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>>36436722

Your left hand tightens around the paw of your partner and starter, Mittens the Espurr, as your right flicks the release switch on another Pokeball.

Rising and falling wings give an ominous rhythm to the scene and the flock of the Talonflame and its ilk lets out various screeches, cries, and shrieks. They form a rough semi-circle to the front of you; various bald trees, bushes, and scrub lay behind them. You are at the beginning of what would be the “grassier” or plains section of this area, but a copse of dense trees is within reach if you turn and run.

Heavy bursts of dust and wind blow past you, tearing at the edges of your clothes and forcing a wrist to shield your eyes. You’re not sure if they will give chase or how far the territory of this flock extends. You have a sinking feeling that you are in significant danger; the Talonflame is large and looks to be well-aged. A few Fletchlings, or even a few Fletchinders? You would feel relatively confident if you played your cards right.

You’re not sure how good any amount of cardplaying will do you right now against a bird close to twice your length.

>RUN (Where?)
>POKEMON (Who?)
>ITEM (What?)
>CALM (How?)
>WRITE-IN

>>36436722
YEEEESSSS. Thanksgiving just got even better! Now I can gorge myself on even more pie and hang out with some awesome people online!

File: QuestNotesThread9.pdf (170 KB, PDF)

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>>36436831
Great to see you as always!

I'm going to post and then work on the PDF with party info/stats while I wait for votes.

FUCK YEAH! POKEMON: SSQ!
Also come Jam with the QM.
https://plug.dj/pokemon-southern-shores
>RUN (To cover)
>Once in Cover dig out the stuff for fire pokemon handling
>Let out neried and Shelly and Apllo
>Mittens helps coordinate
Neried and shelly use water gun
Have apllo try to ABSORB the fire. I have no idea if that's a thing or not.

>>36436909
Yeah, I like you're plan. I was thinking something pretty similar to it. Let's just hope growlithe has flash fire.

>>36436757
Run to cover
Get all of you mons on the field have Mittens coordinate via psychic powers, Apollo takes the fletchlingswith ember while Sheldon and Nereid focus on the fletchinders and Talonblaze with water gun and bubble.
Items? our anti fire kit is a must.
Also more Pokémon SSQ WOO1

Rolled 84 (1d100)

>>36436757
While we are running and before we take our pokemon out have mittens use a Psywave.
Also have some rolls

>>36437086
She can't sue it reliably though, confusion yes psywave no. She would frag us too.

>>36437105
shhhhh... it'l be ok. Don't worry, the forest is fire proof.

>>36437105
You gotta some faith in our super partner!

>>36437118
psywave is psychic though...... Also I doubt it the forest is fire proof.

>>36437129
I do but I don't want her down on herself again for accidentally mind nuking us.

>>36437105
Okay fine, maybe ask her is she can do that move with out hitting us. Hell she does better when we are in trouble and >>36437086 rolled pretty well.

>>36437147
Yeah, but it would knock us and all the fire pokemon out. And being passed out with wild firepokemon in flamable terrain isn't such a good idea. My vote is actually against the psywave and with >>36436909

>>36437149
I think we should train the move before we do that. it doesnt seem like mittens knows how yet.

>>36437149
>>36437216
I mean, it's a good idea, I just don't think now is the best time to test it.

If we get to cover Apollo can handle the fletchlings, they are normal flying so his fire does full damage. Nereid and Sheldon can work one the fletchinders and the Talonblaze. Mittens can coordinate and try to render the Talonblaze a non entity with confusion. Also we should get out our anti burn gear.

Final destination vote.

RUN and have Mittens use PSYWAVE (94)?

YES

NO

>reply to this post

>>36437285
NO

>>36437285
Yes BUUUUT
Lets ask mittens if she thinks she can do it first

>>36437285
YES

>>36437317
Oh hia new guy
whats the name for?

>>36437285
NO

>>36437304
Final destination means just the vote and a link to the post. You're vote won't be counted under those rules. This is to prevent samefagging.

>>36437285
Yes

>>36437439
yeah I just revoted. should I delete >>36437304?

File: QuestNotesThread10.pdf (192 KB, PDF)

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What a tie....

Have a PDF. Useful information regarding MOVES inside!

I'm Thinking of going with running, Mittens not using the attack. She can always use it when you are in the forest (and you guys seem to have a lot more consensus/faith in getting into the forest).

How does that sound?

>>36437521
eh, sure thing.

>>36437521
Sounds good to me. I'm against using it, but if we're in a really tight spot, it is a good backup

>>36437521
Cool, it more a holy shit Desperation blitz attack anyways at this point.

>writing

So, we're gonna get to Victory Road this thread.... right?

>>36437595
if we don't die along the way

>>36437595
Yup, just taking the scenic route.

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>>36437595

You reach out with your mind, finding the familiar warm spark that always rests in a corner of your mind. The warmth responds to your mental “touch,” enveloping you much like how your hand currently envelops Mittens’s tiny paw. “Mittens, we need to run. Back. Forest. This is VERY dangerous.”

Mittens responds in a desperate, concerned affirmation. You feel fear, concern, bravery, and anger emanate from her mental link. Slivers of scenes (more like anxious fears) escape into your head: Mittens risking her life so you can flee, driving the birds somewhere away from you, you dying, and many more. Your friend has entered pure fight-or-flight mode, and is willing to risk it all for you. You admire her courage and devotion but you refuse to let any such thing happen to her.

You will see both of you out of this and in fine health. Somehow. “We run, Mittens. I won’t risk you.”

She nods. “We run, TrainerGrey. I protect you.”

