Offscreen Activities

[Jackie Cat]

Instead, he takes the candidate profiles (sans Lucien) over to the Escarpa and Sierra and asks around for opinions: "Who would you want in charge?" He'll vote based on their thoughts.

Most of the Escarpa give some answer to the effect of "I have never met any of these 'mon" or "why should I care who they choose as their chieftain?" Some are surprised to learn Lucien isn't running.

Fletchinder Sol takes a slight interest, having once lived in a minor trading post as a citizen, before joining the clan. He says he'd vote for the van der Huizens, but expects that whoever wins, 'Sohavenia' will continue to be just another part of the Commonwealth, with all that that implies, no matter who governs it for the next few years.

"I'd at least feel more easy on the wing if someone local got the job. Outlanders see the colonies as a commodity."

Sierra gives a cryptic answer about trusting that the right 'mon for the job will find their path somehow.

As Nova goes to leave, Braviary Cascada and Zangoose Lluvia are talking at the edge of camp. Their take is "whoever supports the Rangers the most should be in charge, the Union are the only thing that can hold things together here".

... There's going to have to be an awkward conversation, isn't there?

Maybe so.

Kimiko prods Greasewood about his election plans one night while closing and cleaning the saloon, as well as expresses her mild surprise at learning he was running. She makes passing mention of the Wayfarer's plans to set up a fund to cover anyone who normally couldn't afford to vote, seeking his thoughts on that.

Greasewood has been considering this run ever since Ignatius was removed from office. He's spent too long helpless under the talon of a corrupt Mayor General, and thinks he can do a better job, and should. And since he knew Lucien well enough to expect him now to run, he's been planning for months.

"I know it looks like tall odds, but don't assume nothin' just yet, lass. Folks'll figure out the sense of things as we draw near to the appointed day, and they sure won't feel thirsty to waste their vote. That's my thinkin'."

He's in favour of the voter fund, though he – apologetically – can't contribute to it. It wouldn't be proper, in his position.

She asks about his thoughts on the other candidates - Whetmore and Sonora in particular - and, if his thoughts on the floragato are positive, questions if he'd consider working together with her.

Greasewood is wary of Las Picaras, but he's heard from Gerome that she's been an excellent bouncer, and he's considered hiring her for some overtime to get a sense of her. The barkeep knows everyone, and he knows that while there's an undercurrent of popular support for Sonora's anti-establishment hijinks and role in undoing Ignatius, the majority opinion and accepted view of her is that she's a ruffian. She'd need to change her image dramatically to win, or even to avoid hurting the reputation of a 'respectable' 'mon who associated with her.

"I ain't judgin', I'm only being realistic is all. I know how folks can be – one 'mon will eagerly tarnish another's image if they're a certain sort."

Perhaps if there were a permission structure for Greasewood to align with Sonora, it would go over better?

"In any case, I got an official position and a private position on law enforcement. Officially, I'm in favour of abidin' by the legal codes of the Territory and I'll appoint such a sheriff as will do just that – anything less'll just spook folks who don't want their purses pilfered. Privately, I reckon a sheriff in a place such as this ought to have considerable leeway to enforce the common law at their discretion, and I'll see fit to appoint someone whose heart ain't closed to mercy."

He smiles wistfully, perhaps thinking of the town's awkward history with sheriffs.

As for Whetmore...

"That lady's new in these parts, and I don't have the measure of her just yet, but I sent off for some opposition research on her, and... Well, it won't be easy to attack her. If there's a town hall, or a public debate of some kind, I'll certainly have to keep civil and dignified or else I'll only look like some ruffian compared to the good Senator. Even for a Concordant, she's got a solid record."

Greasewood's received opinion on the establishment Commonwealth parties is that Charterists have better policies, but a tendency towards being staggeringly corrupt, while Concordants tend to be more reputable, if more conservative than he would like. Some regulars at his bar put it more bluntly:

"Charters get shit done, and end up dirty; Concords keep their paws clean, by never doin' any fuckin' work."

Perhaps it was no wonder Ignatius avoided much scrutiny or discontent while making his underhanded deals.

For Greasewood to win, he'll need to look like a serious, professional, and clean candidate, and emphasise policies that are both specific to the Soja' and popular with the electorate.

Regardless of how the Sonora conversation goes, she also asks him his thoughts on the Escarpa and if he would be willing to work with them as well, given their reputation in the Soja and, just as important, their history.

