suipokemon prologue 2

[19:24] <@Kaingaskhan> Prologue 2 - Iltani's Story
[19:29] <@Kaingaskhan> The town of Oakbridge. A pleasant scene of greenery in the mideast of Rivale, only an hour's ride from the massive Crystal Lake to the northwest. Oakbridge is a town built on top of an extremely odd tree growth - two massive trees that seemed to reach and lean towards each other from across the banks of the Nolgir, as if trying to touch. And once they did, they entwined into a natural
[19:29] <@Kaingaskhan> bridge. Mankind erected a town on both sides of the bank next to these trees, and a trade route would be established.
[19:30] <@Kaingaskhan> As it so happens, this town is where we find the retrieval specialists, the 'Relentless Absols' today. Work has been slow, and the commander of the unit, a man named Garm, has offered Iltani and her fellows a drink at the local tavern while trawling for leads on anything to look into.
[19:32] <@Kaingaskhan> Garm himself is a beast of a man, about as thick as an oak himself, and just as bearded. Dark brown is his hair color. He's not an impulsive man but a seasoned warrior, and a former Rune Hunter. He's quiet, and a good leader.
06[19:33] * Iltani has been silently nursing a bottle of rum, mostly waiting to hear back about any new jobs. Work has been stressful and unceasing, and she appreciated the reprieve, even if she didn't exactly show it outwardly.
[19:34] <@Kaingaskhan> Also there are two others here worthy of mention - Bernard. Somewhat of a mousy, unassuming man with an enormous gun slung across his back, he's kicked back and enjoying an ale.
06[19:35] * Iltani mostly prays that he's not doing anything dumb.
[19:35] <@Kaingaskhan> And the woman with long, dark hair. Merydia, carrying two revolvers on her person as well as a fencing blade. Foul language but nice enough.
06[19:35] * Iltani mostly prays that she stays quiet.
[19:36] <@Kaingaskhan> She's having whiskey.
[19:36] <Iltani> ....probably not going to stay quiet, then.
[19:40] <@Kaingaskhan> Garm is the one to pick up discussion between the four of you. "The quiet's been beating the hell out of everything we were doing a couple weeks ago, but peace doesn't pay the bills, unfortunately." he sighs. "If only it did."
[19:40] <@Kaingaskhan> Bernard pipes up. "You make it sound like you -want- something to go wrong."
[19:41] <Iltani> "Almost by definition, that's the only time where we get any work."
[19:42] <Iltani> "Even if it's something as simple as getting a Skitty out of a tall tree."
03[19:43] * AoriPhone (~Phoneri@15BCCEEA.721886EF.63230E32.IP) has joined #SuikoPokemonIC
[19:43] <@Kaingaskhan> Merydia: "Got to make a living somehow." She throws back a shot. "By other's misfortune. Fucking shame, isn't it? But that's the way the world works. We -rely- on things going to shit to rub two potch together. Can't be helped. At least our business isn't -making-  trouble."
[19:45] <@Kaingaskhan> Garm: "I'd prefer it if it were just skitties in trees." he gives a bit of a laugh.
[19:45] <Iltani> "Have any of you literally had to rescue Skitties from trees?"
[19:46] <@Kaingaskhan> Bernard: "Wellll...."
[19:48] <@Kaingaskhan> Merydia: "In any case, things have been drier lately than a a dead whore's crotch."
[19:49] <Iltani> "Too much information."
[19:49] <@Kaingaskhan> Garm rubs his face a bit. "....let's just be thankful for the break we've-"
[19:49] <@Kaingaskhan> There's a sound of wings flapping and cooing at the window next to your table.
[19:50] <@Kaingaskhan> A couple of Pidove are sitting there, with notes tied to their legs.
[19:50] <@Kaingaskhan> Garm: "...Speak of the devil, I guess." Those are Garm's own messenger pidove, trained to find him when he gets leads from certain sources.
06[19:50] * Iltani sighs, and sets her bottle down to attend to one of the Pidove.
[19:51] <@Kaingaskhan> He pries open the windows and the birds hop in. Garm looks over one while you check out the other.
[19:51] <@Kaingaskhan> There's a couple of letters here, actually.
[19:51] <@Kaingaskhan> One of them is sort of hastily tied on and doesn't really fit in with the rest.
[19:51] <@Kaingaskhan> And...
[19:51] <@Kaingaskhan> It's addressed to you?
[19:52] <Iltani> "Curious. Why would anyone send me personal notes through your Pidove messengers?"
06[19:52] * Iltani looks over the note with interest, her gaze scanning over the words quickly over her glasses.
