Brightflame
Lord of the Dance
- Location
- Inkopolis
Calling the vote and while it's a bare majority, it seems Rocket will try To Unite All People within their nation this turn!
To Be the Very Best: Rocket Quest - An 8-BD CK2 Quest
- Thread starter Brightflame
- Start date
- Crossover Sci-Fi
Omegahugger
Inattentive Idiot
A shame we aren't sending Karen to Saffron, it would've been fun if she somehow encountered Sabrina while no one knows that Dark Types even exist.
Threnodist
occupying Haudenosaunee & Osage land she/her/hers
- Location
- Pittsburgh
just found this quest, fun read so far, intrigued about the wider world, excited to participate!
Welcome aboard! This has been a ton of fun since I found it too, I hope you end up enjoying this as much as I have.
KnownParadox
Not a sphere
- Location
- Canada
I wonder what other districts think about or even know about pokemon? Like, we have a single district, maybe two with Johto, we aren't exactly populous compared to others. Maybe on the desk of Wily we're just "the district with higher than average amount of mutant animals" lost in a report of a dozen other districts.
WilyQuest: Silph? That sounds vaguely familiar, I think. But right now we've gotta worry about that fuck Eggman.
WilyQuest: Silph? That sounds vaguely familiar, I think. But right now we've gotta worry about that fuck Eggman.
I love the idea that Wily and a lot of the big corpos not from the region pronounce Pokemon in the most boomer way possible. "Pokeymanz? Is that some sort of typo on the report?".
Personally I imagine Pokemon aren't super well known outside of the regions they're in...but they have the potential for a lot of popularity once knowledge of them and Pokemon themselves are spread. Kind of like the games in real life.
Only instead of kids trading Pokemon on the playground, it's disaffected youths trading Pokemon in alleyways or workers having small ad-hoc leagues with betting pools.
KnownParadox
Not a sphere
- Location
- Canada
We've gotta get on that pokemon monopoly as soon as possible. Or at least be seen as the leading figures and experts. Being at the head of a Pokemon League as pokemon inevitably start spreading district by district will earn us a lot of respect.
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I agree! Thankfully, I think Rocket Group has a better grasp on the heart of Pokemon then Silph.co. That said, we can't rest on our laurels. It'll be good to see when we eventually spread Pokemon to the other region. Being the head of the League will be one part of that, but getting a grasp of the Trading System and Pokemon Breeding will be just as important in that regard.
KnownParadox
Not a sphere
- Location
- Canada
How would one advertise pokemon? Pets? Home defence that's cute and cuddly? Weapons of war? Probably not that last one, the robotics guys have that one on lock. Getting as many pokemon into as many people as possible hands might be the way to go. What we potentially lose in having weapons that nobody else has we'd gain in influence as the Pokemon League.
Brightflame
Lord of the Dance
- Location
- Inkopolis
Hi. On mobile so I can't type as much as I want but I will address this with what Rocket does know.
The initial Pokemon outbreak was not a quiet affair, as such neighboring Zones took notice. Neo-Johto before the lockdown was home to several fledgling corps that were fairly transparent in their interest in Pokemon, though Silph managed to keep them away from any potential rivals. Volt Electronics almost certainly does know of Pokemon, esepcially with Silph purchasing most of the electronical components for Pokeballs and PCs from them. Even the remnant gangsters in ruined Sotenbori knows about them to an extent, but lack the knowledge to think of them beyond being mutated wildlife.
Beyond that...it's a bit tricky. Silph Co has so far been good at keeping things under the radar, but at the same time the Big Three has eyes on alot of places...atleast they haven't done anything so far if they are truly aware, and frankly they aren't even the most problematic if they have such knowledge.
That would be A.T.A.R.I, who would probably attempt a campaign on exterminating all Pokemon if they knew about them and the resources for it, all for being non-Earth lifeforms, making them an obstacle for ATARI's vision of creating a new Earth on Princeps.
Also, update is coming along...there's just alot going on this turn. Sorry for the wait.
RocketDex Entry #4 and #5: Grimer, Muk, and Magikarp | KnownParadox (Canon)
KnownParadox
Not a sphere
- Location
- Canada
ROCKET GROUP POKEMON DATABASE
ROCKETDEX ENTRY #04: GRIMER & MUK
#088 - GRIMER [POISON]
Sludge Pokemon
"Appears in filthy areas. Thrives by sucking up polluted sludge that is pumped out of factories."
#089 - MUK [POISON]
Sludge Pokemon
"Thickly covered with a filthy, vile sludge. It is so toxic, even its footprints contain poison."
INFORMATION: Grimer and Muk are masses of slime and industrial waste, descended from a curious species native to Princeps Dominae commonly called a Chu, and are pure poison-type pokemon. Handlers are to be warned to wear rubber gloves and wear a mask when working with Grimer, and should upgrade to more specialized gear when handling its evolution Muk. They typically eat the industrial waste and runoff of factories or similar structures and infest garbage dumping sites and sewers, using them as homes, food supply, and breeding grounds all at once. Grimer and Muk reproduce asexually and often spit out several new Grimer every few months, faster if in a spectacularly polluted environment. The exact conditions are hotly debated, with the most prominent theories being sufficient mass or sufficient concentration of poison in its being.
KNOWN MOVES: Sludge, Sludge Bomb, Poison Gas, Toxic, Acid Armour, Minimize, Disable, Sludge Wave*.
APPLICATIONS, CIVILIAN: As a method of waste disposal accept no substitute. Application of Grimer and Muk could reduce the amount of pollution expulsed by as much as 20%, so long as care is taken to make sure they don't worsen things by staying and turning the dump site into another breeding ground. Attempts at using their natural excretion in various medicines (at far smaller dosages) are ongoing.
