shellphones | Stress-Testing 🧸

Type: Video
Sender ID: fractales (Professor Turo)
To: General public
Subject: Stress-Testing Substitute Dolls
Warnings: N/A

[Visible on camera would be two different dolls- the Substitute Doll, and the Poké Doll side by side, the Substitute nearly twice as large as the Poké Doll.

Then there was a sleeve as Turo picked the shellphone up in order to zoom it out so he was finally visible as well just behind the desk the dolls were sitting on.]

Hello, I am Professor Turo- the same one mentioned on one of the MANTA board quests for those that have given it a look. I am requesting help in order to test two objects very common in my world, and often used to escape dangerous encounters with creatures known as Pokémon- or simply avoiding a fight with a wild encounter if not wanted. This is to collect data, so that I may make future iterations of these two items better suited for this world.

I do not doubt there are some out there that would rather avoid harming a creature that feels it necessary to defend itself or its territory, given we are the ones stumbling into their territory more often than not.

Also, I felt it would be easier to put a face and ID to the name, given many have yet to meet me, and for those who wish to collect their reward in turn for whatever data may be collected from testing. Far easier for those who may have questions about the Dolls themselves as well.

[Don't mind the odd robotic creature just barely wandering into the bottom of the frame. It's fine.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Indeed. Even someone familiar with the area can make a mistake if they do not remain aware of where they are.

[All the better to give that chance to get away without anyone getting hurt.]

Correct. It is a common occurrence in the world I am from, given the wild areas and even tall grasses can be teaming with wild creatures itching for a battle to test those they come across- on top of protecting either territory or those they are bonded with and may be weaker, including young ones.

[A hand rested just on top of the pink doll's head-] It is why we created Poké Dolls, for someone to toss one out and hopefully distract the pokémon that has jumped out. Sometimes it may not work right away, or at all, if the Pokémon is enraged and focused in that anger; one reason I wish to collect further data here, to help raise the chance of them working as needed.

Some back home also give them to young children due to how soft and 'cute' they are.

I would certainly be interested to see these in action. You'll have my aid— I'll be certain to record field results in great detail.

[He sounds quite cheerful about that, actually.]

The more information the better when it comes to any sort of experiment, yes? I will admit, they are charming in their own way. It almost seems a waste. No doubt many get destroyed or lost in the process... I can't imagine everyone who uses these collects them once they've served their initial purpose.

That will be greatly appreciated. I plan on stress testing them myself as well, and the more data I have the more I can improve upon them.

[Which he is very excited about- the growth of something he knows, shaping it into something that much more helpful here.]

Correct, and all of the information gathered can only help further improve their design. Many do often get destroyed or simply lost, though there are some who do find and pick them up along their journeys only to make use of them again or keep them on hand in case there is a need. The Poké Doll here- [Picking up the pink plush as he spoke.] -is designed to look much like a creature known as a Clefairy, and quite a few are left scattered about to be picked up and reused by whoever happens to find one in the wild.

They are not designed to take act as a substitute, but they are designed to last and weather much.

Interesting— so not quite destined for a single-use as they might have been otherwise. I suppose the more durable we prove this lot to be, the better, if people can make use of those they find out in the wild, as well.

[Really no different than collecting potions or other trinkets that have been left about in one's travels.]

Very clever, these decoys of yours. I've seen magic used to this same effect, but not everyone is capable of using it to protect themselves or otherwise divert danger.

And if they are no durable enough I can improve upon that so that they may stand up to greater force and whatever abuse to may take in this world. I may also change their design to be something that could work better for the wildlife here if the Clefairy-like design is not suitable enough.

[Really, he was already thinking of what possible improvements may be needed, but the data would prove invaluable to just how far those design changes would need to go.]

Where I am from the only 'magic' that exists would be that of the various abilities creatures known as Pokémon in my word are capable of having. A reason things such as this is developed- the Substitute Doll is in fact designed off an ability some Pokémon have.

You've thought of it from every angle, then— unsurprising for an academic, of course.

[He's something of an academic himself!]

So these devices mimic the Pokémon themselves in a way, rather than simply serving as a visual decoy? These creatures sound fascinating— I can't think of any wildlife in Faerûn that's ever been spoken of in such a way, though we've animals and aberrations aplenty.

Every angle that may be necessary, yes. I expect there may be a surprise here and there, but that does depend on what is come across in field testing, I suppose.

[Which was honestly just as thrilling. What might he have not taken into account that he could improve upon? It was as fun as coming up with the possible tweaks he could expect.]

Correct. Thought both always remain the same in appearance, they are enough to draw the attention of the opposing pokémon for the most part. Pokémon and humans have had quite the bond for many years, and is the largest reason humanity has survived and prospered. Quite a few legends are based off Pokémon of great power as well, coming in many shapes and sizes along with types. Some even hold sway over concepts such as time and space, even life and death, or creation itself.

Truly remarkable I've never heard of anything quite like them; they do sound as though some of them are akin to familiars, but even those are not all created equal, and a creature that had such power would never be considered such.

[His own familiar is incredibly clever and a wizard in her own right, but sharp as Tara is, she certainly doesn't control space or time. No mortal can boast that.]

To have a single group that encompasses creatures much like wildlife in addition to beings of godlike power... of course, I realize you could never explain them in full in a single conversation. You've devoted your life to their study, yes?

Trainers work hard and strive to grow stronger with their Pokémon partners, which can form a bond so strong they can do the near impossible in the face of danger. It is quite the sight to see in action, and know that along the way some trainers form strong bonds with each other as well.

Pokémon are wonderful, mysterious beings, and we have been fortunate enough they are willing to form such bonds after their own tests to see if a trainer is right for them.

[It did not make traveling in some areas safer, given how pokémon started those tests.... Reason for the Poké Doll to exist.]

I have, yes. Everything that is still unanswered, always so much more to discover- or even rediscover as some knowledge has been lost over time. It is a wide world out there, and uncovering some mysteries can help both Pokémon and person be their very best.

Stress-Testing 🧸

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