Coming to you LIVE from Channel EV Studios...

[these_balls]

Evening, Routers!

We the ModlyTypes have a surprise for you tonight — a new game mechanic we're test-running in the hopes of making Johto seem a little more reactive to you as players, and a little more alive in general! We're hoping it'll be a fun way of keeping the game at large informed about what players are doing, big events that are happening, and interesting plot hooks that you can react to and build off of in your own gameplay! That said, tonight marks our first test-run of the project, so we could use your feedback on it. If you like it as a game mechanic, please let us know; if you don't like it, please let us know in the comments of this post what we can do to improve on it! Assuming all goes well, we're hoping to have one of these "broadcasts" (which your characters can ICly tune into on any TV in Kanto or Johto!) up every other Friday!

And kudos to the new tech mods for making it happen!

That said, we at the modteam proudly present...

▶ ▷ ▶ GYM NEWS Θ WINGS CLIPPED! VIOLET GYM REMAINS CLOSED! • Today the Violet City Gym enters its sixth week of suspended operations — an unprecedented length of downtime for a member of the Johto gym circuit! Following the reported theft of six Flying-types that comprised his "elite lineup" of battlers last month, Gym Leader FALKNER announced the gym's closing, and it has remained so ever since. However, there may yet be hope for trainers eager for their Zephyr Badge! Earlier today, in a press conference, Leader FALKNER announced his plans to resume gym operations in one week, saying: "I never enjoy closing the gym to trainers eager to test their skills. I regret that it was a necessity this time, so that I could devote my full efforts to recovering my missing team. However, as a gym leader, I can't in good conscience leave the gym closed forever. Rest assured, I've already sought out expert assistance in this matter — but I'd also like to make this request to the trainers of Johto: if anyone has any information on my missing team, please contact me at the Violet City Gym. Again, I apologize to the trainers whose challenges have been turned away prior to now, and I look forward to receiving you again when the gym reopens one week from today. Thank you." Θ BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE! LEADER BROCK PUTS OUT CALL FOR CHALLENGERS! • Apparently in response to the continuing downtime of the Violet City Gym, Gym Leader BROCK has issued this statement: "Gosh, don't let one little gym closure slow you down on your journey to become a champion! We're all still in business over here in Kanto, and I for one would love to see some challengers for my Boulder Badge! Especially if they're pretty — hey! I mean, uh, yeah! Come on up to Pewter City, challengers! My doors are open and ready for you!" Θ HATS OFF! OLIVINE GYM MANDATES NEW DRESS CODE! • Breaking News! Trainers intending to challenge the Olivine City Gym are requested to remove their hats upon entry to the gym, subject to Gym Leader JASMINE'S new dress code restriction! When approached for comment, Leader JASMINE explained, "Well, I just think...the other day WHITNEY and I were talking and we thought...it might be a good rule to have. As...as a show of respect. For the gym leaders, and for cute girls in general! Um, thank you."

▶ ▷ ▶ CRIME NEWS Θ BURN, BABY, BURN! POSSIBLE FIRE AT THE GOLDENROD RADIO TOWER? • Officer Jenny and the Kangaskhan Police are currently investigating a recent incident at the Goldenrod Radio Tower! Sometime on the night of January 14th, witnesses observed thick black smoke billowing from the windows and exits of the Radio Tower building! Shopkeeper RANDY, who alerted the Squirtle Squad Volunteer Fire Department to the scene, had this to say: "I was just out taking my FURRET for her midnight walk — she's not very good around people so I try to take her out when no one's around — and all of a sudden I saw it! Just — smoke everywhere! Golly, I haven't seen clouds like that since Gym Leader BLAINE put on his Fire-Type exhibition!" Citizens with any information about the incident in question are asked to contact Officer Jenny at PKM-NLAW. Your calls will remain strictly confidential! Θ FLOWN THE COOP! SIX ELITE BIRDS STILL MISSING! • The investigation into the theft of Gym Leader FALKNER'S missing birds remains open at this time. The birds in question — a PIDGEOT, DODRIO, SWELLOW, XATU, STARAPTOR, and PELIPPER — are all level 100 and we are advised that they will not obey commands from anyone but their original trainer. In the interest of encouraging their speedy return, Leader FALKNER has promised a reward for anyone aiding in the recovery of his elite team. Please contact Officer Jenny, Leader FALKNER, or the Violet City Gym with any information. We appreciate your help in this matter! Θ PSA: STAY ON THE STRAIGHT AND NARROW! • Officer Jenny and the Kangaskhan Police would like to issue this Public Service Announcement: "We've noticed an unsettling trend lately of citizens of Johto and Kanto using the PokeGear Connect to discuss and plan the commission of CRIMES! We at the Kangaskhan Police Department would like to remind trainers that crimes are ILLEGAL and subject to punishment if you are caught, so please DO NOT COMMIT CRIMES! And if you must talk about them, please at least do it where we can't see it. Thank you for your cooperation, and have a wonderful day!"

