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>>37728160

You see him standing outside the dining hall and wave. He nods at you and motions for you to approach.

“Good.” He says. “You made it. Walk with me.”

He starts down a path towards the Training Grounds and you quickly move to his side.

“So, Victor.” He begins. “Why did you choose those particular weapons? A Bow and a Sword. Most would have settled for one and had their Pokemon pick up the slack.”

>Response?

>>37728189
>Flexibility is key to survival sir, best to cover as many options as possible. These weapons serve me well but i may change them if need be.

>>37728189
>>37728405
this

>>37728405
Yeah, it's pretty much flexibility.

>>37728189
>>37728405
Basically yeah.

>>37728405
Also add in a bit about wanting to spare our pokemon from war if we have the chance. Friends, etc.

>>37728189
>>37728405
This

>>37728189
>>37728405
>>37728943
These.

>>37728189

The Major nods. "I see. Well, you're probably still wondering what I was talking about with the Empathic Bonds earlier."

He pauses on the path and looks around. You're surrounded by trees and bushes and the closest building must be about 50 meters away. Cyril pulls a small disk-like object out of his pocket and presses a button on it. It gives a soft hum and then falls silent.

"There." He says, putting the device back in his pocket. "Now we can speak without being overheard."

You didn't think that kind of technology existed.

"While the vast majority of trainers are limited in the Pokemon types they can bond with, there are certain humans who are not. They can form bonds with just about any kind of Pokemon and can train them to greater heights with lesser effort. They resonate with their Pokemon to an incredible degree. They’re called Savants.”

He looks you directly in the eye. “As you’ve probably guessed, you are a Savant.”

>Reaction?

Why is OP always so kill? It makes me sad, because this is one of very few things I look forward to.

>>37729631
"Is that so?"

>>37729631
"What makes people savants? Is it something to do with lineage, or..?"

>>37729645

Because I am easily distracted and very hungry.

>>37729631
Is that a problem?
>>37729688
then get some food then

>>37729631
"good to know i guess"

>>37729715

That would mean an even bigger delay.

>>37729631
Ok then obvious question is, what is a savant and how does one occur?

>>37729688
Apple and Cheese my friend.
>>37729631
>we rainman now

"What's the best way to go about this sir? Let others know, or keep it a secret in general?

>>37729772
Our next pokemon should be a Skarmory, and then an Axew/Fraxure/Haxorus.

We will be fucking undefeatable. Haxorus can cleave through steel with ease, and Skarmory can easily supply us with blades and such

>>37729829
I didn't mean to quote, whoops.

>>37729829
I'd have recommended a Magikarp due to it being objectively the best evolution, but Skarmory is plenty of fun.

>>37729829
I'd rather go for the glorious Zubat->Golbat->Crobat line.

>>37729857
>>37729860
Ah, I thought you were suggesting best ways to go about it.

>>37729883
We can have glorious Crobat, too, anon.

I think a good way to build our team is to have our mindset in the: "What can they do in the field?" "What sort of purpose do they serve?" field, than speaking strictly of typing, etc.

voting for nonchalance.

as for catching pokemon in the future, I'd say let's not catch anything non-legendary we see and work on improving the pokemon we've got instead. let's face it- catching 'em all is pointless and cruel.

>>37730255

>implying we can capture Legendaries

>>37730255
>let's not catch anything non-legendary we see
We need to expand our team out a bit more, but

>catching 'em all is pointless and cruel.
I do agree with this sentiment.

Let's get up to the standard 6, then stop capturing.

>>37730255
We could always catch unusual, unknown, or medically useful specimens for our researchers back home.

What if Lance orchestrated the attack on our hometown? Who else is going to be able to train a dragon-type to maturity?

>>37730443
It also could've just been wild. I bet Salamence are very rare, but not unheard of.

>>37730443

Pokemon do mature to their final forms on their own in the wild. It's just that being bonded with a human makes the process much faster.

>>37729631

You blink. “"Good to know, I guess?"

Cyril frowns. “I got the exact same reaction with the last two Savants I found. It takes a lot to impress kids these days, huh?”

“Well,” You begin. “I’m still not sure what exactly a Savant is…” You trail off.

Cyril sighs. “Essentially, you can bond with and train any kind of Pokemon you want and be perfectly capable of controlling them in practically any situation. You will most likely be able to bind six Pokemon to yourself with barely any effort.”

You swallow. The vast majority of Trainers were usually limited to 3 or 4 Pokemon. Five if they were particularly talented. Six meant that they were a serious threat. Anything more than taht is… unheard off. Supposedly impossible. You yourself were considered skilled for possessing three at your age.

You decide to get more info before doing anything else. “What's the best way to go about this sir? Let others know, or keep it a secret in general?

“Well,” Cyril sighs. “I’d only tell people you absolutely trust. There’s a few organizations that I know of who would love to get their hands on you for experimentation.”
His gaze grows vacant, as if he’s staring off into the distance. “I first met a Savant in a lab. Or at least, what was left of her. The things they’d done to that poor girl…” He shudders.

>(Cont.)

>>37730680

You decide to change the subject. “What makes people savants? Is it something to do with lineage, or what?”

