akadeos

[akadeos]

The Next Evolution

Venturing through the mines of Armorra Town yields pretty familiar results. Sonats fly thoughout the cave, Armyde laze across your way, and various other common mons and trainers act as a break from the relatively quiet mines.

Eventually, you talk to some of the miners, and they mention that the Gym Leader who founded Team Decept as a deterrence method actually grew up in some of these mines, and that he established unions to help protect the rights of his fellow man and mon. Seems like a nice guy all things considered.

But as you venture into the other side, your Starter starts... changing? What's this?

Congrats. Your Starter has evolved into....

HOTASAUR - The Fighting Fire Pokemon. Its armor has hardened into a rough-and-tumble hide that offers better protection against the hardest blows. Some might say it has grown more sensitive to its flames, but it fights on regardless.

TRIBUTATE - The Pleasant Rapids Pokemon. Their calming presence remains much the same, but when forced to fight they prove to be powerful opponents. Even the most cowardly Pokemon feel a need to stand up for themselves when this little angel arrives.

LEAFURY - The Forest Fighter Pokemon. Once powered by exuberance, Leafury has developed a stronger and sturdier body. By unlocking their natural power, they have obtained a new range of power that makes them worthy adversaries.

Now that you have unlocked new evolutions for your starters, you are ready to blow through this mine and onto the next leg of your journey-

"Oh, hey, it's you!"

"Got a bit of an upgrade last time we crossed paths. Ready for a rematch?"

You indulge her, and ultimately win. She congratulates you on your own evolution as a trainer, and snarks that "maybe you'll be a challenge after all."

As she departs, you notice another trainer watching the battle, but before you can interact with them they too depart.

And so you venture out of the mines...

[akadeos]

Harder Than Steel

Well traveler, it seems you managed to braved the dark caves and braved the rock solid Pokemon that reside there… not to mention the Zubat that nest within. But after many hard fought battles and a lot of antidotes, you’ve finally made to the iron walls of your next destination.

The hum of great metal machines fill the air as you see many belts and mechanisms ferrying ore from the cave you’ve just left behind. The cold steel and humming machines certainly are a stark contrasts from the cities you’ve seen in the past, but there’s certainly a sign of cheer among the townsfolk as they make their way to their work.

But what’s this? The entrance on the other side of the town is blocked. A kind individual informs you that to break through you’ll need the Hidden Machine Rock Smash. Thankfully, this helpful guy gives you said machine, but informs you that to use it in the field you’ll have to beat the local Gym Leader. Yes, it is rather odd that they won’t break the rocks with the heavy machinery they clearly have, but hey, you were going to the gym anyway.

“So you think your Pokemon can get through my ironclad defenses? You are surely mistaken.”

Tray’s team focus on high defense Pokemon like Shieldon, as well as pair of Pokemon you might’ve seen deep in the caves on your way to Armorra.

Sonat - The Cyber Bat Pokemon. While it may look like Sonat fly with their wings,they in fact project sonic wave’s to levitate off the ground. Mischievous, it has been recorded that groups of Sonat will congregate outside people’s houses and play loud noises akin to music

Armyde - The Armored Hide Pokemon. A typically docile Pokemon, despite their incredibly durable armor, Armyde are known for avoiding conflict where they can. On occasion though, Armyde have been noted to have gone into a frenzy when strengthened beyond their normal limits.

In spite of facing stalwart Pokemon that are capable of taking many hits, you still prevail.

“It seems even my steely grit and my Pokemon’s heavy armor were still not enough to overcome you. Well done, you’ve earned this.”

With the ability to use rock smash in the field now obtained, you break the rocks blocking your path and move on towards your next challenge…

[akadeos]

Lies and Deceptions

Well, young traveler, you have just taken your first step in the Gym Challenge. Some say you have seven more, and seven more you will attempt. That's the way things go, though you have yet to know why.

Of course, as an observer, you must continue to look forward, and see what awaits you... Such as the two strange people currently blocking your path out of town.

"Hello there, young traveler, heard you were looking for some battles. Allow us to indulge you."

