Turn 3
Oak POV
The morning sun cast a gentle glow over Pallet Town, but the weight of recent events hung in the air. A sense of abnormality clung to everything, even as people tried to hold on to some semblance of routine. From his window, Professor Oak could hear the familiar voice of Luna over the town's radio.
"This is Pallet Town Radio, 75.4, bringing you *I Wanna Be the Very Best* by Paige," Luna said cheerfully, trying to inject some positivity into the day.
Her voice was smooth and calm, a stark contrast to the tension in the town. It was clear that Luna had found some comfort in her new role, using the morning announcements to maintain a connection with the townspeople. Oak knew they needed something familiar to hold onto amidst the chaos.
Across the lab, Bill was slumped over his workstation, half-asleep, surrounded by wires and tools. He had been working tirelessly on the air compressor for the Running Shoes, a device that could potentially aid trainers in moving faster through the difficult terrain that had become more treacherous lately. Oak admired his dedication but worried about the toll this was taking on him.
"Bill, take a break," Oak muttered under his breath, knowing full well that the young inventor wouldn't listen.
At another desk, Anabel, their new advisor, sat quietly, filing paperwork with meticulous precision. Oak couldn't quite figure her out yet. She was young but carried herself with a level of authority and confidence that exceeded her years. Her strategic mind had been invaluable thus far, and Oak had to admit that her presence was stabilizing, even if she was somewhat of an enigma.
She's unusual, no doubt about that, Oak thought, watching her from his desk. Her background and her abilities are all a bit too convenient. But she has no reason to betray us… yet.
Still, Oak had learned long ago to prepare for every eventuality. He would trust Anabel as long as her actions aligned with the greater good, but he had lived long enough to know that loyalty was fragile, especially in times like these. He could handle her betrayal if it came to that, though he hoped it wouldn't.
With a sigh, Oak returned to the maps spread across his desk. The Kanto region had been destabilized in ways that were becoming increasingly difficult to manage. The Kanto Katastrophe, as people had started calling it, had left scars, and though life went on in Pallet Town, he could feel the tension rising. Trainers were restless, resources were stretched thin, and the reports coming in from Mt. Moon were unsettling, to say the least.
His eyes drifted back to the radio as Paige's song played softly in the background. Luna's voice would return shortly with more updates, and Oak found himself strangely grateful for the sound. It reminded him of simpler times, before the chaos, before the world had become such a fragile thing.
Resources 1030
Income:
+100 (Lecture Series Royalties)
+300 (Pallet Town Protector Tribute)
+200 (Rent from Lab)
Total: 600 Wealth.
Expenditures:
-600 (Pokemon Ranch Upkeep)
(You may assign, Oak, Luna and Anabel to one action, Bill is locked on the research action)
Diplomacy: A Quiet town like Pallet is a place where everyone knows everyone. It was charming.
(Choose 2)
[]Outreach and you (Veridian City): You know damn well that a fleet is only as good as the ships in it…now you don't like that damn city or Giovanni, but you think an honest conversation is in order. Cost: 100 DC:50/60/70/100 Reward: You meet with Giovanni, and find out whats going on.
[]A Talker in order: You cannot be everywhere at once. And even then you always needed a spokesman. Cost: 10 DC: 40/60 Reward: You hire a diplomat.
[]A Small Visit: Blaine knew that you would come by to visit again for an expanded discussion, at least one of your advisors will, and he's correct, trade is in order. Cost: 10 DC:60/70, Reward: Unlock Income from Trade with Blaine.
Martial: Defending a Town From Bandits…what has this world come to.
(Choose 1)
[]The Terrors of Route 1: So some teenager, who probably had authority problems, is now running what is essentially a racketeering ring on Route One. A bit of terror attacks should make them clear up. Cost: 40 DC:??? Reward: You scare off one of the ruffians on Route One.
[]Hire a Sheriff: The Last time Pallet Town had a Sheriff, you still were a champion, now finding one is a mess. A lot of paperwork was needed, and they had to live here. That was annoying. Cost: 60 DC: 30/50/70 Reward: Hire a Sheriff.
[]Arm a Militia: You don't think someone with a Pokemon will be enough for keeping a town watch up, lets see can be found to arm them properly. Cost: 20 DC:??? Reward: Find what weapons you have and give them to the youth.
[]Combat hands make Light work: You are going to train the Ranch Hands Personally how to be better trainers and people, the Ranch needs such things now. Cost: 10 DC:??? Reward: Train the Ranch Hands in combat, to be better trainers.
Stewardship: It is You and the Ranch, always your ranch.
(Choose 1)
[]Hire a Beancounter: You are a logistical man, but even you know that you can't work your way out of this one. Cost: 40 DC: 40/60/80/100 Reward: Hire a Logistican.
