Sojaveña Wilds Northern Badlands

[Phoenixsong]

Well, Leaf had thought she liked her odds. At the moment what she liked was falling lying down for a sec and maybe blacking out taking a little nap, just a little one, promise.

The sound of a small explosion made for a pretty good alarm clock, not that she needed one, of course. "...Ugh... anyone get the plates on that clown car?" She got up a little shakily, still kinda sore where the morgrem had slugged her. Everyone else was still standing, so that was good. The morgrem was down, and maybe half the imps were flat out along with him, which was even better. "You got 'em! Excellent!" The fact that the other Wayfarers looked mad as hell was probably less good. "...You guys are okay, right?"

 

[Tetra]

"Good shot Odette!" he called. Good thing she'd grabbed that blast seen, he was sure he could take other round of hits.

For a moment, he had felt sure they were about to fail. At something that should have been easy. Maybe if he'd evolved like Leaf it wouldn't have been so hard.

Still... They'd won, and that was what mattered. Glancing around, he hurried to the pile of stolen items and retrieved an Oran berry and brought it to Leaf.

"Here," he murmured. "Well, we're all standing so I guess it's not too bad. Are you okay? He hits you pretty hard." as he spoke he scanned the area, checking on the others as he looked for his jacket. He'd lost track of where he'd thrown it.

 

[Jackie Cat]

What remained of the horde had, as was typical for the gang, made themselves scarce in a hurry. Koa's jacket was lying on the ground not far from where he'd thrown it, only lightly soiled by impish hands and the dusty ground.

The squad had taken out nearly two dozen of the Fiends – hopefully not a problem so long as they stayed stuck to their leader once Vic recovered consiousness. It was the Morgrem who were important to take in, in any case, according to the gruff sheriff of the nearest town.

Judging by the reports available, and the latest intelligence from the regional Ranger Station, there was only one camp, and one Morgrem lieutenant, left to take on in battle. It'd have to wait until after the assault on Terminal Two, but even so, the Wayfarers had already made a difference to the safety of regular folks in the north Soja'..

<><><><><>​

 

[MintyMimix]

Much like a colony of roaches, the Fiends may have scattered in the face of force, but as soon as the coast is clear and they've caught the scent of what they want, they all pile in. They were just as persistent; several wooden lookout towers gazed over the horizon while the muffled shrills of the rowdy raiders echoed from the patchwork tents behind them. They smelled just as bad, too.

At least it was getting easier to find them each time.

 

[Ambyssin]

Nova's head was in a few different places at once, frankly. But money was money, so when he heard rumbles of taking another shot at some bandit gang, he wound up volunteering before giving it any solid thought. He'd emptied his bag of the things he actually valued like his memory disks. Further type training would have to wait as he focused his aura back on Battle Armor... as well as a few different shielding tricks based on what he'd heard.

The smell was a little obnoxious. Though given Nova'd been sleeping outside for a while and hadn't cleaned himself since the Cipher raid, he doubted he smelled rosy.

... Maybe these impidimp wouldn't think him worth stealing from because he looked like a bum.

 

[MintyMimix]

A cursory examination of the two towers at the Lookout revealed a pair of Impidimp guards with varying levels of attentiveness. The scarfed one on the right seemed keenly interested in what would happen if they sniffed their finger after scratching their butt, yet little else. The ring-clad one on the left had been napping on what appeared to be a filled sack.

A Loot Pile filled with gold and goodies alike lay on the eastern side. A conveniently-sized, inconspicuous bush rested close by alongside some barrels. On the same side, many of those fiendish Impidimp appeared to be trying to fleece each other out of their shared earnings with nonsensical card and toy games near their tents.

The source of the smell (besides the Fiends) made its presence well-known by the Trash Heap on the western side. Like its more beautiful brother, it too had a few bushes and barrels around, though it seemed the Impidimp were less eager to hang around. It certainly didn't stop a few from trying to tease out dares and jeers to one another in the nearby tent, though.

Finally, there was the Main Camp toward the south. Multiple large tents, plenty of storage units, and bands of Impidimp had covered the area. A barrel of spilled oil appeared to draw the attention of a few, with some even playing around in it as though it were a puddle of water. The fire pit nearby had been set up for the evening but was unlit.

