--> 0 Pass Force 0 Brute Effects: BASIC -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Avril Vent Fleur 0 --(0)--> 0 Pass Absolute Zero - Beam Whip 2 Brute Effects: Stalwart -----------------------------------< Party >------------------------------------ Leader: Chartreuse Spinosa 40 --(20)--> 60 Pass Conditions: Overzealous(1)|Tire(2)|Weaken(2)|Wonder Effects: ===============================< Dream Chasers >================================
DG: The party led by Chartreuse Spinosa has passed this challenge! The party gained 20 exploration! If anyone needs to use party management commands, do so now. Otherwise, the next round's GM may begin the next round with +dungeon/draw.
<Pose Tracker> Arisugawa Joy has posed.
"There aren't any wrong answers," Joy speaks, seeming to understand what Ethius is getting at. "I just want to know what you think of as strength... knowing that the answer might change time after time."
Ethius assists Timburr with the job, but Avril has a device -- the sword that she's seen in the battle that she parried before. Joy's movements creep into caution, but it creates a length of plasma that helps cut off the edges.
"I've begun to understand that. The world you all come from is much more violent. But at the same time, you haven't forgotten what it means to defend yourselves. That's something I've learnt from the battle we had."
Joy glances to one side.
"Because... we'll need that understanding, for a Nedian like myself to defend Nede."
Joy mentioned she wanted to observe Chartreuse, and she hasn't forgotten. Chartreuse summons Farfetch'd, and Joy rubs her chin quietly as she holds open her Pokedex.
"... there's a nice sound echoing inside your Farfetch'd's heart. You two work well," Joy remarks, just a bit cryptically. Can she really observe just from a basic exercise like that? (In another timeline, Joy is just the NPC that observes your Friendship levels, clearly.)
Before long, the log is set in place -- a sturdy replacement for a bridge!
DG: Avril Vent Fleur has drawn a new Challenge.
============================<* Kanto Plains Route *>============================
=======================<* CHALLENGE - Rattata Attack! *>========================
| Type: Exploration | Dungeon Ability: Combat | Challenge Rating: 1 |
---------------------------< Challenge Information >----------------------------
You're walking by the tall grass. It sways in the breeze. It's warm and
sunny out...
...and then several purple rats leap out of the grass, snarl, and dive
straight for your ankles!
https://archives.bulbagarden.net/media/upload/a/aa/0019Rattata.png
You have to give the Rattata credit: it's ferocious despite its small size,
and the last time you fought something on this level, it was probably slime
in a berry-filled cave just outside of Adlehyde. Still, you can give them a
fight, right?
And hey, maybe you can add them to your collection!
============================= Dungeon Conditions: =============================
| Fright:_Combat_Down!_Agility_Up!, Injure:_Exhaustion_Up_On_Failure!, |
| Tire:_Exhaustion_Up!, Weaken:_Brute_Down!, and Wonder:_Exhaustion_Down! |
= Digger 2.0 ===================================================================
<Pose Tracker> Avril Vent Fleur has posed.
It would be a dangerous weapon -- to oneself as well as others -- in another's hands, but Avril approaches it like any artisan might approach a tool. She cuts only what she means to cut, and nothing else.
Just like that, the beam of light vanishes, and again the ARM is merely an inert hilt which she tucks away.
Perhaps Chartreuse is the only one here for which there exists no prior tension between herself and Avril...
"Your world is different than ours," Avril observes, glancing Joy's way. "Violent... I suppose that may be so. Our world is one where it is difficult to survive otherwise. It is a world where life struggles to exist, certainly. Yet, I do not think that 'violence' alone is 'strength'."
Even if that's what it takes to defend Nede from the ancient threat that now faces it, though? On that matter, Avril remains silent, watching as Chartreuse and her Farfetched work together to finish the job of bridging the gap.
"People... and Pokemon working together..." she muses, as they cross over the bridge.
The bridge leads them along a sunny stretch of path. It is very near the tall grass, and for a moment, it would be easy for someone like Avril (or Ethius, too?) to assume this was as much a threat as any other part of Nede. But something rustles in the grass, and then--!!
