Frontier Town Civic Courtyard

[Jackie Cat]

Even in the dry heat of the Soja', you can sometimes find some greenery, a bit of shade, and fresh water.

Between Frontier Hall and the imposing mayoral mansion lay an outdoor space enclosed by a low wrought-iron fence, part garden, part public courtyard. It was accessible on foot and technically part of the town hall's grounds, so anyone could spend time there, but unsavoury visitors – from litterers and inebriates to the genuinely suspicious – would find themselves turned away by the town council's Watchog stewards.

Neatly trimmed lawns were interrupted by raised beds of desert flowers, while gravel paths led to several benches and a modest fountain. Fan palms, cottonwood trees and desert willows provided intermittent relief from the sun. A magnificent garden conservatory melded practicality and opulence, standing as a picturesque backdrop for periodic outdoor celebrations. On those occasions, stalls would be opened to local traders to sell their wares, particularly street food, often subsidised by the council – so long as they had a good reason for it.

At other times, the Civic Courtyard was simply a peaceful place ideal for a casual stroll, and maybe even a picnic.

<><><><><>​

 

[Chibi Pika]

The gala had arrived in full swing.

Even if the main purpose of the event was up in that rich manor, the outdoors still held something for everyone, it seemed. Vibrant colors saturated the surrounding, from food stalls to banners. Laughter and cheerful conversation filled the air, creating a thick atmosphere of joy. As the sun passed the horizon and dusky reds overtook the sky, the occasional fireworks flashed overhead, capturing the attention of everyone outside.

And yet, the ever-present eyes of the guards stationed all around said only one thing to Jade: you are being watched.

It was just normal security. Why wouldn't they have a few guards around to keep people from getting too drunk or rowdy? Totally normal. Not the sort of thing that should have tripped that instinct to always keep escape routes in the back of her mind. There wasn't going to be any kind of conflict.

Except that wasn't true at all, and Jade knew it, no matter how much she'd tried to distract herself from it. Something was going to happen here. There'd been whispers and rumors of people helping bandits, and other people hunting bandits, and she knew that she should have tracked down the full truth, except she wasn't even sure if anyone even had the full truth. They weren't a unified team. She hadn't even met half of them.

So Jade wandered the courtyard, restless and anxious, unsure who she was looking for or what she was waiting for.

 

[Shadow Serenity]

Since the encounter with Laura and Jade, Kimiko had kept mostly to herself, continuing to take odd jobs off the bulletin board, and hanging out in a secluded spot on the outskirts of town that she discovered during one of those jobs. It was peaceful and generally quiet, somewhere she could practice singing or training away from most wandering eyes. It also provided a quiet place to think.

Frontier Town was abuzz with talks of this gala, but the price of invites was well beyond Kimiko's budget so despite being interested, she let the idea go. But then eventually, there had also been some chatter that some of the off-worlders had been approached by the mayor as well as a bandit group involving this gala somehow.

At the time, Kimiko simply rolled her eyes and ignored them all. This was not their fight. Unless this somehow proved to be related to whatever they'd all been called here to aid in - and to her knowledge, it yet hadn't - this was nothing more than a petty internal squabble, and one none of them had any business getting involved in. A few others seemed to share her feelings, but they hadn't been able to sway anyone who was already set on their choice, so for better or worse, she didn't bother speaking up or trying to learn more.

Her opinion on that had never changed. She had intended to spend the evening at her hideaway, but when she'd overheard that this section of the gala was open to all (well, criminals aside), she found herself wandering the courtyard instead. Might as well mingle a little bit. It's not like she was trying to be a recluse. Why should she deprive herself of a good time, just because everyone else insisted on poking their noses into business they didn't belong?

Besides, if bandits were planning something here - and that was easy enough to believe, whether her fellow off-worlders were actually involved in that or not - something in her gut told her being nearby was the right thing to do. They were all still in this as a team (whatever that meant when two thirds of the group were backing mutually exclusive sides) and she was a part of it.

So far, the evening was a peaceful one as Kimiko wandered the courtyard, inspecting the food stalls and humming along to the music drifting to them from the band inside. It was astonishing how much cooler the desert air became when the sun began to set.

