[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

How neat, if the outskirts of Stair even show some increased technology, Shiva will indeed grow fond of Stair rather quickly and develop a homey feeling towards this city. These All Weather PC are new to her though and due to slowing down her pace to follow the events on screen for a while, she fell back a few steps from the party amongside Skiddo.

And there they were - these elusive creepy vines. Ugh... Their threat was just a little bit lesser than she feared, as they seemed impossible to entangle the ancient remains of the Ruins for some reason - very relieving to see, as it will give them plenty(?) of time to make plans concerning approaching this whole issue and deal with other things in city. Was this what The Almanac were researching, actually? Hmm... Maybe. Probably. Whether they examinated why these vines were impossible to get a hold on the white stones or tried do find a way how to make this possible, though, this was a thing she couldn't know. Let's hope for the better however, and not judge this organisation from the start on just because their 'Pokedex' seemingly contains horrible entries not found elsewhere.

Before she could ponder more about this however, she almost crashed into her party members as they suddenly stopped midway! "Hey... What is wrong, why did you people sto- Oh. Oh my..." Turned out it was a large Tangrowth blocking the path, and from looking around, Shiva figured out it was not alone at all. There were more... around... No way to escape... Looks like they had to fight their further way.


... ... ...wait, WHAT?! Panic! Adrenaline! A will to do something! Later exhaustion!

And just as she thought it couldn't get worse, she spotted what looked like a Claydol high on the cliff above them, and from the glowing of its eyes, it prepared an psychic attack at them. Why it was doing that and why in Reshiram's name it wore a stony crown - did it see itself as the ruler of the ancient Ruins? Was it some sort of protector of the place and has become hostile for some reasons? Was it all related to that king Shiva heared and read a few times already? - well, that are things she can mull over later, as she made it juuuust in time to evade that wave of strong psychic force alongside the grassy goat in a pretty dramatic and graceful movement.

There was no time to recover from that though, as something had to be done about that Tangrowth in the way, that shouting from Stair does definitely mean no good at all! Trusting in the party's Fire Types, she was just to draw both Braixen's and Litwick's Pokeballs from pocket - when she hestitated because she couldn't force Braixen to fight alongside Ven and his Pokemon when the wounds are still fresh, as well as Litwick was weak from the Tropius-Encounter. The panic increased just a little... Then made room as Shiva decided to simply fight back with psychic power herself! Helios also could... No, she disliked that idea... She didn't want to do that... But if that Tangrowth is hostile, was there any other choice...?

That didn't matter now, if worst comes to worst and no Ranger would have mercy with that Pokemon, she'll apply an Antidote on her own later. For now, Helios and Kyuu were summoned beside their faelike Master, and immediately understood that this situation was dire and Master relied on them. No way they'll disappoint her now! "I see you already understood, so let's go for it! I guess... Helios, I don't enjoy this, but please POISON that mass of vines that calls itself our foe; while you Kyuu, leer at it with all you got before showing me a synchonized Confusion please! The city, food and a bed awaits us, so let's waste not time."

--------------

Accuracy Toxic from Kabadra: 3 Dext + 2 Fight + 3 Channel -1 reduced Accuracy - 2 Actions = 5D6
Effect: Badly poisons the foe.
Additional notes: Dire situations call for dire actions, so here we have a hopefully rare exception from Shiva's high reluctance to poison wild Pokemon.


Accuracy Leer from Kyuu: 3 Dext + 2 Fight + 0 Intimidate - 2 Actions = 3 D6
Effect: Down with Tangrowth's bulk, as this move reduces its Vitality by 1.

Accuracy Synchronized Confusion: 3 Dext + 2 Fight + 3 Channel - 3 Actions = 5 D6
Damage: 2 Strength + 2 Power of the move + 1 STAB = 5 D6
Additional notes: 1 CD to confuse Tangrowth. Feels good to have Helios fight alongside a pychic kitten.

[Nylon]

Valder sees the giant plants and gets Haunter into his ball immiediately, Haunter is scared of big plants.... He looks at his opponents and decides that they definetely want fight. 'This is the reason I caught Pilo!' he thought.

 Pilo is undamaged and raring to make these oldies chill down.
Pilo will spam Powder Snow on all the Tangrowth, (I've prepaired for grass hordes >:) he will attempt to use it twice turn 1 and turn 2.

Powder Snow: 7dmg. 6acc. Hits all foes in range. Roll 1 chance Dice for freeze. This will hopefully aid the party.

[Lord Windos]

(Why not spam the move, Nylon? With 6 Acc dice, you can afford to pull off at least 2!)

[Nylon]

(Why not spam the move, Nylon? With 6 Acc dice, you can afford to pull off at least 2!)

