[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Dragonstrike]

(Well, seems it's finally time for a rage quit on retyping posts eaten by the internet goblins, so here's the bullet points Windos had for reference: )

-He agrees with Nathan's assessment that they don't have much time, and that if they fail to summon the Southern Wind Incarnate they would proceed to the next location. He also mentions that leaving via swamp is the only way they really have without searching for other methods, and those would most likely involve leaving the Metagross behind.

-He tries to comfort Nathan about Max by suggesting that he gets in contact with the GPC to transfer them back to Marta should the situation goes into critical status, and/or inquire about their contingency plan to transfer all Pokémon on their servers to a safer location. He would also tell Nathan not to lose hope over Max's plight, and to keep himself positive for their shake, their mother's, and his own.

"...we can't leave the Metagross behind.  I suspect we're going to need them for the return trip...if this works, I hope the wind is able to carry both us and 3 incredibly heavy steel types..."

Ugh.  Even if 'magic' is involved, that sounds like a long shot...

"...guess I can shoot them a message...if I can find that Center's email, that is...and I don't want to bother Dagny about this, either...she's probably at her wits' end already..."

...Kirlia comes over to comfort and calm Nathan when Ventus talks about trying to stay positive.

"...I...I'll try.  It's...not easy...don't have much of a choice though, do I?  *sigh*..."

At this point, Nathan finally gets out of the bed and starts gathering his things.

"...I need some air.  I'll catch up with you guys later."

And then he's left the room, with Kirlia close behind.  Nurse Joy calls him over to collect the pokemon he'd retrieved last night.  If Nathan can get the GPC's email, he'll follow Ventus's suggestions concerning Max's safety.  Shouldn't be too strange that he's asking about that, right?

Regardless if he can, though, Nathan heads outside, then calls out Swiftfire and Calam.  Kirlia sits down to meditate once again.  Calam stretches his legs.  Ah, it felt good to finally be out of that PC...Starmie's company was decent, but a little dry since it was rather...expressionless at all times.  Grid was VERY focused on practicing his battle techniques almost constantly, and Porygon-Z and Pulse were getting up to all kinds of trouble Calam wanted nothing to do with.  Solomon was at least interesting to interact with.  And it was interesting to see how Orthros got along with all of them...now that Calam's out and about again, though, time for some warm ups! Can't survive if you're not limber, right?

Nathan has some specific instructions for Swiftfire this time, though, rather than general battle practice.  Nathan's pulled out the clay symbol.  He pokes a small hole in the top of it, then looks for a nearby location with nothing flammable in the immediate area.

"Alright girl, I need your help on this.  Remember how that survivalist on Route 01 taught us how to make a Glass Flute?   Well, I want to do something similar with this clay symbol Toxicroak gave me.  I want you to bake it with Fire Spin and/or Ember, make it a little more solid.  Shouldn't be too hard, right?"

Leveling up Crafts to 1 for 6 exp, since we're attempting something crafty!  And this is a training session for Kirlia, Calam, and Swiftfire, with the added bonus of (hopefully) solidifying that clay symbol to turn it into a necklace for Nathan to wear.

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

"...we can't leave the Metagross behind.  I suspect we're going to need them for the return trip...if this works, I hope the wind is able to carry both us and 3 incredibly heavy steel types..."

Ugh.  Even if 'magic' is involved, that sounds like a long shot..

"...guess I can shoot them a message...if I can find that Center's email, that is...and I don't want to bother Dagny about this, either...she's probably at her wits' end already..."

...Kirlia comes over to comfort and calm Nathan when Ventus talks about trying to stay positive.

"...I...I'll try.  It's...not easy...don't have much of a choice though, do I?  *sigh*..."

At this point, Nathan finally gets out of the bed and starts gathering his things.

"...I need some air.  I'll catch up with you guys later."

And then he's left the room, with Kirlia close behind. 

