- Pronouns
- He/Him
Luna needs to get added to the Hero threadmark. Also Annabel, for that matter.
Pokemon Ranger: Crimson Dawn (No SV You are a Kanto Warlord)
- Thread starter Cyberphilosipher
- Start date
- Location
- California,USA
Working on that.
- Location
- Italian City
- Pronouns
- He/They/Name
"Militia"
- Location
- Fall, or somewhere close to it
So I wanna be sure I understand, do we have a learning action to spend or are we locked in with Bill and the shoes?
- Location
- California,USA
You have 2 options normally
You have 1 action because one is locked on a research action.
- Location
- Fall, or somewhere close to it
[X]PLAN: There Was An Idea
-Diplomacy: A Talker In Order Cost: 10 DC: 40/60 [Luna]
-Diplomacy: A Small Visit Cost: 10 DC:60/70
-Martial: Hire a Sheriff Cost: 60 DC: 30/50/70 [Anabel]
-Stewardship: Hire a Beancounter Cost: 40 DC: 40/60/80/100 [Oak]
-Intrigue: Hire a Spy Cost: 120 DC:60
-Learning: Unusual Migration Patterns (Route 1) Cost: 200 DC:???
-Learning: Devion Corp Running Shoes [Bill]
-Occult: Anabel's Asperations Part 1 Cost: 30 DC:???
Hiring people means spending money, but it also means more hands on deck. I am iffy on Anabel hiring the sheriff, I originally had her on the Occult action but getting a good Sheriff will be important for the times ahead.
-Diplomacy: A Talker In Order Cost: 10 DC: 40/60 [Luna]
-Diplomacy: A Small Visit Cost: 10 DC:60/70
-Martial: Hire a Sheriff Cost: 60 DC: 30/50/70 [Anabel]
-Stewardship: Hire a Beancounter Cost: 40 DC: 40/60/80/100 [Oak]
-Intrigue: Hire a Spy Cost: 120 DC:60
-Learning: Unusual Migration Patterns (Route 1) Cost: 200 DC:???
-Learning: Devion Corp Running Shoes [Bill]
-Occult: Anabel's Asperations Part 1 Cost: 30 DC:???
Hiring people means spending money, but it also means more hands on deck. I am iffy on Anabel hiring the sheriff, I originally had her on the Occult action but getting a good Sheriff will be important for the times ahead.
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- Location
- Three feet to the left
- Pronouns
- He/They
[X] Plan: Awesome Name
-Diplomacy
--[X]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. [Luna]
--[X]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
--[X]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. [Oak]
-Stewardship
--[X]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.
-Intrigue
--[X]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
-Learning
--[X]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.
-Occult
--[X]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. [Anabel]
-Diplomacy
--[X]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. [Luna]
--[X]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
--[X]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. [Oak]
-Stewardship
--[X]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.
-Intrigue
--[X]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
-Learning
--[X]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.
-Occult
--[X]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. [Anabel]
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- Location
- Fall, or somewhere close to it
@Dr. Dinosaur
Your plan doesn't have any heroes assigned
Your plan doesn't have any heroes assigned
- Location
- Three feet to the left
- Pronouns
- He/They
Noted and fixed. Thank you!
- Location
- Massachusits
[X] Plan Wen Katchum 1.2
-[x]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.
-[x]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.
-[x]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.
-[x]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.
-[x]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.
-[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
-[X]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.
-[x]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.
-[x]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.
-[x]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.
-[x]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.
-[x]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.
-[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
-[X]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.
- Location
- Fall, or somewhere close to it
@Dr. Dinosaur Bill can't be used as he's locked into making shoes
@TAMStudios You don't have any heroes assigned to your plan
@TAMStudios You don't have any heroes assigned to your plan
Interesting. We got pokemon growing bigger for some reason. Might it be pokelatis ruins acting up, a resurgance of Alpha pokemon, or something else?
And this could be something to do with some idiot using chemicals to fight those squids and having it backfire. Given the Tentacruel episode in the anime, or it could be relatively unrelated to that.
Also. Looks like Anabel wants to at least prepare contingencies against the strongest human psychic alive. Though given her overall esortic skills, and the anime elements bringing familiarity with psychic types(Was a psychic type specialist in the anime) and at least mild telepathy to her character, she's probably our most equipped to do so.
- Location
- California,USA
When the Balance of the world is at stake is weird.
Someone's being mad, and it ain't Blaine.