 

[Shiny Phantump]

Gladion had other things on his mind than the gala, for the most part. He was stuck here until this world was saved, and a minor resolution to a power squabble he was sure would flare back up again tomorrow was immaterial to that. Sure, he had a side, he'd like it if Sonora had her way, but really as long as she didn't get hanged he didn't imagine it would matter very much, and he doubted she would. Were the mayor capable of capturing and hanging her, it would've happened already. Doing it after the gala would be the worst possible time, just a moment too late.

And yet, here he was in the courtyard anyways. Of course, rationally, it made sense to keep an eye on the other outsiders and make sure they didn't get themselves into any sort of situation, but it wasn't just that. The gala simply had a certain gravity to it, and the entirety of Frontier Town was within its event horizon. It wouldn't kill him to take some time off to check out the outdoors. No invitation meant no going inside, but you couldn't pay to get him in there either way. Even if his current appearance and status would've deterred some of the parts he had the most disdain for (primarily, rich boy flirts) the whole thing emanated a nauseatingly familiar feel. No, the real event would be out here, that was just the politics.

In Gladion's opinion, the blood was in the water. The gala was already ruined. Sonora could oversleep and miss the whole thing, and it wouldn't even matter. Sure, the event could go fine, but rich sycophants don't make political decisions because you had a cool party. Events like this were a demonstration of your power, a threat display. It was in this way that, no matter whether or not the event entertained, it had already disappointed. Sonora's mere existence haunted the event, and every reactive measure taken for damage control if she did show was a concession that all proactive ones had failed.

Everyone else seemed to be of the opinion that tonight, there would be a power struggle between Ignatius and Sonora. In reality, Ignatius had already lost. His little bounties, nor threats on her life had stopped her walking the streets freely.

Not a sycophant in the world could look at an unclaimed six hundred bucks in bounty and some unevolved first-stages working security and mistake Ignatius for someone who controlled this town.

...

And it wouldn't matter.

If Ignatius was replaced, it would be because they saw his weakness and allowed him to be replaced with someone they preferred. If they didn't do that, it would be because they saw he was too weak to challenge them and made him their puppet. Neither would shift the balance of power in a way that mattered to anyone except Ignatius' equally-parasitic kindred spirits, squabbling to claim the bits of it that he was set to lose tonight.

 

[Neirdae]

Clover danced around the outside of the gala in a dress of her own making. She'd designed it based on a character she saw in one of the humans' talking boxes. All white lace and gold trim clashed terribly with her gray base, but it somehow fit her personality. She bounced and twirled between patrons, complementing their accessories while advertising Lorenzo's shop.

All around Clover was a buffet of emotions; mostly apprehension from the guards, with some anxiety from the socially inexperienced Pokémon wandering around. She kept her horn tuned for any spikes of surprise or fear, and readied herself in case of commotion. Clover could calm down one or two Pokémon, but a crowd was far beyond her.

 

[Cresselia92]

After spending his entire afternoon for preparations, Silver showed up just in time to dive into the celebration. That mansion sure was majestic, that much he had to admit, and its sheer size was a testament of the wealth of Mr. Birdbrain.

With his claws carefully honed, his hair gathered in a small ponytail, and a refined kimono with a warm tangerine palette (rented in a Tojohnese-like shop for the occasion), he did his best to blend in with the crowd and not attract any unnecessary attention.

However, he couldn’t help but feel somewhat uncomfortable. There were just too many ‘mons and too much sensory overload: intense scents, loud noises, incessant chatter… ugh! Why did parties have to be so chaotic? That wasn’t the ideal situation when he needed to stay calm and focused, especially with the knowledge of what was going to unfold at any minute!

If only he had some companion to help him through all of that… But neither Rodion nor Lyle were around, since they were busy opening some passage from the inside.

“Tch! I guess I gotta do what I can do by myself…” he grumbled in annoyance. While he had the invitation to the gala and could enter whenever he wanted, he preferred to study the security of the courtyard for the time being. “Let’s see if I can find some security flaw somewhere.”

Silver casually grabbed a skewer with some unknown meat (“Is this Slowpoke Tail, or…?”) from a stand and walked through the mass of partying ‘mons. While checking out his surroundings, he noticed a few of his teammates (“…Who are they, again?”), who seemed quite… lost and directionless.

Well! He wasn’t there to do nothing, and he was going to do something!

Brimming with newfound confidence, he marched toward the door and stopped in front of a Watchog. And then, their gazes met. Glaring, barely blinking, red eyes versus red eyes.

