In the world of Pokemon, there are people and institutions whose preeminence in their fields of expertise grant them worldwide fame and notoriety. The late Samuel Oak was the Pokemon Professor for his contributions to the field of Pokemon Research and his brainchild, the Pokedex. Red Isamu is the Pokemon Trainer for his meteoric rise as a youth a scant 26 years ago and for his victory in The First Pokemon World Tournament a little over a decade ago. Closer to home, Mesagoza Academy is the Pokemon Academy, the foremost learning institution for Pokemon raising, training and battling—or so Paldea and her allies claim.
As a proud citizen of the mighty Paldean Empire, you have been fortunately blessed with the opportunity to attend Mesagoza Academy. Now it is up to you to live up to and abide by the motto of that Ancient and August institution:
"Arise, O youth, and become the foundation of the world."
In the world of Pokemon, there are people and institutions whose preeminence in their fields of expertise grant them worldwide fame and notoriety. The late Samuel Oak was the Pokemon Professor for his contributions to the field of Pokemon Research and his brainchild, the Pokedex. Red Isamu is the Pokemon Trainer for his meteoric rise as a youth a scant 26 years ago and for his victory in The First Pokemon World Tournament a little over a decade ago. Closer to home, Mesagoza Academy is the Pokemon Academy, the foremost learning institution for Pokemon raising, training and battling—or so Paldea and her allies claim.
As a proud citizen of the mighty Paldean Empire, you have been fortunately blessed with the opportunity to attend Mesagoza Academy. Pending a good outcome in the Entrance Exams, of course.
"Sup, what's your name?"
Looking back on the written exam, you think you :
[] "just barely managed to scrape by. What the hell does Arithmetic and Literature have to do with Pokemon!?"
+1 CharGen Points
Set KNOW to 6
[] "should be fine for all the studying you did. Nothing to really be proud of but you put in the hard work and were rewarded for it by a middle of the pack performance."
-1 CharGen Points
Set KNOW to 8
[] "did pretty well all things considered. Definitely feeling good about that, you wouldn't be surprised if you were on the higher end of the entrees. "
-2 CharGen Points
Set KNOW to 10
[] "aced it with flying colors. You're certainly among the Top Ten scorers in the region for the Entrance Exam."
-3 CharGen Points.
Set KNOW to 12
"Um, hello?"
Anyways, you're here now in your home town's Battle Arena to take part in the second half: the practical exam. According to instructions from the Academy's website and those provided to you via email, it's a mock battle against a Proctor using Academy-raised and trained Pokemon. You've been provided with a temporary Trainer card they can make official once you pass the exam. Taking it out, you look at it again to distract from your nerves and to pass the time as you go through the longest 30 minutes of your life. You take a look at a picture of yourself, your thoughts known only to you.
[] (First Name, Eye Color, Hair Color, Skin Color, Pronouns) (Picture Optional)
[Example] Rean, Lilac, Black with a Blue Tint, He/Him
"Hellooo? Are you ignoring me?"
You're snapped back to reality. It seems someone is addressing you specifically. You spaced out, that's kinda awkward. Looking at them, you see a teenage girl with dark blonde hair and brown eyes wearing a dark blue blazer with a cyan shirt and light denim jeans. She's looking at you with a raised brow, her head tilted to the side with a strained smile on her face. You're surprised she went out of her way to approach you; there's a lot of space in the waiting area. In fact, the only other persons here are the guard by the doorway to the testing area and a sleeping older-looking man.
"Finally. Jeez… I was starting to think you were deaf—I wanted to make small talk with you. You're the only other person here who isn't old and decrepit." That's not fair, you're certain that man is at most middle-aged. "Anyways, what's your deal?" She asks.
[] "Keep ignoring her, but make sure she knows you're doing it on purpose. She is clearly very rude and you are very busy brooding by your lonesome. You're so great at meeting new people."
+1 CharGen Points
Set CHRM to 6
[] "Give a brief reply. It's small talk, after all. You're no stranger to it."
-1 CharGen Points
Set CHRM to 9
[] "Apologize for ignoring her and ready yourself to get caught in a conversation with a stranger your age. You know how these go—hell you might even make a new friend at the end of it."
-3 CharGen Points
Set CHRM to 12
Before she could reply, the guard called out your last name. It's your turn to take the practical. You make your way over, trying to stamp down on the doubt and nerves bubbling inside you. It's do or die time.
You look around the arena and there's barely anyone here. Aside from academy staff and arena employees, you mean, which makes sense: it's a private test. You do see a bored-looking Kadabra sitting by the bleachers, reading a magazine that you can't make out while its eyes glow a bluish tint. So that's how they'll manage the barrier for the arena.
Your hands shake too much that you struggle to adjust the mic around your neck. You continue on to the stand opposite the proctor, who's talking with a couple of judges. Looking down at the arena, you see a bare field of grass with only some sizable rocks protruding out and a decent-sized pond in the middle—you're guessing it's for the more immobile Water types.
Next to you, there's a table with six Poke Balls: two regular PokeBalls, two Great Balls, and two Ultra Balls. There's a strange-looking device, too. It resembles some of those older models of Pokedexes and is slightly larger than your hand. But before you can inspect it, the proctor calls you to attention. He's a large, broad-shouldered man dressed in the dark red military uniform of Mesagoza Academy.
"Welcome, examinee. You may refer to me as Iosef." The proctor said. "I'm here to test your skill and whether you are fit to attend our prestigious Academy. Before you, you will find six pokeballs; pick two of the same kind. Within them are Academy pokemon of varying strength. You are to command them for your examination. Whoever you choose will be met with opponents of equal strength and increased difficulty." Meanwhile, you see one of the judges next to him roll her eyes at the mention of the word 'command'.
"Next to them is an Academy ARCUS you will use for the battle: its functionality has been limited to the Pokedex and the Tera Orb, its usage is optional in your coming battle though highly recommended." Iosef said as if reciting from a script. "You will have five minutes to choose your Pokemon, the ARCUS, and to familiarize yourself with them both. The examination will last for fifteen minutes, and will be a two-on-two battle with one switch-in. Killing any Pokemon will see you fail the examination, prevent any future enrollment at the Academy and barred from future employment with the Paldean Pokemon League."
"Your 5 minutes begin now." With that, you nervously take a look at the Pokemon before you.
Your Choices are:
[] "The Two Pokeballs containing Nymble and Meditite" (Two Zero-Badge Pokemon)
+0 CharGen Points
Set PROW and SKLL to 6
Tutorial Battle will grant either a +1 or +2 to both stats dependent on outcome
[] "The Two Great Balls containing Psyduck and Helioptile" (Two One-Badge Pokemon)
-1 CharGen Points
Set PROW and SKLL to 8
Tutorial Battle will grant either a -1, +1 or a +2 to both stats dependent on outcome
???
[] "The Two Ultra Balls containing Skiploom and Raboot" (Two Two-Badge Pokemon)
-2 CharGen Points
Set PROW and SKLL to 10
Tutorial Battle will grant either a -2, +1 or a +2 to both stats dependent on outcome
???
There's also the ARCUS device you've been told about. You obviously know what a Pokedex is and as a Paldean, you're vaguely aware of what Terastalization is as well. But outside of suspicious secondhand rumors on the net, this is the first time you've seen an 'ARCUS.' You check the Pokedex for the moves your Pokemon have access to and to make sure that the Tera function is working. You even ask the proctor for guidance, and all he says is as long as the ARCUS glows consistently, Tera is active and usable.
Trying to calm your nerves one last time, you think on what strategy you'll be using:
[] OFFENSE: Attack, attack, attack. Focus on doing as much damage as possible. Staying close with Physical Attackers and prioritizing damage with Special Attackers. Power is all that matters in the end
[] DEFENSE: At such a low level access to setup and status moves are minimal but not zero. You can work with this. Keeping your distance, dodging and avoiding damage will be priority. Punishing mistakes, taking advantage of opportunities and outlasting the enemy will be key to victory
[] SETUP: (Available only for Great and Ultra Ball options) Both sets of pokemon have some setup and status to them, with one of them even having a weather move. At such a low level they won't last long without the Pokemon who set them up maintaining it but that can be the difference between victory or defeat. The iron must be made hot by striking it.
CharGen Points available: 5
Hello, SV! I've never written a quest before and this has been an idea that's been rattling around in my head for a good while now. Having recently replayed the Cold Steel games and inspired by Pokefics like "In a World We Must Defend" and "I Will Touch the Sky", I decided to give writing one a shot. It's going to be a learning experience for both of us
You don't need any knowledge of the Trails games to take part, but you do need some Pokemon knowledge. I will be changing a couple of things around from Pokemon like immunities to make for a better combat experience.
I'll make sure to state when Write In options are allowed though they will be subject to a veto from me.
Combat will be a combination of me rolling for things such as damage and initiative on who moves first and raw vibes.
This post is the first of three updates specifically about Character Generation, with this one focusing on who you are. The next update will focus on how you relate to the world as a whole IE: Where are you from and what's your background? And the last CharGen update will focus on the most important choice in any Pokemon game: What's your starter?
CharGen points will be used throughout the three updates so it might be prudent to not spend all of your CharGen points asap.
Votes will be in plan format, an example would be
[!]Literally Just Rean Schwarzer
-[!] "should be fine for all the studying you did. Nothing to really be proud of but you put in the hard work and were rewarded for it by a middle of the pack performance."
-[!] Rean, Lilac, Black with a Blue Tint, He/Him
-[!] "Give a brief reply. It's small talk, after all. You're no stranger to it."
-[!] "The Two Ultra Balls containing Skiploom and Raboot" (Two Two-Badge Pokemon)
-[!] SETUP: (Available only for Great and Ultra Ball options) Both sets of pokemon have some setup and status to them, with one of them even having a weather move. At such a low level they won't last long without the Pokemon who set them up maintaining it but that can be the difference between victory or defeat. The iron must be made hot by striking it.
Total CharGen Points used: 4
Remaining CharPoints: 1
[!]Literally Just Estelle Bright
-[!] "just barely managed to scrape by. What the hell does Arithmetic and Literature have to do with Pokemon!?"
-[!] Estelle, Crimson, Bright Brown, She/Her
-[!] "Apologize for ignoring her and ready yourself to get caught in a conversation with a stranger your age. You know how these go—hell you might even make a new friend at the end of it."
-[!] "The Two Ultra Balls containing Skiploom and Raboot" (Two Two-Badge Pokemon)
-[!] OFFENSE: Attack, attack, attack. Focus on doing as much damage as possible. Staying close with Physical Attackers and prioritizing damage with Special Attackers. Power is all that matters in the end
Total CharGen Points used: 4
Remaining CharPoints: 1
Throughout the Quest there are going to be Stat checks that will gate certain options and events. Stats go from 0-20 and raising your Stats gets harder and harder the higher said stat already is.
STATS are divided into Four:
PROW meaning Prowess covers most physically oriented tasks like manual labor, traveling and hiking as well as skills as how to cook meals on your own and how to take care of a Pokemon's needs
KNOW meaning knowledge refers to well, knowledge. Both Practical and Theoretical, it can range from something as mundane being good at mathematics, history and such to complex topics like Type Energy, Geopolitics and Pokemon Metaphysics
CHRM meaning Charm refers to a person's capacity to interact with others. Whether through Diplomacy or Intrigue. It also slightly covers knowing how to interact with and communicate with Pokemon
Finally, SKLL refers to Skill and is a person's talent and capacity for Pokemon Battling, Raising and Training. Alongside CHRM it also covers being able to interact with Pokemon.
