Summer Camp at Goldenrod

[CateranEnforcer]

On a normal day, the sun would rise over the peaceful landscape of National Park. The already warm breeze would waft through the grass and leaves making a pleasant sound. Today, however, the hustle of the crowd at the entrance downed it out. One by one, young campers were arriving, some alone and others escorted by friends and family. Besides that, there was a group of onlookers and well wishers gathered near the checkpoint. There was even a news crew flitting about to find out more about the fledgling trainers who might next earn their badges.

Each of you first enter from the park's south checkpoint. Though much of the park is open to the public, you receive a name tag that identifies you as a camper after presenting your credentials that will allow access to the campgrounds. Also on the nametag is a small picture of a Scyther. Porters come to take your bags and assure you that they will reach the camp safely. Then you are allowed to pass and enter the fairgrounds beyond. This area is crowded and people you assume are camp staff members are trying to keep things as orderly as possible, with not much success.

The purpose of the picture becomes evident when you peer past the crowd and see a number of people holding up large signs with pictures of various bug pokemon. Some of the campers have already begun to line up near some of the signs, most looking shy or confused while surrounded by people they’ve never met before. You can spot a brown haired woman in a green button up uniform looking shirt vigorously waving her Scyther sign in the air hoping to draw attention to it. Her own name tag reads “Mia.”

[CosmicOccurence]

Margret was feeling a bit overwhelmed as the sea of legs loomed in front of her. Seeing from a Growlithe's point of view was fine when in open fields or when there was plenty of open space. In this crowd though, she might as well be blind ... which she was ... but not really because she was looking through Gawain's eyes. It was confusing even for her sometimes.

As always, she could smell the lovely scent of body odor perfuming the area, another downside to channeling a canine pokemon. Someone had definitely been having semi-expired milk and it was disgusting. She used her cane to help her avoid walking into anyone as Gawain deftly wove between her and others, nudging her to stop and move when she couldn't figure out how to navigate the legs on her own.

Her parents were there too of course, there's no way they would let her go on her own. They were worried enough with this whole camp business as it was. When the nametag was shoved into her hands, she bent down so Gawain could see it. There were some words on there she couldn't read, a picture of her face, a scyther icon, and what she recognized as her name. She'd been trying to learn to read ever since her powers developed, but reading was hard. How was she supposed to know what any of those symbols meant? And by the time she sounded one word out she'd forgotten the others. Her parents said that its easier for kids to learn than teens, but that didn't make her feel any better about her illiteracy.

Looks like you're a Scyther, her dad said, Their sign is over there,. He paused for a second, and Margret knew that he was pointing when he said, Whoops, sorry honey. The sign is forward and to the left. Here, we'll guide you, Concern layered his voice, and Margret knew that his doubts were resurfacing.

When he tried to grab her arm, she yanked it out. I can do it on my own dad, she said grumpily. I don't want them to think I'm totally useless. They'll probably already be disappointed to have a blind girl at camp with them.

Gawain led the way, and Margret got a little more assertive with her cane work. Usually people were pretty good about moving aside when they saw her cane, and soon she saw the Scyther sign ahead of her. She'd been told Scyther were green, but, as usual, she just saw everything in shades of grey.

Hi, I'm Margret. I think I belong in your group. Her parents hung back for this, thank Arceus, and she stuck a hand out in front of her. She was getting pretty good at putting it where most people would expect it, but she still had a bad habit of looking up at the sky when talking to people, since from her perspective the girl towered over her by several times her height. When she realized how ridiculous she looked, hand held out, head tilted back, she quickly corrected. At least she thought her face was pointed in the right direction. It was always kind of tough, that.

Consider Gawain the growlithe always channeled and shared senses unless I say otherwise. Also always out. Right now he's wearing his harness identifying him as a seeing/eye pokemon, so most people would probably not try to pet him, and he would ignore such attempts.

AP: 4/5

[Lorrel]

The sun was up. It was bright and sunny, and Constance was ready to go. She made sure she had all of her things packed, grabbed her pokeballs and made her way to the door.
She reached to the side to grab her bag, struggling with the weight.

I see I have a hitchhiker, she muttered as she slung the bag over her shoulder and made her way to the National Park.

As she got close, she saw the enormous crowd. There were people everywhere, and the noise was surreal. Constance felt sorry for the poor critters who normally made this their home. She doubted they were happy with all of the uproar.

Constance marveled at the size of the crowd. Wow, this is even bigger than graduation day at P-Tech.
And much like graduation day, there were families everywhere. For the first time since she left, Constance actually felt alone. Shaking the thought from her head, Constance reminded herself that even if her family was here, she would not be getting the happy hugs and tearful goodbyes the other campers got. She would get a stern lecture about not embarrassing the family. She carefully made her way through the mass of people towards the south checkpoint, as indicated in her registration package.

The attendant at the gate handed her a Scyther name tag, once again triggering unpleasant memories of home, and her last battle at Pokemon Tech against her cousin's new found Scizor. Constance smiled at the attendant anyway, putting on her cheerful face. She was determined to make this a fresh start, and a happy new chapter in her life. Her smile returned, she continued on.
Scanning the crowd Constance looked for the Scyther sign bearer and tried her best to make her way there without getting trampled by the other campers who were busy searching for their own signs.
With a series of Excuse Me's, Constance was finally able to reach the Scyther sign.

Hello, I am Constance Le.... looking forward to a fun summer, she continued weakly, I think I am supposed to be in this group, I have a Scyther on my name tag. She points at her name tag as if the person had no idea what Constance was talking about, feeling foolish immediately afterwards. Not the first impression she was hoping to make.
Constance takes time to look around at the other signs, and to see if anyone from her group has arrived yet. She also takes note of any wildlife that is brave enough to stay in the area even with the onset of campers.
While waiting she absently scratches the bag riding, perma sleeping Tru behind the ears.

[Nap Captain]

Nessa's mouth made a wide O of wonder when they arrived: they were finally here and camp was about to begin. She had to use all of her willpower to stop herself dashing straight into the crowd, especially when she was handed her name tag. But Mom was still not in a good mood, and Nessa wasn't about to risk her summer of freedom (and possibly more!).

She said her goodbyes as demurely as possible to Mom: her dad had had to stay home with Alice who couldn't make the journey, so Nessa had already said the important farewells.

"Now Fig: it's up to you to keep her out of trouble, understood?"

The Nidoran gave a curt nod and grunted. Fig had been trying to keep Nessa out of trouble for years, to mixed success.

As soon as Nessa had finished the last painful hug and knew she was dismissed she sprinted through the crowd, eager to join her fellow campers: she was rarely this excitable, but today was an exception! Fig bounded gamely after her, perhaps buoyed up on her enthusiasm.

"Hi there, I'm Nessa," she announced birghtly. "I've been super looking forward to this! And this is Fig," she added, introducing the Nidoran, "She's excited for this as well: I can tell."

After introducing herself, Nessa covertly assessed her compatriots, trying to get an idea of who exactly she would be spending the next few weeks/months with.

[AutumnLotus]

With a sudden jolt of the brakes, the intercity bus came to a stop in Goldenrod, specifically a block from the National Park. The interlocking doors began to swivel open, and with it came a disheveled young woman. Her thick brunette hair was currently pulled back into a ponytail, her bangs wrapped into a simple braid that wove around to the back of her ear. She wore a loose tank top, more a formality then coverage, with a modest bikini underneath. For bottoms she had decided on wearing a shorter pair of cargo shorts. On her shoulders was her Vaporeon, Siren, who seemed to share the same displeasure from the ride.

Haukea hated mechanized travel. The sounds of the engine, the bumps on the road, and all the people! She could barely tolerate her Mother's car, let alone a rusty column of steel and plastic that was the bus. But she was free now! And that meant that she was at her destination, full of people but with a shared interest in pokemon. Doing her best to calm her racing heart, the girl made her way into the crowded entranceway.

Getting called over by a uniformed official, Haukea presented herself for her credentials. Everything seemed to be exactly as was explained to her on the phone, except for the Name Tag.

"Why does is have to be Bug types? Anything but this" the girl muttered to herself, cringing at the mere thought. But rules were rules, she supposed, and made her way further into the park to find the group handler. It didn't take long to find them (the billboard was a dead giveaway) and Haukea was pleasantly surprised to see other camp goers were already around the uniformed woman. 'This makes things a whole lot easier'.

"Alola, Hiya! It's nice to finally meet you all" Haukea spoke brightly, gesturing her hands in the traditional Alolan greeting. It was likely foreign to everyone, and he mother always discouraged it after they moved into the country, but the girl refused to ignore her past. Plus it usually got interesting responses.

"My name is Haukea. And this.." she continued, nodding her head to her friend located on her shoulder, "Is my best friend Siren". Said Vaporeon raised it's head slightly from where it lay, letting out a soft coo before going back to sleep. Haukea let out a soft laugh, rubbing the creature behind her fin crest before looking back to the group.

[CosmicOccurence]

Margret greeted the others cordially, though she had some trouble keeping track of which pair of legs belonged to which voice. Eventually she gave up and just began memorizing them by scent. Haukea smelled like salt, Nessa bore the unmistakable scent of poisons, though she didn't seem sick herself, and Constance ... well Constance smelled, of stress. She thanked Arceus for Gawain's nose.

This is Gawain, she said, indicating the Growlithe. He's pretty friendly, but will probably ignore you until his harness comes off later. He's on the job right now. Gawain was quickly distracted by Fig, and Margret lost sight of the humans for a minute as the Nidoran filled her view.

She bent down, reaching her mind out to the Pokemon to see if she could form a connection with it. It usually wasn't too hard, but she was still mastering the skill.

Hi girl, Margret said, attempting to convey her welcome and pleasure at seeing such a pokemon that interested Gawain.

Not sure if i need an intuition roll, but since I don't know the pokemon I'm assumign so.

Channel roll dc 15 [roll0]

[CateranEnforcer]

As all of you move to line up near the Scyther line, you get a better look at the other groups. You see six signs holding staffers, each with a different bug type. You see a Beedrill, Ariados, Butterfree, Ledian, and nearest to you is the Pinsir group. Margret hears whispers as she walks past, and through Gwain’s ears she hears very clearly the doubts and the questions that the onlookers have concerning her blindness.

The woman smiles and greets each of you as you arrive, while trying to make a note on a clipboard. When it seems like she’s matched all your names to her list "Well aren't I a lucky one! I'm very happy to meet you all! My name is Mia and I am I going to be your camp counselor while you are here. When I'm not teaching or running activities, I'll be staying with you in your cabin. Maybe I'll see you down at the ranch we have set up and show you how to ride sometime?" She looks around at the other groups around you to see how they are fairing. “It’s looks like it’ll be a few minutes while everyone gathers up, but it shouldn’t be too much longer. Our first activity is supposed to be something of an icebreaker, so why don’t we share our...”

Before Mia can finish her thought, a well dressed man walks up to your group with a microphone in hand and camera man following him around. “Excuse me! Could I ask the young trainers a few questions? What is it you are looking forward to most here at Summer Camp?” He shoves his microphone at you insistently while the camera captures it all while being uncomfortably close.

As if that wasn’t enough, an argument breaks out on the other side of you as a well dressed young man with a name tag argues with a group of porters who are apparently handling his things too roughly. He looks an awful lot like the rude boy Constance saw briefly at the daycare center. His wartortle has a painful looking leash on that he tugs at as he paces around scolding the men.

[Lorrel]

As the other cabin mates gather Constance warmly greets the other girls.
Hi, I'm Constance. The sleep artist in the bag is Tru. I think we are going to have as great time this summer! I can't wait to see what they have in store for us.
Constance makes mental notes of each of their Pokemon so she can learn more about her new friend's partners when she has a chance.

When the reporter arrives Constance tries to hang back; she definitely doesn't want to make a spectacle of herself. She just wants to fit in with the crowd. Constance smiles shyly at the questions, and is relieved at the interruption from the ruckus.


As the commotion with the boy flares up, Constance is not that shocked to see the perpetrator.

Figures he'd cause a scene here too. No matter how hard people try, you can't breed decency or buy class.


Constance will keep an eye on the boy, and if he continues his tirade or looks to become physical she will try and lure the cameraman over to the boy before confronting him again. Nothing like the threat of national embarrassment for his familyto ensure better behaviour, and so much for staying as part of the crowd.

[Nap Captain]

Fig is an old soul with a stubborn streak: her willpower reminds you of Gawain's. No wonder she's interesting to him. The Nidoran is curious about this connection, but you feel as though there's a distance between the two of you, she is clearly very focused on looking out for her Nessa (almost as though she's a parent).

Nessa was quick to try and approach Margaret with a welcoming smile, which she realised too late wouldn't be helpful. "Margaret, did you say? Where have you come from? Do you know anyone else at camp?" Having seen the effect Alice's illness had had on her, Nessa wanted to make sure Margaret didn't feel too isolated by all the new experiences.

Nessa wasn't particularly enthused by the news reporter's questions. She wasn't an outgoing type, but sensing the reluctance of her fellow campers, she spoke up shyly: "Um... Well I'm looking forwards to learning all about pokemon, and exploring the wilderness. Mom hates it when I go out on my own." Why did I add that last bit? Mom's going to be fuming when she watches this! Nessa blushes and then gestures for one of the others to speak up: she doesn't want to be the only one who makes the news.

[CosmicOccurence]

So many water pokemon, Margret thought as she severed her link with the Nidoran. It clearly had more on its mind. I wonder if Gawain and I will even have a shot at this camp. She feels a sharp nip on her legs as Gawain bit her, reminding her of her unspoken promise that she would try to do better. Still, against a Wartortle? She just didn't see any way.

While Gawain could tell where the camera was pointed as she turned her attention to the reporter, she intentionally looked about a quarter turn to the right, pretending she had no idea where it was. Sometimes being blind had its perks. I'm just excited for the opportunity to be chosen. Winning a gym badge would be a dream come true for me. I just can't believe I was even chosen. It wasn't really a dream of hers, but she figured it would be a good soundbyte. One they couldn't use because the visual was horrible when she was facing the wrong direction. And 'blind girl goes to camp' wasn't exactly a riveting headline either. Margret was still salty that she was chosen as a media op, since she knew her battle record didn't get her in. In the 600 person tournament recently she hadn't even made it past the first round. But she would milk the training here for every cent it was worth. She more than anyone needed a battling boot camp, that was for sure.

[AutumnLotus]

The sudden appearance of the media duo certainly caught Haukea off guard, but was not a bad surprise. It made sense for the camo to publicize it's campers and their experiences. Although it did seem to unsettle her new camping partners. Co-Campers? Co-Campers. It was at that moment, however, that the young woman noticed that the seemingly vision-impaired co-camper seemed uncomfortable with the cameramans attention. 'That won't do', and with that idle thought Haukea moved up beside the other girl, trying to catch the camera crew's attention.

"Well I'm definitely here to make some friends. Me and my Vaporeon partner are always up to helping others" Haukea proclaimed happily, smiling wide to the media crew. Siren did her part by not being asleep, shivering off her drowsiness which reflected the strong sunlight off her shimmering pink scales. The girl for her part gently placed a hand onto Margret's back in a, hopefully, calming gesture. Haukea had experience dealing with younger kids, and this often helped them cope. Does it work with her age group? The Alolan certainly enjoyed the touch of friends, but she was a hugger so that might be biased. 'Oh wrll, what's done is done. Let's see how this goes'

[CateranEnforcer]

The camera captures all of your responses and the reporter smiles along with you while ignoring the glare Mia sends his way for interrupting her. That's just fantastic. It looks like you're going to have a lot of fun and notoriety here. He looks like he is about to follow up with more questions when a cheer rises up from the south entrance. That's her! We can't miss this Billy! Without another word he rushes off towards the south.

It's hard to see past the crowd, but it doesn't take long for it to move aside as a couple of Granbulls clear a path with a mean look. Following behind them are two female trainers, dressed up in pink and white tank tops, white shorts, and sunglasses. Pink and white were the colors of the Goldenrod gym so it's no surprise when following close behind these two you see none other than Gym Leader Whitney.

She strides with confidence in front of the row of campers and when she speaks, her voice carries over the whole of the assembled group. "Hello everyone, it's very nice to see such enthusiasm for the first ever Goldenrod Summer Camp program!" She waits for the scattered applause to end before continuing. "However, I want to keep this short and sweet. Our campers have a lot to do today and I want to send them on their way. So for that reason I'm going to close most of the public areas of the Park today so they can make us proud! So please, respect their space and cheer them on for me!"

With that, the audience does as asked, and they raise their voices to shout out encouragement and support. The crowd finally backs off with the help of Whitney's bodyguard trainers and you are left with your group and some breathing room at last. Mia in particular seems happy about this. "Whew I'll be glad when we get to camp. It's much more peaceful there, I promise. So, as I was saying, the first activity is supposed to help you get to know each other a little bit better. The four of you are going to have to follow a few clues to find the location of your cabin! Your first stop is Memorial Trail, where you'll find little statues of our team pokemon. Your first clue is there! It's easy to find, just inside the entrance."

Mia stops for a moment to crouch down to get into a small backpack behind her. She comes back up with some Pokegear devices and passes them out to you. "If you get really lost you can call me on these, but I believe that you'll do just fine. Opening ceremony happens tonight at dusk so try to make it by then! Oh, and feel free to get to know the other teams! I'll be here if you have any questions, but otherwise I'll see you tonight!"

You get pokegear! Should be as full featured as in the core book.

[CosmicOccurence]

Margret jerked back from the foreign hand on her back. With her parents gone, she couldn't think of anyone who would be touching her. Gawain immediately jerked around at her reaction, the Growlithe showing her what was going on. She took a small step away and turned towards the arrival of Whitney.

Margret had never met Whitney before, but who hadn't heard of her? The girl was a genius, and one of the youngest gym leaders in the world, let alone the region. Hopefully I'll be getting a badge from her soon, she thought.

At the thought of the scavenger hunt, Margret smiled. It should be fun. However, when she got handed the Pokegear, she turned a blank stare towards Mia. No problem Mia, she said, I'm sure the Scythers will make it without too much of a problem.

However, could you just tell me your number? Or are you on speeddial? Because there's no garuntee I'll be able to find you on this thing. She had her parent's numbers memorized of course, and Growlithe had a hard time distinguishing small details, especially on electronics. Smell was her companion's sense of choice.

[AutumnLotus]

Haukea pouted at the other girls retreat from her hand but was quick to drop the feelings of disappointment from her mind. The first rule of making friends was to accept their feelings, even if they don't make sense to you. Nodding to herself, the young swimmer listened to Mia and her continuing speech. Which did reward her with a present, an interesting looking pocket device, from said adult. This was the first time seeing such an item, and only had the vaguest ideas on what it was for. She wasn't much for television, but had heard her mother talk about something called a Pokegear once. Hopefully the thing was waterproof, or else there would be a problem.

Haukea immediately opened it and began to idly fidget with the device. 'It definitely has a lot of features. But also a phone? Doesn't seem that helpful unless you don't mind not having privacy. But this weather app could be useful..' the girl thought to herself as she continued, eventually finding preregistered contact information. Scrolling past them, she immediately added in her Mother's contact information. It's doubtful she would ever need to call, but just in case the number was placed at the top of the speed dial functions.

Finishing up her task, Haukea finally took the time to actually truly See her new campmates. There was the girl she just failed to interact with, Margret. Skittish but passionate in being here, or so Haukea perceived it. Constance seemed a bit more shy, but that was natural given the amount of new people. She sympathized, and hoped to get to know her more. But Nessa was the person that interested her most. Just being near her gave Haukea the impression the girl was close to nature. The smell of foliage and dirt was hard to ignore. To some this might dissuade them from interacting with the girl. But to the Alolan this was a sign of a kindred spirit. Messing around with the dial of her new Pokegear, the young woman made her way over to Nessa's position in the group while fiddling with the map function.

"Hey there Nessa~. You seem pretty at home in nature. Do you want to help me when we start navigating the park? It could be a nice chance to bond as team members, yeah?" Haukea advised with a broad smile. Practice made perfect, even in friend making.

[Nap Captain]

Notoriety? Who said anything about notoriety? Or did she mean me? I'm not looking for notoriety, am I? Anxiety briefly tempered Nessa's excitement, as she wondered just how she was perceived by others, but it quickly faded as Whitney arrived. Honestly Nessa wasn't all that bothered: she had never had an ambition to win Gym badges or look up to Gym leaders, but she guessed Whitney was a pretty cool role model if she had to pick one. Plus with all this fanfare, it was easy to get swept up in everything.

She fiddled with the pokegear curiously: she'd never had something like this before and she was well aware how expensive one was. She knew with a deep certainty that she was going to end up breaking this before the camp was over and there would be trouble...

"Hey there Nessa~. You seem pretty at home in nature. Do you want to help me when we start navigating the park? It could be a nice chance to bond as team members, yeah?"

She turned to her fellow camper, the athletic looking one (she was shoulder-carrying a Vaporeon!) who seemed outwardly the most confident of all of them.

"Er yeah, sure. You're Haukea right? Yeah, I mean I know a few things, I guess navigating can't be too hard." She noticed the Nidoran giving her a scathing look. "Shh Fig - I don't get lost very often!"

Hoping her new friend hadn't lost confidence in her she turned back to Haukea and said: "Right, let's get started! Anyone know if this thing has a map?"

Possibly being daft, but where in the rule book does it mention what capabilities a pokégear has? DO we need to roll to know where Memorial Trail is, and if so would that be General Edu? If so [roll0].

[Lorrel]

Constance is happy that the reporter is distracted by the entrance of Whitney, and she too quickly forgets about the rude boy from the Day Care. She watches in silent awe at the adoration Whitney receives from the gathered crowd. Maybe someday she too could feel that kind of acceptance. Wouldn't that be a change from the way her life usually went.

She listens eagerly as Mia explains their first task, and takes note of her Pokegear.
Wow, this is so great. Just like the sets we used back at school. I have always wanted one for my own. Thank you very much Mia. Even in her excitement, Constance managed to remember the manners that had been driven into her. She quickly straps on the device to her arm for easy access.

Constance sees Margret's hesitation with the device and walks over. Hi, Margret was it? I'm Constance, one of your fellow campers. I have used these devices quite a bit and can help you find Mia's number if you'd like. I am sure it is programmed in. We can also register all of our numbers in there too - you never know when we might need to keep in touch.

If Margret allows, Constance will ensure Mia's number is saved in the PokeGear and add her and the others grils' numbers in as well (if they want.)

Upon hearing a question about a map, Constance responds. This model is definitely capable of having a map feature, I wonder if they loaded it in? Either way, Mia mentioned that the Memorial Trail is just inside the entrance. We might as well start heading that way. Being a National Park, I bet there will be a trail marker. If not, at least we will be away from the lingering crowds and can make a plan in peace.

[Nap Captain]

Upon hearing a question about a map, Constance responds. This model is definitely capable of having a map feature, I wonder if they loaded it in? Either way, Mia mentioned that the Memorial Trail is just inside the entrance. We might as well start heading that way. Being a National Park, I bet there will be a trail marker. If not, at least we will be away from the lingering crowds and can make a plan in peace.

"Oh yeah..." Was it too early to tell them that Nessa had perfected the art of pretending to listen to people in positions of authority, without actually taking anything in? Yeah probably too soon.

Trying to hide her blush, Nessa motioned to Fig the Nidoran to get her to stay close (not that there was much to worry about there) and with her new found friends headed towards the entrance to the park.

[CateranEnforcer]

Mia puts her hands to her mouth as she realizes she didn't consider Margaret's blindness. "Oh I'm so sorry! Yes my number is already in there as the first contact. I'm sure we can find a way to set it up so you don't have to read it. I'll ask Bruce about it. He's the Butterfree councilor and he set these up." She smiled brightly when she saw the group taking to each other. "I'm glad to see you all getting along! Like I said, Memorial Trail can't miss it. I'm not supposed to help more than that unless you call me. Good luck! I'll see you tonight!"

While checking out your new Pokegear, you can get a general idea of its functions. A big Silph Co logo pops up as you turn it on. There is indeed a map loaded into it you can get a good idea of what the park looks like. The southern side where you are is a collection of walking trails, picnic areas, benches for relaxing, and even a playground. The northern side is famously shaped like a pokeball if looking from above and is a massive area of wilderness where it is very common to find the bug pokemon that call those fields home. It is also a great wide open space for pokemon battles. A man made lake fills completes the picture at the center.

Park signs direct you to the various walking trails, many of which have their own map painted on them. There is another sign every so often that reads Pokemon battles prohibited on trails. Please use designated areas. This seems to be the starting point for everyone as you see campers all over the area, making their own way down the trail. Many of them have their pokemon out and seem to be demonstrating their moves or showing off their babies. One group runs off north to the open area. A boy with a Ledian name tag calls out to you as he jogs after them. "Hey! Team Beedrill is having a battle for leadership! We're going to watch!" He continues without waiting for a reply.

"What a waste of time." The blonde boy with the Wartortle says from nearby. He seems to have wandered over here from his Pinsir group. His own name tag reads Henry. "Nice Vaporeon you have there girl. I should get my father to have you join our group. I'll trade you for Rattata boy over here." He jerks his finger over his shoulder to indicate a younger looking boy in his group who looks very intimidated by Henry.

[Nap Captain]

Nessa continued to bubble along, telling the rest of the girls about her passion for medicine and that she was really hoping to learn more about Pokemon medicine at camp, as well as find new and exciting creatures.

They're fighting for leadership? Boys... Nessa noted how that idea hadn't even come up in their group, which was telling.

She was more concerned about the boy who appeared to be trying to steal her new-found friend, but she didn't know Haukea well enough to speak on her behalf. Maybe she knew this kid with his suave looking wartortle. Nessa fiddled with the new pokegear she'd been given, adding her family's numbers and flicking through the apps, whilst subtly trying to watch the interaction between Haukea and this new boy.

[AutumnLotus]

Haukea began her walk with her new group, watching the other campers running along the main trail. She was so glad to see everyone so excited, just like herself. Although she was was fairly surprised at how varied the ages of the people around her were, what really caught her attention was the newly appeared boy talking to her. Not the group, but her personally. Maybe this person knew about her. Maybe he knew . That pang of paranoia was only encouraged as she looked down to the boy's pokemon, a Wartortle wearing an uncomfortable looking collar of some sort. She knew just how to respond.

"That's sooo sweet of you!" Haukea responded, sweet honey seeming to pour from her tongue with every word. "I wouldn't want to be a bother for you or your family, though. And your partner seems just as reliable as ol' me. A Smart Haole like you could really teach your youngers a thing or two, yeah?"

Siren, for the Vaporeon's part, decided to slide off the girl's shoulders and onto the ground. She seemed disinterested in the new human, and only briefly glanced at the Wartortle before turning with a flop of her finned tail and moving back with the groups other Pokemon.

