HGS's PTA Aatos Adventure

[HGSwellerman]

The Journey Begins!

The battle hungry population of Elba welcomes you with all of its attractions, challenges, and adventure!

Allister in Wonderland

Your polished armor gleams in the sunlight as you, Allister, arrive in.... Well a town anyway, you managed to miss the sign, but that's okay! What you didn't miss was the big fat colosseum in the horizon and the pokecenter on the town's central road. It's a bustling place and the day is yours for exploring. Knowing that this town is in fact located in Elba means that the opportunity to battle is never far, and the back streets always promise adventure. Also of note, checking into an inn, venturing to the river that runs on the border of the town, and taking a peek at the town's apothecary, academy, or colosseum strike you as good ideas, too.

Sing in me, oh muses...

Rage fills your lungs as a ray of light catches your eye just in time to allow a small pokemon to flee. It's hot. Not that mother nature was ever nice to you anyway. You, Cassius, are on the northern grasslands of Elba with your blood-hungry growlithe, Fang, and you can see a river in the near distance, a forest on the opposite banks, and you know you're no more than a day's travel from a town where you could go to sell captured pokemon. Perhaps the river looks refreshing or the trees promise shade, and there is always the promise of the thrill of the hunt.

The Young Doe

It has been a full day since you, Beckah, left home on the trail to your first gym battle but it felt even shorter. The sun is high, the trail before you was worth no more than two days of travel. That being said, you are quite hungry and Mjolnir is always game for a snack. There's a farm nearby, tall grass all around, and of course the path before you.

The Old Man and the Leaves

Stashing your old pipe away after exhaling the last of the smoke from your Oddy Knocky's cropped leaves, you, Estabon, are enjoying the pleasant rays of sun through the tree cover on the front porch of your modest shack. Nature is so beautiful, and the Darken Woods always promise a nice walk. Maybe it's your beloved oddish's sweet scent or the slight change in the breeze, but it feels like a time for adventure. After all, age is catching up with you (you out-age everyone you currently know) and there is still so much of Elba that you haven't seen. After all, Oddy Knocky seems to be itching to get out and grow.

[UncleScrewtape]

With a curse half-strangled in the dry heat of the Elban summer, Cassius stabs the butt of his hunting spear into the unforgiving ground. Sweat prickles on the back of his neck as he crouches, catching his breath before stalking to the river. There, he and Fang guzzle the water, greedily sating their thirsts.

After this brief respite, Cassius turns to his canine companion. "Hunt's not over." He spits out the words as if they pained his throat. "Won't be, 'till night falls or we find some beasties to sell." The growlithe's eyes narrow and his lips peel back in a snarl of anticipation, knowing what would inevitably follow his master's words.

With that, they slip back into the underbrush, eyeing the river in the hopes that some wandering pokemon would seek to wet its throat, just as they had.

Not sure how you want to handle hunting/wild encounters in general.I'll make several rolls and you just use whatever you need. :smalltongue:
Wild Roll (D100)
[roll0]

Wis Check
[roll1]

Dex Check
[roll2]

[HGSwellerman]

By the Watering Hole

An hour passes as and Fang crouch in the underbrush. At least the brush provides some shade. You see a ripple in the water and perk up in excitement. You hear the sound of a light rattle from behind you under the brush and jump out of the way just in time to avoid the hissing clamp of teeth from what you now see to be a dangerous looking purple snake.

Future reference: Wis d20 and wild d100 are good enough rolls for me. Also, this pokemon isn't too dangerous.

[Roguegrandpa]

After packing a sack for the journey, Estabon and Oddy Knocky go out into the Darken Wood for a nice stroll and new adventure. Estabon wonders what will come of this journey, takes in a deep breath, and continues his path towards the unknown.

[UncleScrewtape]

Cassius whirls about with a snarl of rage as the serpent's jaws snap shut. Fang, not waiting for her master's order, pounces, her razor sharp teeth savagely ripping into the snakes's scaled neck. "Let's finish it, girl!" Utterly forgetting the ripples in the river, Cassius whips a pokeball at the beast that had been foolish enough to try to make him its prey.

Bite: [roll0] AC 2, flinches on 15-20
[roll1] + 18 (Crit rolled in OOC (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=17202663#post17202663)) physical, dark damage
Fang gains 6 temporary hp (Affirmation)

Capture Roll: [roll2]

[HGSwellerman]

The Old Man and the Sprout

You notice on your walk a shady glen that looks interesting. As you walk towards it, however, a curious looking cat-like pokemon emerges from the brush and looks at you and Oddy Knocky curiously. It timidly approaches and scents the air, watching your movements all the while. The pokemon doesn't look aggressive.

Man's Best Friend

The apricorn falls to the ground next to the snake's limp body. You look at the fainted pokemon disappointedly but can't help but to feel a sense of wicked satisfaction in Fang's power. However your concentration on the situation leaves you unaware of your surroundings as you're knocked down by a large blue pokemon that clamps the snake in its jaws and begins dragging the corpse to the river.

255 Exp for the Ekans, but I'll double that for the OHKO ringing that up to 510! Well done.

[UncleScrewtape]

At the sight of her rightful prey being stolen, Fang leaps at the fleeing pokemon's back with a furious howl, sinking her already bloodied jaws into its back. Cassius darts forward, scooping up the unused pokeball and readying his spear. He was no more pleased than Fang with this thief's audacity, and he ached to show it.

Natural High: Fang gains 1 Attack CS
Intimidate: Target loses 1 Attack CS
Bite: [roll0] AC 2, flinches on 15-20
[roll1] physical, dark damage

[HGSwellerman]

The Little Dog that Could

The large alligator-like pokemon shakes Fang's pathetic bulk off of him and drops the corpse. It places itself over it's meal protectively eyeing the growlithe and then lunges with snapping jaws.

acc: [roll0] flinch on 15-20
bite: [roll1]

Luckily it was a warning bite, the reptillian bulk didn't feel working too hard unless it had to.

That's as close to mercy as you're gonna get, take half damage from the bite.

[UncleScrewtape]

Cassius freezes with horror at the ease with which the watery beast shook off Fang's bite and the contemptuous strength of its jaws. As she readied herself to leap again, Cassius gritting his teeth, returned Fang to her poke ball and began to retreat his spear leveled at the beast before him.

[CosmicOccurence]

Beckah's stomach grumbled as she walked down the path. She'd have to get some food soon, and Mjolnir needed some food as well. The beldum floated beside her, and she placed a hand on it. They could either go gathering for berries and wild vegetables or hunt. She decided to go hunting and, with sword in hand (she really needed to buy a bow at some point), ventured through the brush to look for prey.

Wild roll! [roll0]
Perception [roll1]
Stealth (Dexterity Check, let me know if you want something else for this) [roll2]

[HGSwellerman]

On the Run

Upon seeing you back away the beast lets out a guttural hiss that sends a chill down your spine and then ensnare the head of the snake in its mouth, you hear the distinct sound of crushing bone in his bite, a sound you are all too painfully familiar with. You follow down the Thales river, keeping a safe distance from the water. After a ways you find a narrow portion of the river that looks crossable. It occurs to you as well that there is a path not far through the plains that can lead you to a town and also that the Darken Woods lay on the other side of the river.

You learn it's not always worth the fight. +500Exp before bonuses.

Hunger Games

As you wade through the tall grass with your hungry beldum you catch a swift movement out of the corner of your eye. You jerk your head to the left to find three spearows darting around and attacking a raticate.

[CosmicOccurence]

Beckah hesitated, evaluating the situation, before taking a swing at a bird while sending Mjolnir to slam into a different one with a steel head.

Arms Attack d1d20 AC 4 [roll0] Physical normal damage.

Rolled a 2 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?=17215796&postcount=95) in a different OOC. I'd recommend adding an OOC to facilitate rerolls, since you can't edit in rolls into a post once its up.

Iron Head [roll1] AC 2, Flinch on 15+ [roll2] physical steel damage

[HGSwellerman]

Your longsword misses the spearow and strikes the ground with a dull thud, luckily Mjolnir toppled his avian foe to the point of unconsciousness.

The bird, now noticing your presence turns to attack you but is brought down by the vicious rat who then turns to you and readies itself in an offensive stance. The last bird swoops in towards you from the side with its sharp talons stretched out.

OOC thread: just use the one Screwtape set up.
aerial ace (does not check accuracy) [roll0] flying damage

[CosmicOccurence]

Beckah shrugged off the attack and retaliated by swinging her sword once more at the pokemon. Take the rat Mjolnir! she cried. Beckah wasn't hungry enough to eat rat, but she wasn't going to sit around and let it attack them. Watching the mercinaries as a child had told her that raticates could be deadly.

Arms Attack vs Spearrow AC 4 [roll1]

Zen Headbutt [roll2] AC 4 flinch 15+; [3d10+26 physical psychic.

[HGSwellerman]

The Rat

Your sword hit the already battle-worn spearow with a hard crunch. The spearow hits the ground and, trying to get airborne again, flaps its wings frantically and collapses again to the ground at the realization of its broken wing. It lays there twitching and cawing.

The raticate nimbly dodges Mjolnir's attack and turns to face it. The rat then darts at you beldum and strikes at it with its strong fangs

Hyper Fang
acc [roll0] needs 4, flinch on 19-20
[roll1] normal damage

[CosmicOccurence]

The fangs bounced off of Mjolnir's thick hide, and he responded by slamming into the raticate while Beckah moved in for a sword thrust.

Arms Attack [roll0] AC 4, [roll1]

Iron Head AC 2 Flinch 15+ [roll2], [roll3]

[HGSwellerman]

She Came in Like a Wrecking Ball

The raticate staggers from Mjolnir's blow and instantly loses consciousness after yours.

Mjolnir gazes at its newly felled foe with barely perceptible satisfaction. The mangled spearow, one of which was still twitching and whimpering inaudible caws, lay around you and your pokemon. The ground, the tall grass spattered in blood. The sun is still shining high, the path is nearby, and now you have some food to cook. Your stomach is rumbling but it shouldn't take long before you two can get back on the road towards Dawnmar where your first gym challenge awaits.

1300 EXP before bonuses are calculated.

[UncleScrewtape]

Cassius pauses, realizing that with the meagre resources he has, returning to to town without any stock to unload would certainly guarantee yet another night spent cold and hungry. He faced the river with something approaching fear. The memory of the beast's jaws still fresh in his mind. Still, necessity's demands couldn't be denied. Cassius strips off most of his clothing, bundles it together, and heaves it across the stream. Gritting his teeth, Cassius cautiously wades in and strikes out for the opposite shore.
Strength: [roll0]
Dex: [roll1]

[HGSwellerman]

Slugging Through the River

You struggle to plant your feet at the river's floor as you trudge across the water's breadth. The mud gives way and the river's current begins to pull you. After much thrashing, you manage to get to make it to the opposite bank. You collapse on the hot sand, exhausted.

After a short time of laying on the sand, you hear a slight shifting of the sand and light padded footsteps. Jerking upwards, you see a relatively small crocodile like pokemon that is slightly submerged in the sand curiously smelling your boots.

-5 HP from the trainer, not reducible.

[Romnesaurus]

Allister arrives in town absolutely exhausted. He's still not exactly sure where he is but he knows that two days ago he crossed over the border into Elba. Tired and exhausted, but cashless, he knows that he must find a way to procure money, or at least find someone who will house him for free. He is hoping that he has finally escaped his dark past and that nobody around here will recognize him. Attica borders Elba, however so he will always need to be vigilant.

Allister decides the best way to associate himself with his new setting and also to hopefully find some sort of accommodation would be to go meet with the commoners. He heads into the alleyways of the town he's in, hoping to find where exactly he is and to find a place to stay.

[CosmicOccurence]

Beckah plucked and cleaned the birds before sticking them over a small fire she built. Mjolnir slowly consumed the raticate body while the birds roasted on the spit. When they had finished cooking, Beckah tore into the meat, eating heartily. The juicy grease of the carcasses burned her tongue, but she didn't mind. It was better than nothing, and she couldn't expect to eat quality food while travelling.

After her meal, Beckah put out the fire and left the meat scattered around the side of the road. Perhaps another trainer would stumble upon pokemon feeding on the meat. With that, Beckah holstered her bag and headed back on the road. Dawnmar was two days walk, and she didn't want to make that journey any longer than necessary.

[HGSwellerman]

In the Alleyways

On the brightside, you are in a place far away from your dark past! On the downside, however, you realize that the place you chose to escape to is heavily nationalistic military nation that respect one thing above all else, power. The newly disgruntled peasants spit on the ground in disgust as they see your shiny Attican armor and in the alleyway you are stopped by a group of three boys who stands directly in the middle of your path.

Hey you! Are you Attican or Attican't?

He was obviously very pleased with his statement. He drew his pokeball and unleashed a green dinosaur-ish creature that is, if anything, pretty cute.

Your move, Attican't.

On the Road Again

Well fed and proud of Mjolnir, you head back out on the road. It's still daytime, though it looks as though the sun is beginning to set. It doesn't take long before you see a young man who you see three trainers stop a wagon a little ways up the road. It looks fine until pokemon are drawn and a battle ensues, the wagon is obviously outnumbered and outmatched, but the conflict is far enough up the road that you think you can avoid it if you choose.

You and Mjolnir heal 10HP each from the meal.

[Romnesaurus]

Allister grimaces, "Attican't? Is that really the best you can do? I want no trouble, all I'm looking for is shelter and a day's wage. I'm warning you, I will defend myself."

Allister readies a pokeball, and sends out Bitey. Bitey stands around, looking confused. Clearly Allister has stirred him from his slumber.

"Listen, this can go one way or the other, you can either let me pass or you can lose in battle. Know that I am not seeking a fight. this is your last warning."


Charisma Check (1d20)7Strength Check (1d20+5) 13

[HGSwellerman]

Up an Alley

The boy's smile instantly disappears as he stands somewhat dumbfounded. Any Elban would expect an Attican to worship his battle prowess and shy away from any conflict. But getting a warning from an Attican? Now it's a matter of pride.

He steps forward, visibly angry and undaunted by your warning.

Battle time. Chico, attack!

The cute little beast sends a razor sharp leaf in your direction.

Razor leaf: 23 grass damage to Bitey before reductions

[Romnesaurus]

Bitey takes the hit, practically being shocked out of his drowsiness by the leaves jutting into his exoskeleton. Despite this, he is clearly un-phased by the attack.

A resolute smirk comes upon Allister's face, "So be it." He mumbles as he slides his helmet visor down.

"Bitey, punish it!"

Bitey charges forward on its two stubby legs, slamming into his foe and pummeling it with his stub fists.

Poison Jab (1d20)(7)
AC2, Poisons on 15-20 (3d10+26) (46) physical, poison damage

[HGSwellerman]

Battle Time

The green creature is felled by a single blow of your ferocious attack. The trainer quickly recalls his pokemon. He looks mortified.

I have misjudged you, Attican. For that, I am sorry. You are stronger than me it seems. Here, you earned it.

$400 and 1200 EXP

As he begins to walk away, he looks down pensively at his belt, there is one more apricorn attacked to it.

Wait. One more.

He releases an armored pokemon that slightly resembled a hermit crab. It faces Bitey and squares off, perhaps somewhat nervous but ready for the fight.

[UncleScrewtape]

Cassius scrambles back, panting and out of breath from the river crossing. Crouching slightly, he eyes the crocodile 'mon and curses his carelessness. How could he have been so foolish as to let Fang's ball and his weapon lay impotently on the sand while he wallowed about in the river!? Clad only in his breeches, Cassius inches toward the beast and his bundled possessions, ready to snatch up a nearby stone and strike at a moment's notice.

"What manner of beast are you?" he mutters, almost to himself. "Are you a hunter? Or just another meal on legs?

[CosmicOccurence]

Bandits! the girl cursed under her breath. She quickly drew her sword and began dashing down the road, Mjolnir at her side. Bandits were a pain: they always got in the way and never contributed anything. She'd have to teach this pack a lesson.

Won't post other actions till I'm closer/can see exactly what the scene is/after npcs have gone

[Romnesaurus]

Bitey = Now level 16

Allister looks at the small hermit crab looking beast and smiles, "You're persistent, I'll give you that. Bitey, rid us of this pest so we can press forward."

Bitey acknowledges his masters command with a low pitched screech and charges at the hermit crab.

Peck [roll0] AC2 (1d12+21)(24) Flying, Physical

[HGSwellerman]

Encounter on the Shoreside

Cassius:
The beast looks at you quizzically. It sniffs the air and looks at you suspiciously then studies your gear. It approaches you, slowly at first, and then quickly lunges in playfully nudging your knee with its snout and jumps back. It looks at you attentively while happily wagging its tail.

Highwaymen!

Beckah:
Two of the three highwaymen release pokemon from there balls: one you recognize as a Nidorino but the other looks unfamiliar. It has a medium build, a mostly white body, sharp claws that protrude from its paws, and a distinct red lock of hair that runs along the middle of its head. The other trainer continues to battle the wagon driver's Ekans with his Luxio. One of the men step in front of the wagon

You'd better stop right there, girly! We don't wanna have to hurt ya.

You can sense a hint of nervousness in the man's voice.

Battle in the Alley

Allister:
Bitey's hit lands flush into his opponent who bears it well. A new look of intensity captures the other pokemon's demeanor as it looks scornfully at Bitey, but it does not move.

All of your opponent's attention is focused on his pokemon. He is gritting his teeth and clenching his fists.

[Romnesaurus]

Wisdom check to see if Allister notices bide being used (1d20-4)(-1) Nope.

Why is it just sitting there and taking a beating?! Bitey don't relent. Keep attacking it until its out for the count!

Bitey readies its fists again and charges into the fray once more, a look of blood-lust on his face.

Poison Jab [roll0] AC2, poisons on 15-20 [roll1] Poison, Physical

[CosmicOccurence]

Mjolnir shot forwards like an arrow, honing in on the man. Beckah followed, not quite as fast as her pokemon. She shouted back at the bandit, voice trembling in excitement for the battle. And I'd rather not have to hurt you, but that's just the way it worked out huh? With that, she brought her sword down at the man, slashing down and across his chest.

