Your team
>Teddy the Grotle(Grass)
>Carla the Clauncher(Water)
>Brandt the Shelgon(Dragon)
>Jack the Primeape(Fighting)
>Charlotte the Ariados(Bug/Poison)
>Felix the Fletchinder(Fire/Flying)
Your inventory
>Aggron Steel Grosse Messer Sword
>Bisharp Steel Parrying Dagger
>Aegislash Hoplon
>Empoleon Steel Plate
>Aggron Steel Plate
>Mespirit Runic Bracer
>White Flute
>The Garrulous Grotle
>The Staunch Clauncher
>Unnamed Gunship(Fourth Rate)
>Displacement Magic(6 foot wide portals, 20 foot range)
Jessie's team
>Joltik(Bug/Electric)
>Croagunk(Poison/Fighting)
>Gallade(Psychic/Fighting)
Alyssa's team
>Tyrunt(Rock/Dragon)
>Luxio(Electric)
Emma's Team
>Breloom(Grass/Fighting)
>Female Nidorina(Poison)
James' Team
>Monferno(Fire/Fighting)
>Male Nidoran(Poison)

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"WHAT IN THE NAME OF ARCEUS WERE YOU THINKING!?!?!?!" The balding general rages, pulling at the scant hairs lining his head. "This river is our road into the heart of Rytterean controlled land. With it blocked, we are going to have to stop and clear the blockage. Your idiotic act, also tore down the boom crossing the river. So, in addition to clearing the river, we will have to fight off the trainerless Sharpedo. You have to be one of the dumbest people in the history of war. Now, normally I would have you whipped and stripped of your rank. However, due to nature of this war, I need ever man possible. I am sending you somewhere you can't do anymore damage. I'll leave the destination up to you, south to the desert lands or north to the snowy mountain towns of Maou."
>Where do you want to go?
>North, to the mountains of Maou
>South, to the desert lands

>>35751381
>>South, to the desert lands
fuck this guy, time to find nomads
"I would've like to see you have done any better sir! If the collapse could've been avoided I would have done what was needed, but don't get pissed with me when YOU called me in to fix the problem when you couldn't even take the keep by yourself."

>>35751381
>>South, to the desert lands
that whole last battle was one big shit storm, let baldly be pissed time for adventures. see if we can find our old caravan in the desert
is Jessie still with us? how about the Rytterean girl we captured/rescued?
>Unnamed Gunship(Fourth Rate)
is that our new ship? I thought it was like way nicer than our other two, at least not 4th rate
>Primeape's Powerhouse
>Brandt's Bomber
>Charlotte's Cannon
>Jack's Joyride is my favorite

>>35752109
your caravan is made up of Torterra, and tends to stick to temperate areas. There may be some there with the war effort

The ship is called fourth rate, meaning it has sixty cannon. It's based on the ship of the line rating system
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fourth-rate

"I would've like to see you have done any better sir! If the collapse could've been avoided I would have done what was needed, but don't get pissed with me when YOU called me in to fix the problem when you couldn't even take the keep by yourself."
"I sent you to capture the city, not raze it! Your lieutenants tell me that you had the advantage, and were ready for battle before you backed down," the man dismisses you, waving you out of the room.

Leaving the camp, you pass through the keep's walls and walk through the cobble streets. A film of dust has settled on all of the town, coating every surface. In the distance, a thin column of smoke drifts lazily from destroyed bridge. Work teams scrabble over the rubble like ants, removing the barrier. Your ship, (insert name), floats downstream of the town. Your pokemon follow, Felix coming to rest on you shoulder. A few people in the town, now populated by soldiers and camp followers, wave to you. Others, mainly higher ranking nobles and people from the work crews, spit at the sight of you. Following a dirt track, carved by numerous feet heading between the town and the army's ships, you head to your gunship.

The ship bobs in the river, pulled back by the meager flow of the river, waiting for her commander. Teleporting through a series of portals, you land atop the deck. James walks over, greeting you. A woman with jet black hair in a braid follows, small pieces of flame colored silk streaming in the wind.

"Ah, Barry, I wanted to talk to you about Shelley. Shelley, Barry. Barry, Shelley." James motions to the black haired girl, then back to you. Turning to Shelley, James tells a short bibliography of your life. "I was planning to take a bit of time off to spend with Shelley. I hope that you'll be okay without me." You agree, of course, and the couple of fire mages bow then jump into the river. They swim together to the bank, water dripping from their red clothes.

