[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Lord Windos]

Ventus couldn't help the look of bemusement that flickered across his face at seeing tinkering with the ancient watch, the intense look of focus and interest on their face easing away their usual stearness that always surrounded them. He was almost ready to let his cobra out and see the boy's reaction to her necklace and hear his Insight on it, but decided against it for now. Two people and almost completely invalid Pokémon already took up a fair bit of space in one section of the tent, so releasing Apsis would only serve to make them all feel even more cramped. There was also the fact that Nathan was normally intimidated by the giant Poison type, and given Kirlia's treacherous run in with that vile Skorupi, he very much doubt that the boy wants to see another one so soon. Eventually, the researcher, after spending a few moments thinking over Nate's words about Slowpoke, came up with an potential solution to the problem and decided to voice them to him.


"I was fishing to either find a rare or interesting Pokémon to acquire for my family, or to provide Apsis her favorite sustenance to tide her over for the next week or so, so I honestly don't see a issue with in regards of to my actions towards Solomon. Though I suppose you are correct in thinking that his evolution would most likely resent me for unleashing my Arbok's full brutality, and might not want to obey or head my commands unless forced or given sufficient reason. If that is or will be the case....how would you like me can give you both the King's Rock Minerals and him to you to care for in my stead? They would have no reason to scorn you in particular, you have ample hands on experience raising Psychic types, and he would be a perfect partner for your own interests in the ancient, mythical history of our world. Yes, I believe that would be the best choice, but I wouldn't want to force such a responsibility on you unless your desire it, so what are your thoughts on this?"

[Dragonstrike]

"I was fishing to either find a rare or interesting Pokémon to acquire for my family, or to provide Apsis her favorite sustenance to tide her over for the next week or so, so I honestly don't see a issue with in regards of to my actions towards Solomon. Though I suppose you are correct in thinking that his evolution would most likely resent me for unleashing my Arbok's full brutality, and might not want to obey or head my commands unless forced or given sufficient reason. If that is or will be the case....how would you like me can give you both the King's Rock Minerals and him to you to care for in my stead? They would have no reason to scorn you in particular, you have ample hands on experience raising Psychic types, and he would be a perfect partner for your own interests in the ancient, mythical history of our world. Yes, I believe that would be the best choice, but I wouldn't want to force such a responsibility on you unless your desire it, so what are your thoughts on this?"

Nathan almost didn't hear that (and he certainly didn't notice Heart, though Kirlia did and is merely tolerant of the man's presence for now).

Almost.

He stops fiddling with the watch for a moment...

Did he just...hear that correctly?

He blinks a couple times, not entirely sure what to say...a Slowking would be an incredible resource for potential information, a wonderful companion for learning about days long past...he'd never thought he'd get the chance to raise one, since King's Rocks tend to be rather jealously guarded by their owners for both battle purposes and evolution...

And he was still in Teleportation range of Ginger Town and Vapor Falls, too, even when they reached Stair City...

"That...would be amazing.  Hehehe...you said you were curious about what ancient Creshire was like?  You're talking to the right guy, you know.  Fun Fact: Creshirean Slowpoke have a tendency to learn little bits of lore from the Shellder that bite them.  No idea why, but it's a pretty good resource for learning about obscure historical topics.  And I know exactly where I'll take that Slowpoke to evolve it..."

[Lord Windos]

"Heya Ventus! I couldnt get the chance to thank you. Thank for helping me use the Good Rod and caugh a Slowpoke myself. Thanks a lot. Oh, and I caugh a Venipede too! I like a lot the Poison-type, along with Dragon-type. Any tips about raise a Poison pokemon? Hi Nathan. Good to see you okay."

Heart dont expect to Nathan remember he help him to carrier him to the Pokemon center after Ventus, Shiva and Nathan battle.

When Heart barge into the tent and thanked him for lending his Good Rod to them, as well as informing him of his latest addition to his collect, the empath gave them one of characteristic cheerful grins and clasped their hands together in joy of his friend's accomplishments. " Oh, there is no needs for thanks, as helping out a friend is reward enough for me, especially if my aid benefited them greatly! You've also acquired a Poison/Bug type for yourself too, I see, and a Venipede at that, a species of Bugs known for their merciless nature. Hmm....I would suggest stocking up on Antidotes in the future, as if it decides to live up to its temperamental and deadly nature and Poisons your or your Pokémon, then having plenty of those on hand is nice form of insurance. I also suggest buying or wearing thick, durable cloths so that its poisonous spines don't dig into your flesh on mistake or purpose, and having Rose out to act as a disincentive for bad/unruly behavior."