Iron Head [roll0] AC 2, Flinch 15+, [roll1] physical steel damage.

Arms Attack [roll2] AC 4, [roll3]

[HGSwellerman]

The Showdown Continues!

The pokemon staggers but still stands after Bitey's attack. Your opponent's gritting teeth bend to a slight smirk.

Brace yourself, Attican. Helm, use it!

The hermit crab-like pokemon erupts into a frenzy as it charges towards Bitey and then unleashes its attack, landing its blow square in Bitey's gut.

Bide: 76 normal damage
Also, you need the researcher feat Walking Encyclopedia to try to learn your opponent's moveset.


Highwaymen, continued!

The man at whom you charge looks at you dumbfounded as you gain ground, perhaps he was perplexed by your choice of battle cry or just impressed that you could shout so articulately while sprinting with a longsword held high. But either way, he stood still.

Wait, really lady, I don't think you... CRASH! Your sword knocks him down and leaves a gash in his chest.

Agh! Nidro!

The Nidorino charges and knocks into you. The other pokemon bombards Mjolnir with outstretched claws.

Your other adversary buckles back as he is shocked by the force of Mjolnir's attack. He begins to stand up but is clearly dazed.

Horn attack hits you, 32 normal damage.
Fury swipes hits Mjlonir 4 times: 18, 23, 21, and 16 normal damage. Apply defense to each hit.

[UncleScrewtape]

Cassius lets out a bittersweet chuckle at the young creature's exuberance, perhaps remembering a time when he himself felt such unblemished joy. He looks around, but the 'mon seemed to be without a family. Almost without noticing it, the tension leaves his body and he rocks back into the sand next to his belongings. With a smile, Cassius reaches into his mismatched bundle of belongings and pulls out an scuffed pokeball. Placing it in front of the small lizard. Thereupon he suddenly turns and begins dressing and readjusting his traveling gear. "Alright, little one, you're small and alone now, but you don't need to stay that way. I take care of those who stand by me. We walk together, hunt together, eat together. " He releases Fang and, seeing the wounds left by the massive river beast, takes out a jar of pungent ointment and begins rubbing it into her injured side. Looking down at the affectionate lizard "It wouldn't be easy, but you could find a place with us."

Potion Roll: [roll0]

[Romnesaurus]

Bitey takes the hit full force, flying backwards as he gets hit. You can clearly tell he's barely hanging on.

Endure

Bitey! Smart move, trainer. I should have expected that! Don't expect my small bug to fall so easily though, he is tougher then he looks, aren't you Bitey?! Let's get you sorted out. Allister rushes to Bitey's side with a potion ready at hand and uses it on the Karrablast.

Trainer Action: Use Potion (2d12+10)(29)

That's a tough Pokemon you have there kid.

[HGSwellerman]

Not So Cold Blooded

The striped reptilian pokemon contently sits at a distance wagging its tail. Upon seeing the application of ointment, the beast approaches and sniffs at the jar and then inspects the wounds on Fang and begins to lick them. It then resumes its comfortable distance and looks at you expectantly. You don't know what it sees in you and Fang, but you can tell that at least for now you have a little follower.

Licking the wounds: Fang gets an additional 10HP. A sandile has joined your party.As your companion, it may help out from time to time or just follow and watch from a distance. You cannot issue commands to it.

The Showdown Ends...

As you assess the damage on Bitey you realize something different in its expression as it clears out the stars. You can't quite tell what it is but you see a definite new kind of maturity as Bitey steps back into combat for you to face the creature that just dealt him a devastating blow.

As Helm, your opponent's pokemon, charges at Bitey, Bitey steps in and takes the hit.

Struggle Bug: 25 bug damage

Both pokemon pushed to the brink, they collide against each other over and over. The armor on helm begins to break and reform and the two pokemon become increasingly indistinguishable.

What's going on? H...Helm?

Out of the brawl, two different pokemon emerge than the ones that came in. They are larger, more powerful, but completely exhausted. Your opponent steps in between the pokemon.

Bitey evolves into Escavalier. Gain 500 EXP.

Stop! This is enough, they'll be hurt if we push them any further! I concede defeat, I won't let Helm take anymore damage than he already has. I need to get him to the center, and you hsould do the same. Attican, you're better than I thought any non Elban could be. I respect that. What's your name, anyway?

[UncleScrewtape]

Fang stretches luxuriantly while Cassius gathers the last of his belongings and heads into Darken Wood. Hmph, well. Do what you will, little pup. Whether or not the miniature crocodile follows, Cassius soon slips back into the hunt. He and Fang stalk through the underbrush with narrowed eyes and shallow breaths, aching for something to chase, aching for prey.

Wild Roll: [roll0]
Wis Check: [roll1]
Fang's nose: (1d100) [75]

[Romnesaurus]

Allister looks at both Bitey and his previous adversary. Bitey is no longer the little bug it was before... Which one is it?

Bitey! Bitey responds to Allister, returning to his side.

I see you've picked up your own set of armor. Just like your master huh? That's good. You should always be prepared. It's about time I renamed you to suit your new armor and status as a pokeknight. I shall call you...SIR BITE-BITE Return. Allister calls Sir Bite-Bite back and turns his attention to the youngster.

You asked for my name. I'm Allister, I'm new in town... town. Do you happen to know where we are? It's amazing, you all seem to have no signs welcoming travelers. I'll come with you to the pokecenter, hopefully you know where that is. What's your name again kid?

[HGSwellerman]

Into the Woods

As the canopy grows thicker, the light of day has a harder time reaching the forest floor and the air grows cool. After a cursory search of nearby foliage you find a nest with three red eggs that you recognize as Venipede eggs from past sales. They only sell for a common price but it's better than nothing. A Whirlipede protrudes from the brush and takes a protective and aggressive stance between you and the eggs.

Dinglebert

My name's Dinglebert, but please just call me Dingy. You're weird, Allister, but I guess that's okay since you can hold your own. This is Dawnmar, you're in my hometown.

You both walk to the pokecenter and the previously mean and unwelcoming looks of strangers become looks of curiosity and wonder. After your pokemon is treated, you both walk outside the center.

You didn't expect a red carpet or anything, did you? You're in the strongest nation in the world, everyone here knows that, and we don't take kindly to other nations because we DOMINATE THEM. Sorry, domination is kinda my thing. Listen, strength is the greatest indicator of merit so we find that those from weaker nations are less worthy of a warm welcome. You can battle though, I respect that. But before you go thinking you're tough enough to take out everyone in your path, I recommend you at least take some courses at the academy.

I'm not going to forget you, Allister. You owe me a blood debt and when I'm stronger I will beat you, but until then I have work to do. Here, take this.

Dingy departs for the academy with a renewed motivation for excellence.

Pokemon full health. Obtained King's Piece (it's a trinket that Elbans give to their superior rival). Congratulations, you officially have a rival! The king's piece also allows Elbans to recognize you as a competent battler and therefore not inferior.

[UncleScrewtape]

Cassius smirks, here's what he'd been looking for. At the very least, He and Fang would eat well tonight. Taking a delicate white glass flute from its padded pouch, he locks eyes with the purple beast. Fang steps forward with a growl before splitting into four identical copies that spread out between Cassius and the nest. Thus arrayed, Cassius blows a pure and resonating note on the flute, a sound that almost begs those who hear it to join in and cry out for others of their kind.

Fang uses double team, all moves need +2 to hit.
White Flute: [roll0]
or not

[Romnesaurus]

Allister watches Dingy walk away and looks at Sir Bite-Bite. You know... He has the right idea Sir Bite-Bite. Only through strength and domination can we really protect ourselves. If I ever want to feel truly safe, everyone needs to know how powerful I am. That will be our goal. We will prove ourselves to everyone. To all Elbans. To all Atticans. Hell, to everyone in Iussus. Only then can I be truly be safe. Lets go back to the commoners district and continue what we started

Allister pins the Kings Piece to his chest-piece and departs for the alleyways once more.

The academy can wait. We still need to get recognized amongst the commonfolk.

Allister adjusts his polehammer in its sheath, yearning to feel it swinging in his hands once more.

[HGSwellerman]

Omelette

Although no pokemon are lured by your white flute, the sweet melody in combination with new creation of phantoms proves to be too much for the feeble mind of the bug. It rears back towards the eggs and then in an attempt to strike Fang instead crashes head first into the ground.

The pokemon is confused and hits itself out of its confusion.

The Towncenter

You reach the towncenter over which the colosseum looms. Its presence dominates the town of Dawnmar as well as the minds of its people. Its glorious architecture, massive size, and popularity prove the centerpiece of the Elban mentality: Battling.

The masses are too deeply involved in their discussions about the day's bouts to pay much attention to you, but those that do exhibit expressions of confusion, surprise, and perhaps even a small bit of acceptance at the sight of a king's piece on your Attican armor. You see a new batch of challengers entering and leaving the gym at the edge of the towncenter, a roster on the colosseum, various paths to the other areas of town, and clusters of people deeply involved in conversation.

[CosmicOccurence]

Beckah grunts in pain as the horn dug into her side. She grabs the pokemon's horn as it dug into her flesh and slammed her sword hilt at its head. Mjolnir zoomed to the backside of his assailant and hit the pokemon hard with his head.

Zen Headbutt vs Fury Swipe mon [roll0] AC 4, flinch 15+. [roll1] physical psychic damage.

Arms attack vs the nido [roll2] AC 4, [roll3] physical normal damage.

[UncleScrewtape]

As the confused beast topples over in confusion, one of Fang's doubles spits some contemptuous goblets of flame at its exposed side. The other three simulacrums encircle the nest, keeping watch on the surrounding underbrush.

Cassius pulls out a pokeball and whips it at the injured bug. "Fang! Don't let up, we need to finish this!"

Ember: [roll0] AC 2, burns on 18-20, [roll1] Special Fir Dmg.
Capture Roll: [roll2]

[HGSwellerman]

Battle on the Road

The battle continues with the both of the bandits dawing their shortswords and attacking Mjolnir, unfortunately for them the attacks weakly bounce off of its armor-like hide. The Nidorino endures your attack handily and strikes back again with its head lowered. The other pokemon takes the brunt of Mjolnir's hit, then lets out an enraged vocal blast, hitting all within 5 meters.

Nidorino vs Beckah: horn attack, acc 2 [roll0] 30 damage. vs Mjolnir and Beckah: uproar. acc 2: [roll1] normal damage [roll2]

A Glorious Bounty!

The ball rolls...

once...
twice....
CAPTURED!
You feel a tinge of joy in seeing your success. You momentarily panic as you notice the eggs have vanished, but instantly relax at the discovery that they are at your feet along with the tail-wagging little croc that brought them there. It looks at you happily and then walks over to the correct image and begins sniffing Fang who stiffens up and looks at you expectantly for orders.

Congratulations, you caught a lvl 20 whirlipede, brave nature with battle armor ability. 400EXP. 3 Venipede eggs.

[UncleScrewtape]

Cassius packs the eggs safely into his bag along with the newly caught 'mon. "Thank you little one, but we're not done yet." With that, he turns back towards Fang with a furrowed brow. "We were lucky. That's all. Our prey was weak and confused, but we won't always be lucky." As he speaks, Cassius sets the pack down, and readies his spear, and squares off against Fang.

"Now, girl. Try me." Fang leaps forward, sparks trailing from her jaws, only to find that, at the last moment, Cassius had whirled aside. She leaps again, and again her jaws close on nothing but air. Both begin trading blows, throwing more and more of themselves into each attempt. Suddenly, Fang tangles Cassius's feet, and they fall in a heap on the jungle floor, bruised, bleeding, and exhausted.

From Cassius's dusty throat, a croaking laugh emerges. "Attagirl. Caught me in the end there didn't yah?" Staggering to his feet and catching his breath, Cassius gathers up his possessions and, Fang in tow, heads back toward the edge of the forest to make camp, cook one of venipede eggs for dinner, and spend the night. Almost as an afterthought, he turned back to the small lizard with an empty ball in his hand."Well, here's where you make a choice. Come with us and join our pack, or make your own way, little one."

Brutal Workout: Fang gains 100% more exp and loses 50% of hp

[HGSwellerman]

The Workout Isn't Over

The croc watches intently as you battle with your pokemon and seems to take an ecstatic and playful joy in watching the fight.

After your proposition, it eyes you then the ball and then you again. Then, with eyes darting to both you and Fang, it leaps forward at Fang with surprising speed and attacks!

Bite: acc 2 [roll0] flinch 15+ dark damage: [roll1]

[UncleScrewtape]

Fang, already weakened, crumples into unconsciousness as the lizards bites into her vulnerable flank. Cassius freezes, he hadn't thought that the little beast had it in him to strike so brazenly. "Alright then," Cassius barks as he returns Fang to her apricorn, "You think you've got what it takes? Then RUN!" Cassius snatches another flute from his belt, this one a dull matte black. As he puts it to his lips, a low unsettling keening begins to build, pressing on the small lizard's ears.

Black Flute:[roll0]
Well shoot, Cassius is clearly no musician :smalltongue:

[HGSwellerman]

The Beast and the Bard

Perhaps the beast expected more after your song had been so powerfully introduced or perceived your act with the flute as a joke, but the notes fall flat and the little croc rolls onto its back making some interesting combination of the word "dile" that sounds like chuckling. It is obviously proud of having defeated your dog and seems to associate a playful glee with battle. The croc then approaches you with its tail wagging happily. It brushed the length of its body against your leg and then nudges the compartment of your backpack in which you keep your pokeballs.

[UncleScrewtape]

"Hmph, damn charlatans." Cassius murmurs as his recently acquired flute fails to have any effect. Seeing the lack of malice, however, Cassius allows himself a moment of childlike indulgence and lowers his weapon. "Nothing much phases you, it seems... and you've shown your strength. You'll work hard, but I can promise you food and a pack to hunt with. He removes an empty apricorn, offering it to the small lizard for perhaps the last time before heading into town.

[HGSwellerman]

The Little Croc

The little croc snatches the ball and throws it in the air, looking at you happily as the ball opened and swallowed him up. The ball locks and he is caught. The willingness of this pokemon strikes you as unusual and makes him distinct from all the pokemon you have caught in the past (with the exception of Fang, of course).

Congratulations, you caught a sandile! Male, 10510 EXP, impish nature, moxie ability. Attacks: assurance, rage, bite, sand-attack, torment, sand tomb, mud-slap. Egg moves: Focus energy, pursuit.

You feel a sense of happiness with your new companion. There is still sunlight through the canopy. Town is a day or two's travel away back across the river.

[CosmicOccurence]

Beckah and Mjolnir both cringed from the noise. A drop of blood trickled out of Beckah's ear. She wiped it off with her palm and gripped her sword tightly. Both she and Mjolnir went after the screeching pokemon. Beckah swung her sword down diagonally, hoping to put the critter unconscious, while Mjolnir torpedoed at it.

Arms Attack [roll0] AC 4 [roll1]

Iron Head [roll2] AC 2, Flinch 15+. [roll3]

[Romnesaurus]

Allister eyes the Colosseum. The Elbans have always preferred having their Pokemon do their fighting for them. Pah! A sign of weakness. What good is an individual who can be overcome so easily by his possessions?! Nonetheless, it seems the only way I'll ever get the respect of those surrounding me is by taking place in these games.

Allister starts heading towards the Colosseum to get a closer look at things. He walks over to the sign and begins to read it.

[HGSwellerman]

Highwaymen! Finale!

The screeching beast falls underneath the joint strength under you and Mjolnir.

Retreat!

The bandits turn tail and begin to flee, but before they begin their escape one of them faces you.

You really need to work on your social skills lady, we aren't the bad guys here!

You let them run away and they vanish into the tall grass. The wagon driver recalls his pokemon.

Th...Thank you so much. I would have been bandit plunder for sure! This wagon's going to Dawnmar, I'm happy to take you there if you're headed that way.

He looks nice, the road ahead looks long, and your feet hurt, but of course you are apprehensive about getting into wagons with strangers.

3300 EXP for Mjolnir.

The Roster at the Colosseum

You see the roster on the wall of the colosseum along with a sign up sheet on a table.

Tournaments:
Daily: Trainer's Daily, Lineups Daily, Free-for-All
Monthly: King of the Grounds, Master Commander, Representatives
Annual: Champion of Shades, Masters, Regionals

Each daily tournament comes in three difficulties: cadet, trainer, and advanced though all other tournaments are open to all experience levels.


You see that the next tournament starts within the hour, and you're still allowed to sign up for it. You read further for the descriptions to find that the 1st column of tournaments tends to involve only the trainers in hand-to-hand combat, the 2nd column tends to involve pokemon lineups, and the 3rd column tends to involve tournaments in which representatives of Dawnmar are decided. However there are specialty tournaments such as Champion of Shades which is a pokemon lineup tournament in which all pokemon must share a type and the free-for-all which involves up to 4 trainers at a time battling one another.

[CosmicOccurence]

Beckah wiped her sword off on some leaves she snagged from a tree. After sheathing it she approached the man with a smile on her face. No problem. I'm glad I could help. Bandits are quite nasty aren't they?

When the man extended the offer to travel together, Beckah bit her lip. Hmmm. Maybe I'll just ride with you for a bit, just to rest my legs. I'm a bit tired no. Indeed, her legs were rather shaky, and she could use a break. However, she had no intention of sleeping in the same camp alone with a total stranger.

[HGSwellerman]

On the Road Again

He leads you to the caravan and shows you a place inside where you can sit. Everything in his demeanor strikes you as friendly and benevolent. You see loads of exotic goods stacked up on the inside. He grabs a large rucksack and pulls out from it a glowing stone.

Here take this, it's the least I can give you for your troubles. These all came from Silvastre and it's not easy to get goods from there to Elba, if you can imagine. Maybe you've heard of Silvastre? It's a huge island filled with the most dangerous of pokemon and savages, my contact on the coast of Chandra tells me the most wild and heroic stories of how they acquire these goods. Those bandits must have known about this shipment somehow.

This stone will dramatically increase your pokemon's power. I'm still not quite sure how it works, but I've seen it in action and it's remarkable. And this is for your trouble.

You obtain eviolite and two potions.

