001; [VOICE]

[antiseptic]

Greetings, everyone. I'm Jade Curtiss, Ranger, part of the Survey Corps. As I'm sure we've all heard, the Union is in need of an iron mine. That is why the Rangers are putting together an expedition to the Caverns in search of one, to be led by me.

[He's less than enthused at the prospect of leading so many people, but it doesn't show as he continues to elaborate on the details of the expedition, brisk and informative:]

Unfortunately, there's not much information about the Caverns, or the Pokemon in them. This is why we'll need people with the ability to locate iron deposits, people able to communicate with Pokemon, and people who are able to fight, although we'll do our utmost to avoid battles in the interest of saving time.

[Did he just sound faintly sarcastic then? Who knows.]

The expedition will likely last for two days, perhaps more. It'll take at least half a day to reach the Caverns, and possibly much longer before we locate a mine - if we can. Therefore, I'd suggest that everyone pack wisely. If you're feeling lost, the staff at the Outpost should be of assistance. Funding will be provided upon request.

If you're interested in participating, or would like to field any inquiries, please respond now. If all goes well, we'll be departing from the city gates tomorrow at six in the morning.

[ooc; Hello, everyone! This is the network post that will kickstart the expedition to the Caverns, which is a player plot that has now been mod-approved! A log post will go up tomorrow for the expedition itself.

Due to my wonky timezone I'd appreciate having someone to help with writing out NPC encounters/events in order to keep things moving! Please PM me if you're interested.]

Comments

[for_realsies]

They aren't so bad, I mean... except the smell. But that's just what they are.

Imogen Moreno, displaced Delver. *This pause. This pause is where, even if you can't see it, Imogen does a twirl and curtsy for greeting.* I've done ton of salvage finding on my own, won't be much good finding unworked stuff, but I'm still way better in the dark than most.

And trust me, spooking the locals makes everything take so much longer! Way better to try and make a deal with them, usually it doesn't take too much work to do that.

[antiseptic]

[Ah, another Delver. Of course, they must be feeling quite restless with the council's recent discouragement against entering the Old City. All the better for him, really, since their skills will come in handy.]

Indeed, and since speed is of importance here, striking a deal would be extremely helpful. I trust you have experience with that?

[for_realsies]

Much, it's what I usually do to get to salvage. Most wild ones don't really care about it one way or another, it's that we're in their areas or interrupting their day to day lives.

Think about it if a Rhyhorn came through your living room and wanted a small pile of rocks in the back of the room? Not that I think you have rocks there, and if you did if you want them or not... Not the point! The point is the inconvenience is a bit of a bother right!?

It'd be a lot better if I can talk them into a deal then trying to drive the locals off their own home for us.

[antiseptic]

That's quite an admirable way of thinking. [He always enjoys seeing solutions other than brute force, despite his...less than stellar history with interacting with Pokemon.]

[He doesn't have the power to communicate well with Pokemon himself, so the information she's giving him is quite interesting.]

And what sort of deals are these Pokemon usually interested in?

[for_realsies]

It's winter, so anything we can offer in food or manual labor. Not everyone appreciates being given food, but if you offer to help reinforce their homes for structure or warmth generally is appreciated, at least to show respect.

Like, they wouldn't take a blanket, but if we helped them access green branches for a nest? They'd be okay with that. Something they could do themselves, but would rather push off onto someone else. It's a... not pride exactly, but status.

[antiseptic]

[Thoughtfully:] Would cave-dwelling Pokemon wish to access trees? ...Well, in any case, it's something to keep in mind. I'll bring along some food as well, just to be safe.

Is there anything else they'd appreciate? Trinkets, perhaps?

[He knows his Duskull is quite fond of the slip of paper it had "acquired" from a shrine, but wild Pokemon may be different.]

[for_realsies]

Trinkets and humanclothing are symbols for... alphas. It's not useful, but it's something only they have. Which makes it valuable to them. It's also a sign of respect. So we shouldn't bring things expressly for this, that's... manipulative, but if we wear small things we wouldn't mind giving up that's okay.

[antiseptic]

[He's learning a surprisingly large amount from this.]

I see. Thank you for the information, you've been of great assistance.

[Already, he's mentally going through what sort of possessions he'd have that would interest a Pokemon.]

[for_realsies]

I can't be sure the locals, but if they're like the underground it should be okay.

Glad to provide what I can, I can tell you more when I'm down there.

[antiseptic]

Then I'll see you tomorrow at six.