[CosmicOccurence]

Margret felt like rolling her eyes. This guy was an arse, but no doubt a skilled one. With an evolved Pokemon, and a water type at that, she had no intention of challenging him to a battle, but she could make him a little uncomfortable at least.

So she walked straight into him.

She played up the blindness of course, conveniently putting the cane where he wasn't and pretending she couldn't actually see: she was happy nobody knew about her abilities yet. To others, she appeared just as a blind girl walking forwards and this boy not getting out of the way. She'd done this a few times. Usually it inspired deep discomfort, but she wouldn't be surprised if this kid had a different reaction.

As she collided with him, she went sprawling right on the leash that he held, hoping that it would get yanked out of his hands. Gawain played his part too, the Growlith worriedly nosing her and whining.

[Lorrel]

Leaderhsip challenge? It's summer camp what is a leader even going to do? Seems rather foolsih, but children will play, I suppose. Constance said dismissively. Some people just couldn't live their lives without ensure they were better than someone else. She was glad that her new friends did not seem like that type.
She looked around at the other groups, trying to get a sense of the overall makeup of the camp. Constance was here because she had no where else to go, but the rest of the campers looked generally happy to be here, and that made Constance happy. She was looking forward to being away from the dour setting and eternal jockeying for status.

Somehow Constance was not shocked to see the rude boy from the day care. It seemed like he would be her shadow at camp, a lingering reminder of the family and life she had left behind. Still, it was better that there was only one, instead of a whole clan of them.

Stiffing a chuckle, Constance watched as Henry, the poor mannered boy from the day care was rebuffed when he tried to recruit Haukea. Constance had no idea what Haole meant, but to her it was clear it was not a term of endearment.
What audacity, Constance thought to herself. He as already determined the "value" of his cabin mates and decided they weren't good enough.

Constance tried to remain inconspicuous while keep an eye on the boy; she was not going to pick a fight with Henry for no reason, but she was on guard for one of his tempter tantrums.

Oh no! Constance cried and leapt forward as Margret went crashing into Henry. Are you ok? What happened, do you need help?

[CateranEnforcer]

Henry seemed conflicted by Haukea's reply. He didn't like that she was refusing him, but she did so in such a way as to appease his ego. Still he persisted. "I really am just trying to offer you the best chance you may have to get your badge. Don't want anyone holding me back is all. Well, what about the rest of you? Anything is better than…" As the boy turns to address the rest of you, Margaret collides with him. The leash is pulled from his hand and in surprise, Henry stumbles to his hands and knees. His wartortle bends a little but stands steady even with the extra weight on his neck.

As this is happening, the other three Pinsir campers come running up; a blonde, well dressed girl named Charlotte, a brown haired boy named Drake with sleek shades over his eyes and a length of chain hanging from his denim pants, and a younger boy named Joey of about fourteen with dusty hair like his Rattata. Charlotte is of a identical height to the rude boy and her face bears a clear family resemblance to his. Her and her Heracross help a sputtering Henry to his feet. Meanwhile, Joey leans down to peer down at Margaret seeming unsure if he should try to help and his Rattata comes up and sniffs the air near your Nidoran and Growlithe without coming too close.

"You stupid girl, that was on purpose! You trying to start a fight with me?" Henry scrambles for the leash and and he unhooks it from his pokemon's collar. "You better watch yourself. My wartortle can wipe the floor with your little pokemon. Maybe even Ratboy is better than you. He can at least can see where he's going."

[Nap Captain]

Nessa was mild-mannered. Everyone knew that. Even her mother who had wrestled with Nessa's stubborn ways for the past 16 years knew that Nessa might be hard-headed, but she would always disagree calmly. Except, when a line was crossed. It couldn't be for just an insult. It had to be for those insults. When they insulted Alice's sickness, or the way her sister struggled with physical tasks: that Nessa couldn't bear.

"Pity you won't be able to see it: you'll be too busy spitting dust after we wipe your face in the dirt!"

Fig was next to her bristling with rage and anger as well, neither of them was holding back their feelings well.

[CosmicOccurence]

Oh, so he was that kind of guy. While she was upset that he'd called her bluff, she was more upset at how much of downright nasty person he was. Could he be any more self centered? And really, insulting her because she was blind? Margret made disparaging jokes about it all the time, but it was always different when someone else did it.

The feisty part of her wanted to try and take him down right now. She liked to put idiots in their place. However, that Wartortle ... there was just no way Gawain was going to win that battle. Maybe Bors after he grew a bit, but she knew when she was beat. Which she suspected would be most of the time while she was here.

If you're so much better than me, then why are you here? Margret asks. And I'd be careful about getting too close to me. The doctors have got my immune system mostly under control, but sometimes I get a bit contagious. I'd hate for you to end up sad and depressed like me. Her voice dripped with sarcasm, but she tried to make at least a modicum of effort to make the bold faced lie believable.


Guile: [roll0]

[Lorrel]

Seeing the events play out, Constance wasn't surprised at the rude boys behaviour. She had no idea if he would even remember her from the day care, but it didn't really matter.

I see your fine breeding and well honed manners are on display once again Henry. Another childish outburst, and in front of all of these people. Your mother must swell with pride.
Were you not taught to fix your own shortcomings before looking for fault in others? Perhaps if you learned to control your Pokemon *without* a leash, then people wouldn't trip over it. Maybe someday you will be a good enough trainer to let your wartortle walk around on its own, like Joey and his Ratatta. It gives you something to aspire to I suppose.

Constance shook her head disparagingly and looked at the boy with the same condescending look she usually got from her mother. Who knew that a life of not being good enough would come in handy to try and put bullies in their place. She keeps an eye on Charlotte to see how she responds.

Perception Roll (4D6) 4d6
(From OOC) (4d6)[6][2][1][4](13)
Edit to fix roll code. I think I broke it when I previewed the message.

[CateranEnforcer]

Henry takes a step back at the combined verbal assault. He even seems to look at Margaret as if she really was contagious. Charlotte leans in to whisper quietly to him, and Henry nods his head. "You're right, this is another waste of time. They deserve each other's mediocrity. We're leaving, come on Ratboy. Follow my example and even you can surpass these scrubs. I just hope they don't bring you down with them." That last line was to Haukea. He hooks the leash back on to the wartortle's collar and tugs him along down the trail. Charlotte walks right beside him and the two seem to be conferring with one another. Joey straightens up and waves goodbye shyly before following behind. Drake simply shrugs, spits on ground, and brings up the rear of the group, seemingly apathetic.

With that aside, you can hear the sounds of kids cheering to the north in the open area, likely from watching the battle happening there. Ahead of you is a sign pointing down Memorial Trail. The path is marked by hard soil and lined on either side with flowering bushes. There is a plaque visible from here resting on a block of decorative marble. Pinsir group walks past it without a glance and turns sharply behind the vegetation, but you can still see their top halves as they look down at something. The trail seems to wind around this open field, with only the occasional small tree. Smaller plaques are visible from here along the ground.

You can hear what Charlotte whispers to Henry,"Not here. Later."

When they leave, you can hear them talking about using their map to skip straight to their cabin.

You can notice that Henry is no longer speaking to you directly or making eye contact with anyone other than Haukea. He seems thoroughly rebuffed.

Henry's wartortle seems to take a bit of pleasure from his trainer's embarrassment.

[Lorrel]

Despite her participation in the confrontation, Constance was happy that it was over. Camp was supposed to be about fun and friends, not dealing with entitled jerks. She had enough of that at home. She made sure to take note of Charlotte's lack of surprise or anger at her brother's actions. The boys behavior may be symptomatic of the entire family.

Constance overhears the other group as they move off into the woods. Figures they would consider using their maps as a shorcut. Some people only see finish lines and fail to enjoy the journey.

Looking at her new friends Constance says in a slightly louder than needed voice. Let's get going. We have lots of clues to find, and we don't want to be stuck using our maps like a bunch of fools.
Constance starts down the trail, keeping alerts for any signs of their next clue.


Perception for spotting the next clue
[roll0]

Intuition Roll for the previous post
[roll1]

[Nap Captain]

"That was unpleasant," Nessa muttered quietly. "Come on Fig: let's look for this Scyther plaque."

Nessa headed over to where the Pinsir group was searching, and examined each of the plaques in turn to identify their cabin's.

[AutumnLotus]

Haukea watched as the rich boy's group wandered off, obviously frustrated by her and her group's backtalk. Not very surprising, she admitted, but there was still hope for better relations once they start having to live in nature for a few weeks. Hard to act cocky while covered in dirt. Although the girl would have to keep an eye out for this Charlotte girl. She is either the cause of that boy's huge ego, or just a bystander that could be persuaded to help. Time changes many things, and all that.

Back to Realty, Haukea had realized that parts of her group were already on the move to find their landmark. This little drama had put them behind a few groups, so haste was definitely needed until they get to their cabin. Waving her hand towards the vaporeon on the ground, the girl gestured to Siren yo follow her before making her way into the forest. The Pokemon quickly follows, a light strong in their step at the prospect of getting away from the streets and into the forest.

[CosmicOccurence]

Margret simply nods and follows along, enjoying the scent of flowers and willing to let her companions take the lead for now.

[CateranEnforcer]

The four of you begin to once again focus on your task at hand. The trail ahead seems to wind in no particular direction, allowing people to choose their own path through it. Upon glancing at the first plaque, it proclaims the following:


Memorial Trail
A place for contemplation and reflection on the the past.

As you walk the paths, you see a number of smaller plaques along the ground each listing names, events, or battles. Some are generically dedicated to veterans while others mention specific names and situations. Also paired with many of these are small statuettes of various native pokemon, mostly bug pokemon. These statuettes come with an educational paragraph or two not unlike a pokedex entry. You even see a few packages with clues attached meant for other groups.

You finally come across a shady spot near a tree line marking the edge of the park that has a stone bench, a small package, and a plaque with a Scyther statuette. In this more remote corner of the park, you can see a handful of wild pokemon on the way. Constance can point out Caterpie and Weedle creeping around the bushes. A Butterfree flitters in the distance, drawn to the flowering plants. You even scare away a few Spearow who were pecking curiously at the package.

The plaque upon which your package sits writes about the Articuno's impact on the Kanto-Johto war. She brought cold winds and snow to the southern waters, forming icebergs and forcing native pokemon to move or adapt. Though it only lasted a month and a half, the environmental effects lasted to this day.

There is a handwritten note on top of the package, addressed to Scyther Group.

Welcome to your first stop. If you are serious about traveling the world as a pokemon trainer, you will need to learn about gathering food and managing resources. You won't be able to eat until you arrive, so here's a care package of berries from the local area. But there's not enough for each of you and your pokemon. It's up to you how to divide it up. Maybe you can find more as you travel to your next clue. The types of berries will give to a hint to what will be waiting for you. The Scyther figure is pointing the direction you need to go. Try not to get wet!
-Mia

Taking a closer look at the Scyther you notice its blades both point in a north west direction, straight up into the heart of the northern section of the park.

Inside the package you find the following berries.

1x Sitrus Berry (heal 15 hp)
1x Passho Berry (resist super effective water attack)
1x Lum Berry (cure any status)

[Nap Captain]

Nessa spent a while watching the pokemon flittering about. This really was going to be the best summer of her life!

After examining the package, Nessa explained what the berries were: "Sorry for being a know-it-all, but I've actually spent a bit of time growing my own berries to help injured pokemon at home. I've even got myself a handy growing container, so don't you guys worry about taking these, I'll grow some more once we're all settled in the cabin."

She then headed in the direction of the Scyther's pointing blades.

[CosmicOccurence]

Note: This post assumes someone read the note aloud to Margret. If nobody does it, she'll ask politely.

Margret nods at her partner's explanation. While Gawain's sight could probably ID the berries for her, it was the smell that did it. She was heartened by the water resist berries. If Nessa could breed those for Gawain, she'd be more than relieved. That sounds logical. By the smell of these berries, we'll be fighting a water type that uses some status attacks. I'd normally say Tentacool, but we're pretty far from the ocean.

In any case, I'll have Gawain hunt around for more of those berries. She bends down and takes off his harness. See if you can find any more of these, ok Gawain? The growlithe yips happily, immediately becoming more wiggly and playful now that he was out of 'work mode'. He raced off into the bushes with Margret 'watching' to make sure he stayed out of trouble. In many ways he was still a puppy, and his boisterous energy was sure to flush more than a few flock of spearow.

While I have my cane, it would be helpful if one of you could guide me without Gawain here.
Things are more difficult when I don't have him to give me a heads up about tree stumps or rose bushes. She wasn't uncomfortable with Gawain gone, but it was definitely less convenient when he wasn't around. She'd probably be fine, and she hated asking for help, but it was better than her first real impression being falling on her face multiple times in front of them.


[roll0] Gawain perception to find berries. Not sure if his tracker capability is useful here or not. In any event, he's mostly using the smell of the berries to find any more.

[Lorrel]

Constance was enjoying their stroll through the woods. She was not a very outdoorsy girl - she preferred her books - but still enjoyed being outside. The warm sun and nice breeze flowing through her hair. The site of wild Pokemon going about their daily lives. Everything around was so vibrant and happy.

Reading the plaque, Constance reflected on how not that long ago the who region was engulfed in conflict. She was happier than ever to be growing up now rather than then. Looking over the berries Constance reads the note aloud, and realizes that she has no skill at all when it comes to surviving outdoors. She was determined to become more skilled at wilderness survival; once camp was done she would need to more than ever.
For now she would have to rely on her powers of observation. She may not be able to identify other berries, but she now knew what these ones looked like.

Constance made special note of the berry that protected against water damage; Arabella would definitely like that one.


How far away is the cabin, she wondered, given that the message indicated rationing food?

She thanks Nessa for the offer.

Thank you. I have no idea what I am doing with gardening. It doesn't matter how many books I read, I still manage to kill plastic plants.

After examining the Scyther, Constance noticed that it appear to be pointing north-west.

It looks like the Scyther is pointing to the North-West. Let's start heading the direction and see what we can find.
Constance offers her arm to Margret while Gawain is out berry hunting.

[CateranEnforcer]

Gawain sniffs around for a while and finds lots of berry bushes. However, most of them are picked clean by the time you get to them. After a little bit of searching, the dog pokemon sniffs out a small bunch of Oran berries and a single remaining Passho berry!

Following the Scyther's claws is easy at first, but you soon find yourselves headed off the beaten path. Your progress is slowed as you work your way through a bit more dense vegetation and saplings. Spinarak webbing hangs perfectly at face level more than you would like. Checking your maps on your Pokegear periodically shows that you seem to be on track to intersect with the park's central lake.

After what seems like an hour of trudging through the trees, you can make out the edge of the forest line into the grassy areas of the pokeball shaped park. From there, it is much easier to travel. Out in the open, you can see for a long distance over the grassy plain. Another group of campers seem to be lost as they meander in the distance. The buzzing of beating wings fill the air as you part the grass, spooking the peaceful Ledyba.

Finally, you reach the shining lake. The sun dances on the surface of the water as do a group of Surskit. A canoe and set of paddles await you with a message inside, adorned with a picture of your team's pokemon.

Team Scyther, you made it to your second clue. Sometimes in your travels you will come across more challenging situations. The keys to your cabin are hidden on the small island in the middle of the lake. You might also have to deal with the wild pokemon in this area. Some are invasive species and are more aggressive than the local variety or they will have made the locals more aggressive to compete. Be careful out there! When you are finished, look for the tracks left by my Stantler. They will lead you to your third clue!
-Mia

Gawain finds 3 Oran berries and a Passho berry!

[Nap Captain]

Nessa eyed the boat warily. She'd never been out on a lake before as her mother said it was too dangerous. They were about to prove whether that was true.

Allowing someone else to take the lead, Nessa tried to hunker down in the back with Fig, clutching the sides and nervously looking out for dangerous pokemon.

[CosmicOccurence]

Margret nuzzled Gawain as he returned with the berries. She pocketed the Passho berry: she hoped to avoid using Gawain for now. As they approached the lake, she paused, releasing Bors. The Whismur hopped happily and let out a few joyful bellows. Margret picked him up, cuddling the Whismur to her chest.

We'll likely need a boat if we need to reach the center of the lake. I don't exactly trust myself to swim, especially if wild pokemon are going to get a bit fiesty here. She scanned the shores of the lake to see if there was a boathouse somewhere, but she figured that would be a bit too easy of a solution ...

[AutumnLotus]

Haukea was practically bouncing down the trail with her camp partners. Being a ways into the forest dulled the noises of the city, thinned out the crowds and let her finally hear the real world out in these woods. This excitement was doubled when the girl could hear the sound of gentle waves and the smell of natural water.

"Oooo this Cannot get better" the girl exclaimed, more to herself then to anyone else, as her pace began to quicken into a light jog. Haukea soon made her way to the end of the forest trail with her partner close behind, initially ignoring the embanked boat and instead removing her sandels and walk into the edge of the waters. "Muuuch better".

As the group catch up with her Haukea signals to them the presence of the canoe and the note inside. The island towards the center of the lake was obviously the destination, or else they would just circle the lake, so the girl had no need to read the note. She had more important things to focus on, mainly getting undressed for a swim. After removing her top and throwing both it, her backpack, and her sandals into the canoe, Haukea and Siren both leaped into the lake with a resounding splash. Moments later both surfaced , facing the group of girls with broad smiles.

That boat is to small for all of us, so it'll just be easier for us to swim alongside you. Anyone else want to join?

[Lorrel]

Constance enjoyed the walk through the woods, the calming sounds of nature pushing her on her way. When they got to the lake, Constance searched the horizon to see how far it was. After reading the note out loud, she scanned the area for any Pokemon that looked like trouble.

Evaluating the canoe, she figured Haukea was correct, it was rather small.

I'd join you, but none of my partners are very suited for water, and I have no idea what wild Pokemon may be lurking in the water.

She noticed Nessa's reluctance. Are you ok Nessa, you look worried. Do you know how to swim? If you are uneasy, you should sit in the middle - the people in the front and back will need to paddle.

Constance will carefully enter the canoe and grab a paddle while asking Does anyone know how to steer one of these? I've read about them, but in terms of actually doing it...


Perception roll for any nearby trouble making Pokemon: [roll0]

Athletics Roll for Paddlin: [roll1]

If the entire team flounders at sea, Constance will ask if Haukea's Vaporeon could give them a little pull.

[Nap Captain]

Nessa blushed. "Er- I've never been swimming before. My mom said it was dangerous. And I've never tried it. But I don't want to be a burden: Margaret should sit in the middle: I'll paddle if you show me how." Fig nodded and Nessa felt happy that she'd made Fig proud.

[roll0]

There me some confusion, because it looks like CosmicOccurence forgot what their character's name was :smallwink:

[CateranEnforcer]

The water is cool and refreshing in the growing heat of the day. Haukea finds that the water is not terribly deep either, perhaps only twice her own height at its deepest. Even though the rest of you show your inexperience with boating, the water is calm so you are in no danger. Still, it makes the going a bit on the slow side as you disembark from the shore.

The island is visible about 70 meters from the shore and you strike a slow rhythm towards it. You can make out a small group of thin trees and a stone structure or statue of some kind. Curious Surskits flit across the water in your wake, keeping a respectful distance but keeping a close watch on you.

As you draw near the shore, you can notice a violent splashing of water in the swallows. There, a couple of Surskit are engaged in a battle with a pack of Electrikes. One of each lies knocked out nearby. The group of Surkit behind you look nervous and agitated at the sight and there is a line of Electrikes looking on as their friends fight. It's not apparent what they are fighting over.

You are about halfway across the lake and so you have some time to prepare or change your course. If a fight breaks out, Constance noticed far enough in advance to give you a round of preparation.

The only drawback from the low paddling rolls is a slow move speed of 3 for your canoe.

You also notice black feathers scattered around the ground near the trees on the island

The Surskit are Enraged and the Electrike are Confused

[CosmicOccurence]

Margret glances at the surskit behind them. If we're going to get involved, I'd much rather have the surskit on our side, but can anyone see what they're fighting over? If it isn't something serious we might just be able to go around it. She turned Bors to face the battle, hoping the Whismur could see something.

Bors perception [roll0]

[Lorrel]

Constance took a good look at the fighting Pokemon and noticed the feathers.

We need to be careful. If you look close there are feathers around on the ground, meaning there are likely more Pokemon around.

What is strange though is their behavior. Why don't the Surskit just retreat to the water instead of engaging the Electrike? I don't recall Surskit being overly aggressive - the ones behind us are quite playful.

If we are going to try and intercede, I suggest we try and swing a bit wide - I am not sure if we want to try landing while engaged.

While they are stopped and discussing their options, Constance uses her Pokedex to register the Electrike and Surskit.

Medicine Ed (for the Spoiler) [roll0]
Pokemon Ed (Identify the feathers)[roll1]

[Lorrel]

(Based on the Med roll from my post)

As Constance took a closer look at the battling Pokemon, her time at Pokemon Tech pays off.


I knew something wasn't right here. Those Surskit are Enraged, and those Electrikes don't quite seem to know what is going on. I think the owner of the feathers may have setup a little scuffle. We need to be very careful. None of their behavior will be normal, and both sides may attack us if we get too close. Does anyone know a good way to snap them out of it? I am not too bad when interacting with Pokemon, but I've never done anything like this.

[CosmicOccurence]

Hmmm ... Margret said. That would be unfortunate, wouldn't it? If we've got a trickster on our hands, then there's no need for this fight to happen. Let's see if I can mellow them out a bit. She turned her face towards the surskit.

To anyone else she just looked, but she reached out her mind to the wobbly shapes that Bors saw and tried to form a link with them.


With a Spinarak [roll0],
With elektrike [roll1]
DC 15 on both unless its willing.

This is setting me up for a mystic senses move next round, though I suppose I don't need to channel to do that.

[Nap Captain]

Nessa too could tell that something was wrong with the surskit and electrike, and unsurprisingly, they were both lashing out. Nessa looking down at a scar on her hand, Nessa recalled all too well what an injured pokemon might do if it thought it was in danger.

"These are both conditions that pass in time," Nessa explained. "If we can draw them apart, then likely they will recover without further intervention. Then we can find this trickster."

"We could split up and do our best to draw the groups away from each other?"

[AutumnLotus]

Haukea kept pace with the boat full of her group, slowly swimming along with her Vaporeon partner. It's takes her a moment to notice the confrontation that occuring, coming to a halt and resting one of her arms onto the canoe as she watches what is transpiring.

Pokemon fighting in the wild isn't that uncommon, especially with more territorial types like Electrike. Constance made a good point, however. The Surskit rarely stick around for a fight, especially when they have the advantage of water. The whole situation was strange, and Haukea wasn't entirely sure what she could do to help this situation given how angry the Surskit seemed to be.

Shrugging her shrugging her shoulders, the girl began to swim closer to the shoreline and the fight. Once there, Haukea does her best to interact either he Surskit, hopefully to sooth them from whatever is Enraging them.

"Hey there little guys. Why don't we calm down for a second? There's no need to fight now" Haukea spoke to the Surskit group, using a soothing tone while remaining in a non-threatening pose.

3d6+2

[CateranEnforcer]

The pokemon are too engaged to pay Haukea any attention. The two remaining Electrikes try their best to defend themselves from the vicious Surskit, but end up hurting themselves more often than not.

The rest of the group takes a more measured approach around to the side. You slowly skirt around the edge of the battle and the pokemon not engaged in battle watch you nervously but they do not show the aggression that the others do. By taking your time you see the fight is about to end as the battling pokemon look about to collapse.

Then there is a tortured half screech, half caw from the trees. Flapping on large, black wings is an oversized looking Murkrow and three normal sized ones. They swoop in the air between you and the Electrikes and the large one Swaggers one of them. The confused electrike shakes its head and tries to fix its gaze on the Murkrow, but it finds you instead. Looking behind you, one of the Surkit breaks ranks with anger in its eyes, again fixating on your group.

Map! (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1shntymGkNdm3RRGDcHw6RCPs14f4X94B90oReTqUqXI/edit?usp=drivesdk)

The red area is for Haukea and her pokemon to begin in. The rest begin in the canoe. It's bigger than it actually is in order to give you room to place pokemon. If one of you spends your shift action to row, you can move it 3 squares. You can edit the map yourself, or just tell me to and I will.

You get one preparation round before battle starts. You can't use it to move or attack but you can ready pokemon, use skills, use orders, ready items, use buffs, or even take defensive action. If your speed is 11 or higher, you out speed the enemies and can take normal combat actions after that.



The Surskit has Danger Syrup of course. Quick Attack, Bubble, and Sweet Scent.

Electrike has Electrodash, and Tackle, Leer, Thunder Wave, and Howl.

You can sense that both of these pokemon experienced what you just saw. The large Murkrow is responsible for enraging the Surkit and confusing the Electrike. Before that, these pokemon were minding their own business. Their current thoughts are garbled and distorted by their condition combined with the pain of their injuries.

The large Murkrow is clearly addled itself, the cry it made had a vaguely artificial quality about it. The others are normal.
The large Murkrow's cry had a digital quality to it. This glitch phenomenon is not well understood, but it was reported to have happened in the years following the war. This pokemon could be wildly unstable

[AutumnLotus]

Haukea and Siren were both startled by the suddent appearance of the Murkrow, the girl not expecting to see a third party of Pokemon to join the scene. What bothered her the most, however, was the closest Surskit seeming to have redirected it's anger to her. She just wanted to help!

Gesturing to her Vaporeon to go help the main group, the Alolan swam over to the approaching Surskit before stopping a few paces away. And, oddly enough. Haukea began to sing to the pokemon. A soft, droning song in her native language. Few would likely understand her, but the tone and pace was obviously something that was meant to soothe.

Siren, having shifted herself under the water line and making fast approach to the shore, positioned their head to aim at the closest Murkrow at the shoreline before letting out a large gout of water from her mouth in a pressurized stream. Hopefully one attack would pacify the pokemon, and end the fight before it could continue.

Rolls for moves

Sing: [roll0] AC: 10+evasion
Success means sleep. Failure means Slow and -2 to evasion
Water Gun: [roll1] AC: 2+evasion
Damage: [roll2]

[Lorrel]

Constance assessed the situation as the combat began. Ideally the Surskit and Electrikes on the far side would ignore them while they dealt with the leading Murkrow.

There was definitely something off about the lead Murkrow, but in the heat of battle Constance couldn't quite determine what. It's not that easy to remember her books when there was danger.


Hey Tru, want to get some exercise? Big group battle, it'll be lots of fun, Constance jokes to the sleeping Slakoth in her bag.

In response, Tru opened one eye, closed it then stuck out his tongue.

That's what I thought. Ok Arabella, time to stretch.
There is a flash of light followed by a mighty roar as the giant rock snake enters the field in a cloud of dust. It ripples it stoney coils once to shake of the dust and see the foes around her.

