I know I was the one to suggest/inspire this, but even with this little bit it really feels like you've decided to take what I suggested and run with it. Really looking forward to just what the hell That Guy actually turns out to be.
... Also what his Arch Nemesis, He of the Pizzas, is like. But surely we're not going to add in a Cabbage Merchant to this list of mistakes, right?
"The Taciturn Tower," you say from James' hands, "is one of the cornerstones of the League, and arguably the single most important structure in Henisi. The majority of the tower is invitation-only, however the lowest floors are open to anyone… who shows promise."
"Pfeh." Jessie spits, "Promise. It always comes down to 'potential'. The Twerp got badges without having to battle, but we don't have Twerp luck. Like I said, we'll need to prove ourselves first."
"Whaddaya sayin'?!?" Meowth stomps his little foot, "A'course we show promise! Dere's no Twerp, Da Boss chose us. Not even our old Boss did dat."
"And who kept up with the Twerp for all his adventures? Misty?" James scoffs, then furrows his brow. "Hold on, we out-lasted Brock!"
"We lasted longer than Brock?" Jessie is staring at her hands.
"See?" Meowth crosses his arms, "We followed da Twerp everywhere. Unova, Kalos, even Alola! How many times did we go back ta Kanto? We saw everythin'. We survived everythin'. Ash, Pikachu, an' Team Rocket."
"Wobuffet!"
"This is a new world. They don't know us. We don't even have disguise ourselves, yet!" James pauses, "...Hold on, if Ash isn't here, and we're the Chosen Ones, does that mean we're the Twerps-"
"Enough reminiscing!" Jessie points to the massive silhouette, "The Taciturn Tower is waiting for us!"
The only thing of interest outside of the Tower is a rodent that James identifies as a 'bizarre regional variant Rattata' that seems to be dragging a slice of pizza back to its nest. Meowth gets twitchy but manages to hold himself back.
Jessie points at the entrance, and the path leading up to it, which are flanked by gargoyles. "Are those Pokemon or just statues?"
"They could be both." James says absently, staring straight up. "It's impressive from afar, but up-close…"
"It just goes up an' up an' up-" Meowth shakes his head, speaking softly, "almost looks like it's growin', don't it?"
"I've seen more impressive towers," Jessie scoffs, "...but I have to admit..."
"You didn't expect a ye olde skyscraper?" James drawls, "I won't lie, it does impress me. Magic or not, it would be notable even back home."
"A marvel, made in a time of marvels. The Taciturn Tower is the tallest structure known to exist, made out of entirely magical materials."
"That's not the Pokedex," Jessie says, then manages to break her eyes away from the Tower, and looks down. And down, and down… "A twer- a child?"
"Don't be gauche!" James turns up his nose, then pauses and reverses his nose's trajectory. "Children don't have beards… often?"
Does This Small Bearded Person have Edward Elric energy? (1D100=99)
"Ha! Easterners, I'd wager!" The small man laughs, "I heard that your Dwarves keep their chins bare, but I didn't believe it!"
"Yes, facial hair does seem to be more common in the… West." James pauses, and speculates wildly. "I wonder if their lack is due to Cultivation..." Because James still doesn't actually know what Cultivation is.
The Dwarf squints at James. "Aye, that's certainly a theory." He pauses, "I'd wager I'm the first Dwarf you've met west of Kakonium, eh?" He shakes his head, then gives a short bow, his impressive chest-length beard clinking. "My manners escape me. I am Castano, seeker of the Burning Peak, once Eighteenth and Seventh of the Fifth Tallest to the West of the Frigid Divide."
Jessie opens her mouth, but pauses, transfixed by the Dwarf's jeweled beard.
"Ah, James… the uh… the only son of…" James crosses his eyes, trying to remember old, old lessons on pre-League propriety.
(DC 50/70/90 – 1D100+10 (diplomacy) +10 (no-context face) + 25 (Even James realizes Jeweled Beard plus fancy introduction = Upper Crust) 145?!?! Prepared for Trouble activities: 1 head, 1 tail, no change! SUPER EFFECTIVE!
