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Post by raventhefree on May 6, 2018 1:49:52 GMT
It was a beautiful day on the eastern shores of Varien. The spring had set in, beating back the teeth of this year's winter. The snow had melted two weeks prior, and the grounds of the Academy of Thaleen were blooming. Summoners studying botany hurried around the grounds, herding Ivysaurs and Sunfloras through the grounds as they ushered the new season in. One of the more dedicated trainers was teaching his Chimchar how to plant bulbs, a process which was mainly marked by seared mulch and a patch of dead grass from an encounter with the little monkey’s tail.
The students are apprehensive about their upcoming vacation. Some of them return home, especially those in the northern countries, while others see the summer as an opportunity to hone their skills as a summoner, taking contracts and getting apprenticeships with older summoners in the field. More dedicated students take summer classes and enjoy the sea and beautiful beaches in Thaleen.
On the morning of this day, three students receive a note. It had been left on their door, fixed with a simple sticking spell.
Good morning.
Please come to my classroom at 3PM this afternoon. I have a job request that should be able to be undertaken by a group of students, and I have chosen you as one of the potential members. Since the records show that you still not completed your graduation requirements for applied learning and groupwork, the Academy has assigned you a group. We hope that this is suitable.
Best,
Professor Rewin
Then, hand-calligraphed below,
Looking forward to seeing you!
Despite the beautiful weather, what the note suggests is true: being behind on graduation requirements is a serious problem. Even though Rewin’s penmanship is pristine, you can tell that he seems to have hand selected you. Perhaps you can get more out of this than the normal group project assigned to Academy Summoners.
Rewin’s laboratory is on the far side of the castle in a square room right next to one of the eastern towers. When you enter, he and his Chimecho, Aria, are tending to a Wingull that is splayed dramatically across the table. “Oh, you aren’t that hurt,” Professor Rewin mutters as the little bird twitches its foot as if it was about to die. A small, weak crow comes from its mouth. “For Cerenacia’s sake, it was just a splinter in your foot!”
After placing a bandage on the Pokemon’s foot, he turns around and sees you, eliciting a broad smile. “Ah! You’re here,” he says. Beside him, Aria floats a little higher and jingles before returning to looking at the Wingull.
When Asami enters
“Asami!” Rewin says, coming up to you and giving a little bow. “How is Confession? Spectacular as usual?” Basic medical training was required at the academy, but Confession really made the class a cakewalk given her work with Doctor Mikado.
When Chester enters
“My dear Chester! Long time no see,” jokes Rewin as you enter. In truth, you have a class with him this term, given that he’s one of the main professors of medicine here at the Academy. “Your studies are going well? Find anything new about that illness you were looking into?”
When Sano enters
Sano is not particularly familiar with Rewin, but he seems pleased to see you nonetheless. When you enter, he shakes your hand. “You must be Sano. I am Professor Rewin. I’ve heard great things about you from Professor Pettine.” Pettine instructs many of the herbalist classes, which you’ve excelled in because of your vast knowledge of many environments. “It is good to finally meet you.”
“Please, make yourself comfortable--and acquaint yourselves! I’ll fetch us some tea.” Rewin shuffles to a large pot on the opposite side of the room and leaves the three of you to do just that.
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Sept 11, 2018 3:22:37 GMT
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Post by botduo on May 6, 2018 3:06:25 GMT
Asami walked into the laboratory with a bit of hesitation. The note scared her a bit. Well, okay, it wasn't a fright per say, but more of an awakening. She had put off her graduation requirement so long in favor of dance practice and performance, that it was just a matter of time before this notice came her way. Asami was extremely shy around other people still even being at the Academy for awhile. Being surrounded by people far more than she was used to, was still a shock to her system. Asami did her best to overcome this, but it made finding people she could call a friend very difficult.
Walking into Professor Rewin's laboratory, Asami actually had Confession basically draped over her shoulder like a fur. The little Espeon was smart as a whip when it came to medicine and protecting her, but in general, Confession loved to just sprawl out and laze about. At the mention of her name, Confession did open her eyes a bit to see where the pair had ended up, but noticing the Wingull already patched up, promptly tried to go right back to sleep.
