[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Iron]

When Nathan gets back to his room, he eventually gets a call from Dagny. It's past the decent hour for such things, but I figure he'd be awake and worrying about it.

"Hello? Nathan? We spoke earlier...this is Dagny, Gym Leader of Stair City. Are you still in town? Listen, I found out something about Kirlia. Or rather, Kirlia as he was some time ago. In this account in the League files, when they were first meeting the Lake Trio ages ago, there was a Ralts who was deemed worthy of speaking to the Lake Trio. Or rather, one member of the Trio. Two other Pokemon were deemed worthy for the other two members: Oranguru, and Aegislash. Both exceedingly rare in Creshire, much rarer even than Ralts. So that really doesn't help us. Interesting that it's now a Kirlia making these connections, don't you think?"

"I found a reference to the 'ends of the earth,' but I don't know where it is. However, I learned that a powerful being lives at a location with that description! Some sort of wise man who lives in a cave and speaks in riddles. In this file, the old wise man was powerful enough to help King Sarimanok seal away some gigantic threat near the old man's cave. And I mean gigantic. This thing was the size of a city. If you can learn where this place is, maybe I can get you there."

Nathan has to snap out of a bit of a daze (with Kirlia's help) when the call comes.  He'd been waiting for awhile, and man, was he tired...

"Yeah, I'm still in town.  Still have plenty to do here before moving on, so I wasn't planning on leaving right away."

...

He perks up a little when Dagny says what she found on the Lake Trio.

"A...Ralts? That's...interesting.  Kirlia was a Ralts when I first found him about a year ago...he evolved only about 3 weeks ago...Calam had been stalking us ever since the day I found him, until he finally approached us directly...probably a connection, right?  And it's not difficult to guess which pokemon were worthy of talking to each member of the trio, either...an Aegislash, though...that's...somewhat concerning considering the current state of things..."

...

"A wise, old man living in a cave at 'the ends of the earth'...I'll keep an eye and an ear out for that for sure.  Was there anything else?"

"I hope you can figure out where the ends of the earth might be. Although my interpretation is that either of these methods could stop the disaster of vines, so it may not be necessary if you can work out what the second stanza means. Actually, from what I'm reading, a single Legendary might be enough to stop these vines, if it was fully invested. A Uxie, Mesprit, OR Azelf, versus a Claydol? It's no contest. Anything else from your side?"

[Iron]

Spoiler

"Such calamitous events are seldom seen and rare still encountered by us, thank Reshirim, but no matter the situation I've always been by your daughter's side, ready to support her and rendor aid, regardless if its necessarily needed. The people under my vigil are well safeguarded, so Shiva has been well protected, sir. Hmm...you mentioned you dabble in some Pokémon research yourself, so if its within the perview of your own knowledge, could you inform me of the current topics of interest in Castelia? With how far Cheshire is from other regions, its....difficult to keep myself updated on current event at home, so any Insight would be appreciated!"

"Right! There've been a few economic disasters...a ship that overturned, a cargo pallet stolen in a separate incident...the news doesn't have any people harmed though. A big increase in tourism lately. The tourism board is asking everyone about their opinions on human treatment of Pokemon - thought you might be interested in that! I hope this isn't a resurfacing of the old Plasma sentiments, but it seems like it's a more wholesome concern for Pokemon in light of our status in tourist's eyes. Our Daycare is really popular right now. Apparently our love for Pokemon shines through!"

"Burgh is away on business, so the Gym challengers are a bit stalled. But he's well within his rights to take that much time. There's an artist renting a back room in the Gym. His goal is to paint one of every Pokemon, from a live model! He's got over 300 species already."

The mentioning that there might be an resurfacing of old Team Plasma sentiments surely got Shiva curious, faintly expressing that by a tilted head and an even fainter...hope. Or desire. "People are being asked about their opinion on treatment of Pokemon? Dad, that sounds weird... But you know about my view on that Team. Their sentiments are actually nothing bad or reprehensible. Sometimes, Pokemon are better left to live in freedom. It's just that... you know, Ghetsis strongly misused that idea and ended up mentally broken, which, quite honestly, was inevitable... But N is a true hero, innocent until being used and stained by him. Do you think this all has something to do with him? Likely not, but...who knows...." *shrugs*

"Daughter, I actually agree with you. Every city on Earth has facets of their relationship with Pokemon they could be improving. Here's the thing: when more and more trainers from other regions appear, those attitudes toward Pokemon have more potential to come into conflict. Nothing more, I'm sure. Don't worry about the nasty side of Plasma resurfacing, either."