[19:52] <@Kaingaskhan> Garm: "Hell if I know. Maybe one of my contacts knows someone you know.
[19:53] <@Kaingaskhan> "
[19:55] <@Kaingaskhan> "Dear Tawny-Eyes," ...This is Amalthea's handwriting. The cousin of a certain man you knew back in Nolgranda, Amalthea has a habit of showing out of nowhere, and this seems to be one such time.
06[19:56] * Iltani sighs at the introduction, but she keeps reading.
[20:01] <@Kaingaskhan> "Hey, how are you doing? How's work been? Let me tell you about mine, though! I got signed on with an expedition to Crystal Lake! There seem to be a lot of caverns underneath ground-level in the area, and - get this - they might actually be manmade! You think maybe the Sindar set up shop around here? A co-worker joked that we could find a True Rune. If that was the case, would it be a
[20:01] <@Kaingaskhan> 'deus ex loch-ina'? Hah." There's a drawing of a smiley face. "Anyway, we'll be careful. Lots of love - Amalthea."
[20:02] <@Kaingaskhan> ...You're actually pretty close to Crystal Lake, actually. ...Ugh, that probably means she could jump in on you at any point in the near future, doesn't it.
06[20:03] * Iltani has to fight to keep from cringing as she reads the letter.
[20:03] <@Kaingaskhan> Garm: "Let's see...
[20:03] <Iltani> "Wonderful. Simply wonderful," she replies flatly, as she reaches into her jacket pocket.
[20:03] <@Kaingaskhan> Garm: "This one's too out of the way for us to make it, and... huh."
[20:04] <Iltani> She takes out a small pouch tied together with a braided cord, and pours some birdseed from it onto a nearby napkin, offering it up to the Pidove.
[20:04] <@Kaingaskhan> Garm: "I've got two requests pointing to the same place. And get this. One of them's an official request from the monarchy of Nolgranda."
[20:04] <Iltani> "Why would the monarchy care about us at all?"
[20:06] <@Kaingaskhan> Merydia: "That's what I'd like to know. When did we start becoming noteworthy to the royals?"
[20:07] <@Kaingaskhan> Garm reads the official request first.
[20:12] <Iltani> "As for my part...it's a letter from Amalthea Laurent. She's in Crystal Lake."
[20:13] <Iltani> "Or at least, she will be, probably rather soon."
[20:14] <@Kaingaskhan> Bernard: "What, her? Oh no."
[20:16] <@Kaingaskhan> "To Whom it may Concern, your Mercenary Company-" he grumbles 'I didn't realize we were mercenaries' under his breath, "-is one of several that has been Chosen in Light of recent Efforts in Staving back the Hordes of  Evil. Artifour di Surveil, Chief Wizard to the Crown, has Determined that demonic Activity shall increase in the area of East Rivale upon the Aligning of certain Stars.
[20:16] <@Kaingaskhan> In the interest of Preserving our Trade with our Bountiful neighbors, and Protecting our Borders, We Invite You to Standby near the burg of Loamvil during the annual Festival of Founding to Evacuate Persons in case of Emergency. ...Blah blah blah money for services rendered, signed their bloody royal majesties Esrand and Amelia Nolgranda."
[20:17] <Iltani> "Security detail? Doesn't sound difficult."
[20:18] <@Kaingaskhan> Merydia: "Determined that demonic activity has increased? What the fuck does that mean? They got predicting this shit down to a goddamn science now?"
[20:18] <@Kaingaskhan> Bernard: "Sure sounds like easy money to me."
[20:18] <@Kaingaskhan> Garm: "It's the second notice that draws my attention, though."
[20:19] <@Kaingaskhan> Garm: "This one's unmarked. No signer, no insignias or seals, no nothing."
[20:21] <Iltani> "Don't leave us hanging. What does our man of mystery want?"
[20:23] <@Kaingaskhan> "To the leader of the Relentless Absols, I fear something terrible shall happen in Loamvil soon. You must do whatever you can to safeguard its people. I have instructed the next pidove to bring a gross payment of 20,000 Potch to your company, and an additional 5,000 potch will be forwarded to... the family of Iltani Isaacs ." he looks up, squinting at you a moment, then looks back down.
[20:23] <@Kaingaskhan> "As well as an additional sum of 1,000 potch for every head saved. I hope you will consider my request and find the truth."
[20:23] <@Kaingaskhan> "A friend."
06[20:24] * Iltani has a sinking, sinking feeling that she knows who this friend is. "Not a coincidence, then."
[20:25] <@Kaingaskhan> Bernard: "So.... lots of money coming our way."
[20:25] <@Kaingaskhan> Bernard: "Maybe I can buy a bottle of that wine I always wanted to try..."