Asami answers the Professor, "Hello Professor. Fess is spectacular for sure. Spectacularly lazy as usual." Asami reaches up to scratch the little Espeon behind her ears. While this earns Asami a sound of content, that's all the gesture brings. Asami shakes her head and continues, "Yep, still lazy. She might just be tuckered out from the performance last night. I had them both practicing for the last week to get the new choreography just right. It was a pretty tough show but all in all I think the crowd loved it." It was here that Asami let out a sigh and lowered her head a bit. "That performance did go well, but it's still no excuse for not working on my graduating requirements sir. I want to apologize. I'm still just not comfortable around people yet, so I kept putting off the group work part of the requirements. I'm glad to have this extra chance to get them completed." Asami raised her head enough to meet the professor's gaze and finished, "Thank you for putting up with me thus far. I know my circumstances were a bit unusual, and I vowed to try my best. I still want to graduate on time. Whoever you put me with, I will do my best to help them no matter what the assignment is."
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Post by Vazad on May 6, 2018 7:54:42 GMT
Chester stared at the note for a long time, he wasn't particularly bothered by being drafted into the program but it seemed odd to him. His half-formed plans of personal study disappearing like mist in the light of dawn. Rewin was one of the major teachers he needed to impress and if he'd been hand-picked for this, well, maybe he was making headway after all. Carefully stowing the not in his bag Chester made his way to Rewin's office. He noticed that someone else had made it there slightly before him. It would be good to meet some new faces, even if they all ran around without masks. It had been something he'd, of course, come to terms with years ago when he had first left the village but it was still odd seeing everyone run around without one. It was like finding a society where every single person didn't wear pants. The mindset was so ingrained in his very being that even now he had to remind himself often that it was just not how things were done here. Pulling himself back to reality he greeted the Rewin.
"Ah Professor, it's good to see you as well. General studies are going excellently but I'm unfortunately not making much headway with my more specific concerns. I suppose it's to be expected though, it's a rather odd case all things considered. It's good that you sent for me though, I may have been a bit too focused on my own projects."
Shrugging he made a sheepish gesture with his hands to emphasize how he felt.
"Either way, I'm excited to see what you have for us. I'm sure it'll be enlightening."
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Feb 22, 2018 16:53:52 GMT
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Post by technoRomancer on May 6, 2018 16:42:02 GMT
Saro lingered a ways outside Professor Rewin's classroom, warily looking back and forth between the door and the half-crumpled note in his hand. Two other students had already entered before him. He'd verified Rewin's handwriting with two other professors, so it probably wasn't a forgery. His cousins had "humored" his enrollment alongside them at first... until his hard work had begun to surpass those who had rarely had to work hard in their lifetime. For a while now he'd endured almost weekly pranks and arranged "accidents" from the three Shikari heirs he'd escorted here, and recently Saro had realized they'd been going so far as bribing or blackmailing Academy staff and students to stymie his progress as much as possible. But it seemed Rewin's invitation was genuine, which was a lucky break, as his cousins' interference had made finding classmates willing to work with him difficult.
The professor had even spelled his name wrong, he noticed. That was too unlike his prim and proper cousins, and that clinched his decision to suck up his trepidation and enter the classroom.
From the animated way he was talking with the other two students, Saro got the sense they already knew each other - probably a couple of his own students. He was surprised to see the man's expression brighten upon catching sight of him, and took Rewin's hand in a firm and friendly shake. Good to know Pettine still had his back. He was no botanist, but he was well accustomed to living off the land, and that experience had proven to be a boon in her classes. It also helped that many of the "exotic" plants she worked with were commonplace back home; he'd even been able to teach Pettine a few things she hadn't already known. Apparently he'd impressed her enough to earn this recommendation.
"Good to meet you too, Rewin - but it's Saro, not Sano," he corrected with a wry chuckle. His heavy accent gave away his nationality, but he spoke with practiced inflection. "Easy mistake - Pettine's scrawl isn't as pretty as your handwriting." As Rewin made himself busy with tea-making, Saro turned to the other two, taking the the masked man's hand in another hearty shake. He then took the girl's hand and politely kissed it. He'd found most women up north took that to be a form of flirting, and reactions were mixed, but it was such an ingrained habit from social customs back home that he hadn't bothered trying to drop it.