He returns to his driver's seat and cracks his whip. His Tauros, who couldn't help in the fight because he's strapped in, begins to pull the wagon once more.

[UncleScrewtape]

Cassius makes his way out of the forest, retracing his steps until he comes to the river. There, after following it downstream for awhile, he once again repeats the earlier process, striking out across the cool and refreshing water.

Once across, he strikes out for town, trekking through the wide rolling fields of Elba. Almost without realizing it, Cassius lowly increases his pace from a reserved slog to a light jog. He was alone in the wild, Fang was unconscious, and all he had for protection was an untested croc. This continues throughout the day, until, as the sun begins to set, Cassius makes camp. As the fire cheerfully crackles and one of the venipede eggs sizzles in the pan, Cassius takes out the ball containing his newest acquisition and releases it on a patch of ground next to him by the fire.

The small 'mon lets out a throaty chuckle as it appears. It blinks in the bright firelight and twines itself around Cassius's legs. "Hmph, now's not the time for play. Show me what you can do." Cassius snatches a burning branch out of the fire and, whirling it around, brings down on the 'mon's back. At the last moment, the sand around its legs leaps to life and surges upward, catching Cassius's arm and stopping it cold. Cassius smiles grimly after freeing his arm with difficulty. He gathers himself for a moment, before beginning again, sparring viciously until both he and the young croc gain an understanding of each other's combat ability.
Dex: [roll0]
Str: [roll1]

Wild Roll:[roll2]

[CosmicOccurence]

After hoisting herself into the wagon, Beckah accepted the items and carefully placed them in her supply bag. Thank you for these. I've not heard of Silvastre before. Most of the talk in my family was about the countries around Lake Lyra, but it sounds thrilling.

After sitting in silence for a bit, she speaks up again. Something had been on her mind. Say, I know you're a trader, but I don't suppose you know how the League works does it? I know that there's some stuff in Dawnmar, but otherwise it never really came up in my family. Hopefully its exciting, because, if today's battle was any indicator, being a trainer is going to be interesting few years.

Using a Potion on Mjolnir [roll0]

[UncleScrewtape]

Posted by HGSwellerman on my account

By The Fire

Scales looks at you while happily panting once your sparring session ends. Although his skill as a vicious and cunning attacker is obvious, you can't help but to be touched by his playful spirit.

-10hp for the croc and +300EXP. You now know of all of his moves and can command him to use any of them in combat.

As you lay by the fire you notice the soft sound of rustling through the tall grass. You turn your head to the left and jerk backwards onto you feet at the sight of a large purple cobra emerging from the vegetation. It gathers by the fire to heat up, eyeing you cautiously but seemingly unaware of Scales. You see a large collection of scratches and bite marks throughout its body from what looks like years of fighting. One of the gashes looks fresh and it's clear to you that this beast is injured.

Still on the Road

Smirking, he looks at you.

An Elban that doesn't know how the league works? Oh... you're serious, aren't you? Like the whole works? It's our government!

Well, it's kinda simple. There are eight gyms in Elba and each one has a leader. Usually you need to beat three of the gym leader's apprentices before you get the right to battle the leader. Once a leader decides you have some merit, usually after battling, you get a badge. The whole challenging process ends once you have all eight badges, or when your term's up because few people ever get them. Being a leader's a big deal, you know. They have a LOT of authority, but even so they have nothing compared to the champion. Every other year, the government undergoes the replacement process: challengers get the chance to become a gym leader, a member of the elite four, or even the champion, and the government officials all have to defend there positions. You need all eight badges for the right to challenge in the replacement process. If you ever make it past the elite four, you get the chance to challenge the champion, although personally I can't see anyone laying a finger on the Champion's authority right now. Of course the government doesn't just throw away the retired/defeated trainers, they usually find jobs in academia or the military so they can aid future generations. Are you sure you didn't know this, it really is common knowledge for an Elban.

[CosmicOccurence]

Beckah lounged her seat. Now that he mentioned it, she had heard about some big tournament a while ago, but she hadn't paid too much attention to it then. My parents are pretty high up in a mercenary company, so I spent most of my time with them. They were all done with it, and they preferred to talk about work than when they were in the military. I guess I'm a pretty horrible Elban aren't I? She gave him a wry smile. She certainly had a lot to learn, but that was the fun of this whole adventure. Things were no fun if you knew exactly what was going to happen.

[UncleScrewtape]

Cassius cautiously settles onto his haunches, eyeing the cobra across the campfire. He takes care to hold himself as still as possible, mentally weighing his options. With Fang still unconscious and Scales tired from their sparring session, not to mention his own wounds, Cassius wouldn't seek out a fight if he could avoid it. But still... the cobra was wounded, and seemed exhausted as well. Cassius, careful to keep his weapons within reach, wordlessly offers the fellow hunter a portion of his dinner, placing it nearby on the ground.
"Share my prey, hunter, and eat your fill if you will. The wilds have been good to me today." While speaking however, he gestures for Scales to remain concealed nearby. There was no sense, after all, in being foolish.

[Romnesaurus]

A smile washes over Allister's face. Finally, a way to show my strength, the Attican way. He does not lack for confidence.

Allister enters to colloseum to enter the Trainer's Daily competition.

[HGSwellerman]

Chatting on the Road

No that's fine, you're young enough and I'm pretty sure I didn't know a thing about how the government worked until I was a part of it.

You notice two badges and a King's piece pinned into his coat. He looks forward, eyeing the horizon.

Sun's going down, it'll be dark before long and it's no use trying to travel in the dark. There's a place where this and another road converge not too far from here, I'm stopping for the night once we get there. I know you'll want to be going, but this wagon'll give you good shelter for the night and I don't mind sleeping on the earth, it'll be better for you that way and we'll be only a day's wagon ride from town.

He seems nice, and safe more importantly though you're not sure you should risk anything.

You and Mjolnir are well-rested. Full health for both of you.

The Big Snake

The large cobra greedily swallows your offering and coils again by the fire, eyeing you suspiciously for some time. It eventually grows comfortable with your presence and relaxes its body, tending to its wounds for a short time before falling asleep by the fire. Sleep begins to heavy your eyelids and invite you to its dreamy domain as the flames of the fire die to embers. Scales is busy trying to catch his own tail.

You sleep surprisingly well and wake to find that the serpent is watching you intently while Scales, tail wagging, stands between you and the serpent.

Trainer's Daily: Round 1

After signing up and entering the colosseum, you are pulled aside into a room with two men sitting at a table with several names written on pieces of paper that were being shuffled into a hat along with the rest of your competitors.

Allister.

It takes a small bit for you to stop zoning out and realize your name had been called. You step forward.

Bolgi.

A massive, perhaps husky, man in heavy armor steps forward and you two are lead to the arena. You two bow and then the official's flags are raised, indicating the start.

He stands 5 meters directly in front of you.

You're faster, you go first.

[CosmicOccurence]

Oh, I suppose. Thank you for offering, but are you sure you want to take the ground? It won't be any trouble. Whatever the man decides, Beckah agrees and settles down for the night. With Mjolnir stored safely in his pokeball, she dozes off easily into a light sleep.

Just for reference, Beckah has the Aware feature from enduring soul, it's effect basically gives me awareness of my surroundings while asleep. Here's the full text:

You may sleep and have just as much awareness to sound, feeling, and smell as if you are awake. You also instinctively sense danger while asleep and can wake up instantly. If you have the status affliction Sleep, treat it as normal non-status afflicted sleep. You do not need to make perception checks with a penalty while asleep.

[HGSwellerman]

Rise and Shine

You open your eyes and find that it's daybreak, the morning air is chilly, and you feel well-rested. The hay bed in the wagon was surprisingly comfortable, at least it beat sleeping on the ground.

He, whatever his name is, throws a spit with two pidgey on it over the small fire he prepared.

The road shouldn't be too bad today, just long and boring and we should get to Dawnmar by nightfall. It'd be best if we got on the road soon though. Here.

He pushes a metal mug filled with coffee towards you.

What are you doing in Dawnmar again?

[CosmicOccurence]

Beckah accepted the cup and sipped the bitter liquid inside. She didn't like it, but Beckah was used to travel food at this point. She lowered the cup when the man inquired about her trip to Dawnmar, and Beckah shrugged. Not sure really. Technically I'm doing my service, but I'm not that excited about it. Dawnmar was pretty far from home, so that's where I chose to go. Maybe I'll find some pokemon worth capturing there, and hopefully it'll be an interesting change from home.

[UncleScrewtape]

Cassius scowls, frustrated that he let himself sleep so deeply next so such a threatening beast. Still, Scales seemed excited, and this might be a chance to give scales a chance to prove himself against a real foe. "What do you think, little one? Wish to prove yourself in ernest?

I'm back y'all!

[HGSwellerman]

Back on the Road

Ahhh, the badge run. There's only one thing certain about the league challenge, it grows you up quickly.

He gestures to the two badges pinned into his military coat (a common garb for Elbans after completing service).

I'm ready when you are as far as traveling goes, stranger. Just eat up the rest of your breakfast.

Croc and Cobra

Scales hops up, circles the cobra and then closes on it. The Cobra retracts from the bite and strikes out of a coiled position.

The Cobra looks like it's in bad shape.

Fang uses bite absent of your orders! The eager little bugger. Take 35 physical damage before reductions.

[UncleScrewtape]

Cassius blinks in surprise at both how eager and unfazed the little croc was. If the ball fails to capture the beast, Cassius gestures for Scales to move back and focus himself while Cassius advances with his spear.

Capture Role: 48 <OOC
Scales uses Focus Energy

[HGSwellerman]

The Cobra

The Large snake hisses loudly as it is sucked into the ball. As the ball rolls, its seems shake, threatening to burst at just the first roll.

It rolls once.... the ball shakes violently

twice.... The enclosing seems begin to lose their integrity, the lock on the ball trembles and the two halves of the ball nearly pull apart.

thrice........ The halves of the ball begin to separate, only the lock holds the ball together and it wrenches, nearly ripped apart. You grab a firm hold of your spear as you expect the bulky snake to strike out of the ball and then

*click*

The ball holds by some improbable force.

You caught an Arbok! lv 30, ability: intimidate. Nature of your choice. The remarkable size of the serpent makes it relatively unique- adjust the base stats to +1 atk, +1 hp, -1 spA, -1 spe. Stat as you wish. +1200 EXP for Scales.

Relief fills you at the prospect of such an obviously powerful pokemon either to sell or aid your lineup, not to mention how impressive your reckless gator is. The serpent is in considerably bad health however, which adds an element of urgency to your travel toward town. You are still a day's time on foot away and you are exhausted, not to mention how hot the morning is and the sun has only begun to rise. It's going to be a hard journey.

[UncleScrewtape]

Cassius smirks as the ball settles into silence, warm to the touch. He scratches the nape of Scales's neck before returning him and breaking camp. It was a long hike, and his team was dangerously weak. He'd need to be carful on his return journey, lest he be caught off guard. Nevertheless, this trip has proven itself to be far more profitable than he had planned. After refilling his waterskin, Cassius sets off sticking close to the main road in an effort to avoid any wild 'mons.

[HGSwellerman]

The Way to Town

You take off through the foliage and take extra care not to encounter any wilds. With Fang fainted, Scales weakened, and a new snake in critical condition, you want to be sure not to test yourself further.

Cautious traveling: give me Wis and Dex check as well as a wild roll.

[UncleScrewtape]

Cassius presses onward, pausing periodically to ensure that nothing was tracking him. He sticks to the ditches and underbrush that line the road, staying out of sight whenever possibly.

Wild Roll[roll0]
Dex Check:[roll1]
Wis Check[roll2]

[CosmicOccurence]

Beckah looks at the badges, memorizing their shapes and storing them in her mind. She quickly scarfed down the rest of her breakfast and finished her preparations to head out.

[HGSwellerman]

Half way to town

You manage your way easily enough through the brush and evade the wild pokemon without losing too much of your energy, however now it's midday and the sun is beating down on you. Furthermore, the gash on your left shoulder, which you acquired after stupidly tripping on a root that you didn't notice, was bleeding more than you expected. Your mismatched clothes are torn in numerous places from the bramble in the brush and the nearly finished hunting trip, you will need to at least repair them if not replace them with hardier clothing. Luckily this trip was successful and you hope you will get a fair amount of money out of it. Despite the success of your trip, however, your energy is dwindling, the heat of the sun is sapping your strength, and every protestation of your shoulder wound is a declaration of self-loathing for having been so oblivious.

-20 damage (not reducible). 6 hours' travel from town.

On the Road...... Again

These coats come in different colors, the dark blue that I wear is the most common. It means I never completed the challenge. The golden jacket is reserved for those you acquire all eight badges and the black means you have defeated the elite four. There are other colors with different reasons, but these are the one's most closely related to the league challenge.

You two get on the road and travel awhile, heading to town.

8 hours' carriage ride from town. You can travel the rest of the way in one post if you give a wild roll.

[CosmicOccurence]

Beckah looked over the coat with a passing glance. She sighed internally when she noticed that she wasn't a huge fan of what she saw. Maybe the design would grow on her, but she wasn't looking forwards to wearing that blue thing the whole time. Do we always have to wear it, or can we do our own thing sometimes?

Wild Roll [roll0]. Out of curiosity, are you considering high or low rolls to be better/rarer/more powerful species?

[UncleScrewtape]

Pausing in the sparse shade of a nearby shrub, Cassius splashes some of his precious water on his wound before pressing on. All that mattered was that he make it back to town before nightfall. He could ill afford another night without replenishing his supplies and finding some medical attention.
Wis Check: 5
Dex Check: 3
Wild Check: 30
all from ooc

[HGSwellerman]

The Man and his Coat

He looks at you with a bit of surprise.

It's a point of honor to dress in Elban garb! It is the superior military prowess of Elba that separates it from its weak neighbors in the international community, to wear the Monto (the name of this coat) is to appreciate the inheritance of power and your participation in Elba's power.

All that aside... yeah you can wear whatever you want, but it's expected in formal government occasions and many just wear it for pride, as I do. Where did you say you came from, again, stranger?

High rolls = better pokemon

Making it to Town

The sappy mixture of blood and dirt flows off your arm under the thin stream of water you supply. Your weariness gets to you as you treck through the bramble. The cuts on your arms and legs multiply as you crash through thorns. Another gash opens up across your ribcage. As the sun descends, a great sense of determination drives you to continue until, a few hours before sunset, Dawnmar creeps into your vision.

-50 Hp.

The fact you are not quite there becomes a painful reality when you spot close ahead of you a large and powerful, but sleeping, horned pokemon in the brush.

[UncleScrewtape]

Cassius freezes before attempting to inch his way around the sleeping beast. palming Scale's ball in his bloodstained hand.

Dex Check: [roll0]
Wis Check: [roll1]

[HGSwellerman]

The Beast Wakes

You pass nimbly leaving the beast behind you and absent-mindedly step on the dry leaves under your foot.

*crunch*

Your heart drops a fear takes hold of your body. Your heart races and you can see the the entry gate to Dawnmar a mile or so ahead.

The beast wakes. It stands, sniffs the air, and then locks in on you. Its eyes are filled with rage, it's horn looks bloodthirsty, and the bulk of its armored muscles makes the ground tremble as it charges at you.

The heavily advised thing to do here is run.

[UncleScrewtape]

Cassius freezes and considers standing his ground, but then he recalls Scales's already weakened condition. He wheels about and flees towards Dawnmar, legs pumping and lunges heaving with the effort.
The ground shakes as the heavily muscled beast pounds after him. Cassius's mind is blank, all that exists is the next step and the next breath. All that exists is a hunter and his prey.

Dex check: 16 ooc

[CosmicOccurence]

Mercenary country Beckah replied. Most people there had already moved past the whole military service thing. I suppose that it'll grow on me, she stated, although her heart wasn't in it. She tried to lighten the mood by changing the subject. I'm excited to get to Dawnmar though, this league challenge seems rather fun.

[HGSwellerman]

Fleet

You break out of the bramble onto the grass towards the road with the beast gaining ground. Your lungs burn as you sprint from the beast, but you feel nothing of the pain your cut and wearied legs would feel, your adrenaline is pumping far too hard far that. You make it onto the main road. The gap between you and the rocky beast closes. You see a large white figure with a purple tail on the road. The sun was falling. Was it hovering in the air? The beast's breath is on your back. You feel within you the denial of death, the instinct to live powers your steps better than your empty stomach and worn, burning muscles. The breath stops. An unseen force thrashes you to the ground. You reel around and see the rocky beast, all momentum instantly lost. Struggling unsuccessfully to break from some invisible hold, it rises to the air. The white figure pushes its arm out although it's still several yards away. The rocky figure flies back and crashes against the stone of the road. It does not stir. You are overcome with confusion and awe.

The figure looks at you. The Ursaring. Your parents. Your rage. You see it and feel it in the figure's eyes.

*Hmph!*

It vanishes instantly. Maybe the blood loss and dehydration were gaining on you, you have a strong headache.

You have witnessed power like you could only dream of possessing, and had a near-death experience. Congratulations! You get a level.

[HGSwellerman]

Arrival in Dawnmar

A smile appears on your rider's face.

There may be less distance between the military and those mercenary groups that you think.

You two ride on for the next several hours in silence, though not awkwardly. You arrive at Dawnmar after passing the carcass of a Rhydon. The sun was on its decline but there were still a few hours before night.

Geez, not every day you see a pokemon like THAT put out of commission. Well here we are, thanks again for saving my hide, I hope I've done enough to repay you. There's an inn in the north of town, if you drop my name I'm sure the innkeep will hold you up for the night. It's Brinon, by the way.

[UncleScrewtape]

Cassius slumps against the gates of Dawnmar as a wave of euphoria washes over him, laughing breathlessly in the sheer joy of living. He had no idea why he'd been spared, or by whom, but he'd lived.
Bloody and exhausted, Cassius enters Dawnmar and heads first towards the nearest inn to rent a room for the night, and, after paying whatever was necessary, heads to the nearest healer for his 'mons.
time check?

[HGSwellerman]

The Inn

It's evening as you stagger into the inn. Upon seeing your condition, the innkeeper sets the mug he was cleaning on the counter.

Matilda!

