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Post by Infynis on Feb 11, 2018 7:32:31 GMT
"My name's Wetherford," the old man says, mimicking Baraz's greeting gestures from earlier. "People around here just call me Gramps though, and if you like, you can too." Wetherford is clearly a very friendly man. You could probably just call him "barkeep" and he'd treat you all the same. At your next question, he raises an eyebrow and looks you over again. "You're pretty clever to ask about the tubes themselves. Once you're inside the mountain proper, it's exactly what you'd expect, but in the tubes, where you can't see your nose in front of your face for the dark, you get Pokemon to match."
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Post by TheFluorescentDodo on Feb 11, 2018 20:32:56 GMT
Hatui scratched his chin and continued pondering their options. While the lava tubes almost reminded him of home at first, the fact that the volcano was still active deep inside was rather off-putting. The darkness didn't help either. Sure, he had his lantern, but he'd have to put that down if he was going to help his pokemon fight. The mines were in a similar boat for that aspect, at least until they got to the luminous rocks (but who knew how much light the rocks gave off anyway?). Also, the pokemon sounded particularly ravenous there the way Wetherford described it.The pass was outside at least, and while that did mean exposure to weather and the elements, it still sounded the safest. After all, Hatui was well adapted to mountain terrain, albeit less icy mountain terrain. That would be where he put his vote.
"The way it sounds to me, at least, is that the Pass may be the path of least resistance for us. That's not to say it will be easy, certainly: I myself am not adapted to cold. That is where I place my vote for now, though, unless you three find it disagreeable? If I could pick a second option, it would be for the mines, which has a potential eventual light source that isn't magma."
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Post by raventhefree on Feb 12, 2018 0:40:46 GMT
Zee allowed the others to ask their questions as she sipped at her wine. With the others asking all the questions she would have asked herself, she saw little reason to speak at all, lest she interrupt. As it was, the other three seemed quite capable of asking the questions she would have asked anyway. A small frown began to inch its way onto her face as she thought over the three options. None of them sounded quite appealing. Zee wasn't the most dextrous person, which made the concept of avoiding lava in a somewhat active volcano sound like just about the worst idea possible. She liked herself a little less crispy than what likely would happen to her in the lava tubes.
On the other hand, there were the mines and the pass. She tugged on her Mareep-wool coat idly as she thought about the last two paths, weighing her options. With her nice coat, walking through the snow and hail wouldn't be terrible for Zee herself, but the rest of her party--short of Mezzo, who had his own coat--would perhaps not find that way so easy. If worse came to worst, Lillette could always Defog away the weather, if even for just a little bit. Then there were the mines to consider. She knew that Lillette would have an easy time with the Rock-types there, but she would not find so much success with the Fairy-types that they might encounter deeper in. Besides, handling lanterns and relying on those for light could prove to be a bit of a disaster.
She rested her hand on her chin and watched the other two as they talked. She already had a sketch of her, Lillette, Mezzo, and Legato from when they left the Burgau Estate. She hadn't had the chance to draw much since then, but watching Baraz with his mercantile charms inspired her to take her sketchbook out of her bag right then and there. Just as she had gotten it to a fresh page and inspected her piece of charcoal for sharpness, she hesitated. Is it rude to draw people when they're talking? she wondered to herself as her right hand hovered over the page. Normally she would have asked Mezzo, but the situation didn't seem right for that. She had trouble telling sometimes.
"Lillette does have the ability to get rid of weather temporarily. She's a Ducklett," Zee explained, perhaps butting into the conversation more than she intended to. "I must admit, I am here to study weather. The thought of going up the mountains for my first taste of the changing climates beyond The Barrier intrigues me. However, I do also have a bit of an interest in these large, luminous crystals. I would very much like to draw them," she admitted, gesturing at her sketchbook. Her fingers were slightly tinted black from the charcoal, and when she realized she was still holding it, she placed it gingerly on the page in front of her as to not stain it. "I would gladly go either way. I have been told I am a bit clumsy, so perhaps it would be for the best if we avoid the lava tubes, as it seems Hatui already alluded to. Unless Wetherford here wants to give the lava tubes a glowing review?"
