Darkness Rising (PTU)

[CosmicOccurence]

Some Years Ago

This place was deep in the bowels of the earth. A place where the barrier between this world and the otherworld had worn thin. A place older than time itself. A place where humans had not dare trod for as long as the memory of their race lasted.

At least, until now.

Seven figures walked into the cave. Some moved carefully, others with a certainty that belied arrogance and strength, and all wore the same hooded robes made of simple brown cloth. The Spirit of Pride lead the group, surefooted and certain. The Spirit of Lust followed, their body constantly shifting, unsure of its true form. The Spirit of Wrath's breath came heavy and eager as he anticipated the night's bounty. The Spirit of Greed was by far the largest, his massive form barely fitting through the stony enclosures. The Spirit of Envy, so tall and thin cast his gazes to the others intently. The Spirit of Gluttony was the shortest, bones hanging from her waist rattling as she waddled along. The Spirit of Sloth was the last to enter, moving slowly and with the gait of one used to walking with a limp. He cast a long look behind him before he entered the cavern, ensuring that none followed.

The Spirit of Pride stopped at a spot in the tunnel. There seemed to be nothing special about this particular spot, but as the Spirit of Pride ran her hands along the walls, she nodded in approval. It is here, she said simply, Begin the ritual.

Without hesitation, the Spirit of Wrath stepped forward and unstopped a gourd at his waste. He poured a dark liquid over his hands and drew a large circle the size of a small boulder at head height. His voice was powerful, and it rang through the cavern with a strength that threatened to overwhelm even the Spirit of Pride's quiet presence of power. Blood of Florges, forcibly drawn, reveal the door.

As he stepped back, Gluttony shuffled forwards. She drew four large incisors from her collection of bones and drove them into the line of blood with surprising force for one so small and grotesque. The were equally spaced, and anyone versed in shaman-lore knew they stood for the four winds. Fangs of Mawile, prematurely shed, anchor the door, she said in her rasping voice, before stepping back.

In contrast to her smallness, the Spirit of Greed stepped forwards to take her place. From his tangled beard he drew a string of feathers, which he tied to the fang on the left side of the circle. Low voice like thunder, he continued the ritual Feathers of Togekiss, violently plucked, ignite the door. As he stepped back, the power in the room began to pulse slightly, as if something deep in slumber had stirred from a millennia of sleep.

As Envy stepped forwards, he gently smeared a grainy substance onto the right fang. When he spoke, he cooed as if talking to a baby. Morellul spores harvested on the blood moon, enhance the door. The power awoken with the Spirit of Greed thrummed, growing as each new element of the ritual layered on each other in an act of powerful black magic.

The Spirit of Lust stepped to the circle, and they hung a pink ribbon, stained with blood splotches, on the highest fang. They quickly tied the ribbon into a knot to secure it and said in a voice nearly unidentifiable, Ribbon of Sylveon, eagerly torn, link the door. As soon as they finished speaking, the ribbon began to whip wildly back and forth despite the utter lack of wind in this maw of the earth.

The Spirit of Sloth limped toward the circle, other cloaked figures shifting to let him pass. He removed small whiskers and twined them on the uppermost fang, completing the symmetry of the blood circle. Whiskers of Dedenne, cruelly torn, guide the door. As he shuffled back into the line, all eyes turned to the Spirit of Pride, the only shaman left to contribute. They stared at her hungrily, seeking the final piece of this ancient puzzle.

From the depths of her cloak, the Spirit of Pride drew out a gemstone, a raw and uncut fire opal. Soft beams of light arced from the stone's depths, like the kiss of moonlight upon a lake in midsummer. At the appearance of the gemstone, the other figures inhaled audibly. The cavern wavered. Power radiated through the stone walls, and all the figures felt a force larger than they could ever imagine rise in anticipation.

The Spirit of Pride raised her arm and spoke in a voice as powerful as it was dark. Light of the moon, stolen from Clefable's soul, open the door. Suddenly the light from the gemstone burst into a wild kaleidoscope. Red, orange, and yellow streams of light warped and twisted as they were sucked into the strange circle. For a moment everything was still. Even the Spirit of Gluttony's bones stopped rattling.

Then smoke exploded from the wall as an otherworldly voice shrieked in glee. Dozens upon dozens of eyes formed and dissipated in the smoke, and for a moment it seemed as if the sheer evil of the creature would consume the souls of the humans who had freed it. The Spirit of Wrath even touched his forehead, leaving a small dot of ochre to guard his world-soul from attack.

However, the Proud One held fast and began to intone once more. One hundred and eight souls released from the nether into our world. One hundred and eight maladies to befall the clans who have abandoned the way. One hundred and eight weapons to wield against those who would oppose me. One hundred and eight servants obedient to my whims. One hundred and eight prisoners to the power of the fire opal taken from the valley of the world spirit.

At these words, a vortex formed as the smoke streaked into the gemstone held aloft by the figure, and the power in the room faded. The gemstone was still radiant, but veins of dark energy coursed through it, constantly shifting. The woman returned the gemstone to her belt-pouch, and the cavern was consumed by darkness once more.

It is ended, The Spirit of Pride said. And now … it is begun

[CosmicOccurence]

Highsun, Three Nights Before the Vernal Equinox
The Bend of the Great River, A Half Day From the Sea


The Clansmeet always took the breath out of a person, whether it was their first or fifteenth time. It was a jumbled thing, a hodge-podge of teepees, wigwams, and even a few rudimentary earthen homes erected with the help of swift working Timburr from the Mountain Clans in residence. It was rare that representatives from so many clans gathered together. As you gazed down at the gathering you could spot the thin Deerling furs of the open forest, the Sphealskin parkas of the far north, and the finely woven body wraps from the Sandsea.

As you and your companions began heading towards the Clansmeet to make camp, you saw many things. Hunters sparring with each other using weapons foreign and familiar, Shamans demonstrating rituals for their peers, and boastful displays from young men and women hoping to attract potential mates.

The scents of roasting Gogoat wafts towards you from the massive bonfire in the center of the clansmeet, drawing a constant stream of master-hunters with game in tow to contribute to the night’s festivities. Old friends from various clans gathered, trading stories and battle scars, and offerings were made to Clansfolk who passed into Yvetal’s realm of lasting peace.

And across the great river, rising out of the forest like the horn of a Rhydon, was the Stone Circle, the henge where the Ceremony of Wishes would be held in three nights, on the Vernal Equinox. A ceremony that you hoped to earn the honor of taking part in, if those of the Soul Clan judged you worthy. The trials began tomorrow morning however, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy the Clansmeet.

For a moment you thought you saw a soft purple glow pulse from the hill, but when you blinked, you realized it must have been your imagination. After all, Jirachi hadn’t stirred for centuries.

You didn't realize it yet, but the next three days would change your life forever.


Moghu
Your journey had been a peaceful one. Inneq had bartered medicinal mushrooms with Wishiwashi Clan to commission one of their boats. Safer to be on the water, he explained. Those of the Open Forest do not understand the danger of Fire. Neither did most in the Deep Forest either, but after the great fire years ago, you’d heard whispers that they now treated Fire with the firm hand it needed.

When you arrived, Inneq cast a glance to you. Help me set up camp, he said, pointing to the outskirts of the Clansmeet. And then if you wish to explore … you may. Just know that the other clans may feel different to you. Without the great mother’s blessing, they do not understand our ways, he held out his unburned arm, the one part of his body not puckered red from his burns. His tattoo had almost reached his palm once more, though it was still painfully small compared to its former glory before the great inferno. You knew that Inneq had his own mission here, to barter some of the more potent mushrooms for new water, rock, and ground type eggs to bring back to the Flame Hunters. Many had been lost during the Fire, and Inneq was desperately trying to rebuild.


Eira
It had been years since Reith had made this journey, you knew. However, on the journey, he shared that he too once had participated in the trials. I was not chosen, nor has one of our Clan since I was born.. You knew that Weavile Clan rarely sent members to the Clansmeet, for the world in the south felt completely alien. Reith stuck stubbornly to his Seelskin jerkin, though you could tell that he was painfully warm. Still, it was tradition for sponsors to make the journey with their charges.

Your journey was a long one: Reith didn’t travel as quickly as he used to. Yet his skills had not dampened, and the two of you remained unseen for the journey, avoiding all human contact as you journeyed south. A single kill, from a strange Pokemon known as Gogoat, which was covered in leaves that would never grow in your home, was enough food to sustain you both. When you arrived, Reith said. Three days here will be difficult, but with your fostering with the Glalies, I doubt it should prove too much trouble for you. It was unsaid that your camp would be in the forest, hidden from view. I have some business to attend to. There is a clan in the Open Forest, the Zangoose, whose practices are similar to our own. I hope to study whether their markings can shed any light on what is yet hidden on the Scrawl. Meet me at the bend of the river by sundown, and we shall make our den. He didn't give advice or warnings. After all, if you could survive in the north, this was going to be a cakewalk.


Velitus
The journey had been a short one for you. It had been perhaps a week’s travel to reach the Clansmeet, and while the area was not one you were intimately familiar with, it also didn’t feel that different from your own home. Forests, open grass, and flowing water digging out gullies and valleys.

Your travelling companions were less comforting however. Tradition among the Twin Petals was that a person’s hunting party was to accompany them to the Clansmeet. Skiran had stayed back with the Clan, muttering about a rogue Scrafty that needed to be hunted down before it attacked a youngster.

Instead you were accompanied by the three remaining members of the original hunting party that had been savaged by the Emboar. Ineya bore the Yellow tattoos of a wayfinder, responsible for exploring the forest quickly and quietly with her Aridos and Persian. Orren bore the orange tattoos of a strategist, and had become the leader of the group despite his failure in calling the retreat in the fatal attack.

The worst though, was Resh, whose White Petals indicated his skills with magic. He was a powerful Fire Shaman, though his powers had proved utterly useless. You have a whole day before the trials he said as you arrived. There are usually big crowds near the great bonfire where you can share the story of how we stopped the Heracross from stampeding the honey groves this Spring. We’ll all be busy and won’t have time to babysit you, so do it right. You knew that he would be showing off with the Shamans, and Ineya had been talking about archery contests for weeks now. You weren’t sure what Orren’s plans were, but you knew they didn’t involve you.


Jayce
Thankfully, there were plenty of caves to be found on your journey west, even if they weren’t connected by tunnels like a proper cave should be. You stuck to gorges, river valleys, and bluffs, where you could camp during the day so that Darius did not have to go out in the sun. The journey had been tough on him, and even at night he wore several layers of cloth over his eyes to avoid light exposure. It had been decades since he had seen anything, and nobody could remember the last time he left the cave. You’d already been here a day, giving Darius a chance to rest in a damp warren on the riverbank so he could prepare for the noise and light of the Clansmeet.

Still, he was insistent that he come on this journey with you. You got the sense that he too was worried for your brother, and felt strongly enough that he decided to come personally and gather information. The Gurus of the Zubat tribe were widely respected among Shamans for the powers that their extreme measures brought, and he would have access to places that other members of your tribe would not.

He placed a hand on your shoulder, his constant soft clicks allowing him to sense where you were. Do not fret Jayce. You worry about representing our clan, but I have no doubt that you will make us proud. The tunnels of fate will place you where you need to be, so long as you are willing to follow where it guides.



While you all are putting together your character sheets and getting set up, we're going to do a quick scene! If you feel like I mischaracterized things about your mentor/clan, speak up! I want to make sure I'm staying faithful to your vision for them. In any case, pick one thing to 'zoom in' on from the afternoon & evening that you'd like to do a quick rp scene about (though you could certainly share about the rest of your day).

It might be something mentioned in this post, or something of your own imagination! Basically let me know where your character is headed and their intentions for the scene, and I'll pick it up from there! This'll give us a nice chance to settle into our characters before things really get rolling!

[Zelphas]

Two things struck Eira, as she traveled with her mentor out of the Far North for the first time in her life:

Everything was warm.

Everything was green.

The sun was a burning, fiery disk in the sky, pounding like a bonfire upon the land. It melted the perma-frost that had covered her cloak. It melted the ice-claws that she formed on her fingers and used to hunt, forcing her to re-make them every time she wished to strike. If she stood still for too long, a thin trail of mist rose up from her own body, as though the sun's relentless heat was trying to melt her as well. She couldn't believe that Reith was still in his jerkin; she had shed her Wooloo-woven cloak and bundled it into her pack weeks ago. She still kept most of her furs on, however, despite the almost-nightmarish heat; looking across at the other tribes and their array of clothing, she couldn't shake the childish feeling that most of them looked almost naked.

"Of course, elder," Eira responds automatically, petting Omen at her side. The Houndour sniffs a curling plant nearby and sneezes, a small gout of flame leakign out between his fangs; Eira watches with interest as the plant shrivels and turns brown from the passing heat. The green all around her almost seems to stab at her eyes, it is so blatant, so alive, so everywhere. She thinks back to the kill they made, back in the land of deeper darkness and larger plants that rustled and whispered in the hot wind. Even the food is green here!

Eira pats Omen once more, considering things, and then taps him on the skull-like crest with his Apricorn Ball, reutrning him. She looks up, not surprised to note that Reith has vanished. Surveying the large camp ahead of her, Eira feels the two separate urges that have played out in her for the last five years start up again. One side of her, the side that has kept her alive and kept her and her family fed, the side that often speaks with her father's voice in her, points out all of the defensive failures of the camp ahead; its size, lack of walls, lack of concealment... A Mamoswine would tear through that festival there without stopping to breathe, it says disapprovingly, the winter winds of home echoing silently behind it. Stick to the outskirts, and don't get caught up in groups, especially groups of outsiders. You need a way to run once things turn sour.

The other part of her, the part that longs for the warmth of a fire that never goes out and a home that never changes, looks toward the central fire hungrily, enticed by the cooking meet and the moving bodies. All here are allies; there is no clan bloodshed at a Clansmeet, this voice whispers. Go, mingle, interact; find newfriends, experience new things! Perhaps home is hidden among the fires here.

Torn between these two conflicting desires, Eira does what she can: she compromises. Retreating into the forest for a moment to replenish the leaves and twigs she has stuck to her clothing for camouflage (the plants withered and died much faster on her than they did on Reith, as though something about her was sickening to the greenery all around her), Eira begins circling the campsite, staying silent and out of sight. She counts the campsites, trying to estimate the number and type of the Clans here by their clothing and tattoos. Eira looks for the thick Seelskin tents of Clan Walrein or the black-and-white dyed cloth of Clan Glalie, marking their location to visit and see if any friends are nearby.

After a full circuit, Eira stops, taking in a deep breath. "This is a test," she tells the disapproving voice inside of her, speaking very softly. "I must test the competency of the tribes at this Clansmeet, and to do that I need to see their actions up close. I will do so without being seen, to test their observation and my own skills as well." Another deep breath, and Eira starts forward silently into the camp, aiming for the central fire and a juicy piece of that same Gogoat-meat that she had tasted on the way down. At the center of the camp, she can listen in on the other tribes, finding out about what they boast of and what their skills entail.

At the center of the camp, she can pretend she belongs there, even if just for a moment.

No matter what Eira's sheet turns out to look like, she is going to have Adept Stealth at this point, so hopefully I'm not too far afield in rolling Stealth here to show her attempts to sneak into the center of the camp unseen: [roll0]

If the Stealth Clothes I bought for her are acceptable, add +4 to the above roll.

[Arcran]

Of course, Moghu said, stopping himself from once again scratching at his tattoos as he began to assist Inneq in setting up camp. He'd never traveled more than a day from the dark groves the Paras Clan called home and, while he had heard the stories of what happened to those that traveled too far, he'd never experienced it before. He'd first attributed the nausea he felt on the Wishiwashi boat to sea sickness, but it had persisted even after they were on dry land again. If the stories were correct, a fever would likely be next, and the itching along his tattoo would only become worse. Inneq seemed to be having an easier time with the symptoms than Moghu but, of course, the elder Flame-Hunter had far more experience traveling great distances from the Great Mother than most of the Paras Clan.

It means the Great Mother is still with me, Moghu thought to himself as another wave of nausea struck, setting up a tent with a practiced hand. He idly gestured Rella towards an empty bucket, and the Poliwag started to spray a steady stream of water into it while Podax began digging out a small pit where the Flame-Hunters could build their own cooking fire. Every itch, every bout of nausea, means that She still watches me. The Clansmeet felt wrong to Moghu. The massive bonfire at the center aside, most of the other clans seemed far too loose with fire. Unattended campfires were rampant among the other clans, and Moghu could count on one hand the number that had taken the proper precautions. There were even Pokemon with great open flames casually walking around, coming far too close to tents and other flammables for Moghu's liking. It was too bright, too loud, and too many potential threats. While the scent of Gogoat threatened to draw him towards the great bonfire, Moghu couldn't willingly bring himself so close to such an inferno.

And yet, despite all of this, Moghu felt a strange rush of excitement every time he saw another clan. Were he more of an artist, perhaps he would have been drawing their tattoos but, for now, Moghu contented himself with long stares, taking note of their oddly flat tattoos. Each had new foods, new customs, new knowledge. As a Flame-Hunter, much of the sacred knowledge of the Paras was forbidden to him and he would never know the art of mushrooms like a Shroom-Brewer or know the Great Mother's mind like a Spore-Speaker. If he could learn things from the other tribes, he would have something besides his bravery and strength to set him apart and, perhaps, the Great Mother would restore his tattoos to their former glory. Perhaps even create his own tribe, and never be forced to brave the flames for the good of the Paras again.

A particularly strong wave of nausea accompanied that thought, and Moghu silenced his mind as he continued to set up camp. With each day away from home, these intrusive thoughts became louder, urging Moghu to seek personal achievements, rather than what was best for the Paras. You are here to bring glory to the Paras, and secure a wish for our clan, Moghu thought to himself, remembering the circumstances of his nomination. When the Clansmeet was called, each tribe nominate somebody to the Paras' internal trials, to determine who would represent the clan at the Meet. The other tribes had not known Inneq would nominate nearly a man, and had nominated young members of their own tribe, as was tradition. While the Spore-Speakers could find no fault with competition, Moghu did not feel like he deserved to be here. He'd beaten Paras half his size to secure his spot, and would not let this opportunity go to waste. He would bring glory to the Flame-Hunters, and show they had worth among the Paras.

Another wave of nausea. I will bring glory to the Great Mother, Moghu mentally corrected himself, before working in silence, occasionally directing Rella towards another bucket. The Poliwag seemed to be taking the travel from the Great Mother particularly hard, but that was to be expected. Rella's tattoos covered her entire body, like a great bundle of roots. Podax seemed much more comfortable, but Moghu had always felt that the Sandshrew's tattoos looked odd upon his armored hide.

As the camp began to come together, Moghu's mind began to wander. While he had Inneq's permission to leave, Moghu didn't feel comfortable leaving without an excuse. Things were not done without purpose among the Paras, and Moghu was a model member of the clan. Fortunately, and opportunity soon presented itself: Rella was out of water, and there were yet buckets unfilled.

Rella needs a soak, and we do not have enough water, Moghu said curtly, seizing his chance as he grabbed an empty bucket with either hand. Is there anything we need to collect? Moghu asked, scanning the horizon for a path that would take him to the water while avoiding the bonfire's malicious presence. Any other Clan I should meet? Moghu dared to asked, wincing slightly as his tattoos itched far more fervently. He'd been scanning for the clans that followed Poliwag or Sandshrew, but had yet to spot them among the clans in attendance.

[Llyarden]

Velitus might have been used to the Open Forest - more used than some of the others who were at the Clansmeet, at least - but he wasn't used to the sheer number of people. Even among his own Clan, he'd always preferred to stay on the periphery, learning from Skiran and him alone. Of course, his appointment to his new hunting party had put paid to that. There were Comfey who would've given almost anything to change places with him, never knowing that he would've given almost anything to do the same.

"Of course," he answered Resh, quietly. He had never been good at hiding his emotions - one of the many flaws the older tribe members had been swift to observe in him - and so he knew Resh would realise how glad he was to have some time to be himself (albeit still chained to their demands.) But he also knew Resh wouldn't care.

He'd been practicing his stories while they'd been travelling, knowing that this would be asked of him. Of course, telling the stories in truth was nothing like thinking them to himself in the safety of his own mind, where the words flowed freely and he didn't stumble in their telling, and his voice didn't crack at inconvenient moments. He'd tried to grow a beard to make himself look a little older, but his body had other plans and had left him with nothing more than an embarrassing layer of stubble over his upper lip that was just long enough to make it obvious that he'd been wanting a fuller beard. Just another disappointment to his Clan Flabebe companions.

He hadn't told Resh and the others that he had another reason for wishing to interact with the other clans, though. That reason related to the small wooden box at his belt, where he periodically had to change the bark as it absorbed the sugary scent of the little Faerie contained within. He hated having to imprison Hana like this, but from experience he knew that to allow her out around so many other Pokemon would be to risk a hungry Pokemon - trained or otherwise - taking her life in one swift bite. But if he had an Apricorn Ball, then according to the rumours he'd heard, he could contain her in much greater comfort, and possibly even allow her to experience the world through its magic without luring predators.

Of course, he had no idea where he could find an Apricorn Ball. But it was something he could ask after he'd related the tale of the Heracross.

[CateranEnforcer]

Jayce caught himself squinting as he looked out among the trees. He shook his head to stop himself looking like a fool in front of everyone. Even though his own eyes preferred a softer light, that was no reason to scrunch his face up like a child, especially in front of the other clans. At least, that's what the voice in his head told him.

Guru Darius must have noticed him lost in thought once more as he put his hand on Jayce's shoulder. Outsiders would think him a psychic, but that's just the way he was and had been for as long as Jayce could remember. He always seemed to know what he was thinking. It was also common for him to give Jayce advice that went over his head. It's not like he didn't try to understand, but he just couldn't see things the way Darius did no matter how hard he tried. It just made him feel worse, like he was just too young to stupid to understand things the way everyone else seemed to.

"You know I'll do my best, but there's got a be ten or so better candidates than me. Besides, if I were home, I could be there if...when Garet comes back." Jayce sighs, knowing he's going over retreaded ground for the hundredth time, and his tone changes as he recites the words he thinks he's supposed to say. "But it is a great honor to represent the clan, and you know I'll do my best. You've taught me well, even if I'm not the most talented." He changes tone again to something more genuine. "I'm more worried about you right now anyhow. I've got Dao looking for some shade for you."

As if summoned by his words, the Machop comes out of the woods with a big, leafy branch to hold over the Guru and shield him from the sun as much as possible. Jayce was very concerned that he had come all this way with him, but today was the first time they were out in full daylight. If he was going to do something right, it was to make sure Darius got to somewhere safe. He may have been over worried about this, but he was feeling extra protective lately. That was his job after all back home. Protecting the lands and escorting well meaning travelers across the dangerous mountains. But usually, he was accompanied by more experienced Zubats, like his brother. If he was going to do this thing right, this was going to be the first step. Only then would he mingle with the other clans. He wasn't even sure that they would want to see him. Their ways were surely too strange for these who lived under the open sky all the time.

[CosmicOccurence]

Moghu
Inneq considered you for a long moment. Well, if you’re planning to go to the river, he said, walking to his pack. He pulled out a small pouch, made from the treated bark of a tree. These are for the Slowpoke Clan. We don’t trade with them much: they stick to the beaches and oceans mostly, but Uwale, their Clan Leader, has a special affinity for these mushrooms, and makes it worth our while. Show your tattoo and they should let you into their camp. Be polite and try to keep your mind clear. Meeting Uwale is not something you will soon forget.

He drew you a quick map in the soil of where they’d be located on the river, telling you to keep an eye out for people who wore ornate braids of shell woven into their hair. As you took the mushrooms, you felt your tattoos pulse excitedly, as if they recognized the bundle in your hand.

Oh, and one last thing Moghu, he said as you prepared to leave. Don’t taste these mushrooms. They aren’t for humans.

________

The camp wasn’t difficult to find following Inneq’s instructions. The Slowpoke Clan was odder even than most. To begin with, they didn't have tattoos, but instead a red gemstone embedded somewhere on their body. They seemed even more relaxed than most, and you passed a clump of clanmembers around your age playing some sort of game with a ball fashioned from a greenish fish Pokemon's carcass. You spotted many lures and nets in the water, with their minders braiding hair while they waited in leisure for the bounty to come to them. It was a far cry of the stringent measures taken for even your rudimentary camp.

When you showed your tattoo and explained your presence, you were pointed to what seemed to be the only shelter in their camp, a large circular tent suspended between three trees. As you ducked inside, you saw several older members of the tribe, mostly wearing the garb of Shamans. They all looked toward the only Pokemon in the room though, who stood a handwidth shorter than a human without what appeared to be a massive spiraling shell helmet on his head. Its skin was pink and leathery. When it turned to you, you felt a presence in your mind. The discomfort from The Great Mother’s blessing surged for a second at this intrusion, but after a moment the pain receded almost entirely as the Pokemon pushed it aside. Somewhere in the back of your brain, you could feel The Great Mother fighting this presence, but she was just so far away.

Hello young one. I see you come bearing gifts for me. My name is Uwale.


Eira
At first, slipping through the Clansmeet seemed easy. Everybody had a place to be, a campfire to visit. Most of those in this part of the camp seemed to be from the Open Forest, which had by far the largest contingent of representatives. You didn’t see any from Glalie Clan, but there looked to be a few Wailren Clan tents set up on the river, a small campfire set up to share fish.

However, as you slipped further into the clansmeet, it grew, if it was at all possible, even hotter. There were so many people in some of the more well-travelled paths that you had to make several detours to avoid catching the notice of people.

You passed a woman who was almost entirely naked and covered in tattoos of various flowers, recounting the story of a great hunt to a crowd. Her voice was captivating, entrancing. Not five tents away was a wrestling match between a brutish man whose entire lower jaw was inked a dark navy and a man whose tattoos swirled in such a way that you felt yourself, for a moment, unable to tear your eyes away.

Once you approached the great fire however, some people began to take notice of you. Mostly they seemed to be hunters, based on the bows on their backs and spears in their hands. Their eyes settled on you for only a second, before moving on to continue their constant scouring of the area. These were people whose clans depended on their ability to sense the smallest movement. For most though, you were nothing but a shadow as you sliced a thin strip of meat for yourself with nobody the wiser.

As you chewed the sizzling, crackling meat, flavor flooded your mouth. It felt like someone had lit a fire on your tongue, and you remembered stories that there were plants in the south that could make the most hardened warrior cry. It turns out they weren’t just stories at all. In fact, for the briefest of moments, you could have sworn that you breathed out fire just like Omen.

As you processed this new sensation, you heard a guffawing behind you. This must be your first time, if you took some from that spit without expecting. Don’t recognize the tattoos, so you must not be from a clan that comes most years. Never had a Spelon Berry before? Nasty things, but fire types love them.

The man, who seemed like a literal mountain, casually ripped off a piece and tossed it to a passing Growlithe, who leaped gleefully in the air to snatch it.

Here he said, holding out a few small berries, almost perfectly spherical, colored dark purple. This will help. The name’s Nathma. Shuckle Clan, from out on the islands. His tattoos were rounded bands around his neck that, when he popped one of the berries into his mouth, began slowly turning into the same hue as the berries.



Velitus

You set up near a pot of bubbling stew that people had gathered around to eat out of. Most of those here were from the Open Forest and knew enough your tattoos to silence the others as you becan laying out the tale. This hunting party was well-enough known that some of the listeners were already rapt when you started your tale.

It wasn’t your best performance, and it wasn’t your worst. You recounted the tale with drama, attributing credit to Resh, who had summoned a great wall of fire to herd the Heracross from the clearing. There were sighs and there were cheers, but you also knew that, in the hands of a more skilled storyteller, this tale would be spreading like wildfire through the camps. The group around you were obviously pleased with your skill though, and many clapped you on the back while a Mightyena Clan member insisted that you get a bowl of stew, which was served in a roughly carved wooden bowl.

After the crowd of your tale had dispersed and you had finished your soup, you set in pursuit of your second task. It actually wasn’t difficult to find the Apricorn Ball crafters, as they had gathered together to share secrets and barter their services with others. Some were deep in incantations, while others were carefully and lovingly carving the swirling details into the apricorns that would bring out their inherent magic.

Three however, looked like they might be available for bartering right now. There was a toothless woman who looked older than any human had the right to look. Her tools were made of Sawsbuck antlers, and the green branching tattoos on her temples marked her as one of the Summer Tribe of the Deerling Clan. She was whistling at a Hoppip that buzzed happily above her head.

There was a man who wore no shirt but whose impressive chest tattoo seemed reminiscent of a face of some sort. His wares sat in front of him as he slowly scratched the spine of a magnificent serpent of identical markings that lazed in the warm sun. He had the look of Deep Forest folk.

Finally there was a figure in ornate robes decorated with a various feathers, scales, and teeth of Pokemon with deep spiritual power. Their face was totally obscured by a massive skull that had been fashioned into an intricate helmet, massive horns protruding from it into the air. You’d heard of the Marowak Clan’s shamans, of course. Everybody had. Seeing one was a totally different story, however.

Ignore everything I said before. You can nab pokeballs for your starting two mons without dipping into your funds. We can just assume that you have shards or a an artificer item you can craft to trade away as the 'fluff' behind this.

Again, sorry that this was not something on my mind. I shouldn't have posted at 4 in the morning after a fire alarm went off and I was half delirious


Jayce
The journey into the clansmeet was a difficult one. Darius had covered his eye-wrap in a thick paste of mud to further block out light, and Dao created as much shade as he could. However, you could tell that even knowing he was in daylight caused Darius stress. He was also less coordinated than normal, tripping when he would normally step confidently, and almost running into a small child chasing a small tan and red rodent with sparks flying from its body.

Your destination was a moderately sized mud-thatch building on the river that was being watered by several Mudkip to keep the temperature from rising too high. I will stay here today Darius said. There are some who know to look for me here, and many of the Sandsea Shamans are adept at scrying magic in ways that we are not. In fact you could see just the hint of a figure wrapped almost entirely head to toe in a single cloth wrap of fabric in the darkness of the entryway.

However, this space is not one you can enter. Spend today exploring and learning new things. Just as we guide and teach others the ways of the mountain, so too can other clans teach us the lessons from their homes. Remember that if you listen hard enough, there is always something worth hearing.

If you could return after sundown? I do not know that I have another walk in that sun in me, and without you i’m not sure I would be able to find my way. There’s just so much noise here. I feel like I’m among the Whismur clan during one of their warpaths.

[Zelphas]

Eira can't help the jump and slight yelp she lets out as her food begins to attack her with fire from within her mouth. What are these otherlanders doing with their food? This is what you get for eating untested food from a strange fire, the disapproving voice in her head notes. Blinking rapidly to keep tears from streaming down her cheeks, Eira summons one of her icicle claws, popping the tiny bit of frozen water in her mouth to quench the flames.

Weavile, that made it worse! How did putting water on fire make the fire worse?!?

The huge man laughs, offering berries that he claims will help. Eira tries to look at him suspiciously, but the fire in her mouth threatens to overwhelm her. She snatches the berries, throwing them into her mouth in one fluid movement. The fire doesn't recede entirely, but the relief from its lessening is immediate. Eira sighs, then abruptly realizes that she has made herself very obvious.

"Um..." Eira blinks, looking up at the tall man. "Eira Red Claws, Clan Weavile. North of here. Very north." She searches through her pack for a moment, before pulling out a chunk of crumbly whitish material. "I don't have much for trade; this works to attract Stantler and Deerling, as well as some other Pokemon, if you needed to do some hunting..." She trails off, glancing at the fire. "No; maybe something else--" she resumes digging through her pack.

[Llyarden]

Velitus approached the shamans with more than a little hesitance. He'd seen Skiran interact with the shamans of other clans, of course, when they'd met in passing, but this was...somewhat different. Especially when one of the shamans in question was a Marowak shaman. They were near legendary.

Since bothering the Marowak shaman obviously wasn't an option, that left him with just the two choices - the Sawsbuck shaman and the shaman from the Deep Forest. Velitus naturally gravitated towards the more familiar of the two, approaching the elderly woman. "Um, pardon me? Would it be possible for me to have an Apricorn Ball? I have talismans I could give you in return obviously!" he added, hastily, when he realised what he'd said. "Although I don't know if they'd be of any use to you..." He kinda trailed off, part of him already wishing he'd stuck to retelling the Heracross tale.

[Arcran]

Moghu gave a curt nod to Inneq before setting out, his Pokemon walking in near-lock-step behind him. As he walked, he found himself watching the other clans, taking a slightly longer route than the one Inneq had drawn to avoid a few Fire-Type clans. He also found himself trying to inspect these new mushrooms but, upon not recognizing them, gave up. Perhaps, if he was lucky, this Uwale would tell him what the mushrooms were for, and he could gleam a small bit of the Shroom-Brewers' knowledge. More than once Moghu found himself considering just what would happen if he ate one of the mushrooms, but tried to not allow such thoughts to linger.

The Great Mother watches over me, and I am her stalwart shield. Through her all blessings flow, and through her I shall not want, Moghu thought to himself, repeating the mantra until the intrusive thoughts went away.



Despite their lack of discipline, Moghu found the Slowpoke clan slightly more comforting than the others he had seen, for no reason other than the fact that their 'tattoos', much like his, were not simply ink upon the body. Like the Paras, the Slowpoke had something within their skin. As he made his way through the camp, Moghu tried to find any pattern in the gems based on either location or size. Even more, the clan was a wealth of Water-Types, which meant safety.

As they arrived, Moghu sent Rella to the stream to soak, keeping Podax close at hand. When Moghu felt the foreign presence in his mind it took every ounce of willpower he had to not cry out, and he desperately hoped that the nearby clan members didn't hear the grinding of his teeth. Why had Inneq sent him here? This was wrong. His mind was his alone, save for when the Great Mother needed to make her will known.

Remembering what Inneq had told him, Moghu took a deep breath, trying to calm his roiling mind, focusing on thoughts of the Great Mother to calm himself. I am called Moghu, the Flame-Hunter said curtly, taking the pouch of mushrooms from his belt. I bring a gift of mushrooms from the Paras Clan. I hope they are to your liking, Moghu adds, avoiding eye contact as he approached to give Uwale the mushrooms.

Inneq told me to keep my mind clear, so FOCUS: [roll0]

[CosmicOccurence]

Eira

Nonsense! cried Nathma, waving away your offer of payment. All are welcome at the fire for food and good company. The Clansmeet is a time for us to experience how the others live, and to learn from the wisdom of other tribes. The food here is a gift, provided freely by hunters from the Open Forest. Did nobody tell you when you came in? He began to walk with you around the clearing, pointing out which spits were meant for humans, and which, such as the one you had sampled, were for pokemon with particular tastes or adventurous humans. There seemed to be a constant stream of people in and out of the area, most carrying weapons, and none at all appeared worried, concerned, or even actively monitoring for danger.

Nathma paused his tour, catching his breath and absentmindedly popping another berry into his mouth. It's been a while since I gave a full tour. To think that walk winded me. Too much time lazing around these days I suppose. Anyways, I know little of the Weavile Clan, other than that they live far in the north. What brought you so far south for this Clansmeet? A trade for Fire Pokemon perhaps? Surely not the weather, he grinned, knowing you were probably uncomfortable in the heat.
Though to be honest, this is a bit on the cool side for me. Some of the southern islands get quite hot.


Velitus
The woman’s eyes lit up as you approached, and she leaned forward, her grin full of holes. Talismans you say? her voice cracking and wavering, as if it were the wind itself. From a youngster like you? I thought they trained the folks from your Clan to be storytellers and leaders, not tinkerers like me. When I was your age, I was still wet behind the ears and nowhere near creating any of my own work. And my clan was one of the ones that discovered this junk. She kicked her pack, indicating her wares, though she didn't seem to really mean it.

The Hoppip floated through the air, spinning lazily like one of the seeds of the great trees to the east. It floated onto Hana’s wooden box, sniffing curiously. The woman cackled at her Pokemon’s behavior. Kerrus has no manners. I’d apologize, but neither do I! Despite her words she lured her companion back, and it nestled in her thinning hair.

I take it your friend must be inside there. She fished in her pack and retrieved a few apricorn balls, ranging in color from a deep saturated burgundy to an almost garish yellow. Let’s see what we can do for you. If you tell me a bit about your friend, I can find the most comfortable home for it.


Moghu
A cursory observation showed that there were a few common places the gem was embedded. Most bore the making on the back of their hand, which you could have sworn you saw glow occasionally. A few displayed it prominently in the center of their chest, and a few displayed it on their forehead. Those in the room with you now were all the forehead kind.

As one of the humans took the mushrooms to the Pokemon, the presence in your mind intensified. We thank you Moghu Flame Hunter. I ran out of these several moons ago, and was sad I could not restock earlier. He pulled one of the mushrooms out, colored a light blue and shaped like the lapping of waves, and delicately bit off a piece.

His eyes closed, and the gem on his head began to suck light into it, warping the air around his head. Immediately, all presence of The Great Mother vanished. In fact, all your worries, your concerns, vanished. You felt peaceful, and the urge to simply lie next to the waves all day as they lapped at your feet was strong, though you had never seen the ocean before. You heard sighs as the humans in the room seemed to shudder in bliss. You sensed that you too could experience that bliss.

Now Moghu, I believe there was a matter of payment. Eggs for you to take back to your clan, to help fight the fires would threaten the great mother? Through your link, you felt that this Pokemon held respect, but not reverence for the being known as the great mother. He viewed her as an equal, not a guardian.

[Arcran]

That is agreeable, Moghu chocked out with a nod, forcing down the need to scream. The warrior was desperately trying to force his body to prepare for an attack, rather than relax like Uwale was forcing him to. While the Great Mother had been faint at this distance, Moghu couldn't remember a time when the Great Mother had been completely absent from his mind.

Not since the Dread Inferno, Moghu thought to himself with dread, looking at Uwale with a newfound sense of terror. This thing could sever his connection from the Great Mother, but seemed to need these mushrooms. Why, then, did Inneq trade mushrooms with him? While Fire-types were a threat, the thought of living without the Great Mother's presence shook Moghu to his core. Still, without the Great Mother's presence, Moghu felt the intrusive thoughts once again creeping in. This time, however, the thoughts were not accompanied with a wave of nausea; the thoughts flowed freely, lingering in Moghu's mind far longer than they should have. Before he could stop himself, a question was on his lips, and in the air a moment later.

Uwale, if I may be so bold, what do those mushrooms do? I have never seen their like before.

Almost instantly, a sense of guilt flooded Moghu's consciousness, and the familiar mantra began to echo in Moghu's mind, reminding him of his station.

The Great Mother watches over me, and I am her stalwart shield. Through her all blessings flow, and through her I shall not want.

The Great Mother watches over me, and I am her stalwart shield. Through her all blessings flow, and through her I shall not want.

The Great Mother watches over me, and I am her stalwart shield. Through her all blessings flow, and through her I shall not want.

[CateranEnforcer]

Jayce nodded, a little worried, but actually pretty glad that he wasn't going to be a part of his meetings. That kind of stuff tended to go over his head. "Of course I'll come back for you tonight. I'll do as you say, there is a lot here to learn. Take care Guru!" Even though he was nervous around so many people, the young guide headed off to observe the gatherings.

As he had been taught, he first took a passive interest the goings on, taking a moment to watch and listen. He watched out for the wild youth who had run by earlier and for more like him to stay out of their way. When the coast was clear he closed his eyes and listened. Darius was right though, there was a lot of background noise going on. Still without the wild sights distracting him, he could still pick out some interesting sounds. He felt bad that Darius couldn't see some of this, but he'd traded his sight for some other sort of talents.

He picked up a blade of grass and contemplated it moment. There was a trick he had heard about, but never had the chance try before. He held it between his two thumbs and blew through it like an instrument. After a few tries, he found the sweet spot and he managed to make a high pitched whistle. "Hey guys, give this a try!" Both of the pokemon trailing him took a bit a grass in their own hands to give it a go. The Psyduck and Machop fortunately both had hands of their own to preform this trick, and the three of them struck up a short little tune for a moment before laughing and setting that aside. Finally, Jayce found the courage to being exploring the clansmeet.

Jayce was attracted to the sound of the roasting meat. He thought he was a competent enough of a hunter and he was curious what sort of game they hunted in this faraway land. He was quite skilled in the rocky mountains, but he had never gotten more than a distant glimpse of a place like the deep forest. This was a chance to learn more about the outside world, and Jayce found himself feeling optimistic for the first time in a while. The atmosphere of the clansmeet was infectious.

Perception to have a look and a listen around!

[roll0]

[Zelphas]

Eira shrugs and shakes her head at the Shuckle Clansman's question, settling her pack once more on her shoulders. I'm already seen, and he's not hostile; I may as well sit and listen, she thinks to herself, smothering the disapproving voice in the back of her head. She has to fight the urge not to snatch and gorge as the proper foods are shown to her; such a bounty of food is rare in the North, and her instincts all but scream at her to indulge while she can to prepare for leaner times ahead.

Despite herself, Eira feels her eyes widen in surprise at Nathma's complaint about losing his breath and his casual eating of berries. What safe place does he live, that he can sit still for so long and those things grow in such abundance? Then he comments about the heat, and she can't stop herself from speaking. "It gets hotter than this?" she blurts out in surprise, a puff of mist escaping from her mouth. Her cheeks grow ever so slightly pink in embarrassment a moment later, and she looks for a change in subject.

"The elder's business is his own," she says carefully, a lifetime of stern warnings and inherited reverence keeping her from even thinking about mentioning the Great Scrawl in front of an outsider. "I am here to compete, representing my Clan." She looks around, spotting the Stone Circle a short way away. "Over there, I think. was it purple before...?"

Distracted by a thought, Eira looks back at Nathma suddenly, her eyes gleaming. "You said you were from... islands?" she asks, pronouncing the unfamiliar word a bit awkwardly. "I've heard that there's water there that never freezes, water that you can't drink. Is that true?"

[Llyarden]

"Um, we're not leaders," Velitus corrected the older shaman mildly. "We all have our own roles alongside our duty as mediators. Mine is to be a shaman. Or...at least, I'm learning to be." From a pouch in his robes, he produced what looked like a half-finished bracelet of woven grass that had been steeped in some sort of liquid, with a shard of a Nidoran's quill and the tip of an Oddish leaf woven through it. Judging from the fact that both of the Pokemon fragments were tied into the bracelet at one end of it and the rest was still untouched, it evidently wasn't finished. "It's...not very good, but I've been trying to learn to create talismans that can channel the energy of Pokemon attacks away from the one who holds it. I was making this one for my Pokemon."

Even knowing that Hoppip were not carnivores, he still instinctively turned to shield the box from the inquisitive Kerrus. "Yes, she is. I know she's a Fairy, but to be honest, I don't know much about her. I think her species must be rare - at least, she's the only one I've ever seen. I suppose the best way to describe her would be...like honey and milk. I have to keep her in here to avoid other Pokemon trying to eat her - her scent works wonders for luring Pokemon for a hunt, but it has its downsides."

[CosmicOccurence]

Moghu

These mushrooms simply enhance my own abilities. Uwale's voice in your head smelled of quiet days in the sun. A life with no duties and no worries. A life of simple contentment.

And then with the abruptness of a Fearow's attack, his presence snapped back. Suddenly you could feel the mother again, and the nausea was nearly overwhelming as the forced calm washed away with your temporary knowledge of oceans and coral reefs. After a few moments, you returned to normal, at least as normal as life this far from the Mother could ever be.

Sadly the effects are temporary. Uwale's voice was still in your head, though it felt faint compared to before. The humans in the room seemed to be settling down from their Euphoria, looking stunned and tired.

But alas, a deal is a deal hatchling. There are eggs and a few youngsters in Apricorn balls waiting for you next to your Poliwag.

Unless, of course, you'd rather stay with us and live a life of eternal bliss?


Jayce
You impromptu performance drew the attention of a few mothlike Pokemon, who danced in the air around you while you played, before fluttering away into the distance. Doa looked particularly proud of himself, and grinned up at you gleefully. You got the sense that there wasn't much music in the Machoke colonies that dotted the mountains.

Your walk towards the great fire, and the food which could be found there, was an eventful one. You saw men and women dressed entirely in a band of cloth from head to toe, only their eyes showing. Bizarrely, their tattoos were on their hands, and seemed to be not tattoos, but instead paint of some sort.