He hurries from behind the bar and props you up on his shoulder. He seems to be a hardy man, middle-aged with a thick salt and pepper beard.

Matilda!

A strikingly beautiful young woman rushes out onto the stairs from the second story. She looks annoyed but her facial expression changes upon seeing you. She rushes down the stairs and heads to a room that opens up behind the counter. The innkeep brings you to a side room and lays you out onto a bed. Matilda rushes into the room with a bucket of warm water, bandages, a jar, and a pokeball.

The innkeep tends to your wounds, first washing them out with the warm water and then coating the bandages with a paste from the jar. He releases a Blissey from the pokeball.

Looks like you've been in the brush, to say the least! No need to worry though, she'll fix you up in a hurry, and this paste works wonders, too. Matilda, run this man's pokeballs to the center. Looks like you've got yourself dinged up pretty bad, sir.

He leaves the room and returns with a tankard full of mead and some thick slices of bread. He stands back after setting the food on the stand next to your bed and examines you.

Ah, your clothes look pretty shredded on top of it all. Don't imagine you'd be lookin' for a room, would ya?

[CosmicOccurence]

Arrival in Dawnmar

A smile appears on your rider's face.

There may be less distance between the military and those mercenary groups that you think.

You two ride on for the next several hours in silence, though not awkwardly. You arrive at Dawnmar after passing the carcass of a Rhydon. The sun was on its decline but there were still a few hours before night.

Geez, not every day you see a pokemon like THAT put out of commission. Well here we are, thanks again for saving my hide, I hope I've done enough to repay you. There's an inn in the north of town, if you drop my name I'm sure the innkeep will hold you up for the night. It's Brinon, by the way.

Beckah smiled broadly. Thank you for giving me a lift. I'll be sure to look at the inn you recommended. I think I'm going to explore the wilds for a bit though. Night hasn't gotten here yet. With that, she leaped off the wagon and headed into the wilderness. If she was going to be here for a while, then she should get to know the wilds immediately surrounding town.

Then she remembered the Rhydon carcass, and she slowed her headlong rush. There was no use getting into a fight with something like that. Better to proceed carefully.

Not sure if you're going to use the previous wild roll or if you want a new one. If the latter, it's spoilered.
wilds roll [roll0]

And also a perception for predators strong enough to kill the Rhydon (even though it wasn't the wilds, she doesn't know that) [roll1]

[UncleScrewtape]

Cassius chokes down the bread and mead as his mind races furiously over the events of the day. In less than twenty-four hours, his team had tripled in size and he'd come dangerously close to death on more than one occasion. After wiping his mouth on his already shredded sleeve, he sits up with a grunt.
"Thanks for your kindness. I can't deny that I needed it. Your'e right in that I'm looking for a room for the night. My coin's as goodas the next man's."

[HGSwellerman]

The Wilds of Dawnmar

You survey the land as you head out from the town's walls. You make your way into the brush, careful to avoid the thornier outlying branches. You can hear the rushing water of the Thales river on the other side of the brush. You see a Feraligatr resting under the brush a ways towards the river and make sure to navigate around it. Eventually you find a clearing in the brush with a flaming boar-like pokemon out in the open; it looks to be eating something on the ground.

At the Inn

Mhmmm, 'm sure it is.

The innkeep studies you carefully.

All right, well it's 100 for the night and an additional 150 for the medical attention, I won't charge you for the food. You should be feeling back to normal in the next 20 minutes or so, if you were wondering about that, and Matilda will be back with the pokeballs by then, so I'd sit tight if I were you. What's the name for the room?

you heal 50 health and you feel fine to walk around, but not quite ready to exert yourself.

[UncleScrewtape]

"Cassius, Cassius Tarquin. And thank you for all this." As he responds, Cassius pulls out his coin purse. He counts out the price of the room and the aid, including a sizable tip. It never paid to have an unwelcoming host, and innkeepers often knew more about the inns and outs of a town than anyone else."I'm a hunter from the north, and I'm resupplying here in Dawnmar. Maybe do a little business too, while I'm around.

300 gold removed

[CosmicOccurence]

Beckah saw the pokemon and released Mjolnir. This looked like it could be a good addition to her team. She pulled a pokeball out of her jacket and threw it at the pokemon. That was how it worked right? She'd been given Mjolnir and had never tried capturing anything before.

Basic Ball! [roll0]

[HGSwellerman]

The Sleepy Dratini Inn

No need to thank me, Mr. Tarquin, lookin' out for the skin on my fellow Elbans' backs is part of my job....

He writes down your information, then pulls out a key ring and selects a key.

This is for room 203, That's on the second floor and you should have an easy enough time finding it; it's on the right. My name's Sloan, some call me Sloan Innkeep, but the family name's Harmon; you're welcomed to use any of those. Now, you're a hunter.

He smirks slightly.

That explains the scratches. I judge by your clothes that you're not league sponsored, but I know there's a good deal of collectors, breeders, up-and-coming trainers or whoever who tend to buy pokemon and the like in some backstreets to the south-east of town. From what I've heard, they're not too picky about whether their hunters are league sponsored or not, and that should fix you up nicely. Well anyway, enjoy your stay at the Sleepy Dratini Inn.

You start to feel better, most of the bodily harm is healed up but you haven't managed to shake off the headache just yet.

Obtained Sleepy Dratini Inn Key *opens up room 203*

Throwing the Ball like a Girl

The ball emits a light that envelops the pokemon and draws it in.
Once, twice, three times and the pokemon is caught! You feel a strong burst of excitement at the prospect of having a pokemon of your own, the product of your own masterful throw. If only catching pokemon will always be this easy!

You caught a Tepig. Stoic nature, lv 13, male. +195 EXP for Mjolnir.

[UncleScrewtape]

Cassius thanks the Innkeep before heading to the common room of the inn. There, he contents himself with another cup of mead as he waits for the girl to return with his healed pokemon. If he was lucky, he'd have time to test out his newest acquisition before night fell in earnest. Then, he would hit the streets in south-east part of town, and sell his hard won prey. As all of this flashes through his mind, Cassius lounges in a corner, surveying the his fellow patrons and musing on the bizarre events of the last few hours.

[CosmicOccurence]

Beckah quickly snags the pokeball and tosses it in the air. Well that was easy, she commented to Mjolnir. People always made a big deal about it back home, but capturing pokemon wasn't that difficult. Deciding to keep exploring, Beckah ventured a little further into the wildlands away from town. After this she'd head back to town, but she still had time.

I'm aware that Beckah is completely wrong, but she has very little experience here, so she basically thinks that capturing pokemon is just really easy.

Going for another wild roll before I head into town. Hopefully I come out of this with a respectable set of three pokemon on my team.

[roll0]

[HGSwellerman]

The Sleepy Dratini

You look around the room. Men drinking at the bar. People talking around a table; they look foreign. Plenty of people walking about. Across the room from you, a man dressed in black staring at you. An Arcanine at the side of his chair. The man's hair is dark, his skin light, his eyes listless yet wide open, unblinking, and they were looking at you. Matilda walks back into the Inn and walks over to you.

Here, they're all healed up. Glad to see you're on your feet again, stranger. Anything I can get for you?

You have your lineup back, they're all fully healed.

Roaming the Wilds

You feel a supreme confidence about you after having so easily obtained a new pokemon. The positive feeling grows within you as you spot another pokemon after only a short time. As you crouch in the brush, you study the pokemon carefully. It's round and blue, with a white belly that has a black swirl. Maybe this is one of the pokemon your dad has told you about, a Poli-something? Your heart starts to race as you consider how best to approach.

No worries, Cosmic, I know you're role-playing.
It's a poliwhirl.

[UncleScrewtape]

Cassius thanks her with the briefest of smiles as he takes his team back. Before she leaves, Cassius stands, drawing her close and asking quietly."Who's that man with the beast over there? I don't take kindly to strangers who stare."

[HGSwellerman]

Matilda leans in and whispers softly:

Wolf Himark. He's a hunter for the league, and he's not exactly the type to lose a bar fight.

She goes to tend the bar. You see Wolf pull out some jerky from his bag and feed his large Arcanine, who takes to the meal like a meat grinder. He does not break eye contact with you until he stands up and walks over to the bar and orders something inaudibly from Sloan.

[UncleScrewtape]

While Wolf is at the bar, Cassius stalks across the room and slips into a chair at the now empty table. When he returns, Cassius eyes him over his drink. "Do we have a problem here?"

[HGSwellerman]

Wolf sets two drinks at the table and sends one your way.

"Not unless you want to become dog food."

The Arcanine is staring at you intently.

"Sloan says you're a hunter. I'm a hunter. The difference is I'm a league sanctioned hunter, that's why I'm dressed in hunter's clothes and you're in rags. That being said, part of my job is scouting and, if the bounty's good, buying. The drink is to cozy you up before we go to the bounty circle tonight cause if you think we have a problem, then you'll find a lot there. Maybe that's not a bad thing."

[UncleScrewtape]

Cassius bares his teeth at the Arcanine before catching the drink. He pauses and sips his drink. He knew of league hunters. On more than one occasion, he had spent hours tracking his prey only to arrive moments too late and see it vanish into a hunters ball. "I'll take your drink and thank you for it, but my rags are my own affair. I may lack your uniform, but I make my own way. he pauses and sips his mead. "But I wonder, why would a high and mighty league hunter run with a rag clad unsanctioned whelp.

[HGSwellerman]

"My, aren't you bitter, and a bit slow, too. Scouting and buying. My employer is interested in hunters who are tough and goods that are high quality, if you've got anything that matches that description then he's interested which means I'm interested. So finish up your drink, there's coin waiting at the circle."

[CosmicOccurence]

Confident that this wouldn't be an issue. Beckah pulled a basic ball off her belt and threw it at the poli-whatever. Mjolnir floated beside her, but she didn't give any orders. She likely wouldn't even need to battle this creature.

Basic Ball [roll0]

[UncleScrewtape]

Bitter? Perhaps. But slow? He'd show this league lapdog how wrong he was before the night was through. Cassius downs the remainder of his drink and stands to his feet. He shoulders his pack and collects his spear from where it lay near at hand."Well I never leave coin waiting. Lead the way, Wolf."

[HGSwellerman]

Encounter in the Brush

The blue pokemon swats the ball to the ground and crushes it where it falls. You jolt up, surprised. The pokemon looks angrily at you and Mjolnor, then begins to run away.

The Bounty Circle

Wolf nods to the door and you two head out of the Inn. You follow him, making your way through the main roads to the southern edge of town. The sun is setting. You break off into the alleys and back roads until the hum of people talking and pokemon battling lingers in the air. You two track the sound to a shady bar where you bypass the main entrance and go straight to the basement. After telling the guard outside that he has goods for sale, you two go into the building. It's loud and crowded, maybe 200 people. The center of the building is the size of a small arena and several different hunters are presenting their catches or battling each other. Nothing impressive. You two navigate over to the side of the arena and Wolf eyes an empty chair right next to the arena side and walks over to the man sitting next to it.

"I'm sitting here"
"Muk off, I got my spot, you go get your own!"

Wolf grabs the man and throws him out of the chair and into the aisle. The man gets up and charges Wolf who drops him to the ground with a single punch in the face. He removes a few coins from his pocket and throws it on the man's unconscious body.

"Those are for whoever gets this man out of my sight..." He throws another few coins, "and gives him a beer when he wakes up."

He sits down, sets his things at his feet, and motions for you to do the same. After you settle in, you two walk into the arena, along with many other hunters. "All right Cassius, the guys you want to impress are over in that booth. Show them the bounty."

He leaves you in the arena and disappears into the crowd, although you see him reemerge as he talks to a guard and then enters the booth.

[UncleScrewtape]

Cassius shoves his way through the crowed arena, getting as close to the booth as possible. He first clears a patch of sand and places the remaining venipede eggs in the makeshift nest. The whirlipede ought to be displayed as it was caught after all, and if the presence of its offspring encouraged it to act more ferociously in their defense, then so much the better. Finally,he releases the whirlipede after taking a step back and palming Fang's ball in his other hand. Just in case.

[HGSwellerman]

The Whirlipede backs up to the eggs facing the other hunters and defends them, looking angrily at the crowd around it and jumping around the eggs to protect them from each angle.

One of the hunters you shoved hits you in the ribs (-10hp), shoves you back, and then releases his blue crocodile pokemon, it looked like a weaker version of the one you dealt with by the Thales river.

[UncleScrewtape]

Cassius reels backwards as the hunter's wayward elbow reopens some of his wounds. Just as he's about to release Fang, he remembers how helpless his hound had been in the face of a similar beast. Cassius reaches into his bag, quickly swapping out Fang's ball for that of his newest addition. He was supposed to impress the people in the booth? Well, he thought, this should give them a pause. Cassius tosses the ball between him and the other hunter, releasing the Arbok before him in a flash of light.
As soon as it takes shape, Cassius catches its head in his hands forcing it to meet his eyes. "Listen. I found you weak, I found you hungry, and I found you alone. But I never thought you were prey. You're a hunter just as I am, and, if you prove yourself now, I can promise that I'll never let you be any of those things again. Fight with me now." Cassius pauses and lets out a wolfish grin. "No... Hunt with me."

Speed: 5
Intimidate: lowers target's attack 1 CS

[HGSwellerman]

Battle for the Booth

The cobra shakes your grip off its head with its long, muscular body and hisses. It slithers across to compacted sand of the arena and faces off with the croc. The blue pokemon snaps at it, but yet jerks back and, absent of your orders, strikes the pokemon with a powerful bite. The croc lurches back, obviously feeling the effect of your pokemon's attack but not to the point of yielding.

Go get 'im, Maw!

The hunter's pokemon charges at your snake with chilled, sharp fangs chomping.

Ice Fang: 30 ice damage, physical

[UncleScrewtape]

Cassius steps back as the cobra strikes at his opponent's pokemon, brandishing his spear at any other individuals who looked like they might interfere. He allows himself a sparse smirk and a sparser order. "Again."

[HGSwellerman]

Battle for the Booth

The crowd around the stage gets rowdy and starts cheering you on and putting prices on your goods. The opposing hunter steps back at the sight of your spear, but inches too close to the Whirlipede, who then tackles him to the ground. Your snake ducks under the Croc and passes underneath its legs, tripping the croc with its large fan-like neck. It then coils around the Croc with its body and begins to strangle it by crushing its diaphragm. The enemy hunter gets up and stumbles away from the insect, then recalls Maw to its ball.

Enough, enough! I'm getting outta here!

He walks back into the crowd, avoiding the arena altogether.

+1200 EXP for the snake.

Buyers walk up into the arena and begin giving a closer inspection to your stock. A few buyers announce that they'll pay 1000 for each egg and an additional 850 for the whirlipede. Others say 800 for each egg and 1450 for the Whirlipede.

After a moment you see Wolf and another man emerge from the side of the booth. The man is wearing an impressive Monto with 6 badges pinned to it. Wolf disappears into the crowd, but the man walks onto the arena and approaches you, passing by your pokemon with half a glance. The man looked strong and young, maybe 5 years or so older than you. He was clean shaven and had a sort of confidence in his gait.

"Mr. Tarquin, I'm glad Wolf managed to get you here. My name is Quinton. I see you have a lot of potential, both in battling and in bringing in loot. My associate and I, we think it would be of mutual benefit between you and us if you went into work with us. We will see to it that you are well payed and well trained, of course, and in return you will do a few jobs for us, the league that is. How does that sound?"

[UncleScrewtape]

Cassius's eyes flash as the opposing hunter returns his pokemon in defeat. "No. Finish it."

Cassius uses Torrential Assault: allows the use of another move as if it were pursuit, catching the croc as it vanishes. I should add that this is a legal, if a little coldhearted, feature.

Afterwards, Cassius steps forward and rests his hand on the hood of the snake. "Well done," He pauses and eyes the snake's powerful body that had been so recently put to use. "Coil." Cassius then turns towards the newly introduced Quinton as he approaches. Cassius, one hand still resting on Coil's hood, looks him up and down, eyeing his six badges. "Like I said to Wolf, I never keep coin waiting. I'll work for you if you've got the pay, and I'll train night and day to earn it. But I wont tie myself to you, or to anything else."

[HGSwellerman]

Coil shakes the weight of your hand off and moves away just slightly. You can tell it's still a bit reluctant to you, and Arboks aren't known for their cuddly nature to begin with. You can tell, however, that the snake enjoyed defeating its opponent and making the crowd roar, Coil enjoyed it a lot.

Quinton gave an amused smile at your comment. "No, of course not, you hunters tend to be solitary types anyways and any promise to commitment is never really anything reliable. I don't like dealing with unreliable associates, Mr. Tarquin. The extent to which you are 'tied' is just a job to job basis, the only difference now is that you have a reliable source of jobs, assuming you don't mess anything up too badly. As far as where we go next, Mr. Tarquin, get some rest tonight and enjoy your spoils. Tomorrow, go to the academy in the town center and tell the receptionist in the entry building that Quinton sent you. That is where your training will begin. As far as when you and I will meet again and you begin your work, that depends on the rate of your training. Now, for your spoils this night, I hope this will suffice."

He tosses you a coin purse.

"Any questions or concerns before we begin our engagement?"

+5000 money for the bounty

[UncleScrewtape]

Cassius snatches the coin purse out of the air, and returns Coil. "Nothing that wont be answered tomorrow." Unless Quinton has anything more to say, Cassius leaves the Bounty Circle, buying some meat from a street vendor before stopping in an empty alley on his way home. There, he releases Coil, spear in one hand and meat in the other.

"So, you won tonight. You caught your prey, and held it helpless in your grasp. As I promised, you've earned your reward." Cassius offers the meat to Coil with a smile. "But I don't want to buy your strength. I want us to share in one another's. This," He gestures to his spear. "is as much yours as it is mine. Or, at least, it can be."

50 removed for the late night snack

[HGSwellerman]

Coil

The snake swallows the meat whole, arching its head back to allow the meat to flow smoothly down into its gut. The snake eyes the spear and inspects it. First Coil tastes it, the winds its body around it, and then unwinds and looks at the sharp point. The snake seems to study you for a bit, and then slowly, perhaps even reluctantly, brushes its body up against yours and rests its head on your lap. It seems to have accepted its position as your ally.