 *quietly whispers back* (Because. ;)
*Uses a smoke ball to disappear quickly*

[Lord Windos]

Ventus barely paid any attention to the technology being displayed at the edge of Stair City, though he did note how the ancient massonry seem to act as an athema to their growth. Unfortunately for everyone, who ever created these Vines accounted for this possibility, for not only did these abominable plants have Tangrowths giving guidance to growth over this terrain, but a blasted Claydol from eras past had decided to further malay his group. In space of a few seconds, the two of the writhing masses of vines blocked off Route from entrance and escape, and the other two readied themselves for a long, grueling battle ahead against them, while the ancient idol sat perched atop the cliff like the kings of the past they were imitating.

To most, being surround and hunted by Pokémon of unknown power would be a call for severe case of panic, or at the very least be properly cowed and intimidated.

Impossibly, though, the Natural Sage known as Ventus Zackarieh became even more serious, and a menacing aura charged with malicious, murderous intent surged into existence around him. Seeing Shiva being ambushed (And fortunately unharmed) by the Claydol's treacherous sneak Confusion only served to stoke the icy cold flames of FURY within him, as he calmly and methodically plotted the way he was going to eviscerate his adversaries.

The empath had gone fully Unfettered, and this time their would be no mercy.

"Apsis and Hanael," he said to his sisters, his low, pitch black tone of voice getting their attention IMMEDIATNLY as it sent shivers down the spine of the snake and caused a worried frown to appear of the camel's face. The poisonous queen recognized the state of mind her master was in now and KNEW that things must be grave indeed for him to become even scarier than herself, while the molten mammal herself was just concerned if her new master would do something foolish in his state of mind. Never the less, both were ready to obey his orders to the letter, as not doing so at this point would be tantamount to a prolonged suicide at the hands of these Pokémon!

"Do not show any restraint with your attacks, and show them what it means to pick on the wrong trainers. Hanael, Amensia and then began to immolate the same targets as Shiva and her Pokémon are focusing on. Apsis, coat the same target with Acid Spray until they dissolve into a pile of sludge. Focus down individual targets together, before moving on to the next. Overwhelm and destroy the opposition, my sisters."

Order: Haneal will use Amensia to bolster her defenses to LUDICRIS levels, be she and Apsis target what every Tangrowth that Shiva decides to focus down with Ember and Acid Spray attacks. When one target is downed, they'll both work in tandem to focus down the next one in line. No mercy for pesky weeds.

Moves

Round 1-

Amnesia
Accuracy: DEX (2) + Fight (3) + Channel (3) - 3 Actions = 5D6 Dice
Effect: + 3 Defense with Simple.

Ember
Accuracy: 8D6 Dice - 4/5 Actions = 4/3D6 Dice
Damage: STR (3) + 2 + STAB + SE - Vitality (3) = 3D6 + 1 Damage
Effect: *Burn 1*

Acid Spray
Accuracy: 8D6 - 3/4/5 Actions = 5/4/3D6 Dice
Damage: STR (3) + 2 + STAB + SE - Vitality (3) = 3D6 + 1 Damage
Effect: - 2 STR on the first hit

Round 2

Ember will be 5/4/3D6 in the future, while Apsis will maintain an even spray on acid on her targets. Hopefully that slight synergy effect kicks in on those plants!

[Dragonstrike]

The vines were eerie...

But what was eerier were the Tangrowth that emerged from them to block the path...

And the Claydol...

Wearking a crown...

This might be one of those so called mannikin kings, then...

Gone was Nathan's nervousness, worry, fear...now was not the time for that.

"Calam, non lethal Night Slashes on those Tangrowth! Kirlia, set up a Lucky Chant and then use a few Confusions!  We are NOT letting this stop us!"

Calam
3 nonlethal Night Slashes on Tangrowth (9 base accuracy pool)

Kirlia
Lucky Chant for the whole party, then 2 Confusions on Tangrowth (8 base accuracy pool)

A Royal Pain: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=S77tsvb-_FE

[Iron]

Calam: (6) + 7 = 13
Apsis: (6) + 5 = 11
Haneal: (2) +5 = 11
Azurill: (5) + 5 = 10
Claydol: (4) + 4 = 8
Tangrowth: (3) +5 = 8
Rose: (5) + 3 = 8
Swiftfire: (1) + 6 = 7
Azurill: (2) + 5 = 7
Cottonee: (2) +5 = 7
Piloswine: (1) +6 = 7
Vines, if applicable = 0

Helios: (6) + 5 = 11
Kyuu: (6) +5 = 11
Kirlia: (2) + 6 = 8

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

When it was not that long ago that the researcher's head snapped towards Shiva due to her sudden overreaction at Heart's eager to deal with the Ruins and possibly mess with The Almanac Scientists right away, now it was the opposite case as she picked up that AURA OF FURY... It came from nonelse than the empathic oddball of researcher, the same person that have been so affectionate with her at the campsite just yesterday...