The great cookfire had some familiar prey. Raticate were fearsome fighters, but were tasty and could feed many people. Apparantley they not only made homes in the mountains, but in the Open Forest as well. A massive hooved carcass smelled of juniper berries and seemed to have vegetables woven into its skin. You even caught sight of a massive pot that must have been carved out of a whole stump. Large purplish plants with eyes bobbed in the stew, and a Charmeleon occasionally dumped a superheated stone into the stew to keep it bubbling.

When you took a moment here to close your eyes and listen, sound began to crash into you like a rock slide. It took a few moments before you began to put aside the background noise and began to pluck out snippets from the world around you:

... skin a Gogat, be sure to leave the berries and vegetation alone. Yes like that! You'll ...
... Soul Clan will test your three souls. To succeed in the trials you must ...
... sure that he can't have gone far. He' barely more than a babe after all ...
... like to see it? With Piya here it's a short flight to the sea. Sometimes ...
... think you could beat me? Let's test that theory ...

You're fairly sure that you could pinpoint any of those snippets of noise, and locate them in the space around you, despite the flow of traffic in and out of the cookfire area.


Eira
Nathma ensured that you ate at least a little bit, claiming that I can't have you thinking all my cooking is like that spice bomb!, and indeed, most of the dishes, while still bursting with flavor compared to your normal fare, was much more palatable.

The man guffawed at the comment about the heat. Yes indeed! And if you lived on Ula'Pele Island, it would really be steaming. Don't understand how some people live on top of a volcano, but they seem happy. He paused. A volcano is like ... like this soup, he pointed to the stew with purplish pokemon that a Charmeleon tended. But far hotter, so hot that the center of its mountain has turned into liquid stone.

At your question about the sea, the man nodded. Never drink water from the ocean. The Mother of Waves is too great for our bodies to consume. Fresh water is as valuable on the islands as fire is in your lands.

He pondered you for a second before fishing in a pouch at his waist. He pulled out an apricorn ball, colored dark green, and pressed one of the runes. In a flash, a Pokemon far larger than even the man appeared. It had brown leathery skin, a neck as long as a Mamoswine's tusk, and berries hanging from its chin. Most astounding though, was that it had massive wings made out of leaves that were thicker and shinier than any you'd seen in the Open Forest.

Speaking of the ocean, would you like to see it? With Piya here, it's a short flight to the sea. Sometimes the trials take folks out to the ocean, so it might be useful to see it before tomorrow begins.


Velitus
The woman nodded at your explanation. Yes, of course. A friend of mine had a Flabebe as growing up, and faced similar issues. No wonder Kerrus is so interested in it.

She snatched the bracelet from your hand and began to examine the workmanship.I'm impressed youngblood. This is quality work. I'd gladly trade for this.. She looked up at you. You clan must be quite proud of one with skills like yourself at such an age. Now, about your ball.

She stashed the bracelet in a pocket and began ruffling around in her bag. After a moment she retrieved a Blue Apricorn ball and twisted it in her hand. She snatched her knife and began to etch a few more runes into it, mostly swirl shapes near where the trigger rune lay. There. That should make sure no scent leaks out, no matter how long she stays in for.

She eyed you for a second, glanced at the pocket where she had stowed the bracelet, and said. Have you considered fostering with another clan before? If you stay with the Sawsbuck for a few moons, I could teach you the basics of my craft. Most of the dolts being raised these days in my clan don't have the patience or talent for crafting. Hunting's all that's on their minds these days, seeing who can hunt down the Great White Horn. And as you can see, I'm no spring Torchic, able to wait for one with talents like yours to arrive in my own clan.


The Great White Horn is a fabled Sawsbuck that the clan believes lives in the Open Forest. The clan legend says that it appears once in a generation, and the hunter who successfully hunts it will bring great favor to their family.

[Arcran]

Moghu managed to choke back the wave of nausea as it hit him. Still, despite the fact that he was seeing spot at the moment, the return of the Great Mother's touch was a relief. Even as faint as it was, Moghu did not feel right without knowing She was with him.

Thank you for the offer, Moghu said slowly. The Flame-Hunter could swear he could feel his tattoos squirming just beneath his skin. But I have a duty to my clan, and to the Great Mother. Thank you for the eggs; Water-souls make it much easier to fight fire, Moghu says with a nod, before leaving Uwale's tent, collecting Rella and the payment, and beginning the long trek back towards his camp.

Why would Inneq send me alone to meet that? Moghu thought to himself, trying to ponder what Uwale even was. Even more, Uwale seemed to be fairly familiar with the Great Mother, which felt even odder to Moghu. Whatever Uwale had done to erase his connection to the Great Mother, even temporarily, felt like a threat as great as fire, if not moreso. For much of his life, Moghu had assumed that the clans without Fire-totems were safe, but that was very clearly not the case.

It wasn't until he was nearly back that Moghu realized he'd forgotten to fill the buckets. He hastily called on Rella to fill the buckets before he returned, hoping to hide how rattled he was from Inneq.

Let's just do a pre-emptive Guile to hide how shaken Moghu is (assuming he makes it back to camp): [roll0]

[Zelphas]

Once she is encouraged to eat, Eira eagerly obliges, though she stops herself before her stomach gets too full; being too sluggish to move quickly while you're digesting food is just asking for something to attack you, even if it fights against the idea that food is scarce and so must be consumed as it presents itself.

The concept of a volcano sounds simply impossible to Eira; she can't help the skepticism from showing on her face, though she doesn't contradict the older Clansman. She nods at the mention of precious water, understanding that well enough. Being surrounded by unusable water is something that she is all-too-familiar with in the Far North.

Eira looks up at the enormous leafy Pokemon (More green...), wavering. "...I must be back before sundown," she says finally, taking a hesitant step towards the beast. "Is it possible to make it to the sea and back by then?" Longing and eagerness tinge her voice, but she is firm on her need to be back by sundown. Elder Reith is clearly uncomfortable here; it would be cruel to leave him alone, plus I suppose he would be the eldest member of the 'family' here... she thinks firmly, trying to hold back the urge to just jump on Nathma's Pokemon and go.

Athletics check to mount the Tropius strange Pokemon, assuming that the trip to the ocean will be over before nightfall (DC 10): [roll0]

[Llyarden]

Velitus had to resist the urge to stand up a little straighter at the compliments - they were few and far between, after all, and no matter how much he told himself that he had so much to learn to be worthy of compliments from Reth and the others, there was certainly a part of him that was eager to know that his learning hadn't all been for naught. "Thank you," he said quietly, both for the praise and the Apricorn Ball, which he accepted the Apricorn Ball in both hands, holding it carefully with a certain degree of reverence, examining the runes. Would it be improper to try to figure out how they're made? Deducing what Skiran had done was how he taught me, but -

He almost physically jumped when the elderly shaman offered him a place in the Sawsbuck Clan. "I..." I'd love to, more than anything. If only to get away from them. "I'd be honoured to learn from you, but I would have to consult with my clanmates first." He tried to keep a neutral tone. "Our groups are quite tight-knit, so I would have to be careful to not disrupt anything."

Pathetic Guile goooo! [roll0] (To hide how much he'd want to accept the offer.)

[CateranEnforcer]

Jayce's ears perked up when he heard the voices speaking about the trials. The rest of his concerns could wait, he needed to know what lay ahead of him. That's what he was really here for after all. He had to put up a good showing for everyone who was counting on him. Still, everything sounded so interesting but he forced himself to focus on only one voice and stood up to go find it.

"Come on guys, we're going by our instinct today. We need to be ready for the trial and make the Clan proud." Jayce was pleasantly surprised how well he could meditate and it gave him a needed boost in confidence. He picked up his spear and dusted himself off. He was a little worried about how his clan would be received since he was aware how irritating his tribe's namesake could be to those unprepared for it.

[CosmicOccurence]

Moghu
Uwale said nothing as you exited, instead carefully storing the mushrooms in a box made of white birch bark. The figures watched you as you left, frowning as though they couldn’t understand why you would refuse such a generous offer.

A large reed-woven basket was waiting for you, clearly designed to be balanced on your head as you had seen some from the Purelake do. It had a bag of apricorn balls and several medium-sized eggs with the same leathery texture as Uwale’s skin.

The journey home was a slow one, making sure you didn’t drop the buckets of water or the basket. Your feet were wet from some slopping water, but you still had more than enough. His Poliwrath had been hard at work, creating a ring of soaked earth around your camp to keep your fire contained in case of an accident. Strangely, you found the nausea fading, as if the Great Mother approved of your dedication to her, even in the face of a force like Uwale.

When you arrived, Inneq watched you work for a few long minutes before he spoke. He seemed somber, perhaps even a bit remorseful. When he spoke however, his voice indicated that he was assuming the role of the leader of the Flame Hunters, teaching one of his charges the ways of their people. He handed you a flint and indicated that, preparations ready, you should light the fire to stew the night’s meal. What lesson did you learn from that trip Moghu? he asked as you worked.



Eira
Nathma assured you that you would indeed be back before dark, and that Piya was The fastest thing these landgrubbers have ever seen!. You were able to leap onto her back easily enough, though the pokemon visibly flinched when your skin touched hers. However, as you settled into a the saddle that was strapped to her back, she settled, and you realized that your ice was particularly disturbing to the creature.

Nathma calmed her and fed her a blue dappled fruit on it that he had produced from one of the many pouches, whispering to her that it would help with the cold. A powerful gift you have there. I’m sure it comes in quite handy living in a place so cold.

With a lurch, Pya took to the skies, drawing quite a bit of attention. As she wheeled higher and higher into the sky, the Clansmeet shrank to become the size of nothing more than a pebble. Nathma seemed totally calm, but the pokemon was constantly shifting about in the air. It was nothing like riding Pebble. The closest analogue you had was when you crossed the great ice river on precarious floes on your journey south.

However, you didn’t fall off, and the journey took only the amount of time for the sun to move a single handspan across the sky. The Spine stretched out far in the distance, a small blot on the landscape, separated from you by the blue of the Purelake, though you heard the northern bits of the purelake froze in the wintertime.

It seemed like no time at all before the ocean came into view. It was vast and never-ending, stretching into infinity in all directions past the coastline. As Piya sunk down to the ground, you noticed that the ground wasn’t hard packed earth, but instead was composed of millions of tiny pieces of dirt that were tannish in color. Nathma dismounted nad sighed, his bare feet sinking into the stuff. Sand. Oh how I miss sand whenever I go island.

Well? What do you think? he said, gesturing out towards the ocean.


Velitus

Tauros Dung! she exclaimed at your explanation. I never understand why some Clans are like that, forcing their members to do this or that. Follow your heart, that’s what we do. We may not be the most powerful clan, or the best with magic, but those born into the Sawsbuck Clan go wherever they feel the grass is greenest.

She eyed your talisman once more. When she spoke again, her voice was quieter. Perhaps though, that’s what’s led to our decline. Not as many of us around as there used to be, and folks have been going missing these past few moons. I worry that by the time you’re my age, there won’t be a Swasbuck Clan anymore. She looked wistful for a second, before shaking her head.

But never mind that. No need for a youngster full of life and vitality to listen to the ramblings of a crone like me. Now, go and get your companion into its new home, and do it far from the cookfires where hungry Growlith hang about. She began whistling, and her Hoppip once more danced through the air playing some sort of game that you didn’t quite understand.


Jayce
As you followed the sound of the voice, some gasps went up from those around you as a massive green and brown pokemon with leaves for wings took to the skies, two people on its back. Their distraction let you slip more quickly through the crowd as you followed the sound of the voice.

First of the tree will test your World Soul. Usually send you out into nature. The year I did it we took a four day hike into the purelake to help clear an infestation of Swalot that were polluting the fishing grounds of a few clans there. Above all else, you've got to make sure that you show reverence for nature. Remember that violence isn't always the answer

As you turned a corner, you saw that an older man and a girl who looked no older than thirteen were sitting around a campfire. Both had inverted triangles under their eyes and wore shaggy black and white pelts. There was a large canine Pokemon of the same coloring and fur curled up next to the fire, napping contentedly while the lesson occurred.

If you want to stay unnoticed, I'm going to need a Stealth or Guile check depending on if you want to hide from view or in plain sight to 'blend in' with others.

If you want to ID these as Mightyena Clan, it would be a General Edu DC 5, with a roll of 10 or higher giving most of the information from my intro from recruitment.

[Zelphas]

Eira notices the beast's flinch with interest. Large often meant dangerous, but if the Pokemon of the south couldn't stand the cold, she might be able to deal with the larger ones if need be.

The world and stability fell away, and Eira has to fight not to sink icicle claws into the side of the beast for purchase. She finds a tenuous balance after a few long moments, and is finally able to look over the broad leafy wings. Green, and blue, and brown, and grey, she marvels, silently gazing over the world. So little white. How can they stand so much color and shape all around them, all the time?

At first, Eira assumes that the line of blue across the horizon is a large, long river. Then the blue expands. And expands. It doesn't end. Slowly, her eyes grow rounder and rounder. She forgets to balance against the Pokemon's constant shifting for a moment in her awe and nearly catapults over its head as it angles downwards to land.

Upon the ground once more, Eira doesn't respond to Nathma's question, simply staring across the sea to the endless horizon. After a moment, she steps to the waves, walking easily upon the "sand" (it was only slightly different in feel from densely-packed snow). She scoops up a cupped double handful of seawater and stares down at it. After a moment, she frowns, a look of concentration coming across her face.

A few seconds later, a thin film of frost traces over the top of the water in her hands, vanishing in the warmth of the day mere moments after appearing. Eira sighs, letting the water fall back into the rest of the ocean. "It really is water, after all," she murmurs, almost to herself. She looks back to Nathma again, her eyes shining. "I didn't expect it to make so much noise!" she comments finally, waving a hand towards the slow waves crashing against the shore.

[Llyarden]

Velitus kept trying to maintain his neutral expression as the elderly woman spoke - if for no other reason than the fact that he wasn't actually entirely sure how to react. The proper, loyal part of him was angry at her outright insulting his Clan's traditions to his face, but at the same time...he couldn't deny that the way of life she talked about sounded incredibly enticing.

Then the conversation took a slightly more ominous turn. "Missing?" Velitus repeated. That sounded rather different than 'going where the grass was greenest.' But it seemed that that was all the information he was going to get, so instead he said his thankyous and departed, veering around the clearing towards where the majority of the foodstuffs were and looking for something that might be pungent enough that a piece or two would temporarily mask Hana's odour when he transferred her to her new home.

[Arcran]

Moghu sat silently for a long moment, striking the flint with a metallic rock over and over again, carefully watching the sparks to make sure none went astray. When the first sparks caught in the kindling, Moghu skittered backwards, putting a good distance between himself and the flames as the fire slowly began to crackle.

I.. don't know, Moghu said slowly, having no small amount of difficulty finding the words to describe what he had experienced. He was hardly a poet, and describing something so bizarre, so alien, was difficult for him. Part of me wonders if, perhaps, fire isn't the greatest threat to the Clan. Why do we give the Slowpoke a weapon that can sever us from Her? Moghu asks, finding the words as he goes. It feels like a risk, like leaving a trail of dry brush right to a Paras brood cave. What if Uwale decides he could get more of those mushrooms by attacking our lands, rather than trading? he adds, voice rising a bit louder than it should have.

I'm sorry, I should no question your intentions, nor the Great Mother's. The Great Mother knows all, Moghu says, finishing the statement quietly.

[CosmicOccurence]

Eira
This is the Stormwrack, he said, looking longingly at the waves. The noise you hear is the sound of her breath, constantly coming in and out.

He waded into the water with you, and a school of small fish Pokemon, blue with a pink stripe down the side, flitted around your feet, nibbling at. It wasn’t a totally unpleasant feeling to be honest. She’s calm right now, but you must be careful not to disrespect or anger her. When it storms, these waves can rise to the height of four or five men stacked on top of each other.

He bent down and released a few berries into the water, which the fish pokemon eagerly gobbled up. He quietly intoned An offering to you, oh lady of the waves.

As the fish gobbled up the berries, he stared across the water, then suddenly squinted, pointing over the waves. Ah, today she truly does bless us! Watch this.

About two hundred feet out, a Pokemon had burst from the waves, soaring high into the air. It was almost flat, with red circles on its back and large wing-like fins that allowed it to glide through the air in a high arc before diving back into the water. It was followed be another, and another, until the strip of ocean was filled with the forms of these gliding, swimming Pokemon. As the light caught the water on their backs, it arced towards you, creating small prismatic bursts.

Mantyke are a lucky omen, he explained. You hope to see them before any long journey on the water.


Velitus
You arrived at the great cookfire and did some searching. It took a while before you found just the right thing. A small group of islander children, with their necks and chins tattooed a light red color. They had several massive fruits, larger than a small child, colored light yellow and covered in spikes.

They were chopping them open and cutting up the fleshy fruit inside into small pieces. And it smelled terrible. They called it Durian fruit and were happy to share some with you when asked. After all, the food in the clearing was free for all to take. It would not only cover of Hana’s odors, but also prevent any predator from even wanting to come near.


Moghu
Inneq sighed. Moghu, the Flame Hunters are unique among our clan. It is our sacred duty to protect the Great Mother and the mushroom groves of our homeland.

He came up to the fire and moved some moist dirt around to create a more even barrier. Fire is the greatest threat to The Great Mother, and to the Paras who help grow the mushrooms we consume. The fire several years ago should be proof enough of that.

However, it is not the only threat to our clan. Today you realized that, just because a Clan’s totem, and indeed their leader, can quench fire does not make them our allies. Uwale is a useful trading partner. The Great Mother’s relationship with him is in some ways like her relationship with us. She provides the mushrooms, and he provides protective pokemon. However, Uwale, as with the rest of his species, is weak to both Grass and Bug elements, making the Paras in our territory his greatest enemy. He knows this, and will not invade. Especially since he keeps his tribe in such a relaxed state to maintain his leadership. And Uwale was only able to sever the connection temporarily, correct? Even then, if we were closer to the Great Mother, he would not even be able to do that.

He settled onto the ground and pulled out a hollowed-out gourd, which was filled with the sticky mushroom-paste which soothed burn scars. As he began to apply it to himself in his nightly ritual, he continued.

I believe, though the Spore-Speakers, Rot-Hunters, and Shroom-Brewers disagree with me, that it is essential for our clan to know more about the world around us. The Flame Hunters cannot protect the Great Mother unless we know what the world holds. He paused, and you sensed that his tattoo was causing some discomfort at the idea, though the fact that he wasn’t vomiting right now indicated that he was speaking out of a true desire to protect the clan.

The reason I picked you for this honor, Moghu, was because you, more than any other your age, wish to know about life outside the clan. I want to encourage that, for it will make you a better protector.

However, today was a lesson that no matter how wondrous these others seem, that all can be a threat to the clan, no matter their attitude towards fire. Never forget that. As Flame Hunters, we do whatever it takes to protect the clan. And today that meant me sending you to Uwale. I am sorry for the pain it caused you.

[Arcran]

Moghu nodded, mentally kicking himself for forgetting that a Paras could easily rend any Pokemon of the Water-Type. That was why he had a Poliwag and a Sandshrew, after all: capable of fighting flames, but incapable of fighting Paras.

I... understand. Thank you for this honor Inneq, I will do my best to live up to it, Moghu says, noting Inneq's discomfort and hoping to avoid upsetting his own tattoo. Are there any other clans like the Slowpoke I should be wary of? Clans of Flying and Fire are obviously dangerous, but I would never expected a threat from a Water Clan, Moghu asks, scanning the nearby camps to see what Clans were closest. Uwale was relatively safe, as Inneq had just mentioned, but what other clans would be a surprise danger? Do we know how other Grass Clans in the Deepwood defend themselves from fire?

[Llyarden]

"Ack...this has got to do the trick..." Velitus had tried various methods to mask Hana's scent in the past, but nothing had really worked in any way that was practical. It was ironic, perhaps, that he had only come across this 'Durianfruit' now he barely needed it. I wish we could collaborate and share like this all the time.

He drifted back to the outskirts of the clearing, safely away from the fire spits where the carnivorous Pokemon were watching and willing someone to drop a piece of meat, before scattering the horrible fruit around in a small circle and kneeling down, setting Hana's box on the ground so he could open it in one hand and have the Apricorn Ball ready to perform its magic in the other.

The sweet, berry-milk-honey scent of the little fairy overpowered even the Durianfruit at this close proximity - and he could only hope that that was only because of how close he was - as Hana floated out of her box when he opened it, drifting as a single, thin mass like a leaf on the wind in stark disobedience of the light air currents in the area. It wasn't often he could let her out, and he didn't want to begrudge the diminutive Pokemon at least a little time in the fresh air.

Of course, the other reason he was giving her a little freedom was that he wasn't entirely sure how to use the Apricorn Ball. Resh, Ineya and Orren all had at least one Apricorn Ball each, but of course they'd neither shown him how they worked nor concerned themselves with whether he wanted one.

He pointed the Apricorn Ball in the direction of Hana, who swivelled in midair to look at it curiously, and was a little disappointed when it didn't do anything. "Uh...go? Return?" Do you entreat the spirit of the Apricorn it once was?

[CateranEnforcer]

Jayce doesn't look up to stare at the pokemon as he goes towards the voice. His ear tell him all he needs to know about the powerful flaps of it wings as the large pokemon takes to the sky. No he was focused on his target. Anything to help him preform to the fullest when the time came. heed needed all the help he could get.

He finds the pair talking, and at first he is unsure if he should interrupt. At this point, Jayce was out of his element and he fought his instinct to hide. These weren't his lands so he should be respectful. If that advice was true, he felt he'd have no problem respecting nature, that was a core tenant for his clan as well.

Not wanting to be rude, but wanting to hear more, Jayce hovers around a bit longer though he makes sure to call attention to himself. "I'm sorry, I don't want to interrupt. I overheard a bit of your conversation and found it interesting. I don't know what to expect in the coming days either." He keeps a respectful distance from the slumbering pokemon, being in no mood to anger it.

[Zelphas]

Eira jumps at the fish nibbling her feet, splashing slightly before she notices Nathma isn't reacting. She forces herself to endure the nibbles, realizing quickly that they aren't painful or even uncomfortable.

Eira gasps at the odd, flat, undulating Pokemon sailing by, watching with rapt attention. "Strange; I don't plan to travel over unfrozen water any time soon," she says softly, simply enjoying the terrain. Her practical mindset takes over, and she begins speaking without thinking through her words. "Perhaps I should plan a detour to the Purelake on the way back to the North, so as not to waste the blessing," she muses, stooping down to idly stir at the water. She is not consciously putting out enough power to freeze the moving, salty sea around her, but the fish begin to shy away from her hand anyway, disturbed by the sudden drop in temperature.

[CosmicOccurence]

Moghu

Every clan, Moghu. You should be wary of every. Single. One. Of. Them. No matter how benign they seem, no matter how nonviolent they appear, every single one is a potential threat to The Great Mother. So learn about them, befriend them, use this opportunity to sate your curiosity. But in the back of your mind, always remember that you may one day need to crush them for the Clan.

He sighed, quietly mixing mushrooms into a simple broth and beginning to cook. As for the Grass Clans, most take some precautions, as do all in the forest. They aren't enough, but they don't understand that. The thing you must understand, is that most of these clans are different from us. Some live alongside their totems. Some almost never interact with theirs, instead using their totem as inspiration. None, to my knowledge, are as devoted or dependent on their totem as we are to The Great Mother.
They do not have the same connection, nor the same devotion to avoiding their destruction. We are special, and we are special because The Great Mother chose us. A fire for them would spell an inconvenience, maybe some lives lost. To us, fire means the very destruction of our being..

He sat silently for a moment, waiting to hear any questions. When those were answered and the soup was ready, he prepared a bowl for you. And how, Moghu, are you feeling about the trials tomorrow?


Velitus
The Durianfruit did, indeed seem to be masking the scent, for not even the birds which would normally flock down seemed to notice Hana. Some of the humans passing by did however, and you got mixed reactions to the poor attempts to activate the apricorn. A girl from the Fearow Clan, marked by a band across her nose and characteristic feathers in her hair, snorted in amusement and continued walking.

However, one girl did stop at the edge of your circle. She was dressed in no way that you'd ever seen. Her jerkin was covered with tiny pieces of fallen stars that glittered and caught the light, clinging softly when she moved. It was horridly impractical for hunting or remaining hidden in the forest, but it made for quite a sight when in a camp like this. The bottom of her chin was inked a solid ochre-yellow.

That's not how they work you know. There's a runic trigger, which activates with Name Soul of the tree the apricorn came from and the tree it will become. Those two souls, existing in harmony, create a doorway. May I come in?, she glanced at your circle of fruit. I don't know much about the rituals of the Open Forest, and I don't want to interrupt if I'm not wanted.


She's from the Chingling Clan in the Deep Forest

They are mostly gatherers, not hunters, and channel power using the pieces of fallen stars. They carefully construct their jerkins to have a unique ring that identifies them compared to other clan members.




Jayce
The two looked up at you as you walked up to them. The Pokemon seemed totally unconcerned, though it did open a single eye to glance at you before returning to wha seemed to be a peaceful sleep.

You must be one of the chosen from Zubat Clan, he said. I spent a summer with the Axew Clan, and some of your people guided me through tunnels on the way there and back. he explained. We are of the Mightyena Clan. I am Weil, and this is Beshelt.

Hello, Beshelt said. It is good to meet you. Did your pack-mates accompany you here? It feels odd that I cannot participate with them. We're never alone.

The man waved you over.Your people guided me when I was a youth, so I suppose I should return the favor.
Come and sit with us. Should I start from the beginning, or did you already hear about the Trial of the World Soul?


Eira
The Purelake, Nathma said, and for the first time you heard a hint of superiority in his voice, is nothing more than a puddle, and is about as dangerous as a Pikipek. I would advise you not let the waves hear that comparison again. In fact, he began to wade out of the water, waving for you to come with him. You noticed that all the fish had vanished, even from around his feet where they had been happily swarming not a minute before.

Best not to tempt fate. She's been known to yank hard all of a sudden when peeved, and I'm assuming you don't know how to swim. It would be a death sentence where you're from I expect. He glanced at the sky, looking at the sun. In fact, it might be time to begin heading back. Still have a bit of time, but she might send a Kingler. Apparently, the ocean had quite the temper.


While there was definite superiority in his attitude towards the Purelake, he was also genuinely worried for your safety if you stayed near the waves right now. It seemed the islanders took comparisons to the purelake with deadly seriousness, along with their fear and respect of the ocean.

[Zelphas]

Eira blinks in surprise at Nathma's change in tone, but steps out of the water quickly enough; only a fool ignores a warning because she doesn't understand it.

Standing on the shore, she remembers Nathma giving Berries to the ocean and digs in her pack for a moment. Finally, she produces a small Stantler-hide wrapped bundle. Unwrapping it carefully, she reveals a small sliver of Combee honeycomb, traded from the Vespiquen Clan by her father and given to her shortly before she began her trip. Moving carefully, Eira bends down and sends the honeycomb floating along the water, at the edge of the waves. "For my foolishness, lady of the waves," she says simply, stepping away from the water. "I meant no disrespect."

Turning back to Nathma, she nods to him. "Water is the bane of my companions; it would be best not to face a dangerous foe," she agrees, moving towards his enormous flying Pokemon.

Eira does have Honey among her supplies; I'm willing to subtract it now, or I can say that (fluff-wise) she got two and used one here if you don't want us spending anything right now.

[Arcran]

Moghu nodded, a grim look settling on his face. It would, at least, let him learn more of the outside world. But were there really no clans that could be any ally? Were they all doomed to be trading partners or an enemy? Perhaps there were other clans that knew the secrets of mushrooms just like the Paras, and could trade their knowledge. Or a tribe with a Water Totem within the Deep Forest, who they could barter protection with. As Inneq had said, a clan of Water Pokemon was no threat -

A wave of nausea wracked Moghu, stopping his train of thought. Suddenly reminded of his station, Moghu tried to focus. At least for now, everyone else here to compete in the trials was his enemy. Every other competitor was a spark, ready to grow and rage out of control if Moghu didn't immediately quench them. For all he knew, other clans had been forging alliances, preparing to take on the trials together. Moghu would be alone, but he would be enough.

The competition will be fiercer than the previous trials, Moghu said with a tinge of guilt. While he was honored to represent his tribe, he had beaten members of his tribe that were barely more than children to be here. I am confident though. You have trained me well, and the Great Mother watches over me. My spear will land true, and Rella and Podax are prepared. I will secure the wish, and Jirachi will listen to my plea, the boy finished, full of a confidence that only children possess. He hurriedly began eating his soup, knowing that the sooner he finished, the sooner they could extinguish their fire.

Perhaps a clan that follows a Fire Totem will compete, and we can show the other clans why we are called Flame-Hunters. Show them that the Paras are not to be trifled with. While the very thought made Moghu's burns ache, he felt the need to compensate for his earlier weakness.

[CateranEnforcer]

Jayce sighs with relief. "Good to meet you, I am Jayce. I think I remember hearing about that route, even if I haven't been on it myself yet. To answer your question, not many, just a single group of four plus our Guru. The Clan takes it's role in the Spine very seriously and we don't much more than a small party. Besides, it's such a long way and our Guru's have a hard time being outside for so long. I have to go tend to my own mentor when night falls, he's very tired." Jayce likes taking the time to explain the ways of his clan, even if he isn't as well spoken as he'd like.

"I could hear the first part pretty clearly, so there's no need to begin again. I'm glad to hear that our respect for nature is a factor in this. We already work to preserve the natural order and everything. Please go on! I want to do my clan proud. I wasn't the first choice to represent the Clan after all...I'm not sure I'm ready." Jayce hangs his head slightly, not sure why he's telling them all of this. It really must be weighing on him.

[Llyarden]

As it turned out, there was another benefit to Velitus lurking on the outskirts to reduce the risk of inquisitive Pokemon being attracted by Hana's scent. Making a fool of himself in the middle of the clearing would have been humiliating. Mercifully, at least someone was considerate enough to come to his rescue, though he couldn't help but wonder if the old shaman had deliberately done this to test him. "Oh, uh, it's not a ritual," he explained, embarrassed. "I was just trying to distribute the fruit evenly to mask Hana's scent as best I could." The floating Fairy-type swivelled in mid-air to examine the newcomer, her shape changing until she looked somewhat like one of the jangling trinkets on the...Chingling, he was pretty sure...girl's jerkin (save for the colour, of course.) "Um, sorry about the bad smell."

[CosmicOccurence]

Eira

Nathma nodded. I hope I was not curt. I am sure that if I journeyed up to the north that I would do something similar. He seemed eager to mount the pokemon though, and soon you were spiralling back towards the clansmeet once more.

When you arrived, there was still an hour before sundown, but as you were walking through the cookcircle with some food, you noticed a familiar marking on one of the buildings. It would look like a slash to anyone else, but to you it clearly read: My work today is finished. Return to the warren when you are able. Unerneath was another marking that you had more trouble recognizing, clearly not made by someone from your Clan. It looked like the word 'ally', but the accent lines weren't oriented towards the north, but instead to the southwest. It certainly wasn't a marking you'd seen before, but was done with a skillful hand and was clearly intentional.


Moghu

Inneq's Poliwrath began the ritual of putting out the fire, dousing it thoroughly before storing all the embers in a bucket lined with Heatmor hide to cool for the night. Inneq began to apply the salve to some of your burns that were hard for you to reach, and you did the same.

Just remember that you don't set Stinkhorn as bait if your'e looking to spring a trap, he said, referring to the foul-smelling reddish mushroom that your clan would use to hide its scent if it needed to move secretly. You must also ask questions and learn all you can. Your curiosity does you credit, and you should use the gift that the Great Mother gave you.

If you had no other questions, Inneq began preparing the camp before bed, but it looked like you still had an hour before sundown to yourself to enjoy.


Jayce
The man nodded, but asked no more questions about your personal situation or comments about not being the first choice. Instead, he continued with his tale. The second trial tests your Clan Soul, and is the only one that remains each year. It is the most straightforward: a single combat to test the skills your clan has instilled, both in your own abilities and in that of your ability to capture and train Pokemon.. The girl with you nodded, clearly knowing that.

I got to watch some of those two years ago, Beshelt said. There were lots of weird Pokemon. One even used a snail that looked like it was made of liquid fire. She glanced at you. You don't have something weird like that do you? I don't know many from the mountain clans.

After your response, the older man continued. The last trial tests your name Soul. How they do it changes every year, but it's unique to each individual that makes it that far. If you pass the first two trials, you're no longer competing with each other, but instead against yourself.

I can't share much more without breaking the rules, but that's a good overview. Besides, looks like the sun is starting to set. For now though, any questions? he looked at the two of you curiously.


Velitus
The girl entered your circle of fruit. She didn't seem to mind their smell, but her eyes lit up when she got a whiff of Hana. Oh she does smell good! she commented. Like the wild Magost Berries we harvest, but even sweeter if that's possible. I've never seen anything quite like her.

My name is Yueh, by the way, she said as she gently took the apricorn ball, her jerkin sounding like a sheet of rain as she moved. Look here, she said, pointing to a small circle carved on one side of the ball in the center of four symmetrical swirls. That's the doorway, which you'll need to touch to her the first time. After that, to connect it to her name soul. Then you can open or close it by pressing it. Simple as that!

She stayed to chat for a bit, but as the sun started to set, she looked to the sky. Oh I need to go! My master says we need to do a ritual before the trials tomorrow. It was good to meet you ... she paused, realising she still didn't know your name.

If you have things to say to her, I'll probably split my next post for you in half so that she has a chance to respond, or we can just move on!

[Arcran]

Moghu sat, watching the embers in the bucket twinkle out one by one. As he did so, Moghu inspected his gear, making sure the protective Heatmor hide over his shield was taut, and inspecting the binding on his spears holding the Weedle-point in place. Despite his bravado to Inneq, Moghu was nervous. He had no idea what to expect from the trials. If the trials were anything beyond his ability to hold a spear and protect his allies, Moghu didn't like his odds.

Once he was satisfied with the quality of the gear and saw that the fire was well and truly dead, Moghu got up and began to slowly walk around the nearby area, trying to clear his head, and perhaps glean something from a nearby tribe. He never got so far away that he could not see Inneq's tent and keep watch, but his talk with Inneq had reminded him he knew nothing about his competitors, something that would put him at a great disadvantage tomorrow.

[Llyarden]

Velitus gave a small smile as Yueh complimented Hana's scent. It was perhaps illogical to feel pride at a compliment directed at a natural facet of his Pokemon that she couldn't change even if she wished, but he did. "I think her species is quite rare. Wherever their natural territory is, it must be somewhere not many Pokemon can get to easily."

He followed Yueh's instructions - and beamed wildly as the Apricorn Ball (finally) absorbed Hana into it, staring at it in awe for a couple of moments before remembering himself. "Thank you for the help," he said. "I...don't really know what I could do for you in return, but please do let me know if you need a favour." And he meant it, no matter whether Resh and the others would scold him for trading favours with other Clans without letting them know first.

He didn't actually realise he hadn't introduced himself until Yueh pointed it out. "Oh!" He flushed slightly. "Sorry. I'm Velitus. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Just for the sake of it, Charm to see if he can make a good impression: [roll0]

[Zelphas]

Eira smiles slightly. "'Don't explain the avalanche as it's falling,'" she recites, using a fairly well-known truism among the Clans of the Far North. "Danger is best avoided quickly."

As they fly back to the Clansmeet, Eira ponders the dual signs, one after the other. Could I face good luck and then misfortune in short order soon? After a few moments of pondering, however, she shrugs and relegates it to the back of her mind. What comes will come; I can't deal with it now.

---

Eira walks past the slash on the wall, barely glancing at it. Inwardly, her mind races, connecting the odd other marking with Reith's mention of a Clan... Zangoose? which used similar distinctive marks. It seems that Reith may have found an ally, though one he trusts enough to invite to camp is surprising to her.

Eira makes her way out of the main camp, making no attempt to hide her movements. She moves to the edges of camp, making sure that she is neither heading directly towards the river bend nor directly away from it. Then, once she is sure no one is looking directly at her, Eira disappears into the undergrowth, taking a looping route to throw off any possible followers before finally making her way to the bend in the river.

As she approaches the bend, Eira keeps herself hidden and keeps her eyes open, just in case there are more people than just Reith waiting for her.

Stealth to get to the river bend unnoticed: [roll0]

Perception to keep an eye out: [roll1]

[CateranEnforcer]

Jayce listens with rapt attention, taking note of what little information there was. The final test sounded pretty mysterious, but he felt he was able to to at put up a good showing for the first two. It all depended on the other competetators. Maybe he should have scouted them out, but oh well. Who was he kidding, he was just trying to not be an embarrassment.

He laughs softly at the young Beshelt's question. "I don't think the pokemon I brought with me are very unusual. Dao here is my Machop, and a they are pretty common in the mountains. He's strong and alert, which is helpful for clearing a path that may have become covered with debris or vegetation. Ivan is a Psyduck and I got him in a trade for a baby Rhyhorn. He is super useful to have around to keep Geodudes from self destructing from a little disturbance and starting a landslide or worse, a cave-in. My clan likes to use smaller pokemon when possible so they can come with us in the caves, but that has been changing since we have some apricorn balls now. I don't really need them though, so I don't have one yet."

To Weil, Jayce ponders and asks, "One quick question before I go tend to my Guru. How many others usually compete and how many actually make it through?"

[CosmicOccurence]

Moghu

Your walk took you along the water's edge, where one of the clans from the open forest had set up camp. They had a relatively large fire, but thankfully were on the other side of the river from you. There was a rise in the nausea at the sight, but not enough to force you back.

The clan appeared to have staffs that they used to make the flames dance and arc in horrifying shapes. A few fennec pokemon prowled around their camp. It appeared as if one member about your age was meditating calmly beside the fire, waiting patiently for ... something.


Velitus

Don't worry about it! she said cheerfully. It's not a big secret or anything, and if it wasn't me, someone else would have stopped by. It was good to meet you Velitus. Maybe I'll see you sometime again before the clansmeet ends!

She trotted off as your conversation ended, and you were able to retreat back to camp where you hunting group were bragging about their exploits. Apparently Ineya had done quite well in her archery contest, and she spent most of the night going on and on and on about it. She was on the chatty side for a Wayfinder. They tended to be stoic and silent in your experience.


Eira

You didn't notice anyone as you snuck back into camp, including Reith, who had hidden himself in a tree awaiting your presence. He gave you a short lecture about not letting your guard down during the trials, and shared that he'd made several in roads with the Zangoose Clan.

He excitedly produced several pieces of birchbark scrolls that had been carefully soaked and softened to roll neatly. On them he'd sketched out several of their markings that he suspected connected to some of the more confounding parts of the Great Scrawl.


Jayce
In response to your question, the man responded, It varies from year to year. The number of applicants has been as low as 9 in during the great drought when I was a child, as there was nobody to spare for a wish that likely wouldn't be granted. Other years, almost every clan sends a representative.

As for the number selected, it's funny you should ask. Long ago, when Jirachi granted wishes regularly, they picked on contestant who excelled in each trial, one for each soul, so to speak. Nowadays, they let any deemed worthy take part in the ceremony.

Three years ago they didn't pick anybody! Beshelt said, It was scary how angry some of the clans were at that, but it's tough to argue with the voices of Jirachi on things like this.

When you returned to your Guru, he gladly accepted your help escorting him back. As you walked, he shared that they had made some progress. He'd gotten the desert shamans enough information to start the process of locating Garet's souls. In exchange, he planned to do some augury work on omens they'd reported and try to banish some particularly nasty spirits from a rogue sand-skiff, whatever that was.


All
Morning, Two Days Before the Vernal Equinox

https://i.imgur.com/YWpPVHn.jpg?1

The ridge where the Stone Circle stands loomed above you, casting a rather ominous shadow on the group of thirty something youth seeking to make a wish of Jirachi. There was a moderate sized crowd here as well, for the Stone Circle was only a short walk from the Clansmeet proper. Most of the contestants fidgeted nervously, waiting as the wind whipped their hair. Judging from the outfits, there were members of all seven regions, but the Open Forest was by far the most represented.

This it? one girl near you sneered as she surveyed the group. She had a massive bow on her back, and her clan tattoo ran as a solid bar across her face at the bridge of her nose that Velitus recognized as signifying the Fearow Clan member who had laughed at him when he'd been trying to capture Hana. I thought the other clans had better to offer

Her neighbor giggled, a boy wearing the robes of a Shaman-in-training in the open forest. A few others nearby shrunk back at the girl’s tone, but a muscled supplicant from the Mountains merely drew his granite hammer silently, flexing bulging muscles in protest. Jayce recognized the dotted lines along his cheekbones as a Rhyhorn Clan tattoo.

A few others looked as if they were going to say something, but the tension was broken by a sharp howl. Through the crowd walked three figures, and people made way for them as they approached. All wore a tag of fine silk fabric on their forhead and two shoulders: the sign of the Soul Clan, guardians of Jirachi.

Down girl! one of them barked. It was unclear whether he meant the Fearow girl or his Mightyena that had howled, and now prowled the circle of youth. Regardless, the canine swiftly returned to his side.

So these are the pups who seek a wish of Jirachi, he rasped, twirling a knife casually in his hand. The beading on his tunic indicated he was a master hunter, and the inverted triangles underneath each eye showed him to be a previous member of the Mightyena Clan (all who joined the Soul Clan gave up their previous home). Pups who couldn't tell a Deerling from a Druddigon. He barked in laughter again, seeming far more primal than any of the Mightyena members you'd seen in camp, of which there were many.

The woman next to him put a hand on his shoulder, quieting him, but said nothing more. Instead she let the third Soul Clan member step forwards.

My apologies for Ithgar, the man said, though his tone indicated that he wasn’t terribly surprised. He can be rather wild at times. My name is Sheketh. Ithgar let out another snort at this, but seemed content to let this man speak. He was wrapped in the long cloth of the Sandsea Clans, though he left his face uncovered while in the Open Forest. A Cacturne stood next to him, its eyes pausing on each of you in turn for long moments before moving on.

Welcome to the Stone Circle. Every year we hold trials for youth making their journey to adulthood. Each of you has come with a wish that you would ask of Jirachi, the wishgranter and patron of all humankind. Over the course of the next two days you will face trials testing your World Soul, Clan Soul, and Name Soul. Only those who pass all three trials will earn the honor of ascending to the circle and petitioning Jirachi. His voice was firm and controlled, in sharp contrast to Ithgar, and the spear on the back left little doubt about his skill as a warrior. Only the best were accepted into the Soul Clan.

These trials will not be easy, and in the past supplicants have perished. Only those of firm conviction should participate. He cast a glance across the lot of you. Those of you who wish to accept these trials, step forwards now and identify yourself and the clan whose honor you uphold.

Feel free to describe anything in the morning, including interactions with mentors if appropriate. They're here now, though they won't be allowed to watch the first or third trial. The second is open to spectators.

Additionally, just as a refresher, give a description of what others see when they look at you since this is our first time meeting each other! You all are standing nearish to each other.

Moghu: You see both the meditating member from the fire last night and a member of the Slowpoke clan in attendance as competitors.
Jayce: Beshelt is here, and she comes over to say hi!
Velitus: Yueh is also a part of the trials, and she gives a big wave when she sees you!
Eira: You ... don't recognize any of the competitors. However, Nathma is giving a big wave from the crowd!

[Zelphas]

Eira listens to Reith's lecture and excitement patiently, nodding along to his interest. She feels oddly like she's back among Clan Glalie, the night before (unbeknownst to her) she would participate in her first mad ambush. There is a sense of... waiting in the air, though for what, she doesn't know. Everything is new and strange, but none of it seems like she can act on it yet. Hopefully, that will change tomorrow.

----

The small girl pointedly ignores the shrieking of the Fearow Clan woman, looking ahead towards the Stone Circle. She is noticeably shorter than nearly every other contestant, wearing a thick, sleeveless tunic of Wooloo wool dyed with large black diamonds, which reaches down roughly to her knees. Despite this, she periodically reaches up to wipe sweat away from her glacially-pale blue eyes, occasionally squinting up at the sun in mixed annoyance and surprise, as though its heat is a constant shock to her. Her hair is jet black and cut raggedly at shoulder-length, accentuating her snow-pale skin and framing the yellow oval tattooed in the center of her forehead. Sharp-eyed observers might notice different designs in slightly darker yellow swimming in the midst of the oval, though it would take a member of the Weavile Clan to decipher them. She holds no weapons, carries nothing except a pack made of some sleek whitish hide on her back and two Apricorn Balls on her belt.