Congratulations, Coil is becoming part of the team

[UncleScrewtape]

Cassius remains absolutely still for several minutes before returning Coil and heading back to the inn. He nods to Sloan and Matilda in passing and heads into room 203. There, head still aching, Cassius collapses into bed after releasing Fang, who curls up beside him. A deep sleep falls upon Cassius and, for the first time in a long while, he rests without dreaming.

[HGSwellerman]

Morning at the Sleepy Dratini

You wake to find that most of your headache had subsided, unfortunately not all of it. Aside from that, you slept well and even more importantly, you slept peacefully. In the corner of your room, you find some neatly folded clothes that honestly look a lot more travel-savvy than yours. You leave your things upstairs as you go to get breakfast. Sloan fixes you up some Pidgey eggs with a pile of spiced Miltank hash along with a mug of coffee; he insists it's complimentary with the room but you have a hunch that he just likes the company of hunters. Maybe it's good business. You head back to your room. You and your lineup are well fed, the day is young, and you feel you can do whatever you want. It occurs to you that you should check out the academy in town and see about training.

[UncleScrewtape]

Cassius savors his breakfast and his coffee. After all, hot meals like this one were often tough to come by. The weight of his coin purse rests comfortably on his hip, reminding him of the benefits of working for the league. He returns to his room and dons his new clothes, assumably they had been a gift from Wolf or Quinton. He then leaves the inn, resolving to head to the academy after getting Coil patched up from the night before.

[HGSwellerman]

The Pokecenter in Dawnmar

After a short bit of wandering the streets, you find the pokemon center and go inside. It's a large building and the medical sign, a red plus, is unmistakable. There are several trainers inside, but the line is short. You hand the nurse the pokeball for your Arbok and she summons the pokemon to take a look.

The last time I saw this snake was yesterday... And it was in pretty bad shape then, but it looks much better today. You know, you young macho trainers don't need to push your pokemon to the verge of death every time. It's bad for them and in the long run it doesn't work out too well for you, either.

She leads the pokemon to a backroom and after a short wait, returns with the ball in hand.

Here you are, trainer, he's all fixed up. Don't go being too reckless with your pokemon and have a good day.

[CosmicOccurence]

For the sake of the timeline, I'm just gonna let it go so I can head to the hotel. Once again, sorry for the delays.

Beckah frowned when she saw the ball fail to capture. Maybe this stuff was harder than she thought is was going to be. Maybe I'll have to find somebody to teach me the basics when I get into town. Disappointed, and realizing that she didn't have too much daylight left, Beckah recalled Mjolnir and headed back towards Dawnmar, specifically towards the inn that her travelling friend had recommended.

[UncleScrewtape]

"Thanks." Cassius glowers briefly at the nurse as he takes back Coil's ball. How dare she speak as if she understood. If you weren't willing to push yourself to the brink, something else would soon make sure you were pushed passed it. He knew it, Fang knew it, and his new additions would know it soon enough if they didn't already. With that in mind, Cassius and his team make their way towards the academy and whatever it contained.

[HGSwellerman]

The Sleepy Dratini Inn

You navigate your way to Dawnmar and then locate the inn at the north of town, the Sleepy Dratini Inn. You walk in to find there are a few men drinking at the bar, a few people sitting in a booth who look more or less foreign, an Arcanine and a man in black who seems to be biding his time at a table on one end of the room, and that the Innkeep is in another room tending to a wounded man. You manage, however, to catch his daughter on her way out of the medical room. You let her know that you need a place to stay and that Brinon let you know of her inn.

Sorry to be in such a rush Miss, but I need to run these pokemon to the center and I imagine Sloan will want them back here quickly.

She rushes over to the counter and grabs a key.

Here is the key for room 110, it's fairly easy to find, and any friend of Brinon's is welcomed here, the price'll be half off but we can worry about that tomorrow morning, I really must be going.

She hands you the key and rushes out the door.

The Academy

You enter the entrance building of the academy. The room is set up so that the door to the rest of the academy lies directly ahead of you, whereas the desk of the receptionist is to your left with a small lounge-type area behind it and a waiting area to the right. The receptionist is busy filling out some papers at his desk and there is a man in the lounge area behind him playing some sort of board game with a yellow, fox-like pokemon. The receptionist's eyes dart up from his papers, his expression is surprisingly alert.

How can I help you?

[UncleScrewtape]

Cassius briefly eyes the fox-like pokemon, running it over with an appraiser's gaze. After a moment, he approaches the desk. "Well, that's something you'll have to tell me. Quinton sent me here after a night at the bounty ring.

[HGSwellerman]

Professor Tal

The receptionist begins looking through some papers...

QUINTON!

The man playing a board came shouts out followed by abrupt coughing and then stands up and walks to the side of the desk and props his arm up on it. He looks old and weak, even feeble. One of his hands looks mutilated and in the other he was holding a mostly empty drink, not to mention the cigar in his mouth.

Let's have a look at you then, hunter.

There is a certain animation in his eyes.

All right! *coughs* Well let's begin with your most fundamental skills. On commence! We battle!

He drops his drink to the ground completely disregarding the spilled alcohol on the academy floor. The receptionist doesn't look too pleased, nor does he look surprised. The old man draws a pokeball from his belt and released some bat/scorpion looking pokemon. The old man stands and seems even to study you, waiting for your next move.

[UncleScrewtape]

As soon as the man begins to speak, Cassius's hand flies to his belt. By the time the drink hits the floor, Fang has appeared in a flash of light in the middle of the floor with bared teeth, snarling at the bat. "Alright then, Gramps, let's do this. But don't hold back. Fang, show this flying rodent what you can do." Fang dashes forwards, splitting into four identical copies, all of which surround the bat.

Intimidate: lowers the target's Attack 1 CS

Double Team: all attacks require +2 to hit, and there's only a 1 in 4 chance of hitting the right one. we can RP that or you can just roll a 1d4

[HGSwellerman]

The man leans forward and brings his good hand to his chin.

Hmmm, fighting words young man. The move you used is called double team, an admirable technique.

He signals his pokemon and it leaps to the center of the four clones and sends a shockwave through the ground.

It hits.
Magnitude 1: 14 ground physical damage before other factors

The clones disappear.

Aha, found you.

[UncleScrewtape]

Fang almost buckles under the bat's attack but stands nonetheless. Cassius freezes, taken aback by the ease with which Fang's doubles had been dispatched. He stands stock still, but only for a moment. "Fight it girl. Take that thing down. Now."
Fang crouches at the sound of her master's voice, flames kindling along her back. She dashes forward and the flames leap up, flaring as she slams herself into her opponent.

Flame Wheel: AC 2+def (1d20) [5] (via ooc), burns on 19-20, [roll0] physical fire damage

[HGSwellerman]

Battle in the Entry Hall

The Scorpiobat takes the brunt of the hit with its wings crossed over its torso.

Yes, a forward attack with definite force, it is becoming of your personality, I presume, but have you considered this continuation?

The professor snaps his fingers and his pokemon dives backwards into the ground, leaving a gaping hole right in front of Fang.

[UncleScrewtape]

"Running? I expected more." Cassius snarls. "After it girl, don't let up!" Fang vanishes into the hole after the bat, flames still running up and down her flanks.

If she catches up:
Flame Wheel: AC 2+def, burns on 19-20, [roll0], [roll1] physical fire damage

If she doesn't catch up:

Roar: AC 11+Evasion, [roll2]

[HGSwellerman]

Battle with the Professor

The professors stands up straight and scratches his chin.

Hunters, typical.

The sound of a collision emanates from the hole and with it a flash of light. The professor snaps his fingers and his pokemon leaps up from the hole and seals it shut behind him, it leaps in the air as though it's about to attack, but the professor steps forward.

Enough. You are beaten, hunter. If you think otherwise, it is due to a lack of foresight. Your Growlithe doesn't know the difference between up, down, left, and right down there and it can't hear you, not to mention my next move would certainly be the last when taking into account typing, accuracy, and power.

You can try to continue if you think that's a Cassius thing to do, but you actually are beaten here and that might occur to Cassius as well.

[UncleScrewtape]

For the second time in as many minutes, Cassius stands dumbstruck, his fists clenched at his sides. He remains still, staring at the patch of floor under which Fang had vanished. "Let her out." He locks eyes with his elderly opponent. "You've won." Cassius hated to admit it, but he had been rendered helpless by this man.

[HGSwellerman]

Professor Tal

Good.

He snaps his fingers again and the scoriobat lets Fang free from her earthy hold.

Accepting failure is the first step to learning. Hopefully you have learned that reckless pursuit is not a faultless strategy. Now, young man, my name is Professor Tal. I was educated at the academy in Alph and I accomplished a bit in the way of Elban battling. Now, you probably want to know about this training process, I will tell you!

First, summon I'm sure you want to know all about your own pokemon, yes? Send them out and I will tell you. After that, I will send you through a sort of talent-selection process, I'm sure you'll do well.

Now tell me, what do you know about types, natures, and statistics?

+800 EXP for Fang

[UncleScrewtape]

Fang clambers out of the hole, shaking earth from her fur. Head down, she pads over to Cassius's legs. She butts her head against his knees in apology. Cassius bends down to ruffle her ears in a rare display of tenderness before looking back to Professor Tal. "Easy girl, I let you down, not the other way around." Cassius releases Coil and Scales by her side. "I know grass and bugs burn, and I know the Fang avoids water when she can. But book-learning was never my strong suit. After all, everything bleeds in the end."

[HGSwellerman]

Tal's Lecture

Hmmm, they wanted to train a man who isn't even educated. Interesting Quinton would have chosen you, you must have had a good recommendation. Another thing of note, hunter, it is customary in Elba to give your name after one has introduced himself. I hope you learn quickly.

Very well, I will educate you, but there is a bit of history so bear with me hunter. In the fist age, Thucid the Wanderer categorized all known creatures into seven subtypes: grass, fire, water, lightning, psychic, fighting, and neutral. Originally, the later ages thought he had made categorization errors in such a limited description of these creatures he termed "pokemon", however we have found by tracking the differences of the pokemon between the ages that they themselves have changed. In the first age, new types emerged. In the second age, grass became grass, poison, and bug; water became water and ice, psychic became psychic and ghost; fighting became fighting, rock, and ground; and neutral became what we know today as normal, flying, and dragon; and pokemon were found to have the capacity to have up to two of these types at a time. The third age brought about two new types: dark and steel, along with the emergence of many new species altogether. The fourth, fifth, and sixth ages each brought droves of new species without any new types. What I am telling you now, hunter, is very young information: we are on the dawn of a seventh age. I have traveled the world to observe the arrival of new properties, potentially even a new type! And why? I am currently developing a theory to suggest that a meteor from the moon is ushering this new age.

Now that you are caught up on history, here is a crash course on types... (he proceeds to tell you all the weaknesses and resistances of each type as well as the types and species of your pokemon. He continues by telling you that there are 6 categories in which all of a pokemon's battling ability can be summarized, as well the relative stats of your pokemon. He then tells you that there are predispositions called natures that influence these stats).

Did you get all that, hunter? I'm not one to repeat myself.

Sorry for the giant post. Roll d20s for Wis and Int to determine how much of that information you retain.

[CosmicOccurence]

Beckah nearly collapsed when she reached her room, but she held off. I should probably meet my new team member and see how we get on.

She rifled around inside her bag and released the pokemon. Assuming it wasn't immediately threatening, she tried to gauge its friendliness and interest in her. My name's Beckah she told the small pig pokemon. I'm you're trainer now, and I hope that we'll get on well. With training, I think you could end up big and strong, and I'd like to help you get there.

[UncleScrewtape]

As Tal speech meanders on and on, Cassius quickly realizes that, in any conversation with this man, his role wasn't so much to contribute as to nod occasionally and ask him to continue in the right places. Soon, Cassius is lost in a sea of complex terms and references, none of which he retains particularly well. Yet, despite all that, he manages to grasp the gist of some of the knowledge. Minutes later, he shakes his head, realizing that Tal had fallen silent. He took his best guess as to what Tal had just asked. "I think so... sir. And the name's Cassius, Cassius Tarquin."


Int Check: [roll0]
Wis Check: [roll1]

[HGSwellerman]

Meeting Your Pig

The little swine looked uncertain, but curious. It sniffs you for a while and as it grows more comfortable begins exploring the room and turns its back to you without fear. You like watching the little pig and end up doing so for some time. Perhaps it needs a name? You could see a little determination in the pokemon when you said it could grow big and strong, you could sense its ambition.

Training Begins

You manage to retain some of the information you have been given, at least the information that concerns your pokemon's types as well as the types of their attacks, although you don't quite know how to differentiate between your opponent's pokemon types unless it's quite obvious and you don't recall which types your pokemon's moves are most effective against; that will come with time. The fascinating history of the ages flies way over your head, how unfortunate, although you do retain something about being on the cusp of a new age, whatever that means.

Very well, Mr. Tarquin. You can see stern disappointment in his eyes that he wasted a lecture on a hunter and not a student. He steps forward and heals your pokemon, who all show him a great deal of obedience. Follow me. He leads you through the entrance and out into the central location of the academy and then brings you to a large building near the center. He stops outside and then turns to you.

Here, your training begins.

You enter the building and find that the room is quite austere, only a table stands in the middle of the room and there are two doors: one blue and one red. On the table there is one key and an inscription that says "the choice is yours."

You know the weaknesses and resistances of your pokemon and in battle you can recognize the type of an opposing pokemon on a Wis check of 15+ once per encounter as a free action.

[CosmicOccurence]

When she sensed the ambition inside the pokemon, Beckah decided to make the pokemon a permanent member of her team. With that came a name. I think that I'll call you Surtr. You will become a flaming behemoth, I'm sure of it.

She returned the pokemon to his ball and went to sleep, wondering what the next day would bring her.

[UncleScrewtape]

Cassius squints at the key and at the doors. So this was another test, although he couldn't see the point of it. The doors seemed identical in all but color. However, Cassius had learned early on that, in the wild, differences of appearance were never without meaning. That in mind, he releases Fang and they both prowl around the room, examining it in detail for anything that might help.

Wis Check of secret door revealing: [roll0]
Tracker check of scent trail revealing [roll1]

[HGSwellerman]

At the Sleepy Dratini

You wake up to find you have overslept, it was nearly noon. As far as the activities that the day can bring goes, they are nearly limitless. You look outside the window of your ground floor room to see the bustling daylight streets of Dawnmar. You know the its attractions because it's the most renowned town within a week's travel of your home and it's the only one with a gym. The gym strikes you as a possibility but you also strongly doubt whether you are strong enough yet to take on a gym leader, perhaps a visit wouldn't hurt though. There's an academy where you know you a visit would do you well, there are all sorts of community-accessible battling areas, there are always events at the colosseum, and the beach on the west of town could be delightful. Maybe Surtr would like to start her battling experience.

The Exceedingly Careful Hunter

You search the room for roughly ten minutes. Nothing! How frustrating that after checking every corner of the room, every crack of the floorboards all that was there was a red door, a blue door, and a table with a key on it. You bring your attention to the doors themselves. What are the implications of the colors. Is there any significance to the fact that the teeth of the key faced the red door? Maybe you were reading too much into it.

[CosmicOccurence]

Beckah considered her options and decided to head to the acadamy. She'd already lost half the day, and she could probably gain the most out of some tips on how to be a real trainer. She should probably ask about capturing pokemon as well.

[UncleScrewtape]

Cassius eventually loses his patience, snatches up the key, and stalks to the red door. However, he doesn't entirely lose his composure. After fitting the key into the lock, Cassius stands flat against the wall to the right of the threshold, Fang on the left. He slowly turns the key until he feels the handle turn. Then, in a flurry of movement, he slams the door open and dives through along with his companion, spear braced and eyes darting from side to side.

[HGSwellerman]

The Academy of Dawnmar

You wander through town yet make your way to the academy with relative ease. You enter the opening building of the academy to find the receptionist bent down at the side of the desk cleaning the remnants of what appeared to be an alcoholic drink. While you approach him the door at the opposite end of the building swings open to make way for a very old man. He is dressed in a grey monto, his hair was long and wild except for the large bald patch at the top of his head. He looks frail and coughed often and he is smoking a cigar. He has a dry smirk that creases the wrinkles on the right side of his face. He looks forward and studies you for a second.

How can can I help you, young lady?

The Eager Student

You burst into the room to find yet again two doors, although you fail to study their characteristics because there is a man in the center of the room whose stern expression hardens at the sight of your maneuver.

Cute.

You chose this room because you subliminally have a tendency towards offensive action: your motivating purpose is that of conquering an opponent rather than protecting an ally. That is as noble a motivation as any.

Trainee, I am Commander Pike.

He bows to you and steps back so that the center of the room is the midpoint between you two.

We will battle two of our pokemon, one at a time. When you are ready, we will begin.

[UncleScrewtape]

"Why wait? Fang, it looks like you get a second chance today girl. Make me proud." Fang glances at her master before leaping forward. This time she remains silent, flames already kindling along her side. "We're ready Commander, although I was recently taught that I owe you my name as well. I'm Cassius, and I'm going through that door."

Speed:10

[HGSwellerman]

The Battle Begins

Commander Pike unbuttons his coat and casts it off to the side then reaches down to his belt and removes a pokeball from it. He tosses it to the center of the room where it releases a chimp-like pokemon with a flaming tail- obviously a fire type.

"Very well, Mr. Tarquin, we begin."

He snaps his fingers and the pokemon attacks with its frenzied claws outstretched.

Pike eyes down Fang, "Hmmm, a second rate offensive technician."

Fury Swipes: Acc 4+def [roll0] # of hits: [roll1] damage: [roll2] X # of hits

Stat subversion: Fang loses 1 combat stage in atk

[UncleScrewtape]

The chimp's fists tear into Fang, battering her mercilessly into the ground. Her growl becomes a whimper in mere moments, and soon she falls silent, crumpled and bleeding. Cassius's face goes white in shock. What this man had just done would never be forgotten, nor forgiven. Cassius wordlessly recalls Fang, clutching her ball to his chest. Just as silently, he pulls out another, releasing Coil before him. With a tone that bears no resemblance to last night's triumph, the same single word escapes Cassius's lips that he had spoken on the sands of the arena."Again."