If she wouldn't remember this and simply know that he'd never let anyone harm her, she'd now the VERY scared and intimidated. Better not think about what would have happened if that wave of psychic energy had hit Skiddo and probably harmed Shiva as well, so there's that at least. She feared that thing will nevertheless get nasty though, and mentally was reminded on that Rattata that inflicted lethal damage on Kirlia earlier...

No, there are other issues to deal with now. Fainting the foes now, further actions afterwards. Hugging Skiddo closer for a last time, she relucantly let go of the goat as she certainly NOT desired to accidently get hit when anyone decides to aim for that grassy goat - besides, it certainly knows how to defend itself anyway - before stepping closer and silently entangled one of her arms around his, remembering how despite this unfettered state, it was still him.

[Lord Windos]

No, there are other issues to deal with now. Fainting the foes now, further actions afterwards. Hugging Skiddo closer for a last time, she relucantly let go of the goat as she certainly NOT desired to accidently get hit when anyone decides to aim for that grassy goat - besides, it certainly knows how to defend itself anyway - before stepping closer and silently entangled one of her arms around his, remembering how despite this unfettered state, it was still him.

As unhinged and focused on the destruction of those Tangrowth the Natural Sage was right now, he still notice Shiva coming up to him and entwining her arm with his. He gave her a side long glance at this untimely display of the affection she hold for him, before giving them a slight nod of their head and turning his attention back onto the battlefield. Even when Unfettered, Ventus still was capable of reading/reacting to his friend's emotions that same as before, though often it was through the filter of a FAR more pragmatic, protective mindset. 'I will safeguard Shiva from these Grass type's tenacious grasp, and prevent them from spreading the vines any faster than they are already proceeding. That, I promise to myself...'

[Iron]

Tangrowth Encounter Round 1

Kirlia traces Chlorophyll.

Night Slash 1 from Calam
9 dice -3 actions = 6 dice
(4)(3)(5)(4)(6)(4) That's a crit
3 Str + 1 STAB + 2 crit +3 power -4 vit + blackglasses = 6 dice
(3)(2)(3)(4)(4)(3) Tangrowth A takes 2 dmg 8/10 hp -1 pain
The dark blade slices into the shambling mound, which is very tough. Even such a powerful attack only did a little damage.

Leer 1
(5)(1)(1) Their vines have grown shaggily over their eyes, and they don't even notice the crazed little cat leering at them.

Toxic 1
(3)(5)(1)(5)(2)
Tangrowth A is badly poisoned!
The vines this Tangrowth are shepherding lose their vigor, but they don't stop growing, piling up against the masonry.

Acid Spray 1
(6)(6)(3)(1)(2)
(5)(1) +1 Tangrowth A takes 2 dmg and -2 Str 6/10hp. It's also coated in acid!

Amnesia 1
(6)(1)(3)(5)(4)
+3 Defense for Haneal! Whoot

Lucky Chant 1 fills the mountains!
(1)(3)(4)(3)(4)

Rock Slide 1, targeting Apsis, Calam, Kirlia, and Helios.
2 Dex + 3 Fight + 3 Canalize -1 acc -3 actions = 4 dice
(6)(5)(4)(3)
2 Str + 3 power -3+ vit = 2dice or less
(5)(3 - removed for Apsis) Apsis, Kalam, Kirlia, and Helios take 1 dmg each
Flinch: (6)(2)(5) And they all flinch as Kingdol starts an avalanche on their heads.

Two Tangrowth use Ingrain 1.
(6)(6)(5)(5)
(4)(1)(6) (this is Tangrowth A)
Now all the Tangrowth are fully committed to this fight. Their ability to shepherd the vines is decreased, but their ability to deny you egress is increased!

Another uses Knock Off 1 on Helios - you can see the Kingdol directing this action - by covering him with vines.
2 Dex +3 Fight + 3 Brawl -3 actions = 5 dice
(5)(4)(2)(4)(5)
3 Str + 2 power -3 vit = 2d6+1
(5)(4) Helios takes 3 dmg 3/7hp -2 pain. He loses his spoon, but it is merely a prop for him.

The final Tangrowth uses Mega Drain 1 on Piloswine, getting in real close to root into Pilo with vines.
7 dice of Canalize, -3 actions = 4 dice
(1)(2)(4)(4)
3 Str + 2 power +1 STAB -3 vit = 3d6+1
(6)(5)(1) Pilo takes 3 dmg 4/7hp -1 pain.

A screaming monkey plows into the wounded Tangrowth.
Close Combat 1
(5)(6)(4)(5)(4) Critical hit! Monferno is soon neck deep in vines.
3 Str + 5 power + 2 crit - 4 vit +1 Black Belt = 7 dice
(5)(1)(4)(4)(1)(2)(3) Thanks to Lucky Chant, that deals 3 dmg. 3/10hp -2 pain.

