@Noblejanobii and @ShadowBolt25 if you're discussing whether the followers of the abyss are specifically chosen to have some kind of advantage or resistance to the pokemon they're trying to capture/kill, why not ask that in the ask thread! Admittedly, all the battles so far do not seem to be in the emissaries favour- but part of that is the ability to inflict sanity or purity damage on a hit (even if the hit isnt doing much physical damage).

On the topic of selling gems, I know that @Neo Emolga is strongly advising I dont sell gems- but arnisd has already scavenged us up a couple more. Gems aren't in short supply, really.
The main thing that makes me think they're not as useful is the energy and action time it takes to make them into useful objects. Breaking it down;

--Firstly, we have to buy blueprints for something we want, with a gem slot. ((Nobody seems keen to look that stuff up, and we have been confused about the forge rules at least twice in this game so far, which causes us to lose precious action time.))
--Then, we have to convince someone with forge to essentially give up their action in order to make a SINGLE EQUIPMENT ITEM. ((Yes, only one piece of equipment at a time. We cant go on a spree. If our two living current forgers used all their turns only forging equipment, it would still be 8 action cycles- four days, four deaths, until each emissary had something to wear or use. We cant waste time like that! Pokemon are out there dying!))
--Then, that single item, which at best gives what, a -3 to physical damage? And could make supereffective attacks normal effectiveness (as with the rainbow gem Neo doesnt want me to sell) is STILL NOT ENOUGH.
Why? Because even if you take no physical damage from a hit, you'll be taking sanity and purity damage. You literally need to be covered in one way or another from ALL types of damage- and not a single piece of equipment, even with a gem in it, can do that.

That is my logic in not asking anyone to make armor yet, and not sending Lillian to do it either. Eating a berry is a free action, covers you against all damage types for two turns, and only costs $100sp. How many more turns will this game have? Does anyone really want to use up all their time staying at home making equipment, or do you want to get out there and get the ritual underway?
I know what I choose!

But, of course, if someone IS planning to make equipment, let me know so I dont sell out the materials from underneath you. I respect if people want to do it, but I think berries are quicker, cheaper, and more effective.