Speed: 5
Intimidate: lowers target's attack by 1 CS, Cassius uses it as well

[HGSwellerman]

The Battle Continues

Pike's monkey pokemon looks unfazed by the intimidation. The commander himself studies your expression carefully and then continues:

"Ferno, ember"

Fixed competence: The pokemon cannot lose combat stages in the stat that the stat ace has chosen

ember: Acc 2+SDEF [roll0] burn on 18-20
Damage: [roll1]

[UncleScrewtape]

The flames splash over Coil's scales, causing him to hiss in displeasure. The massive Arbok rears back for a moment before lashing out at the chimp with his razor sharp fangs.

Bite: AC 2+def, [roll0], causes a flinch on 15-20, [roll1], physical dark damage

[HGSwellerman]

The Battle Continues...

The chimp stumbles back at the bite but manages to take the hit relatively well. The pokemon goes silent and focuses all of its strength on Coil.

[UncleScrewtape]

The cobra strikes again, slithering close to the chimp. Coil's fangs flash, this time attempting to crush the prey before tossing it to the ground.

Crunch: AC 2+def, [roll0], lowers target's def on a 17-20, [roll1] physical dark damage

[HGSwellerman]

The Battle Continues

The chimp pokemon is bitten and then slammed into the ground. It staggers underneath the power of the blow, and then stands.

That's enough Furno!

Pike draws out his pokeball in an attempt to withdraw the chimp.

[UncleScrewtape]

Coil pauses for a moment at Pike's admission of defeat, glancing back at Cassius. The hunter hasn't moved since Fang fell, staring at the chimp with a furious intensity. Cassius sees the snake hesitate, and juts his chin at the chimp. In response, Coil opens its maw once more and spits a needle of congealed venom at the chimp before its returned.

Torrential Assault: You may have an active pokemon make an attack on a Pokemon or trainer as an Interrupt before they escape or are returned. If you are attacking a Pokemon that has fainted and you lower them to -100% they must still make a death savings throw.

Poison Sting: AC 2+def, [roll0], poisons on 17-20, [roll1] physical poison damage

[CosmicOccurence]

When she first saw the old man, Beckah's first instict was to step back. The whole picture was rather ... unappealing. Even so, she had come to this institution for a reason, and she didn't intend to leave just because she found the greeter unappealing. I've come to learn about pokemon, but I'm afraid I don't know what services you offer. Could you tell me a bit about this place?

[HGSwellerman]

To His Surprise

Pike watches his pokemon faint as it is pulled back into the ball and his stern expression breaks into one of surprise, which quickly returns to stern acceptance.

Of course you know that technique, foolish of me.

He draws another ball from his belt and releases a short mushroom-like pokemon that seems to be an obvious grass-type.

You are faster. Exp after the battle.

At the Academy

If you have come to learn about pokemon, you are at the correct place. This is the academy of Dawnmar *coughs*... but I'm sure you knew that already. Tell me, is there something specific you are trying to find here?

[UncleScrewtape]

Coil's tongue flickers out in satisfaction as the monkey falls. However, his movements do not cease. As his opponent vanishes into the ball, the arbok preens itself for a moment, rubbing his head and sides into the dirt. Afterwards, Coil's scales seem to rustle and hang slightly looser from his body than before, forming a protective coat.
As soon as the mushroom appears, Coil strikes again with more vigor than before. His bloodlust had been aroused by his previous battle, and he was anxious to begin again.

Natural High: +1 Atk CS
Affirmation:+4 HP
Don't Stop: After knocking out a foe, the triggering Pokemon may make another Shift and use another Move in that same turn during the encounter. You may only activate this feature once per Pokemon per encounter.
Stockpile:+1 Def CS, +1 SpDef, +1 Stockpile count

Crunch: AC 2+def, [roll0], lowers target's def. 1 CS on a 17-20, [roll1] physical dark damage

[CosmicOccurence]

Yes, I was aware what this place was. I guess I'm looking for some basic training in how to become a good trainer. I came from a mercenary family, so fighting is fairly natural, but I haven't had any sort of formal instruction on pokemon training or capturing. I'm technically on my gym challenge now, and I figured that, if I were to be any good, I'd need some instruction. I suppose I'm most concerned with how to capture pokemon. I've had mixed results, and I'm not sure what exactly I'm supposed to be doing.

[HGSwellerman]

The Battle Closes

The devastating crunch at the last second hits the mushroom pokemon, which crumbles under the sheer force of the blow but remains standing- barely.

Enough. You have won, there is no need to continue the suffering of my pokemon. Well done Cassius Tarquin.

He walks forward and shakes your hand.

Take these as your reward.

Attack booster: held item that increases pokemon's attack +1 CS upon summon.

Max Revive, for Fang

+3680 EXP before bonuses to distribute between Fang and Coil however you please.

You obtain door key

You now have a clear view of the doors in the room. They are different only in the pictures inscribed into each door: one of a mountain, the other of wind.

[UncleScrewtape]

He takes Pikes hand, but as soon as he receives the medicine, Cassius calls out Fang, gathering her crumpled body in his arms. he applies the magical salve with surprising tenderness. When Fang regains consciousness, she laps Cassius's face before snarling at Pike. She hadn't forgotten what had been done to her."Easy girl, its over for now." Cassius lowers her to the ground and crouches beside her. He takes the blood red jewel that Pike had given him and affixes it to Fangs neck with a leather cord. "I know you'll do better. Never doubt that." Cassius then turns to the doors. So, these were meant to show him who he truly was? Cassius smirked at the thought. He already knew, and he always had. Cassius and Fang walk through the door that bears the image of wind, this time without hesitation.

[HGSwellerman]

The Door of Wind

You open the door to find yet another room with two doors and in the center of it, another man.

"I must say, I'm not surprised a hunter ended up in here. You follow a predictable tendency in hunters to be aggressive: to want your enemy to flee before you and to catch it before it flees away. To be as mobile as the wind at the back of your fleeing enemy, that is the hunter's deepest craving. I share in this tendency, too, hunter."

He turns to face you.

"But so do the thousands of other hunters in the world and the hundreds in Elba more practiced than you. If you want the key out of this room, you will have to show me what makes you better than them. I am Sergeant Blitz."

He bows.

"The task is 2 vs 2, and trainers participate. We will begin when you are ready."

[UncleScrewtape]

Cassius releases Scales at his feet. At the sight of this, Fang stalks to the edge of the room, upset that she hadn't been chosen. "Alright Sarge, Let's hunt." Cassius readies his spear, eyeing Blitz and the surrounding areas for anything that might aid him. The last fight had been far too close, and he'd been lucky with Coil's quick dispatch of the second 'mon.

Scales' Speed: 11
Intimidate: Lower one target’s Attack 1 Combat Stage.

[CosmicOccurence]

I think you missed my post Swellerman. Post #155

[HGSwellerman]

Battle with Blitz

"Hmmm, I suppose my nameless opponent wants to begin."

He releases a tiger-like pokemon that's yellow with black stripes, though it's type is unclear.

"Tigger, alpha formation"

The pokemon releases an wave of energy that blows through Scales while Blitz sprints over to you a delivers a kick, intending to strike you in the gut.

Break Through!: Pokemon's attack deals typeless damage
Electabuzz: Shock wave: Acc- does not miss. Damage: [roll0] neutral special damage.
Blitz: Unarmed attack: Acc 6 : [roll1] damage: [roll2]

Advisory Meeting

My bad Cosmic!!

Hmmm very well, let's see your lineup.
You release your pokemon and he looks each one of them up and down quickly.

You will not prove yourself to a gym leader with a lineup like this one... Very well, I will see to it that you receive training- free of any tuition expenses!

The receptionist looks angrily at him, but you aren't sure if he notices.

As for capturing, listen up! There is a multiplicity of factors that contribute to the capturing of a pokemon. First of all, the pokemon's inherent strength which is determined by the species of pokemon as well as the training it has done in its life to make it stronger. What does this mean? You must weaken a pokemon to capture it! One can accomplish this feat by simply dealing damage or by inflicting the opposing pokemon with status impairments- such as burning, paralysis, poison, etc. There is also the quality of the ball that you use.

He looks at you quickly.

You are using a basic ball- it is tremendously difficult to catch all but the weakest pokemon with such a ball. Even at your beginning stage as a capturer, I would recommend at least using a great ball. Does this clear up your curiosity on that front?

Roll Int and Wis d20s to see how much of that info you retain

[UncleScrewtape]

The electricity crackles over Scales's body and the small croc lets out a throaty growl in response. However, Cassius avoids Blitz's kick, diving into a roll that brings him directly behind the Electabuzz. Seeing the opportunity to give Scales a chance, Casius plunges his spear into the back of the electabuzz's thigh. Scales, seeing an opening, scampers forward, his jaws gaping, only to close on thin air as the electabuzz whirls out of the way at the last moment.

Arms Attac: AC 4+Def, [roll0], [roll1] + [14] (for crit, rolled OOC)

Assurance:AC2+def [2], [70] physical dark damage (rolled OOC)

[HGSwellerman]

The Battle Continues

The tiger-like pokemon checks his wound, the cut had landed flush.

Ahhh, so you wish to use weapons. Very well.

Blitz grabs the hilt of his sword and then charges at you, drawing the blade at the same time.

Critical hit to the thigh with a spear, Electabuzz's speed cut in half so you and Scales are faster.

Blitz: arms attack Acc 4 [roll0] damage [roll1]

[UncleScrewtape]

Blitz's slash opens a shallow cut along Cassius's back, painful but he'd live. At that moment, the blow didn't matter to Cassius. He and Scales had found their target and, they struck well, they might have a chance to bring down their yellow-furred prey. Cassius thrusts his spear at the beast's torso with grim determination while Scales clamps his jaws around its wounded leg and throws it, unconscious, to the ground.

At the sight of its helpless opponent, Scales lets out a triumphant 'dile! before rounding on Blitz. Scales's claws rip into the ground, and the dirt around his feet begins to roil, whipping into the air and lashing it with increasing ferocity. Suddenly, the sand steams forward and slams into Blitz before he can react, trapping him in a whirling vortex of sand.

Arm's Attack: [roll0] AC 4+def, [roll1] physical neutral damage
Bite: [roll2], AC 2+def flinches on 15+, [roll3] physical dark type damage

Moxie: +1 Atk CS
Affirmation: +4 HP
Natural High: +1 Atk CS

Torrential Assault: You may have an active pokemon make an attack on a Pokemon or trainer as an Interrupt before they escape or are returned. If you are attacking a Pokemon that has fainted and you lower them to -100% they must still make a death savings throw.

Sand Tomb: (1d20) [10] AC 4+def, (1d12+35) [37] physical ground type damage
via OOC

Aha! Got you: When your Pokemon use a move with the Trap keyword, you may choose to maximize its duration instead of rolling. (Blitz trapped for 5 turns takes 1d12 at the beginning of each of his turns that ignores typing/reductions)

[CosmicOccurence]

I think so Beckah replied, trying to store all the information at once. How many pokemon should I collect and train before I challenge a Gym? she asked. If two wasn't enough, she wondered how many they expected her to capture.

Int [roll0]; Wis [roll1].

[HGSwellerman]

Battle with Blitz

Blitz smiles, "Expert maneuver"

He recalls his fainted Electabuzz and then summons a dark cat-like pokemon that appears menacing. It charges Scales and kicks at him with ferocious technique.

Blitz: Summons pokemon

Luxray: double kick acc 3 1st [roll0] second [roll1]
damage 42, rerolled in ooc fighting physical

Talk with Tal

He grins as you absorb the information he set forth, "Ahhh, I see there's a student among us

Three pokemon is the minimal number for a gym challenge, and they would need to be much stronger than they are now- even for the first badge. Like I said, training may be provided for you here."

You know capturing information and can recall it freely without Wis/ Int checks.

Gym leader battle are 3v3 minimum lvl 25

[UncleScrewtape]

The cat's kicks send scales bouncing along the floor. He slams into the wall of the room with a painful thud, unconscious. Cassius returns Scales, proud of the little lizard's performance. Fang, seeing her companion so soundly defeated, bounds forward, snarling at the dark 'mon. Flames dance around her paws as she charges at the blue-black cat, gathering speed. Cassius grins at the speed with which Fang leaps to defend her ally, readying his spear for Blitz's next assault. "Atta' girl! Let's finish up."

Intimidate: lower's target 1CS
Atk Booster: raises Fang's atk 1CS
Flame Charge: [roll0] AC2+def, [roll1] physical fire damage, raises Fang's speed 1CS (speed now 15)

EDIT: did you deduct 1d12 dmg for Blitz's 1 turn in sand tomb before Scales was KO'd?

[HGSwellerman]

Battle with Blitz

Yes, Blitz took the damage from Sand Tomb
Also, make sure you raise the speed of Fang 1CS after successfully hitting, in this case it doesn't matter

The cat manages to sneak in a hard swing of its tail before Fang zeroes in on it.

Speed 16, iron tail acc 6 + Def [roll0]
[roll1] steel physical damage

However, Fang's attack lands well on your opponents bluish-black fur, singeing it as the blow makes contact. Blitz breaks free from his trap due to the absence of the Sandile while he and the catlike pokemon charge you from opposite angles.

Blitz: arms attack acc 4 [roll2] damage: [roll3]

Luxray: Spark acc 2 + Def, paralyze on 15-20 [roll4]
damage: [roll5] electric special damage

[UncleScrewtape]

Oops, my mistake! I included Fang in the last round (after double kick) rather than just beginning a new one.

The combined strength of the two attacks bring Cassius, gasping in pain, to his knees. Fang, seeing her master fall, rounds on the cat and throws herself at its hind legs. In the moment of resulting confusion, Cassius rolls to the side, thrusting his spear at its flank in an effort to bring it down.

Cassius: [roll0] AC4+def, [roll1] physical neutral damage

Flame Charge: [roll2] AC2+def, burns on 19-20, [roll3] physical fire damage

[HGSwellerman]

Sergeant Blitz

The pokemon falls under Fang's ferocious attack, fortunately for you whose misplaced thrust wounds only the air above your opponent.

Sergeant Blitz recalls his fallen comrade and shifts forward. He pins your spear to the ground with his boot and plants on it, using his sword for balance and jams his other boot into Fang's ribs.

Roll Str 10+ to free your spear and attack, anything less and you free your spear but lose the turn.

unarmed attack acc 4: [roll0]
damage [roll1]

[UncleScrewtape]

Blitz's kick lands solidly, but Fang's eyes only narrow in anger. She would not let herself be defeated for a third time. She springs from the ground, headbutting Blitz while Cassius wrenches at his spear. The spear comes free in Cassius's hand as Blitz is thrown off balance, and Cassius uses it to swipe at his opponent's leg and knock him to the floor.

Str Check: [roll0]
Arms Attack: [roll1] AC4+def, [roll2]

Reversal: [roll3] AC2+def [roll4] physical fighting damage

[HGSwellerman]

Battle with Blitz

Blitz is shaken off balance as you slash at his leg. Your hit is well aimed but his reflexes allow him to pull his leg back, allowing for only a glancing blow on his leg. This maneuver, however, throws Blitz off balance and allows him to be hit head on by Fang's attack which takes them both to the ground. Blitz catches Fang's teeth on his forearm then shifts his hips and arches his back, which tosses the little pup off of him with enough time for him to regain footing. He then dashes to Fang, swinging his sword overhead and diagonally down toward the Growlithe.

Arms attack acc 4 + def [roll0] damage: [roll1] physical neutral damage

[CosmicOccurence]

Beckah smiled at the praise. When she heard that she only needed one more pokemon to challenge, she was tempted to run out into the wilds to find something, but then she remembered her other goal for coming: training. I think I'd like it if I could learn to train my pokemon properly here. I'll go through whatever program you can offer me.

[UncleScrewtape]

Fang twists midair and manages to land, crouching, on her paws. As Blitz's sword descends, Fang darts aside at the last minute and leaps at his arm with bared teeth. Cassius closes in from behind, slashing at Blitz's undefended back with his bloodied spear.

Bite: [roll0] AC2+def, flinches on a 15+, [roll1] physical dark damage

Arms Attack: [roll2] AC4+def, [roll3] physical neutral damage

[HGSwellerman]

Training Begins

Very well, you will receive the best program. But first, allow me to introduce myself: I am Professor Tal of Alph, I will be the first step of your training.

The old man's eyes become animated as he sends out a scorpion-batlike pokemon.

The room of Wind: Complete

In a motion of surprising speed and precision, Blitz swings his sword behind his head and deflects your spear so that your momentum floods into open air, causing you to stumble while with his other hand, he catches Fang by the side of the throat and casts her to the ground, where he pins her with his boot. You plant your foot hard in front of you to catch your momentum and pivot to slash across Blitz's chest. With skill that was previously unapparent, Blitz catches your spear on the side of his blade and supports the block with his shoulder.

"Congratulations nameless opponent, you have proven yourself."

He eases his boot off of Fang and removes his weight from his blade and sheathes it.

"You are clever on the field, it was a pleasure fighting you."

He bows.

"Take these as well wishings for your continued success."

Blitz heals you and your lineup.

You receive a key and a stat booster for speed.

+8630 EXP before bonuses for Scales and Fang to share (let me know if they gain levels).

You approach the two doors that lead behind him and examine them. On the left door, there is an image of a man, on the other there is an image of a pokemon.

[UncleScrewtape]

I split the exp evenly. Both Scales and Fang gained several levels, bringing them both up to 24.

Fang squirms out of Blitz's hand, dropping to the ground and proudly walking over to Cassius. He absentmindedly ruffles her ears as he listens to Blitz's speech and goes over the last moments of the battle in his mind. So, Blitz had been playing soft the entire time? It made sense, he supposed. Those league officers were meant to be some of the best, but he'd never liked the idea of being toyed with. Nevertheless, Fang and Scales had both performed well, and were obviously improving. Cassius inclines his head towards Blitz. "The name's Cassius, Sergeant, and thank you."

