Jory

"Routes of Hazzard!"- Jason Gomez quickly followed Apollo up to his branch, flashing a sly grin to his Trainer. The green reptile was finally in his environment. Today, he was the hunter and the Patrat were his prey. The Sceptile line owned the forests, and Gomez was going to make sure that all the Patrats knew who was boss when it came to fighting in the trees. Jason and Alecks walked off into the forest, their Pokemon scouting ahead in the tree branches as they began the search for Lana and Leonidas in earnest. "So, Alecks, what made you pick Chimchar?" the new Trainer asked his companion curiously. Rascal listened intently from his Trainer's shoulder as he gazed vigilantly around, making sure no Patrats snuck up on them.

My only reason for asking is that we've been called veteran Trainers, so I was curious as to whether we start as Veteran levels (30ish).

This seems like an interesting concept. How strong are the starter Pokemon (rough level estimate)?

"Routes of Hazzard!"- Jason The new Trainer laughed at his own stupidity, smacking himself on the forehead. "Right, right! Thanks for reminding me, Katie," he said with his usual grin. His Treecko simply shook his head, seriously doubting whether his Trainer's head was ever anywhere except the battlefield. Jason followed Mio's cue, reducing the volume and brightness on his XTransceiver before continuing. He then turned to Mio, flashing the Trainer a smile. "Hey man, that was some great insight! I think you're definitely right about the look-outs and scouts, but we shouldn't be too worried about an attack. After all we just showed them that even when they have numbers over us, we're still strong enough to defeat them!" He put his hand on his chin, looking lost in thought for a moment. "Hmm... That gives me an idea. The Patrat will probably be guarding the food and their den, right? So if anything, we should be looking for their scouts and guards! "Still, our first priority needs to be finding Lara and Leonidas. Without Jack there to lead them, they'll have a tough time against those Patrat! So let's go!" he said enthusiastically, taking the group's first steps toward where Lara and Leonidas went. "Good luck to ya!" Sherry called from behind the group. "An' remember, them Patrat are strong in groups! Be careful!" She sighed heavily and sat back in the driver's seat, looking off after the new Trainers.

I actually hadn't planned for this, but there is a Loot system for rarer Items. You can also trade them with your teammates! Additionally, Gligar will be found in a mountainous environment. Figure it out yourself I'm also now accepting requested Pokemon for Chapter 2. Shoot me a list of 5 that you'll be wanting on Route 2 or Striation Gardens and the Dreamyard.

"Routes of Hazzard!"- Jason The truck driver laughed off a light blush as she realized she hadn't even introduced herself to the people who were helping here. "Oh, dangit! I was so riled up by them Patrats that I didn't even give y'all my name!" She smiled broadly. "Mah name's Sherry, Sherry Silverado! It's a family name," she said proudly. "It's darn nice t'meet ya, Katie, even though these ain't exactly the best o' circumstances." She extended a hand to Katie. "Thanks agin fer helpin' me out." Jason nodded at Katie's plan, admiring the girl's ability to think analytically. However, it had just one small problem. "Hey guys," he added slowly, making sure everyone heard him. "What happens if we're all split up but one pair of us finds the Patrat den?"

"Routes of Hazzard!"- Jason Jason grinned crookedly at Alecks, his eyes lighting up. Rascal climbed back up on his Trainer's shoulder, pumping his fist proudly at the invitation. Gomez looked keenly at the Chimchar, his eyes narrowing. Jason looked at his Treecko and noticed the mistrust in his eyes, shaking his head. "Sorry, Alecks. I think Gomez is just a little afraid of Fire-types. After all, Fire is one of his major weaknesses. The green reptile looked away, not wanting to engage any further with his Trainer. However, Jason walked around to the other side of his Grass-type. He knelt down and looked Gomez in the eyes, stopping his new partner in his tracks. "Look, Gomez, I know you're a little scared of Fire-types. And that's fine!" He looked at the ground, sighing, then back up at his Treecko. "I know you want to be brave, and that's why you're pretending you're not afraid. But sometimes the bravest thing you can possibly do is to face your fears! That's how you get stronger, after all!" Gomez looked away for a moment, then back up at his Trainer. His expression softened slightly as he tilted his head to the side, not sure what to make of his Trainer's serious moment. After all, they were pretty rare. "Tree?" the Grass-type asked. Jason grinned, having seen the same look on Rascal's face before. "I'm your Trainer, Gomez. When you're feeling down, I'll pick you up! When you're afraid, I'll be right by your side believing in you!" the young man said, a spark of passion in his eye. The Treecko nodded enthusiastically, his Trainer's words reaching him. "Tree-cko!" the green reptile cried excitedly, jumping in the air. When he landed, he looked toward Apollo and nodded, giving the Chimchar a thumbs-up. Jason laughed and grinned at Alecks again. "I think Gomez wants to go with Apollo now. Rascal can stay with us and make sure we don't get caught without our Pokemon!"

