Stalkers RPG Main Action and Team Status [SEASON 4]

[HorusMyDude]

Aw hell, looks like we out ourselves a rescue mission. Ah'm right behind ya, Yris!

Action: Learn Rescue/Escape from Bixas the Pinsir, then use that to go on the hunt to get our friend back.

[Suicune's Fire]

Lillian has missed her check in... I fear the stalkers may have gotten to her.

We must form a search party to find our missing comerade at once! I shall lead the way!

[Learn Rescue/Escape from Bixas the Pinsir, then use it to start a rescue mission for Lillian.]

Aw hell, looks like we out ourselves a rescue mission. Ah'm right behind ya, Yris!

Action: Learn Rescue/Escape from Bixas the Pinsir, then use that to go on the hunt to get our friend back.

The two of you speak mid-morning after hearing rumours of something happening to a lopunny in town. After realising that Lillian did not return for her check-in, you begin to grow more concerned, and the two of you decide to investigate the matter. You both learn that sometimes, when pokémon lose consciousness for one reason or another, they are kidnapped by Stalkers. The news is highly alarming, and triggers a need for action from both of you. You talk to one another before deciding to take matters into both sets of hands, and head off to find Bixas, the pinsir that Carly had spoken to recently.

The bug-type is training at the training grounds, as expected, heavy plates of armour donning his body. He notices the towering form of Yris walk in, then Old Lace, who might be smaller, but whose muscles are striking anywhere. Bixas greets the both of you, unable to take his awe-filled eyes of either of you as you stand before him and explain your predicament. However, he is a professional pokémon, and he hears your issues loud and clear, and leads you through to a courtyard less populated by the townsfolk and other travellers. You both get constant looks, but barely regard the passersby as you focus on the task at hand.

Abruptly, Bixas stops, pivots, and begins to explain the basics of learning how to rescue someone effectively. Then, he calls upon some volunteers, including an Alolan sandslash, and demonstrates different kidnapping scenarios. The two of you take in the information, nodding along, asking questions, and then perform certain manoeuvres and tasks yourself to put your skills into practice. After a few hours of training, the pinsir seems satisfied with your efforts and loudly announces to both of you the success you have reached.

Yris the Ultra-Necrozma and Old Lace the Buzzwole have both learned Rescue/Escape!

With your skills honed and your lessons learned, the two of you depart Bixas' training arena and head out into the open town. The stretch of ochre-coloured dusty ground seems to jeer at you, concealing the secret of Lillian's location. A breeze blows through, gently moving antennae and wingtips as you both glare off into the distance.

You don't know where Lillian is, but you're going to find out if it's the last thing you do.


Yris the Ultra-Necromza (L: Psychic/Dragon)

Health: 12/12| Sanity: 8/8 | Purity: 8/8
Battle Stance: Fight
Perk: Medicine | Abilities: Rescue/Escape
Trait: Resourceful

Old Lace the Buzzwole (L: Bug/Fighting)

Health: 12/12 | Sanity: 8/8 | Purity: 8/8
Battle Stance: Fight
Perk: Diplomacy | Abilities: Escort/Protect, Rescue/Escape
Trait: Stealthy

[Scytherwolf]

Welp, I'm outta time, so I guess I'll just rest to restore purity before I figure out what to do next.

[Suicune's Fire]

Welp, I'm outta time, so I guess I'll just rest to restore purity before I figure out what to do next.

Although you feel mostly fine, you aren't too sure what to do with the rest of your day, and you end up spending most of it indoors to restore the rest the remainder of the spiritual wounds you feel.

Carly the Yanmega restores 2 points to Purity.

You wake feeling completely rested, but notice that the sun is still up. You ponder about what else you could do to pass the time, and decide that perhaps it might be an idea to sort the Team Inventory. You spend some time categorising, ensuring not to touch the items that your companions previously mentioned were trapped.

Carly the Yanmega has sorted the Inventory.

You compare some of the items you have with the locations that you and your companions have helped to discover, and realise a few things:

{Hole-Ridden Togepi Statue: Glowing Puncture x3, Dagger Slot x1} requires 1 more pointed item, likely a weapon, and 1 bought or forged dagger to open.

{Gem-Encrusted Chest: Medallion Slots x3} requires 1 more medallion, which you believe Imeida the kangaskhan to be in possession of.

{Fountain Mosaic Indents: Six Missing Patches} requires 3 more skin patches.

