Mission 11

Breaking the Ice
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 Meanwhile... Cold Warning
Mission 11 - Part 1 Epilogue	
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In the northern regions of Avalon, the cold has a life of its own. Bitter, cutting, gripping the bodies of any Pokémon caught in its embrace, that gnawing chill sweeps across the frozen tundra, whipping up crystals in a mini-whirlwind and sending them spiraling into the night sky. The moon is hidden behind dark clouds, leaving only the stars to flicker overhead - until suddenly, without fanfare, a ribbon of green, ethereal light cuts through the black, shimmering and twisting over the snowy land below! The sight is wondrous to behold, a stunning show of beauty in this lonely expanse of winter: but only a few ‘mons are awake to see it.
One such ‘mon, an Empoleon in fur-lined armor, pays no heed to the Aurora Borealis dancing outside his window. He diligently pens a letter at his desk, only the scratches of his quill on parchment and the crackling of the woodstove against the wall making noise in his heavily-insulated study. The only other occupant of the room, a hooded Arcanine, sits silently near the stove, her back to the wall and her gaze shifting from the doorway to the penguin. Finally, her waiting pays off as the Empoleon finishes his letter, putting the quill down on the desk and carefully rolling the parchment up with the edge of his flipper.''
: That should suffice. (turns towards the fire dog, holding out the letter) You know where to take this?
: I do.
: It is imperative that it reach the intended target. Should it be diverted in any way, or end up in the wrong hands -
: I know where to go, General Xú Tāo. This is not my first delivery.
: … Then go, with haste.
Yi retrieves the letter from Xú Tāo, placing it in her bag before leaving the study. The general walks to the window, peering down and watching as the Arcanine exits the half-built fortress and runs into the night. He continues to watch, even after her orange-red figure disappears into the horizon; then, he returns to his desk and looks over the various paperwork, intending on working well into the night… if only to quiet the worries in his head.
 SEVERAL WEEKS LATER, IN AETHER… 
: (sighing tiredly) Phew, what a day, Gaius! Never thought there’d be this many royal meetings in a single day.
: Indeed, milord - and there are still plenty more meetings to go.
: First, there was that construction ‘mon who told us the International Guild headquarters was complete-
: Welcome news, that. Don’t think the tradesmen could have stood another week of hammering.
: And then Anna informed us about the cleanup effort following the fireworks show, how the remains of the shed had been completely swept away-
: I found it hard to believe your stories about Master Hu Shen and his fireworks, but now...
: Then Mindaugus arrived and spoke about… something.
: I believe he was complaining about the “ignoramus who launched those multi-colored sky explosions.” Apparently, one of the firework tubes landed near the test site of his latest experiment: no harm done, just wanted to vent, I suppose.
: (from the throne room doors) Good thing you understand “jellywizardese,” Gaius!
: … Yes, quite.
: (rolls his head back and forth, stretching) So, who’s next on the list?
: (peers at his scroll) That would be Matteo, milord. Seems he has an update on what the International Guild is accomplishing across the continent.
: Alright, send him in.
Gawain pulls one of the double doors open, revealing Matteo waiting patiently. The Pikachu walks into the throne… followed closely by Klutz.
: Hrm? Not that I mind your company, but I thought this meeting was scheduled for just Matteo?
: Apologies, King Alaric, but I thought it wise if you heard this news from both of us, seeing as Klutz here was the one to receive the message.
: Message?
: From Naklin! They need help pronto!
: Well, in actuality, it’s the Gāng Tiě outpost situated in Naklin that needs assistance.
: To cut a long letter short, the general of the outpost sent a message to the International Guild requesting help with the construction of a new fortress further inland on the Naklin glacier. They are in the process of building it now, but recent developments have slowed their progress on that front.
: Feel like clarifying what those “developments” are?
: The letter wasn’t very specific on details: just said there were “troublesome delays” and extra hands towards the project would be appreciated.
: Thank you for the update, Matteo. We wish you luck in this--
: You misunderstand, sire. It is not just the International Guild who is going; you must send able-bodied citizens, perhaps also a member of your court, to Naklin as well. Bál insisted on it.
: Bál was here?
: Yes, he stopped by the guild headquarters not too long ago, to see how progress was coming along.
: Buuut he left before we came to the castle. “‘Ave business elsewh’re,” he said, and then he left.
: And yet he couldn’t find the time to stop by my throne.
: He did have a message for you, though! He wanted to say, um, “Iffn yer gonna be a part o’ th’ prophecy, ya bett’r start doin’ some good deeds ‘round th’ world an’ get more allies than just toga-wear’rs an’ war-mong’rs.”