"There you go again with those sensitive questions, eh? Clanners are... different from us town folks, and there won't be real understandin' between us until a time yet to come, Saints know when that may be. I'm not sure I know what you mean by 'work with them', given they're not Sohavenians, pardon my ungentle wording. Certainly I won't be ruffling their feathers if I can help it, but that doesn't mean I'll just roll over on anything, neither. I'll be honest with you, lass, I could do with a better understandin' of them myself – it ain't like I've had too many clanners come in here for a drink and a conversation, you know?"

Greasewood is well-connected in town, but has no relationship with the clans. He's fairly unprejudiced for a townie, avoiding the snarl word 'feral' – let alone worse terms than that – but to connect with the Escarpa would be challenging without some kind of help...

 

[Jackie Cat]

"Lucien, about what you said earlier, about abandoning all of the progress you've worked for. Maybe... Maybe you don't have to. Even if you're not in charge, the groundwork you've laid can still influence policy if someone who is like-minded takes office. If you were to, say, endorse someone who shares your beliefs, it can show the citizens who believe in you that there's another candidate they can believe in, too."

"I know Senator Whetmore has no intention of ratifying the accords we've worked on. But she's the only candidate who even understands them, the rest of these 'mon just aren't politicians. Except that Arpagone fellow, I suppose – he certainly speaks like the worst of the coastal Charterists. A politicians and a grifter, is that 'mon. Excuse me.

"Perhaps I should speak to them about it? Attempt to, ah, persuade them of the value of the accords? It's irregular, but one might suppose it was, in fact, the responsible thing to do..."

Lucien is willing to speak to one or more of the candidates to explain the treaty he's negotiated with the Escarpa. With some inspired messaging, a candidate could run on promising to ratify and uphold the accords, in opposition to Whetmore's stance to veto them.

Of course, this would may well open up that candidate to attacks from Whetmore on being weak on safety and security and national pride.

 

[Shiny Phantump]

Gladion realized he probably shouldn’t leave Nova to handle the housing situation with Sage on account of the fact that, historically, dealing with housing really wasn’t Nova’s strong suit.

He’s hoping Sage is stable enough that if she wants the cabin back, he can find a place somewhere else and they’ll be okay. He’s not sure how he’d do that, but he definitely can’t walk up to Brisa and say “hi we stole your house” so he hopes it’s possible.

He’s emotionally exhaused by everything he sunk into Matthias, only for him to escape and more acutely awkward than usual when he talks to her, but he gives it a shot. Wanting to explain why Sage needed a place out of town, he also gives an explanation of the Cipher raid. He goes over what happened: Shadow ‘mon were showing up, people getting taken to Terminal Two, so there was a mission to bust into it and sort some shit out.

“That’s where we found Sage. That… was how they were getting shadow. Inundating them with so much of it that it could be extracted. So, uhh, wasn’t really just a ‘pop ‘em into the Haus for a bit’ kinda deal. But they’re doing a lot better now!”

He also touches on who was there to help: she already knows the Escarpa, of course. And knows of Luz. He brushes over Seth pretty quickly since he isn’t important to Sage. And Sonora…

“Wait, you’d already know Sonora as well, right? Her group’d been looking into Terminal Two, so she also helped. Got radiance in the process, too.”

This is a proper scene now!

 

[Jackie Cat]

Lately, Sneasler SV Arpagone has been touring Frontier Town and its outlying settlements giving a grandiloquent stump speech.

"I haven't given up on my dream of becoming your governor. Come, listen to the plans I have made!"

After the initial reception to his campaign was tepid among citizens with intact brains, Arpagone has begun talking about his professional history and background. He insists he's not a total unknown, and wants to 'pokémonise' himself by offering some details about his personal character. For instance, his initials stand for 'Sif Vamper', a downright normal name in the region where he comes from. Where is that, exactly?

"I was at one time the governor of a shining jewel in the desert, Oasis City! It was a beautiful town with wonderful fountains of clean, fresh water, a true gem in the roughness of that region. Why, the other towns in my homeland were awful places, full of crime and poverty – really not so different from the town of Blaguarro, which has suffered so from that awful plague of Shadow pokémon. As your governor, I will ensure that Frontier Town will become and remain the shining jewel of Sohavenia!"

Alright... And why vote for him over his opponents?

"I have, of course, a pristine political record, and I alone understand what this town needs. Any pokémon can see I'm the man to vote for; the Sohavenia governor's seat should be mine! Some pokémon, of course, won't listen to reason – so sad, I know – and so I have no option to be a hard-nosed fighter and challenge my pokémon opponents to a spirited public debate!"

Some turn away, seeing this guy as some kind of slick, dandy huckster.