"Saro of the Shikari," he offered with an air of easy confidence. "Looking forward to working with you two. And -" When he'd gotten closer to the other students, a strange sort of yellow antennae had popped out of his mass of braided hair, wriggling back and forth. Now an entire Surskit emerged, sliding on top of Saro's head and bobbing back and forth with wary curiosity. "And this is Fisher. He's flighty, so don't take it personally if he decides to hide again!" While the Surskit would probably be more comfortable hanging around a pond in the Beastplane, Saro had quickly figured out it hated being unsummoned. It had never known anything but the Shikari breeding pools until Saro had bound it to a grimoire and seemed to find its "proper" home plane a frightening and unfamiliar place.
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Post by raventhefree on May 6, 2018 17:35:20 GMT
When everybody was settled and Rewin returned from his office with the tea, he gave them all a smile. "This is Asami, if you didn't catch that, and this is Chester," Rewin said, gesturing to the owners of their respective names carefully, given the tea in his hands. "And Saro. I'm terribly, terribly sorry. Leave it to doctors and scientists to make up complex names and then write everything down in chicken-scratch," he responded, laughing off Saro's compliment. Once he had finished introductions, he handed each of them tea in little white teacups with a silver spoon on the side. Without hesitating, he retrieved some milk and sugar, placing it so that the students could have access to it. "I won't dally," Rewin said as he pushed his glasses up his nose. "There are some disgruntled citizens in southern Hemme. They mailed the academy for the first time a few weeks ago, and we assumed one of the local summoners in Hemme would be able to take care of it, but then they sent for us again. I know this isn't terribly convenient timing, what with the end of the term, but beasts wait for nothing. We'd like it taken care of promptly. Since I was put in charge of dealing with this and because I had recollected the two of you being more-than-competent Summoners--and heard nothing but glowing reviews of you, Saro--I thought this would be a good opportunity for all of you."Rewin sits and rubs his knees, then takes a sip of his tea, not bothering to add milk or sugar. "I don't have a map for you--here," he says, grabbing a nearby scrap of paper and drawing a makeshift diagram of the continent. "The reports are coming from southern Hemme, here. There's a road that goes from here in Thaleen to Breksworth, a reasonably sized town around here. Then if you just head south, it'll bring you right to Noston, your destination." Rewin's face lights up as if he was remembering something. "Ah, one moment."The Professor hurries back to his office, the returns with a handful of envelopes. "Here, these are the letters we got describing the problem." He hands them to Chester. "I'm not sure how much help these will be to you. The townsfolk seem rather panicked, with wildly varying reports about what it can and can't do. We can hardly pin down its type, let alone what type of beast it is--some people claim is spits gouts of fire all over their fields, while others say it's just wilted all of their crops. The only common theme is that they call it 'the Scarecrow.' I suppose that's not terribly helpful, but perhaps you can glean something more out of the letters?" Rewin shrugged. "Whatever the case may be, you're not obligated to take this contract. I've talked it over with my superiors, though, and I'm permitted to offer you a Tome of Magic* from my personal collection as compensation in addition to what the academy gives you for taking care of it. Which is what, a quarter of the original bounty? Just shy of robbery, I would say," Rewin says, giving a ponderous shake of his head. "I don't expect you to give me an answer right away. Take some time to think over it and prepare. Please, though, let me know by the morning if you three are going to be taking care of it, else we'll have to send someone else. And sincerely, thank you for your time today. I really do think this is a good way to get some experience in fieldwork."*tome of magic = tm. I am not funny.
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Post by botduo on May 6, 2018 19:44:15 GMT
Asami took notice of the two other students that walked into the laboratory but didn't say anything to them. She wanted to listen in as they made introductions to see if she could learn anything about them first. As the two made introductions, she picked up a little bit here and there, but nothing to start up a conversation about sadly. Asami was definitely taken back when Saro took her hand and kissed it. She wasn't used to that kind of attention at all! She couldn't help but blush at the gesture. Luckily, the little Surskit gave her a distraction to think about instead. She eyed the creature up and down, taking in it's form. She couldn't wait to see the thing actually move on it's own. Asami found the best new dances came from these creatures.
Asami never sat down while the Professor returned and introduced her. She was so taken back at the earlier gesture, she had completely forgotten to introduce herself. She stood near the table where the Professor was drawing the map and looked it over a bit. She was no expert in distance, but by the looks of the map, the area they needed to go to looked days away. This wasn't going to be like the normal assignments that they were used to. She would have to plan to be away from the Academy for quite awhile. When the Professor offered the letters to Chester, she moved behind him to try to read the top one as the Professor continued. Asami, not really knowing "personal space" too well, leaned uncomfortably close to Chester's shoulder. Her hair fell lightly onto his shoulder as she began to read the letter while the Professor finished.