Presented here are the XP needed per level to rank up a STAT
Stat Levels
XP Needed
0
Default
1
100
2
200
3
300
4
400
5
500
6
1000
7
1200
8
1400
9
1600
10
2000
11
2400
12
2800
13
3200
14
3600
15
4000
16
5000
17
6000
18
7500
19
9000
20
10000
Guide to Stat Levels
0-4
On the level of an average child
5-9
On the level of a teen or young adult
10-13
On the level of an adult
14-17
On the level of a veteran in that specific field
18-20
On the level of the foremost authorities in that field
For Example, Samuel Oak would likely have 20 KNOW. Other canon professors would also be in that 16-20 range. Red Isamu the protagonist of Pokemon Red and Blue would like have 20 SKLL. Likewise the other canon protagonists and some of the rivals would be in that 16-20 SKLL range
Nickname: Roland
Ability: Infiltrator
Tera Types: Dragon, Ghost, Steel
Available Moves: Astonish, Infestation, Quick Attack, Bite, Double Team, Shadow Sneak, Will-o-Wisp, Agility, Fake, Crunch, Struggle Bug, "Dragon Breath", "Dragon Tail"
Current Badge Level: 2-Badge (3300/4000)
Bond Level: Bond 3 (1/7 to Bond 4)
Espurr
Nickname: Renne
Ability: Own Tempo
Tera Types: Psychic, Fairy, Dark
Available Moves: Covet, Confusion, Light Screen, Psybeam, Fake-Out, Psyshock, Disarming Voice, Barrier, Trick, Reflect, Teleport, Gravity, Shock Wave, Draining Kiss, IcyWind, Incinerate, Mega-Drain, Water Pulse, Snarl, Ominous Wind, Vacuum Wave,Round, Mud Shot, Air Cutter,Sludge, Ancient Power, Struggle-Bug, Dragon Breath, Mirror Shot.
Current Badge Level: 3-Badge (4000/6000)
Bond Level: Bond 1 (2/3 to Bond 2)
Traits: Phantasmal Potential: Moves in bold and pink cannot become the basis of custom moves and do not upgrade to unlock new moves. Not Interested: Cannot be used outside of Story and Boss Major Battles. Cannot be used in Gym or Rival Battles. Trait disappears at Bond 3
Drilbur
Nickname: Ruby
Ability: Sand Rush
Tera Types: Ground, Rock, Steel, Electric
Available Moves: Mud Slap, Rapid Spin, Hone Claws, Scratch, Rock Throw, Spark, Curse, Metal Claw, Fury Swipes, Dig, Mud Shot, Bulldoze
Current Badge Level: 2-Badge (1800/4000)
Bond Level: Bond 1 (1/3 to Bond 2)
Traits: Ambition's Shadow: ???. Knows the move Curse
Trainer Card: Proof that you're a Trainer registered with the Paldean Pokemon League. Also apparently serves as a record of your achievements. Is also an "E-Wallet"? You have no idea what that is.
Pokedollars: 100,000 on your Person.
League Points: 6,000 on your Trainer Card
Ganzorig Dagger: Made of folded Skarmory wings, the dagger is lightweight and wicked sharp. Deeply valuable to you personally and to your culture. It can be used by a human or any Pokemon that can hold a weapon. Its material means it can absorb Steel and Flying Type Energy up to the 4th Badge Level. Will be an effective tool up to the 4th Badge Level. CANNOT BE USED BY A POKEMON DURING A LEAGUE SANCTIONED BATTLE.
Training Manual "Sealing Spell": Is a Training Manual for a Fiendish Dark-Type Move. Pioneered by monks of the Geomantic Church as a way to seal hostile Ghost and Dark Pokemon. It traps and separates the offending Pokemon from using or manipulating Type Energy. Is needed to repair damaged Ruin Stakes. Has no effect on deactivated or destroyed Stakes. Mariana needs 12 KNOW to be able to teach to a Pokemon. Can only be learned by a 6th Badge Level Psychic or Dark Type Pokemon. Requires them to have mastered a Complex Move.
Lev's Monastery and Jenkin Stake Notebook: Will unlock actions to go to and look at Stakes during Field Exercises and on Summer Break. Jenkin suggests you wait until your 5th Badge until you do so.
Summer Festival Mementos: A Garchomp mask that covers the top half of your face. Some posters of Francesca the Swift. And a pin of Knight Tana. You had a lot of fun didn't you.
Current TRs:
Substitute x 1 (Can be learned by Roland, Drilbur and Renne) (At the cost of 25% HP, Lower Damage from next two enemy moves by 80%. Grant +3 to Effect Roll for two turns once Mastered)
Current TMs:
Pounce (Can be learned by Roland and Ruby)
Outsider: -25% CHRM when interacting with Nationalists and Nobility
Catching Up: x2 KNOW XP gained until KNOW 8 is achieved
Andosin Lifestyle: You know how to cook and prepare all sorts of Pokemon. You still need a Pokemon of your own to hunt though. Chasing the Sun: The Pokemon Journey has long been compared to a hike up a mountain range that reaches to the very heavens. Many attempt it, most quit before they could glimpse the pinnacles of power. In the distance you see the Sun. Radiant and beautiful, near overwhelming in its glory. Her rise is steady, higher and higher into heavens. And to the stars above. Can you catch it? Can you chase the sun? One Sided Rivalry with Nemona. You will judge your progress and growth by comparing yourself to her. Once she overtakes you, will you be able to keep up?
O' Youth: Attend and Graduate Mesagoza Academy Treasures of Ruin: Four Sealed Horrors. Malevolent. Kept imprisoned by Ruin Stakes across Paldea. ??? Mother and Daughter I:A Reunion awaits Renne in Alfornada. Will you help her?
[X] Plan: The Power of Friendship And This Quartz I Found
-[X] "just barely managed to scrape by. What the hell does Arithmetic and Literature have to do with Pokemon!?"
-[X] Mariana, Green, Red, She/Her
-[X] "Apologize for ignoring her and ready yourself to get caught in a conversation with a stranger your age. You know how these go—hell you might even make a new friend at the end of it."
-[X] "The Two Great Balls containing Psyduck and Helioptile" (Two One-Badge Pokemon)
-[X] OFFENSE: Attack, attack, attack. Focus on doing as much damage as possible. Staying close with Physical Attackers and prioritizing damage with Special Attackers. Power is all that matters in the end
Steeling yourself, you release Psyduck and Helioptile for a pre-fight pep-talk. "He~y guys." you say nervously, crouching down to try and get as close to eye-level as possible. "I'm gonna be your trainer for a bit, so uh, let's work together…"
Helioptile grabs your pinkie and begins to move it up and down, nodding as if to reassure you. Psyduck meanwhile squints and covers its eyes from the glare of the ceiling lights and quacks in response.
You take a look at their moves and abilities.
Psyduck
Ability: Swift Swim
Moves: Water Gun, Confusion, Fury Swipes, Water Pulse, Disable, Zen Headbutt, Screech, Soak, Rain Dance
Tera Types: Steel, Water, Psychic
Pretty good movepool, actually. Though you're surprised that Psyduck has a weather move. You've heard that it's pretty tough for lower strength 'mons to use them. Meanwhile with Helioptile, having Camouflage gives you the idea of sneakily setting-up a Charge while getting closer, you doubt you could make it work with such little time and no training.
While you were deep in thought Psyduck's managed to convince Helioptile to rest on their head, using the latter's ears as shade. Psyduck looks much more relaxed now. The same couldn't be said for you.
"ARE YOU READY NOW, EXAMINEE?" Iosef bellowed from across the arena.
You hastily recalled both pokemon while nervously answering, "SIR YES SIR!?"
The proctor laughed and raised his fist. "Admirable spirit, let's see if you have the Will to attend our Academy!"
Meanwhile, that same judge from earlier had her head in her hands. "REFEREE!" she snarled.
"Release your first Pokemon!" The referee (was he there before?) by the Kadabra yelled.
You sent out Psyduck onto the field, who looked positively bored. At least he isn't suffering from his species-typical headache. Yet.
Iosef nodded and sent out their own pokemon; a small purple body connected to a head with a collection of tentacles covered in barbs and spikes. A Mareanie.
"Three…" Mareanie smiles a toothy grin filled with malice at Psyduck.
"Two…" Psyduck rolls his eyes at the display before narrowing their gaze.
"One." You lick your lips, your mouth dry feeling from anticipation and nerves. 'You can do this.'
"Begin!" The referee shouted as they lowered their arms.
VS. MAREANIE
"Confusion!" you let pure instinct guide you. You need to stop whatever they're planning. Psyduck's eyes glow blue as he launches the psychic attack.
"Pin Missile!" Mareanie barbs glow light green as she aims her tentacles at Psyduck. Only some of them shoot out towards Psyduck before the Confusion hit. Mareanie's expression slacks causing her to miss. Her eyes narrow, expression turning into a snarl, fangs bared with lips drawn back as she intensifies her assault.
Psyduck using the force of a Water Gun to propel himself backwards, using his head to manuever, was able to dodge most but not all of them. Many of the spines lay protruding on where he was, trailing after his trajectory.
You and Iosef command your Pokemon at the same time.
"Sludge! Aim for the eyes!"
"Confusion!"
Mareanie shot first, before shooting a single precise shot Psyduck square in the eyes. A painful hissing noise was made by the Sludge as Psyduck screamed, blinded.
"Spit water into your hands and rinse it out of your face." You tried to help. You noticed purple colored veins spreading from where the Sludge hit and you grimaced. Poison.
At least by the looks of the drool falling from Mareanie's face and the blank almost blissful look on their face the Confusion did its number.
"Snap out of it! Recover!" The proctor ordered and your eyes widen in response. You cannot let that happen.
With Psyduck still blinded, unable to use Confusion without visual sight and too far away for Zen Headbutt, you swap out into Helioptile.
"Shock Wave! NOW!" You yell as soon as Helioptile is out of the ball. A translucent field of electricity emanated for Helioptile's skin hitting Mareanie fast enough that it interrupted her from healing any more damage.
Before you could say anything, though, Iosef recalled Mareanie and sent out their other Pokemon—from its coloring and plumage, A Kantonian Farfetch'd.
"Close in with Quick Attack, then Cut"
You click your tongue and tell Helioptile to run to the pond in the center of the field. And Shock Wave if they get close.
Leek still tucked under its wing, the Farfetch'd started to sprint. It began to look like they were skating on the field as a white streak of light trailed after them. They quickly crossed the distance and were soon on Helioptile slamming into them. However, Helioptile was able to dodge out of the follow-up Cut.
Helioptile then used the opportunity to unleash another Shock Wave point blank. The attack struck Farfetch'd, who began to shake and convulse, feathers catching on fire and grip on their Leek tightening. By the time Farfetch'd had recovered, Helioptile was in the pond, soaking in water healing from some of the damage they took.
Unbeknownst to you, the female judge scoffed, looking at the proctor, "Told you you were getting too into it." Iosef only grumbled in response.
"Air Cutter, force them out."
