[ACTION | Caverns Expedition Log]

[antiseptic]

Log Deputy: Rei antiseptic and Charles makeitquick
Participating Characters: Jade Curtiss, Imogen Moreno, Flynn, Chris Ramirez, Ezreal, Melaka Fray, William Flemming, Varun "Banzu" Elmas, Eren Jaeger, Armin Arlert, Elhaym van Houten (Elly), Ondorus Univir, Lux Crownguard...possibly more! Feel free to gatecrash the party at any time.
Plot Description: A group of intrepid explorers set out in search of an iron mine. Things probably don't go as expected.
Warnings/Notes: Possible violence?

QUICK LINKS: Pre-exploration mingling | Travel | Arrival at Caverns | Group 1 | Group 2 | Group 3

Overview:
At 6AM, the group will be meeting at the city gates, where there'll be some time for mingling and last minute emergencies before they set off.

The group will travel east through the Verdant Forest for around half a day before reaching the Caverns. It will be freezing with a few flurries of snowfall. Try not to get lost! Or disturb hibernating Pokemon, for that matter.

At the Caverns, Jade will split everyone up into three groups. Group 1 will consist of Elly, Eren, Armin, Ondorus, Chris. Group 2 will be Jade, Melaka, Banzu, Flynn. Group 3 is Imogen, Ezreal, Flemming, and Lux. These groups aren't fixed, and characters are free to protest and try move around! Ideally, each group will end up with at least 4 members just for safety's sake.

Aaand after that, the exploration begins! At first there'll be nothing but caves and tunnels, but it shouldn't take very long for that to change...


Misc notes: Feel free to go wild with thread-jacking! The mods recommend not strictly enforcing a post order since things will probably stall that way. Also, if anyone wants a random wild Pokemon bonding encounter going in the mountains during any of this, just respond to the Map post as usual!

If you need to ask any questions, the quickest way to get in touch with me will be through PMs.

Comments

[indy_wannabe]

[cue one blond delver]

Crownguard huh? Should've guessed.

[ladyofluminosity]

[Lux began to ready an answer before someone piped in behind her. Jumping, she turned.]

Ezreal!

[(And here I thought we had finally seen the last of you...)]

[Camille flicked her tail, staring at Ezreal coolly. She had a few words for him, but not in the presence of Imogen. She knew not to use such language when one could understand her.

Looking back toward Imogen, she gave her something of a pleading look.]

I'll explain later--

Wait, you've heard from Fai? Where is he?

[for_realsies]

I spoke to him the other day, he and Babycakes were out and about. But I haven't seen him since.

*Imogen was never quite sure what Fai told his fiance about his less-than-acceptable adventures. So she never let on more than she had to. But given his choice of activities, she figured his socially acceptable consort would know something about it.*

Yes, she's Luxanna Crownguard. I'm not sure why she's trying to hide this fact. I mean, if she wanted to hide it I could have helped disguise her a bit better. I couldn't disguise Camille, she's far too unique.

If you're going to break all existing rules of propriety, you should ask someone with far more experience for help.

*Imogen kept her voice low so only the collected group could hear her, even if Lux had failed to disguise herself, Imogen wasn't going to sell her out quite like that. But other than that, she was conversational and matter-of-fact about the whole thing.*

[indy_wannabe]

I didn't know you two knew each other or I'd have sent her your way immediately. She's not doing too badanymore, all things considered.

[ladyofluminosity]

[You know she was standing right there, listening to you two talk about her, right? Her face is red, and it's not just the chill in the air.]

Could we not do this here? I know I probably stick out like a sore thumb, but I couldn't go to you for help, Imogen.

[for_realsies]

She probably didn't want you to know, I am technically of the Moreno and Granger lines, I shouldn't know you! And most of the time I'm forbidden to talk about my adventures at the parties I can't get out of going to.