‘Oh, let’s see who’s gonna fall first!’ Silver mused, flashing a defiant smirk, while secretly studying the body language and reaction of the guard. That intel could have been useful…

 

[Jackie Cat]

‘Oh, let’s see who’s gonna divert their gaze first!’

The Watchog returned Silver's gaze dispassionately, but kept looking over his shoulders to not lose track of the wider courtyard.

"Evenin' pal," she said, coolly. "...Somethin' I can help you with?"

It seemed she was pretty unflappable. In control and aware of the situation.

 

[Cresselia92]

The Watchog returned Silver's gaze dispassionately, but kept looking over his shoulders to not lose track of the wider courtyard.

"Evenin' pal," she said, coolly. "...Somethin' I can help you with?"

Silver cocked an eyebrow, impressed by her composure. ‘Wow, guard’s more focused than a Hoothoot wearing Wide Lens! It’s gonna be hard to divert her attention elsewhere…’

“Oh, it’s nothing, really,” Silver replied, shrugging. “I just wanted to compliment y’all for being so vigilant during this gala, that’s all.” He smirked a bit wider. “Great focus and attention to details during work-time is something I appreciate and respect.”

 

[Jackie Cat]

"Sure, kid."

Oof.

 

[Cresselia92]

Silver blinked, unimpressed. ‘Wow, you must be fun at parties! …Oh, wait.’

That felt like such a waste of time. He gave a polite nod and walked away. Gotta work more on your smooth talking, ginger!

 

[Jackie Cat]

There was a cry and the sound of pokémon attacks from inside the mansion, where the outlines of guests in the ballroom could be seen through the windows. There was a minute of hubbub and chatter as the partygoers outside called to each other, shouted questions, pushed to see what was going on.

Orders came through from a Patrat messenger. The Pawniard stationed around the courtyard's perimeter scraped a metallic acknowledgement.

The Watchog's eyes narrowed as she glared at Silver.

"Sir," she said, darkly, "I'm gonna have to ask you to leave these grounds at once. The civic courtyard is no longer open for the night."

Your allies are fighting! There is a battle! You need to help them—!

What was that voice...?

 

[Chibi Pika]

Jade spun around suddenly at a sudden outburst in the direction of the manor. She had just taken a few steps towards the imposing building when she heard it. That was--that was definitely the voice, the one that had sent them here, the one that had been trying to reach them in their dreams.

What are you talking about? A battle? What--

Jade pushed herself past the crowds, sure of only one thing--she had to help the others. She reached the edge of the courtyard where a Sneasel (one of the visitors like herself, she was pretty sure) was facing up to a Wacthog guard while several Pawniard cleared the area.

"W-we have to get in there," Jade stammered, already knowing that it was going to sound ridiculous if she tried to say why. The others were in there, she was supposed to help, but she couldn't just say that, dammit.

 

[Shadow Serenity]

As soon as the music stopped mid-song, Kimiko knew something was up. The shouting was probably a good indicator, too.

And then she overheard one of the guards loudly addressing a somewhat familiar sneasel...

"Sir," she said, darkly, "I'm gonna have to ask you to leave these grounds at once. The civic courtyard is no longer open for the night."

No longer open...? The party hadn't been going on that long. Something was going on inside. And she had a sinking feeling that-

Your allies are fighting! There is a battle! You need to help them—!

-her allies were involved.

Was that the cloud voice that just- No, nevermind, no time for that, as it looked like the guards were moving to shoo everyone out of the area. Kimiko was not good at snap decisions - to follow the masses and leave, or to try to get to her allies.

And then she saw Jade appear by the sneasel's side, trying to get inside, and Kimiko knew exactly why. She managed to creep her way over to them; might as well stick together.

 

[Jackie Cat]

[ ] Objective: help the rest of the party!
[ ] Objective: please hurry!

"Sir. Please leave immediately."

The Pawniard were equally insistent, but less polite in their demands, advancing on the celebrating pokémon. There was no way to get into the mansion without going through them first...

"W-we have to get in there,"

...and one of them reacted immediately to Jade's plaintive demand to get inside by striking at her with a bladed arm.

Pawniard used Metal Claw!

The moment Jade cried out in pain at the sudden injury, a background buzz in every offworld spirit's head flared into a full-fledged voice.

Hey! Listen!

You have to fight!