Farfetch'd, Leek in-wing began slashing at the air rapidly, creating beams of pressurized wind at Helioptile who remained underwater. He nimbly dodged the attacks and waited for the moment to retaliate. Internally, he knew Farfetch'd was lost. The girl has decent potential at least.
Farfetch'd finally falls after two more Shock Waves, collapsing with a smoking thud like a puppet with its strings cut, Leek falling out the burned wing's grip onto the ground. You let out a breath you were holding back. Farfetch'd was recalled as Helioptile popped his head out of the water to chirp happily at me. Cu~te.
"Farfetch'd is unable to battle! Send out your last Pokemon!"
You blinked as Iosef released Mareanie directly onto the pond. You could do that?
"Flood the pond with poison!" He roared.
You held back a choke. "GET OUT OF THERE NOW!" I yelled as Mareanie opened her mouth. Inky, violet gunk gushed out of her maw into the rest of the water.
Within seconds the once clear water was a dark black and violet mix. Helioptile crawled out shortly after, clearly poisoned.
Mareanie slowly emerged from the poisoned muck, a serene smile that looked unnerving. She opened her and puked a glob of acid glowing bright purple. Venoshock.
The attack homed in on Helioptile despite their attempts to flee. They unleashed one last Shock Wave before the Venoshock landed. The glob exploded as it struck Helioptile, blasting the electric type with enough force to send them flying into the air across the field until they crashed into the Kadabra's arena barrier. Meanwhile, the Shock Wave struck Mareanie, who began to convulse due to the electric currents running through her, tentacles spasming out of control and their spikes charring.
Yet.. she's forcibly turning towards you…staring right at you.
"Helioptile is unable to battle! Send out your last Pokemon!"
Helioptile slid down the barrier, unconscious, and you recalled him back to his pokeball. "Good job," you whisper, "and thanks."
You glance back up to your opponent, Mareanie, who's still smiling. Unblinking. Just eyes focusedatyouand—
"Recover."
nononononono
Your hands shook as you quickly released Psyduck right on top of Mareanie. Your breaths are short and shallow, your throat feels tight as you shout at the water type to Zen Headbutt, the sheer panic in your voice slurring your speech into nonsense. But luckily Psyduck understood the command and with eyes still squinted, sore from the sludge blindness, smashed his head glowing with psychic energies onto the poison type. The attack sent Mareanie tumbling across the field, tearing at the ground and grass beneath until she crashed into a field of rocks sending up a cloud of debris obscuring where she'd landed.
And yet…slowly. She stood. The Recover having healed enough for her to hold on.
Which is enough.
"Venoshock."
Is this it? Is it over? Time slows to a crawl as you rapidly try and think of what to do. Psyduck's vision is still recovering from blindness and with the dust cloud covering Mareanie, blurry vision wouldn't be enough for Confusion. Too far away for any other of his moves, think think think. What else did that ARCUS say—you grab the ARCUS on the table next to you with enough force to nearly trip yourself.
Turning the lid, you activate the Tera Orb at the center and pray that you made it in time to make up for such a stupid fuck up as forgetting you could fucking Terastalize.
Poisoned energy gathered in Mareanie's mouth, slower than before. She wonders what sort of wonderful faces the Human will give once the duck falls. She trembles despite herself.
The Judges and the Proctor were amused that the examinee finally remembered to use her ARCUS. This has been a fun start to the day, at least.
Meanwhile Psyduck is awaiting orders on what to do. The dull pain of their ever present headaches being ignored and vision still blurry because that jerk blinded him again for the second time this week.
And you, heart beating a mile a minute, fingers still gripping the ARCUS as the light of the device glows.
Mareanie launces Venoshock. A glob of envenomed spit that will decide the match.
??? ACTIVATES
You blink. Staring across the Arena, opposite you; the proctor of your exam. You blink. Your vision is still blurry after Mareanie blinded you with Sludge. A crystalline metallic sheen engulfs the you in the field as the Venoshock hits, sending you back to skid across the ground. Your veins burn as the poison interacts with the Poison Type Energy of the attack yet you resist, your crystal outer shell shielding you from the worst of it.
The proctor orders a Recover, which you stop with a Disable from your finger, your eyes in the stands of the arena narrowing at the Mareanie below on the field. The Poison type pouts on the verge of a tantrum as you take her favorite toy away from her. She knows the fight is over now. She will miss your funny little faces and noises. You were the best human so far. She will simply have to bully you—your head hurts—as always.
You. You. No order given. No order necessary. Your eyes glow blue as your eyes up above narrow and aim. The Confusion hits and it is over.
??? DEACTIVATES
"Mareanie is unable to battle! Examinee Mariana wins!"
You grab onto the railing of the arena for support, knees too weak to keep you standing. What—was that?
The battle was beyond stressful. You're exhausted as you try and force yourself up. You look at the arena and only Psyduck remains there, seemingly as confused as you are. When you became them and you them and—your head hurts and maybe you are a Psyduck with these headaches. You call them back to their pokeball. In a Pokeball, a Pokemon is miniaturized and placed in a weird stasis of sorts from what you've been told. Looking at them past the semi transparent top of the ball, you can see Psyduck sitting down, eyes closed, posture relaxed.
They—they should be fine right? You heard the Center's healing machine can help Pokemon recover from way worse even dismemberment and near death! 'He-he'll be fine' you think, hand gripping the ball in worry.
"Congratulations on passing, Ms. Mariana" you turn your head and nearly drop Psyduck's ball in surprise. "Do forgive us for Mr. Iosef's rather enthusiastic nature. You may refer to me as Ms. Gregoria." The female Judge that had been heckling your Proctor throughout the match. At a closer look, she had jet black hair tied into a long braid on her back. She wore the same military uniform typical of the academy staff and her striking bright yellow eyes were behind red tinted glasses. She offers you a hand to help steady yourself, your balance still weak from your… experience.
"What—what was that?" you ask.
"The ARCUS Combat Link System." Ah yes, because those combinations of words explain everything. "They are a new feature of the ARCUS that we plan to implement this coming school year for exceptional students."
"Am—am I exceptional?" you stammer out.
"Well they managed to activate them, so you must be exceptional." Your ears heat up at being called something like that. You? Exceptional?
"Ah yes, that reminds me… your temporary trainer card please?" You hand it over to her while still feeling dizzy. Whether it was from the Link thing or the compliment, you don't know. She pulls out a device from a pocket and inserts your card, you hear a noise before she returns it to you.
You take a look at your Trainer Card. It much more resembles all those official ones you saw online. Still has the same picture of yours, though. "Well then, miss, everything seems to be in order. As long as your measurements remain consistent, your uniforms should arrive at your address in a few days. Have a good day." You nod as you leave the provided ARCUS behind on the table with the Pokeballs. You spare one last glance at Psyduck's pokeball before leaving.
You enter the waiting area wherein you're immediately accosted by that girl from earlier who slings her arm around you.
"Sohowwasit? Didyoulose? Didyouwin? Name's Astrid by the way." she rapidly says and finishes with her reaching out her right hand for you to shake. Which you do. Because of a glare from the guard, you both settle down for a proper conversation. You introduce yourself and use this opportunity to unwind. Your head no longer hurts, but you're still exhausted.
Eventually, she's called out for her own examination and she bids you goodbye. " Gotta go, chief! Maybe we'll see each other in Mesagoza—we could be rivals and junk! And go get some shuteye! You look like you were gonna collapse on me." She says before leaving. With nothing else to do, you decide to head out.
As you make your way out of the Battle Arena you look out and see:
[] Cortondo: Old brickwork houses make up most of the landscape of Cortondo proper, only broken up by more modern buildings like the Gym, the Battle Arena and the Pokemon Center. Beyond the town itself is a near endless sea of farms, plantations and orchards going up all the way to the Guadiana River and the Badajoz Heights. Behold: the Imperial Breadbasket that feeds nearly twenty million people. The ever present smell of food coming from the countless bakeries, cookeries and eateries is starting to give you quite an appetite. (+0 CharGen Points)
Your hometown will be Cortondo
Starter choices will primarily be Bug, Grass and Normal types
You know how to cook meals not just for yourself but also for your Pokemon (+1 PROW)
You're considered a hick by the rest of the region. (-1 CHRM)
[] Cabo Poco: Hotels, Resorts, Spas and all the other necessities expected of a settlement built around Tourism. It's technically the youngest settlement in the region, having only been established in the aftermath of the Great War a scant five decades ago. Has the largest population of foreigners in Paldea, made up of refugees from that same war. The El Gigante Naval Base is pretty close by, a constant symbol of Imperial Power. (+0 CharGen Points)
Your hometown will be Cabo Poco
Starter choices will primarily be Water, Flying and Normal types. You will have access to some amount of Exotic and Rare pokemon even at the lower backgrounds.
Is the hometown of Nemona and a pair of siblings from Galar. They will surely not be relevant in the future.
You're fluent in multiple languages. Among them are Paldean, Unovan, Galarian and Kalosian. (+1 CHRM)
[] Artazon: Ancient buildings built in the old style of marble and limestone juxtaposed with the latest modernist infrastructure from Unova. The oldest still-standing settlement in Paldea. Straddling the line between town and city, Artazon is a place between worlds. Between tradition and modernity, antiquated Paldean norms and current International trends. A place of Art and Learning containing within it some of the oldest and largest Libraries, School and Universities in the region. (-1 CharGen Points)
Your hometown will be Artazon
Starter choices will be Grass, Poison, Rock types
You have a pretty decent educational foundation in topics that aren't about Pokemon. Crazy, right? (+2 KNOW)
Mesagoza Academy never liked anyone muscling in on its turf of being the Trainer School in Paldea. (-1 SKLL)
[] Levincia: High-rises, Skyscrapers and Factories dot its landscape; in the distance is a reminder to the humble beginning of the city, the Lighthouse of Levincia. A former port town that grew and grew and grew until it became the very symbol of modern Paldea. Industrial, Modern and International. Located on the islands off the coast of the city is the Watts Naval Fortress, which serves as both a check to Kalosian and Rimean influence in the area but also to prevent the city its named after from getting any ideas. Rightfully so for within the city also lies the beating heart of the movements that challenge the status quo of the region; Nationalist, Reformists, Republicans and among others. A part of you worries that… Oh nevermind! Your Oshi, Iono is streaming! (-2 CharGen Points)
Your hometown will be Levincia
Starter choices will be Electric, Ghost, Dark and Steel Types
You can traverse the urban jungle, the twisting alleyways and sprawling subways with ease. (Gain Trait: Urban Explorer. Exploration options in cities are free.)