Cyril purses his lips and crosses his arms. “That’s actually an interesting conundrum. You see, I initially thought that whatever made you a Savant was passed matrilineally. Mother to Daughter. Every Savant I have found has been a woman. You’re the first male.”

He looks around, apparently checking for threats. “Any other questions?”

>Do you have any?

>>37730707
how many savants have you been able to find?
Will this affect which assignments I get?

>>37730707
"If you know the name of any of these organizations to avoid, please let me know. Otherwise, I don't really have anything sir. Thank you for the information".

>>37730707
Could my dad have been a savant? Any other savants here?

>INB4 Kat is one.

>>37730707
so lance is just extremely talented?

>>37730368

actually, you're right. if we see something from the chancey evolution line, we should do everything we can to catch it, including murder.

>>37730333

>implying we weren't just revealed to have special trainer powers

>>37730707

>Every Savant I have found has been a woman.

so pops wasn't a savant? mom was?

>>37730763

You'll find this out soon enough so only browse over if you're really impatient Katrina is actually very heavily bonded to Dark and Fighting-type Pokemon.

>>37730707
"Ah... not really. Thanks for telling me, major."

>>37730680

"Sir, you mentioned earlier that bonds have effects both on trainers and Pokemon. What kind of effects exactly? And does being a Savant affect this?"

>>37730707

You actually have a ton of questions.

“How many Savants have you been able to find?” You ask.

Cyril looks up and grimaces but keeps his arms crossed. “... Including you? Thirteen. Seven of them are dead, one is in Prison, one is a Warlord out in Orre, one is a housewife, one is actually at the Academy, and the last one is comatose.”

Well, that’s a strange track record. Hang on, Savants are almost always women?

“So, my mother was a Savant?” You ask.

Cyril nods. “Most likely. I never met her but you father definitely wasn’t. He was bonded pretty heavily with Wind-types.”

“Ah, okay.” You think hard for a moment and your mind flashes back to something Cyril said earlier. “You mentioned that bonds have effects both on trainers and Pokemon. What kind of effects exactly? And does being a Savant change this?”

The Major snaps his fingers and points at you. “Ah, I knew I was forgetting something. Good job on reminding me. Okay… “He clears his throat.

“Empathic bonds generally have more effect over longer periods of time and remain imprinted in genes. A trainer who bonds with Fire-type Pokemon and has no history with them will gain some measure of resistance to fire and heat. His children will likely be born with Fire Affinity as well and when they bond with Fire Pokemon, their abilities will increase." He pauses for a second, gathering his thoughts.

>(Cont.)

>>37731965

"A few generations down the line, any children will be immune to heat and may possess pyrokinetic abilities themselves. The exact circumstances really depend on the type of Pokemon.” He gestures to his belt and the three Pokeballs there. “My family has worked with Steel Pokemon for a while and, as a result, I’m a good deal tougher than the average human. Your friend, Darius, likely has a Fighting Affinity, which brings him to the peak of Physical abilities.”

”On the Pokemon side, Bonded Pokemon are generally more intelligent than wild Pokemon as well. They also gain a boost in overall abilities when they’re bound to a compatible trainer.”

“Now, Savants seem to gain more advantages from their Pokemon and vice-versa as well. They might develop psychic abilities after a few years or gain some form of Kinesis.”

Now that’s a lot to take in, but you manage to do it. It then occurs to you that you may in fact be in danger from any number of organizations. It’d probably be a good idea to ask which ones.

“What groups would want to come after me?” You inquire.

The Major glowers. “A number of Corporations for sure. Rocket Industries, the Magma Conglomerate, Cipher Corp, to name a few. And any criminal organization would love to get their hands on you. The Aqua Cartel and Snagem Gang come to mind. Be careful.”

>Anything else you want to ask?

>>37731990
Could Lance be a savant and just playing up his dragon typing? I mean he's the only dragon trainer i know of.

>>37731990
What advice would you give if one wanted to destroy those organizations and kill everyone who is a associate with them? As a hypothetical.

>>37731990
Nah. Let's just advance to the next plot point, I guess.

>>37731990
nope

>>37731990

who's the other Savant in the academy? I'd love to spar with him/her to the max to improve our skills to the max.

FYI, considering how smart the metang evo line is, we should spend some time to play chess or something with Cobalt some time.

>>37731990
"Tell me about the comatose savant."

>>37731990

You decide you want to know more about the other Savants. “Who’s the other Savant at the Academy? I want to meet them.”

“Honestly,” Cyril says. “I’m not surprised you haven’t met her. She bonded herself to a Ghost Pokemon and really doesn’t like human contact. Quite a loner. But you’ll be meeting her soon if I have anything to say about it. Her name is Ivy Ravel. She’s in your graduating year.”

“Howabout that comatose Savant?” You ask. “What happened to her?”

“She got on the bad side of an Alakazam.” Cyril replies. You shudder before continuing your inquires.

“If someone, say, wanted to destroy these various organizations you mentioned and kill everyone associated with them, what advice would you give?”

The Major gives you a very flat look. “Unless you’ve got a small army and massive amount of resources, you’re going to have a very hard time with that.”

Something comes to mind and you decide to ask. “Could Champion Lance be a savant and just playing up his dragon typing? I mean he's the only dragon trainer I know of.”