: … Right. Then I suppose I should go say my goodbyes to Tara an--
: Surely you can’t be serious?
: Of course. Why wouldn’t I be?
: No offense, Alaric, but you’re not exactly built for Naklin weather. You’d go from green to blue in ten seconds flat - and then stay blue.
: Then maybe YOU should go, captain-sir! Us Fire types can handle any cold that Naklin can throw at us-
: But Bál said I couldn’t go, ‘cause of, well, ya know-
: So you can go instead~!
: It’s not a terrible idea, captain. I will be accompanying you on the trip too, as representative of the Guild, so between the two of us, we should be able to make quick work of whatever tasks the general assigns us.
: Huh, yeah, ya got a point there, Matteo. (facing the throne) Alaric, I will go to Naklin on behalf of Aether. Any citizens who want to come are free to join us on the journey north, I can watch ‘em, make sure we all get there safe.
: Are you certain, Gawain? It is not a short trip to Naklin…
: If we get a roomy-enough carriage, yeah, I’ll be fine.
: …
: Very well. You have my permission to go.
: Just be mindful of your tongue, Gawain. Wouldn’t want to start an international incident.
: Har-har.
: Now that that’s all settled, I shall procure us a carriage for the journey. Prepare well, captain; we shall be on the road for quite some time.
 SEVERAL WEEKS LATER, IN NAKLIN... 
The carriage rolls slowly across the glacier, wheels crunching over freshly-fallen snow. The team of Rapidash pulling the carriage struggle to keep steady hooves on the ground, fiery manes flaring against the stinging cold, and the carriage leads the way into Naklin, heading ever northward with the other Aetherian citizens keeping pace in their own methods of transportation. Inside the carriage, Gawain unfurls one of his wings, cracking the joints as he extends it, then yawning as he settles back, about to begin his nap anew - until he notices Matteo’s stare.
: What? (picks at his fangs) Do I have somethin’ in my teeth?
: We’re almost there.
: Really? (squints into the distance) How can you tell? I don’t see anythin’.
: Should be just up ahead, over the next ridge, according to the map Bál lent me.
: (leans back with a lazy flop) Good, then I got time for a quick snooze.
: … I hope you realize the severity of the task you have agreed to undertake.
: Not really, considerin’ you guild-folks didn’t both’r to give details.
: As I said, we have no details - but that alone should be cause for concern, yes? That the general would feel that he had to leave out information in a letter for help, in fear of interception?
: Listen, mouse-boy, I may not look like it, but I know how t’ handle myself in delicate situations. I can talk to him, captain to general; it will be a walk in the snow park.
: I certainly hope you’re right…
The carriage’s occupants go silent, and they finish the journey soon after, as they crest over the ridge and see a haphazard complex of wooden buildings spread out along the ice. A fence made of wooden pillars surrounds the unfinished fortress, the tops whittled down to sharpened points, and a majestic mountain range looms to the left, running like the back spines of some lumbering snow dragon into the distance. As the Aetherians make their way down the sloping cliff face, it becomes clear that the fortress has been made aware of their arrival: the gates swing open, and an Abomasnow stomps out to greet them, waiting just outside the fence.
: (hops out of the carriage as it shudders to a stop) Greetings, I am Gawain, Captain of the Aetherian guard, and this is-
: Taliriktug.
: Huh?
: My name. Taliriktug. Here for general?
: Uhhh, yeah, that’s right. We’re here to see the general.
: This way.
With that, the snowman turns and walks away, leaving Gawain, Matteo, and the others to catch up. They pass by various buildings, including guard posts, storehouses, and armories before reaching the largest building, a tower with the Gāng Tiě flag at its crown. Into the tower they go, climbing their way up stairs and landings until they reach a large door - and Taliriktug stops them.
: No citizens. Just you two. Understood?
: We understand.
: You heard ‘im, everyone. Stay here, Matteo and I will talk with the general.
: (from beyond the door) At the volume at which you speak, I can carry a conversation with you from here - come in, and keep your voice down.
Gawain scowls but manages to not retort, and he and Matteo follow Taliriktug’s slow arm-wave into the study. Xú Tāo sits behind his desk, his beak buried in a large map, and he doesn’t move as the newcomers enter his domain. Only his eyes shifting up and locking onto their faces betrays the fact that he’s not a frozen statue.
: So. You are who the Guild chose to send. Can’t say that I’m pleased.