James' eyes sparkle as he suddenly gets it, and he points to Jessie. "Hit it."
Jessie grins, slowly making a fist "We're always prepared for trouble!"
"And we're experts in making it double!" James' smile is contagious.
Jessie moves her hands, as-if cupping a sphere. "To protect the world from devastation!"
"We seek to unite all people, in every nation!"
"Denouncing the Evils-" Jessie crinkles her nose, and glares at the Pokedex. James grimaces, and points up, then down. Jessie nods. "Below as Above!"
Castano looks impressed.
"And we shall extend our reach…" James wrinkles his brow and rubs his chin. "until all know love." He almost makes 'love' sound like a question, but then he winks and there's a wolf-whistle.
"Jessie!"
"James." James bows.
Jessie points to the sky, "Team Rocket blasts off at the speed of light!"
"Our foes should surrender, unless they're prepared to fight." James crosses his arms, with the iron-clad certainty that he's made the right call.
"Meowth, dat's right!"
"Wobbuffet!"
Castano bows once again, more deeply, so that his beard almost touches the ground. "It is an honor. I have met many human cultivators, but you are like no others I have ever heard of."
There's the sound of clapping, and your surprisingly wonderful trio look around in shock.
They are surrounded by a small crowd. Some seem to have come from the tower, while others look like ordinary people who were attracted by the display.
James preens. "I'm not surprised. We are unique."
"Indeed, ah, Young Master?" Castano tilts his head, "Is Rocket an established sect?"
James bites his lip, looks to Meowth, then to Jessie.
Jessie starts nodding, but gets violently nudged by Meowth. She turns her stumble into a bow. "We-ee-ee! We! Are merely a group of… companions." She rights herself, "Dear, dear companions, isn't that right, Meowth?"
"Dat's right!" Meowth bows as well, "Companions an' friends, but dis Sect ting ain't outta da question!"
"I should hope not. The local Sects could certainly learn something from a group like you." Castano reaches out and shakes James' hand, then Jessie's, and even Meowth's paw.
Meowth, strangely, grabs the Dwarf's hand… and moves it to his head. "Ah, sorry 'bout dat-"
Castano laughs and starts scratching Meowth's ear. "No, don't be. There are not many like you outside of the Mountain Homes," he pauses, "and even there, very few learn the art of speech."
Meowth purrs. "What can I say, it's a talent!"
"What brings you West?" Castano asks, lifting his head to look James in the eyes.
"Oh, the usual." James airily waves his hand. "The urge to do good, the feeling that we need to be here, a force that can't be denied. All that."
"Ah, the call to adventure. I know it well." Castano nods, "In order to access the Tower, most must prove themselves talented, knowledgeable, or interesting."
James, Jessie and Meowth lean forward.
"You." Castano turns and gestures, "Are worthy."
James almost destabilizes, but Jessie holds him up.
"Ah," Castano hums, "true unity between a Physical Cultivator and a Mental Cultivator… I never thought I would see the day." Castano leads, and the Rockets follow. Around the tower, past those stone guardians, and through what looks like an arena.
"Physical Cultivation is the art of the body. Strengthening the arm, quickening the eye, enhancing the senses. Physical Cultivators tend to be hardy and healthy until they die, withstanding and surpassing the withers of aging. The highest echelons of Physical Cultivators are said to be nigh invincible, and can live for hundreds of years."
"That is a handy device," Castano hums, "though giving a general overview every time Cultivation is mentioned will save you the breath every time someone asks what Cultivation is, I feel that it would become grating over time--"
"Mental Cultivation is the art of the soul. Strengthening the mind, quickening the wit, even leaving one's body. Mental Cultivators, when successful, transcend the Mortal Realm. After a certain point, they become functionally immortal, and the highest class are said to survive the destruction of their mortal shells."