Cyril blinks. “That’s… an odd question. But no, he’s definitely not a Savant. Even if there is a chance of another Male Savant. If you met him, you’d definitely know he was a Savant. Trust me on that.”

>(Cont.)

>>37732846

You shrug then. “Well, that’s everything I wanted to ask.”

“Good.” Cyril pulls the the cloaking device out of his pocket and switches it off. “Alright then, let’s get to the Training Grounds. There’s something I want to test out.”

You follow him as he continues down the path and into the Training Grounds. The square fields that make the Grounds up are arranged in rows and are dominated by underclassmen Cadets and Trainees. You smile a little, remembering your time as a Trainee. When you first arrived at the Sentinel Academy, you were a depressing little shit. Things got a little better when Shellshocker hatched for you, but other kids avoided you because you were so gloomy.
Then Darius arrived and he refused to leave you alone. The big idiot bothered you constantly for months until you cracked a little and opened up to him. The two of you have been friends ever since.

“Alright then,” Cyril says, shrugging off his coat and scabbard and hanging them on a weapons rack and walking towards one of the open pits. “Let me see how good you are with that sword.” He turns to face you unarmed, arms spread open. “Hit me!”

>Action?

>I highly recommend coming up with some strategies here.

>>37732872
What're we wearing right now?

>>37732872
Tip of the sword, use back foot to propel. Charge and use to stab at the stomach, keep going through the area so he can't counter because we're behind him.

>>37732872
We know that he's a damn good fighter so lets get some advantages here. Grab some dust or dirt and throw it in his eyes and follow it up with a slash from our sword.

[Eh, I'm getting pretty hungry and I wanna see if I can go talk to my manager now. I'll be back around 9 and try to run until 1 or so.]

>>37733025

...what timezone?

>>37732872

fight passively. conserve your energy, and probe his defenses a bit at a time to get a feel for how he fights. if your main advantage is adaptability, go ahead and adapt to his fighting style. try to find an opening or some kind of inherent disadvantage to how he fights (i.e. tiring out for aggressive types, predictability for defensive types, etc.)

>>37732872
Feign a downward slash and instead go for a shoulder tackle when he avoids it.

I'm presuming he's a lot stronger than you are but it might surprise him enough to perform a proper follow up.

>>37733282

Board Time.

Back and Writing.

Oh, for every concrete detail you guys can give me on Victor's Backstory and Personality, I will award one Fate Point. Fate Points can bused for Auto Successes, even in the face of Critical failures.

>>37732906

You're wearing your Cadet Uniform which isn't that protective, but pretty sturdy.

Can I get a d20 roll please? I'll need three in total.

>>37734936
Is there anything else we have on our person? What is the cadet uniform like? What are our surroundings like?

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>37734936

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>37734936

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>37734936
>>37734841
Enjoying being mistaken for a girl was kicked around for awhile, obviously only in certain situations

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>37734936

>>37734841
I remember what >>37735009 said which was basically being a trap which I can get behind

>>37735031
>>37735009
>>37734841
I can get with that.

On the other hand, since we wanted a Dratini so much earlier on in the quest, how about we attempted to catch one of those and train it, but failed?

>>37735009
Voting against this.

>>37735094
I think there should be some more specificity in the failure.

I'd say he went out to look for one but never even saw one. Over a period of months.

>>37735180
Sorry to hear you're against it anon, but I'm not sure if sleepless accepts vetos anyway. Anything you can contribute elsewise though?

>>37735094
That sounds nice, perhaps we got a scar or something from them?

>>37735202
I was more thinking it rebelled and smacked us before leaving. Is that possible?

>>37735031
>>37735094
>>37735180
I'd prefer the opposite, actually.

Our feminine features push us to be a manly man at all times. Machismo is paramount.

>>37735228
Why not both? We enjoy being exceedingly manly man while looking like a girly girl

>>37735243
Thats.... Kind of hilarious, I'll second the fuck out of that.

>>37734962

Your Inventory is on the Character Sheet. The Cadet uniform is black boots, pants and long-sleeved shirt under a red jacket. The training square you're standing in is a packed dirt about 20X20 meters.

>>37735031
>>37735009
>>37735094

Sadly, I'm not too sure I can write a trap all that convincingly without it devolving into fetish stuff.

>>37735094

A problem with that is Victor being a Savant would have made capturing and training the Dratini much easier.

>>37735256
>>37735243
>>37735228
That has my vote.

>>37735227
>>37735210
>>37735202
All three sound good. Months of searching ending up with getting scarred and beaten by a mere dratini

>>37735281
>Sadly, I'm not too sure I can write a trap all that convincingly without it devolving into fetish stuff.
Just don't make it sexual pleasure. Done.

Victor has pride in their appearance and strives to further it, while still acting as if they're a manly man. Doesn't have to be "OMG I GOT MISTOOK AS A GIRL I GOT A BONER UNDER A SKIRT!"

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This is one of the reference pictures for Victor.

Leaving this much up to the players at this stage just seems like a good way to lose some. It might not be the best idea given the only write in prompts and your slow update speed already working to lower the amount of people willing to play.

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>>37735313
Now improved vastly with femininity and a better sense of style.