>94

“We will protect each other, Mittens. I’ll carry you. Keep them off of us while I run?” Another firm affirmation. “Alright, here we go!” You lift the kitten by the paw, swinging her onto your back as you turn and dart towards the forests. You can “feel” some of what is going on behind you. Mittens watches as the birds begin to rise into the air, the Talonflame screeching as 3 Fletchlings and 2 Fletchinders dive into a trajectory aimed at your fleeing forms. You feel her tense and her mental energies focus into a fine “knife” of intent: one of the fletchlings shrieks. It loses motor control and is dashed into the ground with a skittering and a great amount of dust. A Fletchinder makes a pass over your right shoulder. Flames are scorched into the brush nearby.

> Alright, Mittens. You are in the psychic “gunner” seat.
>Go for Fletchinder 1 (Divebombed you)
>Fletchinder 2
>A Fletching

Roll 1d100

Rolled 50 (1d100)

>>36437795
>Fletchinder 1

Rolled 90 (1d100)

>>36437795
>Go for Fletchinder 1 (Divebombed you)

>>36437840
OH SHIT!

Rolled 85 (1d100)

>>36437795
>>Go for Fletchinder 1 (Divebombed you)

Rolled 34 (1d100)

>>36437795
>>Go for Fletchinder 1 (Divebombed you)
if we take down the one that attacked, hopefully that will intimidate the others into not attacking

Rolled 92 (1d100)

>>36437795
>Go for Fletchinder 1 (Divebombed you)

>>36437840
>>36437879
>>36437884
That Fletchinder won't know what hit it, literally.

>writing

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>>36437795

The Fletchinder makes a low bank before shooting down another gout of flame that ignites several patches of brush immediately in your path. You swing Mittens back down to your front and, holding her tightly, make a diving roll over the rising flames onto your back. Your body skids against the earth, your shoulder catching roots which promise to offer bruising scrapes later – but otherwise you come out unscathed.

You breath sigh of relief as you watch the flames behind you. There is another screech and then several flapping forms pass you by overheard.

You rise to your feet with a grunt and then break into a run, your legs pumping desperately for the tree line. You’re almost there…

The Talonflame soars past you. It's dangerously low and its mighty form causes the wind to howl; your clothes are blown about in a whipping gale and you are knocked off your racing feet, your arms braced around Mittens. You come to a slow stop, dirt marring your body and dust turning your breathing into violent coughs. One arm braced against the ground, shoes digging into the earth, you begin to climb to your feet. But... Mittens is standing before you, glowing and facing the birds of prey.

>>>>

I am Mittens, and StupidBirds no hurt MYTRAINER.

I reach out. I touch the mind of BurnBird that try and set us ONFIRE! Stupid bird roast food not Mittens! Mittens not food! Grey not your food!

>>>>

You watch as Mittens glows intensely from her ears. She reaches her paws up and forward as a Fletchinder is nearing you, claws extending, and going for a divebomb attack on your Espurr. Horror and fear touches you, and so you move to shield her with your body, but…

It stops. There is no strike, no claws. Just the sound of flapping wings. You turn about, Espurr in your arms, and stare at the Fletchinder impassively staring at you from above.

>Mittens has it...
>Attack the Fletchlings, Talonflame, or Fletchinder?
>Wing attack? Kamikaze? Ember?
>1d100

Rolled 55 (1d100)

>>36438186
>Mittens has it...

>>36438186
>attack the talon flame
>Wing attack

Rolled 60 (1d100)

>>36438186
>mittens has it

throw a pokeball?

Rolled 55 (1d100)

>>36438186
>Mittens has it...
Bring out Sheldon fir extra support too.

Rolled 1 (1d100)

thioare samForgot my roll

In case my update wasn't clear (sorry)

Mittens has mind controlled the bitch.

>>36438262
Ooohhh.... Interesting,

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>>36438262
o-0 why!
this is gunna be FUN!

>>36438262
Fuck roll and fuck my phone.

Rolled 24 (1d100)

>>36438186
5th roll!

So how this is going to play out:
>Mittens has control of Fireturkey1
>Roll was for Fireturkey

What are we going for?

>Mid-air collision?
>Dive-bomb Fireturkey1, neutralizing it?
>Fly into the Talonflame's mouth. Choke on this!
>Write-in something creative?

>>36438373
>Fly into the Talonflame's mouth. Choke on this!

>>36438373
>Mid-air collision?
or
>Fly into the Talonflame's mouth. Choke on this!
Both would be possible and highly damaging.

>>36438373
>Fly into the Talonflame's mouth. Choke on this!

>Choke a (fire)cock

>writing

>>36438525

Mittens swings her arms up and away, and the Fletchinder flaps its wings several times before flying off. It rises in a tight spiraling climb towards its brethren, and then climbs past them into the sky. There is a moment of silence, then a screech. Mittens throws her arms downwards, and you see the Fletchinder tuck its wings inwards before diving at the larger shape of the Talonflame. This patriarch of the flock hovers in place for a moment, perhaps confused, before beginning to rise as if to meet the Fletchinder.

The Talonflame opens its mouth of sparks, embers, and billowing smoke with a terrific cry before there is the dull thud of a collision.

The two birds fall, and you can’t quite make it out, but… It looks like half of the Fletchinder is stuffed down the throat of the Talonflame...!

They continue falling. Falling. Falling. They reach the brush with many cracks and snaps, and then a small cloud of dust. One Gletchinder and two Fletchlings left in the air. Doable.

You rummage through your pack quickly, Mittens watching the three circling forms warily, and pull out your fire-retardant gear. Your Pokemon are at your belt.

>ITEM?
>PKMN?
>FIGHT?
>RUN?