After making notes of all these things, you realise that the sun is beginning to set, and feel ready to move on to a nighttime task. And, now that the inventory has been categorised, you feel confident that finding things and keeping track of new items will be a whole lot easier.


Carly the Yanmega (L: Bug/Flying)

Health: 12/12 | Sanity: 8/8 | Purity: 8/8
Battle Stance: Flee
Perk: Technical
Trait: Nimble

[Suicune's Fire]

Good to see my diplomatic words were of use, but ow. Poor Goldeen must have had that ring gnawing at them for quite some time. I hope they're able to rest well.

Proceeding forward, there's only one underwater location to search remaining. As I'm already using this somewhat uncomfortable aqua-gear, I shall take the opportunity to search b(31b) apartments 11-20 of Harmony's hideaway.

With the aqua gear equipped, you make your way back to the Yellowback Lake and wade in, hoping this will be one of the last times you'll be required to wear the somewhat uncomfortable gear. It takes you a while to swim over to Harmony's Hideaway, but once you see it in sight, you make your way directly to the main entrance and head on inside. You go directly to the third floor, beginning to look through some of the apartments, and make your way into the ones that are a little more difficult to access. Once that floor is done, you proceed to the highest floor and begin searching. It doesn't look like you are making much progress until you find what appears to be an abandoned apartment, the door open slightly. Curious, you head inside.

The apartment is empty, and curiously, the floor is layered with thick sand. You wonder if the previous tenant requested this, or perhaps this apartment is catered towards specific individuals who prefer sand floors. You search all the rooms here, but the only thing you come across seems to be a treasure chest under a mound of sand. When you finish brushing it all aside, careful not to catch any grains in your breathing apparatus, you note that it has one way in: some kind of large opening for a key.

{Hidden Treasure Chest: Jagged Hole} was noted in the Team Records.

You don't think that you'll be able to open this now, so you leave it alone and search the remaining apartments for anything interesting. Again you find some splinters, but nothing interesting beyond that.

Added $35 SP$ to Adrian's Inventory.

After finishing up your search, you head back out of the apartment building and begin to swim back to the surface.


Adrian Aylian the Lucario (M: Fighting/Steel)

Health: 9/10 | Sanity: 8/8 | Purity: 8/10
Battle Stance: Fight
Perk: Diplomacy
Trait: Resourceful

[Suicune's Fire]

I'll just question 55. Miyanta the Araquanid

Interview Rapport: POSITIVE, INTIMIDATING
+1 Shared evolution stage
+Intimidation: Electric > Water

After the sun has risen and you have tried to cleanse your mind of the blood writing you saw at the crime scene earlier, you make plans to interview Miyanta, who is the araquanid who owns and runs the Glaring Spider restaurant in town. You make your way over to the Glaring Spider, hoping she will be there, and find that the restaurant is closed in the morning, but the bug and water-type can be seen milling around inside. You open the door slightly, catching her attention immediately.

"Sorry, we're closed," she begins, but you quickly introduce yourself and explain that you are there to ask her some very important questions. She gives you a quizzical look. "Oh, really? Um..." She looks around a little. "I suppose I have some time. Please...come in." She crawls over to you and holds the door open with one of her enormous legs and you walk in, only about half her height. Despite this, she seems notably wary of you, and you wonder if it's because of your type.

You assume a nonthreatening seated position near the reception desk and explain vaguely what you and your companions are doing in town, but try to give her enough information that she does not find you suspicious. She seems to accept what you say, nodding along occasionally as she stands a few metres from you.

"I...I'm sorry, but...now really isn't a good time. Urvanine was...my waiter. My only waiter. My previous one...Lachli...was also killed by the Stalkers." You can see that she looks genuinely upset, and you wonder if the nidorino's sudden death is the cause for her presence in her restaurant so early in the day--perhaps she is trying to figure out how to proceed. Her breathing gets louder as you can see emotion beginning to take her, but it's impossible to tell if she's shedding tears based on the fact that a bubble of water encapsulates her head. "Urvanine was a great pokémon. He didn't have enemies as far as I knew... It's...horrible news."

She shakes her head, then turns around and walks a few paces. She turns back, walks towards you, and then, very clearly undecided with how to act, backs up a few paces. She apologises again and resigns to standing still.