>>37735308
>>37735281
I'll second that. If you're still uncomfortable with it, I understand and I'll let it go though

Well... he's obviously afraid of at least Salamences. Really, I'm not sure what all to go on; we'd really need more information about what his hometown was like, and how his mother and father were. Things like types they used, personalities -- we need information to give you information, in short.

>>37735344
>>37735313
Almost a minute apart, wow.

On the note of trapping though, I'm in with >>37735308 but it isn't essential or anything.

>>37735281
I think actively rejecting the trap thing, and acting the opposite could work well, then.

Also, could the Savant thing kick in after a certain age? Maybe we tried to catch a Dratini too early, and were shaped by it.

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>>37735009
>>37735031
>>37735308
>pic related

>>37735344
Also >pic related

>>37735441
Eeeh. Doesn't sound very fun to me, too cliche and overdone. I'd prefer acting like a MANLY MAN plus >>37735308

>>37735308
>>37735375

Okay, so you'd prefer Victor to be a bit vain. I can use that.

>>37735327

I understand. I'll use that criticism accordingly.

>>37735399

Ah, I'm sorry. I'll compile a list of characteristics after this next post.

>>37735344

I'm not opposed to using this picture.

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>>37735491
Vain and prideful in their appearance, but still outright rejecting they're a girl while still furthering their femininity. Contradicting, but fun.

>>37735542
I can get behind this.

>>37735542
What do you mean by furthering femininity

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>>37735542
>>37735491
If you don't know who this character is, it's Saber from Fate/Stay Night. Outfit is highlighted and shown more in Fate/Zero however.

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>>37735586
Make-up, doting on her hair, picking out clothes which subtly promote his androgyny and femininity. That sort of thing. Not to mention endless skin and hair care products.

>>37735586
Sort of like being a metrosexual, I assume. I.e., caring for the more 'womanly' aspects of his appearance.

>>37735617
Fuck that. why am I the only guy on /tg/ who isn't gender dysphoric?

>>37735617
Not interested.

>>37735617
>her
We're a guy though

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>>37735649
Because you're a faggot.

Seriously though, no idea. That being said, Victor isn't Gender dysphoric at all. Far from it.

>>37735617
>>37735623

Eh, that's a bit too blatant. I'd rather it be a subtle thing.

He's a pretty boy who occasionally gets mistaken for a girl (mainly when it's funny). He's a Sentinel after all, so he's already going to be pretty fit, and he has an Adam's apple

>>37735617
>>37735623
That sounds great to me

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>>37735676
Shit. Sorry. I'm identifying Victor as Saber, but saber's a girl.

>>37735689
Being fit isn't exactly a male only trait you know. Besides, plenty of ways to be fit and be feminine.

>>37735649
I with you anon.

>>37735689
This. please for the love of god this. Enough of the trap fetishism on the Mc.

>>37735721
Suppose you have a point, sure then

See this is the problem, we're basically doing another chargen 3 threads into the quest. But with out a proper vote or clear options.

>>37735722
>Trap fetishism
God, why do you people always reduce something down to the sexual base? We've already gotten past the fact no one cares this isn't sexual or fetishy.

Well I for one support a meterosexual vain and prideful Victor

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>>37735738
If it's really that bad someone could set up a strawpoll or something.

>>37735761
I think we should just be a guy who cares way too much about his appearance and is prideful about it. No makeup or trying to look like a girl

>>37735761
I personally would've preferred a beef McLargeHuge MOUNTAIN MAN Victor, but we've already firmly locked ourselves out of that route.

I do think having him aspire to be that, but his genes not allowing him to do so, could be an interesting character and personality trait.

>>37735799
That's... Exactly what they're suggesting though? Just that furthering his appearance makes him looks a little more feminine.

Also:
>No make up
Men can use make up too anon, even manly men

>>37735738

I'm realizing that.

Sorry about this hold up folks.

I'm adding "Vain and Prideful" to Victor's personality so that's one Fate Point for you guys.

>>37735799
So Yumichika from bleach then? Also I find it kind of funny that the first male savant is so girly.

>>37735818
Not sure what the appeal of playing a character like that myself is really. Regardless, we can still ACT like we are one, isn't that something at least?

>>37735823
Big difference between being an effeminate bishie and being a metrosexual.

>>37735837
yeah. mostly. Hopefully not that over the top vain though.

honestly with all this girly stuff I just like to think he might us girly hair care products and maybe be a bit to worried about how his hair looks but beyond that everything else is just genetics. I like to think that he's less of a trap and just looks naturally girly and other then a few small quirks (like being a little to obsess about his hair) is otherwise just a normal 19 year old guy. I mean we spent half of the last thread trying to get him to get one of his teachers to go out on a date with him.

>>37735833
Well, currently it's only vain and prideful in regards to appearance

>>37735823
>manly men use makeup
You're joking, right?

>>37735896
You can be a meterosexual and still want to fuck hot chicks

>>37735794
That's not the point, really. There are other players that aren't here right now who may not want to have radical shifts in the MC's appearance or personality. These things are usually decided at the start of the quest, not 3 threads in when people who may not be here right now have no say in determining such major aspects of the MC.

>>37735925
Stop trying to force a sexuality on him anon.

Guys, lets wait until Sleepless posts the character traits we have so far or until after the thread.

Sleepless, you probably should have waited until then.