[20:25] <Iltani> "Someone wants me there, hell or high water." She shoots Bernard a look that could slay dragons, silently chiding him for missing the point entirely.
[20:26] <@Kaingaskhan> Merydia: "Well this is as suspicious as fuck." She shoots a glance at Iltani herself.
[20:26] <Iltani> "I can't help but wonder what kind of point they are attempting to make by paying my family, though."
[20:27] <@Kaingaskhan> Bernard: "Oh, oh, what if it's someone that's going to blackmail you later, and be all "I know where your family lives"."
[20:27] <@Kaingaskhan> Bernard: "That'd be pretty bad."
[20:27] <Iltani> "If they wanted me there, the fact that they asked for the Absols' help should have been enough, along with a request that I attend personally."
[20:28] <@Kaingaskhan> Garm sighs. "In any case, it looks like we're about to have our work cut out for us."
06[20:28] * Iltani sighs. "As much as I wish that Bernard would stop free-associating about serious matters, he's at least on to something in that this should probably be treated as a threat."
[20:29] <Iltani> "Something certainly stinks about our 'friend' here."
[20:30] <@Kaingaskhan> Garm: "...It could very well be that. I could ask someone to look out for your family if you wish."
[20:30] <Iltani> "...I'd appreciate that, Garm."
[20:30] <@Kaingaskhan> Garm: "In this light, however... we'll need to be prepared for anything. So I have a request to make of you, Iltani."
[20:31] <Iltani> "Listening," she says simply.
[20:32] <@Kaingaskhan> "While I finish processing the rest of these letters, I want you to take Bernard and catch some Pokemon. You're a damn good specialist, even without them, and it's certainly not a requirement. You've probably had your reasons so far. But this time we may need the extra help."
06[20:33] * Iltani sighs. "If you think it's really necessary. I really don't want to put anyone, Pokemon or human, in harm's way if I don't have to."
[20:35] <@Kaingaskhan> "I understand that. But at the same time, not making allies could put others -into- harm's way. Whatever is about to happen, we should be prepared."
[20:35] <@Kaingaskhan> "I'll leave the final decision up to you."
[20:35] <@Kaingaskhan> "But I would recommend it."
[20:35] <Iltani> After a few moment's deliberation, she relents. "Fine. Bernard, we're leaving. Now." she says tersely, leaving her payment for drinks on the table.
[20:36] <@Kaingaskhan> Bernard: "Sure thing." He lets Garm pick up the bill for his drink and splits with you.
[20:37] <@Kaingaskhan> Alright, so you and Bernard leave the Oakbridge Tavern.
06[20:38] * Iltani heads out of town, thinking deeply on the kinds of Pokemon that would prove to the the most helpful.
[20:38] <@Kaingaskhan> Roll me Pokemon Edu, General Edu, or Intuition
[20:38] <Iltani> "Considering that the both of us use guns, we need to look into finding species that do well at range."
[20:38] <Iltani> 3d6 General Edu
[20:38] <PsychoRoll> Iltani, General Edu: 6 [3d6=1,4,1]
[20:38] <@Kaingaskhan> Bernard: "Wellll about that."
[20:39] <@Kaingaskhan> Bernard: "Remember when you asked if I saved any skitties from trees?"
[20:39] <@Kaingaskhan> Bernard: "...It wasn't quite a skitty." He pulls out an apricorn ball. "...And it didn't quite belong to anyone."
06[20:39] * Iltani is clearly distracted by how she suddenly seemed to be the center of attention, but connects the dots when Bernard speaks. "...you didn't."
[20:40] <@Kaingaskhan> Bernard: "I did!"
[20:40] <@Kaingaskhan> Bernard: "Could always stand to go for another one though."
[20:40] <@Kaingaskhan> Let's see... with that edu roll...
[20:40] <Iltani> "I'm almost afraid to ask."
[20:40] <@Kaingaskhan> Bernard: "You'll see."
[20:41] <Iltani> "The last time I saved a proverbial Skitty from a tree....well, it wasn't one, either."
[20:41] <Iltani> "It was a Forretress."
[20:41] <@Kaingaskhan> Well, this is a riverbank area, so there are probably water-type and grass-type pokemon around, A fish would probably be absolutely useless to you.
[20:41] <@Kaingaskhan> But a water-type might be able to put out fires, that could be handy.
06[20:42] * Iltani looks out for a reliable Water-type, then.
[20:42] <@Kaingaskhan> Down the ways, the river cuts through a small wooded area, too - there might be a larger variety of species there as well.
[20:42] <@Kaingaskhan> Perception!