As the Professor finished, Asami stood upright again, and simply said, "Professor, as I said when I came in earlier, I will take the assignment. That is, if the boys will have me." she looked back to the others in the room with a sly grin. She then asked, "I just have a couple of questions. This...Noston place looks pretty far off. How long do you think it will take us to reach? Will we have to walk the entire way or can the Academy provide transportation? Also, this 'Scarecrow' thing, what would you like us to do with it? Is the goal to capture it or simply run it away from the village? The way the first letter reads, the thing is dangerous. Should we attempt to bring it back for study or simply banish it back to the beast realm?"
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Post by Vazad on May 7, 2018 6:58:10 GMT
Chester was quite willing to shake Saro's hand, it was always good to meet someone new. Chester took a moment to look over the other two students and get his bearings on them now that everyone was here. A slender red-haired girl with bright green eyes and a muscular man with braided hair. They seemed like good enough sorts at first glance and Saro seemed to be quite good with beasts. Chester gladly accepted a cup of tea, putting a small amount of both milk and sugar in. Making a gesture of thanks with his free hand before raising his mask to take a sip. Enjoying the warmth as well as the delicate flavor. He continued to take sips as Rewin continued, savoring it as he explained about their task ahead. Beast attacks weren't totally uncommon but it must be something strong if they were unable to handle it themselves. Who knew what sort of creature might be lurking out there, while it might be dangerous it was far from the worst way to earn the necessary credits. It would be quite nice to get out of the academy for a bit, and it wasn't like Chester was going to head home for the break in any case.
He had managed to finish the tea by the time Rewin returned with the letters, setting down the empty cup he gratefully took the bundle and began to scan through the topmost one. Fire and Poison, well Chester knew enough about the latter but not too much about the former. And if it did more than that who knew what it was. While he continued to look through the bundle he noticed that Asami had come up extremely close to his back and was trying to peer over his shoulder. Having grown up in a close-knit village where privacy was a happy fantasy it really didn't bother him too much. Chester turned slightly and angled the letter so she could get a better view while he continued to read. "I'll make sure to go over them thoroughly." Turning his attention to the other students he continued. "Perhaps, if you both intend on accepting, we can retire to a place where we can go over these more in depth and get a plan together?" While he had been intending to accept in either case Chester interest was even more piqued with Rewin's offer of a Tome. He always enjoyed studying such things as one of his less pressing interests was the nature of beasts, especially types and their interactions. He'd already conducted two successful experiment into Beast modification and perhaps getting his hand on such a book may give him new insights.
As he was thinking about the ramifications of obtaining such a thing Asami spoke up and confirmed her intent to join. Chester shrugged and made a gesture of with the hand that was not holding the stack of letters. "I rather agree, I'm quite ready to accept at the moment. Not only are these credits necessary but it should be a good chance to get some practice in the field." After Asami continued he nodded, she made quite a few good points. He kept quiet and waited for the response.
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Post by technoRomancer on May 7, 2018 15:59:15 GMT
Saro was accustomed to coffee, but the sweeter varieties of tea had begun to grow on him - though he preferred it cold. He dumped a generous helping of sugar in his cup and stirred it vigorously before sipping at it. "I'd be a fool not to jump at a chance to get away from the campus, out of the city. We'll suss out the nature of this Beast. It sounds like the kind of challenging hunt I've been missing!" He nodded at Chester's suggestion. "Ah, do you have a place in mind?" Saro then turned to address Asami's question with a wide grin before the Professor answered. "I've been capturing wild Beasts for the better part of a decade. Whatever kind of monster awaits us, I intend to tame it if I can."
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Post by raventhefree on May 7, 2018 17:23:00 GMT
As the group completed their conversation, Rewin began to collect the emptied teacups. "Excellent questions. On horseback, it'll take you just shy of two weeks--eleven days. We can provide horses for you, though they tend to get a little skittish in the face of beasts. As long as you're careful with them, I'm sure the academy would be willing to lend some to you. I'll make the necessary arrangements to provide you with three," he says as he stacks the teacups and sets them on a nearby table. With a deft flick of her tail and a pleasant jingle, Aria picks up the cups and brings them into the office while Rewin continues.