>>37735897
>>37735833
This.

I'd say expand Prideful out though.

>>37735943
Isn't the fact it's three threads in better? Then you won't have to deal with trolls and such

>>37735917
I've seen some use it for acne, plus actors and such.

That's a copout for proper hygiene though. No self respecting person responsible for their own appearance would have to use makeup.

Anyway, from what's been said of his childhood, he was "gloomy and lonely". This makes me think perhaps puberty and such weren't kind to him and he was like a fat pizzaface faggot, which wouldn't have helped his confidence. Years later he's worked to improve himself, hence his newfound vanity.

>>37735979
But you also alienate players who didn't sign up to suddenly have the MC altered in ways that are typically handled at the very beginning of the quest. How were they supposed to know we'd basically be rerolling the character in the third thread?

>>37736044
That's exactly the same for every vote in the quest anon

>>37736061
That's just not true.

>>37736044
We're not rerolling anything, though. His backstory is essentially empty, and from what we've seen, his personality at large is as well.

>>37736099
Remember the large alienation in the way the MC acted around the teacher last thread? We had people arguing back and forth about groping her and such for ages. It's EXACTLY true

>>37736019
i think assuming that he was a fat pizzaface faggot just because he was gloomy and lonely is a bit of a stretch

>>37736243
No shit, but I'm building on the whole vanity thing. If he hadn't changed a bit since the old days, why would he act differently now?

>>37736292

He's changed quite a bit. He's not mopey and lonely and apparently cracks jokes, is sarcastic, and has confidence in himself.

>>37732872

You draw your blade after placing your bow and quiver on the Weapon Rack. While hanging your quiver, you surreptitiously grab a handful of dirt from the ground and turn to face Cyril. The sun is almost directly overhead at this point and the noise of the Grounds’ other occupants fills the air. The wind blows slightly, tugging on your ponytail. You raise the sword in a one handed grip, pointed toward Cyril, and keep the fist of sand close to the handle of the blade, trying to give the illusion of keeping both hands on the blade. Your right foot is put forward, your shoulders square. Cyril’s eyes lock with yours, and the tension between the two of you rises.

The first thrust is a probing attack, a feint that receives no reaction from the Major. He just quirks an eyebrow at you and doesn’t move to block it. So, you launch yourself into a heavy thrust, aiming for Cyril’s stomach. His fist moves so fast that it’s a blur, hitting the side of your sword and knocking it off target. The balance has shifted, and his fist is now rocketing towards your midsection. Sucking your stomach in, you pirouette around the attack, barely avoiding it and placing yourself right behind Cyril.

>(Cont.)

[Name got deleted when I accidentally closed the page]

>>37736349

The Major whirls around, fists at the ready, but you, sensing an opportunity, release your fistful of dirt right into his face. He coughs and splutters, one hand going to his face, the other immediately forming a rudimentary guard. This is your chance, and you immediately slash downwards across Cyril’s torso. Well, you would have, if the Major hadn’t reached out and grabbed the blade of your sword. With his bare hand. There’s no blood leaking from the hand and the man doesn’t cry out in pain. You don’t think you broke the skin at all. You try yanking your sword from his grip, but it doesn’t move at all.

Cyril opens one eye, an eye that was shut BEFORE your dirt attack hit his face, and grins. “Gotcha.”

That’s when you release the handle of your sword and shoulder tackle him. You catch him off guard, and with enough force to actually knock him off his feet. On the ground, the advantage is still his. He has greater strength, mass, and experience. But you fight like a rabid Zangoose, your pride demanding that you not lose, and when the Major finally pins you in a headlock, he’s panting, out of breath.

“Goddamn!” He exclaims before letting go of you and rolling to his feet. “You’re good. Damn good.” He reaches out a hand to offer you help up.

>Action?
>Response?

quick question, from what I'm getting from this little debate when does our character hate being mistaken for a girl? Cause what I got is that he likes to look good because he's a bit vain in his appearance but is it that he likes being called pretty but calling him a girl is taking it to far or what. I mean with that one chick we met in the first thread I got the feeling that Victor hates being called a girl but everyone is saying (in varying degrees) that he likes to at least look good. Just trying to figure out where he draws the line between something he'd take as a complement and something he'd take as a insult?

>>37736378
>Smile and take his hand.
You're determined not to be defeated again, but know that you can't beat everyone. You take this loss in your stride and are determined to become better.

>>37736378
Take his hand and ask if he has any feedback on the fight.

>>37736378
I have to say you did well yourself sir. Is that steel empathy thing why the blade didn't cut you or do I need to have my sword sharpened? Because I just had it reforged.

>>37736378
Take his hand and get up
Obsessively try to get all of the dirt off of ourself

>>37736378
Get up yourself, but take his hand and shake it. Assume that it was meant to be an acknowledgement of a good match

>>37736378
>Not good enough to have won.
Smile, and accept defeat.

>>37736378
Take his hand and smile.
I take it that was your steel attunement at work? I gotta say it was pretty freaking awesome. So, pointers? Where did I mes up?

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>Name: Victor Kane
>Male
>Age: 19
>Height: 5'9
>Weight: 150 lbs
>Appearance: decidedly feminine, reminiscent of what few memories you have of your mother. Your features are narrower and sharp and while you are average height, you are rather slender but still corded with lean muscle. Your hair is a deep gold and your eyes shine cerulean.