>>36438656
>PKMN?
Nereid and Sheldon

>>36438656
seconding >>36438675

>>36438656
I second >>36438675

Nereid and Sheldon will be released.

Please vote on a strategy or move for each of them. Mittens as well.

For example,
>Have Mittens taunt/provoke the birds while Sheldon withdraws into his shell and Nereid shoots a water gun at whatever approaches.

Anything like that, and get creative as you want!
Also, please roll 1d100

>>36438735
Sheldon and Nereid watergun the fletchinder. Mittens confuse a fletching.
We should catch a fletching.

>>36438735
I back >>36438782

Rolled 56 (1d100)

>>36438735
Sounds good to me >>36438782

Rolled 33 (1d100)

>>36438735

Rolled 22 (1d100)

>>36438782
Sounds good to me.

Rolled 84 (1d100)

>>36438782
I forgot my damn roll again.

Rolled 98 (1d100)

>>36438735
>Nereid use Watersport
We've out of the fire and into the frying pan otherwise and whilst technically not our fault we have an obligation to try and prevent lighting the forest up
>Shelly sits sight and takes potshots with watergun on a defensive basis as the birds swoop in to attack
>Mittens goes on the offensive with confusion, aiming to unstabilise their flight and drop them to the ground

Rolled 64 (1d100)

>>36438735
fuck, dice

>>36438805
Oh crit son!

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>>36438805
#5, BITCHES!!!!!!

Good job!

>>36438824
can we catch that talonflame before it stops chocking on a bitch?

>>36438843
I'm not sure. Maybe someone can calculate how long it takes a Talonflame to asphyxiate on a bitch?

>writing

Rolled 35 (1d100)

>>36438843
It would be neat and we could probably trade it for lootz or trainer points or something. I'd imagine it flat out wouldn't listen to our commands though

>>36438860
Enh, they're birds of prey so they should be relatively used to choking on smaller creatures. They're probably not on owl-levels of eating prey whole but I don't think having the flitchling wedged in its gullet is going to do any lasting damage once it gets desperate and starts clawing at the freehaning end

>>36438860
Not fast enough, besides this way we can have turkey

>>36438860
Depends on how deep the Fletchinder went in. A Talonblaze is a big bird of prey so it could vomit it out like some birds do with he fur and bones of what they digest.

In my opinion well will probably getter a stronger pokemon in the long run if we catch the fletchling and raise it to a talonflame then just catching the talonflame.

>>36438941
I say take the opportunity to catch the talonflame if we get one but focus on catching a fletchinder to train up. We can just trade or sell or something the talonflame away

B-But muh turkey dinner!

>>36438976
Talonblaze is a hawk, besides live the irony of a bird cooking a bird anon.

>>36438860

Two flashes of light herald your two water types being released. Neried comes tumbling out, skipping and rolling about playfully whereas Sheldon shakes about in his shell before sniffing the air. One is the epitome of naughty childishness, the other is a stoic, slow-moving bastion. Interesting.

You kneel down, an Nereid bounces up and into your palms before spurting some water at your face with a sort of “giggle.” You cuff her a bit around the ears and she squeaks, but then you get to scratching her ears. Sheldon wiggles his tail and stomps on over to join you, craning his neck upwards to great you with a series of squeaking croaks. You pat his shell and scratch his chin while smiling. It's good to be surrounded by partners like these. It fills you with hope and determination.

You look over and upwards. Mittens continues to stand sentinel, and the Fletchlings and Fletchinder have been circling the site of their fallen leader. Time to take the fight back to them. You have elemental superiority and they should be cowed now that you have taken out half of their number, effectively.

You command Sheldon to watergun at the Fletchinder, while asking Mittens to try and confuse the Fletchlings. Nereid happily begins putting out the nearby fires and otherwise soaking EVERYTHING in water. Water sport is… well, it’s her sport, alright.

>98

You watch your Pokemon move into work and, well, either you’re getting very good at communicating with ‘Mons, Mittens is a big help, or they like working like this… Because things fall smoothly into place. Nereid smothers or otherwise puts out the few fires that were burning quickly and then joins Sheldon in shooting at the birds.

>cont

>>36439215

Under the pressure of the attacks the birds cease circling the Talonflame and renew their attack. However, it is much less organized and confident now; the momentum has definitely shifted in your favor. The Fletchinder attempts to come low and fast and throw some embers into the tree line but a well placed water gun from Sheldon extinguishes the projectile. It climbs and passes out of sight amongst the canopy.

Mittens manages to drop another Fletchling by causing it to run into a tree- and you watch the feathered form crash throw branches and twigs before falling to the forest floor below. Nearby, Nereid catches the wing of the second with a water gun. The small bird is spun about in the air; its flight suspended, it falls into a heap and in the dirt and brush.

“All that’s left is the Fletchinder and maybe that last Fletchling…” Your heart is pounding and sweat is pouring off of your helmeted forehead into your eyes, but an uplifting feeling of victory fills you. You are about direct Sheldon and Nereid to approach the tree line and finish off the Fletchinder when another loud shriek fills the air. Over in the far brush the large red and black form rises once more, albeit unsteady and much slower than before. You watch as it rises, angling away from you and back towards the original place of encounter.

“Shit.”

>Go after the Talonflame?
>Deal with the Fletchinder.
>Wait until they leave before collecting a Fletchling.

>>36439229
>Wait until they leave before collecting a Fletchling.
No need to press our luck

Rolled 41 (1d100)

>>36439229
>Go after the Talonflame?
Finish it whilst it's still weakened. If the rest of the birds renew their attack afterward we should be able to maintain the upperhand and if not there's no real reason to pursue them. We can come back and pick up a fletchling afterwards

>>36439229
>Go after the Talonflame?
TURKEY DINNER!