>>35752676
Two days pass, during which many provisions are loaded into your trio of ships. You receive a a scroll from General Vici, who is still somewhat pissed at you. Part of the rubble has been cleared, letting more water flow from upstream. Letting the current push you downriver, you exit into the open ocean. During the time through the water, you spend much time...
>Studying magic(trigers a second vote for subject)
>Swordfighting
>Politics
>Tactics
>Talking with friends(who and about what?)

>>35752696
>Studying Magic (psychic)
>Swordfighting
Let's practice our technique from fighting the elites last thread. Sorry I cocked up the story last week by torching the bridge

>>35753039
Study magic subject vote
>Advanced Portal Theory
>Portal Combat
>Coping with Guilt
>Portal Strategy

>>35753039
apology accepted, maybe wait til more people are voting before torching our capture target next time
>>35753144
>>Advanced Portal Theory
seems appropriate

>>35753144
>>Portal Combat

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While the river propels you, you find that most of the day is free. In the pink book, captured in the castle along with Nara, is a large table of context. Choosing the most interesting chapter, you dive into Advanced Portal Theory. Within the book are numerous models on new techniques. Some of the most interesting include making floating surfaces by opening a portal below ground, shaping portals into innumerable shapes, and making 3D portals.

Passing through the ocean, the lands in sight become more and more arid. Redwood forests give way to scrubland, and then into shifting sand dunes. The sun grows stronger, the days burning like an oven. Sailing into a small port town, you pay a small fee for a good mooring spot. Large earthen buildings form a grid, leading up into a small walled portion of the town on a hill. The heat of the day raises into the triple digits, forcing you to seek cover inside an inn. Looking through the scroll, you read that you will have to travel in a caravan to a large oasis town in the middle of the desert.
>Rest until night
>Go to the Bazaar
>Find a desert guide
>Go to the local lordling
>Write In

>>35754181
>>Go to the Bazaar
>>Find a desert guide
seems most important right now, hopefully we can find a good guide or even a familiar face while at the bazaar. not sure how the local lord will take us if he's heard anything about the war effort but couldn't hurt to meet him later or tomorrow morning
gotta birthday to get to, if this is still up I'll be back

>Local Lordling
Following that,
>Desert Guide
It's best to get acquainted with the important figures first, then the lay of the land before you get shopping.

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Leaving the cool of the underground inn, you venture into the sun. The heat takes your breath away, hitting you like a fist. Scurrying into the shade of a building, you follow the parkers to the bazaar. Through the sandy streets you walk, the stones radiating heat. Walking into the bazaar, roofed by colored silk, people cry out their prices. One man is selling cheese, another ice, and another colored clothes.

Passing through the cool bazaar, you see a man arguing with another about the price of his goods. Eavesdropping on the conservation, making a pretense of looking at some statuettes, you catch snippets of the argument. One man seems to be a trader, who just came in from the desert. Waiting for the men to finish, with the trader relenting on the price. As he walks away, you slip into step with him.

>Insert boring conversation where you haggle on the price

With a guide secured, you climb the slight rise to the walled district. A guardsman, dressed in white cloth and chainmail with a conical steel helm, halts you at a gate. A flash of the king's seal grants you passage into the rich district. Silken cloth links the tall square houses, blocking the sun. At the top of the hill, sits a pressed earth castle. Entering the castle, you pass two pike-wielding guards. The lordling, a slouching figure, sits up from it's eyes reach you.
>Pic is lordling
>What say

bump

Another shameful selfbump, where did everyone go?

Uh, did we have a specific task in the south?

If we did, I suppose we should ask for aid. Whatever we ask for depends on what we're supposed to be doing.

>>35759056
So, should have made it more clear. This region is a semi-independent fiefdom, with a large reserve of troops. You are going to recruit a few legions of mercenaries. The general gave you a few chests of gold coins to pay for it, but you have to get there first

>>35759201
*Sorry

>>35759201
>Semi-independant fiefdom
And this guy is part of that? Or are we still in tightly controlled territory?

If he's part of the semi-independent region, let's ask him to send some troops. They're badly needed in the war.

>>35759242
This person is a minor Lordling, controlling just this town and the surrounding lands. The main city has the large numbers of mercenaries needed. Here, there may be enough to make up a legion. In the capital, Cornela, are dozens of legions

>>35759323
Hm. Ask him about current events in the region.