Significant Facts:

>Hometown, out on the Frontier, was destroyed by Raiders when he was 9.
>Mother died when he was very young and his Father, a Sentinel, raised him
>Father read to him stories of heroes of old, inspiring a love for history and legends
>Hates being mistaken for a girl
>Is self-conscious of appearance and a bit vain as a result
>Has a strong pride, and refuses to let himself do anything but his best
>Is capable of joking and being sarcastic
>Apparently favors flexibility
>Best Friend is Darius Hammerworth, a giant of a man who helped break him out of his shell after the attack that destroyed his home
>Is a good tactician and combatant

Points to be discussed:

>Does Victor have a fear of Dragon species?

>>37736661
Less a fear, and more of a need to overcome a tough challenge.

>>37736661
Not all dragons, but definitely Salamence.

>>37736661
No he doesn't. He has a healthy respect for them, though. He really wants to capture and train a dragon type pokemon one day.

>>37736661
I'd be down with having a fear of dragons, it's definitely a valid fear

>>37736661
>Does Victor have a fear of Dragon species?
don't want to say fear exactly but he's a bit hesitant around them. Although Salamence does bring back bad memories.

>>37736661
Wrong Saber OP. Oh well.

>>Is self-conscious of appearance and a bit vain as a result
Self-conscious isn't the way I'd put it, should be more PROUD of appearance and vain as a result.

On dragons, seconding >>37736726 >>37736712

>>37736661
I could see him realistically having either a strong fear or burning hatred for Salamence and a general dislike of other dragon types.

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>>37736661
That was the wrong saber...

>>37736661
I'll go with slight fear but, mostly respect.

>>37736661
Not of dragons in general, but Salamence in particular.

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>>37736787

Sadly, the ones I really liked were posted,

>>37736661

It looks like you're leaning toward not a fear but a bit of apprehension and more respect. He may have a negative reaction toward Salamence. I can work with that.

Next:

>Victor was eventually found by a Ranger patrol that came through the remains of his home town. But before they did, he found his father's corpse, lying on top of a pile of raider corpses just inside the gates. What did he do after finding it?

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>>37737044
>Sadly, the ones I really liked were posted,
Ah, I can understand that

>>37737044
Cry like a kid, tried to wake him up. Then buried him as best he could. (not well)

>>37737044
>>37737084
I agree with this. Maybe he even still has nightmares about it.

>>37737084
This.

>>37737044
well got moopy like you said earlier but I like to think this is what made him always try his best at everything because he respected his father and like all kids thought his dad was invincable. After seeing that wasn't the case strived to better himself the best way he could because he if his father wasn't strong enough he'd have to become stronger to avenge him. After growing up a bit he was less revenged focus seeing as he never really knew who attacked him in the first place and cheered up in time but the work ethic he set for himself never went away.

>>37737044
Don't believe it. Walk on and not realize.

>>37737044
He took one of his dad's personal belongings to keep and remember him

>>37737044
>>37737121
I'll support this too: >>37737229

>>37737044
He refused to believe it and tried to drag him to safety. When it was clear he was to weak to move his father he took his sword and basically used it like a security blanket until he was found.

>>37737044
>>37737084
This sounds good to me.

>>37737229
isn't that how we got the sword? I remember something about having it for a while but I can't remember if victor said he had it since he got to the sentinels or before.

Tried to drag him to safety, realized he was dead, cried, and tried to bury him is what I'm getting.

>>37737299
>>37737229
>>37737084
>>37737319

Nothing like that was ever mentioned but the remnants of your father's sword could have been used to forge yours. That's an excellent detail that I really like.

>>37736378

You reach out and grab the Major’s hand, hoisting yourself to you feet and then shaking it. You dust yourself off, smoothing out your hair and clothes.

Smiling, you respond. “Not good enough to have won.”

Cyril grins back. “Son, I’m almost fifty years old. I’ve spent close to thirty years as a Sentinel. I have more experience than your entire class combined. And you knocked me off my feet. I don’t think you realize how big an accomplishment that is.”

Your hurt pride feels slightly better. Walking to your discarded sword, you pick it up, inspecting it for damage. The blue steel is completely unmarred, although a little dirty. Wiping it off, you slide it back into your scabbard and walk back to the Major. Now, you’re pretty curious.

“That trick where you grabbed my sword with your bare hand,” You begin. “I take it that was your steel attunement at work or do I need to have my sword sharpened? Because I gotta say it was pretty freaking awesome.”

The Major’s grin grows wider. “Yes, it was. You’ll probably end up learning that particular move yourself soon enough. It just requires a bit of concentration.”

You nod. “So, pointers? Where did I mes up?”

>(Cont.)

>>37737490

The old Sentinel strokes his chin. “Your footwork was good, your reflexes are excellent, and you are willing to resort to dirty tactics. However, you telegraph your attacks a bit too much and are a bit indecisive. You need to decide where, when and how to strike very quickly and follow through. And while you’re in excellent shape, I suggest avoiding grappling. You may be ferocious, but you just don’t have the mass to pull it off. Quick, efficient strikes is what I suggest.”

“Any other questions or should we move on to the Pokemon battle?”

