[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

The researcher nodded their head as they described their morning to them, and gave a smile and slight bow to the stargazing Psychic type when she was re-introduced to him. "Indeed, I figured as much when we departed in the morn, but I'm delighted to hear you've finished your agreed upon work period for the Shelter at long last, and acquired......Lilith in the party. Hmm, she shares the nameshake of my sister, but I don't imagine that will be a problem if we are clear who we are speaking to! Yes, I could hardly forgot the enlightening first impression I had with her, and I've check on her several time during my work since then. Still, its a pleasure to formally meet you as a trusted member of Shiva's team, Lilith, and I do hope we get along together splendidly."

(I'm 99,5% certain on the 3 Pokemon I'd like to use in this battle, Windos, but if you're phrasing it like this, it indeed may not hurt to have back-up options. So let's say Shiva DOES hand you Plusle + Minun's Pokeballs after you brought up your sentiments, and rather quickly brings two other Pokemon into her party using the PC in the Gym before actually facing Dagny, alright?)


She knew Ven would notice right away that his Quetzoral and her Gothitelle are practically nickname twins, but he's taking it way lighter than Shiva might have thought he would. Than she might have feared he would. But...the first time she met that Unovian Psychic Type at the Shelter - or the Unovian Psychic Type met her at the Shelter - she knew she'd enjoy the thought of nicknaming her the way she eventually did. She also knew that this was a thing she wanted to clarify right from the start to avoid confusion and similar things that could be prevented.

The opening that Ven even checked on Gothy a few times positively suprised Shiva and allured another coy smile breaking to the surface before she eventually and at last turned to head inside the Gym. "Hehe... Yes, I know she's bearing practically the same nickname as your featherly serpent, Ven... But 'Lilith' has actually more than one meaning. One is the.....eh, well.... sexual female demon of mythology that you've choosen ('Why do you nickname her like this, Ven?!') the other is an astrological matter that I could tell you about at some point, which would explain why I've choosen it. If there's interest, that is. But not now, dear. A Pokemon responds to both its nickname and its species name in 99 percent of cases, so if we both keep that in mind it should be fine, and both of our Pokemon are smart creatures enough to not be overly bothered by it."

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

The opening that Ven even checked on Gothy a few times positively suprised Shiva and allured another coy smile breaking to the surface before she eventually and at last turned to head inside the Gym. "Hehe... Yes, I know she's bearing practically the same nickname as your featherly serpent, Ven... But 'Lilith' has actually more than one meaning. One is the.....eh, well.... sexual demon of mythology that you've choosen ('Why do you nickname her like this, Ven?!') the other is an astrological matter that I could tell you about at some point, which would explain why I've choosen it. If there's interest, that is. But not now, dear. A Pokemon responds to both its nickname and its species name in 99 percent of cases, so if we both keep that in mind it should be fine, and both of our Pokemon are smart creatures enough to not be overly bothered by it."

(Goody! Remember, having options is ALWAYS a good thing!)

Ven was rather relieved that Shiva his worries reasonable enough to change, since while having an ideal team pre-selected to face and opponent is a great thing indeed, keeping your options broad and varies juuuuust in case of complications is a superior option to have almost everytime! Of course that necessitated him switching out Hanael and Michael for the electric mice, but that was a sacrifice he was happy to more than happy to make if it would improve his dear's chances of victory!

The empath also noticed a small burst of apprehension around the point he commented on their Lilith shared name with Lily ('A fitting modification of her name to keep them separate and straight from Shiva's Lilith!'), and just as he was going to address that his fae fancy friend beat him to the punch by offering an explaination for copying his birdpent's nameshake. After spending a few seconds thinking over a proper response, he decided to only nod his head and say: "I wasn't aware that name had a connection to the stars themselves, but the more you learn, the greater you understand! Hmm.....yes, I do desire to know more about this and your Insight into astrology, but as you said that will have to wait for another occasion. For now is the time for your glorious match against Dagney, and to see who's strengths on battlefield will shine brightest! I look forward to seeing such a brilliant match, dear...."

[Iron]

Before Nathan finds a seat however...well, he decides to rearrange his party a little, since there's a ready to use terminal in the gym.  Swiftfire and Yule go into the PC, and out come...Starmie and Charmeleon.