Eira spots a flash of white in the crowd, and nods in that direction; Reith is present, though he is keeping himself from view of most. She spots a few men and women standing near the flash of white with red lightning bolts tattooed over their left eyes; Clan Zangoose, perhaps? Eira smiles to Nathma, but doesn't return his wave, distracted by the arrival of the members of Soul Clan.

The moment Sheketh finishes speaking, Eira steps forward, her voice high and clear. "Eira Red Claws, of Clan Weavile." Her hands flex, once, expelling a puff of frigid mist which disappears before it leaves the space between her fingers.

This is straightforward. This, I can do.

[Arcran]

Moghu rose early, although not entirely by choice. Among the Paras, the sun wasn't seen until midday due to the density of the forests where they lived. Here, at the crack of dawn, it was already bright. Still, Moghu wasn't one to waste being awake and, after quickly tending to the camp and once more inspecting his gear, Moghu took the time to stretch and exercise with his Pokemon, running them through a gauntlet of exercises. By the time he was done and Inneq was awake, Moghu was more than ready for breakfast, and eagerly ate whatever his mentor provided.

His final preparations done, Moghu curtly thanked Inneq, then set out for the Stone Circle, ignoring the nervous sense of nausea that, for once, was not coming from his tattoos.



Moghu stood quietly as the group awaited the Soul Clan, hands clasped behind his back. From his height and bearing, he was clearly one of the older among the competitors and very nearly a man. A small bundle of hunting spears hung over one shoulder, while a thick shield with a pelt pulled taught over it was strapped to his other arm. The boy was large and solidly built, with strange root-like scars running down his back and arms. The closer to the nape of the neck, the less like scars and the more like brands they looked, becoming raised from the skin more and more. His hair was shaved close to the skull, with a few burned, bald patches mixed in. Rather than a shirt, he wore a Growlithe pelt wrapped around one shoulder, and a loincloth made of strips of Sudowoodo 'bark'. Judging by his heavily-scarred forearms, the boy had clearly seen combat and, if the vicious burns covering were anything to go off of, quite a bit of it. While his gaze was locked forward for the most part, it would occasionally drift across the crowd, lingering on anyone with a Fire-Type Pokemon.

When the Fearow girl began to caw, Moghu set his gaze on her, glaring. Fearow were known to the Paras, but Moghu had never had the misfortune to fight one. Perhaps that would change during the trials. After all, she was of a Flying Clan; an enemy of the Paras second only to Fire.

Inneq said we should learn of the other clans, but perhaps some of them should learn of the Paras. Of the strength of the Flame-Hunters, Moghu thought to himself as he stepped forward to silence the girl, but too late. Moghu gave a curt nod to the Rhyhorn member, then returned to staring daggers at the Fearow girl.

When the Soul Clan arrived, Moghu silently moved aside, bowing his head slightly as they passed. While he felt a growing sense of nausea as he did so, it felt appropriate to show them the proper respect. He did his best to stare back unflinchingly at Ithgar and the Cacturne, refusing to show weakness. He listened intently, nodding slightly as each of the three trials were listed, wishing that he knew what was awaiting him in each trial. It does not matter. The Great Mother is with me, and Inneq has trained me well. Rella and Podax are strong, and together we are an unbreakable shield and spear, he thought to himself, crushing any thought of failure before it could grow.

When the moment came to declare himself, Moghu stepped forward, thrusting his hand into the air.

Moghu Flame-Hunter, Paras Clan.

For the Great Mother's glory, I will prevail.

Intimidate to spook the Fearow girl: [roll0]

[Llyarden]

Velitus was roughly in the middle of the supplicants as far as height and build were concerned, though his style of dress was somewhat on the peculiar side, as he wore a patchwork of hides and fur that overlapped in places. The outfit included a hooded cloak, too, but he had it draped to one side, and his furs left his right shoulder uncovered, displaying a small, yellow flower tattoo. The whole thing looked rather shoddily-crafted, but despite the apparent layering, the garments had enough gaps that he didn't grow uncomfortably hot wearing them, and their true purpose was simply a convenient method by which he could attach the mystically-significant items he found on his travels - and perhaps it was the mingling of the Clans from all across the region, but he'd found more than he usually did among his home Clans.

The fang of a fledgling Zubat, a patch of Growlithe fur, and a leaf coated in a non-too-pleasant-smelling substance were among his finds, but pride of place around his neck hung a single red petal, with mystic runes carefully traced into it. (It was rare that Flabebe lost petals from their flowers, but in the rare event that they did, it was the duty of a shaman of the Twin Petals to hold the petal above their Clan Soul until their Totem could send the essence of the lost petal back to its owner.)

The small, wooden box that had previously contained Hana was still strung to his belt (though it now contained the pungent 'Durianfruit' that had proved so effective at warding off Pokemon the previous night); Hana's Apricorn Ball itself was safely tucked away in one of the inner layers of his hides. Stuck through his belt was a woven length of grass that seemed far too flimsy to remain intact given its position, though he didn't seem too concerned, and he held a crooked staff of oak longer than he was tall, with what looked like some strange form of thread strung through a knot at the top, with more seemingly-random items attached.

Standing besides his right heel was the round, green form of his other Pokemon, who could've blended in passably with their surroundings given that she'd been carefully collecting and stringing together loose foliage to the point that the Swadloon's actual body was hard to pick out.

With the rest of his party watching on, he didn't want to attract their ire by waving back, but he gave Yueh a smile when he saw her...though his smile faded somewhat when he realised that that meant he would be competing against her. Realistically he supposed he shouldn't be surprised.

He paid the Fearow girl little mind. What was one more insult on top of the snide comments he received from Resh and the others? And that one was neither aimed at him personally nor with any knowledge behind it. Besides, it was the place of the trials to judge them, and if she was foolish enough to think herself better than the Soul Clan and Jirachi then that would be her own undoing soon enough. And I wonder if she knows how to tell the difference between a Deerling and a Druddigon...

Rather than risk any awkwardness of trying to talk over the other supplicants or stepping forwards at the same time as another, Velitus watched them at first, waiting and picking his moment when it seemed like there was a pause. That, of course, also gave him the opportunity to consider Sheketh's words. Resh and the others would no doubt expect that he would make a wish for the Twin Petals' fortune, or perhaps more selfishly their own...or perhaps even to bring back their lost comrade. The last of those, at least, he could sympathise with, but...No. This is my trial. Not theirs.

"Velitus of Clan Comfey."

Velitus will (unintentionally) convert one of his Red Shards into a Fairy Gem, and bind 2AP to use his Improvised Gadgets ability to create a Threaded equipment item. Akari will have Leaf Crafter and Leaf Gift currently set to give herself a Grass Booster, Sturdy and Overcoat. Plus Focused Training on both Pokemon.

[CateranEnforcer]

Jayce was a thin but athetic youth, perfect for climbing and crawling through the more treacherous parts of the Spine. He wore some light leathers that allowed freedom of movement, but also some Spinarak carapace on his knees and elbows for padding. In the center of his forehead right between his eyes was a tattoo in the shape of concentric circles like sound waves emanating from his third eye, marking him a member of the Zubat Clan. He carried some short hunting spears and a bone dagger for weapons. Despite his best efforts, he squinted slightly in the morning sun, his dark eyes well accustomed to the dark. Kept his head forward and seemed to listen as much as he looked at the goings on. His two pokemon, a Machop and a Psyduck stood close by, not confined in a ball. He also carried with him a large amount of sturdy rope, tied in a neat coil behind him.

The boy stood as tall as he could and took the judgement of the Fearow. He wanted to prove her wrong, prove himself wrong. He was capable of doing this. He waved back at Beshelt when he saw her. If this little girl was here and so confident, how could he be afraid? He smiles at her and wishes her a good competition. When the Soul Clan is done speaking, Jayce waits a for moments as other come forward to speak, closing his eyes and listening. He takes a deep breath and listens to words as they come out of his peers mouths. A second breath and he focuses on the sounds on the breeze of far away activity and wildlife. Another long breath and he tunes into the sound of his steady heartbeat that he keeps at a steady pace during this exercise. Only then does he step forward.

"Jayce, of the Zubat Clan." he manages to say solemnly.

[CosmicOccurence]

The girl with the massive bow responded almost immediately to Sheketh, a beat after Eira. I am Felt, of the Fearow Clan. I look forwards to proving myself worthy in the trials Her tone contained none of the earlier derision now that those who would evaluate her were here, but she was clearly very confident.

Others stepped forward quickly as well. The red-haired boy with the obsidian hammer merely said Kurtakh. Rhyhorn. A girl with tattoos matching Ithgar’s Mightyena tattoos shared that she was a hunter named Beshelt.
Not all stepped forwards quickly though. The last to identify themselves was a girl near you whose jerkin was covered in bits of metal that jangled as she moved. I am Yueh, of the Chingling Clan.

When everyone had identified themselves, Sheketh nodded. Almost immediately, a two knives impaled the ground with a sharp THUD. One hit right next to Eira, while the other was some ways away, next to an islander from the Oricorio Clan. Ithgar grinned: he knew the speed with which he threw the knives had been impressive.

There, Ithgar said, looking over the surprised faces, Seperated into three nice and equal packs. The first trial, the trial of your World Soul, tends to be the most dangerous. Pups like you would do best not to go it alone. A quick count showed that he had indeed split you equally, though whether the skills of each group were equal was anyone's guess.

Your world soul represents your connection with the natural world: plants, Pokemon, the weather. Each group will be assigned a task, a duty to keep the peace of the forest. Respect the laws of the forest, and you pups will come back in one piece. Compete, cooperate, I don’t care. Just show us what you’re capable of. You have until sundown to complete the task given to you and return back to the Stone Circle.. It was currently just past the brink of dawn, the sun a handspan above the horizon.

With that, the three guardians split up, each heading to a different group. Ithgar came towards your group, his Mightyena never straying further than a canoe-span away from him. Up close, you saw that his face and arms were covered in the light scars of someone who had spent a lot of time in the underbrush, patiently waiting for prey. The nine of you gathered

Listen up pups, he said. Yesterday, the Chespin Clan reported a Nidoking rampaging through their hunting grounds, killing indiscriminately, scaring off the prey, and generally leaving a wake of destruction. Normally, their hunters and shamans would handle this themselves, but the Clans know we’re looking for opportunities for you all to show your skills with.

Your assignment is to handle the problem. I’ll be watching, but I won’t interfere, even if your life is in danger. This beast has already killed one hunter, and Nidoking are not to be trifled with. Give the Chespin Clan their forest back.

Questions? He seemed almost bored with the talking, and his body twitched, as if it ached for the fun of the hunt to begin. Beshelt looked at the man with unadulterated adoration.


The people and clans who are in your ‘group’ are as follows:
Felt (Fearow). Big bow. Confident in herself.
Kurtach (Rhyhorn). Carriers a stone axe. Short on words.
Uldeen (Oddish). The shaman in training who seems to already get on with Felt.
Malta (Fennekin). The girl Moghu saw by the fire last night. She also seems to run with Felt and Uldeen. Seems to be a woodsman of some sort.
Yueh (Chingling). Jerkin covered in metal. Deep Forest shaman of some sort
Beshelt (Mightyena). A journeyman hunter who seems to revere the ground Ithgar walks on
Petra (Chespin). Seems pretty average, with no clear gear to identify his skillset
You four

I’m trying to leave this task fairly open, with quite a few ways to approach it. Feel free to ask any sorts of questions you’d like. You’ll get a rough description of the area that the Nidoking has been rampaging, but you don’t have to leave right away if you want to do anything in the clansmeet to gather information before you delve into the forest

As always, feel free to make OOC rolls if there’s anything you’re curious about (for example, if you wanted to know what kind of magic Yueh and Uldeen have, you’d make an occult roll). Sometimes I’ll call for rolls, but I’ll only do it for things immediately plot relevant (so that you aren’t rolling a ton for minor things). You can go as deep or shallow into the world as you want to.

Eira made some rolls, so I'm throwing these here for the sake of transparency.



Nidoking are powerful Pokemon, large and capable of great destruction. However, their diet consists largely of berries and small rodents.


Generally speaking, Nidoking tend to leave humans alone unless they have good reason. They also aren't known for rampant destruction, instead relying on their strength and power only when they feel it necessary. The behavior Ishgar describes is unusual. As long as you leave well enough alone, you usually don't need fear a Nidoking.

One thing that Nidoking do get very territorial about is their mate and their young. They are responsible for showing power to intimidate predators and fight off enemies, while their mates primary role is to defend the young. The behavior being described is indicative that something has gone wrong with its family.

Nidoking mating season is in the winter, meaning the Nidoking should have a relatively new clutch of hatchlings right about now, and should be glued to their mate. A lone nidoking indicates either a lone buck, or one seperated from his family. Finding a way to connect them might be a way to solve the problem.






Uldeen, the Oddish Shaman, bears many tools that indicate a mastery of grass elemental magic.
Meanwhile, Yueh has a small arrangement of beads soaked purple from berryjuice sewn onto her jerkin hem that indicates she has the ability to call on her Name Soul. Likely either a channler or an oracle.

[Zelphas]

Eira steps quickly away from the knife as it falls, a trail of frost stretching from her foot towards the blade for a second before vanishing in the heat. Growing up in a place where the weather itself can turn dangerous and kill you in moments, she doesn't really count any situation with unknown elements as "safe".

Eira listens to the assignment with her head tilted slightly, idly grabbing Pebble's Apricorn and tossing it from hand to hand. "I've heard a little about Nidoking; some kind of big Southern monster, right?" she says lightly to Ithgar, her eyes serious despite the tone. This land may be incredibly soft and nurturing, compared to where she came from, but a hunter who underestimated her foe is serving themselves up as dinner. "I thought they only ate Berries and little animals, though; do we know why this one went on a rampage? Or is that part of the task?" she asks, smiling. This man looked ready for the hunt, but he seemed to like spirit; she can show him that, if it'll get her more information on her new prey.

Charm to get more information out of Ithgar (or at least to stay on his good side): [roll0]

[Llyarden]

Velitus gave a slender, amused smirk at the Fearow girl's change in tone. So she doesn't have the conviction to stick to her arrogance when Soul Clan are around. As if Jirachi wouldn't see through deceit.

He jumped when the knife impacted a short distance away, glad that it was the smaller girl...Eira Red Claws, her name was...that had been closest and not him. "Uh, yes, but not for you," he answered Ithgar, apologetically, before turning to the Chespin Clan member who was actually part of their group. "...Petra, wasn't it?" He kinda nodded to Eira as she had the same idea. "Had anything changed in the Clan's territory before this? Or...do Nidoking even live in your lands normally, for that matter?" He was familiar with Nidoran, but raising Poison-types was strictly frowned upon in the Twin Petals, and he'd have been hard pressed to recall the name of a Nidoking had Ithgar not mentioned it, never mind know what their standard territory was.

[Arcran]

Moghu smirked as the girl identified herself as Felt. He would have the chance to prove Paras' worth with very little effort.

Throughout Ithgar's explanation, Moghu simply nodded, a sense of relief filling him. While Nidoking weren't common in the lands of the Paras, he had heard the tales of the beasts from those that came to trade for the mushrooms that contained powerful antitoxins. Large, purple, powerful and, surprisingly, largely herbivores, making them a 'safe' Pokemon for the Paras clan. Even more, if it came to blows, Rella and Podax were both well-suited to fight the Pokemon.

As the others began to spit out their theories, Moghu stared at Ithgar, doing his best to project an aura of confidence. Where is the Nidoking's mate? he asked simply. Or its hatchlings. It should not rampage like this without some threat to its pack, he finished, focusing intently on Ithgar, before switching to Petra. Have the hunters of the Chespin killed a Nidoran recently? Or has there been a natural disaster in the area? A fire perhaps?

[CateranEnforcer]

Jayce thinks a moment. This was something that was not uncommon at all for his clan. What he lack, however was a way to properly deal with it himself. From what his teammates were saying, it sounded like a territory or defense type of an issue.

"In the mountains with a situation like this the first thing is to make sure there is no immediate danger. Does the Nidoking immediately threaten the area around him. If so, we should put a stop to it as first priority. If the area is safe, then we can look into finding out the source of the problem. Is this some kind of a race?" The idea of racing to secure safety of people seemed a bit heartless to Jayce. Why not all work together?

To his team, Jayce thinks out loud. "A way to disable it, maybe with sleep would be best, maybe? We risk angering it further with a direct attack. We will want to search the area for its mate and young, if it has any. There are many of use and few of him, I may be able to pull off a distraction. What do you think?"

[CosmicOccurence]

Fraid that if I told you all the answers, it wouldn't be much of a trial, now would it? Ithgar said in response to the questions about the Nidoking, its diet, and its mate. When Jayce asked about whether this Trial was a race, he grinned.

Now that, I can answer. The other two groups got a different task each, so you don't have to worry about them. As for whether you're racing each other, well, you'll pass or fail as a group. That doesn't mean that you need to work together though, specially if you don't trust the others to do their job.

Felt, Uldeen, and Malta immediately started conversing amongst themselves at this. The three girls from the Open Forest had clearly worked together before. Ithgar continued. In fact, I know pretty much what I just told you. We haven't done any investigating of our own. For all we know, it could be possessed by a demon. He grinned at that. It was a rare ghost that was powerful enough to possess someone, but it happened occasionally.

Meanwhile, Petra gulped, his skin pale from the attention suddenly on him. Our hunting grounds don't change much, he said shakily. We don't really hunt in the traditional sense, at least not normally. But nobody brought in a Nidoran since I came in. We don't bait the pits for them, but it happens occasionally. I feel like I'd know: we usually use their poison glands for spikes if we do catch one, but we'd never do it so soon after mating season. The babies aren't old enough to provide potent poison, and you really don't want to upset the parents. They usually calm down around fall when the kids start wandering off on their own. Ithgar had wandered off almost as soon as Petra started talking, with a final warning that you could gather information and trade for materials with others, but not get any other form of aid from the outside.

To Moghu, the boy had to look almost straight up. He was taller than Eira, but not by that much. No natural disasters, but I did hear that Ottik died yesterday on his rounds. He was a pretty new pitmaster, only started going on his own at the final snow of the season. I just assumed he had misread a trail sign, but I guess it was something more.

When Jayce started talking about a distraction team, Beshelt spoke up. I can be a thorn in its side. We play games like this all the time in our Clan with packmates. I'll be able to slip away from a bumbling beast like it no problem. We can lead it on a merry chase away from the campsites.

Yueh nodded. I can join that team as well. My Inyuse can put him to sleep no problem. His song will lull anyone to bed. And you, she looked at Petra. Should be with us to. If we need to move fast while on the run from this thing, I don't want to accidentally fall into any of these pits your clan sets up. Petra nodded at that, though he seemed incredibly nonplussed by the idea of facing the Nidoking.

Well this is some cute teamwork you've got going on, but I'm afraid we won't be joining your little babysitting club. Felt said. Anyone who wants to join us three and take a more direct route to solving this problem is welcome as long as they don't get in the way. We'll hunt it down, kill it, and bring peace to the forest once more. I'm not going to risk my honor on the off chance that a brat who can't even talk straight, she glares at Petra, are right about this wild scheme and are able to complete it before sundown.

Anyone coming with? She glanced around at the lot of you. Yueh looked disgusted by what she heard, and Beshelt looked to Jayce, seeming to have already started to form an attachment to the boy: the Mightyena Clan really didn't like to work alone it seemed. Petra seemed too terrified to do anything, but Kurtakh stepped forward to join the three girls. He gave no explanation, but his fingers gripped the handle of his axe in a ready grip.

[Llyarden]

How heartless.

"My Pokemon aren't well-suited to battling poisonous foes, I'm afraid," Velitus replied. "But given that our attempts would be unlikely to involve confronting the Nidoking directly, if we did fail as you suspect we might, it would be of little consequence to your more...direct...approach and the forest would still be safe if you can bring it down."

"On the other hand, if you attack the Nidoking but don't make the kill, that would only make him angrier, and make it harder for us to help him. So, that being the case, it would seem better for our chances of success if you waited until nearer to sundown to attack? Though I have to admit I'm not particularly familiar with the capabilities of a Nidoking. Either way, when all's said and done, it's the safety of the forest that's important."

Unless, of course, you care more about personal pride than either completing the trials or the forest. Velitus watched the four would-be hunters for their reaction to his suggestion.

Velitus is mostly trying to kinda get a read on them, so I'll throw in an Intuition check: [roll0]

[Arcran]

Moghu's face darkened as Felt began to talk of breaking away from the group to deal with the problem in their own way. The forest was Chespin land, and the Chespin should have a say in how the problem is dealt with. If a foreign clan came into Paras lands and dealt with the issue without their consent, it would not be regarded kindly.

Take control, show them that the Paras are powerful, but a good ally, Moghu thought to himself. Treat the Chespin with respect, but be large and loud, intimidate the predator.

If we pass and fail as a team, we will agree on a plan as a team, Moghu stated, glaring at Felt as he interposed himself between Petra and the archer. I will not march into Chespin lands and kill a Pokemon there without consulting with them, and a Nidoking would not rampage like this without cause, Moghu stated, stepping aside to give Petra the floor. Petra, from what you said, the Chespin seem to have dealings with Nidoking and its line, and you speak for your clan here. Do you wish to simply hunt the beast? Or do we find the rot in your woods and cut it out? he said, looking towards Kurtakh and his axe as he said so.

If you find an infected mushroom, you don't cut off the cap. You rip it out completely, roots and all, Moghu said, clearly thinking what he said was sage advice.

[Zelphas]

"And how many Nidoking have you killed before now?" Eira asks, her tone mild. She continues flipping Pebble's ball absentmindedly between her hands. "You know its strengths and weaknesses, and you know how best to use whoever goes with you to fight it? You know who deserves the glory of the killing blow?" Eira smirks lightly to herself. Even though she'd heard the phrase plenty of times in Clan Glalie, she still didn't really understand what other Clans' obsession with 'glory' and 'honor' was all about. The felt girl had mentioned honor, though, she she was willing to bet her comment would sting.

"From the sounds of things, these monsters are quite loyal to their families. The 'peace' you want to give to the forest won't last very long if its mate or its offspring discovers its death and begins the rampage anew in vengeance." She grabs the Apricorn out of the air and tucks it away again. "Besides, all you know is that this Nidoking is dangerous, rampaging, and has already killed a hunter, and your plan is to simply walk up and attack it? Do you have no respect for the creature you wish to face?"

Eira shakes her head. "'Never track prey across untested ice.' I'd prefer more information on our foe before I decide to throw myself in his jaws. No matter what he has done, he deserves more from me than that." Eira looks up at the girl with the bow, unintimidated, smiling slightly. "Or have you forgotten already that this is a Trial of our World Soul? Severing a lifelink without knowing anything of it first seems like a poor way to show our connection with the natural world."

...That seems like a waste of food, to me, she thinks, glancing over to the huge Paras tribesman. Better not say anything, though; I think he's on my side right now.

[CateranEnforcer]

Jayce wasn't used to the disparate opinions and plans in this group, but he suspected no one was. Still, this could work, even if they were at odds with one another. He particularly remembered what he was told about the first test not being one of brute strength. The rogue group seemed to want to fall into his idea anyway, so perhaps things would work out fine.

The young guide leans on his spear as he addresses everyone. "How about this. Felt's plan is good for a first try. If they can end it in one go, then so be it. Looks like they won't take no for an answer. If they fail, then the rest will need to make sure the Nidoking is subdued long enough for the rest of us to find the cause of all this and calm him or at least send him to another, less dangerous area. What do you think? Can we all work with that?" Honestly he had no use for anyone doing their own thing, but you worked with what you had.

"First, we'll all need to find where it's located, track it and it's mate. Maybe scout it from a distance, maybe lay a trap. We'll need to know more in nay case." He felt odd explaining simple things that should probably be known to everyone by now anyhow. He just hoped they could agree on something and not jeopardize the trial.

[CosmicOccurence]

Felt and company listened to the arguments presented, and it seemed that the argument about the Trials was the one that got to her the most. When Petra chimed in to agree that his clan would prefer to not kill the Nidoking if possible, to avoid possible repercussions, she sighed. Fine, she said. You all can try your little plan, but I'm not going to wait around all day. You have until highsun to solve this before we take the thing down.

She turned to glare at Eira, And yes sapling, I do think we can take it. One novice trap setter isn't much of a challenge to take down. In any case, we'll track the Nidoking down and leave trail signs for you to follow if by some miracle you manage to succeed.. The four of them stalked off, heading towards Chespin lands, which were about an hour's walk from here.

Unless folks had business to attend to at the Clanmeet before you left, you also headed out, planning as you walked. When you were near, Petra began sketching out a rough map of the area of Ottik's trapping territory. We're near the edge of Chespin Territory, so most of the pits should be marked with this, he held out a branch of twisted holly vines. If you go further in, they stop getting marked to prevent people from getting too close to camp unless they have a guide. His voice firmed at this, realising that he didn't want to make his clan seem vulnerable.

He sketched out the landscape. Most of this area is gully territory, and pits are set near the streams in their middle. Over here, he pointed to the western part of Ottik's trapping ground, is a pretty nasty thicket of briars. Lots of berries in there are poisonous to us, but the Nidoran don't mind them. We don't set traps in there though.
And then there's The Warrens: he sketched a small hill on the opposite side of the territory. Lots of little pokemon make there home there, using the small tunnels to hide from larger Pokemon who can't fit in like Poochyena.
We'll set traps near there too, but there's a chance the family could've been going for rodents as well.

[Llyarden]

"Where would you expect a Nidoking's...den?..to be found in all this?" Velitus asked. "The little ones might fit into the Warrens but it doesn't sound like the Nidoking or his mate could."

"Also...while I apologise for asking for more details about your Clan's defences, do you put any stakes or the like at the bottom of these pits?"

[Arcran]

Moghu nodded at Felt's agreement. Noon wasn't long, so they would need to move quickly, but it should be sufficient. This challenge wasn't supposed to be a race, but it seems we've imposed that on ourselves.

As they approached the edge of the Chespin territory, Moghu made note of the traps, as well as how they were signaled. It was a useful bit of information, after all. It might be something that the Great Mother would like to learn, just in case. After all, Bug was strong against Grass.

Petra, can you take us to where Ottik was attacked? There might be some clue as to what prompted the assault, or at least give us an idea of where the Nidoking is.

[Zelphas]

Eira's smile widens into a grin at Felt's comment, sharp teeth showing. 'Sapling', eh? These Southeners and their plants... She keeps her eyes on the girl's back as she walks away.

---

Eira listens to Petra's explanation with rapt attention. "Do you know where Ottik died?" she asks at the end of his explanation. "That seems like the best place to pick up a new trail, or at least get more information." She is still glancing around all the greenery with surprise from time to time, but the mission gives her some focus.

Eira blinks as the tall Paras tribesman says essentially the same thing, giving him a quick nod.

[CateranEnforcer]

Jayce shook his head as the other group left. He knew they were eager to prove themselves, but this was surely not the way it was meant to be done. The Soul Clan knew something they didn't and they set this challenge up for them to solve rather than solve it themselves.

He let the others begin to execute. "I'll keep my eyes open for these signs as we travel. I am not familiar with the forest, but I hope I can still be of use here." Jayce keeps his breathing slow and relaxed as he feels around the unfamiliar land.

Survival to catch sight of any trails of the hunter or Nidoking.
[roll0]

Perception if needed as well, mainly to listen.
[roll1]

[CosmicOccurence]

All
When requests were made to see where Ottik was killed, Petra set off, talking as he went. We spike traps for prey, but not if we need it for something else. Nidoran, for example, we don't eat, but we'd capture them live for their poison before releasing them again. If we trap for Deerling or other food though, we try to give it a quick passing.

He took you to a a patch of forest that had clearly been the home to a violent battle. This is where Ottik passed, though the Seed Shamans have probably returned his body to the Roots by now. There was indeed, no body around. However, the sight was a mess, with several large trees torn jaggedly from their roots or toppled in violent bursts. The ground was uneven, as if there had been a quake here.

A trail of injured and occasionally fallen trees marked the Nidoking's path in and out of the clearing. A trail sign of the Open Forest hung next to one with a single Fearow feather, likely taken from Felt's hair. They'd already been here and had begun tracking the Nidoking.

It looks like you had around four hours until highnoon, as the days were long and you started early in the morning dawn. Beshelt had released a pinkish pokemon with blue markings that some of you recognized as a Snubble, who was sniffing around the scene.


Since Petra led you here, I'm just going to recycle that Survival roll to investigate the scene.

You're able to quickly determine which the Nidoking's direction (which was the entrance, and which was the exit). It appears that the Nidoking came from a nearby gully and continued on his way towards the east, vaguely in the direction of the Brambles. Felt and company are following where the Nidoking went, not where he came from.

There are a few types of blood here, but most of it is human. It looks like Ottik was killed from a patch of ground that had burst like a zit, toppling a tree on top of him. You also noticed that there were day old Nidoqueen spines here as well, covered in the scent of her mate. He had seen her before coming, but had not travelled with her. In fact, you could see no trace of another creature's footsteps in the clearing.

You also saw no signs of the small footprints of a young Nidoran. They were not with the father either. However, you did see some clumps of holly in mud that had dried, and it smelled of dirty water, not rain.

Most interestingly though, you found a leaf soaked in some sort of acidic solution that looked significantly fresher than anything else that had happened. In fact, it looked to have left right around the time that Felt had arrived, and had begun tracing its way back where the Nidoking came from.

The sounds that you heard were that of a normal forest. The Nidoking's rampage was clearly not nearby at the moment. You could ear the faint sounds of conversation from Felt though, so they hadn't gotten here that much earlier than you. Of course, you also heard the constant jingling of Yueh's jerkin.



If you all want, I can make things like the result of Jayce's survival role public so that everyone has that sort of information if you all decide you default to 'we share everything'. It would expedite play and remove the need for 'this is what I found' type posts. However, until I get that sort of go ahead I'm going to do it this way, and even if we do make the jump, there will be some things that I'll still make private.

Jayce rolled a better survival than most of you could, so he's got a pretty good read on the scene and what happened. If you want to investigate, go for it! If you want to learn more about the Nidoking's capabilities, you might roll Poke-Edu.

[Zelphas]

Eira releases Pebble a few moments after the group arrives, directing her towards the leaf soaked in acid that Jayce pointed out. The surprisingly quiet rock monster sniffs carefully at the leaf, and Eira turns to the group. "Something might be trying to get the Nidoking's young, so Pebble and I will go ahead and track this trail here," she comments to the group, picking at leaves and twigs to add to her clothing and hair. "We can stay out of sight and move fast. Send someone after me if you decide to go somewhere else--someone who knows how to move silently would be best. Otherwise, you can all come after me if you think this is the best route." She shrugs, leaving it up to them.

Eira begins to move towards the gully, then pauses, looking back. "Oh: if a black dog comes running up to you from where I went, could you follow him, please? That means I'm in trouble." With that, she vanishes into the undergrowth, her Rhyhorn padding softly after her.

Eira Stealth (with stealth clothes): [roll0]

Eira Survival for tracks: [roll1]


Pebble Stealth: [roll2]

Pebble Perception to follow tracks (DC 8, I think): [roll3]

[Arcran]

Moghu ls around the clearing as he hears Jayce's explanation. The boy gently collected one of the Nidoqueen's old quills, being careful to not prick himself. It sounded like the party had a good number of trackers, so perhaps it would be useful. He approached Beshelt, handing him the quill.

Any chance that your tracker can follow this? Moghu asked quietly, silently wishing he had a Pokemon capable of tracking himself.

After Eira explained her plan, Moghu nodded. If something is lingering around the Nidoking, that seems like a good place to start. We don't want something aggravating it any further, he states, looking around the wrecked clearing with awe, silently wondering how Felt plans to deal with something that possesses such raw power. Petra, does this holly mean anything to you? Do your trappers normally travel with it?

[CosmicOccurence]

Eira

You and Pebble picked your way carefully through the underbrush, following the Nidoking's trail as much as possible to avoid leaving your own tracks, or at least to disguise them with those of the beast. You were more successful at this than Pebble though, as her great weight and the soft floor of the forest made it almost impossible for her not to leave marks.

In fact, it seemed like the plant thing you were tracking was eminently happy just retracing the Nidoking's steps. At one point you found a few Spearow feathers that were relatively fresh: the thing had stopped for a snack. From that moment on there was a sickly sweet smell on the trail, and you could see insects scuttling at the edges of your vision, following the sweet, sweet scent. However, it still made no move to change course, continuing straight towards the origin of the Nidoking's fury.


The Group

As Moghu handed Beshelt the quill, her pink canine pokemon began sniffing the ground, but kept returning to the Nidoking's tracks. She can't pick up any scent but the Nidoking's. That plus the lack of any tracks from a Nidoqueen makes me think that the Nidoking tracked this up and it fell off during the fight.

Petra was examining the holly. This is definitely a marker from one of our pit traps,, The Nidoking must have ripped it off when he was passing by one of the pits. Either it was already triggered or he very nearly ended up in a pit himself, he glanced at where the ground had seemed to explode. Though I might feel a lot safer if he was in one of the pits, to be honest.

Velitus's analysis of the battle told her that this was a powerful Nidoking. While you weren't sure what move caused the explosion of soil, you knew that it wasn't a skill that newly-evolved Nidoking possessed. He was probably one of the older ones in this part of the forest, and was strong enough to prevent another bull from dethroning him.

When Velitus analyzed the leaf, he couldn't recognize the acid, but it seemed remarkable similar to Bellsprout Acid, which he was familiar with.

[Zelphas]

Eira frowns, glancing down at the Spearow feathers. This thing is hungry, and it isn't slowing down. Glancing over to Pebble and nodding for her to follow, Eira picks up the pace, instinctively forming icicles on the tips of her hands in preparation. Whatever this is, it doesn't look like it's going to stop until it gets to the end of the trail.

Longshot Poke Edu on the scent and the acid, just in case Eira gets something: [roll0]

[Llyarden]

"So he probably doesn't have a particular purpose, then. That should at least make it easier for him to be diverted and tricked if we have to." Velitus had produced a fang from somewhere in his robes, which he'd used to scrape a little of the acid off the leaf. "Because whatever Felt might say, I'm not convinced she and her friends are up to taking on a Pokemon that can do this kind of damage. I doubt this is what a newly-evolved Nidoking could do."

"In any case, this looks like Bellsprout acid - but it's stronger than any Bellsprout acid I've seen. If it is a Grass Pokemon, though, that...might not be good for Pebble, if Eira finds it," he realised. "And might not be good for the young of the Nidoking either, if they're still in his lair. I wouldn't put it past a Bellsprout to try to consume a Poison-type small enough for it to fit in its gullet."

"Do you know what Pokemon Ottik used?" he asked Petra.

[Arcran]

Moghu nods as the remaining clues are laid out. I don't know how much more we can glean from here, Moghu states. Petra, give us everything you know about Ottik, anything could help. If Eira is heading towards a powerful Bellsprout, we shouldn't make her face it alone, and we may learn more from the Nidoking's lair than we can from here, Moghu states, hefting a spear over his shoulder.

[CateranEnforcer]

"So the Nidoking is tracking his Queen, and left the babies at home?" Jayce tries to put the pieces together. "Hard to say for sure, but I agree we can't let Eira walk into that trap alone. I will follow, quickly then, time is wasting." He readies himself for a confrontation, preparing his own spear.

[CosmicOccurence]

Eira

You couldn't identify what type of Pokemon this was, certainly not one from the far north. However, the acid plus the smell makes you think that this is a pokemon who normally works like the Glalie clan. When it finds a hunting spot, it lures prey in only to savage it. Only this one was on the move, and you suspected that it was looking for new territory to reap.

You continued picking your way through the underbrush, taking care to leave no trace as you moved. Eventually you came to the ridge of a gully. Looking down, you saw a small stream run through the miniature canyon. It was around twenty feet wide, and was filled with long grasses and a few smaller trees.

Near the stream, the ground was a muddy mess. A pit, ten feet wide, was set up to capture prey, and the ground around it was a jumble. The Nidoking's trail started here. And in the gully looking down the pit was a plant-like pokemon almost as tall as you, colored yellow with leaves sprouting from its sides. It had a long-whiplike appendage, and the top of its head was a giant mouth covered by a leaf.

And from the pit you heard a bellowed QUEEEEENNNNN, and a few spikes flew out of the pit, which the yellow thing calmly avoided.

It was around this time that your allies arrived. The only one of them who you suspected had any idea you were there was Jayce, and maybe Beshelt. Pebble, if he was still released, was decidedly less concealed.


Group
The trail was easy to follow, and you were able to move quickly, knowing that Eira would have had to stop for anything nasty. Petra shared that Orrik, like most Pitmasters, used a pokemon that could help excavate and maintain the large holes. In his case, he used a Drillbur from a line bred by the clan. After about thirty minutes of travel, you heard a bellowed QUEEEEENNNNN, as you reached the ridge of a gully.

It was around twenty feet wide, and was filled with long grasses and a few smaller trees. Near the stream, the ground was a muddy mess. A pit, ten feet wide, was set up to capture prey, and the ground around it was a jumble. The Nidoking's trail started here. And in the gully looking down the pit was a plant-like pokemon almost as tall as you, colored yellow with leaves sprouting from its sides. It had a long-whiplike appendage, and the top of its head was a giant mouth covered by a leaf.


All
The large Pokemon began hopping away from the pit, into the forest, trailing a small stream of curious insects who were hoping for a bit of whatever was causing that sweet, sweet smell.

[Zelphas]

Eira appears silently in front of her companions, making sure a tree is between her and the large plant Pokemon, She motions them to silence, hoping that no one will draw the thing's attention. Whatever that thing is, it could probably swallow me whole; best not to bother it unless it has to be bothered.

She settles in to watch carefully, thinking through their options. Freeing the 'Queen will hopefully calm the 'King, but there's still young to worry about somewhere. Her hands nervously begin tossing Pebble's Apricorn back and forth, the movement silent. This looks like a bad match for Pebble; plants are usually dangerous to him.

[Arcran]

Alright, hunter is gone, Moghu states, creeping into the clearing, moving just as Velitus begins to explain what the Pokemon was. He did feel a small tinge of guilt as he saw the Victreebel start to go after some small bugs, but quickly reminded himself that they were not Paras.

The simplest solution here seemed to be to just get the Nidoqueen out of the pit but, depending on how injured she was, that might be a bit more of an issue than they were anticipating. I'm going to take a closer look. If we can get her out, maybe the King will calm down, Moghu states, creeping to the edge of the pit to get a better look within, bracing himself behind his Heatmor-hide shield.

[Llyarden]

Velitus kinda froze slightly when he saw the Victreebel - generally one only had to worry about them when they were still, but he'd heard enough horror stories about a 'distracted' Victreebel lashing backwards with a vine and snaring a limb of one of its observers to still be very wary. "That's a Victreebel," he whispered softly to the others - he didn't really know who would and who wouldn't know what it was, but it was better to be thought of as patronising than to let someone endanger them all by engaging it foolishly. "Fully evolved. Very dangerous."

He turned to Beshelt once the Victreebel had slipped away. "Could you have your tracker find where the Nidoking's trail came from before this? If that Victreebel is heading in the same direction as the lair, then we may have another issue."

[Zelphas]

When Moghu steps forward, Eira does too--into his shadow, keeping him between her and the pit. If he looks back or questions what she's doing, she'll grin at him but offer no explanation. She follows the taller boy to the edge of the pit, moving to look into it without revealing herself to the Pokemon inside.

Perception to see in the pit: [roll0]

Stealth to stay hidden from the Nidoqueen (if possible): [roll1]

[CateranEnforcer]

"Could you have your tracker find where the Nidoking's trail came from before this? If that Victreebel is heading in the same direction as the lair, then we may have another issue."

"I think you are right." Jayce agrees, "I think we don't have a whole lot of time if we want to make things right for the Nidoran. I will start making something to help her to climb out, if she is willing. If we work fast enough, we may get her out in time to deal with that pokemon before it eats the young, if that is its goal. Anyone who wants to help, maybe grab some sturdy wood something to tie to this rope I have, make a ladder for her to climb. Not unlike something we've made in the mountains." Jayce begins to unpack his rope and sits down not too far from the trap and begins to tie several knots in the ropes to begin to form his ladder. Any sticks sturdy enough around he uses to form a step by sticking it between the knots. "This might take a while, so if you may want to try and calm her before I finish."

Survival to craft a rope ladder, climbing thingy out of rope and sticks and vegetation! Spend 1 AP
[roll0]

[CosmicOccurence]

As Moghu and Eira approach the pit, they see a ten foot deep dirt hole. A creature slightly taller than Moghu covered with armored plates stared up at you. The remains of what appeared to be a wood and mud covering lay at her feet, mostly crushed from turning so much in the pit. Eira even spotted some dark purple berries at the bottom of the pit, likely the bait, that hadn't been smashed to bits.

At the sight of a human, she growled, but did not launch a volley of spikes immediately at Moghu. Instead she slammed her body against the side of the pit, and some of the dirt at your feet crumbled, forcing you to take a step backwards.

Jayce had gotten started on a rope ladder, a task that wasn't quick going. He'd done this before of course, but it was significantly more wet here than he was used to in the caves, and the rope wasn't behaving the way he expected.

At Velitus's request, Beshelt nodded and began to have her pokemon scour the area for scent while she looked over tracks. Petra had taken some of the covering that hadn't fallen into the pit and was examining it with a frown on his face. Meanwhile, Yueh approached Eira and Moghu once it was clear that the Nidoqueen wasn't going to immediately attack.

She chanted a couple of words while moving in a rhythmic manner, allowing her adorned jerkin to create a lovely sound. As she did so, her eyes phased out for a second. She's in a panic. I don't know if we're going to be able to get her out peacefully until we can calm her down. Suddenly Yueh gasped. Her kits! They were here not long ago. She remembers them being here, and I only pick up on recent echoes. A male and a female. But it looks like they wandered off. Maybe for food? They haven't eaten in a whole day by now.

And I've got some bad news for you all, Beshelt said, the Mightyena girl grimacing. The family came from up the gully stream somewhere, but the kits split up, dumb things. One headed into the forest that way, she pointed in a direction about thirty degrees to the left of where the Victreebell had gone into the forest, While the other headed off up the gully and towards the west. And it looks like a couple Gumshoos were waiting along the trail it took. They're probably tracking the babe now.

They'll keep the kit alive at least until they reach The Warrens. They prefer to give their pups practice ambushing against helpless targets. Nasty things, Gumshoos. They're like Ratata or Sentret, but they specialize in ambushes. I hate those things. One bit me last summer and ever since I just can't stand them, Petra said.

Right at that moment, a sickly sweet aroma floated towards your nostrils. The Victreebel had set up its olfactory trap, and if the Nidoran babe was hungry for food, it would likely be wandering directly into the leafy Pokemon's trap.

[Zelphas]

Things were devolving rather quickly. Eira spins, pulling Omen's belt from her waist. "Pebble can help pull her out, once she's harnessed. Omen and I'll grab the child near the plant thing; you all can handle the rest." With that, she dashes approximately halfway between where Beshelt pointed and the smell of the Victreebel, releasing Omen at her side as she goes. "We're looking for a smell like the one in the pit," she explains to Omen quickly, moving quickly but silently through the woods with her head on a swivel. "There's something we don't want to fight close by, so stay quiet."

Omen nods once, sharply, then puts his nose to the ground, searching for the Nidoran's trail with all the senses he can.

Eira Stealth: [roll0]

Eira Perception: [roll1]

(in lieu of Perception, if she can use Survival to find Nidoran Tracks: [roll2])


Omen Perception: [roll3]

Omen Stealth: [roll4]

[Arcran]

My Pokemon wouldn't fare well against a Victreebel, but we can fight Gumshoes, Moghu states confidently. Does anybody want to come help? Who isn't good at calming down rampaging mothers?

Fortunately, protecting a small creature from a rampaging predator was something that the Paras were very, very well trained in.

[Llyarden]

Velitus watched Petra examining the pit, waiting for whatever conclusions the Chespin boy could draw...but things kinda took a turn before he could. He pulled the woven grass...whatever it was...from his belt, turning back to Jayce. "I know it looks strange, but this can enhance your World Soul's connection to Bug and Grass energies," he explained quickly. He put one end of it to his lips and blew into it - it didn't make a sound, but then he flicked it like a baton and a length of silk and vines whipped out, adhering itself to the ground until he blew into it again, at which point the rope came away and dissolved into dust. "It can support the weight of a human, at least - I don't know if it would be able to hold the weight of something that big and angry, but you should be able to use it to get in and out of the pit safety."

