Getting a better look at what exactly it is he's stumbled across, Gigen sees that there are six of the little yellow, rodent-like Pokemon. Most of them are asleep, as far as he can tell, though one of them is, in fact, awake, meeting the Sableye's curious glance with a naive stare and a mumbled, wordless squeak.
Alice, ever the figure of grace, manages to avoid spitting up water directly on her employer as she comes to. She still looks pretty out of it though, and seems disinclined to do much but groan and slowly drip everywhere.
You can probably add 'swimming' to the list of talents she lacks.
Lucea, predictably, is sunning herself and shows no inclination to help anyone.
So it is the houndour. And he wants to burn the dam, because the ninja boy wants a fire.
Does the ninja boy want a fire this big?
The question is not rhetorical. Ducky's never really paid attention to the whole campfire thing, as it's a pretty boring thing that humans do. And it's hard to care about keeping warm when you've got a constant headache.
Gigen grabs a piece of gritty, pseudo-crystalline fulgarite on his way out of the den. It looks an awful lot like something you'd find in a Meowth's litter box, but whatever. A trophy is a trophy, I suppose.
~Cobalt Springs~
Ducky and Fenrir work together(ish) to make a cheery little fire next to the pond. You have plenty of time to dry your belongings off, work on a plan for what to do next, or even wait for Alice to gain consciousness if you like.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Downtime beckons. You all have a shitload of Exp to spend.
Elise stands up. "Much appreciated, Cyrus." Elise pats the rhyhorn on the head as she removes Alice's oversized backpack and deposits it on the ground by Alice, who has been relocated to a place comfortably close to the fire.
"Ok... now I'm going to go find a high place with a view, and see where there's people about." Elise motions Cyrus to follow her.
She's a bit shocked that the rhyhorn hasn't been more defiant. Considering how he appeared, wouldn't he be a servant of the lord of magma or something? This seems like a complicated line of questioning that is not within either of their skills to bridge the communication gap between them. And not a problem limited to just this rhyhorn: the noblewoman almost never seems to get what that Psyduck is on about, only that whatever that psyduck is on about makes it strangely proactive for a pokemon.
Speaking of ducks, about a minute later Ducky gets up and begins to waddle after the departing pokemon and trainer pair.
Elise's gratitude grants her a gravelly grumble of gratification from the Ground Type. While the noble takes care of Alice's luggage, the inscrutable Pokemon noses around the flourishing campfire and the edge of the pond, curiously thrusting its armored face into the mass of reeds and bulrushes.
At Elise's call, Cyrus ceases his rummaging behavior, backing out of the brush and trotting after the strolling trainer. He now has a cattail firmly lodged in the corner of his jaw, in a manner Elise finds similar to the grass-stalk-chewing habit shared by certain more rural-minded members of Malachite.
It's very droll.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The search for higher ground necessitates moving roughly towards Mt. Meteo, the gently rolling hillocks of baize-like grass and occasional bush or waif of a tree offering little promise of the more strategic kind of view Elise is searching out.
The Social Noble's efforts are quickly hindered by the common placement of lengthy, meandering rocky cliffs in the way of her route upwards. The unusual formations stick out from the otherwise simple to navigate meadow, the structures' heights moderate enough to make it quite easy and safe to leap from the top to the ground below, but incredibly difficult to clamber up unaided. If she can surmount enough of these obstacles in the course of her hike, she should be able to get enough height to get a good idea of the lay of the land below.
Elise stands at the bottom of one of these small cliffs for a good couple of minutes. Maybe if she waits long enough Makai will show up with his climbing kit, or Tanaka will take the task of surveying the land himself, or Alice will deploy her enormous pack to stand on, making climbing the not particularly tall clifflets a simple matter of grabbing the top and pulling yourself up.
Letting out a breath she removes her armored gauntlets, leaving the glove liners below to hopefully dissuade a particularly sharp handhold.
Carefully and patiently, she takes her time feeling out every possible handhold before grabbing onto the most reliable handholds that allow her to leverage her strong muscles as opposed to her modest dexterity.
At the top, she glances down at the Rhyhorn below.
"I can get you up here easily..." says Elise, waving his apricorn, "...but would you like to try on your own first?"
It's a rough climb, but Elise's persistence sees her through. Below, the Rhyhorn considers the noble's offer, making some well-reasoned inferences about hunched, stone-bodied quadrupeds clambering up steep, rocky ledges, and shrugs ambivalently.
Apparently it knows its limits, which can be a good thing.
Ducky has likely caught up with the pair around this time, would the Psyduck like to also avail himself of his trainer's Apricorn-based transportation, or is he still nursing a bit of an independence streak?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Regardless, Elise's scouting mission continues, and she slowly makes her way up the hills adjacent Mt. Meteo. A half hour's hike gives the noble an enviable glimpse at the lay of the land below.
The makeshift campfire she left behind is still burning merrily, as far as she can tell, the wet wood throwing up a thin column of steamy white smoke into the blue, nearly cloudless sky. The spring that the group rode to the surface and found monopolized by whatever built that dam is apparently only one of a great many, the plains below her positively criss-crossed with rivers and streams, like fate-lines on the palm of a massive, grassy hand.
To the south of the rest of the group, she can see another plume of smoke rising into the air, thick and black. At the base of it she can just barely spot a few low, brown lumps. Possibly huts or tents? With a bonfire among them? In any case, it looks like the closest thing to a settlement nearby, and probably only an hour or two's walk from where her companions are resting.
Elise gained Support: [Lay of the Land] and [Possible Encampment Location]
Well, she expected that. Had to check though, pokemon are often surprising creatures. Cyrus gets apricorn'd, and Psyduck shortly after.
She spends the time walking back thinking about what she exactly hopes to accomplish here. Establishing trade seems like even more and more a vain hope, with the physical obstacles they had to pass to get here and who knows how many legends lurk in other places.
She is due some practice to develop her and her pokemon's abilities, so that's something at least.
Hopefully everyone will be as friendly as Dalinda. Weren't they renowned for their hospitality?
"Hey everyone. I saw what looked like an encampment over there." she addresses the group, pointing in that direction.
For how long has the river risen and brought the overflowing waters,
So that dragonflies drift down the river?
The face that could gaze upon the face of the Sun
Has never existed ever.
~Cobalt Springs~
Is everyone ready? I guess everyone's ready.
It's time to move.
The southward trek is far easier than Elise's earlier uphill hike, overland travel in this direction providing no worse obstacle than gently rolling hills of grass and shallow streams of water. As sparse as the vegetation may be, you often find yourself passing the occasional fruit tree or berry bush that provides a nourishing snack should you decide to take a few moments to harvest them. It strikes you that this is an astonishingly fertile area, and that might somehow contribute to the fabled hospitality of which Miss Marybelle forewarned you.
In less than two hours, you have made rather good time. The thick plume of smoke that has stood stead as your destination has faded to a thin line of grey rising into the late-afternoon sky. As you clear the final hill near the encampment, you become aware of the repeated thumps of hooves on grass. A mounted figure quickly gallops closer from south and east of you, probably a scout or sentry intending to determine your intentions.
Elise: [Possible Encampment Location]
As the individual draws closer, you note that their mount is a equine Pokemon with a black coat and white stripes (or is it the other way around?). The person astride its back is protected from the creature's spiky mane by a leather saddle and rather little else. As they arrive within a couple dozen strides of you, their steed comes to a gentle halt, and he off slides to the ground and takes a few steps towards the group.
Similar in age to yourselves, you see the man is barechested, free of the tattoos that Dalinda bore, with a patterned kilt and thick felt boots, and a lengthy head of blond hair held tight within a thick band of fabric. He hails you with a wave, bringing his hands up to his mouth to amplify his distant greeting.
"Hallo there! Are you lost? Did you need help?" he calls out in a friendly and, given Dalinda's brief explanation of Cobalt Springs' ways, probably quite sincere manner.