You fight through these two strangers one by one, observing that they are using relatively common Pokemon, ranging from Rattatas to Spearows. But the real strange part is that after you beat the last one, they outright congratulate you.

As it turns out, their so-called Team Decept is in an of itself a Deception. One of the gym leaders has set up an elaborate Live Action Role Play to make a team of elite trainers that not only provide additional challenge to any trainer looking for trouble but also to act as a barrier for any group of hooligans looking to steal folk's pets to sell on the black market or blow up the world or something.

Shrugging off this strange new bit of information, you travel on your way, facing down more and more trainers and Pokemon. Along the way, you observe some new species...

PIKACHU - The Mouse Pokemon - Although a popular mascot Pokemon due to its charming features and its usage among some of the more notable trainers, Pikachu is regarded as a menace by the people of Akadeos. Instead of the lightining-bolt shape of other areas, the Pikachu of Akadeos have turned their tail into a conductor-type weapon.

STREAKAT - The Street Cat Pokemon - Alongside the typical electric typing, Streakat comes in a variety that is considerably more rough and tumble. This version can psychically harden the hairs on their arms to augment their own claws, earning them the nickname of the Swipe Type.

ORLION - The Star Gazer Pokemon - quiet and polite, Orlion are always seeking out new knowledge. It is said if they ever develop the spine necessary to stand up for themselves, they could be the greatest fighter of all.

KIRLIA - The Determination Pokemon - Long outgrowing their need to rule, the Kirlia of the Akadeos Region are still dominating in their fights. For reasons unknown, they seem to despise fighting types, with Orlion commonly driven from their territory by a less-than-reasonable Kirlia.

Charmed by the wildlife, you venture on, wondering what awaits you in the next area - new Pokemon? New trainers? More of those "Decept" Conmen?...Wait. Decept Conmen... something about that phrase sounds very familiar... oh well.

[akadeos]

Storm's Raging

You, dear traveler, have faced the perils of the forest - massive bugs, even bigger bears, and forest raiding mountain people - but now you have escaped into another area. One that civilization has made its own.

You've spent your life in a city much like this, but hardly so advanced. As you round every corner, the power of technology here is infinite, and the power of electric energy evident. This becomes exemplified when a ghost manages to invade your phone!

Now that you're stuck with a phone that can make snippy comments whenever it suits them, you get to hear it blabber on about the local Pokemon Gym and the challenges that await you. You decide, of course, to tackle the Gym head-on because you came here to learn about the relationship between people and Pokemon, and that seems like a good place to start.

"I might not be the official leader of this gym, but I've got enough juice in my battery to give you a challenge, dude."

In addition to his finishing Pokemon Zebstriker (who might seem a bit overleveled for this gym ngl) he's equipped with two Pokemon you might've seen around town while your phone was possessed, but only now is it bothering to identify them...

QUAKEETLE - The Tremor Pokemon. This seemingly mechanical fella can seem cool and calculating on the surface but don't be fooled. They can be easily bonded to people but have a tough time going it alone.

STREAKAT - The Street Cat Pokemon. This fabulous feline takes great pride in its appearance, making themselves prim and proper whenever they can. When their perfectly coiffed hair spikes are messed up, Streakat can unleash powerful electrical shocks upon the offender.

New faces, admittedly, but ultimately you triumph in the end.

"Well, kid, here's a stamp of approval."

And with that, you're part of the Gym Challenge now, and you're likely going to face down the most powerful trainers out there... Good luck, young traveler!

[akadeos]

Out of Town, Into the Woods

As you, the daring young traveler venture out into the Pokemon World, you must first overcome three great challenges.

Number one, the old people who keep insisting to explain to you how Pokeballs work despite you having grown up with them being essential to your way of life. "It's all in the wrist" they keep going on.

Number two, some girl who's been stalking the edge of town waiting for some inexperienced kid to rough up. And you're looking wildly inexperienced.

"You must be the new Pokemon Trainer that old Prof Max is sending out to find out what makes a trainer a trainer. Let me save you some time - battle is what makes a trainer a trainer, and what makes a wimp a wimp. So, you ready for your first taste of the Pokemon Trainer lifestyle?"