Has he seen any nomad caravans?

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"Hello my Lord, I am Captain Barry of the (Insert Gunship name). My companions and I have been sent to recruit legions of mercenaries from Cornela. If you know of any current events that may hamper us, we would be grateful if you told us of them." You ask, bowing to the reclining woman.
"There has been news from trades paying tribune to me, of bandits in the desert, striking out from a hidden oasis. They are said to be lead by a man that cannot be cut by normal men. This is of course, the rumors of peasants. If you would be willing to stay for a feast, we could talk more." The tan woman snaps her fingers, calling out servants. They place couches around a portable table, purple silk cushions lining the couches. A moment later, and food is brought out.

The female lord sweeps down from her throne, green silk trailing along the marble stones. She lays on the purple and ebony couch nearest to her, then beacons for your group to follow. You walk forward, then kneel awkwardly on the couch. Shifting into a position like the woman's, you lay facing the tables. Your friends follow, mimicing your movements. The woman clicks her tongue and servants bring the food to the tables. Platters of cold meat and hot bread are set out, along with dates and iced wine.
>What say?

>>35759885
By "What say", I mean what questions do you want to ask?

bump

>>35759885
I'll give you a bump or two, guy, assuming you haven't called it for the night.

"So, invincible bandit lords, eh? I hear that rumor from one end of the world to the other. Anything special about this one?"

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"So, invincible bandit lords, eh? I hear that rumor from one end of the world to the other. Anything special about this one?" You ask, leaning on your elbow. A servant brings in bowls full of frozen fruits, placing them on the tables. The noble woman reaches over, holding a spoon full of the dessert.

"I have sent many men against him and his band, hoping that they could defeat them... He is kind enough to return their heads after he kills them. No weapon man has made yet has hurt him. Swords, axes, maces, spears, arrows or bolts. Nothing hurts him. Trust me captain, this bandit is like none other.
>Any other questions, or finish the meal and head out with the guide to Cornela?

>>35762792
"So he's a mage or he has one in his employ. Do you have any strategic information on him, before we go?"

>>35762792
"Does he send any demands with these heads, or is he content to raid our coffers?"

If he does, we'll figure out what he wants.

If not, "Well, such men can't be allowed to think they can raid our lands without reprisal. I shall look into it."

I think we should name the new ship the Flaming Disaster.

"So he's a mage or he has one in his employ. Do you have any strategic information on him, before we go?" You ask, then spoon a small piece of frozen fruit into your mouth.

"If he is a mage, I have never seen one like him. The reports on him focus mainly on his powers, but those that do have some interesting continuities. He attacks from the west, along the trade routes. His bandits are made up of native tribes and exiles. We have tried to infiltrate his gang of thugs, but we have had no luck at it. Honestly, I've been debating sending a legion of guardsmen after him.
>Anything else?

>>35762852
"Does he send any demands with these heads, or is he content to raid our coffers?"

"No, he only lets one man live through the raids. He then gives him a skin of water and food for the journey. Along with the provisions, he gives the messenger the head or heads of anyone who challenged him. Once, he gave the man a horse, saying that he wouldn't be able to carry all of them on foot."

"Well, such men can't be allowed to think they can raid our lands without reprisal. I shall look into it."

"Thank you, Captain, you have my gratitude. If you can rid us of this bandit, you will have saved this town and it's coffers."

>>35762979
I'm sorry op but I'm pretty intoxicated right now and can't give my full attention like normal so if I disappear or anything don't take it personally

As for what do
>"Are there any psychics or mediums to consult around here?"

>>35763101
"Are there any psychics or mediums to consult around here?"

"There are a few that claim to be psychics, but I would not put faith in their words. True psychics are rare, their imitators much less so. Why do you ask?"

>>35763142
"Those that can show me now are worth far more than those that sell the future."

>>35763142
>"I have experience with psychic magic but primarily only for combat applications. In my case I can use teleportation that too renders me unable to be cut in battle."
>"However, I have little experience beyond that so diving the powers this man has might more easily be done by a practised psychic\"

>>35763172
"Those that can show me now are worth far more than those that sell the future."

"Very true, Captain Barry. Those that seek to foretell the winner of a race are often proven wrong later in the day. Better to focus on the here and now."

