Pokémon Mystery Dungeon - Stalkers of the Twisted Sin Rules and Gameplay [WARNING: HORROR THEMES]

[Neo Emolga]

WARNING: PMD - Stalkers contains mature, horror-themed content, themes, and imagery that some people may find disturbing.

Introduction

So you accepted Mew's request!

Welcome to PXR's special Halloween event! This is a horror-themed survival game that will feel like a mix of Pokémon and all those survival horror games like Resident Evil, Silent Hill, and those kinds of things where there's lots of scary stuff, puzzles, and challenges like that.

NOTE: This event will begin on Saturday, October 8th, but you are free to sign up even after the game has already begun.

Joining

Everyone is on the same team and you're all working together. You either all win together, or you all lose together. I'm serving as the narrator and game moderator and all of you are the players. No one knows the ins and outs of this game except for me, so grab your peers, work together, and save Serenity Town and the rest of the world from the brink of destruction! There are some pretty dark and creepy themes, but I'm sure it's nothing you guys can't handle.

First, you must sign up for the game if you haven't already. You can do that right here!

Once you have and you've decided what Pokémon you will be for this, you're all set to begin.

Your name came up...

The legendaries never liked having to send humans disguised as Pokémon, the Emissaries, to the worlds of Pokémon to solve calamities only they could resolve. But they worked. Despite the disruption and the confusion brought upon the civilized inhabitants of these worlds of Pokémon by the arrival of "fairytale humans," apocalyptic ends were prevented.

This time, upon the world of Aryia, they're sending an entire team. Because things on Aryia have gotten that bad. Because they need that much help.

And your name came up, human. And now here you are as a Pokémon to save the world. Are you ready?

The Hollow Dawn

Serenity Town is under a dark, horrific, and twisted oppression. Many Pokémon have turned up dead, slaughtered, and butchered in demonic ways. Trust is very hard to find among these scared, frightened, and angry Pokémon, unsure of who the murderers are. The townspeople were looking to Adis, a Delphox that was the town priest, for leadership and hope. However, he was killed before he could complete the task of finding and completing his tasks to stop the dark oppression.

Adis's work remains scattered, but a few clues have been found. They know the oppressors call themselves "The Stalkers." Cryptic messages on the walls painted in the blood of the victims proclaims the rise of what is known as the "Twisted Sin," an apocalyptic event of eternal end-days darkness that was once thought to be only a myth of the darkest of fairytales. Strange cultist insignias and symbols have been turning up, and the townspeople fear whoever is trying to incite this evil summoning lives among them in Serenity Town.

Through some dark powers, not even Mew nor the other psychic Pokémon can pierce this infernal darkness to discern the source of this horror. The townspeople also don't trust each other enough to work together to find who the killers are. Caught in an endless loop of accusing each other, there is only one solution. Outsiders have to be called in. The Emissaries. Humans turned to Pokémon to save yet another world from the brink of total destruction.

The Dark Truth

This is what is known:

• There are multiple killers, known as Stalkers. The townspeople don't know how many there are, however.
• Trying to leave Serenity Town seems to be a fatal mistake. The outside perimeter of the town seems to be swallowed up in shadows, and no one can enter or leave. Those that try are enveloped by the darkness and are never seen or heard of again. Memories of those Pokémon also seem to be rapidly forgotten...
• Adis, a priest Delphox, had strong leads to finding the means to destroy the Stalkers. It's possible enough of his work and findings can be found and pieced together.

Objectives

How to win

There are two ways to win the game.

METHOD 1: ASSASSINATE ALL OF THE STALKERS - This involves manually discerning who the Stalkers are out of the list of townsfolk and killing all of them off successfully. Once all of the Stalkers have been killed, your team wins.

METHOD 2: COMPLETE THE RITUAL - This involves piecing together the clues and work of Adis the Delphox. The priest was onto the solution to destroy the Stalkers and their dark magic in one fell swoop, but was killed before he got the chance. If you can piece together his work and complete the ritual, your team wins.

Losing

Your team loses if the Stalkers complete their dark ritual objective, and that is to obtain 20 more kills (a third of Serenity Town's remaining population). Every so often, an innocent civilian on the list will turn up dead and their name will be struck out. This contributes to the Doom Tracker. If your team assassinates the wrong Pokémon in attempting to kill one of the Stalkers, this also contributes to the Doom Tracker. Your team is racing against time in this one.

If a player is responsible for two failed Assassinations, they are removed from the game. Their two wrongful kills still contribute to the Doom Tracker, but their removal from the game does not.