"Um...I'm not sure what else I can help with. I know a lot of the residents in town, but I'm not friends with most of them. I'm closest with Willow, who is my son's teacher. She is just lovely. I-I also deal with some of the others in hospitality, like Terr. They're a little self-righteous, but not a bad pokémon by any accounts. Yurtag has been...very aggressive to me in the past, because I wouldn't hire him as a chef, but I don't think he's capable of...of..." She pauses, trying not to choke up, and starts again. "What I'm saying is, I can acknowledge that we all came from different places, and we all have a unique story. I cannot judge others because I do not know what they have been through." Miyanta uses one of her legs to fiddle with a chair as she speaks. "I just hope...m-my son will be okay. If something happened to him, I'd... Well, I don't want to think about it. Besides, he's strong."

You rack your brain for a dewpider on the list, but you don't think there is one. You wonder to whom she's referring, until she sees it on your face and clarifies.

"Oh, sorry--Rachta. Something...happened to his parents a while ago and I adopted him. He had no guidance, and, well, I hoped to provide him with some. You know--he's an intelligent boy, and he probably knows more about what goes on in town than I do. When he's not at school, he enjoys spending time at Jeek and Zundy, so you might be able to find him there. Perhaps he has a...clearer head than I."

She sighs, clearly anxious, and has a look of remorse on her face. "I'm sorry, but I really need to get back to things. I have a lot to...sort out. Thank you for speaking with me. I hope I was helpful."


Arrow the Jolteon (M: Electric)

Health: 10/10 | Sanity: 8/8 | Purity: 10/10
Battle Stance: Flee
Perk: Security
Trait: Nimble

[Suicune's Fire]

Mistee will investigate the murder of Urvanine.

You head to the scene of the murder shortly after Arrow left, finding the body of Urvanine the nidorino covered by a cloth. You can see immediately that it used to be white, but is now soaked through with blood. The smell gets stronger as you head in closer, then tear off the cloth to reveal a body completely stripped of its skin.

Your stomach knots as you stare, taken aback by what your eyes are taking in. You wish you didn't have to do this, but it's unfortunately necessary if you wish to identify the killer, and you begin to investigate the body. Based on the skinned body alone, you can deduce that the Stalker Gravemeld is responsible for this kill, and it did not care to show mercy of any kind. While examining the body, you are able to determine that the Stalker stripped Urvanine of his skin while he was still alive, as there are signs of a struggle. It does not appear as if the Stalker left anything else on the body, and you guess that the cause of death is very likely a combination of shock, blood loss, and an inability for his body to continue functioning. It's a horrible sight to behold, and you use one of your vines to drag the cloth back over his body as quickly as you can before turning away.

{Urvanine's Body: <Technical>}

As you close your eyes to try to flush your mind of the visage burning itself into your memory, you can only imagine the pain and suffering the nidorino victim sustained during the process, not to mention the fear and knowledge that there was no way out. You only wish that you can put a stop to the Stalkers before they make another kill...but know that it might take some time before you can even identify them.

Knowing there is nothing further you can do here, you depart the scene and make a point to find a way to notify Shilamora as your companions did with the first victim one night before.

[Suicune's Fire]

And if that's a free action, she'll also interview 71. Fikl the Snover.

Interview Rapport: VERY POSITIVE, MODEST
+1 Shared evolution stage
+1 Shared type (Grass)
+Modesty: Grass < Ice

It takes you a while to locate Fikl, but eventually find him on the first floor of the Keep. He is cleaning away as you approach him and make yourself known. The snover turns to you and, eyes wide, seems simultaneously interested and uninvolved. Once he realises that you're addressing him and nobody else, he looks somewhat surprised.

"Well, hey there," he begins, his voice deep and his speech slow. He sits his broom aside and extends a bushy hand. You use one of her vines to shake it. "You're...looking for me?"

You explain why you are there, and that you wish to speak with him to discuss anything suspicious he has seen of late, or anyone he thinks has been acting strangely.

"I don't think so?" he says, cluelessness written all over his face. "I think Fri's a little presumptuous, bless her heart. She keeps telling me Orin's dangerous, but I've been working with him for years and he's always been nice to me. Personally, I think he's just a little sick of Shilamora bossing him around." He whispers the last part, an expression of quiet enjoyment on his face as he does so. "I think they really need to sit down with a pot of tea and work out their differences." He gives you a placid smile.