>>36439265
>>36439286
We still have those sandshrews and possibly sandslash to deal with after this guys. might want to not exhaust of watermons.

>>36439229
Herald, If we were to catch the Fletching and raise it to a Talonflame, would it be stronger than a wild Talonflame? Essentially are EVs a thing leaving it better to catch pokemon young and raise them than to catch their evolved forms?
>Go after the Talonflame?
If it doesn't matter.
>Wait until they leave before collecting a Fletchling.
If it does matter.

Rolled 5 (1d100)

>>36439309
Tur. Key. Dinner.

>>36439309
We just use Apollo to maul the talonflame whilst it's down, taking the occasional shot with water gun if we need to down it again or something

>>36439229
>wait the collect a fletchling

Rolled 85 (1d100)

>>36439229

>>36439332
From what Grey understands about evolution, training, raising Pokemon, etc. :

Learning new moves is all about changes to structure, musculature, organs, etc. A young pokemon is continuously growing and is also continuously adapting. You could take a Fletchling, teach it.... let's say steel wing. Idk. And the fletchling develops the ability to really use steel-type moves effectively as it grows and its body changes as a result of its actions. An adult Talonflame could maybe still learn this move but will have the "level" of the move capped. It can't change as much to really learn the move as effectively.

It kind of amounts to EVs, but on a move-to-move basis, not "flapping strength" or anything like that necessarily.

Your fletchling would have more variety, most likely.

>>36439422
>>36439332

Thanks Herald! Definitely go with the Fletchling then.

>>36439422
do people eat pokemon? is so, how would flame talon taste?

>>36439476
Yes.

Like a... oily, spicy, game-y bird?

>Fletchling it is
>Writing

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Dani for ants.

>>36439507
Herald, What is the common thought and Grey's thought, on eating pokemon? Like, it seems at least some pokemon possess sapience, so I imagine it would be very strange to eat Mittens or another Espurr. Do you have certain pokemon in mind that possess sapience while others do not like cats and dogs?

>>36439507

You watch the Talonflame fly away, teeth grit. Mittens seems to start after it, and so does Nereid, but you grab both by their shoulders. “No, we stay.” You speak aloud, and Mittens looks at you… While Nereid goes on ahead by shooting a water gun at the large bird. It comes short by a long shot – much too far away – and you lightly cuff the weasel again. “No. If we’re bothered by it again we’ll take it out, but we’ve already handled most of the flock. Let’s get a little one.” You’re not sure how much Nereid can understand. Mittens is able to understand, of course. Sheldon just stoically stares at you, unreadable as always.

You rise and stride towards the Fletchling that landing amongst the trees. Like you thought, the damage was severe. Fatal, actually, and the broken form of the small bird lay in the understory before you.

>Pokemon bodies can be used for food, materials, trophies, trinkets, etc.
>Leave it? Take it? Come back later?

You walk out from the trees and see that the second Fletchinder is nowhere to be seen as well. You instead turn your attentions towards finding the last Fletchling…

She’s badly hurt, dirty, and her breathing is shallow. If you act now you will be able to mostly help or heal her.

>Capture? Leave the Fletchling? Heal and release?

You look for the first Fletchling that Mittens downed while on your back but it is nowhere to be found.

>>36439656
>Take it
LOOT EVERTHING
>Capture.

>>36439656
>Take it

>Capture
Whether we keep it in our line up or not we might as well catch it

>>36439656
>TUKEY DINNER!
>Capture

>>36439600

Consumption of Pokemon by other Pokemon in the wild is commonplace, obviously. It's a bit odd to be feeding your Pokemon chopped up bits of wild Pokemon around civilization, because you can buy food (so just like in this world) but it's not THAT uncommon. People with large, hungry carnivores want to keep some of their instincts in check and it just seems "Right" to some people to feed "live" food to things like Dragons.

People can and do consume Pokemon, but a lot of food in general is just produced by very large, very efficient agricultural operations. Part of the war and surviving... *cough* was developing ways to just produce meat almost like a vegetable. You can get "turkey" but no turkey died - they just grew turkey muscle or whatever.

It depends on area to area but, yeah, eating pokemon in general isn't too odd. Nothing you need to avoid.

>>36439656
>Take it
>Capture

USE THE FEATHERS TO MAKE A RASSLING MASK!

>>36439656
Take it
capture

>>36439656

You apply a potion to the Fletchling, easing some of the pain and hopefully staunching some of the bleeding from the variety of small cuts about its body. It doesn’t react to your presence much other than trying to weakly beat you away with its wings, which is a bit worrying, and so you are able to capture it without much fuss.

>Female Fletchling acquired and registered!

You look about for the body of the Fletchinder, or any signs of it, but there’s nothing. You’re not sure if that should be worrying or disgusting… You just leave it as a mystery and push it out of your head, setting your mind to instead pulling out a hunting knife and then dressing the Fletchling in the woods. It's messy business, but your Pokemon enjoy the bits and scraps you throw them (which isn't much, so you supplement it with some treats).

You collect a variety of feathers from the body in addition to the meat and bones themselves, which still exist in the form of a whole bird. Dani could easily roast this into a nice meal, or perhaps make a soup. You’re not sure how gamey Fletchling is. Eh, she’ll know something.
It’s getting late. There’s probably enough time to at least find the Shrews’ nest, if anything.

>Call Dani
>Check message from Nick
>Just go after Shrews now.
>Go back to camp
>High-five Mittens
>Other (write-in)

>>36440000
>Just go after Shrews now.
>High-five Mittens

>>36440000
>High-five Mittens
>Check message from Nick
While we walk and check messages
>Just go after Shrews now.

