001 [Video]

[starspangledavenger]

[the view, which seems to be of patch of grass, is jostling around, tapping as well as a muffled curse] ...probably Stark technology. [the camera jostles everywhere as the man turns it around in his hands] Wait, Stark's name isn't on it, can't be his. What Stark would miss the chance to plaster his name everywhere.

[the camera moves around some more, mostly catching glimpses of the ground and a building, the man huffs] Do you know how this works?

[a pokemon makes a negative sounding "ri" before the camera moves again, catching a glimpse of sky but then is obscured by a thumb] Yeah, me neither.

Seems to be on. [moves his thumb, a man with short, tidy, blond hair and curious blue eyes comes into view, his blue top fits perfectly to his muscles, but is otherwise unmarked] Is that the len- This is one of those video phone gadgets.

Okay, so best guess is someone can or will see this, so does anyone know what or where this place is? What century is it? Because it seems more like I slept into a few centuries this time, I mean I have my little blue companion with me, so it's not all bad, but I just want to know where I woke up this time. Because this isn't Kansas. 

[feed goes black with a muttered 'oops']

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text;

[doitrockapella]

[Oh, look, someone's namedropping The Wizard of Oz — which just so happens to be her favorite story from childhood. That's worth a hop in to say hello.]

Unfortunately, clicking your heels together three times won't do you much good at the moment. And I suspect your welcoming committee will be a bit more multivariate than munchkins.

[text]

[starspangledavenger]

[oh goodie, a new function of this gadget to learn, at least using text to communicate is easy enough]

You were right, the welcoming committee was quite varied in comparison to munchkins. So, if clicking my heels won't work, what's your advice, Glenda? I'm thinking of heading on down the yellow brick route 29.

[text]

[doitrockapella]

I thought I'd start with a protective kiss to the forehead and a few helpful words on how to avoid the Wicked Witch of the West.

To start with the questions you asked yourself, the Oz metaphor is more apt than you might think. You've landed in a different universe from the one you left; around here, the locals call it Johto. There's another region to the east of you called Kanto, and you'll hear some mention of that before long, I expect.

From where you're standing in New Bark Town, there are two directions you can take. One is the Yellow Brick Route you've already found. The other is a three-day ferry that will take you east into Kanto. It's up to you which option you think is better, and some of your decision might depend on who you meet and hear from in the next few hours — you might luck out, and have a Scarecrow, Tin Man, or Lion already waiting for you.

The century, by local reckoning, is the twenty-first. The year is 2013, and the date is March 4. Not a bad day to land in Johto, frankly. Today's my anniversary, too.

[text]

[starspangledavenger]

A new universe and it's 2013, well at least one of those is easy to get used to.

Mentioning Dorthy's companions, seems I found someone to substitute Tin Man quite well. And, for now, my time and resources are best spent following the yellow brick route and learning more about this region and world at large.

You've been incredibly helpful, Glenda, thanks.

Also, Happy Anniversary. Next year, we should celebrate it properly.

[text]

[doitrockapella]

I do what I can, player. But before you set off for the Emerald City, you might want to try introducing yourself.

Unless you'd like to be "Dorothy" in my esteem for the rest of your stay.

[text]

[starspangledavenger]

I might not be entirely opposed to "Dorothy" but my name's Steve.

And you are?

[text]

[doitrockapella]

Glinda the Good Witch.

But you can call me Carmen.

[text]

[starspangledavenger]

Well, Carmen, it's a pleasure to, in a sense, meet you.

[text]

[doitrockapella]

I'm often told it is.

I expect you're going to receive a lot of help from charitable passerby in the next few minutes; it's a local tradition to turn up and offer advice to new arrivals when they're spotted on the network. So in the interest of saving us both some time, is there anything that hasn't been answered for you yet that you'd like to know?

[text]

[starspangledavenger]

This place seems relatively nonhostile, but is there anything I should be aware of that's dangerous or not so good? I can hold my own in a fight, but I rather be prepared than caught off guard.

Also, what's the best way to gather more Pokemon in your opinion?

[text]

[doitrockapella]

There are varying levels of hazards. You could call the tall grass dangerous, if your aim is to avoid a fight; that's where you'll find wild Pokemon hiding, frequently, though they're also in the trees and overhead. The ledges are worth avoiding if you're not looking for bruises and scrapes; despite what physics and common sense might otherwise suggest, they're only traversable in one direction, and generally not the one you want to go. Your more human threats will be other trainers and Team Rocket. They'll approach you and ask to battle, if you're lucky. They'll ambush you and draw you in if you're not.

Most of my Pokemon acquisitions have been through hatching eggs purchased from other trainers or the Breeding Center. But some were ones I came across just as I traveled. You'll know when you spot one that's right for you.

[text]

[starspangledavenger]

Okay, so beware of logically unsound ledges. Is this Team Rocket anyone of interest?

Thanks, I saw signs about the breeding center and decided to sign up for an egg. I also have looked through the Pokedex and am interested in a couple Pokemon. Seeing my funds are limited right now, I'll keep an eye out for them and any others I see along the way.