James pats himself down, "But my body is so fabulous…"
"Hm. It missed a few things; it's a good primer, but if you're looking for students, you can't rely on it."
Meowth scoffs, "Students? We don't need no stinkin' students."
"It's different for Spiritual Beasts," Castano hums sadly, "you learned Mental Cultivation on your own?"
"Yep!" Meowth half lies.
"Have you noticed that other Spiritual Beasts are stronger? Physically more powerful?"
"Wellllll – Yeah. But I can fix dat now, an' my brains make up fer my lack a' brawn!"
"Yes, purposeful Cultivation strengthens both the body and mind to an extent, no matter the path. However, it is far easier to stumble upon Physical Cultivation than it is to naturally develop Mental."
"Spiritual Beasts are what you call Pokemon, then." James hums, "I suppose Psychic-types aren't common around here?"
"...which part of Seiqua are you from, again?"
Jessie doesn't hesitate, "The best part, of course!"
"Where ordinary Cultivators dare not tread!" James crosses his arms, nose in the air.
"It ain't much, but our home is where our hearts a'."
"Oh." Castano sighs and rubs Meowth on the back. "That is why you came to Henisi. Why you have no Sect." He bows for a third time. "It's true, the Tower has been trying to find answers since Pavelshrad. One day your bodies may reclaim what your hearts yearn for."
The Trio share a glance.
"Wobuffet!"
Castano gestures to something that looks like an elevator shaft, "Your journey, I assume, has been long. Your intent has earned you access to our common facilities for acolytes, our arbitration for exchanging knowledge, and our oversight when developing new techniques." Then he gestures to the room he led you through, "However, words and actions are two different things. Strength, knowledge, technique. Wit. You have my approval, but I am merely one of many. One who is not even halfway up his Peak. Prove yourself worthy, and you will have access to higher floors, better facilities, more knowledge."
Castano, a Dwarf, is very impressed by Team Rocket's words. He has granted them access to the lowest levels of the Taciturn Tower, which per his description seems like a cross between a Battle Facility and a Pokemon Center. There is no inherent need to prove themselves in order to access anything. They may rest, exchange information, or test their skills – if they lose, Castano's invitation will not be revoked.
[] What to Do
-[] Rest and mingle – the Trio haven't done anything strenuous, but they're… well. They are who they are, and they still don't know much about the world. Ideally, hanging around this Tower's facilities will let them passively learn more about this world.
--[] Upstairs, make use of the rest areas and listen in on the gossip.
--[] Spectate the fighting on the bottom level, see what these people and their 'Spiritual Beasts' can do.
-[] Try to find someone to "trade" techniques with. Nobody has seen the Trio in action – Castano seems to think that Jessie, James, and Meowth are cultivators, and has pegged two of them as Mental Cultivators, and one as a Physical Cultivator. For Meowth, it's his speach. For the others? Well, you know why. Will require quick thinking, and may require a demonstration.
--[] Castano. He is impressed, and seems to think Jessie, James, and Meowth are all 'Cultivators'. It may be possible to capitalize on that.
--[] Ask around. See if you can find a sucker.
-[] Prove Yourselves. (Jessie approves) Any Rocket may be picked once.
–[] In the ring, personally. (Pick which Rocket(s) fight)
—[] Jessie (Currently DC 50 to see if she'll do it, Seviper buff not in effect until she knows Seviper's there.)
—[] Meowth
—[] James? (DC 70 to see if he'll actually do it. The man is a noodle.)
–[] In the ring, with Pokemon. (Pick which Rocket(s) send out their Pokemon. This time, the Pokemon used are GM fiat, because the Rockets don't know who they have available)
—[] Jessie
—[] James
–[] On a stage. (There's one off to the side with a rotating audience of informal judges.)
—[] Jessie (will absolutely use her Pokemon to do an impromptu Performance)
—[-] James (His crit saved them the trouble, he doesn't feel as-if words along will make their bounty double.)
—[] Meowth? (DC 35, he can show off sometimes but he's no show-cat.)
