Post by Peregrine on Nov 6, 2020 15:53:27 GMT -6
As the investigations—tinged with a mixture of grief, fear, and sorrow—are underway, the unmistakable sound of Chatot's voice echoes through the guild:
"Ahem, attention all apprentices! Please meet the Guildmaster and myself outside immediately! The... proceedings will be taking place very soon."
Afraid but determined, the apprentices make their way to the entrance, where Chatot and Monotuff await. His bad mood vanished, the Guildmaster addresses the group:
"Hiya, everyone! We're gonna go on a little field trip to a very very secret place at the bottom of the mountain... no telling anyone!"
"Wait a minute," says Emolga. "What about the barrier? How do we get past it?"
Sandshrew pipes up. "Yeah, and why is it there?"
"Barrier? What are you talking about, sillies? C'mon, let's go!"
With that, he bounds effortlessly down the steps, followed shortly by Chatot. After exchanging a few inquisitive looks, the apprentices hesitantly take their first steps back down the mountain, finding no resistance in doing so. The sun has yet to rise, and their journey is made under the aspect of dim starlight and the warm glow of the moon. Upon reaching the bottom, the group sees Monotuff standing before a large boulder in the middle of the crossroads just outside Treasure Town. Before anyone can open their mouths to ask what he's doing, Monotuff suddenly reaches his stubby arms under the massive boulder—and with unexpected strength, the boulder is suddenly lifted, revealing a staircase leading somewhere deep underground...
"Alrighty everyone! Here we go!"
Without hesitation, he drops the boulder off to the side with a thundering whump, and begins walking down the stairs. Chatot looks expectantly at the group, his face taking on a grimly neutral expression. Taking the hint, they follow the Guildmaster into the dark stairwell.
A light emerges up ahead. Curiosity and anxiety alike churn in the apprentices' stomachs as they enter...
...a quaint café?
Or rather, what would be a quaint café. Warm, bright lights fill the space with a comforting glow, while cozy wooden panels line the floor and walls. Colourful ribbons decorate the walls, and some well-kept plants even adorn the front of the space. The room would be charming and calming under most circumstances. Any sense of serenity in the space, however, is quashed by the central feature in the room: a circle of wooden podiums arranged facing inward, each adorned with a brass nameplate corresponding to each of the apprentices. The arrangement feels harsh and unforgiving, and a surge of unease grips the apprentices anew. Near the back of the room, a tall wooden chair sits, and Monotuff gleefully bounces over to it and takes his seat. Chatot silently glides over and perches on one of the armrests, gazing coolly down at the group.
"Everyone, please find your assigned podium while I explain the rules of the proceedings!"
Driven more by confusion than any sense of obedience, the apprentices do as they're told, taking up 15 of the 16 podiums. Rayquaza's is left empty. Empty, that is, save for a small wooden effigy of the sky serpent, intricately crafted, its powerful likeness belying the cold, dead form of the Pokémon to which each apprentice has already borne witness.
"Are we ready? As we've established, your goal here is to figure out who the meanie is! You've all had a bunch of time to look around, so now it's time for you to talk about what you found!
Once you've come to a decision, we'll hold a majority vote and see who you think the Meanie is.
I have a pretty good idea of who it is myself, but as Rayquaza's friends, don't you think it's that much better if you can figure it out yourselves? That's what being a real explorer is all about!
If you get it right? Well needless to say, that meanie's apprenticeship will be over in a flash! If you don't manage to find them, though... well, someone will have to take the blame! Sorry, that's just how it works!
Yup, that covers it. Let's get right down to it! Yoom-tah!"
Their orders laid out plainly before them, the apprentices have no choice but to comply.
Who killed Rayquaza, the Super Duper Sky Serpent?
Welcome to the first trial of Game 96! As stated before, all players are required to at least post their investigation results and some kind of summary of their activities during the night. More in-depth discussion is highly encouraged. In other words—be active!
You may ask questions of Monotuff and Chatot, though they are not likely to divulge any information that would make the trial too easy. They reserve the right to refuse any question asked of them.
Finally, as usual, have fun!