Pants tied up into a kind of skirt shorts situation, Makai is the first to respond. "Uhh, yeah." He scratches the back of his neck. "We're outta-towners looking for...Cobalt Springs? Do you know a Dalinda?"
Makai has been in awe since arriving here. If Quartz managed to no not only carve out but thrive in a place of Rock and Stone, how many folks call this place home?
"Ah," the man replies, eyeing the group with renewed curiosity. "I daresay you have found your destination," he continues, holding an arm out to encompass your surroundings. "Cobalt Springs," he declares, just a little bit proudly.
"I am Tristan Dylana, of the same," he exclaims with princely candor, his out-thrust arm returning to his chest as he executes a marvelously formal bow. Behind him, the black-and-white Pokemon matches the gesture with a stretching dip of its head. "I bid you welcome on behalf of the Shallowstream settlement." Standing up once more, he regards the party with a shade of wariness.
"Dalinda is of the Turnbrook settlement," he offers cautiously, forehead wrinkling slightly with concern. "What business did you have with her, if I may ask?"
You guys are clearly supposed to keep this thread going while I'm busy with school. Also I should have made an exhausted, covered by books mystery dungeon Ness avatar back when I first thought about it in the mystery dungeon game. Would be awfully handy to have made about now, I would just post that every single day.
Elise Corbeau - [Social Knight] - 2/4 [PKMN][Shieldmaiden][Carapace Brigandine] [Cobalt Springs Tradition] [Lay of the Land]
Elise feels an infectious smile coming on. That's two-for-two on charming Cobalt Springs members.
"She was heading to where we were heading from: Malachite." Elise answers. "Gave us plenty to talk about, to say the least." He claims to be of Cobalt Springs first, then mentions membership of this settlement second. Did she read anything about how the settlements got around in her preparations?
Cyrus is out and about, looking at the Equine pokemon with indifferent interest as he approaches a particularly large clump of grass and begins rubbing some of the mud stuck to his feet onto the innocent flora.
Holidays are always a shitty time for keepin' up with them PbPs.
As might be expected, I'm sorta working on a Support/Trait thing, but assuming you are asking about [Cobalt Springs Tradition]...
As long as you have [Cobalt Springs Tradition], you have roughly the same social awareness as a local. You may Research to Reveal or Confirm Facts for free if the information you seek is considered common knowledge for the area (thanks to Dalinda's patient explanations) and you may substitute a single Voltage for a Knowledge Token when attempting to Socialize (as your familiarity with the region's social landscape allows you to get a more intuitive read on the natives).
Something like that might be interesting as a general "Hometown" Trait that everyone gets, allowing them to know things that their character ought to know, and have a slightly easier time picking up on shady (or dependable) individuals in familiar social situations.
Elise recalls that while natives of the area will proudly introduce themselves as locals of Cobalt Springs, they are also divided into "Settlements" that represent a shared homestead of permanent buildings and farmland plots shared by a number of families while not on extended trips driving herds, foraging, or hunting. Generally speaking, a Cobalt native will side with their family against anyone outside the family, with their settlement against anyone outside their settlement, and with Cobalt Springs in general against anyone from outside that area.
Tristan's mention of Cobalt Springs first probably means he has accurately pegged you as a foriegner, so he understands that in this encounter he is representing his entire homeland as opposed to merely his settlement. All that charm is likely because he's currently on his very best behavior.
In any case, the encampment Tristan has scouted you out from seems too small to represent a settlement, the tents too few and impermanent to be the home base of a number of families. Likely as not you've just happened to stumble upon a roving group, hunting, foraging, or scouting out grazing land afield.
The young Cobaltine man takes a moment to digest Elise's revelation. "You've come a long way then," he notes, eyeing the westerly peaks of Mt. Meteo. He bows once more. "It would be an honor if you were to share in our food, fire, and shelter for a time, meager as they may be."
The Zebstrika meets Elise's fastidious Rhyhorn's disinterest with its own blank gaze, moving to pointedly ignore the Rock Type as he scrubs away the clinging muck of Mt. Meteo.
"That would be awesome! I'm starving. And long way? You have no idea man. I feel like where were underground for months! And don't even get me started about the weird dream we all had."
The wide open plains of Cobalt distinctly un-ninjalike place. But on the other hand, isn't a place you would assume to find no ninja, the most likely place for ninja to actually be? Amakusa decides to display his pendant prominently, just in case.
Makai isn't the only one starving. Iktomi eyes the Zebstrika hungrily from within her master's hair. The black and white horse creature will turn it's attention away soon enough...wait for it...wait for it...
As a master [Infiltrator], Iktomi knows that the best moment to strike is whenever she decides to do it. Being a sneaky, improbably small Pokemon with the spirit of a hunter and the training of a ninja has its perks.
Whenever, and as often as, she desires, Iktomi is under the effects of the Stealthy Approach Exploit. Unless someone is specifically looking for her, she will move unnoticed, and attempts to use the Awareness Exploit in an area she's hiding in will only reveal her general presence somewhere nearby, not her actual location.
Tristan seems a little disquieted by Makai's mention of their underground sojourn, and the dream they suffered therein. The canny ninja also notes his eyes briefly flick to the amulet, though he gives no outward sign of acknowledging or understanding its meaning. The Cobalt native recovers so quickly, however, that it's almost as if the awkward moment never happened. Readopting his winsome smile and easygoing demeanor, the young man spread his arms wide in a gesture of assent.
"Come then, I will lead the way! You simply must meet my companions, I'm certain we would all love to hear the tale of your journey, if you would be kind enough to tell it to us."
With that, Tristan eagerly begins treading towards the encampment. A sharp, brief whistle alerts the Zebstrika to their departure, the equine Pokemon giving the group a slow blink before turning to follow its apparent trainer.
The Spore Monk, Hudson, slowly makes his way down the lightless, fetid tunnel, his pale hands grasping for guidance along the rough stone walls. The only sound accompanying his labored breathing is the constant patter of water droplets from the ceiling above, and the faint tapping of tiny feet behind him.
In truth, Hudson is glad to have the Pokemon with him. Since it began to follow him around in his circuits through the winding cavern some few days ago, he has felt a spark of treasured comradery with the harmless creature, finding its preternatural calm soothing to the spirit, and humbled by its ability to meditate with him for hours at a time, staring patiently off into space.
And of course it has a handy knack for finding water.
It takes very little time indeed for the wandering pair to locate just that, a limpid pool of wetness that has yet to go flat and foul in its stillness. The Monk eases himself down nearby, as the Lotad splashes forward, idly floating and chirping its appreciation. Hudson smiles.
Clearing his lungs with a few racking coughs, the Spore Monk leans back against the cavern wall, his eyes closed. Hands resting loosely in his lap, he controls his breathing and mentally reaches outward...
Gasping in shock, he draws in a lungful of clean air, chilly and rarefied. The darkness that has been his home for so long resolves, slowly, into a star-speckled sky, the first time he has seen it in months.
The first time he has seen anything in months.
Far above, overhead, the silent heavens bear a curving gash of purest white, a crescent of ivory. The moon.
"Long you have listened at the door of my domain," a voice addresses him, cold and certain.
"I'd say the trip here was nothing compared to the events at New Quartz." Elise sets off to follow the man.
~Elsewhere~
Ducky comes to a stop, realizing a possibly unique situation in legendary cosmology. Presumably these human lands are ruled by the tangle, but what if they are not?
Soon enough, the group arrives at the encampment shortly behind the strolling Tristan and the Zebstrika. It seems to consist of some dozen or so dome-shaped tents, the temporary domiciles of perhaps two dozen individuals and Pokemon you can see lounging around the camp.
The fire that drew you here must have been a mighty pyre indeed earlier, but it has long since burned itself hot and fierce into a flat bed of glowing goals and charred logs, apparently serving as a communal cooking area, from the look of the row of spitted fish stuck along the edges to roast, and a few iron pots thrust into the coals themselves, foaming and spitting as they occasionally bubble over.