"As far as the task, banishing it would be ideal. Running it away from the village might drive it elsewhere, leaving the job essentially unfinished. Historically, beasts like this are quite difficult to tame. I wouldn't expect to be able to restrain it easily, let alone properly scribe a grimoire describing it. Of course, I'm sure that won't prevent you from trying," Rewin says with a hearty chuckle.
Sensing that the group of you intends to leave, Rewin stands. "One last thing--a piece of advice," he begins, folding his hands behind him. "In my experience, it's best to talk with some of the townsfolk about what they've been seeing. These letters are one thing, but not everybody is the most literate in small towns like this, and as I mentioned, these seem relatively unreliable. Talking to a group of them generally allows them to come to a more reasonable consensus--but you might need to calm them down first."
Looking fondly at the makeshift group he had pulled together, he gave a short, bow-like nod. "Good luck, then. If there's anything more I can do to provide assistance, do not hesitate to ask."
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Post by Vazad on May 7, 2018 23:56:38 GMT
Chester didn't know much about horse-riding, his condition was pretty frail as it was so he wasn't sure if he'd do well at it. He supposed that it would get them there at the very least. It would be a learning process he supposed. He gave a grateful nod and wave when Rewin said that he would handle the details of getting the horses together. Chester wouldn't even know where to start there. It seemed Saro had intentions of binding it, while Chester had intentions of attempting to do so himself it wasn't an extremely big deal to let Saro have the first crack they might be grouping up for more than just this single mission after all. Chester made sure to make a mental note on Rewin's advice, getting some better Intel would not hurt. When Rewin finished Chester gave a short bow.
"I'll make sure to. I believe I will head to the library for a bit after this to go over the letters and see if any of the Bestiaries include possible matches. Would either of you like to join me? We may be able to cover more ground with the three of us working together. Then we can meet up in the morning to depart."
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Sept 11, 2018 3:22:37 GMT
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Post by botduo on May 8, 2018 23:20:39 GMT
Asami glances outside at the nice weather. She then slumped her shoulders and said, “I’ll go also.” There was a clear hesitation in her voice and lack of enthusiasm. She knew there was research that needed done and she couldn’t just force it onto the boys to do. This was a part of her graduation requirements so she needed to actively help out on the mission, even when the sun was shining, the breeze was just right, and Asami wanted nothing more than to be out there practicing a new routine.
The researcher blood in Asami though, knew she needed to get some information before taking this beast head on. She had seen first hand what just a few wild beats could do to a town. She was adamant that she didn’t want this to happen to anyone else. Asami thought of the children in town that must be petrified in fear of this thing that keeps attacking their town. The resolve returned when she spoke up this time. “I would like a chance to go over the letters as well. I’m not the best when it comes to research, but I will do what I can to help out. Any information we can get on this ‘Scarecrow’ will give us an advantage.”
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Feb 22, 2018 16:53:52 GMT
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Post by technoRomancer on May 9, 2018 3:26:48 GMT
Saro thanked the professor for the offered mounts. "It will be good to do some riding again. A trip on horseback is a very different experience from one on foot."
As Rewin dismissed them, Saro nodded to the other two. Excitement for the task ahead of them was clear on his face. "I'll meet you at the library soon, then. Research isn't my strongest suit either - I'm more of a practical learning type of student, so I've been told. But as long as you can point me in the right direction, I won't slack off. Preparation is important for any hunt, and knowing your enemy is the most powerful tool you can carry into an encounter."
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Post by Vazad on May 10, 2018 3:50:17 GMT
"Well, that's fine. I'll go and get things set up and you two can join me when you have a chance. I'll find a spot near the Bestiaries and see what volumes I can find that look promising." Chester gave the others a thankful gesture then turned to bow to Rewin before exiting into the hall. Humming softly to himself as he made his way through the corridors. He'd been to the library often enough, hell he'd practically lived there during his first few years at school. He hadn't turned up much that he hadn't already come across in his travels but this was a different matter, while it was possible this was another hedge case it was better than going in totally blind. Some idea was better than none. Once he arrived at the library he took a table and began to search around for books that might be good research candidates, making a few neat piles that were ready for perusal. Once he felt they would have more than enough for a nights study he cracked open the letters and began going through them thoroughly. Chester's Pokemon Ed. using 1 AP to give +1 4nclSv|I4d6+1 4d6+1
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Post by botduo on May 12, 2018 3:32:21 GMT
"Well, I guess I should go help out." Asami says solemnly. Hopefully they can find the information quickly and get on the road. The journey is going to be long so she wanted to begin, but she was also hesitant to be headed that far away into unknown territory. She's has a team backing her up and the Academy that she can fall back on, but it's still new to her and that's unsettling. "Thank you for arranging transportation Professor. I'll go assist Chester now." Asami said excusing herself from the Lab.