She was trained to be that countermeasure.
[X]PLAN: There Was An Idea
This plan looks solid. The more actions the better, and getting good advisors defenitly worth hero assignments.
This plan looks solid. The more actions the better, and getting good advisors defenitly worth hero assignments.
[X]PLAN: There Was An Idea
- Location
- California,USA
So any more questions about stuff.
- Location
- California,USA
Calling the vote in 2 hours.
- Location
- California,USA
Calling the Vote
[X]PLAN: There Was An Idea
wins.
[X]PLAN: There Was An Idea
wins.
- Location
- Fall, or somewhere close to it
Hurray! My plan named after a silly Marvel line won in the pokemon quest! Now I need a pokemon named quest to win in the marvel one
Turn 3 Results
- Location
- California,USA
Turn 3 Results
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.
Diplomacy: A Talker In Order Cost: 10 DC: 40/60 [Luna]
Rolled: D100 => 91+21=112
Luna scanned the area, her eyes flitting from one preoccupied person to another, each busy with their own critical tasks. She was on the hunt for someone who had experience with public relations, but those who usually fit the bill were already tied up.
The Radio DJ, whom she worked alongside, was focused on delivering the latest weather and Pokémon reports to whoever was still keeping an ear on the airwaves. That left him unavailable.
The local Playwright? He was deeply engrossed in producing something special for the children. A play, perhaps, to keep them entertained and distracted now that the chance of embarking on Pokémon Journeys had all but vanished.
Luna sighed, knowing her options were limited. The only person left was the eccentric Outdoorsman. She hadn't met the man personally, but he had quite the reputation around Pallet Town. Some called him a legend, others—well, they were less kind. He used to live in the area part-time before he lost his council seat to the now-mighty politician and Pokémon trainer, Giovanni.
After that political defeat, he settled in Pallet Town full-time with his family, turning his focus to Tauros ranching. His property, second only to Professor Oak's in size, sprawled across the edge of town. It made him hard to miss and even harder to approach. Still, with the need for someone skilled in rallying people and managing public perception, Luna had no choice but to go to him.
She hesitated as she approached the wide porch of his ranch house, the sound of her own footsteps suddenly loud in her ears. Gathering her courage, she knocked on the door.
"BULLY!" a booming voice rang out from inside. "I've told you—I don't want any well-wishers, insane planners, and if you're with that department store, keep your inferior products to yourself!"
Luna winced at the sudden shout but cleared her throat and responded. "Umm… Dr. Roose. I'm sorry to disturb you, but I was hoping I could have a moment of your time."
The door swung open to reveal Dr. Roose Velt, a mountain of a man who adjusted his round glasses as he looked down at her. Despite his gruff entrance, he wore a kind smile. He was a living legend of sorts in Kanto. A former soldier, a Doctor of Flying-type Pokémon, a lawyer, Kanto's former Secretary of the Navy during the post-war reconstruction, and even briefly the Mayor of Viridian City. He had been pushed out of office recently by forces beyond his control—forces like Giovanni and the political machine that had emerged in the aftermath of the war.
Dr. Roose was known for his incorruptibility. He couldn't be bought by Silph Co., nor swayed by the ruthless game of post-war machine politics. Rumor even had it that Giovanni himself had failed to intimidate the man, though no one could confirm if Giovanni's ties to Team Rocket were more than just whispers.
The man had conceded defeat with dignity when he lost his seat, stepping down with grace and without a word. And now, here he stood in front of Luna, a faint spark of amusement in his eyes.
"Ah, Miss Luna. Fine work you and the hands have been doing with Professor Oak," he said warmly, putting down the book he'd been reading. "Couldn't have asked for a finer group of youngsters."
Luna shifted on her feet, feeling the weight of what she was about to ask. "I know I'm intruding on your retirement by bringing this up, but—"
"Oak needs me, doesn't he?" Dr. Roose interrupted, with a slight grin. "Not that I didn't expect him to come knocking eventually."
"With everything going on, I'm pretty sure he needs you now more than ever. He needs someone people like and respect, and… well, everyone likes you." Luna paused, watching for a reaction.
Roose's expression softened, though his eyes held a flicker of doubt. "That may be true, but I've been enjoying the simpler things in life. I'm not sure I have the strength for public life again. Not after…"
His voice trailed off, the weight of his past evident in the silence. Luna saw her opportunity and cut in before he could finish.