The inhabitants seem friendly enough, taking somewhat from Tristan's demeanor to mean that you are welcome, though they look curious to learn who you are and what your arrival betokens, they keep it under wraps for the time being.
"Sit! Eat!" Tristan says generously. "I will fetch the leader, Valdemar, to see you."
Of course, Elise recalls that it's politest for guests to be presented to the head of the group when being offered hospitality. It would be rude for the others here to try to take your measure without you first being introduced to their leader.
Hustling off towards the tents, Tristan briefly leaves you to your own devices. A nearby man draws a knife over a wettened river rock, carefully honing it with practiced movements. A black and blue furred feline the size of a large dog glares at you unabashedly while lounging at the front of a tent, its tail lashing at the air. A woman crouches near the fire, turning the shish-kabobed fish around so they can cook evenly. A small pack of Electrike run and tustle amidst the encampment, yapping and buzzing with static, reminding you briefly of the young man in New Quartz who had trained one, aiding you in your fight against Heatran.
There's something a little bit off here, but you can't quite put your finger on it yet. Is there anything you'd like to do, or will you just wait for Tristan to return with the encampment's leader?
~Elsewhere~
Extending his senses out into the world around him, looking into the nature of the soil and rivers that serve as this land's flesh and blood, Ducky finds the pattern of the world here untangled.
Strained, yes. As tense as held breath and drawn swords, but kept to order with the pulsing drum of surging water, like a distant heartbeat, and held fast in a sturdy skein of limitless gratitude and unimpeachable honor.
What such a thing says to the mystically inclined Psyduck, we can only guess at.
Tanaka plops down in front of the fire, spreading out his still wet arms. Numel wiggles her way out of the pack and shoves her snout right into the flames. Gigen materializes next to the man sharpening his knife, watching with fascination.
"Thanks for the hospitality folks!" says Tanaka, matching the cheeriness of his host.
"You are most welcome, friend-shaman!" a voice booms, announcing the arrival of an unusually tall man, bulky bordering on overweight, his tattooed belly protruding from the unbuttoned front of a lengthy jacket, with his rosy, rounded visage split into a tremendous grin.
"Valdemar's camp is your camp, his fire your fire, his food your food," he continues, as Tristan and a bipedal yellow Pokemon with black stripes jog together to catch up with what you perceive must be the encampment's ebullient leader. "Sit, eat, rest," he bids you. "You have traveled far, and it is safe here."
"We stay two more nights," Valdemar says, holding up two thick digits to emphasize his words. "You may stay all of them, yes, and if our paths continue the same way, you may travel with us, yes also."
Tristan and the Electabuzz halt behind Valdemar, Tristan looking apologetic and the Electric Pokemon guarded. The others in the camp seem to be used to this kind of display, and pay the performance little mind.
"Free food? Don't miiiind if I do." Makai replies, taking full advantage of Valdemar's hospitality. He releases Roscoe and they begin chowing down on the various regional cuisines.
Fenrir devours a flank of meat, from a resting position on his belly eyeing all assembled for anyone looking to try something."So uh Valedmar? Where you going?"
Valdemar gestures while Makai and company fill up on fish, herbed rice, and salad greens. "Yonder," he replies, pointing to the southeast. "We've business with Turnbrook."
Dalinda's settlement. Tristan's concern about Elise's intentions regarding the wayfaring Cobalt native make a little more sense if they were already headed that way. The Turnbrook settlement, as Dalinda explained it, has slightly more peaceful contact with what remains of civilization of central Kanto than the rest of Cobalt Springs. Which is to say, they actually get a trader or traveler once every season or two, and don't necessarily rob them before sending them on their way. It was from one of those, in fact, that she had heard rumors of distant Malachite and its Academy...
The knife sharpener wipes his blade with a rag before giving Tanaka a thoughtful look. After a moment, he glances over at Valdemar, who gives him a slight shrug in reply.
"Aye, could be," knife sharpener assents, testing the edge with his thumb. "We're raiding them."
Suddenly, the encampment being full of only relatively young, well-armed, athletic folk and their Pokemon makes a bit more sense.
Ambitions Inspired by The Shadow of Yesterday's "Key" mechanic
Pokemon Trainers tend to be ambitious, determined individuals. How else would they have the sheer drive and passion to find common ground with powerful and inscrutable Pokemon, hone their skills, and become the very best like no one ever was? As a Pokemon Trainer builds up the skills of their Pokemon, they become capable of accomplishing greater tasks, and as they accomplish mightier deeds, their ability to train their Pokemon reaches new heights.
A Pokemon Trainer may carry one or more Ambitions that grant them the vigor and drive to journey ever onwards. These can be long term goals, grudges they bear, friendships they nurture, or roles they seek to play out for good or ill.
When you pick up an Ambition for your Trainer, you should decide what it generally means, as well as hash out two or three situations that may cause harm or interest and assign them an Exp value from 1-5.
When an event specified by your Ambition comes up, you gain the relevant Exp amount as Trainer Exp. 1 Exp events can be claimed up to three times per adventure (consisting of one Uptime and one Downtime section), other Exp amounts may be claimed once per adventure.
If the Buyoff event for your Ambition happens, you have the option of removing that Ambition from play, crossing it off your character sheet, and gaining 10 Exp for your troubles. If you aren't ready to lose your Ambition just yet, you may continue to hang onto it even if your Buyoff event happens.
Some sample Ambitions:
Hunter
This trainer seeks dangerous foes to overcome, taking pleasure in victory.
- Gain 1 Exp every time you defeat a wild Pokemon
- Gain 3 Exp every time you defeat a Mythic or Legendary Pokemon - Buyoff: Lose a battle to a wild Pokemon
Compassionate
This Trainer wishes to protect the weak, and teach them to become strong.
- Gain 1 Exp when you help someone who cannot help themselves
- Gain 2 Exp when you defend someone who is in critical danger
- Gain 5 Exp when you teach someone to overcome their weakness - Buyoff: Ignore a cry for help
Cautious
This Trainer wants to avoid conflict, and keep themselves safe from harm.
- Gain 1 Exp when your Trainer avoid a physical confrontation
- Gain 3 Exp when your Trainer stops a fight without resorting to violence Buyoff: Dive into battle without second thoughts
Cultist
This Trainer believes in a higher power, and seeks to convert others to the cause
- Gain 1 Exp when you defend your faith against skepticism
- Gain 2 Exp when you convince someone of the truth of your beliefs
- Gain 5 Exp when your Trainer's faith brings about disaster or harm - Buyoff: Renounce your Trainer's beliefs
True Friend
This Trainer has a pal they hold above all others. Just being around them is encouraging
- Gain 1 Exp when you and your friend are in the same scene
- Gain 2 Exp when you make a decision influenced by your friend
- Gain 5 Exp when you put yourself at risk to help your friend - Buyoff: Sever your releationship with your friend
Avaricious
This Trainer seeks wealth and financial security
- Gain 1 Exp when you make a good deal
- Gain 3 Exp when you double your wealth Buyoff: Give away all your belongings, except what you need to survive
Bodyguard
This trainer has a ward whom they have sworn to protect to the bitter end
- Gain 1 Exp when you keep a close watch over your ward in a scene
- Gain 2 Exp when you try to convince your ward to be careful
- Gain 5 Exp when you rescue your ward from a dangerous situation - Buyoff: Fail to protect your ward when they needed your help
Deceiver
This Trainer conceals their true identity, always pretending to be someone else
- Gain 1 Exp when you pass yourself off as something/someone you're not
- Gain 2 Exp when you convince others despite serious skepticism
- Gain 5 Exp when your disguise withstands an in-depth investigation - Buyoff: Confess your true identity to those you've duped
Operative
This Trainer has a mission they have dedicated themselves towards completing
- Gain 1 Exp when you take steps to advance your mission
- Gain 2 Exp if the step you take leads to a minor success.
