[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

"Gothitelle reads very subtle shifts in the stars when telling fortunes," says the receptionist. "Most people don't react too negatively, but it can definitely be a little shaking to see a prophecy, however minor, appear before you. Of course, no one really understands Gothitelle's visions, and she cannot speak or write, and it's exhausting to play Twenty Questions, so we normally don't know what she's even predicting. Only a trainer who has bonded with a Gothitelle gets an inkling, a shared vision." (once they reach max loyalty and happiness).

That was approximately why Shiva was enjoying this species of Pokemon. It reads in the stars with finesse and is even able to find out how long its Trainer will live - a scary thought, but then again very impressive. Shiva couldn't help but to feel great respect towards this Pokemon. For a few moments, she saw herself as the owner of this Gothitelle, having a blast in a graceful battle and stargaze in all serenity on a full moon... Before she'd have to mentally bid farewell to this. What remained, was the warm feeling of this mixed with a subliminal disappointment.

"Even it's not possible for us to understand what she's predicting, she certainly knows. 'Only a Trainerwho has bonded with it'... But even that Gothitelle would choose someone on thier own, it might not obey them at first, no? What do you think? Like, she doesn't cross the line still."

[Lord Windos]

A clarification for Ventus: Gothitelle was very specifically projecting an image onto reality rather than into Ventus' brain. This would be very noticeable for the empath. It's believable that his associations would bring on mental pain though. 


"Pyroar is relatively gentle with humans, refusing to hurt them. If provoked, he is capable of amazing gentleness, such as taking their hand harmlessly in his mouth! Even children. But Pokemon, he will first Roar at, then attack, if they do the slightest thing to anger them. Fortunately for us, he never starts fights. He was left on our doorstep in an Ultra Ball, and didn't seem interested in our standard Luxury Balls. "

"Ariados is really interesting. The Bug doesn't enjoy battling and won't obey commands issued in battle. But here in our Shelter she is calm and somewhat obedient. She seems to give the other Pokemon advice and love. Gentle with humans, too, but perhaps we don't really register with her. She's also partially blind. Krookodile came from a trainer who used to have a (different) Spinarak, which explains their bond. Sandile evolved against the trainer's will. They didn't have a Pokedex or Everstone to cancel evolution."

"Rotom we didn't even INVITE into our Shelter, but it's against the feeling in our hearts to kick him out. He's worse than a virus'd Porygon. Strong though."

"Kingdra's story makes me most angry. It was evolved by a researcher delving into the Skull Ruins lore. Apparently some of the lower levels are waterlogged. He theorized that royal Pokemon had some sort of relation to Sarimanok. Bunch of Watchogwash if you ask me. When the experiment failed to yield results and his Seadra became disobedient, Kingdra was sent to us. 'Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons!' they say, and it applied here. "

"Hmm....a rather interesting case, as its humans that Disobediant Pokémon are hostile to in the vast majority of cases I've worked on in varies degrees, but its not totally unheard of. If a Pokémon's interaction with them are as provocative as you say it is, perhaps it would be best that instead of presenting him up for adoption to average Trainer, you seek someone in the domestic or commercial sector? People from either would most definitely appreciate a caring and most definitely might lion with their best interests at heart, and could serve well as either a guardian of someone/something, or as moniter in general. Otherwise, you may wish to find someone that collects or owns another Pyroar, as the pack bond between the species is not to be underestimated!"

(...)

"Ah, I see. If its of an advanced age and wisdom, I can understand why they do not to desire to engage in battles, as they a great chance then not of seriously injuring. Its also rather interesting the a Ground/Dark Pokémon like Krookodile and a Bug/Poison like her get along so well, given their diametrically opposing typing, but I suppose it makes such a friendship all the more wonderful, hmm? My recommendation for them is to notseparate them at all, and see if you can't find a old retired Trainer to adopt the both of them, as they would have the experience and capability to handle their Disobediance, and would most likely appreciate the extra company they provide."

(...)

"From my experience in dealing with Porygon, that a rather hyperbolic statement! Still, if he's that much of a bother, you can also rig up a cheap and efficient grounding device to prevent them from ruining the center's power grid on a whim, or have one of the workers here escort them to the Scrapyard I've heard about for them to work off that energy on the ruined electronics there. They might even find an object to inhabit that changes their form, making them much more desirable to the right Trainers!"

(...)

".....*Sigh* That is....most regrettable. One of my other research focuses are Dragon types, and it always disheartens me to hear about the various follies and mishaps that a Trainer has with these wonder, magnificent creatures of power. If only they would seek the advice of professional and worked hard to understand and accept the quirks of the type, their wouldn't nearly as many instances of them running afoul with others and reeking havoc across any given location.... Do you mind if I go over their and talk with them myself, so that I can better gauge where their resentment/wrath lies and see if their isn't any measures I can take to mitigate it? I'm better suited than most with Draconic Pokemon, as demonstrated by my Niobat and Arbok (They are actually in the Dragon Breeding group, so maybe that is part of the reason why he bonded to her so fast!) , and I know when discersion is the best course of action against them," he said, giving the sea dragon a thoughfull look while a slight frown rest on his lips. The rest of the Pokémon he's been informed of could be taken care of relatively easily if the right preparation are made, but Dragon types like Kingdra are almost always more difficult and fussy than most people could believe....