: Can’t say I’m thrilled ‘bout helpin’ you pompous Gāng Tiě people either.
: (over Gawain’s remark) I assure you, general, the International Guild has sent the best representatives it could to help in your endeavors here.
: Which, if I may be so bold to inquire, are what, exactly? You were not forthcoming in specifics in your letter.
: (finally straightening up from the map) Couldn’t be helped. I needed to make sure the letter got to you without issue. If it missed its mark, at least it wouldn’t have any damning information that could bite me in the posterior later.
: Well, since we’re behind closed doors, fill in the dots. We’re all ears.
: And who are you to care about this guild mission?
: Gawain, Captain of the Aetherian guard.
: Oh yes, Aether. (clasping his flippers behind his back) I have heard from the capital about your… involvement with the occurrence in Sazanami. Emperor Wei Guang has informed all Gāng Tiě citizens, whether at home or abroad, to allow Aether to act as they please. You have apparently earned his begrudging acceptance, despite your actions against him.
: But should you jeopardize this mission in any way, I will find a way to explain to the Emperor why I had to take severe, irreversible actions against you.
: That is not necessary, general, we are here for diplo-
: I don’t need your help. Not in the slightest. I have everything under control… but the Emperor is concerned by the lack of progress in the fortress’ construction, and thus I am playing host to you and your ‘charitable works.’
: If it’s any consolation, mister metal tuxedo, we don’t want to be here any longer than necessary either: it’s effin’ freezin’ out there! Just tell us what we’re doing here, and we’ll be outta your steel feathers.
: …
: (under his breath) I fear you have spent too long in Bon’s company…
: You…
: Have a point. Fine, I have very little time to deal with you, so I’ll make this quick.
: You are standing in a fort that is being constructed for defense against rebel Naklin tribes. Naturally, they fight against us, interrupting trading routes, attacking the construction site, even ambushing my patrols near the mountains. The town nearby, they suffer as well, usually caught in the crossfire. So I need you to help my men finish this fortress as soon as possible, before another blizzard hits.
: What blizzard?
: There’s been several large snowstorms in this area since we began construction. Nothing beyond the norm, just big enough to cause discomfort. Add them to the rebel tribes, however, and things get downright unbearable.
: Either way, I’m marching with my army to strike them down in several weeks, so make sure you’re not here or you might get caught up in it.
: Duly noted.
: We’ll finish the construction by then, you have my word.
: See that you do. Taliriktug will tell you the jobs that need finishing around here, and show you to the barracks. You can warm up there before getting to work. There are townsfolk that could use help too, you’ll find the town just a half-mile hike from here along the mountain range.
: That is all for now. Dismissed.
( Meanwhile... Cold Warning )
Assist General Xú Tāo and the others in the construction of the fortress.
The general will march with his platoon to defeat the rebels in several weeks’ time, so we need to be finished construction before then! The fortress should be able to withstand the attacks of the rebel Naklin tribesmen. You should also try to help the townspeople in whatever tasks they need, as they too were caught in the crossfire of the tribesmen attacks. Be wary of sudden snowstorms, reducing visibility and freezing the area. It’s worse near the mountains, so be especially cautious there.
At least one behest needs to be completed for you to get credit for this part!
: Well, that certainly could’ve gone worse! We are lucky that the general is desperate for help, otherwise I am sure our welcome would have been more frigid… At any rate, we must do as he says and help with the construction of the fortress. There is much to be done, of course, but our first priority should be a solid foundation and protection from attack -- and I can think of no better ‘mon for the job than the Nunataq tribe. They are a nomadic people, traveling the frozen land of Naklin and figure prominently in their legends, and they are close to the mountains this time of year. In fact, one such legend tells how they take care of the town nearby, as payment for a past act of kindness. Approach their leader Kilaun -- cautiously -- explaining how you are here to protect the town, and he should lend one or two of his tribe members to accompany you back to the fortress. Then, with their mighty tusks and your assistance, we will dig trenches around the fortress and holes for the foundation of the various buildings within the fortress’ walls.
Objective: 
After speaking to Kilaun, get a member or two of the Nunataq tribe to help dig trenches and foundation for the fortress. Remember, these mighty creatures are very important to the Naklin culture, so be respectful in your interaction with them (or face their wrath). Should you prove your worth to them by showing how our actions are helping the town they protect, they will surely assist us. And don’t just stand by while they dig -- do what you can to help too!