[20:43] <Iltani> 3d6
[20:43] <PsychoRoll> Iltani, 3d6: 14 [3d6=6,6,2]
[20:47] <@Kaingaskhan> You and Bernard stroll down the riverbank a bit when you happen to notice a patch of grass next to the bank shaking. After a moment, a little Froakie pops out, and starts collecting reeds. It occasionally shivers, as if from cold. It drags the plant material back to the original patch of grass and seems to be trying to construct a nest of some kind. Do Froakies normally make nests? It
[20:47] <@Kaingaskhan> huddles down in the grass a bit.
[20:47] <@Kaingaskhan> ...Huh. It's a frog.
[20:48] <@Kaingaskhan> Bernard points across the river in the meantime at a bidoof trying to make a damn. "...Think that one's ranged focused? ...Probably not."
[20:48] <@Kaingaskhan> *dam
06[20:48] * Iltani approaches the Froakie, trying not to spook it, and crouches down to level with it. "...keep looking. I'll try here."
[20:48] <Iltani> With that, she attends to the Froakie. "Hey, there. Cold?"
[20:49] <@Kaingaskhan> Bernard: "Gotcha." He wanders off.
[20:50] <@Kaingaskhan> The Froakie looks up, suddenly, a bit startled, though it doesn't seem scared. It's... more curious than anything. You seem to recall that Wild Pokemon don't really understand human language until they're rune-bonded via capture. But this little girl seems fascinated with the sounds you're making.
[20:51] <@Kaingaskhan> She crawls out of the makeshift grass blanket and over to you, and stretches out with her little hands towards your hand, before grabbing it tightly. Mmmm, bodyheat. ...Wow, she is kind of cold.
[20:52] <Iltani> "....well, that seems to be that. Warmer than a grass blanket, certainly."
[20:53] <@Kaingaskhan> The Froakie responds by starting to climb her way up your arm, clinging to you the whole way, hugging her entire body to yours.
06[20:53] * Iltani reaches into her pack to find something to wrap the Froakie in for warmth - and eventually settles on a towel, wrapping it gently around the Frog Pokemon's body.
[20:53] <Iltani> "...."
[20:53] <Iltani> :|
[20:53] <@Kaingaskhan> She seems to like the towel! But she seems to like hugs more.
06[20:53] * Iltani suddenly thinks that this may be a little problematic, and wanders back over to check on Bernard, the towel-clad Froakie clinging tightly all the while.
[20:54] <Iltani> "....one down," she says, letting the absurd situation speak for itself.
[20:54] <@Kaingaskhan> Bernard has wandered closer to the forest's edge. He's crouched over a flat, disc-like fish with a yellow dot in the center.
[20:54] <@Kaingaskhan> Bernard: "...But would a pancake be a good pokemon?"
[20:54] <Iltani> "....what?"
[20:55] <@Kaingaskhan> The stunfisk stares vacantly back.
[20:55] <Iltani> "Maybe for aquatic environments, but we're not near those often enough."
[20:55] <Iltani> Poor Stunfisk.
[20:56] <@Kaingaskhan> Bernard: "...Maybe a bird." He stands up and starts walking toward the forest.
[20:56] <Iltani> "You still haven't told me what you caught before, Bernard."
[20:56] <@Kaingaskhan> Bernard: "Oh, you really want to see? Okay."
[20:56] <@Kaingaskhan> Bernard: "Come on out, Machelo."
[20:57] <@Kaingaskhan> Pop! The rune-laden ball releases... a small lion cub of some sort, with a little gout of flame atop its head.
[20:57] <@Kaingaskhan> It looks adorably derpy.
[20:57] <Iltani> "He seems...." She simply lets the statement trail off.
[20:58] <Iltani> "He seems like a perfect match."
[20:58] <@Kaingaskhan> Bernard: "Wonderful? Amazing?" He picks up the cat and shoves it towards your face, shaking it slightly. "I thought so." He cradles it.
[20:58] <@Kaingaskhan> Machelo just mewls obliviously.
[20:58] <Iltani> "Also a little hungry."
[20:59] <@Kaingaskhan> Bernard's eyes widen a bit. "..You don't think he'd eat the bird if I caught one."
[20:59] <@Kaingaskhan> Bernard: "...Nah he seems more of a fish cat."
06[20:59] * Iltani doesn't even flinch as the cub Pokemon in her face, as if this was a sadly common occurence.
[20:59] <Iltani> "And yet, here we are, next to a Stunfisk. We'd best leave."
[20:59] <Iltani> "The forest might offer something slightly different."
[20:59] <@Kaingaskhan> Nope, Bernard started walking!
