[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Dragonstrike]

Well, you catch the word "Vines" for sure. Their faces seem serious. As a Gym Leader, it's one of Zamboni's responsibilities to be aware of threats to his area. You also hear "Ice vs Grass."

That's all Nathan needed to hear.  Better keep moving and get to Vapor Falls ASAP.

And maybe he needed a little more firepower himself...he might have to teach Swiftfire how to use Inferno soon, as much as he loathed the idea of teaching her such an obviously Lethal attack...even when holding back, the move was ridiculously dangerous, with no real way around it unless you intentionally miss...

The Sealers' Domain: Lake Theme Remastered by ZameJack - Pokemon Diamond/Pearl/Platinum

Assuming there's nothing else of note along the way, when Nathan reaches Vapor Falls, he takes a moment to soak in the peace and tranquility of the location.  Breathe in....breathe out...aaaaahhhh...

He was much more comfortable here than in the city.  And he was definitely starting to get used to the idea of this location being filled with some sort of 'natural magic.'  Why else would Mesprit be found here instead of at another body of water, after all?

And once he's properly relaxed, it's time to let Solomon the Overgrown Slowpoke out to explore the nearby waters...and then evolve into a Slowking.  Wonder what kind of lore he'll learn and capabilities he'll have when he evolves near Mesprit's cave?

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

"Nah, I understand. Been a Pokemon rare collector have similar job." Then Heart sit and begin to tell Ventus the information he find.

"First of all, that Claydoll probably came from deep inside the skull ruins. According to the person who was working in the job yesterday, a group of researchs was testing some type of drill machine, and all these problems begin when the Almanac persons come to the city. And we see the close to the ruins correct? Also he told me the vines don't come to this because of some barrier or something and told me that story:"

There was a city the King didn't like, one sort of like a modern day suburb, only it was a suburb of the King's Castle, where Sarimanok sat on a throne of Charizard skulls, which is now the Skull Ruins. King Sarimanok broke that suburb into little bits and paved Route 04 with the rubble. The northern border of Stair City is also part of that rubble.

"My theory is that Claydoll is probably the guardian of the Skull ruins, and the Almanac was using the drill to excavate something inside the ruins and they wake that Claydoll who was controlling the Tangrowth and the vines. And stolen Kirlia pearl because he thinks it was his stolen treasure or something? And they have a lab in the basement of the department store, and a store front in 12th floor."

Once Heart began to recount the intel he gathered concerning the Vines swamping the Skull Ruins and proposed his hypothesis about Almanac involvement in unleashing the wrectched weeds, Ven found it immensely challenging to divide his attention between his research notes and the collecter's tale, but in the end he managed to. This wasn't the first (nor probably last) time multiple crucial and/or tantalizing information/work related subject vied for his total attention, but it was harder still in this case due to the nature of the threat those viles weeds and the threat they possed to the entire Cheshire region.

When they finished, the researcher took a few more minutes thinking over what they said while finishing reviewing this section of his notes, before he marked the page to expediently pick up where he left off, closed his journel(s) and putting them away, before he turned his head towards them and said: "My sincerest thanks in updating me on the present situation concerning those fiendish plants and Almanac's connection to ongoing events. While the evidence is circumstancal by itself, it is just another piece in the puzzle that reveals to us more and more that the corporation is, if not to be trusted, then at least highly suspect in their recent courses of action. I'll investigate their storefront myself when I acquire the chance, and perhaps I can use my credentials as a Unovain Researcher to get a tour of their Labs at the Department stores, or at the very least illicit some information about their ongoing research projects. Again, I thank you, and I'll be certain to divulge any intelligence I gather to you at the first opportunity, along to the rest of the group as a whole."

Spoiler

"Greetings, both of you! Sorry that I kept you people waiting, but thanks that you waited anyway... So, eh, Ven..."

 *coy smile* "If you're ready to get going, we can do so. First thing I desire to see is that Fountain of Brotherhood alongside Azu! From an online city map I picked up that it's not too far away from here, we should arrive there by foot in like five minutes."

If the rare Pokémon Collector had caused Ven to lapse into a more serious mood, then his dear blessed friend's arrival and her florally, beautifully adorned Azu his good cheer with ease. The sociologist offered Shiva yet another one of his Dazzling Smiles ®, then removed himself from the table ,bid Heart a geninuely polite farewell, and walked over to her side. "As I have said before this morning, I am at your disposal this day. Let us indulge in the sites, sounds, and experience this modern marvel of a city has to offer us, and see how it measures up to our own capital city and home Castelia, shall we?"

Order: Ventus is going to follow Shiva around the city today as planned, but if their is a chance to have a battle at the Fountain, I'm willing to place $1000 Poke on a Battle Versus Apsis that A) She has a type advantage towards B) Only one Healing Item per match C) (This is an absolute condition) Does not have Sleep inflicting moves, and D) No OHKO moves. That's all from me for now, folks!

