Thread: Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: The Secrets of Requiem Forest

The Azurian exploration guild stood proudly in the northeastern corner of the town called Azuria, the members inside awaiting the new arrivals with a mixture of anticipation and apprehension. Two Gallades stood on opposite sides of the guild's front gates, acting as guards. The townspeople themselves were fairly on-guard for hostile activity, as the guild members tended to have plenty of quarrels with the townsfolk themselves. And Sycamore stood pacing his office, waiting with bated breath for the newcomers to arrive...

---

Your Game, Your Moves

This RP implements a mechanic I call "decision-based alterations". In essence, this means that no single deed goes unnoticed. Your characters will not merely be pawns, railroaded into doing whatever the GM chooses. Their decisions and actions will have an effect on the gameplay, and can potentially shift the plot into a wildly different different direction. Even the most drastic of potential actions will be countered with an adaptation in the gameplay. After all, you, being a participant, are just as much a part of the RP as the GM.

That being said, however, don't abuse the mechanic or get out of hand with the plot derailing. This mechanic is one that requires cooperation between the participants involved, and pulling zany stunts that completely change everything out of absolutely nowhere with reckless abandon tend to leave everyone utterly confused and disoriented.

The Reqiuem Forest

The infamous Reqiuem Forest is a truly massive place. Pretty much all of your expeditions are going to be either into the forest itself, or into one of the many dungeons that are scattered throughout. These dungeons include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following:

The Great Cyprus
A gigantic tree that towers over the rest of the forest. The tree is thousands of years old at the very least, and is rumored to have been standing since the beginning of time itself. The tree has been hollowed out by natural forces, and thus makes for a long climb upwards to reach the top of the tree.

Lagoon of the Lost
A lake that has claimed the lives of many an unwary adventurer with its deceptively low depths and dangerous inhabitants. The spirits of those who die here are said to forever wander the pitch-black surface of the lagoon.

The Fissure
What is less a cavern and more of a gigantic crack in the ground, the Fissure is an incredibly precarious environment, the descent littered with narrow cliffs, potential avalanches, and the risk of magma as one descends into the bowels of the earth. A great monster was said to have been born underground, and the Fissure was where it broke free and reached the surface.

Ethereal Plains
A wide expanse of grassland, with an almost unnatural lack of trees in the area. Various restless spirits wander these grounds, and while some might be friendly, most don't tend to take too kindly to the living.

This list will be updated with more locations and information as the RP progresses.

People You Should Know

The Azuria Guild

Sycamore the Shiftry
His methods might be a bit unscrupulous, his mannerisms might be particularly gruff, and there are even rumors that he was booted out of another rescue guild and was placed at the Azurian outpost so he wouldn't cause any more trouble...but, nevertheless, Sycamore has earned himself a reputation of being one of the most efficient expedition leaders out there. He generally isn't too harsh on his members, so long as they don't get into trouble. Sycamore also tends to be a bit of a recluse, preferring to let his advisor do most of the talking for him.

Rockhopper the Empoleon
Sycamore's advisor and generally the voice of calm, methodical reason. He tends to be a bit more welcoming than his boss, though you still don't want to get this guy ticked off. Rockhopper is usually the one who's tasked with introducing the newcomers to the guild, keeping track of daily activity, and for all intents and purposes being the administrative face that Sycamore would avoid being.

Daggur the Weavile
A traveling black market salesman, the Azuria guild has established relations with Daggur and his associates. While he tends to be rather shady, even by Sycamore's standards, there's no doubt that he gets his job done well. He will make deals with individual members of the guild, but be warned; he drives a very, VERY hard bargain.

Komodo the Tyranitar
The main security force for the Azuria guild, and really, the only one it even needs. Komodo lives for Sycamore, and is essentially a walking, occasionally talking weapon. He does what he's told both out of respect for his leader and because, quite frankly, he really likes his job.

There are also various other, more minor characters, who will be introduced whenever they are met by one of the players.

Azurian Townsfolk

Mayor Shazaam, the Alakazam
The sole political power behind the small and fairly decrepit town of Azuria, Shazaam manages to maintain his position through not only savvy and cleverness, but by genuine compassion towards his people. He does, however, harbor the slightest bit of resentment towards the Azuria Guild, and tends to be cautious in their presence.