That battle was B rank. Keep in mind that as the story progresses, battles will get harder overall so the Rankings will be scaled to that end. Feel free to have your characters heal up and chat for a moment before they head off to find Lara and Leonidas. K_H, continue posting in the battle. You're not out of the woods yet! Get it? Because he's in the woods? You know what, never mind. I'll go.

"Routes of Hazzard!"- Jason The new Trainer cheered as his Treecko knocked out the leader of the Patrats, causing the rest to retreat en masse. He looked around and surveyed the battlefield, paying close attention to whose Pokemon seemed injured. However, they all seemed to be doing quite alright. Jason's Pokemon ran back toward him, jubilant from their victory over their foe. Battle complete! Rank B! -Rascal and Gomez have gained 5 EXP! Rascal and Gomez have leveled up! -Roy has gained 5 EXP! Roy has leveled up! -Titan has gained 5 EXP! Titan has leveled up! -Meena and Loam have gained 5 EXP! Meena and Loam have leveled up! -Apollo has gained 5 EXP! Apollo has leveled up!\ Brendan has found Razor Fang (x1)! "Hey, amazing job, guys!" he said encouragingly, giving each of his Pokemon a pet on the head. Both seemed to revel in their Trainer's praise and high-pawed each other, glad their teamwork had paid off. As he looked around, however, Jason realized that Jack looked extremely distressed. Then, he noticed that Jack's Pokemon were missing. "Oh, no..." he breathed. He then looked back to the truck driver. "Excuse me, ma'am, did you see where a Poochyena and a Shinx might have run off to?" he asked. "Well, Ah'll be!" the driver replied, clapping her hands excitedly. "Yer all gonna be great Pokemon Trainers one day, that's fer darn sure!" She seemed to think about the young Trainer's question, then looked toward the woods. "Ah'm pretty sure Ah saw them run off after one o' them Patrat toward the woods! Y'all best be careful if y'all are goin' over there, though. That's right near where they took the dang food!" The driver sighed. "Speakin' of, I'm real grateful to y'all for defending mah truck, but Ah still need that food back!" Quest updated: "Routes of Hazzard!" -Defeat the Patrat Gang -Find Lara and Leonidas -Return the food shipment to the driver -Retrieve the truck driver's hat (Optional) The truck driver reached into the cab of her truck and pulled out a small bag of Oran Berries. "These should heal y'all's Pokemon before y'all go lookin' near the woods. Feel free to take a couple!" Jason nodded and reached into the pouch, pulling out two. He handed one to each of his Pokemon, who devoured the treats hungrily. Rascal's foot immediately became less swollen and the cuts and bruises on it began to heal.

Yeah man, snow can be rough on everyone. Fortunately I don't have to deal with that sort of thing in sunny New Orleans!

Hey guys, sorry about the delay! Stratos should be coming through with a post within the next couple of hours!

Let's make one thing clear here: If Stratos says you're wrong, you're wrong. I asked him to co-host with me because I trust him completely with running anything remotely related to this RP because he's proven himself able and effective in the past. If you have a problem with something a host has done, send me a message instead of attempting to publicly berate him. Not only does that not accomplish anything, it also makes us less inclined to help you. I'm a very nice person. I really, really am. But nothing bar nothing pisses me off more than seeing someone attacked like that, especially when it's someone attacking a host who works really hard to make sure you all enjoy this RP. I don't want to see that shit in my thread again. Capiche?