You ask him about what other people think of Orin, and of any instances that he was cruel or unreasonable. Fikl makes a prolonged thoughtful sound as he stares at the ceiling. You find yourself staring at it as well, wondering what exactly has taken his attention, only to find that he's not looking at anything in particular.

"I mean, one time he made he do overtime without pay, but...apologised the next day with some pastries. You know, pastries are the best." His eyes brighten. "Do you want some pastries?"

You politely decline, then ask if there is anything further he could possibly help you with. He thinks a moment.

"Not that I can think of. There was a weird box delivered to Shilamora this morning; it's up in her quarters. And, uh, my buddy Rachta found some weird thing the other day. Maybe you could ask him about it?" He shrugs a little. "And, oh, I found this!" He heads into a side door and comes out with an orb of some kind. "I want you to have it. Maybe it can help somehow."

[Adrenaline Orb] was added to Mistee's Inventory.

You thank him for the orb, and ask him if there are any last things he can offer you. He can't think of any, so you thank Fikl for his time and begin to head out. He mentions that you can come by any time.


Mistee the Bulbasaur (M: Grass/Poison)

Health: 10/10 | Sanity: 8/8 | Purity: 10/10
Battle Stance: Flee
Perk: Technical
Trait: Charming

[Suicune's Fire]

RESCUE MISSION INITIATED: Lillian the Lopunny.

As the day descends into night, you, Yris, and you, Old Lace, manage to follow the threads relating to Lillian’s kidnap, and finally track down the location at which you believe the Stalker is hiding her: right near Salvage Keep Library. You know that this location has been cased already, but upon following everything that has led you here, you determine that this has to be the right place.

Old Lace unsheathes his wings and shoots up into the air to get a better vantage point. Yris, meanwhile, has a great view of the land already, being twenty-four feet tall. The two of you spot a strange-looking hole in the ground beside the mysterious impenetrable shack discovered by Old Lace a few days back, and immediately move to investigate it. You determine that this must lead to where the kidnapper took Lillian, so the both of you fly in. Being the species you are, the both of you have a little trouble fitting without some wiggling, but eventually both come out into a small cavern with multiple connecting tunnels.

You remain still and listen for any sounds, and you both catch a hint of something, then begin to move through one of the tunnels in the direction of the sounds. The closer you come to the sound, the louder it gets, and you begin to hear hushed whispers, clinking of tools, and other strange sounds. You creep towards the sound, presuming you’re hearing the Stalker wander around and perform tasks in preparation for whatever it has planned for Lillian, and endeavour to be as quiet as you possibly can be.

Old Lace rolls Stealth: 44%. Stealthy bonus +25% = 69%

Yris rolls Stealth: 20%.

Eventually the two of you come to a large open area with a holding cell positioned in the corner. Across from the cell, you see a cloaked figure working away at a bench, and immediately the smell of rot hits you. As you look out across the cavern, you can spot hunks of flesh, bits of skin, and splashes of blood in a few places. This, to you, looks like the work of Gravemeld, and you both stare at the cloaked figure, wondering if this figure could indeed by the Stalker Gravemeld.

All at once the figure suddenly turns, piercing, glowing eyes glaring in your direction as the two of you attempt to keep yourselves hidden. Old Lace, you are as stealthy as you expect, being naturally evasive and good at hiding, and understanding how to easily stick to the shadows. Yris, however, finds it difficult to conceal the enormous glowing wings protruding from your body, and the Stalker hisses as it sees your wingtip and constant radiance of light.

Suddenly the cloaked figure grows long tentacle legs composed of shadow, and it scrambles towards you, hissing, spurting, and exuding masses of disturbing shadows and accompanying sounds. Old Lace takes this opportunity to rush straight past the oncoming monstrosity and bolt towards the barred confinement that Lillian rests in, drawing back an enormous, muscly arm before launching it into the bars, bending them on impact. You can see that your lopunny companion is still unconscious but looks relatively untouched, and you tentatively determine that she has not been tortured, but you imagine that had she remained any longer, she would have been.

You see something beside her in the cell and, somehow knowing it's important, reach down and pocket it quickly.

=Strange Code Key= was noted in the team Records.

The Stalker launches itself at you, Yris, conjuring hundreds of shadow-comprised razor blades and stabbing you in various places around your ethereal body. At the same time that you can feel the stabbing and gashing, you feel like this is somehow not physically wounding you, even though you can feel every ounce of pain electrifying you with each touch. You attempt to fight back, but the Stalker is elusive, weaving aside as you attempt to strike it while it emanates a sadistic squeal of laughter each time, only to then stab you another time. Your mind descends into a state of panic as you come to terms with the fact that you are subject to this Stalker’s mind-rending games and horrible torture, yet you are not able to land a single hit back.