[20:59] <@Kaingaskhan> You've been talking and walking.
[21:00] <@Kaingaskhan> The froakie, still clinging tightly, looks in wonder over at Machelo for a moment.
[21:00] <@Kaingaskhan> Perception again.
[21:00] <Iltani> 3d6
[21:00] <PsychoRoll> Iltani, 3d6: 11 [3d6=3,3,5]
[21:01] <@Kaingaskhan> As you enter the forest, you hear an odd noise. A sort of shrill, hi-pitched cry that echoes through your mind instead of your ears.
[21:01] <@Kaingaskhan> It seems to be coming from up ahead somewhere.
[21:01] <@Kaingaskhan> Bernard doesn't seem to notice.
[21:01] <Iltani> "....psychic?" Iltani wonders.
[21:02] <@Kaingaskhan> But the Froakie clings tighter.
[21:02] <@Kaingaskhan> Bernard: "Huh?"
[21:02] <Iltani> "...you don't hear it? Hm." The retrieval specialist follows the cry in her head - a notion she briefly considers to be a sign of insanity, once she really thinks about it - in order to track down the source.
[21:03] <Iltani> "While we're here, I think you might want to consider finding a species that could serve as a good mount."
[21:03] <Iltani> "I'll look into this cry, meanwhile."
[21:04] <@Kaingaskhan> The froakie seems to notice the cry, if its deathhug is any indication.
06[21:05] * Iltani feels like she's going to lose circulation to her arm any moment now, but continues investigating.
[21:05] <@Kaingaskhan> Bernard splits up with you a while.
[21:05] <@Kaingaskhan> As you go further... roll Focus.
[21:05] <Iltani> 3d6
[21:05] <PsychoRoll> Iltani, 3d6: 12 [3d6=2,6,4]
[21:05] <@Kaingaskhan> You feel a tingly sensation on the back of your neck the further you go towards the cry. It bugs you at first, because it feels familiar.
[21:06] <@Kaingaskhan> But once you arrive at the scene, there's no mistaking the dread lurking in your stomach, and the thick Tension that seems to pierce the air.
[21:07] <@Kaingaskhan> In front of you, you see a small, white creature with green... hair? Mind-shrieking in terror  in a tree as... something horrible prowls the ground below it.
[21:08] <@Kaingaskhan> It looks like a Mightyena - a big, black wolf, but the edges of its fur are sharpened and gleaming like blades. If it's not Steel type, then at least it has some affinity. Its face and body bear several cuts and scars, many fresh, and it growls up at the Ralts with a patient but impatient hunger.
[21:08] <Iltani> Without missing a beat, Iltani draws her revolvers, briefly checking the chambers - though, with one arm currently supporting an overly clingy Froakie, her usually practiced movements come off a a little imbalanced.
[21:08] <Iltani> as a*
[21:08] <Iltani> Six shots each, rubber bullets. Perfect.
[21:09] <@Kaingaskhan> On hearing the revolvers click, the wolf spins in place and narrows its eyes, growling at you. The Ralts manages to evade the demon's notice enough to hop out of the tree and run around behind you, clinging to your leg.
[21:09] <Iltani> With that, Iltani forgoes stealth to make sure this Mightyena knows exactly what it's dealing with.
[21:10] <@Kaingaskhan> With a human-like intelligence in its eyes, it regards first you, then your weaponry, and begins to slowly circle, growling. This thing looks half-starved, but it's still a Demon.
[21:10] <Iltani> Words weren't necessary, nor would they help with a feral wild - so she simply levels a steely gaze at it, ready to make the move if it so much as blinked aggressively.
[21:11] <@Kaingaskhan> With a howl, it activates its powers! Battle start!
[21:11] <Iltani> Speed 15
[21:11] <@Kaingaskhan> VS - Unknown Demon
[21:11] <@Kaingaskhan> Speed 12 and 6.
06[21:12] * Iltani quickly levels an aimed shot at the demon, firing once with her off-hand.
[21:12] <@Kaingaskhan> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKSP5kPoxX4
[21:12] <Iltani> 1d20+2 Aiming Down the Sights, Bullseye
[21:12] <PsychoRoll> Iltani, Aiming Down the Sights, Bullseye: 22 [1d20=20]
[21:13] <Iltani> 6d6+24+15 insane damage
[21:13] <PsychoRoll> Iltani, insane damage: 67 [6d6=5,4,5,4,6,4]
[21:14] <@Kaingaskhan> The creature yelps in obvious pain, but growls even louder afterward.