"Sir, you could one-up Giovanni," she said, leaning in slightly. "You could gain more acclaim, help people when they need it most, and prove you're still the better speaker. The better leader."
Dr. Roose's eyes lit up, and a wide, familiar smile stretched across his face. "Bully! Now that's more like it!"
He really wanted the Job and you gave it to him.
Reward: Dr Roose Velt has joined as a Diplomacy Advisor.
Diplomacy: A Small Visit Cost: 10 DC:60/70
Rolled: D100 => 10
The Storms are getting worse!
"We can't send anything in this weather!" Oak said. "Help me tie this down!"
Reward: The Storms keep you from trading.
Martial: Hire a Sheriff Cost: 60 DC: 30/50/70 [Anabel]
Rolled: D100 => 82+18=100
(Anabel POV)
The stranger entered town without saying a word. He was tall, broad-shouldered, and visibly well-armed, his Pokémon a Growlithe trotting faithfully by his side. There was a haunted look in his eyes, darkened with exhaustion as if he hadn't slept in weeks. He nodded toward you, his voice gruff but steady.
"Is it safe here?"
You glanced at the obvious injuries on him: torn clothing, a faint trace of blood, and grime that spoke of battles fought. "It is. Are you okay?"
He nodded slowly, though his eyes betrayed deeper wounds. "I will be now." Then he looked down at his loyal companion. "Growlithe, tell the others it's safe to come out."
Before you could respond, he collapsed, his body crumpling to the ground in a heap of exhaustion. Instinct kicked in, and you immediately called for help. Oak would want to know about this.
---
Later, you stood beside Professor Oak, both of you watching over the unconscious stranger, now lying in a bed in the makeshift infirmary. His face looked more peaceful in sleep, but deep lines of strain and suffering remained etched into his features.
"Leon Clark, Tactical Team B," you began, reading off the report you'd pieced together. "He was deployed to Lavender Town with his Ranger team to investigate the situation there. According to the records, and what little we've been able to gather from scattered radio transmissions… he's supposed to be dead."
Oak stood beside you, arms folded, deep in thought. "Peculiar," he mused. "Why do we have a man, thought dead, lying in my home?"
You frowned. "That's just it. He should be dead, but he's not. His Pokémon—Growlithe and others—respond to him like he never left. He's not some apparition, but it's like he's been… lost. I've never seen anything like this before, and I doubt you have?"
Oak's expression darkened with contemplation. "I've seen my fair share of strange occurrences in my time. But no, I haven't seen a man return from the dead, nor one stumbles into my home like a ghost."
He turned his sharp gaze on you, and you could feel the weight of responsibility settling on your shoulders. "Debrief Mr. Clark when he recovers. A Pokémon Ranger, especially a Tactical Ranger, doesn't simply wander around aimlessly during a crisis. He knows something, and we need that information. And once he's well enough…"
"Put him to work?" you asked, knowing the answer but still surprised at the swiftness of Oak's decision.
Oak nodded, a hint of sympathy in his voice. "He'll need the distraction, and we could use the help. Lavender Town is not a place a man simply returns from unscathed especially not now. Whatever he's seen or faced, it's more than just the usual disturbances. I have a feeling we're dealing with something far worse."
---
In the days that followed, you kept a close watch on Leon Clark as he slowly regained his strength. The physical injuries were healing, but his mind remained distant, as though haunted by memories he couldn't escape. Whatever had happened in Lavender Town, it had left scars deeper than any visible wound.
Reward: Reward Gain Sheriff Leon Clark.
Stewardship: Hire a Beancounter Cost: 40 DC: 40/60/80/100 [Oak]
Rolled: D100 => 65+46=111
"Ahh, Professor Oak I'm glad to see you in such good spirits after the Katastrophe, and Here I thought I'd have to buy your land." The man said calmly.
" Oh…great its you." You rolled your eyes. "Fox you son of a bitch…how many years has it been?"
"At least Ten, you've gotten things under control havn't you?" He said.
"Heard Silph Bought your company out in the chaos." You said calmly.
"VULPIX!" His Vulpix said running around.
"Oh I bet you gave them hell on the way out." You said picking up the fox pokemon.
"They did buy me out, Decided to go to you…does your lab still need an administrator?" He said.
"Administrator Fox Masters, It has a ring to it." You said.
Reward: Gain Advisor Fox Masters.