"Routes of Hazzard!"- Jason The Trainer watched the Patrat closely, realizing that the rodent was in his Minccino's blind spot. "I'll be your eyes! When I say to, jump!" Rascal, you have to trust me on this one, he thought to himself. "Don't move yet! Closer... Closer..." Jason muttered as the Patrat charged forward. Just before the Patrat reached Rascal, Jason shouted. "Now, Rascal, now!" The Minccino jumped up in the air, narrowly avoiding being chomped on the back by the Patrats' commander. However, he didn't fully escape the blow! He winced and cried out in pain as the Patrat's teeth closed around his foot, trapping him near his opponent. "Rascal, show him what you're made of! Double Slap!" the Trainer shouted. With his foot now trapped in between the Patrat's teeth, Rascal was in the perfect position to deliver a crushing, Skill Link boosted Double Slap directly to that pesky Patrat's ugly mug! Despite being upset that Rascal had ended up getting hit by the powerful Crunch attack, Jason wasn't even close to giving up. As he looked over to Gomez, he saw that without his instructions the Grass-type gecko had nearly fallen asleep from looking into the other Patrat's hypnotic eyes. "Gomez, snap out of it!" Jason shouted harshly. The Grass-type shook his head, momentarily able to clear the fog thanks to hearing his Trainer's voice. However, it was obvious he shouldn't be spending much longer near that group. "Use Quick Attack to get out of there, then Pound on their leader! Let's finish him off!" The Treecko sped away from the Patrat trying to use Hypnosis on him and leaped through the air, rotating to give his tail the maximum amount of force possible. If both attacks were successful, Gomez's Pound would hit just as the final Double Slap was coming in!

"Routes of Hazzard!"- Jason Jason gasped as he saw Meena headed directly for his Treecko. "Gomez, no!" he cried. Luckily, Rascal was quicker on the draw than his Trainer. He bound toward Gomez from his defensive position and leaped into the air, whirling and swinging his tail to deflect the Meowth's paw from behind, hopefully dealing minimal damage. The Trainer grimaced. I have to be faster! My Pokemon are depending on me! he thought to himself, resolved to not make the same mistake twice. He shot a quick at the truck and saw that Loam seemed to be nodding off. "Hey, Mio!" Jason shouted. "Instead of hitting Gomez, pay attention to Loam! Your Mudkip is being overwhelmed!" He turned his attention back to the battle, not wanting to be distracted for too long. Rascal, Gomez, and Meena were now in the midst of the Patrat circle. Jason grinned, an idea forming in his head. "Rascal, use Double Slap on that Patrat that Gomez hit! Gomez, give the ones near you another Leer!" The Treecko gave the Patrat gang a cool yet menacing stare, his eyes hard as he stared them down. The truck driver cheered as Roy entered the fray, swinging her fist proudly. "Yeah, yew git'em lil' Timburr!"

Route 1- Jason Jason winced as he watched Gomez take the Leer. Since he was so outnumbered, he was in real danger of getting knocked out! "Alright, Rascal," Jason said, nodding to his partner. "You're going in as well! Help out Gomez with a Double Slap!" The Minccino darted into the fray, leaping to the Treecko's side. "Gomez, use Quick Attack to hit that Patrat again, then retreat quickly! Rascal, cover his escape!" The Treecko glowed in a white aura, then sped off toward the Patrat that had just used Leer on him. Meanwhile Rascal hovered halfway between the truck and the Patrats, ready to fire a Double Slap at any Patrat that came too close to Gomez.

Additionally, assume all battles without rules operate without rules; if you switch, you're going to take a hit unless you wait for an opportunity. However, most Trainer battles are in the Set style. This means no substitutions after knocking out a Pokemon. All Gym Leaders will allow you one free substitution.

Yep! Just add it to the move list! However, be warned! If your Pokemon learns a new move, there's a chance of it Fizzling! What's Fizzling? It's a brand new mechanic designed to screw up your day! If a Pokemon uses a new move in battle, for that first battle with the new move there is a chance that your move will Fizzle! The more you use the move, the higher the chance of Fizzling (although it can still Fizzle on the first try!). TL;DR If you try to only use your new moves, you're gonna have a bad time.