Deux the Ambipom
The more respectable counterpart to Daggur's more sinister deals, Deux runs the Azurian market, and makes his best effort into procuring legitimate sales. He also utterly despises both Daggur and the kinds of buying and selling he makes. Deux will usually buy and sell goods for more stable prices, but there are things that even he can't get any of his four hands on.

Bruce the Machamp
Probably the greatest reason why Azuria hasn't fallen into bits, Bruce makes certain that any stray enemies from the Forest are kept as far away from civilians as possible. Bruce and Shazaam have a long history together, which is part of why Bruce is so devoted to the town.

Just like the Guild, there will be minor NPCs mulling around the town that the players can control.

Rules

- No godmodding. This includes hijacking control of others's characters, autohitting, or in the particular case of this RP, making incredibly drastic actions that would throw the plot horribly out of balance.

- As far as what's considered "drastic actions"...killing important NPCs is a definite no-no unless something plot-related merits killing them. Bringing in new characters without at the very least checking with me first is also not permitted. Also, your character can't decide to just quit and fly off, or whatever...unless, of course, you yourself actually have to quit, in which case I'll work something out so your character can disappear in a manner that still makes sense to the plot.

- Speaking of having to quit, if at any time you are going to take a hiatus, please inform me beforehand. However, keep in mind that, even if you do go on a break that you checked with me first, if you don't end up replying in the RP in three week's time, then for the sake of the RP not crawling due to the lack of a single character, I'll have to boot you. In addition, unexcused inactivity will only be allowed for a maximum of one week before you are booted. Due to the nature of this RP, I can't afford to have inactive players clogging up the progress.

- Feel free to incorporate story elements or sub-plots that involve other users. The more interaction the players have, the better. However, make sure and check with the other involved player(s) first. Also, if you're not sure if a certain sub-plot would be appropriate, check with me about it.

- Relating to that, I myself may end up having a few plot elements that require the participation of another given player. If anything like that happens, I'll PM the preferred player of my choosing and see if they're open to the idea.

- While I encourage sub-plots and such, try not to make them become the main focus of the RP.

Character List

Falchion the Pawniard - Oblivion
Ghazhothi Xadduz Lodu Qojicev, AKA Gaz the Elgyem - Oblivion
Blink the Kecleon - Blathers
Duster Gonnagh the Drilbur - Stencil
Scarlett the Torchic - Agent Gryphon
Ace the Pawniard - Kyouhei!
Byron the Rufflet - Terra Fortis
Axo the Marshstomp - Dieter
Lily the Ekans - Blathers
Kanade the Kirlia - Wild Candy
Hiei the Charmander - trainer_ebony
Aria the Vulpix - Scarlet Enchantress
Eliot the Sandshrew - Scarlet Enchantress
Eve the Budew - Dieter
Jake Sanders the Chimchar - Stellar Gale

Maps

Disclaimer: Maps are not necessarily to scale.

The Town of Azuria

Town Gates: The only way in and out of Azuria, aside from the back entrance situated right behind the guild. Guards can be seen patrolling the area almost 24/7, on the lookout for any intruders.

Azurian Plaza: A central plaza of the town, this stone platform situated above the intersecting rivers connects the three sections of the town.

Town Market: A place where various Pokemon, the most prominent of which being Deux, sell and buy various wares.

Town Hall: The administrative base of the town, this is where Shazaam can be seen most of the time.

The Azurian Guild

1st Floor

Stage: The location where public speeches and/or announcements are held.

Guildmaster's Quarters: The location where Sycamore spends the majority of his time. Usually, one doesn't go in here unless summoned to speak with the guildmaster directly.

Meeting Room: In the event that a private discussion is necessary, be it between guild members or between representatives from Azuria proper, this is the place in which those discussions are held.


Basement First Floor

Daggur's Store: The location in which Daggur occasionally drops by and sells his wares.

Message Board: Be it information pertaining to recent expeditions, calls for assistance in regards to a certain exploration, or perhaps a warning or two, this board holds a motley of information.

Indoor Training Area: As the name would suggest, this is the place in which guild members can train, spar with one another, and also tends to be a fairly popular location for duels.