How to Play

On your turn, you can do one of the following. More of this is explained in the section "GAME MECHANICS":

• Search a Location. - There will be a list of locations that have been searched and ones that haven't. What has been found in each location will also be noted.
• Interview a Citizen. - Some citizens have been noticing strange things going on, and talking with them may give possible leads. Some of them may have items to give to you, also.
• Use an Item. - Such as using a key to unlock a door or container or inserting a missing part to a device to make it work again.
• Assassinate a Pokémon - If you're certain you know a Pokémon is guilty of being a Stalker, you can use this action to kill them vigilante style and put an end to their wicked ways.
• Attempt the Ritual - Think you have everything you need to complete Adis's Sin Purge Ritual? If you think you're ready and have everything prepared, you may take this action to attempt it.

You're allowed to make an action as long as you're not waiting for a previous action to be resolved. So for example, if you're searching a barn, you must wait until you get the results of that barn search before you do anything else.

Game Mechanics

Mew has given you the power to search locations undetected, as well as make the Pokémon of Serenity Town believe you're a genuine Pokémon with your new ability to communicate with them.

Searching Locations

If you want to search a location, simply post something like: "Search #1, Town Hall."

My response will be a description of what you find in your search. If you find items, they'll be stated in [] brackets. If you find a locked door or container, or an object of interest, it will be in {} brackets.

Interviewing Citizens

If you want to interview a citizen, simply post something like: "Interview #6 Damkin the Pikachu." You can also add an "about" statement to get a specific response about another citizen or location, such as "Interview #1 Pashner about #2 Police Station" or "Interview #6 Damkin the Pikachu about #17 Dasgin the Alakazam." Interview responses depend upon the character's personality as well as what Pokémon you are.

Using Items

After searching a location, you may find containers or objects of interest that need additional attention, such as a door that's locked. If you have the corresponding key or have an item in the team inventory that you think needs to be used there (all items are shared universally among all players), post something like:

"Use Item [ABC Key] on {ABC Steel Door Lock}" or "Use Item [Triangle Mural Stone Piece] on {Triangle Mural Hole}." If the item fits and belongs there, chances are very good you'll come across something helpful. But if that item wasn't meant to be used there, you'll get a failure message.

You may use multiple items at once in one turn (such as using two keys for two locks on a door), but only at the same location.

Assassinating Pokémon

If you think you've come across enough evidence to discern one of the Stalkers, you can use this command to kill them. You don't even need to explain why or how you got to this conclusion, although talking it over with your peers before doing this is greatly advised. If you're successful, everyone will be made aware of it and you should give yourself a pat on the back. If you're not, your kill of the innocent gets added to the Doom Tracker.

To perform an assassination, all you need to do is use something like this command:

"Assassinate #16 Bessley the Miltank."

If you're correct, your successful Stalker kill will be made aware to all and you'll find additional evidence on the body that confirms they were definitely a Stalker. Also, as you probably already guessed, killing Stalkers does not contribute to the Doom Tracker. But if you're wrong, you're only helping the Stalkers accomplish their objective...

Completing the Ritual

The alternative to assassinating the Stalkers is to complete the ritual that Adis started. This is a safer method that doesn't involve actions that might contribute to the Doom Tracker, but it is more complex and will involve a lot of teamwork and communication.

The only notes that you were able to find state this:

There are SEVEN steps to the Sin Purge Ritual.

STEP 1:
STEP 2:
STEP 3:
STEP 4:
STEP 5:
STEP 6:
STEP 7:

You must fill in the details of each of these seven steps (as long as your descriptions are close, you're good, they don't need to be ultra-accurate to the letter). And the only way you'll find this out is by searching for the notes, items, and clues you need to do it around town. Also, they must be done in the right order.

If you fail the ritual by either not having the right items, missing a step, or something along those lines, you'll just get a failure message, but nothing consequential happens. You'll just need to work things out again, maybe search for something you missed, and just try again.

Serenity Town Map



Each location is numbered on the map. Some locations have a letter, which is a separate, searchable subarea to another location.

(1) Town Hall - Where town administrative tasks are performed. Both Mayor Pashner and his wife Bendra work and live here in the town center.

(2) Police Station - Where Serenity Town law enforcement is carried out. Sheriff Adom and Deputy Zick both work here, trying to keep things under control. However, their investigations haven't turned up much lately.

(3) Verlisa's Treasures Store - A antique/pawn shop run by Verlisa the Glaceon. She lives on the second floor.