The big one is our target Arabella. Let's show them that it is not nice to start fights.
Swinging her head around, Arabella meets the gaze of the odd Murkrow, it's target found.


Constance releases Arabella. (Shift Action)
Constance tags the leader Murkrow (Swift Action)
Constance gives Focused Orders to Arabella (Standard Action)
Arabella uses Curse +Attack, +Defense, -Speed
Arabella gains 1 Momentum (End of Round)
Arabella has 1 Momentum

[Nap Captain]

"Yeah, it's strange..." Nessa mused, though she too cold not put her finger on what exactly could be causing this strange behaviour. She suddenly noticed that the others were leaping into action and with a nervous glance at Fig she struggled to the oars and pushed them forwards.

"We won't leave you stranded Haukea," she called. "Fig, you ready?"

Nessa will use her move action to move the boat 3 spaces forwards. Fig is staying at the front of the boat.

[CosmicOccurence]

Nessa assessed the situation. While the surskit were mostly far away, she'd still rather not have to put Gawain in the range of those water type moves. Instead she held Bors on her lap, helping as much as she could with the oars. She needed them closer to the island if she was going to be of any help at all.


Nessa will move the canoe 3 squares forwards (do I do this or you?)

Sadly her pokemon were already released, so she can't release them into battle. She will however, use her action to give Inspired Orders to Bors, giving him additional evasion for the turn.

[CateranEnforcer]

Siren is the first to act, moving swiftly through the water to meet the lead Murkrow. Though her water gun misses, it draws the attention of the bird pokemon and it flies down to meet her with a swift attack. Haukea's song falls to reach the addled Surskit and it too moves to attack the trainer with rock hard bubbles.

Abella appears in the center of the group of pokemon and the large draws a lot of attention by its size alone. The Electrike throws itself against the Onix, hurting itself more than Abella. A Murkrow flies to work its way around her, but only makes it halfway and fails to land blow of its own.

Nessa and Margaret bring the canoe in for a landing on the shore, if a bit clumsily. This puts Fig front and center ready to disembark if not for the other Murkrow there who tries to startle her with a sudden attack.

The large Murkrow lets out another wailing screech that seems to have the enraging effect on the Surskit. Another one breaks from the group to find something to attack. After that, it Swaggers again, this time at Abella confusing and angering the Onix.

Damage numbers do not take into account your defenses and resistances. It's just the raw number.

Electrike 1 uses Tackle on Abella! 27 normal physical damage. It hurts itself in confusion. Save failed vs Confusion.

Surskit 1 uses Bubble on Haukea. 25 water special damage. Save failed vs Rage.

Murkrow 1 uses Astonish on Siren! 27 ghost physical damage

Murkrow 2 uses Astonish on Fig! 27 ghost physical damage.

Murkrow 3 uses Astonish on Abella! Misses!

BossKrow uses Swagger on Abella! She is confused and gains 2 Attack Stages!

BossKrow uses Taunt on a Surskit. It enters the fight enraged!

[Nap Captain]

Nessa let out a little gasp as the Murkrow soared in to attack Fig, but the Nidoran barely flinched before pummelling the crow with it's hind legs.

Double Kick (Fighting type move)
Attack roll 1 [roll0], AC 3, damage [roll1]
Attack roll 2 [roll2], AC 3, damage [roll3]

[Lorrel]

Arabella barely notices the hit from the Electrike, it's attention fully on the large bird in the sky.
Constance winces involuntarily as Arabella is hit with the Boss Krow's attack, while Arabella lets out a mighty roar, giving herself fully to the battle.
Constance exits the canoe, happy to have her feat firmly on the ground, and attempts to mitigate the the aftermath of the Boss Krow's attack, ordering Arabella to focus, and take the leader down. Afterwards Constance hunkers down a bit, hoping that the Onix will continue to draw attention away from the vulnerable campers. If worse came to worst, Constance would have to rely on old sleepy pants to save her.


The giant rock snake seems to shrug off some of the effects for the moment and channels her new strength into an attack at the Boss Krow. Arabella launches a series of bolders at the airborne foe.


From OOC thread, Arabella acts normally with no self damage.
Constance issues Focused Orders to Arabella

Arabella uses Rock Tomb (AC3) on the Boss Krow
To Hit (Focused Training and Orders): 8 vs 3+Evasion
Damage 50 Rock Typed Damage vs Defense
Arabella Gains 1 momentum for hitting a tagged foe
Arabella Gains 1 momentum at end of turn.
Arabella has 3 momentum.

[CosmicOccurence]

Bors leaped into the battle eagerly, the baby Whismur ready to stretch its legs in a real battle for the first time. Remember your training Bors! she shouted. Duck and weave, then let loose that beautiful voice of yours!

Bors did just that comically ducking and rolling like he was in a movie before targeting one of the Murkrow with a powerful blast of his voice. Margret herself remained stationary as her vision similarly shook and moved. She'd totally lost sight of her own surroundings and had no doubt that she'd fall out of her boat if she tried even standing up. Best remain where she was at for now.


Margret activates Critical Moment (one use left this scene) Focused Training and Inspired Training's effects triple! Bors now has a +3 bonus to hit and evasions of 4/4/3 until his next turn

Bors shifts (new position on map) and uses Echoed Voice on Murkrow 2 (next to the boat)
[roll0] AC 2
[roll1]

[AutumnLotus]

Haukea flinchesaway from the attacking surskit, letting out a loud screech while dodging away in the water. Luckily the attack seemed to just be a bruise, but the girl was not made for combat.

Siren continued her assault on the Murkrow, shooting out another blast of water to try and hit the flying bird pokemon.

Haukea uses Supersonic:
[roll0] vs AC 6, -2 from Sing condition.

Siren uses Watergun:
[roll1] vs AC 2
[roll2] damage

[CateranEnforcer]

Though Haukea's musical effects do not take hold on the Surskit, it does seem to confound it somewhat. It attacks sluggishly and misses her as a result of her screech. After the attack, the pokemon seems jolted back into it senses and so does its friend next to it. The skittish pokemon look ready to depart as soon as possible! Meanwhile, Siren and the Murkrow exchange blows and the bird seems far worse off. It still lands a solid peck on the water pokemon, but it looks about to collapse after the water attack.

The combined efforts of Fig and Bors bring their Murkrow down before it can do any more damage. It falls to the ground and black feathers scatter wildly. Abella mightily hurls rocks at the boss Murkrow and looks thoroughly battered. It screeches again and its wings glow as it uses the move Metronome somehow! When it is finished, it forms a vicious ice spear and hurls it at Abella. The projectile bounces harmlessly off the Onix's thick skin. Angered, the krow moves in and clamps its beak on Abella and seeps venom into her, but it fails to poison her.

The remaining Murkrow finds it hard to get around Abella and attacks her again with its body. The confused Electrike seems to be trying to zero in on something and uses a wave of electricity on Abella, but it has no effect. After doing so, it seems to come to its senses and it fixes its gaze angrily on the Murkrow with a growl.


Abella uses a ranged attack in melee range, triggers struggle attacks from two pokemon. Murkrow 3 hits for 27 physical normal damage.

Surskit 1 uses Quick Attack on Haukea. Misses due to your penalties.
It saves from rage and ceases to be hostile!

Surskit 2 moves up towards Harkea, but saves from rage before it can attack.

Electrike uses Thunder Wave on Abella! No effect! It hurts itself in confusion. It snaps out and ceases to be hostile!

Murkrow 1 uses Peck on Siren! 31 Physical Flying damage.

Murkrow 2 faints!

Murkrow 3 uses Pursuit on Abella. Hits for 31 physical dark damage.

Bosskrow uses Metronome two times!
Bosskrow uses Poison Fang on Abella! 29 Physical Poison Damage!

Bosskrow uses Sheer Cold on Abella! Immune due to Sturdy.

[Nap Captain]

Watching the scary bird faint under the onslaught made Nessa let out the breath she hadn't realised she'd been holding in. "You've got a clear shot at the big one, Fig. Just be careful!"

Fig was so focused on the fight she didn't seem to acknowledge Nessa, but either way she fired a poisoned dart from her forehead right at the bosscrow.


Staying on the boat, Nessa gives focused orders to Fig

Poison Sting, attack roll (w/focused orders) [roll0] (AC 2; Poison on a 17-20)
Damage [roll1]

Due to debilitate, if the attack hits, bosscrow gets -2 to accuracy and evasion for the next round.

[Lorrel]

Arabella seems unfazed by the multi directional onslaught and continues her assault on the Boss Krow. Her resolve is strengthened with the success of her first attack, and Arabella appears to shake off the effects of the confusion altogether. Renewed, she once again launches boulders at the bird, ignoring the retaliation from its underlings.

That's the way Arabella! You can do it, Constance cheered from near the canoe. For his part, Tru just snores loudly in Arabella's general direction.


Rolls from Discord since it likes me better than the forum

Constance issues Focus Orders to Arabella. +1 To Hit

Confusion Damage Check: 2

Constance expends 2 Momentum make Arabella's To Hit d20 into an 11
Arabella has 1 Momentum
Arabella uses Rock Tomb on Boss Krow

To Hit: 11 vs AC3+Eva
Damage: 50 Rock Type Damage vs Defense
Boss Krow has is Speed CS lowered by 1 on a successful hit (Forgot this last turn)
Status Cure Check: 18
Arabella snaps out of her confusion.

Arabella gains 1 Momentum for hitting a tagged foe.
Arabella gains 1 Momentum at End of Turn
Arabella has 3 Momentum

[CosmicOccurence]

Margret's vision was a mess of flying stone and ice. Wild battles were so much harder to keep track of! She saw a glimpse of feathers in her peripheral vision and knew Bors was near a Murkrow. Use pound!! she yelled, knowing the Whismur's voice needed some recharging right now.


Margret uses Inspired Orders to increase evasion to 3/3/2

Bors uses Pound [roll0] vs Murkrow 2
[roll1]

[CateranEnforcer]

Under the focus of Fig's and Abella's attacks the boss Murkrow collapses still flailing and screeching wildly. Even on ground fainted it twitches periodically. Bors finishes the job the Vaporeon started with a strong blow to the side of the head on the fading Murkrow. The final remaining one looks at its fellows falling all around it and tries to take fight. It is blocked by the now clearheaded Electrike, who pounces on it and holds it to the ground in its mouth.

With the last of the hostilities over you can safely move about. The assembled Electrike in the distance seem cautious and curious. They do not approach and give you space. Many fainted pokemon lie on the edge of the water.

The island is not a huge one. You can see the small group of trees the Murkow came from on the left side. Down the middle is a dirt path that is slightly overgrown disappears over a small incline. You can see the top of moss covered stone over the hill. On the right is a run down boathouse. The small pier is nothing more than logs sticking out of the water.

Combat effectively over! The final Murkrow is not fainted, but grappled by the Electrike. As the last combatant, the bulk of the fight was over. So rather than spend another round fighting the one krow, I assume you win!

I almost forgot to award a bit of experience. This was quick and easy so you are awarded 20 Exp to your pokemon. I tend to just grant your trainers milestones rather than exp at intervals, so don't fret on that.

Surskit, Murkow, and Electrike are available for capture.

[Nap Captain]

In the aftermath, after assuring herself that Fig was fine, she went to check on still twitching 'krow. They'd thrown a lot at him, and in Nessa's heart she just couldn't abide to see a pokemon hurt. Fig looked on cautiously whilst Nessa knelt beside the 'krow and examined it.

Whilst she did so, she muttered quietly to it, asking how it was doing, trying to soothe the creature.

Medicine Edu: [roll]4d6

[CosmicOccurence]

Seeing that the battle was over, Margret picked up Bors, the Whismur wiggling happily at its first battle. Good work Bors, she said quietly. She twisted, giving Bors a wide view of the island. Seeing the path to the moss covered rock, Margret heads that way, keeping Bors tilted slightly downward so she could see where she was stepping.

[Lorrel]

Constance sighs in relief as the Krows fall. She sees the last one get taken to the ground by the Elektrike, and knows the contest is over.

Great job girl, Constance says the Arabella, giving her rocky hide a quick scratch before recalling her to the pokeball. Rest now, you've earned it.

Now that things have settled down, Constance makes her way over to the Boss Krow and gives it a closer look.

There is something off about this one. I have never heard of a Murkrow that could do what this one did. If no one objects, I'd love to bring it with me so I can study it.

After Constance adds a new member:

Constance follows along the trail with Margret towards the mossy rock, looking for signs of their key.



Perception Roll for the key or clue: 18


If no other campers are interested in the Boss Krow, Constance will tap it with a pokeball.

If anyone else would like it, Constance will happily defer, and try and convince one of the still conscious Surskit to join her team (I'll roll and make a post if it happens). Assuming all of that fails, she will capture a fainted one.

[CateranEnforcer]

Nessa takes a moment to examine the lead Murkrow and finds that it looks very sick. Its feathers are thin and fragile so that even light touches cause them to fall out. It has accumulated numerous injuries from the battle, but even not counting those, it looks like it has old scars of injuries that have not healed properly. You expect that this pokemon will need more specialized care to fully recover than a simple healing session at a pokemon center. In fact, such a session may make it worse, judging by this pokemon's behavior, it has problems at a more fundamental level. Using the move Metronome proves that. You can however, calm the suffering creature and determine that it's injuries are not fatal. It let's a garbled coo, as if something is caught in its throat even though you see no such thing.

It seems like a good idea when Constance comes over to put the Murkrow in a pokeball. It would keep it stable long enough to get some proper treatment with the right medical resources. The ball splits open to capture the pokemon but it lingers for much longer than you'd expect. For a second, it looks like it failed but then in a flash of light the Murkrow is pulled into the ball and it shows normal.

While she is looking around, Constance notices a pair of eyes watching them from the trees. There she can make out a Noctowl, hiding in the shadows. It sits very still and appears to be just watching. She can also see the Murkrow nest and something shiney glints from it.

Margaret makes her way to the center of the island and Bors can see more of the stone as the two crest a small hill. The mossy stone was the top of an ancient archway that looks to have been here for many years. Beyond she can see a circular clearing with crumbling bricks making up the floor. Here you she looks up at statues of two well known Johto legends as they tower over the area; the long and graceful Lugia and the proud and magnificent Ho-oh. The detailed stonework is worn with age, but still captures an uncanny realism. Beads decorate their necks, indicating that someone has been here recently. In the center of the brick floor is a basket with Scyther picture and a key ring for each of you.

Level 9
Knows Astonish, Peck, Pursuit, Taunt, Swagger, Metronome.
Ability and nature is your choice.
It has 6 injuries, 3 of which will not heal until you can figure out what is wrong with it.
After holding it for a while, the pokeball that captured it becomes warm to the touch.
Loyalty is wild and this pokemon may have additional modifiers to command it until it is trained

[Lorrel]

Constance is quite shocked at the condition of thr Murkrow.

Don't worry big guy, I'll help you get better. Rest in here for now, and a little later I'll take a closer look, ok? Constance says as she puts the ball away.

After looking around, Constance nods slightly in acknowledgement to the Noctowl, preferring not to bother the silent observer. Passing by carefully, Constance examines the Murkrow nest - the shiny object could have something to do with the boss krow's condition. Taking a look, she will try and identity it before putting it away in her bag for later.


Walking with Margret, Constance marvels at the statues. So life like, so much detail. Someone obviously put a lot of time and care into these. It was nice to see that someone still visited them somewhat regularly, given how far off the beaten path they were.
It's a good thing we dealt with the Murkrow menace; had the person who has been visiting these statues not been prepared they could have been in for a lot of trouble, Constance mused out loud.

After grabbing her key ring Constance will look around for their next clue.


Perception or Poke Ed to identify the shiny object, not sure which would be better suited:
Perception: 11
Pokemon Education: 13

Perception for the clue:11

Constance will also help Margret with her key if she needs it.

[CosmicOccurence]

Margret accepts help with the keys while Bors explores. Meanwhile, she releases Gawain, her Growlithe eagerly tromping around the island and sniffing at the Murkrow, but ultimately leaving them alone. When he returned, he went up and started sniffing the beads.

She removed them from the the Lugia stature and laid them in front of Gawain, who eagerly sniffed them and looked them over. Unfortunately, Growlithe were color-blind, so she couldn't see color. Constance. are there any color patterns on these beads? Gawain can't see color.

[Nap Captain]

"Be careful with him," Nessa advised cautiously. "He's really quite unwell. And not just in a been-hit-by-rocks way. I think you'd need a proper medical researcher to work out what's wrong." And Nessa was going to be there when they did. Some strange new disease in pokemon, that was worrying sure, but more than that Nessa wanted to see what sort of equipment and training these researchers would have access to.

She joined Constance and Margaret under the statues and accepted her keyring- never had one of these at home: mom wouldn't have trusted me. Something Margaret said sounded odd to Nessa, but she was still wondering about the krow and the keyrings, so didn't pick up on it. She too examined the key ring and basket for any signs of where they should go next.

[Lorrel]

Constance nods as Nessa speaks. Definitely. There is something very off about the Murkrow, and I want to see him get better. I plan to get him attention as soon as possible, and in the mean time I will try and see what I can do for him. I'd be happy to have any assistance you can provide. I am better at understanding how Pokemon think and act than I am with their physiology.

Constance also misses the context of Margret's request, still thinking about the Murkrow and not paying proper attention. She lets Marget know what colour the beads are.

[CateranEnforcer]

Upon investigating the Murkrow's nest, you find that they seem to have a small collection of shiny things. Coins and other bits of metal make up the bulk of it, but the largest trinket is a halfway covered disc that you might place into a PC. Constance sees that it can serve as an Upgrade for a Porygon. There is also a pile of junk that is not as shiny, though it looks like they tried. Some of that junk consists of half full containers of chemicals that may be useful for Nessa.

Examining the beads, there is not much to discern about them. They appear handmade rather than mass produced. The lugia beads are three colors in sequence; a deep purple, a dark indigo, and a sky blue. The thread laced between then is green. Their meaning is not clear. You can see the Ho-oh beads are far more colorful, featuring all the colors of the rainbow.

While searching for the next clue, you remember the last note mentioning following the tracks of Mia's pokemon. Glancing out over the water, can make out the impressive antlers of a Stantler looking your way, likely waiting for you. It stands on the western edge of the lake and when it catches you looking it's way, it begins to trot away through the park. You can also make out a group of campers in that direction who seem to be milling about, not doing anything.

You find $120 in coins in the nests, $300 in scrap that can be used to craft with, and one Upgrade item.

[Lorrel]

Constance descries the beads to Margret, and lets Nessa know about the chemicals in the nest.
I am not sure what they are, but they may be of some use to you. I also found some coins, scrap and what appears to be an evolution item for Porygon. Looks like the birds have been busy.

Looking out over the water, Constance realizes that they have another paddling trip ahead of them
Back to sea for us it seems, she says cheerfully as she reboards the canoe.

After reaching the other side, Constance keeps an eye on the Stantler to make sure they do not lose track of it. Assuming the Stantler doesn't appear to be in too much of a hurry, Constance will approach the other group of campers.

Hi guys, enjoying camp so far? How goes the hunt for your cabin?


Constance offers to split the coins and salvage evenly
Perception roll for the crossing/landing to assess the situation: 20

[CosmicOccurence]

As Gawain and Margret reached the other shore, she was torn. On one hand she could go say hello to the campers, but on the other ... that Stantler probably wasn't going to wait for them and her first priority was reaching camp successfully.

However, she had little hope to track the stantler. Gawain could, but with his nose to the ground, he wouldn't be helping her not fall flat on her face. So she went with Constance, not saying anything, but looking to see if any of them were part of their program.

[Nap Captain]

Nessa was not as thrilled as Constance to be reembarking on the boat, but she was not one to voice a complaint unless she had to, so under Fig's stern gaze Nessa hopped into the canoe, helping Margaret to know where to step.

Once on the other side of the lake, Nessa left Constance talking to the other group, whilst she went in search of the stantler: she knew some stuff about the wilderness, but hardly enough to track effectively. She hoped that what she had would be enough.

Survival to track: [roll0]

Nessa takes $40 from the stash.

[CateranEnforcer]

The Stantler trots off westward and even before your canoe lands. It leaves your sight range but Constance and Nessa can find the very recent tracks it left behind. Gawain can also smell its musky scent strongly in the air. It doesn't seem difficult to follow it while the trail is fresh.

As you approach the other group of campers, they are gathered around one of their members who is sitting on the ground. The boy is overweight and seems to be struggling to breathe. You can see a Ledian on each of their name tags. The boy on the ground is named Chase. The two girls standing around him trying to help have nametags that read Sam and Ajax. The last boy named Justin, approaches you when Constance talks. He looks like he's geared up for an all day hiking trip with a utility vest, framed backpack, and tent on his back. A Joltik sits on his shoulder.

"Hey there! Don't come too close now, please. We've already been attacked by the Pinsir campers. We don't have anything to steal anymore, not even our cabin keys. We're just trying to get to the camp and sort this all out. Chase here has asthma, and they took his inhaler too. Please tell me you're one of the friendly groups."

Sam looks vaguely familiar to you. Perhaps someone you've seen in classes?

Camp so far for Ledian group was off to a rough start. After your Counselor Bruce sent you off on your way, Justin badly wanted to watch the friendly battle some of the other campers were having out in the open field. You obliged, with the rest of the group in no particular hurry.

However, once it was over and you made your way down Memorial Trail, you found campers from team Pinsir opening up your package and taking the berries. They used their stronger pokemon to bully Chase and Sam and ran off with your berries and Chase's inhaler. You were still able to make your way to your next clue, but your keys for your cabin were not to be found but Ajax could recognize Henry's Wartortle's tracks.

You stopped to take a rest, debating if you should use your pokegear to call your councilor or if you should solve the problem yourself. This may after all be intended at a pokemon training camp. Maybe this will help you in the future when you are alone in the wilderness to get to your cabin despite the interference.

Shortly after, you see Scyther group campers approaching. Justin volunteers to greet them and make sure they aren't trying to start trouble too.

[CosmicOccurence]

We've got no interest in being unkind. Mostly we just want to reach our own cabin. Which group was Pinsir again? She turned to her own groupmate. Was that the one who had the Wartortle that I made upset?

She turned back to the others. Regardless, I can say for sure we aren't going to try anything nasty.

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

One of the girls standing over Chase looks to Margaret on hearing the word, 'wartortle.' Her jigglypuff seems more attentive to the gasping boy and is trying to give him a back rub. Neither really know how best to help.

"A wartortle beat us to our key spot," says Ajax. "Probably the same one. I found tracks." She nods in Chase's direction. "If we follow them, we'll find his inhaler, too."

[Lorrel]

Constance attempts to avoid making eye contact with Sam. The last thing she wants to to be recognized from back home. She was happy not being a LeFleur and wanted to keep it that way. Still, she couldn't just stand back and let things stay the way they were.

Nodding in agreement with Marget, Constance says We definitely aren't looking to cause any trouble, and I do not think their behaviour is an expected part of camp. I know they want to prepare us for life ahead, but mugging someone and taking their medicine is a crime anywhere. I would suggest calling your Councillor. Chase could seriously die out here without it. We may be able to get the inhaler back before help arrives, but there is no reason not to make a call as well.

Constance looks over at Ajax, since she seems to be the most vocal. We had a minor run in with the Pinsir group earlier. They definitely seemed to be ready to cause trouble. How exactly did this all play out? Why would they have taken the inhaler?

Constance was curious as to why they would take the keys and the inhaler. There was no benefit, and it would be obvious that the items were stolen. The berries they could explain away, but personal items not so much. Being evil for evil's sake was something she had seen back home and had really hoped she was done with.

Getting the items back was not going to be easy. Constance and her friends has just been through a tough fight with the Murkrow, and type wise there were not well suited for the challenge. But the important things in life were never easy, and the health of a camper lay in the balance. Hopefully the Ledian campers did enough damage that Henry and his friends would back down from a united front without a fight.

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

"I dunno. To establish dominance, maybe. Like mankeys." Ajax shrugs and shakes her head. "It doesn't matter! The point is we need it back."

She looks to Justin. "I'm going to see how far the tracks lead. Was there anything else in our clue from earlier?"

[Nap Captain]

Nessa sidestepped the introductions and took Ajax's place beside the asthmatic boy and tried to help him. She began asking questions but upon seeing his pained expression remembered that gasping was probably his limit right about now. Nevermind, she'd done this with pokemon enough times:

"Hi there, my names Nessa. Don't worry about talking. Just nod for yes and shake your head for no. Is that ok?"

"First thing is I need you to sit upright, yep just like that and try to calm. That's right, everything's going to be ok. We'll get your inhaler back. Just take deep breaths." Nessa prattled off a load of questions about the boy's pokemon and journey to the park to help him calm, whilst she tried to help him get his breath back.

Med Edu: [roll0]

[CosmicOccurence]

Yeah, it's time for them to learn a lesson, Margret said. Call your counselor, but there's no reason for us to not take it back,

Except, you know, that his Pokemon will crush Gawain like a Donphan smashes pistachios. But still, she was angry and frustrated. He was clearly just a bad person and needed to be stood up to.

[Lorrel]

Constance agrees, although she is also wary of a potential conflict. Still she would rather risk failure knowing she was doing the right thing than turn away and be safe. It's not like failure was a foreign concept anyway.

Chase needs help and we are the only ones who can do it. Let's see if we can follow the trail.

Constance was still lost in thought, creating various plans for when they met up with the Pinsir group. Hopefully one of her companions was paying more attention to the trail.


Perception to find the Pinsir trail: [roll0]

[CateranEnforcer]

Nessa sits down with Chase and under her calm directions. He moves his head in reply to her questions. Under her care, he slowly begins to regain his breath. Nessa determines that it appears his asthma is triggered by overexertion so sitting still should eventually clear up his throat. He shouldn't be running anytime soon though.

Justin is relieved to find that your group appear to be friendly and all his suspicion melts away in an instant. "Well that's good to hear! We caught them first at Memorial Trail, taking our berries! We tried to stop them but their pokemon are strong! That girl's Heracross was like, pow! And his Wartortle was like whoosh! They got a couple hits in on our pokemon and ran off! I thought we'd seen the last of them, but then they were at our second clue too! It just told us to tip toe through a crowd of Pineco without making them self destruct, but they were there and set off a bunch on us! That's when they snatched Chase's inhaler. One of those guys had a pokemon I'd never seen before take it! I bet they took it to slow us down or something. Maybe they think this is some kind of race? The boy acted out each scene as he told the story quickly, gesturing with his whole body during the battles.