[21:14] <@Kaingaskhan> 1d20 Snarl
[21:14] <PsychoRoll> Kaingaskhan, Snarl: 18 [1d20=18]
[21:14] <@Kaingaskhan> 2d6+8+8 Dark damage and Iltani's Special Attack is lowered.
[21:14] <PsychoRoll> Kaingaskhan, Dark damage and Iltani's Special Attack is lowered.: 22 [2d6=1,5]
[21:15] <@Kaingaskhan> As the attack hits, the wolf lets off a fearsome Howl! Pack Leader Aura! Howl is a Swift action!
[21:15] <@Kaingaskhan> The demon's attack increased +1 stages!
[21:15] <@Kaingaskhan> TURN 2
[21:16] <@Kaingaskhan> It rushes for you with a savage bite!
[21:16] <@Kaingaskhan> 1d20 Assurance
[21:16] <PsychoRoll> Kaingaskhan, Assurance: 17 [1d20=17]
[21:16] <@Kaingaskhan> It seems, however, to still be weakened by its hunger.
[21:16] <@Kaingaskhan> 3d8+10+20
[21:16] <PsychoRoll> Kaingaskhan, 3d8+10+20: 50 [3d8=5,7,8]
06[21:17] * Iltani weaves out of the way to protect both the Froakie and the Ralts, taking the bite to her arm with a pained cry.
[21:17] <Iltani> "BERNARD!" Iltani yells out. "Demon situation, NOW!"
[21:17] <@Kaingaskhan> "Already on it! Go, Machelo!"
[21:17] <@Kaingaskhan> The voice is surprisingly close, seems like Bernard caught up with you already.
[21:17] <@Kaingaskhan> ...And his Litleo goes flying past your head.
[21:18] <@Kaingaskhan> Mightyena, first, spends its other Swift action on a second Howl!
[21:18] <@Kaingaskhan> Machelo...
[21:18] <@Kaingaskhan> I guess that's a Tackle!
[21:18] <@Kaingaskhan> 1d20 Tackle
[21:18] <PsychoRoll> Kaingaskhan, Tackle: 18 [1d20=18]
[21:19] <@Kaingaskhan> 1d8+8+12
[21:19] <PsychoRoll> Kaingaskhan, 1d8+8+12: 22 [1d8=2]
[21:19] <@Kaingaskhan> and the Mightyena is pushed two meters away!
[21:19] <@Kaingaskhan> ...The Froakie sees all this happening and decides not to stand idly by.
[21:20] <@Kaingaskhan> Froakie enters the intiative!
[21:20] <@Kaingaskhan> New Turn
[21:20] <@Kaingaskhan> Froakie and Iltani!
[21:21] <Iltani> "....alright. Let's get this done together. Do you know Water Gun?"
06[21:21] * Iltani aims back down the sights of her right-handed revolver, snapping off two shots.
[21:21] <Iltani> 1d20+2 Aim Down Sights Double Shot
[21:21] <PsychoRoll> Iltani, Aim Down Sights Double Shot: 15 [1d20=13]
[21:21] <@Kaingaskhan> The Froakie froths up with some Bubbles!
[21:21] <Iltani> 1d20+2 Aim Down Sights Double Shot
[21:21] <PsychoRoll> Iltani, Aim Down Sights Double Shot: 18 [1d20=16]
[21:22] <Iltani> 1d8+8+15 damage
[21:22] <PsychoRoll> Iltani, damage: 24 [1d8=1]
[21:22] <Iltani> 1d8+8+15 damage
[21:22] <PsychoRoll> Iltani, damage: 26 [1d8=3]
[21:22] <Iltani> "That works, too. Bubble, it is!"
[21:22] <Iltani> 1d20 Bubble
[21:22] <PsychoRoll> Iltani, Bubble: 18 [1d20=18]
[21:22] <@Kaingaskhan> POP POP POP
[21:23] <Iltani> 1d8+6+12 damage and -1 Speed stage
[21:23] <PsychoRoll> Iltani, damage and -1 Speed stage: 19 [1d8=1]
[21:23] <@Kaingaskhan> Using Wash Away?
[21:23] <Iltani> Yup
[21:24] <@Kaingaskhan> The Demon is reduced to speed 11 and 5.
[21:24] <@Kaingaskhan> The bubbles Wash Away the wolf's confidence!
[21:24] <@Kaingaskhan> Wolf!
[21:24] <@Kaingaskhan> It snarls at Iltani again...
[21:24] <@Kaingaskhan> 1d20
[21:24] <PsychoRoll> Kaingaskhan, 1d20: 9 [1d20=9]
[21:24] <@Kaingaskhan> But Bernard pushes Iltani out of the way!