▶ ▷ ▶ WEATHER Θ SUNNY DAYS AHEAD! • Your Channel EV Pokemon Weather Station — the first stop to weather the weather whatever the weather! — is predicting a cold start to the beginning of the next week, with a sudden warm spell coming in as the week continues! Θ BUT NOT FOR LONG! • But don't trade in your coats for shorts too fast, trainers! By the end of the month we're predicting temperatures will start plummeting right back down to chilly winter weather again! Don't forget to dress warm when playing in the snow or traveling on routes! Θ A NOTE FROM MOM! • When temperatures get glacial, why not try Mom's Warm-'Em-Up Cocoa recipe? Guaranteed to take the chill out of your bones! Just mix a quarter cup of water with two tablespoons each of unsweetened cocoa powder and granulated sugar, then add one and a half cups of milk! Heat it right up until steaming and add a dash of vanilla and some whipped cream for a tasty treat to keep the cold away!

▶ ▷ ▶ SWARM NEWS Θ BIRDS OF A FEATHER FLOCKING TOGETHER! • With the coming warm weather, Pokemon Professors are anticipating a rise in certain Pokemon activity on various routes and near cities! Professor OAK is projecting heightened numbers of SPEAROW in both the Johto and Kanto regions! "If we do get an early thaw — and especially if it gets as warm as our lovely WeatherMom is projecting — the SPEAROW will likely assume that spring has arrived and begin their annual nesting rituals. I'd certainly recommend taking the time to examine one if it crosses your path! What fascinating creatures!" Θ BUT WAIT: A REASON TO FEAROW! • However, the Professors are also projecting a rise in the numbers of wild FEAROW in the same areas! Professor OAK commented: "FEAROW are most often found on the peaks of rock spires near canyons, but they'll sometimes substitute very tall trees as the location of their nests. Trainers should be careful when walking in wooded areas; FEAROW are vicious predators who hunt by swooping down from above and snatching their prey in their talons!" Θ THINGS ARE GETTING A BIT ODDISH! • Finally, the Professors are expecting to see increased ODDISH activity in various areas throughout the region when and if temperatures climb above 50°F (10°C)! "If you want to spot an ODDISH in the daylight, you're going to have to look hard! ODDISH spend the daylight hours buried in the soil to avoid the sunlight, using their feet to soak up nutrients. It isn't until the moonlight hours that you're likely to see them roaming!"

▶ ▷ ▶ MISC. NEWS Θ REPAIR EFFORTS CONTINUE TO ROCK AND ROLL! • After a rocky start, repairs following the recent attacks by the Legendary Golems of Hoenn are continuing smoothly! Last month, in the midst of a world-record blizzard, the golems Regirock, Regice, and Registeel were sighted in various locations across Johto and Kanto. As yet, no one has confirmed their motives or what brought them to Johto; however, they left nothing but destruction in their wake, and local businesses and Pokemon Centers continue their efforts to restore some of what was lost. Trainers who wish to volunteer their time and effort to cleanup proceedings are urged to focus their efforts on Mahogany Town and Pewter, Blackthorn, and Viridian Cities, as these locations were hardest hit and require the most help. Monetary donations are also welcomed and should be directed to the Gym Leaders of their respective towns. Θ ROUND 'EM UP! • Researchers and Scientists continue to investigate the strange phenomenon of the CIRCULAR MARKINGS left behind by the golems in Blackthorn, Pewter, and Viridian Cities! Legendary enthusiasts and conspiracy theorists have been clamoring for the opportunity to visit the circle arrangements, which we are told form distinct pictures when viewed from the air; however, at this time the personnel on-site are requesting that only those with a legitimate academic interest in the markings be permitted to access them. When asked, Scientist LAUREN reaffirmed: "No, we're not letting tourists onto the sites. Rest assured, we'll release news of any discoveries we make as soon as we find them. Oh — that reminds me! Yes, we've got a working translation of the messages they left behind, compiled by researchers from all three cities. The markings read: 'WE BUILT THIS | MAN ENDS / POKEMON END / EVERYTHING ENDS | NEW WORLDS / INHERIT / NEW DREAMS'. We're working on what that could mean as we speak." Θ LET'S HAVE A BALL! • SPECIAL! For one week only, the Goldenrod and Celadon department stores will be offering a "buy two, get one free" special on Pokeballs! Trainers, don't forget to stock up before you hit those routes — you never know when that Pokemon you've been coveting might wander your way!

Codes borrowed and modified from pastries here!

Comments

[friendyousohard]

Add one more to the raving about how great this is.

Also, one thing catches my eye:

"Rest assured, I've already sought out expert assistance in this matter"

I am now extremely interested in who or what this expert assistance is. Pokemon Rangers, anyone?