[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

... Finally the others have arrived as well! Most of them, at least. This surely eased the situation in some way.

So, they cleared out the Snakes...? How pleasant to hear~ Route seems to be free now, if the rain might have stopped by now, too.

She needed a moment to catch herself before beign able to reply. "... Sociologist? So that's what you are!" Finally. No need to unwittingly worry more brain cells over what his occupation might be.

[Lord Windos]

A few minutes later, the doors of the Center swing open again, Ventus calmly marching forward to the front desk. Pulling out 2 Pokeballs, he placed them down in front of the Nurse Joy, looking a bit abash. "I'm sorry to bother you, but me and a couple of friends of mine went to clear that Ekans nest that was causing problems, but my Togepi got injured by one of the snakes before they were captured. Could you please treat them for me? I'd be ever so grateful, doctor."

While waiting for his Raphael and new addition's treatment, he walked over towards Shiva and Nathan. Observing the both of them, he noticed that they while they were tired, they seemed to be in high spirits. Perhaps they won their battle against Nurse Joy? "Greeting, my comrades. I trust you were successful in you bout against the good Nurse? If you would like, you can share the detail with me. I may be sociologist, but I know few of the intricacies behind Pokémon."

Upon seeing Ventus enter the room, Nathan becomes very matter of fact as opposed to the more social attitude he had been taking with Shiva and Vincent.

"Yes, we were successful in our battle against Nurse Joy.  As I was explaining to Vincent, it was hard, but we pulled through.  How'd you fare against those Ekans?  I hear Raphael got roughed up a bit?  How'd Larry fare?"

'Oh dear,' Ventus thought, picking up on the change in Nathan mood. Once carefree with the others, he now closely guarded his every though and action when talking to him. "Raphael got stung by the Ekans, but I was able to capture it before anything worse happened. As for Larry, he turned out fine from the ordeal, but me and Vincent... discussed the impulsiveness of his actions. We decided to give him some space and left him with the professor for the time being. I hope he take what we said to heart, because I would hate to see him endanger himself in similar situation," he said, with a serene smile on his face.

For all appearance sake, Ventus look unfazed, perhaps even oblivious to Nathan's obtrusive attitude towards him. The fact was, behind that smile, Ventus was thinking how to approach him. 'I left more of an impression with him than I thought with our first meeting. This is not good; not good at all. I need him to open up towards me, let me see what exactly is causing him so much distress. Maybe if I...'

Extending his hand towards Nathan, Ventus spoke with the trouble boy. "Hmm... Nathan, would you mind if we take a walk together? I wish brainstorm about some ideas for our upcoming trip, and having someone to bounce ideas off would be appreciated. I'd ask Vince, but he seem a bit exhausted from our track to and from the Ekans nest. How about it?"

[Iron]

The 'Dex map does let you estimate time between towns.

Stopping for normal encounter slots but not doing any extra training, it takes 2 days to walk most of the routes, assuming they are flat and well-maintained like this one is.

So I currently have:

Shiva - training session
Nathan - training session
Vincent - wild paras

Ventus and Larry haven't picked how they will spend the bulk of their time. It sounds like Doc might have some questions for various people, but that probably won't take as long as a battle + the resting after a battle.

[Dragonstrike]

A few minutes later, the doors of the Center swing open again, Ventus calmly marching forward to the front desk. Pulling out 2 Pokeballs, he placed them down in front of the Nurse Joy, looking a bit abash. "I'm sorry to bother you, but me and a couple of friends of mine went to clear that Ekans nest that was causing problems, but my Togepi got injured by one of the snakes before they were captured. Could you please treat them for me? I'd be ever so grateful, doctor."

While waiting for his Raphael and new addition's treatment, he walked over towards Shiva and Nathan. Observing the both of them, he noticed that they while they were tired, they seemed to be in high spirits. Perhaps they won their battle against Nurse Joy? "Greeting, my comrades. I trust you were successful in you bout against the good Nurse? If you would like, you can share the detail with me. I may be sociologist, but I know few of the intricacies behind Pokémon."

Upon seeing Ventus enter the room, Nathan becomes very matter of fact as opposed to the more social attitude he had been taking with Shiva and Vincent.

"Yes, we were successful in our battle against Nurse Joy.  As I was explaining to Vincent, it was hard, but we pulled through.  How'd you fare against those Ekans?  I hear Raphael got roughed up a bit?  How'd Larry fare?"

'Oh dear,' Ventus thought, picking up on the change in Nathan mood. Once carefree with the others, he now closely guarded his every though and action when talking to him. "Raphael got stung by the Ekans, but I was able to capture it before anything worse happened. As for Larry, he turned out fine from the ordeal, but me and Vincent... discussed the impulsiveness of his actions. We decided to give him some space and left him with the professor for the time being. I hope he take what we said to heart, because I would hate to see him endanger himself in similar situation," he said, with a serene smile on his face.

