video | june 18th

[pokexplorer]

[The video feed opens up to the image of a man with a weird coat and an even weirder hairstyle. It'd be weird enough without the translucence provided by his Iris Moonblessing, honestly. He is located somewhere in one of Greatmoon Groves' parks from the looks of things in the background, and he seems very excited to speak with the network.]

Greetings! I've yet to make a post to the network, so I would like to introduce myself first and foremost. I am Colress, a scientist working for the Lunar Scientia and a fellow Moonblessed!

I am addressing the network today with an inquiry! But before I get to that, I would like to make just a few more introductions. This will be related to my inquiry.

[Colress then pans the camera to five creatures whom he introduces as Klinklang, Beheeyem, Magneton, Rotom and Porygon-Z. Klinklang and Rotom seem particularly interested in crowding around the communication band to get their time to shine, while Beheeyem and Magneton hang out as far off-screen as possible. Porygon-Z looks like it has no idea what's going on, honestly.

Colress manages to settle them all down before returning his attention to the feed.]

These are my Pokemon! I have been here for about two months, and have taken notice to the fact that everyone I've spoken to has had no idea what Pokemon are. Allow me to provide a brief description: Pokemon are creatures in my world with unique abilities and affinities to various elements. There are hundreds of species, and they have had a long-standing symbiotic relationship with humans. Pokemon are a cornerstone of my world's culture and my primary subject of study, so you can imagine my surprise when I discovered that I seem to be the only one with knowledge of them here!

However, I have met several individuals with similar companions. This brings me to my inquiry: Are there others present in Lunatia that arrived with pets or companions similar to Pokemon? I would love to compare and contrast our experiences, and learn more about the creatures of your worlds!

[As Colress goes on, the upside-down head of Porygon-Z can be seen peering in from the top left corner of the feed.]

Of course, I am also happy to elaborate on the subject of Pokemon as well, if anyone found interest in my description.

Thank you for your time!

Comments

[badluckblues]

i'm sorry is that a sentient, floating he washing machine

and a pile of gears

and a wad of magnets

[pokexplorer]

It is indeed! Pokémon physiology is incredibly varied, and there are plenty of inorganic species.

In the case of the washing machine however, Rotom is simply possessing it. Rotom's actual body is made of plasma.

[badluckblues]

oh okay yeah, possession, that makes more sense

[ it does not. ]

and they just chill with you like pets? they do anything useful?

[pokexplorer]

"Useful" is quite subjective. Some people find the companionship of a pet to be useful on its own.

[He'll digress on that, though.]

As I said in my post, my Pokémon have elemental affinities that I find helpful in my daily life. Several of them can release electric charges for providing power or charging devices, while Beheeyem has psychokinetic and telepathic abilities that have a variety of uses.

They all are also capable fighters. My Pokémon and I provided defense from the wildlife on the way to Lyestellus.

[video]

[bloodisthicker]

You know, I still want to actually visit your world if we actually find a way to do that so I can see more of those things.

[it's weird that all these creatures are so charming despite being so fucking weird. but anyway.]

You know, though, I was thinking about it, and while it never came up directly, it does remind me a bit of a cultural figure we have known as the Avatar. They're kind of complicated to explain, but they're both the only person who can bend all four elements along with being the only person who can actually remember and contact their past lives. This makes them kind of a unifying figure, and historically they've usually traveled around with an animal companion of sorts.

[pokexplorer]

Hello, Tarrlok! [He gets a cheerful greeting with a smile, because. Y'know.] Actually... Have you heard about the Amphoria Room that the Lunar Scientia has been inviting Moonblessed to experience? I would not be opposed to making use of that if you would like a preview.

[Colress listens to Tarrlok's description with rapt attention, his eyebrows raising with curiosity with every new detail.]