*Imogen looks somewhere between confused and hurt.*

Why not? I don't bite... well, without being asked nicely. I know a thing or two about adventures, and I know a thing or three about defying the collective views our parents have on fun. And just because I go about this without hiding my name doesn't mean I can't help you do that.

Besides, there are plenty of socially acceptable excuses for you to visit me. Most of them involve you attempting to talk me out of this lifestyle.

[indy_wannabe]

[Ez laughs]

You gotta admit Im, your skills tend to lie more in the "standing out" directon.

[ladyofluminosity]

Wait.

[She looks between the two of them.]

How do you two know each other?

[for_realsies]

I can totally be subtle. I choose not to because it's boring Ezzy.

*She turns back to the princess.*

We're... both Delvers? I've done this a while, even if I don't usually work with anyone. Wait, how do you two know each other!?

[indy_wannabe]

Someone thought it might be nice to prod a Spearow nest.

[ladyofluminosity]

[Camille slooooooowly turns her head toward Ezreal.]

[(Yes, and?)]

[You wanna try her, Muk breath?]

He and a few others helped us get away.

[for_realsies]

...Right, Luxanna Crownguard, you realize if you get killed outside of the wall everyone will blame me for setting a poor example. Can you please be careful when you do things your family will vaguely connect to my livelihood?

*Between Lux and Fai she would need to put a disclaimer that she is not the pied piper of bored rich kids and that maybe they should stop trying to breed them like prized Pokemon.*

[indy_wannabe]

Since when did your job description include corrupting impressionable young nobles, Im? I never knew there were openings or I might've applied too.

[ladyofluminosity]

I... I was fine! And it's Lux, remember?

[for_realsies]

I think when I brought a date to... the spring season societal last year? She was a Ghost enlightened and it was quite the scandal. She wore pants.

*That is, in no way, the whole story and Imogen knows it. It is also in no way the first time Imogen caused a scandal and she knows that too.*

Okay, Lux, but you will have to explain why you're out here. And if Fai Flourite knows about these adventures of yours.

*The suggestion was clear, Imogen must know what lies she tells where.*

[indy_wannabe]

A Flourite too? Wow Im, you've got quite the client base.

[ladyofluminosity]

[She looks at Ezreal. Her expression is a bit hard to read.]

My fiancé. We were promised to each other shortly after I was born.

[And she looks back at Imogen, trying not to let those words hang in the air for too long.]

Fai doesn't know. I've been trying to keep it from him and anyone from either family for as long as I can. I'm... not ready to go back yet.

[for_realsies]

I am the only child of the Moreno family, I do know people. You all forget it because I find some of the best salvage.

*Imogen gave Lux her attention again.*

Alright, I'll keep it, but you should tell Fai. In case he finds out from someone that isn't us. Our parents aren't actually idiots, they just... have the wrong priorities, on, like, everything!

[indy_wannabe]

I dunno, I wouldn't say best. You're pretty good. For a noble.

[ladyofluminosity]

I believe you.

[It wasn't proper to talk about these things at the social gatherings these two frequented.]

I'll tell him, eventually. I know that if I do, all he'll do is worry about me, and I want to give him the opportunity to have his own adventure. He wouldn't be able to enjoy himself if he knew that I was out and potentially putting myself in danger.

[She looks at Ezreal. He didn't mince words, did he?]

[for_realsies]

Please, I'm fantastic for a noble.

*Imogen grinned like she was a Legend on Earth.*

Aren't... you enjoying yourself with adventures, while he's doing his thing? I'm sure he trusts you enough to not get in trouble you can't get out of. Besides, now you have me! And I totally know what I'm doing.

*Ignore that Brighteyes snickered at this. Imogen is ignoring it!*

[indy_wannabe]

She mostly knows what she's doing anyway. I at least know what I'm doing.

[ladyofluminosity]

I am. We've been able to see so much in such a small amount of time. [She gives Ezreal something of a grateful smile for that.] And I know that too, but I wouldn't want to trouble him regardless.

I guess we'll see when we're actually in the caves.