I can help you battle together as one, if you all share the same goal!

[ ] Objective: protect the civilians! (0/4 guards KOd)

You have to win, so you can go to your allies' aid! Good luck! Everyone is counting on you!

The voice was back, clear as it had been in the Spirit Nexus. The security 'mon were preparing for a fight. The situation couldn't be much clearer.

The Pawniard used their Protect Orbs! +1 Shield!
The Pawniard ate their Reflex Seeds! +1 Eva and Acc!
Patrat used their Protect Orb! +1 Shield!
Patrat ate their Cautious Seed! +1 Def and Res!
Watchog used their Protect Orb! +1 Shield!
Watchog ate their Cautious Seed! +1 Def and Res!

Mayoral Crowd Control want to battle!

 

[Ambyssin]

Nova ran outside... in time to find some random pawniard taking swipes at one of the cats that he was fairly sure was part of the group. And some of the others looked a bit confused. Nova wasn't sure why the guards were taking this out on the apparent civilians, but he knew exactly what he was going to do.

"Hey!"

The null dashed east, and slammed into Patrat. It wasn't going to do much of anything. But it would take out that glistening Protect shield.

Nova used Tackle!

"Does it look like there are bandits running around out here?" Nova growled, doing his best to use his larger size and piecemeal appearance to try and strike some degree of fear into the little guy. All the while he concentrated to try and bolster his defenses from any sort of counterattack.

Nova used Cosmic Power!

"You're attacking civilians!" His gray eyes narrowed. "Knock it off!"

Spoiler: Turn 1

Nova (39 STM, 5 TMP, 0 SPD, 0 ACC)
- **Bonus Action:** Dash to East Path (-2 TMP)
- Tackle @ Patrat O (-4 STM, +2 TMP)
- Cosmic Power (-14 STM, +2 TMP)
Net change: -18 STM, +2 TMP
Net totals: 21 STM (30 after regen), 7 TMP
(TAKE COVER)

 

[Shiny Phantump]

Oh, huh... A fight was starting. That didn't surprise him, not like anyone had ever stopped Sonora before. Shouldn't affect him too much out here, he could probably just stick around, and...

...and one of them reacted immediately to Jade's plaintive demand to get inside by striking at her with a bladed arm.

Or not. Sure. Why not?

Okay. He wasn't sure who all was allies or just locals, barring that Nova and Arctozolt were around. But he'd put his bets down on the Sneasel-looking-one and Meowth being allies, plus the Snivy was trying to help them. (He was pretty sure he'd seen some of those species in the Haus too, but there was more than one member of each species on the planet and the Haus could board anyone.)

Whether he liked it or not, it was looking like he was gonna end up pretty "involved" here unless he started burning bridges with the team instead. Plus, it didn't look like the guards were being super discriminant in how they were trying to disperse the crowd, and... alright, fuck it, he had wanted Sonora to get what she wanted. Fine.

The Sneasel'd put a good dent in the Pawniard, and more importantly for Gladion, got their guard down. If there was something he knew from years of fighting alongside Hazel, it was that something that size couldn't afford to be leaving openings for clean hits from anything the size of a Null. But this Pawniard had fucked up.

He ran towards them, shooting to tackle them prone. He didn't have a good view beneath the helmet to see if they'd fallen, but if he moved fast enough it wouldn't matter. It was the same move he'd seen Hazel pull off countless times before, devastating as it was simple: Rear up, and bring down the full weight crushing of helmet and beast alike on someone unlucky enough to be unable to get out of the way.

It landed. He could feel the impact ringing through his body. Not in a painful way, though. If anything, it was the opposite. The rush of adrenaline, the sound of the collision, the weight of the impact... being able to do that felt viscerally satisfying. In a single second, he went from having never understood how Hazel so easily seemed so gentle outside battles but so unrelenting during them, to understanding perfectly why.

He looked up at the Bisharp lurking further back. Hiding behind the little ones. It was for the best they didn't want to fight, the same size advantage Gladion had used against the Pawniard would work against the rest of the team if they joined in. He put on a look of manic hunger in his eyes for maximum dramatic effect... but truthfully, there was less acting to it than he'd be comfortable admitting.

"I'll cut you a deal: Attack the crowd like that, you get a free lesson in your limits like that. Take me up on it. It'll be a good time."