He stops to consider your advice. "Maybe we should call someone...but camp has to be close right? They aren't going to look down on us for calling for help? Well, from the adults anyways. It sounds like you owe them one too. Those guys are real trouble. The last clue unfortunately doesn't help us much, and they have the one that came with the keys, I think. I really appreciate your help, but someone has got to stay with Chase. Here let me give you my number in case anything happens." After handing out his number, Justin begins to dial up his counselor.

Sam meanwhile is too busy to take much notice of Constance. She turns to Nessa and speaks quietly, "I think I can watch him if you want to help your group. They have really strong pokemon." Chase's breathing is still labored but he is no longer gasping for air. He just nods at Sam and points to his bag. She reaches in and pulls out two Potions and hands them to Nessa. "You might need these if you fight them."


The wartortle's tracks are easy to pick out from the multitude of human tracks in the park. The journey takes over a small grassy hill and you can see a small creek down below. It only seems like twenty minutes of brisk walking before you hear splashing water and voices ahead. From this vantage point, you can see four campers down before and Henry's shining hair stands out like a beacon. They appear stopped and taking drinks from the water and do not notice your approach.

Ajax would know that Chase's Porygon, Sam's Meowth, and Justin's main pokemon a Butterfree took some nasty hits during their encounters. The pokemon that stole the inhaler belonged to Drake, the boy of few words. Your pokegear can identify it as a Mimikyu.

The Wartortle's tracks lead westward, as you already discovered, though slightly off course from the Stantler tracks Scyther group was following.

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

"That's fine," says Ajax as Justin gets out his phone to make the call. "They're not gonna dock us for letting them know when someone's suffocating. Maybe you can bring him to Scyther Cabin and meet them there?"

After establishing who is coming along, Ajax quickly walks by to pick up her Jigglypuff. That is, she literally picks him up. He's not very heavy. "Come on, Iggy. We're going after them."

Iggy clings to Ajax's backpack as though riding on his trainer's back is somehow routine, then leans over her shoulder apprehensively. "...iiig?"

"The pokemon with the inhaler hid it inside its hand-puppet thing that it was wearing," Ajax explains as she leads the hunting party. "Iggy and I tried to get it back, but it turned out to be a ghost-type that we couldn't fight. My camera tagged it as a Mimikyu?"

I assume Ajax wouldn't know much about it, being from Kanto. Then again, maybe a few Mimikyu hand out in Viridian Forest or something hoping to be confused with their cute rivals, and even then she doesn't know about the local superstitions that always turn out to be true facts because magic is real.

[CosmicOccurence]

Margret was getting more and more peeved at these idiots. They were just jerks. And she had had it. Gawain led her out to the water and she turned her face towards not towards the boy with the Wartortle, but the boy with the Ratata whom he'd tried to trade away. What was his name? Joey?

We're here for the inhaler and the berries, she said. You could have killed him by taking it. He had an asthma attack without medicine.

[Lorrel]

Constance was nervous as the inevitable confrontation began. She always knew were it was headed, but still had Butterfree dancing in the pit of her stomach.
A physical fight was not a foregone conclusion though, so Constance went back to what had worked before. Henry may be a bit out of control, but his sister definitely seemed more self aware. And with the insights her past gave her, she hoped her approach would work as well now as it did back at the Daycare.

Looking not at the hothead Henry, but at his more calculating sister, Constance speaks.

In fact, he may still die. Imagine the buzz that would create. Camera crews from all over, investigations into how it happened. Good thing there were multiple witnesses to the whole ordeal; they would ensure there was no doubt as to the sequence of events.
I can see the headlines now. "Wealth Family Scions Terrorize Summer Camp: Sadistic Siblings Thrill Kill on the Wooded Hills" Your family would be absolutely... famous... for generations. Such a legacy for your family name. Oh, parent's can only dream of having offspring of such renown. I can picture the looks on their faces as they give their first interviews as the press barges into their home with news of your actions...

Constance trails off at the end, leaving the last sentence hanging for the theives to fill in.

[Nap Captain]

Nessa was loathe to leave her charge: he might be alright now but a relapse could be dangerous. And she didn't have the right medicine to help this sort of condition! She felt so useless: she knew a dozen different ways to treat an open wound, and always carried bandages. She could splint a break. But chronic injuries were something she couldn't solve. Like Alice's.

Fig prodded her in the side, and she looked up to see the others walking away. Fig prodded her again. The nidoran wasn't imploring, but rather implacable. She had to go look after her new friends: they would need her much more if they got into a fight. And she couldn't do anything here. But still... she hated to leave things unfinished.

With an apology and some quick advice not to go anywhere until she was back, Nessa left Chase and hurried after the group. When they found the others, her and Fig took up a position at the back of the group. "If this comes to a fight, I'll make sure our pokemon end up alright ok?" She muttered to her team.

[CateranEnforcer]

The Pinsir campers turn as you approach. Joey stammers speechlessly at Margret, not sure how to reply to the accusations. Henry puts on an incredulous face as you speak. What are you scrubs on about? We took some berries by mistake, sure. They weren't labeled properly! We definitely didn't take anyone's medicine. We're witnesses too, ya know. You are all crazy, right? Drake did we take that fatty's medicine?"

The punk looking boy keep his hands innocently in his pockets, "No way, we didn't touch it. What kind of monster would do that?" A creepy cloth covered pokemon bobbed up and down at his feet and seemed to whisper in ghastly voice. "Oh wait, I think Mimi found something. She picked up that kid's thing. Well, you heard them. He needs it." The pokemon scuttled away like it was clutching at something selfishly.

"It doesn't look like she wants to give it up." Henry observes. "Guess we have to give her something she wants in exchange. I'd hate to trouble father with such a terrible headline. What does she want?"

Drake leans down to have a conversation with his pokemon "She wants to see some blood. What's that? All off us? Well I dunno, you won't just give it to us? Dang, that's cold. You're one evil pokemon. Sorry, guys she can't be reasoned with." He throws his hands up in defeat.

Henry snaps his fingers in frustration, "Guess it can't be helped. Well, maybe we can use this to our advantage. Our pokemon would crush yours, no offense. It's simply logical. Why don't we see what our new adoptees can do? They need to learn to fight properly too you know. And we don't have to stomp your best friends into the ground. I'd love to see that useless pokemon you got from the daycare in action. What do you say, would that satisfy Mimi?"

Drake shrugs, "Yeah, I guess so."

This behavior feels very rehearsed and Drake seems annoyed by it at the end.
The Mimikyu does not seem to be acting and is very serious about wanting to keep the inhaler.

The Mimikyu does seem to be communicating with Drake, though how he knows what it says is a mystery.

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

"No, that's extortion," says Ajax. "I've got a better idea. Iggy, go sing to her."

"Ig!"

The Jigglypuff hops to the ground and waddles toward the Mimikyu, more confident in this relatively friendly encounter than the clown fiesta that was their last meeting.

[Lorrel]

As Drake and Henry play their game, Constance keeps a close eye on Charlotte. After their first encounter she definitely seemed to be more in charge and calculating than the others. Manipulating her may be the key to avoiding a full blown conflict.


Perception from OOC: 12

[CateranEnforcer]

In response to the perception check

Henry's sister Charlotte has been hanging back watching the encounter. Her arms are crossed as if she is disapproving but putting up with her brother's antics. Her Heracross stands next to her like a bodyguard. She appears impatient, much like Drake at this moment.

[Lorrel]

Still hoping to avoid a conflict Constance decided to go for broke and see what she could do to help Ajax's plan along.

Sure we are all witnesses, but you know what they say, pictures never lie and my friend here snapped a few beauties during your little encounter. It is such a nice camera - has she shown it to you? Hey Ajax, why don't you show them your camera? It so styling and *Flashy*. Constance puts a tiny bit of emphasis on her last word, hoping her new friend would pick up on what she was thinking.

Without stopping to see if it works, Constance looks over at the giant bug and Charlotte who appeared to be unimpressed with the whole situation.

Oh wow, a Heracross! I love giant bug Pokemon. They are so overlooked even though they are quite strong. And this one looks even stronger than the others I have seen. Quite impressive.
Looking at Charlotte, she continues. How long have you been its trainer? It looks like it is very attached to you, you must have done an amazing job with it! I am Constance by the way, I don't think we have properly met yet.


Charm Roll for Charlotte [roll0]

Pokemon Ed (Poke Psychologist) to make the Heracross a bit more friendly [roll1]

[CateranEnforcer]

Henry seems to pause when Constance mentions the possibility of Ajax taking pictures of their antics. He leans over to Drake and asks him, "Did you see her camera out?" The two argue back and forth for minute which gives Constance enough time to speak with Charlotte uninterrupted.

The girl eyes Constance wearily as she talks, "Yes he is impressive. My brother and I only train the best. I am Charlotte Steele, but I haven't decided if it's a pleasure to meet you yet. Are you trying to butter me up or something? Listen, my brother just wants an excuse to show off his new pet dear ol' Daddy gave him. He's the one you have to convince. I can't watch him all the time."

While Charlotte's reply is haughty and dismissive, there is plenty going on to distract everyone from Iggy's approach on Mimi. The Mimikyu fiercely hunches over it's toy as the Jigglypuff approaches. Before Iggy can sing, a ghostly claw lashes out to Scratch him. Not enough to put him down, Iggy's lullaby puts Mimi to sleep soundly, at least for the moment.

Mimikyu is faster! It uses Scratch in response to Iggy's approach dealing 25 normal physical damage!

Iggy uses Sing to put Mimi to sleep!

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

"What, my camera? I always wear it around my neck." Ajax holds it up for a second, but doesn't proceed to blind anyone with the flash or anything. Constance's idea must have gone over her head.

The Jigglypuff finishes his North Kanto lullaby and rubs the three telltale red marks on his big jiggly face. Ajax walks over and gives her pokemon a little pet. "Good one, Iggy," she whispers. "Now, let's just..."

Hmm. The Mimikyu is really cuddled up to that thing she's holding. It takes a lot to wake up a monster that Iggy just put to sleep, but Ajax still has to be careful.

Perception: Make sure that it's actually the friggin' inhaler that Mimikyu is holding: [roll0]

Stealth/Acrobatics: Reach down and get a hold of it without waking her: [roll1]

[Nap Captain]

Whilst this conversation was going on, Nessa signalled silently to Fig, and the two faded away from the group into the nearby trees. Nessa wasn't sure what was going to happen next, but she thought it valuable that they had the element of surprise. And if the others thought that someone had gone to fetch an adult, then maybe they'd stop their reckless behaviour.

Nessa: [roll0]
Fig the Nidoran: [roll1]

[Lorrel]

Ignoring the execution of Ajax's plan behind her, Constance continues her chat with Charlotte.

No, I am not trying to butter you up, I just love seeing well trained and raised Pokemon. I used to volunteer at a Day Care before I came to camp, so I know that well trained and well raised are very different things. You and Henry both have well trained Pokemon, but yours looks loyal by choice - Henry's looks like it would turn on him if it got the chance. Your Heracross? It would do whatever it took to help you. That comes from raising it, not training it. That is what separates the real trainers from the frauds.

When Charlotte mentions that she cannot watch Henry all the time, Constance nods with a sad smile.

Yes, I know what you mean. All too often the troublesome ones get all the attention and praise while ignoring all the assistance they get from those around them. I know I am some nobody who you just met so my words mean very little, but I want to say it anyway. His antics will only overshadow your skills for so long. Hopefully Henry can handle that day better than usual. You deserve to be your own person, not a babysitter.


Perception to see if her words have made any impact on Charlotte. [roll0]
Charm for sincerity (not sure if there is a better skill to role for that?) [roll1]

[CateranEnforcer]

The corner of Charlotte's mouth twitches as Constance speaks to her. It seems like she is hitting home with some of her points and the girl's expression softens. "He likes being the center of attention. I'd rather not be. We each play a role and while I may not like it, but we have to stick together after we left the islands..." She stops and looks surprised at herself, an she tightens up once more while averting her eyes.

Meanwhile, Ajax takes a look at the snoozing Mimikyu and confirms that it is clutching at the inhaler. The pokemon's hold on it is tight even in it's sleep, but with a little bit of wiggling Ajax works it free gently. Mimi is none the wiser and continues to snooze. Henry and Drake continue argue for just a moment more when Drake sees that Ajax is standing over his sleeping pokemon.

"Ah Muk it, she's got the thing anyways. Let's just let them go and get to camp. I don't want to be out here all day. What clue are we even following anymore anyway?"

"Hey! That's not right messing with his pokemon while he's not looking! I really have to teach you some manners!" Henry desperately clings to his plan that is falling around him in shambles, but he seems to have lost the support of his group as Drake turns his back on him to go check on his pokemon.

Before he can get there, Mimi stirs violently as if waking from a nightmare, shaking herself awake. She feels at the ground near herself. Noticing her trinket missing, she screeches angrily and tries to lunge at Ajax, but Drake is close enough to grab hold and try to the calm the raging pokemon. Ledians's cabin keys dangle from a chain fixed to his demin pants.


In the trees a short distance away, Nessa is hidden from sight, but she is the first one to notice the approach of the rest of the Ledian group. They are walking slowly, so as not to over exert themselves and they seem to be accompanied by a tall back haired man. She also takes note that Chase is closely followed by a Bellossom that wasn't there before and is breathing deeply from it's flowers.

[CosmicOccurence]

Why do you keep trying to fight with us? Margret asked. All we came for was to get back the medicine. We're at a Pokemon Trainer camp. I'm sure we will get plenty of time to battle each other this summer. Instead of ambushing and stealing, just find your cabin and get a good nights sleep. You'll get your battle, I promise.

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

Ajax smiles and tosses the medical payload to herself before stashing it in her pocket. She ignores Henry and is about to thank Drake for keeping his pokémon in check when she sees a flash of a Ledian charm on his hip. She gives him a stern look.

"We'll need that, too," she says, pointing to the keychain on his belt.

[Lorrel]

Sorry, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. I've been in similar situations, so I know how that can feel and got too forward.

Although she is focused on her conversation, Constance can hear the situation resolving behind her.

It seems as though they may have figured it all out, and without too much trouble. Do.. do you want my number? I'd love to chat later after we find our cabins and hear more about how you raised you Heracross. It is always nice to hear tips from other trainers who actually care.

[CateranEnforcer]

Constance sees Charlotte's mouth twitch slightly, but she simply replies, "No thank you." You'd think she was stone walling you but she motions with her head at Henry when he isn't looking.

"That's what trainers do! We battle to settle differences and put upstarts in their place! That's why we're here right?" Henry angrily retorts. He is about to say more but something behind you stops him mouth agape.

At that moment, the rest of you notice the rest of Ledian group Crest the hill. They are accompanied by a black haired man whose name tag reads Bruce. Also with them is a Bellosom whose sweet, nectar-like scent seems to help Chase breathe well enough to walk. Justin and Sam trail behind looking much more confident with their counselor here now.

"Hey there Campers! I am Nurse Bruce, the Ledian counselor. I heard there's some trouble on the road. You've gone pretty far off the script it looks like. I'm going to need you to return everything that was taken before I figure out what to do with you now." Bruce's voice has the low grumble of a disappointed father.

Drake sighs and unclip the keys from his pants and hands them over. Joey has only a single berry, but the rest seem to be gone.

After thinking a moment, Bruce speaks again. "Alright, it looks to me that the Pinsirs have not been following their own clues. I suggest you backtrack and get caught up. You'll want to be at camp before dark. Ledians, you have been thrown off track through no fault of your own. Why don't you tag along with the Scythers? You both have your keys now."

[CosmicOccurence]

At this point, Margret simply ignores Henry. She turns to the nurse and thanks him before addressing the team. Well I, for one, am ready for a good night's sleep. Shall we follow that Stantler and find our cabins? She prompts Gawain to start following the trail, and the Growlithe immediately put its nose to the ground, tail wagging.

[Lorrel]

Constance smiles and nods slightly back at Charlotte when a Henry free opportunity presents itself.

Constance agrees with Margret. Getting to the cabin sounds like a great idea. It has been quite the eventful day and I imagine that Stantler will not wait forever. Plus I imagine we still have some surprises waiting for us on the way.


Perception to find the Stantler/tracks and get us moving [roll0]

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

Ajax hands the medicine over to Chase as soon as she sees him, but is surprised to see he looks a lot better already.

"Can Bellossom just do that? Cool!"

It's kind of a weird thing to say instead of, 'are you alright,' but oh well.

She nods at the idea of following the Scyther team around, seeing no sense in backtracking unnecessarily.

[CateranEnforcer]

Chase quickly snatches back his inhaler when Ajax hands it over. "It's not as good as the real thing, but my Bellosum can provide an herbal alternative," Bruce explains. "It's very good we got it back quickly. I'll make sure the Pincers know the danger they put you in."As you start on your way, you can hear Henry complaining to Bruce and letting him know that his father will hear of this.

Following the Pinsirs put you off the trail slightly but Gawain sense of smell picks up the strong, poignant odor once more. Soon, you find the still fresh tracks leading you still westward. It doesn't take long before you find a large wooden archway with the words, "Camp Goldenrod" carved into it. Beyond it, things start to finally look like what was advertised. The first area you pass though is built on a large grassy plain. There's lots of room for battling and you can see climbing towers, ropes courses, even a shooting range.

The tracks lead to down a different path , however which takes you downhill and into a thin forest. You pass a long building labeled as the Mess Hall and another has the white and red ball symbol of a PokeCenter. It's there where you finally see the Stantler waiting for you. He looks at the PokeCenter's door and makes a motion with his antlers.

Inside, the layout differs greatly from others you have seen before. The large open room is set up like a classroom with desks and chairs facing the side of the building. Beyond that is the usual countertop where you would talk to a nurse, but no one is there presently. There is a push bell on the table though it looks like there's nothing stopping anyone from stepping around the counter anyways to go into the back room behind it. You don't see any computers or really any technology here at all, giving the place a rustic feel.

You notice that your pokegears beep nearly in unison. Looking down, it looks like there has been an update applied or unlocked that includes a detailed map of the whole campgrounds. You can now see that your cabins are just down the path a short distance.

[CosmicOccurence]

We made it! Nessa cried with relief when they reached the camp. This may have only been the first hurdle of their long adventure, but it felt good knowing that they made it through at least a few challenges.

Gawain twined about her legs before trotting up to nuzzle the Stantler int hanks for leading them here, then the two of them rushed into the Pokemon center. It feels so different than the ones in goldenrod, she said. It almost seems like when my family visited Ecruteak City. Like it belongs in a different time, you know?

When their Pokegears buzzed, Margret didn't bother opening it. She figured the others would have an easier time deciphering the message.

[Lorrel]

Constance is relieved to finally make it to the real camp. The trip there had been exciting, but she was looking forward to everything else that lay instore. As they pass the buildings, Constance makes sure to note out loud what they are so Margret can stay informed.

Thanking the Stantler, Constance makes her way into the Pokemon center. Looking around she feels a bit at home with the school like setting. Hopefully this school would be better than her last one. She already had more friends than back home, so maybe this summer would break the cycle for her.

As their pokegear beeps, Constance looks down and checks out the update. Cool, we now have a full map to the grounds. That will make things much easier for us to get around.

Looking over at the Nurse's station, Constance sees that it is unstaffed and wonders if Bruce is the Pokemon Center attendant as well as the on staff nurse. I think I am going to go over and ring the bell. Arabella didn't get too hurt by those Murkrow but I don't want her sleeping hurt for no reason. Was anyone else hurt battling the Krows?

[CosmicOccurence]

Bors came out alright, Margret said. I think the murkrow annoyed him because he was so little.

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

"Murkrow? When did you have to fight those?"

Ajax follows the Scyther group into the center, poking at her fancy camera-gear's touchscreen to let it download the map. The decor makes an impression on her, too. The one near Mt. Moon looked a lot like this when she was little, before they got their new internet connection.

As she secures her place in line and listens to the Murkrow story, she retrieves a pokéball from a leather pouch at her side and releases a beat-up anorith. It promptly lays down, conscious but hurt. Ajax picks him up in her arms and rubs the back of his neck reassuringly. It looks like their encounter with the Pinsirs earlier didn't work out so well for the little guy.

[CateranEnforcer]

The bell fills the room with its sharp chime and you hear the sound of something wooden falling over behind the closed door. A few moments later, a young girl scrambles through the door. She's tucking her Pokegear into her back pocket and you see a toppled chair and a large machine before the door closes shut.

"Oh sorry hello, I mean, good afternoon!" She says awkwardly. "I can take your pokemon if they're hurt. But maybe one at a time? I wasn't expecting so maybe at once. And so soon." The girl takes your pokemon one by one into the back room though with all eight of you here, it takes her some time to get to everyone and she seems unsure of herself about everything.

You have a moment to relax while this is going on. Chase comes up to the group and speaks for the first time since getting his inhaler back. "I never got a chance to say thanks, so thanks everyone."

You can take the chance to RP if you like, or continue on to the cabin and the next day shortly. Either way I want to award a Milestone for completing the prologue. I was trying to work out another challenge but it wasn't coming out great so I saved the idea for later. Next will be your first real camp activity after settling in.

Constance notices Sam keeps looking over at her more than seems normal.

[Lorrel]

In response to Ajax's question about the Murkrow, Constance replied. We ran afoul a strange group of Murkrow on our way here. Their leader was confusing and enraging other nearby Pokemon into battle. We were able to defeat the Murkrow and capture the lead bird. It is not well and will need some special medical attention. Thankfully none of us were hurt, and hopefully we can get the lead Murkrow back to good health.

[CosmicOccurence]

No worries! Margret replied to Chase. I get the feeling that you'd have done the same for me if our positions were switched. Just a bit of human decency, you know?

Margret turned to her two companions. You two have trained up quite the team haven't you?
That Onix in particular ... well I imagine they'd be tough to train. And how on earth did you ever find a pokemon like that? Does your family go cave exploring much?

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

Ajax doesn't know how much person-looking qualifies as normal or abnormal.

"Yeah, it's no problem, Chase," she says. "Just glad you didn't pass out."

Ajax hands the insect over to the nurse-counselor who is maybe two years older than the campers. Anorith should be okay, but something else is bothering bothering her. "So, when you say, 'not well,' you mean because you fought it, or because it's rabid or something?"

...wait, who was it that had an Onix? Those things are relatively common back home, but Ajax only knows of one person who actually trains them.

[Lorrel]

No, my family is not much for caves or hiking or stuff like that. I used to volunteer at a daycare back home and I helped raise my Onix since she was very young. The others at the daycare were too scared to work with such a large "baby" but I saw that she was just a sweet as the other little ones and made sure to give her the care she needed. Eventually we grew so close the the Daycare owner decided that it would be cruel to separate the two of us and gave her to me to care for permanently.

As for the Murkrow, in addition to the regrettable injuries caused by our battle, it seems to have others that have been there far longer. It also did not act like a normal Murkrow during battle and used abilities that are not common for the species. I am hoping to find a way to nurse it back to health and figure out what happened to it.

As she is speaking, Constance feels Sam's gaze lingering on her. Letting out a yawn, Constance nods towards the door.
It has been quite the day. I think I am going to get setup for bed to I can be well rested in the morning.

Constance will make her way over to the cabin, slowly enough that is anyone else wants to head over too that they can walk together.

[CosmicOccurence]

Margret follows to the cabin, relying on her cane so that Gawain could explore the area. He was diving in and out of bushes, tail wagging and butt wiggling as he sniffed all the new smells. It was such a different world than the sidewalks and sterile buildings he was used to.

So tell me about yourself Constance. A former daycare employee and a pretty formidable trainer. What brought you to camp?

[CateranEnforcer]

After your pokemon are taken care of, the Ledian campers also seem keen to head to their cabins. Just a few more meters down the trail their is a wooden signpost that points to the six cabins. Standing there is the Scyther Counselor Mia, and she is checking something on her PokeGear as you approach. She sighs and doesn't seem happy about something.

"Hey there campers. I have some good news and bad news for you. The good news is that you are the first campers to reach your cabins. You'll have plenty of time to settle in and check them our before dinner at the Mess Hall. The bad news is we got word of some trouble earlier and the administrators have decided to make some roster changes. Haukea, you are being moved to Ariados. Ajax, you are moving to Scyther. I understand that Charlotte will be joining Ledian to separate her from her brother. I'm so sorry that this happened and it kinda ruined our little icebreaker. Don't worry though, you'll still see each other around camp! You just won't be staying together! Haukea, you can come with me and I'll let you in while you wait for the others."

----

After Mia leaves you follow the signpost though the thin forest. The cabins seem to be somewhat removed from one another. Each has its own short trail leading up to it. You climb the three steps up to the covered front porch and into the wooden building. The door opens up to a small common living area featuring a round table and a small fireplace. Two doors lead to bedrooms with a bunk bed in each one. There is also a single cot set up in one corner of the common room. A single door leads out the to the back porch which has a rather large clearing. There is a firepit and a large tub of water as well as pokemon feeding troughs. There is enough space back here for your pokemon to battle and exercise.

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

While her monsters are being treated, Ajax starts taking pictures of the rustic clinic. She seems to have a habit of not making eye contact while she's listening to people, but she is paying enough attention to catch the Murkrow explanation. "Huh. Almost sounds like someone was training it."

She takes a picture of the counselor as she's making the announcement, then taps in a note about the cabin changes as a caption. Once everyone's monsters are collected, she starts documenting the path to the cabin in a similar fashion, noting each type of flower and bush they encounter, not unlike Gawain in a way. Iggy makes funny faces at the pooch from his safe perch on Ajax's back.

Ajax halts for a moment when she sees Margaret get out her white cane, but says nothing.

Once at the cabin, she adds some pictures of the play area to her archive. She lets out her Anorith, and he makes a beeline for the sandbox and the water feature. Iggy dutifully hops down and walks over to keep an eye on him, and is immediately bombarded with Sand Attacks. The two throw sand at each other until the scene becomes a cartoon dust cloud.

While those two are playing, Ajax walks back inside and takes a picture of one of the top bunks, having decided that it's hers. She climbs up without using the ladder and starts unpacking her stuff. She'll have to come back down to put most of it away.

[Lorrel]

My battling skills are not that good, I have never even won a tournament I have been in. I tend to spend more time raising Pokemon than battling. Working at the Day Care was always a nice escape from life, a place where it was just people and Pokemon with none of the junk. Summer camp looked to be similar, so it seemed like a good fit. Hopefully I will make new friends and raise some new one as well.

How about you Margret? What brings you to summer camp?



Constance waves at Haukea as she leaves for her new team, and makes note that Charlotte is no longer bound by her brother. This may be the best thing that will happen to that girl, and it gives Constance a chance at another friend. Friends were scarce back home, and Constance was determined to make the most of her new shot at life. Hopefully Sam did not end up figuring out who she was, or at least not make a big deal about it. It may be something she would need to address sooner rather than later.

Welcoming Ajax to the team, Constance smiles. Welcome Ajax. It looks like you are going to be stuck with us even longer, and we are happy to have you!

