victory_road | Area Zero Field Trip

Early in the week, Riegfried and Soy sent out a recorded video: an invitation for all guests on this Paldean vacation to join them on a little field trip into Area Zero within the Great Crater of Paldea. It is a spot known for fascinating explorers, academics, and seasoned battlers, however is generally off-limits due to the dangerous nature of the very powerful pokemon within. Which makes it the perfect place for a little study trip!

(They add that the trip was approved by the Paldea League, which is in charge of granting such access, but isn’t the idea of heeding the call of adventure no matter what more thrilling?)

Anyone interested in spending two days in Area Zero will be asked to gather in front of the Academy on the morning of the 9th, from where flying taxis will take everybody to the Gate Entrance. From there, warp panels bring you inside the crater, to the first of many research stations. While most of the space within is dedicated to computers and scientific equipment, the sleeping quarters have plenty of beds to accommodate you all overnight.

You are also met here by several of the scientists stationed at this research station who have an offer for you. While you can just explore the area on your own, you could also contribute to the general body of knowledge and understanding and perhaps complete an assignment or two.

Completely optional. Really. If you can resist five harried scientists giving you big Lillipup eyes.

Outside the research station, Area Zero awaits. The grassy ground spirals down in a corkscrew pattern with occasional caves branching off. A wide river with rushing waterfalls cuts its own way through. Light sparkles off of crystal formations and gives a glittering appearance to the whole space, which is otherwise dimmed by a foggy mist. Area Zero lives up to its reputation when it comes to mystery, but as for danger? The Pokemon up here seem to be a little stronger than others encountered in Paldea, but all things considered, they hardly seem worth being warned about.

But there is the sense of something more. Maybe you hear clicks and whirs coming from something unseen, or see a colorful glow that fades before you can reach it. You may simply be unable to shake the feeling you’re being watched.

And even at the higher points of Area Zero, you may outright see the source of all this: Creatures that resemble familiar Pokemon, but behave like machines. Despite their appearance, the PokeGear recognizes them as true Pokemon.

These Pokemon are reclusive until the trip leads to Area Zero’s depths, but within those underground caverns it’s a different story. More of the Pokemon there share that robotic quality than not. Some display aggression, some fear, and others curiosity. This is their home, and visitors from the outside world are so rare. How can they be sure what to expect?

Anyway, have fun, be safe, and make sure you are back at the Research station at 10PM on the 10th. We are only allowed to leave 10% of participants behind!

IC post | FAQ post | Badges
Map & Availability | Calendar
School Assignments

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I see... Then, if I could make a suggestion or two?

[Dimitri gestures up to his Rattata, the whiskers twitching.]

It may be worthwhile to save up to buy a TM for a move your companion can use to neutralize stronger foes - for example, I believe Espurr can also learn the Thunder Wave which Gremlin demonstrated not that long ago. That way, in the event that any other things such as this happen, you both would have a way to escape on your own. Especially against a large amount of foes.

There are a variety of similar moves, of varying types, which can be learned, so it is truly only a matter of finding that which might suit your companion the best. Of course, as he levels up, you will no doubt get other moves.... But TMs expedite the process.

And to follow up on that, would you like to battle alongside us, with Gremlin using that Thunderwave, and allowing you to adjust to battle a bit?

The Technical Machines, yes, I've read about them. I have been very curious to see how they work in practice, so having a valuable excuse to purchase one is a cause for much merriment. I will take your suggestion into deep consideration, as soon as I have the available funds to my person.

[ A lot of words to basically say "Good idea." It appears she really can't speak without making the whole thing an ordeal.

But it's the second suggestion that really makes her eyes widen... a bit. Trust us, she's very jazzed. ]

If I wouldn't be a burden to you and your team, I would be honored to fight alongside you and gleam valuable knowledge.

Area Zero Field Trip

no subject

no subject