Order: Offer even more advice concerning those Pokémon, and, if the receptionist gives the ok, Ven's going to introduce himself to the Kingdra and see how they react to his presences! Here's the dialgouge in that event:

Spoiler

Once they received permission (no matter how cautionary or hestitate it may have been), the empath causally and non-provocatively approached where the Kingdra was resting, before giving them a nod and half bow in greetings. "Forgive my intrusion into your privacy, Kingdra, but may I entreat your company? I wish nothing more than to introduce myself, and get to know you a little more, if you permit it."

[Iron]

"I wouldn't know about any of that history stuff. Interesting about the Claydol. Is this public knowledge? Is it common for a Pokemon to wear a crown around here? I like the way you think, in terms of capturing the leader. But what I'm most impressed with is not Pokemon commanding Pokemon in imitation of a trainer - that's been known to happen, even in Tandor. But four at once? Impossible, you'd think, for such a mediocre Psychic type."

[Dragonstrike]

"I wouldn't know about any of that history stuff. Interesting about the Claydol. Is this public knowledge? Is it common for a Pokemon to wear a crown around here? I like the way you think, in terms of capturing the leader. But what I'm most impressed with is not Pokemon commanding Pokemon in imitation of a trainer - that's been known to happen, even in Tandor. But four at once? Impossible, you'd think, for such a mediocre Psychic type."

"History is kinda my thing, if you hadn't figured that out already.  As far as I'm aware, my group was the first to encounter anything commanding those Tangrowth shepherding the vines.  And when the enemy has far too many foot soldiers to fight them reasonably, what choice do you have but to capture the leaders if you hope to stand a chance in the long term?  Particularly when they seem to be incredibly influential leaders.  That Claydol knew what it was doing.  It stayed away from the battle and attacked from afar, fled when we turned our attention to it, organized the ambush in the first place...it only supports my theory that there's something else at work here.  No Claydol in living memory has ever displayed such capabilities before to my knowledge. Oh, and no, the crown isn't a common thing around here unless the pokemon is known to typically wear something like one, like a Slowking. A Claydol wearing one is something new."

[Lord Windos]

Gothitelle makes eye contact with Ventus and makes a motion of plugging her ears. Ventus realizes another vision is coming and has time to evacuate the room if he wishes.

*Small Flashback!*

With the seer's forewarning this time, Ventus managed to deaden his empathy and raises his mental defenses in time so that he wouldn't have a borderline migrane again. This vision still tinged a few pain receptors, but it was much more tolerable now that he had gotten used to it! Afterwards, he proceed to give his advice to the receptionist regarding the Pokémon she discussed with I'm."

*End of Small Flashback!*

[Iron]

"Gothitelle reads very subtle shifts in the stars when telling fortunes," says the receptionist. "Most people don't react too negatively, but it can definitely be a little shaking to see a prophecy, however minor, appear before you. Of course, no one really understands Gothitelle's visions, and she cannot speak or write, and it's exhausting to play Twenty Questions, so we normally don't know what she's even predicting. Only a trainer who has bonded with a Gothitelle gets an inkling, a shared vision." (once they reach max loyalty and happiness).

That was approximately why Shiva was enjoying this species of Pokemon. It reads in the stars with finesse and is even able to find out how long its Trainer will live - a scary thought, but then again very impressive. Shiva couldn't help but to feel great respect towards this Pokemon. For a few moments, she saw herself as the owner of this Gothitelle, having a blast in a graceful battle and stargaze in all serenity on a full moon... Before she'd have to mentally bid farewell to this. What remained, was the warm feeling of this mixed with a subliminal disappointment.

"Even it's not possible for us to understand what she's predicting, she certainly knows. 'Only a Trainerwho has bonded with it'... But even that Gothitelle would choose someone on thier own, it might not obey them at first, no? What do you think? Like, she doesn't cross the line still."

"She's been very reluctant to cross the line even when she gets along with someone. She hasn't crossed it once since she drew it. I expect she would not obey her trainer in battle until they proved they knew what they were doing."

[Iron]

(...)

"From my experience in dealing with Porygon, that a rather hyperbolic statement! Still, if he's that much of a bother, you can also rig up a cheap and efficient grounding device to prevent them from ruining the center's power grid on a whim, or have one of the workers here escort them to the Scrapyard I've heard about for them to work off that energy on the ruined electronics there. They might even find an object to inhabit that changes their form, making them much more desirable to the right Trainers!"