For all appearance sake, Ventus look unfazed, perhaps even oblivious to Nathan's obtrusive attitude towards him. The fact was, behind that smile, Ventus was thinking how to approach him. 'I left more of an impression with him than I thought with our first meeting. This is not good; not good at all. I need him to open up towards me, let me see what exactly is causing him so much distress. Maybe if I...'

Extending his hand towards Nathan, Ventus spoke with the trouble boy. "Hmm... Nathan, would you mind if we take a walk together? I wish brainstorm about some ideas for our upcoming trip, and having someone to bounce ideas off would be appreciated. I'd ask Vince, but he seem a bit exhausted from our track to and from the Ekans nest. How about it?"

Nathan wonders where this request is coming from, but he does think it over for a moment.  In fact, didn't Ventus say something of potential use and interest less than a minute ago?  Maybe this wouldn't be all THAT bad...and maybe it would be a good way for Ventus to start proving himself...

Still using the rather matter of fact attitude, Nathan replies, "Hmmmm....you said you know a few intricacies when it comes to pokemon, yes?  Alright, I'll entertain that request.  I've got some questions for you as well if you do know that kind of stuff."  Nathan then gets up and starts towards the door.  "I know a good place we can have this walk and talk, and we can do it while our pokemon heal.  Just follow me." He then makes his way out the door, assuming Ventus will follow.

[Lord Windos]

Seeing that Nathan accept his request, Ventus somehow smiled even more radiantly, and follow Nathan out. Before that, though, he turned towards his companions and told them, "We'll be back soon, so don't worry about us! If my Pokémon are healed before I get back, though, make sure to let Raphael out of his Pokeball. They need to socialize with others if they are going to grow up right!"Walking slightly behind Nathan, he was silent as he took in the sight of Trillum. While it had nothing on Castlia or Nimbasa City in terms of flair and activity, it had that quant rural charm that always soothed him.

Just think about Unova was making him homesick, so he banished the thought from his mind, and turned towards Nathan with his first inquiry. "Nathan, as you know, I have captured an Ekans from my recent foray into the tall grasses. It was certainly a fine specimen, seeing as it almost totally disable both me and Larry. Had it not be for Vincent and Officer Wakes, things could have gone far worse. I'm still worried, though, on what to exactly do with the Ekans. While I am certain that I can rear it into a well adjusted fighter, I'm afraid that it resent me and prove to be a problem,"

Ventus smile went away as he grew pensive about the snake in his care. "What concerns me most is the possibility of it lashing out violently, and possibly severely injury or doing worse to our Pokémon and friends. I know what a Poison types toxins are capable of... and I sorely wish I was not," he said, grimacing from his own words. 'Not the most pleasant memories to remind myself of,' Ventus though, before he turned to face Nathan, looking pensive. "I ask you, what should I do? Should I keep it and attempt to take care of it, navigating its treacherous attitude, or should I forsake it for the wellbeing of myself and the group? I could certainly decide for myself, but I'd like to hear your thought on the matter."

[Dies Irae]

Vincent shrugs inwardly as Nathan turns and heads for the door. Then he whistles Winston over.

"Not the most coordinated bunch are we?" He drops to one knee, ruffling the fur along the Growlithe's neck. "If you're up for it little guy. What say you we hit the tall grass ourselves? If nothing else, I'd say we were overdue due for a spot of training ourselves."

Glancing back at Shiva, he waves before turning to set out for the door. "Gonna be heading out for some tall grass training. Give me a shout if you want in. If not, I should be back in an hour or two."

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Player Actions:
Going bughunting. Not taking any major risks with this and prepared to drop everything and run, but that Paras has been awfully patient. Might as well not keep it waiting any longer.

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

(...) "Gonna be heading out for some tall grass training. Give me a shout if you want in. If not, I should be back in an hour or two." (...)

„ ...No, I think I'll stay here... Someone has to accept our Pokemon back once they got healed... Thanks for the offer, though.“ With those words, she waved back and watched him leave the Center alongside his faithful Growlithe.

(I just assume we're getting mentioned Pokemon back now, for time/speed reasons.)

Gratefully accepting all the Pokeballs containing the party's companions, she realised neither Nathan and Ventus, nor Vincent weren't back yet... Did they...? Ah, nope, why should they abandon their own Pokemon? There was no reason to do so. Plus, they probably know how to take care of themselves and should be smart enough not to make off too far without a Pokemon on hand.

Didn't Ventus asked to let out his Togepi...? At least she assumed he meant that one, given its angel-like nickname. Alright then, this one contained her Cottonee – upon coming out, it had her scarf loosely slung around its body. „ ...Very funny, seriously.“ Though, she couldn't help to smile slightly as she removed it from the fluffball and returned it back into bagpack. This one held Nathan's Ralts, easily spotted since it's in a Premierball. It seemed a little concerned once it saw that its Master wasn't around. This one...contained an Ekans! And what a big one! She quickly withdrew it before it even knew what has happened. Then this one must be Togepi's... what an innocent and dear creature. She spend a while just watching the little group of half-Fairies play and enjoy their time outside their balls, waiting for the other party members to return.