- Gain 5 Exp when you enjoy a major success towards your goal - Buyoff: Abandon your mission
Pariah
This Trainer once claimed membership in a group, but some time ago they turned their back on it...
- Gain 1 Exp when the Trainer's status as an outcast comes up in a scene
- Gain 2 Exp when their disassociation brings about disaster or harm
- Gain 5 Exp when your Trainer's past creates lasting pain or suffering - Buyoff: Obtain forgiveness, and regain membership in your group
Famous/Infamous
This Trainer seeks out attention and notice for their deeds, whether they're heroic or villainous
- Gain 1 Exp every time you ensure your Trainer's name and deeds are known, through bragging or witnesses
- Gain 2 Exp whenever you take an unnecessary risk to add clout to your reputation
- Gain 5 Exp every time you take a foolish and dangerous action to gain credit for your actions - Buyoff: Give someone else credit for an action that could give you reknown
Insatiable
This Trainer wants power, pure and simple. More of it, always more
- Gain 1 Exp when you earn a powerful boon or favor
- Gain 2 Exp when you earn a new title or gain new holdings
- Gain 5 Exp when you eliminate a rival or conquer a city/organization - Buyoff: Relinquish your power, and all your holdings and titles
Avenger
This Trainer has an oath of vengeance against a person or organization who wronged them
- Gain 1 Exp when you damage your foe or their associates
- Gain 2 Exp when you foil a minor plan of your enemy
- Gain 5 Exp when you ruin one of your foe's major plans - Buyoff: Forgo revenge, and allow your enemy to live in peace
Oathkeeper
This Trainer has a strict code of behavior they adhere to at all times
- Gain 1 Exp when your Trainer is tempted to act against their code
- Gain 2 Exp each adventure that your Trainer does not break their oath
- Gain 5 Exp when your Trainer's oath leads them into grave danger - Buyoff: Break your oath, and abandon your code of behavior
At the moment, I mostly just give out Trainer Exp willy-nilly. Having a system that allows you to act a certain way to seek it out seems like something that could be interesting for character-building/storytelling/game-running reasons.
Might be fun to try out, if people are down for it.
Look Elise has got 5 physique, let's just beat up everyone.
(gotta force myself to post this weekend, I've been doing a lot better in school this semester but always putting off posted until I'm too tired. bleh)
Ambitions Inspired by The Shadow of Yesterday's "Key" mechanic
Pokemon Trainers tend to be ambitious, determined individuals. How else would they have the sheer drive and passion to find common ground with powerful and inscrutable Pokemon, hone their skills, and become the very best like no one ever was? As a Pokemon Trainer builds up the skills of their Pokemon, they become capable of accomplishing greater tasks, and as they accomplish mightier deeds, their ability to train their Pokemon reaches new heights.
A Pokemon Trainer may carry one or more Ambitions that grant them the vigor and drive to journey ever onwards. These can be long term goals, grudges they bear, friendships they nurture, or roles they seek to play out for good or ill.
When you pick up an Ambition for your Trainer, you should decide what it generally means, as well as hash out two or three situations that may cause harm or interest and assign them an Exp value from 1-5.
When an event specified by your Ambition comes up, you gain the relevant Exp amount as Trainer Exp. 1 Exp events can be claimed up to three times per adventure (consisting of one Uptime and one Downtime section), other Exp amounts may be claimed once per adventure.
If the Buyoff event for your Ambition happens, you have the option of removing that Ambition from play, crossing it off your character sheet, and gaining 10 Exp for your troubles. If you aren't ready to lose your Ambition just yet, you may continue to hang onto it even if your Buyoff event happens.
Some sample Ambitions:
Hunter
This trainer seeks dangerous foes to overcome, taking pleasure in victory.
- Gain 1 Exp every time you defeat a wild Pokemon
- Gain 3 Exp every time you defeat a Mythic or Legendary Pokemon - Buyoff: Lose a battle to a wild Pokemon
Compassionate
This Trainer wishes to protect the weak, and teach them to become strong.
- Gain 1 Exp when you help someone who cannot help themselves
- Gain 2 Exp when you defend someone who is in critical danger
- Gain 5 Exp when you teach someone to overcome their weakness - Buyoff: Ignore a cry for help
Cautious
This Trainer wants to avoid conflict, and keep themselves safe from harm.
- Gain 1 Exp when your Trainer avoid a physical confrontation
- Gain 3 Exp when your Trainer stops a fight without resorting to violence Buyoff: Dive into battle without second thoughts
Cultist
This Trainer believes in a higher power, and seeks to convert others to the cause
- Gain 1 Exp when you defend your faith against skepticism
- Gain 2 Exp when you convince someone of the truth of your beliefs
- Gain 5 Exp when your Trainer's faith brings about disaster or harm - Buyoff: Renounce your Trainer's beliefs
True Friend
This Trainer has a pal they hold above all others. Just being around them is encouraging
- Gain 1 Exp when you and your friend are in the same scene
- Gain 2 Exp when you make a decision influenced by your friend
- Gain 5 Exp when you put yourself at risk to help your friend - Buyoff: Sever your releationship with your friend
Avaricious
This Trainer seeks wealth and financial security
- Gain 1 Exp when you make a good deal
- Gain 3 Exp when you double your wealth Buyoff: Give away all your belongings, except what you need to survive
Bodyguard
This trainer has a ward whom they have sworn to protect to the bitter end
- Gain 1 Exp when you keep a close watch over your ward in a scene
- Gain 2 Exp when you try to convince your ward to be careful
- Gain 5 Exp when you rescue your ward from a dangerous situation - Buyoff: Fail to protect your ward when they needed your help
Deceiver
This Trainer conceals their true identity, always pretending to be someone else
- Gain 1 Exp when you pass yourself off as something/someone you're not
- Gain 2 Exp when you convince others despite serious skepticism
- Gain 5 Exp when your disguise withstands an in-depth investigation - Buyoff: Confess your true identity to those you've duped
Operative
This Trainer has a mission they have dedicated themselves towards completing
- Gain 1 Exp when you take steps to advance your mission
- Gain 2 Exp if the step you take leads to a minor success.
- Gain 5 Exp when you enjoy a major success towards your goal - Buyoff: Abandon your mission
Pariah
This Trainer once claimed membership in a group, but some time ago they turned their back on it...
- Gain 1 Exp when the Trainer's status as an outcast comes up in a scene
- Gain 2 Exp when their disassociation brings about disaster or harm
- Gain 5 Exp when your Trainer's past creates lasting pain or suffering - Buyoff: Obtain forgiveness, and regain membership in your group
Famous/Infamous
This Trainer seeks out attention and notice for their deeds, whether they're heroic or villainous
- Gain 1 Exp every time you ensure your Trainer's name and deeds are known, through bragging or witnesses
- Gain 2 Exp whenever you take an unnecessary risk to add clout to your reputation
- Gain 5 Exp every time you take a foolish and dangerous action to gain credit for your actions - Buyoff: Give someone else credit for an action that could give you reknown
Insatiable
This Trainer wants power, pure and simple. More of it, always more
- Gain 1 Exp when you earn a powerful boon or favor
- Gain 2 Exp when you earn a new title or gain new holdings
- Gain 5 Exp when you eliminate a rival or conquer a city/organization - Buyoff: Relinquish your power, and all your holdings and titles
Avenger
This Trainer has an oath of vengeance against a person or organization who wronged them
- Gain 1 Exp when you damage your foe or their associates
- Gain 2 Exp when you foil a minor plan of your enemy
- Gain 5 Exp when you ruin one of your foe's major plans - Buyoff: Forgo revenge, and allow your enemy to live in peace
Oathkeeper
This Trainer has a strict code of behavior they adhere to at all times
- Gain 1 Exp when your Trainer is tempted to act against their code
- Gain 2 Exp each adventure that your Trainer does not break their oath
- Gain 5 Exp when your Trainer's oath leads them into grave danger - Buyoff: Break your oath, and abandon your code of behavior
At the moment, I mostly just give out Trainer Exp willy-nilly. Having a system that allows you to act a certain way to seek it out seems like something that could be interesting for character-building/storytelling/game-running reasons.