>>36440000
>>High-five Mittens
>Check message from Nick
>Just go after Shrews now.

>>36440000
>High-five Mittens
>Check message from Nick
>Just go after Shrews now.
Nick name for Fletchling Phoenicia

>Grey ain't shrew-ing around.
>writing....


How long do you guys want me to run tonight?

>>36440068
Ooh, I like that name suggestion.

>>36440124
You're call Herald, kinda like to end the night.

>>36440000
Name the fletchling Eithne( Celtic for little fire apparently

>>36440124
You run as long as you want Herald you'll probably still have an audiance

>>36440124
As long as you're able, really. Love these threads haha

>>36440068
Thirding Phoenicia

>>36440124
no matter how long you run, i will continue to read.

>>36440124

You put away your Pokedex after looking over some of the initial information regarding the status of your latest catch. She’s in pretty bad shape but at least much safer now that she’s in a pokeball. You’ll have to patch her up and let time do its work or otherwise see a center soon. You turn to your team, six little eyes staring at you. Admiration. Respect. Fear? You wonder how much they expect you to protect and guide them – is it as much as you expect and hope they will protect you?

You call them over. Sheldon gets a nice long rub on the shell and on his head. He gurgles and sticks his tongue out, which you hope means he’s happy. Nereid enjoys getting her neck scratched, but still tries to squirt you. You call your Espurr in order to get her attention; she’s sitting on the grassy floor, breathing slowly. Must be tired. “Mittens?” She looks up at you. You bring up a hand. “High-five me. You rock.” She perks up, squinting her eyes in happiness before batting your hand with a little paw.

>>>>

You decide to head forward; no sense in heading back before you finish what you intended, right? As you near the given coordinates for the nest sightings you check your phone: Nick has messaged you. He sent two sets of coordinates. The first is for his current location, the second is a nearby Ranger station. He states that he just responded because he caught a 4th, so now you’re “even,” and the Ranger station would be a good place to meet up. It’s a bit northwards, which DOES bring you closer to Scythers…

>I agree. A nice, safe, neutral location. They probably could heal up your team, too.
>No thanks. Just meet at my campsite here (give coordinates)
>I have 5. Catch up, scrub. And caterpillars don’t count.
>Other

>>36440272
>>36440166
>>36440162
>>36440137

Awesome, guys. I'd like to at least end the night, too. I figure I have several more hours in me... Let's battle some shrews, share a tent, and prepare for a challenge and then some scythers. Plus whatever else I throw at you.

>>36440177
>>36440125
>>36440068
Phoenicia it is. I do like Eithne, though. I'll see about using that later in the quest if you want!

>>36440278
>I agree. A nice, safe, neutral location. They probably could heal up your team, too. Mention how you're hoping to have a full team by the time you get there.

>>36440302
That feel when 3 of the names you suggested are canon quest names.Glorious

>>36440302
>I figure I have several more hours in me...
Awesome. Just got here.

Nothing quite like questing and pokemon to work off the meatbread from thanksgiving.

>>36440278
>I agree. A nice, safe, neutral location. They probably could heal up your team, too.

>>36440278
>I have 5. Catch up, scrub. And caterpillars don’t count.
>I agree. A nice, safe, neutral location. They probably could heal up your team, too.
We gotta do this Sandshrew thing first though.

>>36440278
>I agree. A nice, safe, neutral location. They probably could heal up your team, too.
We can also ask them how usual attacks by groups of the Fletchling line are. Could be relevant to Prof's research

You still here Herald?

>>36440278
>>I agree. A nice, safe, neutral location. They probably could heal up your team, too.
>I have 5. Catch up, scrub. And caterpillars don’t count.

>>36440599
Hey!

Had to take care of some stuff. Sorreh!

>>36440630
Just wanted to make sure you didn't fall asleep on us due to turkey. No problem.

>>36440630

You look off at the fading sun, then back towards the campsite. Gotta hurry. You retrieved Sheldon but Nereid, Apollo, and Mittens are all trotting along with you. You flick off a quick message to Nick as you walk: “I already have 5. Gotta catch up! (Caterpillars don’t count.) Meet me at Ranger station tomorrow if you can. We can heal up and battle there.”

You then pull up the Professor’s contact listing. You’re a little surprised he hasn’t responded yet, but it’s probably to be expected; he’s a busy, important man. Still, a little chatting about attacks wouldn’t hurt. You message him the details of the Talonflame attack, noting you didn’t do anything in particular to piss them off. The process of writing the text reminds you that Trainers, while not officially, have a duty to report such attacks to the Rangernet services. It helps to keep everyone informed and safe. You do so, marking that a good chunk of the flock was neutralized in self-defense, sign, and send it off to be reviewed.

With that sent you focus on setting a good pace, your SILPHone directing you in a “hot-or-cold” manner towards the likeliest places to find some shrews. The slightly rolling landscape, dotted with patches of thick grasses and brush, means it’ll be hard to find a burrow easily but you have faith enough. There’s a clearly marked bush trail that you have been following, and you note a few grayish-tan scales off the path.

>cont

>>36440767

Sandshrews and the older ‘Slashes shed at times, so you think you’re on the right track.

When you pass yet another scale you get an idea: time for Apollo to practice his sleuthing some more. You hold up the scale to him, asking Mittens to help communicate that you want to find anything that smells like the scale. Apollo seems to understand, and heads into the brush. You follow him for some time, noting that you’re just skirting the edge of the densest cluster of sightings, when you come across a sort of dry ditch in the landscape with a log and brush scattered in a heap. There’s a sizable hole that you can see. Jackpot.