[21:24] <@Kaingaskhan> 3d6
[21:24] <PsychoRoll> Kaingaskhan, 3d6: 5 [3d6=2,1,2]
[21:25] <@Kaingaskhan> 2d6+8+8 to Bernard
[21:25] <PsychoRoll> Kaingaskhan, to Bernard: 27 [2d6=5,6]
[21:25] <@Kaingaskhan> It tries to Howl again to regain its attack power!
[21:25] <@Kaingaskhan> ...But Machelo's Unnerve prevented the wolf from gaining combat stages!
[21:26] <@Kaingaskhan> Machelo spits out a gout of flame!
[21:26] <@Kaingaskhan> 1d20 Ember
[21:26] <PsychoRoll> Kaingaskhan, Ember: 6 [1d20=6]
[21:27] <@Kaingaskhan> 2d6+8+12
[21:27] <PsychoRoll> Kaingaskhan, 2d6+8+12: 28 [2d6=6,2]
[21:27] <@Kaingaskhan> The wolf again!
[21:27] <@Kaingaskhan> 1d20 Iron Tail vs Machelo!
[21:27] <PsychoRoll> Kaingaskhan, Iron Tail vs Machelo!: 20 [1d20=20]
[21:28] <@Kaingaskhan> 6d12+20+16
[21:28] <PsychoRoll> Kaingaskhan, 6d12+20+16: 85 [6d12=9,10,11,7,6,6]
[21:28] <@Kaingaskhan> The lion is hurt, but still up!
[21:28] <@Kaingaskhan> Iltani and Froakie!
06[21:29] * Iltani stumbles as she is pushed out of the way by Bernard, but readjusts her aim to hopefully bring this fight to a close with one last bullet.
[21:30] <Iltani> 1d20+2 Aiming Down the Sights, Bullseye
[21:30] <PsychoRoll> Iltani, Aiming Down the Sights, Bullseye: 19 [1d20=17]
[21:30] <@Kaingaskhan> POW.
[21:30] <Iltani> 6d6+24+15 insane damage again
[21:30] <PsychoRoll> Iltani, insane damage again: 61 [6d6=1,5,5,2,4,5]
[21:30] <@Kaingaskhan> The wolf yelps again and stumbles back. It pulls itself up, and stares at you, hesitantly.
[21:30] <@Kaingaskhan> It seems like it's about to retreat.
[21:31] <Iltani> "One more time, Froakie."
[21:31] <Iltani> 1d20 Bubble
[21:31] <PsychoRoll> Iltani, Bubble: 12 [1d20=12]
[21:31] <Iltani> 1d8+6+12 Water damage
[21:31] <PsychoRoll> Iltani, Water damage: 26 [1d8=8]
[21:32] <@Kaingaskhan> POP POP POP but not quite enough to make the motherfucker drop.
[21:32] <@Kaingaskhan> "..." The demon regards you all again for a moment, before the Tension in the air begins to fade. Reaching its initiative, it turns tail and runs northward.
[21:33] <@Kaingaskhan> Bernard aims his blunderbuss, but...
[21:33] <@Kaingaskhan> He frowns and lowers it. "Too much brush to make a shot."
[21:33] <@Kaingaskhan> Battle Over
[21:33] <@Kaingaskhan> Bernard: "You alright??"
[21:34] <@Kaingaskhan> The Ralts is still trembling, clinging to your leg with fear.
[21:34] <Iltani> "I'll live," Iltani grunts out, clutching her bitten arm. "How are you and Machelo?"
[21:34] <Iltani> "Froakie really pulled through, there..."
[21:35] <@Kaingaskhan> "He didn't actually hurt Machelo as much as it looked." He picks up the kitty. "He's wounded, but he'll be alright.  ...Guess he's a fire type." He seems surprised by that.
02[21:35] * AoriPhone (~Phoneri@15BCCEEA.721886EF.63230E32.IP) Quit (Quit: Bye)
03[21:35] * AoriPhone (~Phoneri@15BCCEEA.721886EF.63230E32.IP) has joined #SuikoPokemonIC
02[21:35] * AoriPhone (~Phoneri@15BCCEEA.721886EF.63230E32.IP) Quit
[21:35] <@Kaingaskhan> Bernard: "As for me, I think the ale kicked harder."
[21:36] <@Kaingaskhan> Bernard: "Looks like you made some friends, though."
[21:36] <Iltani> "You didn't know? Well....all seems to be fine." She looks down at the spooked Ralts. "Are you well?"
[21:36] <@Kaingaskhan> <---> The Ralts, again, is a wild pokemon, and can't communicate clearly with you at this stage in time. ...But it seems to be calming down. ...It's definitely sticking near you, whatever the case.