Constance looks over the room, and sees Ajax grab one of the top bunks. She had no preference on which to take so she looked over at Nessa and Margret. Any preference on which bunks you get? I am fine anywhere, and may even sleep out back some times.

Examining the back area, Constance is happy to see how spacious it is. It would be a great spot for morning training, evening reading and the occasional night under the stars. She made a mental list of things she needed to ask - if they had a mini library or books of any kind, who might be able to help her look at Hitchcock, and what time camp activities started in the morning. She definitely did not want to over sleep.

[CosmicOccurence]

I mean ... the chance to get away from my overprotective parents was reason enough, Margret said. I'm looking forward to living life without them looking over my shoulder making sure I didn't die horribly from strangling on toothpaste or something.

As for why they took me ... honestly I'm probably not good enough to get in. I've only ever done one tournament, the Goldenrod Open, but I didn't even make it past the first round. Took some battle school classes and always was bottom of the class.

Margret sighed, starting to load her bags onto one of the bottom bunks. Forfeits mostly. I have a harder time than most seeing my pokemon faint. Or well, having my pokemon faint? Whatever. The point is I don't really have the record to make it into this place. I'm pretty sure they only let me in as a poster child for diversity, because how wonderful it would look to have a blind trainer. Margret's voice dripped with sarcasm at this. But if it works for them, it works for me, and I'll milk this experience for all its worth. I'm sad for the chap that didn't get in because of me, but I've had my fair of bad fortune, and its time for the world to start paying me back. She was smiling by now, but Margret did realize she'd turned a conversation that had been relatively happy into something of a monologue one would hear on the worst daytime soap operas.

So she turned her attention to their newest member. So Ajax, tell us about yourself. What brings you here? Based on the sounds of the shutter, I assume you're a photographer of some sort? She smiled, enjoying the irony of a photographer and a blind girl on the same team.

So I don't know if you named the tourney you lost in the finals from your backstory, but I'm calling it the goldenrod open. I will correct if its wrong.

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

"Yup. The amateur sort," Ajax chuckles. "Still getting used to this new camera, though. This is going to be my first real archive."

...it feels like everyone's expecting more than that. Ajax isn't really used to introducing herself to new people. What else is there to talk about?

"Uh... I'm from... kind of the pewter side Mount Moon, so I've been practicing on the trails there. Helping my mom with botany stuff. Thinking of trying out for the Rangers, but I can't really fight for beans."

A fishing rod plunks down and leans against the bunk. Its owner drops down beside it with a pair of books under her arm.

"I was gonna check the trail for mushrooms if we had time. Maybe go fishing. Wanna come?"

[CosmicOccurence]

Margret accompanied Ajax to go for a walk. Gawain sniffed at the bushes, but was mostly happy to be her 'eyes' for the walk, though she still kept her cane with her. It helped her avoid objects directly at her feet that Gawain couldn't catch.

The rangers huh? That's supposed to be a pretty dangerous job, what with being responsible for wild pokemon that are rampaging. I can't even imagine doing something like that.

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

"I guess. It's mostly about figuring out ecology problems, I think, but I've heard rampage stories too."

As her mom has put her though more than enough talks about her ambivalent career aspirations, Ajax tries to steer the conversation back to the blind girl. "So, have you been out hiking much? I can show you a few things..." She searches their surroundings for leaves and pine cones that might be interesting to touch.

[CateranEnforcer]

There is still time before dinner owing to your early arrival. Your cabin, is separated from your neighbors by the thin woods granting some privacy as well as giving your a good deal of space to explore. Right off the bat you can find some fallen deadwood close to your backyard, great for fire wood. The trees around you have fungus growing on them like big, round stairs. There is a section of the forest that looks clearly man made, with pine trees planted in neat rows, their needles blanketing the ground. You can find more traditional mushrooms growing at the base of these trees.

Pokemon stay clear of your group, though do see a cloud of some kind of small bug pokemon in the distance.

The pokemon in the distance are Cutiefly

The pine needles look like a great place for Pineco or other forest Pokemon to hide in. Watch your step.

Some of the mushrooms appear to be moving slightly. There is also something moving through the treetops, gently swaying the branches

You have a hard time shaking the feeling of being watched

[Lorrel]

Constance follows along as they walk.
I am not sure how much this camp is about battling. This camp seems to be more centered on preparing us for life rather than battling alone. There were certainly better choice than me if it supposed to be some kind of battle school. Don't worry about whose spot you "took". This is your spot and you earned it. Besides, one fewer battle crazed fool like Henry the better in my mind. I am not sure if I deserve to be here either, but I sure as heck am going to enjoy myself until they want me gone! Constance grins largely at the end.

As they walk along, Constance points out the Cutiefly swarm in the distance, and warns about the needles
Watch your step in here. I read that Pineco and other forest critters like to hide in ground cover like this. Don't want to step on something.
As she is talk, Constance is looking around. She feels unseen eyes on her and can see something moving in the tree tops. Pausing for a moment while Ajax looks at the mushrooms, Constance focuses her vision along the treetops to see if she can spot the watcher.


Pokemon Ed [roll0]
Survival [roll1]
Perception [roll2]
Intuition [roll3]

Will edit/continue post once the rolls are in

[CosmicOccurence]

Gawain reacted when he sensed the uncertainty Margret felt when she got the feeling she was being watched. Scanning the area, he quickly identified the moving in the bushes and trees and put himself between her and the movement.

Well there are definitely critters in the trees and bushes, Margret said as Gawain maneuvered. The question is if we can avoid upsetting them. I'm pretty good with wild pokemon so long as we can get them out into the open. At the very least I can try to get them to understand we aren't here to hurt them and get a read on their emotions. Doesn't mean they won't attack, but here's to hoping.

What kind of pokemon are Pineco? Based on the name, grass type? Her voice was hopeful, that would mean a good matchup for Gawain.

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

"They're bugs," Ajax adds quickly. "I think I remember something about them being rock or steel too, since they self-destruct like a graveler sometimes does... hm?"

She stops upon spotting a few mushrooms and takes a picture before moving to look them up in her book. Is some clever paras burrowed under there?

[CateranEnforcer]

Ajax locates some edible mushrooms during her close examinations as well as uncovering a paras lying in the needles near them. The pokemon's eyes peer up at her, but it remains completely still like it's still trying to hide.

Though Gawain's eyes, the brightly colored paras is nothing but a bit of foliage, but he catches the sight of movement high above him. A hoothoot flaps quietly through the trees and stops to peer down at you. A short distance away, a clumsy looking vulaby perches on a sturdy branch and also stares at you. Ajax can even make out a noctowl, but it is much farther and higher than the others and through several layers of branches.

The longer you look, the more pokemon join the strange entourage. A magnemite floats between the neat rows of trees, pine needles sticking out of it at odd angles. Finally, a slowpoke seems to be wandering in your direction. None of these pokemon seem to be in a big hurry, but you can't help but notice they are forming a kind of slow circle around you... watching.

Ajax finds 3 mushrooms! You can roll survival again to identify them. Book says you need a 20 to do so.

The pokemon are loosely surrounding you. They are about 6 to 10m away save for the paras which is hiding close to Ajax. Non threatening, just creepy.

It also doesn't take a check to know that the magnemite and slowpoke are out of habitat.

The noctowl Ajax sees is perhaps 25m away.

[Lorrel]

Constance watched as the Pokemon slowly gathered around. She had read countless books, but never heard of anything like this. Single species maybe, but not something this varied.
She made special note of the critters who were out of element. The Magnemite in particular seemed out of place and worth watching. It reminded her of city life, which was an odd thing to feel out in the woods.

Not wanting to cause them alarm, Constance lowered her bag to the ground slowly, and waved slightly at the gathering. Carefully she removes some of the baby food from her bag and places on a nearby rock to see who might want to eat it. She positions her foot near the front of her bag in case Mr Sleep and Eat thinks it is for him.
I don't have much, but if anyone is hungry I have a small snack I can share.



Perception watching the Magnemite [roll0]
Charm while providing the snack [roll1]

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

Ajax puts the mushrooms away and slowly backs off onto the path. "Um. Just so you know," she whispers, awkwardly trying to account for Margaret's inability to see this nonsense, "we're kind of attracting a crowd. A paras, a Noctowl and her babies, and a magnemite and a slowpoke for some reason..."

...

This is really cool, actually.

She snaps off pictures of the displaced monsters first - maybe they're lost, so someone might be looking for them? - and then moves on to everything else in the circle.

[CosmicOccurence]

Oooh there's a noctowl too? Margret asked brightly: Gawain hadn't noticed that. She tapped her cane twice to the ground quietly, and Gawain immediately came to her leg and laid down, attempting to look as nonthreatening as possible.

Meanwhile, she reached her mind out to one of the Hoothoot, trying to form a bond.

Intuition DC 15 [roll0]

If it succeeds she attempts to open her heart, showing that they have no desire to cause harm or start a fight. In return.

I can use intuition to change the attitude of wild pokemon from mystic senses [roll1]

[CateranEnforcer]

The pokemon seem very interested in Constance's offer of food. The paras and slowpoke wander over to examine the baby food. The magnemite is not interested and still floats a short distance away, it's lack of expression unreadable.

Margaret touches the mind of the hoothoot and conveys her intentions to it. Upon doing so, she gets a feel of its own intentions. The pokemon is focused on Constance and wants to find a way to take away her sick pokemon. It is dangerous. How it knows this is not certain but you can see that it has been following you for at least the last hour gathering help as it went along.

[CosmicOccurence]

Well that's interesting, Margret muttered as she realized what was going on. They're after the Murkrow. They think its dangerous, and have been gathering a bunch of pokemon as help. Hence those that are out of their habitat.

It seems we have quite the infamous pokemon travelling with us right now.

[Lorrel]

They want Hitchcock? I know he is sick, that is why I am going to help him get better and... wait... um... how exactly do you know what they want?

Constance is clearly flustered, both at the thought of this gathering of Pokemon wanting Hitchcock and at Margret's strange statement. Still, even without an explaination she has no reason to doubt what Margret said. Plus there was no denying that the gathering of dissimilar Pokemon was happening.

Um, Pokemon.. friends? I don't know how much you can understand me, but I understand that you want the Murkrow we defeated earlier. I know he is sick and I want to make him better. I am sorry if he caused you trouble in the past, but if he is with me he cannot cause any more trouble.

Constance hopes her plea to the gathering is effective, and then pauses for a moment in thought.
She looks back at the gathering and adds one more thing.

If it will make you more comfortable, one of you can come with me to keep an eye on us. That way you can see for yourself that Hitchcock isn't a threat anymore. And if the time comes that you do not think he can be saved, you will at least know you gave him the best chance you could.



Going with Poke Psychologist instead of Charm this time since Constance is trying to convince them she can care for it.
Pokemon Ed: [roll0]

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

Ajax blinks a couple times as she lowers her camera, then furrows her brow, trying to figure something out.

"Margaret. How can you possibly know that?"

Constance just kind of takes Margaret's assertion as read and proceeds to negotiate. This makes Ajax more annoyed at being left out of the loop, but if it works, she sees no reason to disrupt it.

[CosmicOccurence]

Margret shrugs. Something i've been able to do. It's like D-rate telekinesis that lets me feel emotion and intention instead of reading minds, and it only works on pokemon. And it doesn't always work. It's part of the reason I have such a hard time letting my pokemon faint in battle instead of forfeiting.

Anyways, not important. The point is I won't be able to interrogate them and figure out any specifics, but that's what I got from the Hoothoot, and it knows we aren't here to hurt them. I can try and form the bond with others if you want, but no promises. Her body posture was pretty slumped: last time she did this people laughed in her face.

[CateranEnforcer]

The pokemon happily munch away at the baby food not seeming to hear Constance. Margaret does notice a change in the hoothoot's surface thoughts indicating that it was listening. She is indecisive briefly and then flutters down in front of your group as if in agreement. She seems to trust the three of you.

Margaret can sense that the hoothoot didn't really want to fight either. She just wanted to put you to sleep. Now she sees herself as responsible for task of great magnitude. The other pokemon gather around closer and the eerie stares they had been giving you fade away. They all seem young and more than happy to just play with each other.

The Noctowl flaps away shortly after this exchange.

[Lorrel]

Wait, so you can communicate with Pokemon?
...
...
THAT IS THE COOLEST THING EVER!!!!

Constance claps her hands over her mouth at her outburst, and tries to regain her composure.
That is an amazing ability you have. You could become a master breeder, or a great Pokemon Professor.

You say that they do not 'talk' back but you get a feel from them. How much do they understand when we talk to them. Do you get the feeling that they understood anything I told them?



Edit

As the Hoothoot lands before them, Constance hopes that at least part of what she said was understood. She will try her hardest to show that Hitchcock can be made better.

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

"Psychic stuff. Got it."

Ajax is still wary of the pineco leering at the group, so she thinks a picture of them will be enough. She approaches the out-of-place slowpoke and offers her hand for a sniff before petting its head.

"So, where did you come from?" she wonders aloud to the naturally nonresponsive animal. "Hey, you two said you found the Murkrow back by the lake, right? I bet that's where the slowpoke came from. Want me to carry you back, big guy?"

One is faced with two problems when talking to slowpoke. First, they're dumb wild animals who can barely understand the gist of anything you say without training. Second, they way they respond to what they do understand is, 'stare blankly for yes, hit you with a confusion in the face for no.'

[CosmicOccurence]

Psychic seems like a stretch. I can't anywhere near the level of clarity that a Telepathic person like Sabrina could. It's much harder to be deceitful I've noticed though, and they can sense me just as much as I can them, so its rarely useful in hostile situations.

In terms of them understanding us, it depends on the species. A slowbro probably won't get much, but an alakazam woudln't even need me there. Generally though, most pokemon can understand ideas prevented in a straightforward manner without much complexity. The more evolved pokemon traditionally do better with complex ideas, as do most psychic types.

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

"Okay, well, it's still more psychic than anything I've ever seen, but I'll take your word for it. More like a sense you honed in absence of eyesight, I guess."

While the slowpoke predictably takes its sweet time deciding how to respond to her, Ajax's attention wanders to the magnet robot. "Now, where did the magnemite come from? Did it follow someone all the way from the marina? But then how would it know about the Murkrow virus?"

[Lorrel]

Yes, it is quite puzzling where some of them came from. And it make me wonder exactly what is wrong with Hitchcock. For all of these different Pokemon to come together, it must be something serious. Hopefully I can find the proper care for him.

Looking over to Margret, Constance is not so quite to dismiss Margret's amazing ability.

Don't sell your ability short, what you can do is quite amazing. Even if you feel you aren't on the same level as a psychic, you still have quite the profound gift. And who knows what you can develop it into with time? I don't imagine Sabrina started out as powerful as she is now.


Is there anything else we want to do while we are out here? I can't speak for anyone else, but this has been the strangest first day of camp that I could have ever thought of.

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

"Still have my fishing rod," Ajax says. "Want to hang out by the lake for a bit?"

[Lorrel]

Sure, sounds like fun! I have a rod too, Constance replies, pointing at the old rod in her pack.
Of course, I have never actually gone fishing before but I have read lots of books about it.

[CosmicOccurence]

Do we keep the fish or put them back? Margret asked. She'd always wondered, but she wouldn't mind some fish for dinner. Did they cook for themselves here? She wasn't sure.

[CateranEnforcer]

Predictably, the Slowpoke doesn't seem to hear Ajax. He seems content to stand still while the other pokemon play around his feet or jump off his back. Eventually, he yawns in your direction and continues to stand perfectly still.

It's starting to get a little late, but you have time to grab your rods and make your way to the lake. The Hoothoor says bye to her friends and takes off after you. You pass other campers as they are trickling in from today's activities. There's no sign yet of Pinsir group.

The lake is how you left it, with the Surskit still dancing on the surface of the clear, clean water. The canoe is still here as well.

[CosmicOccurence]

So I know the cliche thing is to go skinny dipping as bonding or something, Margret said dryly. You'll have to forgive me if I don't immediately rip off my clothing in joy though.

She walked to a rock where she could sit and dangle her feet in the water. Gawain was content to snuggle next to her away from the water, and she petted Bors softly as the cool water rushed around her feet. What on earth do you think is going on with that Murkrow though? If the wild pokemon reacted so strongly then something must be going on. Could it be contagious or something?

[Lorrel]

I was wondering the same, Constance replied to Margret as she got her rod ready. I don't know if it is contagious, or if he had been causing a lot of destruction and pain to the local Pokemon. He had the Elektrike battling the Surskit while we were there and I suspect he has been doing similar with the other creatures in the area. They may be concerned about the damage he could cause if he is left in the wild

Once her line is ready Constance will lazily dangle it in the water, not really concerned if she gets a bite or not.


Fishing roll (Athletics) [roll0]

[CosmicOccurence]

So he's some sort of Kingpin then eh? Margret chuckled. Looks like we've really got our work cut out for us. I don't envy having to train it.

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

"Wouldn't go fishing naked," Ajax responds to Margaret's joke. "Might get your hook stuck somewhere."

Even without seeing the small smile on her face, Margaret can read that they're operating on the same level, albeit with a lateral move on the crudeness spectrum. She's pretty much nailed Ajax's sense of humor.

"Probably safe as long as it's in its ball, at least," she says regarding the Murkrow. "Might need to show it a badge if it gets out of hand."

Survival Fishing! [roll0]

Ajax only shrugs when asked what she plans to do with whatever she catches, assuming anyone catches anything. That part depends on the fish. Until then, it's just nice to look up at the stars.

[CateranEnforcer]

In contrast to the rest of your time here, this is the most peaceful the Park has been all day. The last of the campers must have been finishing their scavenger hunt while you all relax by the water. The sun moves ever closer to the horizon playing on the gentle ripples of water emanating from your fishing lines. A cool breeze wafts through the air, taking away the heat that permeated the air earlier. A crescent moon sits high in the sky as the night's brightest stars show in the slowly reddening sky. Spearow and other birds fly to their nests, and a few Zubat are starting to emerge in their place.

After a some time, Constance finally gets a bite. She pulls at her rod as the fish pokemon fights strongly to escape the hook. After a tough minute or so, she finally is able to real in a small but plump Magikarp. It struggles weakly against you when it is raised out of the water.

Ajax on the other hand, is bit more strategic. Her fishing line is cast to a different location where there is more places for water pokemon to hide. She sees signs of something in the water and tires a few ties to coax out whatever it is. Several minutes after Constance reels in her catch, Ajax gets the attention of the long, slender pokemon and it bites at her lure. Reeling it in a bit further you can make it out a struggling shape, but it's far stronger than the last one.

It's a Barboach!

This one's a fighter! You may to have to work a little bit harder to get it out. A good skill check or weakening it in battle or maybe even charming it somehow.

[CosmicOccurence]

Margret quickly backed away from the water as the pokemon began splashing her. You've got this Ajax! she called, Don't let that slimy thing get the best of you!

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

Ajax stands up and pulls from side to side as she gradually reels the monster in, but dares not risk breaking her mom's rod. She catches a glimpse of the catfish-eel thingy as it splashes the surface of the pond. It looks slimy, so just grabbing it probably won't work...

Remembering a trick her mom taught her, she grips the middle of her rod with one hand and reaches out to snap off a few nearby reeds with the other. She shakes off the cattails and blows into the grass tubes one by one until she finds a good one and plays it like a strangely soothing kazoo as she slowly pulls her rod from side to side.

The song is one of Iggy's favorites. It sounds just right for the relaxing sunset.

Ajax used Grass Whistle! We're still forest-adjacent, but a marsh reed feels like it makes more sense here anyway.

[roll0]

Grass Whistle is AC 6, but I don't know what other modifiers are in play.

[CateranEnforcer]

The calming melody of Ajax's music seems to have a noticeable effect on the struggling pokemon. As it becomes overcome with drowsiness, reeling it in is much easier. A few seconds later, the Barboach is lifted from the water sound asleep, for the moment anyway.

The Barboach is primed for capture! It can be caught with no roll. The Magikarp is as well, if that suits your fancy.

---

As time goes on, you eventually are approached by Mia from behind. "Whew I heard you were out here, enjoying your free time. That's absolutely fine, but it's about time for the opening ceremony at the Mess Hall. Whitney and the other camp administrators are going to welcome you all in and let you know what camp will be like. And they'll feed you of course!"

[CosmicOccurence]

Oh good! I don't really think freshly caught fish is my thing ... Margret said. She had a hard time imagining killing a pokemon then eating it. Things were different when you just got a burger, but this felt so ... immediate.

Let's just hope that we don't run into any trouble at the ceremonies. If possible, I'd love to avoid a certain wartortle trainer, she whispered to her companions as they walked back.

She was nervous for the opening ceremony, but excited. Her journey was finally starting!

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

Ajax reels in her hard-won barboach and pauses. "...uh. Anyone have a pokéball I can borrow?"

She'll also help Constance throw her non-viable Magikarp back.

-

She just nods when Mia comes around. "Okay."

[CosmicOccurence]

Sure! Nessa said, tossing the ball to her companion. It's the basic model, nothing fancy, but it'll do the job with that thing sound asleep.

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

"Thanks. Owe you one."

Ajax snaps a quick picture of her catch and loads the barboach into the ball.

[CateranEnforcer]

When you finish up at the lake, Mia takes you on a short walk back to the camp, takes a left towards the Mess Hall. A collection of campers and counselors are making their way inside the long, brick building. You see Nurse Bruce holding open the door directing people inside. He waves at you as you pass by him and flashes a warm smile. He stops Margaret briefly with a gentle touch on her shoulder to hand her a plain folder with her name written on it. As she takes it, she immediately feels the tiny bumps that adorn the outside. It's braille! "There should be a few things in there to help you out. I put some instructions inside in braille that should cover everything."

Inside, there are rows of tables where campers are sitting. Unlike most of the rest of the camp, you notice there is nothing here to indicate where your team should sit. Indeed, you see a few familiar faces mixed in with others you haven't met yet. A tired Henry glowers towards the front middle of the room where there is a small wooden stage. There sits another table with a handful of well dressed and important looking people seated there. One older gentleman bares a clear resemblance to Henry, though with hard features and a purposeful look in his eyes. There's also the two Granbull bodyguard trainers you saw this morning meaning Whitney must be close.

You aren't left waiting long before you are directed to the food lines. Campers are lined up as if at a school cafeteria. The dishes being served are all simply made but look fresh and tasty. There is some corn and carrots, mashed potatoes and gravy, and some sloppy joe. To drink there are pitchers of water and a red liquid people are calling bug juice. To those who try it find that it is a cherry flavored sugary drink not at all like the name suggests.

After you collect your meal, it seems some campers are taking this chance to mingle outside their own group. You can see Justin happily and loudly talking to someone about something he apparently knows a lot about. Charlotte sits alone in a corner. Haukea waves from across the room.

The folder contains a couple of things for you. There is a an upgrade device that can be fitted into your Pokegear. It comes with a pair of earphones and braille instructions on how to activate a new accessibility mode. It will allow you to use a deaf version of the pokegear, which will read and describe menus to you, among other things. To a sighted person, it would seem a great hassle to use, but to you it makes the device usable.

[Lorrel]

Constance enjoyed her time fishing with her new friends. It was nice a peaceful, a stark contrast to the previous events of the day. Cheering for Ajax as she lands her catch, Constance releases her Magikarp back into its watery home.

Following along with the others as they head back, Constance whistles merrily, fully enjoying being at camp. As they make their way through the food lines, Constance grabs a bit of everything and decides to brave the Bug Juice. Spotting Charlotte off on her own, she feels sad that the girl was separated from anyone she knew and left on her own. Constance makes her way over to sit down and say hi.

Is this seat taken? Constance asks Charlotte with a smile on her face.

[CosmicOccurence]

Margret was confused when she was handed the envelope, but was estatic when she felt the braille. I certainly didn't expect that, she thought while Gawain led her to the food line. The sloppy joes smelled delicious, so she grabbed to and found her way to a seat where she could spread out and read.

Reading braille was different than normal reading. It was slow going, as you had to feel out each letter and word, but it felt good that she was doing something nobody else in the room would be able to. As she explored the contents and munched on her food, tears began welling up in her eyes. This was beyond anything she could have expected, and immediately set up the pokegear, using commands to navigate through the pokegear. People didn't normally take things into account for her, let alone go out of her way to feel welcome.

It was all a bit overwhelming, and she had to take a few breaths to calm down. I'll have to go thank him tomorrow, she told Gawain. It seems like this might not be as bad an experience as I thought it would be. She tried to brush the tears away, but they kept coming no matter how bright her smile.

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

Ajax takes pictures of the food trays for her camp album, scoops way too many mashed potatoes onto her plate, and plunks it down near her new bunkmates. "Cheese!" she says, then snaps a picture of the whole table between when they look up and when they realize that she meant for them to say cheese.

She taps in a caption on the touchscreen: Dinner, Day One

[CateranEnforcer]

Charlotte looks over at Constance as she walks up and sighs. "I guess not. I can't get into anymore trouble at this point."

After a most the meal begins to wind down, you almost don't notice Whitney enter the building from the side entrance and make her way up to the stage. Without all the fanfare she had this morning, Goldenrod gym leader looks so much more like an ordinary person. She's only a few years older than many of the campers here and in fact the youngest gyms leader in the region. Held gently in her arms is a small, bouncing Cleffa.

Whitney steps up to center of the stage with confidence and she addresses you in a strong clear voice. "Hello again campers. Glad to see everyone found their way here. Now that we are all situated here at Camp Goldenrod I have a chance to speak with you more directly. Before I begin though I'd like to thank our sponsors and administrators for making this camp, a passion project that I started three years ago, a possibility. So thank you to Mr Steele as a representative of Sliph CO for providing your brand new Pokegears, Mr Cal and CAL Inc for providing funding, and the National Park Rangers for giving us the space for the good cause of preparing the next generation of trainers!"

"Now with all that out of the way, let me tell you what we are all about here. This camp is an extension of the Goldenrod Gym, so I'll be present for a lot of your training. As you know, every gym in the region has their own specialty and theme. In Goldenrod, we specialize in training Normal and Fairy type pokemon and theme is about teaching the fundamentals not just of pokemon training, but the other skills you may need to go on your own pokemon journey. You will find a little bit of everything here, and outside of planned classes with the counselors, your time will be your own. There's a quarter master store you can purchase supplies at and you will be given a voucher when you leave here today that's the same as money there."

"At the end of the three month camp, everyone will get a chance to take my Gym Challenge and earn your Plain Badge. I'd like for each of you to be able to earn it, but I tell you now that it will not be handed to you unless you deserve it. It is by no means guaranteed to anyone. I will tell you more about that as camp progresses. Starting tomorrow though, you'll get a little taste of it since we are starting our very own Little Cup featuring your adopted pokemon. The winner will have a chance to battle me and my own new adopted Cleffa. They're only going to be cute and little for so long so we're going to take advantage of that!"