Starmie, obviously, is there to help with cleaning up Forthright.  Charmeleon, well...Nathan has a question for him.

"Yeah, we're at the gym.  I know, probably not a place you want to be necessarily, but Shiva is challenging Dagny this evening.  I think she has a fair shot at beating the Steel Wonder if she plays her cards right.  Would you care to watch and maybe even help Kirlia cheer her on?  Might even be a good learning opportunity."

Charmeleon nods. He remembers Shiva, but he'll put that aside for the chance to see Dagny fall.

[Dragonstrike]

Charmeleon nods. He remembers Shiva, but he'll put that aside for the chance to see Dagny fall.

"Alright.  Let's go find some seats, then."

One seat for Nathan and Forthright (who's now a little damp instead of mostly sticky.  She doesn't mind moisture too much, though, since she's a cloud and all.  Nathan's still cleaning her up a little, which she certainly does mind!  She won't sit still!), one seat for Charmeleon (has Ventus commented on him joining Nathan, yet?), one for Kirlia...

Quite the assortment of pokemon Nathan has with him, isn't it?  Just waiting for the battle to begin, now...

[Lord Windos]

After saying some last words of encouragement to Shiva, Ventus enters into the Gym himself and makes his way towards the audience section of the stadium, where upon he swiftly spots the young scholar and his gaggle of widely assort Pokémon, which included......Charmeleon? That sight and sudden realization of why they were together caused the researcher to pause for thought as he viewed the fiery lizard and the boy, a ponderous look overtaking his smiling expression.

'So his comments earlier about obtaining another Fire type were not just idle chatter, I see. Hmm.....I believe the two will make a good enough match, as each other's stubbornness and fierce drive will motivate them both to constantly accel and improve without giving in to each other's capracious attitude. That, and Nathan does have ample talent in caring and raising his Pokémon while also bringing out their inner strength, so Charmeleon will certainly not be found wanting in some aspects! At least, I hope that will be the case!'

With that brief analysis out of the way, he was once again smiling as he practically glided towards the area Nathan's enterouge was sitting and found himself an empty seat nearby, settling into it and lavishing some attention on Plusle and Minun so they didn't get too rowdy before the main event. Once the mice were becalmed, he then released Lucifer with a casual flick of his wrist, where upon the devil bat proceeded to let out a happy little *Screeeech!* upon full materialization and shot off into the air to preform some loop de loops and corkskrewed in the air, as they were still very much energetic from all the cotton candy they chowed down! Ven could only fondly chuckle at such cheerful energy, before they beckoned him over and onto his lap, were upon they received a much desired head caress (Oh how he loved head rubs!) with a pleased croon and intrustructions from their master.

"I had planned on using you during my battle against Dagney my brother, but her own plans dismantled mine own and forced me into using an alternative strategy. Victory was achieved regardless, but I still feel a bit rueful that you were denied the chance to shine on the battlefield, so I thought to repay this misfortune of circumstance by having you with me by my side as we cheer for Shiva's own Gym match! Now, I know your are intimidated by her, but she's needs all the support she can get for this battle, so would you do this for me please? I promise you an apple if you need anymore incentive!" (Reaction, Iron?)

Once that was settled, the sociologist turned his focus on the area, already giddy with anticipation to see his dearest have her chance to demonstrate her artful and devious prowess against the Steel Wonder! He did spare enough attention to engage in some idle chatter with Nathan before the match, however!

"I see you acquired Charmeleon for yourself, Nathan, and it appears you two seem to get along warmly. Splendid! If you need any help discipling him or advice on how to better care for their needs, I'm always delighted to render aid an assistance! Given their species carnivorous diet, I'm also willing to hunt with him to provide proper substenance, along with your Galvantula, so don't hesitate to ask this of me!"

[Iron]

Lucifer doesn't mind cheering for Shiva at all, but Ventus is not sure how he'll react if he sees that golden Magnezone!

[Dragonstrike]

Once that was settled, the sociologist turned his focus on the area, already giddy with anticipation to see his dearest have her chance to demonstrate her artful and devious prowess against the Steel Wonder! He did spare enough attention to engage in some idle chatter with Nathan before the match, however!

"I see you acquired Charmeleon for yourself, Nathan, and it appears you two seem to get along warmly. Splendid! If you need any help discipling him or advice on how to better care for their needs, I'm always delighted to render aid an assistance! Given their species carnivorous diet, I'm also willing to hunt with him to provide proper substenance, along with your Galvantula, so don't hesitate to ask this of me!"