Arriving just a few minutes after Chester had sat down with the letter, Asami walked into the library with Confession walking just behind her. It seems the Espeon had grown tired of napping and wanted to walk for a change. Confession still kept close to Asami though. Summoners may walk around the campus freely, but the pair were still seen as outsiders to the majority. Asami wasn't sure how she stayed enrolled this long with just the basic schooling that the Doctor gave her, but she worked hard to make it since the Doctor helped get her enrolled. Asami didn't want to let the Doctor's last gift for her fade from just poor grades. Thus, she was also fairly familiar with the library also, as much as she dreaded being cooped up indoors. As she joined Chester at the table, she started skimming through the bestiaries Chester had prepared to assist him in finding any information. Confession found a nice spot to sprawl out under the table.
Asami's Pokemon Ed roll to help research: KyK11RMt3d63d6
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Post by technoRomancer on May 12, 2018 13:51:40 GMT
Saro promised to meet the others at the library soon, then excused himself and swiftly made his way back to his quarters. He had few important possessions, and it didn't take long to pack up his long-disused hunting and travelling gear and prepare everything for departure. He then stopped by the Academy stables to briefly chat up the current stablehand, whom he'd shared drinks with on more than one occasion, mentioning his plans to leave the next day and Rewin's promise to secure them some steeds. Hopefully the hand could arrange the best horses available, if they were lucky. But it was likely the Academy staff themselves had first claim. Finally, Saro made haste to the library to find Asami and Chester already elbow-deep in books. After offering a simple greeting he dutifully selected one of Chester's collated piles and began delving through it. Once in a while Fisher poked his head out curiously to observe, apparently as interested in the unfamiliar scribbles of human writing as the occasional illustrations. Unfortunately Chester hadn't thought to look for any scrolls or tomes of southern origin, or perhaps the library lacked any pertinent ones in their collection; though he generally knew what to look for, reading in a second language slowed Saro down quite a bit compared to the others. Saro's Pokemon Ed P585BBCn4d6 4d6
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Post by raventhefree on May 13, 2018 15:39:59 GMT
The library at the academy is a set of huge rooms containing bookshelves that stretch eight feet high. The librarian's pair of Togetics meander through the shelves, helping students reach books and leading newer students to where to search for their queries. They give Chester a smile when they saw him come in, remembering him from his years of study in the library. One of them helps him pull down some books for study, helping you pile them on your table. By the time you've started your study, the hefty stack of letters and the bestiaries are scattered across your table alongside your notes.
Your study goes into the evening, with the natural windows in the library slowly fading from a pleasant yellow to a pinkish-orange sunset. Other students have come and gone, and even the Togetic seem to be getting tired. They curl up in some sort of nesting area on the top of the shelves, looking sleepily down at you as you try to piece together what could be going on in the small town of Noston.
Just like the professor said, poring over the letters reveals that they are mostly random. It seems like a mixture of poor literacy and fear has caused these letters to be a disorganized mess with disagreements and contradictions all over the place. Fortunately, your deep knowledge of beasts has allowed you some ability to parse the important information out of the letters. It seems like your research has been fruitful, and you feel better prepared for what's ahead.
Collectively, you decide that whatever you're going to fight is not actually a fire-type, despite some of the descriptions. More importantly, this beast is truly not anything you've heard about before. It seems like it has the qualities of a variety of different beasts, but whether that's poor information from the townsfolk or an actual lead is unclear. Besides, their inability to scientifically describe it leaves you a little lost. However, from all the letters, one thing is consistent: the monster is romping around a field that grows gourds and pumpkins, and it wears a pumpkin on its head. It also seems to be generally bipedal and humanoid. Given all of this, it seems obvious why the townsfolk are calling this monster the Scarecrow.
With your research as complete as it's going to be before you make it to Noston, it seems like it's up to you to make travel plans and leave.