–[] Exhibition Battle. Fight each-other.
—[] Pokemon Battle (Jessie and James)
—[] Physical Battle?
----[] Jessie and Meowth? (DC 45)
----[] Meowth and Wobbuffet
NO MORATORIUM, VOTE AT YOUR LEISURE! Meowth WAS going to keep his mouth shut, but the motto meant he had to speak. I was halfway through a semi-pretentious (well, for the average cultivator or mage, downright humble) introduction speech from James when I realized that The Motto was perfect, and with minor modifications to seem less villainous, could give someone with knowledge of how Cultivators and Sects function... ideas. Castano knows quite a bit about Cultivation and the associated politics. If you'd rolled a 100, you'd have gotten someone more powerful, with more pull, and almost no knowledge of Cultivation.
Dwarves... they're stubborn. They live longer than the average human. There are multiple civilizations. They love alcohol. They are skilled craftsmen. They almost universally something something something. Sometimes they enter fey moods.
As for Cultivation... it's not unrelated to western magic, but they're separate things. There are fundamental differences that can be speculated upon, and/or will be revealed to the Rockets by the Pokedex. Currently, the Rockets know about as much about Cultivation as the average educated westerner. (They were correct in that there is absolutely Shounen logic in play, Twerpish nonsense. 'Give 150%' is very much a thing, but there are methods and paths and Ways. Dantians and Meridians. There's spiritual food, there may well be cultivation pills. There's also Corruption. Don't tell the cabbage merchant.
Cultivation and Magic are not mutually exclusive. Mages may learn or stumble upon cultivation, and cultivators may learn a bit of magic. Arts like alchemy or enchanting exist in the West and East. In not-Europe, magic is the predominant mystical path to power, with notable exceptions. In Seiqua, cultivation is the predominant mystical path to power. Seiqua has Sects, whereas in the West it's more of a master-and-apprentice type deal. There are exceptions and differences, guilds and mentors and university-type things, in both places. There are absolutely a few Sectless sages who fly around on swords and teach random peasant children the Power That's Inside, and there are starting to be more and more refugee Sects in the West.
The Trio don't know this yet, but Sects do specialize, and.... well, there's a lot of stuff going on. They'll probably be able to grasp that there's a difference between magic and cultivation, at least, Type stuff and all that.
I've decided to save the map for a tiny bit. When the Trio see a map, so will you. At some point there will be an option to come clean about being from another world, but the Trio won't do that unless and until it's explicitly chosen (and there might be a DC attached to it).
I want to note that, in the last vote, Jessie's option would have led them to a fighting-only contest. With rules and actual battles with stakes. Whereas the Tower, at this level, is very much 'show me your moves'. James got their foot in the door with his crit, but the more impressed people are, the more willing they'll be to teach, trade, or converse. The Exhibition Battle option is purely an exhibition battle between known quantities, all the other battle options would be against someone who has something to prove.
Meowth has been pegged as a talking Spiritual Cat. Wobbuffet has been seen and heard, but nobody is sure what Wobbuffet is. Spiritual Beasts can be bizarre, and that's not even getting into corporeal ghosts and god-things. Jessie, James, Meowth and Wobbuffet are the only currently known members of Rocket. The Pokedex is notable, seen as useful, and has been recognized as a device, not a spirit or anything like that. Why would a ghost enter that little grey box, after all? The various Pokemon are in Pokeballs and have not been observed.
The Trio are going to realize very very soon that people don't have Pokemon/Spiritual Beast partners, at least not like they do. They see people fighting each-other, sure, but they're very smart people and need a bit more information to Get It.
[x] What to Do
-[x] Rest and mingle – the Trio haven't done anything strenuous, but they're… well. They are who they are, and they still don't know much about the world. Ideally, hanging around this Tower's facilities will let them passively learn more about this world.
--[x] Spectate the fighting on the bottom level, see what these people and their 'Spiritual Beasts' can do.