Once Nathan had left the room with Kirlia in tow, Ventus expression went from happy to looking quite worn out, as motivating the boy sufficiently to get out of bed and begin his day while also trying to moderate everyone was quite taxing on the empath. Letting out a huff of breath, he turned towards his dearest friend and tried to give her another one of his winning smiles to help ease her tensions, and said to them: "Well, I would call our efforts to persuade Nathan into a better mindset and mood to be a success, or at the very least a partial one. Exhausting as it was to get that far with him, progress is still progress, so we should thank Reshirim we were able to offer that much reassurance to him."

The researcher then made his way towards the door, calling over his should to Shiva and saying: "Since we accomplished what we set out to do here, I will be resuming my sceduale for the day, and next on it is to earn more Poke and experience for my family via challenging the locals here! Its also a prefect way to unwind after our.....uneasy conversation with Nathan, so if you would excuse me...."

Order: Time for a Battle with Michael and Lucifer with the Mamo! Conditions and bet is the same as stated in the Meta Thread, and Lucifer will lead Ven's team. Lets boogie woogie fight!

[Iron]

Spoiler

Forgot the Poison: (2) Tynamo takes 1 dmg 3/6hp -2 pain.



Mannawhehi Round 10

The Mamo taps his head, then his wrist. Last chance, he's saying.

Bibarel tries, but it is spasming a bit as it lumbers forward.

Headbutt
(1)

Tynamo doesn't even have to dodge.

Spark 2
(1)(2)(6)
(1)(6) Bibarel faints!

Poison: (5)

Your opponent applauds you! He hefts Bibarel over his shoulder, and motions for you to follow him. He heads toward the north end of the village.

Heart then grab Tynamo and hug him. "Excelent job Tynamo! You did a awesome job out there little one!" Heart see the guy called him to follow. He is quite worry about follow strangers, but decided that could not hurt. "Hey guy, can you at least heal my Tynamo from his poison?" Then Heart bring Rose, just in case that guy do something funny.

The guy changes course slightly to pass by the Pokemon Center, where Heart can leave Tynamo to be healed.

Then he takes you to a little hut with a big, high fence around the back. Inside is another tribesman, with about a dozen specially prepared bundles of peat on a table. 

This new Mamo explains in broken Common that these are Peat, and they can act just like a Charcoal. He is trading them for about $1200 worth of goods or Pokemon apiece. He further explains that Mannawhehi's Bibarel helps him collect the peat to be treated into a Pokemon item.

The little secret shop also sells enchanted strips of wood, metal, and cloth for use in Cleanse Tags! 
Cloth: $200. (Great against Ghost types who can fly, mostly Drifloon. Also Ghost+Bug, Ghost+Ground.)
Wood: $300. (Great against Ghost+Grass types, Ghost+Water types)
Metal: $400. (Great against Gastly's line and, he says, Giratina!)

These have not been dedicated to any shrine or spirit, but once that happens, they are good to go!

They also have some Mamo musical instruments.

[Iron]

Nathan gets the GPC's email from Nurse Joy. Turns out they all follow a standard format.

You can address it to Nurse, Questions, or Hospitality
You .append the town's name, just the proper noun part
Then it's all @pokemoncenters.com.

So you would probably email nurse.stair@pokemoncenters.com.

Craft roll: 2 Insight + 3 knowledge + 1 craft = 6d6, only one success needed.
(4)(3)(1)(2)(1)(5) Success. It bakes hard.

Your Pokemon gain 1XP.

[Iron]

I'll be finding Ventus a battle to blow off some steam as well, a 2v2 Single battle with Michael and Lucifer. Only conditions I have are no Flying or Ice types Pokémon to fight against Quad Weakness are no fun to fight against), and 1 HP Healing Item used per fight per opponent. Bet would be $545 Poke.

"Chya, Mack, you fancy a tussle?" A bronze-skinned explorer type, introducing himself only as "Mack" (which he seems to call absolutely everyone), agrees to Ventus' terms.

He starts with a Machamp!