APPLICATIONS, SPECIAL: Specialized operatives with trained Muk or even Grimer could devastate an organizations food supply for months or even years by simply releasing them into the targeted farm, hydroponics facility, or long term food storage area and letting it do what comes naturally. The taint of them passing is hard to remove and if subtle enough could lay an entire Area low with sickness and death. Simply leaving a specimen in some dark forgotten corner with ample access to trash can ensure a near indefinite infestation of Grimer and Muk if not detected early enough by local authorities. Their use in battle is also evident, as few pokemon will want to even touch the things and the scent alone could distract an opponent in the heat of battle at the right moment.
*We have not yet encounted a specimen of Grimer or Muk than can use the aptly named Sludge Wave technique alone yet. But we have received reports of irate groups of Muk using it in unison, to devastating effect.
. . . . .
"What? You want me to do another? Look man I'm about to get off of my shift and-
"..."
"-Look, I get I'm behind but still-"
"..."
"...Alright, whatever. What is it?"
"..."
"You're joking me. Wait, seriously? Oh God man I thought you were serious and I'd have to do a report on those fucking rats that keep chewing on the cables. Alright man I'll get this done quick."
"...?"
"Yeah yeah I know, I'll still put the work in. Not like there's a lot to say about it anyways."
"..."
. . . . .
ROCKET GROUP POKEMON DATABASE
ROCKETDEX ENTRY #05: MAGIKARP
#129 - MAGIKARP [WATER]
Fish Pokemon
"It is virtually worthless in terms of both power and speed. It is the most weak and pathetic Pokémon in the world."
KNOWN MOVES: Splash.
INFORMATION: A common sight in the waters around Neo-Kanto, they breed rapidly and in large numbers as they don't have the power necessary to compete with other wildlife. Fishermen consider them a nice surprise since most other water-type pokemon typically fight back after being caught.
APPLICATIONS, CIVILIAN: Collectors like the look of them in curated ponds. Parents of rich kids sometimes give them to their children as pets, but not often, as most are more enthused with more standard examples of pokemon, like a Ponyta, Jigglypuff, or the exceedingly rare Eevee. Their unusually thick layer of scales dissuaded initial attempts at being fished for food, but they now serve as a growing staple in the Kanto region, seeing as they still provide plenty of meat once the armor is removed.
APPLICATIONS, SPECIAL: To be blunt. It's just a fish. It might be a little stronger and tougher than the ones back on Earth, but there's nothing else worth mentioning that I can think of. I heard about some recent scams to unsuspecting trainers but I personally doubt that it can be upscaled to make an actual profit.
ROCKETDEX ENTRY #04: GRIMER & MUK
#088 - GRIMER [POISON]
Sludge Pokemon
"Appears in filthy areas. Thrives by sucking up polluted sludge that is pumped out of factories."
#089 - MUK [POISON]
Sludge Pokemon
"Thickly covered with a filthy, vile sludge. It is so toxic, even its footprints contain poison."
INFORMATION: Grimer and Muk are masses of slime and industrial waste, descended from a curious species native to Princeps Dominae commonly called a Chu, and are pure poison-type pokemon. Handlers are to be warned to wear rubber gloves and wear a mask when working with Grimer, and should upgrade to more specialized gear when handling its evolution Muk. They typically eat the industrial waste and runoff of factories or similar structures and infest garbage dumping sites and sewers, using them as homes, food supply, and breeding grounds all at once. Grimer and Muk reproduce asexually and often spit out several new Grimer every few months, faster if in a spectacularly polluted environment. The exact conditions are hotly debated, with the most prominent theories being sufficient mass or sufficient concentration of poison in its being.
KNOWN MOVES: Sludge, Sludge Bomb, Poison Gas, Toxic, Acid Armour, Minimize, Disable, Sludge Wave*.
APPLICATIONS, CIVILIAN: As a method of waste disposal accept no substitute. Application of Grimer and Muk could reduce the amount of pollution expulsed by as much as 20%, so long as care is taken to make sure they don't worsen things by staying and turning the dump site into another breeding ground. Attempts at using their natural excretion in various medicines (at far smaller dosages) are ongoing.
APPLICATIONS, SPECIAL: Specialized operatives with trained Muk or even Grimer could devastate an organizations food supply for months or even years by simply releasing them into the targeted farm, hydroponics facility, or long term food storage area and letting it do what comes naturally. The taint of them passing is hard to remove and if subtle enough could lay an entire Area low with sickness and death. Simply leaving a specimen in some dark forgotten corner with ample access to trash can ensure a near indefinite infestation of Grimer and Muk if not detected early enough by local authorities. Their use in battle is also evident, as few pokemon will want to even touch the things and the scent alone could distract an opponent in the heat of battle at the right moment.
*We have not yet encounted a specimen of Grimer or Muk than can use the aptly named Sludge Wave technique alone yet. But we have received reports of irate groups of Muk using it in unison, to devastating effect.
. . . . .
"What? You want me to do another? Look man I'm about to get off of my shift and-
"..."
"-Look, I get I'm behind but still-"
"..."
"...Alright, whatever. What is it?"
"..."
"You're joking me. Wait, seriously? Oh God man I thought you were serious and I'd have to do a report on those fucking rats that keep chewing on the cables. Alright man I'll get this done quick."
"...?"
"Yeah yeah I know, I'll still put the work in. Not like there's a lot to say about it anyways."
"..."
. . . . .
ROCKET GROUP POKEMON DATABASE
ROCKETDEX ENTRY #05: MAGIKARP
#129 - MAGIKARP [WATER]
Fish Pokemon
"It is virtually worthless in terms of both power and speed. It is the most weak and pathetic Pokémon in the world."
KNOWN MOVES: Splash.
INFORMATION: A common sight in the waters around Neo-Kanto, they breed rapidly and in large numbers as they don't have the power necessary to compete with other wildlife. Fishermen consider them a nice surprise since most other water-type pokemon typically fight back after being caught.
APPLICATIONS, CIVILIAN: Collectors like the look of them in curated ponds. Parents of rich kids sometimes give them to their children as pets, but not often, as most are more enthused with more standard examples of pokemon, like a Ponyta, Jigglypuff, or the exceedingly rare Eevee. Their unusually thick layer of scales dissuaded initial attempts at being fished for food, but they now serve as a growing staple in the Kanto region, seeing as they still provide plenty of meat once the armor is removed.