Others, like one wide-eyed young bourgeois Tranquill from the east side, pledge to support this brilliant 'mon in any way he needs.

"In the near future, when I become the Governor of Sohavenia, I shall appoint you as my official secretary. Let that be a motivation for you to constantly better yourself!"

Intelligent, politically conscious 'mon across town hold their heads in their appendages, struggling to understand Arpagone's growing appeal among other voters.

41% M. Whetmore (Cncrd)
27% C. Greasewood (Frntr)
11% S. V. Arpagone (PCLR)
8% S. del Sur (Indpt)
5% F. T. R. & M. van de Huizen (House)
3% L. Voclain (Chrtr)
1% Dayle (MenSe)
(4% undecided)

 

[Tetra]

Koa hears from Kimiko that there's a chance Greasewood may be willing to consider Sonora for Sheriff, and starts contemplating how he can help. Though its been a good amount of time he still reflects back on how easily Ignatius could cause problems without a good hearted sheriff to help.

After quite a bit of thinking (and overthinking), he decides that action is better than words. If there's bounties around or especially rescue missions on the mysterious board that aren't unnecessarily dangerous, he'd ask Sonora to team up with him and do a few. No only is it a good chance to train and do some good, but it'll give a chance for people to see that Sonora is a good mon. Assuming Sonora is agreeable to the idea, he'd get her advice and try to focus on helping pokemon in the most need/danger, or criminals who pose a proper threat.

Still, he would also want to be sure Greasewood knows Sonora helped in rescuing prisoners from Cipher. "A good Sheriff is willing to take risks to protect innocent and endangered mon, and Sonora showed her true colors that night!" And, as he puts it, she's a 'sick' fighter, but understands being decent too.

---

Koa asks Greasewood if he supports the Rangers, and if he's heard anything about Whetmore's stance on them.

And then... "Hey Sonora mentioned wanting to open an orphanage... would you consider helping with that?"

 

[Ambyssin]

After hearing this weirdo sneasler's statements, an incredibly paranoid Nova writes them down on paper. He spoke so vaguely and nothing from his words or profile seemed to line up with what Nova thought he knew about Forlas. What are the odds these Cipher people had sent someone down from up north to cause trouble in retaliation for losing their base? He takes them and whatever picture of this SV guy he can get over to Seth, Leona, and the incarcerated admins to ask if they recognize anything about him. He doesn't expect the latter group to be honest, so he studies their body language intently for any tells.

 

[Butterfree]

As far as Dave is concerned, as he sighs over the paper, the only serious candidates here are Whetmore and Greasewood, and Whetmore is ringing obvious alarm bells about undoing all the progress Lucien has made with the Escarpa.

Honestly it'd be better for everyone if Lucien were running, but can't exactly force the guy to run for office. He goes to meet with him, hoping to persuade him to endorse Greasewood specifically, in exchange for working with him on securing the accords with the Escarpa. Greasewood gets some of that Lucien halo from Lucien's supporters, the Escarpa accords actually get signed and Greasewood gets introduced to the clan, what's not to like?

He is also very public about how Arpagone is the most obvious populist prick possible. If people are discussing him approvingly at the next table at the Zera, he's going to insert himself into the discussion and grill them on specifics of what exactly they think this guy is going to do for Frontier Town.

He also makes it known that he’ll debate Arpagone any day, but the actual candidates have better things to do than indulge this godforsaken clown.

 

[Jackie Cat]

If there's bounties around or especially rescue missions on the mysterious board that aren't unnecessarily dangerous, he'd ask Sonora to team up with him and do a few.

Sonora is receptive to this.

"Kindof a fun outin', t'be honest. Makes a nice change of pace, an' puts my paws where my mouth is, too."

Still, he would also want to be sure Greasewood knows Sonora helped in rescuing prisoners from Cipher. "A good Sheriff is willing to take risks to protect innocent and endangered mon, and Sonora showed her true colors that night!"

This has been publicly reported, but the mission to Terminal Two was esoteric and complex enough that these details are not widely known in Blaguarro, let alone Frontier Town.

"Is that so? Well, now. Ain't that interesting... And she weren't even paid, bless her. She oughta be, by rights."

Greasewood's personal estimation of Sonora is improving by the day. If something – perhaps another law enforcement professional with good name recognition legitimising the Floragato – were to give him a good excuse, he would certainly approach her to make a deal.

Koa asks Greasewood if he supports the Rangers, and if he's heard anything about Whetmore's stance on them.

