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

[makeitquick]

Me- [ wait, too eager. This guy's a superior ranger ] I'm in. Melaka Fray, muscle.

[indy_wannabe]

Ezreal here with the Delvers, this is right up my alley. I'm in.

[for_realsies]

I can do you one better than just communicate with Pokemon! I can see in the dark. Which means all the wild ones that get all spooked by our bright lights and excavation gear can talk to me on their terms!

I'm stunning at conversations. Everyone tells me so... okay, maybe not Grimers, but they are really picky!

[antiseptic]

[Melaka Fray. The name is familiar, although it takes him a second to remember that one of his colleagues had mentioned she had an interest in joining the Rangers. Well then, this will be a chance for her to prove herself.]

[In the meantime, he'll have to make sure he knows the full extent of her abilities.]

Do you have much experience with combat?

[outtahere]

There was a woman who was looking to organize an expedition the other day. Did you talk to her?

Anyway, I'm Banzu, I work at the labs. I can tell if you've found metal or not. I'm usually looking at scrap and salvage and checking what they're made of, but I've been reading up on stuff since I talked to that woman and I should be able to tell you what kind of ore you've found. Won't be able to tell you the purity without the equipment in the labs though. No way in hell I'm lugging all that shit around.

[makeitquick]

I've been fighting my whole life. Comes to me naturally - it's one of the things I'm good at. Plus I heal fast.

[ But she hasn't ventured that far from the City most of her life, either. ]

[antiseptic]

[A Delver? Good, he had been hoping to get some of that group onto the expedition. They'll be used to working underground, unlike most of his rangers.]

Excellent. By the way, would you happen to have any experience with locating iron?

[indy_wannabe]

I've spent a lot of time looking for iron, usually from salvage. I'm pretty good at it.

[antiseptic]

Then let's hope we won't encounter any Grimers. [Her skillset would be useful, and while her attitude seems quite casual, he doesn't particularly mind as long as she lives up to her words.]

We'll be glad to have you with us. [A hint of amusement enters his tone, barely noticeable:] However, I'm afraid I'll require your name first.

[antiseptic]

[He notes it down, eager to begin gathering what information he can.]

Your whole life? That's quite impressive. [It's difficult to tell whether he means it as a compliment or something entirely the opposite.]

And what about teamwork? Would you happen to have any experience with that?

[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.

[makeitquick]

[ No.

Uh- ] Got ears - I can follow instructions.

[antiseptic]

Ms Zarvora Cybeline, correct? Indeed I did; we've decided to pool our resources for this expedition.

[It'll be good to have someone with practical experience on board; although Jade had been busy with research the last few days, books can only take one so far.]

Your help will be very valuable to us. However, you're aware that it could be quite dangerous to venture outside the Union, correct?

[Really, he'd rather just take Banzu along and hope by the time he has regrets about coming, if he does, it'll be too late for him to return to the Union safely on his own and he'll continue on with the rest of the expedition. But, it is part of his duties to warn civilians of the risks in venturing outside.]

[outtahere]

That's why you're putting together a group, ain't it?

[While the words on their own could be taken as vaguely sarcastic, the tone and intent are serious.]

[antiseptic]

[Being a master of evading questions, Jade doesn't fail to note that she had done just that, which would mean no, she has no experience with teamwork and likely isn't fond of it other.]

[It goes down in another note, and his voice takes on a more serious edge as he responds.]

Can you truly? It's one thing to say that now and quite another thing to do so when on the field.

[antiseptic]

That would be quite helpful. If you're truly committed, then I'll see you tomorrow at the city gates.

[indy_wannabe]

I'll be there! I'm looking forward to it!

[makeitquick]

I can. I'm not spinning you around here - I did say I wanna get in the rangers and I don't got rank, so I gotta listen to the ones with experience.

[ which is sincere, at least. She's just somewhat (over)confident and somewhat headstrong and somewhat of a temper ]

[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]

Naturally, you'll be protected, but accidents do happen. As I said, we have little idea what the Pokemon in the Caverns are like, and the current weather conditions can be just as dangerous as any attack would be.

[He takes on a more reassuring tone; he does want Banzu with them, after all.] But, we'll do our utmost to be well-prepared. It should be quite safe.

...Well, relatively speaking.

voice;

[stahlflugel]

S-survey Corps... [the admiration in Eren's voice is overwhelming.]

So, anyone who can help, they can sign up?! Even if we're not part of the Rangers yet? I mean, I'm helpful, I can talk to Pokémon! And I have a friend who's a... pretty huge nerd. He'd be able to tell you all about the rocks in that cave, for sure.

[outtahere]

I know it ain't totally safe, and I'm fine with that. Ain't gonna take any risks while I'm out there. 'Sides actually going out there.

You guys just do what you can to keep me from seeing my guts on the ground, and I'll do what I can to make sure we've got iron.

[antiseptic]

[She sounds sincere enough. Jade is satisfied for the moment; there's only so much he can glean from an interview like this, especially when he knows from experience that people can behave quite differently when stress is applied to them.]

As long as your performance lives up to your words, I'll have no complaints whatsoever.

[Voice] I'm going to assume this conversation happens on the 14th.

[alwaysfaithful]

Chris Ramirez with the Delvers, sir.

Considering my own investigation isn't exactly working out, I would be happy to assist if you'll have me. I can talk with Pokemon and am able to fight should the need arise.