"So that is all I have to say right now. I will leave you to your counselors now. I believe they have set up a little bonfire outside for you all to have a chance to relax and get to know each other. I'll see you there!"

When she finishes, the night's activities start coming to an end with a large bonfire built outside and down the path a short distance and down a slope that surrounds it like a mini stadium. Some campers elect to go to sleep and leave early, but many remain and Whitney is here as she said speaking with the counselors. A few are roasting Jigglypuff marshmallows on the fire.

CAL (Cinnabar All-purpose Logistics) Inc is a new company that appeared after the war and is based in Cinnabar. In the years after the war Cinnabar was cut off from the mainland for sometime so they existed independently of Silph Co, the leading technology development company in the region.
Though much of this happened when you were younger, you remember there was a of a struggle as CAL strong armed it's way into the market, offering better prices and a strong focus on pokeball tech and evolution stones. It's rumored this is because it was subject to disasters directly caused by all three of the legendary birds simultaneously, enriching the land with residual energy.



More chances to mingle or simply sleep!

[CosmicOccurence]

Gawain bounced towards the bonfire happily, the growlithe darting in and out to warm himself while Margret started roasting one of her marshmallows.

If any of her friends come up to her, she says I've never been to a bonfire before. I hope you'll tell me when this thing is ready! she indicated her smore.

What'd you think of what Whitney said?

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

"Might not know 'til you try a few," says Ajax regarding marshmallows. Of course her hiker mom made sure she knew her way around campfire snacks. "Like mine just a little softened up, but Iggy won't eat one unless it's black and burning."

Her jigglypuff proceeds to demonstrate this by taking a pre-sticked marshmallow and holding it directly in the fire until it goes up in flames. Whether he recognizes that he's basically watching a burning effigy of himself is anybody's guess.

After taking a nice picture of the scene, Ajax makes her own 10-second blob, plops it onto a graham cracker and sets next to Margaret. "One of mine..." She grabs the burning one away from Iggy before he hurts himself, blows it out and scrapes it onto another graham. "...one of Iggy's. Yours should be good now too - a little brown, so right in the middle."

After arranging the silly taste test, Ajax finally remembers that we're also talking about Whitney. "You mean about the Little Cup? I guess it might be fun. Normal-fairy gym sounds like just the place for Iggy to learn a few things, too."

[Lorrel]

Trouble? I hope you didn't take too much flak for Henry's actions. You didn't do anything wrong, and guilt by association isn't fair. Hopefully things will calm down for you, and you can settle in and enjoy camp. I definitely plan to use my time at camp to find my own place in the world; it is time to be my own person instead of always being what someone else wants.



---

After the meal Constance makes her way back over to her teammates for the Marshmallow roasting.

(If Charlotte is still putting up with Constance after dinner, Constance will invite her over as well)

I have never done the bonefire thing either. I've read about them.. Constance stops short, realizing just how often she mentions that she has only read about doing things. She must sound like the biggest fool.

I guess I really need to make my own experiences this summer, she thinks to herself. Books will only give you so much. At some point you have to step up yourself to actually live. And now is my time to live.

The little cup tournament sounds interesting. I haven't had much time with my partner yet, so it will be our first time pairing up in battle. Hopefully it goes well. He tends to be rather... lazy... at times.

[CosmicOccurence]

We certainly got an interesting set. Two noisy ones and another that loves to sleep. Certainly a good group for a normal type gym.

[CateranEnforcer]

Charlotte shrugs and rolls her eyes, clearly upset. "Father sees it differently. Henry got his team transfer, just not the way he wanted. It's humiliating for me too, though. He's found a clever way to teach us both a lesson, or so he thinks. Henry is going to have to work harder without me with him, and I take fall for him publicly. I wish I could treat things normally like you can, I have a standard that I need to meet."

---

Surprisingly, Charlotte hangs around with Constance after she is invited. She listens quietly for a while before reluctantly trying out a marshmallow of her own. "I feel like these tournaments are rather silly when we each only enter with one pokemon. One bad matchup and you're out. We need more of a team if we're going to do battle like real trainers. These babies are just going to scratch and tackle each other till they fall over."

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

"Wondering about that," says Ajax between bites of her s'mores, "they do these fights in empty rooms, usually? You don't have a lot of moves, the environment gets more important, right?"

[Lorrel]

Constance frowns slightly when Charlotte mentions standards. She is all to familiar with the need to maintain the family's expectations, and was determined not to do so again. At the same time, she did not know Charlotte well enough to know if she wanted to meet the expections for her own reasons, or for someone else's.

I am surprised that your father is having you take the fall; not only do you not deserve it, but it seems impractical. In my experience if they can't cover it up, families try and shift the blame outside the family. They usually don't pile it on one of their own...

Unless they are the designated failure, Constance continues in her head.

Well, one way or another your father will be right - you may not learn the lesson he intends you too, but I can't imagine a summer here without discovering something about yourself and growing.

As for treating things normally. it is definitely not easy for me. It is a struggle at times to stay true to who I am, or at least who I want to be. It is new, exciting, and in some ways scary. To not have a path laid out before is strange, there is no one who can tell me what to do or how to do it. When I think too much on it, it gets even scarier. If I start to have doubts, I remind myself that in all my life, the people who truly cared for me always supported what I chose to do, rather than what was best for them.
...And here I am rambling on about myself all graceless and improper. How about you Charlotte? What brings you to camp? Judging by your partner earlier, you look to be quite accomplished as a trainer already.

--------------

Yeah the Tackle-Dome doesn't quite bring to mind epics battles, Constance laughs. Terrain can play a factor, and strategy can as well. Most of all type defenses will likely rule the roost. Ghost, Steel or Rock types are going to take a long time to whittle down one swipe at a time.
I don't expect to win, but at least it will be fun to see sleepysaurus over here expend some of the energy he has been saving. Constance absently scratches Tru's ears as she speaks and drops a marshmallow into her bag for him.

[CosmicOccurence]

Well let's hope that there are no ghosties out there or we're all up a creek. Bors can't do anything against them. She just shouts really loud. Really loud. Actually a little too loud. I may need some earplugs.

[CateranEnforcer]

Now that you think about it, you remember reading about the funny business that came to light once the sea ways were clear once more to Cinnabar ten years ago. You remember that there was once a company ran by Steele Industries, Henry and Charlotte's father apparently. They lost everything to CAL who ended up absorbing their resources.

"We're here to better ourselves, of course. This looks like the best chance to start. We're not here to have fun, like everyone wants to push on us. This is a serious training opportunity for when it comes back." She leans in closer and whispered the next word. "Mewtwo."

---

After a short while, Charlotte puts her roasting stick down and turns to leave. "I guess we'll find out tomorrow. I have to go. See you around camp I suppose."

As the fire winds down, campers begin to file back towards their cabins. It is now full on night and you can see some nocturnal pokemon coming out at night. You can even recognize your Hoothoot friend watching you from the trees.

When you finally head to your own cabin, Mia's Stantler rests outside. A note on the door from indicates that she has a lot to prepare for the little cup starting soon, so she'll be gone this evening.

[CosmicOccurence]

So, bathroom situation, Margret says as she pulls out a tank top. With just the four of us it shouldn't be a huge problem, but I'm a night showerer. Anyone else I need to be aware of other than the usual brushing your teeth and such?

[Lorrel]

Constance eyes widen in shock and confusion but she manages to keep her voice low. Mew...two? Why would he come back? And why would it fall to you and your brother to deal with him. From what I remember from school it was SilphCo and CAL that were into that kind of thing. Constance pauses, like she is putting together some pieces.
Wait, Steele... I know why that name is familiar. They were a company in the islands that got taken over by CAL, right? From what I recall something about the takeover was not on the up and up. That still doesn't explain your direct involvement. I assume it is something more than your brother met Mewtwo once and created a mortal enemy with his attitude? Constance added the last with a small smile, trying to lift the mood and ease any tensions and hoped it would not give offense. She is definitely still surprised at Charlotte's revelation, but wanted to let her new friend know that she believed what she said.




----

Constance waves good-bye to Charlotte as she goes.
I hope we can spend more time together while we are here. I'd love to share notes on training and such.


Back at the cabin, Constance gets ready for bed. She puts a few smuggled veggies from dinner that Tru didn't eat outside for their owl friend and waves goodnight.

In response to Margret's question about routines, Constance replies. No worries from me, I am an early riser. I like to get my training underway when the sun comes up. If I am missing in the morning I am likely outside.

Before heading off to bed, Constance uses her Pokegear to do a bit of research. She reads up on Steele Industries, Mewtwo and CAL's takeover of Steele. She wants to make sure she doesn't say anything stupid that could upset Charlotte. She also does a quick search to see if she can find any other mentions of Pokemon with symptoms like Hitchcock.


GenEd roll for info on Steele Industries, Steele/CAL take over, and insight into the connection between Steele and Mewtwo (depending on Charlotte's replies above this may not be needed.) [roll0]
PokeEd for anything to do with Mewtwo [roll1]
PokeEd to find anything about other Pokemon like Hitchcock [roll2]

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

Ajax waves to a leaving Charlotte with a quick, "'Kay. Later," and picks up Iggy for the trip back to the cabin. It really is getting pretty late.

She hangs her pack from the corner of the bunk and Iggy dives from there to the bedroll below with a *Puff!*

"...we have showers?"

[CateranEnforcer]

"Father was in an impossible situation. His second betrayed him. He tried to take us away from that island, but something happened. Something I can't remember. And that doesn't sound right, does it? I think something made me forget, and father was very interested in the cloning facilities. I put it together myself. It makes sense that he was there. Team Rocket attacked us, what us would they want from that dump?"

---

You go to bed after Ajax makes the revelation that you do indeed have running water and a shower even. In the morning, you are woken by Mia who enters the cabin near dawn. She's very excited to take you to her planned activity. After you eat, she takes you down the path and you end up at a small ranch. There you see a number of quadruped pokemon like her Stantler. You can smell the stark odor of manure as you pass the stables. There are saddles and riding equipment stacked neatly along the walls.

There is another classroom like building that you finally end up in. A poster on the wall uses pictures to show the three steps to using a pokeball. Another shows a type effectiveness chart. Still another categorizes pokemon into breeding groups. There is a small bookshelf with reference books on the feeding and care of pokemon.

"Welcome to my little slice of paradise out here. This is my little ranch that I can teach about raising pokemon. In preparation for the Little Cup coming up, I'm going to help you to tutor your little ones. They could probably learn a new move or two. We can even extend these techniques to your other pokemon as well. We've even got a good library of Technical Machines that I can show you as well. Depending what you want to try and teach them, it may take a few hours so you can use the grounds outside to practice and train. Any questions before we start?"

I forgot to mention, you got $5000 worth of vouchers for the shop.

Now here you have a chance to teach new moves to your pokemon. The process will take a good training session whether it is done with a TM or tutored. TM's used in this way are half cost, a as camp discount.

Firstly, you can find a short report about the two Cinnabar companies and how they fit into the history of the islands. Towards the end of the war, Cinnabar volcano erupted and Moltres emerged destroying the labs and the city there. CAL and Steele were competing over recovering the salvage. Team Rocket infiltrated Steele Inc and nearly brought the islands to their knees. Steele himself was kidnapped by Rocket executives. Several accomplished trainers including the daughter of the missing Gym Leader Blaine put an end to their operations and grounded their large zeppelin they used to bring over personal and equipment. Steele Inc could not recover from the Rocket incursion and was soon absorbed into CAL.

Next, Mewtwo's escape was one of the reasons there was a war at all. This dangerous cloning and genetic modification was deemed a crime against nature. In the months following, it was seen worldwide and often resulted in a lot of damage when it was. It went into hiding and evaded detection for decades. It's known to be overwhelmingly powerful with its psychic powers. Since then, some people regard it as an urban legend, with rumored sightings popping up all over. Some people think Team Rocket caught it and plan to unleash as a weapon.

Last, there is not much to go on with regard to the Murkrow. However, there is an increasing number of pokemon with odd behaviors and symptoms. It's been attributed to glitches within the PC storage system when Zapdos brought down the power grid. CAL makes a special pokeball that can capture these glitched pokemon since sometimes regular pokeballs fail. No cure is known.

[Lorrel]

During Dinner:

Wow, that is some pretty serious stuff, and it does sound like something messed with your mind. I never realized Team Rocket was involved with what happened to Steele.
I know you are a far stronger trainer than I am, but if you need help I am here. Not sure what I can do, but I don't let friends face danger alone.
Constance gives Charlotte a smile at the end. Charlotte may have things weighing heavily upon her, but Constance can be optimistic enough for both of them.


In the morning

Constance was happy to see their councilor bright an early as she was an early riser herself.
Quickly grabbing her pack, Constance follows along behind Mia as she leads. The smell of manure was strong, but Constance had become somewhat used to the smell after working at the Daycare. Baby Pokemon may be cute, but boy do they poop.

Constance surveyed the classroom and her face broke out into a huge smile when she saw the books on Pokemon care. She made a note to check it out later and see if there way anything interesting.

This place is so great, Constance remarks to Mia. I love helping raise Pokemon, it is so rewarding. Does this act as Daycare facility, or do you just take care of local wildlife that needs help? Are there any species in particular that are protected here?


Constance browsed through the library of TMs, not quite sure yet which would be right for Tru. Deciding to get some training in while thinking, she put her pack down on the ground and brought out Arabella for some morning work. She removed a few snacks and left them on a nearby table for later. They were sure to work up an appetite.
Looking over at her bag, Constance leans over and says in a mock stern voice Get your naps in now. Once I am done with 'Bella you are next mister!

Before starting her training, Constance asks Mia How close does the local wildlife get? 'Bella and I can get a bit loud so I would hate to scare anything off.

Meanwhile, in the eyes of a Slakoth...


The ride in the bag was particularly bouncy today. Mygirl must be in a hurry. Why hurry? Plenty of time for things. Should learn to relax more. Burrowing deeper in the bag, Tru found a comfortable spot and let the sound of voices lull him to sleep. There would be time for doing later. Now was the time for not doing.

A solid thud woke the slumbering Tru, and he was no longer moving. With a large yawn, he stretched and peaked out of the bag. The sun was bright. Not too high in the sky. A fine time for a nap. But his bag was sitting in the sun, and starting to get a little bit warm. That just wouldn't do.

Slowly the furry animal made its way out of the opening and looked around for a better place to sleep. There were lots of trees, but also lots of noise. Finding the right spot would be tricky.

Suddenly Tru's nose began to twitch. Something smelled like... food. Food was good. Almost as good as napping. Maybe it was a good idea to have a snack before the next nap. He never knew when Mygirl might need him to do something. Best to have extra energy stored just in case. Searching around Tru found the source of the yummy smell. Mygirl had left the yummy treats far away high up on a table. It was so far away, but smelled so good. Mygirl always had good yummy things. But could he make it all the way there to where the yummy things waited? Maybe he could just wait until later. Mygirl was surely going to give it to him anyway.

With a big stretch, Tru was ready to find a place to nap, when movement caught the corner of his eye. Mygirl was working with LoudRockSnakeGirl doing that Training thing. Tru was not entirely sure what Training was, but it was a lot of work.
Shrugging, Tru was all set to ignore them when he thought of something.
What if the yummy was for LoudRockSnakeGirl and not Tru? Maybe a reward for Training?
Although a nap was quite tempting, Tru could not risk the loss of the yummy. He had to move fast, relatively speaking.

Moving as fast as he had ever done, the world blurred before him as he made his way towards the yummy. He was making good time. Almost half of the enormous 20 feet had been crossed.
This won't be so bad, Tru thought, I can even nap under the table thing. Not bad at.. Tru's thoughts stopped as he did, thudding into a rock that blocked his path. He had been so excited for the yummy that he hadn't checked to make sure the path was clear.

Having gone so far already, Tru was not ready to turn back and find another path. The rock would just have to move.

Move, Tru asked the rock. But nothing happened.
Manners, thought Tru, how rude of me.
Please Move, good rock. There are yummy things past where you are and I would like to eat them
The rock just sat there, as rocks tend to do.
This just won't do, thought Tru. He wanted the yummy, and the rock was not willing to listen.
Tru let out a sigh. It looked like he was going to have to show the rock he was serious. Lifting his arm, Tru unleashed a mighty swing at the boulder, but his sharp claws failed to even scratch it. Once again, Tru gave a swing, again to no effect.
Tru was starting to worry. The longer this took, the bigger the risk that someone else would get the yummy first.
With all of his strength and determination, Tru raised both arms and brought them down with more force than he had ever used before.
Shattered pieces of rock flew past him in a cloud of dust. At first Tru worried that the noise would give him away, but thankfully LoudRockSnakeGirl was making even more noise, so he went unnoticed.
As the dust cleared, Tru was able to check if the rock had learned its lesson. Tru was impressed to see that the rock was no more, and in its place were pebbles that he could easily crawl over.
Except behind the first rock was a second one. Life was not going to make this quest easy for the poor Slakoth.
Raising his arms high again, Tru repeated his strike from before and was once more treated to the dust cloud of success.

With the mean rocks out of the way, Tru continued towards the table. The closer he got, the higher the table got. By the time he was close, Tru realized that the table was too high. He had no way up to the yummy.
Oh cruel world, thought Tru, why do you tease me so. I am just a small Tru, and all I want are the yummy things in life, and the sleepy things. Is that too much to ask?
The cruel world did not respond with words, but rather with a light breeze that brought the scent of yummy things directly into Tru's nose.

Filled with determination, Tru had to find a way to get the yummy to where he could reach it. Tru looked around, hoping to find something that could help. There were no trees to climb or any other way to get up there. He had to find a way to bring it down to him.

Tru slowly scratched his head and tried to think. But thinking was hard due to the noise. LoudRockSnakeGirl was playing with Mygril, throwing large rocks around and creating the most distracting sounds. How was a poor Tru supposed to be able to think with all of that going on.

Slumping down, Tru watched as LoudRockSnakeGirl threw rocks. The Onix was unleashing a barrage of stones against a practice target dressed up like scarecrow with a giant straw hat. Rock after rock fell from the sky until the target was nothing but splinters. The straw hat fell to the ground as the target finally succumbed to the onslaught.

Tru blinked slowly and looked again. The hat... was on the ground. Tru had an idea. Looking around, Tru spotted some rocks nearby. They were not the massive boulders that LoudRockSnakeGirl had been throwing, but for Tru they would be the biggest things he had ever lifted.
With great effort he lifted each one and launched it at the table, taking care not to hit the yummy. Rock after rock was thrown and rock after rock connected with the table. With one final throw Tru hit the table leg square, causing it to break from the pressure.

The table toppled forward and the snacks slid to the ground. With surprising speed Tru swiped out with his paw, snagging the treats. He paused for just a moment to see if he had been caught, but everyone else was busy.
Thinking he had gotten away unseen, Tru did a small little dance, only to be interrupted by a mocking 'Whooo'
Looking up, Tru realized that he had been spotted. In the branches of a nearby tree was a BigEarNightBird. Normally Tru did not see BigEarNightBird in the day, as they were often sleeping, a characteristic they shared.
Feeling slightly embarrassed that the BigEarNightBird had seen his dance, Tru retreated under the fallen table to enjoy his victory spoils.

Munching slowly on his reward, Tru barely heard the laughing hoots from above. He was tired, but has was fed, and he was ready for that nap. Mygirl needed him for that Training thing later, so he needed to get the naps in now.







Constance purchases 2 TMs
Brick Break - 1200
Rock Tomb - 1400
Tru spends 2 tutor points and learns the moves.
Constance has 2400 in vouchers remaining.
I'll post Tru training later tonight, I got slightly side tracked with this post :smallbiggrin:

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

Ajax goes ahead an uses the shower at some point during the night, but the farm smells make her wonder whether it was worth the trouble. While Iggy rides around on her backpack, watching the tauros-y beasts chew their cud while Ajax is taking pictures. She's already started adding the ranch grounds to her archive by the time Mia starts explaining things.

"Uh. Hang on."

She fishes a pokéball out of her pouch and opens it without thinking; it turns out the be the new one that the soft-spoken girl gave her yesterday. A slimy blue eel splats onto the floor, takes a second to wake up, and flails from side to side trying to figure out its new environment.

"Whoops. 'Morning newbie. Guess you were still sleeping in there."

Barboach looks up, meets Ajax's eyes, and slithers under a chair as a safe place from which to glare at her. "Broooo..."

While she waits for the eel to warm up to everyone, she lets out Anorith. The bug's excitement it immediately apparent; Ajax has to shout to get his attention before he starts charging at his new partner. "Hey! Starting training today, you two. Meet Barboach. Barboach, meet Anorith."

Barboach fountains some water at Anorith, presumably as some sort of passive-aggressive greeting. It joins the slime in a growing puddle on the floor.

Ajax finally reclaims her chance to talk to the other humans. "Usually count on our environment for the moves we need. Throw rocks to bring down spearows, make a grass whistle to calm down geodudes. Obviously can't do that in a prepped arena or indoors. Going to need something besides his claws to fight with."

[CosmicOccurence]

Well this is really something else isn't it? Margret commented. This whole experience was rather serene. So many pokemon she'd never met before, and this was only day 2.

I think the key for Bors here will be learning some moves to deal with Ghost types. Right now he's bpretty helpless against them, Margret said. She may not have a great track record in battle, but she had the type chart memorized.

So Bors, she said as she positioned a scarecrow in front of him. Today we are going to learn how to shoot a ball of energy through this scarecrow. I know it sounds dumb, but it'll be useful, I promise.

And with that they began their work. So how long have you been a trainer for,
Margret asked while getting some advice from their counselor on how best to teach spiritual warfare to a crying baby during one of Bors's many loud tantrums.


Nabbing Shadow Ball for Bors 1,350
3,650 voucher money left over

[CateranEnforcer]

Mia smiles at your enthusiasm while showing you around. "Mainly, I enjoy training these pokemon to be ridden. There are a few trails out there we can take campers on if you are looking for something relaxing. Of course, we do help wild pokemon in the area if we can, but I'm not apart of the Ranger's conservation efforts while I am working here. Mainly we just have to look out for territory disputes int he wild. Electrike for example are not native, but can be very ornery. Some of the less confrontational native pokemon like Girafarig get pushed out of their homes. And then the Spearows and Vullabies fight very violently."

She continues,"I've been a trainer since I was about fifteen. A bit later than you all I'm sure, but we debt have much in the way of daycare centers to get us started. I joined the Rangers at twenty one and have been working with them for about seven years now."

A short while later, you see something has riled up a pack of Tauros near their feeding trough. The large pokemon huff and stomp their hooves with earth shaking force. "Speaking of invasive species, I think the Drilbur are back messing with the food. Would you help me check the other trough across the field? I'm going to have to calm those Tauros back down."

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

Ajax seems to perk up at the mention of the rangers - enough so that she pauses her archiving efforts to pay closer attention. "Spearows have been a problem practically everywhere, right? Are vullaby the invaders or the invadees?"

This train of thought is likely interrupted by Tauros Panic. Ajax nods at Mia's instructions. "On it!"

She scoops up any non-balloon monsters that she hasn't already and heads to the other trough to inspect for moles.

[Lorrel]

As Mia mention the Tauros, Constance looks over in their direction.

Drilbur, they are far from home. Usually in these areas it is more often Diglet that cause the problems. Ok, we can help. Does this happen often? Any tricks you use to resolve them without spooking the Tauros even more?

Constance recalls Arabella while moving towards to feed trough. No need to scare them any more with you shaking the ground 'Bella.

She grabs her bag on the way, and stops quickly to find napping Slakoth. Eyes open Tru, you are up for this one so look sharp.

Constance tries to survey the situation on the way, while absently humming a tune (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCsayJJg4iQ)


Perception to assess the situation [roll0]

[CosmicOccurence]

Margret trots along with the group, Bors tucked in her arms. She hoped the pokemon didn't start having one of its fits and crying. She didn't want to upset the Taurus anymore than it already had.

A noncombat solution would certainly be best. We don't want to spook the Tauros with a battle. They can be quite nasty I've heard.

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

"Hmm." Ajax has to consciously slow down for the sake of people who don't sprint by default. "Can you sense them? Through the ground, I mean? With your, uh, not-psychic stuff?"

[CateranEnforcer]

Mia puts her fingers to mouth and lets out a sharp whistle. This seems to get the Tauros' attention but it doesn't really calm them down. Seconds later her Stantler gallops over to her and she mounts him bareback with a strong push. "There's no trick to it, sometimes you just have to let them take what they want. Happens once or twice a month. Just remember they can feel you through the ground even if you can't see them. I'll get the Tauros attention, don't worry about me!"

As you head to the other end, thankfully you don't see any Tauros. There are a couple of Girafarig trotting around the trough nervously. You can see a handful of Drilbur half sticking out of the ground scratching holes in the wood to pour the food into their holes. One is standing watch making threatening gestures with his claws which is enough to spook the other pokemon away.

Constance is first to spot something else. Floating over the ground is a trio of purple, balloon-like pokemon as they carry a small Skiddo between the three of them in their stringy arms. The little one is crying out as its legs dangle helplessly in the air.

[Lorrel]

Interesting. These Drilburr seem to have this down to a science. They come in, take what they are looking for and try not to hurt anyone. It kind of impr....

Constance trails off as she sees the Skiddo being kidnapped.

Oh. Oh no. No, no no. I think we have a bit of a problem. Those Drifloons are making off with a Skiddo and I don't think they have a play date.

Constance looks at the Slakoth riding in her bag.

It's too risky to let Bella out right now Tru so I need you to go save that Skiddo!

Constance runs towards the Drifloons making sure to stay clear of the Drilburr. Once she is close enough she will let Tru out of the bag.

Tru will use Rock Tomb as soon as he is in range of a Drifloon, hoping to bring it down.

Constance Tags the closest Drifloon
Constance uses Focused Orders on Tru
Tru uses Rock Tomb on the clostest Drifloon
Accuracy 1d20+2 (Focused Training) +2 (Focused Orders) VS AC 3
[roll0]
Damage 2d6+8+18 Rock Type damage
[roll1]

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

As soon as she sees what's happening, Ajax runs to catch the kidnappers with trusty jigglypuff riding on her back.

"You know what to do, Iggy!"

As she dashes past, she tosses her pink pal to join the other balloons in the floating flotilla, ideally landing right on top of the struggling skiddo to best get the drifloons' attention.

"Puu pupu Pu-pu pu pu puu~♪"

Being probably last in the initiative order, Iggy focuses his attention on one of the ghosts that isn't already getting rock-tombed.

Meanwhile, Ajax has moved on to the trees just outside the naptime blast radius, where she sees the drilbur raid successfully escaping to the side. Would be weird for the moles to deliberately set this up as a distraction, but here they are taking advantage of it. Can't let them be rewarded for that.