(4) The Star Compass Store - A store specializing in maps run by Maft the Braviary. His son, Saren the Rufflet, lives with him on the second floor. Maft's wife, Dari, was one of those killed by the Stalkers.

(5) Serenity Dojo - A training and fitness business run by Dakken the Hitmonlee, who lives on the second floor.

(6) The Silver Moon - A tavern-like restaurant run by Fetcher the Fearow, who runs the business from the first floor, has rooms for rental on the second, and lives with his family on the third.

(7) Serenity Town School - A large school building where Serenity Town's children learn. Several Pokémon work here as teachers.

(8) Serenity Town Library - A large public library with multiple floors.

(9) The Willow Tree Cafe (Abandoned) - A historic town cafe that used to be run by Bensy and Takir, a Farfetch'd married couple, before they were murdered by the Stalkers. Ever since they were killed, the restaurant has gone completely quiet.

(10) Sleepy Valley Apartments - A large apartment complex run by Gloan, the Snorlax landlord. Several Pokémon live here but work elsewhere in town.

(11) Daz's Greenhouse - Daz the Dragonite runs a greenhouse-based nursery here. 11a is the first silo and 11b is the second.

(12) Marche's House - Marche the Zoroark lives here and works as an engineer on a contractual basis.

(13) Dami's Flowerbed - A florist shop run by Dami the Bellossom. Her son, Vam the Oddish, lives here also.

(14) Serenity Town Hospital - A small medical clinic that serves as the hospital for Serenity Town. It is headed by Doctor Rulend the Rampardos.

(15) Sagin's House - Sagin, a retired merchant Camerupt that used to sell hardware tools, lives here.

(16) Serenity Town Performing Arts Center - A large theater building used for parties, shows, performances, and other entertainment venues.

(17) Freeroam Apartment Building - A large apartment building that was owned by Domin, a landlord Vigoroth that was killed by the Stalkers. His tenants still reside here, however.

(18) Casha's Pottery - Casha the Eevee runs a small pottery business in this building selling clay containers, pots, and other similar items. She lives on the second floor.

(19) Doctor Rulend's Home - Rulend the Rempardos lives here alone in this building.

(20) Riverwatch Apartments - A low-income apartment building owned by Kneed the Krookodile, part time landlord and part time loan shark. Most Pokémon that live here aren't doing too well off, and the quality of the apartments reflect that.

(21) Serenity Metalworks - A hardware/blacksmith shop run by Joff the Infernape. His son and wife, Pari and Rem, were killed by the Stalkers.

(22) Srin's House - Srin the Mienshao lives here with his wife, Trinka the Lopunny.

(23) Serenity Town Supermarket - A large grocery store owned by Srin and his wife. It carries a wide variety of foods and functions as a general store as well.

(24) Gillan's Textiles - A fabric and textile store owned by Gillan the Snivy. She lives on the second floor of this circular building.

(25) The Silver Arch Hotel and Casino - A hotel and casino owned by Blak the Zangoose. Rumor has it that some of the town's darker activities happen here, including vigilantism.

(26) Serenity Town Windmill - A windmill used to pump clean water up from underground. No one lives here.

(27) Prat's Farm - Prat the farmer Heliolisk lives here with his wife, Tashy the Furret. 27a is the wheat field.

(28) Dari's House - Dari the Raichu, a successful financial advisor, lives here by herself.

(29) Shawl's Cafe - Shawl the Bibarel runs a cafe here, but it has fallen on hard times. On top of everything else, his only cook and waiter were killed by the Stalkers.

(30) Serenity Town Church - A small cathedral dedicated to the worship of Arceus. The pastor, Priest Adis, was killed by the Stalkers.

(31) Dassy's Workshop - Dassy the Goodra runs a hardware store here, but it hasn't been doing very well. She lives on the second floor.

(32) Voren's Farm - Voren the farmer Marowak lives here. His only son, Savis, was killed by the Stalkers, leaving him to work the field alone. 32a is the farm's corn field.

(33) Drem Residence (Abandoned) - An empty house that has fallen into disrepair.

(34) Sammi's Cafe (Abandoned) - A failed restaurant. No one remembers who Sammi was, either, only that his/her name is still legible on the broken store sign.

(35) Quiet Creek Apartments (Abandoned) - An empty apartment building that has already started to collapse.

(36) Vacant House (Abandoned) - No one in Serenity Town remembers who used to live here, but it hasn't been resided in for many years.

(37) Renner Farm (Abandoned) - This derelict farm hasn't been used in a very long time. 37a is what used to be a cabbage field and 37b is what used to be a vineyard.