Short break before continuing, telling silence dwelled. "Oh, eh, sorry, you asked for a story, right? Hmm... Right!" Instantly, Shiva's expression and mind warmed up! "You wouldn't believe how many Psychic Types I gathered so far!~ They're really cool and interesting to raise... I won an Abra at a casual game on a Festival - just lately it evolved into a neat Kadabra thanks to my care. I don't know WHEN I'll evolve him into an Alakazam, but that'd surely be cool... The Ralts belonging to one of my further travel companions evolved due to me as well, even if I did nothing particular to trigger it... Speaking about that, you remember that weird astral rock I asked you about last time, Comite? From that person I got to know that Comite gain Psychic as secondary Type when they evolve into...what was it called again...Cometeor. I also met a sweet Fennekin at a mythical place in a forest, and it decided to come with me - he became a Braixen after a battle that I won by a hair. Hopefully he'll become Delphox one day... There's also an Espurr under my ownership, having its Hidden Ability even. Me and Ventus also been at a Shelter for Disobediant Pokemon today, where he met a Kingdra he'd like to adopt and I got to know a Gothitelle I'd like to obtain - yes, the real Final Form! We'll head to this Shelter tomorrow again concerning the adoption of these two Pokemon."

"Psychics? I thought you were into Grass and Fairies. But I have a tidbit of info for you about Psychics, gleaned from years of breeding them: Psychics get more powerful when they're around other Psychics, whether as members of the same team or as traveling companions. Their abilities outside of battle are particularly affected, and their evolution may even speed up! So maybe that's what's going on with that Ralts. And maybe your Pokemon, especially Gothitelle, will benefit from it. Espurr should learn control more rapidly under these circumstances too."

"An Azurill we've saved from a river has gained a liking on me as well, that blue mouse was so sad when we met her... It's sweet to see how happy she grew meanwhile. Oh, and do you rememeber that elusive egg with the black spots?"

"Of course I do! Tell me it hatched!!"

[Dragonstrike]

"I hope you can figure out where the ends of the earth might be. Although my interpretation is that either of these methods could stop the disaster of vines, so it may not be necessary if you can work out what the second stanza means. Actually, from what I'm reading, a single Legendary might be enough to stop these vines, if it was fully invested. A Uxie, Mesprit, OR Azelf, versus a Claydol? It's no contest. Anything else from your side?"

"Nothing new and concrete yet.  Had a long day, so I wasn't able to get too much else done.  There were some...interesting events, though.  I decided to use my newly evolved Slowking in a battle with Sheldon.  I lost the battle, but...well, Solomon's Hidden Power has some interesting effects due to evolving him near the cavern I mentioned to you earlier.  

"It attacks with the images of Unown.  Written in the Old style.  And spells messages on whatever it hits for a short time.  On top of that, Solomon is able to read it, so I should be able to reliably translate the messages with his help.  Just need to work on figuring out how the Old style's lettering compares to the modern one...it might take a little time, though...I've only got as much written down as what I've seen from Solomon's Hidden Power so far, and Solomon can't speak, and writing could potentially be difficult for him...still, I'll get the language fully translated eventually.  Just need a little time.  And whatever the message Hidden Power spelled on Sheldon's Daikatuna says, I have a feeling it could be important..."

"Oh, and, uh...just want to remind you the message said mannikin kings.  Plural.  I doubt Claydol is the only threat in those Ruins, and I have a bad feeling that there's something manipulating everything in the background...the message also mentioned an 'ancient power'...and if it's as old as Sarimanok, maybe he wasn't entirely...himself when he fell.  Just something I've been considering, but...it's worrying."