"Oh!" Avril jukes left, tricking the Rattata that lunges for her into attacking nothing but air. The air about Avril, speaking of, has begun to drop in temperature. Icy needles surge for the Rattata that attacked her -- but not to kill or maim.
DG: Avril Vent Fleur has contributed a Combat Basic Action toward her party's challenge, Rattata Attack!.
<Pose Tracker> Ethius Hesiod has posed.
Joy clarifies while the matter of the tree is moved (and precisely cut) to form a bridge, leaving Ethius to consider his answer while admiring how Avril's mastery and technique has helped cut that timber to ideal shape.
"...So if I understand what you're saying, Miss... Arisugawa? Miss Joy?" He hasn't yet fully internalized the proper formalities. "There is concern as to whether this world is prepared for what I understand to be an immense threat."
"I'm not certain what words or theories I could give you would bring you peace or readiness," he says as they cross the bridge, "or further clarity. This is, by all measures, a novel threat. The only assurance I can give--"
A Rattata attacks, and he visibly startles with eyes wide open as he goes to the side opposite of Avril.
"...A moment." He got freaked out by a tiny Level 2 Rattata coming at him. This is how one knows he is not from here.
Arcmene, who is already out, infiltrates the tall grass from not far off and rears up its elongated head, waving its mandible-arms to and fro in defense of their partner. (Going by the length of their legs and smaller abdomen, it's a male.)
...It hits Ethius that he's been volunteered into a specific place of trust in the moment.
He remembers how Ida vigorously showed trust and certainty in what her little Caterpie can do.
"...A String Shot, if you--"
Arcmene points its abdomen towards the Ratatta, and yes, it will be covered in gooey string to slow it down.
DG: Ethius Hesiod has contributed a Combat Basic Action toward his party's challenge, Rattata Attack!.
<Pose Tracker> Arisugawa Joy has posed.
"That's right," Joy answers Ethius, then to Avril: "I also don't think violence is strength. But fighting is not, in and out of itself, violence. However... I believe the adults of Nede now believe that to be true," Joy shares a fragment of how she sees her world.
"Chartreuse Spinosa..." Joy speaks. "You've heard of the Ten Wise Men too, haven't you? What do you make of that?"
But a Ratatta comes to menace them a moment later. At one point in the battle, it bears its gaze down upon Joy, who gazes back at it with full intention and fervour.
"Hmmm... so that is what you wish?" Joy addresses the Ratatta directly.
BGM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fBOQdbWcRY
squeak
"You won't be able to defeat me with only pluck alone, or only imitating others. You'll have to discover what the true strength that you seek is, on your own terms..."
squeak squeak, responds the Ratatta.
"... I see. There's little use for words at this juncture. Then, come at me with your full strength."
squeak!
"Come... Hydreigon."
Joy gently tosses a Pokeball out, and out comes a large (by Pokemon standards that aren't giant), three-headed Dragon of Darkness, just slightly below six feet in height. It has three heads that are gently wrapped in black feathers that faint resemble purple flowers underneath, and has blue skin and black stripes.
The shadow Dragon has arrived...!
Hydreigon lets out a piercing roar, ready for the fierce battle ahead, and glances down at her miserable opponent who will undoubtedly witness her terrible wrath--
*ratatta*
Hydreigon pauses.
Hydreigon stares at Joy again.
Hydreigon stares back at Ratatta.
Hydreigon starts sweating profusely....... it doesn't wanna do this...
DG: Arisugawa Joy has used her Tool Hall of Fame Boxes toward her party's challenge, Rattata Attack!.
<Pose Tracker> Chartreuse Spinosa has posed.
"You think so?" Chartreuse replies with interest, looking toward Joy as she remarks on her and Farfetch'd's teamwork. "We've been pretty much inseparable since we first me... we owe each other a lot."
She does find it impressive, the way Avril works that whip - cutting without excess harm... That's a rare talent.
She listens idly, too, to Ethius and Joy's conversation... and then, Joy sends a question her way.
"...I have." Chartreuse confirms. She frowns for a moment, thinking over her answer. "I think... I guess I'm still figuring things out."