 Kilaun reference: http://sta.sh/0106p2npiuy4
: I gotta admit, I’m not much for construction: but I can see that this place is a mess, and that stick-up-his-arse penguin needs all the help he can get to finish it. So, we gotta do what we can to complete the fortress, before it’s too late. Once the foundation has been put in place by the Mamoswine, we can start putting the wooden beams in place as a framework. Don’t get too fancy with construction, they just need solid walls and a roof over their heads. We’ll also need to finish up the buildings they’ve already started, by insulating the walls and making sure the structure is steady. Those of you with carpentry background will obviously have a leg-up here, but anyone can swing a hammer around, so don’t be afraid to pitch in even if you aren’t an expert.
Objective:
Help finish building the fortress. We will need to both confirm the buildings already constructed are in tip-top shape, and also build brand new buildings on the foundations created by the Mamoswine. Pay particular attention to the storerooms and guard houses, as they need to be in the best condition to weather any snowstorms that might hit, and a new building that especially needs to be constructed is an infirmary. If you are a carpenter or related job class, you will have an easier time of this, but anyone is able to help!
: … Oh, it’s you. What, you need more instruction? Makes me wonder how you managed to halt the Emperor’s progress into Sazanami if you are so helpless at constructing one fortress -- but fine, if you insist, I shall give you something to do. Ever since we started building on this glacier, those rebels have done everything short of shoving us off the ice to get rid of us. My men have been guarding ‘round the clock to protect the fortress, and while they’ve done a decent job stopping any real damage, they have been exhausted by the elements. That’s where you lot come in: take their place for their shifts, let them have a chance to rest in the barracks, and keep watch. The rebels haven’t been brave enough to attack in bold daylight, and they keep their damage to the fortress itself, running away as soon as my men approach -- so just run at them, yelling and screaming, and they’ll leave. Do not chase after them; I do not want any blood spilled on account of a petty squabble, and if I hear that you hurt any of the rebels in any way… you will have to answer to me.
Objective:
Take over the guards’ shifts and watch for rebels attacking the fortress. They will usually attack at night and won’t go after people, mainly the fortress itself, trying to knock buildings or fences down. To get rid of them, just run at them and yell: they’ll scatter without a fight. Do NOT go after them; General Xú Tāo does not want anyone getting hurt over this. If you break this rule, there will be serious consequences.
: You, friends. Taliriktug need help. I am woodsman. I gather lumber. Build the fortress. Can’t have enough. Need more wood. You go. Travel to forest. Near mountain. Chop down trees. Dead trees, must be dead. Be careful. Lots of snow. Rebels nearby. Don’t be spotted. If seen, run. Work together. Then come back. Good luck.
Objective:
Go to the woods at the foot of the mountains and chop down some lumber for Taliriktug. There has been a lot of snowfall recently, and sudden storms can sprout near the mountains, so be careful; in fact, if you can work with someone else to complete this task, that would be wise. Also, many of the rebel Naklin have been spotted nearby, and if they see you, they will surely try to stop you. DON’T attack them -- they’ll overrun you, for sure -- instead just run and come back for the lumber once they’ve left. Be as silent as you can retrieving the lumber, then bring it back to the fortress.
: Aah, wow, you are real! Taliriktug told me you’d come from afar, but I didn’t believe him, silly me~ Welcome, welcome, we are happy to see you! I’m Ikiaq, and I live in the town thataway, ahh; I’d be glad to take you there, since we could really use your help. See, ever since those rebels started attacking, we’ve been trapped, unable to leave town without getting ambushed. The general’s been nice enough to send soldiers our way to help, but that doesn’t stop the rebels from bullying us, and everyone’s gotten sad and scared as a result. Sooo, I figure with you guys around, we can lift everyone’s spirits by helping out with normal tasks around town! You know, preparing meals, telling stories at the firepit, that sort of thing, ahh. You can even help me in my herbal lab, concocting new potions if you want! Follow me to town whenever you’re ready, ahh~
Objective:
Go with Ikiaq to the town and help her cheer up the townspeople who have been beset upon by the rebels. You can do a number of things: help prepare warm meals; tell stories at the firepit; repair or clean clothing; any simple day-to-day task that might need doing around town. Ikiaq herself could use help in her “herbal lab,” where she uses plantlife to create healing potions; after all, travellers have been caught in the crossfire between the rebels and the fortress, and the injured are also trapped at the town, unable to go home for fear of another attack. The idea is to make the people happy again and give them hope of an end to the struggle, so do whatever you can to make their lives easier!
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 Meanwhile... Cold Warning
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Category:Arc 2
Category:Naklin
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