[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Iron]

Herbalist Maize Round 3

Michael proudly marches into position in front of the big snake. Apsis gives the shroom a fond look.

Absorb
6 dice, -2 actions
(4)(1)(5)(6)
2 Str + 1 power -3 vit = 1d6+1SE
(1) Politoed takes 1 dmg 7/8hp

Mud shot, which Michael intercepts most of. Politoed isn't well-trained enough to launch a big mud shot.
(2)(2)(5)
Michael's accuracy -1, no damage.

Glare
2 Dex + 2 Fight +1 Intimidate -1 moveacc -1 mudshot -1 pain = 2 dice
(6)(5) Politoed is paralyzed. Initiative order doesn't change.

Absorb
(6)(1)(5)
(1) Politoed takes 1 damage. 6/8hp -1 pain

Herbalist Maize Round 4

Absorb
(2)(2)(6)(2) Hit.
(5) Politoed takes 2 dmg 4/8hp -2 pain.

Politoed tries to line up a Bounce attack on Michael, but it does not have enough strength to reach an effective height. "Oh, I'm sorry, Politoed. I still am not fully attuned with your strength level. Ventus, we surrender! But before I give you the money, maybe you could give me some tips?"

[Dragonstrike]

Nathan almost didn't notice his pokedex beep wih the incoming text message.

Kirlia does though, and rushes over to Nathan's bag to bring it to him.  Only a few people ever contact him, after all.

Nathan doesn't really feel like checking it, but Kirlia insists.  After a couple minutes of nonstop bugging, Nathan gives in and looks at the text...from...Shiva?

That's the last person he expected to be talking to so soon after that...

Nathan reads it...pauses...reads it again...

...

"Shiva's...willing to tell me..."  Those words are barely more than a whisper...Kirlia's mood brightens just a little as Nathan says that.  It seems this situation is salvageable after all...

"What...changed her mind?  I wasn't ever expecting her to even offer after how much she tried to evade it, however poor the attempts were..."

He's unsure of what to make of this...particularly that last part...she deeply cares for him?  That's...odd...

It all sounded sincere to him, though.  Enough to warrant him typing out a response.

Shiva...I'm sorry...I know this is a sensitive topic for you...but I would really appreciate it if you told me why whatever it is you're doing caused Ralts to evolve...Ven told me it's all some big secret, but...this is Kirlia we're talking about here.  If it involved him enough to trigger his evolution, why wouldn't I want to know? And...I'm tired of the lies.  Of the distrust.  More than anything, I just want it all to feel...normal.  Like I'm not at risk of exploding...like I almost did earlier...neither of you need to see that side of me directed at you...

...and that's why I'm out of town right now.  Where we camped.  I...need to cool off.  I hope I'll be thinking a little straighter by this evening, but if not...I'll let you know.  It...could be dangerous if I'm not.  If you don't hear anything else from me, assume it's safe to come.

And please...don't tell Ven where I am.  I know he'd just come charging out here if he did and...I can't face him right now...

Putting the 'dex away, he sighs.  This was going to be a rough day, and he wasn't going to be able to face the Gym today because of it...

Well, might as well get some other stuff done, then.

Like properly introducing himself to Houndour.

He brings out Starmie first.  "Starmie, I need your help on this.  We have a new friend, but I'm not entirely sure how much to trust them right now.  If I give you the order, I want you to use Hydro Pump on them.  I don't want to do that, but we may have to, okay?"

Starmie acknowledges the request with as close to a nod as it can manage.

After taking another deep breath, Nathan lets the dog out.  Time to see how he reacts to being in the waking world...

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

As trapdoor closed, plain silence surrounded her. Alongside coldness. At least, that's what if felt like when being down here.

Oh, she won't be afraid. No more. If Shiva decided to grow stronger to prove she is not a person to be underestimated just because she was selective to what she spoke out and what not or wasn't highly experienced in battle, she won't show any fear now. And if she'd fall down here, well, so be it then. None would probably come to her rescue now.

Thankfully, the lamp did not left her in complete darkness. Who knew what would lurk in the darkness of a ship... As for the rope, she packed that away for now. It'll likely be useful at some point, in any way. Looking around, the shine of the lamp revealed two ways to go... One was following a steel beam, depper into the ship, and the other was a wooden beam giving a warm and alive feeling. Reminded on the coldness of Steel Types compared to the life a Meganium radiated.