She massages the back of her neck. It's not something she's had to seriously consider before... but the return of the Wise Men certainly changes a lot of things.
"...But... sometimes you have to do what you feel is right, even if some people don't agree." She says. She briefly meets Farfetch'd's eyes. Farfetch'd looks back, briefly tightening his grip on his leek resolutely.
And so, through teamwork, a log bridge is formed!
"Good work." Chartreuse praises as Farfetch'd returns to her side. The duck offers a polite, sweeping bow to her, and then to her traveling companions, before returning to his Pokeball.
She crosses the bridge... but they soon find themselves faced by opponents - a swam of Rattata!
"Careful. They're small, but they've got a mean bite." Chartreuse warns. "Come on out, Mareep!"
Fishing inside her coat for another Pokeball, this time, Chartreuse sends out her Mareep. The sheep bleats at the attackers, then looks back toward Chartreuse for guidance.
"Let's set up Reflect - that should make this easier." Chartreuse suggests. With an affirmative bleat, Mareep's tail begins to glow. The pendant around her neck - a lump of softly-glowing clay shaped into an amulet - glows, too in response. And at her command walls of light form around the party, offering protection against the Rattatas' bites and scratches! Once that's done she joins the fight proper, retaliating with zaps of electricity that jump out from her wool.
DG: Chartreuse Spinosa has used her Tool Light Clay toward her party's challenge, Rattata Attack!. Embolden! Party Combat boosted!
============================<* Kanto Plains Route *>============================
=======================<* CHALLENGE - Rattata Attack! *>========================
| Type: Exploration | Dungeon Ability: Combat | Challenge Rating: 1 |
---------------------------< Challenge Information >----------------------------
You're walking by the tall grass. It sways in the breeze. It's warm and
sunny out...
...and then several purple rats leap out of the grass, snarl, and dive
straight for your ankles!
https://archives.bulbagarden.net/media/upload/a/aa/0019Rattata.png
You have to give the Rattata credit: it's ferocious despite its small size,
and the last time you fought something on this level, it was probably slime
in a berry-filled cave just outside of Adlehyde. Still, you can give them a
fight, right?
And hey, maybe you can add them to your collection!
============================= Dungeon Conditions: =============================
| Embolden:_Combat_Up!, Fright:_Combat_Down!_Agility_Up!, |
| Injure:_Exhaustion_Up_On_Failure!, Tire:_Exhaustion_Up!, |
| Weaken:_Brute_Down!, and Wonder:_Exhaustion_Down! |
= Digger 2.0 ===================================================================
=======================<* Kanto Plains Route - Round 4 *>======================= =========================< Results - Rattata Attack! >========================== Player Exhaustion Pass/Fail -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ethius Hesiod 0 --(13)--> 13 Fail Fight 0 Combat Effects: BASIC -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chartreuse Spinosa 0 --(0)--> 0 Pass Light Clay 2 Combat Effects: Embolden -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Arisugawa Joy 0 --(0)--> 0 Pass Hall of Fame Boxes 3 Combat Effects: Efficient -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Avril Vent Fleur 0 --(0)--> 0 Pass Fight 0 Combat Effects: BASIC -----------------------------------< Party >------------------------------------ Leader: Chartreuse Spinosa 60 --(20)--> 80 Pass Conditions: Fright(2)|Injure(2)|Tire(1)|Weaken(1)|Wonder Effects: Embolden(1) ===============================< Dream Chasers >================================
DG: The party led by Chartreuse Spinosa has passed this challenge! The party gained 20 exploration! If anyone needs to use party management commands, do so now. Otherwise, the next round's GM may begin the next round with +dungeon/draw.
<Pose Tracker> Avril Vent Fleur has posed.
"...I see," Avril surmises, when Joy gives them a more intimate look of the politics of this world. "Then, we must take care with how we comport ourselves... It would not do to give the incorrect impression."
Which, honestly, might be the correct impression of some of her ilk!