Route 1- Jason Jason smiled broadly as he saw everyone line up. Suddenly, Rascal jumped down from his shoulder and stood beside his Trainer, one foot in front of the other as he boldly looked up at Jason. The Pokemon nodded excitedly, flashing a small smile. "Minccino!" he said resolutely, pumping his tiny fist toward himself. The small Normal-type thought back to all the time he'd spent with the young man and the adventures they'd gone on in their imaginations. This time was different, though. It was the real thing. He thumped his tail on the ground excitedly as he waited for Jason. The new Trainer cleared his throat. "Alright guys, here we go! The first step toward adventure!" he shouted. "One..." Everybody tensed. "Two..." They felt the sun on their faces as it climbed over the trees to their right, reflecting on the shimmering waters of the ocean. If there was any day to start a journey, this was the perfect one. "Three!" Everyone stepped forward. Jason cheered loudly, then looked toward Bianca for directions. Bianca The veteran Trainer snapped a picture with her XTransceiver and sent it to all the new Trainers, Juniper, and one of her old friends from her journey, one that had begun the very same way almost ten years ago as the Amateurs took the first step of their Pokemon journey. "Guys, that was soooo cute!" Bianca cried gleefully, approaching the group of new Trainers. "I'm really, really glad you all were able to share that moment. I even sent you all a copy of the picture!" Just as she said that, all of the Trainers' XTransceivers dinged simultaneously. Everyone has received 'An Adventure Begins!' (Photo)! Added to Photo Library! "Come on, guys! Let's not waste any more time!" With that said, Bianca led the group along the route for a little while. Suddenly, she turned around. "I know you're all just soooo excited to start your adventure and run into some Pokemon, but we have a problem! With so many Trainers, the Pokemon might be scared to come out! That's why most of the time when you're looking for wild Pokemon, you should go in smaller groups!" she added, giving all the Trainers a hint as to how they might be most likely to run into uncommon Pokemon. The sound of a truck driving down the road behind her began to overshadow her voice slightly, but she was still audible. "Anyways, I think the younger group and I are going to go on ahead! Good luck!" With that said, the Nuvema Trio and Bianca departed, leaving the older Trainers to decide how they were going to spend their time on Route 1. Music: Jason Jason looked toward his new friends, ready to begin Training in earnest. "Alright, guys!" Jason said, deciding he'd speak up first. Jason didn't feel entirely comfortable as a leader, but he was willing to fill the role if other people weren't going to step up. "The way I see it, we have a couple of options-" he began. However, he was cut off midsentence by the sudden HONK of a pickup truck honking. Suddenly, Jason felt embarrassed for everyone! They were standing in the middle of the only road to Nuvema Town, a dirt two-laner that ran in a straight line between Nuvema and Accumula. It was used infrequently enough that some tall grass grew in the middle of it, as the walk between Nuvema and Accumula was so short and pleasant even in winter that few saw a need for anything faster than a bicycle. Suddenly, the engine cut and the door to the pickup opened. The first thing out of the cab was a cowboy boot-clad foot. The spurs jingled as it hit the ground. Another identical foot followed with equally identical sound effects. The feet were connected to a pair of denim-clad overalls which, hopefully and of course, was attached to the rest of a human body. It was a woman who stood roughly six feet tall. Her straw-blonde hair was tied back in one long plait, and boy did she look pissed off. "Arceus dangit!" she shouted, her accent obvious from the moment she opened her mouth. "Ah'm not sure just what the hell y'all think yer doin blockin' the road!" she continued screaming, her face turning red and veins popping out of her neck. She breathed heavily for a few moments, awaiting a response from the group. However, she looked from face to face, realizing she'd just gone postal on a bunch of teenagers, and probably new Trainers at that judging by their Bags! She sighed, her demeanor changing immediately. "Ah'm sorry y'all, I've just had the worst luck t'day. Ah was supposed ta deliver a shipment of Pokemon food to Professor Juniper's Lab, but wouldn't yew know it if a whole bunch of troublesome Patrat didn't steal it right out from under me! "Ah was drivin' down this here road from Nuvema Town when Ah saw when one o' them little critters dart out in front of me!" she shook her head, remembering the story. "Ah felt a *thump* kinda noise from under the wheel, so Ah stopped ta see if the lil' guy was alright! But wouldn't yew know it, once Ah got out the truck them little critters all came outta the grass and swarmed the truck! They took most of the boxes right outta the bed! Ah tried ta stop'em, but there were so many! There musta been at least ten of 'em!" The truck driver began to look visibly upset, putting her hand on her head. "And ta add insult ta injury, one of 'em jumped off the roof of mah truck and stole mah hat!" The driver looked at all the Trainers, a pleading look in her eyes. "Y'all look like yer new Trainers! Ah'm sure y'all know Professor Juniper! Ah just know she'd appreciate it if yew helped me out in a jam!" Quest added: "Routes of Hazzard!" -Defeat the Patrat Gang -Return the food shipment to the driver -Retrieve the truck driver's hat (Optional) Jason looked to all the other Trainers. "Guys, all of our Pokemon came from that Lab! Imagine if they were still there! We'd definitely want someone to help them out, right?" With that, he turned toward the truck driver, grinning crookedly. Wow! We just started our adventure and we already get a chance to help people! "Of course we'll help out! Just point us in the right direction!" Suddenly, all the Trainers heard a rustling in the bushes. A pale look came over the truck driver's face. "Dangit! Ah stopped agin' because of y'all! Now the Patrats are back! Quick, help me fend 'em off!" Six Patrat leapt out of the bushes on all sides of the Trainers, chittering angrily and trying to scare them away from the truck. Jason grinned. "Alright! A Pokemon Battle already!" He looked around them, confused. How were they supposed to fight so many. "Uh... Aren't Pokemon Battles usually one-on-one?" he asked the driver, a bit embarrassed. The driver shook her head, amazed that the Trainer didn't know the answer to the question. "In the wild, Pokemon don't play by the rules! As many as there are, there are, and yew can't change a dang thing. Now I need all y'all to send out a Pokemon and fight them off before they git the rest of the food!" Jason nodded. "Right!" Rascal went to move forward, but Jason stopped him. "Let's let Gomez handle this one! Come on out, buddy!" With that, he reached to his belt and pulled off the new Poke Ball, throwing it toward the truck. Gomez the Treecko burst out in a flash of light, ready for action. "Use Pound on any Patrat that get near that truck!" the new Trainer shouted. The first Patrat that reached the truck got knocked away with a Pound attack. However, there was no way just one Treecko would be able to fight them all off!