(...)
. Do you mind if I go over their and talk with them myself, so that I can better gauge where their resentment/wrath lies and see if their isn't any measures I can take to mitigate it?  The rest of the Pokémon he's been informed of could be taken care of relatively easily if the right preparation are made, but Dragon types like Kingdra are almost always more difficult and fussy than most people could believe....

Order: Offer even more advice concerning those Pokémon, and, if the receptionist gives the ok, Ven's going to introduce himself to the Kingdra and see how they react to his presences! Here's the dialgouge in that event:

Spoiler

Once they received permission (no matter how cautionary or hestitate it may have been), the empath causally and non-provocatively approached where the Kingdra was resting, before giving them a nod and half bow in greetings. "Forgive my intrusion into your privacy, Kingdra, but may I entreat your company? I wish nothing more than to introduce myself, and get to know you a little more, if you permit it."

"We indeed reach out to a variety of trainers from different walks of life. It's simply difficult to track down that one special individual in a vast sea of humanity."

"You may have seen our Faraday cage in the Nursery. Unfortunately it doesn't seem to work on this Rotom, any better than the Cleanse Tags. We have targeted both his ghost aspect and his electric aspect to no avail! However, I really like your suggestion of sending him to work off his energy at the Scrapyard. I wonder if there's enough jobs he could do to actually bring in a little income for the Shelter, allowing us to lower his adoption fee?"

"I don't mind if you interact with any of our Pokemon, but just be aware ahead of time that Kingdra hates being touched and demands a lot of respect."

When you bow to Kingdra, the sealord inclines its own head in return. It makes flinty, challenging eye contact as it waits for you to continue.

[Iron]

"I wouldn't know about any of that history stuff. Interesting about the Claydol. Is this public knowledge? Is it common for a Pokemon to wear a crown around here? I like the way you think, in terms of capturing the leader. But what I'm most impressed with is not Pokemon commanding Pokemon in imitation of a trainer - that's been known to happen, even in Tandor. But four at once? Impossible, you'd think, for such a mediocre Psychic type."

"History is kinda my thing, if you hadn't figured that out already.  As far as I'm aware, my group was the first to encounter anything commanding those Tangrowth shepherding the vines.  And when the enemy has far too many foot soldiers to fight them reasonably, what choice do you have but to capture the leaders if you hope to stand a chance in the long term?  Particularly when they seem to be incredibly influential leaders.  That Claydol knew what it was doing.  It stayed away from the battle and attacked from afar, fled when we turned our attention to it, organized the ambush in the first place...it only supports my theory that there's something else at work here.  No Claydol in living memory has ever displayed such capabilities before to my knowledge.  Oh, and no, the crown isn't a common thing around here unless the pokemon is known to typically wear something like one, like a Slowking.  A Claydol wearing one is something new."

"Ok. Do all you Creshire natives agree?" *Much nodding of heads.*
"I hope you shared this with Dagny. People, we don't want to start a panic, so use caution when sharing the information you've just learned. You're all skilled trainers, and since most of you are Steel trainers you are the cream of the crop, as we say in Vinoville. $1000 Pokedollars to whoever can bring me a Skull Ruins Claydol or its crown."

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

"I, ehm, well...might know what I'm doing, as while I'm not much of a battler, I'm better at caring for the Pokemon themselves and own a few Psychic Types that grow under my care. But, I don't have experience with disobediant Pokemon."

"Guess we part ways then, dear Gothitelle, is that so? Wish I could gift you something to make you not forget about me... But for now, that gift is the hope from my side that you'll find someone who can afford paying for you and be your Master. Stay fine until then, okay?"

It was similar like she showed in the vision - Conjunction between a faelike Unovian Master and gothlike Unovian Pokemon never occurs, but time goes on.


---------------
Mechanics:
Once Ventus has finished his run-in with Kingdra, ready to move on with the Tour! Shiva will indeed use the Play Room as waiting spot in case visiting the Discipline Room is a thing.

[Dragonstrike]

"I hope you shared this with Dagny. People, we don't want to start a panic, so use caution when sharing the information you've just learned. You're all skilled trainers, and since most of you are Steel trainers you are the cream of the crop, as we say in Vinoville. $1000 Pokedollars to whoever can bring me a Skull Ruins Claydol or its crown."

"Yes, Dagny knows.  I'm sure she'll tell you all about our discussion later if you ask her about it.  I told the Rangers that came to pick up the Tangrowth my group KOed yesterday as well.

"I don't know if it's just Claydol, or if there are other species wearing those crowns as well.  The crowns should be a giveaway regardless, though.  They're easy to spot, and rather...ominous looking.  I'd recommend traveling in groups, and packing long range attacks that have a lot of power.  If you're going to take down one of those 'mannikin kings' you have to be able to hit it in the first place, take it down before it can flee, and not have to worry about the Tangrowth that will likely be attacking you in larger numbers in a coordinated effort."