>Have Apollo flush’em out.
>Use the cry function on your pokedex
>Research on your ‘Dex
>Maybe some water to flush’em out?
>Other
>Roll 1d100

Rolled 23 (1d100)

>>36440777
>Research on your ‘Dex
>Maybe some water to flush’em out?

Rolled 38 (1d100)

>>36440777
>Research on your ‘Dex
>Maybe some water to flush’em out?

Rolled 37 (1d100)

>>36440777
>Research on your ‘Dex
>Maybe some water to flush’em out?

Rolled 18 (1d100)

>>36440777
>Have Apollo flush’em out.
The heat will make them dopey on exit, then we can blast them with the water cannons without having tired them out beforehand

>>36440785
>>36440843
>>36440858
Well this is not a promising start.

Rolled 9 (1d100)

>>36440777
>Maybe some water to flush’em out?
Sandshrew holocaust.

>>36440868
There's one more roll that can save us if we crit

>>36440877
>>36440873
Nevermind, it can't. Guess Grey's off form after the bird attack

Well its 3 here Herald so im calling it a night got work in 6 hours. I'll catch up either in the end of thread or in archive. See ya!

>>36440885
Nar his off because he had to dismantle a pokemon and feeding it to the injured Fletchling.

>>36440868

You pull up the general information entries for Sandshrews on your ‘Dex. Best to be prepared and all that. The system reports back usual habitats, studies on aggressiveness, mating, their communal … The notes on diet stick out to you; knowing what a ‘Mon eats is a good way to understand its overall behavior. They are omnivorous, but usually prey on plant-based species during the early and later hours of the day. Seem to mostly be scavengers. Well, you have some baiting options, if needed.

Other behavioral features of note include rolling up when faced with danger, increasing their defense, and the tendency to bury into softer ground in order to hide their softer underbellies. Also, they are poor swimmers. You make a mental note that diverting a river into this hole would be a successful, albeit impractical idea. Flushing them out with water attacks may work…

You wonder how burrowing animals like these deal with heavy rainfall. They must leave their nests when it rains, right? Nests is another thing to keep in mind: Their social structure is centered on loners or pairs (mates) and maybe immediate kin, which then leave as they age.

Older shrews grow nasty spikes instead of smoother scales, are larger, and more aggressive (especially in mating season).

>cont.

File: WrdwhDb.jpg (192 KB, 600x371)

192 KB JPG

>>36441003

Okay, so, it’s mating season for them, but it’s the beginning of mating season. You’re not deep into it, so you shouldn’t be threatening any young. This hole may belong to a juvenile loner or a pair of grizzled, nasty ‘Slashes. You’ll just have to find out!

You turn to Mittens and Nereid, asking Nereid to give a good steady soak to the hole via Mittens’s telepathic assistance. Nereid takes a ready stance in the water, and you prepare yourself with Mittens and Apollo at the ready. She then does what she does best: a powerful stream of water erupts from her mouth, and the orange wonder begins soaking the entryway of the hole.

>38

You wait a few moments before stopping the Buizel. Then, you wait. And listen. Apollo, Mittens, and Nereid all wait in apprehension with you. Mittens asks if she should go in, but you wave that suggestion off. "I wouldn't endanger you like that," you mentally say to her. She's grateful.

Some more waiting. You have Nereid issue few more gallons into the hole: surely, if there's a Shrew in there they must want to get to dry land...? Yet there’s nothing, and you worry that you’re just wasting your time….

That's when you hear it: there’s a hiss. A long hiss. You pull your Pokedex out, pull up the wild cry section and then are able to play a similar sound on your ‘Dex, so it may be a shrew. You’re not positive, but it sounds very similar.

>Try fire?
>Try some bait?
>Send someone in there?
>Other?
>1d100

Rolled 66 (1d100)

>>36441046
>Give it another soak, the residents didn't seem too fond of it last time and might be inclined to leave if you keep it up

Rolled 20 (1d100)

>>36441046
Sounds good >>36441075

Rolled 38 (1d100)

>>36441075
One more try of this then we will mix it up

Rolled 62 (1d100)

>>36441075
Yeah, I agree.

>>36441075
>writing
>Does a wet sandshrew become a mudshrew?

Rolled 18 (1d100)

>>36441180
Nah, it forms a sandcastleshrew

>>36441180

Well, whatever is in there it didn’t seem to like the water much the first time. You release Sheldon and have both of your water Pokemon give the entrance a good soaking. They are about ten seconds in when the hissing intensifies and a form about three-quarters of your size begins moving into the entranceway. Sharp claws, a long snout, and what looks to not be the “spikes” of a Sandslash… yet. This looks almost like a teenager ‘Slash, or an older ‘Shrew.

Both Nereid and Sheldon have continued their water attacks, now aiming at the Sandshrew proper. It has dug itself in, but seems to have a hard time gaining much traction up the burrow incline. You’re not going to really knock it out this way or do any significant damage – mostly just piss it off. Maybe tire it out.

>’Mons forwards, backwards, spread out, etc.?
>You can give an order to two ‘Mons, one each, this round.
>ITEM?
>Try and CATCH? (-10 modifier (-20 + 10) due to entrenchment in burrow)
>Roll 1d100

Rolled 88 (1d100)

>>36441298
>’Mons forwards, backwards, spread out, etc.?
Ease the assault to tempt it further out. Have growlithe block off the burrow entrance once we extricate it, then resume the hose down

Rolled 62 (1d100)

>>36441298
>’Mons forwards, backwards, spread out, etc.?
Slowly retreat and spread out to bait him out of the burrow.