Machamp: (6) + 3 Dex + 5 Survival = 14
Lucifer: (1) +5 = 6

[Lord Windos]

I'll be finding Ventus a battle to blow off some steam as well, a 2v2 Single battle with Michael and Lucifer. Only conditions I have are no Flying or Ice types Pokémon to fight against Quad Weakness are no fun to fight against), and 1 HP Healing Item used per fight per opponent. Bet would be $545 Poke.

"Chya, Mack, you fancy a tussle?" A bronze-skinned explorer type, introducing himself only as "Mack" (which he seems to call absolutely everyone), agrees to Ventus' terms.

He starts with a Machamp!

Machamp: (6) + 3 Dex + 5 Survival = 14
Lucifer: (1) +5 = 6

The researcher is unbothered by the explorer's mannerisms, only giving them a formal bow and saying to them: "That I do, Mack. May the best prevail on the battlefield!" Once the opponent sent out a Machamp to face his much beloved draconic bat, Ventus couldn't help but be curious why they would do such a thing.....unless it was holding a nasty surprise for its natural weakness. "My brother, I would advise caution against your burly opponent, as I believe they may have some form of strategy to deal with Flying types. Now, kick up a gust of wind to envigorate yourself, let out your loudest Screech to disorient Machamp, and then buffet them with Gust! I believe in you, Lucifer!"

Order: Lucifer will use Tailwind, Screech, and Gust on the opponent in that sequence, unless Machamp tries to throw an Ice Punch/Stone Edge/Rock Slide/Smack Down his way, in which case he'll naturally dodge it and resume the sequence. Hopefully this burly fighter doesn't pummel me into the dirt...

Moves:

Tailwind
Accuracy: DEX (2) + Fight (3) + Channel (3) - 3 Actions = 5D6 Dice
Effect: + 2 DEX for Ventus entire party for 4 Rounds

Screech
Accuracy: 4D6 Dice, 6D6 if Tailwind procs
Effect: - 2 Defense on Machamp

Gust
Accuracy: 3D6 Dice, 5D6 if Taliwind procs
Damage: STR (3) + 2 + STAB + SE = 6D6 + 1 Base Damage
Effect: N/A

Dodge (Only once per round, will be utilizied AFTER Tailwind procs/fails to proc)
Accuracy: DEX (2) + Fight (3) + Evasion (0) = 5D6 Base

[Dragonstrike]

Nathan gets the GPC's email from Nurse Joy. Turns out they all follow a standard format.

You can address it to Nurse, Questions, or Hospitality
You .append the town's name, just the proper noun part
Then it's all @pokemoncenters.com.

So you would probably email nurse.stair@pokemoncenters.com.

Craft roll: 2 Insight + 3 knowledge + 1 craft = 6d6, only one success needed.
(4)(3)(1)(2)(1)(5) Success. It bakes hard.

Your Pokemon gain 1XP.

In which case...brief message time!

Quick FLashback!

GPC Nurse Joy, Nathan Warren here.  You know, son of the rancher/breeder who sent Stable Z in to fight off the vines.  Don't know if you remember me from a couple days ago when I dropped off my mom's partially blue Rapidash...anyways, just wanted to ask a couple questions.  Is Max doing okay?  I've been rather worried about him since hearing from my mom that the vines seem to be closing in.  If the worst does happen...what's the plan to get as many people and pokemon out of there as possible?  My mom would be devastated if something happened to Max...and I've been needing a little reassurance myself, to be honest...things have been a bit rough lately.  My mom's horses are going to be okay, right?

And back to the present...

Well, the now solid clay wasn't expert craftmanship by any means, but it was good enough.  It was all Nathan needed.  Now, to just get something to loop through the hole so he could turn it into a necklace...Calam's enjoying being out in the open air, possibly startling the occassional passerby when they get closer looks at him.

Shopping time!  Need to restock on healing supplies...