Feel better, genderlesshawke! So this is a good time to explain how an extended break like this will be dealt with. There won't be one. That's fatal to most young RPs. Instead, your character will be "back seat." You know how in some TV shows, an actor will take a short break to do something else? Sometimes, they deal with this by not even writing in an explanation for their absence. They're assumed to be around, but doing other things. Now that we're on Route 1 and have a battle coming up, I'll essentially be putting your starter Pokemon on an EXP Share if you're not there for the battle. Your battles will be rated one rank below what everyone else's is, so you will have slightly reduced EXP, but not so much that you'll fall behind if you post every so often. If you want to pepper in updates, feel free, but don't feel obligated to. Your health comes first! I think I speak for everyone here when I say get some rest and get well soon! Your loving overlord, Jory <3

Hey guys, thanks for waiting around! The RP will continue tomorrow while I take breaks from studying for a midterm. Stay tuned!

Hey guys! I may be taking the weekend off from this, as I live in New Orleans and it's MARDI GRAS, BABY!!!!

Yes! Sorry, totally forgot! You also both get a move point.

The XP gotten from a battle is determined by Rank, not outcome. This encourages you all to not godplay, as there is no harm in losing an exhibition match. No one ever learned anything from winning all the time.

Professor Juniper's Lab- Everyone Bianca led six new Trainers and the Nuvema Town trio back into the lab and toward the healing machines, which were set up in Professor Juniper's private lab. As they all began placing their Balls in the machine, they would have been surprised to hear a side door whoosh open automatically. Professor Juniper emerged with Professor Oak and another man about Oak's age. He was wearing a yellow Mr. Rogers sweater and khakis along with an olive messenger bag, his face much softer than his daughter's as he examined the new arrivals. He gave them a satisfied nod, then turned to his colleagues. "They're the future of the League, you know. This group. I've never felt anything quite like it before," he said pensively, stroking his chin with his thumb and forefinger. He then laughed lightly, offering a warm wave to the group. "Hey, gang. I'm Cedric Juniper. I hear my daughter's gonna be sending you all on a wild goose chase!" he laughed again, shaking his head. "I'm just here to wish you guys the best of luck. You're about to embark on a journey that will change you forever, hopefully for the better. But before you go, I'd like to give something to each of you." With that said, he reached into his bag and took out Poke Balls. He began passing them out to each Trainer, stopping when he reached Bianca. "You're no newbie, Bianca. I'm sure you have your own." Everyone has received Poke Ball (x5)! Bianca smiled, tilting her head. "Of course I do, Cedric! Don't think that I've lost my skills just because I've been researching. After all, then you'd be one to talk." She then looked at her XTransceiver. "Oh, we're behind schedule!" she shouted, suddenly alarmed. "Alright guys, it's time to head out!" With that she boldly led the new Trainers back to the entrance to Route 1. Route 1 Entrance- Nuvema Town Bianca stopped the group of nine before they stepped onto Route 1. "Alright guys, this is it! The first step of your adventure! When you guys are all ready, you should all step forward together! After all, these are the friends you'll be with the whole time!" Jason smiled, excited at the prospect of such a symbolic gesture. "Okay!" He lined up in front of the spot that marked where Route 1 began, waiting for the others to step forward. "Ready, guys? We'll do it on three once everybody is ready!"