Yris the Ultra Necrozma suffers 6 points of Purity damage.

The pain feels like it will never end, and just when you’re beginning to think that you might not have much stamina left to keep going, you watch as the Stalker is assaulted from behind, and it stumbles forward multiple paces. In a split second, you exchange a look with Old Lace that tells you to grab Lillian and run, so that’s exactly what you do, soaring towards the unconscious body of your lopunny friend on the tunnel floor. You scoop her up and turn around, watching as your buzzwole companion pulls back an arm and thrusts it into the Stalker’s midsection.

Old Lace, after prompting Yris to grab Lillian and flee, you attempt to distract the Stalker, making contact by landing a hit on it and allowing an opening. You take the opportunity to pivot and fly towards your companion, who has already turned around and is heading for the exit. Yris, being ahead of you, does not feel the impact of the final shadowy projectile launched by the Stalker at you in an effort to hinder you. It eats into your back, and elicits a small grunt from you.

Old Lace the Buzzwole suffers 2 points of Purity damage.

After taking the minor hit, you scoff at its minimal effect and continue onwards. Right before you disappear further into the tunnel and out of the being's sight, you look back over your shoulder and reach up, giving a condescending tip of your cowboy hat as the form of the Stalker thrashes furiously and releases stream after stream of otherworldly howls and shrieks.

The two of you burst from the tunnel opening, attempting to kick as much loose dirt and earth back down into the hole as you can before taking off straight towards the clubhouse. The sun has set at this point, but you’re confident you’ll make it back quickly. Once you land at the clubhouse, adrenaline still kicking you in the chest, you set down Lillian and briefly inspect her wounds.

Yris, you, with your medical knowledge, manage to bring her back to consciousness, and Lillian murmurs some words as she rouses, rubbing her eyes with the back of her hand. You and Old Lace breathe a sigh of relief, satisfied with your conjoined efforts.

Yris the Ultra Necrozma restores 1 point of Health to Lillian the Lopunny.

You brief your companions on your successful rescue mission, letting them know where you found the makeshift prison and who you think may have captured her. The only thing you’re unclear on is why this Stalker in particular captured her, but you cannot be sure if it was random, or potentially related to either the medallion around the kangaskhan’s neck, or the fact that the previous night’s kill was committed by Gravemeld.

One thing is for sure: Lillian is safe again, and the two of you just survived a Stalker attack.

Lillian the Lopunny has been rescued by Old Lace the Buzzwole and Yris the Ultra Necrozma!

Yris the Ultra Necrozma (L: Psychic/Dragon)

Health: 12/12| Sanity: 8/8 | Purity: 2/8
Battle Stance: Fight
Perk: Medicine | Abilities: Rescue/Escape
Trait: Resourceful

Old Lace the Buzzwole (L: Bug/Fighting)

Health: 12/12 | Sanity: 8/8 | Purity: 6/8
Battle Stance: Fight
Perk: Diplomacy | Abilities: Escort/Protect, Rescue/Escape
Trait: Stealthy

Lillian the Lopunny (M: Normal)

Health: 1/10 | Sanity: 8/8 | Purity: 10/10
Battle Stance: Fight
Perk: Diplomacy
Trait: Lucky

[Suicune's Fire]

Verde, Truly, Sam and Brass are feeling notably tired, so each of you rest up for the day, hoping to be ready to go for the nighttime.

Verde the Leafeon is restored to full Health, Sanity, and Purity.

Verde the Leafeon (M: Grass)

Health: 10/10| Sanity: 8/8 | Purity: 10/10
Battle Stance: Flee
Perk: Diplomacy
Trait:

Sam the Deerling restores 4 points of Health.

Sam the Deerling (S: Grass)

Health: 8/8| Sanity: 8/8 | Purity: 10/12
Battle Stance: Flee
Perk: Medicine
Trait: Nimble

When the sun sets, each of you are feeling completely healed, with the exception of Sam, whose spirits are still a little down. However, you all soon witness Old Lace and Yris arrive at the clubhouse and revive Lillian. They relay to you and the rest of the group what happened, and the things they discovered.