[]Open the Markets: Pallet Town's Old Port hasn't seen real trade in years, but now with the chaos perhaps we have a Niche in the Market open to exploit.
[]Ranch Care and You: You care for the Pokemon, and see if anyone catches your eye. Cost:0 DC:10 Reward: You care for your Pokemon on the Ranch.
[]Spend time with the Ranch Hands: The Hands are honest folk, they need more guidance or just a decent time to listen. Cost:0 DC:10 Reward: You spend time with the Hands.
Intrigue: Even now you had poor thoughts on using your intellect for such things.
(Choose 1)
[]Hire a Spy: You never saw the need for such a man, but you needed to be realistic. Cost: 120 DC:60 Reward: Hire a spy
[]Padlock The Ranch: You don't want any of your Pokemon stolen, an extra Padlock on the gate shouldn't hurt. Cost: 20 DC:100 Reward: Lock up the Ranch.
[]An Outside Bet: What is the Outside world doing, the Rangers are busy and well everyone else seems to be confused. Cost: 30 DC:?? Reward: Find out what the government is doing and unlock the Johto/ Pokemon Ranger Rumor mill.
[]Information for Sale: Its been a while since you've visited New Bark Town, perhaps a visit is in order, of course anyone who goes will have to break the Ranger Blockade, but that is easy enough. Cost: 50 DC: 65/75/85 Reward: You sell information to Professor Elm and hope he gets it to the right people.
[]Into the Forests of Veridian: The City was Giovanni's…he worked hard to make sure that it was so, but you didn't want to be behind the times. Cost: 10 DC:50/60/80 Reward: You spy on Veridian City
[]Winthin Cinnibar's Wake: Blaine was never one to be forthcoming with things, its time to see what he's hiding properly. Cost 10 DC: 40/60/70 Reward: You Spy on Cinnibar Island.
Learning: You shut down the Lab to Save Money, and supplies, you hope that wasn't a mistake.
(Choose 1)
Continuing action:
[x] Devion Corp Running Shoes: The Devion Corp Running Shoes are cutting-edge footwear
designed for trainers on the move. Crafted with lightweight, breathable materials, these shoes feature a reinforced sole that adapts to any terrain, whether you're sprinting through grassy fields or trekking up rocky mountains. Cost: 500 DC:600 Progress, Reward: You create The Running Shoes.
- [x] Bill
[]Restart the Lab: Okay…reopen the Lab, you hope you have the supplies to do it. Cost: 1000 DC:100 Reward: You reopen the Lab.
[]Silph Co. Travel and PokéPack: The Silph Co. Travel and PokéPack is a groundbreaking, state-of-the-art backpack engineered for elite Pokémon trainers. Designed with cutting-edge technology, this high-end gear revolutionizes how trainers operate in the field. Crafted from ultra-light yet incredibly durable materials, the PokéPack is both water-resistant and shockproof, ensuring it can withstand the harshest environments, from the depths of caves to the heights of mountains. Cost: 1000 DC: 1000 Progress, Reward: Make the PokePack and sell it.
[]The Pokémon PC Network: Bill's Pride and Joy, an advanced interconnected storage network that can send, store, and protect any and all trainer's Pokemon. It would have if sucessful created a Pokenet. Alas such ambitions are beyond him now, but a work could be salvaged. Cost: 2500 DC: 10,000 Progress, Reward: The PC network is online.
[]Unusual Migration Patterns (Route 1): "Rattatats of Unusual Size, Pidgy's who can block out the sun, and Caterpies that are larger than average, what is going on here." Cost: 200 DC:??? Reward: You get to the bottom of this unusual Upset.
[]Unusual Migration Patterns (Route 21): "Tentecools with strangely advanced hunting tactics and Tentecruel's big enough to destroy ships? It normally takes a whole school of them to do that." Cost: 200 DC:??? Reward: You get to the bottom of this unusual Upset.
Occult: You do not trust this, but you know it exists.
(Choose 1)
[]Read Myths: Do you think there is an explanation for this? Or something to enjoy. Cost: 0 DC: 0 Reward: Read a myth.
[]Dust off old Books: You think there are old answers from a text. Cost: 0 DC:0 Reward: Read a book.
[]Read the Children's stories: Well it's time to see what has been written. Cost: 0 DC:0 Reward: Read a story to the children…and Pokemon.
[]Anabel's Asperations Part 1: "Professor, do you have any information of Gym Leader Natsuama? I want to see what we're up against if only as a precaution." Cost: 30 DC:??? Reward: Anabel begins preparing…countermeasures.
AN: Well shall we beguin.