APPLICATIONS, SPECIAL: To be blunt. It's just a fish. It might be a little stronger and tougher than the ones back on Earth, but there's nothing else worth mentioning that I can think of. I heard about some recent scams to unsuspecting trainers but I personally doubt that it can be upscaled to make an actual profit.
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Lifeandlice
Practitioning side-character
- Location
- Usa
...oh. That's some interesting information.
Brightflame
Lord of the Dance
- Location
- Inkopolis
Ahhh, another Rocket Dex, two infact and both are very well written! Good work KP, for these two installments you gain 500 EXP!
Though, technically these would be Entries 4 and 5 rather than 3 and 4.
While I am at it, I will also say that the consumption of several pokemon (including Magikarps even) are actually normalized in this setting due to the difficulty it is to secure a decent supply of food, thanks to rampart pollution and the fact Princeps Dominare seems to despise Earth-based crops and makes it difficult for such to grow.
All pokemon that are socially acceptable to eat are almost exclusively pure Water and Grass Types, with some exceptions such as Slowpoke whose tails are considered delicacies by the upper classes of Neo-Kanto. Others include pokemon such as Goldeens, Psyducks, and even Tentacools (if properly prepared, otherwise you run the risk of being poisoned).
It is thanks to these pokemon, aswell as the strange berries that began to grow after the outbreak and the effectiveness of Ground and Grass types in rendering land useful for farming, that the food situation and even the standard quality of life in Neo-Kanto is better than most other zones despite the 'hermit kingdom' policy inplace heavily restricting trade.
KnownParadox
Not a sphere
- Location
- Canada
Pokemon really are game changers. We can start dominating the food industry by selling pokemon as well. Some prime Tauros meat with a nice Tangela side dish, and then a glass of cool, refreshing, and very healthy oran berry juice to wash it down, all sold by us.
Omegahugger
Inattentive Idiot
The real money is in the Magikarp.
See, you buy one Magikarp for, I dunno, 500 Pokédollars. That Magikarp lays a ton of eggs, which each will grow into its own Magikarp, each of which you can then sell for 500 Pokédollars and make buckloads of cash!
It's a perfect plan and definitely lot a lazy scheme.
See, you buy one Magikarp for, I dunno, 500 Pokédollars. That Magikarp lays a ton of eggs, which each will grow into its own Magikarp, each of which you can then sell for 500 Pokédollars and make buckloads of cash!
It's a perfect plan and definitely lot a lazy scheme.
Turn 4 Results
Brightflame
Lord of the Dance
- Location
- Inkopolis
ROCKET ACTIONS
-[X] (MARTIAL) Take the Dojo Challenge (Lieutenant Surge)
DC Autopass
It's a cold night in Saffron City. One wooden building stands alone in a sea of neon. From inside, passer-bys can hear the shout of warriors and the storm of battle raging within.
The gauntlet has been thrown down, and the Dojo Challenge has been accepted. The battle begins.
To be continued in: "Saffron Showdown"
-[X] (DIPLOMACY) Now Hiring (Neo-Kanto)
DC 45
92 + 22 = 104
Critical Success
Crit Roll: 81
"Our recruitment efforts have been immensely successful these past months," Ariana explains as you listen attentively. "A vast majority of our new hires hail from Vermillion City, thanks to the general discontent around Silph Co's lack of response to the Grimer epidemic. We have been able to subtly leverage the Lightning Lieutenant's newfound popularity to our favor."
You lean back into your chair and steeple your hands together.
"Additional forces are always good news, but what of their quality? Do any of them stand out?"
A pause lingers in the air, as Ariana shuffles through the papers in her hands.
"There are two additional ones of interest. The first is a recently-disgraced Pokemon Professor who has been accused of unethical conduct. The other is an ice-type specialist associated with the Pokémon Fan Club and similar social clubs."
You frown. Is Neo Kanto truly bereft of powerful trainers to serve as the Rocket Group's commanders? The organization's manpower, while formidable, is meaningless without generals capable of leading the grunts on your behalf. Recruitment out of the zone is looking more appealing by the minute, but that will be a matter for another day. For now, you have options within your borders.
"Noted. Maintain our current recruitment drive. In the meantime, I want you to gather information on the individual performance of our troops and prepare it for my personal viewing. Do what you must to see to it that this is done in a timely fashion."
"It will be done, sir," Ariana says with certainty. "Lastly, there is a letter addressed to you that I thought would be of interest to you. From Brock of Pewter City."
"Brock? The gym leader?"
Curious, you take the letter into your hands and read. It's extremely brief, and to the point, as it appears that Brock is a simple man of few words. He only needed seven to get your attention.
I heard that you're hiring.
Let's talk.
Additional Actions Unlocked
Select one of the following. Heroes not selected now may become recruitable by other factions on subsequent rounds.
[ ] Joey
An exuberant young braggart who boasts his rattata is in the "top percentage of rattatas". He is a mediocre trainer with scant prospects outside of gangs or Team Rocket.
Being loyal and just smart enough not to question orders, the makings of a good soldier are present. Though it may take extra time for the positive qualities of this particular soldier to bubble to the surface.
Known Pokemon: Rattata (Ace)
[ ] Wilton
Wilton is the youngest of the "Fishing Gurus" a trio of pro fishermen who adapted their skills at angling fish to catching water pokemon. According to your recruiters, Wilton is tired of living in his brothers' shadows and is seeking his own success. He has reluctantly approached Rocket for opportunities to make a proper name for himself.
He is a middle-of-the-road water specialist, who uses fish pokemon such as Goldeen and Seaking in battles. His expertise lies in catching and raising aquatic pokemon, as well as business acumen that Rocket Group has been lacking since its split from Silph Co.
Wilton would make a fine asset as you expand into more legitimate sectors along the coast.