"Same with me," he added to Moghu. "Oh, uh, does anyone still have those quills? The mother's scent might help to bring the kits back here."

[Arcran]

Moghu nods, pulling a few of the quills from his pack. Eira, good luck. May the Great Mother watch over you, Moghu says, before releasing Podax, clarifying where the Nidoran went with Beshelt, and taking off in that direction.

[CateranEnforcer]

Jayce takes a moment to accept the strange material. "This is amazing! I can't tell you how many times this would be useful in the Spine. I may as well see if this will even work, I'll see if I can calm her down and make this easy. Otherwise, we may have to just hope she gets the picture when we drop the rope." He sets his work aside for a moment and looks down at the Nidoqueen to try and connect with her in some way.

"It's okay, it's okay. We're trying to help get you out. Just let us pull you up." He spoke slowly and calmly trying to remove the Queen's panic.

Intuition to use Mystic Senses to improve disposition with the Nidoqueen. AP spent.
[roll0]

[CosmicOccurence]

Hey all! Welcome to our first combat!
Here (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1eQlrkZI-vd4GNKdI4_ZpdpbvrXg6f_ixdcvTZxFbe2k/edit#gid=1484591853) is the battlemap.

For now my plan is to give you things in the raw numbers. I'll let you know if something hits or something misses, and give you the base damage it deals if it hit. You are responsible for applying defense/resistances/DR to calculate final damage, injuries, etc. I do this so I don't accidentally ignore something in your character sheet while you assume that I calc'd it.

Similarly, I won't touch your Pokemon or Trainer in the status tracker, but will be referring to it for a 'at a glance' of combat so that I'm not toggling between character sheets, battlemap, and enemy stats constantly.

I think that's most everything, but I'll let you know if there's anything else.




Eira

You and Omen were quickly able to find the tracks of the Nidoran and raced forwards as quickly as you were able to while moving stealthily. It wasn't a long run before the scent intensified. It began to worm its way into your nostrils, reminding you of the best smells from home.

Without realising it, your feet began moving on your own as you approached the creature. It had set itself up in the middle of the glade, and the bones of a Ratatta were already next to it. In fact, you were so entranced that you almost didn't notice the Nidoran who was slowly advancing towards the scent. Omen, who seemed to be holding his concentration for the time being, was sniffing eagerly at it, and looked up to you only to find you almost on top of the creature.

That mind-numbing effect ended abruptly as its whip-like appendage wrapped around you, squeezing and trying to wring the life out of you.


This Victreebel has a particularly intoxicating aroma! Every round you and any pokemon released need to roll a DC 7 Focus. On a failure, you use your shift action to move towards the Victreebel and are intoxicated for exactly one round. If you find a way to nullify or shut down this ability, this field effect will no longer be active.

Victreebel uses Sweet Scent on Eira! It hits! Eira takes -2 to evasion (cannot go below 0)
Victreebel initiates a grapple. It hits! Eira needs to make a combat or athletics check to beat DC 17. If she fails, Eira is grappled (see pg 243 of rulebook), and takes 30 physical normal damage + 1 tick of damage

Everything initiative 7 or above can go



Moghu & Velitus
Petra tosses you some of the quills you sought and raced off. Thankfully, there was enough damage from the Nidoran being dragged that you could follow the trail easily enough. You burst out of the light forest to see a tall hill towering in front of you. It was riddled with tiny entrances that rodent-like pokemon would be able to slip into without fear of a bird or larger predator following them in.

Halfway to the warrens were two brown pokemon with streaks of yellow. They were dragging a struggling and squealing Nidoran towards the Warren, but as you burst out of the trees, they whirled, hissing at you menacingly. One let out a trilling call, and you heard movement in the warrens as the children heard that their meal had arrived.


Welcome to the warrens! At the end of each round, reinforcements will arrive in the form of their young.

Feel free to populate any of your released pokemon onto the map adjacent to you.

Everything with initiative 5 or better can take their turn


Jayce

Between you and Yueh, you were able to calm down the Nidoqueen enough that you were pretty sure she wasn't going to immediately attack you when she got out of the hole. Petra and Beshelt were frantically trying to connect the partially woven rope into a harness for Pebble, feeling the Rhyhorn would provide more power than any of them could provide to lift the beast out.

There, that should do, Beshelt said, finishing the harness. And with that fancy magic stick thing, we don't even need to finish weaving the rope!

Is she going to be ok? Petra whispered. I mean, she was hiding behind Moghu when they came up to the pit, so I don't think she's a very good fighter. Maybe she could use some backup.

He clearly wasn't going to volunteer himself. In fact, you got the feeling that Petra was far out of his depth here. Meanwhile, Yueh was continuing whatever magic she had to try and calm the Nidoqueen and convince her that the rope wasn't going to hurt her. That left you and Beshelt. One to help here and one to give Eira some backup.

I might hold off on posting right away. If Eira's Omen uses Roar like she'd initially planned, you would hear it.
Or if you run off right away, that works too! If you do decide to enter that battle, you'll place yourself on C6, with any released/not captured mons adjacent to you. You and they will follow the same field effects in Eira's spoiler post

[Zelphas]

Eira chokes as the whip-like vine nearly knocks her out with a single blow. She shoves her hands forward, releasing a frantic blast of ice and snow. "Omen! drive it back!" she manages to choke out, hoping that she'll do enough to it that it'll give up on her as prey.

Eira

Move Action: Grappled.

Standard Action: Use Powder Snow on the Victreebel.
Accuracy: [roll0] Freeze on 19+
Damage: [roll1]
If crit: [roll2]

Omen

Move Action: Shift to L9.

Standard Action: use Roar.

Note: this will take place at the end of the round.

[Llyarden]

"Oh, no you don't!" Velitus ran forwards, raising his staff in an attempt to make himself look bigger - he doubted the Gumshoos would be intimidated, but their young might well think twice about facing him. "Sorry, but we need the little one alive. Hana, confuse one!" He flicked Hana's Apricorn Ball out, and the small, viscous Pokemon appeared, swirling around in midair and then emitting a pulse of mesmerising scent towards one of the Gumshoos.

Velitus and both his Pokemon act at exactly initiative 5, so that works out lol.

Velitus Shift: O15 -> O11.
Velitus Standard: Focused Training on Hana.

Hana Shift: P15 -> P11.
Hana Standard: Sweet Kiss on Gumshoo 2 (AC6 Status, +2 for double Focused Training): [roll0]

(Akari is inactive and chilling at O16.)

[CateranEnforcer]

Jayce is mostly satisfied with the harness as it is and replies to the others. "You may be right. her Pebbles can help pull the Queen out. Dao, stay and help as well. I'm going to make sure she knows we're almost ready and to get out of the way." The Machop waves and rubs his hands together to get a good hold on the rope, lowering it down to the trapped Nidoqueen. Jayce gathers his weapons and lifts Ivan the Psyduck onto his shoulders as he trots after Eira.

When he arrives, he immediately sees her distress and sets Ivan down in from of him. "That's not what I wanted to see. Ivan, we have to help. It won't like your Confusion! I'll cover you!" As Ivan waddles forward, clutching his head, Jayce leans down to pick a blade of grass and places it between his thumbs like he did before. He blows through it, making the sleepy whistling sound once more, hoping to distract the large plant pokemon long enough to let Eira escape.

Ivan goes first, starting on D6 to G7. He uses Confusion!
Attack: vs AC 2, Confuse on 19+
Damage:1d8+28 Special Psychic
Crit:[roll1]

Jayce moves from C6 to I7. He uses 1 AP to use Grass Whistle!
Attack:[roll2] vs AC 6
Hit: Target falls Asleep

[Arcran]

As Moghu sprinted into the battle, he grinned. Dancing around other clans, rescuing a giant, rampaging Nidoqueen, and all the other smaller activities he had been forced to weren't his standard activity. But protecting a smaller Pokemon from predators? He'd been training in that his entire life.

Podax, get in position, harry with a Poison Sting! Don't let the little ones interfere, the large man cried, before charging at the two Gumshoos, shouting to draw their attention to him as he lashed out at both with his spear. The heavily tattooed Sandshrew scurried forward, flinging a dart from its tail as it placed itself between the Gumshoos and the warren.


Moghu
Shift: Move from N15 to N8!
Standard: Use Double Strike with the 2 Target option, targeting both

Gumshoos 1
AC 2: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]
Hit or miss, the Gumshoos is Marked, and takes a -3 penalty on Accuracy checks against targets other than Moghu.



Gumshoos 2
AC 2: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]
Hit or miss, the Gumshoos is Marked, and takes a -3 penalty on Accuracy checks against targets other than Moghu.
Moghu also has Stalwart Bastion perma-bound. DR is listed on the tracker.


Podax
Shift: Move from M14 to L9.
Standard: Poison Sting on Gumshoos 1!

Gumshoos 1
AC 2: [roll4], Poisons on 17+
Damage: [roll5]

[CosmicOccurence]

Eira & Jayce

The plant was so preoccupied with squeezing the life out of Eira that it didn't realize at first that its prey was fighting back. That surprise was compounded when Ivan's psychic blast hammered the creature by twisting its top leaf painfully, leaving it tottering.

In fact, it was so enraged that it seemed to forget entirely about the prey in its vine. It lashed out wildly at Jace with its vine, leaving lacerations along your body. It lost control of the action though, and it ended up striking itself with its momentum. In fact, it seamed slow and sluggish compared to before. While the song had not completely put it to sleep, it was certainly feeling drowsy.

However, when Omen let's out a roar much bigger than its own body, the Victreebel began to scramble away as quickly as it was able to, leaving the pesky Ice Mage behind. Seeing the source of the sweet smell flee, the Nidoran dashed after it, hoping for a taste.

In the distance, you heard a triumphant, QUEEEEENNNNNN! The others had finally gotten the mother free of the pit, though which pup she'd come for first was anyone's guess.


'Bell loses first action to sleep!
'Bell uses Vine Whip on Jayce. It deals 37 Physical Grass Damage. 'Bell takes confusion damage!
'Bell fails its save to wake up!
'Bell fails its save to break free of Confusion!

Roar activates! Victreebel shifts away. Eira may take an attack of opportunity if she desires, and she is dropped.

As a reminder, sleep is lost if you hit it with a damaging attack.

Remember to make those focus rolls at the start of the round to see if you need to shift closer and be infatuated! I'm open to creative ideas to neutralize or disable this feature! Go crazy!



Velitus & Moghu

Hana's burst of scent didn't have quite the intended effect on the Gumshoos, but it certainly grabbed the creatures attention, allowing Moghu to lay into it and its partner with his spear. Podax's barb struck true as well, but the two Pokemon seemed no more than inconvenienced by the onslaught.

Hana's target charged towards it, but between the disorienting scent and Moghu's attempts to draw its attention, its fangs sunk into empty air. The other twisted angrily, attempting to clamp onto any of Moghu's veins that it could find. And it happened to find a lovely little spot underneath the furs where it could bite deeply into his calf.

A small snout stuck its way out of one of the warrens, and one of the Gumshoos children wriggled out, licking its lips with eyes only for the Nidoran.

In the distance, you heard a triumphant, QUEEEEENNNNNN! The others had finally gotten the mother free of the pit, though which pup she'd come for first was anyone's guess.


Gumshoos 1 uses Super Fang on Moghu. It hits! Moghu loses half his current hit points
Gumshoos 2 shifts to Hana. With Run Away, Gumshoos does not provoke attacks of opportunity. It uses Super Fang on Hana. It misses!

A Yungoos spawns from the warren. It will begin acting next round. It shares an initiative with Gumshoos.

Since we've no slowpokes, we are at the top of the order!

[Zelphas]

As the Victreebel lets go of her, Eira lashes out, her fingers tipped with long, wickedly sharp claws.

Eira finds herself halfway across the field towards the Victreebel again before she finally snaps her fingers. Instantly, two chips of ice fill her nostrils, blocking out any scents. Glancing around, she sees the small bluish Pokemon running towards the Victreebel, it's eyes glazed over and nose in the air. "Oh no you don't!" she exclaims, snapping her fingers again to block the nose of the helpless little Pokemon. "Omen!" she calls out, catching sight of her partner walking inexorably towards the giant plant. "Snap out of it! Ember!" The Houndour snorts, shaking his head sluggishly before expelling a gout of deep red flames.

"Thanks! Keep hitting it! Hopefully help's coming soon!" she yells distractedly to Jayce.

Eira

Attack of Opportunity on Victreebel.
Accuracy: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1] Ice Physical
Crit: [roll2]

Move Action: End up at N8.

Swift Action: Use Freezer to block Eira's nose.

Standard Action: Use Freezer to block the Nidoran's nose.

Omen

Move Action: Shift to N9.

Standard Action: Use Ember on the Victreebel.
Accuracy: [roll3] Burn on 18+
Damage: [roll4] Fire Special
Crit: [roll5]

End of Turn: to break Infatuation: [roll6]

[Arcran]

Moghu grit his teeth as the Gumshoos teeth sunk into his leg, nearly dropping to one knee. He couldn't already be injured in this fight; there were two more days of trials, and Moghu didn't want to face tomorrow hurt. The fact that the Gumshoos was hardly hurt by the last round of attacks was concerning; he had never been the one to deal the killing blow, but doing nothing was concerning.

Podax! Give them something to remember us by! Moghu shouted, before ramming his spear into the Gumshoos in front of him, intent on keeping its attention away from the Nidoran while trying to create an opening for Podax. Velitus, get the Nidoran out if you can! After that last bite by the Gumshoos, Moghu's confidence in being able to weather their attacks was considerably lessened.


Moghu
Action: Struggle, using our spear!

AC 4: [roll0]
Damage (Normal, Physical, DB 4): [roll1]
Critical: [roll2]
Hit or miss, the Gumshoos is Marked, and takes a -3 penalty on Accuracy checks against targets other than Moghu.

Swift Action: If the above hits, trigger Roughneck to lower the Gumshoos Defense by one Combat Stage! (1 AP, will mark off when I know it hit)

Podax
Shift: Move from L9 to L5!
Action: Use Magnitude, hitting Gumshoos and Yungoos 1 (and maybe the burrows?)!

AC 2: [roll3]
Damage (Ground, Physical, DB 13): [roll4]
Critical: [roll5]

[Llyarden]

Velitus winced sympathetically as the Gumshoos drew blood from Moghu's leg, but he had his own predator to think about, and only managed a vague nod to Moghu that the taller tribesman might or might not have even seen. "Hana, knock it!" Velitus made a sharp hand gesture as he commanded the floating Fairy-type, and she spiralled through the Gumshoos' snapping jaws and rammed the much bigger Pokemon - a hit that the Gumshoos probably wouldn't even feel, but it came with a blast of Fairy power that would threaten to throw the predator backwards, opening the way for Velitus to dart through and crouch besides the Nidoran while Moghu engaged the other Gumshoos. "Hey, come here, little one!" Then he grinned as he heard the roar of the Nidoqueen. "Go find your mother!"

Hana Shift: Disengage P11 -> O10.
Hana Standard: Tackle on Gumshoos 2.
Attack vs Physical AC2 (+1 for Focused Training): 1d20+1z Whoops. Rolled a 12 in OOC.
Normal Physical Damage: [roll0]
Pushes the Gumshoos 2 squares east on a hit.

Velitus Shift: Shift to P7, which will provoke if the Gumshoos didn't get Pushed by the Tackle.
Velitus Standard: Try to shepherd the Nidoran off to safety. I have no idea what the right roll would be for this, but let's try Charm: [roll1]

The -2 Accuracy expires at the end of these turns.

[CateranEnforcer]

Jayce is nearly knocked off his feet as the lashing vine slaps him across the body. He coughs and spits up some blood, but despite the pain, the smell of the plant allures him. He he crawls closer but does not attack the pokemon. "Ivan can you do something about this smell?" I little yellow bird ***** his head in thought before letting out a fountain of water in the area making it damp and hopefully suppressing the smell somewhat.

Ivan uses Water Sport in an attempt to suppress the scent!

Jayce moves, using his stealth capability to move silently and cannot be targets by ranged attacks if rough terrain is between him and the attacker.

[CosmicOccurence]

Jayce & Eira

The Nidoran initially shied away from the icy feeling as Eira plugged its nose, but as soon as the hypnotic aroma was cut off, its eyes widened, and it squealed, racing frantically away from the fight. It got a bit wet as Ivan sprayed water high into the air, saturating the earth and clothes of all around it, clogging up enough of the air with its musty scent to prevent the aroma from being overpowering.

The giant plant raged at Eira and Omen's strikes, and it's vine lashed out at Omen, seeking to crush gorge on his flesh to restore some of its strength. However, it was beginning to slow down as the onslaught of blows began to overwhelm it.

From the forest, you heard the voices of your comrades coming to your aid, along with the avalanche roaring of Pebble.


'Bell is down to one HP bar!

'Bell shifts forwards and attempts to Grapple Omen. It succeeds! Omen must make a DC 14 Athletics or Combat Check to avoid being Grappled. If it fails, it takes 1 tick of damage

Allies will arrive next round!



Moghu and Velitus

The rodent attached to Moghu's leg hissed as his spear hacked at its thick fur. It released Moghu only for the earth to open around it, crushing half its body and fainting the small child that had poked its head out of the warren. In fact, several of the tunnels seems to have caved in from the quake, and you could hear the scrabbling sounds of desperate children.

The rodent threw itself at Podax with abandon, seeking to inflict as much damage to the creature as it could, regardless of whether or not he got hurt in the process. Shoooosssss! it hissed as it sailed over Podax as the Sandshrew ducked out of the way.

Hana manages to shove the Gumshoos backwards, though the blow did pitiful damage. This gave you the opportunity to rush to the Nidoran, who, now away from both of the predators who had grabbed it, gladly began racing down the path towards its warrens.

Meanwhile, the second Gumshoos launched itself at Hana, attempting a similar maneuver to shove her backwards. It slammed into the floating ball of aromatic goo, launching her across the field.

You could hear a roaring stampede approaching along with the roars of an angry Nidoqueen mother who was racing to protect her pup.


Gumshoos 1 uses Take Down on Podax. It misses
Gumshoos 2 uses Tackle on Hana. It Hits and does 31 physical normal damage. Hana is pushed back (I did this on the map already).

The spawn point for this round's Yungoos was blocked.

Nidoqueen will arrive next round!

[Llyarden]

"Um?!" Velitus managed to blurt out, as Moghu's Sandshrew seemingly brought down an entire segment of the warrens. Did...did he mean to do that?

He didn't have much time to think about it, though, with the battle between Hana and the Gumshoos in full swing. Without waiting for a command from him, the little Fairy-type drifted forwards, putting herself between the Gumshoos and the Nidoran and lashing out with aromatic tendrils that sought to drain the energy of the Gumshoos to restore her own.

It was the first time he'd actually had Hana fight since he'd caught her a couple of summers earlier; the danger of her presence attracting predatory attention had always been too great for him to consider it in the past. And no matter how much he might have consciously rationalised that Pokemon, with their powerful connections to the magic of the world, could be far stronger than their size might suggest, the sight of the little Fairy-type facing down the evolved predator made him scared for his Pokemon's safety. Impulsively, Velitus ran forwards too, raising his staff and swinging it clumsily at the Gumshoos in an attempt to distract it from her. "Leave her alone!"

Except...something happened, and the Flabebe petal that was still strung around his neck shimmered brightly and dissolved into glowing motes of light that swarmed around the tip of his staff, and as his wild swing missed and struck the ground, the energy blasted out, carving a line through the ground as though the moon was trying to shine through the grass and dirt despite the presence of the sun high above.

Wha...did I do that?

Velitus Shift: Into Q9.
Velitus Standard: Resonance Beam on Gumshoos 2, with a Fairy Gem for good measure, lowering SpDef on 19+ thanks to the staff being his soulbond weapon.
Atk vs Special AC 4: [roll0]
Fairy Special Damage: [roll1]

Hana Shift: Into N10. Gumshoos 2 is now Flanked.
Hana Standard: Draining Kiss on Gumshoos 2.
Atk vs Special AC 2 (+1 for Focused Training): [roll2]
Fairy Special Damage: [roll3]
Hana heals...I'm pretty sure it's only half the hitpoints the target loses, but it's not actually very clear, so it could be half the damage she deals.

[Zelphas]

Despite the coils of vine wrapping around Omen, Eira grins; her prey is starting to struggle. "Make it regret that, Omen!" she calls out, holding her icy claws in front of her. A moment later, the claws fire off of her fingers, aiming for the fleshy plant matter of the creature. Omen, for his part, ignores the viney ropes after a brief struggle, instead breathign out a stronger blast of orange-yellow flames directly onto the Victreebel.

Glancing over at Jayce, Eira motions slightly for him to move in now, trusting the boy to take advantage of the situation. And if he does... Eira crouches a little lower, waiting for the moment of recoil to strike again.

Eira

Move Action: No need.

Standard Action: Use Ice Shard on the Victreebel.
Accuracy: [roll0] vs. AC 2
Damage: [roll1] Ice Physical
Crit: [roll2]

Eira heals 1 Tick of HP.

Omen

Move Action: Grappled.

Standard Action: Use Ember on the Victreebel.
Accuracy: [roll3] vs. AC 2, Burn on 18+
Damage: [roll4] Fire Special
Crit: [roll5]

If Jayce hits with his Melee attack, I will roll the Pack Hunt attack in the OOC.

[CateranEnforcer]

Jayce breathes easy after Ivan's display. Well not exactly easy; the sweet smell and the humid air was a pungent mixture, but at least his head was clear for the time being. He was just in time to see Eira's signal and he keep himself low as he slunk through the taller grass and popped out right next to the Bel with a cry. "Get him again Ivan!" He pounces on the grass pokemon with his bone dagger like he had done so many times before in the cave ambushes with his tribemates. Ivan wandered forward again as fast as his tiny legs could carry him and let out a painful quack as he directed more psychic energy towards the Victreebel.

Ivan moves up and uses Confusion!
Attack:[roll0] Confuse on 19+
Damage:[roll1] Special Psychic Damage
Crit:[roll2]

Jayce moves through the rough Terrain and uses Cheap Shot!
Attack:[roll3] Auto hit, only roll for crit.
Damage:[roll4] Physical Normal Damage
Crit:[roll5]

[Arcran]

Moghu involuntarily blinked in surprise as Podax's Magnitude. While he'd known the Sandshrew to create powerful quakes, this one was in a league of its own. The Paras Clansman felt a twinge of guilt at collapsing the warrens, but quickly steeled himself, focusing on the task at hand. They had to get the Nidoran out of here, and as soon as possible. Hopefully, with the threat of buried young, the Gumshoos would be more willing to let the Nidoran go.

Well done Podax! Moghu shouted. Keep that one busy, buy us some time! Hit him with a Scratch, and get behind him! Moghu shouted, quickly drawing and flinging a spear at the Gumshoos near Podax, before flinging one at the one near Velitus, then closing the gap to put himself between the Gumshoos and the Nidoran. As he did, he witnessed the flash of energy from Velitus, and looked at the other boy with a newfound sense of respect.


Moghu
Standard: Use Double Strike with the 2 Target option, targeting both Gumshoos!

Gumshoos 1
AC 2: [roll0]
Damage (Normal, Physical, DB4): [roll1]
Critical: [roll2]

Gumshoos 2
AC 2: [roll3]
Damage (Normal, Physical, DB4): [roll4]
Critical: [roll5]
Hit or miss, the Gumshoos is Marked due to Moghu shifting adjacent, and takes a -3 penalty on Accuracy checks against targets other than Moghu.

Shift: Move from N8 to O11.

Also, while cardinally adjacent to Moghu, allies get 4 DR!

Podax
Shift: Move from L5 to M4!
Action: Use Scratch on Gumshoos 1!

AC 2: [roll6]
Damage (Normal, Physical, DB4): [roll7]
Critical: [roll8]

[CosmicOccurence]

Jayce & Eira
It was as if a switch had flipped, and suddenly the two of you were working in perfect tandem. Ivan’s psychic blast was enough to knock Omen free, who retaliated against his attacker with a blast of fire. Meanwhile, Jayce and Eira slid naturally into a flanking maneuver, striking back and forth with rapid speed.

The giant plant was unable to withstand the onslaught of attacks, and it crumpled to the ground, unmoving.

As the two of you stood over its body, the figures of Petra, Beshelt, and Yueh burst through the underbrush. Rumbler! Help them out with a - Beshelt cut off when she saw that the two of you had dispatched the creature.

Well color me impressed, she said. That looked like one nasty critter you took down, though you all look a bit … messy. Indeed, Eira was covered in a thin layer of sickly sweet sap from her initial encounter with the beast, and Jayce’s clothes had several cuts in it from the creature’s attacks.

The Nidoran made a beeline for Yueh, who seemed to be holding a packet of leaves soaked in some sort of liquid. The Nidoran began gobbling it up, while Yueh shared, The mom and I came to an arrangement. She seemed more worried about the one who had already been attacked, understandably.

Petra, meanwhile, was staring slack jawed at the body of the creature, astounded that it had been taken down at all.


Velitus & Moghu

Moghu and Podax worked in tandem, expertly driving it into a corner until one of Moghu's spears took it out of the battle for good. Meanwhile, Velitus's strange blast of energy, combined with Hana's reaching tendrils, left the Gumshoos near you worse for wear. Moghu's spear didn't help, and it hissed angrily, looking for the first time like it was not confident in its victory.

It was the arrival of the enraged Nidoqueen, however, that prompted its swift retreat. The blueish pokemon, only slightly shorter than Moghu, sent a quick blast of spines at the rodent, who had immediately started slinking back into its warrens so quickly that none of you could even try to grab it.

The Nidoran, already running her direction, leaped onto her back as soon as he could. He nuzzled into a hollow at her neck, and she turned her gaze to the two of you. There was not anger in her face, but she was clearly still agitated at the loss of her other child.


Hana heals 7 hit points!

Gumshoos 1 faints!
Gumshoos 2 uses the sprint action to move 11 spaces into the Warren! Only small creatures could chase it if desired. Due to Run Away, it does not provoke attacks of opportunity.

[Llyarden]

Velitus hadn't really been exerting himself all that much, but he still found himself breathing heavily as the Gumshoos retreated back into the warren. "That..." His gaze followed the little Nidoran back to the origin of the spike barrage he'd barely seen land near him, and it was more seeing the Nidoqueen's posture and expression than anything else that snapped him back to reality. "I guess...we should get back to the pit trap?" he suggested, absently returning Hana, still mostly looking at his staff as though he'd never seen it before. "The others must have gone to help Eira, so presumably Pebble's trail shouldn't be hard to follow, at least, and hopefully they'll have retrieved the other little one before the Victreebel got it." He didn't really want to think about how the Nidoqueen would react if they hadn't.

If Moghu happened to meet his gaze, the older tribesman would notice that the deep blue 'petal' tattoos across his face were now streaked with elegant spirals of white.

[Arcran]

Moghu let out a sigh of relief, almost instantly starting to favor his uninjured ankle when the battle ended, leaning slightly on his spear. The boy took a few quick steps over to the unconscious Gumshoos before grasping his spear and, with a quick push, finishing the job, and tying the body over his shoulder. He and Podax had worked hard to take the creature down and, when the wilds gave a gift, it should be taken.

Inneq should appreciate the variety, Moghu thought to himself, Perhaps Petra can help with what parts of the creature are valuable for trade. As he quickly cleaned the spears he had used, Moghu turned to congratulate Podax, but found himself fixating on the Nidoqueen instead. He slowly dropped into a crouch, slowly making his way towards Velitus and trying to not make any sudden movements. As he got closer to Velitus, he noticed the spiraling streaks in the other boys' tattoos and stared far longer than he should have, momentarily distracted by the Nidoqueen.

Are you alright? Moghu whispered, doing his best to keep his focus firmly on the Nidoqueen. Your- Moghu starts, gesturing around his own face, -changed color. Is that normal for your clan? He quickly shook his head; idle curiosity could get them both killed right here. Let's let her make the first move, then follow her back to the others. I don't want to aggravate her, Moghu said softly.

[Zelphas]

Eira's smile sharpens as the Victreebel collapses. She nods to Jayce across the corpse. "Thanks. Good to know someone else--" a cough surprises her, and she rubs the raw, bruised ring around her throat ruefully. "--someone else knows their way around a fight." She digs in her bag for a moment, seemingly ignoring the others, until she finds what she's looking for: a tightly-wrapped bit of hide slathered with some kind of ointment. "Go ahead and rest for right now, Omen," she says as Pebble rushes up to them, returning the Houndour to his Apricorn and beginning to wrap the hide around her throat."Are all fights in the south this... sticky?" she says finally in response to Beshelt, one hand trying irritably to scrape off some of the residue before she goes back to tying the hide to her throat.

Squinting up at the sky for a moment, Eira finishes tying off the wrap on her throat and turns to the others. "Could someone help me tie this plant to Pebble? I'm sure the acid is valuable, but I don't know how to get it out safely, and I don't have time to find out if we're going to stop Felt and her group from killing themselves against the Nidoking." She bends down to grab the Victreebel as she talks, hoisting it up with a grunt and placing it on top of Pebble's back a few moments later.

It may be risky in case there's another battle, but Eira will apply one of her Bandages to herself in this scene.

[CateranEnforcer]

Jayce himself is limping slightly as he acknowledges Eira's compliment. "We rarely go it alone in my clan. I know a chance when I see one. You fight far more fiercely than I do, I just took it by surprise," he says modestly. He too takes a moment to tend to his wounds with a wrap of his own. He pats Ivan on the head as the Psyduck finally catches up with them, breathing heavily. "And you did very well Ivan. That was a powerful attack!"

At Eira's urging, he helps to tie up the fallen Victreebel to Pebble. "So everything went to plan than? We should take the Queen her kit and try and calm down the Nidoking before high sun. Good job everyone!"

[CosmicOccurence]

Velitus & Moghu

When the two of you didn't make any sudden moves, she breathed on you two for a long moment. Then, she turned and barreled back towards the pit. Much like her mate, she'd left a trail of broken trees in her wake to get to her pup, making the journey back a quick one.


Eira & Jayce

You won't need to expect this kind of thing much, Beshelt said with a grin. I've never seen one of these before, and Bellsprout don't produce nearly as much of this stuff.

Petra and Beshelt helped lash the plant to Pebble while Yueh kept the pup calm. It only took a few minutes of awkwardness before you began the trip back to the pit.


All

The two groups met back up, both a little worse for wear, but without any critical injuries. The Nidoran Yueh held struggled out of her grip at the sight of her mother and dashed towards the Nidoqueen. The two nuzzled for a long moment before the pup huddled next to her brother on her mother's back.

While the happy little reunion was happening, Petra was creating a quick message on a roll of birchbark. He quickly etched the crude symbols for disaster, solved, and peace, on two separate pieces before releasing a pair of blueish birds. One had a ruffle of white plumes around its head while the other was sleek, with a red face to compliment its body. I hope one of them can read runes, he said. Though I can't promise either of them will find that crew in time. We should probably hurry in any case. He tied the messages to the birds with twine and sent them into the air with a few brief instructions on what to look for.

Meanwhile, the Nidoqueen was already heading down the path that her mate had gone, following his path of destruction back into the forest.

[Zelphas]

"'A hunter who hunts alone is prey,'" Eira quotes, nodding in agreement to Jayce's statement. "Good thing this plant didn't grow up in my Clan." Eira grins again, slapping the yellow side of the Victreebel to make sure it's staying in place.

"That's good to hear; Winter doesn't need the help to freeze us to death," she replies to Beshelt, still scraping somewhat ineffectually at the sticky goo.

-----

Eira watches Petra scribe the runes with interest; they were somewhat different from her Clan's markings, but the fact that they existed at all was intriguing to her. She rolls her neck, wincing at the discomfort and bruises, and nods to the rest of the group. "Got a prize? Mine's bigger," she teases, looking up at Moghu. "Well... I guess that balances things out a little." Tapping Pebble on the shoulder, Eira directs the Rhyhorn to follow the Nidoqueen's path.

[Arcran]

Moghu let out a deep sigh of relief as the Nidoqueen let them be, the momentary tension washing off of him. As confident as he was, he didn't like his odds against a Nidoqueen.



Moghu grunted at Eira's joke. Still, she fought a creature that size and was barely injured? Perhaps she is not one to underestimate, Moghu thought to himself, sizing up the rest of the group. He did look at the runes Petra scribed with great interest; whatever they were, they weren't something Moghu was familiar with. Perhaps it was some secret knowledge the Spore-Speakers would have? Another thing to learn from the other clans, I suppose.

Hopefully mine is a bit more edible, Moghu replies, looking around the group before he begins to follow the Nidoqueen, still heavily favoring one of his legs. Perhaps, when this is all done, one of you can show me how to best prepare it.

[Llyarden]

With the Nidoqueen watching them, Velitus didn't immediately start tearing around trying to find a puddle of water to see his Clan tattoos in when Moghu observed that they'd changed. "Uh...I'm fine. I think. When you said they'd changed..?"



"Our more important prize is back with his mother, where he belongs," Velitus answered Eira lightly, nodding to the Nidoqueen, a soft smile on his face as he watched the family (or at least three-quarters of it) reunite. "Oh, also, if it helps, I have some healing herbs and poultices with me. Once we've found the Nidoking and let the family go on their way, I can look at anyone's wounds, if you want." This was...mostly intended for Moghu, but in the interests of politeness he didn't explicitly state that the Paras tribesman had suffered a nasty wound in front of the others. (And in fairness Jayce and Eira did look a bit beaten up too.)

"Uh...is the mother going to be okay with us following her?" he asked Yueh.

[CateranEnforcer]

Jayce nobs in reply to Velitas. "I took a big hit from the plant before we took it down. It should be fine in time but maybe after we find Felt, we can have a look. We have to make sure she doesn't get antsy." He looks around at everyone, pleased with the results of the morning.

"We did good, I feel. That was good teamwork, from our side anyways. Hopefully the others learn to work with us too." He hoisted Ivan onto his shoulders for the quick pace he wanted to set. They had to make sure they were there in time to stop any problems.

[CosmicOccurence]

After Yueh assured you that the Nidoqueen would be fine with you following her, the group followed her at a respectable distance. You trotted for about an hour before you heard the commotion.


KIINNNNNGGGGGGG


The roar was so loud that it shook the leaves even though it was still a good distance away. You saw the trees rustling ahead of you, and the Nidoqueen was sniffing the air curiously. The sound of crunching trees and panicked shouts great closer and closer: it seemed the Nidoking was chasing humans.

Suddenly Felt, Kurtakh, Uldeen, and Malta came bursting from the trees. Felt and Kurtakh each were clutching a screaming child, probably no older than five or six summers, who were screaming in panic. They bore the tattoos of the Chespin Clan, and were wailing nearly as loudly as the Nidoking.

Despite seeing you, the group did not slow, putting some distance between them and the trees. And crashing through the forest came a beast that stood almost seven feet tall, with deep purple scales and a massive horn. The Nidoking had arrived, its eyes shot pure red. In fact it seemed so enraged that it did not immediately notice its mate and children a short distance away.

I don't think we'll need a combat map here, but if we end up needing one I'll whip it up!

[Arcran]

Moghu doesn't think much before doing the first action that came to mind. Moghu dashed forward, putting himself close enough to the Nidoqueen that the Nidoking would certainly see both, then start bashing his spear against his shield and shouting, trying to make as much noise as humanely possible.

KING! KING! KIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIING! the boy bellows, trying to get the Nidoking's attention, and desperately hoping the beast will calm down upon seeing his mate. If he didn't, well, Moghu would get a true test of how strong his shield is, likely coupled with a host of broken bones.

Athletics to YELL! [roll0]

[Zelphas]

Eira watches Felt and her group run by in some surprise; the Nidoking had been faster than they expected. She looks over the giant Pokemon in a flash, trying to weigh her options--then the tall Paras boy starts trying to out-yell the Nidoking.

Stifling a smile at the pure absurdity of the situation, Eira slaps Pebble's shoulder beside her. "Full distraction, Pebble," she calls out. The Rhyhorn responds immediately, rearing up to stomp both front feet into the forest floor and letting out a rumbling rockslide roar of her own.

Pebble's Athletics to join in on the noisemaking and hopefully not eat an Earthquake in response: [roll0]

[CateranEnforcer]

Jayce ducks instinctively at the King's roar. Thoughts fly through his head as he observes what Felt and crew are dying and what his group is doing and he comes up with a quick plan. "Dao, if the King comes to close, use that Grass Whistle trick we learned. I'll see if anyone else needs help getting away!" The Machops nobs sharply and gives an agreeable cry, and waits next to the others trying to get the Nidoking's attention.

Meanwhile, Jayce runs over to meet Felt and the rest, "We got the mate free, trying to calm him down. Does anyone else need help?"

If the King comes close, Dao uses Grass Whistle!
[roll0] vs AC 6

[Llyarden]

Velitus had to admit, he froze for a moment seeing the raging Nidoking, even as Pebble and Moghu roared back at it and Felt and her team came hurtling past. But the terrified screaming of the Chespin clan children snapped him back to reality, and he followed Moghu towards the Nidoqueen, waiting for the Nidoking to change focus to the ones challenging it - and then threw Hana's Apricorn Ball straight at the hulking Pokemon. In all likelihood the impact of the Pokeball would be less than that of an insect, but the sweet, soothing scent of the Fairy-type as she appeared would do far more to calm it than anything else Velitus could conceive of.

He hoped.

[CosmicOccurence]

Moghu and Pebble certainly got the Nidoking's attention with their noise. His head snapped to the two of you, and he lowered himself, his massive horn to charge. You weren't sure which came first, his sight of the Nidoqueen or of Hana's calming scent taking an effect, but the red faded from his eyes. His posture relaxed. The tension fell from the air.

And then a tree broke when he began wagging his tail in excitement and rushed up to this mate, nuzzling her affectionately. Yueh sighed, sensing that the danger seemed to have passed as the family was reuinited.

While this was happening, Felt whispered back to Jayce, obviously hoping that she would avoid being noticed. No casualties. We tracked him until he ran into these two collecting water by the river. Malta got a bit banged up in the diversion, but we managed to get these two out alright. He never made it to their camp, thank Latias, but this was a closer call than I'd have liked.

Her eyes landed on the Victreebel and the Gumshoos corpses, and she nodded at them. Looks like you all aren't totally useless in a fight after all.

[Zelphas]

Eira sighs in relief, seeing the Nidoking calm itself... then steps back sharply to avoid the crashing tree trunk. She looks around, ignoring Felt's comments, and nods into the forest, certain that Ithgar is off watching somewhere even if she hasn't noticed him yet. He knows these woods better than all here, I would assume; even Petra, having grown up here, is not the same type of hunter as he is.

Refocusing on the Nidoking and Nidoqueen, Eira glances speculatively at the young for only a moment before shaking her head. Too young, another mouth to feed, and an altogether bad idea, she decides finally, though not without a bit of regret. The power displayed by the two parents of these Pokemon was nothing short of impressive. She simply waits, one hand on Pebble's shoulder to calm her, making sure that this trial is fully over before making any other suggestions.

More a roll just for my own fun than for anything serious, but Survival to pick out the best spot in the area that someone could be hiding and observing our group: [roll0]

[Arcran]

Moghu's whole body tensed as the Nidoking looked his way, and he began to instinctively raise his shield in defense, only to let out a massive sigh of relief as the Nidoking's rage vanished. The large boy gave a quick nod to Eira and Pebble, before slowly working his way back to the rest of the group, gaze never leaving the Nidoking and Nidoqueen.

Do we take these two back to the tribe, then return to camp? Moghu asks, unsure what the next step would be.

[Llyarden]

"Aww..." Despite the falling tree, Velitus couldn't help but smile at the affection between the Nidoking and his mate, though his expression fell slightly as he heard Felt's remark. "I assume Ithgar will tell us what to do next? he suggested. "He said he was watching, after all. But first...this happened because the Nidoking's mate was caught in a pit trap," he explained to Felt - and then turned to regard Petra. "Why would the clan need a pit trap that large?"

[CateranEnforcer]

Jayce nods at Felt. He wasn't expecting such heroic action from her after their first encounter and he took her jab at him in stride. "Well, that's very good that we divided up like we did. Looks like you're not a short sighted brute after all." He throws in that last bit playfully in contrast to her own comment on him. I think I like her.

Taken down a notch from his victorious high from before, Jayce considers Velitus' words. "You're right. These traps are out of place. At the very least, they need to be removed. Otherwise, this will just keep happening. The Chespin Clan doesn't need to be taking on more than they can handle. That's the real fix, not that I'm saying the Clan is weak." He hastily adds at end, taking note of the present company.

[CosmicOccurence]

The Nidoking and Queen spent a long minute together before they turned to the group. As one, they lowered their heads, their horns molting to fall off onto the ground, revealing smaller, paler horns underneath. The Nidoqueen rolled them to you with her snout before the family turned and began trotting off into the forest.

However, even after the Pokemon disappeared and the children calmed down, Ithgar did not make his reappearance. It seemed that this trial was not over quite yet. Felt picked up the Nidoking horn, but did not claim the Nidoqueen's.

Petra, for the first time, seemed to be speaking up. This is something my clan could handle, he said, casting a glare at Jayce and Moghu. Ithgar said at the start that since it was so close to the Clansmeet that they simply left it to give us a challenge. Besides, we don't normally have any issues with this. If our pits were a problem, we would have abandoned them long ago. I'm not training to become a pitmaster, so I don't know more about things like this, but its not happened in my lifetime before.

Did you all find anything strange about the pit trap the Nidoqueen was in while you were there? Malta said. The Fennekin Clan member spoke calmly, but heat had begun to emanate from the red tattoos at her palms.

Beshelt spoke up. Regardless, Moghu's right. Some of us need to get these pups back to camp at the very least.


Eira
You didn't spot Ithgar as you were scanning the forest. You noticed an Ekans in the grass nearby, and maybe a shadow that could have been his Mightyena. However, as you were searching, your eyes caught a flash of white, just for a second. As you backtracked to find it, you saw a white pokemon with shaggy fur, about the size and shape of a Mightyena, but with a massive crescent moon shaped horn sprouting from its head.

When you blinked, it had vanished.


This Pokemon was one that even a child would recognize. It was Absol, bringer of disasters. If it was here, that meant he brought calamity in his wake.

At least, that was the common belief. Realistically, Absol was merely a messenger, sent in warning. It still wasn't a good sign that he was here, but he was warning of disaster to come.

[Llyarden]

"Well, the fact that it's not happened in your lifetime is sort of the point," Velitus replied, mildly. "I don't think any of us are saying that your way of life is a problem - just that specific pit. And given that our trial appears not to be finished yet, it might be the case that uncovering what caused this to happen is part of the trial too. It would be quite unfortunate if no sooner had we believed we'd resolved the issue than another pit caused an identical situation."

He glanced down at the Nidoqueen horn, and leant down to carefully pick it up, though he didn't try to stow it away, instead holding it out so the others could examine it too. "We will need to work out a fair way of distributing what we've gathered, or anything we can barter for with them," he commented - he kinda glanced at Felt, but if she wanted to keep the Nidoking horn he was fine with that, since they had the Victreebel and Gumshoos. "But we can probably afford to do that later. Let's get these little ones back where they belong too. Clan Chespin's camp is the most obvious place to ask about the pit in any case."

[Zelphas]

Eira's eyes widen, slowly. She instinctively glances up at the sky, looking for the tell-tale black clouds that would mark a blizzard rolling suddenly in. I don't know what kind of disaster is normal in this world of green, she realizes, turning back towards the rest of the group. It only came after we stopped the rampage, which means...

Eira breaks into the conversation between the group without preamble. "We're missing something. The Trial's not over." She pauses, swallowing once. "I just saw Absol. Something worse is about to happen." Throughout her explanation, her feet and eyes don't stop moving, scanning the trees around them for danger.

Perception to be on guard: [roll0]

[Arcran]

Moghu looked at the group, impressed with the work they'd accomplished. All things considered, it had gone smoothly, despite the smarting wound on his ankle. He looked at the Nidoking horn, imagining a spear tipped with so formidable a point, but decided against it. The others had helped, and deserved their own shares of the loot.

We didn't have time to look over the pit, Moghu said, a bit more hostility creeping into his voice as he spoke to the Fennekin Clan member. But the thought has merit. Should we split up again? Some get these two back to camp, the rest of us investigate the pit, see if we can't find out something else? Maybe the escort group can try to grab a pitmaster and meet back up with us? Moghu stated.