My, they sound amazing! The concept of bending is fascinating enough, but to be able to wield all elements... [He can only think of one Pokemon that would be able to be all elemental types, and that's...essentially God, really.] I can certainly imagine that they would be a major figure in your world. Is there something special that determines who becomes the Avatar?

[wildsorcery]

I have... um... a ferret that isn't really a ferret? She's... um, my familiar. So... kind of?

I like your friends, they're lovely.

[badluckblues]

sure but there's like, purse dog useful, and then there's horse useful.

that's... actually they sound pretty interesting. so i guess if your whole culture revolves around being friendly with them, they don't often attack people?

[bloodisthicker]

[Aw hell, that thing. The offer’s really tempting, but...]

Honestly, I don’t want to be the sort of person who distrusts technology, but the idea of uploading my memories to some sort of database makes me a bit uncomfortable. If you’re fine with it and I don’t have to upload mine, though, it sounds like it could be a good time.

[...like, on the one hand, Tarrlok has things to hide. On the other hand, it still seems potentially invasive and creepy even if you don’t.]

But yes, they definitely are a major figure. Basically, well, it’s something of a cycle, really... you don’t really become the Avatar as much as you’re born the Avatar. The last Avatar was an Air Nomad, so when he died, a girl from the Water Tribe was born as the new Avatar. When she dies, it’ll be a child from the Earth Kingdom, then a child from the Fire Nation, and then it’ll cycle back to an Air Nomad.

[video]

[spah]

Huh. [Give him a second to like, process what the heck he's looking at.] ... They're kinda cute. What're their names?

[Also, that is an extremely Texan accent.]

You said you work at Lunatia Scientia? Same here. R&D department.

[pokexplorer]

A familiar, is it? I would certainly say that counts! Would you mind telling me more about her?

And thank you very much! [Considering the variety of noises coming from off-screen, they must've heard the compliment. Colress laughs.] They are likewise grateful for your kind words.

[pokexplorer]

I see. You value a pet that can also assist you. That is fair. Pokémon are a bit difficult to categorize on that front, as it sometimes depends more on the disposition of the Pokémon. A purse dog, as you put it, can still pack a bit of a punch in my world.

That is correct. Wild Pokémon generally don't attack humans unless provoked, though some are territorial. That is why it is advised for travelers to have their own Pokémon to protect them in such an event.

[pokexplorer]

[Colress seems a little disappointed by Tarrlok's apprehension, but he also understands the concern.]

From my understanding, it is not so much uploading your memories into a database as it is using the machine as a channel for your memories to flow into and translate into simulated reality. The Prismals may record our sessions, but I don't believe they would be able to pore over memories that are not shared.

But that is only my particular understanding. At the very least, I have given consent to the project as I too am interested in finding correlations between Moonblessed. So yes, if you would like to accompany me, it would only be my own memories uploaded.

[As for the topic of the Avatar,]

I see. And each Avatar has the ability to speak with previous Avatars... I assume this has to do with your world's spiritual connections?

[pokexplorer]

[That's an accent he recognizes!! It's an accent from a small part of his home region, so it's actually surprising for him to hear it from someone not familiar with Pokemon.]

Thank you! I think so as well. [He thinks they are very, cute. But he's the proud Trainer of them so he's biased.] I mentioned their species names in my post, and while nicknaming Pokemon is not uncommon, I tend to simply call them by their species names.

[He gets rather excited by the mention of the Lunar Scientia. Ah, a coworker he has yet to cross paths with! How exciting!]

And yes, I did say that! Coincidentally, I too work in Research and Development! While I primarily study Pokemon back home, I have a similarly long history in engineering that I put to use for research purposes. That is what the Lunar Scientia has hired me on for, as well as my mutual interest in unlocking the secrets of us Moonblessed.

That said, how about yourself, Mr...?

[bloodisthicker]

It’s still the sort of thing I would like to opt out of, unfortunately. I think it would be pretty enjoyable to show off my world, but... well, maybe I’ll see how it goes with you first. That should be enough to sell me or make it clear it’s not something I want to try.