Known Pokemon: Goldeen, Goldeen, Seaking (Ace)
[ ] Gentlemanly Jack
A man of high standing and uncompromising etiquette, "Gentlemanly" Jack is a socialite within Neo Kanto's circle of exclusive Pokemon Clubs. He's known to participate in a wide array of parties and social gatherings, possessing a certain charm that leaves his peers hooked on every word. His merits as a water and ice type specialist are not to be discounted.
Jack's interest in aligning himself to Rocket is peculiar; as a member of the elite, he stands to lose the most if the zone's status quo was to flip. After some digging, you've determined that Jack has had several disputes with the new money trainers in the Pokemon Clubs, who see him as a symbol of the old guard they're replacing. The chairman of the Lightning Club, Isaac, has a particular ax to grind with Gentlemanly Jack, resulting in Jack being cut off from several means of advancement in the past. Isaac's manipulations have dealt Jack's native Water Club a severe blow, and it's a wound that the Gentleman would be willing to 'switch sides' in order to redress.
Known Pokemon: Seel, Chansey, Lapras (Ace)
[ ] Eusine
An arrogant man in theatrical clothing, you were skeptical of Eusine's certifications as a pokemon researcher until you saw them yourself. While his credentials are real, Eusine has been shunned by his peers due to his radical theories on the origin of Mu and methods that have been criticized as bordering on pseudoscientific bunk. These claims have done little to hinder his quest for knowledge, but they have denied him funding from Silph Co or Blackthorn. Now, Eusine comes to you.
While unorthodox, Eusine can aid in Rocket's many experiments to unlock the true potential of pokemon. Provided you grant him the time and resources to pursue his own studies. Perhaps something useful will come out of them.
Known Pokemon: Drowsy, Haunter, Electrode (Ace)
[ ] Professor Sebastian
A former researcher under Silph Co, Professor Sebastian is most well known in scientific circles for his thesis regarding the application of radiation in "encouraging" pokemon evolution. While his thesis garnered some acclaim at the time, his attempts at securing funding for radiation treatments were shot down by Silph Co's ethics board. Using his position to "reallocate" resources to his restricted project netted him five years behind bars, reduced from his prior sentence only after he turned over the fruits of his labors to the company that scorned him.
Now that he has been released, his doubtlessly significant grudge against Silph Co can be exploited to sway him to your side. Should Professor Sebastian's theories hold water, being able to artificially force a pokemon to evolve would be a massive boon to Rocket.
Known Pokemon: N/A
-[X] (STEWARDSHIP) A Gym of His Own (Karen)
DC 45
5 + 23 + 13 + 1 + 5 = 47
Bare Success
"It's a bit small, don't you think?"
Karen's response is to give a shrug.
"It's the best I could do with the budget the Boss gave me."
Surge looks around the interior, which is a renovated warehouse with bare walls and floors. It was large enough to host a proper battle arena, though they'd need to make some changes. Add in some bleachers and tiling around the place so it looks more professional.
"What's with the trash cans?" Surge asks as he thumbs to the metal bins stacked along one wall.
"Dunno. They were there when we bought the place."
Oh well. He'll find a use for them somewhere around here.
"I've worked with worse," Surge said after finishing his look-over of his future gym. "I'll have to ditch a few of the fancier ideas I had cooking, but beggars can't be choosers! I'll let the Boss know I'll need a couple of weeks to tinker with the gym and work my electrifying magic."
"You're sounding a bit too pumped about grinding what a bunch of newbie trainers into the dirt," Karen said with a smirk. "Maybe I'll come to visit so you don't get cozy on your roost, Gym Leader."
Surge turns towards Karen with a large grin.
"That sounds an awful lot like a challenge. How's about we give this gym a test run?"
The Vermillion City Gym is open for business!
Surge appreciates Rocket's help in this endeavor. His loyalty has gone up by 15.
+5 Influence to Vermillion City
-[X] (INTRIGUE) Infiltrate the Pokemon Kanto Federation (Copycat)
DC 75
33 + 37 + 29 + 3 + 20 + 15 = 137
Critical Success
Crit Roll: 78
Infiltrating a competitor is no small feat. It requires a high degree of subtlety, planning, knowledge of your enemy, and a way of covering your tracks.
Copycat has accomplished this and more. While her original goal was to infiltrate the gang from the bottom level and report on their operations, what you did not expect was for Copycat to reestablish the defunct Sunnytown Gang. A former biker gang that operated on the outskirts of Route 17, it was one of the many gangs who were absorbed into the Rocket Group. Copycat revived the gang with most of its original membership intact, temporarily exchanging their grunt uniforms for their old patches and leather. After returning from what seemed to be their certain demise with a minor crime wave across the Cycling Road, "Mimi" of the Sunnytown Gang was given an invitation to join the Kanto Federation.
Seeing that the Pokemon Kanto Federation is ruled by a council composed of the constituent gang leaders, this gives Copycat a direct voice over the actions of the entire organization. It's one voice of roughly a dozen squabbling gangsters, but it's one that you can use to your advantage.
For such impressive work, you've decided to clear the debt she owed you for her timely bailout.
Most of it.
Through a clever ruse, Rocket now has a mole within the PKF ruling council.
Rocket will now be forewarned of the PKF's actions ahead of time and gain +10 in fending off any actions directly towards them.
Additional Actions Unlocked
-[X] (LEARNING) Develop a New Potion (Ariana)
DC 75
26 + 15 + 28 + 6 = 75
Exact Success
The VPL and Rocket's own R&D department have seemingly reached the limits of what modern science can do with pokemon medicine. As such, they started looking into unorthodox methods to see what stuck. Eventually, they came upon a herbal mixture consisting of several crushed berries that have a healing effect on the pokemon that consume it. When these berries are distilled and added to the Super Potion recipe, its effects are improved considerably.
The resulting "Hyper Potion" is quick to go into production and sold to Pokemarts across the Zone, albeit to much less fanfare as its predecessor due to the premium price. Still, a decent profit is made in the end.