The trial will last 48 hours. If more time is absolutely required, we may add an amount of time up to an additional 24 hours before the trial closes.
Good luck, and happy exploring!
"Ahem, attention all apprentices! Please meet the Guildmaster and myself outside immediately! The... proceedings will be taking place very soon."
Afraid but determined, the apprentices make their way to the entrance, where Chatot and Monotuff await. His bad mood vanished, the Guildmaster addresses the group:
"Hiya, everyone! We're gonna go on a little field trip to a very very secret place at the bottom of the mountain... no telling anyone!"
"Wait a minute," says Emolga. "What about the barrier? How do we get past it?"
Sandshrew pipes up. "Yeah, and why is it there?"
"Barrier? What are you talking about, sillies? C'mon, let's go!"
With that, he bounds effortlessly down the steps, followed shortly by Chatot. After exchanging a few inquisitive looks, the apprentices hesitantly take their first steps back down the mountain, finding no resistance in doing so. The sun has yet to rise, and their journey is made under the aspect of dim starlight and the warm glow of the moon. Upon reaching the bottom, the group sees Monotuff standing before a large boulder in the middle of the crossroads just outside Treasure Town. Before anyone can open their mouths to ask what he's doing, Monotuff suddenly reaches his stubby arms under the massive boulder—and with unexpected strength, the boulder is suddenly lifted, revealing a staircase leading somewhere deep underground...
"Alrighty everyone! Here we go!"
Without hesitation, he drops the boulder off to the side with a thundering whump, and begins walking down the stairs. Chatot looks expectantly at the group, his face taking on a grimly neutral expression. Taking the hint, they follow the Guildmaster into the dark stairwell.
A light emerges up ahead. Curiosity and anxiety alike churn in the apprentices' stomachs as they enter...
...a quaint café?
Or rather, what would be a quaint café. Warm, bright lights fill the space with a comforting glow, while cozy wooden panels line the floor and walls. Colourful ribbons decorate the walls, and some well-kept plants even adorn the front of the space. The room would be charming and calming under most circumstances. Any sense of serenity in the space, however, is quashed by the central feature in the room: a circle of wooden podiums arranged facing inward, each adorned with a brass nameplate corresponding to each of the apprentices. The arrangement feels harsh and unforgiving, and a surge of unease grips the apprentices anew. Near the back of the room, a tall wooden chair sits, and Monotuff gleefully bounces over to it and takes his seat. Chatot silently glides over and perches on one of the armrests, gazing coolly down at the group.
"Everyone, please find your assigned podium while I explain the rules of the proceedings!"
Driven more by confusion than any sense of obedience, the apprentices do as they're told, taking up 15 of the 16 podiums. Rayquaza's is left empty. Empty, that is, save for a small wooden effigy of the sky serpent, intricately crafted, its powerful likeness belying the cold, dead form of the Pokémon to which each apprentice has already borne witness.
"Are we ready? As we've established, your goal here is to figure out who the meanie is! You've all had a bunch of time to look around, so now it's time for you to talk about what you found!
Once you've come to a decision, we'll hold a majority vote and see who you think the Meanie is.
I have a pretty good idea of who it is myself, but as Rayquaza's friends, don't you think it's that much better if you can figure it out yourselves? That's what being a real explorer is all about!
If you get it right? Well needless to say, that meanie's apprenticeship will be over in a flash! If you don't manage to find them, though... well, someone will have to take the blame! Sorry, that's just how it works!
Yup, that covers it. Let's get right down to it! Yoom-tah!"
Their orders laid out plainly before them, the apprentices have no choice but to comply.
Who killed Rayquaza, the Super Duper Sky Serpent?
Welcome to the first trial of Game 96! As stated before, all players are required to at least post their investigation results and some kind of summary of their activities during the night. More in-depth discussion is highly encouraged. In other words—be active!
You may ask questions of Monotuff and Chatot, though they are not likely to divulge any information that would make the trial too easy. They reserve the right to refuse any question asked of them.
Finally, as usual, have fun!
The trial will last 48 hours. If more time is absolutely required, we may add an amount of time up to an additional 24 hours before the trial closes.
Good luck, and happy exploring!
you got this