And yes, that’s basically it. The Avatar is the link between the human nations, but they’re also intended to serve as the link between humans and spirits. Of course, they’re still people, so they have to master their abilities for themselves instead of automatically knowing everything.

oops I can't read

[spah]

Oh - gotcha. Didn't realize those were the names.

[huh.]

Conagher. Dell Conagher. [Nodding.] I'm a mechanical engineer myself, so seein' living parts and calling them an animal is... a hell of a something. Like that, uh... what's it's name? Klinklang?

[Anyway. He shakes his head.]

Surprised I ain't seen you. Then again, it's a big damn place.

[badluckblues]

now that's interesting. see, back where i'm from we gotta fight the angry wild monsters ourselves

bet a lot of families would feel better if they had a powerful pet around to protect them. or a benevolent possessed washing machine, whatever works.

[pokexplorer]

Of course. I won't force it on you, so please do not feel pressured even after we're finished with mine.

[Still, he has visibly perked up with a slight spark of hope...]

As for what you said about the Avatar, that is understandable, yes! That would be an overwhelming amount of power for a child to have if it was all there to begin with. Would you say that they end up going on a journey of their own to master their abilities?

it's all good!

[pokexplorer]

Not to worry! In fairness, it seems as though their names are rather unique-sounding, even compared to wildlife on Prismatica.

That aside, it is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Conagher! Yes, the gear-like Pokemon is Klinklang. They are quite the mystery in their own right, truthfully! They and Magneton have been around for quite some time and to common knowledge are not man-made, but it is not currently known just how they came to be. Porygon-Z, however, is man-made!

[That was the weirdest-acting one of the bunch. Probably says a lot...

He realizes he's rambling on about Pokemon again though, so he politely steers the conversation back to Dell.]

The surprise is mutual! But I am glad that we have discovered each other now. I must say, I am very excited to know that I'm not alone among engineers! I would love to see what sort of work you've been doing in your neck of the labs.

[pokexplorer]

This possessed washing machine is anything but benevolent, unfortunately.

[Rotom is a lil shit.]

More importantly, however: angry wild monsters?

[badluckblues]

that's unfortunate. does it still wash clothes after it's possessed, at least?

well, ok, angry might be the wrong word. in less concise terms, the creatures of Grimm are soulless beasts forged by evil itself for the sole purpose of destroying humanity. so yeah, we fight them.

i guess in that sense our culture centers around weird critters too, doesn't it

[wildsorcery]

Um, I...

[ He's a little distracted by the fact that the weird-looking creatures understood him. Then again, so does Grace. ]

Well, I summoned her... with a spell. M-magic? I learned it from my master, and she's... kind of a spirit. She just looks like a ferret, but I can make her any animal if I have to components for it. I just prefer a ferret.

[ He flushes a bit. ]

...they're cute.

Lancer of Black; Text

[erasemymyth]

I have heard of familiars and creatures created through Magecraft, but this seems to be fauna alien to my lands.

[If they are in fact native creatures and not creations. Have elemental affinities sounds strange for natural creatures.]

[pokexplorer]

Yes, but in the past, Rotom has thrown my still-wet laundry out of it when we had a disagreement. It is a mischievous little ghost at times.

I would say so! But for completely different reasons, it seems. How long have humans had to face these creatures?

[pokexplorer]

[Connie has Colress' full attention as he talks about his ferret familiar. He seems more and more intrigued the more Connie elaborates.]

That is amazing! Did you determine the aspects of her appearance? Her personality? Does she have special abilities of her own to match her unique existence?

[Ah, wait. Colress reins himself in a bit, offering an apologetic wave.]

Goodness, my apologies! I am bombarding you with questions, aren't I? I am simply very curious, as things such as magic do not exist in my world. At least, beyond what Pokemon are capable of. Humans do not have access to spells and such.