The Hyper Potion is developed
+1 to Annual Income
+5 to Public Perception
PERSONAL ACTIONS:
-[X] (Personal) (Giovanni) Train Your Pokemon
EXP Gained:
Persian: 81
Eevee: 97!
Rhyhorn: 21
Onix: 45
Golem: 10
With the addition of Eevee, you opted to take a different approach to this training session. Instead of running an elimination tournament, you instead took your team into the Viridian Forest. Battling wild pokemon is different from those who have become comfortable in the new lives granted by their trainers. For these creatures, battles are a matter of life and death.
The results were unexpected. Your new addition, Eevee, was no pampered pet. It took out several pokemon on its own before exhausting itself. While you purchased it as a potential bargaining chip, you may have to keep it for your team after all. Persian is a more patient hunter, following not too far behind Eevee's rush of action. Golem is the least effective, though not from a lack of trying. Its mere presence was enough to spook most of the pokemon in the forest from approaching at all.
This training session was successful. Perhaps you will perform a similar one in the mountains next time.
Eevee is on the cusp of gaining its first trait!
Golem gains the trait: Intimidate (Attacks from enemy pokemon take -10 to rolls and will deal less damage.)
-[X] (Personal) (Giovanni) Break Bread with one of your Subordinates (Copycat)
38
Your attempts to talk with Copycat have been stalled by you needing to address the windfalls and incidents that have cropped up in the organization, as well as her new duties as head of the Sunnytown Gang. Another time, then.
-[X] (Personal) (Giovanni) Train with Master Kiyo
57
Your sessions with Kiyo have been progressing, albeit at a pace you are not satisfied with. You grasp the techniques you are taught just fine; mastery is a different story. It is only by the end of August that your teacher presents you with your Yellow Belt.
Giovanni's White Belt Trait upgrades to Yellow Belt (+2 Martial and +4 to rolls regarding unarmed combat)
-[X] (Personal) (Giovanni) Attend the Celadon Hotel Auction
The day for the auction comes, and putting on one of your finest suits you have your chauffeur take you there. Now you stand before the expansive property, aiming to make it yours.
To be continued in: "To the Highest Bidder"
-[X] (Personal) (Ariana) Resume Your Personal Projects
95
You look at the cowering form in front of you one last time before you turn to the other figure in the room.
"Ariana, what is the meaning of this?"
To be continued in: "Cat got your tongue?"
-[X] (Personal) (Lieutenant Surge) Study Tactics
56
"Hahahaha! Damn fine work, everyone! It was a close one, but we snatched victory from the jaws of defeat! Now hit the showers, you're all dismissed!"
Surge's declaration is followed by affirmations and groans from the grunts as they dragged themselves away from the training field. The pain means he's doing a good job.
Having gone through the strategy books like a hungry Raticate, Surge was ready to put his new ideas into motion. A war game was run with the manager of the Cerulean City branch: Capture the Flag, with two teams of five grunts and their pokemon. The only restrictions were bans on particularly dangerous moves like Explosion. Everything else was fair game.
"So, what do you think?" Surge asks the purple-suited manager next to him.
"It's a good exercise, but my own grunts have proved lacking," the Cerulean manager says with a thoughtful expression and a hint of irritation. "Their lack of cohesion cost us the win."
Surge gives the manager a hearty slap on the back.
"Relax! Give it time and they'll improve. Trust this old soldier on that, Archie!"
"It's Archer," the manager corrects in a frustrated tone.
"Right. Thanks for agreeing to this. Feels nice to finally flex what I've been learning. Let me know if there's any way I can pay it back, alright?"
Archer is about to dismiss the offer, but something causes him to pause and turn towards Surge instead.
"There was something I'm curious about," Archer says.
"Yeah? What is it?"
"What's it like working for the Boss directly?"
Surge gains the trait Struggling Tactician (+5 to rolls regarding group combat)
-[X] (Personal) (Copycat) Try to Teach Ditto to Mimic Humans
79
Copycat stares at her reflection. The reflection stares back.
Copycat tilts her head to one side, and the second Copycat does the same.
Copycat looks up and down at her impostor. From what she can see, Ditto's transformation into a copy of Copycat was completely flawless… except for the eyes. Ditto struggles to copy the intricacies of the human eye, and has to default to the black beads of its normal form. They look kinda creepy, and definitely wouldn't pass a casual examination.
Copycat rummages through her disguise kit and hands her partner a pair of sunglasses.
"Try these on!"
Ditto carefully works its new set of human hands and puts the shades on. New accessories aside, it's like looking into a mirror!
"There we go!"
Ditto gives a shaky thumbs-up and an authentically human-looking smile.
"Now, you can nail down the look, but can you walk the walk?"
Ditto gives an affirmative purr that's eerily close to Copycat's voice. If she didn't know how to talk, of course. Copycat stood on one side of the room, and Ditto slowly made its way towards her.
The first step is solid.
"Nice!"
The second step is much less stable, but progress is made towards reaching Copycat.
After the third, wobbling step, Ditto's mouth twitches and dissolves into a solid, black line.
"Keep going! You can do it!"
With the fourth step, Ditto's legs give way and its form collapses entirely. The visage of Copycat melts back into a familiar pink ooze.
Copycat sighed.
By now, she had figured out there was something about the differences between humans and pokemon that was causing Ditto trouble with transforming into a person. The particulars of why are still eluding her.
Copycat tosses her pokemon a berry treat. Ditto's frustrations are soon forgotten as it eagerly takes the berry into its pseudopods and begins to nibble.
She puts that all aside as she walks up to her saddened partner before pulling out their favorite treat; a Rawst Berry. The Ditto's frustration is soon forgotten as it eagerly takes the berry into their numbs and begins to nibble as Copycat pats their head for a job well done.
"It's okay, Ditto. We'll try again tomorrow."
"Ditto! Ditto!"
"You can say that-- Wait, what did you just say?"
-[X] (Personal) (Karen) Have Rocket Study Murkrow
23
Karen arranged an appointment with Ariana to research her Murkrow more thoroughly. However, due to an… unexpected incident, it was canceled at the last minute. Much to Karen's annoyance.