He was shooting for either intimidating them down, or to score a personal fight to keep them of the smaller one's backs, either would be fine. Of course, he wanted the former... even if in his heart of hearts he wanted the latter more.

Spoiler: Turn 1

Provisional Arctozolt Turn (42 STM, 5 TMP, 0 SPD, 0 ACC)
- **Bonus Action:** Call @ Silver
- Powder Snow @ Pawniard 1 and Watchog (-8 STM, +2 TMP)
Net change: -8 STM, +2 TMP
Net totals: 34 STM (42 after regen), 7 TMP
(TAKE COVER)

Provisional Rogue Aux:
Drowsy @ Pawniard 1
(Figure Clover makes more flavour sense here, and Tarahn on the Toxic, but it's irrelevant mechanically and we've only got explicit permission for Tarahn, so if Neirdae wakes up and wants to do something else then allocate Tarahn here.)

Gladion (44 STM, 5 TMP, 0 SPD, 0 ACC)
- Walk to Entry Path
- **Bonus Action:** Focus (+5 TMP)
- Tackle @ Pawniard 1 (-4 STM, +4 TMP)
- Body Press @ Pawniard 1 (-16 STM, +4 TMP)
Net change: -20 STM, +13 TMP
Net totals: 24 STM (35 after regen), 18 TMP

 

[Chibi Pika]

Jade recoiled backward, mind racing. They'd attacked--?! What?

"We're just trying to help our friends!" she blurted out, dumbfounded. But the Pawniard weren't backing down, and suddenly two or three of her teammates were rushing past her, trying to fight their way into the manor.

Jade gripped her arm with her other paw, saw the red staining her fur, felt her breath quicken, all while trying to tell herself that she was a Pokemon now, this wasn't nearly as bad as it looked, calm down--

The human-turned-Meowth grit her teeth and ducked into the bushes, both to get out of the immediate line of fire and to give herself a moment to take stock of what the heck they were up against.

Jade's Spotter Skill: Watchog defenses

 

[Cresselia92]

A few moments ago…

Just as Silver began walking away from the Watchog, turning his head a couple of times to shoot some foul glares for good measure, everything turned upside-down. Screams erupted from the building, crowds of panicky ‘mons poured out of the door, guards repelled and tried to lead them in a frenzy.

The now-Sneasel froze in shock, his heart racing and his feathers fanning. He shot many glances around, trying to regain his bearings in that new situation, when a shadow loomed over him. He turned around to see that the same Watchog had approached him. This time, however, she was far more hostile.

The Watchog's eyes narrowed as she glared at Silver.

"Sir," she said, darkly, "I'm gonna have to ask you to leave these grounds at once. The civic courtyard is no longer open for the night."

“Hm?!” Silver stepped back, claws outstretched and dripping some venom in alarm. “Hmph! You don’t get to tell me what to do!” he growled indignantly, glaring back at the guard and baring his fangs. He didn’t like her tone at all!

W-what’s going on?

Your allies are fighting! There is a battle! You need to help them—!

Silver blinked. He recognized that voice. It was…

Wait, what? A battle? Okay, something must have gone horribly wrong in the manor…

"W-we have to get in there," Jade stammered, already knowing that it was going to sound ridiculous if she tried to say why.

Silver stared at the Meowth. It seemed that she had heard the same message, too. He was about to reply when the Pawniard assaulted his teammate. His eyes widened in horror at the unprovoked attack, and he turned to the two guards, his face twisted into a scowl.

“Hey! D’you lose your freaking minds?!” he snarled, his eyes glowing with a dangerous tint. He didn’t want to start a conflict, but darn it! They asked for it!

Silver used Leer!

A familiar rage filled Silver’s spirit. He heard someone shouting something at him — was it good, was it bad? — and saw a Shuppet pulling off some strange ghost trick on the Pawniard, which made them more… relaxed? However, he hardly registered those events as he was too focused directing all his spite at the patronizing Watchog.

Hey! Listen!

You have to fight!

I can help you battle together as one, if you all share the same goal!

Oh yeah! He was gonna fight, alright! He was so itching and thirsty for some good physical throw down!

“We’re gonna get in there, whether you like it or not! Even if that means beating you down!” Silver declared, his glowing eyes fixed on the Watchog. Then, his gaze darted to the Pawniard, still carrying the same debilitating aura. “And I’m gonna start with you!”