You have a firsthand view at the political tensions dividing Paldea…
You're tech savvy of sorts. Thankfully not brain poisoned by social media, you uninstalled your socials from your phone just before you finished enrollment. You still keep up with Iono's streams, though. (+1 KNOW)
[] Zapapico: Abandoned houses, crumbling infrastructure and the shadow of prosperity long gone. The mining town that once fed the hungry maw of Paldean industry. But that was then, now out of all the settlements in Paldea, it is the one that is growing the least and is even starting to decline in population. The Nobility neglect the settlement, content to squeeze as much blood as they can from the stone. Even the Aragon is in decline: quarries and mines close up more and more, the people that worked them migrating to the great cities in search of work to sustain themselves. You hate to say it but you get it. Fortunately for you, you have your ticket out of this joint. (+1 CharGen Points)
Your hometown will be Zapapico
Starter choices will be Ice, Rock, and Steel types
You've done your fair share of manual labor helping out with the adult, taking care of other kids in the community. A scrappy little brat all in all (+1 PROW)
Education was a privilege afforded by the few in Zapapico, you were not one of them (-1 KNOW)
Poverty is a fact of life for most families other than for the truly wealthy, yours are likely no exception. (Start with less funds, lower allowance if background allows for such)
Something is up with the Aragon Plateau…
[] Cascarrafa: "Cortondo feeds the masses; Cascarrafa, the elite." A city where the influence of the Nobility is built into its very foundations. A tiered city where the divides in Paldean society are most clearly visible. In its highest tier lies the great manors and mansions of the rich and powerful, there they overlook their domain for it is in Cascarrafa where most of Western Paldea is run and governed. In the middle tier lies the vast artisanal industries of the City. Restaurants, Tailors, Jewelers and others all often devoted to servicing the rich clientele up above. And finally, the bottom rung, the part of the city most affected by the Asado Desert where the toilers and laborers of the city call home. (-2 CharGen Points)
Your hometown will be Cascarrafa
Starter choices will be Water, Fire and Ground Types
You are intimately aware of the privilege and power of the Nobility…
Something is up with the Asado Desert…
The Cascarrafa Arena is one of many Battle Arenas in the city, also being one of the largest Arenas in Paldea. You've spent a large part of your youth just watching trainers duke it out with their Pokemon (+1 SKLL)
Cost is halved if taken alongside Background: Noblesse Oblige
[] Fede: Quaint village houses, homey cottages and the rare manor, all of them old. The newest building in the town being the one you just exited, which also doubles as the local Pokemon Center. Located on a watershed separated from the rest of Paldea by the Glaseado Mountain Range and the ever dangerous Casseroya Lake, Fede is a sleepy isolated town. Despite its small size, it is one of the oldest settlements in Paldea. Its number one export, aside from rare Fairy types to the Paldean League, is Silk and Tea of astonishing quality. Outsiders visiting often say that there is something…off about the town, a place out of step with the rest of Paldea. (-2 CharGen Points)
Your hometown will be Fede. It is on the spot where the Ruchbach Squadron Base is located in regular Scarlet and Violet
Starter choices will be Fairy, Dark and Bug Types
You definitely know what a Domain is…
You are vaguely aware of the more mysterious side of Paldea…
Wild and Trainer Pokemon roam freely in the town, so communicating with a Pokemon is much easier for you (+1 SKLL, Grain Trait: Poke-Whisperer: You can kinda understand Pokemon, not to the level of speech but more than most people.)
You have little experience with the outside world and are kinda naive, having been homeschooled for most of your life (-1 KNOW, -1 CHRM)
Fede is not connected by rail to the rest of Paldea, its only link to the rest of the Region is via a ship to Porto Marinada. To reach Mesagoza by the start of the School Year, you'll have to leave much earlier than you would otherwise. (There won't be a Last Minute action next update, you'll receive your starter and immediately make your way to Mesagoza.)
[] Porto Marinada: An endless blue dotted by cargo liners, cruise ships and other oceangoing vessels surrounded by Water pokemon and their Sailor Trainers. The salty tang of oceanic air mixed in countless spices, perfumes and other smells that marked Marinada as an International Port. Annexed a mere decade ago as the Empire's most recent acquisition, Marinada was a long standing Free City in the vein of Rime, Pasio and Aeos, at least until it was conquered and integrated into the Empire while its erstwhile protector in Hoenn was distracted by the Magma-Aqua Crisis. Rapidly becoming a major centerpiece of the Imperial Economy to the benefit of major Crown Corporations, International Conglomerates and the local Elite. (+0 CharGen Points)
Your hometown will be Porto Marinada or as the locals call it, Marina Marinedo
Starter choices will be Water, Dark, and Flying Types
Certain groups will consider you a foreigner at best and it'll be a stigma you carry around during your time in the Academy. (Gain Trait: Outsider. -25% CHRM when interacting with Nationalists and Nobility)
Something is up with the Asado Desert…
Not everyone is happy with the new management…
Access to Super Rare Starters if taken alongside Background: Noblesse Oblige
[] Medali: Assorted apartments, government buildings and restaurants, Medali is where the sausage of the Paldean League is made. While the Champion and the Elite Four are based in Mesagoza, the day to day bureaucracy operates out of and resides in Medali. Entire industries center around catering towards government workers and their families. The city is also the fastest growing one out of all the Paldean settlements. After all, the bureaucracy must expand to meet the needs of the expanding bureaucracy. (-1 CharGen Points)
Your hometown will be Medali
Starter choices will be Normal, Psychic and Dark Types
The Medali City Government has a program of providing stipends to students that enter Mesagoza Academy. Whether you need to or not, it's still pretty nice. (Higher starting funds, higher allowance if you receive one)
[] Andosin Highlands: Vast beautiful plains separated by towering mountains and peaks, herds of Tauros led by your kinsmen to graze and up above, the Dragon Riders of your people sparring with the Flying types of the Imperial Army. The building you exited is the Tauros Fort which was built to keep an eye on the Kalosians across the border. The Andosins are a nomadic people that populate the Highlands of their namesake. The Highlands are technically not part of Paldea, being an autonomous protectorate under the Imperial Crown. In practice, the ties between the Andosin people and the Empire go back to its very founding after the Paldean Dark Ages. It is where Emperor Rodrigo Diaz Arnor first raised the armies that would go on to reunify Paldea with him. Today the Andosins maintain close ties with the Imperial Army, being responsible for the raising and training of the Empire's Dragon and Flying types. (-3 CharGen Points)
Your 'hometown' will be the Andosin Highlands. It is the area roughly analogues to North Province Area One and Two in regular Scarlet and Violet
Starter choices will be Dragon, Flying and Fighting Types
Your people eat Pokemon, this is a fact of life. You've learned how to hunt and hunt alongside Pokemon. You've spent your days since birth raised alongside them. But such a thing is rather…controversial in the rest of the region and you can't for the life of you understand why. ( +1 PROW, +1 SKLL)
Paldean is your second language and you're not all that good at it but you're trying. It's something you'll have to work on in the Academy alongside the gaps in your knowledge base compared to your peers. ( -1 KNOW, Gain Trait: Catching Up: x2 KNOW XP gained until KNOW 8 is achieved)
You definitely know what a Domain is…
You're vaguely aware of the truth of the Ruin Quartet…
Certain groups will consider you a foreigner at best and it'll be a stigma you carry around during your time in the Academy. (Gain Trait: Outsider. -25% CHRM when interacting with Nationalists and Nobility)
[] Alfornada: Inns, Bazaars and Workshops line the streets of what can generously be described as Paldea's Tourist Trap. In the middle of the city lies the Alfornada Research Complex, hosting within it the largest Observatory in Paldea. Farther away from the center of the town lies Castle Algarve, one of the largest Castes in Paldea and a known tourist destination. A festival is about to start soon so you need to hurry up and get out of the way if you wanna actually do something today. (-0 CharGen Points)
Your hometown will be Alfornada
Starter choices will be Fire and Psychic Types
You know your way around people, whether it's schmoozing them or swindling them (+1 CHRM)
[] Montenevera: Snow. Snow covers every single building in the town. Temperature is on the higher end during this time of year so the snowfall isn't as bad as it typically could be. Situated high up in the Glaseado Mountain Range, Montenevera is remote and isolated from the rest of Paldea for most of the year. Connected only by a cable car to outposts lower down the mountain range, travel to and from the town is difficult. Though many still brave the journey, trainer and civilian alike. The former for the fact that Montenevera proper has a Gym and is the only settlement even anywhere near the Glaseado Gym. The latter for the famous hot springs, ski and lodge resorts of the town. (-0 CharGen Points)
Your hometown will be Montenevera
Starter Choices will be Ice, Rock and Ghost Types
The harsh environment has resulted in a hardy people, perhaps not as much as typically stereotyped (You're pretty sure that rumor of a kid fighting a wild Ursaring by themselves isn't true). Nevertheless, you're a tough kid who knows how to take care of yourself (+1 PROW)
[] Los Platos: Old cobblestone roads, houses and buildings of mismatching architectural styles and ages. A town that has been destroyed and rebuilt time and time again. Plague, Natural Disaster, Pokemon Attack, Military Conflict. Los Plastos is as old and storied as ancients like Mesagoza and Artazona yet unlike either, it failed to withstand the test of time. But it was always rebuilt and refounded by those who fled or survived calamity. Outside of that, though, it's a sleepy little town, the oldest and largest building in the settlement being the Clocktower dating back to even before the Great Collapse to the time of the First Empire.
Your hometown will be Los Platos
Starter Choices will be Normal, Grass and Steel Types
A few recently established research labs are really the only things of interest. Though the old Clocktower was cordoned off from the public shortly before they were set up.
It was still early in the day, with it not even being noon yet. More people will likely show up for their examinations later in the day, so at least this way you didn't have to deal with a crowd. The regulars of the Battle Arenas probably still won't be happy, they've been reserved for use by the Academy for the entire week for examinations. Hmm… you wonder what you're gonna do for the rest of the d—your phone is ringing.
Picking it up, it's:
[] Every child has to leave on an adventure. It says so on TV!: Your parents are calling to check on how the exam went. They can be a bit overbearing at times, especially now with how they're talking about taking you to dinner at a fancy restaurant—did they just say Gastronomie en Famille!? Yeah of course you can get your starter tomorrow, that's fine, it'll prolly be one of the local labs or a daycare. You're kinda bad at saying it to them and with mushy stuff in general, but you love your parents. (-1 CharGen Points)
Starter choices will Uncommon or Rare
Cannot be taken with the following hometowns: Andosin Highlands, Zapapico, Fede
Monthly allowance will be P(PokeDollars) 10,000
Starting funds will be in a Bank Account. Starting funds will be P 25,000
Little drama due to your background aside from teen angst and embarrassing parents. Upper middle class background, not nobility though. Your tuition will be paid by them, though it won't be comfortable.
No major expectations for you aside from you doing well, staying out of trouble and generally living doing your best at the academy.
[] It Takes a Village: A screaming voice asking you if you've won yet. It seems one of the tyke bombs got impatient. You answer affirmatively and you hear screaming and running from your phone. It seems everyone else now knows the good news. Well-wishes, Congratulations, good-natured taunts and boasts from the other brats bring a smile to your face. Eventually an adult manages to pry the phone from the kids and another round of congratulations takes place, this time from an older audience. One of them says they'll take you to a ranger station to get your starter tomorrow before the rest of the adults talk your ear off. A commune, an orphanage, hell an actual straight up village, whatever you call it—you were carried here on the backs of so many other people just because they saw something in you. You refuse to disappoint. (+1 CharGen Points)
Starter choices will be Common or Uncommon
You will not receive a monthly allowance
Starting funds will be provided upfront during the next chapter. Starting funds will be P 10,000
They saw something in you. "Built different" as one of the brats called it. (+1 SKLL)
Some expectations, mostly self-inflicted. You wouldn't wanna disappoint Little Timmy or Old Man Jenkins after all.
Some drama coming from an impoverished family in a deeply stratified society.