The primary target was nowhere in immediate sight.

Turn 1
Player Phase​

[ ] Objective: Find, defeat, and arrest the Fiend Lieutenant!

 

[Ambyssin]

Nova doubted a subtle approach was going to work. Not looking like he did. But that oil to the south. "Psst. Grace, you think you could light that oil up?" he whispered. "Maybe if we cause a little mayhem we can draw out the one in charge without having to poke around all the tents and bushes."

He glanced at a watchtower. "I'll make a scene first so you guys can rush in."

One step. Then another. Nova crouched, then sprang for the tower on the western part of the embankment. Roaring like the grotesque beast he was designed as, Nova dug his claws into the tower and used his large frame to violently shake it. He sank his metallic beak into one of the wooden legs and yanked his head back, aiming to send the tower crumbling. Or at least knock whoever was up there out and disorient them.

He didn't wait to see the results of his handiwork. Nova charged on ahead, releasing a strange white mist to clear whatever hazards the little gremlins left lying around.

To draw their attention, he'd continue his savage beast routine. Nova bellowed, "THIS IS MY TURF NOW! PISS OFF OR I'LL COOK YOU FOR LUNCH!"

Spoiler: Nova turn 1

Nova (101 STM, 5 TMP, +0 SPD, +0 ACC, 0 SHD, 0 RAD)
- Interact @ Left watch tower: violently shake it and/or knock it over (-3 TMP)
- Walk to Main Camp
- Wide Guard (-22.5 STM, +2 TMP)
- Defog @ Fiends/Main Camp (-27 STM, +2 TMP)
- Magic Coat (-24 STM, +2 TMP)
- **Act:** Item (Leppa Berry) (+40 STM)
Net change: -34 STM, +3 TMP, +0 SHD, +0 RAD
Net totals: 67 STM (92 after regen), 8 TMP, 0 SHD, 0 RAD

 

[Magyk]

Grace flinched at the suggestion, but she saw what he was getting at and nodded. "Um, sure, but allow me to help you all first! Let's get to safety before we light anything up!"

In a familiar feeling fashion, Grace raised a digit and waggled it, immediately sensing the chaotic energy welling up inside her. "Please... please give me something that will help my friends!" she whispered, as if the technique itself had a mind of its own. She wasn't even sure how it worked here...

Then she felt the new technique take Metronome's place, and Grace floated up to Astrid, now holding a flower in her paw. "Just one moment!" she said softly, and once she tucked the flower into Astrid's fur, she felt a little extra strength trickle in.

Seemingly satisfied, Grace then darted closer to Nova. "Don't worry, we got this!" she cheered once she was next to him, and some confetti showered down between them.

Spoiler: Grace Turn One

Grace (109 STM, 5 TMP, +0 SPD, +0 ACC, 0 SHD, 0 RAD)
- Walk to Main Camp
- **Act:** Focus (+5 TMP, -20 SHD, -20 RAD)
- Metronome (Decorate) @ Astrid (-46 STM, -10 TMP, +2 TMP)
- Celebrate (-9 STM, +3 TMP)
- Safeguard (-36 STM, +2 TMP)
Net change: -91 STM, +2 TMP, +0 SHD, +0 RAD
Net totals: 18 STM (45 after regen), 7 TMP, 0 SHD, 0 RAD

 

[Goat]

The Fiends were like a pimple that kept popping up after being squashed—there were just that many of them piling back on as the old were defeated. How many raids was this now? Regardless, Astrid was banking on them all sharing some key traits.

She cupped her paws to her mouth and yelled, "Hey! Um. Look!"

Then she pointed with fervor at the clouds and tried really hard to think of something stupid and clever. "Something… distracting! It’s coming right at us, AAAAAAAA!"