Dormitories

Dormitories will be labeled with their occupants whenever they are claimed. There are usually two to a dorm, although due to the uneven number of characters, there might be a few rooms that only have one occupant.

---

As he walked through the town towards the gates of the Azurian guild, Falchion emitted an almost dangerous presence. His appearance on its own was enough to intimidate a few, but as he walked, he brushed his claws across a stone he had found back near the town gates. This produced a sharp scraping sound that definitely was not pleasant on the ears. Any individuals who tried to strike up a conversation with him were answered with a menacing glare that quickly shut them up. Of course, the nature of these behaviors mattered little to him. Falchion was almost obsessive about keeping his blades sharpened at all times, due to ambush, in his eyes, being a constant and dangerous threat.

Once he reached the gates of the guild, one of the Gallades spoke to him in a sharp, curt voice. "Stand still."

Falchion did not appreciate being ordered, but nevertheless, he complied. The Pokemon walked over to him, and lightly touched his forehead with his palm, closing his eyes in concentration. Falchion felt an odd feeling in his head that he couldn't quite describe, but then he managed to piece things together. This guard must have been reading his mind for identification purposes. Well, it was certainly more convenient than plain old interrogation.

Once the guard was finished, he stepped back and spoke once again. "Enter. Stay in the entrance hall for the initiation."

And with a signal from the other Gallade, the gates opened, opening the door into the guild hall proper. Once Falchion entered, he was greeted by a rather expansive, open room, with various guild Pokemon roaming around doing various things. Hear the back of the room was a ladder that led underground, presumably to a lower level of the guild.

---

((For your introduction, just have your character(s) appear at the gates and go through the inspection process. The guards are considered NPCs, and can be controlled by the players however necessary. Alright, let's get this show on the road!))

Blink the Kecleon

Blink, with a hint of caution, peeked his around a stacked pile of crates. Pokemon walked up and down the street, carrying on with their day to day routines. However, that wasn't what he was here for. In the distance stood a rather large building, surrounded by similarly large gates. Blink's spine tingled with anticipation and only a little bit of fear as he thought about the idea of walking up to those large, menacing gates. Most pokemon felt completely comfortable simply walking down the street, but not this pokemon; being exposed went against every single on of his natural instincts, even if people seemed to insist that it was perfectly safe to do so. But Blink's impulses were stubborn, and he still found himself stealthily moving around town with his cloaking ability more often then not.

But Blink was warned by several pokemon not to attempt to cloak his way over the walls. The Kecleon was told that the place was guarded by psychic types who would be able to detect Blink even if he was cloaked, and that cloaking would only serve to make them suspicious. Blink hesitated for another nervous, terrified moment before walking out into the street and towards the gates. He wasn't sure if the stories that were told to him were even true, but he decided to heed the warnings anyways. Blink was still getting used to the idea of walking out in public, but luckily for the small pokemon he didn't attract much undue attention as he neared the gates.

The closer that Blink got to the gates the more he was reminded of the gnarled trees of his old home. It's been weeks since Kecleon had woken up from his hospital bed in the town of Azuria; Blink wondered how his old den was doing. But most of all, he wondered about the Vigoroth whom-
"Halt!" A voice called, cutting through Blink's thoughts. Unintentionally Blink frozen in place and changed his colors to match the surrounding area; Blink's survival instincts would kick in at the worst of times. However, Blink's display didn't seem to phase either of the two gallades who stood guard. One of the two approached the Kecleon, and even despite his cloak the gallade easily found Blink's forehead and lightly touched it with the tip of his fingers. Blink quivered in place surprised by the notion of someone so easily circumventing his cloak, even despite the warning he was given.

Blink could feel something browsing through his memories as him and the gallade made contact. Something about the way the guard lingered on the incident with the Vigoroth seemed to show some interest; he then fast forwarded through the rest of Blink's memories before ending the connecting.
"You are free to enter. Please, wait in the lobby until you are initiated." The guard said curtly. The gallade turned to walk away, but after he step he looked over his shoulder.
"I sense much doubt present in your mind. Try to relax; breathing helps." The Gallade whispered over his shoulder before joining his companion.