(Will wait for Nathan and Ventus to return to the Center now, before finally heading to Route 1 to meet up with Vincent and/or start on that Confusion-Training session. Whether Larry will join or not, doesn't really matter to me.)

[Dragonstrike]

Seeing that Nathan accept his request, Ventus somehow smiled even more radiantly, and follow Nathan out. Before that, though, he turned towards his companions and told them, "We'll be back soon, so don't worry about us! If my Pokémon are healed before I get back, though, make sure to let Raphael out of his Pokeball. They need to socialize with others if they are going to grow up right!"Walking slightly behind Nathan, he was silent as he took in the sight of Trillum. While it had nothing on Castlia or Nimbasa City in terms of flair and activity, it had that quant rural charm that always soothed him.

Just think about Unova was making him homesick, so he banished the thought from his mind, and turned towards Nathan with his first inquiry. "Nathan, as you know, I have captured an Ekans from my recent foray into the tall grasses. It was certainly a fine specimen, seeing as it almost totally disable both me and Larry. Had it not be for Vincent and Officer Wakes, things could have gone far worse. I'm still worried, though, on what to exactly do with the Ekans. While I am certain that I can rear it into a well adjusted fighter, I'm afraid that it resent me and prove to be a problem,"

Ventus smile went away as he grew pensive about the snake in his care. "What concerns me most is the possibility of it lashing out violently, and possibly severely injury or doing worse to our Pokémon and friends. I know what a Poison types toxins are capable of... and I sorely wish I was not," he said, grimacing from his own words. 'Not the most pleasant memories to remind myself of,' Ventus though, before he turned to face Nathan, looking pensive. "I ask you, what should I do? Should I keep it and attempt to take care of it, navigating its treacherous attitude, or should I forsake it for the wellbeing of myself and the group? I could certainly decide for myself, but I'd like to hear your thought on the matter."

Well, that question came out of nowhere.  Well, maybe not, but Nathan hadn't been expected to be asked THAT of all things.  Well, he might as well answer honestly with what he'd always thought about catching pokemon..."If there's one thing I don't like about just catching wild pokemon, it's that we're forcibly removing them from the homes they've known all their lives if they don't willingly go with the trainer.  If it were me, I'd either find a way to take care of it properly or release it back into its home.  I don't think the second one is an option in this case.  As for the first one...well, if you don't feel up to the task, find someone else who is.  Assuming what you said is true, you at least know how to raise a poison type, yes?  It should also help that we have a member of its nest as well.  I can't make the decision for you, but that's what I think of the matter.  Now, before we continue..."

Nahan turns around to face Ventus.  "We're here.  Welcome to the hiking trails at the base of Mt. Molten.  I trust you're not too uncomfortable?"  The temperature had risen a few degrees, and they were only at the base of the mountain still.  Nathan was unfazed, despite his attire.  "Don't worry, there's no wild pokemon here.  At least, not until you get higher up on the mountain.  No guarantees there.  I know these trails well enough, so we shouldn't have to worry about that."

(Some ambient music for the destination: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRW3R1TFUTY)

The trail they're standing at the start of winds into the trees at the base of the mountain. There's no telling how long it is or how many times it splits before it loops back around to the start if you don't know it. Nathan's been down this particular trail many times, and knows the portions of it that stick to the base of the mountain very well. Staring down it now, though, he wonders why he brought Ventus to THIS trail in particular...this was where...well, no time for that now. He'd cross that bridge when they got there.

[Iron]

Happy Easter! Everyone take 1Xp for your trainer, and 1XP for a Pokemon of your choice.

I'll start the Paras encounter and if Larry decides he wants in on that, he can say so and jump in. Or we'll start whatever encounter he wants to do.


Paras Encounter Round 0

Peeking shyly from inside a stump, a wild Paras chitters madly. The mushrooms on its back are young still - this is a young Pokemon for sure. When it sees a fire Pokemon, it readies itself to attack.




Doing some rules research on Training Sessions.
Here's how it will work in Skull Ruins:
-Every training session is worth 1XP to your Pokemon. This represents the move thingy at the top right of page 65.
-You can do this whenever encounter slots are available, or when you have lots of downtime in a place where battles aren't available.
-After a few training sessions, as determined by the GM, you get to roll a Training Roll. This is like a sudden burst of XP after multiple days of training, in addition to your 1 XP automatic.
-Creativity will reduce the timeout between training rolls. Think of it as having to earn training rolls, though training sessions are readily available.

I think this should work out pretty well with the pacing I want. As you face increasingly stronger real foes, training sessions will become less efficient.

[Iron]

As Nathan and Ventus walk the hiking trails, and Nathan finishes explaining there are no wild Pokemon here, the unpredictable Mt. Molten reveals its nature. From the scrubby, fire-adapted forest at the base of the mountain, at the north end of the trail, come the hoots and hollers of a loud Pokemon.