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Post by Infynis on Feb 12, 2018 1:05:46 GMT
Wetherford chuckles at Zee's comment, saying, "I don't think I'd trust my opinion of Lifegiver. I have a bit of a different perspective than other Explorers." He gives another wink, but doesn't elaborate on the point. "If dexterity is your concern though, I don't know if I'd go and climb a mountain. The Pass might be well traveled, but it's still treacherous." He seems to be enjoying watching you mull over the decision.
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Post by Vazad on Feb 12, 2018 1:39:18 GMT
Thinking about it the man had a good point, while the tubes seemed to require one to be able to hopscotch over lava the mountains would require them to climb. Baraz was woefully underequipped for both situations. He also was rather unhappy with the idea of trecking through the ice and snow. Making up his mind he decided to chime in.
"Well, if you would like to observe the crystals this may be your one chance. I'm sure we'll encounter cold conditions again if we travel far enough but strange crystals might be far rarer. Also, I'm not the most athletic individual either so I believe that I'm going to have to put my vote for the crystal caves."
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Post by Trixander on Feb 12, 2018 2:06:04 GMT
"I agree," Mezzo comments. "Although the cold weather wasn't going to be a problem for me, climbing up a snow covered mountain just sounds horrible. At least the lava would be a swift death. The cold will not be as merciful."
Even now his hands grew cold from the chilled glass, which he set down. "The mines will protect us from the elements, while also providing a more or less linear route to the other side. My Shinx, Legatto, has no fear of Rock nor Fairy-types. Not to mention Lillette who will be super effective against the Rock-types."
He knew that Zee had a good chance to navigate the party through the mountains, but it honestly seemed to treacherous for Mezzo. One bad fall could mean the death of any of them. He felt much more confident staving off pokemon than he did lava or avalanches.
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Post by TheFluorescentDodo on Feb 12, 2018 2:53:34 GMT
"Well then, as I said, the mines are also more agreeable to me than the lava tubes. so I will settle for that then. When did you want to set off? I know I am certainly raring to get exploring. I'd even be willing to start the journey today if you're willing." Hatui gulped down the last of his drink, and sat the glass on the bar. "I don't know about you all, but I think it's pretty exciting to finally start the journey." He was starting to grow impatient just thinking about it. "We could get to know each other along the way to the mines perhaps? And introduce each other to our partners?"
He presumed they all also had a partner Pokemon, since one of them had mentioned them. It would be important to know each others' strengths and weaknesses for the coming trials, and that included their partners. It was still pretty early in the day and they could probably reach the mines before sundown depending on how far away they were.
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Post by Vazad on Feb 12, 2018 3:05:28 GMT
Well, that seemed to be most of them in agreement then. Baraz was quite ready to leave this place, hanging around in this place wouldn't get him nearer to his goal. Internally he felt a bit worried for Precious as the bug was quite susceptible to rocks but he would have to rely on these people to make up for that. They seemed to be capable enough from what they were saying, he could work with them.
"I would prefer to head out as soon as possible as well. It's early enough that we could make good headway before dark, and once in the mines, we won't really have to worry too much about whether it's day or night."
He nodded as Hatui commented about getting to know one another. The part about getting to know each other's strengths and weaknesses interested him more but he knew that many people put great stock in knowing their companions character. To his chagrin, he felt that he would most likely contribute the least to the mines expedition so it was better to help them become comfortable as a group.
"That is agreeable if we are to form a company it is good to know one another."
Baraz continued to politely drink his wine until it was finished as to not rudely waste the beverage.