-[X] (MARTIAL) Take the Dojo Challenge (Lieutenant Surge)
DC Autopass
It's a cold night in Saffron City. One wooden building stands alone in a sea of neon. From inside, passer-bys can hear the shout of warriors and the storm of battle raging within.
The gauntlet has been thrown down, and the Dojo Challenge has been accepted. The battle begins.
To be continued in: "Saffron Showdown"
-[X] (DIPLOMACY) Now Hiring (Neo-Kanto)
DC 45
92 + 22 = 104
Critical Success
Crit Roll: 81
"Our recruitment efforts have been immensely successful these past months," Ariana explains as you listen attentively. "A vast majority of our new hires hail from Vermillion City, thanks to the general discontent around Silph Co's lack of response to the Grimer epidemic. We have been able to subtly leverage the Lightning Lieutenant's newfound popularity to our favor."
You lean back into your chair and steeple your hands together.
"Additional forces are always good news, but what of their quality? Do any of them stand out?"
A pause lingers in the air, as Ariana shuffles through the papers in her hands.
"There are two additional ones of interest. The first is a recently-disgraced Pokemon Professor who has been accused of unethical conduct. The other is an ice-type specialist associated with the Pokémon Fan Club and similar social clubs."
You frown. Is Neo Kanto truly bereft of powerful trainers to serve as the Rocket Group's commanders? The organization's manpower, while formidable, is meaningless without generals capable of leading the grunts on your behalf. Recruitment out of the zone is looking more appealing by the minute, but that will be a matter for another day. For now, you have options within your borders.
"Noted. Maintain our current recruitment drive. In the meantime, I want you to gather information on the individual performance of our troops and prepare it for my personal viewing. Do what you must to see to it that this is done in a timely fashion."
"It will be done, sir," Ariana says with certainty. "Lastly, there is a letter addressed to you that I thought would be of interest to you. From Brock of Pewter City."
"Brock? The gym leader?"
Curious, you take the letter into your hands and read. It's extremely brief, and to the point, as it appears that Brock is a simple man of few words. He only needed seven to get your attention.
I heard that you're hiring.
Let's talk.
Additional Actions Unlocked
Select one of the following. Heroes not selected now may become recruitable by other factions on subsequent rounds.
[ ] Joey
An exuberant young braggart who boasts his rattata is in the "top percentage of rattatas". He is a mediocre trainer with scant prospects outside of gangs or Team Rocket.
Being loyal and just smart enough not to question orders, the makings of a good soldier are present. Though it may take extra time for the positive qualities of this particular soldier to bubble to the surface.
Known Pokemon: Rattata (Ace)
[ ] Wilton
Wilton is the youngest of the "Fishing Gurus" a trio of pro fishermen who adapted their skills at angling fish to catching water pokemon. According to your recruiters, Wilton is tired of living in his brothers' shadows and is seeking his own success. He has reluctantly approached Rocket for opportunities to make a proper name for himself.
He is a middle-of-the-road water specialist, who uses fish pokemon such as Goldeen and Seaking in battles. His expertise lies in catching and raising aquatic pokemon, as well as business acumen that Rocket Group has been lacking since its split from Silph Co.
Wilton would make a fine asset as you expand into more legitimate sectors along the coast.
Known Pokemon: Goldeen, Goldeen, Seaking (Ace)
[ ] Gentlemanly Jack
A man of high standing and uncompromising etiquette, "Gentlemanly" Jack is a socialite within Neo Kanto's circle of exclusive Pokemon Clubs. He's known to participate in a wide array of parties and social gatherings, possessing a certain charm that leaves his peers hooked on every word. His merits as a water and ice type specialist are not to be discounted.
Jack's interest in aligning himself to Rocket is peculiar; as a member of the elite, he stands to lose the most if the zone's status quo was to flip. After some digging, you've determined that Jack has had several disputes with the new money trainers in the Pokemon Clubs, who see him as a symbol of the old guard they're replacing. The chairman of the Lightning Club, Isaac, has a particular ax to grind with Gentlemanly Jack, resulting in Jack being cut off from several means of advancement in the past. Isaac's manipulations have dealt Jack's native Water Club a severe blow, and it's a wound that the Gentleman would be willing to 'switch sides' in order to redress.
Known Pokemon: Seel, Chansey, Lapras (Ace)
[ ] Eusine
An arrogant man in theatrical clothing, you were skeptical of Eusine's certifications as a pokemon researcher until you saw them yourself. While his credentials are real, Eusine has been shunned by his peers due to his radical theories on the origin of Mu and methods that have been criticized as bordering on pseudoscientific bunk. These claims have done little to hinder his quest for knowledge, but they have denied him funding from Silph Co or Blackthorn. Now, Eusine comes to you.
While unorthodox, Eusine can aid in Rocket's many experiments to unlock the true potential of pokemon. Provided you grant him the time and resources to pursue his own studies. Perhaps something useful will come out of them.
Known Pokemon: Drowsy, Haunter, Electrode (Ace)
[ ] Professor Sebastian
A former researcher under Silph Co, Professor Sebastian is most well known in scientific circles for his thesis regarding the application of radiation in "encouraging" pokemon evolution. While his thesis garnered some acclaim at the time, his attempts at securing funding for radiation treatments were shot down by Silph Co's ethics board. Using his position to "reallocate" resources to his restricted project netted him five years behind bars, reduced from his prior sentence only after he turned over the fruits of his labors to the company that scorned him.
Now that he has been released, his doubtlessly significant grudge against Silph Co can be exploited to sway him to your side. Should Professor Sebastian's theories hold water, being able to artificially force a pokemon to evolve would be a massive boon to Rocket.
Known Pokemon: N/A
-[X] (STEWARDSHIP) A Gym of His Own (Karen)
DC 45
5 + 23 + 13 + 1 + 5 = 47
Bare Success
"It's a bit small, don't you think?"
Karen's response is to give a shrug.
"It's the best I could do with the budget the Boss gave me."