Spoiler: Astrid turn 1

Astrid (110 STM, 5 TMP, +0 SPD, +0 ACC, 0 SHD, 0 RAD)
- Walk to Main Camp
- Receive (Helping Hand)
- **Act:** RADIANT Focus (+5 TMP)
- RADIANT Nasty Plot (-18 STM, +2 TMP, +18 RAD)
- Dazzling Gleam @ Horde (x1.5) (-20 STM, +2 TMP)
- AGILE CRITICAL Frost Breath @ Horde (-15 STM, hit, -2 TMP, +2 TMP)
- CRITICAL Frost Breath @ Horde (-10 STM, Sure Hit, +2 TMP)
- Activate feat (Spotter Feat) @ Horde AI
- Interact @ Horde distraction (-3 TMP)
Net change: -63 STM, +8 TMP, +0 SHD, +18 RAD
Net totals: 47 STM (74 after regen), 13 TMP, 0 SHD, 18 RAD

Spoiler: Turn order

1. Everyone walks to Main Camp
2. Nova
3. Grace
4. Astrid

 

[MintyMimix]

Turn 1
Player Phase​

Nova knocked over the western tower! Junk spilled out...

The Impidimp on the tower shouted an incomprehensible expletive as he leaned over to give the beast a piece of his mind. Unfortunately, he himself should've worried about his own peace of mind as the tower creaked from the sheer force. His sack filled with an assortment of trinkets toppled over alongside him.

The other Impidimp screeched as he saw his fellow watchmen collapse underneath the shoddily constructed timber. He skittered down, hoping to alert his comrades, but the Wayfarers had reached them first.

Nova's Defog cleared the Spikes in Main Camp!

"What's going on?! A monster?!"
"No, it's a party! You heard the confetti!" ​

"Idiot! They're intruders!"
"'Piss off'?! How 'bout we piss on them?!"

"Gross! Just grab the pointy things!" ​

"But they're all gone!"

Astrid's Dazzling Gleam dealt 153 damage to Horde (x1.5)!
Astrid's AGILE Frost Breath dealt a CRITICAL 54 damage to Horde!
Astrid's Frost Breath dealt a CRITICAL 69 damage to Horde!

Astrid's Spotter Feat: Fiends behaviour

The Horde is uncoordinated, easily distracted, and simple-minded. They often use the same sequence of moves over and over again!

Astrid's Interact briefly distracted the horde!

"Oooh, pretty clouds!"

"GAAH! THE CLOUDS ARE ATTACKING!"​

"TOSS EVERYTHING AT THEM!"

 

[MintyMimix]

Turn 1
Enemy Phase​

The Fiends in the main camp were already in disarray, but all the screaming and yelling certainly caught the attention of their comrades as they practically poured out of the tent to see what was going on. Some additional shuffling had been apparent near the Loot Pile and Trash Heap, but it seemed like a bit more noise might've been needed to draw out the Lieutenant.

The horde tried to use Thief to hit everyone! Protected due to Wide Guard!

"Grab the party supplies!"​

"This isn't a party!"

"It is now!"​

The horde's Fake Out dealt 5 damage to Nova! Covert Cloak protected from Flinching!

"Ouchie ouch! The monster is pointy!"

"Just smack 'em and throw everything!"​

The horde used Torment, but Magic Coat reflected the status!
The horde Focused to suffer through the Torment!
The horde tried to use Encore, but they were distracted by Astrid! They instead targeted the clouds! They're slightly cloudier!
Horde Attack: the Impidimp are preparing Thief!

A hidden unit began preparing an action...

"Wait, wait! Look! They're just Pokémon!"

"How dare they try to party in our turf?!"​

"Yeah, and without bringin' whiskey!"

"Shake 'em down!"​

It seems that attention is split between Nova and Astrid, slightly favoring Nova!
Astrid will not be able to as easily divert attention from herself if she continues her onslaught!

 

[Ambyssin]

"Yeah, and without bringin' whiskey!"

"Pfbt! Who needs whiskey?" Nova scoffed. He faintly tapped into some of that radiant spark granted by Luz. Though it wasn't enough to do anything other than make his tail and electronic parts flicker gold like they were strobe lights. "We got us a disco ball..."

He lightly hip-checked Grace as he eyed the loot pile in the distance. "And we've got fireworks! It ain't a party without a fireworks display!" He winked at her. "I can even add..."

Nova produced at Iron Thorn and, with a flick of his head, let it fly toward one of the tents toward the loot pile.

"... A little music!"

He saw it strike the tent then strutted back toward the lookout area where he'd trashed one of the towers.

"Now this looks like a job for me, so everybody just follow me. Cuz we need a little controversy, cuz it feels so empty without me!"