When Eira mentioned the Absol, Moghu began scanning the trees, tensing up immediately. Even among the Paras the legends of the Absol had circulated, if only barely. Should we hunt the Absol as well? Before it can cause something worse? Three groups is thin, but it is a bad omen.

[Llyarden]

"No," Velitus answered Moghu simply - and much more firmly than his normal, somewhat hesitant, meanderingly-polite tone. "Absol is the harbinger of disaster, not the one who brings it down upon us. The land let Eira alone see him for a reason. To try to hunt him would be an insult."

[Zelphas]

"Hunt Absol?" Eira responds blankly. "You don't 'hunt' disaster. You get out of its way."

She listens to Velitus' explanation with a bit of skepticism, her eyes still darting the round. "...I was thinking about whether or not this Trial was over when it appeared," she says slowly. "I'm guessing that's a 'no', so checking the pit again seems like a good idea. There's also less people around there, too, just in case..."

She trails off for a moment, then fixes her eyes on Petra. "Is it common for people around here to know how your Clan marks your traps?" she asks rather suddenly, connecting a few dots in her head. It may give her nothing, but those water-soaked clumps of holly seemed important.

[CateranEnforcer]

Jayce is mollified by Petra's rebuke and replies sheepishly. "I did not mean to offend. I apologize. If it's never happened before, is it possible this was a sabotage? You say you mark these pits, did anyone see the holly marking the trap?" He stops to think, trying to recall the details. At the same time he didn't want to jump to conclusions.

Again, Jayce closed his eyes and took a breath. Time to calm down. What would Guru Darius say? Something wise and cryptic probably. What would his brother do? Something daring and clever most likely. But what would he do?

Jayce sighs and has little to contribute,"I think our first instinct to make sure this was only a tragic accident and not let it happen again. We should fix the problem with the old trap, make sure there are no more, and check for foul play. Maybe with an expert. We lasped in our job to check the pits, would you see to the kits, Felt?"

[CosmicOccurence]

You begin to see things in bushes, trees, shadows, that turn out to be nothing. You're constantly seeing something menacing in the side of your vision only for it to end up being something totally innocent. And the worst part is that you suspect that nothing supernatural is causing this, only your own mind.


When Eira mentioned the Absol, Malta and Felt visibly blanched. Uldeen and Yueh both dabbed some ochre in a sign to ward off spirits bearing bad luck. Velitus and Eira have the right of it, Yueh said. Hunting it down would only prevent it from warning from disasters to come. It would be the height of folly. This doesn't make its appearance any less welcome though. The shaman sighed. I do wish it had appeared to me, but I suppose it had its reasons.

When the conversation turned to Petra and questions were asked about the pit, he shared. Most of the tribes nearby know our markings, so that they don't accidentally fall into one while travelling through our lands. It isn't a secret, to be sure.
Of course, the ones more near our camp are clan secrets, which we don't share with outsiders. The Holly though, is common knowledge in this part of the Open Forest. He hadn't quite connected the same dots that you had, and turned to Jayce.

There was holly on this one for sure. But I can take us to the camp. Itek and Puyi, come on, he waved the two children over, who approached him cautiously. He may know their names, but they weren't close. Felt just seemed happy that they no longer clung to her. We can talk more as we walk.

Beshelt sidled up to Jayce. So what do you think? A rival clan decided to cause some chaos, maybe take a few lives?

Yueh took next to Velitus for the walk. You know a thing or two about Absol. More than just the rumors most people spread. I'm glad you spoke up, but an Absol ... she shuddered. Not what I was hoping for at the trials, you know?

Petra seemed content to walk with the two kids hands in his, but if Eira ventured near he said, Sorry that I haven't been more help. I'm not totally sure why I'm even here, to be honest. It's not like I'm anything special in my clan. I mean, I'm just the kid who stirs the soup. You seem ... well powerful and magical. Jayce has eyes like a Fearow. Moghu terrifies me. Velitus is wise. Even Yueh and Beshelt seem more useful than me, and they didn't even save one of the pups.

Kurtack meanwhile, spent a good deal of time observing the Victreebel and Gumshoos, and kept glancing at Moghu, who was the only other contestant that stood at a similar height and build. He didn't say anything unless prompted though.

Uldeen, Felt, and Marta, walked together, furiously debating in whispered voices.


This walk can go on for as long as wanted, or I can jump straight to the camp! Feel free to branch out to chat with anyone you want to, or nobody.

[Zelphas]

After about the third time that she jumped at a completely ordinary, unmoving bush, Eira sternly tells herself to calm down. You can't unfreeze the river. It's too late to prevent the disaster now; you can only react to it. She takes a few deep breaths and forces herself as the next simple tree shadow seems to grow fangs and leap towards her.

It doesn't help her inner state of mind, but at least she isn't twitching like a Cubchoo with fleas anymore.

It is perhaps because of this twitchiness that Eira's response to Petra is somewhat terse. "We all use what we're given, or the Land takes it back. Prove you deserve to keep what you have." she glances over to the boy and tries to smile, though it comes out more as a twitch. "You've survived this long, which means you have something keeping you alive. Find out what it is and use it."

Her bouncing eyes flash over Felt and her coterie for a moment, and they narrow slightly before moving on. quietly, Eira slips back to the back of the group, ostensibly to check on Pebble's harness. Once there, she quietly begins moving forwards again, looking to get within earshot of the little group without being noticed by them so she could overhear whatever new thing they are plotting.

Stealth to sneak up on Felt & Co.: [roll0]

Perception to eavesdrop: [roll1]

[CateranEnforcer]

Jayce takes a measured reply to Beshelt. "Maybe, but that really doesn't explain the Absol omen. I feel like that would have more something to do with natural forces, rather than a tribal dispute. Maybe something is causing pokemon to migrate in an unusual way, some premonition of a disaster. I think my Guru might be able to tell me, but I'm clueless really." He shrugs hopelessly. "Just when I think I have it figured out, I find out I don't. And when you don't know what to do, you have to speak out and listen to the echo. That's kind of a saying for Clan Zubat, but I'm not explaining it very well. It just means we need to look further and don't trust your eyes, your first impression. Find out what is solid and real."

It's comforting to go over the philosophy of his Clan with an outsider. He is usually the quiet one on journeys with others. He's heard many kernels of wisdom from his betters, and finds that some of it must have stuck. Remembering his own words, he turned the question around. "What do you think may have happened?"

[Arcran]

Moghu walked in silence, pondering his own thoughts. The Absol itself was fine, but just a herald of bad omens? What did that mean? A flood? An earthquake?

A forest fire?

As thoughts of a raging inferno began to fill Moghu's mind he released Rella, the Poliwag quickly obliging in coating the two of them in a Water Sport, providing a protective layer against the flames. It was unlikely, but one could never be too prepared when it came to fire.

We missed something at the pit. Was the Nidoking tracking whoever laid the trap? Did they put special bait in there? Was it to kill the Nidoqueen, or to provoke the King? The outside world is so much more complicated than the warrens...

Eventually, he nodded at Kurtack. As complicated as everything else was, Kurtack at least seemed to have simple motivations, which was a welcome change in the current environment. I like your axe, Moghu said simply, admiring the craftsmanship. What's the blade made of?

[Llyarden]

Velitus gave Yueh a small smile, slightly embarrassed. "Some shamans in my Clan become omen-readers." He wasn't going to give out the exact details of how the Twin Petals interacted with the Glade (not least because he didn't know them himself), but he didn't really need to anyway. "It's a prestigious role, not one given to a young mediator like me, but still...I always hoped I might be able to one day, and I ended up pestering my master until he got annoyed enough to teach me some of the basic omens. What Absol's presence means and doesn't mean was one of the first lessons."

He sighed, realising that to some extent he'd been saying far more than he needed to just to avoid thinking about what Eira's sighting meant. "I know," he agreed with Yueh, quietly. He tried to push away the selfish part of him that hoped that the fact that the Absol had appeared to Eira meant it was a threat to her Clan alone.

[CosmicOccurence]

Eira

You knew intuitively that your master would be proud of you as you slipped through the trees, looping around to follow near the three girls as they whispered furiously to each other. However, it was difficult to hear all of what was said, as you had to slip past trees and bushes to avoid making sound, occasionally taking you out of range of their whispered conversations.

- know that I can't do that Felt. I'm not trained to - That was Uldeen, who for the first time seemed peeved with Felt.
- fires last night, it said this trial would reveal who did that to my sister - that was Malta, whose palm tattoos seemed to be connected to her emotional state, were glowing bright with heat.
- can't be a coincidence that this is happening at the trials. They're acting now for a reason - Felt hissed back after you had to skirt the den of a particularly nasty looking Stunky.
It doesn't make any sense. Jirachi has been dormant for generations, and the Clansmeet is a horrible time to act. There are just so many people around. Uldeen explained.
Just don't trust anyone. Felt said. If Malta is right and someone who is part of this trial is part of this, it could be any of them. Kurtakch doesn't seem - ... - even a brute can take orders. The others I don't trust as far as Uldeen - Uldeen grimaced, but Malta laughed at the joke you didn't quite hear the punchline of.


Jayce

That's a weird expression. Why would you listen to your own echo? Beshelt said, clearly not making the connections to the idiom of your clan. But I understand about not trusting your eyes. We use scent more than most clans, and it never lies.

She sighed, spinning one of her knives in her hands. I think it was a dumb place to put a pit, no matter what Petra wants us to think. This was a new Pitmaster, right? So maybe he just made a dumb mistake and got himself, and potentially others in his clan, killed. Or maybe someone was faking this entire thing. Maybe one of the enemies of Chespin Clan? They keep to themselves mostly though.



Moghu
It is Stone. Stone of the Mountain. he said. The axe had a hardwood handle, and the stone was jet black and shiny, looking like nothing you'd seen in your life. The Mountain provides all needed. These forests. They are soft and weak. I do not like it here. Nidoking not be a problem for my clan. Rhyhorn are strong.

He offered the handle of the axe to you to try out. Your shield? He asked. Is not a normal shield. That was not a question. If you picked up the axe, you noticed that it was quite heavy, and clearly meant to be used two-handed in battle.


Velitus

Yueh took a long second to think. The constant jingle of her clothes would really have made her a poor hunter, but you more than anyone here other than Uldeen understood the importance of physical objects to the creation of magic.

I'm no master in omen reading either. I don't think the Absol was related to this trial. One rampaging Nidoking just isn't big enough for it to show up for. No, something's coming. Something bad. But it showed itself to Eira, not anyone at the Clansmeet. Why show yourself to a youth, not even an adult yet? What could Eira do to prevent a calamity? She looked at you. I think it must have something to do with her clan. Or maybe the trials?

As she looked at you, your eyes drifted behind her, where you saw a white form trotting through the trees. It was a form behind the party, further back even than Malta, Uldeen, and Felt's quiet bickering. And it was unmistakably an Absol. The a Stunky dashed across the path you were following and the second your eyes left the Absol, it disappeared.

[Llyarden]

Velitus paused for a moment. "I...don't think it's just Eira's Clan," he said to Yueh quietly, before raising his voice slightly. "Absol just appeared to me as well," he announced. "It might simply be that I'm overthinking this, but to appear twice to two separate people - making it clear that they are two separate occurrences - who share little similarities besides our current actions...it's as though he's trying to suggest that what comes is more specific than something that threatens the entire Clansmeet; else, why not reveal himself elsewhere as well - and if he were trying to warn everyone, why not appear to us all?"

"So...to me, it seems like he is trying to warn us that something we are doing will lead to disaster...or that we, specifically, are heading towards one." Or the site of one. With the two Chespin children still with them, he didn't want to bring up that possibility aloud. "Eira, which direction did you see..." He blinked, and looked around. "Uh, where did Eira go?"

[Zelphas]

Eira silently curses the forest for having so many new sounds and sights. How am I supposed to guard against calamity if I don't know what to look for? she thinks in exasperation as she dodges around a truly foul-smelling hole in the ground. Still, she gathers enough of Felt, Uldeen, and Malta's conversation to make her intrigued. The three seemed to be expecting something, along with this Trial; some sort of betrayal or discovery. To head that off, Felt is trying to convince Uldeen to do something which she isn't comfortable with.

When Velitus makes his announcement, Eira spins to the small threesome, trying to gauge their reactions carefully. The mention of another Absol sighting doesn't actually bother her overmuch; she's already seen it once, so the calamity's already coming to her. It can't make things worse than they're going to be. Instead, she looks over Felt, Uldeen, and Malta, trying to see if they give anything away in the moment of Velitus' statement.

Then Velitus mentions her, and Eira smiles, pleased that she has vanished from the sight of everyone. Stepping silently around the group, she walks into view out of Velitus' shadow, tapping him on one shoulder with an icy hand. "I saw it from that way," she responds to him, pointing in the direction where she experienced the vision of Absol. Her eyes, however, remain on Felt and her little group.

Intuition on Felt & Co. for their reaction to Velitus' statement: [roll0]

[Arcran]

Somewhat oblivious to the concerns rising around the group, Moghu unstrapped his shield to momentarily hand it to Kurtack, trading it for the other boy's axe. He looked it over carefully, before taking a few practice swings to learn the heft and weight of it. Is this what Inneq meant? Learning how other tribes fight could be valuable, right? And Rhyhorn are herbivores, safe for the Paras. Moghu waited expectantly to see how his tattoos would respond, but, regardless of their answer, began explaining his shield to the Rhyhorn clansman.

Normal for us, Moghu stated. Wood so that spines stick, coated in cured Heatmor hide for toughness and make sure that it does not burn, Moghu explained, pointing out a few dents where he'd repaired previous hits.

You should hunt in the Deep Forest, you might think us less soft then, Moghu says, finally handing over the axe. You do not want to get close to prey there. Using an axe like this would get you poisoned, burned, or worse, Moghu explains as he pulls out one of his hunting spears. You can fight up close or at a distance with these, but you're protected from the poison spines of a Nidoking or a Cyndaquil's flames. Less damage than your axe, but effective, he finishes, strapping his shield back to his arm after Kurtack has had the chance to inspect it.

At the news that another Absol has appeared, Moghu tenses, and has Rella coat him with another layer of water. Have you ever ran into an Absol? he asks, scanning the trees.

[Llyarden]

"GAH!" Velitus jumped when Eira tapped him on the shoulder, almost turning and trying to club her upside the head with his staff before catching himself. "Did you have to do that..?" he complained - but he very quickly returned his focus to the mysterious appearances and disappearances of Absol. "Hmm...when he appeared before me, had I been able to see through the forests my gaze would've fallen upon the Clansmeet. And if my understanding of our path is correct, then that means the same was true when he appeared before Eira. Once could be a coincidence - though with Absol, even that would be a stretch - but twice..."

"Petra, is there anyone still at the Clansmeet you can send your bird Pokemon to?"

[CateranEnforcer]

That's a weird expression. Why would you listen to your own echo? Beshelt said, clearly not making the connections to the idiom of your clan. But I understand about not trusting your eyes. We use scent more than most clans, and it never lies.

She sighed, spinning one of her knives in her hands. I think it was a dumb place to put a pit, no matter what Petra wants us to think. This was a new Pitmaster, right? So maybe he just made a dumb mistake and got himself, and potentially others in his clan, killed. Or maybe someone was faking this entire thing. Maybe one of the enemies of Chespin Clan? They keep to themselves mostly though.

"Yes well, there's no way to know for sure just talking about it." Jayce sighs. "I do think our trial here is to try and restore some deeper problem. We'll just have to investigate and see what we can find. I think we can start by all working together." He looks at the antics of the others, some getting along, some not, but all divided up into groups.

"Honestly this is not much different than my own clan's organization, or the lack of it. We kind of do a little bit of our own thing, but we know our purpose and role. We only gather up when there is a pressing issue we need to deal with, like an intruder. And to go home when the time comes. The important part is that we work together when it matters."

Jayce hones in on the scattered interactions and listens closely, though he in particular tries to listen to any sign of the Absol, or any clue to why it has arrived. It seems pretty important to them, so he'd try and help. He knows his eyes and especially ears can sometimes pick up things other miss. Though really, he isn't too sure about his ability to make sense of some ill omen and that the answer would come in time.

Perception just to look around for signs of the Absol
[roll0]

[CosmicOccurence]

At Velitus's revelation, most of the group's mood darkened. Yueh and Uldeen added another dab of ochre to their wards. Beshelt's knives never left her hand. Petra was quivering, casting glances constantly into the trees. Malta and Felt said nothing, but their faces were dark and stormy.

If the danger is at the Clansmeet, then we hopefully have nothing to fear at this trial, Yueh said. Which is a blessing, if only a small and temporary one.

Petra shook his head when asked about his Pokemon. I've only gone to the clansmeet this year, and my Pokemon weren't released for most of the journey. However, one of the elders at camp should be able to send a message.


Moghu
Kurtakch hefted the shield lightly in a hand, banging one of the spears against it. Is different. But not bad.
Lowlander enemies require lowlander weapons. If you visit the mountains, you need big weapon to break through Geodude carapace. After a few more test swings of the spear, he handed them back in exchange for his axe.

This Absol creature. I know nothing of it. Lowlanders are scared, but Kurtakch sees no danger. Is just another Pokemon. Is not Aggron, Hydregion, or Garchomp. Is not worry me. Should not worry you. He nodded, clearly believing that his words had been the height of wisdom.


Jayce
As you listened, you could hear the soft pattering of footsteps on stone, but then it was gone. Whether that was the Absol or another creature you were unsure, but you did not hear any immediate danger. In fact, with the Nidoking's rampage ended, the quiet sounds of a forest going about its business had begun again, the tension in the air gone fo the critters of dirt and leaf.

In my clan your pack is family, Beshelt said. We hunt only together, and see each other every day. To go separately would be to forsake the pack. So yes, whatever is coming, we must face it together, at least if we all make it through the trials.


Eira
You could tell that Malta and Felt were quite upset by the sighting of the second Absol. Why, you had no idea. It could be out of fear, superstition, confusion, or even out of a desire for a warning not to go out to the clans.

[Zelphas]

While she won't admit it aloud, Eira feels a mixed jolt of relief and guilt at Velitus' assessment about where the Absol came from. If it's seen by someone else, and it's pointing towards the Clansmeet, the disaster isn't targeted at my Clan. They should be all right.

Eira looks over Felt, Uldeen, and Malta carefully. Upset... but not surprised. What were they already expecting before this Trial began? After a moment, she shrugs to herself, dismissing the concern to join all the other concerns that have popped up since the Absol was first seen. They aren't my family or even my Clan. I can't demand their secrets, only discover them.

"Sounds like we should hurry to camp, then," she says aloud, moving back to Pebble and spurring her onwards. "'Even a Beartic cave's better than nothing in a blizzard,' and the storm clouds are gathering."

[CateranEnforcer]

Jayce is not comforted to know the danger may be at the Clansmeet."I agree, we should be quick. I don't want to come back to a disaster. Almost want to make sure things are fine now but we can't let everyone down." He thought about his Guru and hoped he had seen this coming and prepared.

[Arcran]

Absol is not dangerous, Moghu says, trying to think how best to explain this. But it is a sign that danger is coming. Storms, fires, earthquakes, fires, big disasters, Moghu says, not even noticing that he had said fire twice. Either way, if the danger is at the meet we should finish this trial quickly. We should be there to help if something happens.

[CosmicOccurence]

The Chespin camp looked much like any other Open Forest camp would. It was located near water, but not so close that they had to worry about wild pokemon in the river. The camp was a collection of tents, hides strung out to cure, and the gentle activity of a day in the life of a clan. You didn't see any fires, but smoke coming out of the ground told you that they did their cooking in underground pits covered with leaves and fronds.

The two children were almost immediately greeted by a gleeful greyish cat whose tail spiralled severely. It twined between their legs, and a woman came up behind it, looking at the lot of you, but mostly at her child. I was getting worried about you two, she said, before briefly getting the story, after which she thanked

Here, take these, she said, handing each of you a few berries. It isn't much, but it's what I have. It sounds like you all aren't staying around long enough for the Wooloo to be finished. She was a weaver in the tribe, but pointed you to anyone you needed to see, sending her several cats along with to ensure the locals knew that they should cooperate with you.

You each get three Oran Berries!

Feel free to talk to whomever you'd like to (pitmaster, shaman, the raft workers, etc. They'll chat with you and answer your questions, so feel free to invent whatever you'd like about the Chespin camp so we can dive in. Things slowed down a bit this weekend. If you'd like to bring any of the NPCs with you, assume they're willing to come along.

[Llyarden]

"If you're sure you can spare them, then thank you very much," Velitus said, accepting the berries carefully and adding them to a small hide pouch that was secreted among his garments.

Once pointed towards the clan's pitmasters, he made his way over to the woodsman in question, and introduced himself. "I appreciate it's impolite to ask about your Clan's methods, and I'm sorry for asking this of you, but...would it be normal for a pitmaster to create a pit large and deep enough to entrap a Nidoqueen?"

Charm to hopefully get the pitmasters to open up about their pits: [roll0]

[Arcran]

Moghu simply nods as he is given the berries, before following Velitus to speak with the pitmasters. They were their best avenue forward to finding signs of foul play, at least in Moghu's mind.

[Zelphas]

Eira accepts the Berries with a nod of thanks; food is all-important, and always worth taking. Seeing that Velitus is already speaking to the pit masters, Eira turns to Petra. "Could you ask around and see if there's been any problems with specific tribes or groups nearby?" she asks him, nodding towards the camp. "They're your Clan, so they'll be more likely to talk to you than to any of us."

While he does that, Eira takes a different approach towards gathering information. Slipping into the woods nearby, Eira begins wandering through the camp as carefully as she can, listening to the conversations between the pitmasters, the raft workers, the shaman if she can find them... anyone who might have heard of the situation and had an opinion on it, That might at least get her some information.

If she is caught snooping around, Eira smiles, explains where she is from and what she is doing, and goes to find Petra, hoping that he has more luck than she does. If she isn't caught, she still goes to find Petra eventually; he is more likely to get some clear information than she is.

Stealth to snoop around the camp for information: [roll0]

Charm to talk her way out of trouble if she gets caught: [roll1]

[CateranEnforcer]

Jayce sees the others spilt up to do there own thing, and decides to go out as well. He figures that if anyone knows about something odd going around, it should be the shaman. With some direction he heads out to find them. "Beshelt, I'm going to check in with the shaman. If anyone knows of any strange activity going on, they should be aware of it."

With a bit of uncertainty, Jayce makes his way through the camp, avoiding the eyes of any passers by until he gets to where he is going. He's uncertain how to address the shaman of the tribe, but he does his best to stay formal and respectful. "Excuse me. We're here on our trials and we're investigating the woods a little bit in the wake of the Nidoking attack. We want to make sure it doesn't happen again. Has there been any changes recently? Maybe in tribal relations or the activity of wild pokemon?"

[CosmicOccurence]

Velitus & Moghu

The Pitmaster was tall, with broad shoulders and hair that was tied back into a bun. Pit big enough to trap a Nidoqueen? Usually you don't need something so big for a Deerling or Wooloo, and it's rare that we'd try and tackle something so large. If we do build a trap like that, we'd intentionally bait it to attract the pokemon we're hoping to snare and include other scents that other pokemon would be adverse to in the area nearby.

Nidoqueen tend to be fairly peaceful though, so long as you don't get on their bad side. And if we did go after one, it certainly wouldn't have been a newly tilled pitmaster doing that work. Ottik died too young. However, I'm thankful for your service in taming the Nidoking and freeing the Nidoqueen.
You've done good work for the Forest today, and your clans should count themselves proud to have youngsters like you.

At those words, a sense of deep satisfaction came over Moghu, and a gentle warmth spread across your tattoo. It seemed the Great Mother was indeed proud of the work you had done today, though the faint nausea of being so far from her persisted.


Jayce
The Chespin Clan didn't have many mages, and the one you found was on the younger side for a master shaman of a clan. She was old enough to be an adult, but just barely. Her hair was tied into several braids that hung down her back, and she stirred a bubbling clear liquid that looked like water, but smelled of peaceful glades.

Changes recently? she said. It's certainly been a strange winter and fall for those of us in the eastern parts of the open forest, that's for sure. The Sawsbuck Clan has reported disappearances of some of their clan members, same with the Mightyena. The Fennekin Clan has been on edge too, though they're cagey enough to keep the reasons to themselves. It's been bad omens this whole winter. It left us by until recently though. Now this? We've never had issues with Nidoking in the past.

As far as relations with other clans go, we keep to ourselves, and our hunting grounds don't shift like so many of the others who follow the herds. That said, we're close enough to the Clansmeet that traffic picks up around these times. Lots of strangers passing through that we've had to warn about our pits, but that happens every year. It'd be easy enough to slip in and out without anyone realizing that you were anything more than a passerby. My magic deals with wards and protections, not divination or mind reading, so its times like these that I wish my clan had a talent for some of the other arts.



Eira
The unfamiliar territory and promise of hidden, unmarked pit traps made your job more difficult. However, you did well considering the circumstances. Certainly since nobody was on the lookout for strangers in their own camp, and the Chespin Clan didn't require the honed senses of a more traditionally trained hunting clan. You didn't think a soul saw you as you slipped through the camp and trees like one of Marshadow's own soldiers.

You didn't hear much of particular interest as you listened in on conversations. The Nidoking's actions, as well as the news that your group brought along with the rescue of the children, was certainly the talk of the camp. There was rampant speculation going around. Some claimed that this entire winter had been cursed, and the same misfortune that had befallen the Mightyena, Sawsbuck, and Fennekin had finally descended on the Chespin. Others thought that spirits were running amuk, and that the Pit of Eternal Dusk needed its wards refreshed. Still others chattered that the Mightyena Clan, large as it was, had finally decided to expand their hunting grounds into Chespin Territory. The people who spoke like that were clearly warriors. It all sounded like rampant gossip and speculation, but even a broken compass would sometimes point north.

Much more interesting was, after about fifteen minutes of snooping, you stumbled upon the carcass of a large blue and white bird. It looked to be the evolution of one of Petra's species. Its tail split into two long points, but the entire bird was a violent mess. The creature's lifeblood had yet to even sink into the soil. Around its leg was tied a birchbark rune message, similar to the one that Petra had sent to warn Felt earlier.

[Zelphas]

Eira stands up slowly from the dead bird, holding the birchbark message carefully in one hand. She looks over the area carefully, keeping herself as hidden as she can in the process. Finally, she takes a step into the woods, and then hesitates. A hunter who hunts alone is prey. Shaking her head silently, Eira turns to find Petra.

---

"I need you to do two things for me," Eira says without preamble to Petra once she arrives, appearing out of his shadow. "First, I need you to come with me." She brings Petra to the site of the dead bird, assuming that such a place is safe and is away from prying eyes and ears. If it is not, she leads Petra to wherever she can find that is out of eyesight and earshot of the camp.

"Second, I need you to read this." Eira holds out the barkskin, but pulls back for a moment before reading it. "Read it aloud; I can't read the runes, and I need to know what they say before you act on them." Only then does Eira finally hand the scroll over, waiting impatiently for the reading.

Survival to check for tracks around the dead Swellow bird: [roll0]

Pokemon Ed to identify what could have killed the bird by tracks and/or the wounds on the bird: [roll1]

[CosmicOccurence]

Eira

A quick look at the body shows that it was clearly killed by fangs, though you weren't enough of an expert on southern species that you had any idea what kind of Pokemon could have done this. There were footsteps, clearly trying to leave no trace and failing, leading to and away from the site. They lead further into the forest, not back into camp. And the footsteps were clearly human. You found no tracks indicating the passage of a pokemon.

Petra followed you without complaint, after briefly introducing you to his parents. At the sight of the dead bird, Petra blanches. This is my father's Pokemon, and the father of my own Twillist. This is the message you all asked me to send to the Clansmeet, warning about the Absol. I went to my dad to send it right away with his messenger bird. What ... what could have done this?

[Zelphas]

Eira nods once, sharply, in response to Petra's statements. "GO to your Clan elder and report what has happened, then meet back here. I'll go get the others. This seems involved with us." Suiting word to action, Eira is immediately away.

Going quickly to the others, Eira simply explains that they all need to meet together as soon as possible, and either brings them with her or (if they refuse to come with) tells them where to meet. Once everyone Who she can reasonably expect to come has gathered, Eira explains what she's found. "...and they went that way," she says, pointing to the direction the tracks are going. "I'm not getting tricked into a plant's gullet twice in one day, but I think we should follow them; this happened recently and we need to move fast. Whoever did this has a Pokemon with strong fangs and they don't want the Clansmeet to know about a catastrophe coming; this seems like something Soul Clan would want to be dealt with."

[Llyarden]

"Thank you," Velitus said to the pitmaster, politely. "If you don't mind me asking, then...how many other Clans are there around here with the skill to build a pit trap that could catch a Nidoqueen?"


---

Velitus followed Eira back to the dead bird, frowning as he crouched down to examine it himself. "How would the attacker know to target this bird specifically?" he asked. "To do so would require seeing that it held a message on its leg, to know that it was flying towards the Clansmeet - and even then, there would be no guarantee that the message it held was indeed a warning about the Absol that only our group - and Petra's father - is aware of."

"More than that, how would it be killed? I can't imagine a strong Pokemon being stunned by a stone from a sling and brought down the way some Open Forest Clans hunt birds - and if it was, why need a Pokemon with sharp fangs to kill it? If there are no Pokemon tracks at all here, that suggests that the other Pokemon was flying too...although even then I would have thought a fight would leave some traces, and even if the fight was far up in the air, why would there be human footprints coming here and leaving again? And if the footprints belong to the one that killed it coming to check the kill, why not simply remove the message from its leg when they were here anyway? On the other hand, there are no indications that the bird was killed elsewhere and deposited here - and again the question of why the killer wouldn't remove the message arises."

Velitus sighed. "This entire scene makes no sense. Which suggests that there is a lot more going on here than we're aware of."

Medicine Edu to examine the bird's wounds to see if it had been, like, snared or something weird: [roll0]
And I guess I'll try Pkmn Edu as well: [roll1]

And why not, since Intuition can be used to get a hunch and discern connections between clues, let's go ahead and do that because at the moment it feels like this entire scene has been staged to send us off on a wild goose chase: [roll2]

[Arcran]

Moghu let a huge grin creep over his face as the Great Mother's favor washed over him. He wasn't sure why the Great Mother was invested in aiding the Chespin, but her appreciation was still warranted. Perhaps she, like Inneq, had some inclination to work with other clans?

If you have the time, could we get you to come look at the pit with us? Moghu asked. It is likely nothing, but we want to make sure there is nothing to be concerned about.



It was taken by surprise then, Moghu says, listening to Velitus' concerns. Killed in ambush, before it could strike back.

At the rest of the questions, Moghu's face went slightly blank. Whatever was going on here was schemes within schemes, and Moghu was not a schemer. Even if following the path takes us to a trap, I think we go, Moghu states, applying some healing mushroom salves to his wounds while he pops an Oran Berry into his mouth. If they want a fight, we give them a fight.

[CateranEnforcer]

Jayce excuses himself from the shaman, "Interesting, but not really enough to go on. I must go see what Eira has found, thank you very much for your observations." He hurries off to find the others, dreading what they discovered.

--

Jayce listens closely to the thoughts of the others. He really doesn't like the idea of walking into a trap, but the clues didn't add up. More and more he thought of the Clansmeet and what trouble was happening there. "If we go after these tracks, make sure others know where we go. There's enough of us that maybe we'd be prepared, but Zubats usually set ambushes. Not walk right into them. If only I had my own, it's very hard to catch a more experienced guide by surprise. This land is unfamiliar to me and I don't know if I can sense the trap before we walk into it." Jayce sighs, not happy with the plan, but he tries to think more boldly. "Just be careful and don't be so overconfident."

[CosmicOccurence]

Velitus & Moghu

The pits themselves aren't difficult to build. Just a big hole, honestly. Anyone who had a pokemon capable of that could create one. The coverings are a bit more tricky, but not so different than other camoflauge. It's the baiting that's tricky. You gotta make sure that you're only calling the creature you're trying to capture, and pushing away any who you don't want to trigger the trap.

The Pitmaster nodded at to Moghu, saying that he'd be interested in looking at the pit himself. Then Eira came racing in, Beshelt and Yueh in tow, telling you to come with her.


Velitus

A quick look over the body of the Swellow reinforces Eira's assessments that fangs were the cause of death. However, you also noticed that the body seemed to have been squeezed as well, based on a band of broken feathers around its midsection. As you considered the clues, you came to a few conclusions: that this was either one large, elaborate trap, or that they left in a hurry, such a hurry that they didn't have time to untie the message on the bird's leg or disguise their trail.


All

Yer right that this is something the Soul Clan would be interested in, Ithgar said as he emerged from the forest, grabbing Petra before the boy could run back into town. His Mightyena twined between his legs and went up to sniff the Swellow before Ithgar shooed it away.

This trial was meant to test your ability to handle a delicate and tense situation. Do you ensure the Nidoking doesn't cause immediate damage, or do you try and find the root problem? You all did both, though if Felt had her way a lot more of the forest would be destroyed, and she'd be a limp body right now. You've also deduced that there was likely some sort of foul play involved, but dealing with this, he pointed at the human tracks. Felt went red at Ithgar's jab, but was wise enough to say nothing.

This is beyond the scope of what the Trial of the World Soul. If we still did something similar for the trial of the Clan Soul, then maybe. But now we just have you all beat each other up for that one, he grinned wolfishly at that.

We'll report the the Chespin Clan chief, and I'll offer him Soul Clan support in this manner. They offered this to us for a trial, and even the day's delay has led to this. It's our job to ensure that your trials aren't interrupted and that we repair the harm done to their clan.

This was ... not how the first trial was supposed to go, he grimaced at that, and his Mightyena whined softly.

[Zelphas]

Eira spins towards Ithgar as he appears, one hand already tipped with icicle claws before she recognizes him. She forces herself to relax, flexing away the claws. "Is the Clansmeet already warned about the omen, then?" she asks him, nodding after his explanation. The fact that this test was obviously more than "stop the Nidoking" has been clear for a while yet, but it's good to hear confirmation... even if it's followed by the fact that the Trial has already gone off the safe path.

"Well... if the next Trial is just us attacking each other, I'm sure nothing will go wrong with that." Eira grins nervously, her eyes still dancing around slightly to look for any sign of Absol.

[Arcran]

Moghu starts as Ithgar appears, before calming as the man begins to explain the situation. Have you found the attacker? Moghu asks, focusing on solving the immediate problem. Or are they still on the loose? At Eira's mention of the omen, Moghu nods again. Two of us have seen Absol. Something is coming.

When Ithgar mentions that the next trial is simple combat, Moghu grins savagely, looking at both Felt and Malta. A chance to prove himself against a Paras' hunter could not be wasted, and, despite their help in the trials, Moghu was still annoyed that Felt had nearly put them in a difficult situation.

[CateranEnforcer]

Jayce ducked low when Ithgar popped out of hiding, but straightened up when he realized it was not the ambush they were just talking about. It was something of a relief that they were not solely responsible for solving this problem that seemed quite larger than just a misplaced trap. Still, there was something about what Ithgar sid that bothered him, though he was nervous to bring it up.

"With respect, without Felt and the rest being at the right place at the right time, the little ones might have been killed. We made a plan and stuck to it, even if it was a compromise. Maybe it was the mixture in styles that helped us today." He nodded to Felt, but wasn't sure enough to meet Ithgar's eyes. He was eager to get to simpler trial, even if he was not sure how it would go, he knew that there wouldn't be any major twists.

Well except for the omens.

[Llyarden]

Velitus jumped just as much as the others when Ithgar popped out of nowhere. "Why does everyone have to keep doing that..?" he complained, quietly. The revelation that this wasn't what had been planned for the first trial was hardly a surprise.

Despite the situation, he gave a slender grin at Jayce's comment about the two groups working together. After all, that was precisely how Clan Comfey worked, and those principles had led them to greater success than either group could've managed alone. It would be a fine story to relate to other Clans who were more sceptical of their methods.

"More than that, Absol's omen seemed directed at the Clansmeet itself. If we're returning to the Clansmeet, should we warn the others there?" he asked Ithgar.

[CosmicOccurence]

Afraid that this message was the first one sent, so nobody knows yet. If we head back on the river, we it won't take that much longer than sending another bird, and we can travel a pack, Ithgar said. His wolfish sense of humor had evaporated. Soul clan has enough shamans that we can ward the clansmeet against some of the more obvious things, but the more on the lookout, the better. It's doubtful we can stop whatever the Absol is warning about, but taking some time to prepare certainly won't hurt.

As for the killer, he said, responding to Moghu. I was following this one when Eira arrived to pick her up. He nodded to Yueh, who looked surprised. So you found this scene before I did. We'll let the Chespin Clan know and send help when we can. I'd stay myself, but I don't feel comfortable sending you lot home without an escort at the moment. You're not bad, so far as pups go, but outside the trial you're my responsibility to keep safe.

I wasn't sure if you all wanted to do anything more here or timeskip forwards

[CosmicOccurence]

It didn't take long for your group to alert the leader of the Chespin Clan, a middle aged man with a massive oak club, of the danger. Ithgar assured them that Soul Clan members would be coming to assist with the search of the forest, and he lent your group a raft for the return to the Clansmeet.

As you poled down the river, some of you butchered the Victreebel, Gumshos, and broke down the Nidoqueen horn into usable parts. As the ones who took down the beasts, the four of you got all the best parts, and some of your pokemon certainly enjoyed the fresh meat leftover at the end of the process.

You arrived at the Clansmeet in the late afternoon, and Ithgar released you, sharing that the next trial would begin shortly after dawn the next morning. I will ensure that word gets around, but you should share what happened with your mentors and any of the rest of your clan who came with. We've only one day till some of you pups head up to the Stone Circle to petition Jirachi, and I'd rather not have any nasty surprises before then.


Feel free to do any RP with your mentors, each other, NPCs of interest, or even take a look at the pit before you hop on the raft!

Loot: I've attached 'tags' to these to help with using them if you use them for more narrative stuff. These can be bartered, used as scrap for crafting, or used creatively!

Jayce and Eira
4 Units of Victreebel Acid (acidic, alluring, $250 scrap each, can be used as bait)
1 Sturdy Vine (Strong, flexible, $500 scrap)
2 Razor Sharp Leaves (bladed, lightweight, $250 scrap each)

Moghu & Velitus
1 Gumshoos Pelt (warm, sturdy, $600 scrap)
4 Pieces Jerky (salty, filling, $200 scrap each, can be used as a Hearty Meal)
Gumshoos Fangs (Small, Sharp, $400 scrap)
Gumshoos Skull (Foreboding, Ominous, $200 Scrap)

If someone wants the Nidoqueen Horn instead of something on their loot, sub it out for something (or somethings) worth between $400-600 and give it an equivalent value with the labels 'Potent, Poisonous, Regal). If multiple people want it, we can say that you all split it in half or something, keeping the values equivalent.

[Arcran]

Before the group gets on their way, Moghu stops by the pit, hoping to find some final clue. If nothing else, learning what bait would attract a Nidoqueen would be a useful lesson in what to avoid.



Moghu worked to part out the Gumshoos as the group traveled, before making small, useful piles of the various pieces of the creature. Velitus, you helped with the hunt. Take what you wish; my Pokemon cannot eat the jerky, so I have little preference, Moghu states, trying to keep himself from staring too obviously at the Gumshoos fangs. They would make excellent tips for spears, but he wanted Velitus to have the first pick.

I killed the beast, so they know Paras are strong. But I share the spoils, so they know Paras are generous, Moghu thinks to himself, hoping that he makes enough progress to impress Inneq.

[Zelphas]

Eira had gone along to look over the pit; as much as she wanted to get back, all the information they could get seemed important at this point, so they may as well look.

---

Once they are back at the Clansmeet, Eira says her farewells to the others for now, though she is willing to meet with anyone who wishes to do so between now and the second Trial's beginning. She finds her way back to Reith and reports the news of the day, flipping the Nidoqueen's horn idly in one hand. I've never favored weapons before, but this might be worth turning into something, she thinks to herself, careful not to touch the tip of the horn. "With two omens, it seems like something big is going to hit the Clansmeet, and with the attack on the bird and the strangeness around the Nidoqueen I don't think it will be an assault from Nature," she finishes her report, uneasiness showing on her face. The similarities between this situation and her own Clan's concerns are hard for her to ignore; strife seems to be coming to places of historic peace and harmony.

"In any case, the Clan Soul Trial is tomorrow," she states abruptly, forcing herself to switch gears. "I wonder how these battles are supposed to work? If I can discover my opponent before tomorrow, I could make it so they can't compete tonight; that seems like a much better use of my time than facing them out in front of this burning sun and betting my victory on a 'fair fight.'"

[Llyarden]

"Neither of mine eat meat either," Velitus responded to Moghu. "But I think I could find some use for the jerky, so perhaps if I take that and...maybe the skull? That would leave you with the pelt and the fangs, if that's acceptable?"

"Oh, the offer I made earlier still stands, by the way," he added, to the raft in general. "I have some healing herbs and such with me, if any of you or your Pokemon suffered wounds you don't want to bother your Clans about."


---

Once they were back at the Clansmeet, Velitus...didn't actually go straight to seeking out the other members of his Clan. He'd just get scolded for interfering with them. So instead he ended up mostly ambling around, making polite conversation with other Clans, occasionally picking through the area for the occasional stray quill or piece of fur that went into his assortment of trinkets - though once they were all back and separated, he did go to track down Felt to try to talk with her.

[CateranEnforcer]

Jayce agrees with others when it comes to investigating the pit trap. He had va burning desire to know now, and maybe learn to be more aware in the future.

To Velitus he replies, "Yes I think now may be a good time to check what this vine did to me." He gestures with his choice prize from the kill. Could be useful, perhaps. He undoes his own bandages slightly to help show where he was injured.

--

Back at camp, Jayce makes his way back to his Guru, as requested. As he had said, only a small party of his Clan attended the Clansmeet and he was to make sure Darius got back to them safely. Only then could he maybe attend to any other business.

[Arcran]

Moghu nodded at Velitus' response, sliding over the jerky and such to the other boy, before taking the pelt and the fangs. At the renewed offer to get his wounds patched, Moghu shifts his injured leg under the other, attempting to hide his wound. He would not show weakness. The wound is fairly minor, after all, and would be fine by tomorrow.



Upon arriving back at camp, Moghu nodded to his new companions before making a beeline back towards Inneq and his camp, doing his best to hide his slight limp as he walked. He needed to warn Inneq about the Absol, and maybe seek out the elder Flame-Hunter's advice on what to do. By the time Moghu had walked back he barely noticed the dull pain in his calf, and was walking normally.

When he returned to camp, Moghu glanced around to make sure he and Inneq weren't being watched, before directing Rella around the camp to make sure everything was appropriately fireproofed.

We passed, and even got a trophy, Moghu says, placing the Gumshoos remains down. However, two among us saw Absol. We need to get word back to the clan, there could be another fire coming, Moghu states, speaking quicker and much more obviously frightened than he had been earlier.

Going to Drain 2 AP to remove my injury.

[CosmicOccurence]

All

An investigation of the pit, accompanied by the Pitmaster that some of you had visited, showed that there were signs the pit was not on of Chespin's make, with signs that human tools had helped dig it. You also find poisonous berries from the nearby glade that would appeal only to Poison Typed pokemon, who could digest them safely.

Assume that you all used a Pokemon Center during your night and you + your team are fully healed and ready for tomorrow!


Moghu

Inneq nodded in approval at your accomplishments. I knew that you would be able to succeed in these trials, and I have no doubt that you will be successful in the combat tomorrow.

At the mention of the Absol, his Poliwrath began to wet the area around the fire pit once more as food cooked slowly. If the Absol is showing itself here, then our lands are probably safe. It appeared in the direction of the clansmeet, yes? If so, then only we are in danger, not the Great Mother.

And while losing you would be a loss to the future of our clan, the Flame Hunters are expendable. This would only give the Spore Speakers an excuse to call you back prematurely, Inneq said with a wince. The statement, acknowledging that he had gone against the wishes of many other clan members, clearly had caused him some pain.

And if there is a fire here ... well there are none who would be better suited to the task than us. We shall ensure it does not spread to the north, though I doubt it would reach the Deep Forest if it started this far south.


Eira
Reith had finally shed his Sphealskin jacket, surrendering to the heat of these southern lands. He listened calmly to your words, taking his time to work through everything you said before he began to formulate a reply. For a Weavile Clan member, he was remarkably slow to come to decisions sometimes, compared to the rapid action that many in the clan adopted.