[Lord Windos]

The mentioning that there might be an resurfacing of old Team Plasma sentiments surely got Shiva curious, faintly expressing that by a tilted head and an even fainter...hope. Or desire. "People are being asked about their opinion on treatment of Pokemon? Dad, that sounds weird... But you know about my view on that Team. Their sentiments are actually nothing bad or reprehensible. Sometimes, Pokemon are better left to live in freedom. It's just that... you know, Ghetsis strongly misused that idea and ended up mentally broken, which, quite honestly, was inevitable... But N is a true hero, innocent until being used and stained by him. Do you think this all has something to do with him? Likely not, but...who knows...." *shrugs*

Team Plasma sympathizers were unremarkably rare after their attempts to not once but twice  take over region in truly devastating, megamanical ways using Unova own signature Legendaries; it was far more common to hear them uncharitably described as 'Pokémon Terrorist Activists' then even the faintest of damning praise. It was something which the former recruiter of the organization wearily accepted by this point, as any potential good Plasma might have done for others was so far superseded by the blatent TERRORISM/VERY dubiously moral acts they commited with a gusto. Which, considering his own close involvement in those very Bad Things ® and being a close friend to the Dark King himself at one point in time, stung him all the more deeply and contributed to his already increadible amount of bitterness he holds for the organization, Ghetsis, and his own involvement. 'Hindsight is 20/20, as some might say, but I wish I had a prescription that could have made me see how foolish my choices were....'

So it when his Shiva, the kindest and most caring person with it comes to both people and Pokémon alike, agreed to the original core ideals of the group, Ventus had to work very, very hard to conceal his pure shock and keep his expression as gentlemanly/affable as possible. Hearing her add discrediting his former friend and praise N greatly helped in that task, but the sociologist couldn't help but become more silent as he pondered over this revelation/finalized his control over himself. '....This is a development that could I would have never anticipate coming from her, but my ears and empathy does not deceive me. I wonder how sharply her opinion of Team Plasma would change if she somehow unearthed my torrid history with them, especially my relationship with Ghetsis and the my role in personally, loyally, and wholeheartedly advancing the goals that would one day nearly bring ruin to Unova, and perhaps the world over? .......I rather not contemplate this anyfurther, so I won't. Reshirim, please never let Shiva learn of my past with Plasma. I...I don't wish to lose someone I care about again.....'

At her father's own advice concerning Psychic types, that earned them a nod of his and a *Hmm* of approval to back up their advice with his own experience with the type, before he went back to keeping his peace, as it were.

(Ven's not in much of a mood to talk right now, given what he's just learned, but he'll still respond to questions or Shiva trying to needle him to give a response. Right not, he wants to be the strong silent type, so unless their is pressing reason for him not to be so, let him embrace it!)

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

"Of course I do! Tell me it hatched!!"

"Hmm... I do hope you're right on that..." Actually, there really was no need to worry with Team Plasmas's former mastermind (yes, he deserves that title, as sad as it may sound) being broken. The remaining members are hopefully smart enough to not let history repeat itself.

"I AM into Fairies and Grass Types!" (Don't ever ask her about the lifesize Serperior-plushie in her room) Currently I'm raising and protecting a Cherubi to become a sweet Cherrim one day. It's just that Fairies seem to be rather rare here in Chreshire - haven't seen anything about them in the wild so far, except that Azurill of course. Though that one belonged to someonelse formerly - but lil' one expressed to stay with me instead. Thanks also for that advice on Psychic Type - I'll take it to heart... I kinda like Meowstic, and Prankster-Ability is surely a useful one..."

The expression only got warmer as the topic of the black-spotted egg came up. It couldn't compete with Ven's dazzling smiles, but it was nevertheless very nice to see, especially if keeping in mind that Shiva still tends to doubt her skills. "It indeed hatched! Like, it did so this morning... Wait a moment..." Not visibly from the screen, Pancham got called out of his Pokeball not before checking whether he was currently napping in it (he wasn't). He let out a low chirp in greeting to his mother/owner, before being picked up into visibility. "THAT hatched. Ventus witnessed it too. It's not a random Pancham though as it seems, as it bears Iron Fist Ability and knows two moves being powered up this way straight out of the egg. I was told to speak with a Professor from the local University about this hatchling, which I'll hopefully can do tomorrow - I'll write you a mail about what I found out then... Can I do that? I'll also look into what courses of study the University provides."