Intrigue: Hire a Spy Cost: 120 DC:60
Rolled: D100 => 20
"I don't trust the milkman?" Oak said.
Failure: No one was hired.
Learning: Unusual Migration Patterns (Route 1) Cost: 200 DC:???
Rolled: D100 => 36
You didn't get anything major beyond something terrifying.
Something was controlling those poor pidgy.
Reward: You have one piece of Intel…now you have to make a countermeasure.
Learning: Devion Corp Running Shoes [Bill]
Rolled: D100 => 88+31=119-10=109
Genius: D10 => 7 (OH NO!)
What Happens: D3 => 3 (The SHOE IS A ROCKET)
"Alright, we fit it in the Shoe," Bill said as it exploded and launched into the ceiling and then the sky.
"TOO MUCH PRESSURE!" He finished.
Reward: +109 Progress. Bill made it a shoe rocket!
Occult: Anabel's Asperations Part 1 Cost: 30 DC:???
Rolled: D100 => 9
(Anabel POV)
The pressure built in your head, a sharp, constricting pain as you gazed into the mirror before you. At first, you saw only your reflection—but then the voice came.
It was Sabrina's voice.
Your heart raced. The reflection in the mirror was unmistakably hers—dark hair, piercing eyes—but how could that be possible? She was far away, wasn't she?
You were the only one in the room.
"So, this is what passes for a 'countermeasure' the fools in the world created?" Sabrina's voice echoed through the room. But what sent a chill down your spine was seeing that it was your own mouth moving in the reflection.
The realization struck you hard. Sabrina was capable of total physical control, even across distances? And not just anyone you, with your trained mental defenses. What kind of psychic power had she mastered?
You swallowed hard, willing yourself to stay calm, despite the creeping dread that threatened to unravel you. You could not panic. "I am the countermeasure," you said, your voice shaking despite your best efforts to sound firm. "Only, unlike you, I am not completely mad."
Sabrina's control was a tangible weight, her psychic influence pressing against your mind like an iron fist. You felt your own mental shields tremble beneath her touch. It was like fighting a swordmaster with a butter knife your defenses, though strong, seemed inadequate against the vastness of her power. But still, you fought.
"True," she mused, her voice now laced with amusement. "There is some skill here. Your intelligence alone gives you some resilience… barriers built from knowledge, layers upon layers of books and facts." Her mocking tone twisted your reflection into a sneer. "Clever, but basic."
You gritted your teeth, feeling her psychic tendrils probe deeper into your mind. It was like she was rifling through your thoughts, turning pages in the library of your memories with a careless hand. But you couldn't afford to let her break you. Not here. Not now.
"If you want to fight me, Sabrina…" You struggled to sound confident, but every word felt like it was being pried from your lips. "…I will only give you one chance. Because you intrigue me."
A low, mirthless chuckle filled the room, bouncing off the walls as if Sabrina's presence were surrounding you entirely. "Intrigue, is it?" Her voice dripped with condescension. "Oh, I don't need to fight you, Anabel. You will do that for me."
Her psychic grip tightened, and your reflection grinned wickedly. "Now, to make this fun…" She paused, her voice softening to a dangerous whisper. "Have your worst nightmare… on repeat."
Before you could react, the weight of her command crashed into you, pulling you under like a tidal wave. Your worst fear, your deepest dread suddenly, it consumed your mind. Every time you blinked, it played again, over and over, more vivid and horrific with each pass.
You gasped, struggling to keep your composure as images flashed in your mind. You tried to shove them back, to compartmentalize, but they kept coming, hammering against your sanity. You saw yourself failing, losing control, becoming like her; a puppet, a hollowed-out shell.
Every blink. Every breath. The nightmare replayed.
Sabrina's voice echoed one last time, quieter now, but undeniably triumphant. "Enjoy the show, Anabel. I'll be watching." Then, like a shadow receding, the psychic pressure lessened, leaving you gasping for air, clutching the edges of the mirror as if it were the only solid thing left in the world.
She was gone—but the terror she left behind lingered, gnawing at the edges of your mind. And now, every time you closed your eyes, you would face it again. The nightmare, her parting gift.
Failure. Temporary Debuff added to Anabel: Insomnia.
AN: Well have fun.
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.
Diplomacy: A Talker In Order Cost: 10 DC: 40/60 [Luna]
Rolled: D100 => 91+21=112
Luna scanned the area, her eyes flitting from one preoccupied person to another, each busy with their own critical tasks. She was on the hunt for someone who had experience with public relations, but those who usually fit the bill were already tied up.