Might be fun to try out, if people are down for it.
Those look super cool, I am excite.
Mostly thinking Famous/Infamous or Deceiver or Hunter.
I assume Voltage has refreshed? So I'd be back to,
I usually consider Voltage refreshed at the start of Downtime, which'll happen after settling however the group decides to handle getting invited to cattle rustle one of their ally's homes.
You might also consider a being an Operative for a "Mission: Increase the renown and power of the Amakusa Clan" or something like that, since Makai's been doing a good job of that so far. Or creating a custom Ambition for his previous goal of acquiring wine, women, and song.
Bacchanal
This trainer is fueled by the simple pleasures in life
- Gain 1 Exp when your Trainer solves a problem with alcohol
- Gain 2 Exp when someone falls for your Trainer
- Gain 5 Exp when a song is written about your Trainer's deeds. - Buyoff: Ditch a party without partaking in its amenities
I figure each character can have 2 Ambitions at the moment. Still thinking about how you would go about getting more, and how many you can have at the same time, and I'm thinking purchasing another for 5 Trainer Exp could work (in a sense, you are "investing" the Trainer Exp in an Ambition in the expectation of future dividends) and maybe 3 max?
Posts
[Bell Bonze] ~ [Shakuhachi] ~ [Badling of Lotad] - [Well Supplied] ~ Volt: 4
Those... do not look like beavers. He leans in very closely, just to be sure.
Steam
Getting a better look at what exactly it is he's stumbled across, Gigen sees that there are six of the little yellow, rodent-like Pokemon. Most of them are asleep, as far as he can tell, though one of them is, in fact, awake, meeting the Sableye's curious glance with a naive stare and a mumbled, wordless squeak.
[Bell Bonze] ~ [Shakuhachi] ~ [Badling of Lotad] - [Well Supplied] ~ Volt: 4
Gigen looks startled, and chirps at the thing. He asks it what kind of beaver it is.
Steam
Alice, ever the figure of grace, manages to avoid spitting up water directly on her employer as she comes to. She still looks pretty out of it though, and seems disinclined to do much but groan and slowly drip everywhere.
You can probably add 'swimming' to the list of talents she lacks.
Lucea, predictably, is sunning herself and shows no inclination to help anyone.
The Pichu affixes Gigen with a guileless, uncomprehending stare. Finally, it smiles.
ACRONYM="3"]P[/ACRONYM][ACRONYM="0"]K[/ACRONYM][ACRONYM="3"]M[/ACRONYM][ACRONYM="0"]N[/ACRONYM [Newly Sharpened Kunais] [Caving Kit]
Iktomi | Fenrir | Roscoe
~Cobalt Springs~
[PKMN] [Shieldmaiden] [Carapace Brigandine] [Cobalt Springs Tradition]
~Cobalt Springs~
So it is the houndour. And he wants to burn the dam, because the ninja boy wants a fire.
The question is not rhetorical. Ducky's never really paid attention to the whole campfire thing, as it's a pretty boring thing that humans do. And it's hard to care about keeping warm when you've got a constant headache.
[Bell Bonze] ~ [Shakuhachi] ~ [Badling of Lotad] - [Well Supplied] ~ Volt: 4
That wasn't even a word. Gigen is pretty sure he knows what kind of beaver this thing is.
He has become bored, so Gigen heads back into the tunnel. He picks up a fulgurite on his way out.
Steam
ACRONYM="3"]P[/ACRONYM][ACRONYM="0"]K[/ACRONYM][ACRONYM="3"]M[/ACRONYM][ACRONYM="0"]N[/ACRONYM [Newly Sharpened Kunais] [Caving Kit]
Iktomi | Fenrir | Roscoe
~Cobalt Springs~
[PKMN] [Shieldmaiden] [Carapace Brigandine] [Cobalt Springs Tradition]
~Cobalt Springs~
Ducky looks out into the water, seeing the Lotad swimming about happily.
A moment of silence passes after that observation is made, the Duck still deliberating things.
The psyduck begins dislodging branches at the top of the dam and tossing them over to Fenrir.
ACRONYM="3"]P[/ACRONYM][ACRONYM="0"]K[/ACRONYM][ACRONYM="3"]M[/ACRONYM][ACRONYM="0"]N[/ACRONYM [Newly Sharpened Kunais] [Caving Kit]
Iktomi | Fenrir | Roscoe
~Cobalt Springs~
Fenrir snorts a bit of smoke.
Fenrir lights the little bundle of sticks the Psyduck tosses him on FIRE 3.
Gigen grabs a piece of gritty, pseudo-crystalline fulgarite on his way out of the den. It looks an awful lot like something you'd find in a Meowth's litter box, but whatever. A trophy is a trophy, I suppose.
~Cobalt Springs~
Ducky and Fenrir work together(ish) to make a cheery little fire next to the pond. You have plenty of time to dry your belongings off, work on a plan for what to do next, or even wait for Alice to gain consciousness if you like.
Downtime beckons. You all have a shitload of Exp to spend.
[PKMN] [Shieldmaiden] [Carapace Brigandine] [Cobalt Springs Tradition]
~Cobalt Springs~ :whistle:
Elise stands up. "Much appreciated, Cyrus." Elise pats the rhyhorn on the head as she removes Alice's oversized backpack and deposits it on the ground by Alice, who has been relocated to a place comfortably close to the fire.
"Ok... now I'm going to go find a high place with a view, and see where there's people about." Elise motions Cyrus to follow her.
She's a bit shocked that the rhyhorn hasn't been more defiant. Considering how he appeared, wouldn't he be a servant of the lord of magma or something? This seems like a complicated line of questioning that is not within either of their skills to bridge the communication gap between them. And not a problem limited to just this rhyhorn: the noblewoman almost never seems to get what that Psyduck is on about, only that whatever that psyduck is on about makes it strangely proactive for a pokemon.
Speaking of ducks, about a minute later Ducky gets up and begins to waddle after the departing pokemon and trainer pair.
Elise's gratitude grants her a gravelly grumble of gratification from the Ground Type. While the noble takes care of Alice's luggage, the inscrutable Pokemon noses around the flourishing campfire and the edge of the pond, curiously thrusting its armored face into the mass of reeds and bulrushes.
At Elise's call, Cyrus ceases his rummaging behavior, backing out of the brush and trotting after the strolling trainer. He now has a cattail firmly lodged in the corner of his jaw, in a manner Elise finds similar to the grass-stalk-chewing habit shared by certain more rural-minded members of Malachite.
It's very droll.
The search for higher ground necessitates moving roughly towards Mt. Meteo, the gently rolling hillocks of baize-like grass and occasional bush or waif of a tree offering little promise of the more strategic kind of view Elise is searching out.
The Social Noble's efforts are quickly hindered by the common placement of lengthy, meandering rocky cliffs in the way of her route upwards. The unusual formations stick out from the otherwise simple to navigate meadow, the structures' heights moderate enough to make it quite easy and safe to leap from the top to the ground below, but incredibly difficult to clamber up unaided. If she can surmount enough of these obstacles in the course of her hike, she should be able to get enough height to get a good idea of the lay of the land below.
How would Elise like to continue?
[PKMN] [Shieldmaiden] [Carapace Brigandine] [Cobalt Springs Tradition]
~Cobalt Springs~ :whistle:
Elise stands at the bottom of one of these small cliffs for a good couple of minutes. Maybe if she waits long enough Makai will show up with his climbing kit, or Tanaka will take the task of surveying the land himself, or Alice will deploy her enormous pack to stand on, making climbing the not particularly tall clifflets a simple matter of grabbing the top and pulling yourself up.