"The Rangers? Hard to find folks who don't respect 'em – if anyone has a complaint it's that there ain't enough of 'em. I offer Rangers a drink on the house if they ever find their way in here, though it ain't too often that happens. Invite 'em, if you get a chance.

"Whetmore's a party-line Concordant, which means she won't take too kindly to outsourcin' law enforcement and the like to a group like that, which ain't technically part of the Commonwealth. Concords are pretty hands-off with most things, but they take sovereignty seriously, and they reckon discretion in lawkeepin' is an invitation to corruption. Wonder if that could be a wedge issue, huh..."

And then... "Hey Sonora mentioned wanting to open an orphanage... would you consider helping with that?"

"Huh. Y'know... it's a damn shame t'need such a place, but a damnder shame on us that we don't have arrangements for young 'mon in need. I'll see to it that something makes it into the party's platform."

What are the odds these Cipher people had sent someone down from up north to cause trouble in retaliation for losing their base? He takes them and whatever picture of this SV guy he can get over to Seth, Leona, and the incarcerated admins to ask if they recognize anything about him. He doesn't expect the latter group to be honest, so he studies their body language intently for any tells.

Bingo. Manectric Ein is more than willing to earn a little kudos with the Wayfarers ahead of the eventual mission to Terminal One, and immediately rats out his former comrade.

"Ah, you were quite right to come to me. That is indeed a Cipher agent, real name 'Snattle'. He was appointed governor of Orre at one time, though he was ultimately a puppet with shallow convictions and little executive skill. He is useful only for making speeches to inflame the passions of utter imbeciles... which are plentiful in all communities.

"His particular talent in Sneasler form is that of suggestion – he has a mesmeric influence over anyone with whom he comes into close enough contact. It will wear off soon enough, if you can get rid of him. Perhaps you can incriminate him by pilfering his personal effects from wherever he is lodging – he will doubtless have a radio to report back to his superiors."

You get the impression he hated the guy anyway.

He goes to meet with him, hoping to persuade him to endorse Greasewood specifically, in exchange for working with him on securing the accords with the Escarpa. Greasewood gets some of that Lucien halo from Lucien's supporters, the Escarpa accords actually get signed and Greasewood gets introduced to the clan, what's not to like?

Lucien is open to the idea. He is prepared to endorse Greasewood provided the Whimsicott's campaign continues to gain momentum, and that he pledges to ratify and uphold the accords. He even believes he can arrange a formal signing so that Greasewood's potential first act as Mayor General is to guarantee peace and get some good PR.

He meets with Greasewood at the Sun Stone, and they have a long and productive conversation. In the end, Greasewood is willing to commit to maintaining Lucien's policies and diplomatic deals – they don't conflict with his platform, and he approves of their aims.

"I dare say this could be just the trick for making this work, son. I'm mighty grateful you took the time to give me such an opportunity."

"It's been a genuine pleasure, Mr. Greasewood. I find myself very much rooting for your success. I only hope that this may, in some way, make up for the actions of my father."

"Don't even think of it, sir. You've done enough already, and the town'll thank you for it."

Lucien endorses Greasewood in a public statement soon after. Most of Lucien's remaining die-hard supporters flip to supporting the Frontier Party, which has a growing public perception of being a regional wing of the Charterists.

He is also very public about how Arpagone is the most obvious populist prick possible. If people are discussing him approvingly at the next table at the Zera, he's going to insert himself into the discussion and grill them on specifics of what exactly they think this guy is going to do for Frontier Town.

It's a small thing, and the Sneasler's more ardent supporters tend to be fustratingly obtuse, but it soon becomes socially taboo to bring up SV Arpagone for fear of creating a scene and summoning the ire of Dave.

"Oh, did you hear that Sneasler Arpagone will be in—"

"Shut yer mouth, Carl. Don't you know better than to run it about things like that?"

Word of Arpagone's efforts is stymied, and enthusiasm for his cause is marginally reduced.

He also makes it known that he’ll debate Arpagone any day, but the actual candidates have better things to do than indulge this godforsaken clown.

Someone asks Arpagone about this, and he initially accepts.

"Why of course, I'll prove to the pokémon of Frontier Town that I have the sharpest mind in the region!"

He subsequently realises that Dave is not a candidate (and that Dave is unlikely to be an easy target) and tries to walk it back.

"No, no, what reason could I have for debating some unimportant fool? I'm challenging Senator Whetmore for this seat, not some– some botanical clerk!"

This has the effect of making him look like a coward. Which, of course, he is.

"Will you people stop asking me about Dave Ambrose, already?? Will no-one rid me of this meddlesome mutt!"