She pulls out Nessa's pokéball and hucks it in the ground-types' general direction.

That's... probably all of the action she has for one round?

So, to review:

At speed count 6, Ajax uses her ludicrous movement rate to get from the starting area to P8. On the way, she drops off Iggy in O11 or P11 depending on how well the rules interact with my visualization of a jigglypuff riding atop a kidnapped goat.

Upon reaching P8, Ajax releases Barboach somewhere in the direction of the drilbur. The exact location is probably somewhat randomized since Barboach is not what you'd call a trained pokémon yet.

Barboach also acts on speed count 6. I don't know if it gets an action this round. If it does, Ajax will try using her command skill and push it to water gun a mole before it gets away.

Command: [roll0]

Iggy finally acts on speed count 1 and tries to put the balloons to sleep. He may have been able to ride on the skiddo, or he may have to waddle to catch up. He might also have been KO'd by tanking three gusts or something but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.

Autohit the one in Q10 if it hasn't moved already.
O10: [roll1]
P12: [roll2]

[CosmicOccurence]

It doesn't quite work like that. To form the bond I either need to touch them or I need to have Bors see them, because I can ... Her soon to be extended conversation on the intracacies of forming channeling bonds was cut short when her two partners noticed the balloons. She'd been pointing Bors, whom she was holding, towards the Drillbur and didn't see them until she pointed her pokemon at them like some sort of strange camera lens.

Right, one thing at a time. Let's save that Pokemon, she said while dashing forwards. She did try to link with one of the Drillbur, wondering if she could share their ability to feel through the earth. If so ... well that could be a remarkably useful skill.

With Bors in hand, she held him up and the Whismur happily let out a blast of necrotic energy at the creatures. The ball of pure black shot through the air, seeking out one of the balloons.

Margret holds onto Bors and uses her shift to dash forwards. They share a space on the map and are represented by Margret.

She uses her swift action to try to form a channeling connection with Drillbur 1 [roll0] DC 15.

If she succeeds at bonding she will attempt to Share Senses by binding 1 ap (2 bound, one to drillbur 1 and one to Bors). 3 left.

Meanwhile, Bors is using Shadow Ball! He will target the one carrying the Skiddo if it isn't fainted. If it is, he will hit Drifloon 3. He acts at initiative 3, which is before Lullaby from the igglybuff.

[roll1] AC 2, [roll2]

[CateranEnforcer]

Iggy jumps up off Ajax's shoulder to land on the slowly rising Skiddo and his song lulls one of the ghost pokemon to sleep. The first Drifloon is knocked out with the one two punch from Bors and Tru and it makes a sound like a popping balloon as its faints and wafts to the ground. Iggy and the Skiddo take the worst of the concussive force. Without enough strength in it's arms alone to hold up the two pokemon, the final balloon pokemon is weighed down and hits the ground. It angrily lets out a gust of air towards the Jigglupuff.

The guard Drilbur bares it's claws and takes a swipe at the Barboach. The other two are so shocked by your sudden appearance that they dive under the ground with their massive digging hands. They are hidden from view, but Margaret's successful channeling gives her a disorienting sensation in her feet that somehow indicates to her where exactly they are digging.

All enemies act on initiative 10. Your surprise round is over. Everyone is lower or tied so everyone can act. Your Barboach was successfully commanded, but you already commanded Iggy to sing.

Drifloon 1 faints! It uses Aftermath! Iggy loses 3 ticks of hp!

Drifloon 2 makes sleep save [roll0] vs 16

Drifloon 3 Uses Gust on Iggy!
Attack: [roll1]
Damage: 24 Flying Special

Drilbur 1 uses scratch on Barboach!
Attack: [roll2]
Damage: 24 Normal Physical

Drilbur 2 and 3 burrow underground! Margaret can sense them with shared senses from Drilbur 1 but they are otherwise protected from direct contact.

[Lorrel]

Wow nice shot Tru! I had no idea you could do anything like that. What other secrets are you hiding? Well there will be time for that later. Use that move again, we have to save the Skiddo.

Looking over at the Drilburr, Constance notices that the Barboach has engaged the leader. Hopefully they could deal with the Drifloon first before the moles became a problem. Giving herself more room and some separation from the Drilburr, Constance shifts a bit closes to the Skiddo, ready to calm it down if needed.

Tru seemed a little unsure about expending more effort, and he was quite comfortable where he was. He wanted to help, so maybe he could throw rocks again. It was still some effort, but he didn't have to move so he figured it was ok. Maybe he would get an extra snack.

His aim was a bit lazy however, and the rocks went wide, striking a poor helpless tree nearby.


Tru gains 1 momentum on hitting Drifllon 1
Tru gains 1 momentum at end of round
Tru has 2 momentum.
New Round
Constance Tags to Drifloon who was still holding the Skiddo
Constance moves a bit to the right away from the Drilburr.
Constance gives Focused Orders to Tru (Init 10)
Tru thinks about taking a nap (Truant Check 1d20) [roll0]

Tru is TRUANT. Tru loses his Shift action for the round, and heals a tick of health.

Tru uses Rock Tomb on the Tagged Drifloon (Init 3)
Accuracy 1d20+2 (Focused Training) +2 (Focused Orders) + 1 (1/2 Momentum RD) VS AC 3 [roll1]
Damage 2d6+8+18 Rock Type damage [roll2]

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

Iggy curls up and parries the gust, which was more of a frustrated huff than a focused attack anyway. He reaches over and pats the skiddo to make sure it's okay, waking it up if it was was lulled to sleep by the earlier lullaby.

Meanwhile, Barboach makes an unpleasant burbling sound and sprays a defensive jet of squooshy water, now having two reasons to believe that this drilbur is a huge jerk. Ajax tenses up, feeling how painful that scratch must have been for the newbie.

Ajax reaches up for the trees next to her to see if there's good material for another grass whistle, but jumps backwards when the tree she's inspecting is suddenly bombarded with a rocky fusillade.

"! Hey! Watch it!" she shouts over to Constance and Tru. Her eyes are then drawn to the pile of rocks that are now conveniently at her feet.

"...well."

Ajax picks up the largest of the errant stones and proceeds to make up for the missed attack with her own go-to move from back home.

Barboach's Water Gun! [roll0]
Damage: [roll1], and water is super-effective on ground but I'm not sure how the multiplier works

Ajax's Smack Down! [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]
Effect: On hit, Drifloon loses all flight and levitate speed and is vulnerable to ground-type moves for 3 turns.

Iggy wakes up the skiddo and takes no further actions.

Ajax then runs over to the struggling Barboach to make sure it doesn't suddenly get surrounded by moles.

On initiative count 1, there aren't enough unbroken rocks left for Iggy to repeat the Smack Down trick. Ajax was already kind of pushing it. So, the jigglypuff just stays put, ready to defend his new friends.

[CosmicOccurence]

Margret begins dashing after one of the underground Drillbur, completely blind to the surface world while she relied on the Drillbur's senses. Her eyes were filled with Barbaroach, but she could feel herself running through the soles of her ... claws. Same with the two other drillbur, so she moved the tremors that were her body towards those underground. Even for her, this was surreal.

We can't do anything more to those balloons till you can summon that Shadow Ball again, she wheezed at Bors, So give that drillbur a good wail why don't you.

Estatic to be able to let loose, Bors opens its mouth and shrieks, sending a blast of sound towards the aboveground Drillbur.

Margret, still carrying Bors, moves to follow drillbur 3. Meanwhile Bors shoots out an Echoed Voice at Drillbur 1

[roll0] AC 2 normal special.
[roll1]

[CateranEnforcer]

The water gun from the Barboach is super effective on fire Drilbur and it recoils back from the spray. Combined with the sonic attack from Bors, the mole pokemon has had enough and falls to the ground. Margaret loses the foreign sensations in her feet and has no time to react to the Drilbur behind her that pops out of the ground to attack her with its claws. The other surfaces near the barboach to do the same and get even.

Ajax's trick with the rocks works out well and the Drifloom finds itself unable to fly higher. It tries to attack Iggy with a gust of air but again it has no effect. The remaining Drifloom has had enough and it floats high into the air looking to escape.

Just a note, make sure you make command checks each round for wilds!

Drilbur 1 faints!

Drilbur 3 surfaces and uses scratch on Barboach!
Attack [roll0] vs AC 2
Damage 24 Normal Physical

Drilbur 2 surfaces and uses Scratch on Margaret!
Attack [roll1] vs AC 2
Damage 24 Normal Physical

Drifloom 2 uses gust on Iggy!
Attack [roll2] vs AC 2
Damage 24 Flying Special

Drifloom 3 floats up in the air. It's trying to escape!

Skiddo wakes and starts to run off! Is Iggy "mounted" on it?

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

"Barboach! Behind me!"

Ajax dashes and skids to a halt next to the eel and the mole. Barboach slips between her legs and takes cover. Wild or no, he doesn't need to be told that twice. "Good job! Now, um..."

As Ajax looks over her shoulder to command Barboach, she suddenly notices Margaret's predicament. She didn't have a good line of sight on that until now.

Ajax drops on her side and grabs her last ball from her belt pouch. "Water Gun!"

She throws Anorith's ball past Barboach as Barboach rears up and sprays another geyser just over her hip.

Ajax moves to interpose herself between the drilbur and poor Barboach. She's starting at the tree-inspection spot P8 since I forgot to decide on her exact movement last round. Depending on how her movement and opportunity attacks work, she might be taking the long way around and ending up at K9, survival-jumping over one threatened space to stop in L9, or just stopping in M9; I put her in L9 as a compromise.

Barboach scoots from K9 to L10 and water guns from the more defensible position.

[roll0], [roll1]

Ajax then releases Anorith into to help Margaret out. I'm not sure if she has any actions left to tell Anorith to scratch the mole that's hounding her. Probably not? The Hasty Anorith will probably go at the top of next round anyway, though.

Iggy is now riding the skiddo. It's way more fun than what he was originally going to do, and Ajax is now all the way over there not telling him otherwise.

I have no idea where the skiddo is going. Somehow, I feel like I'm better off not knowing.

[Lorrel]

As things started getting hectic around her, Constance focuses on the task at hand. With the way she is turned, she can hear commotion behind her but doesn't know about Margret's predicament.

Tru, more rocks on the one that is flying away. We don't know if it has more friends nearby, and we have enough to worry about right now.

Constance then moves toward the fleeing Skiddo trying to calm it down. There was no telling where it was headed, and Iggy was still on board.

Easy now little guy. It's ok. We are here to help, but can't if you run off into more trouble. Just take it easy.

Tru grabs more rocks and lines up his shot, launching another barrage at the fleeing Drifloon. He was getting tired and hoped this would be all over soon.


Battle Mechanics

Tru gains 1 momentum at end of round
Tru has 3 momentum
Tru has +2 Evasion against the Tagged Drifloon
New Round

Constance Tags the fleeing Drifloon
Tru decides if he is going to be lazy [roll0]

Tru is TRUANT. Tru loses his Shift action for the round, and heals a tick of health.

Tru uses Rock Tomb on the Tagged (Fleeing) Drifloon (Init 3)
Accuracy 1d20+2 (Focused Training) + 2 (1/2 Momentum RU) VS AC 3 [roll1]
Damage 2d6+8+18 Rock Type damage [roll2]

Constance uses PokePsycology to try and calm the Skiddo
Pokemon Ed (4d6):[roll3]

[CosmicOccurence]

Margret tumbled to the ground, her shirt torn and bloodied. Bors rolled out of her arms and started wailing loudly at being dropped so roughly. Unable to see anything, Margret blindly attempted to push away anything that was in the direction of where the Drillbur had been.

Bors, just do something! she cried in desperation, all thought of tactics vanishing from her mind. This was a new experience for her, and being attacked by a wild pokemon suddenly made this whole camp a whole lot scarier.

With such generic instructions from its panicked trainer, Bors simply defaulted to its strategies from before its training and simply tried to hit the mole as hard as it could. Unfortunately ... Bors didn't have a ton of strength.


Margret drops Bors who runs up to the Drillbur while Margret crawls away.

Bors uses pound! [roll0], [roll1]

[/spoiler]

[CateranEnforcer]

One Drilbur is doused with the water gun attack and it sputters angrily, shaking itself off. It attacks with its claws at Ajax who happens to be right in front of it. The other is knocked back by Bors desperate attack, but overall not very hurt. Before it can act, Ajax's Anorith appears to help the fallen Margaret. Its own sharp claws rake across the mole pokemon. Hurt, it takes a step back and slaps mud into Bors face to gain a bit of distance.

Meanwhile, the rocks from Tru are not enough to stop the fleeing Drifloon, and it shrinks itself as it makes a beeline for the forest. The other is still grounded by Ajax and it floats in close and wraps its arms around Tru. The Slakoth feels himself being lifted slightly, but the two remain firmly on the ground.

The Skiddo stops its wild run and instead hides behind Constance. It lowers its head behind her legs and whimpers, clearly still terrified. Iggy still sits on top, slightly dizzy from the short but violent joy ride.

Anorith uses Scratch on Drilbur!
Attack[roll0] vs AC 2
Damage [roll1] Normal Physical
It can act as normal in your next post as well. He's at the top of the initiative. But if you want to command a slower pokemon, you will have to wait for one post.

Drilbur 2 uses Scratch on Ajax!
Attack[roll2] vs AC 2
Damage: 24 Normal Physical

If up, Drilbur 3 uses mud slap on Bors!
Attack[roll3] vs AC 2
Damage: 17 Ground Special and Bors losses one accuracy stage.

Drifloon 2 tries to grapple Tru
Attack[roll4] vs AC 4
If successful, it uses Constrict!
Damage: 14 Normal Physical

Drifloon 3 uses Minimize!
It is below 1/4 HP and can be captured with the usual capture rules.

Maneuver: Grapple
Action: Standard
AC: 4
Class: Status
Range: Melee, 1 Target
Effect: You and the target each make opposed Com-
bat or Athletics Checks. If you win, you and the target
each become Grappled, and you gain Dominance in the
Grapple.
Pokémon and Trainers that are Grappled
» Are Vulnerable
» Cannot take Shift Actions, or any actions that would
cause them to Shift.
» Gain a -6 penalty to Accuracy Rolls if targeting any-
one outside of the Grapple.
» Additionally, Grapple has other effects on whether
the target has or doesn’t have Dominance.
If a target begins their turn as a part of a Grapple but
with no Dominance, they may choose to contest the
Grapple as a Full Action. If they do, all participants
make opposed Combat or Athletics Check. Whoever
wins then may choose to either continue the Grapple
and gain Dominance, or to end the Grapple.
If a target has the Phasing or Teleporter Capability, they
may also use those to escape from a Grapple on their
turn with no check required.
If a target begins their turn as part of a Grapple and has
Dominance, they may take one of the following actions
as a Full Action.
» End the Grapple.
» Secure: They gain a +3 Bonus to the next opposed
check they make in the Grapple.
» Attack: They may automatically hit with an Un-
armed Struggle Attack.
» Move: They Shift, dragging the other person in the
grapple with them. The user’s Movement Capability
is lowered by the other grappler’s Weight Class.

[Lorrel]

OK Tru, time to get out of that aqueeze. You've rested enough, now that ballon can takea nap.

Tru nods slowly and lets out a huge yawn right in the face of evil Drifloon. Maybe if it falls asleep it would make a good pillow.

With the thrid Drifloon fleeing after Tru's previous miss, Constance gives it up for gone. Looking over to her compainions she sees the battles raging on over there.

Uh oh, looks like those Drillbur did not want to play nice.
Looking down at the Skiddo, Constance gently pats it head. You stay with me little guy and I'll kepp you safe.

Constance considered her options. Unleashing Arabella this close to the Tauros was likley a bad idea. Tru was already engaged and Hitchcock was a complete wild card and in no condition to fight.

She notices the little puff riding the Skiddo and gets an idea.

Iggy dear, would you mind helping out Margret? Those mean molemen are hurting her. Could you go over and help make them stop?





Doing the rolls first so my post will make sense
Constance Tags Drifloon2
Truant Roll [roll0]
Tru uses Yawn. Yawn cannot miss. Drifloon 2 will fall alseep at the end of its next turn.

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

Seeing his insectoid teammate already in on the mole man action, Ajax's jigglypuff excitedly nods to Constance, taps the skiddo's head to get its attention and points in the direction of the battle. The skiddo shakes its head and huddles next to Constance's legs, shivering. Iggy sighs, disappointed, but nonetheless disembarks and starts walking over to assist Bors and Anorith.

"Ss! That all you got?"

Meanwhile, Ajax is letting the mole wail on her left forearm. It's not painless, but as long as it's not hurting anyone else, it's all according to plan.

The drifloon is... less planned. Barboach stares tensely at the ghost as it floats overhead. Ajax has to regain the undisciplined fish's attention and think about slowing it down later.

"Hey! Barboach! One more water gun over here!"

Barboach slowly backs away from the drifloon on instinct, whether Ajax likes it or not. Shift from L10 to M10.

Command! [roll0]

Water Gun! [roll1]

Damage! [roll2]

Anorith is still set on taking out his target and is practically on top of the mole by the time his round pink friend gets there. He practically trips over his other, newer round pink friend in his haste to get another scratch in. If it turns out that it's already KO'd... well, Anoriths aren't known as tactical geniuses.

Bottom-of-round Pound! [roll3] + not flanking bonus because it's not actually Anorith's turn yet
Damage: [roll4]

Scratch-o! [roll5] + maybe flanking bonus???
Damage: [roll6]

[CosmicOccurence]

As soon as the mud hits Bors, he lets out a loud wail, causing Margret to recoil backwards. The bawling Whismur was inconsolable as she tried to coddle and comfort it, sending out sonic waves at anything it saw as an enemy.

It'll be ok Bors, it's just a scratch. Nothing to worry about! she said through her own painful cuts.


Bors uses echoed voice! [roll0] +1 from focused training and -1 from accuracy debuff. AC 2
[roll1]
He targets Drillbur 3 if its still up, then Drillbur 2, and if both are fainted then it attacks the Drifloon for no effect.
/

[CateranEnforcer]

At this point, the wild pokemon begin to drop one by one. The sonic attack from Bors blasts the Drilbur onto its back and it does not get up. The fleeing Drifloon almost makes it to the treeline before a the burst of water from the Baroboach hits it and sends it tumbling down. The other Drifloon squeezes Tru as hard as it can, but it soon succumbs to sleep and its arms fall limply to the ground, freeing the Slakoth. The final Drilbur doesn't seem to like its odds and it buries its face the ground as it burrows deep into the ground.

With most of the combatants disabled or fleeing, you can have a much better look at this corner of the ranch. The Skiddo keeps close to Constance, hiding it's head. The sleeping Drifloon is not much of a threat right now as it snores peacefully, inflating and deflating it's round body. Constance noticed that the Skiddo appears relatively unharmed from the ordeal.


Drifloon uses Gust on Tru!
Attack 5 vs 2
Damage 24 Flying Special

Constrict on Tru as a Swift Action!
Attack, hits automatically!
Damage 14 Normal Physical

Drifloon falls asleep!

Drilfoon and Drilbur are available for capture. 60 pokemon EXP is awarded on combat end, divided how you want between your pokemon.

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

Ajax stands back up as the drilbur figures out the score and runs for it. Once the drifloon is down, she looks around to check on everyone else.

"Everyone alright? Margaret?"

Iggy and Anorith wave back. The dumb and happy looks on their faces would seem to indicate that there's no more battle to be had, at least as far as they know. Margaret and Constance are probably better authorities in that regard.

Once she's satisfied that no one needs to be dragged to the hospital, Ajax sets about her usual job of cataloging everything: the drifloon with a caption indicating their strange behavior, and the drilbur sorted in an album with the divots and furrows they leave behind when burrowing. That could be helpful for tracking them down in the future. Barboach follows her around as she does this, if only because she's proven herself a good meat shield. She pets him, not much minding the slime this leaves on her hand.

"Makes sense that moles like to pop up and steal food," Ajax says to the party as she looks over the scene one more time, "It normal for drifloon to kidnap pokémon like that? Or possibly another instance of whatever your murkrow has?"

XP!
Barboach +35
Iggy +15
Anorith +10

[Lorrel]

Constance winced as Tru underwent a double barrage before finally bringing the evil balloon down for some rest. Tru slowly moved back towards her, looking rather worse for wear. He looked up her expectantly, and Constance gently picked him up and placed him in her bag. Giving him a treat she said
You did great out there Tru! You saved this poor little guy from a fate I'd rather not think about. You make quite the warrior when you try. Rest now, you've earned it.

With Tru safely stowed away, Constance turns her attention to the little goat hiding at her legs. Looks like you made it out without too much damage little guy. Where are your parents, you are awfully little to be on your own. Maybe Mia will recognize you.

Constance will pat the Skiddo on the head and motion for it to follow as she meets up with Ajax and Margret.

Ouch, that battle looked kind rough. Are you two OK?
I have never heard of Drifloon trying to kidnap other Pokemon before, but I guess I never really looked into their eating habits. I suppose it would make sense for them to work together like that.
We should probably meet back up with Mia and let her know what happened.



Constance will survey the surrounding post battle
Perception [roll0]
Pokemon Ed to see if she recalls anything about Drifloon behaviour ( I will alter the post if needed) [roll1]
If either Ajax or Marget's wounds look bad Constance will see what she can do to help
Med Ed [roll2]

60 XP to Tru since the the others sat this one out.

Tru levels up to level 10

[CosmicOccurence]

I'll be fine. Might need a few stitches, but nothing I haven't felt before,, though it was the first time she'd been hurt instead of feeling it through her Pokemon.

She gladly accepted any medical help offered, while releasing Gawain, who immediately began checking for threats. When he whined in complaint that he hadn't gotten into any of the fun, Margret rubbed his head. Don't worry goober, just trying to give Bors some real battle experience. You're still my ace.

The two of the walked over to the Drifloon, where she knelt down next to one of them. A flying pokemon could be very useful to her, though she was going to need to iron out those pesky kidnapping tendencies before she could reliably use it. She pulled a pokeball from her pack and pressed it gently against the fainted pokemon's body.

I agree that we should touch base with Mia. I don't know enough about these foriegn species to tell whether its normal behavior or not.

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

Ajax nods and returns to collect one of the unconscious moles. "You're coming too, miscreant."

She traded a voucher for some balls from the shop on the way, and already handed one to Nessa to pay her back. Barboach makes a wet raspberry sound as the Drilbur is caught. It's the same one that wounded the fish earlier.

[CateranEnforcer]

The fainted pokemon lie in the field all around you. The Drilbur left large holes in the ground marking their passage. The feeding troughs sit on top of a pile of spilled grains. With the threat passed, the Girafarig move back in and survey the damage.

The Skiddo sniffs feed on the ground cautiously. He accidentally lets too much in its nose and it inhales deeply and let's out a sneeze. Oddly, you see bubbles pop out of his nose. The hapless pokemon looks confused and scared.

To the south, you still hear the snorts and grunts of angry Tauros.

Both pokemon are level 10 with only normal level up moves. Ability is your choice. The Drilbur is a male. The Drifloon is a female.

The injuries sustained in battle are relatively light. A short trip to a pokemon center should fix things up just fine. No one is in any real trouble.

The idea that Drifloon steal children by floating them away was always more of a wives tale than a documented reality. They are not native obviously, so it's unlikely most people have seen them much. They normally seem pretty docile and easy to train from what you recall.

You scan the trees to see if you can find what the Drifloon might have fleeing towards. There is movement in the tree, and something seems off about the pidgey sitting in the tree.

[CosmicOccurence]

I should probably go calm them down, Margret said, nodding her head towards the Tauros. With Gawain as her guide, she walked towards them and settled on the ground, cross legged.

She reached out with her mind, trying to connect with the three closest ones. She tried to radiate peace and serenity towards them, letting them inside her mind so they could realize that the danger had passed. While her skills lacked in clarity and focus, they made up for in their inability to deceive.

It's ok boys, we took care of it. Nothing to worry about anymore.


Channelling checks if needed
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

Regardless, I'll still use Mystic Senses to use intuition when affecting the attitudes of pokemon instead of charm.
[roll3]

[Lorrel]

Constance pauses slightly as the little goats sneezes, and seems as shocked as the Skiddo about what came out. She tries to calm him down as she takes a closer look at the Pidgey.

You know Ajax, you may be on to something. Those odd Drifloon were carrying this Skiddo off to those trees and there is a Pidgey up there that doesn't seem quite right. I wonder if he is a friend of the owl from yesterday. I'd rather not have another impromptu gathering of the wilds like last night. I wonder what is making the locals seek out the 'different' Pokemon. That seems out of character from anything I know about standard species... Margret, are you able to do your psychic power thing on it? It is over there, Constance says, pointing to the trees. She also takes a moment to see if their owl friend is hanging out anywhere near by.
Constance remembers what Charlotte had said about Mewtwo. That was definitely someone who could make the Pokemon behave the way they are. Putting those thoughts aside for a moment, Constance turns here attention to the Skiddo who is still hiding scared at her legs.
It's OK little guy. I am not sure what is going on here, but I will do everything I can to keep you safe.



Pokemon Ed (Pokephychologist) to improve Skiddo's mood after everything it has been through [roll0]
Charm to help SKiddo feel more comfortable with her after his little sneeze. [roll1]
Perception to look closer at the Pidgey off in the trees and to see if he is alone up there [roll2]
Perception to try and find their owl in the surrounding area. [roll3]

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

"Hm. Should try to bring these birds in when we see them."

Ajax tries to get close enough to the offending pidgey to see what exactly is so off about it, and ideally get a good grass whistle from the surrounding trees before it flies off. She waves Iggy to follow as backup.

Perception: [roll0]
Stealth?: [roll1]

[CateranEnforcer]

Mia is no where to be seen as Margaret approaches the nearby Tauros. Her efforts seem successful as the Tauros cease their stomping and grunting.

Linking with them is a simple task and you feel the anger and fear instilled with them. While normally hot tempered anyways, these pokemon are especially easily triggered. Their unrest is simply the way their species reacts to stress and it seems to be caused by more than just the Drilbur attack. You get the feeling that they are aware of strange things happening in these woods and it has put them on edge. Your efforts do a lot to soothe them however, and you can identify the 'alpha' of the herd. You can see that he values the safety of the pens very highly and intends to respond violently should something threaten them.

Constance's and Ajax's closer examination of the Pidgey in the tree does not go unnoticed. The bird looks over to Constance and if becomes clear why it looked off to her; the pokemon as the telltale beady eyes that mark it as a transformed ditto rather than a natural Pidgey. Rather than retreat after being spotted, it instead flaps down in front of the two of you and lets out a low cooing sound directed at the Skiddo. Then it takes back off a short distance into the trees over the fence and looks back over it's shoulder at you, flapping it's wings pointedly.