She decided to go with that path that led deeper into the shop, ergo, the Steel beam. But not before summoning Fennekin and  Kyuu to her side. Both had to get used to their new surrounding at first, but as their owner explained things to them, they eased a little and assured to follow. At least, that's what Fennekin expressed. As for the Espurr, Shiva was there to protect it if needed and remind him that he's very well able to ward enemies off... No point in scaring her newest companion, though.

If there were indeed rats in this ship stealing and hiding items, they'll meet a nasty suprise soon enough.

[Iron]

Houndour pops out and sees that Starmie. He's seen how well Starmie fights his kind.

He won't be aggressive right now, that's for sure. He probably won't be willing to fight for Nathan without a good reason, though.

His reaction to this world is one of unsurprise - he's actually been in the waking world before! He even slips through into the dream world, partly to show Nathan that he's able to escape but not yet seeking to do so. Partly to show Nathan he's been here before.

[Lord Windos]

Herbalist Maize Round 3

Michael proudly marches into position in front of the big snake. Apsis gives the shroom a fond look.

Absorb
6 dice, -2 actions
(4)(1)(5)(6)
2 Str + 1 power -3 vit = 1d6+1SE
(1) Politoed takes 1 dmg 7/8hp

Mud shot, which Michael intercepts most of. Politoed isn't well-trained enough to launch a big mud shot.
(2)(2)(5)
Michael's accuracy -1, no damage.

Glare
2 Dex + 2 Fight +1 Intimidate -1 moveacc -1 mudshot -1 pain = 2 dice
(6)(5) Politoed is paralyzed. Initiative order doesn't change.

Absorb
(6)(1)(5)
(1) Politoed takes 1 damage. 6/8hp -1 pain

Herbalist Maize Round 4

Absorb
(2)(2)(6)(2) Hit.
(5) Politoed takes 2 dmg 4/8hp -2 pain.

Politoed tries to line up a Bounce attack on Michael, but it does not have enough strength to reach an effective height. "Oh, I'm sorry, Politoed. I still am not fully attuned with your strength level. Ventus, we surrender! But before I give you the money, maybe you could give me some tips?"

"Hmmm...you did an excellent job in battle , but I would say that you should try to evade more powerful moves, like my Apsis fire Fang. Your Parasect might not get a chance to inflict damage often, but it's better than it being floored early on in the fight. Teaching it Spore would also greatly increase it's effectiveness, as the ability to reliably inflict Sleep is a terrifing power to behold ! Its what I am trying to do with my own Shroomish , so I recommend you do the same. Politoad did as well tWith it offence , but it could have block Fire Fangs by intercepting them. If Apsis tried using Thunder Fang on it instead, Parasect could have took the blow as well , and have a chance to trigger it's Effect Spore ability or retaliate with Slash. Building your own battle skill will also give your Pokemon leeway to do what I have described, but I suppose you already knew that if you were looking for battles to train yourself like me," Ventus said, walking over to shake his hand for a great battle. 

Using his other hand, Ventus pulled out his little baggy of Purple Coral Mushrooms, opened it and offered them to him."Since the battle was Very much one sided , and you share an interest in medical plants with me, I want you to have this. It will help treat Lethal Damage, and works as a additive if you need to put your own pokemon to sleep." Ventus, while not the merciful battiler at all, it by no means he's not a generous and helpful one. After causing his friends some much distress (Albiet one case was justified somewhat), he believes that giving kindness would at least rectify the katmatic scales partially. He also just wanted to assist the herbalist, as he understood thier passion quite well, and wanted to cultivate it to its fullest extent!

[Dragonstrike]

"Heh.  Interesting trick you have there.  Glad to see I don't have to say why Starmie is here, either.  So, since we have a mutual understanding, let's get down to introductions.  My name's Nathan.  You're familiar with Starmie already.  This is Kirlia.  We'll be who you're working closest with while you're here.  I do have other pokemon in my team, but the ones I have on hand are all bugs.  I'm sure you understand that I'm reluctant to introduce them right now.  I've got some other friends as well, but one of my human companions might be a little...uncooperative if he were to meet you now.  Maybe you know him already.  If you do, I HIGHLY recommend not attacking him when you meet."