Division seems to be spreading throughout this world, he said. I thought what was happening to our clan was unique, but it seems that darkness has been rising across the forest, the mountain, and even in the desert oases. Perhaps this Absol is only bringing to light what we should have seen many moons ago.

He offered you some southern food, lightly spiced berries and boiled grain wrapped in a leaf that had been smoked. As for the trials, in the past they would often pair you up with an opponent from your first trial. What do you know of the capabilities of those whom you worked with? It is doubtful you will get to select your opponent, but a bit of investigation wouldn't be amiss. Fair fights are for those who have the luxury of living in these soft, southern lands.


Velitus

There were several impromptu trading markets where goods were exchanged. Many of the clans came just to obtain materials they could find nowhere else, such as the obsidian from the mountains or the sunstones harvested by many of the desert clans. The islanders from the Oricorio Clan had honey that they claimed had fascinating effects depending on which island it was harvested from.

You found Felt at the archery range. Several caricatures of humans, Deerling, and larger beasts were constructed out of bundles of foliage carefully woven together and stuffed. She was practicing her archery, each arrow sinking deeply into its intended target. She was so focused that she didn't seem to notice your arrival.


Jayce

Your Guru had been taken care of by another who had come with you, an apprenticed Shaman named Polsk. He had a long way to go before he became a Guru, but he was respected enough to look after Guru while you were at your trials.

On your way to the riverbank cave where your clan stayed though, you saw something that stopped you in your tracks. The sun was just beginning to set, sending pink and amber waves across the sky. And silhouetted in the distance was a figure that you recognized as an Absol, its white fur and black horn unmistakable.

And this time, it wasn't between you and the Clansmeet that you'd just left. Instead, it stood between you and the Stone Circle, where Jirachi had slept for hundreds of years.

Other than that, your journey went well. You were greeted by the smells of the familiar Darumaka Stew, a delicacy in your clan that was rarely made. Some had been sent along for the journey to make it a bit easier to be so far from home.

Welcome back Jayce, Darius said as soon as you took a step inside the cave. In true caves, he could tell the footsteps of every tribe member apart from a great distance away. I hear you come bearing trophies with you. I take that to mean that the Trials were successful? You must tell me everything about it! It is a night for celebration indeed! Darius was not normally this jovial, nor this straightforward. He, like many Gurus, tended to cloak himself with mystique and sage advice.

[Llyarden]

Velitus obligingly tended to Jayce's wounds - mostly just using a mixture of crushed herbs and berries to help soothe the pain, since Jayce had already bandaged himself perfectly proficiently in any case. He did glance at Moghu, but he didn't bring it up in front of the others.

I know it's somewhat pointless with us getting proper rest and care from the Clansmeet, but Velitus will Drain AP to use his First Aid Kit to do a little bit of healing on Jayce, Hana and whoever else wants it.

Velitus waited for a few moments, watching Felt's display of skill. He'd never really attempted archery - that was the discipline of the red petals, after all - but he knew enough to guess that not every archer could strike so proficiently. At first he was assuming that she knew he was there and was just concentrating on her routine, but when she kept going he cleared his throat, somewhat hesitantly. "Um...Felt? Could I talk to you?"

[CosmicOccurence]

Velitus

When you interrupted her rhythym, Felt cast you a glance for only a second. Then she stalked out into the field and collected her arrows. Carefully she unstrung her bow, oiled the string with Combee wax, and separated the now-imperfect arrows for recycling. Only when she was done did she give you her full attention.

Twin Petals, she said gruffly. You are party with Ineya, yes? She is the best archer north of the river in the Open Forest. I have never seen her miss a shot. You weren't entirely sure if Felt had a point with saying this, but it was clear that, her bow stored, that she was willing to talk with you.

[Zelphas]

Eira grins in agreement to Reith's assessment of fair fights, taking a suspicious bite of the Southern meal before eating it with more enthusiasm. A moment later, a slight frown creeps over her face as she thinks. "I know less than I would like," she admits after a moment. "There was a Paras Clan boy, obviously built as a brawler; he talked a lot about the dangers of fire, and he had some burns, but I couldn't tell if he fears it or hates it. A boy from Clan Comfey with a lot of charms and things; he didn't look like much of a fighter himself. The boy from Clan Zubat had good fighting instincts and good senses; he could be trouble in a fight. Those three and me are the only ones I know were in an actual fight today, and I only saw Jayce--the Zubat boy--actually fighting.

"As for the rest... a girl from Clan Mightyena who talked a fair bit about hunting and seemed to have the instincts for it, a boy from Clan Chespin with little self-esteem or presence, a Clan Chingling girl who had a way with Pokemon but rang like a bell every time she moved, a Clan Rhydon boy who clearly took after their namesake," Eira pats the Apricorn with Pebble inside fondly as she states that, "And then a girl from Clan Oddish, a Clan Fennekin Girl, and a Clan Fearow girl. Those three went their own way almost immediately, and seemed unsurprised by the Absol's appearance--though they were frightened by it. The Clan Fearow girl held a bow like she knew how to use it and had all the confidence of a Chubchoo with its mother behind it, but she doesn't seem to have much shamanic ability herself; she was asking the Clan Oddish girl to do... something for her in response to seeing the Absol, but I don't know what."

As night falls on the Clansmeet, Eira pockets the Nidogueen horn and gets up from her place by the sheltered fire. "I'm not too tired yet, so maybe I'll wander the Clansmeet and see how the other Trial members are doing," she says with a transparent air of nonchalance, giving Reith a sly grin. "Maybe I'll get to play with their bows and spears a little--but you know clumsy me; who knows what might happen to them then?" Waiting a moment to gauge her elder's approval (or lack thereof) for her planned course of action, Eira slips away from the fire. It might not be worth it to break anything, she reasons with herself as she creeps around and towards the camp, the night fitting around her like a comfortable cloak, But more observation won't hurt anything--as long as I make sure to get enough sleep to function tomorrow myself.

Stealth to sneak around the camp and spy on people (since it's night time, Eira's Skill Stunt triggers): [roll0]

Eira isn't looking for anyone in specific; she's assuming that at least some of the Trial members will want to train before the day ahead, so she'll seek out good places to train near the Clansmeet and look around there before actually going into the camp itself.

[Llyarden]

Velitus waited patiently for Felt to finish sorting out her bow and arrows - he might not have used a weapon himself, but that didn't mean he didn't understand the need for careful maintenance. (Though the memory of that strange energy he'd released in the fight with the Gumshoos came swimming back, and he reflected that maybe he did have a weapon, albeit one he didn't really know how to use.) "I'm sure she'd be honoured to hear you say that," he responded, politely ignoring the fact that Felt didn't seem to have bothered to learn his name.

"What I wanted to say was...I don't agree with how Ithgar treated you and your companions. I know Jayce spoke up at the time, but...those children would have gotten hurt if you hadn't been there. The only reason things worked out as well as they did is because we worked as a team."

"With that in mind - when we were all dividing our spoils, I ended up with the meat from the Gumshoos Moghu slew, and to be honest I don't see much point in keeping it all for myself, so...would you be willing to share it with me once it's cooked tonight? And Uldeen and Malta, of course."

Charm to try to avoid coming off as pitying by mistake: [roll0] This looks like it's going to go round about as well as I expected...:smalltongue:

[Arcran]

Moghu nods, taking over tending the cooking fire as he sees Inneq's wince. In that case, we will stay, Moghu states, trying his best to project confidence and hide his fear, not just for himself, but also for Inneq. The last time he'd been caught in a fire, Inneq had nearly died because of it. While Moghu had trained to make sure that never happened again, there was still that hint of fear that he wouldn't be good enough again.

There was a Fearow Clan and some sort of Fire-type Clan in my group, Moghu continues, trying to change the topic slightly. Gumshoos are not the most impressive prey, but it should give them some pause when attacking us, Moghu states confidently. Did the Spore-Speakers tell you anything about the second trial? I understand it to be simple combat, but if that were the case the Spore-Speakers should have been sending us all along, Moghu says, preparing himself for whatever backlash the Great Mother would have at that statement.

[CateranEnforcer]

Jayce was a little taken by surprise by Darius' demeanor and how it was different from his own mood. Something good must have happened, he supposed.

"The trial seemed like was going well for a little bit there. I got to make use of some of my caving knots. We were responsible for restoring balance to the area." Jayce retold the tale of the Nidoking and Queen, the dead trap maker, and the suspicious circumstances. "Me, Ivan, and another hunter fought a great plant pokemon, and I claimed it's vine and acid as a prize. But it wasn't over yet, even after we reunited the family." He tells Darius about trying to figure out how this could have happened. "Someone killed the messenger pokemon warning the Clansmeet of a bad omen. That's when our trial ended. There's been at least three Absol sightings, I even saw one on the way. I think it was indicating something near Jirachi. That's really bad isn't it? What can it mean? Maybe the trials shouldn't continue. I'm not sure I'm ready for all this. Jayce puts his head down. It was enough pressure to be here to begin with, and now it seemed like something bad was drained to happen. Great.

[CosmicOccurence]

Eira

Reith said nothing as you slunk into the night, which was all but a tacit endorsement on your actions. You slipped through the woods on the way to camp. Most of the larger groups of folks from out of the Open Forest settled around the edges of the Clansmeet, and the Fennekin clan had brought quite the contingent. Much like the cooking center, their camp was organized around a massive bonfire, which arced and twisted in bizarre and entrancing forms. You saw several shamans and one large reddish pokemon standing on two legs chanting and clearly working their magic on the flame.

And then there was Malta. She carred a long stick in her hand, not as thick as a club, but not as thin as a spear. She was sparring with a slender reddish pokemon with a long pointy nose that was quick as a Sneseal hunting prey. Malta seemed to be a relatively straightforward fighter, favoring powerful overhand strikes to break down an opponent's guard. You watched for a while before she stored her batons in a pack and the two headed to the river to get a drink.


Velitus
Felt stiffened when you offered her part of the Gumshoos meat. I am not so desperate as to need the trophies of another's hunt. The horn of the Nidoking is trophy enough for us.

Felt drew herself up, storing the bow on her back. And if I were looking for the opinion of a mere storyteller were of interest to me, I would have asked it on the raft ride. I proceeded to the second trial, and that is all that matters. Considering our next trial is combat, I would have thought that you would spend the time in preparation. Considering what happened to the last storyteller Ineya worked with, I would have assumed she would have chosen a replacement who was more practically minded. Perhaps my estimation of her skill, and yours, were off.

As she glared at you, she took a breath. She held her breath for a second, closing her eyes. Perhaps I was too harsh. In my clan it is a deadly insult to offer something like this. I know that not every clan shares this custom. And like a Fearow, my temper is ... sharp. I did not believe today that you all would succeed, and it was not fair for me to insinuate that you would die like your predecessor. She hadn't actually apologized, but you got the feeling that apologies were not something that were particularly common with Felt. Whether that was a personal issue or a clan tradition though, you weren't sure.


Moghu
Your tattoo did indeed twist at your mention of the spore speakers, and you grew temporarily faintheaded. Inneq clearly was experiencing similar symptoms, and he groaned. I hate being this far from the Great Mother. Everything is more difficult when away from her he growled.

The second trial is indeed something that we should excel at, he said. But the first trial is one that is uniquely suited to the Spore Speakers. Oftentimes their connection with the Great Mother provides insight on the behavior of other pokemon. As Inneq was talking, Podax crawled into your lap, rolling onto his back for some belly scratches.

The third trial is the tricky one for our clan, and where we usually fall short. It changes every year, but it is meant to test the individual spirit. Other clans do not understand that we exist in harmony with each other, not as individuals. A fungus is connected to all its brethren deep within itself, after all. We are linked by the Great Mother. Our Clan Souls are as strong as the redwood, but our Name Souls are as flexible as a willow, bending to the needs of the Clan.

But this is the other reason I selected you. Not only are Flame Hunters often more independent, but your tattoo has shrunk far enough that I think you may have the best chance of passing the third trial of any Paras Member in generations. I know it has been a curse for you, but I hope that some good will come of that catastrophe.


Jayce
Darius considered your words for what seemed like a millenia. The other members of your clan had gone very, very still at the mention of an Absol. I trust the Soul Clan with the Sound Within My Bones, the Guru said. If the trials must be cancelled, they will know. The other members of the clan seemed to accept that, but there was still a tension in the air.

But! he said abruptly, patting the ground next to him. He made you a bowl of stew, saying Eat! You sound like the echoes of a pebble snoring from a mile away. The food will do you good after such a long day.

Once you started to eat, he picked up the conversation again.I worry that there is a lesson that has not yet sunk in, yet it is perhaps the most important lesson I will ever teach you. Have I ever told you of my first day as a Guru?

[CateranEnforcer]

Jayce was reassured for the most part so he sat to enjoy the delicious food. Ivan hopped out of the carrier harness he carried on his back to help keep the short legged pokemon contained comfortable while Dao took a cross legged position like Jayce had. He was eager to hear about a new lesson and a new story.

"I don't think you have. And I haven't seen you so happy before. Did something good happen today?" Even eager, he still had some good things he wanted to share. "I've been trying to meditate and listen a lot recently and I think it's helped. Beshelt of the Mightyena Clan seems to want to be friends. And I worked well with Eria of Weavile really well. And Felt is bold and impressive. I'm not sure I measure up the same physically. So keep at my exercises. Anyways sorry, I want to hear the lesson!"

[Zelphas]

Eira watches Malta for a while, interested. Fire is definitely a thing for her, but she isn't using it now; saving it makes sense, she thinks, slightly uneasy; she is not the best against fire, though living in the North and Pebble have been able to mitigate that in the past. She's fast, but she isn't very versatile; if I can throw her off, I might create a decent opening on her.

As she and the odd Pokemon head to the river, Eira follows at a careful distance; this is one of the three that were whispering together about the Absol and wanting to do something, after all, so there is at least some chance that a midnight rendezvous may occur. Should nothing major happen at the river, Eira plans to continue on and catch at least a few more people before going to bed; there's no guarantee that Malta will be her opponent, after all.

Now, if I can get her away from that baton... Eira thinks, creeping after Malta and her Pokemon. They look almost too short and flimsy to be useful weapons in general, but added with magic they might be potent.

Just for fun, Pokemon Ed on the Pokemon with Malta: [roll0]

[Arcran]

Moghu went silent as Inneq confirmed what he had long suspected: because his tattoo had shrunk, his connection to the Great Mother was less than others. The boy absentmindedly scratched Podax's belly, focusing on the areas where the Sandshrew's tattoo was sparse. Having his greatest fear confirmed so nonchalantly stung, even though Moghu knew Inneq had meant no malice with the statement.

Still, despite that, a new thought crept into Moghu's mind. Perhaps this was the Great Mother's will? That by weakening our bond, I could achieve something new for the clan? Moghu thought to himself. It must be her will, or else Inneq and I would have been cast out. Those with larger tattoos than mine have been cast out, after all.

In that case, the first is done and the second should go smoothly, Moghu says, focusing on not showing either the pain or new hope he had just experienced. I'll prove the worth of the Flame-Hunters in the last trial, and perhaps more of the Paras can complete the trials in the future, Moghu states, with a momentary flash of pride. Thank you for your wisdom, but I have another question: Do you know the Name Soul trials of the past? Perhaps I can prepare, make sure that I can succeed.

[CosmicOccurence]

Jayce

Today was a good day. While we made some progress in our search, I got to meet an old friend today. In your life you will meet people who you know someday will return like an echo. Some of those bring pain and heartache, but others bring joy. This echo brought a symphony of memories. I have not seen my friend since I was but a boy ... but that is a story for another day.

Darius settled in, and many in the cave crowded round. Apparently this was not a story that many had heard. My first day as Guru was not meant for me. I was the fourth choice for such an honor. The first went insane during his cleansing meditation in the echo chamber. The second died the day before her initiation in a Diglett raid. The third withdrew her name from consideration, feeling the position was cursed.

And so it was put to me to fill the role of the elder who had passed into The Great Silence. I was young, only twenty-four summers, but the Gurus assured me that everything would be fine. That they would be there to help as the Echo Chamber showed me glimpses of futures and pasts beyond the rippling veil.

On that first day, I saw the end of our clan. Or at least the possibility of it. And I saw that the demise of our people, no matter how slight a possibility, was the fault of another Guru. Someone I looked up to, had trained under, and respected immensely. And I knew that no matter what I said, the words of a child on their first day hearing the echoes of the world would not be enough to convince them of a danger from within.

And so I worked tirelessly, feeling hopeless as I struggled to find the moment when everything went wrong. And to prevent that moment from happening at all costs. Somehow, I succeeded, no matter how much I blundered along and made a mess of things. Had the same thing happened now, no doubt I would have handled it better, interpreted the signs more precisely, and come to a resolution without spending every waking moment of a year of my life on the problem. But life called, and I had to listen.

He sighed, taking another bite of the stew. You say that you are not prepared for these trials. That you are not ready for them. You are correct.

You say that your brother was stronger, better suited for this role. You are correct about that as well.

But your brother was not ready either. Nor was our Chief when she took over. Nor was I on that fateful first day. Life is what happens when the world calls your name. As long as you listen, you will find your way.

And you Jayce. You are one of the best listeners I know.


Eira

You were fairly certain that the Pokemon was some sort of fighting type based on its humanoid shape, but honestly these southern pokemon just weren't sensible. Such a long nose would surely get frostbite quickly in a colder climate, and it didn't have enough fat or fur to keep it warm.

The only thing of note that happened while you observed Malta and the Fennekin Camp was when the tall pokemon, who you assumed to be an evolved form of the Clan's totem, pulled what seemed to be a three pronged fork out of the fire before it disappeared in a flash of fire, which sent all the shamans into a tizzy.

You slunk through the Clansmeet, seeking out the others. Jayce was nowhere to be found, but then again none of the Zubat clan seemed to hang around at night, much like yourself. You spotted Felt and Velitus talking near the archery range, Felt clearly angry about something. Moghu sat near the river, talking with his master, who was even more burned than Moghu himself was.

Uldeen was tending to what seemed to be several large bags of earth with plants growing in them. The fabric of the bags was woven with runes, and she carefully harvested a few berries from one of the plants before adding them to a stew. She began chanting over it, and the liquid began to glow with a bright greenish light.

Beshelt was nowhere to be found, but the Mightyena Clan were more watchful than the others, and there were many, many more of them here than of most clans. You thought you might be able to sneak in, but it would be a risk. Petra was already asleep, an elderly woman holding his hand and caring for two small birds that flitted around him. Yueh was in deep conversation with an elder, small pink puffball at her side.


Moghu
The trial of the Name Soul, he said. Changes from year to year. It depends on which members of the Soul Clan are in residence at the Stone Circle, and which are tending to the Cave of the World Spirit or to the Shrines to the Sacred Siblings. The Soul Clan not only kept the sleeping Jirachi safe, but also guarded Arceus and the shrines to Latios and Latias.

There was one year when they requested the same mushrooms that you took to Uwale yesterday, and one of their members delved into the memories of those who made it to the third trial. Another year a member used the mixed scents of Bayleef and Meganium to heighten the emotions of every applicant before asking them a series of questions on morality. More than a few years a member who used to belong to the Medicham Clan read the auras of the applicants, but I heard he is in the desert right now, trying to calm some strife between clans. Everyone knew that the desert clans squabbled often, usually over water.

Of your examiners, I think it likely that the woman will lead the Trial of the Name Soul. Sheketh, their leader.
The one with the big spear and the Cacturne? He's definitely not one for subtlety, but the woman I've not seen before. Her magic seems to be connecting with Pokemon from what I can read of her tattoos, so perhaps one of her Pokemon can read minds or aura, and she will see through them.

Regardless of what the trial is, do not try to lie or deceive. They will know. This was another reason I sent you to Uwale yesterday.
I thought the first time someone dug around in your brain, questioning your relationship with the Great Mother should not be during the trial. Even the Soul Clan does not truly understand what it means to be Paras Clan. None of our own have ever joined them, after all.

[Zelphas]

Eira pauses at Uldeen, watching carefully for a long moment. Felt asked her to do... something, and the Absol was apparently pointing at the Clansmeet... After a minute or two of watching, she shakes her head and withdraws. Don't eat anything but our own food, and watch out for magic if I face her tomorrow, she decides firmly, looking for the next Trial member she can find. That's the only conclusion I can come to, at the moment.

---

Finally deciding that sneaking into the Mightyena Clan just on the off chance that Beshselt might be doing something interesting was too much of a risk, Eira sighs silently and begins the circuitous route back to her camp, just in case she had unseen pursuers. I know a little more than before, but not much, she thinks, unsatisfied. I may just have to take my chances tomorrow... as terrible as that is.

[Llyarden]

"Ineya didn't choose me," Velitus retorted, more sharply than he'd truly meant. And how many times have I wished that they did have the choice of mediator, rather than being assigned one by the Clan? "As far as preparing for tomorrow goes, I'm not a warrior like you. There wouldn't be much point me training with a weapon any more than there would be a point in you trying to look for the kinds of tokens I need." He sighed. "It wasn't my intent to imply you needed a gift from me. I'm sorry. I just thought...just because we will be competitors tomorrow, and may even be opponents, that doesn't mean we have to be enemies."

"Sorry for bothering you."

[Arcran]

Moghu nods throughout Inneq's explanation, wishing that he could have been selected for the trials a few years sooner to try Uwale's mushrooms. It would have been much easier as well. Still, questions about morality would be simple, right? Moghu was confident in his stance there; always defend the clan and the Great Mother were simple tenants, but ones that he followed closely. Unless the morals of the Soul Clan varied heavily, he should be alright. However, the thought of having to answer questions while another was within his mind was extremely unsettling. There were Paras secrets within, and Moghu didn't want to be the one that let that information out, even to the Soul Clan.

It sounds like I've been prepared as best I can be then, Moghu says, thankful that Inneq had sent him to speak with Uwale first. The experience had been unsettling, and he likely would have failed the trial due to it. If they ask questions about us, about the Great Mother, should I answer? Moghu asks, partly to Inneq and partly to his own tattoos, hoping for an answer.

[CateranEnforcer]

Jayce was quiet for a while after Darius finished. He sat still, his head a swirl with his thoughts. It was a side of his Guru that he hadn't seen before. A side that wasn't full of seemingly endless wisdom. He was pretty curious about this friend of his but that really wasn't his focus. He couldn't stop thinking about his brother. Three months with no signs of him returning. Maybe it was some kind of sign or something that Jayce's time had come, but he wouldn't know it.

Before finally speaking Jayce sniffs and rubs away a tear from his eye. "Thank you for sharing that story. I guess it just doesn't feel like that right now. Now all I feel is the pressure to preform well, in front of all the clans. And with all the omens, not just the Absol, but Chespin clan reported the whole of the woods had noticed something. Something big may happen soon, something bad. How do I prepare for the unknown? What does it mean for everyone. What if Jirachi awakens this time? I just wish for an ordinary year with nothing going on, so that if I bumble around, no one notices. But now, after seeing the omen so close, I'm little scared."

[CosmicOccurence]

Eira

Reith was snoozing when you got back into camp, and you were quiet enough that you could avoid waking him unless you wanted to: Weavile Clan were trained from an early age to be light sleepers.


Velitus
One thing you learn very quickly in my clan is that there are predator, and there are prey. It is a matter of immense shame to be the latter for one of us, Felt said. But I suppose we shall learn tomorrow which role each of us fills one way or another. You took your separate ways, and your team had already gone to sleep for the night. Unless you chose to wake them and share the news about the Absol, you could fade into sleep easily enough.


Moghu
At your question, the tatoo twisted painfully on the back of your neck, and your vision swam for a second. Inneq, however, simply said: You should answer based on your convictions. If you were to answer the way I told you, you would have failed the trial already. He too, looked like his mark had not enjoyed that answer of his, and he grimaced at the Great Mother's admonition of his statement.


Jayce
Fear is the absence of complacency, Darius said, reverting back to his normal self. Too much or two little of either would be a bad thing. If you had seen an Absol and not felt fear, then I would be worried for you.

However, I should meditate. Even outside the Echo Chamber, I can see glimpses of futures that might become. He stood and went to the back of the cave, where he sat next to a place where water dripped inexorably into a puddle, proving a steady sound to focus on.


All
After any preparations you made the next morning, you returned to the foot of the Stone Circle for your next trial. It was the day of the Spring Equinox, the day where, should you pass the next two trials, you would ascend and make a wish of Jirachi.

The crowd was bigger today, with matches being public. Small children without other responsibilities seemed especially prevalent. Many were already sparring with blunted weapons taken from a crate set up near the edge of the open area. It seemed deadly weapons wouldn't be permitted.

Several arenas were set up and marked by colored posts connected by woven cord. One was filled with tall grass, another featured bushes filled with berries, another had large posts that looked like they could be toppled, and a final one consisted of rafts floating on the river.

However, there were fewer contestants than yesterday. One of the groups, it seemed, had not passed their trials. In addition to your group, the one that had received instructions from the female soul clan member were present. Sheketh's group however, had not shown up today. According to gossip you heard in the crowd, the successful group had navigated successfully to an island shortly off the coast as their task through choppy waters that had some nasty creatures in it. That group had quite a few islanders present, which had likely contributed to their success. Meanwhile, Sheketh's group had apparently failed to collect all the necessary components for a Shaman's potion after failing to navigate a particularly nasty encounter with a Pinsir.

Feel free to say hi, chat with your mentor, do morning things, whatever. Unless people have stuff they want to do that's significant though, we'll probably start our matches up in my next post!

[Zelphas]

Eira smiles to herself as she gets back to camp. It's never a bad thing to prove you can sneak up on the elders, even if they have to be asleep for it to work.

---

Probably a good thing I wasn't in that other group, even with all the mess about the Absol, Eira thinks to herself, looking over the other grouping that succeeded the day before and remembering her encounter with the sea. Unless the Ocean is more forgetful than Winter, I should probably avoid the sea for some time yet.

She nods to the rest of the people she met the day before, looking over the arenas available and flexing icicles onto her fingers reflexively for a moment. The tall grass seems best for my team, out of all of them, she decides. Plenty to hide in, and Omen can set fire to the entire area if need be. Looking over at the river arena, Eira wonders idly if the matches had to remain within their borders; if so, simply cutting the moorings of the rafts and forcing her opponent to float away downriver or jump into the current could be effective. Uldeen may wish for the berries, she considers idly, remembering the strange stew from the night before.

Her eyes sweep over to the children playing with padded weapons, and she smirks, though the expression has less bite in it than it could have. This truly is a soft land; they guard their lives so jealously, as though they were fully in their hands. She twitches restlessly, unable to fully settle herself. The Absol brought disaster, everyone knew that--or, if Velitus was correct, it forewarned of disaster, which is basically the same thing. Two people had seen it; so when would the disaster hit? Eira could almost smell it, like the tang in the air before a blizzard, and she couldn't help but wonder when the first snowflakes would begin to fall.

Trying to distract herself, Eira spots Velitus in the crowd. Maybe I can get a fun reaction out of him, at least; he doesn't seem like he likes to do much fighting. Slipping over to the Clan Comfey member by weaving through the crowd, Eira slips into his shadow. "So," she says somewhat loudly, walking next to him and indicating the assembled people. "Any preference?"

Stealth to spook Velitus, because this is definitely a thing she would continue to do: [roll0]

[Arcran]

Moghu coughed uncomfortably at the last twist of his tattoos. Thank you Inneq, for everything, the boy stated, trying to catch his breath. For my own sake, I should probably try to get some rest. May the Great Mother watch over you, Moghu stated, before gently shaking Podax awake before making his way to the tent, trusting Inneq to handle the campfire.



Moghu tested the weight of a few of the padded spears before finally selecting a handful similar in build to the ones he used. He'd rather use his real ones, but it did make sense that the Soul Clan would like to avoid the blood of a half-dozen clans on their hands. Besides, the handicap of a few off-weight spears would not be enough to defeat him.

Despite the ill-omens yesterday, the Great Mother had clearly watched over him for the first trial. If Moghu had been forced to set out on the sea he would have been nearly useless, especially with his team. Fortunately, the arenas today seemed far more favorable for him, although the tall grass seemed a bit too flammable for his liking, and the rafts were fairly alien. What concerned Moghu more was the number of people fighting with true magic. While he'd trained against Pokemon, he had rarely encountered a true magic-user, and was a bit less confident in his abilities against one.

Moghu scanned the group, hoping to find Kurtack. In this sea of new sensations the other boy's simplistic strength was grounding for Moghu, and would serve as a good reminder of what he was up against. When he finally found the other boy, Moghu made his way over, displaying his blunted weapons. Were you were able to find a good replacement?

[Llyarden]

Velitus didn't wake the others to tell them about the Absol - though he did tell them in the morning once everyone was awake, before he went out on what was becoming his usual route around the Clansmeet looking for spiritually interesting objects. (He figured either he'd be scolded for waking them or scolded for not telling them the night before, so of the two options he went for the one that let him get more sleep. Plus that option meant he had more time to figure out how to explain the changes to his Clan tattoos.)

He'd just found a particularly rare prize - a handful of cast-off quills that positively radiated with the energy of the natural world - which he was in the process of carefully tying together with what looked like a few of his own hairs, his staff awkwardly tucked under one arm, when Eira ghosted up to him, eliciting a probably predictable "Agh!" He scowled at her. "Could you at least not do that when I'm holding sharp objects?" he complained.

It took him a moment to focus on her actual question. "After yesterday? I think I'd be satisfied with 'not a Gumshoos or Victreebel.' Although Fire would also be best avoided for me." If he realised he was sharing his weaknesses (or at least one of them) with a potential opponent, it didn't seem to bother him.

Eira might have noticed, if she was paying attention, that Velitus seemed to have acquired from somewhere a circlet made from a strange mix of rounded pebbles and feathers, all tied together with some long, red hairs, that he definitely hadn't been wearing yesterday.

Velitus will use Crystal Artificer to make a Bug Booster from 4 Green Shards, and now that his player has remembered that I actually have two sets of recipes from Artificer and not just one, he'll also use Crystal Resonance to make a Special Attack Focus from 2 Blue, 2 Violet and 2 Yellow (as a Head slot item), and a Special Attack Booster from 4 Orange, 1 Violet and 1 Yellow (which Hana will hold). And then he'll convert his two Red Shards into Fairy Gems. And he'll also recreate his Threaded gadget.

Akari will retain her Grass Booster and Heavy Suit.

[CateranEnforcer]

Jayce was still uneasy, but the conversation had helped a little bit. He still worried about the present too much to worry even think about how he'd look back on this day when he is older. "Okay then. I will try and mediate to be ready for tomorrow." He goes to sit outside for a while sitting cross legged with closed eyes. Dao followed suit as his human like body allowed for, and Ivan just sat back against a tree on some soft moss to ease his aching head. Jayce sat there for some time, enjoying the dimming light.

--

The next day, Jayce awoke early from the sounds of the forest he hadn't quite gotten used to. He was as ready as could be for a fight and picked through to find suitable weapons to use for the trial. Honestly, he thought he could make use of any of the terrain quite well, though Ivan might prefer the rafts.

He didn't feel the need to bring up yet another Absol sighting, so he kept to himself. He waved to Beshelt and to Eira, and looked around for Felt's gang. They weren't too worrying, but he wondered what they were up to. Mostly, he needed focus on his own opponent, but really it was too late to prepare. His strategy would remain the same regardless.

Still he had never had such a big audience before.

[CosmicOccurence]

Moghu

Kurtakh shook his head, grimacing and holding up what seemed to be an obsessively padded club. Is not the same as axe. But padded axe still crushes legs. This way best. He seemed about to say something more before a hush fell over the crowd.


All
It took a few minutes for the three Soul Clan members to arrive. They looked much the same as yesterday, with Mightyena and Cacturne in tow. Ithgar didn't look quite as jovial as he did yesterday. Sheketh still seemed the picture of a steadfast commander, and the female soul clan member, whose name you'd heard was Hulloth, looked much the same in her shaman's garb.

Congratulations to those of you who passed the first trial, Sheketh said, his voice pitched to carry across the crowd. You demonstrated your ability to adapt to unpredictable situations, and your bonds with the world around us. More importantly, we saw how you worked with others.

Today though, we see how you fare alone. Welcome to the trial of the Clan Soul! His voice rose at the end, and was greeted with a loud cheer from the crowd. Each of your clans has trained you to take part in their clan in important ways. While some of you flourished yesterday with your knowledge of woodcraft, rituals, and Pokemon, today we see how your clan has prepared you for the harsh world that we live in.

Each of you will compete in a single 1:1 contest with your Pokemon at your side. Each trainer may bring two Pokemon into the arena.
Burrowing, flight, and swimming must be limited to the ground level, and all weapons and magic have been dulled to prevent unnecessary casualties in the name of this contest. Fight with all your strength, and show us what your clan can accomplish! Another roar from the crowd, and you caught sight of your mentor (or teammates in Velitus's case) in the crowd. Only Darius was absent, though a few senior members of your expedition had come in his stead. The noise here would have been far too much for him, and he'd promised that he would come to your next trial.

You will be paired with an opponent from your first trial's group. Each of you may remove one arena from consideration, and we will allocate the rest as we see fit. And now, for the slate of matches! He began by pairing up members from the other group before turning to you.

Eira of Weavile Clan will face Malta of Fennekin Clan. Both demonstrated resourcefulness and cunning in their first trial. Malta looked at you, eyes appraising. She began twirling one of her batons as a smile crept across her lips. Reith merely nodded at you, having full confidence in your abilities.

Moghu of Paras Clan will face Kurtakch of Rhyhorn Clan. Both show tremendous physical strength and employed straightforward power in their first trial. Kurtakch clapped you on the back with a grin. He seemed excited to be fighting someone he knew. Inneq was silent, but you felt a twinge in your tattoo, along with a rush of strength and excitement.

Jayce of Zubat Clan will face Felt of Fearow Clan. Both show adept surroundings of the natural world and demonstrated the ability to quickly discern the nature of complex situations in the first trial. Felt's smile was downright menacing as she set her eyes to you, her bow already strung. The Zubat Clan members cheered loudly in their unique, shrieking way that had others shying away from them.

Velitus of Twin Petals Clan will face Uldeen of Oddish Clan. Both used offensive magic in the face of adversity in the first trial. Uldeen seemed surprised at this, looking at you with new eyes. Your teammates looked downright furious. You could have sworn that you saw flames sprouting from Resh's hair, which happened sometimes when the Shaman got angry.

And finally, we are left with three. Beshelt of Mightyena Clan, Petra of Chespin Clan, and Yueh of Chingling Clan all showed flexibility in their first trial, adapting to the needs of the group. Now they must demonstrate their ability to fight on their own. Petra looked stunned to be facing two opponents, and Yueh looked uncomfortable at the prospect. Beshelt however, was already pacing from foot to foot in excitement at the battle to come.

Look over your battlefields carefully before picking one to remove from consideration, and make any preparations you need. We will begin the first bouts in ten minutes!

I'll stat up these maps based on the ones we end up using, but here are the general vibes of each:
River Arena: running water, floating platforms (tethered by rope), potentially unsteady footing
Grasslands Arena: tall grass (flammable if desired), ability to employ stealth
Briar Arena: bushes (access to stat boosting berries), hazardous terrain, trees
Boulder Arena: slopes, dirt footing, boulders (blocking terrain, can potentially be pushed to roll). It's a bit like a hill where you start on opposite sides at the bottom.

[Arcran]

Moghu nodded at Kurtakh, before turning to focus on the Soul Clan. He nodded throughout their speech, before a brief wave of relief washed over him. Of all the opponents, Moghu felt the most at home against Kurtakh. While he had trained more against Flying and Fire types, simple brute force was something that Moghu was far more familiar with than the magics of the Open Forest. The twinge in his tattoo was concerning; was the Great Mother apprehensive about his matchup? Or was she uncomfortable with the fact that he had grown close with one outside the tribe?

Let us give them a real battle, Moghu says with a grin, offering a hand to Kurtakh. We can properly compare the weapons of the mountains, and those of the forest.

Looking at the different options, Moghu was fairly confident that Kurtakh would ban the water. With that in mind, Moghu decided to ban the only other one that seemed dangerous to him: the grasslands full of flammable grass. After informing the proper Soul Clan member of his choice, Moghu nodded to Kurtakh, then Inneq, then went to stretch and prepare with his Pokemon.

Rella, I'm going to rely on you at first, Moghu stated, looking at the Poliwag. Get in a bit closer, draw Kurtakh's attack, and I will make sure he doesn't touch you, same as always. Moghu traced his tattoos carefully, looking at the matching patterns across Rella's rotund body. We will bring glory to the Great Mother, and show the strength of the Paras.

[Llyarden]

"Well, so much for finding the right time to mention that," Velitus muttered under his breath. "Now I can say this safely without having to worry about whether I'd be fighting you," he added to Eira, "spirits guide you."

Thankfully, having to think about the upcoming fight served as quite a good distraction from worrying about what Resh and the others would say. If Uldeen used Poison-types as her Totem might suggest, then that would put her at something of an advantage, and she already had one advantage in knowing what one of his Pokemon was (Akari still waiting patiently at his heels.) Not knowing her Pokemon, in turn, meant it was difficult to know which arena would most favour her, although there was only really one arena whose properties he definitely couldn't take advantage of; he doubted either he or his Pokemon would be able to budge the heavy posts - at least not on a timescale that would be usable in a fight - so at best if Uldeen was in the same situation it would be neutral to them. At worst it would give her another advantage.

Once he'd informed the Soul Clan of his choice to remove the boulder arena from the options for his battle, he crouched down to Akari's level, carefully threading the quills he'd been tying together through some of the Swadloon's leafy 'clothes.' "Well, this is it," he said, quietly. "Time to hope what I did yesterday was more than a random fluke."

[CateranEnforcer]

All the doubt Jayce felt the night before came back when he heard he was facing Felt. It might all be bluster, but he for sure wasn't going to count on her not being a fierce opponent. The cheers of his clan helped some, but he also was worried he'd let them down. This was not going to be easy.

Still, he cleared his head and pushed all that aside. Honestly he felt comfortable fighing in any of those terrain types for once reason or another, but Felt was an archer. Only one of those types lacked cover which was the river. It would make things difficult for Ivan, but he bet Felt was sure footed enough to not be that bothered by it. He was much more used to ambush tactics anyways, lying still for hours to get an advantage. The grass and rocky field both looked favorable to him and he wondered which she'd ban. Jayce informs the clan of his choice to exclude the river field, and makes minor preparations. He feeds Ivan and Dao a berry each before taking one himself. "Okay guys, this is it. Let's make the Clan proud."

[Zelphas]

Eira matches Malta look for look and smile for smile, watching the baton carefully. "Right, you too," she responds, glancing over at Velitus, then at the fields.

The Fennekin Clan had something to do with fire, but there was also that Fighting Type that Eira had seen earlier... either way, the river arena will probably be banned by the other girl. Glancing over at the other arenas, Eira made her choice: the Berry bushes. She doesn't know Southern plants well enough to utilize them, and they don't provide good cover anyways. She'll ban the Berry field.

She probably knows Pebble, but Omen might be a surprise, Eira thinks to herself, one hand unconsciously touching her Apricorns. Hopefully I can be a surprise too.

[CosmicOccurence]

For both you and your enemies, you'll still be able to release your second pokemon even when fainted (or have it join the battle from nearby if you don't have pokeballs. They can be a bystander until 'tagged in')

Also make sure you're all healed up from our stay at the 'pokemon center'

Your first pokemon can start adjacent to you


Moghu

Will be good battle. Worthy opponent, even if an airsick lowlander, Kurtakh said. You were correct that he did indeed ban the water field. After some scheduling, it was decided that you would be the first match on the field of boulders.

When you took your place on the field, you couldn't see Kurtakh as the field rose sharply, its sides littered with boulders. However, you'd seen his Pokemon, just as he'd seen yours. His first was a floating rock with arms, while his second was a small greenish quadraped with a tough looking crest on its head.

Sheketh, who was presiding over the battle, rang a small gong to indicate the match had begun. Your tattoo twinged in excitement at the chance to prove the worth of the Paras.

You have the opening salvo here no matter your starter!


Velitus
Akari chipred in contentment and agreement at you words, shaking itself to prepare. Uldeen had decided to remove the tall grass from contention, and Ithgar had assigned you both to the River. Apparently it had been banned by most of the battlers, so they were trying to get it in use somehow.

You were rafted out to a platform upstream, while Uldeen took the center platform. She had more options for maneuvering than you, but if pushed in the water she'd also have fewer chances to extract herself before she floated out of the boundaries. Her first pokemon was a furry little thing with red and orange fur and a nasty look in its eyes. Meanwhile, her second was a pale green quadraped with a large leaf sprouting from its head.

As Ithgar sounds the gong to begin the battle, Uldeen promptly crouches down, pressing her hands to the raft. The wood began to sprout branches that wrapped around her legs, and her body began to be lit by a soft green glow as energy passed between wood and flesh. Meanwhile, the pokemon was chittering in anticipation for the battle, staring intently at the you and your partner.

They are both at initiative 10, so they went first!
Uldeen uses Ingrain!
Nicket uses Nasty Plot!



Jayce
With the river gone, Felt promptly removed the tall grass from consideration, clearly worrying about your ability to hide in the waving fronds. She spent a solid five minutes preparing her bow, limbering it and making sure the string was impeccably waxed.

Ivan seemed to have a moderately-sized headache today, which would be useful for the coming battle, and Dao just looked excited to see terrain similar to home. Felt led with a furry tan canine pokemon, and a nasty looking bird with a sharp beak floated in the sky above her, ready to dive down when the moment arrived. However, as you took your place, she exited your vision from behind the crest of the rocky hill.

As Sheketh clangs the gong to signal the beginning of the battle, you can already hear Felt racing up the hill, pushing for a vantage point over you. As you began to act, you saw her bow pushing over the top of the ridge, ready to take potshots at you as you acted.


Felt has initiative 15! Herdier does not ... and will go last.

Felt runs up the hill! Felt uses Overwatch! Depending on your movement she might get some free attacks against you! Let me know your specific movement paths in your post so I can make attack rolls for her as needed.


Eira
Malta does indeed ban the river, and the shaman woman of the soul clan assigned you to be the first match of the grassland field. Malta nodded in agreement, and she and her pinkish pokemon slunk into the tall grass to start the battle.

When the woman rings the gong for the battle, you sense that both of you have around the same reaction time. However, should you choose to take the first move, you'd have it.

The impidimp technically goes first, but it doesn't do anything. Malta is at initiative 10. If you start with Omen, then you both have your actions, then Malta/Imp and back and forth.

If you start with Pebble I don't want to deal with the slowness of going back and forth zig zag style, and Impidimp will 'delay' its next turn to initiative 10.

[Zelphas]

Half hidden in the tall grass on the other side of the battlefield, Eira looks over at Malta and her Pokemon. This grass seems excellent for concealing herself, and both she and Omen could easily vanish into it if needed...

The gong strikes, and she rushes forwards, Omen leaping ahead of her as well. She already knows I'm here, and this grass is a trap waiting to be used. Aggression time.

Omen races slightly faster than Eira. He bursts out of the tall grass a short distance and rears back, coughing out a plume of yellow-orange flame directly at Malta's Pokemon. Eira, arriving at the edge of the grass mere moments later, spins towards the Pokemon as well, howlign wind and sudden snow appearing in her hands and blanketing the ground heading towards the small pink creature. In this battle, I'm the hunter, not the prey. You hide from me, if you dare.

Omen

Move Action: Shift to M8.

Standard Action: Ember on the Impidimp.
Accuracy: [roll0] AC 2, Burn on 18+
Damage: [roll1]
Crit: [roll2]

Eira

Move Action: Shift to L6.

Standard Action: Powder Snow on the Impidimp.
Accuracy: [roll3] AC 2, Freeze on 19+
Damage: [roll4]
Crit: [roll5]

If either or both of the attacks count as attacking 'through' or 'into' the cover, please subtract 2 from the offending Accuracy roll.

[Arcran]

Moghu's hand drifted towards Rella's Pokeballs, hesitating as he stare at the large stones. Two right next to each other, in fact, and in a perfect line with Kurtakh. Sorry Rella, but I may need a wall, Moghu stated, pulling out Podax's Pokeball, releasing the Sandshrew by his side. If he were to curl up, the Sandshrew should be able to stop any of the rolling boulders in their path and, with the hill as it is, would be a force to be reckoned with moving downhill.