Rolled 67 (1d100)

>>36441298
Now that we've soaked the burrow, let's steam it.

Have Apollo send flame down in there.

Boiled Sandshrew is a delicacy, right?

>>36441335
>>36441382
>>36441387

>writing

>>36441465

Well, if it’s not going anywhere then you’ll have to bring in the firepower and just let loose. Emphasis on “fire,” by the way.

>88

You call Apollo forward and then command an “ember!” Which Mittens helps translate for good measure. Apollo begins throwing out “barks” of flame, some of which steam out against the water and some of which land near the ‘Shrew. It starts panicking, trying to exit, trying to back up; you have it confused, which is perfect, but getting it out in the open and vulnerable is your ultimate goal. It starts throwing sand out the entrance – obscuring your view in part and extinguishing bits of flame.

“Back! Sheldon, Nereid, back!” You pull out your tinwhistle and give a sharp trill on it. Nereid and Sheldon understand this well enough and stick towards the right flank, backing up away from the sand. You keep the pressure on with Apollo, but the sand is affecting him more and more as well. Forunately, the ‘Shrew thinks you’re backing off and tries to settle the deal by intimidating you. It pulls itself out of the hole and raises onto its back haunches more, front claws in the air, hissing threateningly.

Sheldon takes advantage of this and sends a fierce jet of water at the Sandshrew’s face, catching it by surprises and blinding it. You intend to capitalize: “Apollo! Bite!”

Your Growlithe rushes forward, leaps, and then latches onto the thigh of your foe’s lower leg. It gives a cry, batting at the Growlithe and stumbling forward before attempting to roll into a ball. There is a brief struggle, Apollo attempting to bite while the ‘Shrew bats and thrashes against him. Finally, the wild ‘Mon manages to knock Apollo off and rolls tightly into a ball.

>Press the attack?
>Attempt a capture? (+10)
>Roll 1d100

Rolled 56 (1d100)

>>36441549
>Attempt a capture? (+10)

Rolled 28 (1d100)

>>36441549
>>Attempt a capture? (+10)

Rolled 16 (1d100)

>>36441549
>Attempt a capture? (+10)
It's just too adorable to murder.

Rolled 14 (1d100)

>>36441549
>Attempt a capture? (+10)
Go go Grey catching powers!

ONE ROLL. TO SAVE. THE DAY?

Rolled 54 (1d100)

Gonna roll so we can continue.....

>>36441613

You draw out a Pokeball, circling around the ensuing battle to get a better lock free of Apollo jumping around and stray water guns. You brace your arm and begin counting down, when…

>66

“3….2….” A large clump of dirt hits your side, distracting you and otherwise knocking you off balance. You hop a few steps away, turning to see a younger but similarly-sized ‘Shrew at the entrance, grunting and hissing at you. Apollo turns to face this new threat, ignoring the balled-up original foe, and begins launching volleys of fire at the second ‘Mon. It backs up with intensifying hisses and shrieks, throwing sand like much like before.

You look between the two forms, and watch as the larger of the two begins to unroll. “Damnit… so close, too! Nereid!” You survey the scene, urging your mind to focus and process everything calmly. Efficiently. Just like you had trained for years.

>Which one is the bigger threat?
>Tell which ‘Mon to focus on which foe?
>Have Mittens join the battle in full?
>Try to capture again?
>Roll 1d100 with choices/write-ins

Rolled 59 (1d100)

>>36441688
>Mittens, keep that first shrew in a state of confusion! Don't go overboard but keep it down for the count!
>Nereid, Shelly, watergun on the newcomer!
>Apollo, keep it up!
>Attempt to capture the first shrew again

Rolled 58 (1d100)

>>36441688

Rolled 32 (1d100)

>>36441688

Rolled 64 (1d100)

>>36441688
I support >>36441711

Maybe with the caveat that Apollo should focus on the first shrew. I don't want Mittens getting chewed up.

>>36441688
>writing

>>36441767

The first one, larger and more potently armed, is the bigger threat right now. You direct Mittens to focus on keeping it confused while warning her to not push herself. She complies immediately, head turning downwards and the Espurr assuming her usual stance for a psychic attack.

The larger ‘Shrew begins throwing its head about, sand being tossed about wildly, and you watch its eyes loll in its head.

Apollo and the smaller shrew are engaged in a close-quarters fight, with Apollo having latched onto the side of the Shrew’s neck. The shrew has gotten a few good swipes in but Apollo has not suffered anything too severe. He’ll win the fight, you’re sure, but you need him on the bigger threat… You call out to him, ordering him to come back or “Heel!”

>69

Apollo disengages from the second ‘Shrew, which backs back into its home, limping. He makes a roundabout trip back to your side while watching the tiny, retreating, hissing ‘Mon warily. You kneel down and sharply direct him after the larger target. He barks and then sets off, charging at the rampaging beast. He jumps onto its back, fire in his mouth, and sprays a flame across its body. It recoils and rolls over once more, but this time cannot fully focus on Apollo due to Mittens’s interference. Apollo attacks with tooth and claw, rending shallow gashes all over the tan hide. You shift your attention once more.

Sheldon is holding his place nice and steady while Nereid is darting about, firing pistol-shots of water at the thrashing ‘Shrew. You direct them back towards the hole, and Nereid dashes towards it while Sheldon makes his way at a slower pace.

>cont.

>>36441945

You aim your ball again, watching for an opportunity to make a catch amongst the vicious fight between Growlithe and Sandshrew.

Apollo repeatedly bats at eyes, a nose, under-arm soft spots, and any other place he can hit with his sharp ivory claws. A steady projection of heat and fire rolls over the ‘Shrew, and the panicked noises it makes are quite unsettling to you… You would rather end this sooner rather than later.