"The species also takes quite a long time for them to reach their full potential, so if you are not the sort willing to wait months on end for them to evolve, then perhaps it would be for the best to trade it away for another one. Nathan has recently caught a Skorupi for himself, so perhaps you can arrange a trade between each other if you'd like? As for caring for Poison types in general, they are, contrary to popular belief, not as gruesome to train and care for as other might think they are. While by and large they tend to be more aggressive than other types, and their trademark ability to Poison or Toxic compared to Ghost, Dragons, Steel, Psychic, and Fairy types, they are hardly incapable of being tamed. If you take the right precautious, are patient with them and their tumultchous moods, and provide for their needs/desires in a satisfactory way, then you'll have a faithful, happy Poison type, willing to do anything for you! My Arbok Apsis is a great example of this, as she's just the sweetest in the world once you get past her rough, haughty exterior!"

Though, I do have a few words of warning about the type, so pay attention. Most Poison types fall into either being predatory or overly prone to use their typing at the drop of a hat, so you will to spend a great deal of time training/restricting such behavior if you ever hope to get far with them without running afoul with the authorities/other trainers. There is also the option to instead go out hunting with them to bond/fulfil their needs in the most natural and expedient way possible, but Cheshrians heavily look down on such Pokémon rearing, though such views have not stopped me in the slightest. Next, while a Poison's types toxins are dangerous and lethal against other Pokémon, they are often even deadlier we humans come into contact with them, and some are even capable of melting through metals themselves, so ALWAYS wear protective clothing and avoid needlessly touching them. Finally, NEVER attempt to outright dominate or be too authoritative with the type, as unlike Dragons, Steel, and Dark types, they don't react well to things they perceive as a threat/hindrance to themselves, and are more than willing to show their trainer their displeasure of being bossed around too much. Instead, use gifts, suggestions/flattery, the experience between you and the Poison type to gently guide it along to where you want them to be, and don't be afraid of them or what they could possibly do. That does not mean you should let them push you over and relinquish complete control over them, but try not to be harsh or drastic in disciplining them, or you will certainly regret it!"

"Overall, so long as you respect what them and their powers, and are not terrified of what they could possibly do to you, then raising a Poison type will not be too difficult for you, compare to raising Koa," he said, pausing several time in between his long winded speech to regain his breath, before concluding the lecture with a smile. As always, talking at length about the various types was always tiring and somewhat strenuous, but it was worth it and the world if it means that his advice/teachings helped someone out!

Once that conversation was concluded (for the time being), the empath re-focus his gaze back onto Nathan and, once he reviewed over their choice and studied the details/emotions of it, he extended a hand out for them to seal the deal with a handshake. "They we have an accord, my friend! I don't know if this Slowking will have the ability to verbally communicate with us, but I imagine either we or they will find some method in exchanging information. The fact that this variant of Slowking can spontaneously learn lore from being bitten by a Shellder is extremely interesting in of itself, and I hardly wait to record such a thing for my own observations/research! Though, what is this I hear about taking them elsewhere to evolve? I thought that just trading them with a King's Rock would suffice, or is this species' evolutionary requirements are different here than in the rest of the globe?"  

[Dragonstrike]

Once that conversation was concluded (for the time being), the empath re-focus his gaze back onto Nathan and, once he reviewed over their choice and studied the details/emotions of it, he extended a hand out for them to seal the deal with a handshake. "They we have an accord, my friend! I don't know if this Slowking will have the ability to verbally communicate with us, but I imagine either we or they will find some method in exchanging information. The fact that this variant of Slowking can spontaneously learn lore from being bitten by a Shellder is extremely interesting in of itself, and I hardly wait to record such a thing for my own observations/research! Though, what is this I hear about taking them elsewhere to evolve? I thought that just trading them with a King's Rock would suffice, or is this species' evolutionary requirements are different here than in the rest of the globe?"  

Nathan finally notices Heart once Ventus turns to talk to him for a moment.

No comment from Nathan.  Just a feeling that kinda says 'You again?'  Nathan's not really a fan of Heart arriving unannounced in his business over and over again...even if he can't remember one of those three times so far and has only been told Heart was present...