[x] What to Do
-[x] Rest and mingle – the Trio haven't done anything strenuous, but they're… well. They are who they are, and they still don't know much about the world. Ideally, hanging around this Tower's facilities will let them passively learn more about this world.
--[x] Spectate the fighting on the bottom level, see what these people and their 'Spiritual Beasts' can do.
Better get everyone up to speed on how people fight here.
[x] What to Do
-[x] Rest and mingle – the Trio haven't done anything strenuous, but they're… well. They are who they are, and they still don't know much about the world. Ideally, hanging around this Tower's facilities will let them passively learn more about this world.
--[x] Spectate the fighting on the bottom level, see what these people and their 'Spiritual Beasts' can do.
[x] What to Do
-[x] Rest and mingle – the Trio haven't done anything strenuous, but they're… well. They are who they are, and they still don't know much about the world. Ideally, hanging around this Tower's facilities will let them passively learn more about this world.
--[x] Spectate the fighting on the bottom level, see what these people and their 'Spiritual Beasts' can do.
Knowledge IS power after all. and they are sorely lacking in that.
[x] What to Do
-[x] Rest and mingle – the Trio haven't done anything strenuous, but they're… well. They are who they are, and they still don't know much about the world. Ideally, hanging around this Tower's facilities will let them passively learn more about this world.
--[x] Spectate the fighting on the bottom level, see what these people and their 'Spiritual Beasts' can do.
[x] What to Do
-[x] Rest and mingle – the Trio haven't done anything strenuous, but they're… well. They are who they are, and they still don't know much about the world. Ideally, hanging around this Tower's facilities will let them passively learn more about this world.
--[x] Spectate the fighting on the bottom level, see what these people and their 'Spiritual Beasts' can do.
Scheduled vote count started by xamaplak on Nov 4, 2024 at 12:45 PM, finished with 8 posts and 6 votes.
[x] What to Do
-[x] Rest and mingle – the Trio haven't done anything strenuous, but they're… well. They are who they are, and they still don't know much about the world. Ideally, hanging around this Tower's facilities will let them passively learn more about this world.
--[x] Spectate the fighting on the bottom level, see what these people and their 'Spiritual Beasts' can do.
"You know, it's been a while since we've spectated a proper battle."
"Yeah, 'bout 45 minutes," Meowth mumbles.
"The people of this – region, have to have different Moves and fighting styles." Jessie nods, "If we want to" she glances at Castano, "make the best impressions, we should see how the locals battle."
"Wobbuffet!"
"As you wish. Although at these low chambers, it is unlikely that you'll see incredible displays of magic." Castano chuckles, "Although you may well see the beginnings of a unique spell or two. For now, I will leave you to it. I'll ensure that Rocket is recognized by the Tower. Speak to a Tower Guardian if you wish to find me." With a bow, he fades away into the background.
After making sure Castano was gone, James pointed. "Look, another short bearded man!"
"So he wasn't just a short man with a beard?" Jessie rubs her chin, "...Actual Dwarves, Like in Lord of the Z-Rings. What's next, Elves?"
"Weren't the Dwarves in that movie just Mime Jr's with fake beards? These 'dwarves' look like small humans."
"Maybe dey're regional variants," Meowth reasons, "Castano said 'mountain homes', who's ta say youse guys don't just grow like dat in dose mountains."
James nods, "I suppose that makes as much sense as Ash losing in Sinnoh."
"Tobias was a plant, James! We've been over this!" Jessie shakes her head furiously, "Anyway, look, that lady's using Fireball!"
James and Meowth obligingly turn to look…
"I don't mean to judge someone based on their fashion sense," James starts, "but if she's going to be shooting Fireballs from her hands, it seems a tad silly to be wearing such a… flowing robe."
Her robe reaches the ground and then some, bunching up around her feet. Her arms, which may well be well-proportioned to her body, not that the average person could tell at a glance, are completely engulfed by her sleeves.