The Radio DJ, whom she worked alongside, was focused on delivering the latest weather and Pokémon reports to whoever was still keeping an ear on the airwaves. That left him unavailable.
The local Playwright? He was deeply engrossed in producing something special for the children. A play, perhaps, to keep them entertained and distracted now that the chance of embarking on Pokémon Journeys had all but vanished.
Luna sighed, knowing her options were limited. The only person left was the eccentric Outdoorsman. She hadn't met the man personally, but he had quite the reputation around Pallet Town. Some called him a legend, others—well, they were less kind. He used to live in the area part-time before he lost his council seat to the now-mighty politician and Pokémon trainer, Giovanni.
After that political defeat, he settled in Pallet Town full-time with his family, turning his focus to Tauros ranching. His property, second only to Professor Oak's in size, sprawled across the edge of town. It made him hard to miss and even harder to approach. Still, with the need for someone skilled in rallying people and managing public perception, Luna had no choice but to go to him.
She hesitated as she approached the wide porch of his ranch house, the sound of her own footsteps suddenly loud in her ears. Gathering her courage, she knocked on the door.
"BULLY!" a booming voice rang out from inside. "I've told you—I don't want any well-wishers, insane planners, and if you're with that department store, keep your inferior products to yourself!"
Luna winced at the sudden shout but cleared her throat and responded. "Umm… Dr. Roose. I'm sorry to disturb you, but I was hoping I could have a moment of your time."
The door swung open to reveal Dr. Roose Velt, a mountain of a man who adjusted his round glasses as he looked down at her. Despite his gruff entrance, he wore a kind smile. He was a living legend of sorts in Kanto. A former soldier, a Doctor of Flying-type Pokémon, a lawyer, Kanto's former Secretary of the Navy during the post-war reconstruction, and even briefly the Mayor of Viridian City. He had been pushed out of office recently by forces beyond his control—forces like Giovanni and the political machine that had emerged in the aftermath of the war.
Dr. Roose was known for his incorruptibility. He couldn't be bought by Silph Co., nor swayed by the ruthless game of post-war machine politics. Rumor even had it that Giovanni himself had failed to intimidate the man, though no one could confirm if Giovanni's ties to Team Rocket were more than just whispers.
The man had conceded defeat with dignity when he lost his seat, stepping down with grace and without a word. And now, here he stood in front of Luna, a faint spark of amusement in his eyes.
"Ah, Miss Luna. Fine work you and the hands have been doing with Professor Oak," he said warmly, putting down the book he'd been reading. "Couldn't have asked for a finer group of youngsters."
Luna shifted on her feet, feeling the weight of what she was about to ask. "I know I'm intruding on your retirement by bringing this up, but—"
"Oak needs me, doesn't he?" Dr. Roose interrupted, with a slight grin. "Not that I didn't expect him to come knocking eventually."
"With everything going on, I'm pretty sure he needs you now more than ever. He needs someone people like and respect, and… well, everyone likes you." Luna paused, watching for a reaction.
Roose's expression softened, though his eyes held a flicker of doubt. "That may be true, but I've been enjoying the simpler things in life. I'm not sure I have the strength for public life again. Not after…"
His voice trailed off, the weight of his past evident in the silence. Luna saw her opportunity and cut in before he could finish.
"Sir, you could one-up Giovanni," she said, leaning in slightly. "You could gain more acclaim, help people when they need it most, and prove you're still the better speaker. The better leader."
Dr. Roose's eyes lit up, and a wide, familiar smile stretched across his face. "Bully! Now that's more like it!"
He really wanted the Job and you gave it to him.
Reward: Dr Roose Velt has joined as a Diplomacy Advisor.
Diplomacy: A Small Visit Cost: 10 DC:60/70
Rolled: D100 => 10
The Storms are getting worse!
"We can't send anything in this weather!" Oak said. "Help me tie this down!"
Reward: The Storms keep you from trading.
Martial: Hire a Sheriff Cost: 60 DC: 30/50/70 [Anabel]
Rolled: D100 => 82+18=100
(Anabel POV)
The stranger entered town without saying a word. He was tall, broad-shouldered, and visibly well-armed, his Pokémon a Growlithe trotting faithfully by his side. There was a haunted look in his eyes, darkened with exhaustion as if he hadn't slept in weeks. He nodded toward you, his voice gruff but steady.