He does comment on Ventus's lecture, though.  

"*AHEM!*  I'm right here, you know.  And no, Skorupi is NOT up for trade right now.  And nor do I approve of your 'hunts' in the slightest, and I don't recommend you encourage those habits.  At all.  End of story."

Back to business and education, though...oh, and the handshake. Can't forget that.

"Shellder, Ventus.  Shellder.  Can't evolve Slowpoke without them, and the only place to get them for Slowpoke is the water.  Trainer owned Shellder or ones provided by the Center are...finicky, and don't tend to provide the extra knowledge for some weird reason.  Luckily, they're found in most large bodies of water in the region, so finding them isn't an issue.

"Oh, and Slowbro can learn the lore too.  Good luck getting any of it out of them, though.  I think there' a good chance Slowking will have some way to communicate with us after I evolve him, though...just a hunch.  Partially depends on where you evolve Slowpoke, really."

[Lord Windos]

He does comment on Ventus's lecture, though.  

"*AHEM!*  I'm right here, you know.  And no, Skorupi is NOT up for trade right now.  And nor do I approve of your 'hunts' in the slightest, and I don't recommend you encourage those habits.  At all.  End of story."

The sociologist shakes his head and outright sighs at Nathan's stubborn, traditionalistic side rearing its head yet again, not in the least appreicating their attempt to override/shutdown his own advice/initiative on this topic, nor is he pleased with their continued hostility/apathy towards Heart.

"Nathan, my advice is just that: advice. A series of informed suggestions based on my years of research and personal experience when handling and interacting with Poison type Pokemon that you are under no obligation to agree or endorse in, if you so choice. As a Pokémon Researcher, its my duty to both learn and educate about these creature various habits, behaviors, percularities etc.. and how to better understand one another, not hide or secret away inconvenient and/or distasteful facts. If that means I informing Heart of the possiblity that hunting can help him better bond with his Venipede, then I will glady do so, even if it racks against your sensibilities. I respect your beliefs, listen when you speak about them, and try to avoid violating, I truly do, but they are not my own and you can't just force them upon me when you find yourself wanting of mine own.  Please Nathan, can we not just agree to disagree on this? I would also appreciate you not being so cold and hostile towards Heart, as he has thus far not done anything to deserve such treatment and is making an honest integrating into our group. He's a friend of mine, same as you are, and I hate seeing my companions at odds with one another for hardly any reason that I can envision...."

The researcher expression is one of marked frustration, a little bit of upsetness, and liberal application of unhappiness, and his tone was sullen + serious. If Nathan was allowed to be tired of Ventus' various antics and bugbears, then by Reshirim the reserves can be said to be true as well!

[Dragonstrike]

"I never asked for him to just suddenly appear and start making a habit of showing up unannounced, and he's certainly no friend of mine."

Out comes Calam!

"Watch Kirlia please, Calam.  Make sure he's getting the rest he needs.  I'm going to go get some air."

And with that, Nathan's left the tent without another word to Ventus and not a single word to Heart, his new fedora low over his eyes once more.

So much for a potential extended conversation with Nathan...Shiva will probably find him tending to Swiftfire when she gets to the camp.

[Lord Windos]

The researcher watches them leave with unspoken words on his tongue and a face that looked like he bit into an extra tart lemon, before he hangs his head, feeling rather put out by Nate's continued intolerance torward his anything that does not conform to his own. "By Reshirim, Zekrom, and Kyurem, that boy frustrates me to no end at times like these! Why can't find way to peacefully coexist without either submitting to each other's wills or tread carefully around topic like they are Exeggecute shell lying afoot? What will it take for them to open up and become more social with everyone, rather than put walls or fleeing from our viewpoints? I want to be his friend, to help his grow and become a mighty, wise, and cunning, but his attitude and anti-social nature makes it so much harder than I desire...." he mutter to himself, even more displeased and unhappy than before not because the young trainer fled from him in the first place (the was saddening but understandable), but the reason why he did so. In the end, the empath decides to keep watch over Kirlia with Calam, only heading to bed when Nathan and/or Shiva turns in for the night as well. It would have been better to say nothing at all and let him 'win', but at some point line has to be drawn somewhere as to what he find acceptable and not....

[Nylon]

Valder waited until they finished talking before facing Ventus.
 "Who's Heart?"