Powder Snow 1 In the close confines of the mountain pass, this manages to hit all 4 Tangrowth.
6 acc -1 pain -2 actions = 3 dice
(3)(2)(6)
3d6+1
(4)(1)(4) Every Tangrowth takes 3 dmg. This causes 1 to faint, and the others are now at 7/10hp -1 pain.
Chance: (3)

Calam 2 is Flinched.
Helios 2 is Flinched.

The synchronicity of the psychic cats is disrupted by the rockslide, but Kyuu bravely soldiers on alone.

Confusion 2
(5)(2)(5)(5)(2)
(4) Tangrowth B takes 1 dmg 6/10hp.
Chance: (4)

Apsis 2 is Flinched.

Ember 2 - there's no Tangrowth with Acid on it right now.
(6)(2)(3)(6)
(6)(1) Tangrowth B takes 2 dmg 4/10hp -2 pain.
Burn: (3)
Your Pokemon have all learned to work together at this point, though Rose is still learning. The result is a rapidfire barrage of attacks on consecutive targets. Valder does his own thing, but very much to the benefit of the party.
Sometimes there's no time to communicate, but by pure luck the party members strike the same target.

Kirlia 2 is Flinched.

Extrasensory 2 on Apsis.
8 dice -4 actions = 4 dice
(1)(1)(1)(4) Haneal wanders between Apsis and Claydol. The attack passes over him and through him. Where the attack has gone, only Haneal remains.

Claydol's expression doesn't change, but he points to Piloswine.
The two most wounded Tangrowth uses Mega Drain on him.

Mega Drain 2
7 dice, -2 pain, -4 actions = 1 dice
(2) Miss.

Mega Drain 2
7 dice, -1 pain, -4 actions = 2 dice
(4)(5)
(5)(6)(2) Piloswine takes 3 dmg. A single HP remains. 1/7 -3 pain. The second attack is wasted. 
Tangrowth C gains 1HP.

More gestures from Claydol. Vines reach out from the ingrained Tangrowth to violently frisk some of the other Pokemon, starting with the psychics.

Knock Off 2 on Kyuu
(5)(3)(1) Hit
(4)(1) Kyuu takes 2 dmg He meows as his pink apricorn nut is hurled into a crevice. 3:
4/6hp -1 pain.


Night Slash 3
(5)(1)(1)(2) A Tangrowth heads toward Kirlia, intending to hush him up, which brings him into the perfect position for a Night Slash.
(4)(5)(3)(6) Tangrowth B takes 3 dmg 1/10hp.

Apsis is tired of being targeted and tries to melt that weakest Tangrowth into goo. Like Ventus, she believes it's the intent that counts, even though she has escaped with minimal damage.

Acid Spray 3
(6)(2)(4)
(5)(1) Tangrowth B faints

Ember 3
(6)(1)(6)
(6)(2) Tangrowth C takes 2 dmg 6/10hp -2 pain.
Burn: (6) Tangrowth is Burned.

[b]Confusion 3[/b]
(5)(3)(6)
3 Str +2 power +1 stab + 1 pearl -4 vit = 3d6
(6)(5)(2) Tangrowth C takes 2 dmg 4/10hp.
Chance: (1)

Claydol's eyebrows go up as it sees Kirlia using that Pink Pearl. All of them.

[b]Ancient Power 3[/b] on Kirlia
(3)(2)(4)
2 Str + 2 power -3 vit = 1 dice
(5) Kirlia takes 1 dmg 5/7hp -1 pain.
Chance: (1)
The ancient road beneath Kirlia splits in response to a holy light from Claydol, and the dancer trips, hurting his ankle.

Tentacles converge on Kirlia.

[b]Knock Off 3[/b]
(5)
3 Str +2 power -3 vit = 2d6
(6)(4) Kirlia takes 2 dmg and loses the Pearl. 3/7hp.

[b]Knock Off 3[/b] again on Kirlia. This guy is less wounded.
(5)(2)
(4)(6) Kirlia takes 2 dmg 1/7hp.

The non-Pokemon vines tap the Clamperl Pearl and start rolling it toward the Ruins! Their movement ability is very limited.

Tangrowth gain 1hp.
Burn: (3)(1) [b]Tangrowth C takes 1 dmg.[/b]

To summarize:
Lucky Chant in effect.
Claydol is fresh.
2 Tangrowth are out. Another is at 4/10hp. The fourth is 8/10hp.
Calam has taken only 1 dmg.
Helios is at 3/7hp.
Kyuu is at 4/6hp and lost his ball.
Apsis lost just 1hp.
Haneal is unharmed and buffed with Vitality.
Kirlia is struggling with 1hp and no pearl.
Rose has taken no damage, just the loss of 1 defense.
Piloswine is also at 1/7hp.

[b]Tangrowth Encounter Round 2[/b]