>>35763243
"You have seized metaphorically what I meant literally, that I wished to know if any in the city do not pander to those seeking the future, but claim to reveal secrets of the present. I have encountered some true psychics in my journeys, and wonder if your bandit is among them. If so, a psychic may be able to 'see' him through mystic arts. But this is esoteric talk for mystics, not leaders like ourselves. Tell me the most reputable of your seers, and I shall investigate."

"Also, you mention the reports center on his powers. How do they describe them? Is it that he is too swift for arms, that they strike him and leave no blow, or some other mystic mumbo jumbo?"

>>35763341
"You have seized metaphorically what I meant literally, that I wished to know if any in the city do not pander to those seeking the future, but claim to reveal secrets of the present. I have encountered some true psychics in my journeys, and wonder if your bandit is among them. If so, a psychic may be able to 'see' him through mystic arts. But this is esoteric talk for mystics, not leaders like ourselves. Tell me the most reputable of your seers, and I shall investigate."

While I lack faith in him, there is one that is said to be able to scry. One Gerporm, who lives in the southern quarter. If you ask someone in the area, they should be able to point you to him.

"Also, you mention the reports center on his powers. How do they describe them? Is it that he is too swift for arms, that they strike him and leave no blow, or some other mystic mumbo jumbo?"

No, he wears no armor but is still armored. His skin shines in the sun, like steel. Any blow that lands bounces off with no mark on him."

>>35763474
And and there I thought he was a ghost type mage, "cannot be cut by normal" was literally screaming this at me

>>35763525
Never though of that wording making it seem like that.
>Leave
>Go to Gerporm's house
>Ask another question

>>35763600
>>Go to Gerporm's house
Can't think of anything else to ask, except perhaps whether this steel mage would be attacked on site if we brought him back alive.

Not sure what use Gerporm the scryer will be beyond determining location but hey, he might have some insight for us to improve our own psychic magicry.

Other than that, I'm feeling like convincing this steel mage bandit that he'd be better off serving us in battle than decapitating mooks.

Leaving the castle after some small talk, you see that the town has lit up with colored lanterns. The once empty streets are now filled with people, the lanterns casting flickering shadows on the townspeople. Navigating by the stars, you head to the southern quarter. After twenty minutes of asking around, you realize that the directions are reversed here. Compensating for being in the southern hemisphere, you walk back to the real southern quarter. A few people later, and you get directions to Gerporm's house.

An earthen house, identified by a wooden sign, proves to be the mystic's home. Knocking on the man's door, the door opens almost instantly. The doorway empty, you walk into the man's reception area. Silk cloth covers the walls, with lanterns hidden behind the red cloth. Candles sit around the room, pale smoke curling up from the flames. At a small table, sits a man covered in purple cloth.

"Hello Barry. I've been waiting for you. How can I be of assistance?
>What say?

>>35763987
>>What say?
>"Surely you already know what I have come for then?"

"Surely you already know what I have come for then?"

"Ah, that is true. I only wish for you to say it. Come, sit down. Give me a minute to focus, and I shall tell you what you want." The man closes his eyes, his skin stretched taut against his bones. "He is awake. In a small camp in a oasis with two trees that form an "X". The land dips down, creating a bowl in the ground. His camp is sheltered in the well, invisible except from above. A ring of trees surround a small lake in the camp, with hammocks strung between them. Some of the men are drinking around a fire, with the bandit included among them. His skin doesn't shine, it is a dark brown. Is there anything else that you would like to know?"
>What say?

We should spy on the general.

>>35764248
>"This scrying technique... I have a way with portals," demonstrate briefly, "and it's my understanding the ability to use portals or to scry originate from the same inner source. Would you be able to give me advice in this regard? I doubt it is an easy technique to learn and I don't have the time right now with the war and so on, but if you were able to give me pointers or check my potential for it..."

"This scrying technique... I have a way with portals," demonstrate briefly, "and it's my understanding the ability to use portals or to scry originate from the same inner source. Would you be able to give me advice in this regard? I doubt it is an easy technique to learn and I don't have the time right now with the war and so on, but if you were able to give me pointers or check my potential for it..."

"I am sorry, Captain, but if you cannot already scry, you have little chance of learning. Be content with your power, do not seek to go beyond. That way lies madness. The human mind is delicate, not as resilient as many through the ages hoped. My son counted in their number. I wish you luck on your journey through the desert, it can be perilous to those without guides. But, you have already secured one. Tel'mid is a good man, and has traveled through the routes many times."
>Say/Do What?