With that, Cassius and Fang approach the next pair of doors. Cassius pauses a moment before unlocking the door with the pokemon engraved on it, he knows his strength lies only partially in his own arm. Hunters are always the most successful when the ran in a pack.

[CosmicOccurence]

Beckah released Surtr, looking forward to testing the pokemon out in battle.

Speed 5

[HGSwellerman]

The Monster Room

You walk into the room and yet again there is a figure in the center of the room who greets you, yet behind him lies only one black door.

Trainer hunter, The man bows

Like you I realize my power does not come solely from my strength. This realization will be fundamental in your conquest of the hunting art as well as the art of battling. I am Belephron, a native of this city.

Now, to optimize the aid your pokemon gives, you must know how to command it. Training is an art, hunter, it is not intuitive nor is it easy. To master the art you must be able to exert your influence even on an unfamiliar pokemon; such is the ability of great trainers. Depending on your performance, I will give you the key or I will send you back without having passed training.

The task is simple: you will choose one of your pokemon and hand it to me, I will give you one of mine, and our pokemon will battle under the ability of each's new trainer. When you are ready, we will exchange pokemon and begin.

You must roll a CHA check for each command you give the pokemon

Battle with Tal

Tal looks at your pokemon of choice.

You will not beat me with this pokemon, it is too inexperienced and new to your training- such an early defeat in its relationship with you could lead to the spoiling of your ability to train that pokemon to its potential. Surely you have something a little more powerful than Tepig.

[CosmicOccurence]

Beckah frowned. I thought this was where I could train him to be stronger. I do have another pokemon, but where better for Surtr to train than here?

[HGSwellerman]

Tal

This is the beginning of your training young girl, it is an assessment. Is this new and weak pokemon an accurate representation of your worth as a trainer?

[UncleScrewtape]

Cassius freezes for a moment at the man's implication. Fight with another's pokemon? He had spared and battled with his own team more times than he could count, but he had never placed them under another's command. Cassius's mind races for a moment before reaching a decision. "Hmph, fine. But don't expect this to be easy." Cassius nods to Fang who, apparently slighly bemused at the situation, walks over to Belephron. As long as we're doing introductions, this is Fang, and my name is Cassius. now that that's out of the way, Belephron, I'm ready when you are.

Fang: Speed 9

[CosmicOccurence]

Beckah sighed and returned Surtr. I suppose not. She released Mjolnir, and the pokemon floated in front of her, ready for battle.

Speed 3

[HGSwellerman]

The Battle Begins

After what seems like nearly three weeks of assessing your connection with Fang, Belephron pulls a ball from his belt and tosses it to you. After catching it, you release the pokemon to find a flying horse-like pokemon.

Nice to meet you, Cassius.

Belephron bows.

This is Pegasus. His is a rare breed of stallion that was blessed by the legendary Thundurus.

He turns to Fang.

Your burden of proof, Fang, is to show me that you are mightier than my Pegasus, I will be interested to see how you do.

Let us begin then, Cassius. Fang, leer!

Pegasus: Zebstrika with electric and flying types, 13 hp, 12 atk, 12 def, 14 satk, 9 sdef, 12 spe. All the moves that Zebstrika has by level 20 (I know it's an early evolution).

Cha: successful command on 15+, next move automatically successful at 22+ [roll0] Leer Ac 2, lowers def 1 CS [roll1]

Fang stares at Belephron, unconvinced that he should move, and sits down looking at you with remarkable obedience in its eyes.

Battle with Tal

We begin!

His Gligar springs into the air and then swoops down at Mjolnir with its barbed tail pointing in front of it in bee-sting fashion

Aerial Ace- cannot miss
damage: [roll2]

Sorry for the super delayed post guys, I've been pretty busy lately but I'll have more free time now.

[UncleScrewtape]

Cassius grins at Fang's loyalty, but they both knew that she would never sit idle for long. C'mon girl, show me what you've got." He turns to Pegasus and addresses the horse with a curt command. "That goes for you too. Get into the air and hobble her. The quicker the better."
Cha check:[roll0]
Thunder Wave: Thunder Wave cannot miss. Thunder Wave Paralyzes the target.

[CosmicOccurence]

Mjolnir responds by attempting to slam his body into the pokemon.

Iron Head AC 2 [roll0]; [roll1] physical steel

[HGSwellerman]

Battle with Belephron

The wave of electric energy zaps Fang into stiffness. You can tell that she is suffering from the phenomenal slowness of her actions. You begin to think of your own helplessness at the hands of the Ursaring and your headache breaks into numbing pain. Belephron witnesses your pain and seems to be studying you.

Fang is paralyzed, you are now faster so it's your move.

Battle with Tal

The Gligar skillfully deflects the blow. He then dives up into the air and zeroes in on Mjolnir with a forceful, item knocking blow.

Knock Off acc 6, flying-shifted physical, 1.5X damage if opponent has an item (I added this effect to match current battle simulators)
Acc [roll0] damage [roll1]

[UncleScrewtape]

"Huh," Cassius grimaces under the new wave of pain. He must have been more exhausted than he thought. "Don't stop now. It's time to end this charade! Stay in the air and hit her with everything you've got." He needed to finish this, and fast.

Cha Check: [roll0]
Shock Wave: [roll1] Shock Wave cannot miss, [roll2] special electric damage

[HGSwellerman]

Denied and Accepted

The pain of your headache recedes nearly as instantly as it came. Belephron's gaze intensifies as he studies your peculiar actions. Pegasus, however, looks entirely unmoved by your command and swoops down to the ground in the middle of the room. Fang's eyes meet yours sympathetically, though the discomfort of the paralysis is evident.

Go on, Fang, show Pegasus what you can do!

Fire ignites in Fang's eyes as she perceives the insult done to you by the disobedient Zebstrika. An aura of flame envelopes the Growlithe as she approaches the flying stallion.

Flame Wheel acc 2 fire physical
acc [roll0] damage [roll1]

After the inferno of an attack singes Pegasus Belephron steps forward with his right arm extended out at shoulder level, indicating the end of the encounter.

Enough, I have seen what I need to see. Obviously the bond between you and your pokemon is strong, Cassius. You will do well to continue strengthening it; a strong bond makes the difference between the mediocre and the great.

He heals Fang, returns her to her ball, and hands the ball back to you. He bows.

Take these as a token of my acceptance of you as a trainer.

You obtain a black key
+2400EXP for Fang
Obtain Heart Trinket: proof of the bond you and Fang have, it will allow her to learn all the moves a Growlithe can learn even after evolving

[UncleScrewtape]

Cassius nods in thanks as he receives the ball and the winnings. "Fang and I have been together a long time, Belephron, and never once have I doubted her greatness." Fang stalks proudly to her master's side and he kneels, replacing the blood red jewel the hung from her collar with the simple trinket he had just received. As he affixes it to Fangs collar, Cassius eyes the Belephron's 'mon. If there were more in the area, his instincts screamed that they'd undoubtably fetch a sizable price. "But I've not seen the like of Pegasus before. What manner of beast is he?"

Time to find a Fire Stone! :smallbiggrin:

[HGSwellerman]

Belephron

Hm. A true hunter. I regret to tell you that not a single coin-chaser has ever caught a flying Zebstrika. To successfully catch one is considered a blessing by Thundurus himself, and he doesn't care much for hunters. Although if you truly are curious, their breed can be found in a remote part of Khalkha known as the valley of the wind. There are many interesting finds there, but I doubt you will be able to brave that land for quite some time.

That trinket, by the way, is for you. It's effect will take place as you wear it, not as Fang does.

[UncleScrewtape]

Cassius grins as he exchanges the trinket for the blood red stone once more, committing the name of Khalkha to memory. "We shall see. In any case, Belephron, I believe it is tim to move on." Cassius nods once more at his uniformed opponent before unlocking the black door and walking through. Both he and his team could use a meal, and the strain of the constant battle was beginning to tell.

[HGSwellerman]

Success.

You open the black door and find yourself in a narrow hall that leads to yet another door. This one, however, was open. You enter a large room and discover three people sitting casually at a table and chatting. They look up at you and set there drinks down as you walk in. They look to be roughly mid-thirties and tough, each one of them. The man sitting at the left is garbed in the same Monto as Tal and eight shining badges to show for it. He has dark hair, sharp eyes, and from what you can tell a muscular build with the first sprouts of grey showing in his trim beard. The next man was garbed in the same dark blue with gold-trim as Quinton, you assume he is with the league. The last man has light blondish-red hair and an overflowing inferno of a beard. He is the first to stand up and approach you and extends a hand which you shake.

Congratulations, Mr. Tarquin, this room marks the end of your training. You must be exhausted, come sit with us and enjoy some refreshments. I am Burl Honig, I designed this training course and the trainers who tested your skills to get here are all colleagues of mine. This man to my right is Riddick, he is a correspondent of Quinton's and I believe he has some useful information for you as far as occupation. That man at the other end of the table is Professor Kasparov, he is the professor of this academy. But first tell me, what would you say is more essential in a hunter, persistence or strength?

[UncleScrewtape]

Cassius paused at the invitation. He could tell that these men were accustomed to power, and they had no lack of it. As few as two days ago, they wouldn't have given him a second glance on the street, let alone offer him a place at their table. "I don't think I can answer you, Mr. Honig. What's 'essential' to a hunter is bagging his catch. And I'll do that with strength, persistence, or any other tool that gets the job done. What's essential is success, not the tools you use to get there." These men were some of the most dangerous people that Cassius had ever met, and he would be a fool to let his guard down around them. Nevertheless, he takes the offered seat and sits with almost audible relief.

[HGSwellerman]

At the Table of Superiors

Honig smiles at your reply and gives a hardy laugh.

A clever hunter? You don't see those every day! Well Ridick, it seems we both lose the bet, he is not quite so one-dimensional as most hunters.

He continues to laugh hardily and pats you on the back, you can't help but to be moved under the weight of his hand. Honig pulls up a chair and politely seats you before he returns to his place. You shake hands with each of the men at the table.

So, Cassius Tarquin, you are one of five today to brave this trial and so far you are the only one to pass. It is not everyday you will encounter someone so highly ranked as the professor or myself, but it is of special interest to us at the league when someone completes this challenge, so here we are to congratulate you.

He pours you a drink. It tastes delicious despite some of its ingredients being bitter and you can feel your energy coming back. You can feel your headache spike under the gaze of the professor, but the drink helps remedy that as well.

Kasparov speaks, We like the direction you are going, Cassius. I think that if you continue on this path then we will have a lot to give each other. But first, as a means to congratulate you, take this.

He slides a plaque across the table, it's a diploma.

The professor continues, This is a mark of you as an educated man, it seems you know battling well enough for us to assert that. Now receive the true gift, this is a bit of symbol magic that I trust you will find extremely useful.

Kasparov walks to where you are sitting and bends your head back. You struggle for a moment, maybe from the instinct to fight, but you can do nothing to escape his iron grip. He places his free hand over your left eye and you cease to struggle. For a moment you are completely still. Your left eye feels icy cold and then begins to normalize.

You gain a trainer level. 15000EXP to split evenly between your pokemon, obtain diploma- proof that you were educated at Dawnmar, and you receive the pokedex.

[UncleScrewtape]

Cassius shrinks back from Kasperov's touch, eyes watering. He blinks in an effort to clear them before giving up and rubbing them with his sleeve. He turns and half rises from his chair, eyes flashing but his voice catching in his throat. "What did you do to me, magician?"

[HGSwellerman]

The Overflow

This, Kasparov said tapping the nail of his index finger to the brow right above your left eye, is a gift.

It is called the pokedex. It is an especially brilliant piece of symbol magic, the latest modification of which I helped to devise though it has been in limited use since the second age. You want to know what it does? It enhances your knowledge- what before took years of education and practice to determine is now accessible even to the most brainless worm in an instant. You have in your eye the ability to identify pokemon as well as their typing, upon closer examination you can even determine a pokemon's nature, height, weight, etc. Summon one of your pokemon and see for yourself.

You call out Scales and upon gazing at him you know, as if such knowledge was natural, his type and his nature (though you cannot figure out what it means to be "impish"). It's no longer the rote memorization of what Tal told you about his type, you know it effortlessly.

You sense within Scales a brimming energy as though his soul is yearning to stretch out of his body. Scales begins to twist and turn, his scales turn dry upon him and slough off like the scabs of old skirmishes. His maneuvers become exaggerated, even violent, as he continues to roll and scratch at himself. You watch in awe of the frenzy before you. Before you would have glanced in confusion and maybe tried to stop his thrashing, but there is a calm knowledge that restrains your movements.

Scales curls and spasms deeper and deeper into a ball-like position. He flexes and curls deeper, flexes and curls deeper, and SNAP! Spikes protrude from his spine- more scales flake off. The little gator straightens out his position and flattens on the ground and tears at himself. His tail stabs further out of his back, his fangs lance out of his mouth, instantly replaced by longer, sharper ones that stretch out of his mouth. His snout elongates, his eyes wincing. At last, Scales' movements slow; you hear his panting die into calmer and longer breaths. The pokemon stands up onto his hind legs, instantly knowing its balance, and shakes off the last of its old scales revealing a sleek and lustrous new coat, his black stripes now extending around his underbelly. You see much of the old playfulness of your pokemon replaced by cold determination and though no one told you, you know you are no longer looking at a Sandile but a Krokorok.

[UncleScrewtape]

Cassius smiles savagely and grabs the back of Scales's powerful neck, bringing it close to his own. He had had no idea that the little lizard would be capable of something like this so soon. "What did I tell you little one, less than a week with me and look at you now!" He pushes Scales' snout aside before turning back to the others. If what they said was true, the "pokedex" would be a powerful tool. Nevertheless, continues to eye Kasparov with caution born of a long distrust of gifts freely given.

Cassius stiffly inclines his head towards Kasparov, "I suppose I owe you my thanks then, magician, as it is all I have to offer in return." He then turns with almost feverish intensity to Riddick. "Of course, I have yet to make a true test of it... but it sounds like you might have something for that."

[CosmicOccurence]

The buldum was nearly knocked out by the blow, his defense boosting amulet falling to the floor uselessly. Most pokemon would have been knocked out by that blow, and it was only from sheer force of endurance that it managed to stay up. It launched itself at the pokemon with its head shining with purple energy.

[roll0] AC 4 Aen Headbutt Flinch 15+; Psychic Physical Damage [roll1]; on crit additional [roll2]

[HGSwellerman]

The Challenge Begins?

Kasparov was irritated with the second utterance of "magician." If you wish to call me by my occupation, Mr. Tarquin, the term is professor. You knew from the day you could comprehend language that in Elba, professor was a high rank akin to general or admiral, and it demanded much respect. As with all accomplished Elbans, Kasparov carried himself like a formidable blade in a sheath of custom and formality.

Riddick spoke, Mr. Tarquin, I do have as you say, "something for that." He pulls out a folder and sets it down on the table. This is your dossier, Quinton and I were surprised to find that there is very little information on you. Furthermore, you have not begun your league challenge. Typically this is a "coming of age" thing, I expected you to at least be in the process of your challenge when I learned of your performance at the Bounty Circle and the fact that you were recommended by Wolf Himark. As impressive as your performance has thus far been, Mr. Tarquin, we at the league require more concrete credentials. My first task for you is to challenge the gym leader here in Dawnmar. If you earn a badge, I will pay you as though you had brought back a bounty and then our transactions may begin.

Victory against Tal

The Gligar collapses under the blow and Tal's expression broke into one of enthusiastic joy.

Tremendous attack! I am very impressed young lady, very few can claim to have ever defeated me. I must admit, I had underestimated you. Perhaps when you grow more powerful, as I know you will, you may test my lineup at full strength. I beseech you, accept this gift.

Your lineup is fully healed. +1 trainer level. You obtain mystery ball (what pokemon could possibly be inside!?). +15,000EXP to distribute as you see fit (not to the pokemon in the mystery ball though).

Now, go to the courtyard out this door and enter the training room, there your trials will continue.

[UncleScrewtape]

Cassius frowns when the league challenge is mentioned. He'd never liked the idea of strutting about in an arena for the sake of a bit of jewelry. But so much of Elba revolved around it, it was a bizarre he'd been able to avoid it this long. All right, a job's a job, and I'll hunt anything, even jewelry. But first I'll need to pick up a few supplies and get a feel for the town.

[CosmicOccurence]

Surprised at anybody at Mjolnir's blow, Beckah thanked the man warmly, holding the pokeball with the same unfamiliar certainty. She quickly gathered up the small defense boosting amulet and gave it back to her beldum. Before she went into the next room however, she released the mystery pokemon from its apricorn.

Does that xp take my ace trainer modifier into account or no? Assuming it has already been accounted for, these are the new levels.

Mjolnir from 20 - 23. Surtr from 13-22.

[HGSwellerman]

Gearing Up

You feel the collective weight of the mens' gazes in response to your obvious distaste of the league challenge.

Riddick studies you for a moment, then pulls out a pad of paper from his on quickly jots onto the page, tears it out, and proceeds to do the same on the next. He hands you the two pieces of paper.

Very well, Mr. Tarquin, if you are looking to get equipped- these are two vouchers. The first, take to the smith in the west of town near the coastline and south of the docks. This will make your gear affordable. The second, take to the psychic on the to the southwest of town, his establishment borders the wall; he will give you teach you to resist mind control and possibly teach your pokemon some techniques. As for supplies, you can find the mart across the street from the pokemon center along the main road. That will be all.

The New Member

You make it to the entrance of the training room and release the pokemon. The ball releases a bright flash that dims into the dark blue outer shell of your pokemon. You study it for a bit but you don't recognize the clam-like pokemon.

The last post does not take into account your EXP bonus. You obtain Shellder! lvl 25, jolly nature, ability: skill link. egg moves: rock blast, rapid spin, bubble beam. Stat as you please.

[UncleScrewtape]

Inclining his head once more to the group, Cassius rises, turns on his heel, and leaves the room with Scales nipping at his heels. He clenches the vouchers tightly as he walks out of the academy, proof that dealing with the league would have perks enough to make the hassle of their meaningless requirements worth it.