>Questions?

>>37737508
any tips you could give me if I ever find myself in a fight where I'm outnumbered. Figure it would be better to ask now instead of finding out through the school of hard knocks.

Oh and he's a steel type user so I'd recommend using shellshocker. Unless we're using more then one pokemon of course

>>37737508
Nope, let's move on

>>37737508
Nope, I'm good thanks for the tips.

>>37737508
Thank him and move on.

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>>37737508

“Any advice for fighting multiple opponents?” You ask.

“Space.” The Major responds. “Keep moving and keep a good amount of space between you and your opponents. It allows you to dodge, redirect them into each other or any other number of tricks. Speed is also important if you want to keep yourself alive.”

“Got it.” You nod. “I’m ready for that battle.”

“Good.” Cyril walks to the other side of the pitch. “I’ll go easy on you!”

He grabs a Pokeball from his belt and throws it as he spins around to face you. The ball cracks open and a flood of white energy coalesces into… a Lucario. The canine Pokemon starts off crouching on the ground but quickly straightens up, letting a bluish white energy flow up its arms.

You reach to the Pokeballs magnetically affixed to your belt and choose…

>Shellshocker
>Cobalt
>Terra

>>37738142
>Cobalt

>>37738142
>Cobalt

>>37738142
>Shellshocker
mostly worried that his Lucario might have a ground move or two. Plus with shellshocker being a water type all iron moves will be halved.

>>37738142
>Cobalt

>>37738142
>Shellshocker

>>37738142
>>Shellshocker

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>>37738142

“Come on out, Cobalt!” You shout as you toss the Metang’s Pokeball out to the field.

The wash of white light reveals Cobalt in all its metallic glory. The Metang’s claws twitch upon seeing the Lucario but doesn’t outwardly react in any way.

{MASTER.} You hear in your head. {WILL WE BE FIGHTING?}

You nod imperceptibly and you feel the Metang absorb some of your determination.

{WE SHALL PREVAIL.} It declares.

“Are you ready, Victor?” Cyril calls from across the field. “This is a yield battle, not one to the death.”

>Strategy?

>Have Cobalt focus on Mentally disrupting the Lucario
>Have Cobalt rush in and Tank the Lucario’s blows while clawing at it
>Have Cobalt stay at range while pelting it with Psychic attacks
>Write-in

[Special Trait: Telepathy. Cobalt does not need you to verbalize your commands. Simply think them towards it and the Metang will carry them out.]

>>37738450
>Have Cobalt stay at range while pelting it with Psychic attacks

>>37738450
>Have Cobalt stay at range while pelting it with Psychic attacks
It's got a lot more experience than you so for the love of Arceus stay at range.

>>37738450
>Have Cobalt stay at range while pelting it with Psychic attacks

>>37738450
>Have Cobalt stay at range while pelting it with Psychic attacks
and if it gets close we can have have her punch it or hit it with a zen headbutt.

>>37738450
>Have Cobalt focus on Mentally disrupting the Lucario

>>37738450
>>Have Cobalt stay at range while pelting it with Psychic attacks

>>37738450
>>Have Cobalt focus on Mentally disrupting the Lucario
Confuse, THEN obliterate.

Rolled 3 (1d20)

Can I get a d20 roll please?

Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>37738734
sure I hope we can beat a 3.

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>37738734

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>37738734
beat the 3 then?

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>37738450

“Aaron!” Cyril calls out. “Alpha!”

The Lucario immediately crouches down and sprints toward Cobalt at al unreal speed, trailing that same blue-white energy.

{Cobalt!} You shout over the mental link. {Don’t let it get too close! Move and hit him with some psychic bolts!}

The Lucario is fast but Cobalt is faster. It takes off at an intense speed, strafing to the left while firing several purple bolts from its eyes. The Lucario dodges the vast majority of them with an astonishing amount of grace and finesse, contorting and twirling its way through the barrage.

Then, one particularly well placed bolt hits it between the eyes, knocking it flat on its back. It flips to its feet after a moment but it looks slightly disoriented.

>Action
>Have Cobalt continue the Barrage
>Have Cobalt try to mentally influence the Lucario
>Have Cobalt rush the Lucario while its disoriented
>Write-in

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>37738913
>Have Cobalt try to mentally influence the Lucario
Confusion!

We roll a d20 right?

>>37738913
>>Have Cobalt try to mentally influence the Lucario

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>37738913
> Have Cobalt rush the Lucario.

Bullet punch!

>>37738913
>Have Cobalt continue the Barrage
We can hit it just fine from here.

>>37738913
>Have Cobalt try to mentally influence the Lucario
damn this thing is fast, might not be a bad idea to trip it up before we tear it apart.

Also do we need to roll?

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>37738934
>>37738961


Yes, lets cut out the middleman.

I'll take the first three rolls but they will be applied to whatever wins the vote rather than what the rollers voted for.

>>37738913
>Have Cobalt rush the Lucario while its disoriented

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>37738976
uh, are we trying to beat the 12 or 20?

>>37739021

The twelve.

>>37739021
Praise anon

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>37738976
rolling
>>37739047
thank you!

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>37738913
>>Have Cobalt continue the Barrage

>>37738913

{Cobalt! Try to see if you can get inside his head.} You transmit.