Letting out a breath she removes her armored gauntlets, leaving the glove liners below to hopefully dissuade a particularly sharp handhold.
Carefully and patiently, she takes her time feeling out every possible handhold before grabbing onto the most reliable handholds that allow her to leverage her strong muscles as opposed to her modest dexterity.
At the top, she glances down at the Rhyhorn below.
"I can get you up here easily..." says Elise, waving his apricorn, "...but would you like to try on your own first?"
Spending two volts for a mobility token.
It's a rough climb, but Elise's persistence sees her through. Below, the Rhyhorn considers the noble's offer, making some well-reasoned inferences about hunched, stone-bodied quadrupeds clambering up steep, rocky ledges, and shrugs ambivalently.
Apparently it knows its limits, which can be a good thing.
Ducky has likely caught up with the pair around this time, would the Psyduck like to also avail himself of his trainer's Apricorn-based transportation, or is he still nursing a bit of an independence streak?
Regardless, Elise's scouting mission continues, and she slowly makes her way up the hills adjacent Mt. Meteo. A half hour's hike gives the noble an enviable glimpse at the lay of the land below.
The makeshift campfire she left behind is still burning merrily, as far as she can tell, the wet wood throwing up a thin column of steamy white smoke into the blue, nearly cloudless sky. The spring that the group rode to the surface and found monopolized by whatever built that dam is apparently only one of a great many, the plains below her positively criss-crossed with rivers and streams, like fate-lines on the palm of a massive, grassy hand.
To the south of the rest of the group, she can see another plume of smoke rising into the air, thick and black. At the base of it she can just barely spot a few low, brown lumps. Possibly huts or tents? With a bonfire among them? In any case, it looks like the closest thing to a settlement nearby, and probably only an hour or two's walk from where her companions are resting.
Elise gained Support: [Lay of the Land] and [Possible Encampment Location]
[PKMN] [Shieldmaiden] [Carapace Brigandine] [Cobalt Springs Tradition] [Lay of the Land] [Possible Encampment Location]
~Cobalt Springs~ :whistle:
Well, she expected that. Had to check though, pokemon are often surprising creatures. Cyrus gets apricorn'd, and Psyduck shortly after.
She spends the time walking back thinking about what she exactly hopes to accomplish here. Establishing trade seems like even more and more a vain hope, with the physical obstacles they had to pass to get here and who knows how many legends lurk in other places.
She is due some practice to develop her and her pokemon's abilities, so that's something at least.
Hopefully everyone will be as friendly as Dalinda. Weren't they renowned for their hospitality?
"Hey everyone. I saw what looked like an encampment over there." she addresses the group, pointing in that direction.
Once everyone is ready, it's time to move.
So that dragonflies drift down the river?
The face that could gaze upon the face of the Sun
Has never existed ever.
~Cobalt Springs~
Is everyone ready? I guess everyone's ready.
It's time to move.
The southward trek is far easier than Elise's earlier uphill hike, overland travel in this direction providing no worse obstacle than gently rolling hills of grass and shallow streams of water. As sparse as the vegetation may be, you often find yourself passing the occasional fruit tree or berry bush that provides a nourishing snack should you decide to take a few moments to harvest them. It strikes you that this is an astonishingly fertile area, and that might somehow contribute to the fabled hospitality of which Miss Marybelle forewarned you.
In less than two hours, you have made rather good time. The thick plume of smoke that has stood stead as your destination has faded to a thin line of grey rising into the late-afternoon sky. As you clear the final hill near the encampment, you become aware of the repeated thumps of hooves on grass. A mounted figure quickly gallops closer from south and east of you, probably a scout or sentry intending to determine your intentions.
Elise: [Possible Encampment Location]
As the individual draws closer, you note that their mount is a equine Pokemon with a black coat and white stripes (or is it the other way around?). The person astride its back is protected from the creature's spiky mane by a leather saddle and rather little else. As they arrive within a couple dozen strides of you, their steed comes to a gentle halt, and he off slides to the ground and takes a few steps towards the group.
Similar in age to yourselves, you see the man is barechested, free of the tattoos that Dalinda bore, with a patterned kilt and thick felt boots, and a lengthy head of blond hair held tight within a thick band of fabric. He hails you with a wave, bringing his hands up to his mouth to amplify his distant greeting.
"Hallo there! Are you lost? Did you need help?" he calls out in a friendly and, given Dalinda's brief explanation of Cobalt Springs' ways, probably quite sincere manner.
ACRONYM="3"]P[/ACRONYM][ACRONYM="0"]K[/ACRONYM][ACRONYM="3"]M[/ACRONYM][ACRONYM="0"]N[/ACRONYM [Newly Sharpened Kunais] [Caving Kit]
Iktomi | Fenrir | Roscoe
~Cobalt Springs~
Pants tied up into a kind of skirt shorts situation, Makai is the first to respond. "Uhh, yeah." He scratches the back of his neck. "We're outta-towners looking for...Cobalt Springs? Do you know a Dalinda?"
Makai has been in awe since arriving here. If Quartz managed to no not only carve out but thrive in a place of Rock and Stone, how many folks call this place home?
"Ah," the man replies, eyeing the group with renewed curiosity. "I daresay you have found your destination," he continues, holding an arm out to encompass your surroundings. "Cobalt Springs," he declares, just a little bit proudly.
"I am Tristan Dylana, of the same," he exclaims with princely candor, his out-thrust arm returning to his chest as he executes a marvelously formal bow. Behind him, the black-and-white Pokemon matches the gesture with a stretching dip of its head. "I bid you welcome on behalf of the Shallowstream settlement." Standing up once more, he regards the party with a shade of wariness.
"Dalinda is of the Turnbrook settlement," he offers cautiously, forehead wrinkling slightly with concern. "What business did you have with her, if I may ask?"
You guys are clearly supposed to keep this thread going while I'm busy with school. Also I should have made an exhausted, covered by books mystery dungeon Ness avatar back when I first thought about it in the mystery dungeon game. Would be awfully handy to have made about now, I would just post that every single day.
Elise Corbeau - [Social Knight] - 2/4
[PKMN] [Shieldmaiden] [Carapace Brigandine] [Cobalt Springs Tradition] [Lay of the Land]
~Cobalt Springs~ :whistle:
Elise feels an infectious smile coming on. That's two-for-two on charming Cobalt Springs members.
"She was heading to where we were heading from: Malachite." Elise answers. "Gave us plenty to talk about, to say the least." He claims to be of Cobalt Springs first, then mentions membership of this settlement second. Did she read anything about how the settlements got around in her preparations?
Cyrus is out and about, looking at the Equine pokemon with indifferent interest as he approaches a particularly large clump of grass and begins rubbing some of the mud stuck to his feet onto the innocent flora.
Ducky is... already gone. Don't cry, dear viewers: He'll return when he's ready.
Can you tag a support like you would a trait, or is it solely a once-off thing?
~Cobalt Springs~ :whistle:
Elise recalls that while natives of the area will proudly introduce themselves as locals of Cobalt Springs, they are also divided into "Settlements" that represent a shared homestead of permanent buildings and farmland plots shared by a number of families while not on extended trips driving herds, foraging, or hunting. Generally speaking, a Cobalt native will side with their family against anyone outside the family, with their settlement against anyone outside their settlement, and with Cobalt Springs in general against anyone from outside that area.
Tristan's mention of Cobalt Springs first probably means he has accurately pegged you as a foriegner, so he understands that in this encounter he is representing his entire homeland as opposed to merely his settlement. All that charm is likely because he's currently on his very best behavior.
In any case, the encampment Tristan has scouted you out from seems too small to represent a settlement, the tents too few and impermanent to be the home base of a number of families. Likely as not you've just happened to stumble upon a roving group, hunting, foraging, or scouting out grazing land afield.