The Skiddo still hides behind Constance's feet, but it seems calmer after the ordeal. It is still clearly nervous, but for now it follows the girl anywhere she goes. Addtionally, despite Constance's best efforts, she does not see the Hoothoot from the night before.

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

"Ditto," Ajax mutters, stating the obvious. "Trying to lead us somewhere?"

She doesn't overthink it. She picks up Iggy as usual and follows the dit-pidge to whatever it wants to show her.

[CosmicOccurence]

Margret rose, patting the alpha Tauros on the nose and silently forming a bond with him. It would keep them connected and let her see through his eyes. She wanted to keep an eye on the area just in case, and maybe she'd get a glimpse of whatever was going on in the forest.

Gawain led her back to her party. These Tauros are super on edge. They feel that something's up in the forests of this park too and its got them antsy. The Drillbur got off lucky with us. Had we not stepped in, I wouldn't doubt that they'd be mangled by now.

Anyways, I can't figure out whether the weird stuff happening is all part of our training or if we should tell someone.

[Lorrel]

Constance shrugs and follows the Ditto, keeping the Skiddo close with her.
It doesn't seem overly hostile. I am hoping it is leading us to this little guys family. Although it could be leading to our deaths, so I suppose we should stay alert. Nothing I learned in school mentioned this kind of behaviour from Pokemon.

In response to Margret's question, Constance nods. I think we are at the point where we need to say something. The wildlife is on edge and we have seen some very odd things. If it is intended, then so be it, but I would rather know for sure. Plus I still need to get help for Hitchcock.

Constance keeps her eyes peeled while following the ditto. She is looking to see if there is another gathering of the wilds, or if there are other Skiddo nearby.


Perception in the woods: [roll0]

[CateranEnforcer]

As you follow the Pidgey/Ditto it looks back every few steps to make sure you are still close behind. It also stops to peck at the ground as though it's looking for something. It's leads you into the forest in a zig-zag path to the point you think you have retraced some of your own steps a few times. Nothing comes out to bother you as you journey for about twenty minutes. Ajax recognizes the pine forest very well from her records earlier, even if it isn't the exact same place you met the pokemon before.

When you stop in front of a large fallen and rotting tree, the Ditto makes a cooing sound, and you hear something shuffling from the inside. a few moments later, you see the clown-like head of a pokemon stick out from a crevice. The Mr Mime looks a bit startled at your presence here, the Ditto wastes no time before reforming it's gelatinous body to copy that of the Mr Mime. He begins a series of hand and body motions that look like some kind of sign language. Or maybe they are playing charades, you can't quite be sure.

When they finish the Mr Mime looks over to you and holds up one finger, seemingly asking you to wait. He reaches into the rotted out tree and pulls out a white coat. Or at least it used to be white before it was drug though a hold in a tree. Now it is smudged with dirt and pine needles stick out at odd angles. He also retrieves a stethoscope and places it around his neck and points at it with a smile. He address your group with a wave and points at the Skiddo following you. He beckons to it and pretends to listen to his heartbeat from here. He smiles a bit more and scratches his chin in thought and picks up an imaginary object from an imaginary tray and makes a cutting motion with it. He looks back over and smiles again expectantly. He beckons the Skiddo over once more.

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

"Think I get what you're asking," Ajax says. "Still, have at least two problems with this. Where'd you get that doctor stuff from?"

[Lorrel]

Oooooohhhkkkaaayyy....I was definitely not expecting Dr. Mime. You guys are seeing this too right? I didn't bump my head in the night or anything?
Constance continues, not really sure of herself anymore.
I am not sure if it literally wants to cut something off of Skiddo or if it is a metaphor. And I am not sure how much speech the good doctor understands. Well I suppose I have to do my best...
Taking a good hard look at the Mime, and Ditto, Constance attempts to determine their intentions which is easier said than done for such an enigmatic duo.
Looking over at the Mime, Constance points down at the little Skiddo following her. She bends over and gives it a big hug while looking directly at the 'doctor' She then straightens up and pantomimes fighting off an invisible foe trying to hurt the Skiddo. Drama was never her strong suit, so she hoped Dr. Mime understood the premise - Skiddo is a friend and we will not let it be hurt.

After her display she scans the woods to see what other Pokemon may be encircling them. Constance wasn't exactly sure what they wanted and how it may play out, so knowing what was in the area sooner was a good idea.


Intuition Roll for motives [2d6
Perception Roll for surroundings [roll0]
Focus? for the charades performance [roll1]

[CosmicOccurence]

I think I'd rather take the Skiddo to a real pokemon center. No offense Mime, but you don't seem like much of a healer. He doesn't need anything cut off, does he?

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

"Think they'd know all that," Ajax says, "Dit-pidge saw the whole thing, and Skiddo wasn't hit for damage like you were or I was."

She gives the wild magician-types an analytical look. She really wants to get a picture, but part of her feels like this is all meant to be a secret.

"Maybe... You two know something about those drifloon? Think they might have done something to him?"

[CateranEnforcer]

Dr Mime responds with a shocked expression. He points again at the Skiddo and then holds his neck like he is choking. He very pointedly repeats his cutting motion, like he is using a scalpel and scoops something out and stomps on it. He ends this performance with a smile and nod.

He then poinrs at Ajax specifically and nods when she mentions the Drifloon. He reaches up like he is being handed something and sets it down. This motion repeats several times and the Mime does his cutting procedure several times in a row on different recipients. He throws his hands wide to proudly show his work.

The Ditto steps in to help, while Dr Mime is performing his procedures, it transforms into a Rattata and runs around happily afterwards. It does this again as a Drifloon, a Weedle, a Kabuto, and lastly a Murkrow. However, the Murkrow still seems sick after the procedure. Dr Mine quickly stands in front of the Ditto and shoos it away. He turns back to smile at group.

You feel like you got your message across and that he appreciates you responding in a manner he better understands. Still you think he seems a bit nervous and off guard interacting with you. Despite his smiles, he is losing his patience. Her really wants you to just agree. You do notice that it's not only dirt on his coat, but likely blood as well. Still no sign of any pokemon following you

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

Ajax nods and looks down at the Skiddo, then looks up to the rest of the party. "Seem to know what they're doing. Could shed some light on what's going on. I think we should let them do it."

She readies her camera, marks this location on her map and creates a new folder to document the procedure. This probably isn't going in her actual scrapbook.

[CosmicOccurence]

Margret blinked when the Murkrow stayed sick. Obviously the ditto knew something ... but would mentioning it be the wrong move? Better to wait until after the operation was over. So she just sat down, back to a tree, and scratched behind Gawain's ears. It was the growlithe's favorite spot, though she had to make sure he didn't aaccidentally cough out enough flames to start a fire.

All the while she kept close eyes ... or well, Gawain kept close eyes on the Mime and the Ditto. What was going on here?

Intuition [roll0] to see if the Mime is trying to hid something about Murkrow, and if so, how the Ditto reacted to that.

[Lorrel]

Well, I think we know where that Murkrow went, Constance thought to herself. She stood there in silence for a moment, conflicted internally. She wanted to get help for the Skiddo and Hitchcock, but could she trust Dr. Mime? She knew that with the way the Skiddo trusted her that it would follow whichever choice she made, which made it all the harder to know what was best.

She looked down at the scared Skiddo, and then back at the Mime. She knew deep down that whatever was wrong with these Pokemon was unusual and the procedure to help them unorthodox. The Ditto appeared to be honest, especially given that he shw the unsuccessful procedure with the Murkrow in addition to the good ones.

Slowly Constance nods over at the Mime, and carefully brings the Skiddo over. She leans over and speaks to it.
I know this is scary, but I think our friend here can help with those bubbles. It looks like he has helped others already, so he may be our best chance. I'll be right here the whole time.
She takes out a Pokeball.
If something goes wrong, don't run. I will tap you with this and you will be safe until I can find someone else who can help, ok?


PokePsycologist (Poke Ed) roll to try and explain what is happening and keep the Skiddo calm [roll0]

[CateranEnforcer]

Dr Mime positively jumps for joy as you agree to let the Skiddo into his care. The Skiddo in turn really doesn't want to approach the creepy Mime, but at Constance's urging he walks over slowly. Too slowly. The doctor rushes forward to push the timid pokemon forwards. The ditto takes its natural form and tries to shoo you away gently, but it gives up rather quickly when Constance insists she wants to oversee the operation.

The Dr Mime looks oddly at you as you stay, but shrugs and begins anyways. He tosses aside his stethoscope when he kneels to examine the Skiddo. He holds his hands out forming a box with his forefingers and thumbs humming to himself. Looking over his shoulder, you see nothing special but the doctor shakes his head grimly. He reaches into his log and pulls out a potion container, but what he sprays forth from it is a purple, cloudy smoke rather than a potion. The Skiddo breathes it in and lets out a yawn as it lies down and soon falls asleep.

Wasting no time, the Dr holds out his hand and the Ditto transforms into a Mr Mime itself and pretends to hand over an implement. You can only imagine the next steps the Dr takes as the two work very quickly over the sleeping pokemon, to no apparent effect. Eventually, you see the Doctor make the cutting motion, as if with a small knife. And then carefully... scoop!

Blood flies forth from the Skiddo, spattering over the two surgeons. There is also something else, something chaotic and formless. It oozes and spreads across the ground, a black churning goo one second and a gaseous white smoke another. The two Mimes move to either side of it and press against invisible barriers. The mass slams its body against them, but they do not budge, the barriers being quite real. They seem to be experiencing quite a bit of strain holding it in, however and the coat wearing Mine looks over to you, clearly asking for help.

The doctor uses a form of Dream Mist on the Skiddo. Often collected from pokemon like Munna. You know such a thing will not keep a pokemon asleep for very long however.

Dr Mime is mimicking very real surgery procedures at a rapid pace. Perhaps too rapid. The tools are invisible but perhaps it it a part of Mime's brand of psychic power.

Meanwhile, the Skiddo needs its real wounds tended to

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

Ajax snaps a series of pictures as the two do their thing and tries not to get distracted by thoughts of looting logs for expensive anesthetics. She winces when the invisible scalpel draws blood, but it doesn't seem as painful as it might have before the mole battle.

She gets three shots of the mysterious ghost-ooze as it flows out and is contained, at which point a more sensible part of Ajax's brain finally forces her to lower the camera and start worrying. She has never dealt with anything like this in her neck of the woods.

"What... is that?"

[CosmicOccurence]

No idea, but they used Dream Mist from a Munna to put the Skiddo to sleep. It won't last very long. We should handle this before it wakes up.

Gawain, use Odor Sleuth. Let's see what we can learn about this creature, and be prepared to scare it off! Gawain flares his nostrils, and Margret is almost overwhelmed by the sheer amount of scents that entered her brain. She didn't particularly enjoy channelling Gawain when he did this ... but it might be useful.

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

Somehow, Ajax isn't satisfied with the notion of releasing this thing back into the wild. "Must be a pokémon, right? Maybe we catch it and ask someone? Take it to a professor?"

[Lorrel]

Constance wasn't sure what she expected from the procedure, but it definitely wasn't this. She winced as the blood sprayed from the Skiddo and knew it would need some regular attention after its doctor visit.
As the mass of something came out, Constance tried to determine what it was. From her vantage she had a good look at it and she racked her brain, hoping that her education would pay off.
Seeing that DR. Mime and Ditto Doc were struggling somewhat Constance moved and helped them push the barriers to restrain the mass. She focused her will to picture the wall in her mind and pushed against the invisible wall as hard as she could.


Pokemon Ed to try and determine if it is a pokemon [roll0]
General Ed to see if she has heard of anything like it before [roll1]
Focus to assist with the wall pushing [roll2]

[CateranEnforcer]

The pictures Ajax takes turn out with varying degrees of success. She snaps several of them that don't show much more than a blob of black and white. One in particular, however lets you see the outline of something in the center. It's something like looking at a Gastly's core with the smoke and ooze surrounding it being like the gas that obscures one. The thing before you is too small to be Gastly, but it might be a pokemon. It seems alive enough.

Gawain's nose picks up a very distinct scent, though one hard to pin down. It's decidedly artificial, as though it were a man made odor like that of melted plastic. The Growlithe's nose can pinpoint the source inside of the largely superficial and odorless outside layer. It would seem that normally, a pokemon would have a hard time using normal type moves to any great effect since they would miss the actual creature hidden underneath the bubbling surface.

Constance feels a bit of strain as she helps to concentrate on the barrier. Without psychic powers of her own, she feels that she doesn't make much of an impact. As far as she can tell, nothing like this is documented or appeared in her lessons. The only clue that you can deduce is that the mass is trying to use the move Metronome, without any great effect. That means it's likely that it is indeed a pokemon, or something like it. She can recall the stain the Murkrow Hitchcock put on her pokeball at first, so this may prove similar.

Dr Mime holds his barrier firm and looks at you all and stomps his foot and twists it as though squishing an insect. The unknown pokemon uses Metronome again, but it only soaks itself in water.

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

"Yeah, we could just kill it," says Ajax in translation for Dr. Mime. "Wouldn't be as useful for epidemiology, though."

Tension builds as the spooky parasite continues manifesting random powers against the barrier. Whatever we decide to do, we need to do it quickly.

"Got one more idea to try first! Grab a flute, Iggy!"

Ajax reaches up into the branches and fashions a quick grass whistle. Her jigglypuff follows suit.

Grass Whistle x2 combo! Let's put this thing to sleep before the inevitable Metronome Explosion.

[roll0]
[roll1]

If the thing isn't settled down after that, Ajax hurries over to administer her boot as the doctor ordered.

[Lorrel]

Constance is unsure of how effective she is being, but she keeps pushing anyway. She is completely unprepared for this, but wants to do whatever she can to help. Once this is all done, she will definitely need to have a 'talk' with Dr Mime about what this all is, and depending on the answers, about Hitchcock as well.

Constance hears behind her that Ajax has an idea, so she keep struggling against the barrier and hopes the plan works. She may not know what that thing is, but having to kill it was not an option she overly liked.

[CosmicOccurence]

It's definitely manmade ... so maybe like a ghost porygon or something? Maybe we should just try to faint it before it gets inside another pokemon like the Skiddo. See if we can get it in a pokeball for further study or something.

[CateranEnforcer]

The parasite settles down after Iggy and Ajax play a soothing tune for it. It rests on the ground, but even then it still bubbles and twitches in a puddle. It's not what you would call asleep by all appearances, but it is in some kind of repose. Whatever you want to try, you'll have to try quickly. Now that it is no longer violently beating on his barrier, Dr Mime looks like he is about to attack it himself.

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

Without further ado, Ajax does what everyone was probably expecting and deploys a pokéball. When it comes to transporting dangerous monsters, what safer method is there?

[CateranEnforcer]

Ajax tosses the pokeball at the strange pokemon and it cracks open with a flash of light. At first, it looks like it didn't affect the parasite and it remains where it was. But just as the creature begins to stir awake, is drawn into the ball. It wobbles on the ground, and it holds with a familiar tone.

Dr Mime makes a terrified look at you as you capture it successfully. He runs back to his log and you see him tossing out his belongings on forest floor. He starts to wrap them up in a sheet, packing his things in a manic flurry. The mime stops once to look over at you, only to shake his head sadly.

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

"What?" says Ajax with increasing panic. "It gonna explode?"

She nervously approaches and picks up the haunted ball. "Seems pretty solid. No way am I letting it out, though. Gotta get it to a lab where they can contain it properly."

[Lorrel]

Before Dr. Mime leaves, Constance mimes "Wait!" and make a stopping motion with her hands.
She taps her head -Think-

Taking a deep breath, Constance tries to plan this out. Acting was not exactly her forte, but she wanted to try.
She makes a scary monster motion, then a stepping and twisting motion like Dr Mime showed.
Then she shrugs and tries to look confused.
She repeats the the first part, but this time instead of stepping on it, she traps the monster in a box
Constance then make more monster motions and pushes against the sides as mimes love to do, but remains trapped.
She then makes poking and writing gestures and taps her for thinking.
Continuing her pantomime, Constance then stirs up some ingredients and tosses it on the monster box.
She then acts out the monster calming down and acting like a happy little critter.

Constance looks at Dr Mime, blushing slightly as she realizes how foolish she must look.

[CosmicOccurence]

This is by far the weirdest thing that has ever happened to me in my life. And that includes looking at yourself going to the bathroom through a dogs eyes and nose. Margret said dryly. I was expecting more pillow fights and less ... this I guess.

But seriously no pillow fights please.

She takes a deep breath, before diving in. Look, I seriously doubt that this is anything we can deal with on our own. We barely know how to train pokemon, let alone investigate whatever the heck this thing is.
We should take it to the nurse and let him figure it out.

[CateranEnforcer]

Again, the Dr Mime stops to observe Constance's performance and seems to get the message with an uncanny accuracy. He shakes his head at Ajax's question and finishes tying up his things in a cloth that he slings over his shoulder on a stick. He Mimes out one more simple scene for you.

He repeats the Constance's monster motion, extending his hands over his head. He directs this to the Ditto-Mime who plays along. Ditto is scared at first but soon copies the monster gesture and the two of them make the scary faces at your group together. After the charade, Dr Mime snaps his fingers and starts to hustle deeper into the forest like he is in a big hurry.

Not a moment after he leaves, your Pokegear buzzes and you see that Mia has sent you all a message.

"The pokemon are calmed down now. You are free to come back. Is everyone alright? Your matches start soon! If I don't hear from you, I'm going to send help."

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

- - Ajax Petoskey [AP] responded to memo - -
AP: think we're alright
AP: camp as a whole might have a problem
AP: we'll tell you when we get back

[CosmicOccurence]

As her fancy new Pokegear read the texts aloud to her, she narrated back. Yeah, things got kind of funky, but all things considered it's ok. We'll be there for the battles no worries.

[Lorrel]

Seeing that the other two have already responded, Constance decides not to send back a message as well. She is still thinking to what Dr Mime showed. Was the "virus" contagious? What was it? And what exactly had these girls gotten themselves into...

[CateranEnforcer]

As you wait for a reply, the Skiddo on the ground stirs. You can see that the Mime cut him real deep in his chest with his psychic scalpel. The poor pokemon moans in pain and tries to move his legs, but they only bend weakly. He gives up after a while and lays his head back down. There is a good deal of blood pooling around him. The good news is, the Doctor seems to have left behind a bandage nearby, likely something he was intending to patch him up with before he ran off.

Assuming you head back...

It takes about fifteen more minutes of walking to return to Mia's ranch. You emerge from the trees onto the road near the building not far from the front entrance. Mia sticks her head out and waves at you as you approach. She looks a relieved to see you safe. "Well that was an adventure, wasn't it? How did you training go? What did you need to tell me?"

The cut is nothing if not super clean, as if done by a very sharp knife. If the wound is closed, it should heal pretty well.
It looks as though a bit of flesh was removed from the Skiddo. Probably not vital, but it may have been whatever part of the pokemon was infected.

[CosmicOccurence]

Margret grimaced. Your Tauros are spooked. They and other Pokemon I've connected with sense something deeply wrong with the environment here. You've also got a Mr. Mime playing doctor without a diploma and some weird virus thing infecting pokemon.

Just to be sure, this isn't like a training challenge or anything right? Because if this is a mystery for us to solve to prove we're worthy trainers, then sure, but if something is truly up then I figured you all should know about it.

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

Ajax nods to corroborate Margaret's explanation. "Got some pictures," she says as she pulls up the corrupted photos on her archcamera's viewfinder. "Managed to get it out of the skiddo, but whatever it is doesn't show up right in photographs. Know about anything like that?"

For the time being, she purposefully avoids mentioning that she caught the thing herself. If she did, then Mia might ask to see it directly, and the thought of letting it out to show her gives Ajax a sinking feeling.

[Lorrel]

Seeing the bandage Dr Mime left behind, Constance tries her best to wrap the wound left by the process. She checks over her work and hopes the little guy will be ok. If the Skiddo wants to follow them back to Mia, Constance will help guide it there. She does her best either way to calm the poor thing and let it know everything will be better now.
Well... at least I hope it will be, Constance thinks to herself.

Constance was quite silent on the way back to the ranch. The activities of the day were clearly weighing on her. Tru was badly hurt from the battle, she led a trusting Skiddo into surgery with a strange Mme doctor. She helped contain some mysterious essence that was riped out of a Pokemon. She had pictured fun times in her head, a grand adventure and a new life. So far it was shaping up to be something out a of scary book. Constance was starting to understand Charlotte a bit more - camp wasn't just for fun and games.

After Ajax and Margret explain what happened, Constance adds in the encounter with the Murkrow before they even made it to camp.

This isn't our first encounter with these strange Pokemon, either. We ran afoul of an odd Murkrow on the way here, and it seems to be able to use metronome the same as the poor skiddo and whatever that thing was that Dr Mime ripped out.
The Pokemon seem to know what these things are, or at least know enough to be afriad. I have never heard of anything like this before. It is like somoething out the rumor files from the war....



Med Roll to Bandage [roll0]
Poke Ed (POke Psycologist) to calm the Skiddo [roll1]
Perception to see how Mia reacts to all of this [roll2]

[CateranEnforcer]

Mia listens to your tale as the three of you tell it, apparently shocked. She looks oddly at Margaret when she describes her experience She picks up the bandaged and timid Skiddo."Well this is certainly not a test or a planned part of the camp. You've done the right thing by telling me I've known about some strange things happening lately but nothing like that. All the orphaned pokemon at the daycare was strange enough. Most everyone is busy seeing too the Little Cup, but I know the counselors would want to hear about this. Save those pictures! Don't worry, we'll take care of everything!"

"Anyways, I'm going to run this little guy to the pokemon center. We found him in the woods like many of the others at the daycare, but we could tell he wasn't feeling well. Normal procedures didn't really work on him. You should get your pokemon looked at. Unless you got really hurt, it shouldn't take long. Then it's off to the Park! They have a lot of room for battling out there and some non campers have come to watch."


If you hadn't already, you can still do your move training with Mia. Other wise, healing is a simple affair and won't be much of a slow down. I didn't mean to go on that tangent for as long as I did!

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

Ajax texts low-res versions of the relevant photos to Mia and to the group to make them harder to lose.

Tangent nothing! I think we can forgive you for dedicating some time to a plot-critical revelation.

"Daycare," she murmurs to herself as she tries to connect that trend to these strange phenomena. "Should check on those pokemon, too, after the little cup."

For now, she adjourns to Mia's training/healing cabin along with everyone else. She needs to get Anorith ready for his big trainer-battle debut, after all.

[CosmicOccurence]

If they're all infected too I might be out, Margret said with a grimace. That was extremely disgusting, and I can't even see. She wasn't planning on dipping of course, she'd worked too hard to get here and probably wouldn't ever get another shot at something like this. It sounded better to be edgy though. She'd been too much of a goody two shoes her life. Time to try being a bit of a rebel.

---

After getting her pokemon healed, she cradled Bors in her arms. The pokemon had calmed down and was snoozing. Hopefully he was conserving his vocal cords for battle.

[Lorrel]

Constance listens as Mia explains a bit about what the councilors had already noticed and was happy that they seemed to want to investigate.

We'll make ourselves available later to talk with the others. I am sure they will have questions. Thankfully Ajax had the presence of mind to snap those pics.

Upon hearing that the Skiddo had been a Daycare foundling, Constance wondered how many others had been affected. And who trained Dr Mime - it clearly knew exactly what it was doing. And who was sending the Pokemon to gather up the infected. And how did they know who the infected were? And... Constance realizes she is staring off into space following the question train. She files the questions away for later when they could talk to all the Councilors.

Constance quickly heads over with the others to get poor Tru healed up. He fought like a champ and paid a high price, but his actions helped save little Skiddo. He would get a hero's snack later and a good ear scratching.

As her thoughts began to focus more on the upcoming tournament the fears of old returned to her head. Visions of past failures clouded her mind. This time her family was not there. No snickering from other students. No deck stacked against her. This time any failure on her part would be hers to own. And any success would be hers as well.
And finally, for the first time in her life, Constance would be the one to judge success and failure.

Straightening up slightly, Constance readied herself for the coming challenge. Win or lose, Constance would give it her all and take the results with pride.

[CateranEnforcer]

After your brief stop in with Mia, you make your way to the pokemon center to heal up your pokemon. You aren't the only campers there, but with Nurse Bruce present and several assistants, you are able to get in pretty quickly. The relatively minor injuries your pokemon took are able to be treated pretty quickly without any fuss.

Outside, there is a train of campers headed back out of the main gates into the open spaces in the park. Your group is on the tail end of the line and when you arrive, you see there are several battles already taking place out in the green, grassy fields inside areas designated with the traditional battling field with a pokeball symbol in the center. Additionally, there is a crowd of spectators that weave in between the battling areas with nothing impeding their travel. There are councilors trying to ferry trainers to their designated areas in the chaos.

The trail of campers you are following ends at a folding table run by a councilor you haven't met before, though his nametag designates him as Hachi. He is wearing yellow T-shirt that seems to be casual uniform for the councilors, making them easy to pick out in the crowd. Addressing the campers in front of you, he looks over at an easel on the table with the Little Cup bracket posted on it. With a snap of his fingers a black pokemon that is almost entirely a single floating eye appears suddenly out of thin air and leads the campers down to the fields.

Turning to you he nods knowingly. "Ah, Team Scyther finally makes an entrance," He says dryly. His tone and expression are flat, very difficult to read as he appraises your group. He continues with a sigh and a well rehearsed manner. "It's a good thing your battles were scheduled later than the rest or you might have missed them. As it is, you are right on time. I assume you are familiar with formal league style battles, but I will quickly explain the rules for this mini tournament. You each battle one on one with your designated pokemon, so I expect battles will be over quickly. Battles are over when one or both participants are unable to battle. We have tried to match you up initially with opponents of equal skill, but in the case there is a type advantage for one side, the trainer with the disadvantage will be allowed to select which field they wish to battle on to try and gain a terrain advantage. There are three distinct fields to chose from; one drawn on the wide open grassy field, one on the craggy, rocky field, and another on a damp, watery field. You must choose one of those fields that you do NOT wish to battle on. Your opponents have also made a selection and once we have yours, we will be able to direct you to your battling area. Any questions?"

Checking the tournament bracket to his side, you can pick out your names and your opponent's names and their pokemon, perhaps to keep everyone on a more level playing field. This is not usually the case in a real tournament, as trainers are often permitted to change their teams to adapt or surprise their opponents, but given the limited nature of the Little Cup, it makes sense to display this information. Margaret is matched up against Joey and his Bidoof, Constance is matched up against Sam and her Slowpoke, and Ajax is matched up with a trainer named Jamie and their Meditite.