Cobalt’s eyes glow blue and you sense her trying to make a connection with the Lucario. It’s slow going, the Lucario’s mind is hard, dense as the Steel it’s made of. You can see the Lucario visibly struggling, its eyes squeezed shut and paws clutching its head. Cobalt only gets a little ways in before being repulsed entirely. It turns out the Lucario has quite a bit of mental fortitude.

“Execute Epsilon” Cyril shouts.

Immediately, the Lucario’s eyes snap open and the energy surrounding it flares. The blue-white light coalesces in front of it begins to spin rapidly, generating arcs of energy that coil around the ball.

{Cobalt! Mo-} But it’s too late.

The ball is released and it zips off with a crackling hum. Cobalt barely has a chance to react, the blast slamming right into its metal body and exploding, throwing the Metang out of the field.

You cringe as the feedback of the pain of the blast streams into your head. It’s disorienting but a relief when you feel Cobalt’s thoughts return to normal. There’s still pain, but it’s being held back by determination. Cobalt’s body is singed and battered, but its still floating, barely. That was an incredibly powerful attack and it’s a testament to Cobalt’s toughness that it remained conscious.

“Victor!” Cyris calls. “Your Metang is looking a little beat up. Do you want to continue?”

>Action?

>>37739437
"Nah. You did good, Cobalt."

>>37739437
Switch to Shell

>>37739437
thinking we should call it, I mean the whole thing is just to gauge ability and not to actually win. That said though as Cobalt if she want to keep going. this is as much her battle as it is ours.

>>37739437
>>37739558
This sounds good to me. We aren't the one taking the ass kicking. We should see if she thinks she can go on.

>>37739437
Cobalt you wanna call it or keep on?

>>37739437

{Cobalt? Do you want to keep going?} You ask her.

{I WILL IF I MUST} She replies.

You frown. {No, Cobalt, do YOU want to keep going? You’re pretty badly hurt.}

There’s a pause. {... I SUPPOSE IT WOULD BE PRUDENT TO PURSUE REPAIRS.}

You smile.

“Come on back Cobalt!” You yell as you throw her Pokeball.

The red beam envelopes her and she dissolves into motes of light. You catch the ball as it bounces back towards you. Across the field, Cyril has recalled his Lucario as well and is walking over to meet you.

“You and your Metang did well.” He says. “You worked together and strategized well. The only issue is that neither you nor it have much experience. Your Metang also needs to grow more before it will be able to take on an opponent of Aaron’s caliber.”

He smiles. “You also did well to recall it before it was too hurt.”

You nod. “Well, I asked her if she wanted to continue then convinced her to return.”

“That’s good. It shows you really care about your Pokemon.”
He pats you on the back. “With a little more experience, you’ll go far.”

>Thread End

[Sorry gents, I'd continue if I could, but I'm already pretty wiped. Not sure when the next thread will be since i haven't received a schedule for my week yet.]

[I can stick around to answer questions, address concerns, and stuff like that. I can't promise that I'll answer every question, but I'll do my best for most of them. Feel free to ask about the setting and mechanics.]

>>37740236
Good thread. Thanks for running.

>>37740236
Thanks for running!

>>37740236
level wise, how much stronger was Cyril's Lucario then Cobalt? Also what level would you say all our pokemon are at? If you're not using levels then could you at least answer which pokemon is our strongest? I'm guessing Shellshocker simply because we've had him longer.

>>37740410

Admittedly, I'm avoiding using levels as an indicator of relevant strength but if I were to gauge it...

Cyril's Lucario is the weakest of his Pokemon and it was a good 30-40 levels above Cobalt.

Shellshocker is indeed the Strongest of your Pokemon at about mid forties. Cobalt is in the high thirties and Terra is around level 5. Your Pokemon got plenty of training while at the Academy, but they plateau'd out because the environment wasn't challenging enough.

>>37740526
no our levels are like

Shellshocker: mid-high 20's (like 28)
Cobalt: mid 20's (like 24-26)
Terra: 5

>>37740526
so Cyril is around elite 4 power in strength got it. Oh and with the topic of elite 4. What are gyms and what is there purpose in this world? I mean are they just more or less competitive battles like in the games or do they have another purpose in this world?

>>37740610

I did believe I said that I modified the rules. Your Pokemon are pretty strong, and can easily take on the vast majority of trainers in the world. This is also why I didn't want to use the level system.

>>37740616

Gyms in this world serve a two-fold purpose. Originally, there were powerful Warlords who ruled city-states across many regions. The First Champion defeated each of the Warlords and earned a token of Respect from each of them and united them into the regions of Kanto and Johto and ruled over them. The Elite 4 were his four most trusted and skilled retainers. Eventually, a long time passed and the Rulers of the city-states became Gym Leaders, each managing over a Gym that would educate new warriors.

Some trainers seek to become the new Champion and so, they have to travel to each Gym, defeat their trainer and earn a badge of Respect, defeat the Elite 4 and then defeat the Champion.

Gym leaders are essentially the defacto rulers of various cities with the Champion being a High Ruler.

>>37740886
huh, well I want to ask more questions but at the same time I'm kinda tired so I'll just wait till the next thread. Thanks for running Sleepless and I look forward to next time you run.