Her first Pokemon just happens to be the one that yours doesn't have a counter for. Granted, all her Pokemon happens to know in this time is a weak tackle and swiping its tail, so you're about evenly matched. So your first battle is less a battle of wills with the power of the elements at your very grasp, and more two adorable animals pawing at each other until one falls over.

She doesn't get a chance to pull out her second before the Professor steps in. Through the dialogue you hear, you learn that Sari is another member of the professor's studies, but her admitted lack of initiative may be skewing results. After apologizing for her lack of commitment, she hands over two of her Pokemon, the starters you haven't fought yet, and promises to try harder to earn them back.

After she departs, you decide to head into the woods, and soon encounter your third challenge - the wildlife.

These woods are filled with relatively common creatures from other regions - your standard pidgeys and pidoves, rattatas and zigzagoons (both normal and dark varieties), and the occasional ursaring using a tree as a scratching post. You could try to catch one of these intriguing little com-mons, but there are other options within these woods as well if you look hard enough.

ROCKRUFF - the Puppy Pokemon. Although initially hailing from the Alola Islands, the Rockruff population exploded upon introduction to the Akadeos region, to the point where some region purists consider them a pest species. In spite of their now less than noble attitudes, they still are considered favorable friends to those who need them.

RALTS - The Feeling Pokemon. Small in stature but high in attitude, the Ralts of the Akadeos region often attempt to gather groups of Pokemon together under their command. Nobody's sure of the purposes why, but it has been stated that Ralts that have gathered groups have been known to compete with other groups of Pokemon for resources.

PICHU - The Tiny Mouse Pokemon. Although commonly thought cute around the Pokemon World, especially in its evolved form, the Pichu is commonly considered by the Akadean People as a menace, They often herd around electrical sources to build up power, which can cause havoc for electrical systems.

Now that you've developed a strong team of tiny furry animals, birds, and the odd bug, you must face the wildlife.

And to be clear, we're not talking about the Pokemon, for groups of young Pokemon trainers have gotten lost in these woods and set up crude societies with an economy based on beating up Pokemon trainers who have ventured into these woods and stealing whatever supplies they happen to have. Luckily, you are not most of these trainers - you came prepared for a fight...

[akadeos]

Introductions in Order

Ah, hello. It seems like you've finally arrived. Some might say the early bird gets the worm. I say that everything works in concert - if the bird wakes too late to get the worm, the worm will thrive and provide for others later. So in a way, your timing benefits someone no matter when it happens.

Well, seeing as we're only meeting formally now, allow me to introduce myself.

I know it's a bit odd for a professor to use Mister instead of Doctor, but I like to maintain a level of familiarity outside of formal titles.

As for us, I suppose it's about time we learned about our mission here today. As some of you are no doubt aware, we live in a world of simple pleasures, amazing discoveries... and strange beings we call Pokemon.

They act as companions for us, helping us in our everyday lives or fighting on our behalf. Many professors have made names for themselves studying the amazing nature of these beings, with new discoveries found every day, in some corner of the world. But perhaps the most ironically overlooked aspect of our world is how we as people interact with them. That is what I chose to study.

And that is why you are here.

You, the most typical person around here, will travel the region, facing every trainer you encounter and discovering the dynamic we have with our sometimes-pocket-sized companions. For compensation in this difficult task, you will be provided two things -

first, a specially designed application for your telecommunications device known as the Akadeos Pokemon Index, which will provide useful information for every Pokemon you encounter.

And second, a starting companion to provide extra security on your journey, as per standard Pokemon Professor guidelines.

SHOTILE - The Firestarter Pokemon, a reptilian species that shoots fire from finger-mounted ports. The strange golden armor upon its body is a natural growth, and its shine indicates good health.

MOISTATE - The Calm Waters Pokemon, a kind of humanoid fish that keeps all beings around it tranquil. It is a friendly sort, willing to interact with even the most dangerous beings.

ROOTAPPER - The Greenhorn Pokemon, a large pine martin-type who will valiantly stand up to any foe it can. Legend has it that they can use the natural energies of the environment around them to enhance its blows.

Good luck, young trainer, and I wish you well on your journey.