Charmeleon rolls his eyes.  Really?  Nathan knows this guy too?

"I'm fairly familiar with the Charmander line already.  Those descended of noble blood in this region often use them, along with Dratini.  Charring Cross has a whole coming of age ceremony based around finding a wild Charmander in the Great Divide.  How to properly care for them is fairly common knowledge.  Dratini are a bit trickier since they're much rarer."

That, and Dratini are also proper Dragon Types without having to Mega Evolve.  Nathan doesn't say that in front of Charmeleon, though.  It's a...sensitive topic for the Charmander line, particularly super proud exemplars of the species.

There's a...quiet nervousness when Ventus brings up hunting...while in Dagny's gym...that definitely doesn't go well with Nathan's own personal qualms about engaging in such training methods...

"...not the time nor place for that, Ventus..."

[Lord Windos]

Lucifer doesn't mind cheering for Shiva at all, but Ventus is not sure how he'll react if he sees that golden Magnezone!

Ventus, in a moment of sudden, searing Insightfulness, as if Reshirim themselves burned the Truth into them, both remembered that Dagney had a golden Magnezone and his little drake's 'fondness' for the precious ore, and sought quickly to curtail his expected reaction if/once they caught a glimpse of it! "Lucifer, I forgot to mention that Dagney has a unique golden Magnezone under her command, and while I know you adore all things gold, under no circumstance are you allowed to dart over their and start trying to harass it, or Reshirim forbid pry off bits of it for your horde. The last thing Shiva or Dagney needs is you interrupting their match with your avaricious antics, so behave yourself if Magnezone comes out, ok my brother?"

[Lord Windos]

"I'm fairly familiar with the Charmander line already.  Those descended of noble blood in this region often use them, along with Dratini.  Charring Cross has a whole coming of age ceremony based around finding a wild Charmander in the Great Divide.  How to properly care for them is fairly common knowledge.  Dratini are a bit trickier since they're much rarer."

(...)

There's a...quiet nervousness when Ventus brings up hunting...while in Dagny's gym...that definitely doesn't go well with Nathan's own personal qualms about engaging in such training methods...

"...not the time nor place for that, Ventus..."

"Oh? Well regardless, I'm always happy to assitence you in caring for him if you ask, so again don't feel reluctant to accept my aid! I've worked with the Charizard line before, among other species of Disobediant and Draconic Pokémon, so my experience in handling them is still a valid resource to draw upon if you so wish."

Ven raises an eyebrow at Nathan's sudden yet not entirely unexpected reaction towards his other offer, and lets out a disappointed sigh and nods their head.

"Later, then. I don't need to remind you the benefits of hunting with your Pokémon, but I ask you seriously consider my offer in the meantime. Galvantula and Charmeleon can be substained by manufactured foodstuffs, yes, but it won't compare to the sastifcation and Happiness they'll receive from enjoying more 'natural' meals. You need only look at Apsis to see the merits of my actions, so please, give it some thought."

[Dragonstrike]

"Oh? Well regardless, I'm always happy to assitence you in caring for him if you ask, so again don't feel reluctant to accept my aid! I've worked with the Charizard line before, among other species of Disobediant and Draconic Pokémon, so my experience in handling them is still a valid resource to draw upon if you so wish."

Ven raises an eyebrow at Nathan's sudden yet not entirely unexpected reaction towards his other offer, and lets out a disappointed sigh and nods their head.

"Later, then. I don't need to remind you the benefits of hunting with your Pokémon, but I ask you seriously consider my offer in the meantime. Galvantula and Charmeleon can be substained by manufactured foodstuffs, yes, but it won't compare to the sastifcation and Happiness they'll receive from enjoying more 'natural' meals. You need only look at Apsis to see the merits of my actions, so please, give it some thought."

(How does Charmeleon react to all of this, @Iron?)

Nathan goes back to cleaning up Forthright as best as he can, trying his best to ignore the...somewhat unsavory topic (in most of Creshire's opinion) of conversation Ventus brought up, and hoping nobody else heard it.  "Dang it, Forthright, just...stay...still...for a moment...it won't take as long...to clean ya up...if you do..."