Avril glances sidelong at Ethius, then nods. "Yes. We were no match for them, ourselves," she explains. "I do not know if what we can do or know would be of use to you. Yet, this is not something we can ignore. What affects you affects us, as well." She looks over at Chartreuse. "Do not worry. It is not a matter that should or must have a swift decision," she says, sympathetic. "After all, your world has changed quite suddenly."
But there are Ratattas, which might delay the conversation at hand a touch itself.
One of the Ratattas is felled, dropped in its tracks by a pinpoint blast of cold! It faints to lie there in the path, twitching occasionally.
One of the Ratattas finds that its attacks are deflected by the Mareep's Reflect and even repelled back at itself! On the back foot, it can be caught easily!
...One of the Ratattas takes one good look at the Hydreigon and turns tail to head back into the tall grass. It's safer there, certainly.
(but it could still be caught)
Arcmene used String Shot! It... ...wasn't very effective.
"Ethius, look out!"
A blast of cold, though, and perhaps the matter might be settled well enough.
"Oh..." Avril kneels by the one she'd initially dropped and takes it into her arms. "Will it be alright?" she asks of Chartreuse and Joy. "I may have gone too far..."
DG: Chartreuse Spinosa has drawn a new Challenge.
============================<* Kanto Plains Route *>============================
=======================<* CHALLENGE - Rhyhorn Rampage *>========================
| Type: Final | Dungeon Ability: Agility | Challenge Rating: 2 |
---------------------------< Challenge Information >----------------------------
You're getting close to the next town. As you're walking, though, something
seems off. The ground rumbles a little -- and nearby, a few Spearows take
off from the trees. Then, you hear a louder rumble. When you glance in its
direction, you see the problem.
A huge, four-legged Pokemon is running right at you! It has grey skin, which
is thick and armored like a rock, and a horn coming off its nose, like a
rhinoceros. This, of course, is a Rhyhorn.
https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/File:0111Rhyhorn.png
It is also /fast/. And stampeding, because it's kicking up quite the dust
cloud. You'll need to get out of its way!
============================= Dungeon Conditions: =============================
| Embolden:_Combat_Up!, Fright:_Combat_Down!_Agility_Up!, |
| Injure:_Exhaustion_Up_On_Failure!, Slow:_Agility_Down!, and |
| Wonder:_Exhaustion_Down! |
= Digger 2.0 ===================================================================
<Pose Tracker> Chartreuse Spinosa has posed.
"That's true." Chartreuse notes. Certainly, a lot of exciting things has happened... but she's not about to overlook the danger, either.
They fight against the Rattata - and one even gets subdued by Mareep's Reflect! Chartreuse capitalizes quickly, tossing a Poke Ball - which wobbles for a moment before lighting up with a satisfying 'ping!' and returning to her hand, where it is safely stashed into her coat.
The fight ends... but, Avril is concerned about the Rattata. Chartreuse glances toward Joy briefly before offering Avril a smile.
"It should be fine. A brief stay at the Pokemon Center should get it back in tip-top shape... But if you're worried, you might see if it'll eat some of that berry you picked up earlier? It might help." She suggests.
Fortunately, as it happens, Viridian City isn't too far away... but as they get closer, the ground rumbles and a few Spearow take flight.
"...I don't like that." Chartreuse mutters, looking toward the trees. When the birds start to flee, so should you... and soon enough, the reason why becomes immediately apparent.
Charging at them is a Rhyhorn - sturdy like a rock and barreling like a train. Something seems to have made it mad - and right now, everyone's in the way!
"...Run!" Chartreuse shouts, gripping the straps of her backpack and breaking into a run. It weighs her down a little... but leaving it behind isn't an option, either.
DG: Chartreuse Spinosa has contributed a Agility Basic Action toward her party's challenge, Rhyhorn Rampage.
<Pose Tracker> Arisugawa Joy has posed.
"Yes," Joy answers Chartreuse directly. "It's not a bond that can be seen from just any pair, between Trainer and Pokemon. Keep good care of that Farfetch'd."
Chartreuse mentions that she's still figuring things out, and Joy nods. But sometimes... one has to do what they feel is right, even if some people don't agree.
"... mm," she quietly nods.
