January - February Test drive

[indigo_events]

➞ Post with a character you wish to test drive in this game's setting.
➞ Tag other people's starters and thread out shenanigans!
➞ Invite your friends! Try out new characters! Come play with us!
➞ Have fun!

NOT SURE WHERE TO BEGIN YOUR TEST-DRIVE JOURNEY?
CHECK OUT ALL THE LOCATIONS WE HAVE AVAILABLE IN:

JOHTO | KANTO | SEVII ISLANDS

Feel free to make various prompts in multiple locations!

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OTHER USEFUL LINKS:
NAVIGATION | RESERVES | APPLICATIONS

Comments

[neverbreaks]

[ Coming up with a name was an additional challenge when she didn’t entirely know what it is. Knowing it was a “Pokemon” or a “Larvitar” didn’t help her know any more about it, especially when she’s seen some Pokemon that looked similar to animals back home.

His words do catch her attention, though. ] Translate? You have something that can do that?

[insidegalra]

In a way.

[Something that looks like a white and gold cat walking on its hindlegs is coming into view, along with something like a very fluffy fire colored fox.]

Athvrix is a psychic type; one of their most common skills is communicating directly mind-to-mind. They often serve as assistants to those who are deaf or hard of hearing for that ability to translate. And Vonir is learning how to write.

[He gestures first to the catlike Pokemon, who'll send a 'hello' that sounds a little smug to Luisa. The other chirps a happy 'eee~~on!' and scratches a wobbly 'hi!' into the sand.

Then he exchanges a set of gestures with both of them before looking up.]

Also a form of sign language, because another of my family who is deaf didn't want to rely on a translator all the time. They are both happy to help, if you'd like it.

[neverbreaks]

[ Luisa is paying attention, honest, it's just they're...so cute? She doesn't always get to indulge that side of her, but she has such a soft spot for adorable things, and even the little attitude from the catlike one - directly into her mind which is weird but okay - doesn't change the fact that she just wants to pick them up and hug them. ]

Wow...that's amazing. They're able to learn all that? Writing and sign language?

[insidegalra]

Pokemon are just as sentient as anyone here. [Thace chuckles.] I'm fairly certain some of them enjoy the language barrier, but there is always a way to communicate with a little effort on our parts.

Vonir is the only one of my family that has shown interest in writing, but most have happily learned to read and can type given motivation, and everyone has learned sign for Acxa's sake if not mine.

[Vonir is currently bouncing around chattering happily. Asking Larvitar's opinions on his trainer and the journey ahead and if he has a name already.

Athvrix is poking around at everybody's surface thoughts, mostly just because she can.]

[neverbreaks]

[ She nods a little. ] That's still awesome, though. [ It does make sense too. Even the animals back home could communicate, even if Antonio was the only one who could understand them.

The Larvitar doesn't really seem too inclined to chat, but if Vonir continues trying to get answers from him he eventually does start responding. He likes his trainer well enough, and wants to be strong enough to protect her, but he doesn't have a name quite yet. ]

[insidegalra]

[There's a mental nudge and the voice sounds like a contented cat's purr almost.] He doesn't have a name yet.

[Meanwhile Vonir is cackling in Flareon glee and scratching in the sand again. "likes you!" Then they're both signing at Thace, who chuckles and signs back before speaking.]

They report that he also dearly wants to grow and become stronger for you.

[neverbreaks]

[ Luisa blinks in surprise, glancing at the Larvitar on her shoulder. ] Wait, really?

[ Larvitar suddenly looks a bit embarrassed, and doesn't look at her as h nods.

With a smile, she picks up him and gives him a hug. ] Aww, that's so sweet. I feel bad that I haven't given you a name yet.

[insidegalra]

In my experience, many pokemon see their trainers as partners or family.

[His sword actually ruffles his hair in a motherly fashion and it's his turn to look a little embarrassed.]

No time like the present. I often come up with several suggestions and let them choose which they like best, or none at all.

[neverbreaks]

[ She bites back a small laugh, then looks at the Larvitar in her arms. ]

Well, let's see...I think I remember something about mountains with you guys, right? Maybe Aarón?

[ Larvitar frowns, and shakes his head. ]

No? Okay, let's see...how about Óliver? It's a name that means "warrior".

[ Larvitar makes a so-so gesture. ]

So something like that, huh? Hmm... [ She thinks for another moment before an idea lights up her face. ] How about Sergio? It means "guardian".

[ Larvitar seems to consider that for a moment, before finally nodding in satisfaction, which causes Luisa to laugh. ]

So you're my guardian, huh? I guess that means I'll be in good hands.

[ ...paws? Whatever. ]

[insidegalra]

[Thace just watches this with a fond expression. And then he bows.]

It's an honor to meet you, Sergio.

[He's very serious about this.]

[neverbreaks]

[ Sergio merely nods his head in acknowledgement, earning an amused smile from Luisa. ]

Wow, you're a pretty serious little guy, aren't you?

[insidegalra]

[Thace chuckles along.]

A few in my family are equally serious. But others thrive on pranks and fun. I'm sure you'll encounter a wide range of personalities that would enjoy partnering with you and Sergio.

[neverbreaks]

[ She hoists Sergio back up to sit on her shoulder. ]

So there really are a lot of different ones out there, huh? I saw some on my way here, but I heard that there are hundreds of different kinds of these little guys?

[insidegalra]

Several hundreds, at the very least. And new species being discovered all the time. And some will change forms depending on conditions or magical stones.

[He gestures to the Flareon, who hops up into his arms to share a fond headbunt.]

Vonir here began life as an Eevee. Eevees can assume eight different forms. Vonir chose to use a Fire Stone and is now a Flareon. There are also forms connected to water, electricity, ice, plants, psychic power, nighttime, and fairies.

[He is clearly the type of nerd who likes explaining things.]

[neverbreaks]

Wow, eight different forms? [ She’s heard a little bit about how Pokemon evolve, but this is the first time she’s heard about those with branching evolutions. ] Why does it have so many?

[insidegalra]

Eevee is referred to as the evolution Pokemon. I'm honestly surprised more haven't been discovered. There are plenty of other types that Eevee could be potentially exposed to concentrated essence of. A metal coat helps species like Onix and Scyther evolve into Steel-type forms, for example. Why not Eevee?

Likewise, dragon scales help Seadra evolve into a dragon type. Why not Eevee?

[neverbreaks]

[ Luisa frowned curiously. ] Wait, how many types are there?

[ She's still...figuring all this Pokemon stuff out. ]