"Her hat's a nice touch," Jessie hums, "A witch's hat has style. The rest of her outfit needs work, of course. Ill-fitting robes don't just look bad, she didn't consider functionality! If her opponent gets in close, she can't maneuver around him! Think of the tripping hazard!"
"Or da fiyah! Dat's why clothes a' silly, dey get in da way an' cause all sorts'a problems!"
The man fighting the woman – or girl, more likely – seems to hear them. And agrees with their analysis.
While also wearing an ungainly robe, he at least fills it out and isn't tripping over it. Although his witch's hat is a bit scorched. With a long staff of dark wood, he cuts an impressive figure…As he lopes across the small arena, catching the girl off-guard. She stumbles back tripping on her robe… and he whacks her solidly in the chest.
"Yield!" He shouts, and she swiftly does so.
Yet another dwarf, possibly younger than Castano – his beard barely reaching past his neck – claps his hands twice, and the air around the small arena flickers. "The Taciturn Tower is a place of magic. It is a place of excellence. One of you has proven his potential as a warrior, the other has proven her ability to cast one spell."
The man scratches his bare chin, "And that's not enough."
The dwarf nods. "Against an unprepared caster, physical violence can often result in a swift victory. But the Taciturn Tower does not host any Knightly Orders."
The girl finally catches her breath, "But – I have power! And I proved it! that's – that's what I needed to do, right? I lost, but I proved I'm a mage!"
"One spell, cast twice." The dwarf shakes his head, "You were unprepared for your opponent. You were unable to adequately dodge a simple attack."
"But I do have potential! I belong here-"
"Prove it." The dwarf crosses his arms. "Both of you."
The man gives the dwarf a short bow, and then the girl. "I shall." He turns to the trio. "...I apologize." He says, and bows. "I overheard your commentary, and acted without thinking."
"Apology accepted!" Jessie states imperiously, "Every second counts in a battle, and every move matters. You can't just beat your opponent, you have to make it look good."
"I find that sparkles tend to make things look more impressive," James says airily, "Flowing movements, loud declarations. A little monologue never hurt anybody."
"An' explosions! A battle ain't impressive 'till sometin' explodes!"
"Sparkles?" The man's brow furrows, "...presentation. I understand." He nods to the girl. "Another bout?"
She scows, "No hitting!"
"No hitting."
She grumbles, but nods.
Meowth ambles forward. "Hold on, girly, I've got somethin' for ya!" She bends down a little bit, and Meowth whispers in her ear.
When both fighters return to the small arena, the man is unchanged.
The girl has accepted two pieces of string from Meowth, and used them to tie her sleeves up.
"That helps some," Jessie nods, "But she really needs a tailored outfit."
"She does. But do not think too harshly of her." The dwarf sighs, "Many orphans come here in their father's or mother's robes, with a few half-learned spells on their tongues."
Jessie's expression softens. "Oh."
"She will prove herself today, or she will not. The Tower can not concern itself with every sob story."
"But you can point them in the right direction, hmm?" James rubs his chin.
"Mm. Castano was right, you're more than just human bluster."
"'E's a sharp cookie!" Meowth pauses, "Wait, dat doesn't make any sense."
"Yet it is a proper phrase." James furrows his brow, "I think so, at least."
"Aye, I've heard it before." The dwarf strokes his beard and bows. "Noce, son of the shortest peak West of The Frigid Divide. I seek a path up my mountain."
James returns the bow, "We've already done our full introduction, though we can do it again if you like."
Jessie grins, but Noce shakes his head.
"I heard it, for the most part. I fear the peak you seek is out of mortal grasp…" he shakes his head, "But then, human cultivators seek to surpass mortality, I suppose."
"...Do Dwarves not seek immortality?"
Noce shrugs, "Maybe some of my kin. But we do as we always have – teach our children, make enduring tools, create stronger techniques. We build upon the backs of our predecessors, until we may all reach the stars."