Spoiler: Nova turn 2

Nova (92 STM, 9 TMP, +0 SPD, +0 ACC, 0 SHD, 0 RAD)
- Walk to Lookout
- **Act:** Call @ Grace
- **Act:** Focus (+5 TMP, -20 SHD, -20 RAD)
- Wide Guard (-22.5 STM, +2 TMP)
- **Act:** Item (Iron Thorn) @ Tent in Loot Pile (-2 TMP)
Net change: -23 STM, +5 TMP, +0 SHD, +0 RAD
Net totals: 69 STM (94 after regen), 14 TMP, 0 SHD, 0 RAD

 

[Goat]

Betel's network had always been a boon for one reason or another, but in times like this, it was unambiguously a weapon. The three of them had spotted the spilled oil when they’d waltzed in, and what to do with it had been obvious enough—but exactly when to do it had been trickier. But they didn’t need to talk. They just knew.

Knew that the time was now.

"Ho-okay, time to go."

As flames built near Grace’s maw, Astrid lunged back towards the entrance, blasting through stray Impdimp in her way. With no good cover to dive behind near the gate, she dove to the floor and flattened herself beneath the bulk of her tails.

Spoiler: Turn order

1. Grace
2. Nova
3. Astrid

Spoiler: Astrid turn 2

Astrid (74 STM, 14 TMP, +0 SPD, +0 ACC, 0 SHD, 18 RAD)
- Walk to Lookout
- Receive (Helping Hand)
- **Act:** Item (Leppa Berry) (+40 STM)
- Dazzling Gleam @ Horde (-20 STM, +2 TMP)
- Draining Kiss @ Horde (-9 STM, +2 TMP)
- AGILE CRITICAL Frost Breath @ Horde (-15 STM, hit, -2 TMP, +2 TMP)
- CRITICAL Frost Breath @ Horde (-10 STM, Sure Hit, +2 TMP)
- Activate feat (Spotter Feat) @ Horde’s Def and Res
Net change: -14 STM, +6 TMP, +0 SHD, +0 RAD
Net totals: 60 STM (87 after regen), 20 TMP, 0 SHD, 18 RAD

 

[Goat]

Grace big boomy

Spoiler: Grace turn 2

Grace (45 STM, 7 TMP, +0 SPD, +0 ACC, 0 SHD, 0 RAD)
- **Act:** Focus (+5 TMP, -20 SHD, -20 RAD)
- **Act:** Item (Leppa Berry) (+40 STM)
- Celebrate (-9 STM, +3 TMP)
- Metronome (Ember) @ spilled oil (-16 STM, -10 TMP, +2 TMP)
- Interact @ Light the edge of the spill so the Wayfarers have time to scramble away (-3 TMP)
- Receive (Call) (+3 TMP, -10 SHD, -10 RAD)
- Walk to Lookout
Net change: +15 STM, +0 TMP, +0 SHD, +0 RAD

 

[MintyMimix]

Turn 2
Player Phase​

Grace's Metronome Ember @ spilled oil!
Grace's Interact: Light the edge of the spill so the Wayfarers have time to scramble away

The Fiends let out a chorus of screeches and yells as they stumble and shove one another trying to get away. A few of the smarter ones tried to cover the flaming oil in as much debris as they could find, but all this served to do was further fan the flames (and the awful stench)!

"STOP! STOP COOKING US!"

"WE'RE NOT YUMMY!" ​

Main Camp is now engulfed in flames! Equivalent effect to Sandstorm [2]!

"Quit stepping on me!"

"Only when this guy gets his arm out of my ear!"​

"Who cares?! Just grab the food and goodies, quick!"

"Shut up! You're not the leader!"​

Nova's Iron Thorn dealt 6 damage to Tent in Loot Pile!
The tent collapses! A stockpile of Poison Spikes spilled out and scattered in the zone!

Despite the continued battle cries and in-group arguments, no other suspicious movements occurred near the Loot Pile. It quickly became apparent they had been using that side as makeshift storage rather than lodging. That only left one place...

Astrid's Dazzling Gleam dealt 146 damage to Horde!
Astrid's Draining Kiss dealt 73 damage to Horde!
Astrid's AGILE Frost Breath dealt a CRITICAL 47 damage to Horde!
Astrid's Frost Breath dealt a CRITICAL 65 damage to Horde! KO!!
Astrid's Spotter Feat @ Horde’s Def and Res!