(38) Fireplace Inn - Maland the Whimsicott owns and runs this well-kept and welcoming inn.

(39) Adom's Home - Sheriff Adom lives in this circular, metallic house.

(40) Detti's Nursery (Abandoned) - A small childcare that was recently abandoned only recently. No one is quite sure where Detti the Sunflora relocated to.

(41) Jurak's House - Jurak, the principal of the Serenity Town School, lives in this house.

(42) Rustan's House (Abandoned) - Rustan the Charizard, who used to be a retired blacksmith working for Joff, was killed by the Stalkers. It is now vacant but still with all of Rustan's belongings.

(43) Ryne's Farm - Ryne the Floatzel and his wife and daughter, Sharine and Kandi, live here. 43a is the workshop, 43b is the apple orchard, and 43c are the berry patches.

(44) Serenity Town Bank - The bank of Serenity Town, managed by Lablanc, a wealthy Liepard.

(45) Lablanc Mansion - The residence of Lablanc the Liepard. Her husband, Varin, passed away from sickness several years ago, leaving her to inherit the estate and businesses.

(46) Golden Brown Bakery - A popular bakery owned by Clyde the Hawlucha. Clyde makes breads, cakes, pies, and other baked goods. He also lives on the second floor.

(47) The Vordin Mansion (Abandoned) - An abandoned mansion that used to be owned by Vordin, a wealthy Simisear with properties in other towns. No one quite knows why he had to sell everything and flee, but the mansion has been vacant ever since.

(48) Diante's Guild (Abandoned) - An adventure/explorer guild that used to be owned by Diante the Swampert. However, the guild simply couldn't find and earn enough to make a living, and was eventually shut down. It's been vacant for many years now.

(49) Rolodon Apartments - An apartment building that used to be owned by Rolodon the Rhyperior. The building was sold and Rolodon left town, but now the building is inhabited by squatters.

(50) Cyancreek Lake - A small lake on the outskirts of the town. Several Pokémon used to come here to relax or swim, but lately, it's been neglected ever since the Stalkers showed up. Several Pokémon have turned up dead in it...

(51) Greenstone Park - A small community park that has fields for play and park trails. It tends to get very dark at night, however.

Serenity Town Civilians

This is the list of all the civilians in town and who can be interviewed. Civilians that were killed prior to the game start are not included on this list, nor do they count toward the Doom Tracker. When a civilian is killed, their name will be crossed out (in the Standings thread).

1. Pashner the Blastoise
2. Bendra the Garchomp
3. Adom the Magnezone
4. Zick the Jolteon
5. Verlisa the Glaceon
6. Maft the Braviary
7. Saren the Rufflet
8. Dakken the Hitmonlee
9. Fetcher the Fearow
10. Ralice the Fearow
11. Rike the Spearow
12. Kash the Spearow
13. Rodan the Combusken
14. Jurak the Haxorus
15. Sonta the Mandibuzz
16. Rashna the Flaaffy
17. Crain the Gliscor
18. Gloan the Snorlax
19. Samari the Breloom
20. Daz the Dragonite
21. Marche the Zoroark
22. Dami the Bellossom
23. Vam the Oddish
24. Sagin the Camerupt
25. Kile the Staraptor
26. Nashelle the Swellow
27. Jancine the Froslass
28. Dolun the Carracosta
29. Smide the Electabuzz
30. Casha the Eevee
31. Rulend the Rampardos
32. Nulan the Mawile
33. Kneed the Krookodile
34. Joff the Infernape
35. Srin the Mienshao
36. Trinka the Lopunny
37. Cina the Chansey
38. Razen the Jumpluff
39. Talag the Pangoro
40. Gillan the Snivy
41. Blak the Zangoose
42. Namax the Weavile
43. Prat the Heliolisk
44. Tashy the Furret
45. Dari the Raichu
46. Saps the Pachirisu
47. Shawl the Bibarel
48. Dassy the Goodra
49. Voren the Marowak
50. Maland the Whimsicott
51. Senia the Aromatisse
52. Ryne the Floatzel
53. Sharine the Floatzel
54. Kandi the Buizel
55. Lablanc the Liepard
56. Clyde the Hawlucha
57. Mille the Vaporeon
58. Mort the Grumpig
59. Meepa the Meowstic
60. Durn the Palpitoad

Good Luck!

If you have any questions or concerns about the rules, feel free to ask them here. Just note that this isn't the place to declare actions. That will be done in the status and actions thread.

With all that said, enjoy this Halloween event! I put a lot of work into it and I hope you enjoy it!