Nathan gets 2 Sweetroot ($400), 1 Sitrus Berry ($600), and 7 meters of Rope ($35.  It's about 22 feet, so it's got around the same range as Yule's Vine Whip).  Total: $1035  He also looks for some kind of material other than rope he could push through the hole he poked to make the baked clay into a necklace (rope wouldn't be very comfortable, and is probably too thick to fit in the hole).

[Spiritmon]

Spoiler

Spoiler

Forgot the Poison: (2) Tynamo takes 1 dmg 3/6hp -2 pain.



Mannawhehi Round 10

The Mamo taps his head, then his wrist. Last chance, he's saying.

Bibarel tries, but it is spasming a bit as it lumbers forward.

Headbutt
(1)

Tynamo doesn't even have to dodge.

Spark 2
(1)(2)(6)
(1)(6) Bibarel faints!

Poison: (5)

Your opponent applauds you! He hefts Bibarel over his shoulder, and motions for you to follow him. He heads toward the north end of the village.

Heart then grab Tynamo and hug him. "Excelent job Tynamo! You did a awesome job out there little one!" Heart see the guy called him to follow. He is quite worry about follow strangers, but decided that could not hurt. "Hey guy, can you at least heal my Tynamo from his poison?" Then Heart bring Rose, just in case that guy do something funny.

The guy changes course slightly to pass by the Pokemon Center, where Heart can leave Tynamo to be healed.

Then he takes you to a little hut with a big, high fence around the back. Inside is another tribesman, with about a dozen specially prepared bundles of peat on a table. 

This new Mamo explains in broken Common that these are Peat, and they can act just like a Charcoal. He is trading them for about $1200 worth of goods or Pokemon apiece. He further explains that Mannawhehi's Bibarel helps him collect the peat to be treated into a Pokemon item.

The little secret shop also sells enchanted strips of wood, metal, and cloth for use in Cleanse Tags! 
Cloth: $200. (Great against Ghost types who can fly, mostly Drifloon. Also Ghost+Bug, Ghost+Ground.)
Wood: $300. (Great against Ghost+Grass types, Ghost+Water types)
Metal: $400. (Great against Gastly's line and, he says, Giratina!)

These have not been dedicated to any shrine or spirit, but once that happens, they are good to go!

They also have some Mamo musical instruments.

(You forgot the XP I gain Iron!)

"Hmm interesting. I would like to save my money so here the deal: I trade A slowpoke for that Cloth tag, and a Venipede for that Metal Cleanse Tag. Also, I would like to take look in that musical instruments if you dont mind."

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Once Nathan had left the room with Kirlia in tow, Ventus expression went from happy to looking quite worn out, as motivating the boy sufficiently to get out of bed and begin his day while also trying to moderate everyone was quite taxing on the empath. Letting out a huff of breath, he turned towards his dearest friend and tried to give her another one of his winning smiles to help ease her tensions, and said to them: "Well, I would call our efforts to persuade Nathan into a better mindset and mood to be a success, or at the very least a partial one. Exhausting as it was to get that far with him, progress is still progress, so we should thank Reshirim we were able to offer that much reassurance to him."

When Nathan has eventually left the room, Shiva decrossed her arms again, only to facepalm and not really caring whether her sigh was impercible like most of the time or clearly audible. She noticed out of the corner of her eye that her oddball of a researcher was giving her a winning smile, causing her to withdraw her hands from face to faintly return it - it looked kinda weird on her tired and agonized expression.

"...it's fine to see it was some sort of success. But that doesn't change how tirering it also is. Pressured, burdened and whatelse, I can see, but this all is getting out of the hands if things continue. I told him I'll be there for him if he need to talk, but if he doesn't come and instead keeps on shouldering everything until he can't take it anymore... We can't be always be there for him, I fear."

A downcasted expression mixed itself up with her tortured expression now, but Ven would only get to see that for a mere secound as she entangled him in a hug, hoping to comfort both of them. Her voice wasn't more than a whisper. "It's also that I... I cannot forget what has happened already. How he put us in danger at the Scimitar Base, that battle, how he keeps that demondog... It just gets tougher and tougher to rebuild my trust in him, and he's not really trying to do so either."