If taken alongside backgrounds Fede or Andosin Highlands, All Rarities of Starter Choices except for Exotic will be available
Student Loans
[] We Have A Legacy to Consider: A maid on behalf of your parents asking about your status. You tell her of your success and she passes the telephone to your mother who congratulates you. How considerate. She mentions how it was of course expected that a child of a Barony of such esteem could not possibly fail at such a task. If you focus, you could almost even detect a hint of genuine pride and happiness from her voice. How sweet. You'll meet your starter tomorrow before a luncheon with another baronial family whose child will also be attending Mesagoza. According to her, the Pokemon will be coming from a rather prestigious breeder, your family being too small to have your own in-house ones. How nice. (-2 CharGen Points)
Starter Choices will be Rare or Super Rare
Starter Choice will have their Hidden Ability (unless their regular Abilities are better) or a decent Egg Move
Cannot be taken with the following hometowns: Andosin Highlands and Fede
Monthly allowance will be P 100,000. Will increase depending on Badge level.
Starting funds will be in a Bank Account under the Family name. Starting funds will be P 500,000
Heavy expectations. It would not do for a scion of your family to be a failure. They also expect you to make connections with your peers. As long as they're of suitable background.
Minor Nobility. Some drama due to your station and class. Expect petty bullshit from enemies and rivals of your family at court. And oh, maybe some moaning from commoners and radicals but they don't matter.
A maid will be assigned to you. She will live in Mesagoza City and is to attend to your needs in the city itself. It's absurd the Academy forbids servants and staff from living within the dorms. They already divide it by status after all, you'll just have to rely on the Academy's own maids and servants.
Access to a decent-quality Vitamins and Pokemon food regimen from the get-go
Your spoons were definitely of the rich kind (Gain trait Silver Spoon: -1 PROW, earn 25% less PROW EXP.)
[] You'll Make It Far Kid: Your Sponsor? Backer? Guy who you owe your future to is calling to check up on you. You update them on what's happened and they sound proud, which is good. They say that this is just the first step if you wanna make it far. Meet up with them later for dinner with your parents. Your starter should arrive tomorrow from one of the better daycares in the province. They then go on a tangent reminiscing like all old (read: 30+) people do. You don't mind much, they sometimes drop genuinely good advice and nuggets of what you think might be government secrets. (-2 CharGen Points)
Starter Choices will be Rare
Starter Choice will have a decent Egg Move
You will not receive a monthly allowance. You will instead receive PokeDollars the more Badges you earn.
Starting funds will be in a Bank Account. Starting funds will be P 100,000
Big Expectations. Someone Genuinely Important either saw potential in you or owed you or your parents a huge favor. So they're pulling strings to get you enrolled. They'll handle tuition—you just have to do your best and not fuck up.
Access to free decent-quality Vitamins and Pokemon food regimen from the get-go
Allowed to increase Pokemon catch limit to 8 by the 6th Badge rather than the typical 8th Badge requirement
Eyes are on you due to how Genuinely Important your backer is. Being from a commoner background certainly doesn't help.
[] The Academic Pipeline: Your teacher is calling since she just got the news from her friend who was apparently one of the Judges. She can help you pickup your starter on the weekend at one of the local labs since she's swamped with work. You tell her it's no biggie and you once again thank her even helping you get here in the first place. She also once again says that it's fine and hardly any trouble at all. You apologize to each other in a loop for another couple of times before she has to hang up due to her next class. (-1 CharGen Points)
Starter Choices will be Uncommon
You will not receive a monthly allowance.
Cannot be taken with the following hometowns: Andosin Highlands,
Starting funds will be provided upfront during the next chapter. Starting funds will be P 20,000
You knew enough about Pokemon and were smart enough about it that you were able to bag a scholarship. (Gain trait: Scholar +10% SKLL and KNOW XP)
Student Loans, but not as bad as it could be.
Some expectations. The Scholarship Program is both how the university fills out its roster and how it finds Diamonds in the Rough. Not everyone graduates the Academy as an 8th Badge Level Trainer. Most of them end up as 3rd or 4th and fill out the ranks of Rangers, Private Security Groups and other organizations that could use a decently capable Trainer.
[] Noblesse Oblige: It's Manfredi, your butler. He inquires about your status and you tell him what happened. He congratulates you and then goes silent as he seems to talk to someone. He says the Lord would wish to meet at your earliest convenience (as soon as possible) and to have a safe trip, though you're certain that last part was from him specifically. You contact your chauffeur to pick you up and wait. Eventually a limo arrives near the Battle Arena, in the front alongside the driver is the pokemon assigned to keep an eye on you, in the back is a man also assigned to be your minder. As you're escorted into the vehicle by the maid, you sneak a glance at the emblem on the side of the car. It shows that you are a member of one of the Great Houses of Paldea, a Ducal Family second only to the Imperial Crown itself. You close your eyes and reminisce about the cooking and presence of someone who genuinely loved you. (-3 CharGen Points)
Starter will be Super Rare or Exotic
Starter Choice will have their Hidden Ability (unless their regular Abilities are better) and a strong Egg Move
Cannot be taken with the following hometowns: Andosin Highlands, Fede, Montenevera
Cost is halved if taken alongside Background: Noblesse Oblige
Monthly allowance will be P 500,000. Will increase depending on Badge level.
Starting funds will be in a Bank Account under the Family name. Starting funds will be P 2,500,000
Born to a commoner servant of the family, she was let go after she dared slander the Heir of the House. With the death of your Grandfather, said Heir rose to become Duke of the province. Yet for 10 years he remained without a child with his wife, another noble. In desperation, he plucked you out of the orphanage you were left to when your mother died and legitimized you as his heir. Your extended family is disdainful of you, your step-mother despises you and your 'Father' is the worst.
Access to free high-quality Vitamins and Pokemon food regimen from the get-go
If progress is acceptable, can request specific High-Quality Pokemon from the in-house breeders.
Manfredi will be at your service in Mesagoza. I will have some calls made to see some of my staff placed into the academy dorms for the Nobility. Call on them inside the school proper if you urgently need them.
Expectation. Expectations. Expectations. Where to begin?
8 Badges by the end of your first year or else
Elite Four rank by your 2nd year or else
Take care in associating with the rabble. Maybe if they're proud patriots of the Empire it may be acceptable. But the admirers of that Geeta? Or those Kalosian puppets? Unacceptable.
[] Stranger of Paradise: It's your other phone—your burner. You pick up and receive your new instructions, not even wondering how the hell they managed to find out already. Your starter will already be in your room tomorrow, hopefully they don't break your lock. You are to report to your handler once in Mesagoza, a woman obsessed with old legends who you met once. She will operate as your parent legally and requests for funds will go through her. Further instruction will be provided on a need to know basis. The line goes dead. Yeah, this is your life now. (+1 CharGen Points)
Starter will be Rare or Exotic and the Type Restriction from Hometown will be lifted
You came from nothing and are nothing
Cannot be taken with the following hometowns: Andosin Highlands, Fede
Starter Choice will have their Hidden Ability and a strong Egg Move
You can be something
Starting Funds will be P100,000. Starting allowance can be negotiated with your Handler once you reach Mesagoza
But cross or disobey them
Can request specific High-Quality TMs. Both single-use and the much more rare and expensive Reusables. Can request decent-quality vitamins and pokemon food once in Mesagoza
And you will return to nothing
LEFTOVER CHARGEN POINTS: 2 +1 CHARGEN POINT FOR BEATING BOTH PROCTOR POKEMON
+1 CHARGEN POINT FOR ACTIVATING ARCUS LINK
+2 PROW AND SKLL FOR BEATING BOTH PROCTOR POKEMON + 500 SKLL XP FOR WINNING YOUR FIRST BATTLE. YOU WILL REMEMBER THIS FOR AS LONG AS YOU LIVE
NEW STAT TOTAL:
PROW
10
KNOW
6
CHRM
12
SKLL
10
Massive thanks to Nemastraea for proofreading this update
This is going to be where I put terms that Mariana knows/should know. Will update depending on new information or knowledge
A dedicated facility for Pokemon Battling. Typically located in settlements. they serve as a way for trainers to battle safely within the confines of an urban environment. Typically has a handful of League Psychic-types dedicated to barriers on duty at all times. Open from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
According to Ms. Gregoria, is a device that the Academy is planning to provide to students starting this Academic School Year. Has a Pokedex, Phone and Terastalization functionality. Makes use of something called the Combat Link System. As per Ostia, it has a Pokemon inside it.
Proof of a person being a Trainer. Two primary ways of becoming a Trainer. Registration with the Pokemon League and Enrollment into Mesagoza Academy.
Your parents and Jenkins have explained this to you over the years: when a Pokemon in the wild is old enough, and powerful enough, they become part of the world. Their environment moulds to their desires, and the Pokemon comes to rule over the territory they now consider theirs and theirs alone. Like this, age stops---Pokemon that ought to live for twenty years last for centuries, unchanged near their prime.
At the heart of their Domain, the Pokemon is much more powerful. But they can never leave, else they lose their power and timelesness, and so they draw in Pokemon to keep them company. Warping the world around them in a very literal way. Freezing tundra where there should be idyllic routes and forest path. Sun-scorched deserts in thriving Farmlands. In that regard, some Pokemon have no choice but to migrate and new Pokemon come to thrive in their place.
Yet Domains can change. When their holders die or disappear, or when they fall to emerging new Domains or human contamination. Most Domains in Paldea are barely two centuries old. Only a handful are as old as the very beginnings of the region. Before the Great Collapse, before the First Empire, before the oldest and most ancient ruins in the world. Those who stretch to the very bowels of time.
You saw one of these once a year or so back. You were with Jenkins and Doremi who was teaching you some new things about wild Pokemon. You really can't remember that lesson all that well anymore. What happened after was a lot more important. And haunting. While you were on your way back you noticed that there was smoke and fire coming from that Mine the Paldeans set up a while back. It only cropped up recently.
Dad said it was an illegal mine and a company had set it up. That they should complain to the fort who'll do something about. Mom scoffed saying that she doubted the Paldeans would do anything. Not until it was too late. You remember a dark look on her as she said that. They'll be sorted out eventually she said verbatim. You never understood what she meant until that day.
When you pointed it out to him he looked contemplative. I suppose it'll be best for you to learn he said, gesturing for Doremi to head to a cliff overlooking the mine. He warned me to keep quiet, don't go close no matter and if it gets too much to stop looking. When we landed and dismounted, he gave me a pair of binoculars he kept on a satchel with him.
There you saw.
You saw Zangoose and Servipers, bitter enemies working together to destroy mining machinery. Groups of Mankey throwing exploding Pineco and Geodudes at the windows of one of the two still standing buildings in the Mine. A flock of Swellows and Fearows flying around said building carrying Bug and Grass Pokemon who were firing attacks at a pair of Trainers on the roof who were trying to fight them off. You saw... Digletts and Arons carrying out the crushed corpses of miners from the caves that dotted the quarry the mine was built on. You saw a group a group of Lairon bring down the other building by collapsing the foundations. You heard screams. A trainer in the collapsing building jumped out the window and flew away on his Braviary. Ignored by the Pokemon who continued their attack on the Mine.