43% M. Whetmore (Cncrd)
32% C. Greasewood (Frntr)
8% S. V. Arpagone (PCLR)
8% S. del Sur (Indpt)
6% F. T. R. & M. van de Huizen (House)
1% Dayle (MenSe)
(2% undecided)

 

[Ambyssin]

Nova takes Ein's words, writes them up, and takes them to Lucien. "Look, I've got one of those after davids!" he says, botching the proper term affidavit, as someone living under a rock would. He asks if he and/or the Rangers can have a warden (warrant) to find and search Arpagone's current lodgings. If successful, he'd ask them to time it around one of Arpagone's public appearances so he can't try to hide anything.

 

[Namohysip]

Gerome approaches Dayle upon his return and asks what the hell he's doing. Dayle is thankful for the Tyranitar's help and sticks a Dayle for Mayor sticker on Gerome's chest. Gerome is unable to remove it due to how precisely it was placed on his armored, hulking body, and eventually forgets about it.

Mhynt goes around and asks each of the candidates a single question and reports on it to the journalism ties she'd prior made good contacts with:

"What, specifically, do you pledge to provide to the Wayfarers for combating the surge of rogue Saints, rising Shadows, and mysterious happenings that we have been investigating?"

Dayle, of course, says that he will assist everyone with mental training to resist the effects of psychic trickery, and mutters about how a Zweilous had jumped him once and tried to corrode his mind like those damn Psychic Secret Class, but a firm punch in both faces sent him crying (according to Dayle.)

Mhynt, realizing that somehow Dayle had resisted Alexander's corruption, relays this to the others with an utterly befuddled look.

 

[Jackie Cat]

"Look, I've got one of those after davids!"

He asks if he and/or the Rangers can have a warden (warrant) to find and search Arpagone's current lodgings.

Lucien asks Nova to accompany Xoco and Nico to investigate. The team soon discovers a Cipher keycard and a radio comms set, along with other incriminating documents, counterfeit money, and a really tasteless wardrobe.

Arpagone is arrested shortly after, and removed from the ballot. His votes seem to flow to Whetmore, Greasewood, and... Dayle? That's the crank vote, for ya...

44% M. Whetmore (Cncrd)
34% C. Greasewood (Frntr)
9% S. del Sur (Indpt)
6% F. T. R. & M. van de Huizen (House)
4% Dayle (MenSe)
(3% undecided)

"What, specifically, do you pledge to provide to the Wayfarers for combating the surge of rogue Saints, rising Shadows, and mysterious happenings that we have been investigating?"

With more and more candidates dropping out of the race, there are fewer left to give a meaningful statement. The van de Huizens give an impassioned response that is, sadly, completely incomprehensible. Dayle is Dayle.

Greasewood is favourable. Although he won't go so far as to pledge to allocate significant public funds or authority, he does promise aid.

"Y'all have done a lot of good since you fell into town, and I'd be happy seeing more of that. If such a situation as calls for it were to arise, I'd consider the Wayfarers – and the Rangers fer that matter – to be defenders of the town, and as such, grant you the use of the town armoury. Not to mention, coordinating on such information as may be of use."

Whetmore is more... reserved. Her stance is that such things must be left to the state. She stops short of calling the Wayfarers 'vigilantes', but it's clear she doesn't want to rely on heroes that don't work for the government.

"Justice and security are serious matters that cannot be delegated to third parties, however well-intentioned or professional. I applaud the admirable efforts of the Wayfarers, but Sohavenia must be made safe by a real police force, with the moral authority of a public institution."

 

[Namohysip]

Mhynt offers a wry smile to Whetmore and says, "Oh, you mean the same police force we had to save after one of those new forces easily made a mockery of your jailhouse?"

She simply leaves after that and, if asked by others, promotes Greasewood, saying "Whetmore seems to think the local forces are enough for external threats. We've already demonstrated what we can do, but when I spoke to the leading candidate, Whetmore, it was pretty clear the Wayfarers were being held with two fingers like a bag of old food. I mean no offense when I say this, but: You need all the help you can get. So do we. If your authority doesn't want to help us, we are divided functionally."

Mhynt relays to the team that Greasewood is the only leading candidate who would help us readily. Defending Frontier Town with direct assistance would be marred with red tape and a vague sense of arm's length holding if the current frontrunner wins.