Let us see who can better make use of the mountain then! Moghu shouts, taking a few steps forward before ramming himself into the boulder, pushing it up the hill before sending it on a direct path towards Kurtakh and mentally noting that his scout's boots seemed just as effective in the mountains. Podax, behind me! Become a boulder! Moghu shouted a moment later, watching the Sandshrew burrow forward just behind him, curling into a tight ball.


Podax was released in D7.

Moghu
Shift: Move to E7!
Standard: Shove the F7 boulder, and keep shoving until I get to J7! It should go forward, hit the boulder in I7, then fly towards Kurtakh!

Athletics was rolled in OoC, I got a 16.
AC 2: [roll0] (Using an AP)
Damage: [roll1]
Critical: [roll2]
Swift: If that hits, I'll spend 1 AP to decrease Kurakh's Attack by 1 CS using Roughneck.

Podax
Shift: Move from D7 to H7!
Action: Defense Curl! Podax is Curled Up!

[Llyarden]

For all that Soul Clan had evidently been having issues foisting the water arena on someone, in truth Velitus would've chosen this arena if he could. Hana floated in mid-air, Akari had her silk lashes, and Velitus didn't want to be in the thick of combat anyway. He...might have started regretting this decision when he realised just how wobbly it was.

He watched Uldeen manipulate the wood of her raft with more than a little envy. She seemed so confident and calm - and clearly knew what she was doing. But that didn't stop him gesturing to the odd black-and-red Pokemon that she'd brought with her. "Go for the...uh, whatever-that-is!" Uldeen seemed to be planning to draw out the fight, which meant that Velitus would be best suited finishing it quickly.

Akari flicked a strand of silk - very much like the one Velitus could create from his grass flute, though rather smaller - across to Uldeen's raft. "Don't be too aggressive - just bite it!" Velitus added hastily, as the Swadloon wobbled around trying to keep her balance before - if she got the chance - lunging at the big-tailed Pokemon with small but very sharp fangs, the nature magic of the quills in her 'clothes' adding a significant amount of power to the bite.

Velitus uses Focused Training as a Priority action. Although he's the same speed as Akari anyway so whatever.

Akari Shift: Threaded Shift G4->I7. Acrobatics (+4 for double Focused Training): [roll0]
Akari Standard: If that failed, stand up and eat an AoO for the trouble. Otherwise, Bug Bite.
To-hit vs AC2 (+2 for double Focused Training): [roll1]
Bug Physical Damage (+5 for Bug Booster): [roll2]
On a hit she steals any digestion buff the Nickit has.

Wow. A 3 on 2d6 and then a 1 on the d20. Thanks dice. :smallfrown:

[CateranEnforcer]

Jayce is pleasantly surprised by the choice of arenas. The grass would have been nice to hide in, but the mountains was his home. He had a few tricks for Felt's unknown flying type.

With Ivan securely strapped to his back, Jayce steps into the field with Dao by his side, who cracks his knuckles eagerly. At the gong, Felt surprises them both by covering them both with her bow, but it's a greedy move. Jayce's spear would not make it up the hill and Dao could not reach her. Or so she thought.

"Dao, approach carefully and show her our little trick at home." The machop excited crawls forward, staying as low as he can and picks up a stone. Jayce also gets low and prepares a stone, but doesn't move, not sure he can make it to cover in time. In unison, they toss their rocks at Felt from a surprising range.

Dao starts in C6 and moves in a straight line to E6.
Dao uses Smack Down from Natural Fighter on Felt!

Attack:[roll0] AC 2
Damage:[roll1]
Crit:[roll2]

Jayce uses Smack Down on Felt!
Attack:[roll3] AC 2
Damage:[roll4]
Crit:[roll5]

2 AP spent

[CosmicOccurence]

Eira

The Conflagrence of Ice and Fire dropped the Pokemon to its knees, frost creeping over its joints as its movement began to lock down. However, it opened its mouth and pointed a long finger at Eira before the icicle slammed into it, shoving it out of the now-burning grass and out of the arena.

Malta cursed softly, Muking northerners, before tapping an apricorn ball to release her red chicken pokemon. Then she drew her batons and raced in, slamming Omen with two solid hits while her pokemon sent a blast of flames at Eira. Much as with Omen, the grass began to burn readily, giving her some easy scorch marks at the start of this battle.


I probably should have mentioned this earlier, but thankfully it didn't matter. Malta has the stealth capability, meaning you won't be able to target her with ranged attacks while she's in the grass unless she also made a ranged attack.

Malta takes 1 tick damage from starting her turn in the flames.
Shift to N8
Double Swipe on Omen 26. It hits for 26 physical normal damage
Swift to release Torchic!

The Torchic uses Ember on Eira. It hits! 32 special Fire damage to Eira
The terrain you are on is now flaming and you will take 1 tick at the start of your turn from the flames.

I believe Eira has used her action for this round (other than shifting) so unless she takes another priority move it will just be Omen.



Moghu

The boulder crashes into Kurtakh, clearly leaving some injuries. However, that seemed to just enrage the man, and he raced up the hill roaring Strong as Stone the Rhyhorn Run! and slams his massive club into your side. It's clear from his eyes that he's in some sort of blood-rage you'd heard of some warriors getting, lending strength to his attacks.

Meanwhile, his rock pokemon hop-floated up the side of the hill before crashing itself into the ground, shunting the nearby boulder painfully into your shoulder. DUDE! it cried.


Kurtakh shifts J6. He goes via K5 to avoid an attack of opportunity.
Kurtakh uses Rage on Moghu! It hits! Moghu takes 22 Physical Normal Damage
Kurtakh is now enraged.

The Geodude shifts to K9
The Geodude uses Magnitude! It does 31 Physical Ground Damage to Moghu


Velitus
Akari was able to navigate to the platform with relative ease using her threads. However, as she went in for a bite the raft shifted crazily under her feet, and the pokemon scampered out of the way. In response, the pokemon let out a low warning growl that sent shivers down Akari's spine.

Meanwhile Uldeen began chanting, bringing forth a swarm of leaves that flew with unnerving accuracy at you, digging into your flesh before falling limply to the raft's floor.

This is what the magic of the forest looks like! she cried, her eyes glowing a bright green.


You can tell the leafy pokemon is a chikorita, which your'e relatively familiar with from your time in the forest. It was popular among shamans due to the emotional manipulation nature of its spores, allowing them to calm the angriest warriors and soothe vengeful spirits.

Nickit uses Snarl on Akari. It hits. 26 special dark damage, and -1 special attack CS
Uldeen uses magical leaf on Uldeen. It hits. 24 special grass damage



Jayce

Felt cursed as the stones crashed into her chest, but she managed to let loose one arrow before your attacks, the blunt tip slamming painfully into Dao.

Meanwhile you heard encouraging barking from the other side of the hill as the canine raced up the hill, bolstering the incredibly ragged looking Felt. In fact, it seemed like she was almost taken out by those hits. She wasn't used to bearing the brunt of damage it seemed.

Meanwhile Felt began loosing a volley of shots at Dao, who had begun to approach her. The terrain gave her significant advantage, letting her shots fly true despite the rushed speed at which she fired. Two arrow collided with Dao, continuing the barrage of blunted wood.


The Overwatch arrow hits Dao for 16 physical normal damage

lillipup races forwards and uses Helping Hand on Felt!

Felt uses Double Shot! She attacks twice on Dao!
They both hit! Dao takes 31 and 18 physical normal damage

[Zelphas]

Eira raises one eyebrow at Malta's "Northerner" comment, though any retort is interrupted by the grass catching fire all around her. "Her!" she calls out to Omen out of the fire before making a hasty retreat, coughing slightly. She rushes around the tall grass to one side, hoping to get some distance between herself and the fiery bird.

Omen, for his part, spins towards the person who attacked him, spitting out another bolt of flame.

Appearing around the edge of the tall grass, Eira spins, firing out another sharp icicle at Malta moments after the flames wash towards her.

Omen

Move Action: None.

Standard Action: Ember on Malta.
Accuracy: [roll0] AC 2, Burn on 18+
Damage: [roll1] Fire Special damage
Crit: [roll2]

Eira

Start of turn: lose one tick of HP, and gain 1 Injury.

Move Action: Shift to J9 via K5 to avoid the other square of flames.

Top of Next Round: Ice Shard on Malta.
Accuracy (AP used): [roll3] vs. AC 2
Damage: [roll4]
Crit: [roll5]

Eira regains a Tick of HP.

[Llyarden]

Velitus and Akari winced as Uldeen and her Pokemon struck in synchrony, but the hits weren't too bad, all things considered. And now the raft had stopped swaying quite so awkwardly, he was hoping Akari might have better luck.

He shifted back a little to the edge of his raft, hoping to put himself out of Uldeen's range, and then sighed slightly. He could guess what Uldeen was expecting him to do. "Well, this is what my magic looks like...I hope."

He didn't want to close his eyes in case there were more leaf barrages incoming, but he focused, planting his staff in front of him and leaning down so the tip of it touched his forehead. The world is always with us. Even atop the highest mountain, the seas will aid us, and even in the deepest cave, the grass will aid us. All we have to do is call.

White light blazed from Uldeen's raft, the magical energy living gossamer strands of silver behind it for a few moments.

(Meanwhile, in the absence of new orders from her Trainer, Akari kept trying to sink her fangs into her vulpine opponent.)

Akari Shift: None.
Akari Standard: Another Bug Bite and let's try to not roll a natural 1 this time...
To-hit vs AC2 (+1 for Focused Training): [roll0] That would be a crit.
Bug Physical Damage (+5 for Bug Booster): [roll1] +15 from crit, so 51. Uh...I really hope she doesn't kill the poor thing.

Velitus Shift: To F3.
Velitus Standard: Weapon-modified Struggle on Nickit, or on Uldeen if the Nickit went down.
To-hit vs AC5: [roll2]
Fairy Special Damage (+5 for SpAtk Focus): [roll3]

[CateranEnforcer]

Dao holds his arms in front of his face as he is pelted with wood, but he crunches on his berry and isn't as bad as Jayce would have thought. While Felt was busy shooting his pokemon, he moved up quickly to choose the distance and makes a mock kidney punch with his blunted weapon. That would really cause some damage with a real blade, but so would real arrows, he supposed. Ivan let out an annoyed quack at from Jayce's back at the sudden moment. "Didn't expect that, huh?"

"Dao, push that boulder!" The little fighter puts his arms down to rush up the hill and grunts as puts his whole weight into it aiming for the Lilipup.

Dao moves to I8 and tries to push the boulder in J8 on the Lillipup
Athletics:[roll0]
Attack:[roll1] AC 2
Damage:[roll2] +10
Crit:[roll3]

Jayce moves to I6
Jayce uses Cheap Shot on Felt!
Attack:[roll4] AC 4, auto hit
Damage:[roll5]
Crit:[roll6]

[Arcran]

Moghu felt the familiar roil of the earth beneath him. He grinned slightly, noticing the gap between Podax and Kurtakh's Pokemon. He'd managed to get his shield in the way of Kurtakh's club, mitigating the brunt of the attack, but it still smarted.

With a quick twirl Moghu pulled a spear from his pack, stepping aside so he could target both Kurtakh and the Geodude. A moment later two spears took to the air, one aimed at each of Moghu's foes. Podax, shake the earth! Show these two the Great Mother's might! And tie down the floating rock! he shouted a moment later, watching as Podax slammed the ground to cause a massive quake before curling up and rolling towards the rock-like Pokemon.


Moghu
Shift: Move to K7!
Standard: Use Double Swipe on Kurakh and the Geodude!


vs. Kurtakh
AC 2: [roll0]
Damage (Physical, Normal): [roll1]
Critical: [roll2]
Kurtakh is Marked and takes a -3 penalty to attack anybody other than Moghu.

vs. Geodude
AC 2: [roll3]
Damage (Physical, Normal): [roll4]
Critical: [roll5]

Podax
Action: Magnitude! Burst 2, so it will hit Kurtakh (and some boulders?)


AC 2: [roll6]
Damage (Physical, Ground): [roll7]
Critical: [roll8]

Shift: Move from J9!

[CosmicOccurence]

Eira

As Omen's fire blasted at Malta, she vaulted hershelf into the air, avoiding the worst of the flames, though still suffering some damage. She landed lightly behind Omen only in time to be hit by the Ice Shard. She wasn't looking good, but she had enough vitality to lash out at Omen in a series of flipping kicks that Omen was unable to avoid.

Meanwhile her Pokemon launched itself awkwardly at the canine, burying its beak into the soft flesh on his side. As Malta spun around for the next volley, she flipped her batons lightly in her hand, palms glowing in anger.


Malta uses Flip Out as a Shift Interrupt! She takes less damage from Ember and has +2 evasion for one round
On her turn she uses Aerial Ace on Omen. He takes 29 physical flying damage

The Torhcic uses Peck! It deals 12 Physical Flying Damage

You've used your round 3 action, so unless you use Ice Shard you only have a shift left over.



Velitus
This time Akari's aim was true, and her fangs sunk deep into the pokemon, causing it a great deal of damage, and it toppled over onto the raft. Uldeen cursed, and in a flash her plant pokemon appeared and, with a quick command launched itself at Akari. The collision was violent, and Akari went tumbling over the side of the raft into the churning waters.

Uldeen tried to cast some sort of green net at the creature, but it dissolved on contact with the water, causing the girl to curse again. However, her wounds were already starting to stitch themselves together as she leeched energy out of her raft. Akari's race to the edge of the field was stopped by colliding with one of the rafts, with wobbled unstably at the contact.


Nickit Faints!

Uldeen uses Shift to Release Chickorita!
Uldeen uses Standard to use Mega Drain on Akari. It misses

Chickorita uses tackle on Akari. It does 25 physical normal damage and pushes Akari into the water



Jayce
The boulder wasn't able to gain much momentum before it collided with the canine, but the blow looked like it hurt nevertheless. Felt fell with a cry of pain to your attack while the canine hurled itself at

Then she turns and races down the field knocking another arrow to her bow while gaining some distance.


Felt goes down.

Lilipup uses Take down on Dao. It does 45 Physical. It must move back and then rush at Dao to do this, giving both of you an AOO. Let me know what final damage is on Dao so I can do recoil.

If Dao is still up, it needs to make a DC 9 acro/combat check to avoid being tripped



Moghu
Kurtakh, finally catching up with your your spears operated in practice and not just in theory, ducked out of the way of your blow. The boulder however, seemed almost totally unaffected by the attack. Podax's miniature earthquake however, had quite a greater effect. You could have sworn that the blow would have felled the man, but instead his eyes glowed brighter in his rage.

He was still looking far worse for wear though, and his wild swing at you indicated his instability. The blow connected savagely with you, crunching bone. Unfortunately, it knocked you off balance enough that the boulder, attempting to smash you down the hill, soared past in its odd floating movement.


Kurtakh gains +1 atk stage from Rage/Magnitude. He is now at neutral!
Kurtakh holds on using Fight On and On!

Kurtakh uses flail. It hits and does 45 Physical Normal damage to Moghu.

Geodidue used Tackle on Moghu. It missed
Its movement does provoke an AOO from Podax

[Zelphas]

Eira forces herself to keep her grin in place as Omen takes a series of heavy blows, giving out a little cheer of encouragement to see him still standing. She thinks for a long moment, her mind racing. All right; time for a gamble. "Both!" she calls out. Omen, struggling back to his feet, gives her a look over his shoulder, then painfully limps into the raging fire nearby.

Seeming to draw strength from the flames all around him, the Houndour stands up a little straighter, drawing in his breath. Instead of flames, however, a thick purple mist pours out of his mouth, swarming over both Malta and her little bird Pokemon.

For her part, Eira curves around the flames, summoning ice into her hands once again. I may need to slack my pace soon, she thinks, feeling the icicle form in her hands. Not yet, though! She slings the shard at Malta once again.

Omen

Move Action: Disengage to L7. Flash Fire activates.

Standard Action: Smog on the Torchic and Malta
Torchic:
Accuracy: [roll0] vs. AC 7, Poison on an even-numbered roll
Damage: [roll1] Poison Special Damage
Crit: [roll2]

Malta:
Accuracy (AP Used): [roll3] vs. AC 7, Poison on an even-numbered roll
Damage: [roll4] Poison Special Damage
Crit: [roll5]

Eira

Move Action: Shift to O11.

Top of next round: Ice Shard on Malta.
Accuracy (AP Used): [roll6] vs. AC 2
Damage: [roll7]
Crit: [roll8]

Eira regains a Tick of HP.

[Arcran]

Moghu manages to get his shield up just in time, let out a battle cry as he knocks aside Kurtakh's blow, weathering an attack that should have knocked him unconscious. As he saw where Kurtakh and the stone Pokemon stood Moghu grinned, before calling out to Podax. Got them in a line for you boy! Rollout! The Sandshrew let out a shriek as it rolled forward, gaining momentum as it attempted to plow through Kurtakh and the stoney Pokemon.

After seeing the Geodude attempt to lash out at Podax and seeing Kurtakh crumple under Podax's charge, Moghu dashes away. Physical strikes seemed to be doing very little to the rocky Pokemon, but perhaps Rella could handle it. Well done Podax! Rella, bring the Great Mother glory!


Moghu activates Mettle against Kurtakh's attack! Moghu resists the damage one step, and Kurtakh loses 2 Attack CS.
Also going to trigger that Oran Berry now.

Podax
Shift: Move to K9! This should provoke an AoO from the Geodude.
Action: Rollout! Ending in I6, so it should hit both Geodude and Kurtakh.

AC 4: [roll0] (Using AP)
Damage (Physical, Rock): [roll1]
Critical: [roll2]

Moghu
IF KURTAKH IS DOWN
Shift: Shift to K1! This will provoke if the Geodude doesn't take the free hit on Podax for some reason.
Standard: Swap Rella and Podax! Release Rella in K7!
IF KURTAKH IS STILL UP
Standard: Struggle on Kuratkh!

AC 4: [roll3]
Damage (Physical, Normal): [roll4]
Critical: [roll5]
Kurtakh is Marked and takes a -3 penalty to attack anybody other than Moghu.

[Llyarden]

Velitus...kinda blinked in surprise as the little fox went down almost as soon as Akari had gotten her fangs into it, making a mental note to be a lot more cautious when tending to the leafy 'armour' around her mouth in future. And then Uldeen's second Pokemon was there and Akari went flying into the water. "I think this would never end if she started returning the favour," he muttered to himself. "Akari, bite the Chikorita!" At least he knew what this one was, and knew that Akari was probably impervious to most of its tricks. The Swadloon didn't seem best pleased about her unexpected dip into the river, lashing a silk thread back onto the raft and launching herself directly at the Chikorita, seemingly heedless of Uldeen's presence as she went by.

For his part, encouraged by his prior success with calling upon his magic (granted he needed to work on his aim a bit, but all the same just managing to use his powers on demand was a good result as far as he was concerned), he decided to mimic the same action that had unleashed his powers the day before, raising his staff up and bringing it down in a sweeping motion towards the Chikorita - and a small amount of purplish fur woven across the steel ring glowed and vanished, and instead of the usual silvery light the ray that he launched became a beautiful pink-and-purple, almost like smoke - though no less damaging for it.

Akari Shift: Threaded Shift back onto the raft into I7, provoking from Uldeen.
Akari Standard: Another Bug Bite.
To-hit vs AC 2 (+1 for Focused Training): [roll0]
Bug Physical Damage (+5 for Bug Booster): [roll1]

Velitus Shift: I really need to find him something to do with these.
Velitus Standard: Resonance Beam on Chikorita, with Fairy Gem expenditure and an AP.
To-hit vs AC4 (+1 for AP, lowers SpDef on 18+): [roll2]
Fairy Special Damage (DB9 due to Fairy Gem, +5 for SpAtk Booster): [roll3]
This is technically a line effect that clips the raft, so maybe Uldeen & Chikorita fall over as well. Akari has Wallclimber.

[CateranEnforcer]

Jayce doesn't take time to celebrate as Felt is removed from the battle as Dao also falls from her pokemon's retaliation. Finally, he loosens the straps on his back and sets Ivan down. "Dao took a lot of punishment. Your turn Ivan!" The pup was out of sight behind the rocks, so Jayce could only vaguely direct the Psyduck. He steps back and looks skyward to prepare for the potential coming of the flying pokemon.

Ivan waddles around the corner and jumps as if startled by the Lillipup and spits a stream of water at it in surprise!
Dao faints, taking 35 damage

Jayce releases Ivan!

Ivan uses Water Gun!
Attack:[roll0] AC 2
Damage:[roll1] + Damp [roll2]
Crit:[roll3]

[CosmicOccurence]

Eira

Omen didn't seem up to creating the smog currently, and it quickly got lost in a gust of wind. Meanwhile, your launched shard connected squarely with Malta, slamming right into her sternum. She dropped like a rock, but not before the Torchic buried its beak into Omen's hide with savage strength. Its trainer may be down, but it turned to face you, flames flickering from its beak.


Malta goes down.

Torchic uses Peck on Omen It does 15 damage
torchic shifts into the flames



Moghu

The rock took a vicious lash at Podax as he maneuvered into position, but when the Sandshrew got going, it became a wrecking ball, toppling Kurtakh brutally.

However, the stone creature seemed to ignore Rella entirely focusing its entire energy on you. It scooped up stones from a crushed boulder and threw them at you with great force, and they hit like punches.



Geodude uses an AOO vs Podax It deals 17 physical normal damage Damage
Kurtakh goes down to Rollout.

Geodude shifts to K5. This provokes an AOO from Rella.
Geodude uses Rock Throw on Kurtakh. It hits, dealing 38 physical rock damage



Velitus
Uldeen didn't even bother trying to lash out at Akari as she sailed past, instead saving up her energy for another large attack. The Chikorita, at Uldeen's command, ignored Akari, instead, ready to blast you with leaves as your attack hit it squarely. As the pokemon went down, Uldeen yelled in fury, sending a wave of leaves to wash over you, giving you a sea of small cuts.

Chikorita goes down

Uldeen uses Magical Leaf on Velitus. It deals 34 Special Grass Damag



Jayce

The pup ducked under Ivan's blast of water, preparing to launch itself at the Psyduck. However, the brunt of its wounds seemed to finally kick in from its last reckless advance, and it toppled to the ground, unconscious. From the sky dove a bird that honed in on you digging its beak deep into your flesh.

Lillipup is down!

Spearow joins the fray and uses Peck on Jayce. It does 31 Physical Flying Damage

[Zelphas]

Eira's grin widens when Malta drops, only to become a snarl as Omen drops a few seconds later. "More than well done, Omen," she says to herself quietly before forcing the grin fully back into place. Reaching to her belt, Eira throws out Pebble, the big rock Pokemon entering the field with surprising silence for such a large creature. "Pebble!" Eira calls out clearly, pointing at the fiery little bird. "Smack it down!"

Now Pebble roars her rockslide bellow, one front paw slamming into the ground and ripping up a sizable chunk of earth and rock. The Rhyhorn lowers her head and slams heavily into the rock in midair, sending it careening towards the final foe in the fight.

Eira

Move Action: Release Pebble at N9.

Standard Action: Already used.

Pebble

Move Action: Shift to I8.

Standard Action: Smack Down on the Torchic.
Accuracy (AP Used): [roll0] vs. AC 2
Damage: [roll1] Rock Physical Damage
Crit: [roll2]

[Llyarden]

Velitus stumbled back as the leafs bit into him, barely stopping himself from falling off the raft. Almost without thinking, he lashed out in another blast of gossamer light as Akari whirled on Uldeen.

After seeing what the Swadloon's sharp teeth had done to the Chikorita and Nickit, Velitus was a little hesitant in allowing her to attack Uldeen directly. But at the same time, he had no intention of disrespecting the Soul Clan - or himself - by ordering her to use an attack that was just strictly less potent. "Why did you have to anchor yourself to the raft?" he asked Uldeen aloud - albeit mostly rhetorically - as Akari lunged for the shaman's leg.

Velitus Shift: Another step back F3 -> E3, though I don't think it makes a difference.
Velitus Standard: Struggle on Uldeen, with an AP.
To-hit vs AC5 (+1 for AP): [roll0]
Fairy Special Damage (+5 for SpAtk Focus): [roll1]

Akari Shift: Into melee with Uldeen I7 -> J7.
Akari Standard: Yet another Bug Bite. Velitus will throw an AP at this as well.
To-hit vs AC2 (+1 for AP, +1 for Focused Training): [roll2]
Bug Physical Damage (+5 for Bug Booster): [roll3]

[Arcran]

Moghu let out a victorious cry as Kurtakh went down, leaving his defenses open for a fraction of a second too long. A moment later a hail of stones collided with him, driving Moghu to one of his knees, but not before Rella has the chance to capitalize on the opening. The boy's vision blurred for a moment, until he felt his tattoos faintly pulsing in sync with his heartbeat.

Not YET! Moghu shouts, looking to Rella. Break the stone! Moghu shouts, watching to see how his Poliwag is able to deal with the stony Pokemon.

Rella gets an Opportunity Attack against the Geodude!
Rella Opportunity Attack: Struggle (Fountain)!

AC 4: [roll0]
Damage (Water, Special): [roll1]
Critical: [roll2]

Rella
Action: Water Gun on the Geodude!

AC 2: [roll3]
Damage (Water, Special): [roll4]
Critical: [roll5]
Shift: Move to K6!

Moghu
Even more of an if statement, depending on if the Geodude is down, and what pops out next. I'll wait until we know how Rella's turn goes.

[Arcran]

With his vision fading in and out, Moghu did the obvious thing when the new Pokemon appeared: he charged. Right now, Rella and Podax were largely healthy; if he could keep it that way, they would be able to handle the rest once he fell.


Moghu
Shift: Move to K3!
Action: Use Double Swipe against the Axew in Double Strike mode!

AC 2: [roll0]
AC 2: [roll1]
Damage (Normal, Physical, One Hit): [roll2]
Damage (Normal, Physical, Two Hits): [roll3]
Critical (Once): [roll4]
Critical (Twice): [roll5]
Hit or miss, the Axew is Marked and takes a -3 penalty to attack people other than Moghu.

[CateranEnforcer]

Jayce grunts as the bird swoops in on him past his defenses. Even though he was watching for it, it was fast. Still, this wasn't over yet, he had to finish it out. "Ivan, over here!" He searches the ground for a suitable rock as the Psyduck turns around and shoots another blast of water, this time at the bird. Finally, Jayce finds one, dense and smooth and hurls it right after the water ends.

Jayce uses Smack Down!
Attack:[roll0] AC 2
Damage:[roll1]
Crit:[roll2]

1 AP spent

Ivan uses Water Gun!
Attack:[roll3] AC 2
Damage:[roll4] + Damp [roll5]
Crit:[roll6]

[CosmicOccurence]

Eira

Unfortunately, the smoke from the flaming grass was enough for the bird to avoid the stone hurled its way. It dashed through the grass, emerging while racing towards Eira, who it clearly thought was the more vulnerable target.

Chic! it cried, sending a gout of flame to wash over you.


torchic shifts to N8
Tochic uses Ember on Eira. It deals 33 special fire damage



Velitus
Akari sunk its fangs into the girl, who cried out in pain. However, her wounds slowly were knitting together as she continued to absorb energy from the raft. The land gives me power. And when there is no land, something like this works nicely.

She extended her hands, seeking to draw energy out of Akari. It wasn't terribly effective though, and Uldeen grimaced.


Uldeen uses Mega Drain on Akari It does 25 Special Grass Damage
Uldeen heals a tick of HP from ingrain.



Moghu

The stone fell under the onslaught of water, but the creature that took its place didn't seem to mind the wet ground. Moghu slammed into it, and the creature winced in pain. It struck back, letting loose a beam of pure energy from its mouth that slammed into you. Then it slipped behind a rock, attempting to avoid more blows.


Axew uses Dragon Rage on Moghu. Moghu loses 15 hit points
Axew disengages to hide behind a boulder!



Jayce
The stone and water combined were enough to take down the bird. It seemed Felt and her team were not suited to mountainous terrain, as your barrage of stones had proven quite effective here.

You heard the excited screeching from your Clan as those who had come to support your cheered you on while the female Shaman, named Hulloth, swept forwards to see to your wounds. She pulled out potions, and intoned. Congratulations on passing the trial of the Clan Soul Jayce of the Zubat Clan. Her voice was raspy, like she had just emerged from sitting in front of a very long campfire.

She began to look after you and your pokemon as you noticed a large pinkish pokemon with an egg in its pouch was treating the wounds of Felt and her pokemon with small bursts of light.

[Arcran]

The strange blast of energy drops Moghu like a stone, ending his battle before he can even shout something in rage. With Moghu down, Rella did what she knew best, and simply blasted the strange Pokemon with water, hoping that this one was similarly weak to water.

Rella
Shift: Move to L6!
Action: Water Gun!

AC 2: [roll0]
Damage (Type, Class): [roll1]
Critical: [roll2]

[Zelphas]

Eira ran through the flames as they washed over her, her legs moving through sheer adrenaline even as the burning took its toll on her. She dodged in at the fiery bird with a fistful of icy spikes--then clawed the bird barehanded as it dodged from her strike. "Pebble! Charge!" She calls out, then sets herself up behind the bird, her hands forming a heavy ice spike.

Pebble roars again and races around the fire, her horn lowered for a punishing strike. Should that strike hit, Malta's last Pokemon will be launched backwards--into Eira's waiting spike.

Eira

Move Action: Shift to O8 (she has enough movement to avoid the Torchic's threatened squares).

Standard Action: Faint Attack on the Torchic.
Accuracy: [roll0] Can't miss, fishing for a crit
Damage: [roll1] Dark Physical Damage
Crit: [roll2]

Pebble

Move Action: Shift to M8 (she has enough movement to avoid both the flames and the Torchic's threatened squares).

Standard Action: Horn Attack on the Torchic.
Accuracy: [roll3] vs. AC 2
Damage: [roll4] Normal Physical damage
Crit: [roll5]

If Pebble Hits

Eira activates Pack Hunt.
Accuracy: [roll6] vs. AC 5
On a hit, the Torchic loses a Tick of HP.

[Llyarden]

Akari barely even seemed to notice Uldeen's attempt to drain her energy, biting at the shaman's other leg before giving her a threatening hiss, as if to warn her off trying to attack her Trainer again.

"I mean, you could have removed this arena from the options. But I understand the logic. I was more meaning..." Velitus kinda shifted awkwardly, pulling the grass flute from his belt and snapping it, causing a wave of verdant energy to flow over his staff and around Akari. "Once your Pokemon were bested, Akari could've just knocked you off the raft to finish the fight instead of having to keep hurting you. Well, and without me having to keep doing this, whatever 'this' is" he muttered under his breath, bringing another ray of light up under Uldeen with one hand that brought with it a strange, hard-to-place scent that could have been vaguely reminiscent of grass after rain as the magic's power was enhanced by the spiritual energy of the broken flute.

I don't recall how much Mega Drain heals compared to the damage it does, but Akari lost 3 hitpoints from the Mega Drain.

Velitus Free: Unbind Improvised Gadgets to regain the AP.
Velitus Shift: Meh.
Velitus Standard: Another Struggle with an AP.
To-hit vs AC5 (+1 for AP): [roll0]
Fairy Special Damage (+5 for SpAtk Focus): [roll1]

Akari Shift: Also meh.
Akari Standard: All you need is love Bug Bite (and AP.)
To-hit vs AC2 (+1 for AP, +1 for Focused Training): [roll2]
Bug Special Damage (+5 for Bug Booster): [roll3]

[CosmicOccurence]

Moghu

While the jet of water didn't seem to hurt the Pokemon terribly, the many small hits were beginning to stack up. It charged at Rella, claws slicing through the air, but the Poliwag ducked down, avoiding the blow deftly despite its awkward land mobility.


Axew Shifts!
Axew uses Scratch! It misses



Eira
Pebble was like an earthquake, sending the Torchic flying with so much force that your follow up attack passed through thin air. The pokemon tumbled to the ground, screaming in rage, as it buried its beak in your leg, hunting down a painful nerve.


Torchic uses Peck on Eira. It deals 14 physical flying damage
It does not move



Velitus
Uldeen opened her mouth to respond as your blast of energy connected with her chest. Had she not ben anchored to the raft, she would have fallen into the river. Instead, she crumpled to the ground, unable to move due to the roots holding her in place.

Sheketh called the battle in your favor before heading over. He skipped lightly from raft to raft as the crowd cheered for you. You noticed your hunt-mates accepting congratulatory slaps on the back and compliments from some other members of your Clan.

Congratulations Velitus of the Twin Petals Clan, he said. The battle was well-fought. He picked up Uldeen easily before his Cacturne dragged the raft to shore, allowing you to disembark safely. He handed Uldeen off to an assistant, who began caring for her wounds.

Here, he said, handing you some salves and indicating for you to apply them. Any major injuries? he asked, all business as he checked you and Akari over for major wounds. He showed some concern for your slices, but the magic-dampeners had kept them from hitting any arteries.

[Zelphas]

Pebble's response to her mistress falling is eerily silent. She doesn't bellow, doesn't even growl--instead, she simply rips another rock straight out of the ground and kicks it at the little bird.

Pebble

Move Action: Nope.

Standard Action: Smack Down on the Torchic.
Accuracy (AP Used): [roll0] vs. AC 2
Damage: [roll1] Rock Physical Damage
Crit: [roll2]

[Llyarden]

Velitus sighed in relief as the roots anchoring Uldeen to the raft didn't immediately disappear as she lost consciousness. Even knowing Soul Clan was watching, he'd still been worried about the risk of her falling into the river - especially having broken the grass flute that would've been his main method of pulling her back to safety.

It...didn't entirely sink in that he'd won until he was back on dry land (mercifully he managed to keep his footing as the raft was towed back to shore) with Sheketh looking him over. "Nothing that a few salves and a night of rest won't help with," he answered the Soul Clan member, gratefully taking the salves. Akari had slingshotted herself back onto Velitus's raft, and he checked the little Grass-type over before pulling a pinch of some finely-chopped dried berries from his own supplies, mixing the bits with one of the salves that he applied to the bruise Akari had suffered from the Chikorita's tackle - it was her only real wound, since it was the magically-enhanced snarl of the odd little fox that had done the majority of the damage to her, but the berry mixture should help her recover from the effects of the latter.

Velitus himself was, in truth, rather more wounded than Akari, but unless Sheketh explicitly ordered him otherwise he wouldn't start tending to his own wounds until he was satisfied the Swadloon was fine - which, admittedly, didn't take too long; her leafy suit might have been ragged and in places and a little dried-out from Uldeen's magic, but she looked like she was still raring to fight. It was difficult to read the expression of a Swadloon, but she definitely looked more than a little proud. (And deservedly so as far as Velitus was concerned; he was pretty sure she could've won the fight even without him.)

[Arcran]

After rolling aside from the green Pokemon's attack, Rella simply fires out another blast of water, using the change in elevation to her advantage.

Rella
Action: Water Gun again!

AC 2: [roll0]
Damage (Water, Special): [roll1]
Critical: [roll2]

[CosmicOccurence]

Eira

This time Pebble connected, and connected hard. The bird went flying away despite its lack of wings, and Pebble immediately trotted over to your body, nuzzling it with concern.

You woke up to Pebble's giant horn in your vision as the grogginess receded, only to see Ithgar's upside down face. His teeth were bared in a grin. Would you look at that? Ice does beat Fire sometimes. Good work Eira of Weavile Clan. You've passed the Trial of the Clan Soul.

He tried to help you up, but Pebble easily boxed him out in his eagerness to help you. You saw Uldeen, who had lost an earlier match, holding some leaves under Malta's nose, who was beginning to wake up too.

In the crowd, you Reith flitted into the front lines for only a second to place his fore and index finger of his right hand to his forehead tattoo, a sign of congratulations and respect in your clan. He faded away again quickly, but you were fairly certain you'd be able to find him once more if you wanted to go chat with him.


Velitus
Good, Sheketh said properly. You have passed the Trial of the Clan Soul. He glanced at some of the other fights going on. Sadly it looks like the desert did not have a good showing this year, he grinned at you. His smile was gentler than Ithgars, not seeking to assert dominance constantly.

In any case, you seem in remarkably good shape all things considered. It was probably the most one sided match so far.


Moghu
Rella connected solidly, and the jet of water sent the pokemon tumbling down the hill. Rella allowed himself a moment of pride, his tatoos dancing, before he started waddling over to you.

The Soul Clan Shaman, Hulloth, reached you first. You woke to her tending the worst of your wounds. Moghu of Paras Clan, you have passed the Trial of the Clan Soul. She helped you up, and you saw a pinkish pokemon helping Kurtakh to his feet. He gave you a nod and salute before heading to see to his own pokemon.

Didn't think Paras Clan were made this big, the Shaman commented as she shoved a bundle of herbs under your nose. Usually those who make it this far are so small I could fit them in my pocket. Oh, and you'll want to get that looked at, she prodded the rib that Kurtakh had hit, and it flared up in pain. Make sure you head to the healing tent.

As always, your connection to the Great Mother was fainter than it had been before the fire, but there was minimal nausea, and you could have sworn you felt approval. Inneq was lifting his spear in the air, but didn't shriek like some of the Zubat Clan spectators had.


All
The battles took around two hours to run them all, and you were near the beginning. There was a healing tent where you and your team could be fully healed, and many of the other contestants were busy watching the matches. You had a chance to socialize with them, the Soul Clan members when they weren't busy, or even go chat with your mentors. You could even watch a few of the matches if you cared to.

Take a Pokemon Center Healing! Assume that your 4 matches were staggered so that they were close so you could see them fight, but not so close that they happened simultaneously.

[Zelphas]

Eira springs up, unconsciously using Pebble's horn for purchase as she does so; it is only when she's fully on her feet that the fact that the battle is over finally penetrates her consciousness. She sees Reith's gesture and responds with a middle knuckle to her own forehead: acknowledgment of the compliment without personal exultation. It went well, but could've gone better.

She matches Ithgar grin for grin, with roughly the same meaning behind each smile. "How far north have you been?" she retorts, feeling the familiar sensation of frost creeping over her injuries and dulling the pain somewhat. "Eventually, Ice always wins." She glances over to Malta and nods to her in respect, still grinning. If the girl seems to be at least somewhat of a good sport, she'll go over and congratulate her; if not, she'll debate going over just to annoy her, but decide to tend to her own wounds first.

---

Hmm... he might want to keep a watchful eye out after this, Eira thinks, watching Jayce finish off Felt's Spearow. Felt seems like one to hold unnecessary grudges. She flinches back slightly at the screeches from the Zubat Clan, looking over at them in surprise. I thought they were a quieter group; that sound could travel even in the tundra!

---

Eira blinks, watching Velitus shoot down Uldeen with a sudden blast of power from his staff. I didn't get that kind of feeling from him before; good for him for keeping that kind of power hidden away from everyone. She gives a speculative look at Akari, but decides that she and Omen could probably deal with her neatly enough. Still, credit where it's do; he made a better showing than I did purely from a 'people left standing' perspective.

---

Eira's review of Moghu's fight is a fair bit simpler than the others. What a straightforward slugfest, she thinks, watching Kurtakh, Moghu, and their Pokemon trade blows. Then again, add in some ice and fire and I guess my fight probably didn't look much different.

---

Eira settles in to watch the last brawl between the final three contestants, Omen panting happily at her side. Everyone had seen the Houndour at this point, after all, so there was no reason to conceal him any longer. Frankly, she almost would've preferred to fight in a bigger brawl like this; larger fights gave more opportunities to disappear and to spin things to her own advantage.

"I believe I acted more like a Glalie than a Weavile with my opening strikes," she says idly to the air, sure without quite knowing how that Reith is close enough to hear her. "With how flammable the grass was all around us, it seemed foolish to give her the first strike. 'It's easier to defeat a wounded enemy than to fight a healthy one', after all."

Eira's up for talking with any of the other players, if any of you want to do so.

[Llyarden]

At Sheketh's comment about the one-sided fight, Velitus glanced over to check Uldeen hadn't yet woken up to hear the remark before replying. "I don't think I can take too much credit for that," he remarked drily, nodding down at Akari. Once he'd finished tending to his own wounds, he (somewhat gingerly) got up and made his way over to Uldeen to see if she wanted to talk to him before rejoining the crowd as a whole - she might have lost, but her magic had been incredibly powerful, probably stronger than his even despite the resonance of the items he'd collected, and he had absolutely no objections about asking her for advice and offering his own knowledge in return. It was the role of a storyteller to gain and share knowledge, after all.

---

There are only predators and prey... Velitus frowned as he watched Jayce and his Psyduck take out Felt's last Pokemon in a combined attack, remembering what she'd said to him the night before. I hope she'll be okay after that. He knew all too well that one's own Clan wasn't always welcoming.

---

After seeing that Eira's fight would be situated in the thick grasses, he was a little surprised to see that it had devolved into much more of a brawl than a drawn-out process of hunter and hunted. The fact that they both had fire-spitting Pokemon was probably behind that, of course.

---

The fight between Kurtakh and Moghu was every bit as brutal and primeval as he'd expected it to be when he'd seen that they were going up against each other, and even if from a logical perspective he'd likely have been best-suited to fighting one of them had Uldeen not been his opponent...he was definitely very glad that he'd ended up with Uldeen, rather dramatic type advantage he'd had over her or no.

[Arcran]

Moghu blinked back to consciousness with a start, looking around for Rella. When he saw her completely uninjured and waiting beside him, he let out a sigh of relief. They had managed to win. He returned Kuratkh's salute before turning back to Hulloth.

Thank you, Moghu says, touching the spot on his ribs that Hulloth had indicated and wincing. Still, the shaman's words seemed to be coming to Moghu through a haze. He had felt approval from his tattoos! The Great Mother had noticed his deeds, and She had deemed them worthy!

When Hulloth's work was done, Moghu stood, patting Rella on the head as he did so, and made his way to the healing tent, but not before making eye contact with Inneq and raising his spear, allowing himself a victorious grin that quickly turned into a grimace from the pain. He would need to find Kurtakh later and congratulate hte other boy; few had knocked Moghu down like that, and hopefully few would again.



Moghu spent all of Eira's fight standing as far as he could from the ring, watching the flames get slung back and forth. While part of him had selfishly wanted to prove himself against a Fire-mage, he now found himself glad that he wouldn't have to deal with this particular matchup. The flaming bird and hound were both unfamiliar to him, and Moghu found himself studying their styles intently, just in case.

Either way, Eira seemed to handle the fight handily, but Moghu made a note not to keep an eye on her. With her stealth, Fire, and Ice, she was certainly a threat to the Paras, small stature aside.



The battle between Velitus and Uldeen brought a small grin to Moghu's face. Velitus' Pokemon seemed to use many techniques similar to the Paras, and used them to great effect. Even more, Velitus was using the strange power he had displayed against the Gumshoos to great effect, and Uldeen did not seem to stand a chance. While he had a hard time following the magical duel compared to the other battles, Moghu quickly developed a healthy amount of respect for the other boy.



Jayce's battle was perhaps the biggest surprise for Moghu. From the way Felt carried herself, he had expected her to be a great warrior. On the other hand, Moghu had thought Jayce was a simple scout, and not one to be watched. Those initial impressions were crushed as Moghu watched Jayce pummel Felt into the ground with stones with hardly a scratch on him. He tried to not be too overtly pleased with Felt's loss, but the defeat of a Flying-clan, even by another Flying-clan, was always a good thing.

Moghu started at the screeches of the Zubat; were they surprised by the victory as well? Either way, Moghu's mental hierarchy of the contestants shifted considerably after the battle.



After his time at the healing tent was finished, Moghu made his way to find Jayce, intending to congratulate the other boy for his battle against Felt. After eventually finding him, Moghu stood awkwardly in front of him, making too much eye contact. I did not expect you to win. You fought very well, he says simply, before nodding and making his way to find Hulloth. When he eventually finds her Moghu gets her attention, then asks a question.

Can you tell me of the other Paras that have made it this far in the Trials? Moghu asks, simply curious. He knew that he likely didn't fight like the other Paras had, especially the Spore-Speakers. The question was whether the Spore-Speaker's style or that of the Flame-Hunters was superior, which, given his victory here, seemed to have a rather simple way to measure. Does my Clan usually fare well in the battles?