You---hear an unfamiliar squack behind you. You turn around and saw a Fearow on the ground, wings folded on its sides, just looking at you. Gramps turns to the bird assuring them that you're just watching. That neither him nor you would interfere. You were frozen in fear. Squacking one last time the Fearow flew away to join its flock. You were shaking when Gramps asked you if you've seen enough. You nodded and gave him the binoculars. The trip was quiet on the way back. Gramps said they were called Wild Hunts.
When Wild Pokemon put aside all of their differences to attack a place. According to him most of them are caused by and play out similar to what happened below. Wild Pokemon could tolerate the little human encroachments, tiny , barely even noticeable in the large scale. But stuff like mining complexes in the middle of the wild, mass bulldozing of habitats, massive oil rigs and such. Those cause Wild Hunts. Sometimes the humans win and the mine or oil rig or whatever stays. Sometimes the Pokemon win and the place is abandoned and forgotten by whoever set them up. And the people working them... well... y'know.
You stay silent the entire day.
The refinement of Tera Crystals into Orbal Energy in the aftermath of the Great War a scant four decades ago would revolutionize technology and industry across the entire world. The refinement process was pioneered Professor Heather Babbage and resulted in a power source that was cleaner, more powerful and more efficient than any that came before it. Powering everything from Heating, Lighting, Electronics, Automobiles and Aircraft. Orbal Energy eventually established a new technological paradigm with Paldea, the number one exporter of Tera Crystals, and Galar, the foremost refiner of Orbal Energy at its center.
Short for International Police. Founded by the victorious powers in the aftermath of the Great War with the express purpose of tracking down and bringing Cipher and Orrean war criminals to justice. Today its remit expanded to include the combatting of international terrorist and criminal organizations like Team Rocket, the Aqua and Magma Sects, the Galactic Organization and most recently Dim Sun. Was involved with the takeover and investigation of Aether Paradise and Macro Cosmos.
In the aftermath of the Great War, various Ranger associations, unions and guilds came together to coordinate a response to the global crisis left in the wake of the conflict. Today, the WRA leads and organizes Ranger missions and task forces to handle crises and hotspots across the world. Prioritizing the welfare of humans and Pokemon over regional boundaries and political considerations. This has led them to regularly come into loggerheads with states like the Indigo League, the Reorganized Ransei State, the Unovan Republics and most recently the Paldean Empire.
"Shadow Pokemon are fucking terrifying, don't know how those Cipher fuckers made em and I don't wanna know. Things are relentless and vicious, their guts could be sprawled out onto the dirt and missing two limbs and they'd still try to crawl towards you and bite your face off. The boys claimed their mindless but I know better, they fuckin love targetting humans. Prolly why Cipher likes siccing them on civvies. Saving grace is they're kinda stupid, brains too addled on whatever shit Cipher did too them to think straight. Still fuckin hit hard though."
Lance Corporal Jenkin Jochi (3rd Andosin Mobile Cavalry Division) on Shadow Pokemon
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Pokemon and You. How Strength and Friendship Works
"It is the duty of every Trainer to come to understand and be understood by their Pokemon. That is the fundamental of the ideal relationship between Trainer and Pokemon. And through this relationship can both parties become more whole and holistic people."
Opening Words to On The Relationship Between Trainer and Pokemon By Samuel Oak
[X] Plan Redheaded Barbarian
-[X] Andosin Highlands
-[X] It Takes a Village
You take a deep breath now that you're finally outside the Tauros Fort for the first time in almost a week. Stretching your arms, feeling your joints creak having spent all day cooped up inside the Fort's Inn and Library for the past week studying and preparing. But now you're free!
A couple of the guards wave you goodbye as you head down to the outpost. Tauros Fort is a massive military installation built into the mountainside that guards and overlooks the valleys separating Paldea and Kalos. An informal trading outpost had sprung up not that far away from the Andosin side of the fort. It's considered an informal meeting ground for the various clans.
It's also through here the news and products of the rest of the world filter into the northern highlands, traded for your people with currency and sometimes rare and difficult to obtain Pokemon byproducts. Like Tauros Hide for Cellphones, Mareep Wool for TVs and Generators, and Dragonscale for Orbal Trucks. Your own phone was something you got for trading in Tauros Hide you skinned yourself.
It's also there where your ride is waiting.
Leaning on his Mudsdale and reading a magazine with them and his Mudbray next to him is your older brother, Michel. "You done squirt? How'd it go?" he asks after spotting you. You show him your Trainer Card in response. "Huh, it does kinda look like the old man's."
Gramps or Old Man Jenkins. Not literally your grandfather—he died before you were born. Jenkins is the oldest person in the clan. A Trainer from the War, it was his stories that convinced you that you wanted to be a Trainer. That and seeing his Dodrio, Doremi, in action. A lot of what you know from training and battling comes from him.
Oh shit, that reminds you, he asked you to get him a large pack of cigarettes while you're here. One purchase later and you're helping your brother pack the stuff the clan sent you two to buy while you were here. You load them onto saddles on Mudbray's sides and back, making sure they wouldn't fall off. You run your hand through the back of Mudbray's neck to make sure he was okay. Then you were off, onto the great endless plains of the highlands cradled by towering mountain ranges. You stand up in your saddle behind your brother while riding on Mudsdale, feeling the wind in your hair. You'll miss this.
It takes you just under four hours to get to where your clan has been encamped for the past few months. It seems like their celebrations have already started. From the number of Pokemon outside the encampment, it seems news already spread to your extended family from other clans and they came to visit. You dismount and help Michel with unloading. With that done he tells you to go ahead, he'll also handle giving Gramps his smokes. He tells you to have fun and remember to bring him some airag cause he'll be staying with the Pokemon.
Making your way into the encampment, you're dragged by a number of kids who spot and rush you to the biggest ger where the main party is being held.
"There's the woman of the hour!" shouts your dad, Jamukha Ganzorig, as you enter. Before you could say anything, you're put into a crushing hug by your mom, Fadime, who says she's so proud of you. You try to downplay it out of embarrassment but she's having none of it. She invited the entire extended family and told the whole clan all about it. Your cheeks flush at the attention, but a part of you preens and feels proud of the impressed looks you're getting.
From how your dad smirks at you, he noticed. The celebrations lasted the rest of the day into the night. Drinking, eating, dancing, gambling the whole works. You dance briefly with your best friend Kali—who from her breath when she got close to you—is already drunk. She looked kind of sad. You remember she took the first exam with you, but she didn't pass despite being much smarter than you. She says it's because she struggles with Paldean a lot more compared to you. A quiet part of yourself thinks she deserves what you got way more than you.
Dad, already drunk, hands you a bottle of alcohol, says it's your first real step into being an adult. Mom flicks him on the head and tells you to only drink a sip if you don't end up like him. You dutifully listen and take a little sip of airag, a fermented milk. You give the rest of the bottle to your brother, who's only now joined the rest of the family in the ger. He just got back from having to cook for the Pokemon. He says he had to bring out three whole Miltanks to feed them all. You head out of the ger as the celebration moves on without you; you want to check on the Pokemon.
They seemed to be having a great time, though: a Rhyhorn seemed to already be passed out drunk on alcoholic Sitrus juice while the rest of the Pokemon were laughing, arguing and some were play-fighting in a makeshift arena. In the center was the strongest Pokemon in the clan, Doremi, who was definitely drunk from how his heads were swaying. Speaking of…
An old man wearing a deel walked up next to you. His hair was completely grayed out and he wore spectacles. He had a cigarette in his mouth and only one arm, he says he lost it in the War. His remaining right arm was holding onto a walking cane, you go over to aid him but he brushes you off.
"Not this time, this is important." he says, having made his way next to where you were standing.
"So, uh… what's up old man." you ask.
He stays silent for a bit before responding. "You'll be coming with me to get your starter tomorrow." You already knew that but with how he said he seems unusually… pensive. "Congrats on becoming a trainer kid. Try to get a good night's rest. Also one of the brats is calling for you." As he said that, you hear Timothee and your younger sister, Tamara, calling out to you from your family's ger.
You're dragged by your adoptive brother to the clan's sole computer and he challenges you to a match in Showdown, a popular battle simulator. You of course win, 'cause you are a strong 6' 0 " teen and he is a small-brained itsy bitsy little child. Tamara teases him for it because she has a crush on him, and you almost feel sorry for him. He prolly did it to try and impress her. It's all really cute.
As the celebrations slowly wind down, you help your mom clean up after the festivities. Once that's done and guests and party goers go to their respective lodgings for the night, your mom and dad have a talk with you.
"We know that you'll be leaving soon out into the world." he says as you sit around the table. Meanwhile, Mom goes to retrieve something from a drawer. "We wanted to prepare you as best we could for your time in Paldea and so…" He scoots over to give room for Mom to also sit down as she lays a lockbox on the table. Is that…
She opens it and your eyes widen. The Ganzorig Heirloom. Your father always talked about how your clan was founded by a warrior who went south with Emperor Rodrigo. For his services, he was awarded with wealth and a dagger made of folded Skarmory Steel. Lightweight and deadly.
"Go on, take it," he says. Y-you don't deserve this. Your stomach feels heavy all of a sudden.
"And here's something from the entire clan and your relatives," says Mom as she passes over an envelope.
You open it and it's cash. Lots of it. More money you've seen in one place than you've ever handled in your entire life. You feel yourself starting to tear up. You feel two presences take up and hug you.
"No matter what happens, we're so proud of you, Mariana. We hope you know that." Says your dad.
"Please be safe and enjoy yourself." Says your mom. Now you're starting to cry.
It takes a while for you to calm down, they say a few more words you don't hear before heading to bed exhausted. You don't deserve any of it.
You wake up in the middle of the night. Checking your phone, it says that it's around 2 AM. You can't sleep. Nerves, maybe? You decide to go out on a walk to clear your head. Heading outside you look up into the night sky with its countless stars in its tapestry. Paldeans at the fort always talked about how you couldn't see stars in the cities as well as you could in the routes or here in the Highlands. You look at the gers of your clan, white Wooloo wool contrasting colorful Ariados silk.
After you leave for Mesagoza, it's likely that your clan is gonna move and encamp elsewhere for the rest of the summer. Fuck, you're not make it to this year's Naadam since school starts in July, that fucking sucks. It sucks so bad that you're starting to feel yourself tear up. Soon you're crying. Ugly crying, you keep yourself quiet not wanting to wake people.
"Why the fuck are you awake at this time of night."
Looking up, you see old man Jenkins. You're not sure if you woke him up, though from how he looks he seems he hasn't slept at all.
"Just nervous is all…" you mumble while wiping your tears with the hem of your sleeve. You feel him sit down next to you and you feel ashamed of how you're forcing your issues on someone like this. Ungrateful of how lucky you are.
"Whatever crock you're thinking about yourself right now, stop it." he scolds you.
He licks his lips, a reminiscing look on his face before he speaks. "When I left for my own Journey way back when… Ain't gonna lie, it fuckin' sucked. Things were harder back then and not in the way old coots like me always complain about. We didn't have that Ditto cell shit in the centers, if a Pokemon got wounded or hurt, it took weeks to months till it got better. It was a more hateful time, too. Back then, even those stiffs in the forts could call ya the nastiest shit. Not saying things are perfect right now. I saw the looks they give us sometimes."