Speedy like a bullet, Silver lunged at the dazed Pawniard and threw a rock-shattering punch, straight on their face.

Silver used Rock Smash!

The brawl was officially on!

Spoiler: Turn 1

Silver (48 STM, 5 TMP, 0 SPD, 0 ACC)
- Receive Helping Hand
- Receive Call (+3 TMP)
- **Bonus Action:** Focus (+5 TMP)
- Leer @ Watchog & Pawniard (-14 STM, Sure Hit, +2 TMP)
- Rock Smash @ Pawniard (-11 STM, effect, -5 TMP, +2 TMP)
Net change: -25 STM, +7 TMP
Net totals: 23 STM (35 after regen), 12 TMP
(TAKE COVER)

Silver’s Spotter Feat: Watchog’s attack pattern

 

[Shadow Serenity]

The courtyard was quickly devolving into chaos. While Kimiko struggled to think of a way to convince the guards to let them inside the mansion, a pokemon from inside burst out into the courtyard. Kimiko's eyes went wide in surprise at the sudden appearance, as she recognized the Frankenmon from the newspaper. Just what was going on in there??

And then what he said caught up with her. The guards were attacking the guests?

Cloud-Voice inside her head insisted they had to fight. Kimiko genuinely hoped that was based on something concrete and not "well you're involved now might as well help them", but for now she decided the sudden clarify of their summoner was enough of a reason to not stand idle. She took a deep breath to steady herself for what she was about to do - because, heh, surely no consequences were going to come of it!

Instinct overtook common sense as Kimiko darted after her unfamiliar teammate, who had targeted a patrat guard she hadn't noticed. Using that same instinct, she leapt up and, with a flick of her tail, sent a flurry of shining leaves at the now defenseless patrat. (Thankfully, the attack hadn't damaged her tail ribbon.) The patrat didn't seem to have expected this much resistance, so Kimiko took advantage of that opening to follow-up.

Spoiler: Turn 1

Kimiko (44 STM, 5 TMP, 0 SPD, 0 ACC)
- **Bonus Action:** Dash to East Path (-2 TMP)
- Magical Leaf @ Patrat 0 (-8 STM, Sure Hit, +3 TMP)
- Round @ Patrat 0 (-11 STM, +3 TMP)
- Vine Whip @ Patrat 0 (-5 STM, +2 TMP)
Net change: -24 STM, +6 TMP
Net totals: 20 STM (31 after regen), 11 TMP
(TAKE COVER)

Spoiler: Provisional turn order 'cause it kind of matters a little

1. Aux skills (Jade-intel/Aige-defender on Silver)
2. Nova and Arctozolt (these two can happen interchangably, just has to be before the ones below)
3. Clover aux (drowsy @ pawniard 1)
4. Silver
5. Gladion
6. Kimiko
7. Prim (aux caster fighting attack @ pawniard (if alive) or patrat 0 (if not))
8. Tarahn aux (toxic @ patrat 0)

As Lyn mentions, we only got permission to pilot Tarahn, so if Aige, or Prim have any other preferences, let those come first.

 

[Neirdae]

Clover was dancing to some enterprising 'mon who had setup a small band. She spun, making her slightly too long dress flutter in the air, when she thought she felt a distant spark of surprise.
She slowed down, concentrating, as another flash of surprise followed up with anger, then pain. The bandits were attacking the gala!

Moments later, guards were on the alert, and began shooing everyone away.

Your allies are fighting! There is a battle! You need to help them—!

"Uh oh," Clover said, barely audible to anyone other than herself. She somehow felt that she had several of her allies out in the courtyards with her. She floated upwards above the crowd to see what was going on, then she saw one of the chimera Pokémon attack a guard!

This was bad. This was very, very bad. Some Pokémon said the mayor was a meanie-pants, but she didn't think they were supposed to attack him! But the voice said she had to help. This was what she trained for with Felin, right?

The guards were super scary! Those Pawniard could really hurt her and her friends! Without any better ideas (she didn't know any moves that could hurt them) Clover dashed up to one, wrapped it in her dress, and ate his emotions. She didn't passively feed, she sucked out his fear, anger, and hostility, leaving him drained. Meanwhile, the blades covering his body simply tore through the delicate fabric of her costume, not hindering him at all.

Spoiler: Clover aux action turn 1

Clover inflicts the Drowsy status on Pawniard 1