"Unlike humans, the majority of Dwarves practice cultivation. It is unclear whether they have a natural affinity for it, or if their inherently more down-to-earth perspective makes them less inclined to hoard their knowledge. Whereas humans see Mental cultivation as a 'higher' form of improving oneself, Dwarves prefer Physical cultivation, as it is far more practical to teach an entire generation Physical cultivation than it is to teach them Mental."
"Indeed, what does it matter if your mind survives a thousand years? Will it defeat errant Spiritual Beasts, or contribute to your home's coffers?" Noce shakes his head gravely. "Those who seek the mental arts are not shunned, but neither are we welcomed."
"Dat's rough, buddy."
"Yes. Yes it is." Noce turns back to the arena. "It seems that Miss Penelope is trying something… new."
The so-called 'Miss Penelope' is holding her hands in front of her, fire growing and shrinking as she concentrates.
"Meowth," James murmurs, "what on earth did you tell the girl?"
"Waddaya mean? All's I said was to pull up 'er sleeves. If anytin', blame Jess!"
"Blame me? You should be thanking me. It's not every day I give advice." Jessie scoffs.
Noce hums, "But you do give it, and freely. It seems your declaration was true; you are a unique band of human cultivators."
"Hey!"
"Mostly human cultivators." Noce pauses, "Perhaps…"
Noce is interrupted by a loud hiss. As the Rockets re-focus on the arena, they see…
Penelope has engulfed herself in flames, and the man is frantically attempting to beat them out with his staff. Notably, every time his staff hits the ground, it emits… sparks.
"...Were we distracting you?" James winces, "As referee-"
"No, nothing so formal." Noce hums, "And she's not proven much, I'm afraid."
"They both took the advice to heart," Jessie scoffs, "I guess I'd give them an 'E' for effort, but…"
"We are in agreement." Noce nods gravely. "I will intervene. I hope to speak to you again."
"Of course." James nods as well.
Once Noce leaves, Meowth begins. "So dis cultivation ting. Some humans do it, looks like some but not all 'Spiritual Beasts' do it, but all Dwarves a' physical cultivation masters?"
"...Mental Cultivation." James hums, "I suppose it's for the best that we're masters of it, right?"
"Naturally!" Jessie laughs, "The best mental cultivators the Dwarves have ever-"
"Hate ta burst dat bubble." Meowth sighs, "But Castano thought one of ya was a physical cultivator. Probably Jess."
"Definitely Jessie!" James shudders, "My body is far too delicate for… mortal combat."
Jessie rolls her eyes, "How many injuries did you get from our Blast Offs?"
"The bruises were innumerable!"
"Quit yer yappin'. Cultivators don't get no bruises, you 'eard what da 'dex said. Physical, Mental, we all get some kinda benefit." Meowth taps his foot, "So act like it."
"...I'd quite like to actually learn some." James huffs.
"Any good con is based on a little bit of believability." Jessie pauses, "...also, have you seen any Pokemon?"
"No." James says at length, looking around at the variety of small arenas. "Well, if I didn't know any better I'd say that dwarf was a Mankey."
"One doozy of a regional variant!" Meowth chuckles, "'e does seem ta know Zen 'Eadbutt!"
Any interesting show-battles? 1d100+10 (showing off after people started gossiping about the Motto): 40
The Trio walk around a bit, but don't see anything extremely notable. A few muscly people with glowing fists, a handful of wizards, what Jessie immediately identifies as a 'magical girl', and a lot of Dwarves.
"Is dere some kinda convention in town?"
"Mayhaps Dwarves are more likely to become trainers?" James ponders.
"Are any of these people trainers? They seem to be fighting themselves."
"Mebbe it's because dey don't have pokeballs? Dey had ta learn Moves demselves!"
"That would explain why they seem to be so bad at it." James crosses his arms, "So Jessie's pinged as a Fighting-type, you and I are assumed to be Psychic-types? And 'magic'..."
"Da witches back home seemed ta do weird tings. Not normal moves." Meowth taps his foot on the ground. "...dere were some Pokemon dat did… weird tings, too. Outside'a moves an' Abilities."