[Iron]

"I hope you can figure out where the ends of the earth might be. Although my interpretation is that either of these methods could stop the disaster of vines, so it may not be necessary if you can work out what the second stanza means. Actually, from what I'm reading, a single Legendary might be enough to stop these vines, if it was fully invested. A Uxie, Mesprit, OR Azelf, versus a Claydol? It's no contest. Anything else from your side?"

"Nothing new and concrete yet.  Had a long day, so I wasn't able to get too much else done.  There were some...interesting events, though.  I decided to use my newly evolved Slowking in a battle with Sheldon.  I lost the battle, but...well, Solomon's Hidden Power has some interesting effects due to evolving him near the cavern I mentioned to you earlier.  

"It attacks with the images of Unown.  Written in the Old style.  And spells messages on whatever it hits for a short time.  On top of that, Solomon is able to read it, so I should be able to reliably translate the messages with his help.  Just need to work on figuring out how the Old style's lettering compares to the modern one...it might take a little time, though...I've only got as much written down as what I've seen from Solomon's Hidden Power so far, and Solomon can't speak, and writing could potentially be difficult for him...still, I'll get the language fully translated eventually.  Just need a little time.  And whatever the message Hidden Power spelled on Sheldon's Daikatuna says, I have a feeling it could be important..."

"Oh, and, uh...just want to remind you the message said mannikin kings.  Plural.  I doubt Claydol is the only threat in those Ruins, and I have a bad feeling that there's something manipulating everything in the background...the message also mentioned an 'ancient power'...and if it's as old as Sarimanok, maybe he wasn't entirely...himself when he fell.  Just something I've been considering, but...it's worrying."

"When I was little, I read a bit of fantasy. Prophecies were always full of hidden meanings. What unites Tangrowth and Claydol? The move, Ancient Power. It's entirely possible this isn't anything mystical at all. I think a Mesprit could take on a hundred Claydol. Or, better yet, find the source. Somebody has GOT to get to the source."

"Keep that old Ralts in mind. I think the other two Guardians are out of reach for now."

"Who knows with old Sarimanok. Maybe he just didn't have what it takes; that's my personal opinion. There are so many pressures in leadership... About the Old Unown, I hope for your sake that it's written in Common, even if the alphabet is different. Language has changed a lot under the League. Good luck, though anyone who could succeed at this wouldn't need it."

[Iron]

"Well, have fun at your university visit tomorrow! I look forward to your mail, though it may be quite some time before I get it! Good luck, I love you!"

Anything else before I advance the day? Dad is still on the line if you need to say more!

[Lord Windos]

(Ven has nothing to say, obviously, and I honestly want to get started on that Encounter with Director North and see if its possible to finagle Kingdra and Gothitelle into the group. )

[Dragonstrike]

"When I was little, I read a bit of fantasy. Prophecies were always full of hidden meanings. What unites Tangrowth and Claydol? The move, Ancient Power. It's entirely possible this isn't anything mystical at all. I think a Mesprit could take on a hundred Claydol. Or, better yet, find the source. Somebody has GOT to get to the source."

"Keep that old Ralts in mind. I think the other two Guardians are out of reach for now."

"Who knows with old Sarimanok. Maybe he just didn't have what it takes; that's my personal opinion. There are so many pressures in leadership... About the Old Unown, I hope for your sake that it's written in Common, even if the alphabet is different. Language has changed a lot under the League. Good luck, though anyone who could succeed at this wouldn't need it."

"Hehe.  Don't worry about the translation work too much.  With Solomon's help, it shouldn't be too confusing at all.  Should be able to get it into a readable format given enough time, and individual messages shouldn't take too long to translate by themselves.  And considering the message was originally written in Old Unown before morphing into the modern form, I think it should line up with Common fairly well, much like the modern style of Unown script.

"I'll see what I can do concerning both parts.  I just hope we can figure out one of them in time...well, if that's all, I need to try and get some sleep now.  Got another long day tomorrow..."

[Dragonstrike]

(If Dagny has nothing more to say, Nathan's done for the day as well. Also, forewarning: he's going to be the first one in the lobby tomorrow due to having trouble sleeping.)