Avril speaks of how she must take care of how they present themselves. "The people of Nede, at large, shun violence -- even someone who practices martial arts like me isn't looked on well. And the adults I've spoken to regarding the threat... they're not going to take action until it's too late."
Chartreuse captures the Ratatta, and Joy looks quietly pleased. "Your team's strength grows. Look after it well."
But soon, a Rhyhorn is in their way -- and Joy quietly frowns for a moment, and then kneels to slip something on her feet. It looks like... a pair of fuzzy pink bunny sandals?
Suddenly, she's running at incredible speeds, leaping up to land onto its back with ease with her newfound speed.
"... you're startled," she speaks directly to it as she grabs hold of some of its rocky back. "But it's okay now. There's no need to be scared. We're not your enemies."
DG: Arisugawa Joy has used her Tool Bunny Shoes toward her party's challenge, Rhyhorn Rampage.
<Pose Tracker> Ethius Hesiod has posed.
A mildly scuffed Arcmene skitters across the tall grass back towards their trainer, someone who has only had peripherally relevant experience as a teenager babysitting for foster relatives. It is, in a vacuum, something approaching adorable - both a strange man and an oft-maligned species just sharing a mutually reassuring staredown of sorts.
"I do recall," Ethius remarks, "how the highwaymen we've met seemed to be taken aback by even simple combat maneuvers." They're not simple when they're being executed by some of the most capable and well-resourced travelers of the modern day across Filgaia and Lunar. He doesn't make eye contact with Joy as he's busy taking his one free hand to gently stroke the back of Arcmene's elongated head. Before he can speak more on the subject--
Rumbling. One of his arms already has the Hot Air Sack harness tied and ready, so one Symbological spellcast later, it inflates and lets him drift off (slowly) to the side. While carrying his Pokemon with him.
It would have been much easier for him to call them back inside their ball, but it's a set of muscle memory and rote instinct that he has yet to develop. The gesture is, nonetheless, genuine as it clutches to him tighter.
DG: Ethius Hesiod has risked with his Tool Hot Air Sack toward his party's challenge, Rhyhorn Rampage. Resilient! Party shielded from some exhaustion next round!
<Pose Tracker> Avril Vent Fleur has posed.
"Until it's... too late," Avril echoes. If she had looked pensive earlier, now she seems as if she were outright ruminative. Surely not. Surely, the threat is clear. But...
"That berry--" Cradling the fallen Ratatta in the crook of her left arm, Avril fishes it out and gingerly offers it to the Pokemon. The Ratatta's whiskers twitch, as if the scent alone had sufficed to rouse it from its torpor, and it quickly grabs the offered berry and consumes it!
"Rat," it announces, but doesn't make any move to try and escape from Avril's arms. Pokemon make friends easily, it would seem...
"I should like to see it to a Pokemon Center regardless," Avril remarks, and indeed, Viridian City is just ahead! ...But getting there won't be as easy as that. Something has set those birds aflight.
And quickly, they can see exactly what it is. It's riled up, that's for sure: this Rhyhorn isn't stopping for anything. Avril balks for a brief moment, then glances down at the Ratatta in her arms. Producing her Medium with her free hand, she invokes thus: "Lucadia!"
She doesn't fly, precisely, as she leaps ahead. But it might be close enough!
DG: Avril Vent Fleur has used her Tool Sea Medium toward her party's challenge, Rhyhorn Rampage. Quicken! Party Agility boosted!
============================<* Kanto Plains Route *>============================
=======================<* CHALLENGE - Rhyhorn Rampage *>========================
| Type: Final | Dungeon Ability: Agility | Challenge Rating: 2 |
---------------------------< Challenge Information >----------------------------
You're getting close to the next town. As you're walking, though, something
seems off. The ground rumbles a little -- and nearby, a few Spearows take
off from the trees. Then, you hear a louder rumble. When you glance in its
direction, you see the problem.
A huge, four-legged Pokemon is running right at you! It has grey skin, which
is thick and armored like a rock, and a horn coming off its nose, like a
rhinoceros. This, of course, is a Rhyhorn.
https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/File:0111Rhyhorn.png
It is also /fast/. And stampeding, because it's kicking up quite the dust
cloud. You'll need to get out of its way!