"Is it safe here?"
You glanced at the obvious injuries on him: torn clothing, a faint trace of blood, and grime that spoke of battles fought. "It is. Are you okay?"
He nodded slowly, though his eyes betrayed deeper wounds. "I will be now." Then he looked down at his loyal companion. "Growlithe, tell the others it's safe to come out."
Before you could respond, he collapsed, his body crumpling to the ground in a heap of exhaustion. Instinct kicked in, and you immediately called for help. Oak would want to know about this.
---
Later, you stood beside Professor Oak, both of you watching over the unconscious stranger, now lying in a bed in the makeshift infirmary. His face looked more peaceful in sleep, but deep lines of strain and suffering remained etched into his features.
"Leon Clark, Tactical Team B," you began, reading off the report you'd pieced together. "He was deployed to Lavender Town with his Ranger team to investigate the situation there. According to the records, and what little we've been able to gather from scattered radio transmissions… he's supposed to be dead."
Oak stood beside you, arms folded, deep in thought. "Peculiar," he mused. "Why do we have a man, thought dead, lying in my home?"
You frowned. "That's just it. He should be dead, but he's not. His Pokémon—Growlithe and others—respond to him like he never left. He's not some apparition, but it's like he's been… lost. I've never seen anything like this before, and I doubt you have?"
Oak's expression darkened with contemplation. "I've seen my fair share of strange occurrences in my time. But no, I haven't seen a man return from the dead, nor one stumbles into my home like a ghost."
He turned his sharp gaze on you, and you could feel the weight of responsibility settling on your shoulders. "Debrief Mr. Clark when he recovers. A Pokémon Ranger, especially a Tactical Ranger, doesn't simply wander around aimlessly during a crisis. He knows something, and we need that information. And once he's well enough…"
"Put him to work?" you asked, knowing the answer but still surprised at the swiftness of Oak's decision.
Oak nodded, a hint of sympathy in his voice. "He'll need the distraction, and we could use the help. Lavender Town is not a place a man simply returns from unscathed especially not now. Whatever he's seen or faced, it's more than just the usual disturbances. I have a feeling we're dealing with something far worse."
---
In the days that followed, you kept a close watch on Leon Clark as he slowly regained his strength. The physical injuries were healing, but his mind remained distant, as though haunted by memories he couldn't escape. Whatever had happened in Lavender Town, it had left scars deeper than any visible wound.
Reward: Reward Gain Sheriff Leon Clark.
Stewardship: Hire a Beancounter Cost: 40 DC: 40/60/80/100 [Oak]
Rolled: D100 => 65+46=111
"Ahh, Professor Oak I'm glad to see you in such good spirits after the Katastrophe, and Here I thought I'd have to buy your land." The man said calmly.
" Oh…great its you." You rolled your eyes. "Fox you son of a bitch…how many years has it been?"
"At least Ten, you've gotten things under control havn't you?" He said.
"Heard Silph Bought your company out in the chaos." You said calmly.
"VULPIX!" His Vulpix said running around.
"Oh I bet you gave them hell on the way out." You said picking up the fox pokemon.
"They did buy me out, Decided to go to you…does your lab still need an administrator?" He said.
"Administrator Fox Masters, It has a ring to it." You said.
Reward: Gain Advisor Fox Masters.
Intrigue: Hire a Spy Cost: 120 DC:60
Rolled: D100 => 20
"I don't trust the milkman?" Oak said.
Failure: No one was hired.
Learning: Unusual Migration Patterns (Route 1) Cost: 200 DC:???
Rolled: D100 => 36
You didn't get anything major beyond something terrifying.
Something was controlling those poor pidgy.
Reward: You have one piece of Intel…now you have to make a countermeasure.
Learning: Devion Corp Running Shoes [Bill]
Rolled: D100 => 88+31=119-10=109
Genius: D10 => 7 (OH NO!)
What Happens: D3 => 3 (The SHOE IS A ROCKET)
"Alright, we fit it in the Shoe," Bill said as it exploded and launched into the ceiling and then the sky.
"TOO MUCH PRESSURE!" He finished.
Reward: +109 Progress. Bill made it a shoe rocket!
Occult: Anabel's Asperations Part 1 Cost: 30 DC:???
Rolled: D100 => 9
(Anabel POV)
The pressure built in your head, a sharp, constricting pain as you gazed into the mirror before you. At first, you saw only your reflection—but then the voice came.