The young Cobaltine man takes a moment to digest Elise's revelation. "You've come a long way then," he notes, eyeing the westerly peaks of Mt. Meteo. He bows once more. "It would be an honor if you were to share in our food, fire, and shelter for a time, meager as they may be."
The Zebstrika meets Elise's fastidious Rhyhorn's disinterest with its own blank gaze, moving to pointedly ignore the Rock Type as he scrubs away the clinging muck of Mt. Meteo.
ACRONYM="3"]P[/ACRONYM][ACRONYM="0"]K[/ACRONYM][ACRONYM="3"]M[/ACRONYM][ACRONYM="0"]N[/ACRONYM [Newly Sharpened Kunais] [Caving Kit]
Iktomi | Fenrir | Roscoe
~Cobalt Springs~
"That would be awesome! I'm starving. And long way? You have no idea man. I feel like where were underground for months! And don't even get me started about the weird dream we all had."
The wide open plains of Cobalt distinctly un-ninjalike place. But on the other hand, isn't a place you would assume to find no ninja, the most likely place for ninja to actually be? Amakusa decides to display his pendant prominently, just in case.
Makai isn't the only one starving. Iktomi eyes the Zebstrika hungrily from within her master's hair. The black and white horse creature will turn it's attention away soon enough...wait for it...wait for it...
As a master [Infiltrator], Iktomi knows that the best moment to strike is whenever she decides to do it. Being a sneaky, improbably small Pokemon with the spirit of a hunter and the training of a ninja has its perks.
Tristan seems a little disquieted by Makai's mention of their underground sojourn, and the dream they suffered therein. The canny ninja also notes his eyes briefly flick to the amulet, though he gives no outward sign of acknowledging or understanding its meaning. The Cobalt native recovers so quickly, however, that it's almost as if the awkward moment never happened. Readopting his winsome smile and easygoing demeanor, the young man spread his arms wide in a gesture of assent.
"Come then, I will lead the way! You simply must meet my companions, I'm certain we would all love to hear the tale of your journey, if you would be kind enough to tell it to us."
With that, Tristan eagerly begins treading towards the encampment. A sharp, brief whistle alerts the Zebstrika to their departure, the equine Pokemon giving the group a slow blink before turning to follow its apparent trainer.
~Something Maybe Related?~
In truth, Hudson is glad to have the Pokemon with him. Since it began to follow him around in his circuits through the winding cavern some few days ago, he has felt a spark of treasured comradery with the harmless creature, finding its preternatural calm soothing to the spirit, and humbled by its ability to meditate with him for hours at a time, staring patiently off into space.
And of course it has a handy knack for finding water.
It takes very little time indeed for the wandering pair to locate just that, a limpid pool of wetness that has yet to go flat and foul in its stillness. The Monk eases himself down nearby, as the Lotad splashes forward, idly floating and chirping its appreciation. Hudson smiles.
Clearing his lungs with a few racking coughs, the Spore Monk leans back against the cavern wall, his eyes closed. Hands resting loosely in his lap, he controls his breathing and mentally reaches outward...
:whistle:
And falls...
And falls...
Gasping in shock, he draws in a lungful of clean air, chilly and rarefied. The darkness that has been his home for so long resolves, slowly, into a star-speckled sky, the first time he has seen it in months.
The first time he has seen anything in months.
Far above, overhead, the silent heavens bear a curving gash of purest white, a crescent of ivory. The moon.
"Long you have listened at the door of my domain," a voice addresses him, cold and certain.
"Now, you will speak."
[PKMN] [Shieldmaiden] [Carapace Brigandine] [Cobalt Springs Tradition] [Lay of the Land]
~Cobalt Springs~ :whistle:
"I'd say the trip here was nothing compared to the events at New Quartz." Elise sets off to follow the man.
~Elsewhere~
Ducky comes to a stop, realizing a possibly unique situation in legendary cosmology. Presumably these human lands are ruled by the tangle, but what if they are not?
He scans his surroundings.
~Cobalt Encampment~ :whistle:
Soon enough, the group arrives at the encampment shortly behind the strolling Tristan and the Zebstrika. It seems to consist of some dozen or so dome-shaped tents, the temporary domiciles of perhaps two dozen individuals and Pokemon you can see lounging around the camp.
The fire that drew you here must have been a mighty pyre indeed earlier, but it has long since burned itself hot and fierce into a flat bed of glowing goals and charred logs, apparently serving as a communal cooking area, from the look of the row of spitted fish stuck along the edges to roast, and a few iron pots thrust into the coals themselves, foaming and spitting as they occasionally bubble over.
The inhabitants seem friendly enough, taking somewhat from Tristan's demeanor to mean that you are welcome, though they look curious to learn who you are and what your arrival betokens, they keep it under wraps for the time being.
"Sit! Eat!" Tristan says generously. "I will fetch the leader, Valdemar, to see you."
Of course, Elise recalls that it's politest for guests to be presented to the head of the group when being offered hospitality. It would be rude for the others here to try to take your measure without you first being introduced to their leader.
Hustling off towards the tents, Tristan briefly leaves you to your own devices. A nearby man draws a knife over a wettened river rock, carefully honing it with practiced movements. A black and blue furred feline the size of a large dog glares at you unabashedly while lounging at the front of a tent, its tail lashing at the air. A woman crouches near the fire, turning the shish-kabobed fish around so they can cook evenly. A small pack of Electrike run and tustle amidst the encampment, yapping and buzzing with static, reminding you briefly of the young man in New Quartz who had trained one, aiding you in your fight against Heatran.
There's something a little bit off here, but you can't quite put your finger on it yet. Is there anything you'd like to do, or will you just wait for Tristan to return with the encampment's leader?
~Elsewhere~
Extending his senses out into the world around him, looking into the nature of the soil and rivers that serve as this land's flesh and blood, Ducky finds the pattern of the world here untangled.
Strained, yes. As tense as held breath and drawn swords, but kept to order with the pulsing drum of surging water, like a distant heartbeat, and held fast in a sturdy skein of limitless gratitude and unimpeachable honor.
What such a thing says to the mystically inclined Psyduck, we can only guess at.
"Thanks for the hospitality folks!" says Tanaka, matching the cheeriness of his host.
Steam
"You are most welcome, friend-shaman!" a voice booms, announcing the arrival of an unusually tall man, bulky bordering on overweight, his tattooed belly protruding from the unbuttoned front of a lengthy jacket, with his rosy, rounded visage split into a tremendous grin.
"Valdemar's camp is your camp, his fire your fire, his food your food," he continues, as Tristan and a bipedal yellow Pokemon with black stripes jog together to catch up with what you perceive must be the encampment's ebullient leader. "Sit, eat, rest," he bids you. "You have traveled far, and it is safe here."
"We stay two more nights," Valdemar says, holding up two thick digits to emphasize his words. "You may stay all of them, yes, and if our paths continue the same way, you may travel with us, yes also."
Tristan and the Electabuzz halt behind Valdemar, Tristan looking apologetic and the Electric Pokemon guarded. The others in the camp seem to be used to this kind of display, and pay the performance little mind.
ACRONYM="3"]P[/ACRONYM][ACRONYM="0"]K[/ACRONYM][ACRONYM="3"]M[/ACRONYM][ACRONYM="0"]N[/ACRONYM [Newly Sharpened Kunais] [Caving Kit]
Iktomi | Fenrir | Roscoe
~Cobalt Springs~
"Free food? Don't miiiind if I do." Makai replies, taking full advantage of Valdemar's hospitality. He releases Roscoe and they begin chowing down on the various regional cuisines.
Fenrir devours a flank of meat, from a resting position on his belly eyeing all assembled for anyone looking to try something."So uh Valedmar? Where you going?"
Valdemar gestures while Makai and company fill up on fish, herbed rice, and salad greens. "Yonder," he replies, pointing to the southeast. "We've business with Turnbrook."