============================= Dungeon Conditions: =============================
| Fright:_Combat_Down!_Agility_Up!, Injure:_Exhaustion_Up_On_Failure!, |
| Quicken:_Agility_Up!, Resilient:_Exhaustion_Down!, Slow:_Agility_Down!, and |
| Wonder:_Exhaustion_Down! |
= Digger 2.0 ===================================================================
======================<* Kanto Plains Route - Round 5 *>====================== ========================< Results - Rhyhorn Rampage >========================= Player Exhaustion Pass/Fail ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ethius Hesiod 13 --(0)--> 13 Pass Hot Air Sack 3 Agility Effects: Resilient and Risky ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Chartreuse Spinosa 0 --(0)--> 0 Pass Rush 0 Agility Effects: BASIC ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Arisugawa Joy 0 --(0)--> 0 Pass Bunny Shoes 3 Agility Effects: Efficient ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Avril Vent Fleur 0 --(0)--> 0 Pass Sea Medium 2 Agility Effects: Quicken ----------------------------------< Party >----------------------------------- Leader: Chartreuse Spinosa 80 --(35)--> 115 Pass Conditions: Fright(1)|Injure(2)|Slow(2)|Wonder Effects: Quicken(1)|Resilient(1) ==============================< Dream Chasers >===============================
DG: You have overcome the dungeon's trials! This run is a success! DG: The party led by Chartreuse Spinosa has successfully explored Kanto Plains Route!
============================<* Kanto Plains Route *>============================
========================<* CHALLENGE - A New Friend! *>=========================
| Type: Discovery | Dungeon Ability: Conclusion | Challenge Rating: 2 |
---------------------------< Challenge Information >----------------------------
You've reached the next town! As you approach, though, you hear a soft noise
behind you. When you turn, you spot a Pokemon that has been following -- and
seems to want to come with!
If you're interested, type +dice 1d12 and consult the list below. Everyone
in the Dig can do this!
1: Spearow
2: Sandshrew
3: Mankey
4: Oddish
5: Paras
6: Psyduck
7: Poliwag
8: Vulpix
9: Magikarp
10: Arcmene
11: Jubjubunny
12: Eevee
Enjoy your new friend!
============================= Dungeon Conditions: =============================
| Fright:_Combat_Down!_Agility_Up!, Injure:_Exhaustion_Up_On_Failure!, |
| Quicken:_Agility_Up!, Resilient:_Exhaustion_Down!, Slow:_Agility_Down!, and |
| Wonder:_Exhaustion_Down! |
= Digger 2.0 ===================================================================
<DICE ROLLER> Chartreuse Spinosa rolled 1d12 <2> + 0 = 2
<Pose Tracker> Chartreuse Spinosa has posed.
"I will, don't worry." Chartreuse assures, as Joy tells her to take good care of Farfetch'd. They're ride-or-die, now. She smiles, too, as she comments on the growth of her team. "I'm sure we'll get along great."
She watches with interest as Avril attempts to feed the berry. It certainly seems to perk it right up! ...And, makes no attempt to flee. Chartreuse chuckles, and then nods.
"That's still a good idea." She agrees.
But first... a rampaging Rhyhorn. Though weighed down, Chartreuse isn't slow by any means. She manages to outpace it - and Ethius and Avril, meanwhile, have their own methods of completely leaving its path of destruction.
Joy, meanwhile... addresses the Rhyhorn directly. With those Bunny Shoes, she's able to leap right onto its back! She grabs hold of it, and offers words of reassurance. It doesn't stop at first... but eventually it slows, gradually coming to a stop. It relaxes, though it makes a show of grumbling.
Coming to a stop herself, Chartreuse turns around and offers Joy a smile.
"You really seem to have a way with them... Good job. Is it alright?" She asks... and then, looks down, as she hears a small sound from nearby. The local Pokemon had gone into hiding due to the Rhyhorn's stampede, but now that it's dealt with, some are starting to emerge.