>>35764510
>"But I wasn't a capable user of portals for half my life. Must scrying be innately manifested or can it be learned through application of oneself?"
If we really just flat out can't learn scrying then ignore this, but I figure that guy was too dismissive of our potential

"But I wasn't a capable user of portals for half my life. Must scrying be innately manifested or can it be learned through application of oneself?"

"You could not make portals until your body matured. No child can do what you can, but anyone your age who could scry, can. My first time was when I was twelve, when a Pyroar attacked my brother. If no such event has happened for you, there is no hope."
>What Say/Do?

>>35764678
>"Well, on the offchance such things exist, are there any books detailing the learning or developing of scrying? It seems too useful a skill to dismiss so quickly. That aside, can you give me any insight into what other powers I might be able to master?"
>"Other than that, if you could scry on the general I serve under please. I wish to know the latest update on the war effort if nothing else."

Well, on the offchance such things exist, are there any books detailing the learning or developing of scrying? It seems too useful a skill to dismiss so quickly. That aside, can you give me any insight into what other powers I might be able to master?"

"I am sure that such books exist. However, it is an innate power. As for your powers, the mastery of portals is your greatest power. The use of them, directly and indirectly, will help you in life and combat. Think of new ways to use them, and you shall prevail.

"Other than that, if you could scry on the general I serve under please. I wish to know the latest update on the war effort if nothing else."

Of course. Give me a moment please." The aging man closes his eyes, then opens them quickly. "It is night, and your leader is dining with six others. No new updates to be had on their front, as they are clearing a large blockage in a river. They seem to blame the blockage on you, though they did not say why. Nothing else of interest, unless you are interested in the armory's current stock of arrowheads.
>What say/do?

>>35764965
>"A couple more questions before I leave then. Firstly, what other powers are there that are said to holds origins from psychic magic?"
>"And secondly, you've scryed that lead bandit enough I'd imagine. Does he strike you as being particularly evil in his manner or simply more of a misplaced tool?"

"A couple more questions before I leave then. Firstly, what other powers are there that are said to holds origins from psychic magic?"

There is the obvious portals, some can create solid manifestations of will, or fire beams of psychic power. I lack these powers and, as such, lack instructions on these powers. You will have to go to Cornela's library to pick up a book on them.

"And secondly, you've scryed that lead bandit enough I'd imagine. Does he strike you as being particularly evil in his manner or simply more of a misplaced tool?"

"He is a man, as simple as that. Some good and some bad is present. He fights for himself, and his band of bandits. I would know more, but I am only able to watch him from a distance. All of my ideas are based on my observations, which have gaps in them. For all my power, I cannot tell his inside thoughts."
>What say/do?

>>35765192
>Finally leave (sorry for all those questions, mandy makes me talkative even to NPC's I guess)
>"No, I've taken enough of your time now. Thank you for your assistance and guidance, but I've a bandit to chase down."

"No, I've taken enough of your time now. Thank you for your assistance and guidance, but I've a bandit to chase down."

"Good bye Barry. I do hope to see you again, though it may be without your knowing. Have a good night. The ale in the Drunken Flygon is very good, one of the best in the world."

Bowing the the old man, you exit the room. Heading through the crowded streets, you push your way into the inn where you are staying. Settling down, you sleep until the sun comes up. As the heat of the day sets in, you meet with the man leading you through the desert. You wait with the sun browned man for the heat to die down, before setting off. You rest often in the shade of pokemon and inside tents, hiding from the cruel rays of light beating into your skin. As the sun gives way to the moon, you venture on. You walk through the night, the soft sands slipping beneath your feet. The sun rises, and still you journey on. At ten, you stop, and tents are pitched. Sleeping in a massive tent with nine others, you make up for the hours of cool darkness when you walked.

Rising as the heat dies down, and the sun sinks lower, you start your long walk again. The sun reaches the twisting sand dunes, and an oasis appears in the distance. At the well, you refill your skins and rest agin in the shade. Days pass in this fashion, little marking the different days. That is, until an arrow slams home in one of tradesmen's chest.

Sorry, have to go to bed
>Thread Completed
Questions, Comments, and Criticism welcome
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>>35765543
No problem, I do too. Thanks for running