Dalinda's settlement. Tristan's concern about Elise's intentions regarding the wayfaring Cobalt native make a little more sense if they were already headed that way. The Turnbrook settlement, as Dalinda explained it, has slightly more peaceful contact with what remains of civilization of central Kanto than the rest of Cobalt Springs. Which is to say, they actually get a trader or traveler once every season or two, and don't necessarily rob them before sending them on their way. It was from one of those, in fact, that she had heard rumors of distant Malachite and its Academy...
Steam
The knife sharpener wipes his blade with a rag before giving Tanaka a thoughtful look. After a moment, he glances over at Valdemar, who gives him a slight shrug in reply.
"Aye, could be," knife sharpener assents, testing the edge with his thumb. "We're raiding them."
Suddenly, the encampment being full of only relatively young, well-armed, athletic folk and their Pokemon makes a bit more sense.
Inspired by The Shadow of Yesterday's "Key" mechanic
Pokemon Trainers tend to be ambitious, determined individuals. How else would they have the sheer drive and passion to find common ground with powerful and inscrutable Pokemon, hone their skills, and become the very best like no one ever was? As a Pokemon Trainer builds up the skills of their Pokemon, they become capable of accomplishing greater tasks, and as they accomplish mightier deeds, their ability to train their Pokemon reaches new heights.
A Pokemon Trainer may carry one or more Ambitions that grant them the vigor and drive to journey ever onwards. These can be long term goals, grudges they bear, friendships they nurture, or roles they seek to play out for good or ill.
When you pick up an Ambition for your Trainer, you should decide what it generally means, as well as hash out two or three situations that may cause harm or interest and assign them an Exp value from 1-5.
When an event specified by your Ambition comes up, you gain the relevant Exp amount as Trainer Exp. 1 Exp events can be claimed up to three times per adventure (consisting of one Uptime and one Downtime section), other Exp amounts may be claimed once per adventure.
If the Buyoff event for your Ambition happens, you have the option of removing that Ambition from play, crossing it off your character sheet, and gaining 10 Exp for your troubles. If you aren't ready to lose your Ambition just yet, you may continue to hang onto it even if your Buyoff event happens.
Some sample Ambitions:
Hunter
This trainer seeks dangerous foes to overcome, taking pleasure in victory.
- Gain 1 Exp every time you defeat a wild Pokemon
- Gain 3 Exp every time you defeat a Mythic or Legendary Pokemon
- Buyoff: Lose a battle to a wild Pokemon
Compassionate
This Trainer wishes to protect the weak, and teach them to become strong.
- Gain 1 Exp when you help someone who cannot help themselves
- Gain 2 Exp when you defend someone who is in critical danger
- Gain 5 Exp when you teach someone to overcome their weakness
- Buyoff: Ignore a cry for help
Cautious
This Trainer wants to avoid conflict, and keep themselves safe from harm.
- Gain 1 Exp when your Trainer avoid a physical confrontation
- Gain 3 Exp when your Trainer stops a fight without resorting to violence
Buyoff: Dive into battle without second thoughts
Cultist
This Trainer believes in a higher power, and seeks to convert others to the cause
- Gain 1 Exp when you defend your faith against skepticism
- Gain 2 Exp when you convince someone of the truth of your beliefs
- Gain 5 Exp when your Trainer's faith brings about disaster or harm
- Buyoff: Renounce your Trainer's beliefs
True Friend
This Trainer has a pal they hold above all others. Just being around them is encouraging
- Gain 1 Exp when you and your friend are in the same scene
- Gain 2 Exp when you make a decision influenced by your friend
- Gain 5 Exp when you put yourself at risk to help your friend
- Buyoff: Sever your releationship with your friend
Avaricious
This Trainer seeks wealth and financial security
- Gain 1 Exp when you make a good deal
- Gain 3 Exp when you double your wealth
Buyoff: Give away all your belongings, except what you need to survive
Bodyguard
This trainer has a ward whom they have sworn to protect to the bitter end
- Gain 1 Exp when you keep a close watch over your ward in a scene
- Gain 2 Exp when you try to convince your ward to be careful
- Gain 5 Exp when you rescue your ward from a dangerous situation
- Buyoff: Fail to protect your ward when they needed your help
Deceiver
This Trainer conceals their true identity, always pretending to be someone else
- Gain 1 Exp when you pass yourself off as something/someone you're not
- Gain 2 Exp when you convince others despite serious skepticism
- Gain 5 Exp when your disguise withstands an in-depth investigation
- Buyoff: Confess your true identity to those you've duped
Operative
This Trainer has a mission they have dedicated themselves towards completing
- Gain 1 Exp when you take steps to advance your mission
- Gain 2 Exp if the step you take leads to a minor success.
- Gain 5 Exp when you enjoy a major success towards your goal
- Buyoff: Abandon your mission
Pariah
This Trainer once claimed membership in a group, but some time ago they turned their back on it...
- Gain 1 Exp when the Trainer's status as an outcast comes up in a scene
- Gain 2 Exp when their disassociation brings about disaster or harm
- Gain 5 Exp when your Trainer's past creates lasting pain or suffering
- Buyoff: Obtain forgiveness, and regain membership in your group
Famous/Infamous
This Trainer seeks out attention and notice for their deeds, whether they're heroic or villainous
- Gain 1 Exp every time you ensure your Trainer's name and deeds are known, through bragging or witnesses
- Gain 2 Exp whenever you take an unnecessary risk to add clout to your reputation
- Gain 5 Exp every time you take a foolish and dangerous action to gain credit for your actions
- Buyoff: Give someone else credit for an action that could give you reknown
Insatiable
This Trainer wants power, pure and simple. More of it, always more
- Gain 1 Exp when you earn a powerful boon or favor
- Gain 2 Exp when you earn a new title or gain new holdings
- Gain 5 Exp when you eliminate a rival or conquer a city/organization
- Buyoff: Relinquish your power, and all your holdings and titles
Avenger
This Trainer has an oath of vengeance against a person or organization who wronged them
- Gain 1 Exp when you damage your foe or their associates
- Gain 2 Exp when you foil a minor plan of your enemy
- Gain 5 Exp when you ruin one of your foe's major plans
- Buyoff: Forgo revenge, and allow your enemy to live in peace
Oathkeeper
This Trainer has a strict code of behavior they adhere to at all times
- Gain 1 Exp when your Trainer is tempted to act against their code
- Gain 2 Exp each adventure that your Trainer does not break their oath
- Gain 5 Exp when your Trainer's oath leads them into grave danger
- Buyoff: Break your oath, and abandon your code of behavior
At the moment, I mostly just give out Trainer Exp willy-nilly. Having a system that allows you to act a certain way to seek it out seems like something that could be interesting for character-building/storytelling/game-running reasons.
Might be fun to try out, if people are down for it.
He turns Elise-ward, and she can see that his easy smile has turned desperate.
"Please help me, " says the smile.
Steam
(gotta force myself to post this weekend, I've been doing a lot better in school this semester but always putting off posted until I'm too tired. bleh)
Those look super cool, I am excite.
Mostly thinking Famous/Infamous or Deceiver or Hunter.
I assume Voltage has refreshed? So I'd be back to,
You might also consider a being an Operative for a "Mission: Increase the renown and power of the Amakusa Clan" or something like that, since Makai's been doing a good job of that so far. Or creating a custom Ambition for his previous goal of acquiring wine, women, and song.
Bacchanal
This trainer is fueled by the simple pleasures in life
- Gain 1 Exp when your Trainer solves a problem with alcohol
- Gain 2 Exp when someone falls for your Trainer
- Gain 5 Exp when a song is written about your Trainer's deeds.
- Buyoff: Ditch a party without partaking in its amenities
I figure each character can have 2 Ambitions at the moment. Still thinking about how you would go about getting more, and how many you can have at the same time, and I'm thinking purchasing another for 5 Trainer Exp could work (in a sense, you are "investing" the Trainer Exp in an Ambition in the expectation of future dividends) and maybe 3 max?