Surge looks around the interior, which is a renovated warehouse with bare walls and floors. It was large enough to host a proper battle arena, though they'd need to make some changes. Add in some bleachers and tiling around the place so it looks more professional.
"What's with the trash cans?" Surge asks as he thumbs to the metal bins stacked along one wall.
"Dunno. They were there when we bought the place."
Oh well. He'll find a use for them somewhere around here.
"I've worked with worse," Surge said after finishing his look-over of his future gym. "I'll have to ditch a few of the fancier ideas I had cooking, but beggars can't be choosers! I'll let the Boss know I'll need a couple of weeks to tinker with the gym and work my electrifying magic."
"You're sounding a bit too pumped about grinding what a bunch of newbie trainers into the dirt," Karen said with a smirk. "Maybe I'll come to visit so you don't get cozy on your roost, Gym Leader."
Surge turns towards Karen with a large grin.
"That sounds an awful lot like a challenge. How's about we give this gym a test run?"
The Vermillion City Gym is open for business!
Surge appreciates Rocket's help in this endeavor. His loyalty has gone up by 15.
+5 Influence to Vermillion City
-[X] (INTRIGUE) Infiltrate the Pokemon Kanto Federation (Copycat)
DC 75
33 + 37 + 29 + 3 + 20 + 15 = 137
Critical Success
Crit Roll: 78
Infiltrating a competitor is no small feat. It requires a high degree of subtlety, planning, knowledge of your enemy, and a way of covering your tracks.
Copycat has accomplished this and more. While her original goal was to infiltrate the gang from the bottom level and report on their operations, what you did not expect was for Copycat to reestablish the defunct Sunnytown Gang. A former biker gang that operated on the outskirts of Route 17, it was one of the many gangs who were absorbed into the Rocket Group. Copycat revived the gang with most of its original membership intact, temporarily exchanging their grunt uniforms for their old patches and leather. After returning from what seemed to be their certain demise with a minor crime wave across the Cycling Road, "Mimi" of the Sunnytown Gang was given an invitation to join the Kanto Federation.
Seeing that the Pokemon Kanto Federation is ruled by a council composed of the constituent gang leaders, this gives Copycat a direct voice over the actions of the entire organization. It's one voice of roughly a dozen squabbling gangsters, but it's one that you can use to your advantage.
For such impressive work, you've decided to clear the debt she owed you for her timely bailout.
Most of it.
Through a clever ruse, Rocket now has a mole within the PKF ruling council.
Rocket will now be forewarned of the PKF's actions ahead of time and gain +10 in fending off any actions directly towards them.
Additional Actions Unlocked
-[X] (LEARNING) Develop a New Potion (Ariana)
DC 75
26 + 15 + 28 + 6 = 75
Exact Success
The VPL and Rocket's own R&D department have seemingly reached the limits of what modern science can do with pokemon medicine. As such, they started looking into unorthodox methods to see what stuck. Eventually, they came upon a herbal mixture consisting of several crushed berries that have a healing effect on the pokemon that consume it. When these berries are distilled and added to the Super Potion recipe, its effects are improved considerably.
The resulting "Hyper Potion" is quick to go into production and sold to Pokemarts across the Zone, albeit to much less fanfare as its predecessor due to the premium price. Still, a decent profit is made in the end.
The Hyper Potion is developed
+1 to Annual Income
+5 to Public Perception
PERSONAL ACTIONS:
-[X] (Personal) (Giovanni) Train Your Pokemon
EXP Gained:
Persian: 81
Eevee: 97!
Rhyhorn: 21
Onix: 45
Golem: 10
With the addition of Eevee, you opted to take a different approach to this training session. Instead of running an elimination tournament, you instead took your team into the Viridian Forest. Battling wild pokemon is different from those who have become comfortable in the new lives granted by their trainers. For these creatures, battles are a matter of life and death.
The results were unexpected. Your new addition, Eevee, was no pampered pet. It took out several pokemon on its own before exhausting itself. While you purchased it as a potential bargaining chip, you may have to keep it for your team after all. Persian is a more patient hunter, following not too far behind Eevee's rush of action. Golem is the least effective, though not from a lack of trying. Its mere presence was enough to spook most of the pokemon in the forest from approaching at all.
This training session was successful. Perhaps you will perform a similar one in the mountains next time.
Eevee is on the cusp of gaining its first trait!
Golem gains the trait: Intimidate (Attacks from enemy pokemon take -10 to rolls and will deal less damage.)
-[X] (Personal) (Giovanni) Break Bread with one of your Subordinates (Copycat)
38
Your attempts to talk with Copycat have been stalled by you needing to address the windfalls and incidents that have cropped up in the organization, as well as her new duties as head of the Sunnytown Gang. Another time, then.
-[X] (Personal) (Giovanni) Train with Master Kiyo
57
Your sessions with Kiyo have been progressing, albeit at a pace you are not satisfied with. You grasp the techniques you are taught just fine; mastery is a different story. It is only by the end of August that your teacher presents you with your Yellow Belt.
Giovanni's White Belt Trait upgrades to Yellow Belt (+2 Martial and +4 to rolls regarding unarmed combat)
-[X] (Personal) (Giovanni) Attend the Celadon Hotel Auction
The day for the auction comes, and putting on one of your finest suits you have your chauffeur take you there. Now you stand before the expansive property, aiming to make it yours.
To be continued in: "To the Highest Bidder"
-[X] (Personal) (Ariana) Resume Your Personal Projects
95
You look at the cowering form in front of you one last time before you turn to the other figure in the room.
"Ariana, what is the meaning of this?"
To be continued in: "Cat got your tongue?"
-[X] (Personal) (Lieutenant Surge) Study Tactics
56
"Hahahaha! Damn fine work, everyone! It was a close one, but we snatched victory from the jaws of defeat! Now hit the showers, you're all dismissed!"
Surge's declaration is followed by affirmations and groans from the grunts as they dragged themselves away from the training field. The pain means he's doing a good job.