Blink walked up the steps of the guild. He decided to take the gallade's advice and deliberately slowed down his breathing. The Kecleon made his way through a large open set of doors before stopping in the lobby. It seemed Blink was early; only he and a pawniard stood waiting for whomever it might be that will address the new recruits. Blink considered saying hello to the other pokemon but after spotting the pokemon's sharp claws he decided against it.

===================================================================
Lily the Ekans


Lily slithered her way through the guild towards the lobby. The ekans always wanted to be there to size up the rookies who would be joining, even if she was still considered a rookie herself. Lily was always a bit annoyed by how they didn't send her on very many missions, but she hoped that with this new group of pokemon joining the guild she would finally have a chance to show she could work well with others. Lily swerved to avoid the feet of a crowd of guild-members before finally making it to the front doors. Lily coiled her rope-like body around one of the pillars holding the roof above their heads and climbed until she was high enough to over-look the lobby. Lily wondered why she was asked to be here this time around; she would have been here anyways, but maybe it was a sign that she could finally begin to take part in rescue missions. Lily hoped that was the case, as she was starting to tire of hanging out at the guild on a daily basis.*

Two of the new recruits were already here. A pawniard stood there with a completely humorless expression. The pokemon looked like it experienced battle previously, as his metal armor was damaged; Lily wondered how the pokemon would be like to work with, though the pokemon looked like he could hold his own. Lily also spotted a purple Kecleon, standing in the corner trying not to draw much attention to himself. The pokemon seemed very nervous about the meeting. He looked like he would be a bit harder to work with. Kecleons have the natural ability to cloak which can be useful, but she didn't know how confident she was in him doing on a rescue team. Lily climbed back down the pillar and joined the other pokemon in the lobby, waiting for more people to join their cause.

Byron the Ruflet

Byron happily flew around town as he made his way to the Guild. Flying seemed to calm him down and he was quite proud of the fact that he was a Pokemon who could fly, compared to many others who could not. While being a little bit nervous, Byron was mainly confident about joining the Guild. He knew his time with the other Braviary had made him the best Pokemon that he could be, and he was quite looking forward to showing the other Pokemon just how good he was. Eventually finding the Guild, Byron landed softly and walked towards the gates. Once he reached the gates of the guild, one of the Gallades spoke to him in a sharp, curt voice. "Stand still." Kowing when to follow orders, the Rufflet did just that. The Pokemon walked over to him, and lightly touched his forehead with his palm, closing his eyes in concentration. Byron really didn't know why the Gallade guard was doing this, maybe just to make sure he wasn't evil or anything. Once the guard was finished, he stepped back and spoke once again. "Enter. Stay in the entrance hall for the initiation." The Rufflet smiled and nodded his head in acknowledgement of the two guards, then walked into the moan room of the Guild. Byron stepped into the entrance hall, only to find two other Pokemon already there, a nervous looking Keckleon and a mysterious Pawniard. Deciding against talking to either of them, he stood next to a window, awaiting further instructions.

Jake made his way to the Azurian Guild calmly, noticing that the people of the town seemed to be vigilant of him as well as any other guests that entered the town. He didn't worry though and instead smiled as he walked, waving at some of the people that also waved back at him as he headed towards the two Gallades. He didn't know what this guild would bring for him, especially after being kicked out of so many others. He did know one thing, and that was that he needed to grasp this chance and make himself better. "I'll find that Tyranitar even if it's the last thing I do." Jake put his left hand over the scar of his right eye as he got to the guards.

The guards stopped him as soon as he reached the entrance and proceeded to check on him. He just stared at them for a moment, wondering if it was really necessary for them to be so cautious with things. A few seconds after he was finally let go and allowed to go inside for the initiation.

A pair of clawed feet padded up to the settlement, taking in the soily throne upon which it sat. You could tell a lot about a region underfoot - Is the grass dry or moist? Does the soil shift or compact? Does it stick? What if it doesn't? - and what these feet were saying was that this area had reasonably firm soil, no doubt held together by the presence of the forest. Loose and yet moist, it was the kind of earth that someone could build a town on.