[When you are ready to leave for Hemme, I will describe your journey.]
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Post by botduo on May 13, 2018 19:38:57 GMT
As Asami finishes the last of the letters, she stretches her arms way up in the air and yawns slightly. She hated being in one place for so long, but it seems the research paid off. They now have an idea of what they are up against. Now was the very long trip to get to Noston. Even though it seems hardly anyone is around, out of habit, Asami quietly says, "At least we have an idea of what we're up against now. I would guess that the beast is a grass or ground type being that it likes to be in the field. I've never heard of anything like it though, so it's just a guess. If so, neither of my two companions will be the best to face it. Rett is tough and Fess can hold her own, but they aren't battle hardened. I may need you fellas to show me a thing or two about that. Tonight though, I think I will turn in early. I'd assume you want to leave as soon as possible tomorrow? We'll have plenty of time to get to know one another on the long ride to Breksworth, and then to Noston." Asami stifles another yawn and finishes, "Besides, we've been in here for hours. I need to go stretch my legs."
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Post by Vazad on May 13, 2018 21:15:07 GMT
Chester nodded, Asami was right. While this sort of long-winded research binge had become normal for him, it seemed as if they had hit the end of the information they were going to find. Standing up and stretching he began to gather up the volumes that he had taken off the shelves. "It is odd, I have heard of pumpkin-like beasts but not ones with a head of a pumpkin. Grass seems likely to me, although who knows it might just be wearing a pumpkin it found." Chester absently patted the pile of books in his hand as he thought about the issue. "If it's grass my Blorp, who is Poison and Psychic, should be useful. That, of course, depends on what else the creature's types are. If it's ground I'll not be particularly useful either. We'll have to work together to see what we can do as a group I guess. Either way, I'll make sure these books get put back and then I'll head out myself. See you both bright and early so we can get the most out of the day?" With that Chester walked to the shelves and began putting the books back in their appointed place, no reason to worry the library staff.
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Feb 22, 2018 16:53:52 GMT
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Post by technoRomancer on May 15, 2018 3:36:47 GMT
"It's a starting point, at least. We have a better idea what to expect now, and can prepare accordingly, yes? We'll do some scouting of our own once we arrive. I'm certain we'll be able to pin down what this beast is. And then pin it down proper!" Saro laughed. After Asami left, he stayed behind to help Chester clean up - while he didn't know his way around the library all that well, it didn't take much to carry stacks of books as he followed the academic and put them where Chester indicated. With two people it went faster, and soon enough Saro was bidding his new partner goodnight and retiring to his quarters. Despite his eager excitement to get on the road, after so much reading his eyes were heavy and sleep came easily. And he likely wouldn't be sleeping in a bed for a while - best to enjoy it one more night!
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Post by raventhefree on May 17, 2018 16:07:32 GMT
After a night of rest, our three intrepid students made their final preparations for leaving on their contract. Grimoires were double, triple checked after being stuffed in satchels, medicine and bandages were tucked away, and a map of the area was undoubtedly stuck into the cracks between pairs of clothes for this trip from Varien to Hemme. With tensions as high as they are, you're not sure how you'll be received when you go there, but still, the prospect of completing your first contract of a summoner fills you with excitement, whether you show it or not.
The academy is quiet this morning, with people still slumbering in their dormitories. A few more ambitious students are already up and practicing, or perhaps sitting with their nose stuffed into books in the library. You still can't help but feel that you have a purpose above that today. It's not often that students are hand-selected for contracts. Still, it's too early to wander and braggadociously discuss your mission with other students or your friends.
The grounds are covered with a thin layer of frost. Despite the warm temperatures during the day, the grass is decorated in delicate white, your footfalls behind you stark green in contrast as you break the illusion of cold. When you make your way to the stables, you're greeted by one of the men who works there, who wrangles three well-behaved horses towards you when you arrive. "Good morning!" he says brightly as if the fact that the sun had hardly risen didn't phase him at all. "I got you Heavy-Hearted, Domino Dale, and Bard. They're pleasant enough--nothing as stubborn as a Rapidash or anything, so they'll be easy for summoners like you to handle. Don't ride 'em too hard, now. I'd like 'em back." He smiles and lets each of you pick your horses from the mix, standing back and watching proudly as his horses handle well.
"If you just follow that road, it'll get you on your way," he says, pointing at a road that winds into the forest. "Safe travels."
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