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Post by raventhefree on Feb 12, 2018 3:42:36 GMT
"It would be simply criminal to waste this wine," Zee said, taking another sip. Thankfully, because she had been doing comparatively less of the talking and more of her silent stewing, she was mostly through the wine already. "But I am also anxious to leave. I first proposed a trip like this to my family around six years ago. I suppose that means that I've been waiting quite a while for this," she mused.
Zee found the prospect of talking about herself to these people quite daunting. If it was any consolation, though, the other two seemed friendly enough. At Hatui's mention of introducing each other to their Pokemon, Zee's eyes lit up, and she found herself reaching for her charcoal reflexively before realizing that, in fact, he meant later. Awkwardly covering up this gesture by reaching for her wine, looking down, and flushing, she hoped that Mezzo would soon grab the attention off of her with his innately more engaging personality. That last drink finished her own wine, and she set it on the bar and slid it over toward Wetherford, giving him another appreciative nod.
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Post by Trixander on Feb 12, 2018 4:14:26 GMT
Seeing Zee's awkward maneuver, Mezzo thought now would be a good time for a dramatic exit. "I guess that settles it," he says. He hops down from his stool and finishes the rest of his drink.
"Think you could point us to the mines, Gramps?" he says. This was exciting for Mezzo too. This journey was going to answer so many questions he had about his magic. About the mystery composer. About the gods themselves. He and Zee had waited long enough, it was time for the main event.
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Post by Infynis on Feb 12, 2018 20:11:54 GMT
"It's about a mile along the road to the north," Gramps says, gesturing in that general direction. He then leans toward you over the bar and continues in a low tone, "and if any of you should ever decided to come back this way, I pay well for items of an unusual nature." The smile had been momentarily gone from his face, replaced by a serious expression, but as he leans back, stands up, and collects your empty glasses, it's back, like it had never been gone. "Good luck," he calls with a wave, then vanishes through a door behind the bar.
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Post by Trixander on Feb 13, 2018 1:33:02 GMT
"Alright, sounds easy enough to find," Mezzo says to his party after the bartender leaves. "If you guys are ready to go, Zee and I have what we need. Otherwise we will just meet you on the north side of town."
What else was there to do? He had his lute, he had Legato, and he had Zee. Time to get this show on the road. With that, the party set out on what would be the journey unlike any other. The four of them didn't spare any time, they were all eager to go. It made sense really. After what was likely years of preparation the time was finally upon them. Mezzo knew that he was ready. He imagined that the others were sick of talking about it too.
Just after they get out of town Mezzo figured that a mile long walk would be a good time to introduce Hatui and Baraz to Legato. He released the Shinx while they walked. Shortly after being released Legato realized that where they were headed. Legato took the lead, walking ahead of Mezzo and taking little interest in the strangers that were with Mezzo.
"This is Legato. He thinks that he is the star," he explained. "And I am Mezzo, although you already knew that. I'm a bard by trade, but a sorcerer as a hobby."
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Post by TheFluorescentDodo on Feb 13, 2018 2:06:20 GMT
Hatui nodded, content to leave as well. He kept in stride with the others until they reached the road. Since he had already stocked up on supplies and had little else of note to do in time, he figured it was definitely time to get down to exploring. While they walked, it seemed that now was the time for them to introduce their partners. Mezzo's was a shinx, which Hatui was not overly familiar with. The little pokemon took little notice of the other Explorers as he took a lead ahead of them. Hatui gave a grin at such personality, and nodded as Mezzo explained his trade. "Music is vital to culture, so I commend your trade. I have also found the arcane of legends to be extremely fascinating. Do you mean to say you can perform it then?"
Since they were walking and introducing, Hatui produced Moai's pokeball and released him. The Nosepass immediately began trudging along next to Hatui as though this exercise was a common occurrence. It was a few seconds before he peered curiously around at his master's new companions, but didn't seemed at all bothered by their presence. "This is Moai," Hatui said, beaming with pride for his partner. "He's my friend, guide, and partner. Together we aim to prove ourselves as well as keep the traditions and culture of my people alive."