The visitor was quite surprised when he lifted his gaze upward to find that someone had done just that. Duster Gonnagh took in the buildings, scattered around like some kind of picturesque confetti. Duster had never heard of tourism, but if he had he would have this place penned in one of those vapid little brochures you get from a newsagent's magazine rack. Eventually, he had had enough of the view and took his first step forward into an unfamiliar neighbourhood, walking along with the kind of self-confident stroll that said 'I can take care of myself, thank you very much.' It didn't take long for him to figure out where the guild w- okay no he actually got lost twice on the way. After hurriedly shuffling away from his latest disaster, he eventually managed to meander his way to the guiild.

His confidence restored, he stepped forward and produced the letter with a flourish. "Duster Gonnagh, here as asked." he announced to the perplexed gallades. One of them just shrugged, and scanned his mind of his memories. Being about as psychically active as a stump, Duster didn't really notice anything out of the ordinary. So it came as a surprise when after a few seconds the Gallades suddenly waved him in. Duster nodded in thanks, declaring that "Ye've made the right choice, ye have!" as he strode indoors, opened the doors and saw his fellow adventurers.

The two Gallades looked at each other, then just shook their heads and went back to guard duty.

A Kirlia walked down the streets of Azuria, her facial expression calm and serene, her beauty was radiant, and every stride she took was elegent dance step. Like she was moving gracefully in a ballroom. The Kirlia spun with a light twirl to the left to the Azuria Guild. She stepped infront of the guards who gently placed a gentle hand on her head, and the only thing he could hear from the Kirlia's thoughts was I mean you no harm, I am here by invitation. After some confusion, the Gallade let The Kirlia elegantly stride into the Entrance hall and told her to wait there. The Kirlia noticed the other Poke'mon there, She then curtseyed and greeted in a serene monotone voice. "How do you do."

Hiei headed straight tward the guild, his mind and eyes mostly on his dark stone necklace. Maybe soon I will learn your secret, little stone. And have an adventure on the way! Is the only thought passing from his head as he passes the guards. His eyes occasionally shift around, mostly so he doesnt lose himself on the way. His thoughts dont falter from his dreams of discovery till he reaches the entrance hall, and picks up the scent of all the surrounding pokemon.
"Hey! Im in the right place, right?" He asks with a big and excied smile, looking around at everyone

"Great, I'm lost again.

Ace wandered around one of the streets in downtown Azuria, before seeing a large, intimidating building. He checked his map for the fiftieth time.

"OK, this has to be the place. There's, like, guards and everything. Just act natural."

Ace strolled up to one of the Gallade.

"Hey, how's it going?"

The Gallade looked slightly uncomfortable.

"Do I know you?"

"Nope." Ace tried to walk in, and was greeted by two razor-sharp arm-blades.

"We need to make sure you're safe before you're allowed in," they said bluntly.

"I know this trick," Ace thought, "Sorry, but I'm not giving out my thoughts for free.

Ace smirked. "Don't worry, I'll be thrown out within 5 minutes."

"We INSIST," the Gallade said severely.

"Fine"

The Gallade touched his forehead forcefully.

"Your hat looks funny," Ace "said" to him, and strolled in.

Falchion gave a dull glance towards the Pokemon who began entering, coldly analyzing them from a distance. He wanted to know precisely what he was getting himself into. He returned to sharpening his blades once again, not wanting to socialize in the slightest but wanting something to do until the announcement. He did, however, notice that another Pawniard had entered the building. Falchion was relieved to have one of his own here, though he didn't precisely know this one. Perhaps he was a representative from a different tribe.

---

One of the guards gave an exasperated sigh. There had been more newcomers than he had previously anticipated, and trying to screen all of them was wearing him out a bit.

"There are probably just a few more," the other guard said. "Hopefully they aren't like that last-"

However, he was interrupted when a Pokemon suddenly appeared before them in a burst of light. The two guards were immediately ready to attack, only to find a curious-looking Pokemon, floating a few inches off of the ground. An Elgyem.

The Pokemon known as Gaz looked around for a bit, before turning his attention back to the guards, who were still on edge. "Oh, right. Teleportation is not the primary means of travel on this planet. Sorry," he said in a voice that sounded fairly distant, almost like he was daydreaming as he spoke.