 (and did Pilo like its name, @Iron? I need to make sure)

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

The first thing Shiva glimpses is a little sparkle of bioluminescence in the growing darkness. It reminds her a bit of fairy light, especially of the mythical fairies that are not Pokemon, but tiny little people with wings. (few adults actually believe in these in Creshire).

From below the flakes of light, a soft growling emerges. Then a little black snout, fanged, holding a sandwich. Poochyena leaps from the road shoulder onto the main road, and Shiva sees the source of the weird light: a pair of TINY Butterfree-style wings sticking out of his back. They flutter oh-so-faintly as he ascends the stone. Scales come off them like a Silver Wind, floating in a cloud around Poochyena. The wings are nowhere near big enough to hold his weight - they couldn't even support a Butterfree - and they flap slowly on their own as if catching the last rays of sunlight through the clouds.

Shiva's not entirely sure what she's found here.

(Before all that happens, unplanned level-up in Empathy!~ That Speciality might not be used in battle-related rolls, but seeing a few times how it's useful for interactions, there we go.)


A slight sparkle at the corner of the eye ended the pondering of Shiva's mind on the Move Tutor's words. Curious about non-threathening rarities and mystically-related things, that surely caught her attention and she stopped mid-path - not only because it somewhat the image of fairy light sparkling appeared in her mind. Weird... Wonder if these creatures live in Chreshire? Probably not, but who knows...

Looking around only to find none is around eyesight and probably already at camps because it was getting darker and darker and she actually desired to meet up with the others to not be forced to sleep over under the bare sky, she descided to coldly forfeit this and find the source of the light. Whether it was a good decision to leave the others waiting after that hard time they had this morning or not, she wasn't that sure, but now that the light found her... Maybe if she just sits down right here and awaits the source will reveal itself, so after a quiet and careful "Cottonee...you saw this? Bioluminescence... Nope, you stay here with me. You too Litwick, please stay back - I desire not to accidently scare anything away." Placing the hand with the candle to the ground to allow Litwick to get firm ground under his feet if he desires.

... It was a Poochyena. Neat - how did it emitted such a ligh... Okay. O-KAY... This Pokemon was something Shiva NEVER EVER saw before, neither in any of the many books and articles she stumbled over over the nineteen years she's walking on this plant by now, and her mind needed a little to proceed how the hell these tiny Butterfree-wings came to the back of this young dog-hyenalike Pokemon. Poochyena she knew - but not such Poochyena... She just stared at it, while being overly amazed by this special Pokemon and an instant yet strong desire to see her OT and ID displayed beside the picture of this Poochyena on screen. It could be everything, from a halluzination accidently induced by some weird herbs in the tea she had before the group departed from the Center to a natural hybrid to the experiment of an overly bored Breeder - playing around with Pokemon's genes with the aim to hatch weird hybrids was not very appreciated among Professional Breeders since it was a grey area in the Unova-League's law, that much she knew.


...My dear, it'll get away if you don't do anything.
No!!!

"Lil' one... Poochyena... No, don't get a way, wait! You're...absolutely beautiful, I like the glow you or your 'wings' emit... What are you doing here though? Doesn't your species usually live in grasslands, or did you decided to take opportunity of the benefits of humans passing by this Route and dropping food? Wait a moment... I have something you might enjoy..." Rummaging in backpack a little - slowly, to not accidently scare the elusive dog away - she drew a package of the small stock on Gourmet Food she had, tore it open and offered the Poochyena a handful of it to enjoy if he/she likes! With the keen sense of smell AND possibly being human-accustomed, let's see whether she can lure this Pokemon to her...

[Spiritmon]

"Okay. That's it. Enough to be mister nice guy. What your problem with me anyway mr. Anti-social? If you don't like me, it's okay, I respect your decision, but don't need to be hostile, Nathan Drake."

Heart was very stressed after the words of Nathan and approach him and put two fingers in his face.

"I go where I want, and I don't need your permission Nathan. If you have any problem with me, two words to you: Screw you. I don't need to be nice with someone who treat me like that. And if you need any help, don't expect any mine. Good night Nathan Drake."

Heart don't like very much to be rude or something but he have a hard day and Nathan act was the last thing.

"What his problem anyway Ventus? Why he act so much as a jerk. Sorry for the things I say to him, but I don't like someone to treat with such hostile. I try to be very honest with my emotions, even when people don't like. I am calling Heart for a reason."