[21:36] <@Kaingaskhan> This one seems to be a girl as well.
[21:37] <Iltani> "....looks like I found some companions for our upcoming operation. Any luck?" Iltani asks, reaching into her pack to retrieve two rune-covered balls.
[21:38] <@Kaingaskhan> Bernard: "...Welllll..."
[21:38] <@Kaingaskhan> He opens a different ball and lets out a small, blue creature.
[21:39] <@Kaingaskhan> It seems to have long ears, a bump on its head, and a black tail with eyes.
[21:39] <@Kaingaskhan> Bernard: "I dunno if it's ranged... but I think I'll call him Darius. He looks like a Darius don't you think?"
[21:39] <Iltani> "...."
[21:39] <@Kaingaskhan> Bernard: "...Whynot."
06[21:40] * Iltani groans audibly at the awful pun.
[21:40] <@Kaingaskhan> Bernard: "...I think we set out to do what we came for. Let's get back."
[21:40] <Iltani> "Let's check in with Garm again. I don't know which will be the end of me - this forest, or your awful wordplay."
[21:41] <@Kaingaskhan> He nods.
[21:41] <@Kaingaskhan> The two of you hurry back to the tavern.
[21:41] <@Kaingaskhan> When Garm sees you he drops the letters and stands up. "Yveltal's beak, girl, what happened?"
[21:43] <Iltani> "Demon Mightyena. We took care of it."
[21:43] <Iltani> "Found some companions that decided to stick with me...perhaps somewhat more literally than I had originally intended."
[21:44] <@Kaingaskhan> Merydia digs into her things and throws a wad of bandages at Bernard, who tries to fumble with patching you up.
[21:44] <@Kaingaskhan> Garm just shakes his head when you mention the demon. "Withou a full squad... reckless. At least you two are alive. ..." He looks over the Froakie and Ralts. "Cute little things. ...that'll work nicely."
[21:44] <Iltani> "Haven't formally caught these two, but..."
06[21:45] * Iltani holds up the rune balls in front of both the Froakie and Ralts.
[21:45] <@Kaingaskhan> Pop pop, both go into their balls, and the runes on the front activate, sealing and branding them with a connection unique to you.
[21:46] <@Kaingaskhan> Through you, their capacity grows. You've bonded with Mistral and Levante!
[21:47] <Iltani> She almost immediately lets them out again, now that they're more capable of understanding her.
[21:47] <@Kaingaskhan> Merydia: "Well they didn't seem to have any objections. Good for you."
[21:47] <@Kaingaskhan> The Froakie clings more gently now.
[21:47] <Iltani> "....Mistral. Levante."
[21:47] <Iltani> "...."
[21:47] <@Kaingaskhan> The Ralts seems to be looking around curiously.
[21:47] <Iltani> "This may present some issues."
[21:47] <@Kaingaskhan> They both look at you as you name them.
[21:47] <@Kaingaskhan> Garm: "Or maybe it'll be good for you."
[21:48] <Iltani> "Ever tried aiming a gun with a Froakie on your arm?"
[21:48] <@Kaingaskhan> He laughs. "It'll get bigger eventually. Then it won't fit there."
[21:49] <Iltani> "Please don't give her any ideas. I have a feeling she will simply get creative."
[21:49] <@Kaingaskhan> Garm: "In any case, I think we should be ready to head out soon, if you think you can make it." he nods at your arm. "Let's at least put a poultice on it on the road."
[21:49] <@Kaingaskhan> Garm: "I've decided we're going to Loamvil and see what this fuss is about."
[21:49] <@Kaingaskhan> Garm: "There's too much about this that stinks, but that's precisely why it needs to be investigated."
[21:50] <Iltani> "No objections here," Iltani replies, hissing as Bernard applies the stinging poultice. "I'm all too curious about what this has to do with me or my family."
[21:51] <@Kaingaskhan> Garm: "Perhaps it will become apparent in time."
[21:51] <@Kaingaskhan> With that, any last bits to take care of before heading out?
[21:52] <Iltani> Other than figuring out how to properly walk with two Pokemon attached to her, probably not!
[21:53] <@Kaingaskhan> They'll relent a bit now if you ask them, but the Froakie seems REALLY inclined to hug you somewhere.
[21:53] <@Kaingaskhan> With that, the lot of you get on the road.
[21:54] <@Kaingaskhan> And so your travels, perhaps guided by fate, would set you upon a new path. Is it one of healing and reconcilation? Or only further pain and despair...?
[21:54] <@Kaingaskhan> Only by going to Loamvil will you truly discover this for yourself.
[21:55] <@Kaingaskhan> Prologue 2 End