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

She kept that coy smile as Ven was returning the gesture with one of those smiles she knew oh so well meanwhile. "'At my disosal', huh? That sounds weird... Though, glad you're coming with me, let's get going then?" *gently taking one of Ven's hand and leading him outside the Lobby and GPC, but stopping midmovement and turning to Heart* "Oh, alsmost forget, but enjoy a delightful friitful day as well! See you~"

Outside the Center and along the way, Shiva both felt like it might not be the best idea to tell him right away what she has discussed with Nathan there in private and let not go of his hand. Maybe to an onlooker with lots of imagination they may look like a young couple having an outing. "*cough* Uhm, thanks again for waiting for me... Saw that you got yourself busy as well." ... "One thing I already picked up that there is so much Steel and technology in this city and of course no harbour like in Castelia. Like, have you seen that fortress of a Gym?"
 
It was true that Shiva felt well in Stair, but at the same time being reminded on her home by the city gave her shy mixed feelings, and almost immediately she brought Azurill in her arms closer to herself.


----------------
Mechanics:
Ven can gladly start his battle right away, while Shiva will explore the Fountain first and see whether the species of Azurill is listed on the board with the recently kept records as having contributed water to the Fountain already, before making a wish and THEN stumble into a battle. Probably isn't listed since Azu's no official Water Type, but are Marill and Keldeo listed?

[Spiritmon]

"No problemo Ventus. Gladly to see you too Shiva. Ventus, could you fetch Shiva with the information I gave you? I don't want to interrupt your walking around the city. If you need me, I will be in the steel working place. Going to get some money. A are collector it's not much easy to a job my friends. If I get the chance, I will try to find any information and inform. I good to excavator information. But be careful you two, it's not only the vines the only danger here." Then Heart stand up to go. "Oh, I almost forgot." The I go in the direction of Ventus and give him one Pokeball. "I know you almost out of Pokeballs and my job paid with potions and Pokeballs too, so you can have that one. I can't give you more because I don't have many, but I hope that one help you (one less pokeball in the inventory of charsheet). Ventus, Shiva, see you later."

Actions: Go to the job options unless Shiva or Ventus have something to say.

[Iron]

"No problemo Ventus. Gladly to see you too Shiva. Ventus, could you fetch Shiva with the information I gave you? I don't want to interrupt your walking around the city. If you need me, I will be in the steel working place. Going to get some money. A are collector it's not much easy to a job my friends. If I get the chance, I will try to find any information and inform. I good to excavator information. But be careful you two, it's not only the vines the only danger here." Then Heart stand up to go. "Oh, I almost forgot." The I go in the direction of Ventus and give him one Pokeball. "I know you almost out of Pokeballs and my job paid with potions and Pokeballs too, so you can have that one. I can't give you more because I don't have many, but I hope that one help you (one less pokeball in the inventory of charsheet). Ventus, Shiva, see you later."

Actions: Go to the job options unless Shiva or Ventus have something to say.

The exact same job options are still available! Your boss from yesterday would be happy to have you again.

[Iron]

Spoiler

Well, you catch the word "Vines" for sure. Their faces seem serious. As a Gym Leader, it's one of Zamboni's responsibilities to be aware of threats to his area. You also hear "Ice vs Grass."

That's all Nathan needed to hear.  Better keep moving and get to Vapor Falls ASAP.

And maybe he needed a little more firepower himself...he might have to teach Swiftfire how to use Inferno soon, as much as he loathed the idea of teaching her such an obviously Lethal attack...even when holding back, the move was ridiculously dangerous, with no real way around it unless you intentionally miss...

The Sealers' Domain: Lake Theme Remastered by ZameJack - Pokemon Diamond/Pearl/Platinum

Assuming there's nothing else of note along the way, when Nathan reaches Vapor Falls, he takes a moment to soak in the peace and tranquility of the location.  Breathe in....breathe out...aaaaahhhh...

He was much more comfortable here than in the city.  And he was definitely starting to get used to the idea of this location being filled with some sort of 'natural magic.'  Why else would Mesprit be found here instead of at another body of water, after all?

And once he's properly relaxed, it's time to let Solomon the Overgrown Slowpoke out to explore the nearby waters...and then evolve into a Slowking.  Wonder what kind of lore he'll learn and capabilities he'll have when he evolves near Mesprit's cave?

Still suffused in the recent energies of the Trading Machine, Solomon splashes about (big splashes!) atop Vapor Falls. Solomon is completely ignoring Nathan's ongoing meditation, and just enjoying the cool waters.

Suddenly, during a dive, he is surrounded by pink energy, and his tail thrashes in surprise or pain. Nathan catches sight of the tail shrinking a bit before the pink energy hides Solomon from sight. The orb of pink floats over a stone in the water, and fades away to release the newborn Slowking! Stubby arms raised triumphantly toward his Shellder crown, Solomon drops gracefully to the flat boulder. As the last of the energy fades, a tiny symbol flashes briefly in the air before Slowking's gem.