"So, mind if I call you Orthros? You seem rather unique.  I like that."

[Iron]

3XP to Michael, Apsis, and Ventus as the healer accepts the mushroom. "Ah, Purple Coral Fungus. How useful! I shall take what you say to heart. In return, I have a tip for you about the Fireweed Forest - no idea if it will be useful or not. But if you search for a weed called "athelas", a low shrubby forb with delicate white flowers, you may be able to find the minerals nearby that form a King's Rock under immense pressure, and maybe find the Rock itself! I just think it's neat how herb lore can lead to mineral lore!"

[Lord Windos]

3XP to Michael, Apsis, and Ventus as the healer accepts the mushroom. "Ah, Purple Coral Fungus. How useful! I shall take what you say to heart. In return, I have a tip for you about the Fireweed Forest - no idea if it will be useful or not. But if you search for a weed called "athelas", a low shrubby forb with delicate white flowers, you may be able to find the minerals nearby that form a King's Rock under immense pressure, and maybe find the Rock itself! I just think it's neat how herb lore can lead to mineral lore!"

Ventus smiled in delight as Maize took his advice to heart, happy that he could assist in her growth as a trainer and for the morsel of information she gave him. "You would be surprised how often different Disciplines overlap with one another. Herb lore is often used to help create medicine for humans, but it it also has many applications in Pokémon battles and culinary fields as well! Knowledge is the key to everything...if you have it, you will always find what is important to you. Thank you again for the great battle, and I hope you make strides as a Pokémon trainer!" he said, before walking over to check on his family members.

What he say both perplexed and amused him at the same time. Michael, utterly unfazed by the battle besides thorough cover in dirt (Which he seem to enjoy, come to think of it) preening as Apsis nuzzled the shroom affectionately. The regal snake HATED Ground type moves, not only because that sting awfully badly, but they ruined her magnificent looks! When he bravely took that last Mud Shoot without even flitching for her...well, that deserves some rare thanks indeed! Michael himself enjoyed the praise, but he was also proud to help his sister take down that nasty Bug AND walk away with nary a scratch! He going to become a mighty Breloom someday, sooner rather than later!

Once his family members finished their moment, he returned the both of them, before heading back to the Challenge Board. While his last battle left him in a better move, he still needed to train his Pokémon for the upcomming Gym battle. That, and it was a nice way to earn some extra money!

Order: Find another trainer battle for $300 Pokedollars for Ariel and Lucifer this time. Time for them to refine their skills! f

[Iron]

Both Shiva's Pokemon are at home on the beams, in the near-darkness. They are wholly confident in their footing, even leaping over Shiva when they have any reason to. Kyuu just walks right over her back.

Shiva crawls deep into the ship, until Fennekin's ears stand up and his nose quivers. Must be Pokemon ahead...

Down here, there are pale ropes hanging every which way, a tangled mess of knots like a mop of frazzled hair. By clinging to those and taking her weight off the steel beam, she is able to advance with some hope of stealth...

2 Dex + 1 Survival (2)(1)(1) Uh oh!

One of the ropes gives way, and Shiva falls clattering to the beam. She loses her footing and rolls downward, finally coming to rest in a soft nest of rope fibers, old clothing, and bits of purple fur, all slung across the steel beam with bits of planking. There's also three Chesto Berry, a Rawst Berry, a Lum Berry, and an Oran Berry! Happily unsmushed by her fall, and packaged in stiff cardboard containers. These containers have been chewed on.

Directing her lantern light ahead, she spots a purple tail disappearing into the woodwork. And snapping after it are the blue jaws of a Totodile! It looks like it got into the ship sometime and has gone feral, growing strong on a diet of dropped Berries and the occasional ship's Rattata!

[Iron]

Ventus' second battle will be against Aron and Croagunk, led by Iceskipper Marshall.

Ariel: (6) + 5 = 11
Croagunk: (5) + 2 Dex + 3 Survival = 10
Aron: (3) + 5 = 8
Lucifer: (2) + 5 = 7