 

[Tetra]

At some point as the day draws nearer, Koa makes a day trip to visit Ranger HQ. Not only does he miss his allies after his brief Novelux mission, but he wants to ask them about the Frontier Town election, and see who they like (though he makes no effort to hide that he likes Greasewood and Sonora). He makes a special point to mention that Sonora did a lot to help him out with rescues and bounties. He also not so subtly mentions that the Rangers voting for Greasewood would help a lot, since the other candidate is apparently less keen on the Rangers.

Would Ayda consider a good word to Greasewood for Sonora...?

While there he makes a point of seeking out Sinopa again, mostly to have a friendly chat, tell her stories of the wider world, and take his mind off things. He asks her about Whisperwind Comb though while he's there, as a matter of some morbid curiosity. He wonders how or why the dungeon is like that... How can dungeons just know things about people (the thought crosses his mind, surely Sinopa can't do that right?)(they're not... Alive right?) Its fine, he's fine, nothing happened in there that matters. Otherwise its nice to talk with a friendly face.
[This bit is more flavor sake and for fun/relationship building]

He makes sure he invites a few Rangers (especially ones he knows a little better) to Sun Stone sometime if they can make it. Greasewood did say drinks were on the house.

 

[Jackie Cat]

Koa makes a day trip to visit Ranger HQ. Not only does he miss his allies after his brief Novelux mission, but he wants to ask them about the Frontier Town election, and see who they like (though he makes no effort to hide that he likes Greasewood and Sonora). He makes a special point to mention that Sonora did a lot to help him out with rescues and bounties. He also not so subtly mentions that the Rangers voting for Greasewood would help a lot, since the other candidate is apparently less keen on the Rangers.

The mess hall is soon filled with animated debate among those rangers at home base – some are immediately partisan about supporting Greasewood, while others stress the importance of the Union's political neutrality. They'll have to work with whoever gets elected, right?

Mhynt relays to the team that Greasewood is the only leading candidate who would help us readily. Defending Frontier Town with direct assistance would be marred with red tape and a vague sense of arm's length holding if the current frontrunner wins.

Except that Koa knows by now that this isn't true. Whetmore's platform would certainly require the Rangers to accept Commonwealth oversight to continue operating in very nearly the whole Soja'.

"Well ain't that just about the damnedest thing I ever heard."

"I told you. Didn't I? Said this would go down like that."

"Look, political types will give all sorts of promises and pledges while they gladpaw regular folks, but—"

"Don't give me that. She's not that type. She's one of those 'principled' ones. She'll start calling us vigilantes, telling folks not to trust us, all that."

"Sun spare me. This is not complicated. We all declare for this, ah, local fae tavernkeep, yes? And he shall win captaincy of the civil lands."

"Damn right, sunshine."

"Okay, okay, we're doing this. Hey Koamaru? When's election day, son?"

Would Ayda consider a good word to Greasewood for Sonora...?

"Huh, y'know... I just might do that. Gives me an excuse to get outta the office, at least."

Yep!

While there he makes a point of seeking out Sinopa again, mostly to have a friendly chat, tell her stories of the wider world, and take his mind off things. He asks her about Whisperwind Comb though while he's there, as a matter of some morbid curiosity. He wonders how or why the dungeon is like that... How can dungeons just know things about people (the thought crosses his mind, surely Sinopa can't do that right?)(they're not... Alive right?) Its fine, he's fine, nothing happened in there that matters. Otherwise its nice to talk with a friendly face.

Sipopa appreciates the company, and is fascinated by Koa's recountings.

"Did everyone experience something similar, I wonder... I don't suppose they'd all gather round and share, would they? Perhaps you could persuade them to!"

Mystery Dungeons are strange things, and while it's rare for one to have a full consciousness and an avatar spirit as the Pueblos have Sinopa, it's not uncommon for them to have personality. Locals will attribute everything from malice and mischief to compassion and good humour to a rift they're familiar with. They're breaks in spacetime, so 'knowing' something is in some sense trivial for them. Some dungeons reputedly even 'show' significant events (often tragedies) over and over and over, thousands or even millions of times, an endless moving picture show of their origin to any who venture deep enough to witness it.

Blackglass Caldera is one such place.

He makes sure he invites a few Rangers to Sun Stone sometime if they can make it. Greasewood did say drinks were on the house.

Nice.

Incredibly efficient way to win over votes, honestly.

43% M. Whetmore (Cncrd)
37% C. Greasewood (Frntr)
8% S. del Sur (Indpt)
5% F. T. R. & M. van de Huizen (House)
4% Dayle (MenSe)
(3% undecided)

 

[Jackie Cat]

Nova primarily equips his Water Drive and a combination of defensive techniques and supplies. He uses the water element to cool off furnaces and other heat-based machinery and with his overall large frame, he carries smaller Wayfarers over obstacles by long leaps, or by climbing.

