As Jodie reaches the forest, you get your first look of the town of Argenvers. And if feels like you've stepped into a fairy tale, surrounded by wooden buildings and small paved roads clearly not made for cars.

She stops the jeep in a large parking lot on the edge of town, that cuts the ground like a frontier between the modern world you've traveled in and the old fantasy village you're approaching.

Most of the vehicles in the parking seems to be trucks and pick-ups, and as you watch a pair of men drive a small cart pulling a train of open cargo beds to one of the trucks. "The town has always been close to the forest, and they decided not to allow motor vehicles inside. Those cargo trains are the only alternative to pokemon riding once you're inside." She explains, before leading you to the town's sign.

Jodie points to a building ahead, with a small pokeball sign hanging in front of it. "That's the pokecenter. Bye, and good luck on your challenge!" She says, before heading to a building marked 'general store'.

Jake was impressed by the fairy-tale like setting. He was a bit concerned that the rustic setting would mean his bed would not have a roof over it.  Nevertheless, he was happy to be in civilization of some kind.  First things first, he had pokemon to heal and swap out.

Second thing, since he had money burning a hole in his pocket, he poked his head in various commercial enterprises to spend down his surplus.

New Team:
Fetcher: Farfech'd
Skipper: Marshtomp
Growler: Growlithe
Bandy: Bandicoon
Tiefee
Dimpy: Impidimp

Seymour was in awe of the city's quaintness. It was so charming he almost couldn't believe it. Like Jakey, Seymour went to heal his pokemon, switch out his team, and shop for supplies. He felt some new survival gear would be appropriate. And he could never go wrong with more pokeballs.

When the two of them were all situated, he asked Jakey, "Should we go check out the gym challenge? Or should we wait until tomorrow and do some last minute training tonight?"

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Shopping for outdoor gear that might be useful during the challenge, as well as looking for more pokeballs.

Changing my team to Shedinja, Lapimage, Dunsparce, Ditto, Pinsir, Farfetch'd.

After a bit of shopping, Seymour finds a brand new knife with miniature survival gear in it's handle. It's pricey, but it's both solid and as versatile as can be. Pokéballs... are another matter. The shop has little of interest to offer, though you do find someone crafting Apricorn balls, at premium price.

OOC: You can drop your Pokédollar by one to increase either your Survival Gear or your Pokéballs by one. To increase both, you'll need to drop your money by two, and spend 15 favors.

Jake, what would you like to shop for?

"Lets wait and chat up the locals. Maybe they can get us a lead on what we will need for the challenge. Like good pokemon to run out and maybe if you need that swag knife there." There did not seem like any particular reason to be in a rush, so Jake was content to delay the challenge.

"Maybe we can head to a hotel and chat and see if we can get any info there, then go do whatever."

Jake was down to train or shop in his free time, but he was most looking forward to a warm place to sleep (indoors).

You find the hotel easily enough, nestled in the shadows of large trees, thanks to the direction a group of traveling trainers. Chatting a bit with them, they tell you they went through the challenge in the last two days.

They say the experience was a lot like a hiking and camping trip, but with the extra risk of various traps along the way. Nothing lethal, but injuries are a serious possibility.

Seymour agreed to Jakey's plan. He listened intently to the descriptions of the gym challenge the traveling trainers gave. Combined with the descriptions the archaeologists gave, a clearer picture of the challenge that awaited them began to form in Seymour's mind. And he thought he might have some ideas for last-minute training.

"I am going to go buy those supplies I spotted earlier. I think they will be worthwhile purchases after all. I... may switch my team up a bit too, now that we know just how likely injuries might be. Then should we train a bit before turning in early? I think we should get some good rest and start the challenge early tomorrow. That way we will be less likely to have to camp overnight outdoors." Granted, Seymour was decent at navigating by the stars.

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The price was steep, but I am going to go ahead and pay it to get all of the supplies. I think I might alter my team too, but I will think about it some more and post any changes in the ooc thread.