"Like learning to speak with humans?" Jessie smirks.
Meowth grins, showing off all of his teeth. "Oh, I know how I did dat now. I dunno if I should teach it ta Wobbuffet or not. 'E's…"
"Wobbuffet!"
"Yeah. Dat."
"Wo~o~o~obuffet!"
You feel as if it's time to cut in. "Spiritual Beasts are a subset of animals. Completely ordinary creatures that learn Cultivation. Some animals have a higher base intelligence and are more likely to be able to leverage what they've gained. Others, like most fish, will simply continue on instinct alone."
"...what're animals?" Meowth rubs his chin, "Are dey Pokemon?"
That is a question that you have never had to answer before. At least, you've never had to answer it in… quite this way. Informing your nascent brethren was a far more simple ordeal.
The Rockets are currently in the… 'proving grounds' of the Taciturn Tower. They are not attracting too much attention, but some eyes are on them.
[Knowledge that you would know in character: Spiritual Beasts are baseline normal animals that have learned or been taught Cultivation. The latter is even more rare than 'normal' Spiritual Beasts, with two notable exceptions in Spiritual Dogs and Spiritual Ferrets. There are also Magical Creatures – these are creatures that are inherently magic, and breed true. There are also monsters – some are created, some mutate. Sometimes Magical Creatures or Spiritual Beasts are mistaken for monsters, and vice versa. Finally, technically a human who stumbles onto cultivation on their own without any formal training is a Spiritual Beast, but all that really means is that a compatible Sect would do their best to tempt that 'Spiritual Beast' to join, and then train them because they obviously have raw potential. Using normal Spiritual Beasts as alchemical components is a thing that's a topic of debate, using human 'Spiritual Beasts' as alchemical components would have you labeled as a Demonic Cultivator.]
Do you attempt to explain animals now, or once they are in a more private area?
[] Privacy?
-[] Now, eavesdroppers be damned!
-[] Later.
And… what do you say?
[] What is an animal?
-[] Animals are Pokemon without inherent moves and types.
-[] Write-in:
Woops, been a bit since I updated. I meant to get this out sooner, but life happened. In other news, my family now have two cats where we only had one before, and it's ended up becoming my job to watch over the newcomer as she acclimates to the room we've sequestered her in for now. Not complaining, just a bit hard to write when there's one cat demanding attention and another trying to break down the door to meet the newcomer.
Also... I shouldn't be surprised by how easily the Rockets have taken this. Anyone else would have at least a little bit of existential angsting, but the Trio is genuinely under the impression that their old world is gone. They were given a chance to keep on living, and a new Boss to impress/disappoint, one desperate enough to choose them. They are poised and ready for this to become their new normal.
[X] Privacy?
-[X] Later.
[X] What is an animal?
-[X] Write-in: Animals are Pokemon without inherent moves and types. Also make reference to the generic fish that have been seen in the Pokemon anime.
[X] Privacy?
-[X] Later.
[X] What is an animal?
-[X] Write-in: Animals are Pokemon without inherent moves and types. Also make reference to the generic fish that have been seen in the Pokemon anime.
[X] Privacy?
-[X] Later.
[X] What is an animal?
-[X] Write-in: Animals are Pokemon without inherent moves and types. Also make reference to the generic fish that have been seen in the Pokemon anime.
As far as normal animals in the world of Pokemon go, the early anime had dogs in the background of promotional art, normal fish in aquariums, and food made with chicken and octopus and lamb. But as the series progressed, there were fewer and fewer mentions of real life animals.
I take this to mean that they were ret-conned out, and Pokemon fully took their place. And yeah, that means I'm a proponent of "people farm and ranch Pokemon in order to eat them" theory.
There was a lot of early anime stuff that... Well, was an artefact of the early anime. Lt. Surge was referred to as an American iirc.
If the 'non-pokemon' fish write-in wins I'll synthesise something.
