Sapphire - Solo RP & Special Missions

Poison Branch is a bit more reserved than Bug Branch. Unlike in past years, this time around there are no tricks, no pranks, nothing to be wary of when entering. Just a small warning to avoid the workshop area on the far side of the main room unless one has protective clothing. Many of the poisons therein are acidic or otherwise necrotic and can afflict a person via inhalation or skin contact. Yes, the area is cordoned off to avoid contamination, but some people get it in their heads to go exploring at random and the Branch will not be liable for stupidity. The door-guards also indicate that they are in no way accusing Sapphire of being stupid, merely repeating facts. It's not difficult to find Branch Leader Nalkeya's office, given there are signs pointing the way. The office door is open, revealing a tired-looking blonde woman behind the desk, going through paperwork. On a large, comfy-looking Pokemon bed next to said desk is a Meganium with a brilliant red flower.

As Sapphire enters, the woman glances up and manages a small smile for her. "Hello! Yes, I'm Nalkeya, the Branch Leader. Sorry if I seem out of sorts. Partied a smidge too hard last night and still recovering. What can I do for ya?"

Nalkeya's smile seems to widen just a tad. "Oh yes, we do indeed work with poisons, venom, and toxins of all kinds. Naturally, we offer training to those unfamiliar with such things. Supplies are strictly regulated, but we encourage safe experimentation if you have access to your own. You are not required to become a Healer, no. In fact, we primarily train in the more lethal applications of 'poison'. High-ranking members can even become entirely immune to 'poison' in all its forms should they keep up with their training (this is fluff unless you take the Miasmic class). For those who wish to wield it, but don't want to commit to something as drastic as creating it from their own bodies (again, Miasmic), we offer what some may call 'ninja' training. Practical use of poison in combat, acrobatics, you name it." She explains.

"Does that answer your questions? Oh, before you answer, you should be aware that I'm not always available here in the Branch. When I'm away, Meganium here..." She motions at the Pokemon in question, which gives a quick bob of its head. "is the one running things. Yes, you heard that correctly. No, it is not a joke. I'm quite serious. My Meganium has loads of experience running this joint without me. I even made up signs she can hold up as answers to frequently asked questions, since most folks can't understand Pokemon speech for obvious reasons."

Nalkeya nods, having expected this question. "Your required duties are pretty simple: Pick a path and follow it. Depending on your chosen path, your daily 'lessons' will be different. For the most part though, you've got freedom to do as you please. Picking up missions from the board in the main room is always helpful, to both the Branch and the Guild as a whole. As for Meganium? I never really put much stock in nicknames, so none of my Pokemon have 'em. The only one you're likely to see frequently is Meganium though. She's the most mellow, y'know?"

"Well, there are two primary paths: Combat and Support. Support is as it sounds: you focus more on learning to craft antidotes and healing items. Most who elect to follow the Support path end up as Healers or Apothecaries. Within Combat, there are two distinct choices: Ninjutsu and...well, the other one doesn't have a fancy name, but remember how I mentioned people creating/conjuring poison from within their bodies? It's that." (Ninja or Miasmic classes)

Walking into the Grass Branch is like walking into a forest. The initial area is a grassy clearing with many places for Grass-Type Pokemon to hide. It seems like one could very easily get lost in here. Oh hey, there's a Pokemon holding up a sign. The Tangela's sign reads "follow me to Grass Branch's human area". That's helpful, and probably deliberately done so that new recruits can meet the leader. It takes several minutes of following to reach the 'human area'; or at least to reach an area where one can see new hallways. One is labeled 'dormitory', another is labeled 'offices', and a third is labeled 'to the garden'.

When Sapphire starts to head towards the offices, she feels a light tugging on her leg. Looking back, Tangela is pointing towards the garden path. Guess if your job is primarily taking care of a garden, you'd spend a lot of time out there. Lo and behold, there she is, tending to a rather large garden back behind the Guild building. The Tangela that Sapphire is following calls out to get the leader's attention, and then wanders off, it's job finished.

"Hello there. If Tangela brought you here, you must be interested in the Grass Branch. My name is Sage, and I am the Branch Leader. How may I help you?"

"Members of Grass Branch have no special expectations. Most who join do so because they love the outdoors, or wish to study botany. Joining members, should they so wish, can receive a small planter to work on personal projects. Beyond that, our primary duties are as groundskeepers for the Guild. We take care of the grounds in general, the garden, and everything related to such. For the more adventurous types, we also ask that you study Grass-Type Pokemon whenever you come across them. A number of them live here, but there are many more out in the wild." Sage explains.

Sage shrugs. "Poison Branch focuses specifically on poisonous plants. Our focus is much more broad. As for the planters?" She pauses a moment, considering. "I believe we usually charge about 2500 crowns for it. Slightly more expensive than buying from an apothecary/botanist outside the Guild, but only because we make them bigger than average."

Sage nods. (Pun definitely intended.) "Unfortunately, you may not maintain membership in multiple Branches. However, while Grass Branch as a whole has a broad field of study (anything related to botany and Grass-Type Pokemon), you may be able to find like-minded individuals who wish to focus on the same thing as you; presuming it is botany-related. (Not that people don't have hobbies, mind.)"