For Chartreuse's part, a small creature with a tough back and a soft white underbelly approaches, looking up at her with big, soulful eyes. Chartreuse smiles, kneeling down.
"...Hey there. Don't worry, everything's okay now." She assures. It seems satisfied, at that - but doesn't seem interested in going back, either. Chartreuse chuckles. "...You wanna come with, then, I'm guessing?"
She's made another new friend today, it seems...
...And others are starting to emerge, too.
<Pose Tracker> Ethius Hesiod has posed.
Another brush with (much more palpable, this time) danger passes, and Ethius sets his Arcmene friend down on the ground. It does so happily, watching a group of bikers go along another distant road from the relative safety of Ethius' own shadow.
As Chartreuse deals with a new friend coming out from under the brush, a taller (comapred to many of its surrounding neighbors) orange lizard-like figure crawls out bearing a lengthy piece of sharpened wood in one forelimb, and some hardened tree bark in another. It seems like it's wearing a mantle of vines, with berries adorning it. They stand on their hind legs, two rings of white at the tip of their upright tail as a headpiece fashioned of wood slides further down their face.
It draws closer to Avril, briefly, but not aggressively so despite their bearing weapons, bending their neck to pluck a berry off their mantle to give to the fainted Ratatta. It is not a replacement for a Center visit, but it is *a* gesture, as it turns towards Ethius.
It does not point their simple wooden weapon at him. Arcmene leans over to peek, as he searches through his pack for one of those capsules.
"...Do I seem that lonesome or vulnerable?" He asks, a hand on his forehead briefly as the orange-hued lizard stands up higher on their hind legs.
...
He gives the spherical capsule a throw, which envelops them in a light. It rattles three times, as seems customary, before a clicking sound follows.
* Miliza was caught!
Ethius picks the ball up, holding the feel of it in his hand in consideration as he looks out ahead to everyone else's present destination. Once he has an idea of what everyone in that region is up to - employment, shelter, or what have you - he'll hit the road again to look for some of the others.
<Pose Tracker> Avril Vent Fleur has posed.
Somehow, they make it! Landing with her passenger safely in tow, Avril glances back the once over her shoulder, trying to make sure everyone else is alright. Through a combination of quick reflexes and some good old-fashioned Poke-whispering, though, they've all escaped harm from the startled Rhyhorn and the Rhyhorn has been becalmed.
"Thank goodness," Avril remarks, looking all about herself as if to confirm again that everything is really okay.
"I agree, you certainly know how to reach them," she agrees, glancing Joy's way. "Well, shall we head on-- oh?"
Something rustles in the grass behind her; the grass parts as it bounds out onto the road proper. Vulpine in form, it has a white body with just the faintest touches of pale blue. "Pix," it announces, trotting over towards Avril.
> Vulpix (Alolan) has joined Avril's party!
<Pose Tracker> Arisugawa Joy has posed.
Despite the confidence, Joy does look a little shaken from the sheer rockiness (so to speak) of the ride; as she sets down and keeps her hand on its side as it grumbles, she nods quietly to say, legs a little trembly, "It was startled by something aggressive... something it wasn't familiar with."
She quietly frowns. "That's unusual, in these plains. But unusual things are happening lately, as well. I have a feeling it's related to the Ten Wise Men."
A bunny with long lop ears of a yellowish golden hue looks towards her, with an intent expression on its face. "... hmm. You want to experience something different, is that it? Very well. I think I can provide that for you."
JUBJUBUNNY joined the party!
As she picks up the bunny, she realises her breath is starting to get a bit noisy; it's time to go.
"Miss Chartreuse Spinosa." Does she have to say the full name every time? "You've impressed me today. I look forward to where you go with your journey."
And towards Ethius and Avril...
"Miss Avril. Mister." She didn't get Ethius' name. "Sooner or later, the authorities are going to contact you offworlders, but be careful. Nede is full of people who like to leave their problems to others and pretend it doesn't concern them."
Her eyes narrow for a moment.
"That's why I'm fighting against the Ten Wise Men. To protect the people and Pokemon I care about. Even if some people won't agree."
With that, she departs with the Jubjubunny in tow.