It was Sabrina's voice.
Your heart raced. The reflection in the mirror was unmistakably hers—dark hair, piercing eyes—but how could that be possible? She was far away, wasn't she?
You were the only one in the room.
"So, this is what passes for a 'countermeasure' the fools in the world created?" Sabrina's voice echoed through the room. But what sent a chill down your spine was seeing that it was your own mouth moving in the reflection.
The realization struck you hard. Sabrina was capable of total physical control, even across distances? And not just anyone you, with your trained mental defenses. What kind of psychic power had she mastered?
You swallowed hard, willing yourself to stay calm, despite the creeping dread that threatened to unravel you. You could not panic. "I am the countermeasure," you said, your voice shaking despite your best efforts to sound firm. "Only, unlike you, I am not completely mad."
Sabrina's control was a tangible weight, her psychic influence pressing against your mind like an iron fist. You felt your own mental shields tremble beneath her touch. It was like fighting a swordmaster with a butter knife your defenses, though strong, seemed inadequate against the vastness of her power. But still, you fought.
"True," she mused, her voice now laced with amusement. "There is some skill here. Your intelligence alone gives you some resilience… barriers built from knowledge, layers upon layers of books and facts." Her mocking tone twisted your reflection into a sneer. "Clever, but basic."
You gritted your teeth, feeling her psychic tendrils probe deeper into your mind. It was like she was rifling through your thoughts, turning pages in the library of your memories with a careless hand. But you couldn't afford to let her break you. Not here. Not now.
"If you want to fight me, Sabrina…" You struggled to sound confident, but every word felt like it was being pried from your lips. "…I will only give you one chance. Because you intrigue me."
A low, mirthless chuckle filled the room, bouncing off the walls as if Sabrina's presence were surrounding you entirely. "Intrigue, is it?" Her voice dripped with condescension. "Oh, I don't need to fight you, Anabel. You will do that for me."
Her psychic grip tightened, and your reflection grinned wickedly. "Now, to make this fun…" She paused, her voice softening to a dangerous whisper. "Have your worst nightmare… on repeat."
Before you could react, the weight of her command crashed into you, pulling you under like a tidal wave. Your worst fear, your deepest dread suddenly, it consumed your mind. Every time you blinked, it played again, over and over, more vivid and horrific with each pass.
You gasped, struggling to keep your composure as images flashed in your mind. You tried to shove them back, to compartmentalize, but they kept coming, hammering against your sanity. You saw yourself failing, losing control, becoming like her; a puppet, a hollowed-out shell.
Every blink. Every breath. The nightmare replayed.
Sabrina's voice echoed one last time, quieter now, but undeniably triumphant. "Enjoy the show, Anabel. I'll be watching." Then, like a shadow receding, the psychic pressure lessened, leaving you gasping for air, clutching the edges of the mirror as if it were the only solid thing left in the world.
She was gone—but the terror she left behind lingered, gnawing at the edges of your mind. And now, every time you closed your eyes, you would face it again. The nightmare, her parting gift.
Failure. Temporary Debuff added to Anabel: Insomnia.
AN: Well have fun.
- Location
- Fall, or somewhere close to it
Excellent! A fantastic and boisterous advisor is just what we need
Well even if we had Oak on that it wasn't gonna go through, so don't feel too bad about the dice saying no. Unfortunate, but can be tried again.
A haunted Sheriff, but a damn powerful one. I'll take an eventual plotline to help him recover every day of the week.
Anyone with a vulpix can't be bad, they're adorable! I've a good feeling about this son of a bitch.
Again, a roll of the dice that no matter who we assigned we couldn't have made. It happens
Don't like that, I really don't like that. Least we know there is something we can do about it (?)
I feel like I'll say this a lot during the quest, but god damn it Bill.
...I'll take responsibility on that one, but again I dunno how much better that result would have been if Anabel was on that.
Overall got some people recruited and realized we need to make some more offerings to the dice gods because woof at some of those rolls.
- Location
- California,USA
He's Pokemon TR...he's a badass.
Very unsubtle there.
Certainly is the local TR expy. Mr 'Rose Velt', that wordplay is cleverly simple.
…So, what form of super tech, or magic are we dealing with. My mind first jumps to the gigimaro from one of the ranger games, but this seems to be Pokemon specific, and presumably it's still in development and works for all Pokemon.