The Horde has 84 Def and 60 Res!

For every two waves of Impidimp that escaped the billowing smoke, one found themselves on the end of a different deadly cloud of fluff. At least this one they could fight back against, and they seemed more than ready to leap at her in blind fury — at least, while their quickly thinning numbers lasted.

With the vast majority either knocked over, fleeing, or trying to contain the flames, it seemed the horde would be preoccupied for the rest of the fight...

 

[MintyMimix]

Turn 2
Enemy Phase​

A scoff echoed from the bush near the Trash Heap as a shawl-clad, hatted Morgrem emerged scanned the area with a look of grave disappointment. He had been covered in golden jewelry from head to toe, and his fancy, yet hole-ridden hat carried an ace in its band.

He chomped into the meat he had apparently been munching in his hiding place before spitting out the chunks in disgust. "Smoke-flavored. Now look at what you've done! You've ruined my lunch!"

Morgrem Levi wants to fight!
Morgrem Levi recently ate Violent Seed, Cautious Seed, Reflex Seed, and Quick Seed!

The Morgrem raised his head and yelled out, "Fiends! What in the blazes do I pay you for?!" He stomped his way over to the Wayfarers.

Levi walked to Lookout!

He pointed his arm at the Wayfarers and craned his neck back as he tried his damndest to look down upon the Pokémon that were taller than him. "You!" His razor sharp teeth flared, "This'll cost an arm and leg! And if you don't have the money, I'll gladly take those instead!"

Levi's Knock Off dealt 14 damage to Astrid! Astrid's Expert Belt was flung away! An Interact will be required to pick it up and use it again!
Levi's Pickpocket stole one of Astrid's Attack stages!
Levi's AGILE Play Rough dealt 22 damage to Astrid!
Boss Action: Sure Crit
Levi's CRITICAL Play Rough dealt 37 damage to Astrid!

The Morgrem tore at her fur along with her gear. "See, you idiots? It's not a 'cloud'! It's prey!" He turned to the Silvally. "And as for this one..."

Levi's Drain Punch dealt 19 damage to Nova!

He hissed as his fist struck what seemed to be a particularly rough patch of skin. "...This one needs roughing up, first!" He tried to play it off with a sneer. "Fine then, come and get some!"

Levi used Protect! 2 Protect Shields were created!

Astrid garnered a lot of attention, but Nova isn't too far behind!

 

[Ambyssin]

"Pay? Aww, c'mon." Nova rolled his eyes. "I thought you guys were supposed to be hardcore. It's just a little mosh pit, that's all!"

He was only slightly dying inside, but if acting ridiculous kept this dolt off his game, then Nova would keep up the routine. Employing the art of confusion brought him back to his rebel days, sure, but that was probably a good thing. Maybe.

Nova slung the remaining Iron Thorn from his bag at the morgrem, then followed it with some of the strange mist. "C'mon, then, roughen me up! You know you want to~"

Drawing on that energy that reflected harm back at others, he winked at Morgrem while readying to bite down on his garment if need be.

Spoiler: Nova turn 3

Nova (94 STM, 15 TMP, +0 SPD, +0 ACC, 0 SHD, 0 RAD)
- Bide (-17.25 STM, +2 TMP)
- **Act:** Item (Iron Thorn) @ Levi
- Defog @ Levi (-27 STM, +2 TMP)
- Magic Coat (-24 STM, +2 TMP)
- Interact @ Covert Cloak: Grab hold of cloak with beak to stop it from getting Knocked Off (-3 TMP)
Net change: -69 STM, +3 TMP, +0 SHD, +0 RAD
Net totals: 25 STM (50 after regen), 18 TMP, 0 SHD, 0 RAD

 

[Goat]

Astrid picked off each Impdimp before they could rip at her flesh. Claws flew inches from her face before being blasted back, one by one. Her heart roared with the adrenaline-fueled thrill of being untouchable, until…

"Gnnh!" The Morgrem’s first strike simply threw her off balance, dismantling her gear, but then two more dropped with haste and shot real pain down her neck.