Before Ventus lefts the room, she'll also tell him what she would like to do: Pay the Generel Store a visit, find a battle to have her sweet blue mouse enjoy her newgained STAB and eventually searching for a cottinwood tree the Professor/Reverend described. She also askes him whether they can meet at the Eternal Bonfire in around two hours, and whether he can bring along the Shamisen of his.

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

"...it's fine to see it was some sort of success. But that doesn't change how tirering it also is. Pressured, burdened and whatelse, I can see, but this all is getting out of the hands if things continue. I told him I'll be there for him if he need to talk, but if he doesn't come and instead keeps on shouldering everything until he can't take it anymore... We can't be always be there for him, I fear."

A downcasted expression mixed itself up with her tortured expression now, but Ven would only get to see that for a mere secound as she entangled him in a hug, hoping to comfort both of them. Her voice wasn't more than a whisper. "It's also that I... I cannot forget what has happened already. How he put us in danger at the Scimitar Base, that battle, how he keeps that demondog... It just gets tougher and tougher to rebuild my trust in him, and he's not really trying to do so either."

Before Ventus lefts the room, she'll also tell him what she would like to do: Pay the Generel Store a visit, find a battle to have her sweet blue mouse enjoy her newgained STAB and eventually searching for a cottinwood tree the Professor/Reverend described. She also askes him whether they can meet at the Eternal Bonfire in around two hours, and whether he can bring along the Shamisen of his.

*Emergency Flashback!*

Ventus didn't really have anything to add to her initial statement that didn't mirror his own sentiments, so he tiredly nodded his head in agreement and tried to project an aura of calm/traquility to ease Shiva's spirits. Unfortunately, that was not the full extent of his dearest, most cherished friend's sorrows, as in a blink of an eye so was clutching him with a frantic, almost desperate passion as she recounted the various greviances that Nathan had laid at both of their feet.

Seeing a normally kind hearted, caring, viberant person be reduced to such a pitiful state, all because of the thoughtless, selfish actions of a single boy.......

If he hadn't already agonized over such things himself and made his peace/contempt in regards to his understanding/relationship with Nathan, he'd probably by in a similar state she was currently in. Either that, or, if he also lacked self control, he'd storm off them to show the full extent of his displeasure over all the Tarous shit he caused for ALL of them....

Shaking his head to clear such dour thoughts, the sociologist returned his blessed friend hug with as much tender affection as he could spare without it becoming uncomfortable. It would do them no good to pillary Nathan for his actions, as everyone had to work together as a functional unit in order to solve the Crisis of the Vines, or all would be lost beneath their creeping grasp. I didn't mean he have to enjoy being forced to work alongside and get along with someone you have every good reason in the world to despise, yet still despite it all sympathized with his plight and wanted to keep them mentally stable and afloat.

Didn't mean that he was not Zekrom awfully tired of it all, and wished it would just bloody stop.

He kept such bone aching weariness, such righteous anger, such rueful sorrow to himself,  deep within his heart and far beyond the reach of any empath other than himself. Ventus couldn't afford to express such weakness right now. He had to be the strong, compassionate, supporting figure of the group needed. Otherwise, how would any of them function, with how dysfunctional everything seems between them all?

"Neither can I, Shiva. You are not alone in feeling the way you do, my dearest friend, for I feel much the same as you, if only more strongly about it. The only difference is that I hide it better, and can should such unhappiness with the ease of experience. Stay strong, and one day we'll make a breakthrough with him, and hopefully find some form of peace between the all of us. So please, don't despair dear......"

They stayed like that in silence for as long as she wished, before she detached from him and told of her day plans/request. He readily agreed with both, and soon enough both were on their way to get their respective tasks done for the day.

*End of Emergency Flashback!*