Nova contributes 50 45 rare candies.

Koa accompanies the team into the Rustworks, experimenting with Rain Dance and Hidden Power for opponents that resist his electricity. That plus tactful applications of his martial prowess helps with rock-types, and speed and timing help him evade the worst of blows.

It does pique his curiosity to see how the dungeon has shaped its mechanical parts, and he's no stranger to poking around hazardous and tricky terrain. And there's nothing like a few well-used orbs to navigate through a rough patch or distract a tough opponent.

5 Rare candies

The expedition into the Rustworks is accompanied by Douglas Dunsmuir of all 'mon. The eccentric old fae-Weezing has the particular ability to purify toxins from the air, which proves greatly useful for navigating some parts of the dungeon. His strength is also considerable – if it wasn't already clear enough, his proficiency in tactical combat is strong evidence that he is a former human.

It's a small team, but it proves adequate – they draw relatively little attention, and the dungeon's mechanical groaning seemingly quiets somewhat in response to Koa's provision of water as a coolant. The pistons, gear-belts and exhausts provide a less ominous drumbeat to their descent.

The heart of the rift, a dimly red-lit room of metal stairways and slowly-spinning extractor fans, turns out to be the housing for what was once an industrial furnace large enough for a 'mon to fit inside. The ashes therein would suggest that this is, in fact, something that happened before the factory became a mystery dungeon. Perhaps very shortly before – acute tragedy does seem to be a factor in the creation of ruinous dungeons.

The team removes the ashes for later interment and seals off the furnace. Dunsmuir says a few respectful words in the Commonwealth and Taleska traditions, and declares that he will see that such a thing can never happen again in his city while he yet lives.

Shortly afterwards, Betel activates a service elevator that returns the party to the ground floor, and is able to establish an anchor in the elevator car. This is now the Wayfarers' fast travel waypoint for Novelux – press 1 for Silver Ravine, press 2 for Lumirror Forest...

Waypoint Established​

 

[Jackie Cat]

"Fuck, okay, I guess we're doin' this then. Gettin' off the ballot an' everythin'."

After many months of absence, Brisa Escarpa – de facto sheriff of Frontier Town – finally returns home. It takes a few days, but word gets around that the 'half-wild' Luxio is back in town, to the relief of some, and the consternation of others. A small column appears in the Gazette to speculate on her activities over the last few seasons and introduce her to newcomers in town – it is followed soon after by a brief, even terse interview piece. The upshot? Brisa Escarpa is stepping down as sheriff.

Of course, she never formally was sheriff – though some in town assumed as much, Brisa was never actually appointed to the role. While the Gazette had expected Lucien to officially appoint her, the Luxio cites unfinished business in the Commonwealth.

Who will protect the town while you're gone? asks editor-in-chief Shiftry Nathaniel.

I think you're protected just fine, is her reply.

By that, does she mean the Wayfarers? 'Angel' offworlders, here only for a temporary stay?

No, not them. She means the recently-expanding Ranger Union, and the bold new recruits to their ranks from Frontier Town and its surrounding counties. Brave, able young volunteers such as Floragato Sonora, who distinguished herself rescuing abductees in the Shadow Crisis. 'Sheriff' Brisa can vouch for the good character of Ranger Sonora – she's a lifelong friend.

With days to go before the election, mayoral-gubernatorial candidate Sonora del Sur suspends her campaign and drops out of the race. Shortly afterwards, she begins appearing with candidate Cal Greasewood, who announces his intent to appoint her as county sheriff should he be duly elected as mayor.

For a day or two, the uproar in the east side over the idea of a bandit and thief and lowlife becoming sheriff is enough to convince a 'mon that this alone has put Greasewood's campaign through the bedrock, and that Stoutland Whetmore may as well begin moving into the mayoral residence and passing legislation...

But the next Gazette poll tells a different story.

45% M. Whetmore (Cncrd)
44% C. Greasewood (Frntr)
6% F. T. R. & M. van de Huizen (House)
4% Dayle (MenSe)
(1% undecided)

A statistical tie.

For the first time since the campaigns began, the fight looks winnable.

---

"Not how you expected it to feel?"

Brisa didn't look up from the winged badge in her paw, but she nodded slightly. He tail flicked from side to side behind her.