The guards gave the Pokemon a bewildered look, before hesitantly lowering their guard. One of them gave him the screening procedure, and then gave him admittance.

As the little alien floated in, the guard shook his head. "The kinds you run into on this job..." he muttered to himself.

Meanwhile, Gaz entered the building and was the subject to more than a few curious glances from those nearby. Among the things he noticed was a bladed Pokemon standing off to the side, another one who had just recently entered, and a few others of a species he couldn't quite place. No one seemed to be particularly keen on socialization, and the room was filled with an almost eerie lack of noise.

Not usually one to start conversations, Gaz instead began aimlessly floating around the room. He knew that there was some meeting of some sort that would be held here, but apparently that hadn't happened yet.

Duster took in the spectacle of his fellow adventurers, going from serene all the way to irritatingly moody. All stood in perfect silence as the Kirlia gave her little welcome spiel, which irritated Duster further. Had none of these louts ever heard of social skills? Or even talking!? His mind wandered off track as the awkward seconds drifted by. After regaining some focus, he realised that there was only one Pokemon that could break this silence.

Him.

His eyes flickered around the room as his face showed his clear disapproval of the all-consuming silence as he answered the newcomer's question. "Oh, yer in the right place alright if yer here for the guild." He bowed in response to the psychic pokemon's curtsy, turning his attention to her next. "Apologies for th' quiet. Wanted to let t' others have the first go at talkin' an' weel, nae one stepped up to th'plate. Anyway, I be very well indeed, ma'am. Ye?" he enquired, drawing upon upper class social skills that he did not really have at all and getting it slightly (completely) wrong in the process. He looked up at the others after the bow, the old annoyance back with the vengeance. "Well, come on then! Chance to get to know each other afore we start and ye're all sittin' here like ye were chewin' glue!" he suddenly snapped, his temper beginning to get to the better of him as he came to the dawning realisation that he was stuck with a bunch of quiet types.

"There is no need to let your anger flare for me. It is no use to waste our own energy's to control others when they themselves decide what they will, and what they won't do." The Kirlia said. "My Name is Kanade, Daughter to Yuuko The Gardevoir and Dimitri the Gallade, Rulers of The Moonlight Clan. Me being the clan's princess. I do look forward to seeing your skills in battle and getting to know you all." She then closed her eyes as to see the thoughts of her future comrads. "Dare I say, it seems we all bear a certain amount of scars... How Tragic." She thought aloud.

"I know I cain't force anyone to dae anythin', but they could at least introduce thaimselves. We en't goin' tae get far on silence." he replied, before hurriedly adding a "Speakin' of which, I'm Duster of th' Gonnagh clan in th' old hills. Pleased ta meet ye, I s'pose." He fell silent after his introduction, paritally out of distrust of Kanade's rather odd comments about mental scars and partially out of deciding to give the others a chance to speak. After all, what was he to complain about everyone's silence when he didn't give them a word edgeways?

Hiei laughed. "Good, for once I didnt get lost!" He replied cheerfully, as if he missed the rest of the rant, though, as he isnt the quiet type, he likely didnt see it as directed hs way.
"Well, I'm Hiei. A Charmander... well clearly" He says, looking over his shoulder at his tail. "And... I wanna not get thrown out of dungeons by mean pokemon!" He laughed.

Ace chose this as an opportunity to introduce himself.

"Wait, you don't want to be thrown OUT of dungeons? OK, We'll just leave you in, then!"

The other Pokemon stared at him. He noticed a glare from another Pawniard, but this one seemed... different. For one, he probably wouldn't take Ace out bowling any time soon.

"Uuh... Hey, I'm Ace. Get used to the jokes."

"I'm what your people might refer to as an 'alien'," Gaz said to no one in particular, still wandering around with no real purpose. "My name cannot be properly said in your tongue, but it roughly translates to Ghazhothi Xadduz Lodu Qojicev. However, most have deemed the name Gaz as a fitting substitute."

Falchion, meanwhile, still made no attempts at conversation. He had finished sharpening his blades, and tossed the stone he used to the side. He was also starting to lose whatever sense of respect he had for the other Pawniard. Needless to say, his lack of complete seriousness wasn't making the best of impressions on him.