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Post by raventhefree on Feb 13, 2018 2:48:29 GMT
Zee was more than happy to pack up her sketchbook and follow Mezzo as he led them out the door. Despite her being more or less in charge of directing them from place to place on their adventures, Mezzo was always the one responsible for getting them there. With just him, she was more comfortable to put her thoughts first, but she didn't want to give the impression of directing Hatui and Baraz just because of her status here in Anbesa. If anything, it was for the best that Mezzo took the lead as usual.
Hatui's questions about Mezzo's profession brought a small smile to Zee's face. Mezzo was always more than happy to show off, and seeing the delight that music brought to him always made Zee happy for him. Unlike her, Mezzo had found his place in the world, and he was just seeking answers to questions that couldn't be found on this side of The Barrier. Even Hatui seemed to have a good reason for traveling. Not only that, Hatui's look of absolute adoration that he directed at Moai was almost embarrassing to witness, as if she was looking at a deep connection between the two that she had no right to see. She felt the same way about Lillette, of course, but her Pokemon had little of the cultural importance that Hatui's had.
Her own internal debate inside, it would have been inappropriate not to introduce her own partner, so she rummaged through her bag and brought out her filled Pokeball. Releasing Lillette, she perched the Ducklett in her arms. The little thing looked a little sleepy, and she gave a half-quack, half-yawn as she looked around. This elicited a small, affectionate giggle from Zee, which caused Ducklett to bury its beak in the crook of her arm. "This is Lillette," Zee introduced. "She's a little shier than Legato over there, but she mostly holds her own." Trying to coax Lillette out of her arm, Zee hummed the first few bars of the Aria the bird had been named after. This caused her to perk up a little and she looked over at Moai, Hatui, and Baraz for a few moments before deciding that if Zee was alright with them, so was she. Antsy and cold, she began preening herself as Zee carried her up the mountain.
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Post by Vazad on Feb 13, 2018 13:23:20 GMT
Baraz accompanied the others out of town, he'd spent all of the funds that had been accorded a potential explorer and thus really had no more reason to go galavanting across this tiny place. That last statement of Wetherford's had perked his interest though, he wondered what the man considered to be good prices but it was worth a shot if things went south and he was unable to gather much in the way of Pokemon on his journey. He hoped that it would be quite a while before they returned this way but who knows, these were dangerous places after all. They walked in relative silence for a time before Mezzo spoke up.
"Ah yes, both my family and my personal holdings have patronized many artists of all kinds. There's nothing quite like music to add zest to life. I know little of esoteric secrets though, I've mostly buried myself in my work for years."
As they continued to walk along the others released their respective Pokemon. Each seemed to have quite a respect for each other Baraz supposed that they had each known one another for a very long time, much like the only one he had been allowed to keep. Reaching into a small belt pouch he released his partner. Ther wimpod materialized and looked around with darting eyes before scrambling up to Baraz and scrabbling against his leg. Picking her up he positioned the bug on the top of his backpack where she sat imperiously, looking at the others around them.
"This is Precious, she has been at my side for a very long time."
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Post by Trixander on Feb 13, 2018 15:07:21 GMT
"Not to offend my fellow bards, but sending a simple musician into The Wilds would be a foolish idea," Mezzo said. "A perfect harmony can't stop a raging Tauros after all." He extended his left hand in front of him as if he was holding his lute. Then he put his other hand in the air. In less than a second Mezzo's lute whipped around him. The neck of the magical instrument landed right in outstretched hand; his right hand came down to meet the body of the instrument.
"To say that I perform the arcane arts is an accurate description of what I do," he said, strumming his instrument. He breaks into a fast but simple arpeggio, the fingers on his right hand moving in a mechanical fashion. It was the performance of someone doing exercises that he had done a hundred times. More of a warm-up than an actual song. What was interesting about the performance was the air around Mezzo's hands. Little blue sparks arced from string to string, as well as from his hands to the strings. Mezzo stopped then, muting his strings with his palm.
