Stress-Testing 🧸

[fractales]

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.]

Comments

[netherese]

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.

[fractales]

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.

[netherese]

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.

[fractales]

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.

[netherese]

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?

[fractales]

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.