He purses his lips, realizing he's rambling. "What I mean to say is that feeling awful leaving the only home you've ever known for a world you only read about… It's normal. You're not spoiled or some shit for feeling that way. Cry and just let it all out. And for fuck's sake, tell this to your goddamn parents, they're better at this than I am." he finishes, hopping up to stand. You're silent. "Now go back to sleep. I'll be dragging you off to go somewhere tomorrow after breakfast."
"Remember you wanted to go on to Mesagoza cause you wanted to get stronger and see the world, didn't you?" You meekly nod. You do wanna go to Mesagoza, not just in pictures. You wait until he leaves before you go back into your ger to sleep, falling onto your like your body was made of lead.
You wake up to the sound of your alarm blaring. Right, you needed to wake up at 6. You had stuff to do. You do your part of the morning chores: checking on the Pokemon, helping cook breakfast and waking up the other brats in their ger. You'll miss this.
You tell your parents about how you felt last night. They…well…
"Mariana Ganzorig listen to your mother!" you shrink into yourself. You tried to give both the money and the dagger back and she's furious. "You're talking yourself out of doing what you want. We're giving you these because we want you to be safe and to succeed because we know—if you don't believe yourself, believe us—that you are going to accomplish great things in your life. Now come here and I'll hug that nonsense out of you." She takes you in a vice grip of a hug. "Now repeat after me, 'I deserve this because I did my very best and accomplished it'." You repeat after her, voice high because of how hard she's squeezing.
"Get over here or you're gonna sleep alone tonight." says your mom to dad who's been letting her handle the conversation. He trundles over to where you're being crushed to death and joins on the pile. Your clearly inevitable death is interrupted by Chimu, Mom's Chimecho, telling her breakfast is ready. Right, she had them and Ravs, Dad's Staravia, keep an eye on the food and keep it cooking.
It's your job to wake Timothee and Tamara up for breakfast. If you don't, those two brats would sleep the whole morning away. You drag the two sleepyheads for breakfast, and you let them pester you for details about your first battle. After breakfast, you help clean up and go over to where Old Man Jenkins is taking a swig from a flask. "Drinking already?" you ask.
"Nah it's water, you'll be needing it so bring one yourself." he replies. And so you do.
You help strap the saddle and harness onto Doremi, who looks like he has a hangover. The Dodrio is actively avoiding looking at sunlight to the mockery of Gramps who apparently told not to drink too much. You do one last check of your belongings, making sure you have the water he said to bring, some pokeballs you bought, your phone and some Tauros jerky and that's pretty much it. Travel on Doremi is always pretty quick.
You sit in front of Gramps with your hands gripped on the reins of one of Doremi's heads. He's the doughy sad one named Mi. With one last check, Doremi takes to the skies in one massive leap. His muscled legs push him off the ground in a jump, leaving behind a small crater just outside the encampment and sending dust flying everywhere. Doremi maneuvers in the air using his other two heads and his mastery of Flying Type Energy. Or at least, that's what Gramps explained to you when you asked.
From above, you see the sheer vastness of the highlands, your people and the Pokemon that inhabit it. You see other encampments in the distance, other clans around your area. Herds of Pokemon living their lives: Tauros grazing in the fields, Dubwools and their Wooloos lazing in the sun and even a few Cyclizars running across the plains chasing after a flock of Doduos. Suddenly Doremi's right head fires off an Ice Tri-Attack at the Cyclizars, cutting them off from pursuing the Doduos. Gramps hand still on the reins for the center head, flicks his finger at Do, the right head. Looking around you also see other Flying types in the sky. Staraptors and their flocks, some Swablu led by an Altaria and far off in the distance you can see a Salamence. If it's the same one that regularly tries to fight Doremi, it's probably not gonna try again after getting trashed so recently.
Finally, Gramps says that you've arrived at your destination. Slowly Doremi comes in for a landing, taking care to make it soft as possible. It seems he really is hungover. Landing on the ground, you notice that you're decently far off from the encampment. About an hour or three of travel on horseback. And Doremi just crossed that in just a few minutes. You're always impressed with how strong he is, but today really is showing you just how terrifying he must've been in prime. But like Gramps, he's a crotchety old thing. Case in point: after landing, he sticks all three of his heads in the ground.
You look around where you landed, a nearby forest to your south, a massive cliff face to your west and vast endless plain everywhere else. The only other landmark is an ovoo, a cairn or religious site for your people. A large pile of stones stacked up and surrounded by offerings, carved slates and khadag. Khadag are high-quality scarves used to wrap gifts and important items. In this case, it is wrapped around the ovoo.
You didn't think Gramps was religious. "If you wanted me to go to an ovoo there was one much nearer to the encampment." you complain.
"Shut up. You'll find out once you touch it." he replies. With him offering no further explanation, you shrug and walk up the mound of stones surrounding the ovoo and touch it—
"For what's it worth I'm sor—"
Snow. Endless unceasing snow surrounds you on all sides. A cold so thick so all encompassing you feel nothing. Nerves deadened and moving is difficult. You do feel one thing. One thing that suffuses your every being so much that it's choking you.
hate
bile fills your throat hateful curses words and mockeries spill over all the little hates in your life drowning you you hate your mother you your father you hate your sister you hate the old man you hate that little petulant brat you hate those paldeans you hate your relatives you hate your people you hate pokemon you hate those mightyena teeth gnashing snarling howling hunting in the day in the sun who tore and bit and killed you who was innocent you hate yourself you hate you hate yourself you hate your face you hate you're too red you hate your body too tall too ugly too boyish you hate your skin you scratch you scratch until it bleeds and your nails are nubs and your fingers bloodied you hate your throat writhing little under your skin you will scratch scratch scratch kill kill kill until you feel no more other than
cold
Your mind is clear and you see It. It's lounging almost lazily. A long feline body with a coat of ceaseless white snow interrupted by glimmering crystals of ice, like stars in the night sky. Upon its mouth where its fangs should've been were two black blades of cold steel. And Its eyes were a deep deep blue filled with nothing but—
You blink.
Your eyes shoot open and you try to move before you're pushed down by Gramps onto something soft. By the worried chirping, it seems to be Doremi. "What the hell happened to you? I didn't get it bad when I did it." Gramps asks.
"I touched it and I got a vision and I—the feelings came rushing back." Bile rising to your throat, you puke your breakfast onto the ground next to you, gramps holding your hair back while you vomit your guts out.
"Here." he says handing you your water flask. "See, that was more my reaction the first go around. What'd you see?" You take a massive gulp of water and wash your face with the rest before answering.
"I saw…" hate. cold. It "...a Pokemon. What was that?"
He straightens up from his ever constant slouch and looks you dead in the eyes. "A Legendary."
You face pales.
"Up for storytime, kid?" Not much of a choice, really. "It was right after the war. My division was coming back from Unova. The memories of that Shadow Lugia fresh in our minds." Re, the lead head of the Dodrio, rubs his head against Jenkins' back as a way to comfort him. "I…stumbled upon some old legends, and I couldn't get them out of my head." There's a story there. "But I put it out of my mind for a while until…" he looks at the ovoo then back to you. "After that, I went around all the highlands lookin' for all the stakes. A couple of 'em were under lock and key by the Paldeans, which was fine and dandy. Others are like this over here, turned into ovoo's and sealed up good with Psychic and Dark type shit to keep 'em down. Still prolly missed a few. Never did find the shrine proper for this one, and I don't think the Paldeans did either."
"T-this one?" Your voice is weak, like you could vomit all over again.
"Right, I was getting to that. There's four of these Legendaries across Paldea. At least as far the Paldeans could tell from the stakes that keep 'em locked up. Siphons off their energies or some shit so they don't build up enough to break out. Of the other three, two of em have wholeass forts on them, with boots and everything. The third one, well…" he scoffs.
"The Paldeans say they have it under control and then they tell me it's in fucking Casseroya Lake. If they could build shit there they'd have done so a long fuckin' time ago. But they can't 'cause its Casseroya fuckin' Lake. Prolly left it to local Domains to keep an eye on." he finishes pulling out a smoke as he does so.
You two just stay there silent for what feels like hours. Contemplating what you just learned.
"Where do I come in?" You ask after mustering enough courage to do so.
"Can your old man ask you a favor?" he says, looking at you. "I know it's a lot to ask for but… when you go around Paldea, could you, y'know, take a look at the stakes, see if they're still standing. A couple of 'em were under guard by the Paldeans so those should be fine. But the others, those too hidden or out of the way, you'll have to check on them. I'll give you a notebook where I wrote down where I remembered they were and just a map of all the stakes I know about. There's probably a couple missing or has just been wrecked by time. Can't expect you to do much about those, so don't bother. Look, I know it's a lot to ask for and it's a heavy burden to put on a kid, so you don't have to say yes."
You stay silent. It is a heavy burden, you're glad he noticed that. But… you remember that day when you felt so utterly weak to do anything. The only thing that saved you and your sister was him and Doremi. What kept you going afterwards was the thought you could be that strong one day, powerful in a way he was. Where nothing could ever hurt you and the people you cared about ever again.
The moment you decided you wanted to be a Trainer, that was on your mind. Where so many people and even other clans, most of them strangers to him aside from a few, rely on him to train them and defend them from threats too powerful like what happened during that day. You once asked him why kept running around and he said, "If not me, then who?" You look at him and Doremi. Really look at them and you notice just how old they are.
Jenkins's hair is completely gray and thinning, his skin is gaunt and patchy in places. Doremi's feathers are more gray than brown and his claws are starting to dull. Both of them were covered in wrinkles. They can't keep doing this. Even that massive leap to bring you here forced Doremi to take a rest afterwards. He presents it as a choice, but it's not really one for either of you. You say no and he'll just keep going and doing what he's doing, checking on the stakes, running around putting out fires with little complaint. And you'll never say no, not really. After everything, you and your clan owe him too much.
"Yes, I'll do it." he doesn't deflate in relief or jump in joy. He just has a grim expression on his face. You try to respond with one of your own to show your determination.
He looks away, scoffing, "Don't try to pull that look on me, it doesn't fit you." He stands and pulls you up with his cane. "That's enough serious shit for one day. C'mon, let's get your starter." Oh right, that's what you were initially going out for.
"You ready, old bird?" He asks Doremi who just stands up, grumbling in response. You both get on the Dodrio and he takes off leaving the ovoo behind. From the looks of it, you're heading somewhere closer to the mountain ranges that separate the highlands from Kalos. If you squint, you could almost make out where Tauros Fort should be. You eventually make it to what looks like a monastery.
Doremi lands near the monastery in a clearing where an irate monk wearing a blue habit and a Medicham were waiting. From the pained look on gramps' face, he must be having a conversation with the psychic. Before you two could even dismount, the monk was already berating Jenkins.
"What took you so long, we agreed on a time, dammit! That Pokemon is starting to make my monks and even the rangers and boots worried." he scolds while pointing a finger at gramps.
"Jeez, lighten up, will you, Lev? I'm here now." Gramps' replies.
The monk turns their gaze on you, looking you up and down. "She knows and agreed to it?" he asks. Before gramps could respond, you nod at the question preempting him.
Lev sizes you up one more time before gesturing towards the Medicham, who levitates a notebook towards you. It seems bizarrely new and seems to not fit the actual monk in front of you. "Wrote down the locations of the stakes that we know. As well as a ritual that will reinforce the seals on them. You'll need a decently powerful Weaver or Null for that, but you're a Trainer so that shouldn't be too hard for you." With those two weird titles, you knew everything you needed to know about him and the monastery—-both of them are with the Geomantic Church.