"Maybe not. Don't know that I ever expected anythin' realistic. Sure, I had my li'l daydreams of doin' some job so spectacular that even King Bird couldn't deny me an endorsement. Or just becomin' so well-regarded that the Union reached out – not that I ever got well-regarded as such, townies bein' as they are. I'm half-feral, remember? Some kinda victory. Some kinda... reason fer it to happen."

Chief Ayda clicked her tongue, and drummed her blunt claws on her desk.

"Makes sense it'd feel... anticlimactic. I don't know if this'll help, but you've already done more than proven yourself worthy of the badge. You've been a competent ranger for years – this is just a belated, long-owed acknowledgement. If you really, truly need a reason..."

The Dewott held out the second badge, gleaming in the light of the afternoon sun.

"Tell yourself that it weren't right to take up the badge without your friend. It was comin' here on her behalf that earned you the wings. How's that?"

Brisa took the second badge, identical but for subtle imperfections in the craftsmanship, and clenched her paw around the metal.

"That works," she said, her mouth twitching into a grin despite herself.

---

"Back from yer li'l excursion? You were pretty secretive about it, but it's gotta be important – I know you swung by Prince Bird's place afore you left. So, you gonna spill the beans or what?"

"'Course I am. Catch."

Brisa threw the badge, and Sonora's paw whipped up to snatch it before she even registered what it was.

She looked at it.

Then she looked back up at Brisa.

"This thing real?"

Brisa nodded, and padded forward, one paw reaching for the duplicate tucked under her bandana.

"Thought we could do this... t'gether. Like we used to talk about as kits."

Sonora stared at the golden symbol, holding it up to the light, and gave a low whistle.

"Saints alive, Cool Breeze – this is better'n any dumb favour I could've squeezed ya for. You sure are makin' it damned hard to guilt you!"

Brisa smirked, and pressed the dupe badge to Sonora's neckerchief, bonding it to the fabric. "I'll wager y'can manage somehow."

"Right now, I don't even care to."

Sonora pressed the Ranger emblem to Brisa's bandana.

At last. It finally, finally felt real.

 

[Jackie Cat]

Laura investigates the matter of arranging transport to Malantau, where the Wayfarers must go if they are to confront Cipher and Alexander, and defeat them for good. She discovers that Kyogre's Tears, the enormous inland seas that dominate the continent's subarctic north, are traversible by paddle steamer from Copperridge Wharf in Novelux. Of course, hardly anyone travels as far north as Malantau, especially as late in autumn as the month of Gloom.

That's where Lord Articuno comes in – Laura contacts the Saint and asks if they can help with the party's logistics. Articuno takes an interest in the whole affair, considering that it's of existential importance to the world's survival, and requests to speak at greater length with a Wayfarer representative at our convenience, but yes – they will provide us a ship.

The lake steamer C.W.S. Polymath and its crew are now at the Wayfarers' disposal to travel up the inland coast. An expedition will soon venture to the Wight Barrens in the fallen kingdom of Malantau, to discover a mystery dungeon in which Betel can establish a waypoint, and from there, for the party to make an assault on Terminal One, through the enormous spacetime rift in which it waits... and which Alexander is sure to exploit as he seeks to gain unconditional power.

 

[Butterfree]

Dave suggests the Wayfarers submit a joint opinion column in the Gazette, signed by all of them, endorsing Greasewood as a candidate. He offers to write it or assist in writing it; if he does, it would offer reasoning about continuing Lucien's established work bringing peace and stability to the region, Greasewood's status as an integral member of the Frontier Town community who understands its needs as contrasted against Whetmore's outsider status, and his intent to work with the best and brightest to ensure the town's continued safety and prosperity where Whetmore looks likely to serve the interests of faceless corporations from Landsverd. It would also explain the Wayfarers' plans to help people get to the polls and pay the poll tax - regardless of who they plan to vote for. (Don't worry, he would write it diplomatically.)

 

[Ambyssin]

Prior to Election Day, Nova manages to track Dayle down. He says he has intel that the Psychic War is spreading beyond the reaches of the Soja... and that Dayle running for mayor is exactly what the psychics want to happen, so that he's stuck behind a desk instead of on the front lines "holding up the first frontier." He requests that they meet up so this can be discussed further.

 

[Namohysip]

Mhynt cosigns Dave's efforts, and then refocuses her efforts on one last expedition into Twilight Quarry, though she suspects there may be a need for time before they do that, and they have more info from everything else.

Meanwhile, Dayle takes Nova's words seriously, and after apparently "considering" this with everything else he "knows" that's secret info, he decides that Nova is completely correct. He removes Gerome's Dayle sticker and withdraws from the race, as he looks into ways to run for the Commonwealth instead...