Slowking splashes through the water, ambles up to Nathan, and grins. He doesn't have any Loyalty toward Nathan, but their interests seem to run together well. As a thanks for taking extra effort in evolving him, Slowking will gain +1 Loyalty at the beginning of their first battle together. 

Nathan also spots a few disappointed Shellder swimming away. One blows Slowking a raspberry.

[Iron]

 
It was true that Shiva felt well in Stair, but at the same time being reminded on her home by the city gave her shy mixed feelings, and almost immediately she brought Azurill in her arms closer to herself.


----------------
Mechanics:
Ven can gladly start his battle right away, while Shiva will explore the Fountain first and see whether the species of Azurill is listed on the board with the recently kept records as having contributed water to the Fountain already, before making a wish and THEN stumble into a battle. Probably isn't listed since Azu's no official Water Type, but are Marill and Keldeo listed?

The Fountain of Pokemon Brotherhood is tinkling beautifully, with just a hint of frost around its rim. There are many levels of stonework and pools to explore. The only one swimming in this morning's cold waters is an old man bathing his feet, oblivious to the temps. A moving staircase takes you up and around the fountain's upper tier and then back down.


A trainer wanders up with his Squirtle, looks at the records and shrugs, then flips a coin into the uppermost tier of the fountain while Squirtle sends in a Water Gun. 

The records take the form of a large semitransparent booth, plastered with electronic photos of water Pokemon, organized by National Pokedex, floating within the high tech computer screen which makes up the booth. There's a camera within which can be programmed to capture the trainer and the Pokemon contributing its water. Shiva sees a new file added to the first entry - a picture of that very same trainer and his happy Squirtle. 

Browsing the records, she finds no Marill and no Keldeo. It looks like the machine will accept Azurill and other water-using Pokemon, even though they're not technically part of the legend. 

Other missing Pokemon:

Spoiler

• Mega Blastoise
  
• Kingdra
  
• All legendaries
  
• Wailord
  
• Castform
  
• Clawitzer (but not Clauncher, they have one of those already)
  
• Alola Pokemon (no one is sure if those count, since they don't even live in Creshire)
  
• Mega Gyarados
  
• Mega Sharpedo
  
• Mantyke
  
• All fossils
  
• Jellicent
  
• Barbaracle
  

But what's this? There's an Azumarill pictured...Azurill is working really hard to get a good look at it. The Azumarill is sending a beautiful Hail into the fountain and allowing it to melt in the midair of a hot summer's day. And, back turned to the camera, gloved fingers wrapped around a black cane, is a trainer in a purple silk cape and a familiar black top hat.

[Iron]

Order: Ventus is going to follow Shiva around the city today as planned, but if their is a chance to have a battle at the Fountain, I'm willing to place $1000 Poke on a Battle Versus Apsis that  A) She has a type advantage towards B) Only one Healing Item per match C) (This is an absolute condition) Does not have Sleep inflicting moves, and D) No OHKO moves. That's all from me for now, folks!

For $1000, Ventus can't find a true pushover battle, but he finds a trainer with a Flareon who agrees to all those conditions.

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

Still suffused in the recent energies of the Trading Machine, Solomon splashes about (big splashes!) atop Vapor Falls. Solomon is completely ignoring Nathan's ongoing meditation, and just enjoying the cool waters.

Suddenly, during a dive, he is surrounded by pink energy, and his tail thrashes in surprise or pain. Nathan catches sight of the tail shrinking a bit before the pink energy hides Solomon from sight. The orb of pink floats over a stone in the water, and fades away to release the newborn Slowking! Stubby arms raised triumphantly toward his Shellder crown, Solomon drops gracefully to the flat boulder. As the last of the energy fades, a tiny symbol flashes briefly in the air before Slowking's gem.



Slowking splashes through the water, ambles up to Nathan, and grins. He doesn't have any Loyalty toward Nathan, but their interests seem to run together well. As a thanks for taking extra effort in evolving him, Slowking will gain +1 Loyalty at the beginning of their first battle together. 

Nathan also spots a few disappointed Shellder swimming away. One blows Slowking a raspberry.

'That symbol...that was one of the Old Unown letters, right? Hmmm...communicating with Solomon might be...interesting...unless he could use the more 'modern' form as well? Also...was that Unown...blue instead of black? Interesting...so that's what a shiny Unown looks like...'

"Well, I take it you're happy with your evolution, Solomon?  Feels quite different from being a normal Slowpoke, I imagine..."

[Iron]

Slowking nods. He looks a bit off-put at the thought of his old life.

Solomon towers over you. A normal Slowking is already human sized. As an overgrown Slowpoke, he carried his extra size in weight. Now it's in height. This Slowking is about the height of the tallest human you've ever met. It adds to his regal grandeur.

His crown is tinged with pink, and on occasion speckled with porous holes. That same Unown symbol is faintly faintly faintly etched into it as well.