Ugh, Fae, why couldn't they just use the words Psychic Types and Dark Types like the rest of us. From how the Medicham's smiling she prolly heard your surface thoughts on that. Wish you could listen to telepathy without it hurting, but mom didn't let you practice with Chimu.
"C'mon, let's go, leave that stick in the mud behind." says Gramps as he drags you into the monastery. You leave Doremi behind who's gorging himself on some berries on the trees of the clearing.
[] Machop: Gramps takes you to the Monasteries' Arena. It's a wide open space with seats on a downward slope towards the arena. On the stands were a handful of Machokes and Machops dressed in colorful deels, gis and other clothing. A couple of Rangers and Soldiers were also watching the match. A singular Machamp, bare from the waist aside from a hakama skirt, was meditating with the arena in front of him. On the arena proper, there were two Machop fighting, both looked wounded but one seemed to be worse for wear with their left arm hanging limply off their side and their right hand broken. Seemed. He's faking the broken arm and you could tell, but his opponent couldn't. One misguided strike and a vicious counter and the match was over to the booing and hissing of the audience. Yet the Machamp remained silent, meditating.
"Nasty little runt, isn't he?" Grandpa uses his cane to point at the victorious Machop who's looking around soaking in the boos and hisses. His eyes land on you, he grins and wipes his bloody nose with his broken hand. "Say hello to your partner."
Starter will be Machop
Machop will begin at the Early 1-Badge Level (200/2000)
Ability: Guts
Tera Types: Fighting, Rock, Dark, Steel
Will know additional moves (Facade, Mach Punch, Reversal)
Final Evolution into Machamp will either require Machoke to fully master their strength or for them to master their chosen fighting style to their satisfaction.
Knows Andosin Martial Arts (Bokh). Can learn more
Machamp is one of the physically strongest Pokemon available in Paldea. Line will make a good sparring partner if you're into that. (Periodically gives some PROW XP)
Personality Issues
[] Zubat: Further down into the Monastery, Gramps leads you to an old amphitheater. It's half collapsing, parts of it having broken down due to age leading to a cave opening. He points his cane and you look up in shock. Hundreds and hundreds of Zubats on the roof of the Amphitheater, a handful of Golbats with their mouths closed and in the center is a Crobat. In an eye-blink, the Crobat flies down and lands on Gramp's outstretched arm.
"Miss you, hon. How's the sprogs?" The Crobat makes a low hissing noise in response which causes the old man to laugh. "Brought the kid I told you about, where's yours—" Before he could finish, a Zubat flies up to your face and you nearly fall over in shock. Both Grandpa and the Crobat laugh. Even without eyes, you could see from how the Zubat moves that it seems apologetic and shrinks away from you. "Told ya they're alike!"
Starter will be Zubat
Zubat will begin at Late 0-Badge Level (800/1000)
Ability: Infiltrator
Tera Types: Poison, Flying, Bug, Steel
Will know additional moves (Hypnosis, Dual Wingbeat, Shadow Sneak)
Is the simplest to fully evolve of the Starters.
Crobat can fly and carry you around across settlements and routes if you're so inclined. Crobat poison also has a lot of uses and versatility. Is extremely fast.
Is just like you frfr.
[] Dreepy: He leads you to an empty courtyard in the Monastery with a clear view of the sky. "Rangers and Boots are gonna kill me for this." he says, pulling out a bizarre flute then blowing on it. It sorts of looks like a— your thought was interrupted by a thundering noise from the sky. You look up and see what made that sound just arrive up above you two. 'A Dragapult' you finish your thoughts. The flute is like a Dragapult. The dragon floats down towards Gramps and nuzzles up towards them, which the old man affectionately returns. Before either could say anything to you something bolts out of the holes on the horns of Dragapult, knocking you over.
"Well you too are acquainted now, I suppose." He quips at you. You look down and see a Dreepy wide eyed doing circles on your chest.
Starter will be a Dreepy
Dreepy will begin at Early 0-Badge Level (50/1000) (Gained XP from beating you)
Ability: Infiltrator
Tera Types: Dragon, Ghost, Steel
Will know additional moves (Double Team, Shadow Sneak)
Will evolve into Drakloak once it learns Extremespeed
Final Evolution into Dragapult will require Mariana to return with them to the Andosin Highlands for a Trial from the Pokemon's sire, Jenkins' Dragapult.
Once fully evolved, it is one of the fastest Pokemon in the world.
Dragon types are temperamental to raise, having ego issues.
Is a newly born hyperactive child
Will absolutely outlive you
With less than half a month away from the beginning of the School Year in the Academy, you still have some time left for last minute preparations. Doing odd jobs for cash now that you're a trainer. Crash reading of books and study materials. Maybe even spinning by the Battle Arena once the entrance exams are over to have some battles with other Trainers.
Or even just hanging out with your friends (if you have any) and family for the last time in quite a long while. It'll be three years until you'll be able to graduate from the Academy.
You could also try to get to know your starter. The one who's gonna be your partner for the rest of your life. Unless they're an egg. In which case you can try and find a way to hatch an egg as soon as possible.
2 AP AVAILABLE (Every option Costs 1 AP)
[] Grade 9 Trainer Work: Now that you're a trainer, there are a variety of odd jobs that typically people need doing. A lot of them are too minor for rangers to do, clearing out lost wild pokemon in nooks and crannies, babysitting pokemon, going to isolated hamlet's and villages too small to be on most maps for favors and such. All the grunt work the Ranger's are too busy or are too minor to handle. It's not much, but it's honest work.
Roll a d6 for a Pokemon encounter. Catching Possible, if not added to party will be turned over to Rangers
Gain some Cash (Roll 10d100*20)
+200 PROW XP
[] I'm not Book Smart, I'm Poke Smart: Look, you readily admit that you're more of a hands-on learner than anything else. Sure you barely passed Sunday School, struggled in any subject that didn't involve Pokemon and was kind of a menace in class. BUT! That doesn't matter now, you're about to go to the most prestigious Academy in all of Paldea and if you don't wanna make a fool of yourself then better hit those books, search up those terms and start asking questions.
+200 KNOW XP (Is increased to +400 KNOW XP With Trait Catching Up.)
Gain Trait Fundamentally Fundamentals: +10% KNOW XP for the first month (4 Turns) in Mesagoza
[] Going into Tall Grass: You have it. The battling bug. You love battling, and you can't get enough of it. You have an idea on how you can get more. Borrowing your brother's Mudbray and going to the market outpost to buy potions and some of the more delicious berries there. You then go to a nearby forest in order to fight some wild Pokemon. It takes a bit to get the idea of "If they fight your starter and win, they get berries and if they lose, no you won't be catching them and will even heal them with the sprays Trainer's use." You need them to agree before you fight them, local Pokemon can hold onto some pretty nasty grudges if they think you've wronged them for no reason. But you eventually manage to get the idea across. Along with some challengers.
+200 SKLL XP
+200~500 POKE XP
+2 MXP to All available Moves
Lose P2000 for buying Berries and Potions. Outcome of battles will dictate how many berries and potions will be left to you.
[] Will the Childhood Best Friend Win?: Your best friend is a girl named Kali. She's the one you normally hang out with when you just wanna goof off or have fun. They'll be starting their Trainer Journey this August. For one reason or another, they won't be attending with you to Mesagoza. But doesn't mean you can't keep up with one another or just hang out. Hey, maybe you could watch a movie together. Maybe she'll actually watch it this time rather than just staring at you during it. You don't know why she always does that.
Even if not taken Best Friend will still be a Minor Character going on a Trainers Journey
+200 CHRM XP
Don't you just wanna hang out?
[] Family means no one gets left behind: Not including the farewell party they're gonna hold for you no matter what. You could choose just to spend time with them. You could even introduce your Starter to them. They're technically gonna be part of your family as per custom. You likely aren't gonna be seeing them for almost a year unless your Field Exercise takes you to your hometown.
Set Starter Bond to Bond 2 (You will be able to give them a nickname. You'll be more acquainted with their tells and moods.)
If taken with Dreepy give a total of +150 XP. They will beat your family like they beat you human.
[] Your Partner: You have a Pokemon. It still feels like a dream at times. But you, Mariana, are a Trainer. "It is (checks notes) the duty of every Trainer to come to understand and be understood by their Pokemon. And through this relationship can both parties become more whole and holistic people." On The Relationship Between Trainer and Pokemon by Samuel Oak. Well, with that out of the way, wanna hang out and hit some trees or run around the plains?
Set Starter Bond to Bond 1 (You will be able to give them a nickname.)
+3 MXP to All available Moves
+100 PROW XP
GAINED ITEM "GANZORIG DAGGER": Made of folded Skarmory wings, the dagger is lightweight and wicked sharp. Deeply valuable to you personally and to your culture.
It can be used by a human or any Pokemon that can hold a weapon. Its material means it can absorb Steel and Flying Type Energy up to the 4th Badge Level. Will be an effective tool up to the 4th Badge Level. CANNOT BE USED BY A POKEMON DURING A LEAGUE SANCTIONED BATTLE.
GAINED ITEM "TRAINING MANUAL 'SEALING SPELL'": Is Fiendish Dark-Type Move. Pioneered by monks of the Geomantic Church as a way to seal hostile Ghost and Dark Pokemon. It traps and separates the offending Pokemon from using or manipulating Type Energy. Is needed to repair damaged Ruin Stakes. Has no effect on deactivated or destroyed Stakes. Mariana needs 12 KNOW to be able to teach to a Pokemon. Can only be learned by a 6th Badge Level Psychic or Dark Type Pokemon. Requires them to have mastered a Complex Move.
GAINED ITEM "LEV MONASTERY AND JENKINS STAKE NOTEBOOK": Will unlock actions to go to and look at Stakes during Field Exercises and on Summer Break. Jenkin suggests you wait until your 5th Badge until you do so.
GAINED 10, 000 POKEDOLLARS. INTERNATIONAL LEGAL TENDER.
GAINED QUEST "TREASURES OF RUIN": Four Sealed Horrors. Malevolent. Kept imprisoned by Ruin Stakes across Paldea. ???
MARIANA STATS AFTER END OF CHARGEN
PROW
11
KNOW
5
CHRM
12
SKLL
12
Massive thanks to Nemastraea for proofreading this update
Massive thanks to SectionXIII for answering my questions in regards to nomadic cultures
Since your stats have been finalized and we're post CharGen and entering the last stretch of the Prologue. I'm gonna give an example of how a stat check will work
Scenario 1: You're talking to someone about a topic and they say something that feels…off.
DC Difficulty: 15
KNOW Check: 1d20 + 6
CHRM Check: 1d20 + 12
Roll >=15 to pass
Whichever stat passes its DC will resolve the scenario. If both pass their roll, I choose the more interesting one. If neither pass depending on the scenario I'll still have you accomplish the objective but it will cost you in some way now or later. Or I will simply have that opportunity be missed.
I will sometimes roll for things in the background and not show if there even was a roll.
DCs can be increased or decreased outside of the impact of your stats depending on the scenario
Someone is talking about the Highlands? Great!
Someone is talking about Kanto? Uhhh…