You call Apollo off, and the Shrew goes back into its defensive “ball” position. It stays unmoving; perfect, you can get a good lock this time. You aim, count,…. And throw.

The usual flash of light, and then a capture. Congrats.

You turn back to the den. Nereid is dashing into striking range while hitting the smaller ‘Shrew with water. Sheldon has gotten close as well, reared up on hind legs, and is coating the ground with corrosive bubbles. The wild ‘Mon is in very poor shape, and looks to be on its last legs.

>Finish it?
>Capture a second one?
>Let it go…?
>Other?

Rolled 81 (1d100)

>>36441953
Wasn't our task to thin out some of the sandshrew population?
>Finish it.

Rolled 57 (1d100)

>>36441953
>Capture a second one?
No reason to finish it off if we don't have to and Dani or Erica might want one.

Besides, this pair of shrews were presumably mates, it'd be a shame to MURDER ONE

Rolled 68 (1d100)

>>36442015
Seconding this, haha

>>36442070
>>36442015

You non-murdering bastards!
But think about 'dem sick Shrewleather shoes you could be rocking...

>writing

Rolled 83 (1d100)

>>36442087
Hm... you raise a good point...
We need to find another burrow!

>>36441953
Catch it

>>36442015 has a point, they are probably mates, and killing its mate would be cruel to our new buddy,
plus, what is more romantic than getting your girlfriend(dani) a sandshrew who is your own sandshrew's girlfriend?

>>36442099
>What is more romantic than getting your girlfriend a sandshrew?

Nothing. Absolutely nothing, my friend. There's a reason Sandshrew musk is such a hot seller for women's perfumes.

>>36442099
Then we can bang out girlfriend while our sandshrew bangs our girlfriends sandshrew who is our sandshrew's girlfriend

>>36442133
Erica and Mossimer. Team "ForeverAlone"

>>36442160
Morelike Team "You're the only one that I need!"

>>36442160
>>36442179
That made it sound like Erica is going to try to have sex with mossimer

>>36442200
I don't understand what you're trying to say.

>>36442205
Shhhh. You will soon. Just let it happen.

>>36442087

You call Nereid and Sheldon off, leaving a panting, struggling ‘Shrew in bad shape. You debate catching it versus finishing it off here and now – then, possibly, making nice leather shoes…. Nah, that’s ridiculous. You would totally make gloves.

You decide to be merciful; what’s more, you think either Erica or Dani could really use a ‘Shrew like this on their teams. Maybe this could be your first gift to Dani…?

You get excited at the thought as you walk over, ball pointed at the wild ‘mon, chest rising and falling slowly as it lay on its back. Scratches, bitemarks, and slight burns cover a lot of its front surface; You feel a pang of guilt. A lot of guilty, and sympathy. Seeing it up close like this… You’ll have to think about hurting Pokemon like this, later. It’s heavy to think about right now, but you know it’s important. Later.

The ball locks, and you toss it underhand. A moment later? Another capture, but you don’t register this one. You note the two were probably a mating pair, with yours being the to-be-expected larger female. You tuck away both balls, gather your team into theirs aside from Apollo, and set off into the brush and hills. You have a long walk back.

>>>>

It’s uneventful enough, thankfully, and you practically collapse into camp. Erica and Dani are both nearby training their Pokemon on various tasks when you arrive. Dani, upon spotting you, separates from the session and walks to your side. She looks over your dirty, scratched and bruised form in the fold-out chair. She smiles a bit, hands on her sides, and gives a “Gotta clean up before dinner, then you need to rest,” speech. You give her a pass on it because she’s cute.

>Dinner first. I’m starving.
>I’ll go clean up… Wanna join me?
>I’ll be back in a few. Guess you don’t like dirty boys.
>I got you something, and you wouldn’t believe what attacked me!

>>36442235
>I got you something, and you wouldn’t believe what attacked me!
Let her play with her new shrew whilst we sluice ourselves

>>36442235
>>I got you something, and you wouldn’t believe what attacked me!

>>36442235

>Fine, I will go clean up. I got you something, though. But, if you want it, you have to scrub my back.

>>36442235

A tiny, dirtier part of your mind considers asking Dani to scrub your back. You blame it on all those foreign-style cartoons you watched over too many late summer nights. The thought of back-scrubbing and back-rubbing does entice you, and lead you to think about the piggyback ride earlier today… That leads to your nervous coughing again. Once your thoughts return to reality you stand up and address Dani, who is bent over the large bubbling pot on the stove.

“Well, I caught something, got you a present, and I was attacked.” She seems happy and then a bit concerned as you say this, gesturing for emphasis. “Yeah, attacked! And you wouldn’t believe what it was that attacked me!”

You give a quick description of the firefight without skimping over the wilder details. Then you recount your encounter with the Sandshrews, which leads up to you catching two… and then you explain that you would like to know if she would like the second. You bring in a nice bit about how you expect them to be mates, and so giving one to your girlfriend seemed like a nice first gift. Dani blushes, smiles, and chuckles a bit before nervously taking the Pokeball from your hands. She thanks you and promises to care for it well.

After that? You bathe, noting your injuries, and after a moment of sudden clarity you release your Pokemon that are well and bathe them too. Then you make your way back to camp to settle into a nice dinner and pleasant conversation.

>Anyone here to finish the night, or should I wait til next thread?

>>36442385
Dropped your trip, yo. I'm still here for a good while but you might want a couple more

Gonna cut here.

Thanks for participating, everyone! Be safe and have a good rest.

>>36442434
Gj, cant wait till next quest.