"That was just a parlor trick, really. I promise that I have more useful abilities," he explained. Unless of course there was Ground-types in the mine. Mezzo tried his best to not worry about that.
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Post by TheFluorescentDodo on Feb 14, 2018 0:30:27 GMT
Hatui smiled and nodded in acknowledgement as the remaining two of their group were introduced. Hatui appreciated both of them as they were water types, a particular favorite of his. Some people might look down upon these Pokemon (especially the Wimpod), but Hatui knew all Pokemon had potential and his people had many legends teaching this lesson. Hatui listened and watched as Mezzo presented some of his talents. He nodded in agreement to his last statement. "I'm sure we all have abilities that will be useful for various different situations. Working together will certainly be important in the coming trials. Moai and myself have trained physically and mentally for quite some time. It's exciting to finally be here." Hatui gave Moai a light pat on the back as they continued onward to the mines.
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Post by Infynis on Feb 14, 2018 21:59:47 GMT
The road you and your Pokemon make your way down is made of gravel, that looks to be taken from the mines around the town. Around the road is mostly short pale grass, and lichen, with the occasional hearty tree. The Barrier Mountains tower to your left, an impenetrable wall between civilization and the Wilds. Or rather, mostly impenetrable. Ahead, you see the opening of a mine shaft, and nailed to a tree nearby is a conveniently placed road sign that simply reads "Abandoned Mine". It was clearly put there for Explorers like yourselves.
The entrance is a slot in the stone at the base of a sheer rock wall. It descends into darkness at roughly a forty five degree angle. There is a rusted track down the center that connects to a huge building outside the mine, around four stories tall, and built in tiers. The building is then connected by cable to another on the right side of the road, similar to a barn, but much larger. It is all obviously old, being weathered and rusted in places, but none of it has collapsed or suffered extreme damage.
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Post by Trixander on Feb 15, 2018 0:20:41 GMT
When Mezzo saw the track leading to the large building, he knew that they should check it out. There was a non-zero chance that there was some sort of cart in the building that the party could take into the mine. At the same time, the nearby barn could have all sorts of useful supplies in it. Anyone living or working this close to The Barrier Mountains would have been the type to be prepared for anything. If they left anything behind it would be in their best interest to look.
"Let's check out the barn," Mezzo suggested. "There could be some useful supplies in there." This was also a challenge for his party. Would they be courageous and curious enough to search the abandoned buildings, or would they focus on the destination? For Mezzo, the journey was far more important than the destination.
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Post by TheFluorescentDodo on Feb 15, 2018 19:47:43 GMT
And so they had finally reached the entrance to the mines. It was a rather unassuming entrance into what were otherwise quite imposing mountains. The remains of the mining operation were clearly still relatively intact, despite half a century of time. Upon seeing them, Mezzo made the rather clever suggestion that they should check the building for anything that could potentially be of some use. "Do you think that anything useful would still be around?" He asked, clearly hoping that maybe there was. "You'd think the miners would have taken most anything useful with them or that the buildings would already be picked over by other Explorers. Still, it doesn't hurt to look, of course, and maybe if we get creative, something others have left as junk might still have a use to it."
Hatui walked over to the building first, closely followed by Moai. He started looking for an entrance into the structure, perhaps where the rusted railway entered or at some kind of door? He looked up at the building which was four stories tall. They had no such kinds of buildings back on his island, so Hatui was relatively impressed, especially considering how old the place was. Though none of it had yet collapsed from the wear of time, he did have to wonder how stable the structure was at this point and certainly the upper floors. It was definitely something he intended to keep in mind if the found a way inside. He would probably leave his Pokemon on the ground floor, just in case. Moai might only roughly weigh about 30 pounds more than he did, but that could very well be enough to break through a rotted beam or pole.
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