[CateranEnforcer]

Jayce could hardly believe it was over and he was the victor. Felt had seemed so formidable at first, but things were stacked in his favor surely. "Thank you." He says simply, still processing the battle. I only won because I was fighting on favorable ground. And she could have taken a shot while I was still wondering when the fight was starting. Be looks over at his Clan, a little embarrassed but glad they were happy for him.

He decided not to walk over to Felt right now. Her pride would undoubtedly be quite damaged at this point. If she wanted anything to do with him, she'd come herself. He waited around to watch how Beshelt would do in her match, that was the one he was most interested in. The others were a blur in his mind, not feeling strongly one way or the other about the outcomes, save for his own. All of them were impressive in their own way, but given a different terrain, Jayce may have lost just as easily.

So he goes to wish Beshelt luck before her match, before ending up next to Eira. "Hey there, congratulations on the win. I wasn't sure how your opponent would be, but I knife you'd come out strong."

[Zelphas]

"You too," Eira acknowledges Jayce with a grin. "I'm only sad that you got to clip Felt's wings instead of me. I was hoping to test her confidence myself." No need to show weakness in front of other Clans. My fight was sloppy, but I won it, and that means I survived.

She stretches out a bit on the grass, still surprised by the feel of a natural substance that's both soft and warm. "So, any ideas about what comes next?" she asks curiously, her eyes on the fight as it warms up. "My Clan doesn't come to this thing often, so we have few stories about what happens here."

[CosmicOccurence]

Eira

The Glalie taught you well then, Reith said, materializing seemingly from thin air. Your stay with them broadened your horizons. The clans in the south collaborate more often than we do, which is perhaps a lesson we could learn. The glacier never - he cut off his speech as he noticed Jayce approaching and slipped back into the crowd.


Velitus
Uldeen sighed as you made your way into the healing tent. She looked alright, but both of her pokemon were still in the hands of the apprentice healer who ran the center. Congratulations are in order, she said. I must say this is the trial that I thought I would have the best shot at, not the one I would lose. Scents on the breeze I suppose, the phrase was an Oddish Clan axiom, and while your clans didn't interact a ton, you were close enough in the Open Forest to have met enough to picked up some of their oddities.

Your power doesn't come from the land does it? It comes from the items you collect? I've never met a Shaman like that.


Moghu
Inneq returned your raised spear with a half-howl, half-bellow that shocked Petra, who was standing next to him, Beshelt, and Yueh, anxiously awaiting their match.

When you asked the question of Hulloth, she grinned wickedly. Your clan's quite the odd one, and I'm not talking about the tattoos. The Paras who have come before you are masters of connecting with the natural world, better than me even, though my true strength lies in barriers and protective rites. They find it odd bonding with things that aren't covered in mushrooms, but once they get over that, it's an easy walk through the Trial of the World Soul.

Then they and their Paras simply put to sleep their enemies in this trial. Never seen one of your Paras miss with its spores. She sighed, running her hand through her hair. But they're nothing like you. They never get their hands dirty themselves, usually just recusing themselves totally from the fight. You seem to be the opposite. No magic. All muscle. Lots of scars.

It's like your clan specializes its members to the extreme. It's certainly unique, and not something most clans do. Until I met you and your master, I half-figured your whole clan was made of shamans. I assume you're a warrior for your clan? Or at least, you'll become one soon?

In any case, maybe a warrior will succeed in the Trial of the Name Soul. That's usually where your group fails from what I've heard. I'll admit I'm curious based on what I've heard from some of the past examiners.


To Those Watching the Beshelt/Petra/Yueh Match

The match between your final three teammates took place in the berry patch, and ended up being a surprisingly one-sided affair. Petra's bird pokemon quickly went for Yueh, who went toe to toe with them using a small teleporting yellow pokemon and her sonic-based attacks.

Meanwhile, Beshelt took her time, collecting berries and slowly raising the power of her team. When she finally waded into battle, she moved nearly as quickly as Malta and Eira, her twin daggers flashing. Teamed up on, Yueh quickly fell, and Petra didn't pose even a significant challenge to the girl in his weakened state. She and her pokemon showed remarkable teamwork, striking in unison and slipping in quick nips and strikes when an opponent was focused on their other half. It almost felt like watching an entire pack hunt as one.

At the end of the battle, she raced up to anyone watching. Well that was fun! At least this time I got to stretch my muscles a bit. Wish it could've been one of you lot though, then I might've worked up a sweat.

[Zelphas]

The glacier never grew on its own, maybe? Eira ponders the slightly unfamiliar truism that Reith had begun before Jayce arrived. Her elder's reaction drove home to her the difference between her Clan and others here. Clan Weavile truly is... insular. Even my connection to other families within the Clan is strange. She ponders this for a long moment, as she waits for the three-way battle to begin. With our solitary, untrusting nature... will we be able to settle with each other, once we find our Home again? Or will it just become another Great Scrawl, another place where we visit for a moment and then leave, too paranoid and restless to stand next to the fire and rest?

Her thoughts are distracted, thankfully, by the onset of the three-way fight. Eira quickly picks up on Beshelt's strategy and grins to herself. "Well, one of them knows how to hunt," she comments to Jayce once, watching Beshelt slowly strengthen her team and pick her time to enter the fray. This battle ended the moment Yueh and Petra chose only to fight each other.

"Are you sure?" Eira responds to Beshelt's comment. "You seemed to enjoy your berry-picking, and I would have demanded that you share your bounty before you were done."

[Llyarden]

"Thanks," Velitus said, quietly. "I know this may sound strange given that I was the victor, but...I'm sorry you lost."

He paused for a couple of moments to consider her next question. "I learned to find items that resonated with power and use them to amplify existing power while I was training as a shaman," he answered her, "but that more direct power..." He wasn't going to admit aloud that he only had the vaguest, most instinctive sense of how it worked. "My Clans teach that everything in the world is connected, and that by listening to our Clan Soul we can learn - and do - anything. Our greatest Shamans tap into their Clan Souls to predict what will come by the way flowers bloom and grasses rustle. So...that's where my power comes from, I think."


---

Velitus had drifted over to watch the last fight as well, in the absence of anything else to do, and was not even remotely surprised that Beshelt beat the other two easily. If anything, he was more surprised that Beshelt even needed to take the time collecting berries to be able to best them, though he supposed it gave her something else to do while Petra and Yueh focused on each other. Her fighting style reminded him somewhat of the way Eira had worked with her Pokemon - an entirely different way of fighting to his own.

He did go to check on Yueh and Petra once they'd been tended to by the healers, though.

[Arcran]

We defend the others, Moghu says simply in response to Hulloth's question, nodding slightly. Thank you for the help; I've never seen a Spore-Speaker in battle, and was curious, Moghu continued, wincing slightly at the backlash from his tattoos. He had hoped his earlier victory might have earned him some leeway, but it seemed that the secrets of the Paras Clan, no matter how mundane, would need to stay that way. Still, Hulloth had provided him valuable information and Moghu felt odd giving nothing in return. There are many types of mushrooms, and many types of Paras, the boy finally settles on.

The fact that he was as far as any Paras had ever made it in the Trials was not lost on him, and brought him no small amount of selfish pride.

Thank you for your wisdom. Hopefully I can live up to your expectations in the Trial of the World Soul, and bring honor to my Clan, Moghu says, thanking Hulloth again before he left to try to catch the final match.



After watching the one-sided battle between the trio, Moghu grinned slightly. Beshelt's strategy had been simple, but allowing the others to weaken themselves in battle had certainly been effective. Was that how a Shroom-Brewer would have fought? Collecting resources before finally charging into battle? Moghu knew he would have simply fought both which, after watching that battle, likely would have ended in disaster for him.

When she raced up to the group, Moghu nodded at her, grinning with a bit too much of his teeth, as if it was an unfamiliar motion. You make your clan proud, Moghu says, nodding sagely. You and your Pokemon move well, like two spears striking at once, he continues, thinking of how at-odds with his own fighting style it is.

[CateranEnforcer]

Jayce waves away the compliment, "I had a strong advantage with the terrain. It wasn't far off from the mountains of the Spine. In the berry field or river, I wouldn't have done as well."

Then he watches the match and recalls what he heard from the Mightyena Clan. "All I know is that it's no longer a competition between us. The third trial tests your Name Soul and everyone's pretty secretive about it. It all makes me nervous." He pauses and lowers his voice. "You know, I saw Absol again. This time very close. I think it's something to do with Jirachi specifically. Of course this is the year they have me of all people compete. It should have been Garet." He knew he wasn't supposed to think like that, but that was easier than the idea that it was meant to be him. If he was meant to be here, what next would be expected of him?

As Beshelt approaches, "You see? I was most worried about that field and I think I would have tried something similar. I wouldn't have wanted to face you."

[CosmicOccurence]

With Beshelt

The girl laughs at Eira's comment, and tossed you a few berries. They looked tasty, but weren't of any of the more useful varieties that enhanced strength in battle.

To Moghu, she replied, Two spears is all I can manage right now. Get me and my pack mates together though, and we're like a rain of arrows. Fighting alone definitely isn't my preference.

To Jayce, the girl merely smiled when he said he wouldn't want to face her in battle. No, you wouldn't, and her teeth-grin looked just like Ithgar's in that moment. Ithgar was not the only Mightyena to revel in the thrill of wildness it seemed.

In any case, you all ready for the third trial? This is the one where they dig around in our heads, right? That's totally going to be enjoyable. I just know it.

Feel free to also respond to Jayce's Absol/Jirachi comment if you'd like. We're doing some weird things with time here!

It seems like things are wrapping up, so unless you all have anything you want to do, we'll probably move on afte rthe next round unless you all end up in a longer conversation with each other.


Velitus
That's totally different from us. Uldeen shared. The amount of lectures I got about Be the flower. Become the flower. Feel the flower flowering within the flower of your spirit, I can't even count, she put on a deep voice, clearly mocking one of her teachers in good fun.

Then I went and manifested tree magic ... and that was when everything went crazy. Dad even accused my mother of sleeping with a Shiftry Clan. No, respectable Oddish get flower magic of the Belossom, or poison magic of the Vileplume. I was hoping this would be my redemption, but that's spores in the wind now.

Felt and Malta lost too, so perhaps we were just training wrong this whole time. In any case, congratulations. Think you'll make it all the way?

[Llyarden]

"I'm sorry to hear that," Velitus said, as Uldeen explained her...complicated...relationship with her own Clan. In truth he'd never really understood the idea behind magic being passed through blood - he was a prime example, neither of his parents having magical power (at least, he didn't think his father did.)

When she asked him if he thought he was going to pass the final trial, he paused for a couple of moments. "Honestly...I have no idea. I'd like to think I'm true to myself, but...I mean, I don't even know that that's what the trial of the Name Soul will be testing. It would be pretty difficult to be sure you could pass a trial when you don't know what the trial is." He'd been about to say that it would take a great deal of arrogance, but Uldeen's remark reminded him in time that she was friends with Felt and he wouldn't have been at all surprised if Felt had confidently declared she'd be able to pass the third trial.

"So...did you, Felt and Malta know each other before the Clansmeet?" he asked, more to move the conversation away from his near-misstep than anything else.

[Zelphas]

Before Beshelt

Eira glances over at Jayce, shocked; if she had fur, it would be standing on end. "Absol showed up pointing directly at where Jirachi is, and we're going to be heading there next?! Wonderful." She shakes herself once, taking a deep breath. "Nothing to be done about it now, I guess. I don't think anyone here's willing to withdraw." She skims over Jayce's comments about himself competing; if he's uncomfortable, it's none of her business.


With Beshelt

Eira looks over the Berries suspiciously, then decides that Beshelt has no reason to poison her anymore and eats them quickly; battles are hungry affairs, after all. "Digging around in our heads, huh? Sounds... fun." Her father's voice has started up in her mind again, instantly suspicious of anything that might pry into important secrets or discover weaknesses. Eira tends to agree with it, but as she said before, there's nothing much to be done about things now.

[Arcran]

I am not excited, Moghu states, missing the sarcasm in Beshelt's tone. Truth be told, Moghu was less concerned with the rooting around his head than with how his tattoos would respond to the probing. Would the third trial temporarily silence the Great Mother, like had happened before? Or would he be juggling with both in his mind at once?

Moghu's tattoos shifted uncomfortably at his continued probing, and he let out an uncomfortable grunt. We will all pass though, discomfort aside. This final trial should be simple compared to taming a Nidoking, no? Moghu stated to reassure the others, not believing it himself. After all, how did one prepare for an inspection of one's soul?

[CateranEnforcer]

"In our heads?" Jayce is shocked to hear about that, and more than a little concerned. This would be where he failed. Exactly where he was weak, especially right now. Maybe it would be better that way.

No, it wouldn't. He was a stand in for his brother and anything less than success would be a disservice to him. I have to master these thoughts.


"I don't know if you can ever be ready for that kind of test. Still, we have to try and keep our waits about us. These omens make me think there's something different about this year."

[CosmicOccurence]

Velitus

Malta and I fostered in the Fearow Clan at five summers, Uldeen explained. Two summers later they both spent the Fall with me, and it was only last year that Felt and I spent a winter in the Fennekin Clan camp.

We may not be clan, but we're as good as. She sighed. Maybe its a good thing that none of us passed. If only one of us had, I certainly would have been jealous. This way we can revel in our sorrow together.

I do hope you make it Velitus, she said. If nothing else, you're the only Open Forester left now. With that, she headed over to Felt and Malta, who were waiting for her.


All
It was mid-afternoon when the eight contestants left followed Ithgar, Sheketh, and Hulloth to the Stone Circle. It rose above you, a fang of stone protruding into the open air on which the henge stood. What looked to be a permanent Soul Clan settlement sat at its base. It consisted of seven or so dirt-packed buildings in vaguely domed shapes.

Four of the others were familiar with you, being from your group in the first Trial. Only three joined from the other group: there had been a nasty double elimination from a self-destructing Koffing, which had stunk up the berry arena for almost an entire hour.

Two of the contestants were Islanders. One bore the iconic marks of the Lapras Clan: a neck inked entirely in the blue hues of the ocean. He was tall and lean, like many of the clans who lived on the water, and carried a bundled up net. Another bore the Kaleidescope temple tattoos of the Beautifly Clan. He had fought with a series of poisoned darts, putting foes to sleep before finishing them one at a time. The third came from the mountains. She had a single ring tatooed on her throat, which Jayce recognized as the mark of a child of the Whismur Clan.

Hulloth led the way to a cleared out circle that lay at the very tip of the shadow cast by the Stone Circle. A pot made out of some sort of solid substance that looked almost like rock. Inside it a clear broth bubbled softly. A pinkish pokemon with floral patterns floated above it, drinking in the fumes that wafted skyward.

As you all circled around the area, Hulloth bent, stirring the mixture with a spoon made of the same strange material. You all are to be commended for making it this far, she began. Her voice was not wild like Ithgar's or imperious like Sheketh's. Instead, it reverberated in the space, bouncing off the stones and speaking of eons of time flowing through their ripples. She spoke with the rhythms of tradition.

Welcome to the Trial of the Name Soul. It is the most personal of our souls. It contains within in it all that makes you who you are. And it is the Name Soul which Jirachi has blessed us with. Without our Name Soul, none of us would be individuals with our own thoughts, feelings and emotions. Having it tested is perhaps the most vulnerable action a person can take.

If you pass this trial, then tonight you will make the journey up the Stone Circle to petition a wish from Jirachi. Are you prepared for your Final Trial?


The pot is made of Bronze, a material that is incredibly rare, but some clans in the mountains have learned to work it into usable shapes. It is jealously guarded, and rarely seen outside of those clans' use.



This pokemon is a Musharna, a pokemon capable of producing vivid dreams in victims and 'eating' them. They are rare, but mostly found in the Deep Forest

[Zelphas]

Eira looks around at the dwellings of the Soul Clan curiously, her father's voice still stubbornly speaking in her mind. Even Soul Clan has a permanent place to be attacked; everyone has a target on them but Clan Weavile. Everyone has a home, but Clan Weavile. Distracted by the argument in her own head and the sightings of Absol that have yet to come to fruition, she pays little mind to the other initiates except to note that none are from the Far North. Their world is so different from ours; they gather without weapons, in such large numbers, and have no fear of battle.

Hulloth's question brings Eira back to the present somewhat, though the mention of a wish still catches her by surprise a bit. The elders mentioned something about that, but Clan Weavile is practical; I don't know if any of them truly expect a wish to be granted, or anything to occur. I wasn't even given instruction on what to wish for--that would be my father's right as the head of our family, and he didn't even mention that I was being volunteered until it happened.

Despite her turbulent thoughts, Eira steps forward again, just as she did at the beginning of the Trials. "Prepared or not, I am here," she says simply, "and I will not refuse the Trial."

[Arcran]

Moghu carefully sized up the other competitors; as they hadn't been in their group initially, he hadn't gotten nearly as good of a look at them. Fortunately, none of the three looked particularly strong, although that was somewhat irrelevant for the current situation.

The Paras Clansman's eyes did go wide when he saw the bronze pot; the Paras didn't work metal due to the flames involved, and something like this would be priceless for the Paras. Metal-tipped spears would allow Moghu to defend the Great Mother far better, and he idly wondered how difficult it would be to get someone from the mountains to give him some; while he doubted Jayce or the Whismur clan member would know, perhaps they could point him in the right direction?

As Hulloth began mixing the mixture Moghu snapped back to attention, focusing on the here and now. The Musharna was familiar enough to Moghu: they were easy prey for a Paras. Hopefully that fact will not hurt me in the Trial, Moghu thought to himself, a hint of fear creeping in before Moghu steeled himself. He had come this far, making it as far as any Paras had before. He deserved to be here, and he would claim a wish for his clan.

I am ready.

[Llyarden]

They manage to foster friendships regardless of their Clans, and here I am with a Clan that feels like it's close to tearing itself apart at times.

"Thank you," Velitus said aloud, before taking his leave.


---

A Musharna...is that how they test us? Delve into our deepest dreams?

He wanted to ask what was to be done with their Pokemon, but he couldn't bring himself to interrupt the tradition with such trivial practicalities. So instead he simply pulled Hana's Apricorn Ball from his garments, holding it lightly in one hand so he could place it somewhere or hand it to Hulloth easily if she asked.

He couldn't help but nod slightly in agreement with Eira. How could anyone be truly prepared for something like this?

"I'm ready."

[CateranEnforcer]

This was it, the end of the road. Jayce had no idea how this trial was going to go or how'd he fare. Would he be the same afterwards? Was he in a strong enough mental state to handle it? He'd better be.

Recalling his Guru's encouragement, Jayce steeled himself and took slow, measured breaths. He did not look at the other competitors, they were not against him anymore. At least not directly. There was a lot of pressure to perform well here too, so he took Darius' advice and just listened as the instructions were given.

With closed eyes, Jayce replies simply, "I am ready." Already that felt like lie.

[CosmicOccurence]

As a side note, I've been working on a world map (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1eQlrkZI-vd4GNKdI4_ZpdpbvrXg6f_ixdcvTZxFbe2k/edit#gid=953810194) that we can fill out as we play/explore. I tried to add a clan that each of you would know, but was having trouble coming up with one for Velitus.

Feel free to shift around your clan marker to a place where you feel is more appropriate if you'd like. For Zubat/Weavile, I marked the sacred spot since you're more mobile with a pretty wide territory. The Jirachi is the location of the clansmeet.

I dont know if this will see a ton of use, but it was something I was interested in doing. Let me know if there's anything you feel like should be on it!

When Beshelt and the others voiced their affirmation, Hulloth nodded. Then we will begin. Your pokemon cannot come with you on your journey, and should not interfere with the trial.

She began to spoon the mixture into small cups made of carved wood. This is essence of Nightberry, a rare fruit from my clan's lands that brings vivid nightmares. With my Dreamflower's assistance, she patted the Musharna, You will enter a dream consisting of your worst fears. Dreamflower will share your dreams with us, allowing us to judge this trial.

The things you see will be disturbing, potentially to the point of mental scarring for the weak of mind. As such, I have brewed in a safety mechanism. At any time, you may choose to wake up. Doing so does not mean that you automatically have failed your trial.

Take a minute to let your pokemon know what will happen, and then we shall begin. When you were ready, you lay down on one of the small beds and drank a single cup of the clear liquid. It smelled almost odorless, but the scent carried in it was just out of reach, no matter how hard you tried to grasp at it. Over the course of the next few minutes, your vision began to swirl, tendrils of darkness encroaching on your vision, before you found youself standing in a field of pure black. And from that blackness, shapes began to form.


Jayce
The shadows coalesced into a familiar scene. It was not unusual for your parents to take their meals with their family away from the group every once in a while. This alcove was one of their favorites, located near the southern edge of the Spine.

They appeared, wisps of shadow becoming their living embodiements. Your father handed you a roasted leg of Dubwool, saying nothing. They'd talked much less since news of Garet's death had arrived, and had been nearly silent since you returned from your trials, having brought back shame to your parent's names.

Even worse, you'd been failing at even the most basic of tasks for the clan, unable to keep a single route in your head. You'd failed as a guide, had shown no magical aptitude worth mentioning, and aside from a single fluke with Felt, had yet to demonstrate your ability to protect the tribe from threats. You knew that they were considering making you a water hauler, a job normally reserved as punishment or reserved for pack pokemon.

And so your parents ate in silence, as they had each night these past three months.


Velitus
The shadows spun and wove, creating a multitude of shapes. Scurrying figures with the colorful tattoos of your clan, packs sealed for a long trip, Ponyta chomping at the bit, ready for a journey.

And yet your tent stood upright, as had been ordered. Your performance at the trials, showing off your magic instead of spending more time uplifting the stories of your clan, had led for you to be exiled. Soon a dyemaster would come by to cover as many tattoos as was possible, though the clan feared they wouldn't be able to hide all of them. Even in exile you would bring shame to your clan.

And so they were moving camp, and you would be left behind. Alone. They'd even taken Hana, saying that the rare pokemon was too valuable for you to keep, and she would be better off with a real Shaman, like Resh. You could see them: Resh, Ineya, and Orren, packing their bags and laughing. Skiran was packing his herbs as well, moving slowly in his age. Even your old childhood friends laughed as they tossed bundles of hide and fur into a large pack that would be loaded into a canoe.

And none approached you, avoiding you unconsciously, and avoiding looking at you when possible.


Eira
As the shadows bent into tunnels of darkness, they began to shine a light blue color. Soon, they had formed themselves into an easily recognizable location: the Great Scrawl. Not the actual Scrawl of course, but the tunnels nearby. You'd been here often enough to know them well.

But through these ice-passages, the unmistakable sounds of battle rang out. Cries of pain, screeches from pokemon, and the crashing of powerful attacks in close quarters combat echoed through the halls, reverberating powerfully.

And at your feet, blood slowly flowing into slits in the ice, was the body of a Weavile Clan girl. You didn't recognize her, as she couldn't have been more than seven summer old. She'd been rent by sharp claws reminiscent of a Weavile's.

War had visited the Great Scrawl.



Moghu

The three Spore-Speakers sat cross-legged on the moss covered stumps as the shadows formed bodies. At first they sat in the eternal darkness, staring at you. As time went on, you began to see patches of mushrooms sprout, trees rise into the air, and spores float in front of your face. And behind the Spore Speakers was a cavern, one that you had not set foot in since your birth: the cavern of the Great Mother.

We are here to pass judgement on Moghu Flame Hunter, the central figure said. He was old, even for Paras Clan which lived longer than most. For he has been carless enough to lose the blessing of the Great Mother,

You remember that you'd lost it when the Emberfields to the east of your lands had begun to spread in a windstorm. You'd once again fought the fire with all you had. Inneq had passed. Your tattoo had been burned totally away. You could no longer sense the presence of your other clan members, no longer hear the Great Mother's Voice. You were totally alone in the clan. Even other Flame Hunter's refused to speak or look at you.

It is highly unusual to go into the cavern before your death, he continued. Why should we bother the Great Mother with one such as yourself?

[Zelphas]

Eira simply leaves Omen and Pebble in their Apricorns; Pebble will only be confused, and Omen has found his way into places he shouldn't have been before, so it's best to simply leave them be. She takes the draught of Nightberry essence with trepidation and lays back, uncertain of what exactly her subconscious would show her.

----

Eira almost panics and wakes herself up immediately. Not because of the sounds of battle and bloodshed. Not even because of the corpse of a child lying in front of her. No, she very nearly backs out in panic because she knows this is a dream, and that others can see it. I can't--this is Weavile's alone! No other Clan can ever see this! she thinks more in panic than in anger, looking around at the familiar walls of the Great Scrawl wildly. They can't see this! They can't know about this!

One thing stops her from immediately waking herself up: she is not near the entrance to the cave system. It is already horrible that anyone is seeing her Clan's deepest secret through her, but she convinces herself that so long as they never see either the glacier or the entrance, she can still protect her Clan. It isn't perfect, and she can still feel the edges of a completely different panic in her awareness, but she pushes it back. The Trial will continue.

Grimly, Eira bends down, closing the eyes of the murdered child. This cannot be the future. This will not be my future. This is my fear, not a guarantee. I will not allow it. Straightening up, she listens for a scant moment and then begins to run, her steps silent on the icy rock of the tunnels. First, find my family. Allies as well, if I can. Stop the fight as soon as possible. Then we can start to work through the rest. She thinks it to herself, more to protect herself from what she is about to see than out of any real hope. Now that she is in the nightmare, she knows what her true fear is, and it's too late to stop it.

Her rage at this nightmare shows through despite her rigid, expressionless face and her silent running. Her hands are curled slightly, and each finger is tipped with long, straight, wickedly sharp icicles. To any member of Clan Weavile, her silent run matched with her bared weaponry would send a clear message: she is hunting prey. If you get in her way, you become her prey.

Hoping against herself that the nightmare won't truly contain her greatest fear, Eira runs towards the loudest source of fighting.

This probably doesn't matter, since it's a nightmare, but just in case it does:

Stealth: [roll0]
Perception: [roll1]

[Llyarden]

Velitus nodded as Hulloth noted that their Pokemon wouldn't be able to interfere, stepping back from the cauldron a little to beckon Akari over, sending Hana out to join her. "Well, this is it." He knew they couldn't understand him enough to know what he was really staying, wished that Yueh could've been there to translate for him. Absently he reached out and straightened some of Akari's stray foliage, fished a couple of small pieces of dried berry peel to give to the duo as a little treat.

"You two can't come with me for this part. Stay here, and stay calm. I'm just going to be asleep." He didn't even convince himself, never mind whether his Pokemon would believe him, but he was hoping Hana's scent would work to keep Akari calm, and the little Fairy-type was fairly mellow and passive anyway.


---

There was a tiny smile on the corners of Velitus's lips as the memories-that-weren't drifted into his mind. Yes, clearly I should have told Uldeen stories about Resh and the others until she surrendered out of sheer boredom. I'm sure that would've earned my success in the Trial of the Clan Soul. His smile faded. ...of course, the ludicrousness of it in no way stops it being plausible. If Resh and the others decided to claim I hadn't been doing my duties, everyone would believe them regardless of the truth.

Then he realised Hana was missing. No, Hana had been taken from him, the Nightberries whispered. Taken from him by the elders and given to the smirking Resh who hadn't even bothered to school his expression into an appropriately stern one.

There's no way that idiot has the patience to work with Hana. Thank the spirits I managed to procure her an Apricorn Ball, at least, or she'd likely not even survive this migration before becoming the prey of some passing predator Resh didn't bother to worry about.

For a moment the idea came to him to just reclaim Hana. After all, this was a dream, and there was no guarantee its rules followed anything even resembling reality. Maybe it would've been possible - and it wasn't as though he could bring further shame to his Clan. Not when they weren't his Clan any more. It would bring shame to himself, perhaps, but to ensure Hana's safety...perhaps that was worth it.

"...no." He shook his head. "Dream or no, I won't disgrace what Skiran and the elders taught me in the true world."

Akari chirruped up at him, curiously. Had she been there the whole time, or had she merely been conjured up by the Nightberries when he'd started to wonder where she was?

"At least you're still here," he said quietly, reaching down to pet the Swadloon.

Even if the Nightberries only let me keep her so tearing her away will hurt all the more...at least I'm not alone for now.

[Arcran]

Moghu releases both Podax and Rella, placing one hand on the densest cluster of tattoos on both of the Pokemon. It wouldn't have any real impact on his ability to do the test, but any connection to the Great Mother, however momentary, would make this next part much easier. Great Mother give us strength, Moghu muttered, before returning both to their balls and drinking the nightberry.



When Moghu first awoke in the dream, he panicked and very nearly pulled himself out of the dream. The sudden sensation of nothing in his mind was unbearable, and worse than any backlash he had ever received from the Great Mother. His hands went to the nape of his neck, fingers desperately clawing as they searching for a ridge, a bump, anything that would indicate the Great Mother was with him. When he finally snapped back to this new reality and realized he was in the presence of the Spore Speakers, Moghu returned his hands to his side, trying to subtly wipe off the blood his frantic clawing had drawn.

Please, Moghu sad simply, pleading. I have always served the Great Mother faithfully. It was not out of carelessness, but devotion that her blessing was burned away, he said, looking at the horrific burns across his body. If She were with me again, I could continue to fight. Continue to keep her safe. Let me keep her safe, Moghu says, voice constantly rising and nearly shrieking at this point. I can still fight, I can still defend Her. Give me that chance!

[CateranEnforcer]

Jayce sets Ivan down next to Dao, releasing him from the back harness he usually sits in while traveling. "I won't be fighting or even traveling where I'm going next. If it looks like I'm having a bad dream, it's because I am. They say I can wake up at any time, so if I'm asleep, it's because I want to be. Just make sure no one interrupts me." With that, Jayce readies himself to take the draught.

---

It took Jayce far longer than he'd care to admit that this was a dream and not a premonition. It echoed his own thoughts and was a highly plausible scenario, one that the boy fully believed to be likely. For a while, he just sat in silence and shame going along with the flow of the nightmare. It's probably better this way, why fight it?

He suddenly remembered that he was being observed, however. Giving into this illusion would be even worse, and then his failure truly would be complete. With some struggle, he shook his head and tried to think clearly. No, submitting himself to failure would be guarantee this level of disappointment in his clan, and he needed to make sure he didn't follow down that path. But how?

Doing the only thing he knew how, Jayce examined the dreamscape, first with his eyes, then closing them to try with his ears. That's what the Guru said was his best talent right?

Perception to examine the dream, see if there's anything to potentially help him out.
[roll0]

[CosmicOccurence]

Eira
The screams of battle and death ring in your ears as you race through the tunnels. However, it quickly became clear that those you hunted knew this place as well as you, for every time you thought you caught a glimpse of a living being, they slipped away like a ghost. You found plenty of dead bodies though, Pokemon and Weavile Clan, strewn like flakes across an ice river.

You had paused to examine another body, pulling back its hood finding it to be one of your cousins. And that was when Maak Ice Tooth struck. An intense heat bloomed in your side as he sunk an obsidian dagger into you side before slipping out of your reach.

He was hooded at first, but as he stepped back he pulled it off his face, revealing the familiar face. It grinned ferally, showing its teeth in an act of aggression.

And a ritual scar circled the tattoo on his forehead.


Velitus
You waited as your Clan packed their belongings and begun the long trek to their Summer camp. It was a busy time, with people milling all over the place. More than a few Flabebe Clan bumped into you 'accidentally' and the Comfey seemed even more cowed than normal. Things had been changing in the Twin Petals, and the cracks beginning to work their way into the very heart of your structure. You knew that you were a symptom of the disease, but that didn't change the cure the clan had chosen to rid themselves of you.

Only Skiran paused as the Clan began to finally leave. He looked at you for a long second, his pack laden with trinkets of power. He opened his mouth to say something to you, but then closed it. He looked at the ground and continued to walk.

It took about an hour before everyone else had left. It was rare for one of your Clan to be truly alone in the woods. Your hunting party was never far off, or you were part of the bustling camp life. Now the forest had never felt more expansive, and more constricting. The silence was deafening, for the natural sounds of wild pokemon would not return for at least a full moon cycle.

Without a clan. Without companions. You would need to feed yourself, find water, ensure your shelter were kept and mended. Everything was more difficult without a tribe, and you needed to do each job yourself now. After all, that was what the Clanless did.

And now you were Clanless.


Moghu
The three Spore Seekers considered your words. They, like all of their kind, moved and thought slowly. They considered things in the span of the eternal life of the Great Mother, caring little for the lives of mortals like themselves. Members of the clan, Rot Hunters and Shroom Brewers, looked on with ambivalence. Their eyes were all of the Spore Speakers, passing over you as if you simply did not exist. No Flame Hunters were present.

Eventually, the Spore Speaker on the left spoke. She looked like a Morel in her old age, and her skin hung loosely. She was Jenua Spore Speaker, the oldest member of your Clan.

Moghu Flame Hunter, you claim to be able to defend the great mother.

But how could you defend her when you couldn't defend yourself?

How could you defend her when you couldn't defend Inneq?

How could you defend her when you couldn't even pass the trials?

Perhaps the Flame Hunters would be stronger without a weakling like you, she said, her voice flat and emotionless.


Jayce

The sounds of the cave were familiar to you. These tunnels were your home, and the gentle reverberations of conversation in other parts of the tunnel helped you paint a picture of where your Clanmates were. A few tending the large cookfire that vented throughs mall cracks in the tunnels, a few kept watch for Diglett tunnelers, a few wandered talking.

And of course, snippets of their conversation floated back to you.

- got lost in the tunnels a few days ago -
- wouldn't trust him in a fight to watch my back -
- waste of food -
- glad Darius isn't wasting his time with that one anymore -
- why did he even come back? -

Normally it would seem strange to have all conversations around you, but in this dream it didn't feel odd at all. No matter where you turned, whispers about your inadequacies floated through the air, passed from clanmate to clanmate like beams of the moon through the rippling waves of Starfall Lake.

[Zelphas]

Instinctively, Eira threw herself back and away from the pain, one hand pressed to the wound in her side. When she moved her hand away, the wound glittered with frozen blood; freezing it didn't reverse any of the damage, but it at least dulled the pain for a time.

Seeing Maak Ice-Tooth grinning in front of her, with that ritual scarring, she forgets for a moment that she is in a dream--a nightmare, in which her worst fears can and will come true. "You idiot!" she roars, a spray of icicles from her hands towards the boy punctuating her words. "How does this help... anyone?! How many have you and yours already lost in your idiotic attack, compared to what you already lose to Winter and her trials? What do you stand to gain from this? You don't want to know what the Great Scrawl says; you don't want to live here, or find a home anywhere! Why not just... leave? Why come after your Clan?"

Eira feels the tears form at the corners of her eyes and freezes them in a burst of anger, ignoring the pain and odd weight of tiny icicles clinging to her eyelids and lashes. She rushes forwards in the odd floaty way of dreams, her icicle claws seeking out Maak's stomach. "Tell me why you're doing this. I don't understand any of this! Tell me why!"

[Llyarden]

It was so quiet. Quieter than even the stillest silence could have been in reality, a quiet that was almost deafening, and knowing that it was the Nightberries' work didn't make Velitus feel any better.

Far worse were the divisions that had been growing deeper and darker in the Twin Petals. And they, at least, were not only a product of the Nightberries. They might have been magnified here, but they existed every bit as much in the real Clans. "If this happened in the true world, how many more would be exiled for imagined misdeeds?" he murmured, quietly. He wasn't sure who he was asking.

He knew he couldn't stay here. The surroundings had been picked clean over the past few days, to help round out the supplies of his Clans - not his Clans, he corrected himself - before the migration to the summer camp. And since he couldn't trust that he wouldn't run into a hunting party from the Twin Petals that would decide to use him - or Akari - as hunting practice if he chose a similar path to them, the only real choice would be to go the other direction. It came with its own flaws, of course; there was a reason the Clans migrated. But he didn't have to worry about feeding an entire Clan now. Now it was just...him. And finding enough to feed himself (Akari could easily scavenge for herself) would be far easier, and he could live where the Clans couldn't. Perhaps in time he could find another Clan, one that would be willing to accept him despite his Clanless state - in the true world, such blatant divisions in the Twin Petals would not be confined to him, and the numerous exilings would diminish the impact of being named Clanless to some extent, but he couldn't be confident that the same was true here.

All the same, it was his only hope. He could survive on his own for a time, but not forever. Humans and Pokemon were never made to be alone for eternity.

[Arcran]

Moghu scanned the crowd, wishing that Inneq were here, and, more importantly, that he wasn't dead. He had always known what to say, what to do. Moghu, on the other hand, had never been one for words, just action. Inneq had died for the Great Mother, and Moghu very nearly had, and the Elders questioned their loyalty? Questioned their devotion?

I do not defend myself because I defend Her! Moghu states adamantly, struggling to see how the Spore-Speakers couldn't understand that. I could not defend Inneq because I defended Her! Moghu continues, feeling an unfamiliar rage welling up within him. It is not our role to defend ourselves, it is our role to defend Her! Which every Flame-Hunter has done for generations! Moghu continued, shouting at this point.

When the Spore-Speakers mentioned the trials, that flash of rage mingled with a touch of pride, and Moghu found himself rising to his feet, his voice filling the underground space. I did just as well as any Paras before me in the Trials, if not better. None before me have passed! None of you have fought the flames for Her! Every burn, every scar, is a sign of my devotion to Her!

As he yelled, a small part at the back of Moghu's mind delighted in the new feelings, the new emotions. It was like a haze he had seen his entire life was lifted. His thoughts were his own, and not immediately twisted to how this would serve the Paras, or serve the Great Mother.

[CateranEnforcer]

Already this was almost too much for Jayce. The words cut through him deeply, right to his heart. Right to in his insecurities. He had to remind himself over and over that they simply couldn't be true; he couldn't be that disgraceful, right? The sadness and despair he felt threatened to send him into inaction, and wallow in it somewhere dark where no one would find him. Listening hadn't helped he needed somewhere else to be.

Jayce stands up and runs through the dream, trying to leave the voices behind. He needed some time away from those thoughts if he was going to find a purpose in this dream. He clutches at his ears to making his movements awkward and unbalanced as he stumbles on the walls and uneven floors.

I'm not that person, I'm not a failure. I'm not the best, but I'm not...that.

[CosmicOccurence]

Eira

Maak Ice-Tooth grinned at your anger. The Weavile have become weak. Docile. We send our kits to foster with the Wailren or the Glalie, to learn from them. Learn what? To sit still and wait? To find a home? To become a target for others to sniff out?

He sidled out of reach of your first foray, laughing. We are the storm Eira. We will cleanse the north of weakness. The strong will be left, and then we shall finally be able to fulfill the ancient destiny of our clan. We -

He cut off as a figure dashed into the room. It was Reith, bleeding from a wound to his stomach. Maak cried out in excitement and launched himself at the elder, knives drawn. You couldn't reach in time, but if you released Omen or Pebble, they could. Of course, releasing either of them so near the Scrawl was a dangerous prospect, each for entirely separate reasons.


Velitus

As you left the campsite, you entered the part of the forest where the trees started to grow thicker. It wasn't quite the Deep Forest: light still shone through the branches, but it was tougher travelling than around the Spring Campsite. The sounds of nature bloomed around you, filling in the silence with the chirps of Ledyba and the rattling of Metapod.

Zant! the Pokemon's cry was loud, much louder than the other noises. You spun around to find an Unfezant: a powerful bird type that were rare in these woods. Several hatchlings chirped around its feet, begging for food.

It cawed again, eying Akari hungrily.


Moghu
The Spore Speakers did not answer your questions, nor did they seem to react to your words in any visible way. You'd heard that they could communicate with each other without speech, through their link to the Great Mother. Several in the crowd, however, murmured. Many seemed sympathetic to your cause, but all were agitated by the force in your voice, and your willingness to so publicly and forcefully disagree with another Paras.

We have one, final, query before we make our decision, Moghu Flame Hunter, Jenua Spore Speaker said. After so much time spent with other clans, clans of which you had curiosity in abundance, do you really desire to be Paras? Or were you happier with the others?


Jayce
You ran. You ran and ran and ran. You lost yourself in tunnels until you feet bled and blistered, running for seven days and seven nights. The voices faded, but the shadows remained.

You stopped running when you found yourself at a place you'd only heard whispers of. The tunnel ended at the edge of a vertical cliff face in a mountainside, many hundreds of feet up in the air. It looked out over a canyon filled with jagged teeth and stones. You'd never been here before, but you'd heard of it. This was known simply as The Maw, a place of beginnings and endings. It was a place where the spirits between worlds would sometimes appear, and where those seeking themselves would often find their feet had unknowingly dragged them.

Welcome traveller, said a voice behind you. The figure was tall, wearing the full length robes of one of the Marowak shamans. His face was shrouded in the skull of what must have been a Druddigon, and he wore bone claws over his fingers, curving to sharp points. Welcome to your death. For all who visit this place die: some who reforge their souls into something stronger, and some who lose themselves to the abyss.

He took a seat at the edge of the precipice, looking out over the valley. If you looked closely, you could see the faint shades of the living, the dead, and those yet born here. You sensed that you could call one to you, if you cared to.

Who are you? he asked. You got the sense that he wasn't asking for your name or your clan.

[Zelphas]

Maak's invocation of the word "storm", more than anything else, convinces Eira that the boy and his allies are truly insane. The storm is far more powerful than anything else in the North; a strong blizzard can even kill the dreaded Mamoswine, when the conditions are right. To claim to be a storm, that they had the power to destroy as much as that elemental force, goes against everything that her father taught her... but perhaps not everything that is taught in the Clan. Even in the midst of her pain and confusion, Eira is struck by the terrible feeling that she does not truly know her own Clan. How can she know that her family's teachings were the teachings that the Clan shared, when she spent so little time with her Clan as a whole.

Reith's appearance distracts her from these thoughts, and her hands flash to the Apricorns at her belt. She nearly goes for Omen, but her father's words are suddenly strong in her ear, solemnly forbidding her from ever releasing the Houndour anywhere within a day's radius of the Great Scrawl. Even in this circumstance, that warning is too ingrained in her to break now. She instead grabs Pebble's Apricorn, slinging it desperately at Maak's head. "Stop him!"

Only when the Apricorn is spinning through the air does she suddenly remember two things: this is all a dream, and her Pokemon weren't supposed to help her in this Trial. Maybe... maybe dream-Pebble doesn't count? she thinks, before giving a mental shrug. Clan Weavile's never held 'following the rules' as a high virtue, I guess.

[Llyarden]

Velitus was not even remotely surprised by the fact that the Nightberries had conjured up a threat to Akari. What would they have done if I'd found her a Pokeball as well as Hana?

"Sorry, but she's not your chicks' lunch," he told the Unfezant. A lot of Pokemon were smart enough to not pick fights with humans, knowing the retaliation that would come if they did - and it wasn't as though they could tell he was Clanless - but he wouldn't have been confident in saying that a Pokemon with hungry chicks to feed wouldn't take the risk even in the true world, never mind here.

He reached into his satchel, where he always kept a few berries to toss to distract Pokemon. The food gathered from the campsite was the possessions of the Clan, the Nightberries reminded him, and had been stripped from him in his exile. "Of course." Instead, he simply bent down and scooped Akari up, shielding the little Grass-type as he carefully started to back away.

[Arcran]

Moghu blinked at the question, surprised that it even had to be asked. He was a Paras! He had never known anything but the Paras, until he went out to compete in the trials. The Flame-Hunters were his family, and he certainly owed a debt to his mentor. But Inneq was gone, and the other Paras seemed content to besmirch his name and ignore what he had done for the Clan.

Still, Moghu could not help but let his thoughts drift back to his times at the Trials. For the most part, his interactions with other clans had been less than pleasant. The Slowpoke, while a new experience, weren't something he would hope to repeat. Some, like Felt, had been decidedly unpleasant interactions. There were, however, ones that were kind. Ones that Moghu hoped to meet again. Kurtakh had been a great sparring partner, and Hulloth had told him more about the Paras than the Spore-Speakers ever had. Others, like Jayce, Eira, and Velitus had fought alongside him without question; his burns had not been a mark of shame, and they had not cared about how far his tattoo had spread. It had been freeing, in an odd way.

No, Moghu thought to himself, barely managing to not shake his head. The Paras were safe. The Paras were his home. He had given his body, given years of his life to the Paras. Inneq had given everything. If he left now, what did that do to Inneq's memory? Did it mean he had wasted his life? Inneq had wanted Moghu to see the outside world, but only to learn how to better serve the Great Mother. His place was here, and there could be no escape.

I desire nothing more than to return, Moghu says with as much conviction as he can muster, knowing that his hesitation had already spoken for him.