A modest stream of blood trickled down her nose, but that was all. She scooped up her belt and glared at the only Fiend left standing. "Yeesh. You're like Groudon talking shit to Kyogre while standing on that tiny piece of land surrounded by water. Does Forlas have that same legend?"

She didn't wait for an answer. Her time for chatter between blows had elapsed.

Spoiler: Turn order

1. Grace
2. Nova
3. Astrid

Spoiler: Astrid turn 3

Astrid (87 STM, 21 TMP, +0 SPD, +0 ACC, 0 SHD, 18 RAD)
- Receive (Helping Hand)
- Interact @ Scoop up and re-equip Expert Belt (-3 TMP)
- Dazzling Gleam @ Levi (-20 STM, +2 TMP)
- AGILE CRITICAL Frost Breath @ Levi (-15 STM, hit, -2 TMP, +2 TMP)
- **Act:** RADIANT Focus (+5 TMP)
- CRITICAL RADIANT Frost Breath @ Levi (-10 STM, Sure Hit, +2 TMP, +10 RAD)
- CRITICAL Draining Kiss @ Levi (-9 STM, -20 TMP, +2 TMP)
- Activate feat (Spotter Feat) @ Levi’s Atk and Res
Net change: -54 STM, -12 TMP, +0 SHD, +10 RAD
Net totals: 33 STM (60 after regen), 9 TMP, 0 SHD, 28 RAD
(TAKE COVER)

 

[Magyk]

Flames engulfed the camp behind her as she flew to safety with Nova and-- who was that Ninetails again...?

Either way, Grace felt a little proud of herself for that one. The way the flames ate through the oil and flared into a storm, it made her smile a little. "Y-yeah, take that!" she cheered, little bits of confetti falling around her.

Then her eyes fell on Astrid, and she gasped. "Oh, right, sorry! I'll help you!" she cried, as her watery orb formed in her paws and she splashed it against Ninetails. Then she pointed at Nova. "Look! Bad guys, look at him! He's the one you want!"

Spoiler: Grace Turn Three

Grace (87 STM, 7 TMP, +0 SPD, +0 ACC, 0 SHD, 0 RAD)
- Celebrate (-9 STM, +3 TMP)
- Life Dew @ Astrid (-30 STM, +2 TMP)
- Metronome (Spotlight) @ Nova (-26 STM, -10 TMP, +2 TMP)
- **Act:** Item (Cacnea Spike) @ Levi
Net change: -65 STM, -4 TMP, +0 SHD, +0 RAD
Net totals: 22 STM (49 after regen), 4 TMP, 0 SHD, 0 RAD
(TAKE COVER)

 

[MintyMimix]

Turn 3
Player Phase​

Grace casted a Spotlight onto Nova!
Grace's Iron Thorn removed one of Levi's Protect shields! (2 -> 1)

"What do you take me for? Of course I'm going to pound him first," Levi scoffed as he deflected the thorn coming his way with the swipe of his claw, "Big game will make a fine soup. And a fine example for the imps on how it's done."

Nova's Iron Thorn removed one of Levi's Protect shields! (1 -> 0)
Nova's Defog reduced Levi's Eva by 1!
Nova gained the Magic Bounce status!
Nova gained the Bide status!

His gazed locked in with Nova's as he deflected another thorn. "Thanks for the cutlery, but I prefer just digging straight into the main course." Of course, with his gaze so fixated on the strange beast before him, he had neglected his other "prey"...

Astrid's re-equipped her Expert Belt!
Astrid's Dazzling Gleam dealt 48 damage to Levi!
Astrid's AGILE Frost Breath dealt a CRITICAL 35 damage to Levi!

Astrid RADIANT Focused...
Astrid's RADIANT Frost Breath dealt a CRITICAL 65 damage to Levi!
Astrid now has Radiant-typing!

The Morgrem roared out in pain as the searing cold and burning light seeped into his skin. Yet he pressed on, determined to keep to his claim...

Astrid's Draining Kiss dealt a CRITICAL 80 damage to Levi!
Astrid restored HP to max!
Astrid's Spotter Feat @ Horde’s Atk and Res!

Levi has 93 Atk and 83 Res!

...Though not without sending a death glare at the one that dared to drain him. "It's not dessert time yet, candy cloud. Sit down and wait like a good little girl. You're next."