Having gone through the strategy books like a hungry Raticate, Surge was ready to put his new ideas into motion. A war game was run with the manager of the Cerulean City branch: Capture the Flag, with two teams of five grunts and their pokemon. The only restrictions were bans on particularly dangerous moves like Explosion. Everything else was fair game.
"So, what do you think?" Surge asks the purple-suited manager next to him.
"It's a good exercise, but my own grunts have proved lacking," the Cerulean manager says with a thoughtful expression and a hint of irritation. "Their lack of cohesion cost us the win."
Surge gives the manager a hearty slap on the back.
"Relax! Give it time and they'll improve. Trust this old soldier on that, Archie!"
"It's Archer," the manager corrects in a frustrated tone.
"Right. Thanks for agreeing to this. Feels nice to finally flex what I've been learning. Let me know if there's any way I can pay it back, alright?"
Archer is about to dismiss the offer, but something causes him to pause and turn towards Surge instead.
"There was something I'm curious about," Archer says.
"Yeah? What is it?"
"What's it like working for the Boss directly?"
Surge gains the trait Struggling Tactician (+5 to rolls regarding group combat)
-[X] (Personal) (Copycat) Try to Teach Ditto to Mimic Humans
79
Copycat stares at her reflection. The reflection stares back.
Copycat tilts her head to one side, and the second Copycat does the same.
Copycat looks up and down at her impostor. From what she can see, Ditto's transformation into a copy of Copycat was completely flawless… except for the eyes. Ditto struggles to copy the intricacies of the human eye, and has to default to the black beads of its normal form. They look kinda creepy, and definitely wouldn't pass a casual examination.
Copycat rummages through her disguise kit and hands her partner a pair of sunglasses.
"Try these on!"
Ditto carefully works its new set of human hands and puts the shades on. New accessories aside, it's like looking into a mirror!
"There we go!"
Ditto gives a shaky thumbs-up and an authentically human-looking smile.
"Now, you can nail down the look, but can you walk the walk?"
Ditto gives an affirmative purr that's eerily close to Copycat's voice. If she didn't know how to talk, of course. Copycat stood on one side of the room, and Ditto slowly made its way towards her.
The first step is solid.
"Nice!"
The second step is much less stable, but progress is made towards reaching Copycat.
After the third, wobbling step, Ditto's mouth twitches and dissolves into a solid, black line.
"Keep going! You can do it!"
With the fourth step, Ditto's legs give way and its form collapses entirely. The visage of Copycat melts back into a familiar pink ooze.
Copycat sighed.
By now, she had figured out there was something about the differences between humans and pokemon that was causing Ditto trouble with transforming into a person. The particulars of why are still eluding her.
Copycat tosses her pokemon a berry treat. Ditto's frustrations are soon forgotten as it eagerly takes the berry into its pseudopods and begins to nibble.
She puts that all aside as she walks up to her saddened partner before pulling out their favorite treat; a Rawst Berry. The Ditto's frustration is soon forgotten as it eagerly takes the berry into their numbs and begins to nibble as Copycat pats their head for a job well done.
"It's okay, Ditto. We'll try again tomorrow."
"Ditto! Ditto!"
"You can say that-- Wait, what did you just say?"
-[X] (Personal) (Karen) Have Rocket Study Murkrow
23
Karen arranged an appointment with Ariana to research her Murkrow more thoroughly. However, due to an… unexpected incident, it was canceled at the last minute. Much to Karen's annoyance.
I know he's literally not the same person, but after reading Hard Enough (the Brock SI fic) I am so pumped at the prospect of picking up Brock as an asset.
We did pretty damn good this turn, which is good to see. That Copycat crit in particular is fantastic, we should absolutely capitalize on that.
If we kept Eevee, what would we want to try to evolve it into?
We did pretty damn good this turn, which is good to see. That Copycat crit in particular is fantastic, we should absolutely capitalize on that.
If we kept Eevee, what would we want to try to evolve it into?
OK, Surge. Don't let us down, man.
Hrm. Yeah, we may want to go out of zone for a bit. Maybe once our public perception is up a bit more, we can lure more people from Neo Kanto. Also, oh, Brock on our side? Hm hm... The scientist sounds the most fun, but we have a decent amount of Learning heroes...Hm.
Not as much as expected, but still got what we wanted.
Great work, Cece! This will serve us QUITE well indeed.
Ah. Yeah, again, a bit low, but still quite useful. Maybe we can figure out the Max Potion next, or maybe even the Full Restore...Although, maybe keep that last one for ourselves, eh?
Nice to see our Eevee's growing up strong.
Aw. Well, needs must.
Hell yeah! We now have a +16 in general and a +18 when fighting personally in hand to hand. Still probably gonna get creamed in a serious fight, but we're at least able to hold our own. Next turn, I think take a bit of a break from the martial arts to buff our Learning.
This'll be fun.
...Did she just make a talking Meowth?
Progress. Slow and steady.
Wel,, that's amazing and kinda unnerving. Speaking of talking Pokemon.
Eurgh. We'll try again.
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MrWealthman
Filthy Capitalist
- Location
- Deep in the piles of cash.
Nothing but good rolls here now who to hire, having a professor under us would be useful however both Jack and Eusine also interest me.
Do we have a diplomatist hero, otherwise I'm thinking of the fisherman. Work with him to take over the water gym or a possible discount/bonus on water base actions.
MrWealthman
Filthy Capitalist
- Location
- Deep in the piles of cash.
We have no real diplomatic hero sure some are ok at diplomacy but their diplomacy is only in the tens unless you count us, so grabbing Jack would be very useful to say the least and he has a Chansey those are always nice.
Brightflame
Lord of the Dance
- Location
- Inkopolis
Phew, this turn's going to be something.
Oh, and you guys can begin voting for which Hero Unit you would like to recruit. Wonder if any of you can tell me where the two new ones are from without looking it up.
Oh, and you guys can begin voting for which Hero Unit you would like to recruit. Wonder if any of you can tell me where the two new ones are from without looking it up.
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[X] Gentlemanly Jack