After leaving the building, he heads back to the inn. It had been an exhausting day, and he needed food, rest, and a stiff drink almost as much as his team did. He settles into a table near the back, releasing his team by his feet and gestured to the innkeeper's daughter to bring some dinner.

Assuming its evening, but Cassius is content to spend the evening at the inn.

[CosmicOccurence]

Gearing Up

You feel the collective weight of the mens' gazes in response to your obvious distaste of the league challenge.

Riddick studies you for a moment, then pulls out a pad of paper from his on quickly jots onto the page, tears it out, and proceeds to do the same on the next. He hands you the two pieces of paper.

Very well, Mr. Tarquin, if you are looking to get equipped- these are two vouchers. The first, take to the smith in the west of town near the coastline and south of the docks. This will make your gear affordable. The second, take to the psychic on the to the southwest of town, his establishment borders the wall; he will give you teach you to resist mind control and possibly teach your pokemon some techniques. As for supplies, you can find the mart across the street from the pokemon center along the main road. That will be all.

The New Member

You make it to the entrance of the training room and release the pokemon. The ball releases a bright flash that dims into the dark blue outer shell of your pokemon. You study it for a bit but you don't recognize the clam-like pokemon.

The last post does not take into account your EXP bonus. You obtain Shellder! lvl 25, jolly nature, ability: skill link. egg moves: rock blast, rapid spin, bubble beam. Stat as you please.

Beckah stares at the shell curiously for a bit. She had no idea what it was. However, it was probably defensive if that shell meant anything. Silently deciding to name it Ichaival, she recalled the pokemon and moved through the doorway.

[HGSwellerman]

The Sleepy Dratini

Matilda brings out a meal which you and your lineup gladly dispose of. You look outside to see that evening is upon you, the blue sky transforming to a pink and orange sunset promising the dark purple-blue of night that will follow, though you judge you have about 40 minutes of light left should you choose to go out. Sloan sees to it that your room is prepared and that you are well fed. He shares that you look cleaned up and somehow stronger than before.

You have enough time to go either to the blacksmith and deposit your order or to the psychic if you intend to do either. You and your lineup are wiped out due to the long day of hard work and the energy inducing effects of the drink you had at the table of superiors has worn off. Do as you please.

The Training Commences

You enter a room with two doors on the wall opposite to you, on the left a red door and on the right a blue one. There is a table in the center of the room with a single key on it. You study both doors and contemplate the meaning of their colors. Red seems so vibrant, lively, and active while the blue seems so solid, calm, and sturdy.

One key, two doors, pick the one you think suits your trainer better.

[CosmicOccurence]

Beckah picks up the key and contemplates her two choices. Her active lifestyle pulled her towards the red door, but eventually she decided that the sturdy, solid door was more her style. She walked up to it and calmly unlocked the door, peeking inside of it.

[UncleScrewtape]

As the cool of evening settles over the Sleepy Dratini, Scales and Coil gradually settle into the sloth that overtakes cold-blooded 'mons once the sun has disappeared. They follow Cassius to his room and quickly curl up on the floor, Coil's bulk still dwarfing Scales's new form. Cassius considers waking them but, in the end, decides against it. The nights still belonged to him and Fang alone.

He, with the fiery orange hound at his heels, heads out into the the twilight and makes his way to the market where he can restock some of the necessities of his trade.

Blacksmith and psychic can wait until tomorrow.

[HGSwellerman]

Through the Blue Door

Beckah enters the next room to find stadium markings on the ground and a trainer sitting cross-legged at the other end of the room. Behind him are two more doors. The trainer is not tall, but he looks tough. He carries a short sword you recognize as a kodachi at his hip.

Welcome, Miss. My name is Bastion. He bows. I am the defensive specialist of this academy and you are here to prove yourself to me. Should you succeed, your trial will continue. The task is 3v3, pokemon and trainers fighting. If you have any questions, I shall happily oblige; if you are ready, we shall begin.

Supply Run

You make your way through the well-lit streets of Dawnmar. There are still several people still out and about and the shops look to still be open. You make your way to the main square and see the pokemart along with a few specialty item stands not far from where you stand. Out of the colosseum, you see the winners of the day stepping out with their new medals around there necks along with the many admirers crowding out of the building.

[UncleScrewtape]

Cassius scowls at the crowd of simpering fans. He spits into the dusty street before heading indoors and peering around the interior of the building. "Storekeep? I have business for you."

[CosmicOccurence]

Wanting to test her new arrival, Beckah released Ichaival, who sat on the ground, tongue out, ready for battle.

Speed 6

[HGSwellerman]

Supply Run

The Storekeep looks up at you from a stack of papers on the counter.

Very good, what can I get for you?

The store looks well stocked; there is a variety of potions lined up on the shelves along with various other items.

Bastion

The warrior draws his kodachi and releases a massive dinosaur pokemon with a shield-like head.

you're faster

[CosmicOccurence]

Beckah drew her own sword and charged the man, while her new shellder spat a volley of monstrously large icicles at the same target.

Arms attack: AC [roll0]. [roll1]

Icicle Spear - 5 Strikes
AC 4
[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]
[roll6]

Apply defense only once
[roll7]
[roll8]
[roll9]
[roll10]
[roll11]

If any crits
[roll12]
[roll13]

[HGSwellerman]

Battle against the Defender

Bastion responds to each frozen shard by moving his blade rapidly to parry and shrugging forward to catch some of the blows on his shoulder. His sword-bearing arm vanishes to a blur as you charge in and catches your blade with his, you crash into him as he makes no attempt to sidestep your charge but rather catches the bulk of your weight. He did not budge and you felt as if you had run into a brick wall, his chain mail didn't help.

You can do better than that, Miss. And perhaps you did not think it rude to engage in battle without first introducing yourself? Such insolence.

His iron grip pulls your right wrist downward and toward him as he steps backwards and then to the side to unleash a kick from his right leg to yours.

Padding +, I can take a hit +, Tough Skin, and Medium Armor for damage reduction

Double Kick ac 3
[roll0]
[roll1]

damage:
[roll2]
[roll3]
physical fighting damage


The first kick cracks against your shin, he then pulls you down harder, forcing you to bend your back horizontally, while his leg follows upward and the falls down onto the center of your back.

His Bastiodon animates rocks from the floor and propels them into the air, you knew the room would be too small to avoid them.

Stealth Rocks

[CosmicOccurence]

Ignoring the attacks, Beckah froze in place, trying not to agitate the rocks. WE can do introductions after can't we? The shelleder clambers up to the pokemon and spins violently, scattering the rocks nearby.

Rapid Spin AC 2 [roll0]. Physical normal [roll1]. Removes hazards within 5 feet.

Also, is minimum damage 0 or 1?

[HGSwellerman]

Battle with the Defender

Your Shellder fails to spin away the rocks as the Bastiodon's thick armor renders your attack useless and a floating crushes into your pokemon. Bastion squares his shoulders to you.

It is an Elban custom to introduce yourself to your opponent. Would a pupil not want her identity known by her mentor? Your ignorance is truly unflattering.

He dashes toward you and crouches, feinting a slash attack with his kodachi to redirect your guard.

Stat Subversion +: lowers your defense by 2 combat stages.

Weapon of choice: unarmed
ac 4 [roll0]
damage: [roll1] (accounts for your lowered DEF)

Bastion successfully plants an uppercut into your gut, the force of the blow even raises you off of the floor slightly.

His Bastiodon rushes you and attempts to floor you.

Double Edge
acc 2 [roll2]
damage [roll3]
(accounts for lowered DEF)

The pokemon's shield-like head batters you to the ground, leaving you with the agonizing pain of the blunt force.

[UncleScrewtape]

Glancing over the wares, Cassius nods at some of the slightly more expensive apricorn balls. "I'll take four." As the balls are wrapped, Cassius stalks around the store picking up, examining, and putting down different items.

4 great balls: 2,000p

[HGSwellerman]

Outside the Mart

You step outside the mart into the cooling night air. The cobblestone of the street is well lit from large lamp posts. Crowds still clutter the street (though many trainers are now heading home) to discuss the day's events. A trainer catches your eye and then approaches you with a haughty gait.

I bet one of those greatballs that I can whip you.

[UncleScrewtape]

Cassius's lips curls in a dismissive snarl. "Double those odds. I'm not wasting my time for nothing." Cassius sizes up his opponent and reaches into his satchel. He wasn't about to be talked down to by some jumped up town boy.

[HGSwellerman]

Battle outside the Mart

Your confidence clearly affects the trainer's composure, though now he is too far into his challenge to back out.

All right tough guy, let's go!

What a cheesy little trainer.

He releases his Tranquill.

[CosmicOccurence]

I come from a mercenary family, so Elban customs aren't really my cup of tea. She replied before the fist and bastidon hit her like a train. She gasped, the air leaving her lungs. That was going to leave a bruise. She rolled away before leaping up and trying to slam the hilt of her sword into the man, her shelleder launching another volley of icy projectiles at the man.

Arms Attack AC4 [roll0]; [roll1]

Icicle Spear - 5 Strikes
AC 4
[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]
[roll6]

Apply defense only once
[roll7]
[roll8]
[roll9]
[roll10]
[roll11]


If any crits
[roll12]
[roll13]

[UncleScrewtape]

Cassius smirks and gestures Fang forward. The lean canine crouches before the Tranquill, her hide rippling with anticipation and her lip curling with barely contained hunger. "Oh good, then this shouldn't take long."

Speed: 15
Fang's intimidate: lowers opponent's Atk 1CS
Cassius's intimidate: Lowers opponent's ATK 1CS

[HGSwellerman]

Battle with the Defender

Just to be knit-picky, the last attack against you was unarmed.

Bastion makes no effort to move. You feel the momentum behind your hilt stop instantly when it crashes into the wall of a man before you.

That was a well placed hit, but it lacks power

Bastion grips the side of your head forcing your gaze into his eyes and keeps eye contact as he is pelted with the volley of ballistic ice.

To remain standing after your opponent hits you with the best assaults, this is the nature of defence. Do you wield it?

He turns his shoulders and throws you to the ground and motions for his Bastiodon to remain still and studies you as you rise back to your feet.

1 Bird, 1 Stone

The birdlike pokemon is no match for the godlike speed of your tiger-dog.

[UncleScrewtape]

Not pausing for a moment, Fang springs forward, flame erupting from her jaws at she rushes at her prey. Cassius grins as Fang's teeth tear into the bird's wing. She'd grown much these past few days. They both had.

Fire Fang: [roll0] AC 2, burns or flinches on 18-19, both on 20, [roll1] physical fire dmg

[CosmicOccurence]

Battle with the Defender

Just to be knit-picky, the last attack against you was unarmed.

Bastion makes no effort to move. You feel the momentum behind your hilt stop instantly when it crashes into the wall of a man before you.

That was a well placed hit, but it lacks power

Bastion grips the side of your head forcing your gaze into his eyes and keeps eye contact as he is pelted with the volley of ballistic ice.

To remain standing after your opponent hits you with the best assaults, this is the nature of defence. Do you wield it?

He turns his shoulders and throws you to the ground and motions for his Bastiodon to remain still and studies you as you rise back to your feet.

1 Bird, 1 Stone

The birdlike pokemon is no match for the godlike speed of your tiger-dog.

Beckah raggedly got to her feet. As she pushed herself off the ground, she measured her injuries. It was pretty bad. Not the worst she'd ever been beaten up, but pretty close, and this guy didn't seem to be struggling at all. I'd like to think I have it, although apparently not as much as you do she responded.

Beckah considered switching out pokemon, but decided against it. She'd simply try to keep up the volleys of attacks for now. If she needed to switch to Mjolnir or Surtr, then she would. Until then however, she could stick it out.

[HGSwellerman]

Fang

Blood drips out of the poor birds neck as Fang thrashes it in her mouth. The pokemon is quickly recalled and its trainer's demeanor completely changes.

O-Okay. I acknowledge defeat.

With his head hanging, he hands you two great balls.

This spectacle, however, draws the attention of the crowd and one of them steps forward.

That was an impressive display. Perhaps you could entertain me with some competition.

This trainer looks strong, a much more characteristic Elban than the waste of time you just defeated. He stands with a dragon-like pokemon at his side that the pokedex identifies for you as a charizard.

Unless, of course, you're too frightened.

+2 greatballs and +300EXP for Fang

Bastion

No, certainly not as much.

He spoke the words plainly, without malice, and although they seemed harsh you knew you could do nothing to contest them.

Very well, nameless adversary, prepare yourself.

He charges in and knocks his elbow into your body while his Bastiodon rushes at your flank.

35 damage from Bastion

Bastiodon: take down acc 5 [roll0]

damage: [roll1]

[CosmicOccurence]

Beckah fell to the ground again, nearly unconcious. However, she was still able to command pokemon through her blurred vision. Ichaival sent another volley of icicle like spears at the man.

Still Standing allows me to command pokemon while under 0 hp.

Icicle Spear - 5 Strikes
AC 4
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll4]

Apply defense only once
[roll5]
[roll6]
[roll7]
[roll8]
[roll9]

If any crits
[roll10]
[roll11]

[UncleScrewtape]

Fang snarls at the new challenger while Cassius grins behind her. After all, they were just getting started. "There's no chance of that," he breathes.

Speed: 18

[HGSwellerman]

The Battle Ends

Bastion absorbs the hits from the icicle spear and grimaces. Then, looking at your struggle to cling to consciousness, he sheathes his kodachi.

You wake up at the hospital (attached, of course, to the pokemon center) with an array of bandages spanning over the more critical injuries. You can feel the mass of bruises and the tremendous stiffness and pain throughout your body. The only word you remember Bastion say is "enough".

The nurses help you out of bed and explain that there was only so much their Blissey could do- at least you can walk just fine. The day has disappeared into night and although you just woke up, resting more does not sound like a bad idea.

Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness: lower STR and DEX stats by -5 for the next day or until you receive adequate rest.

Vs Charizard

Your opponent smiles and the dragonlike beast dashes forward and ensnares Fang in his claws then takes for the skies. You look up, dumbfounded for a second until both pokemon crash back into the ground.

Sky Drop. it hits. 30 damage physical flying before resistances are applied.

[CosmicOccurence]

Beckah tries to walk around a bit, but eventually decides that the pain isn't worth it. Instead she simply returns to bed. She'd like to return to the training facility, but there wasn't anything she could do in her condition at the moment. It wasn't going anywhere, and she was sore. She did release her three pokemon to roam the enclosed room though; no use keeping them in a ball on a perfectly good day.

[UncleScrewtape]

Cassius grits his teeth as Fang slams painfully into the hard-packed earth and tumbles towards him. However, at a look from he trainer, she leaps up again and dashes back towards the scaly beast, the black stripes in her coat blurring with speed.

Agility: +2 Speed CS, speed now 26

[HGSwellerman]

Next Day

You wake up, still sore but it was much more bearable. You feel stronger now and take a few moments to reflect on your encounter with Bastion... your fighting, your toughness and resilience, even your ability to grapple with the bounds of consciousness wasn't enough for him... what did he want from you?

Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness fades, you regain STR and DEX stats. Gain 1 level as a trainer. 10000EXP for your pokemon, as you see fit.

Vs Charizard

The fiery dragonlike pokemon doesn't bat an eyelash as Fang blurs with speed. It beats its wings to a low hover, circling outside Fang's range. Then the Charizard dashes closer and releases spitting flames that encircle your Growlithe.

The opposing trainer grins, such a little dog against a dragon, this doesn't look promising for you, does it? His conceit radiates from him.

11 damage, do not apply resistance. Fang is trapped, so she cannot be switched out or flee.

[UncleScrewtape]

Fang thrashes in the fiery trap, struggling to free herself. Cassius frowns at the sight, glaring wordlessly at the spectacle before him. He hadn't banked on being unable to reach his enemy.

Agility: +2 CS, Speed now 33

[HGSwellerman]

Vs Charizard

The dragonlike beast descends upon Fang with terrifying speed. The sheer difference in size between the Growlithe and the Charizard was enough to send a shiver up your spine- an unusual sensation for you. With a decisive swipe, the Charizard slices into Fang's burning coat of fur.

Could such a small dog possibly win?

Slash hits - 35 damage physical normal
6 damage from fire spin (not reducible)

[UncleScrewtape]

The flying beast's clash leave a cruel gash in Fang's side, and the pup lets out an involuntary yip of pain. Still clinging to the last vestiges of consciousness, Fang clamps down on the charizard's arm with her razor sharp teeth.

[roll0] AC 2+def, flinch on 15+
[roll1]

[HGSwellerman]

Fighting Fire with Fire

The Charizard grimaces under Fang's blow, but appears unbothered. A smirk crawls along the side of your opponent's face, It's time, Valk. A searing glow engulfs the Charizard's eyes and it leaps away then angles its head back- its throat filling with a tremendous amount of flames. The trainer points at Fang, now fully smiling with a sort of maniacal joy.

Fire Blast!

A giant five-pronged star of fire engulfs Fang and all goes black for you.

The word pain does not fully encapsulate the sensations of suffering you feel in this moment. The headache that has been plaguing you since your arrival in Dawnmar has reached its peak. Consciousness returns to find you trembling. You feel as though you're a spectator in your own body, watching your knuckles turn white feeling your eyes fixate on the flame with a strain so intense that it seems foreign.

The flame. Like a volcanic eruption that briefly introduced daylight into the night. And yet you could see the flames arc abnormally- they are being pulled back to Fang's immolating body. Eventually all the flames are pulled back to Fang as though sucked in by a gravitational pull and the heat condensed upon the dog's body, glowing white. You expected to see your beloved hound dead.

But you didn't. The white light bursts out of existence and in its place stands the large, radiant body of Arcanine.

Fang has evolved! Full health.

[CosmicOccurence]

Beckah considered going back to the training center, but she decided to return to the woods for training. She'd come back a bit stronger and try and tackle the training center again. She was interested in that professor, but it could wait.

Wilds Roll [roll0]

[UncleScrewtape]

Cassius stands aghast as Fang shakes her leonine mane and lets out a roar. "Caniiiiiiiine!" Digging her claws into the earth, she throws herself forward and slams into the charizard with reckless abandon.

Speed: 42

Take Down: [roll0] vs 5+def
[roll1] physical normal damage